(1906) 'tention! By George Manville Fenn

!

'TENTION A

STORY OF BOi-LIFE DURING THE PENINSULAR

By

G. Author

MANVILLE FENN

'Rajah of

ol

Dali,'

'

Nic Revel,'

'

Diamoud Dyke/ Sf^

ILLUSTRATED l-

C

LONDON:

W.

& ^

R.

y

M. Sheldon

38 SoKo Square.

W.l

CHAMBERS, LIMITED

1

db iNBURGH: 339

High Street

WAR

BOOKS BY

Q.

MANVILLE FENN

FIX BAY'NETS!

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VINCE THE REBEL

.

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CHAMBERS,

Ltd.,

London and Edinburgh.

Priitie'l

ill

Great Britain.

W. k R. Chambeko, Lvd., London and EmNBUKun

CONTENTS. PAGE

CHAPTER

TO SAVE A COMRADE POOR PUNCH

I.

n.

1

9

III.

WHEKE THE WOLVES HOWL

24

IV.

'WATER, OR

33

V.

HARD WORE

41

pen's PATIENT

50

MORE ABOUT IIIM THE king's SHILLINO HOW TO TREAT AN ENEMV

65

VI. VII.

VlIE IX.

X.

XL XIL Xin. XIV.

XV.

I

SHALL DIE!'

talkino in his sleep punch's COMMISSARIAT A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES *LOOK OUT, COMRADE!' PUNCH WILL TALK JUAN'S REVENGE

XVL PRISON EKS

XX.

'

XXVI. CONTRAB ANDISTAS

NEW FRIEND

XXVIU. PUNCH PROVES STURDY XXIX. THE ROYAL VISITOR

108

119

129 135 143

174 181 191

UNLUCKY BEGGARS XXin. THE USE OF LATIN XXIV. THROUGH A KNOT-HOLE XXV. IN THE NIGHT XXVn. THE

......100

...167

ANOTHER BREAKDOWN HUNTED '

91

160

XXI. HIDE-AND-SEEK

XXIL

75

152

XVIL IN MISERY XVill. war's HORRORS XIX.

,

197 ,,....207

225 237 242 253

263 274

CONTENTS.

VI

PAGE

CHAPTER

XXX. AN XXXI. XXXII.

AWKWARD

POSITION

A DREAM OF A RAMROD A CAVERNOUS BREAKFAST

XXXm. AT

280 291 ..297

BAY...

306

XXXIV. KEEPING THE BRIDGE

315

XXXV. FOR THE

KING.....

XXXVI. IN THE ROUT. XXXVIL AFTER WIGGLING'. *

XXXVIIL 'HEAR THAT?' XXXIX. STRUNG-UP XL. FRIENDS OR FOES? XLL BOOTS OR BOOTY?... XLO. FRIEND AND ENEMY XLIIL FRESH COMRADES.... XLIV. BEFORE THE AQUILINE XLV.

NO MORE

BUGLING............

323 .337

342

350 361 .....367

375

384 .......393

399 409

jrrr/m/tAAJ:^

:ss^i

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mTx^--

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^^^k

«:^->^:^

^.^-^*^-^

^^

=

rowjns forward iionzontaiiy tne niie

where

it

stood in

tlie

corner o

'M

I

I

>

n^:

^^.-o-' -5*

Fi^l

.^A

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,T

le saui

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m^>1i\Ci}

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one

final

drag

lie

lerked his bead bae O

^s

"/

EN TI ON

'T

CHAPTER

I

TO SAVE A COMRADE.

SHARP

volley,

which ran echoing along the

ravine, then another, just as the faint bluish

smoke from some hundred up

into the bright sunshine

or

two muskets

floated

from amidst the scattered

chestnuts and cork-trees that of the beautiful gorge, where,

filled

now

the lower part

hidden,

now

flash-

ing out and scattering the rays of the sun, a ton-ent roared and foamed along

towards

its

its

junction with

whose destination was the Again

another

followed

by a few

the great Spanish river sea.

ragged dull,

rocky course onward

volley

;

and

this

was

heavy-sounding single shots,

which came evidently from a skirmishing party which was working

its

way

along the steep slope

across the river.

There was no responsive platoon reply to the volley,

directly

but the skirmishing shots were

answered

by crack! crack! crack! the reports that

A

;

TO SAVE A COMRADE.

2

sounded

strangely

different

to

those

heavy,

dull

musket-shots which came from near at hand, and hardly needed glimpses of dark-green uniforms that dotted the hither slope of the mountain-side to pro-

who

claim that they were delivered by riflemen

few minutes before were, almost in

way

their

A

single line,

a

making

along a rugged mountain -path.

second glance showed that they formed the rear-

guard of a body of sharpshooters, beyond the distance could be of bright scarlet,

made out now and then

sun

in

glints

which at times looked almost orange

in the brilliant sunshine

as the

whom

—orange

flashed with silver,

played upon musket-barrel

and fixed

bayonet more than shoulder-high.

The country

Spain, amidst the towering Pyrenees

making

the scarlet that of a British column

its

way

along a rugged mule-path, from wliich those that traversed

it

looked

down upon a

scene of earthly

beauty, and upwards at the celestial blue, beyond

which towered the rugged peaks where here and there patches of the past winter's

snow gleamed and

sparkled in the sun.

Strategy had indicated retreat green,

tipped at

collar

and

cuff

and the black-

;

with

scarlet,

of

England's rifle-regiment was covering the retiring line,

when

the blue-coated columns of the French

General's division had pressed on and delivered the

wild volleys and scattered shots of the skirmishers

which drew forth the sharp, of the retreating rear-guard.

vicious,

snapping reply

'

TO SAVE A COMRADE. '

!

At

last

'

3

from

said one of the riflemen, rising

where he had knelt on one knee to take cover behind a bush, and there stand driving down a cartridge with a peculiarly sharp, ringing sound of iron against before finishing off with a few heavy thuds,

iron,

returning the bright rod to

and raising the

its loops,

pan of the lock to see that

it

was well primed with

the coarse powder of the day. '

Yes

—

!

at last

'

said

his

nearest

who command

comrade,

with a few more had halted at a subaltern's to wait in cover for a shot or foe.

'

Are we going to hold

two at

this place

their pursuing ?

young officer, 'Hear that, my For a note or two of a bugle rang out sweet the

said

'No,'

man

?

and

clear in the beautiful valley, suggesting to

'

of the

men a

similar scene in an English dell

he sighed to himself as

it

struck

a different hunt, and that they, the

him that

men

the one rifle-regiment of the British

hunted, and that those

A

who

one

;

but

this

was

of the

—

th,

Army, were the

followed were the French.

few more cracks from the

rifles

as the retreat

was continued, and then the French musketry ceased but the

last of the

sharpshooters obtained glimpses

of the blue coats of the

French coming quickly

Have you sickened them, my lads ? young officer, as he led his men after the '

main body of 'No,

sir,'

led right

'

on.

said

the

retreating

their friends,

young private addressed 'they touch of us. The mule-track has

said the

seem to have

;

lost

away

to the left here.'

;

'

:

TO SAVE A COMRADE.

4

*To be sure directly.

—

Keep your

advantage

take

Then they

yes.

bugler, keep close

will begin again

face well to the enemy, and

of

every

up

to me.'

bit

of

cover.

The sturdy- looking boy addressed had up

—

Here,

just closed

to his officer's side when, as they were about to

plunge into a low-growing patch of another volley, the bullets branches, twigs

trees, there

was

pattering amongst the

and leaves cut from above the men's

heads falling thickly, *

Forward,

led his

—

my

lads

men through

tain-side

double

And

!

'

the trees to where the

opened out a

more

little

with his sword to a dense patch a

—

No

little

farther on,

!

1

men

the speaker at the double

fallen

and, pointing

*

one answered, the

who had

;

moun-

Take cover there We must hold that Here, bugler Where 's that boy ?

he shouted, patch.

the subaltern

;

hurriedly following

but the young private

replied to the subaltern's questions, having

back to where he was running with a com-

panion in the then, startled

rear,

looked over his shoulder, and

by the

passed through

the

feeling that the

clump, he

boy had not

stopped short,

companion imitating his example and replying

his

to the

eager question addressed to him *

I

officer.

He

dunno,

mate.

Come on

;

I

we

thought he was don't

started again as he

want

with his

to be prisoners.'

spoke, not hearing,

certainly not heeding, his comrade's angry words, *

JJe waust be back there in the

wood/

or

TO SAVE A COMRADE. Carrying his

rifle

5

at the trail, he dashed back into

the wood, hearing, as he ran, shouts ^^ of orders being

given

enemy

the

bj'

;

but he ran on right through

the clump of trees to where the mule-path meandered

along by the edge of the precipice, and lay open before

him

the next patch of woodland which

to

screened the following

enemy from

view.

