CONTENTS
　　"LOVE-O’-WOMEN"-from"ManyInventions"
　　THEBIGDRUNKDRAF’
　　THEMUTINYOFTHEMAVERICKS
　　THEMANWHOWAS
　　ONLYASUBALTERN
　　INTHEMATTEROFAPRIVATE
　　THELOSTLEGION-from"ManyInventions"
　　THEDRUMSOFTHEFOREANDAFT
　　JUDSONANDTHEEMPIRE-from"ManyInventions"
　　ACONFERENCEOFTHEPOWERS-from"ManyInventions"
　　’LOVE-O’WOMEN’
　　AlamentabletaleofthingsDonelongago，andilldone。
　　Thehorror，theconfusion，andtheseparationofthemurdererfromhiscomradeswerealloverbeforeIcame。
　　Thereremainedonlyonthebarrack-squarethebloodofmancallingfromtheground。Thehotsunhaddriedittoaduskygold-beater-
　　skinfilm，crackedlozenge-wisebytheheat，andasthewindroseeachlozenge，risingalittle，curledupattheedgesasifitwereadumbtongue。Thenaheaviergustblewallawaydownwindingrainsofdark-coloureddust。Itwastoohottostandinthesunshinebeforebreakfast。Themenwereallinbarrackstalkingthematterover。Aknotofsoldiers’wivesstoodbyoneoftheentrancestothemarriedquarters，whileinsideawomanshriekedandravedwithwickedfilthywords。
　　Aquietandwell-conductedsergeanthadshotdowninbroaddaylightjustafterearlyparadeoneofhisowncorporals，hadthenreturnedtobarracksandsatonacottilltheguardcameforhim。Hewould，therefore，induetimebehandedovertotheHighCourtfortrial。Further，butthishecouldhardlyhaveconsideredinhisschemeofrevenge，hewouldhorriblyupsetmywork；forthereportingofthetrialwouldfallonmewithoutarelief。WhatthattrialwouldbelikeIkneweventoweariness。Therewouldbetheriflecarefullyuncleaned，withthefoulingmarksaboutbreechandmuzzle，tobesworntobyhalfadozensuperfluousprivates；
　　therewouldbeheat，reekingheat，tillthewetpencilslippedsidewaysbetweenthefingers；andthepunkahwouldswishandthepleaderswouldjabberintheverandahs，andhisCommandingOfficerwouldputincertificatesoftheprisoner’smoralcharacter，whilethejurywouldpantandthesummeruniformsofthewitnesseswouldsmellofdyeandsoaps；andsomeabjectbarrack-sweeperwouldlosehisheadincross-examination，andtheyoungbarristerwhoalwaysdefendedsoldiers’casesforthecreditthattheyneverbroughthim，wouldsayanddowonderfulthings，andwouldthenquarrelwithmebecauseIhadnotreportedhimcorrectly。Atthelast，forhesurelywouldnotbehanged，Imightmeettheprisoneragain，rulingblankaccount-formsintheCentralJail，andcheerhimwiththehopeofawardershipintheAndamans。
　　TheIndianPenalCodeanditsinterpretersdonottreatmurder，underanyprovocationwhatever，inaspiritofjest。SergeantRaineswouldbeveryluckyindeedifhegotoffwithsevenyears，Ithought。Hehadsleptthenightuponhiswrongs，andhadkilledhismanattwentyyardsbeforeanytalkwaspossible。ThatmuchIknew。Unless，therefore，thecasewasdoctoredalittle，sevenyearswouldbehisleast；andI
　　fancieditwasexceedinglywellforSergeantRainesthathehadbeenlikedbyhisCompany。
　　Thatsameevening-nodayissolongasthedayofamurder-I
　　metOrtheriswiththedogs，andheplungeddefiantlyintothemiddleofthematter。"I’llbeoneo’thewitnesses，"saidhe。"I
　　wasintheverandahwhenMackiecamealong。’EcomefromMrs。
　　Raines’squarters。Quigley，Parsons，an’Trot，theywasintheinsideverandah，sotheycouldn’t’ave’eardnothing。SergeantRaineswasintheverandahtalkin’tome，an’Mackie’ecomealongacrostthesquarean’’esez，’Well，’sez’e，’’avetheypushedyour’elmetoffyet，Sergeant？’’esez。An’atthatRaines’ecatches’isbreathan’’esez，’MyGawd，Ican’tstandthis！’sez’e，an’’epicksupmyriflean’shootsMackie。See？"
　　"Butwhatwereyoudoingwithyourrifleintheouterverandahanhourafterparade？"
　　"Cleanin’’er，"saidOrtheris，withthesullenbrassystarethatalwayswentwithhischoicelies。
　　Hemightaswellhavesaidthathewasdancingnaked，foratnotimedidhisrifleneedhandorragonhertwentyminutesafterparade。StilltheHighCourtwouldnotknowhisroutine。
　　"Areyougoingtosticktothat-ontheBook？"Iasked。
　　"Yes。Likeabloomin’leech。"
　　"Allright，Idon’twanttoknowanymore。OnlyrememberthatQuigley，Parsons，andTrotcouldn’thavebeenwhereyousaywithouthearingsomething；andthere’snearlycertaintobeabarrack-sweeperwhowasknockingaboutthesquareatthetime。
　　Therealwaysis。"
　　"Twasn’tthesweeper。Itwasthebeastie。’E’sallright。"
　　ThenIknewthattherewasgoingtobesomespiriteddoctoring，andIfeltsorryfortheGovernmentAdvocatewhowouldconducttheprosecution。
