He’smeetingit，poorchild。"Andheblewhisnose。
　　Halfamileaway，theregimentalbandwasplayingtheoverturetotheSing-song，forthemenhadbeentoldthatBobbywasoutofdanger。TheclashofthebrassandthewailofthehornsreachedBobby’sears。
　　Isthereasinglejoyorpain，ThatIshouldneverkno-ow？
　　Youdonotloveme，’tisinvain，Bidmegood-byeandgo！
　　Anexpressionofhopelessirritationcrossedtheboy’sface，andhetriedtoshakehishead。
　　TheSurgeon-Majorbentdown-"Whatisit，Bobby？"——-"Notthatwaltz，"mutteredBobby。"That’sourown-ourveryownestown……
　　Mummydear。"
　　Withthishesankintothestuporthatgaveplacetodeathearlynextmorning。
　　Revere，hiseyesredattherimsandhisnoseverywhite，wentintoBobby’stenttowritealettertoPapaWickwhichshouldbowthewhiteheadoftheex-CommissionerofChota-Buldanainthekeenestsorrowofhislife。Bobby’slittlestoreofpaperslayinconfusiononthetable，andamongthemahalf-finishedletter。Thelastsentenceran："Soyousee，darling，thereisreallynofear，becauseaslongasIknowyoucareformeandIcareforyou，nothingcantouchme。"
　　Reverestayedinthetentforanhour。Whenhecameout，hiseyeswereredderthanever。
　　PrivateConklinsatonaturned-downbucket，andlistenedtoanotunfamiliartune。PrivateConklinwasaconvalescentandshouldhavebeentenderlytreated。
　　"Ho！"saidPrivateConklin。"There’sanotherbloomin’orf’cerda-
　　ed。"
　　Thebucketshotfromunderhim，andhiseyesfilledwithasmithyfulofsparks。Atallmaninablue-graybedgownwasregardinghimwithdeepdisfavour。
　　"Yououghttotakeshameforyourself，Conky！Orf’cer？-bloomin’
　　orf’cer？I’lllearnyoutomisnamethelikesof’im。Hangel！
　　Bloomin’Hangel！That’swot’eis！"
　　AndtheHospitalOrderlywassosatisfiedwiththejusticeofthepunishmentthathedidnotevenorderPrivateDormerbacktohiscot。
　　INTHEMATTEROFAPRIVATE
　　Hurrah！hurrah！asoldier’slifeforme！
　　Shout，boys，shout！foritmakesyoujollyandfree。
　　TheRamrodCorps。
　　Peoplewhohaveseensaythatoneofthequaintestspectaclesofhumanfrailtyisanoutbreakofhystericsinagirls’school。Itstartswithoutwarning，generallyonahotafternoon，amongtheelderpupils。Agirlgigglestillthegigglegetsbeyondcontrol。
　　Thenshethrowsupherheadandcries，"Honk，honk，honk，"likeawildgoose，andtearsmixwiththelaughter。Ifthemistressbewise，shewillrapoutsomethingsevereatthispointtocheckmatters。Ifshebetender-hearted，andsendforadrinkofwater，thechancesarelargelyinfavourofanothergirllaughingattheafflictedoneandherselfcollapsing。Thusthetroublespreads，andmayendinhalfofwhatanswerstotheLowerSixthofaboys’
　　schoolrockingandwhoopingtogether。Givenaweekofwarmweather，twostatelypromenadesperdiem，aheavymuttonandricemealinthemiddleoftheday，acertainamountofnaggingfromtheteachers，andafewotherthings，someamazingeffectsdevelop。Atleast，thisiswhatfolksaywhohavehadexperience。
　　Now，theMotherSuperiorofaConventandtheColonelofaBritishInfantryRegimentwouldbejustlyshockedatanycomparisonbeingmadebetweentheirrespectivecharges。Butitisafactthat，undercertaincircumstances，Thomasinbulkcanbeworkedupintoditthering，ripplinghysteria。Hedoesnotweep，butheshowshistroubleunmistakably，andtheconsequencesgetintothenewspapers，andallthegoodpeoplewhohardlyknowaMartinifromaSnidersay："Takeawaythebrute’sammunition！"
　　Thomasisn’tabrute，andhisbusiness，whichistolookafterthevirtuouspeople，demandsthatheshallhavehisammunitiontohishand。Hedoesn’twearsilkstockings，andhereallyoughttobesuppliedwithanewAdjectivetohelphimtoexpresshisopinions：
　　but，forallthat，heisagreatman。Ifyoucallhim"theheroicdefenderofthenationalhonour"oneday，and"abrutalandlicentioussoldiery"thenext，younaturallybewilderhim，andhelooksuponyouwithsuspicion。ThereisnobodytospeakforThomasexceptpeoplewhohavetheoriestoworkoffonhim，andnobodyunderstandsThomasexceptThomas，andhedoesnotalwaysknowwhatisthematterwithhimself。
　　Thatistheprologue。Thisisthestory：-
　　CorporalSlanewasengagedtobemarriedtoMissJhansiM’Kenna，whosehistoryiswellknownintheregimentandelsewhere。HehadhisColonel’spermission，and，beingpopularwiththemen，everyarrangementhadbeenmadetogivetheweddingwhatPrivateOrtheriscalled"eeklar。"Itfellintheheartofthehotweather，and，afterthewedding，SlanewasgoinguptotheHillswiththebride。Nonetheless，Slane’sgrievancewasthattheaffairwouldbeonlyahired-carriagewedding，andhefeltthatthe"eeklar"ofthatwasmeagre。MissM’Kennadidnotcaresomuch。TheSergeant’swifewashelpinghertomakeherwedding-dress，andshewasverybusy。Slanewas，justthen，theonlymoderatelycontentedmaninbarracks。Alltherestweremoreorlessmiserable。
　　Andtheyhadsomuchtomakethemhappy，too。Alltheirworkwasoverateightinthemorning，andfortherestofthedaytheycouldlieontheirbacksandsmokeCanteen-plugandswearatthepunkah-coolies。Theyenjoyedafine，fullfleshmealinthemiddleoftheday，andthenthrewthemselvesdownontheircotsandsweatedandslepttillitwascoolenoughtogooutwiththeir"towny，"whosevocabularycontainedlessthansixhundredwords，andtheAdjective，andwhoseviewsoneveryconceivablequestiontheyhadheardmanytimesbefore。