But the path was not unoccupied,

for there, about

yards from him, he caught sight of his un-

fifty

young comrade, who, bugle

fortunate

just struggling to his feet right,

;

in hand,

was

and then, as he stood up-

he made a couple of steps forward, but only

to stagger

and

reel for

a moment

;

when, as his com-

rade uttered a cry, the boy tottered over the edge of the path,

fell

a few yards, and then rolled down the

steep slope out of sight.

The young rifleman did not stop to think, but occupied the brief moments in running to his comrade's help

;

and, just as a volley

came crashing from the

open wood beyond the path, he dropped down over the side, striving hard to keep his feet and to check his

downward progress

boy must have

fallen.

and rock, he went

on,

to where

he

felt

that the

Catching vainly at branch

down and down,

till

he was

r

brought up short by a great mossy block of stone

was fired, apparently from the mule-track high above him and half-unconsciously, in the confusion and excitement of the moment, he lay perfectly still, cowering amongst the sparse

just as another volley

;

growth in the hope that he might not be seen from

TO SAVE A COMRADE.

6

the shelf- like mule- track above, though expectant

all

the while that the next shot fired would be at him. But, as

it

happened, that next shot was accompanied

by many more

and

;

fearing to move, he strained

upward, he could see the gray smoke

his eyes

and hear the sound

of a bugle, followed

and he knew

of feet, seen,

as,

rising,

by the rush

he had not been

that, so far,

but that the strong body of the enemy were

hurrying along the mule-track in

full

pursuit of

his friends.

'Just as

if

young rifleman from

upwards,

awkwai'd

I ;

had been running,' muttered the and he stole his left hand slowly where

was lying in a most upon his breast as if to

he

position, to rest it

check the heavy beating of his heart. '

Ah

he panted at

!

'

last,

as

with strained eyes

and ears he waited for some sign of his presence behind the advancing enemy being known. Where 's '

that boy

? '

he muttered hoarsely

and he

;

tried to

look about without moving, so as not to expose himself to

any who might be passing along the rocky

ledge.

The next minute the necessity for caution was emphasised, for tliere was a hoarse command from somewhere above, followed by the heavy tramp of which told only too plainly that he was being cut off from his regiment by another body of the feet

enemy. '

I couldn't help

it,'

that poor fellow behind.'

he

said.

'

I couldn't leave

'

TO SAVE A COMRADE.

He had

hardly

uttered

7

thought

this

apparently from just beyond the rugged

when,

mass of

came a low groan, followed by a few words, amongst which the listener made out, The cowards stone which had checked his descent, there

*

*

'

That you. Punch

? '

!

whispered the young rifleman

excitedly,

who *s

that

Lie

still.

was the faint reply. I '11 try and get to you

?

*

Eh,

*

Hist

'

That you. Private Gray

1

'Yes, yes,'

'

directly.'

?

was whispered back, and the speaker

heart leap within his breast

felt his

for a

'

;

'

but

lie

still

few moments.'

Oh, do come

I 'm

!

—

I 've got

bad.'

it

The young private felt his heart sink again as he recalled the way in which the boy had staggered and fallen

from the edge of the track above him.

Then,

answer to the appeal for help, he passed his

in

over his body,

managed

and,

wrenching himself round, he

to lower himself

so as to get beneath

rifle

beyond the mass of rock

and obtain

its shelter

from those

passing along the ledge, but only to slip suddenly for

a yard or two, with the result that the shrubs over

which he had passed sprang up again and supplied the slielter which he sought. '

as,

Punch

Punch

!

satisfied

now

!

where are you

But

whom

all

was

'

he whispered,

that he could not be seen from

above, he raised his head a

out him

?

little

and tried to make

he sought. perfectly

still

about where he lay,

TO SAVE A COMRADE.

8

while the sound of musketry came rolling and echoing along the narrow ravine

;

and above the

trees, in

the direction in which his friends must be, there was

a rising and ever-thickening cloud of smoke.

Then

for a

few minutes the

firing ceased,

and in

the midst of the intense silence there arose from the

bushes just above the listener's head a quick twittering of premonitory notes, followed by the sharp, clear,

ringing song of a bird, which thrilled the lad

with a feeling of hope in the midst of what the

moment

before had been a silence that was awful.

Then from

close at

hand came a low, piteous groan,

and a familiar voice muttered, 'The cowards leave a comrade like this

* I

—

^to

'

''

'

9

CHAPTER

11.

POOR PUNCH.

RIVATE GRAY,

of

Majesty's

his

—

th

Rifles,

wrenched himself round once more, pressed

clump of

aside a

heatherj'-

growth, crawled quickly

about a couple of yards, and found himself lying face to face with the bugler of his company. '

Why, Punch,

lad

! '

he

said,

*

not hurt much,

you?' *

That you. Private Gray

'

Yes.

'

Yes

But

tell

me, are you wounded

half -groaned the

! '

?

boy

sudden access of excitement,

my

bugle

?

*In

'

Here, I say, where

's

Where

bugle.

you

are

cried the boy's comrade.

my

bugle

But where 's

all

and then with a

?

'Oh, never mind your

hurt

*

;

?

'

There

*

Oh, that

—

my

by the

groaned the boy.

our chaps had gone on and

boy's companion.

back.

?

the grass, hanging

better,'

*And now you

my

mean, somewhere in

instrument

it is, in 's

I

left

me

'

I

cord.'

thought

to die.'

see that they hav'n't,'

said

'There, don't try to move.

the

We

mustn't be seen.' 'Yes,' almost babbled the boy, speaking piteously, '

I thought they

had

all

gone, and left

me

here.

I

'

10

'

'

POOR PUNCH.

did try to ketch up to them

and sick that

;

but

—

am

oh, I

going round and round

it 's all

so faint

Here,

!

Private Gray, you are a good chap, shove the cord

my

over

my

enemy

head, and take care the

Ah

bugle.

water

!

—

water,

please

don't get It

!

all

's

going round and round/

Penton Gray made no

effort

now

to look round

for danger, but, unstopping his water-bottle, he crept closer to his

companion in adversity, passed the strap

of the boy's shako

from under his

cap from his head to

lie

chin, thrust his

amongst the

grass,

and

then opened the collar of his coatee and began to trickle a little

water between the poor fellow's

and sprinkled a

little

'

Ah

upon

his temples.

sighed the boy, as he began to

1 '

'that's good

I don't

!

mind now.' Where 's your wound

But you are hurt. the young private eagerly. Somewhere just under the *

'

boy. '

I

'

'Tain't bleeding

know

I don't

can

yet.

revive,

? '

said

shoulder,' replied the is it

?

I won't hurt

you more than

help.'

*

Whatcher going

'

Draw

the hurt '

much,

—

lips

's

'Tain't

off

to do

?

your jacket so that

I

can see whether

bad.' very,' said

body but stout of Soldiers don't

the boy, speaking feebly of

heart.

*

mind a wound,

I

don't mind, comrade.

— Oh,

I say

!

'

he

cried,

with more vigour than he had previously evinced. '

Did

I hurt

you

?

'

'

—

'

POOR PUNCH.

you just

'Yes,

No/

drew

Were you

did.

cutting

?

comrade with a

said his

he

lialf-laugh, as

hand from where he had passed

his

with

it

'

your knife '

11

it

under

'That's what cut you, Punch/

the boy's shoulder,

and he held up a ragged-looking bullet which had dropped into

he manipulated

as

fingers

his

the

wound.

me

'Thought you was cutting the

said '

—What

the cowards I

want

did they

1

Just as

was only obeying

if

I

orders-

front I could have seen to

much

bleed '

'

a

away

But, I say, don't you chuck that

that.

No,

my

girl. '

to shoot

me

;

I

want

there for

was running away, when If they had shot me in myself.

it

—

I say, does it

?

lad

but

;

who wants

Well,

energy now.

with some

speaking

boy,

with your knife/

it 's

an ugly

handsome

to be

it

Think you can stop

it,

place.'

private

I think I can bind it up, Punch,

?

I

ain't

?

and the bleeding

will stop of itself/ '

That

die after '

Yes,

good.

's

it,

I

ain't I

some

say,

though, private

knapvsack,

deftly to bind

place

him

his side.

in a

young

soldier,

smiling

and then by the help and a bandage which he drew from

encouragingly at the speaker

his

to

?

day,' said the

of a shirt-sleeve

—sure

the

up

young his

;

soldier

managed pretty

comrade's wound, and then

more comfortable

position, lying

upon

'

'

'

12

'

'

POOR PUNCH.

'Thank ye!' said the boy with a say, you have give it me hot.'

am

*I

very sorry, boy.'

*0h, never mind that. it 's all

'But, 1

sigh.

as wet as wet,

But just wipe

my

face;

and the drops keep running

together and tickling.'

This

boy turned '

'

What

head uneasily

his

aside.

Punch ? That there bullet—where is it,

have got

*I '

was performed, and then the

service

little

That

'There

it safe.'

Now, where

right.