　　WhenthetrialcameonIpitiedhimmore，forhewasalwaysquicktolosehistemper，andmadeapersonalmatterofeachlostcause。
　　Raines’syoungbarristerhadforonceputasidehisunslakedandWellingpassionforalibisandinsanity，hadforsworngymnasticsandfireworks，andworkedsoberlyforhisclient。Mercifullythehotweatherwasyetyoung，andtherehadbeennoflagrantcasesofbarrack-shootingsuptothetime；andthejurywasagoodone，evenforanIndianjury，whereninemenoutofeverytwelveareaccustomedtoweighingevidence。Ortherisstoodfirmandwasnotshakenbyanycross-examination。Theoneweakpointinhistale-
　　thepresenceofhisrifleintheouterverandah-wentunchallengedbycivilianwisdom，thoughsomeofthewitnessescouldnothelpsmiling。TheGovernmentAdvocatecalledfortherope；contendingthroughoutthatthemurderhadbeenadeliberateone。Timehadpassed，heargued，forthatreflectionwhichcomessonaturallytoamanwhosehonourislost。TherewasalsotheLaw，everreadyandanxioustorightthewrongsofthecommonsoldierif，indeed，wronghadbeendone。Buthedoubtedmuchwhethertherehadbeenanysufficientwrong。Causelesssuspicionover-longbroodeduponhadled，byhistheory，todeliberatecrime。Buthisattemptstominimisethemotivefailed。Themostdisconnectedwitnessknew-
　　hadknownforweeks-thecausesofoffence，andtheprisoner，whonaturallywasthelastofalltoknow，groanedinthedockwhilehelistened。TheonequestionthatthetrialcircledroundwaswhetherRaineshadfiredundersuddenandblindingprovocationgiventhatverymorning，andinthesummingupitwasclearthatOrtheris’sevidencetold。Hehadcontrived，mostartistically，tosuggestthathepersonallyhatedtheSergeant，whohadcomeintotheverandahtogivehimatalkingtoforinsubordination。InaweakmomenttheGovernmentAdvocateaskedonequestiontoomany，"Beggin’yourpardon，sir，"Ortherisreplied，"’ewascallin’meadam’impudentlittlelawyer。"TheCourtshook。Thejurybroughtitinakilling，butwitheveryprovocationandextenuationknowntoGodorman，andtheJudgeputhishandtohisbrowbeforegivingsentence，andtheAdam’sappleintheprisoner’sthroatwentupanddownmercury-pumpingbeforeacyclone。
　　Inconsiderationofallconsiderations，fromhisCommandingOfficer’scertificateofgoodconducttothesurelossofpension，service，andhonour，theprisonerwouldgettwoyears，tobeservedinIndia，and-thereneedbenodemonstrationinCourt。
　　TheGovernmentAdvocatescowledandpickeduphispapers；theguardwheeledwithaclash，andtheprisonerwasrelaxedtotheSecularArm，anddriventothejailinabroken-downticca-gharri。
　　Hisguardandsometenortwelvemilitarywitnesses，beinglessimportant，wereorderedtowaittillwhatwasofficiallycalledthecooloftheeveningbeforemarchingbacktocantonments。Theygatheredtogetherinoneofthedeepredbrickverandahsofadisusedlock-upandcongratulatedOrtheris，whoborehishonoursmodestly。Isentmyworkintotheofficeandjoinedthem。OrtheriswatchedtheGovernmentAdvocatedrivingofflunch。
　　"That’sanastylittlebald-’eadedlittlebutcher，thatis，"hesaid。"’Edon’tpleaseme。’E’sgotacolleydogwotdo，though。
　　I’mgoin’uptoMurreeinaweek。Thatdawg’llbringfifteenrupeesanywheres。"
　　"YouhadbetterspenditinMasses，"saidTerence，unbucklinghisbelt，forhehadbeenontheprisoner’sguard，standinghelmetedandboltuprightforthreelonghours。
　　"Notme，"saidOrtherischeerfully。"Gawd’llputitdowntoB
　　Comp’ny’sbarrickdamagesoneo’thesedays。Youlookstrapped，Terence。"
　　"Faith，I’mnotsoyoungasIwas。Thatguard-mountin’wearsonthesoleavthefut，andthis"-hesniffedcontemptuouslyatthebrickverandah-"isashardsettingasstandin’！"
　　"Waitaminute。I’llgetthecushionsoutofmycart，"Isaid。
　　"Strewth-sofies！We’regoingitgay，"saidOrtheris，asTerencedroppedhimselfsectionbysectionontheleathercushions，sayingprettily，"Mayyouniverwantasoftplacewheriveryougo，an’
　　powertoshareuttwidafrind。Anotherforyourself？That’sgood。
　　Itletsmesitlongways。Stanley，passmeapoipe。Augrrh！An’
　　that’sanothermangonealltopiecesbekazeavawoman。Imustha’beenonfortyorfiftyprisoners’gyards，firstan’last，an’
　　Ihateutnewivrytime。"
　　"Let’ssee。YouwereonLosson’s，Lancey’s，Dugard’s，andStebbins’s，thatIcanremember，"Isaid。
　　"Ay，an’beforethatan’beforethat-scoresavthim，"heansweredwithawornsmile。"Tisbetthertodiethantoliveforthim，though。WhinRainescomesout-he’llbechangin’hiskitatthejailnow-he’llthinkthattoo。Heshudha’shothimselfan’