　　TherewastheCanteen，ofcourse，andtherewastheTemperanceRoomwiththesecond-handpapersinit；butamanofanyprofessioncannotreadforeighthoursadayinatemperatureof96？or98？intheshade，runningupsometimesto103？atmidnight。
　　Veryfewmen，eventhoughtheygetapannikinofflat，stale，muddybeerandhideitundertheircots，cancontinuedrinkingforsixhoursaday。Onemantried，buthedied，andnearlythewholeregimentwenttohisfuneralbecauseitgavethemsomethingtodo。
　　Itwastooearlyfortheexcitementoffeverorcholera。Themencouldonlywaitandwaitandwait，andwatchtheshadowofthebarrackcreepingacrosstheblindingwhitedust。Thatwasagaylife。
　　Theyloungedaboutcantonments-itwastoohotforanysortofgame，andalmosttoohotforvice-andfuddledthemselvesintheevening，andfilledthemselvestodistensionwiththehealthynitrogenousfoodprovidedforthem，andthemoretheystokedthelessexercisetheytookandmoreexplosivetheygrew。Thentempersbegantowearaway，andmenfella-broodingoverinsultsrealorimaginary，fortheyhadnothingelsetothinkof。Thetoneofthereparteeschanged，andinsteadofsayinglight-heartedly：I’llknockyoursillyfacein，"mengrewlaboriouslypoliteandhintedthatthecantonmentswerenotbigenoughforthemselvesandtheirenemy，andthattherewouldbemorespaceforoneofthetwoinanotherPlace。
　　ItmayhavebeentheDevilwhoarrangedthething，butthefactofthecaseisthatLossonhadforalongtimebeenworryingSimmonsinanaimlessway。Itgavehimoccupation。Thetwohadtheircotssidebyside，andwouldsometimesspendalongafternoonswearingateachother；butSimmonswasafraidofLossonanddarednotchallengehimtoafight。Hethoughtoverthewordsinthehotstillnights，andhalfthehatehefelttowardsLossonheventedonthewretchedpunkah-coolie。
　　Lossonboughtaparrotinthebazar，andputitintoalittlecage，andloweredthecageintothecooldarknessofawell，andsatonthewell-curb，shoutingbadlanguagedowntotheparrot。Hetaughtittosay："Simmons，yeso-oor，"whichmeansswine，andseveralotherthingsentirelyunfitforpublication。Hewasabiggrossman，andheshooklikeajellywhentheparrothadthesentencecorrectly。Simmons，however，shookwithrage，foralltheroomwerelaughingathim-theparrotwassuchadisreputablepuffofgreenfeathersanditlookedsohumanwhenitchattered。
　　Lossonusedtosit，swinginghisfatlegs，onthesideofthecot，andasktheparrotwhatitthoughtofSimmons。Theparrotwouldanswer："Simmons，yeso-oor。"Goodboy，"Lossonusedtosay，scratchingtheparrot’shead；"ye’earthat，Sim？"AndSimmonsusedtoturnoveronhisstomachandmakeanswer："I’ear。Take’eedyoudon’t’earsomethingoneofthesedays。"
　　Intherestlessnights，afterhehadbeenasleepallday，fitsofblindragecameuponSimmonsandheldhimtillhetrembledallover，whilehethoughtinhowmanydifferentwayshewouldslayLosson。Sometimeshewouldpicturehimselftramplingthelifeoutofthemanwithheavyammunition-boots，andatotherssmashinginhisfacewiththebutt，andatothersjumpingonhisshouldersanddraggingtheheadbacktilltheneckbonecracked。Thenhismouthwouldfeelhotandfevered，andhewouldreachoutforanothersupofthebeerinthepannikin。
　　ButthefancythatcametohimmostfrequentlyandstayedwithhimlongestwasoneconnectedwiththegreatrolloffatunderLosson’srightear。Henoticeditfirstonamoonlightnight，andthereafteritwasalwaysbeforehiseyes。Itwasafascinatingrolloffat。Amancouldgethishanduponitandtearawayonesideoftheneck；orhecouldplacethemuzzleofarifleonitandblowawayalltheheadinaflash。Lossonhadnorighttobesleekandcontentedandwell-to-do，whenhe，Simmons，wasthebuttoftheroom。Someday，perhaps，hewouldshowthosewholaughedatthe"Simmons，yeso-oor"joke，thathewasasgoodastherest，andheldaman’slifeinthecrookofhisforefinger。WhenLossonsnored，Simmonshatedhimmorebitterlythanever。WhyshouldLossonbeabletosleepwhenSimmonshadtostayawakehourafterhour，tossingandturningonthetapes，withthedullliverpaingnawingintohisrightsideandhisheadthrobbingandachingafterCanteen？Hethoughtoverthisformany，manynights，andtheworldbecameunprofitabletohim。Heevenbluntedhisnaturallyfineappetitewithbeerandtobacco；andallthewhiletheparrottalkedatandmadeamockofhim。
　　Theheatcontinuedandthetempersworeawaymorequicklythanbefore。ASergeant’swifediedofheat-apoplexyinthenight，andtherumourranabroadthatitwascholera。Menrejoicedopenly，hopingthatitwouldspreadandsendthemintocamp。Butthatwasafalsealarm。
　　ItwaslateonaTuesdayevening，andthemenwerewaitinginthedeepdoubleverandahsfor"LastPost，"whenSimmonswenttotheboxatthefootofhisbed，tookouthispipe，andslammedtheliddownwithabangthatechoedthroughthedesertedbarracklikethecrackofarifle。Ordinarilyspeaking，themenwouldhavetakennonotice；buttheirnerveswerefrettedtofiddle-strings。Theyjumpedup，andthreeorfourclatteredintothebarrack-roomonlytofindSimmonskneelingbyhisbox。
　　"Ow！It’syou，isit？"theysaid，andlaughedfoolishly。"Wethought’twas-"
　　Simmonsroseslowly。Iftheaccidenthadsoshakenhisfellows，whatwouldnottherealitydo？