's

is it ?

my

's

bugle

quite safe too.'

it is,

'Yes, that's right,' said the boy faintly.

want

to lose that

there dent that '

'11

'I don't

Oh, I say, look at that the colonel say

when he

sees

?

Shall I

who

but

;

What

!

?

you,

tell

Punch

? '

young man,

said the

bent over him, watching every change in his

face.

'Yes

—

something

no.

I

know: "Careless young whelp,"

or

and the sergeant

;

Never mind the sergeant/ said the young sharpshooter. I want to tell you what the colonel will '

'

say, like the '

gentleman he

Then, what

'11

he say

is.' ?

'

said the

wounded

lad

drowsily. '

and

That he has a very brave boy in his regiment, Poor chap, he has fainted again

word, what a position to be in

1

Our

!

My

fellows will

;

POOR PUNCH. never be able to get back, and

means hospital I

if

13 I shout for help

What

for him, prison for me.

it

shall

do?' There was nothing to be done, as Pen Gray soon

upon

realised as he lay

his side in the shade of the

wounded comrade, who

steep valley, watching his

gradually sank into the sleep of exhaustion, while the private listened for every sound that might suggest the coming on or retreating of the French troops.

His hopes rose once, for

it

seemed to him that the

war was ebbing and flowing lower down the valley, and his spirits rose as the mountain-breeze brought the sounds of firing apparently nearer and tide of

nearer,

only

till

he

rallied,

that the English troops had not

felt

but were driving back the French over

by which they had come.

the ground

day wore on he found that

his hopes

make their position worse, come down the valley and were and, to

quarter of a mile from

ing companion lay

which had grown

;

fiercer

as the

were

false

fresh troops

halted

where he and

while,

But

had

about

a

his

sleep-

lower down, the

firing,

and

fiercer,

gradually died

out.

He was surprise

the

intently straining his ears,

the

afternoon

sun

when

to his

began to flash upon

weapons of armed men, and once more

his

hopes revived in the belief that the French were being driven back

;

but to his

astonishment

and

dismay, as they came more and more into sight, a halt seemed to have been called,

and they too

settled

'

'

'

'

'

'

POOR PUNCH.

14

down

into a bivouac,

and communications by means

mounted men took place between them and the halted party higher up the valley the young rifle-

of

;

man, by using great

watching the going to and

care,

fro unseen.

Evening was coming

and Pen Gray was

on,

watching and wondering whether

it

would be

to take advantage of the darkness,

try and pass

down

when

still

possible

it

fell,

to

the valley, circumvent the enemy,

and overtake their

friends,

when

wounded

the

boy's

eyes unclosed, and he lay gazing wonderingly in his

comrade's eyes.

Punch

'

Better,

*

What 's

boy

gazed

?

said

'

the matter in

?

Pen softly. was the reply

'

face

his

in

a

dazed,

;

and the

half -stupid

way, *

Don't you remember, lad

*

No,'

was the

Where 's the ridgment ? Somewhere about the mouth

reply.

*Over yonder.

?

*

of

the valley, I expect.'

What

*

Oh,

'

I should think about five.

all right.

Why said the boy. Why are we here ? row. ?

'

*

'

Waiting

till

time

'

is it ?

Why

?

Because there will be a

you are better before trying

to join

our company.' '

my

Better feet

?

Have we been

resting,

then,

were so bad with the marching

Pen was

silent

because

?

as he half-knelt there, listening

wonderingly to his comrade's half-delirious

queries,

'

'

'

POOR PUNCH.

15

and asking himself whether he had better boy

tell

the

their real position.

So much marching/ continued the boy, and those blisters. Ah, I remember I say, private, '

*

!

didn't I get a bullet into me,

here

?

Yes, that

's

are you going to do

Ah, what are

and

fall

right

down

Here, Private Gray, what

it.

?

we going

young man sadly. *I was in hopes that you would be so much better, or rather I hoped you might, that '

to do

?

'

we could creep along after dark and men but I am afraid

said the

get back to our

'

;

*So'm I,' said the boy bitterly, as he tried to move himself a little, and then sank back with a faint groan. 'Couldn't do it, unless two of our fellows got

me

a sergeant's sash and carried

in

me.' *

I 'd try

and carry you on

you could bear *

Couldn't,' said the

Beaten,

back,' said Pen,

*

if

it.'

boy abruptly.

do you think our lads are *

my

perhaps

'I say,

where

?

taken

prisoners,'

said

Pen

bitterly. *

—cowards

Serve 'em right

behind like this *

!

To go and

leave us

!

Don't talk so much.'

'Why?' *

It will

complain. I

was not

make you feverish and it 's of no use to They couldn't help leaving us. Besides, ;

left.'

'

'

'

'

POOR PUNCH.

16 '

Then how come you

to be here

?

*

boy

said the

sharply.

came

'I '

More

after you, to help you.'

you

old stupid *

you were safe Pen raised

?

liis

brows a

perplexed, half-amused

comrade,

breath,

say, comrade,

Pen was

with pain,

and then whispered

I oughtn't

You saw me go down,

And you

ejaculated,

Wound

*Ye

his forehead

to

softly, *I

have said that

there,

silent.

Pen bowed

*

half-

?

ought I

'

and looked

little

at the irritable face of his

who wrinkled up

drew a hard

'

know when

Didn't you

!

—

?

his head.

me up

ran back to pick

drawing

his breath

hurt you much,

es,'

you

didn't

Ah

?

!

'

he

hard

my

lad

?

said the lad, wincing; 'just as

my

one was boring a hole through

some

if

shoulder with a

red-hot ramrod.' '

Punch,

lad, I

don't think

you were asleep

for while it

my

it 's

'

rade '

and found that

I looked,

had stopped bleeding.' Stopped ? That 's a good job

a bad wound,

;

ain't

com-

it,

?

Yes

;

and with a healthy young fellow

a wound soon begins to heal up

if

like

you

the wounded

man

lies quiet.' *

But

*

Then the wound

I 'm only a boy, private.* will heal all the

more

readily.*

' '

POOR PUNCH. I say,

'

how do you know

17

all this ?

said the boy,

'

looking at him curiously. *

By

*

Keading

reading.'

Ah, I can't read

!

words.

little

got to

lie

then,

if

till

'

Oh

'

Don't you lose

;

only

I

have

up.

I

?

have you got that bullet safe

say,

much

you know that, the hole 's grown

Well, then,

still,

—not

yes.'

that to

show people So

Even

at home.

I should like people to

the wars.

mean

mind, because I

it,

know

I have got to

if

to

am

I

keep

a boy

that I have been in lie still

and get well

?

you could get me a bundle or two The of hay and a greatcoat to cover over me. wind will come down pretty cold from the mounWon't be bad

tains

but I sha'n't mind that so long as the bears

;

come

don't

if

be

I shall

too.

all

them where you have promoted for

left

me.

I say,

you

tell

will get

it.*

What

'

Nonsense, Punch

'

Sticking to a comrade like

!

for

?

I have been

this.

you running help me, with the Frenchies coming on.

thinking about

back to I

you had

and get back to the regiment, and

better be off

Yes,

right, so

it,

I call it fine of

make have you made

know.

colonel will

and

Don't

faces

about

it.

The

corporal for trying to

save me.' '

not

Of course

much

'

Pen

said

older than

the regiment Tent

!

;

more

sarcastically.

you

— the youngest

'

Why,

I

'm

private in

likely to be in trouble for not

B

'

'

'

18

POOR PUNCH. r

keeping in the ranks, and shirking the enemy's fire/

'Don't you

me/

tell

boy sharply.

said the

the colonel and everybody know,

let

back to the ranks '

What

's

that

?

'

said

Pen

sharply.

*

my

heart

's

faint,

If ever

Why, you

!

going to set up a faint heart, are you 'Tain't

ever I get

if

again.'

get back to the ranks again

*

but

my

you

are not

?

head

But, I say, do you think

and swimmy.

*I'll

feels sick

you ought

do any more about stopping up the hole so as

to

'

to give a fellow a chance 'I'll

know '

do

?

I can, Punch,' said

all

Pen; 'but you

I 'm not a surgeon/

Course

I

said

do,'

the

laughing,

boy,

evidently fighting hard to hide his suffering.

but

You

*

are better than a doctor.' '

Better, eh

'

Yes, ever so much, because

?

you are here and the

doctor isn't/

The boy

lay silent for a few minutes, evidently

thinking deeply. '

I say, private,' he said at

this all out about

think this will be '

*

What What

what 's going

I

can't

to be done

settle

but I

;

best.'

?

I said before.

night, and then creep off It will be

'

last,

awkward

You had

better wait

and follow our men's

in the dark, but

till

track.

you ought to

be able to find out somehow, because there

's

only

'

'

19

POOR PUNCH. one road

You

just keep along that while

to luck

my

along by the side of this

all

when

it 's

water-bottle

's

empty,

so,

Only, look here,

back, and I shall be

it

way back and

fight their *

And

all

me

pick

river,

right

they are not able to

if

you think

as soon as

dark enough, down you go to the bring

dark, and trust

it 's

daytime again.

little river.

fill

till oilr

it 's

and

it,

fellows

up.*

—what then

said

*

?