　　thewomanbyrights，an’madeacleanbillavall。Nowhe’sleftthewoman-shetuktaywidDinahSundaygonelast-an’he’slefthimself。Mackie’stheluckyman。"-
　　"He’sprobablygettingithotwhereheis，"Iventured，forIknewsomethingofthedeadCorporal’srecord。
　　"Besureavthat，"saidTerence，spittingovertheedgeoftheverandah。"Butfwhathe’llgetthereislightmarchin’-ordhertofwhathe’dha’gothereifhe’dlived。"
　　"Surelynot。He’dhavegoneonandforgottenliketheothers。"
　　"DidyeknowMackiewell，Sorr？"saidTerence。
　　"HewasonthePattialaguardofhonourlastwinter，andIwentoutshootingwithhiminanekkafortheday，andIfoundhimratheranamusingman。"
　　"Well，he’llha’gotshutavamusemints，exciptturnin’fromwansidetotheother，thesefewyearscome。IknewMackie，an’I’veseentoomanytobemistukinthemusteravwanman。Hemightha’
　　goneonan’forgot，asyousay，Sorr，butwasamanwidaneducashin，an’heusedutforhisschames，an’thesameeducashin，an’talkan’allthatmadehimabletodofwhathehadamindtowidawoman，thatsamewudturnbackagaininthelongrunan’
　　tearhimalive。Ican’tsayfwhatthatImanetosaybekazeI
　　don’tknowhow，butMackiewasthespitan’livin’imageavamanthatIsawmarchthesamemarchallbut；an’’twasworseforhimthathedidnotcomebyMackie’sind。WaitwhileIremimbernow。
　　’TwasfwhinIwasintheBlackTyrone，an’hewasdraftedusfromPortsmouth；an’fwhatwashismisbegottenname？Larry-LarryTigheutwas；an’wanofthedraftsaidhewasagentlemanranker，an’Larrytukan’threepartskilledhimforsayingso。An’hewasabigman，an’astrongman，an’ahandsomeman，an’thattellsheavyinpracticewidsomewomen，but，takin’thimbyan’large，notwidall。Yet’twaswidallthatLarrydealt-all-forhe’udputthecometheronanywomanthattrodthegreenearthavGod，an’heknewut。LikeMackiethat’sroastin’now，heknewut；an’
　　niverdidheputthecometheronanywomansavean’exciptfortheblackshame。’Tisnotmethatshudbetalkin’，dearknows，dearknows，butthemostavmymis-misalli’nceswasforpuredevilry，an’mightysorryIhavebeenwhinharmcame；an’timean’againwidagirl，ay，an’awomantoo，forthematteravthat，whinI
　　haveseenbytheeyesavherthatIwasmakin’morethroublethanItalked，Ihavehildoffan’letbeforthesakeavthemotherthatboreme。ButLarry，I’mthinkin’，hewassuckledbyashe-
　　devil，forheniverletwangothatcamenightolistentohim。
　　’Twashisbusiness，asifitmightha’binsinthry-go。Hewasagoodsoldiertoo。NowtherewastheColonel’sgoverness-an’heaprivittoo！-thatwasneverknowninbarricks；an’wanavtheMajor’smaids，andshewaspromisedtoaman；an’somemoreoutside；an’fwhatutwasamongstuswe’llneverknowtillJudgmentDay！’Twasthenatureavthebastetoputthecometheronthebestavthim-nottheprettiestbyanymanneravmanes-butthelikeavsuchwomanasyoucudlayyourbandontheBookan’
　　sweartherewasniverthoughtavfoolishnessin。An’forthatveryreason，markyou，hewasnivercaught。Hecameclosetoutwanstortwice，butcaughtheniverwas，an’thatcosthimmoreattheindthanthebeginnin’。Hetalkedtomemorethanmost，bekazehetouldme，barrin’theaccidentavmyeducashin，I’dha’beenthesamekindavdivilhewas。’An’isutlike，’hewudsay，houldin’hisheadhigh-’isutlikethatI’diverbethrapped？ForfwhatamIwhenall’ssaidan’done？’hesez。’Adamnedprivit，’sezhe。’An’isutlike，thinkyou，thatthimIknowwudbeconnectwidaprivitlikeme？Numbertinthousandfourhundredan’sivin，’hesez，grinnin’。Iknewbytheturnavhisspachewhinhewasnottakin’caretotalkroughthathewasagentlemanranker。
　　Idonotundherstan’utatall，’Isez；’butIknow，’sezI，’thatthedivillooksoutavyoureyes，an’I’llhavenosharewidyou。
　　Alittlefunbywayavamusemintwhere’twilldonoharm，Larry，isrightandfair，butIammistookif’tisanyamuseminttoyou，’
　　Isez。
　　"’Youaremuchmistook，’hesez。’An’Icounselyounottojudgeyourbetters。’
　　"’Mybetthers！’Isez。’Godhelpyou，Larry。There’snobettherinthis。’Tisallbad，asyouwillfindforyoursilf。’
　　"You’renotlikeme，’hesays，tossin’hishead。
　　"’PraisetheSaints，Iamnot，’Isez。’FwhatIhavedoneIhavedonean’beencroolsorryfor。Fwhinyourtimecomes，’sezI，’ye’llremimberfwhatIsay。’
　　"’An’whinthattimecomes，’sezhe，’I’llcometoyouforghostlyconsolation，FatherTerence，’an’atthathewintoffafthersomemoredivil’sbusiness-fortogetexpayrience，hetouldme。Hewaswicked-rankwicked-wickedasallHell！I’mnotconstructbynaturetogoinfearavanyman，but，begad，IwasafraidavLarry。He’dcomeintobarrickswidhiscaponthreehairs，an’