　　"Youthoughtitwas-didyou？Andwhatmakesyouthink？"hesaid，lashinghimselfintomadnessashewenton；"toHellwithyourthinking，yedirtyspies！"
　　"Simmons，yeso-oor，"chuckledtheparrotintheverandahsleepily，recognisingawell-knownvoice。Nowthatwasabsolutelyall。
　　Thetensionsnapped。Simmonsfellbackonthearm-rackdeliberately，-themenwereatthefarendoftheroom，-andtookouthisrifleandpacketofammunition。"Don’tgoplayingthegoat，Sim！"saidLosson。"Putitdown，"buttherewasaquaverinhisvoice。Anothermanstooped，slippedhisboot，andhurleditatSimmons’shead。Thepromptanswerwasashotwhich，firedatrandom，founditsbilletinLosson’sthroat。Lossonfellforwardwithoutaword，andtheothersscattered。
　　"Youthoughtitwas！"yelledSimmons。"You’redrivin’metoit！I
　　tellyouyou’redrivin’metoit！Getup，Losson，an’don’tlieshammin’there-youan’yourblastedparritthatdruvmetoit！
　　ButtherewasanunaffectedrealityaboutLosson’sposethatshowedSimmonswhathehaddone。Themenwerestillclamouringintheverandah。Simmonsappropriatedtwomorepacketsofammunitionandranintothemoonlight，muttering："I’llmakeanightofit。
　　Thirtyroun’s，an’thelastformyself。Takeyouthat，youdogs！"
　　Hedroppedononekneeandfiredintothebrownofthemenontheverandah，butthebulletflewhigh，andlandedinthebrickworkwithaviciousphwitthatmadesomeoftheyoungeronesturnpale。
　　Itis，asmusketrytheoristsobserve，onethingtofireandanothertobefiredat。
　　Thentheinstinctofthechaseflaredup。Thenewsspreadfrombarracktobarrack，andthemendoubledoutintentonthecaptureofSimmons，thewildbeast，whowasheadingfortheCavalryparade-ground，stoppingnowandagaintosendbackashotandacurseinthedirectionofhispursuers。
　　"I’lllearnyoutospyonme！"heshouted；"I’lllearnyoutogivemedorg’snames！Comeon，the’oleloto’you！ColonelJohnAnthonyDeever，C。B。！"-heturnedtowardstheInfantryMessandshookhisrifle-"youthinkyourselfthedevilofaman-butI
　　tellyouthatifyouputyouruglyoldcarcassoutsideo’thatdoor，I’llmakeyouthepoorest-lookin’maninthearmy。Comeout，ColonelJohnAnthonyDeever，C。B。！ComeOutandseemepractissontherainge。I’mthecrackshotofthe’olebloomin’battalion。"InproofofwhichstatementSimmonsfiredatthelightedwindowsofthemess-house。
　　"PrivateSimmons，EComp’ny，ontheCavalryp’rade-ground，Sir，withthirtyrounds，"saidaSergeantbreathlesslytotheColonel。
　　"Shootin’rightandlef’，Sir。ShotPrivateLosson。What’stobedone，Sir？"
　　ColonelJohnAnthonyDeever，C。B。，salliedout，onlytobesalutedbyaspurtofdustathisfeet。
　　"Pullup！"saidtheSecondinCommand；"Idon’twantmystepinthatway，Colonel。He’sasdangerousasamaddog。"
　　"Shoothimlikeone，then，"saidtheColonelbitterly，"ifhewon’ttakehischance。Myregiment，too！IfithadbeentheTowheadsIcouldhaveunderstood。"
　　PrivateSimmonshadoccupiedastrongpositionnearawellontheedgeoftheparade-ground，andwasdefyingtheregimenttocomeon。Theregimentwasnotanxioustocomply，forthereissmallhonourinbeingshotbyafellow-private。OnlyCorporalSlane，rifleinhand，threwhimselfdownontheground，andwormedhiswaytowardsthewell。
　　"Don’tshoot，"saidhetothemenroundhim；"likeasnotyou’ll’itme。I’llcatchthebeggarlivin’。"
　　Simmonsceasedshoutingforawhile，andthnoiseoftrap-wheelscouldbeheardacrosstheplain。MajorOldyne，CommandingtheHorseBattery，wascomingbackfromadinnerintheCivilLines；
　　wasdrivingafterhisusualcustom-thatistosay，asfastasthehorsecouldgo。
　　"Aorf’cer！Abloomingspangledorf’cer！"shriekedSimmons；"I’llmakeascarecrowofthatorf’cer！"Thetrapstopped。
　　"What’sthis？"demandedtheMajorofGunners。"Youthere，dropyourrifle。"
　　"Why，it’sJerryBlazes！Iain’tgotnoquarrelwithyou，JerryBlazes。Pass，frien’，an’all’swell！"
　　ButJerryBlazeshadnotthefaintestintentionofpassingadangerousmurderer。Hewas，ashisadoringBatterysworelongandfervently，withoutknowledgeoffear，andtheyweresurelythebestjudges，forJerryBlazes，itwasnotorious，haddonehispossibletokillamaneachtimetheBatterywentout。
　　HewalkedtowardsSimmons，withtheintentionofrushinghimandknockinghimdown。
　　"Don’tmakemedoit，Sir，"saidSimmons；"Iain’tgotnothingag’in’you。Ah！youwould？"-theMajorbrokeintoarun-"Takethat，then！"
　　TheMajordroppedwithabulletthroughhisshoulder，andSimmonsstoodoverhim。HehadlostthesatisfactionofkillingLossoninthedesiredway：butherewasahelplessbodytohishand。Shouldheslipinanothercartridge，andblowoffthehead，orwiththebuttsmashinthewhiteface？Hestoppedtoconsider，andacrywentupfromthefarsideoftheparade-ground："He’skilledJerryBlazes！"Butintheshelterofthewell-pillarsSimmonswassafe，exceptwhenhesteppedouttofire。"I’llblowyer’andsome’eadoff，JerryBlazes，"saidSimmonsreflectively。"Sixandthreeisninean’oneisten，an’thatleavesmeanothernineteen，an’oneformyself"Hetuggedatthestringofthesecondpacketofammunition。CorporalSlanecrawledoutoftheshadowofabankintothemoonlight。
　　"Iseeyou！"saidSimmons。"Comeabitfurderonan’I’lldoforyou。"
　　"I’mcomin’，"saidCorporalSlanebriefly；"you’vedoneabadday’swork，Sim。Comeout’erean’comebackwithme。"