Pen, smiling. '

Well, I shall wait

till

I get so hutigiy I can't

wait any longer, and then I will cry chy-ike Frenchies come and pick

me

What,

angrily, *

through '

to the river 's

take

my

you

now

I

!

that.'

I

have often

'm lying here, with

glad that I of

my

am

and you mustn't

lose

only

water-bottle.

be dark enough for you to get ;

Pen

said

'

any

time.

down Oh,

You had better the enemy have

bugle

;

?

when

Yes,

*

Well,

*

but

?

we mustn't let I think as much of my bugle as Bony's chaps their eagles. You will take care of it, won't

*

you

;

one thing more, though.

there

do of

man

my back, I 'm rather Now then, catch hold

It will soon

that.

boy

I like that, private.

!

wished I was a

a boy.

wounded

No, they are not so bad as

Thank ye

a hole in

a

the

But, I say, they

up.

won't stick a bayonet tln'ough me, will they '

till

I carry

it,'

you are going

?'

No/

said

Pen

quietly.

said to

Pen

quietly.

carry

it

now, aren't

''

'

'

20

POOR PUNCH. '

Oh, you mean, not

water

?

Pen shook *

you have fetched the

till

his head.

What do you mean, then

*To do

my

?

duty, boy.' F

'

Of course you do

me

but don't be so jolly fond of

;

You said yourself a little while ago that you weren't much older than I am. But, I say, you had better go now and I suppose I oughtn't to talk, for it makes my head turn swimmy, and we calling

boy.

;

are wasting time *I

—

and

;

I can't help

—

I never felt

it.

Get the water, and

There, do go now.

when you come

asleep

boy groaned, so bad as this.

oh. Gray,* the

back, don't

But

I feel the pain again.

if

wake me

I

am

so that

—but—shake hands

first,

and say good-bye.'

The boy uttered a helplessly '

Well,

hand,

out his

stretch

to

by

faint cry of

his side.

good-bye,'

he

panted,

^^^ ^^^_ ^^^

'

it isn't

time

yet,' said

^^

Well,

why

don't

a glance round he drew some of the over-

and then passed

his

and afterwards held

Thank ?

closer together,

hand across the boy's forehead, his wrist.

you, doctor,' said the boy, smiling.

seems to have done going

dropped

Pen meaningly, as

hanging twigs of the nearest shrub

*

Pen's

?

Because

after

as

^^

slowly upon the quivering limb.

'

tried

which only sank down

n

you go

agony as he

me

good.

Now

'That

then, aren't

you

'

'

'

'

:

POOR PUNCH. *

No/

*

I say

said Pen, with a sigh.

—why

You know You mean

'

*

alone

That

?

?

as well as I do/ replied Pen.

that you won't go and leave 's

Suppose I

here

what you mean/ you are quite right.

;

and leave me at night on

off

me

But look here. was lying here wounded, would you go

Punch

Yes,

'

21

this cold mountain-side,

knowing how those brutes of wolves hang about the rear of the army ? You have heard them of a night, haven't you ? *

the

said

Yes,'

boy,

drawing his

shudderingly

through his tightly closed teeth.

breath

what do you

comrade,

want

to

talk

I

say,

like

that

*

for?' '

Because I want you to answer

Would you go *

No,

I

speaking

'm

and leave me here alone

blessed

now

couldn't do

off

it,

in

my

if

I

a voice

comrade, and

would,' of

full it

question ?

said

the

boy,

animation,

'

I

w^ouldn't be like a

soldier's son/

am

*

But

*

No,' said the boy,

I

not a soldier's son, Punch/

They

don't like you,

won't

tell

*

and that

's

what our

and they say

lads sa}^

There, I

you what.'

'Yes, tell me, Punch.

I should like to know.'

'They say that they have not got anything against you, only

you have no business here

ranks.' '

Why

do they say that

?

else

in the

'

POOR PUNCH.

22 '

Because,

you *

when they

are talking about

it,

they say

are a gentleman and a seholard/

But

thought I was always friendly and sociable

I

with them.' '

So you

citedly

* ;

and

Gray/

Private

are,

the boy ex-

cried

ever I get back to the ranks alive

if

them you are the best comrade regiment, and how you wouldn't leave me I

'11

in

tell

tlie

in the

lurch.' *

And

make you

I shall

promise, Punch, that you

never say a word.' '

All right,' said the boy, with a faint smile,

word

I won't say a

promise,

'11

he continued,

but,'

;

I

*

with a shudder which did not conceal his smile, '

they will be sure to find

you *

'

as

What 's

Cold '

much

do now.'

as I

the matter. Punch

Head

's

hot

as

else

I

swimming coming 's

just

out and get to like

? '

said

Pen

shortly.

?

everywhere

It

it

all

now

right,

—

just

The boy's

am in

like

my

comrade

now

so

fire,

;

's

ice.

my

shoulder

And

head again.-

—I

there

;

but

's

that

don't mind.

I shall be better soon, but

'

voice trailed off into silence, and a few

minutes later young Private Penton Gray, of his Majesty's newly raised bearers of the to

win the

weapon

—

th Rifles, nearly

wliicli

was

to do

battles of the Peninsular

all

fresh

so

much

War, prepared

to keep his night-watch on the chilly mountain-side

by

stripping off his coatee

and unrolling

his care-

'

23

POOR PUNCH. folded greatcoat to

fully

And

that

cover the

wounded

night-watch was wliere he could

lad.

hear

the howling and answering howls of the loathsome beasts that seemed to

rades

and

:

here,

slain

;

and

him

here, for

to say

men

' :

This waj^, com-

are lying

wounded

the watch-fires are distant, and there are

none to hinder us where the banquet

Come, brothers, come

!

is

spread.

I

!

24

CHAPTER

III.

WHERE THE WOLVES HOWL. *

T TGH

^ *

'

A long,

shivering shudder following upon

the low, dismal howl of a wolf.

Bah !

turn

my

be a

How

!

cold

is

it

lying out here in this

wind which comes down from the mountainI say, what an idiot I was to strip myself and

chilly

tops

!

greatcoat into a counterpane

humbug

that wasn't the cold.

;

fright

—

cowardice

same

if

I

There

is

!

—and

I should

have

No, I won't It

was sheer

felt just

the

The brutes about it. The very

had had a blanket over me. something so horrible

idea of their coming

down from

the mountains to

follow the trail of the fighting, and hunt out the dead

wounded who have been forgotten or have crawled somewhere for shelter.* Pen Gray lay thinking in the darkness, straining

or the

his ears the while to try

and convince himself that

was not a movement made by a prowling wolf scenting them out; and as he the faint sound he heard

lay listening, he pictured to himself the gaunt, grisly beast creeping '

up

Only fancy

!

'

to spring

upon him.

he said sadly.

'

That wasn't the

breathing of one of the beasts, only the wind again that comes sighing

down from

wish I was more plucky.'

the mountains.

—

WHERE THE WOLVES HOWL.

He

amongst the shrubs with

his

laid

rifle

muzzle pointed in the

its

whence

from

direction

hand and

out his

stretched

25

the

sighing

sound

had

come.

put an end to one of them/ he muttered

'I'll

bitterly,

'

if

him

I don't miss

Pooh

in the dark.

!

They won't come here, or if they do I have only to jump up and the cowardly beasts will dash off at once

but

;

horrid lying here in the darkness, so

it is

and so strange.

solitary

I wouldn't care so

much

if

the stars would come out, but they won't tO-night.

Why,

must be nearly morning, for I And how have been lying here hours and hours.

To-night

dark

?

it is

it

in this valley,

with the mountains towering

day would come, but it always does seem ten times as long when you are waiting and expecting it. It is getting cold though. up on each

Seems boy,'

side.

go right through to one's bones.

to

He 's warm

that

—Poor

he continued, as he stretched out one hand and

gently passed *

I wish the

's

it

beneath his companion's covering.

No

enough.

fever from

his

—

too hot

wound.

;

and

I suppose

Poor chap

!

Such

But as brave as brave. He must be a but he 's more couple of years younger than I am of a man. Oh, I do wish it was morning, so that a boy too

!

;

I

could

cottages

try

and do something.

somewhere

—

shepherds'

There must be or

goatherds'

where as soon as the people understand that we are not French they might give

and an onion or

two,'

me some

black bread

WHERE THE

2()

The young

soldier

\yOLVES HOWTv.

laughed a

mocking

low,

soft,

kind of laugh. *

Black

seems

bread

Why,

!

and

a

But

feast.

have got to

let

oniop

see

let

;

As soon as and try to make

queer

it

I wouldn't

sounds like

it

think about what I

's

do.

find a cottage

now

stuff, wliile

's

How

!

was a time when

there

have touched such

an

it 's

daylight I must

the people understand

what 's the matter, and get them to help me to carry poor Punch into shelter. Another night like this would

him.

kill

used to think that lying

I

always

wet

clothes,

know, though.