　　lieonhiscotandstareattheceilin’，andnowan’againhe’dfetchalittlelaugh，thelikeavasplashinthebottomavawell，an’bythatIknewhewasschamin’newwickedness，an’I’dbeafraid。Allthiswaslongan’longago，bututhildmestraight-forawhile。
　　"Itouldyou，didInot，Sorr，thatIwascaressedan’pershuadedtolavetheTyroneonaccountavathrouble？"
　　"Somethingtodowithabeltandaman’shead，wasn’tit？"Terencehadnevergivenmetheexactfacts。
　　"Itwas。Faith，ivrytimeIgoonprisoner’sgyardincoortI
　　wondherfwhyIamnotwherethepris’neris。ButthemanIstruktukitinfairfight，an’hehadthegoodsinsenottodie。
　　Considhernow，fwhatwudha’cometotheArrmyifhehad！Iwasenthreatedtoexchange，an’myCommandin’Orf’cerpledwidme。I
　　wint，nottobedisobligin’，an’Larrytouldmehewaspowerfulsorrytoloseme，thoughfwhatI’ddonetomakehimsorryIdonotknow。SototheOuldRig’mintIcame，lavin’Larrytogotothedivilhisownway，an’niverexpectin’toseehimagainexceptasashootin’-caseinbarricks……Who’sthatlavin’thecompound？"Terence’squickeyehadcaughtsightofawhiteuniformskulkingbehindhedge。
　　"TheSergeant’sgonevisiting，"saidavoice。
　　"ThinIcommandhere，an’Iwillhavenosneakin’awaytothebazar，an’huntin’foryouwidapathrolatmidnight。Nalson，forIknowut’syou，comebacktotheverandah。"
　　Nalson，detected，slunkbacktohisfellows。Therewasagrumblethatdiedawayinaminuteortwo，andTerence，turningontheotherside，wenton：-
　　"ThatwasthelastIsawavLarryforawhile。Exchangeisthesameasdeathfornotthinkin’，an’bytokenImarriedDinah，an’
　　thatkeptmefromremimberin’ouldtimes。ThinwewintuptotheFront，an’uttoremyheartintutolaveDinahattheDepotinPindi。ConsequintwhinwasattheFrontI
　　foughtcircumspectuoustillIwarrmedup，anthinIfoughtdoubletides。YouremimberfwhatItouldyouinthegyard-gateavthefightatSilver’sTheatre。"
　　"Wot’sthataboutSilver’sTheayter！"saidOrtherisquickly，overhisshoulder。
　　"Nothin’，littleman。Atalethatyeknow。AsIwassayin’，aftherthatfightusavtheOuldRig’mintan’theTyronewasallmixedtogethertakin’shtockaythedead，an’avcoorseIwintabouttofindiftherewasanymanthatremimberedme。ThesecondmanI
　　cameacrost-an’howI’dmissedhiminthefightIdonotknow-
　　wasLarry，an’afinemanhelooked，butoulder，bytokenthathehadacalltobe。’Larry，’sezI，’howisutwidyou？’
　　"’Ye’recallin’thewrongman，’hesez，widhisgentleman’ssmile；
　　’Larryhasbeendeadthesethreeyears。Theycallhim"Love-o’-
　　Women"now，’hesez。BythatIknewtheoulddivilwasinhimyet，buttheindavafightisnotimeforthebeginnin’avconfession，sowesatdownan’talkedavtimes。
　　"’Theytellmeyou’reamarriedman，’hesez，puffingslowathispoipe。’Areyehappy？’
　　"’IwillbewhinIgetbacktoDepot，’Isez。’’Tisareconnaissancehoneymoonnow。’
　　"’I’mmarriedtoo，’hesez，puffin’slowan’moreslow，an’
　　stopperin’widhisforefinger。
　　"’Sindyouhappiness，’Isez。’That’sthebesthearin’foralongtime。’
　　"’Areyeavthatopinion？’hesez；an’thinhebegantalkin’avthecampaign。ThesweatavSilver’sTheatrewasnotdhryuponhim，an’hewasprayin’formorework。Iwaswellcontinttolieandlistentothecook-potlids。
　　"Whinhegotupoffthegroundheshtaggeredalittle，an’lanedoveralltwisted。
　　"’Ye’vegotmorethanyebargainedfor，’Isez。’Takeaninventory，Larry。’Tislikeyou’rehurt。’
　　"Heturnedroundstiffasaramrodan’damnedtheeyesavmeupan’downforanimpartinentIrish-facedape。Ifthathadbeeninbarricks，I’dha’stretchedhiman’nomoresaid；but’twasattheFront，an’afthersuchafightasSilver’sTheatreIknewtherewasnocallin’amantoaccountforhistimpers。Hemightaswellha’kissedme。AftherwardsIwaswellpleasedIkeptmyfisteshome。ThenourCaptainCrook-Cruik-na-bul-leen-cameup。He’dbeentalkin’tothelittleorf’cerbhoyavtheTyrone。’We’reallcuttowindystraws，’hesez，’buttheTyronearedamnedshortfornoncoms。Goyouoverthere，Mulvaney，an’beDeputy-Sergeant，Corp’ral，Lance，an’everythingelseyecanlayhandsontillIbidyoustop。’
　　"’Iwintoveran’tukhould。Therewaswansergeantleftstandin’，an’they’dpaynoheedtohim。Theremnintwasme，an’’twashightimeIcame。SomeItalkedto，an’someIdidnot，butbeforenightthebhoysavtheTyronestudtoattention，begad，ifI
　　suckedonmypoipeaboveawhishper。Betuneyouan’mean’Bobs，I
　　wascommandin’thecompany，an’thatwaswhatCruikhadthransferredmefor，an’thelittleorf’cerbhoyknewut，andI