　　"Cometo，"laughedSimmons，sendingacartridgehomewithhisthumb。"NotbeforeI’vesettledyouan’JerryBlazes。"
　　TheCorporalwaslyingatfulllengthinthedustoftheparade-
　　ground，arifleunderhim。Someofthelesscautiousmeninthedistanceshouted："Shoot’im！Shoot’im，Slane！"
　　"Youmove’andorfoot，Slane，"saidSimmons，"an’I’llkickJerryBlazes’’eadin，andshootyouafter。"
　　"Iain’tmovin’，"saidtheCorporal，raisinghishead；"youdaren’t’itamanon’islegs。Letgoo’JerryBlazesan’comeouto’thatwithyourfistes。Comean’’itme。Youdaren’t，youbloom-
　　in’dog-shooter！"
　　"Idare。"
　　"Youlie，youman-sticker。Yousneakin’，Sheenybutcher，youlie。
　　Seethere！"Slanekickedtherifleaway，andstoodupintheperilofhislife。"Comeon，now！"
　　ThetemptationwasmorethanSimmonscouldresist，fortheCorporalinhiswhiteclothesofferedaperfectmark。
　　"Don’tmisnameme，"shoutedSimmons，firingashespoke。Theshotmissed，andtheshooter，blindwithrage，threwhisrifledownandrushedatSlanefromtheprotectionofthewell。Withinstrikingdistance，hekickedsavagelyatSlane’sstomach，buttheweedyCorporalknewsomethingofSimmons’sweakness，andknew，too，thedeadlyguardforthatkick。Bowingforwardanddrawinguphisrightlegtilltheheeloftherightfootwassetsomethreeinchesabovetheinsideoftheleftknee-cap，hemettheblowstandingononeleg-exactlyasGondsstandwhentheymeditate-
　　andreadyforthefallthatwouldfollow。Therewasanoath，theCorporalfellovertohisownleftasshinbonemetshinbone，andthePrivatecollapsed，hisrightlegbrokenaninchabovetheankle。
　　"Pityyoudon’tknowthatguard，Sim，"saidSlane，spittingoutthedustasherose。Thenraisinghisvoice-"Comean’takehimon。I’vebruk’isleg。"Thiswasnotstrictlytrue，forthePrivatehadaccomplishedhisowndownfall，sinceitisthespecialmeritofthatleg-guardthattheharderthekickthegreaterthekicker’sdiscomfiture。
　　SlanewalkedtoJerryBlazesandhungoverhimwithostentatiousanxiety，whileSimmons，weepingwithpain，wascarriedaway。"’Opeyouain’t’urtbadly，Sir，"saidSlane。TheMajorhadfainted，andtherewasanugly，raggedholethroughthetopofhisarm。Slanekneltdownandmurmured："S’elpme，Ibelieve’e’sdead。Well，ifthatain’tmybloomingluckallover！"
　　ButtheMajorwasdestinedtoleadhisBatteryafieldformanyalongdaywithunshakennerve。Hewasremoved，andnursedandpettedintoconvalescence，whiletheBatterydiscussedthewisdomofcapturingSimmonsandblowinghimfromagun。TheyidolisedtheirMajor，andhisreappearanceonparadebroughtaboutascenenowhereprovidedforintheArmyRegulations。
　　Great，too，wastheglorythatfelltoSlane’sshare。TheGunnerswouldhavemadehimdrunkthriceadayforatleastafortnight。
　　EventheColonelofhisownregimentcomplimentedhimuponhiscoolness，andthelocalpapercalledhimahero。Thesethingsdidnotpuffhimup。WhentheMajorofferedhimmoneyandthanks，thevirtuousCorporaltooktheoneandputasidetheother。Buthehadarequesttomakeandprefaceditwithmanya"Begy’pardon，Sir。"CouldtheMajorseehiswaytolettingtheSlane-M’KennaweddingbeadornedbythepresenceoffourBatteryhorsestopullahiredbarouche？TheMajorcould，andsocouldtheBattery。
　　Excessivelyso。Itwasagorgeouswedding。
　　"WotdidIdoitfor？"saidCorporalSlane。
　　"Forthe’orseso’course。Jhansiain’tabeautytolookat，butI
　　wasn’tgoin’to’aveahiredturnout。JerryBlazes？IfI’adn’t’a’wantedsomething，Simmightha’blowedJerryBlazes’blooming’eadintoHirishstewforaughtI’d’a’cared。"
　　AndtheyhangedPrivateSimmons-hangedhimashighasHamaninhollowsquareoftheregiment；andtheColonelsaiditwasDrink；
　　andtheChaplainwassureitwastheDevil；andSimmonsfancieditwasboth，buthedidn’tknow，andonlyhopedhisfatewouldbeawarningtohiscompanions；andhalfadozen"intelligentpublicists"wrotesixbeautifulleadingarticleson"ThePrevalenceofCrimeintheArmy。"
　　Butnotasoulthoughtofcomparingthe"bloody-mindedSimmons"tothesquawking，gapingschool-girlwithwhichthisstoryopens。
　　THELOSTLEGION
　　WhentheIndianMutinybrokeout，andalittletimebeforethesiegeofDelhi，aregimentofNativeIrregularHorsewasstationedatPeshawuronthefrontierofIndia。ThatregimentcaughtwhatJohnLawrencecalledatthetime"theprevalentmania，"andwouldhavethrowninitslotwiththemutineers，haditbeenallowedtodoso。Thechancenevercame，for，astheregimentsweptoffdownsouth，itwasheadedoffbyaremnantofanEnglishcorpsintothehillsofAfghanistan，andtherethenewlyconqueredtribesmenturnedagainstitaswolvesturnagainstbuck。Itwashuntedforthesakeofitsarmsandaccoutrementsfromhilltohill，fromravinetoravine，upanddownthedriedbedsofriversandroundtheshouldersofbluffs，tillitdisappearedaswatersinksinthesand-thisofficerlessrebelregiment。Theonlytraceleftofitsexistenceto-dayisanominalrolldrawnupinneatroundhandandcountersignedbyanofficerwhocalledhimself，"Adjutant，lateIrregularCavalry。"Thepaperisyellowwithyearsanddirt，butonthebackofityoucanstillreadapencil-notebyJohnLawrence，tothiseffect："Seethatthetwonativeofficerswhoremainedloyalarenotdeprivedoftheirestates-J。L。"Ofsixhundredandfiftysabresonlytwostoodstrain，andJohnLawrenceinthemidstofalltheagonyofthefirstmonthsoftheMutinyfoundtimetothinkabouttheirmerits。
