Page:The tragedy of the Korosko (IA tragedyofkorosko00doylrich).pdf/313

 Sarras crowd, you know. We met in the desert, and we headed ’em off, and the other Johnnies herded ’em behind. We’ve got ’em on toast, I tell you. Get up on that rock and you’ll see things happen. It’s going to be a knockout in one round this time.”

“We left some of our people at the Wells. We are very uneasy about them,” said the Colonel. “I suppose you haven’t heard anything of them?”

The young officer looked serious and shook his head. “Bad job that!” said he. “They’re a poisonous crowd when you put ’em in a corner. What I mean, we never expected to see you alive, and we’re very glad to pull any of you out of the fire. The most we hoped was that we might revenge you.”

“Any other Englishman with you?”

“Archer is with the flanking party. He’ll have to come past, for I don’t think there is any other way down. We’ve got one of your chaps up there—a funny old bird with a red top-knot. See you later, I hope! Good day, ladies!” He touched his helmet, tapped his camel, and trotted on after his men.