　　knewut，butthecomp’nydidnot。Andthere，markyou，isthevartuethatnomoneyan’nodhrillcanbuy-thevartueavtheouldsoldierthatknowshisorf’cer’sworkan’doesut-atthesalute！
　　"ThintheTyrone，widtheOuldRig’mintintouch，wassintmaraudin’andprowlin’acrostthehillspromishcuousan’
　　unsatisfactory。’Tismyprivitopinionthatagin’raldoesnotknowhalfhistimefwhattodowidthree-quarthershiscommand。Soheshquatsonhishunkersan’bidsthimrunroundan’roundforninsthimwhileheconsidhersonut。Whinbytheprocessavnaturetheygetsejucedintoabigfightthatwasnoneavtheirseekin’，hesez：’Obsarvemyshupariorjanius！Imeantuttocomeso。’Weranroundan’about，an’allwegotwasshootin’intothecampatnight，an’rushin’emptysungarswidthelongbradawl，an’
　　bein’hitfrombehindrockstillwewasworeout-allexceptLove-o’-Women。Thatpuppy-dogbusinesswasmatean’dhrinktohim。
　　Begad，hecudnivergetenoughavut。Mewellknowin’thatitisjustthisdesultorialcampaignin’thatkillsthebestmen，an’
　　suspicionin’thatifIwascutthelittleorf’cerbhoywudexpindallhismeninthryin’togetout，IwudliemostpowerfuldoggowhinIheardashot，an’curlmylonglegsbehindabowlder，an’
　　runlikeblazeswhinthegroundwasclear。Faith，ifIledtheTyroneinrethreatwanstIledthemfortytimes。Love-o’-Womenwudstaypottin’an’pottin’frombehindarock，andwaittillthefirewasheaviest，an’thinstandupan’fireman-heightclear。Hewudlieoutincamptooatnightsnipin’attheshadows，forhenivertukamouthfulavslape。Mycommandin’orf’cer-savehislittlesoul！-cudnotseethebeautyavofmystrategims，an’
　　whintheOuldRig’mintcrossedus，an’thatwaswanstaweek，he’dthrotofftoCruik，widhisbigblueeyesasroundassaucers，an’
　　layaninformationagainstme。Iheardthimwansttalkin’throughthetent-wall，an’Inearlylaughed。
　　"’Heruns-runslikeahare，’sezthelittleorf’cerbhoy。"Tisdemoralisin’mymen。’
　　"’Yedamnedlittlefool，’sezCruik，laughin’。’He’slarnin’youyourbusiness。Haveyebeenrushedatnightyet？’
　　"’No，’sezthechild，wishfulthathehadbeen。
　　"’Haveyouanywounded？’sezCruik。
　　"’No，’hesez。’Therewasnochanstforthat。TheyfollowMulvaneytooquick，’hesez。
　　"’Fwhatmoredoyouwant，thin？’sezCruik。’Terenceisbloodin’
　　youneatan’handy，’hesez。’Heknowsfwhatyoudonot，an’
　　that’sthatthere’satimeforivrything。He’llnotleadyouwrong，’hesez，’butI’dgiveamonth’spaytolarnfwhathethinksavyou。’
　　"Thatkeptthebabequiet，butLove-o’-Womenwaspokin’atmeforivrythingIdid，an’speciallymymanoeuvres。
　　"’Mr。Mulvaney，’hesezwanevenin’，verycontempshus，’you’regrowin’veryjeldywidyourfeet。Amonggentlemen，’hesez，’amonggentlementhat’scallednoprettyname。’
　　"’Amongprivits’tisdifferent，’Isez。’Getbacktoyourtent。
　　I’msergeanthere，’Isez。
　　"Therewasjustenoughinthevoiceavmetotellhimhewasplayin’widhislifebetunehisteeth。Hewintoff，an’Inoticedthatthismanthatwascontempshussetofffromthehaltwidashuntastho’hewasbein’kickedbehind。ThatsamenighttherewasaPaythanpicnicinthehillsabout，an’firin’intoourtentsfittowakethelivin’dead。’Liedownall，’Isez。’Liedownan’
　　kapestill。They’llnomorethanwasteammunition。’
　　"Iheardaman’sfeetontheground，an’thina’Tinijoinin’inthechorus。I’dbeenlyin’warm，thinkin’avDinahan’all，butI
　　crupoutwidthebuglefortolookroundincasetherewasarush，an’the’Tiniwasflashin’atthefore-indavthecamp，an’thehillnearbywasfairflickerin’widlong-rangefire。UndherthestarlightIbeheldLove-o’-Womensettin’onarockwidhisbeltandhelmetoff。Heshoutedwanstortwice，an’thinIheardhimsay：’Theyshouldha’gottherangelongago。Maybethey’llfireattheflash。’Thinhefiredagain，an’thatdhrewafreshvolley，andthelongslugsthattheychewintheirteethcamefloppin’
　　amongtherocksliketree-toadsavahotnight。’That’sbetter，’
　　sezLove-o’-Women。’OhLord，howlong，howlong！’hesez，an’atthathelitamatchan’heldutabovehishead。
　　"’Mad，’thinksI，’madasacoot，’an’Itukwanstipforward，an’thenixtIknewwasthesoleavmybootflappin’likeacavalrygydonan’the-funny-boneavmytoestinglin’。’Twasaclane-cutshot-aslug-thatnivertouchedsockorhide，butsetmebare-futontherocks。AtthatItukLove-o’-
　　Womenbythescruffan’threwhimunderabowlder，an’whinIsatdownIheardthebulletspatterin’onthatgoodstone。
　　"’Yemaydhrawyourownwickedfire，’Isez，shakin’him，’butI’mnotgoin’tobekilttoo。’