　　Thatwasmorethanthirtyyearsago，andthetribesmenacrosstheAfghanborderwhohelpedtoannihilatetheregimentarenowoldmen。Sometimesagraybeardspeaksofhisshareinthemassacre。
　　"Theycame，"hewillsay，"acrosstheborder，veryproud，callinguponustoriseandkilltheEnglish，andgodowntothesackofDelhi。ButwewhohadjustbeenconqueredbythesameEnglishknewthattheywereover-bold，andthattheGovernmentcouldaccounteasilyforthosedown-countrydogs。ThisHindustaniregiment，therefore，wetreatedwithfairwords，andkeptstandinginoneplacetilltheredcoatscameafterthemveryhotandangry。ThenthisregimentranforwardalittlemoreintoourhillstoavoidthewrathoftheEnglish，andwelayupontheirflankswatchingfromthesidesofthehillstillwewerewellassuredthattheirpathwaslostbehindthem。Thenwecamedown，forwedesiredtheirclothes，andtheirbridles，andtheirrifles，andtheirboots-
　　moreespeciallytheirboots。Thatwasagreatkilling-doneslowly。"Heretheoldmanwillrubhisnose，andshakehislongsnakylocks，andlickhisbeardedlips，andgrintilltheyellowtooth-
　　stumpsshow。"Yea，wekilledthembecauseweneededtheirgear，andweknewthattheirliveshadbeenforfeitedtoGodonaccountoftheirsin-thesinoftreacherytothesaltwhichtheyhadeaten。Theyrodeupanddownthevalleys，stumblingandrockingintheirsaddles，andhowlingformercy。Wedrovethemslowlylikecattletilltheywereallassembledinoneplace，theflatwidevalleyofSheorK搕。Manyhaddiedfromwantofwater，buttherestillweremanyleft，andtheycouldnotmakeanystand。Wewentamongthempullingthemdownwithourhandstwoatatime，andourboyskilledthemwhowerenewtothesword。Myshareoftheplunderwassuchandsuch-somanyguns，andsomanysaddles。Thegunsweregoodinthosedays。NowwestealtheGovernmentrifles，anddespisesmoothbarrels。Yes，beyonddoubtwewipedthatregimentfromoffthefaceoftheearth，andeventhememoryofthedeedisnowdying。Butmensay-"
　　Atthispointthetalewouldstopabruptly，anditwasimpossibletofindoutwhatmensaidacrosstheborder。TheAfghanswerealwaysasecretiverace，andvastlypreferreddoingsomethingwickedtosayinganythingatall。Theywouldbequietandwell-
　　behavedformonths，tillonenight，withoutwordorwarning，theywouldrushapolice-post，cutthethroatsofaconstableortwo，dashthroughavillage，carryawaythreeorfourwomen，andwithdraw，intheredglareofburningthatch，drivingthecattleandgoatsbeforethemtotheirowndesolatehills。TheIndianGovernmentwouldbecomealmosttearfulontheseoccasions。Firstitwouldsay，"Pleasebegoodandwe’llforgiveyou。"Thetribeconcernedinthelatestdepredationwouldcollectivelyputitsthumbtoitsnoseandanswerrudely。ThentheGovernmentwouldsay："Hadn’tyoubetterpayupalittlemoneyforthosefewcorpsesyouleftbehindyoutheothernight？"Herethetribewouldtemporise，andlieandbully，andsomeoftheyoungermen，merelytoshowcontemptofauthority，wouldraidanotherpolice-postandfireintosomefrontiermud-fort，and，iflucky，killarealEnglishofficer。ThentheGovernmentwouldsay：-"Observe；ifyoureallypersistinthislineofconduct，youwillbehurt。"IfthetribeknewexactlywhatwasgoingoninIndia，itwouldapologiseorberude，accordingasitlearnedwhethertheGovernmentwasbusywithotherthingsorabletodevoteitsfullattentiontotheirperformances。Someofthetribesknewtoonecorpsehowfartogo。Othersbecameexcited，losttheirheads，andtoldtheGovernmenttocomeon。Withsorrowandtears，andoneeyeontheBritishtaxpayerathome，whoinsistedonregardingtheseexercisesasbrutalwarsofannexation，theGovernmentwouldprepareanexpensivelittlefield-brigadeandsomeguns，andsendallupintothehillstochasethewickedtribeoutofthevalleys，wherethecorngrew，intothehill-tops，wheretherewasnothingtoeat。Thetribewouldturnoutinfullstrengthandenjoythecampaign，fortheyknewthattheirwomenwouldneverbetouched，thattheirwoundedwouldbenursed，notmutilated，andthatassoonaseachman’sbagofcornwasspenttheycouldsurrenderandpalaverwiththeEnglishGeneralasthoughtheyhadbeenarealenemy。Afterwards，yearsafterwards，theywouldpaytheblood-money，dribletbydriblet，totheGovernment，andtelltheirchildrenhowtheyhadslaintheredcoatsbythousands。Theonlydrawbacktothiskindofpicnic-warwastheweaknessoftheredcoatsforsolemnlyblowingupwithpowdertheirfortifiedtowersandkeeps。Thisthetribesalwaysconsideredmean。
　　Chiefamongtheleadersofthesmallertribes-thelittleclanswhoknewtoapennytheexpenseofmovingwhitetroopsagainstthem-wasapriest-bandit-chiefwhomwewillcalltheGullaKuttaMullah。HisenthusiasmforBordermurderasanartwasalmostdignified。Hewouldcutdownamail-runnerfrompurewantonness，orbombardamud-fortwithrifle-firewhenheknewthatourmenneededtosleep。Inhisleisuremomentshewouldgooncircuitamonghisneighbours，andtrytoinciteothertribestodevilry。