I don't

down

in one's

and perhaps rain coming in the night, would give

me

a cold

;

but

it

though, somehow.

shelter,

I

doesn't.

Oh,

must get him if

into

morning would

The black darkness makes one feel so horribly lonely. -What nonsense I have got poor Punch here. But he has the best of it he can only come

!

—

!

;

sleep,

and here I haven't even closed

Being hungry, are.

lost

Gone many.

I suppose.

—

I

wonder where our

right off perhaps.

But the

firing

my

I

hope

was very

we

eyes.

lads

haven't

sharp, and I

suppose the French have kept up the pursuit, and

they are

all

miles and miles away.'

At that moment

there w^as a sharp flash with the

report of a musket, and

its

echoes seemed to be

thrown back from the steep slope across the

torrent,

while alpiost simultaneously, as Gray raised himself

upon

his

another,

elbow,

there

and another,

was another report, and followed by more, some of

WHERE THE WOLVES HOWL.

2*7

hand

•which seemed distant and the others close at

while, as the echoes zigzagged across the valley,

;

and

draw himself up into a sitting position, oddly enough that hand touched something icy, and he snatched it back w^ith a feeling of annoyance, for he realised that it was only the icy metal that formed his wounded comthe lad stretched out his hand to

panion's bugle, and

he lay listening to the faint

notes of another instrument calling upon the

men

to

assemble. '

Why,

a night attack/ thought Pen excitedly,

it 's

and unconsciously he began to breathe hard as he while he fully grasped the fact

listened intently,

that there were

about in

*And alone

!

'

men

of the French brigade dotted

all directions.

there

was

I thinking that

we were

quite

he said to himself.

Then by degrees

his short

experience of a few

months of the British occupation on the borders of Portugal and Spain taught hixn that he had been to

listening

a night alarm, for from out of the

darkness came the low buzz of voices, another bugle

and then by voices died away, and

was sounded, distant orders rang

murmur

degrees the low

once more

all

was

of

out,

still.

was in hopes,' thought Gray, 'that our fellows were making a night attack, giving the enemy a *I

surprise.

Why,

there

must be hundreds within

That puts an end to help as

soon as

the

my

reach.

going hunting about for

day breaks, unless

I

mean

WHERE THE WOLVES HOWL.

28

Why,

US to be taken prisoners.

here I should be seen.

—

Asleep,

moved from Punch ? he said I

if

'

softly.

There was no reply, and the speaker shuddered as he stretched out his hand to forehead

but at the

;

first

feel for his

companion's

touch there was an im-

patient movement, and a feeling of relief shot through

the lad's breast, for imagination had been busy, and

was ready

to suggest that something horrible

might

have happened in the night. '

Oh,

I

muttered.

do wish I wasn't such a coward,' he '

What

shall I

Wliat

's

even

if

He 's

all

do

Try and go

?

right,

the good of talking

only

to sleep

?

I

am

watcher trying hard to

was the the

bit till

feverish.

morning

?

sure I couldn't,

I did try.'

Then the weary hours slowly

of

a

east,

settle in his

crept along, the

own mind which

but failing dismally, for

valley had been

tlie

such that he

guess at the direction where the

windings

could only

dawn might

appear.

There were no more of the dismal bowlings of the wolves, though, the scattered firing having effectually

driven them

away

;

but there were moments when

it

seemed to the young watcher that the night was being indefinitely prolonged, and he sighed again and again as he strained his eyes to pierce the darkness,

and went on trying

to

form some plan as to

his

next movement. *

I

wonder how long we could

he said to himself,

*

lie

without food.

in hiding here/

Poor Punch in

'

'

WHERE THE WOLVES HOWL.

29

but by-and-by,

hia state wouldn't miss his ration;

the French don't find us, this bitter cold will

if

we

have passed away, and scorching sunshine

—and

Who was

yes, water.

by having reach

my

for

it

to

close

it

can be hot in these stuffy

who was

tortured

him and not being

able to

that chap

Tantalus, of course

it ?

be lying here in the

the poor boy will be raving for water

valleys

—

—

shall

I

!

down among

the torrent and

fill

the bushes to the edge of

our water-bottles, and get back up

But perhaps, when

here again without being seen. the day comes, and will

move

off,

and try and

He

if

they don't see

and then

find

all

I wonder, though, whether

stories out of Lempriere.

I could crawl

forgetting

want cock-and-bull

Well, spldiers don't

classics.

am

some

us,

the French

need only wait patiently

I

cottage.

—

Yes,

what

is it

?

arm again, for Punch had begun to mutter but there was no reply. Talking in his sleep,' said Pen with a sigh. Oh, surely it Good for him that he can sleep raised himself

upon

his

;

*

*

!

must be near morning now

The

!

lad sprang to his knees and placed one

hand

over his eyes as he strained himself round, for

all

a tiny speck as of glowing right overhead, and he stared in amazement.

at once he caught sight of fire '

Why,

that can't be daylight

would appear, of

course,

a faint streak of dawn. star peering

two

of

!

low down

he thought.

*

It

in the east, just

That must be some dull

through the clouds.

them,'

'

Why,

he said in a whisper

;

there are '

no,

three.

WHERE THE WOLVES HOWL.

30

Why,

it

day coining

is

And he

* !

uttered a faint

cry of joy as he crouched low again and gazed, so to speak, with all his

might at the wondrous scene

formed by the myriad specks of orange

of beauty light

which began to spread overhead, and grow and

grow

till

the mighty

dome

that seemed supported in

a vast curve by the mountains on either side of the valley became one blaze of light. *

Punch,' whispered Pen excitedly,

How

stupid

wake him

to pain

Look, look should I

!

!

'

he

'

it 's

morning

muttered.

and misery

Why

'

Yes,

?

I

it is

morning, sure enough,' he muttered again, for a bugle

rang out apparently close at hand, and was answered

from

first

one direction and then another, the echoes

taking up the notes softly and repeating them again

and again

till

it

seemed to the

listener

must be lying with quite an army awakening

The

as

if

close at

he

hand

to the day.

light

rapidly increased, and

Pen began

to

look in various directions for danger, wondering the

while whether some patch of forest would offer as an

asylum somewhere

close at

hand

;

itself

but he only

uttered a sigh of relief as he grasped the fact that,

while high above them the golden light was gleaming dowii from the sun-flecked clouds, the gorges

were

still full

of purple gloom,

and clouds of thick

mist were slowly gathering in the valley-bottom and

were being wafted along by the breath of tnorn and following the course of the river.

To

his

great

relief

too,

as

the minutes

glided

WHERE THE WOLVES HOWL. he found that

by,

patches

great

31 the

of

smoke-like mist rose higher and higher

a

soft,

lay,

and

till

dank cloud enveloped them where they throtigh

rolling

he could hear faintly uttered orders and

it

the tramp of

men

apparently gathering and passing

along the shelf-like mule-path. '

And

I

was longing

— 'Ah, Pen.

for the

sun to

rise

!

'

thought

there's an officer;' for somewhere just

overhead there was the sharp click of an iron-shod hoof it

the rocks.

'

He must have

seen us

hadn't been for this mist,' thought the lad.

if it

in

among

will only last for half

an hour we

may

*

be

if

Now

safe.'

The mist did last for quite that space of timefact, until Pen Gray was realising that the east

lay right

away

to his right

—

for a golden shaft of

light suddenly shot horizontally

from a gap in the

mountains, turning the heavy mists

masses of opalescent hues

;

it

pierced into

and, there before him, he

suddenly caught sight of a cameo-like figure which stood out from where he

mule-path light

must

run.

knew

Tlie

that the shelf-like

bar

great

enveloped both rider and horse,

from the

officer's

raised

sword

and

of

golden

and flashed the

horse's

trappings.

Then the rolling cloud of mist swept on and blotted him from sight, and Pen crouched closer and closer to his sleeping comrade, and lay with bated breath listening to passing

men

tlie

tramp, tramp of the

not a hundred feet

above his head,

and praying now that the wreaths

of mist

might

WHERE THE WOLVES HOWL.

32

screen them, as they did to be a strong brigade

what seemed

till

had gone on

him

to

in the direction

taken by his friends.

But he did not begin

breathe freely

to

till

the

tramping of hoofs told to his experienced ears that a strong baggage-train of mules was on

Then came the tramp '

men

of

Rear-guard/ he thought

its

way.

again. ;

and then

his

heart

sank once more, for the tramping men swept by in the midst of a dense like

smoke as

it

rolled

gray cloud, which looked right

onward, and

by magic the sun burst out and with a blaze of '

They must

filled

as

if

the valley

light,

see

us

now/ groaned Pen

closed his eyes in his despair.