　　"Ye’vecometoosoon，’hesez。’Ye’vecometoosoon。Inanotherminutetheycudnotha’missedme。MotheravGod，’hesez，’fwhydidyenotlavemebe？Now’tisalltodoagain，’an’hehideshisfaceinhishands。
　　"’Sothat’sit，’Isez，shakin’himagain。’That’sthmanin’avyourdisobeyin’ordhers。’
　　"’Idarenotkillmeself，’hesez，rockin’toandfro。’Myownhandwudnotletmedie，andthere’snotabulletthismonthpastwudtouchme。I’mtodieslow，’hesez。’I’mtodieslow。ButI’minhellnow，’hesez，shriekin’likeawoman。’I’minhellnow！’
　　"’Godbegoodtousall，’Isez，forIsawhisface。’Willyetellamanthethrouble。If’tisnotmurder，maybewe’llmendityet。’
　　"Atthathelaughed。’D’youremimberfwhatIsaidintheTyronebarricksaboutcomin’toyouforghostlyconsolation。Ihavenotforgot，’hesez。’Thatcameback，an’therestavmytimeisonmenow，Terence。I’vefoughtutoffformonthsan’months，buttheliquorwillnotbiteanymore，Terence，’hesez。’Ican’tgetdhrunk。’
　　"ThinIknewhespokethetruthaboutbein’inhell，forwhinliquordoesnottakehould，thesowlavamanisrotteninhim。
　　Butmebein’suchasIwas，fwhatcouldIsaytohim？
　　"’Di’mondsan’pearls，’hebeginsagain。’Di’mondsandpearlsI
　　havethrownawaywidbothhands-an’fwhathaveIleft？Oh，fwhathaveIleft？’
　　"Hewasshakin’an’thremblin’upagainstmyshouldher，an’theslugswassingin’overhead，an’Iwaswonderin’whethermylittlebhoywudhavesinseenoughtokapehismenquietthroughallthisfirin’。
　　"’SolongasIdidnotthink，’sezLove-o’-Women，’solongIdidnotsee-Iwudnotsee-butIcannow，whatI’velost。Thetimean’theplace，’hesez，’an’theverywordsIsaidwhinutpleasedmetogooffalonetohell。Butthin，eventhin，’hesez，wrigglin’tremenjus，’Iwudnotha’beenhappy。Therewastoomuchbehindavme。HowcudIha’believedherswornoath-methathavebrukmineagainan’againforthesportavseein’thimcry。An’
　　therearetheothers，’hesez。’Oh，whatwillIdo-whatwillI
　　do’？’Herockedbackan’forwardagain，an’Ithinkhewascryin’
　　likewanavthewomenhedealtwid。
　　"ThefullhalfavfwhathesaidwasBrigadeOrdherstome，butfromtherestan’theremnintIsuspicionedsomethin’avhisthrouble。’TwasthejudgmintavGodhadgruptheheelavhim，asI
　　touldhim’twouldintheTyronebarricks。Theslugswassingin’
　　overourrockmorean’more，an’Isezfortodivarthim：’Letbadalone，’Isez。’They’llbethryin’torushthecampinaminut’。’
　　"IhadnomorethansaidthatwhinaPaythanmancrep’uponhisbellywidhisknifebetunehisteeth，nottwintyyardsfromus。
　　Love-o’-Womenjumpedupan’fetchedayell，an’themansawhiman’ranathim（he’dlefthisrifleundertherock）widtheknife。
　　Love-o’-Womenniverturnedahair，butbytheLivingPower，forI
　　sawut，astonetwistedunderthePaythanman’sfeetan’hecamedownfullsprawl，an’hisknifewinttinklin’acrosttherocks！’I
　　touldyouIwasCain，’sezLove-o’-Women。’’Fwhat’stheuseavkillin’him？He’sanhonestman-bycompare。’
　　"Iwasnotdishputin’aboutthemorilsavPaythansthattide，soI
　　dhroppedLove-o’-Women’sburtacrosttheman’sface，an’’Hurryintocamp，’Isez，’forthismaybethefirstavarush。’
　　"Therewasnorushaftherall，thoughwewaitedundherarmstogivethimachanst。ThePaythanmanmustha’comealoneforthemischief，an’aftherawhileLove-o’-Womenwintbacktohistintwidthatquarelurchin’sind-offinhiswalkthatIcudniverundherstand。Begad，Ipitiedhim，an’themorebekazehemademethinkfortherestavthenightavthedaywhinIwasconfirmedCorp’ril，notactin’Lef’tenant，an’mythoughtswasnotgood。
　　"Yecanundherstandthataftherthatnightwecametotalkin’adaletogether，an’bitbybitutcameoutfwhatI’dsuspicioned。
　　Thewholeavhiscarr’in’sonan’divilmintshadcomebackonhimhardasliquorcomesbackwhinyou’vebeenonthedhrinkforawake。Allhe’dsaidan’allhe’ddone，an’onlyhecudtellhowmuchthatwas，comeback，an’therewasniveraminut’speaceinhissowl。’TwastheHorrorswidoutanycausetosee，an’yet，an’
　　yet-fwhatamItalkin’av？He’dha’takentheHorrorswidthankfulness。Beyon’therepentinceavtheman，an’thatwasbeyon’thenaturavman-awful，awful，tobehould！-therewasmorethatwasworstthananyrepentince。Avthescoresan’scoresthathecalledoverinhismind（an’theyweredhrivin’himmad），therewas，markyou，wanwomanavall，an’shewasnothiswife，thatcuthimtothequickavhismarrow。’Twastherehesaidthathe’dthrownawaydi’mondsan’pearlspastcount，an’thinhe’dbeginagainlikeablindbyleinanoil-mill，walkin’roundan’