　　Also，hekeptakindofhotelforfellow-outlawsinhisownvillage，whichlayinavalleycalledBersund。AnyrespectablemurdereronthatsectionofthefrontierwassuretolieupatBersund，foritwasreckonedanexceedinglysafeplace。Thesoleentrytoitranthroughanarrowgorgewhichcouldbeconvertedintoadeath-trapinfiveminutes。Itwassurroundedbyhighhills，reckonedinaccessibletoallsavebornmountaineers，andheretheGullaKuttaMullahlivedingreatstate，theheadofacolonyofmudandstonehuts，andineachmudhuthungsomeportionofareduniformandtheplunderofdeadmen。TheGovernmentparticularlywishedforhiscapture，andonceinvitedhimformallytocomeoutandbehangedonaccountofthemanymurdersinwhichhehadtakenadirectpart。Hereplied：-
　　"Iamonlytwentymiles，asthecrowflies，fromyourborder。Comeandfetchme。"
　　"Somedaywewillcome，"saidtheGovernment，"andhangedyouwillbe。"
　　TheGullaKuttaMullahletthematterslipfromhismind。HeknewthatthepatienceoftheGovernmentwasaslongasasummerday；
　　buthedidnotrealisethatitsarmwasaslongasawinternight。
　　Monthsafterwards，whentherewaspeaceontheborder，andallIndiawasquiet，theIndianGovernmentturnedinitssleepandrememberedtheGullaKuttaMullahatBersund，withhisthirteenoutlaws。Themovementagainsthimofonesingleregiment-whichthetelegramswouldhavetranslatedaswar-wouldhavebeenhighlyimpolitic。Thiswasatimeforsilenceandspeed，and，aboveall，absenceofbloodshed。
　　Youmustknowthatallalongthenorth-westfrontierofIndiathereisspreadaforceofsomethirtythousandfootandhorse，whosedutyitistoquietlyandunostentatiouslyshepherdthetribesinfrontofthem。Theymoveupanddown，anddownandup，fromonedesolatelittleposttoanother；theyarereadytotakethefieldattenminutes’notice；theyarealwayshalfinandhalfoutofadifficultysomewherealongthemonotonousline；theirlivesareashardastheirownmuscles，andthepapersneversayanythingaboutthem。ItwasfromthisforcethattheGovernmentpickeditsmen。
　　Onenight，atastationwherethemountedNightPatrolfireastheychallenge，andthewheatrollsingreatblue-greenwavesunderourcoldnorthernmoon，theofficerswereplayingbilliardsinthemud-walledclub-house，whenorderscametothemthattheyweretogoonparadeatonceforanight-drill。Theygrumbled，andwenttoturnouttheirmen-ahundredEnglishtroops，letussay，twohundredGoorkhas，andaboutahundredcavalryofthefinestnativecavalryintheworld。
　　Whentheywereontheparade-ground，itwasexplainedtotheminwhispersthattheymustsetoffatonceacrossthehillstoBersund。TheEnglishtroopsweretopostthemselvesroundthehillsatthesideofthevalley；theGoorkhaswouldcommandthegorgeandthedeath-trap，andthecavalrywouldfetchalongmarchroundandgettothebackofthecircleofhills，whence，iftherewereanydifficulty，theycouldchargedownontheMullah’smen。
　　Butorderswereverystrictthatthereshouldbenofightingandnonoise。Theyweretoreturninthemorningwitheveryroundofammunitionintact，andtheMullahandthethirteenoutlawsboundintheirmidst。Iftheyweresuccessful，noonewouldknoworcareanythingabouttheirwork；butfailuremeantprobablyasmallborderwar，inwhichtheGullaKuttaMullahwouldposeasapopularleaderagainstabigbullyingpower，insteadofacommonBordermurderer。
　　Thentherewassilence，brokenonlybytheclickingofthecompass-needlesandsnappingofwatch-cases，astheheadsofcolumnscomparedbearingsandmadeappointmentsfortherendezvous。Fiveminuteslatertheparade-groundwasempty；thegreencoatsoftheGoorkhasandtheovercoatsoftheEnglishtroopshadfadedintothedarkness，andthecavalrywerecanteringawayinthefaceofablindingdrizzle。
　　WhattheGoorkhasandtheEnglishdidwillbeseenlateron。Theheavyworklaywiththehorses，fortheyhadtogofarandpicktheirwayclearofhabitations。Manyofthetrooperswerenativesofthatpartoftheworld，readyandanxioustofightagainsttheirkin，andsomeoftheofficershadmadeprivateandunofficialexcursionsintothosehillsbefore。Theycrossedtheborder，foundadriedriver-bed，canteredupthat，walkedthroughastonygorge，riskedcrossingalowhillundercoverofthedarkness，skirtedanotherhill，leavingtheirhoof-marksdeepinsomeploughedground，felttheirwayalonganotherwater-course，ranovertheneckofaspurprayingthatnoonewouldheartheirhorsesgrunting，andsoworkedonintherainandthedarknesstilltheyhadleftBersundanditscraterofhillsalittlebehindthem，andtotheleft，anditwastimetoswinground。TheascentcommandingthebackofBersundwassteep，andtheyhaltedtodrawbreathinabroadlevelvalleybelowtheheight。Thatistosay，themenreinedup，butthehorses，blownastheywere，refusedtohalt。Therewasunchristianlanguage，theworseforbeingdeliveredinawhisper，andyouheardthesaddlessqueakinginthedarknessasthehorsesplunged。
　　Thesubalternattherearofonetroopturnedinhissaddleandsaidverysoftly：-
　　"Carter，whattheblessedheavensareyoudoingattherear？Bringyourmenup，man。"
　　Therewasnoanswer，tillatrooperreplied：-
　　"CarterSahibisforward-nothere。Thereisnothingbehindus。"
　　"Thereis，"saidthesubaltern。"Thesquadron’swalkingonitsowntail。"
　　ThentheMajorincommandmoveddowntotherear，swearingsoftlyandaskingforthebloodofLieutenantHalley-thesubalternwhohadjustspoken。
　　"Lookafteryourrearguard，"saidtheMajor。"Someofyourinfernalthieveshavegotlost。They’reattheheadofthesquadron，andyou’reaseveralkindsofidiot。"