;

and he

'

33

CHAPTER '

EN'S

WATER, OR

SHALL DIE

!

heart beat heavily as he lay listening to

the tramping

and at

I

IV.

last the

of

feet

upon the rocky

shelf,

sounds seemed so close that he drew

himself together ready to spring to his feet and do

what he could his

in

For

to protect his injured comrade.

was strong upon recognition by the enemy might

strange position the idea

him that

their first

be made with the presentation of a bayonet's point.

But

his anticipations

of an excited brain

;

proved to be only the work

and, as he lay perfectly

once more, the heavy tramp, tramp, a

still

good deal

wanting in the regularity of the British troops, died out, and he relieved the oppression that bore

down upon

his breast

Nothing was

with a deep

visible as the

sigh.

sounds died out

;

and,

was safe, he changed his position slightly so as to try and make out whether the rear-guard of the enemy had quite disappeared. In an instant he had shrunk down again amongst waiting

till

he

felt

that he

w

the bushes, for there, about a hundred yards away,

an angle where the mule-path struck suddenly to the left, and at a spot that had

at the point of off

undoubtedly been chosen for Tent.

C

its

command

of

the

34

WATER, OB

'

I

SHALL DIE

* !

road backward, he became aware of the presence of an outpost of seven or eight men.

This was startling, for

it

put a check upon any

attempt at movement upon his

own

part.

Pen lay thinking for a few moments, during which he made sure that his comrade was still plunged in a deep, stupor-like little

investigation, he settled

slightly without

and, taking

Then, after a

sleep.

how he

could

move

drawing the attention of the vedette

;

advantage thereof, crawled cautiously

about a couple

yards with the greatest

of

care.

Then, looking back as he slowly raised his head,

which he covered with a few leafy twigs, he was by no means surprised to see at the edge of the mule-path about a quarter of a mile away another vedette.

that

This shut off any attempt at retreat in

and he was about

direction,

when he was

to

move again

by a flash of light reflected from a musket-barrel whose bearer was one acting as the leader of a third vedette moving up the side of the valley across the river, and which soon came to a halt at about the same height above the stream as that which he occupied himself. The lad could not control a movement of imstartled

patience as the

knot of infantry

little

selves exactly opposite to his in a position

own

settled

them-

hiding-place,

from which the French

soldiers

and

must

be able to control one slope of the valley for a mile in each direction. '

It

's

maddening

!

'

thought Pen.

'

I sha'n't be able

'WATER, OR to

and

stir,

I dare say

stationed about.

I

SHALL DIE!*

they

have more vedettes

'11

means giving

It

35

up,

and nothing

else/

Very slowly and cautiously he wrenched himself round, and then rolled over twice so as to bring himself alongside of his sleeping comrade as he

;

and then,

resumed his reconnoitring, where he was just

able to

command and

to his right

the farther side of in a direction

tlie

valley

where he hoped

away

to find

the land clear, he started again. *

Why, they

are everywhere

said the lad half-

' !

aloud and with a faint groan of dismay

;

for there,

higher up the opposite side, were a couple of sentries

who seemed to be looking straight down upon him. he muttered and Why, they must have seen me for quite an hour now he lay without stirring, half !

'

'

the

in

expectation

motion and a

little

seeing

of

;

the

low bushes in

party of the blue-coated enemy

coming across to secure fresh prisoners.

But the time wore dying out in the

on,

warm

with the sunshine

chill of the

night

now beginning

to

search Pen's side of the valley with the bright shafts of light,

which suggested to him the necessity for

covering his well-kept

was able

to

rifle

with the leafy twigs he

gather cautiously so as not to betray

his presence.

He was his

head

in the act of doing this when, turning

slightly,

right into his eyes, to try

a flash of light began to play

and he stopped short once more

and make out whether this had been seen by

;

'WATER, OR

36

SHALL DIE!'

I

enemy on duty,

either of the

now awoke

for he

to

the fact that poor Punch's bugle was lying quite exposed.

The

was

so startling that, instead of trying

to reach its cord

and draw the glistening instrument

fact

towards him, he lay perfectly the

sides

search of

the

of

danger,

thought occurred

valley

to

fall across

he could

in

the

till

him that he might achieve view by cautiously taking out

and cutting twig

his knife

as

far

but searching in vain,

the object he had in

might

as

again, sweeping

still

after twig so that they

the curving polished copper.

This he contrived to do, and then lay more, breathing freely in the

full

once

still

hope that

if

he

gave up further attempt at movement he might escape detection. 'Besides,'

playing

they

he said to himself, with a bitter smile

upon his

may

lips,

'

if

they do make us out

not trouble, for they will think

we

are

dead.'

He

lay

then, waiting for

still

so that he could

The hours

warn him

to

lie

Punch

attacked

glided by, with the sun rising higher

weariness, and

him,

contrast there

With nothing

awaken

perfectly quiet.

and setting the watcher thinking, misery,

to

of

in spite of

the pangs of

what

a

his

hunger that

wonderfully

beautiful

was between the night and the day. else that

he could

do,

he recalled the

horrors of the past hours, the alternating chills of cold and despair, and the bowlings of the wolves

:

'

'WATER, OR

I

SHALL DIE!'

and he uttered more than one sigh of

away

eyes swept the peaks

37 relief as his

across the valley, which

here and there sent forth flashes of light from a

few scattered patches of melting snow, the beautiful

shadows of the transverse

violet

gullies

through

which sparkling rivulets descended with many a

main stream, which dashed onward

to join the

fall

with the quite

The

musical roar which rose and

dull,

almost

then

loud,

fell,

now

dying completely away.

valley formed a very paradise to the unfortunate

fugitive,

and he muttered

How

bitterly

would have been under other circumstances, when such a wondrous scene of peace '

beautiful it

was not night,'

disfigured

by war

So

!

bitterly cold last

thought the young private impatiently, for

now

he was fighting

against

two

both of

assaults,

which came upon him when he was trying hard to lie

perfectly

still

and maintain his equanimity

while the pangs of hunger and thirst were growing poignant. still

I

*

It seems so easy,' he muttered,

and keep

and here

silence,

I

am

to

lie

feeling that

must move and do something, and wanting so

horribly to talk.

It

would be better

boy would only awaken and speak there

's

if

Oh,

rise,

sound.

And

that water, too,' he continued, as the faint

how so

that poor

to me.

plashing, rippling sound rose to his ears *

*

I could drink

that

I

How

terribly

getting worse

!

couldn't

!

I wish the

hear

hot the

that

sun

from below.

wind would

dull is

;

plashing

and

it 's

38

'WATER, OR

Then a

I

SHALL DIE!'

Punch

horrible thought struck him, that

might suddenly wake up and begin to talk aloud, feverish and delirious from his sufferings

when

and then

;

Pen's troubles were at their very worst, and

he could hardly contain himself and keep from creeping downwards to the water's edge,

a cloud swept over him, and long he could not to clutch the twigs

it

seemed as

was blank,

all

for

if

how

but his fingers closed sharply

tell,

and grass amongst which he lay

as he started into full consciousness. '

Why,

have been asleep

I

must have

been;'

!

he muttered.

'

beating

up the

down upon

that

little

flashing waters of the

midday/ His eyes now sought the and

all

was

now

the sun

gully and lighting

Why,

I

must

must be

quite

fall.

have been sleeping for hours, and

vedettes,

I

and he stared wildly around.

'There was a great shadow there, and is

'

it

positions of the different

so brilliant

and

saw where the men had stood up

clear that

he

muskets

their

against bush or tree, noted the flash from bayonets

and the duller gleam from musket-barrels. case, too,

a

tree,

the

and

men were

this sent

through the

lad, as

In one

sheltering themselves beneath

an additional pang of suffering he

felt for

the

first

time that

the sun was playing with burning force upon his neck. '

I

It

's

of no use,' he said.

'

Even

if

they see me,

must move.'

But he made the movement with the mental

'WATER, OR excuse that

was

it

to see

SHALL DIE!

I

how

his

39

wounded companion

fared.

It only

meant

hold of a clump of wiry

seizing

heather twice over and drawing himself to where his face

was

himself

again

Then he resigned

close to the sleeper.

with a sigh

try and

to

bear

his

position, *

He 's

he can't

How and

best off/ he muttered, feel

what

*

bad as he

is,

for

I do.'

the rest of that day of scorching sunshine

onward Pen Gray could not For the most part it was like a he awoke to the fact that the

cruel thirst passed

afterwards

recall.

feverish dream,

till

sun was sinking

fast,

and that from time to time a

gentle breath of cool air

was wafted down from the

mountains.

Then the hunger began to torture him again, though at times the thirst was less. His brain was clearer,

though, and he lay alternately watching the

vedettes and noting that they had their positions,

and trying to perfect his plans as

what he must do should render

somewhat changed

it

as soon as the shades of

possible for

Finally, the last sentry

to

!