　　round，toconsidher（himthatwasbeyondalltouchavbeinghappythissidehell！）howhappyhewudha’beenwidher。Themoreheconsidhered，themorehe’dconsatehimselfthathe’dlostmightyhappiness，an’thinhewudworkutallbackwards，an’crythathenivercudha’beenhappyanyways。
　　"Timean’timean’againincamp，onp’rade，ay，an’inaction，I’veseenthatmanshuthiseyesan’duckhisheadasyouwudducktotheflickeravabay’nit。For’twasthinhetouldmethatthethoughtavallhe’dmissedcamean’studforninsthimlikered-hotirons。Forwhathe’ddonewidtheothershewassorry，buthedidnotcare；butthiswanwomanthatI’vetouldof，bytheHiltsavGodshemadehimpayforalltheotherstwiceover！NiverdidI
　　knowthatamancudenjuresuchtormintwidouthisheartcrackin’
　　inhisribs，an’Ihavebeen"-Terenceturnedthepipe-stemslowlybetweenhisteeth-"Ihavebeeninsomeblackcells。AllI
　　iversufferedtho’wasnottobetalkedofalongsideavhim……
　　an’whatcouldIdo？Paternosterswasnomorethanpeasforhissorrow。
　　"Evenshuallywefinishedourprom’nadeacrostthehills，andthankstomeforthesame，therewasnocasualtiesan’noglory。
　　Thecampaignwascomin’toanind，an’alltherig’mintswasbein’
　　drawntogetherfortobesintbackhome。Love-o’-Womenwasmightysorrybekazehehadnoworktodo，an’allhistimetothinkin。
　　I’veheardthatmantalkin’tohisbelt-platean’hisside-armswhilehewassoldierin’thim，alltoprevinthimselffromthinkin’，an’ivrytimehegotupaftherhehadbeensettin’downorwintonfromthehalt，he’dstartwidthatkickan’traversethatItouldyouof-hislegssprawlin’allwaystowanst。Hewudnivergoseethedocthor，tho’Itouldhimtobewise。He’dcursemeupan’downformyadvice；butIknewhewasnomoreamantobereckonedwidthanthelittlebhoywasacommandin’orf’cer，soIlethistonguerunifitaisedhim。
　　"Wanday-’twasonthewayback-Iwaswalkin’roundcampwidhim，an’hestoppedan’struckgroundwidhisrightfutthreeorfourtimesdoubtful。’Fwhatisut？’Isez。’Isthatground？’sezhe；an’whileIwasthinkin’hismindwasgoin’，upcomesthedocthor，who’dbeenanatomisin’adeadbullock。Love-o’-Womenstartstogoonquick，an’landsmeakickonthekneewhilehislegswasgettin’intomarchin’ordher。
　　"Houldonthere，’sezthedocthor；an’Love-o’-Women’sface，thatwaslinedlikeagridiron，turnsredasbrick。
　　"’Tention，’saysthedocthor；an’Love-o’-Womenstudso。’Nowshutyoureyes，’sezthedocthor。’No，yemustnothouldbyyourcomrade。’
　　"’Tisallup，’sezLove-o’-Women，tryingtosmile。’I’dfall，docthor，an’youknowut。’
　　"’Fall？’Isez。’Fallatattentionwidyoureyesshut！Fwhatdoyoumane？’
　　"Thedocthorknows，’hesez。’I’vehildupaslongasIcan，butbegadI’mglad’tisalldone。ButIwilldieslow，’hesez，’I
　　willdieveryslow。’
　　"Icudseebythedocthor’sfacethathewasmortialsorryfortheman，an’heordheredhimtohospital。Wewintbacktogether，an’I
　　wasdumbstruck；Love-o’-Womenwascripplin’andcrumblin’ativrystep。Hewalkedwidahandonmyshoulderallsluedsideways，an’
　　hisrightlegswingin’likealamecamel。Menotknowin’morethanthedeadfwhatailedhim，’twasjustasthoughthedocthor’swordhaddoneutall-asifLove-o’-Womenhadbutbeenwaitin’fortheordhertoletgo。
　　"Inhospitalhesezsomethin’tothedocthorthatIcouldnotcatch。
　　"’Holyshmoke！’sezthedocthor，’an’whoareyoutobegivin’
　　namestoyourdiseases？’Tisag’in’alltheregulations。’
　　"’I’llnotbeaprivitmuchlonger，’sezLove-o’-Womeninhisgentleman’svoice，an’thedocthorjumped。
　　"’Thratemeasastudy，DocthorLowndes，’hesez；an’thatwasthefirsttimeI’diverheardadocthorcalledhisname。
　　"’Good-bye，Terence，’sezLove-o’-Women。"TisadeadmanIamwidoutthepleasureavdyin’。You’llcomean’setwidmesometimesforthepeaceavmysoul。’
　　"NowIhadbeenmindedtoaskCruiktotakemebacktotheOuldRig’mint，forthefightin’wasover，an’IwasworeoutwidthewaysavthebhoysintheTyrone；butIshiftedmywill，an’hildon，an’winttosetwidLove-o’-Womeninthehospital。AsIhavesaid，Sorr，themanbrukalltolittlepiecesundhermyhand。Howlonghehadhildupan’forcedhimselffittomarchIcannottell，butinhospitalbuttwodayslaterhewassuchasIhardlyknew。I
　　shukhandswidhim，an’hisgripwasfairstrong，buthishandswintallwaystowanst，an’hecudnotbuttonhistunic。
　　"’I’lltakelongan’longtodieyet，’hesez，’forthewaysavsinthey’relikeinterestintherig’mintalsavin’s-bank-sure，butadamnedlongtimebein’paid。’
　　"Thedocthorseztomequietoneday，’HasTighethereanythin’onhismind？’hesez。’He’sburnin’himselfout。’
　　"’HowshudIknow，Sorr？’Isez，asinnocentasputty。
　　"TheycallhimLove-o’-WomenintheTyrone，dotheynot？’hesez。