　　"ShallItelloffmymen，sir？"saidthesubalternsulkily，forhewasfeelingwetandcold。
　　"Tell’emoff！"saidtheMajor。"Whip’emoff，byGad！You’resquanderingthemallovertheplace。There’satroopbehindyounow！"
　　"SoIwasthinking，"saidthesubalterncalmly。"Ihaveallmymenhere，sir。BetterspeaktoCarter。"
　　"CarterSahibsendssalaamandwantstoknowwhytheregimentisstopping，"saidatroopertoLieutenantHalley。
　　"WhereunderheavenisCarter，"saidtheMajor。
　　"Forwardwithhistroop，"wastheanswer。
　　"Arewewalkinginaring，then，orarewethecentreofablessedbrigade？"saidtheMajor。
　　Bythistimetherewassilenceallalongthecolumn。Thehorseswerestill；but，throughthedriveofthefinerain，mencouldhearthefeetofmanyhorsesmovingoverstonyground。
　　"We’rebeingstalked，"saidLieutenantHalley。
　　"They’venohorseshere。Besidesthey’dhavefiredbeforethis，"
　　saidtheMajor。"It’s-it’svillagers’ponies。"
　　"Thenourhorseswouldhaveneighedandspoilttheattacklongago。Theymusthavebeennearusforhalfanhour，"saidthesubaltern。
　　"Queerthatwecan’tsmellthehorses，"saidtheMajor，dampinghisfingerandrubbingitonhisnoseashesniffedupwind。
　　"Well，it’sabadstart，"saidthesubaltern，shakingthewetfromhisovercoat。"Whatshallwedo，sir？"
　　"Geton，"saidtheMajor。"Weshallcatchitto-night。"
　　Thecolumnmovedforwardverygingerlyforafewpaces。Thentherewasanoath，ashowerofbluesparksasshodhoovescrashedonsmallstones，andamanrolledoverwithajangleofaccoutrementsthatwouldhavewakedthedead。
　　"Nowwe’vegoneanddoneit，"saidLieutenantHalley。"Allthehillsideawakeandallthehillsidetoclimbinthefaceofmusketry-fire！Thiscomesoftryingtodonight-hawkwork。"
　　Thetremblingtrooperpickedhimselfupandtriedtoexplainthathishorsehadfallenoveroneofthelittlecairnsthatarebuiltofloosestonesonthespotwhereamanhasbeenmurdered。Therewasnoneedtogivereasons。TheMajor’sbigAustralianchargerblunderednext，andthecolumncametoahaltinwhatseemedtobeaverygraveyardoflittlecairns，allabouttwofeethigh。Themanoeuvresofthesquadronarenotreported。Mensaidthatitfeltlikemountedquadrilleswithouttrainingandwithoutthemusic；
　　butatlastthehorses，breakingrankandchoosingtheirownway，walkedclearofthecairns，tilleverymanofthesquadronreformedanddrewreinafewyardsuptheslopeofthehill。Then，accordingtoLieutenantHalley，therewasanothersceneveryliketheonewhichhasbeendescribed。TheMajorandCarterinsistedthatallthemenhadnotjoinedrank，andthatthereweremoreofthemintherear，clickingandblunderingamongthedeadmen’scairns。LieutenantHalleytoldoffhisowntroopersagainandresignedhimselftowait。Lateronhesaidtome：
　　"Ididn’tmuchknowandIdidn’tmuchcarewhatwasgoingon。Therowofthattrooperfallingoughttohavescaredhalfthecountry，andIwouldtakemyoaththatwewerebeingstalkedbyafullregimentintherear，andtheyweremakingrowenoughtorouseallAfghanistan。Isattight，butnothinghappened。"
　　Themysteriouspartofthenight’sworkwasthesilenceonthehillside。EverybodyknewthattheGullaKuttaMullahhadhisoutpost-hutsonthereversesideofthehill，andeverybodyexpected，bythetimethattheMajorhadswornhimselfintoquiet，thatthewatchmentherewouldopenfire。Whennothinghappened，theysaidthatthegustsoftherainhaddeadenedthesoundofthehorses，andthankedProvidence。AtlasttheMajorsatisfiedhimself（a）thathehadleftnoonebehindamongthecairns，and（b）thathewasnotbeingtakenintherearbyalargeandpowerfulbodyofcavalry。Themen’stemperswerethoroughlyspoiled，thehorseswerelatheredandunquiet，andoneandallprayedforthedaylight。
　　Theysetthemselvestoclimbupthehill，eachmanleadinghismountcarefully。Beforetheyhadcoveredthelowerslopesorthebreast-plateshadbeguntotighten，athunderstormcameupbehind，rollingacrossthelowhillsanddrowninganynoiselessthanthatofcannon。Thefirstflashofthelightningshowedthebareribsoftheascent，thchill-creststandingsteely-blueagainsttheblacksky，thelittlefallinglinesoftherain，and，afewyardstotheirleftflank，anAfghanwatch-tower，two-storied，builtofstone，andenteredbyaladderfromtheupperstory。Theladderwasup，andamanwithariflewasleaningfromthewindow。Thedarknessandthethunderrolleddowninaninstant，and，whenthelullfollowed，avoicefromthewatch-towercried，"Whogoesthere？"
　　Thecavalrywereveryquiet，buteachmangrippedhiscarbineandstoodbesidehishorse。Againthevoicecalled，"Whogoesthere？"
　　andinalouderkey，"0brothers，givethealarm！"Now，everymaninthecavalrywouldhavediedinhislongbootssoonerthanhaveaskedforquarter，butitisafactthattheanswertothesecondcallwasalongwailof"Marfkaro！Marfkaro！"whichmeans，"Havemercy！Havemercy！"Itcamefromtheclimbingregiment。
　　Thecavalrystooddumbfoundered，tillthebigtroopershadtimetowhisperonetoanother：
　　"MirKhan，wasthatthyvoice？Abdullah，didstthoucall？"
　　LieutenantHalleystoodbesidehischargerandwaited。Solongasnofiringwasgoingonhewascontent。Anotherflashoflightningshowedthehorseswithheavingflanksandnoddingheads；themen，whiteeye-balled，glaringbesidethem，andthestonewatch-towertotheleft。Thistimetherewasnoheadatthewindow，andtherudeiron-clampedshutterthatcouldturnarifle-bulletwasclosed。