'

;

night

move unseen.

was completely

by the gathering darkness aloud, Now for it Pen '

him

to

blotted out

and, uttering the words

tried to

raise himself to

his knees before proceeding to carry out his plan,

when he sank back again with an of wonder, half

of dread.

ejaculation half

For a feeling of utter

numbness shot through him, paralysing every move-

'

40

•

ment

;

while, prickling

frame

his

despair,

vain,

WATER, OR

that

movement had

How was

it

and

all

1

stinging, every fibre of

as

he lay there in

planning had been in

his

and that now the time had arrived when he

might carry out of

SHALL DIE

quivered

literally

feeling

I

his

attempt in safety the power

absolutely gone.

long he lay like this he could not until

the

night-breeze was

tell,

but

coming down

briskly from the mountains, and the sound of the

plashing water far below sent a sudden feeling of

excitement through his nerves. '

Water

! '

he muttered.

*

Water, or I shall die

* !

41

CHAPTER

V.

HARD WORK.

T was

like

coming back to

Pen

felt

full

of

The pangs

life.

In an instant

energy and excitement once

hunger supplemented those of thirst and, almost raging against them now, he felt that he must fight, and he rose with an effort more.

of

;

numbness

to his feet, with the tingling

feeling for

moment worse than ever, but only to prick and spur him into action. 'Ah !* he ejaculated, *it is like life coming back.' the

Turning

where

to

his

comrade lay

breathing

heavily, he snatched off the leafy twigs with

which

he had sheltered him. *

Asleep,

Punch

? '

he

said

;

but

was only

he

answered by a low sigh. '

Poor boy

He

he muttered

' !

snatched

off,

full

* ;

but I must.'

of energy now, his jacket

and overcoat, and resumed them. his

he slackened the sling and passed

rifle,

his shoulder.

bugle,

Then, picking up it

over

In doing this he kicked against the

and slung the cord across the other shoulder.

Then, tightening the strap of his shako beneath his chin,

he drew a deep breath and looked

first

in the

one direction and then in another in search of vedettes

;

but

all

M'^as

darlcness for a while,

tl\e

and he

HARD WORK.

42

was beginning

to feel the calm of certainty as re-

garded their being perfectly free from observation,

when, from the nearest point where he had made out the watchers, he suddenly became aware of

how

close

one party was by seeing the faint spark of

light

which the next minute deepened into a glow,

and the wind wafted to

his nostrils the odour of

coarse, strong tobacco. *

Ah, nearer than I thought,' said the lad to

himself, and, looking

round once more, he made out

another faint glow of light

and then, bending over

;

his comrade, he felt about for his

own

his

to the boy's wrists,

hands and glided

which

felt

dank and

he stood thinking for a moment or two of

cold, as

the poor fellow *s condition. *I

can't

help

My

it.

He must

quite insensible to pain. sleep like this.

It

only hope

must be

'

It

only

's

'and I

himself,

now

to

But

it

laid,

and he had

strength,'

he said to

difficulty.

matter feel

of

desperate and strong enough

meant several

failures,

and he was checked

after groan before he at last

managed

to

himself with his back to the wounded boy,

after propping little

he couldn't

do anything.'

by groan seat

a

be, or

is

done.'

Pen's plans had been carefully

not anticipated any

that he

is

him up against one

oak-trunks amongst

of the gnarled

which they had

been

lying.

Again and again he had been hindered by the

;

43

HARD WORK. More than

slung across his back.

rifle

once, too,

he

had despairingly told himself that he must cast aside,

but only to

any

feel that at

Then

cost a soldier

it

must

was the cartouche-box drawn round before him, he was troubled by

hold to his arms. this,

the

it

haversack, and ready to rage

position of his

with despair at the

difficulties

which he had to

overcome.

At

last,

though, he sat there shivering, and listen-

ing to try and

make out whether

the poor boy's

meanings had been heard, before drawing a deep breath and beginning to drag the poor fellow's wrists

Then, making one tremendous

over his shoulders.

heave as he threw himself forward, he had Punch

upon

well

his

back and staggered up, finding himself

plunging down the slope headlong as he struggled to keep his feet, but in vain

gone, first

and a heavy

was

for his balance

;

saved by his going head

fall w^as

into the tangled branches of a scrub oak,

where

he was brought up short with his shako driven

down

over his eyes.

—

Penton regained his balance and his breath stand listening for some sound of the

taken the alarm, but his

rifle,

staff of

all

was quite

he began to use

it

downward

enemy having

—

and, freeing

in the darkness as a

support, and to feel his

shrubs and stones

still

to

way amongst

the

always, the butt saving

him from more than one fall, for he could not take a step without making sure of a safe place for his feet before

he ventured farther.

HARD WORK.

44 It

was a long and tedious task

;

but in the silence

of the night the sound of the rushing water acted as a guide, rest,

he

and by slow degrees, and

many

after

a

that he must be getting nearer to

felt at last

the river. But, unfortunately, the lower he plunged

down-

wards the deeper grew the obscurity, while the moisture from the rushing stream made the tangled

growth more dense.

Consequently, he had several

times over to stop and fight his thicket and

make a

way

out of some

fresh start.

At such times he took advantage more than once some low-growing horizontal oak-boughs, which

of

barred across

way and

him a resting-place, which he could lean and make the bough an his

afforded

easy support for his burden. It

had seemed but a short distance down

to the

stream from where he scrutinised his probable path overhead, and doubtless without burden and

day half an hour would have been

light of

by the

sufficient

to

carry him to the river's brink

all

probability that nearer three hours had elapsed

before

his

farther

progress

was

;

but

was

it

in

checked by his

finding himself in the midst of a perfect chaos of rocks, just

heavily his

;

beyond which the water was

and, utterly exhausted, he

was glad

falling

to lower

burden softly down upon a bed of loose shingle

and dry sand. '^'here's notliin^ for

said half- aloud,

it

but to wait for day/ he

and tlien—after, as best he could

in

HARD WORK.

45

wounded boy in a comfortand again covering him with his outer

the darkness, placing the able position

garments

—he

onward

till

began he

to

found

feel

that

way

his

every

cautiously

and

time

in

whatever direction he thrust down the butt of his rifle it

plashed into rushing water which came

so heavily that it splashed

and

up again

in spite of the darkness

down

into his face,

he could

feel that

he

was standing somewhere at the foot of a fall where a heavy volume of water was being dashed down from a considerable height. Pen's

first

proceeding

now was

his knees as close to the torrent as

there

refill

down upon

to go

he could

and

get,

his water-bottle, before (after securing it)

he leaned forward and lowered his face until his touched the flowing water, and he drank terrible thirst

to the

satisfied,

produced

a

close

him

for

the

at

strange

suggestive, as it were, of

paralysed

he rose again, to stand

heavy rush and roar of the

which were evidently proximity

his

was assuaged.

This great desire listening

till

lips

hand,

falls,

and whose

feeling

of

awe,

a terrible danger which

time being and held him

motionless lest at his next step he should be swept

away.

The feeling passed off" directly as the thought came that his comrade was insensible and dependent upon him for help and it struck him now that he ;

might not be able in that thick darkness to find the spot where he had left him.

HARD WORK.

46

This idea came upon him with such force as he

made a

step

one direction and

in

first

then

iu

another that he began to lose nerve. '

Oh,

won't do to play the coward now/ he

it

muttered. till

'

I

must

find

him

—

I

must

I

!

must try

I do.'

But there

is

something terribly confusing in thick

It is as

darkness.

if

that compels the one

a natural instinct

who

is lost

to go

is

awakened

wrong

and

;

Pen Gray had correctly retraced his steps from where he had lain down to drink he had before

probably passed close to his insensible companion at least a score of times, while the sense of confusion,

the nearness of danger and a terrible death, grew

and grew

till

in

utter despair and

staggered a few steps and sank

exhaustion he

down almost

breath-

less.

'It is

no more.

As he

no

good,' he groaned to himself. I

must wait

till

'I can

do

daylight,'

lay stretched out upon his back, panting

heavily from weakness,

it

seemed to him that the

roar of the falling water had redoubled, and the

fancy came

upon him that there was a tone

of

mocking triumph over his helplessness. In fact, the exertion which he had been called upon to make, the want of sleep, and possibly the exposure during

many

hours to the burning sun, had slightly affected

his brain, so that his wild imagination conjured

non-existent dangers

till

all vi^as

up

blank, for he sank

into the deep sleep of exhaustion,

and lay at

last

HARD WORK.