　　’Iwasafooltoask。Bewidhimallyoucan。He’shouldin’ontoyourstrength。’
　　"’But（whatailshim，docthor，’Isez。
　　"’TheycallutLocomotusattacksus，’hesez，’bekaze，’sezhe，’utattacksuslikealocomotive，ifyeknowfwhatthatmanes。An’
　　utcomes，’sezhe，lookin’atme，’utcomesfrombein’calledLove-o’-Women。’
　　"’You’rejokin’，docthor，’Isez。
　　"’Jokin’！’sezhe。’Ifiveryoufeelthatyou’vegotafeltsoleinyourbootinsteadavaGovernmentbull’s-wool，cometome，’hesez，’an’I’llshowyouwhether’tisajoke。’
　　"Youwouldnotbelaveut，Sorr，butthatan’seein’Love-o’-Womenovertukwidoutwarnin’putthecowldfearavattacksusonmesostrongthatforaweekan’moreIwaskickin’mytoesagainststonesan’stumpsforthepleasureavfeelin’themhurt。
　　"An’Love-o’-Womenlayinthecot（hemighthavegonedownwidthewoundedbeforean’before，butheaskedtostaywidme），audfwhattherewasinhismindhadfullswingathimnightan’dayan’ivryhouravthedayan’thenight，an’hewitheredlikebeefrationsinahotsun，an’hiseyeswaslikeowls’eyes，an’hishandswasmut’nous。
　　"Theywasgettin’therig’mintsawaywanbywan，thecampaignbein’inded，butasushuiltheywasbehavin’asifniverarig’minthadbeenmovedbeforeinthemem’ryavman。Now，fwhyisthat，Sorr？There’sfightin’inan’outninemonthsavthetwelvesomewhereintheArmy。Therehasbeen-foryearsan’yearsan’
　　years，an’Iwudha’thoughtthey’dbegintogetthehangavprovidin’forthroops。Butno！Ivrytimeit’slikeagirls’schoolmeetin’abigredbullwhinthey’regoin’tochurch；an’’MotheravGod，’seztheCommissariatan’therailwaysan’theBarrick-
　　masters，’fwhatwillwedonow？’TheordherscametousavtheTyronean’theOuldRig’mintan’halfadozenmoretogodown，andtheretheordhersstoppeddumb。Wewintdown，bythespecialgraceavGod-downtheKhaiberanyways。Therewassickwidus，an’I’mthinkin’thatsomeavthemwasjoltedtodeathinthedoolies，buttheywasanxioustobekiltsoiftheycudgettoPeshawuralivethesooner。IwalkedbyLove-o’-Women-therewasnomarchin’，an’
　　Love-o’-Womenwasnotinastewtogeton。’IfI’donlyha’diedupthere！’sezhethroughthedoolie-curtains，an’thenhe’dtwistuphiseyesan’duckhisheadforthethoughtsthatcametohim。
　　"DinahwasinDepotatPindi，butIwintcircumspectuous，forwellIknew’tisjustattherump-indavallthingsthathisluckturnsonaman。BytokenIadseenadhriverofabattherygoin’byatatrotsingin’’Home，swatehome’atthetopavhisshout，andtakin’noheedohisbridle-hand-Ihadseenthatmandhropundertheguninthemiddleofaword，andcomeoutbythelimberlike-
　　likeafrogonapave-stone。No。Iwudnothurry，though，Godknows，myheartwasallinPindi。Love-o’-Womensawfwhatwasinmymind，an’’Goon，Terence，’hsez，’Iknowfwhat’swaitin’foryou。’’Iwillnot，’Isez。"Twillkapealittleyet。’
　　"YeknowtheturnofthepassforninstJumroodandtheninemileroadontheflattoPeshawur？AllPeshawurwasalongthatroaddayandnightwaitin’forfrinds-men，women，childer，andbands。
　　SomeavthethroopswascampedroundJumrood，an’somewentontoPeshawurtogetawaydowntotheircantonmints。Wecamethroughintheearlymornin’，havin’
　　beenawakethenightthrough，andwedhruvsheerintothemiddleavthemess。MotheravGlory，willIeverforgetthatcomin’back？
　　Thelightwasnotfairlifted，andthefurstweheardwas’For’tismydelightavashinynight，’frumabandthatthoughtwewasthesecondfourcomp’niesavtheLincolnshire。Atthatwewasforcedtosindthemayelltosaywhowewas，an’thinupwint’Thewearin’avtheGreen。’Itmademecrawlallupmybackbone，nothavin’takenmybrequist。Thin，rightsmashintoourrear，camefwhatwasleftavtheJockElliotts-widfourpipersan’nothalfakiltamongthim，playin’forthedearlife，an’swingin’
　　theirrumpslikebuckrabbits，an’anativerig’mintshriekingbluemurther。Yeniverheardthelike。Therewasmencryin’likewomenthatdid-an’faithIdonotblamethim。FwhatbrukmedownwastheLancers’Band-shinin’an’spicklikeangels，widtheoulddhrum-horseattheheadan’thesilverkettle-dhrumsan’allan’all，waitin’fortheirmenthatwasbehindus。TheyshtruckuptheCavalryCanter，an’，begad，thosepoorghoststhathadnotasoundfutinathrooptheyansweredtout，themenrockin’intheirsaddles。Wethriedtocheerthemastheywintby，bututcameoutlikeabiggruntin’cough，sotheremusthavebeenmanythatwasfeelin’likeme。Oh，butI’mforgettin’！TheFly-by-
　　Nightswaswaitin’fortheirsecondbattalion，an’whinutcameout，therewastheColonel’shorseledatthehead-saddle-empty。