　　"Goon，men，"saidtheMajor。"Getuptothetopatanyrate！"Thesquadrontoiledforward，thehorseswaggingtheirtailsandthemenpullingatthebridles，thestonesrollingdownthehillsideandthesparksflying。LieutenantHalleydeclaresthatheneverheardasquadronmakesomuchnoiseinhislife。Theyscrambledup，hesaid，asthougheachhorsehadeightlegsandasparehorsetofollowhim。Eventhentherewasnosoundfromthewatch-tower，andthemenstoppedexhaustedontheridgethatoverlookedthepitofdarknessinwhichthevillageofBersundlay。Girthswereloosed，curb-chainsshifted，andsaddlesadjusted，andthemendroppeddownamongthestones。Whatevermighthappennow，theyheldtheuppergroundofanyattack。
　　Thethunderceased，andwithittherain，andthesoftthickdarknessofawinternightbeforethedawncoveredthemall。
　　Exceptforthesoundoffallingwateramongtheravinesbelow，everythingwasstill。Theyheardtheshutterofthewatch-towerbelowthemthrownbackwithaclang，andthevoiceofthewatchercalling，"Oh，HafizUllah！"
　　Theechoestookupthecall，"La-la-la！"andananswercamefromthewatch-towerhiddenroundthecurveofthehill，"Whatisit，ShahbazKhan？"
　　ShahbazKhanrepliedinthehigh-pitchedvoiceofthemountaineer：
　　"Hastthouseen？"
　　Theanswercameback："Yes。Goddeliverusfromallevilspirits！
　　Therewasapause，andthen："HafizUllah，Iamalone！Cometome。"
　　"ShahbazKhan，Iamalonealso；butIdarenotleavemypost！"
　　"Thatisalie；thouartafraid。"
　　Alongerpausefollowed，andthen："Iamafraid。Besilent！Theyarebelowusstill。PraytoGodandsleep。"
　　Thetrooperslistenedandwondered，fortheycouldnotunderstandwhatsaveearthandstonecouldliebelowthewatch-towers。
　　ShahbazKhanbegantocallagain："Theyarebelowus。Icanseethem！ForthepityofGodcomeovertome，HafizUllah！Myfatherslewtenofthem。Comeover！"
　　HafizUllahansweredinaveryloudvoice，"Minewasguiltless。
　　Hear，yeMenoftheNight，neithermyfathernormybloodhadanypartinthatsin。Bearthouthineownpunishment，ShahbazKhan。"
　　"Oh，someoneoughttostopthosetwochapscrowingawaylikecocksthere，"saidtheLieutenant，shiveringunderhisrock。
　　Hehadhardlyturnedroundtoexposeanewsideofhimtotherainbeforeabearded，long-locked，evil-smellingAfghanrushedupthehill，andtumbledintohisarms。Halleysatuponhim，andthrustasmuchofasword-hiltascouldbespareddowntheman’sgullet。
　　"Ifyoucryout，Ikillyou，"hesaidcheerfully。
　　Themanwasbeyondanyexpressionofterror。Helayandquaked，gasping。WhenHalleytookthesword-hiltfrombetweenhisteeth，hewasstillinarticulate，butclungtoHalley’sarm，feelingitfromelbowtowrist。
　　"TheRissala！ThedeadRissala！"hegasped，"Itisdownthere！"
　　"No；theRissala，theverymuchaliveRissala。Itisuphere，"
　　saidHalley，unshippinghiswatering-bridleandfasteningtheman’shands。"Whywereyouinthetowerssofoolishastoletuspass？"
　　"Thevalleyisfullofthedead，"saidtheAfghan。"ItisbettertofallintothehandsoftheEnglishthanthehandsofthedead。
　　Theymarchtoandfrobelowthere。Isawtheminthelightning。"
　　Herecoveredhiscomposureafteralittle，andwhispering，becauseHalley’spistolwasathisstomach，said："Whatisthis？Thereisnowarbetweenusnow，andtheMullahwillkillmefornotseeingyoupass！"
　　"Resteasy，"saidHalley；"wearecomingtokilltheMullah，ifGodplease。Histeethhavegrowntoolong。Noharmwillcometotheeunlessthedaylightshowstheeasafacewhichisdesiredbythegallowsforcrimedone。Butwhatofthedeadregiment？"
　　"Ionlykillwithinmyownborder，"saidtheman，immenselyrelieved。"Thedeadregimentisbelow。Themenmusthavepassedthroughitontheirjourney-fourhundreddeadonhorses，stumblingamongtheirowngraves，amongthelittleheaps-deadmenall，whomweslew。"
　　"Whew！"saidHalley。"ThataccountsformycursingCarterandtheMajorcursingme。Fourhundredsabres，eh？Nowonderwethoughttherewereafewextrameninthetroop。KurrukShah，"hewhisperedtoagrizzlednativeofficerthatlaywithinafewfeetofhim，"hastthouheardanythingofadeadRissalainthesehills？
　　"Assuredly，"saidKurrukShahwithagrimchuckle。"Otherwise，whydidI，whohaveservedtheQueenforseven-and-twentyyears，andkilledmanyhill-dogs，shoutaloudforquarterwhenthelightningrevealedustothewatch-towers？WhenIwasayoungmanIsawthekillinginthevalleyofSheor-K搕thereatourfeet，andIknowthetalethatgrewuptherefrom。ButhowcantheghostsofunbelieversprevailagainstuswhoareoftheFaith？Strapthatdog’shandsalittletighter，Sahib。AnAfghanislikeaneel。"
　　"ButadeadRissala，"saidHalley，jerkinghiscaptive’swrist。
　　"Thatisfoolishtalk，KurrukShah。Thedeadaredead。Holdstill，Sag。"TheAfghanwriggled。
　　"Thedeadaredead，andforthatreasontheywalkatnight。Whatneedtotalk？Webemen；wehaveoureyesandears。Thoucanstbothseeandhearthemdownthehillside，"saidKurrukShahcomposedly。
　　Halleystaredandlistenedlongandintently。Thevalleywasfullofstiflednoises，aseveryvalleymustbeatnight；butwhetherhesaworheardmorethanwasnaturalHalleyaloneknows，andhedoesnotchoosetospeakonthesubject。