47

open-eyed, wondering, and asking himself whether

was plunging down a few yards away was part of some dream, in which he was lying in a fairy-like glen gazing at a rainbow, the foaming water that

a

that spanned in a bridge of beauty the

little iris

sparkling water, coming and going as the soft breeze

and

rose

through

while the sun sent shafts of

fell,

dew-sprinkled

the

leaves

many

the

of

light

shrubs and trees that overhung the flowing water

and nearly Sleep

filled

the glen.

held him in

still

its

slackening grasp, and

he lay motionless, enjoying the pleasant sense of

was caught by a black-and-white bird which suddenly came into sight by alighting upon a rock in the midst of the coolness

and

rest

till

his

attention

rushing stream. It

was one

of

many

and

there,

and

by the water that every now

nearly covered

so

scattered here

and then, as the black-and-white bird hurried here and

there, its legs

quite at home,

seldom using

its

;

but

it

seemed

and hurried away, wading easily and its

wings,

till

all

at once,

as

Pen

saw the little creature take a step, a flick, and disappear, not diving but

watched, he give

were nearly covered

tail

regularly walking into deep water, to reappear a

few

yards

away,

stepping

on

to

another

rock,

running here and there for a few moments, and again disappearing in the most unaccountable way. '

It is all

but no

bird

a dream,' thought Pen. could

'

Ducks

walk under water

like

dive, that.

'

HARD WORK.

48

swimming and using its wings like a fish's fins. I must be asleep.' At that moment the bird stepped on to another rock, to stand heel-deep and as it was passing out of

Why,

it 's

;

sight with a quick fluttering of its wings, which did

not seem to be wetted in the to raise

least,

Pen made an

effort

himself on his elbow, felt a dull, aching

sensation

of

strain,

and

lost

sight

He

that had caught his attention.

of

the object

found, however,

was no dream, for across the little torrent and high up the steep, precipitous bank before him that

it

he could see a goat contentedly browsing upon the tender green twigs of the bushes

movement, as he

;

while, at his next

tried to raise himself a little more,

there within touch, and half behind him, lay the

companion whose very existence had been blotted out of his mind

and he uttered a cry

;

rather felt that he did, for the sound

of joy

—

or

was covered by

—and dragged

the roar of the falling water

himself

painfully to where he could lay one hand upon the

bugle-boy's breast, '

Why,

Punch,' he felt that he cried, as the events

of the past hours I 'd lost you.

going

mad

He

felt

came back with a

No, I fancied

—

rush,

I

'

I thought

Here,

am

I

?

that he shouted that question aloud, and

then, sending

a pang through

his strained shoulder,

he clapped his hands to his forehead and looked

down '

wildly at the

Here, Punch

!

still

insensible boy.

Punch

! '

he repeated inaudibly.

'

HARD WORK. *

Speak *

—answer

am

I

awake, and

must be

it

had raised

'

how

oh,

stupid

head as

he muttered

other sound.

for just then he

its

!'

the roar of that water that

it is

away every

seems to sweep ;

—

I

!

49

it

Yes, that

saw that the goat

gazed across at him, and

stretched out its neck.

'Why,

he said to

it's bleating,'

himvSelf,

*and I

can't hear a sound/

The

efforts

he had made seemed to enable him to

think more clearly, and his next act was to rise to his knees stiffly

work

his joints

a

and painfully, and then begin to little

bending over his

before

companion and shrinkingly laying his hand upon his breast.

This had the desired effect

— one

strange feeling of relief through the

—

breast

till

intelligent,

'

How

are you

making him bend

could hardly hear the words himself, but that

intended was evident,

for

whom

Punch's

lips

and the next moment, to Pen's

raised one £is

now

?

they had been heard by liim for

reply,

private's

he could speak loudly in the boy's ear the

simple question,

He

young

for the wondering, questioning eyes he

met looked bright and lower

which sent a

hand

to his parched lips

they were

moved

in

delight,

he

and made a sign

of drinking. *

this

Ah, you are better time he

felt

* !

cried

excitedly,

that he almost heard his

above the deep-toned, musical Tent.

Pen

D

roar.

and

own words

50

CHAPTER

Vl.

pen's patient.

lUNCH'S appealing sign was sufficient to away the imaginative notions that had

chase beset

His hand went at once to the

Pen's awakening.

water-bottle slung to his side, and, as he held the

mouth

to

comrade's lips and forgot the pain

his

he suffered in his strained and stiffening

he

joints,

watched with a feeling of pleasure the avidity with

which the boy drank bird

;

and as he saw the strange

by once more he

flit

recalled having heard of

such a bird living in the west country.

—

remember now water-beetles and perhaps

*Yes,' he said to himself, 'I

Busy

dipper.

tiny

fish.

after

—You

drink like that

are better. Punch, or ;'

after

you wouldn't

and he carefully lowered the boy's 'Yes, and though I

head as he ceased drinking, can't hear you,

the

you have come

to your senses again,

—

you would not look at me like that. Ah, I forFor a sound other than that got all about them produced by the falling waters came faintly to his It was from somewhere far above, and echoed ear. or

!

'

twice.

'

Yes, I had forgotten

He began

all

about them.'

looking anxiously about him, taking in

the while that he was close to the river where in

a deep, precipitous gully

;

and

as he looked

it

ran

up now

'

51

pen's patient.

and then to

to right

knew

he

for the danger that

eagerly and scarcliingly,

left,

could not be far away,

ranged through densely wooded slopes,

his eyes

lit

up here and there by the morning sunshine, and always sweeping the sides of the valley in search of the vedettes, but without avail, not even the rugged

mule-path that ran along the side being

'They are not himself,

*

was

my

must have half the time, and I am

I feel as

!

sleep

so stiff I can hardly move. safe if

we

said to

have seen me coming down.

can't

it

been walking in

must be

Pen

likely to see us here,'

and they

Oh, what a job

visible,

But

I

if

I did

can keep out of sight

it, ;

and we

and that

ought to be easy, for they are not likely to come

down

Now, what

here.

to be

's

done

That was a hard question to answer

now

?

;

but growing

was satisfied that there was no immediate danger. Pen stepped once more full of energy

back lamely, as companion's

movement 'Now, lips to

if

that he

every muscle were strained, to his be greeted with a smile and a

side, to

of the boy*s lips.

let's see to

the boy's ear

;

your wound,' he

said,

with his

and he passed one hand under

Punch's wounded shoulder to try and turn him over. This time, as Punch's lips parted and his face grew convulsed with pain. Pen's ears mastered the roar,

and he heard the '

sufferer's cry.

Hurt you too much

put his

? '

he

lips to the boy's ear.

The answer was a nod,

said, as

he once more

52

pen's patient. *

Well/ thought Pen,

*

he must be

better, so I

*11

him be but we can't stop here, I must try and get him through the trees and away from this horrible noise. But I can't do it now. At least, I don't think I can. Then, what 's next ? The inaudible reply to the question came from somewhere inside, and he bent closer over Punch let

;

*

once more. '

Aren't you hungry

The boy shook '

Well,

This

I am,'

'

he roared in his

his head.

are anywhere within hearing.

mean

?

'

—

coming

'

Oh,

Hullo,

stupid if

what does

!

they this

For he suddenly caught sight of the goat

springing from stone to stone low if

ear.

how enemy where we are,

shouted Pen.

like telling the

is

?

down

the stream as

to their side of the rushing water

;

and with

mind that a tame goat like this must have an owner who was more likely to be an enemy of strangers than a friend, Pen began the thought

filling his

searching the rugged slopes on both sides of the river,

but in vain.

The

goat,

which had

crossed,

was now coming slowly towards them, appearing to be quite alone, though soon proving itself to be quite accustomed to the presence of human beings, for

it

ended by trotting over the sand and shingle at the river's

to

edge

till it

stand bleating

had approached them quite at them,

closely,

doubtless imploringly

though no sound was heard. This lasted for a few minutes, and then the goat

moved away, passing Punch, and disappearing up-

53

pen's patient.

ward through the dense growth, and apparently

making

No

way up by

its

sooner

struck Pen

;

was and,

it

the side of the great

fall.

out of sight than a thought

making a sign

to his

companion

that meant 'I won't be long,' he shouldered his

and began

by the

to climb

upwards

in the direction

rifle

taken

goat.

He was

beginning to regret

started sooner, for

there

now

that he had not

was no sign

of the little

beast,

and he was about to turn when, just to his

right,

he noted faint signs of what seemed to be a

slightly used track

which was easy

to follow, and,

stepping out, he observed the trees were more open,

and at the end of a few minutes he found himself level

with the top of the

falls,

where the river was

gliding along in a deep, glassy sheet before

making

plunge over the smooth, worn rocks into a basin

its

below.

He had

just grasped this

when he saw

faint track bore off to the right,

that the

and caught sight of

moving amongst the trees, and for the next few minutes he had no difficulty in keeping it in sight, and, in addition, finding that it was making for what seemed to be the edge of another stream which issued from a patch of woodland on its way to the main torrent. I must get him here if I can,' thought Pen, for the roar of the falling waters was subdued into a gentle murmur, and to his surprise he caught sight of a shed-like building amongst the trees, fenced in the goat again

'

54 by

pen's patient, piled -up pieces of stone evidently taken

which he approached

smaller stream

was the spot

plain that this

from the

was which the goat had

for

and

;

it

been making.

The young rifleman stopped short, trying to make out whether the place was inhabited but he could see no sign save that the goat was making for the ;

which the active beast

stone fence, on to

balanced

itself

then sprang

carefully

down on

leaped,

a few moments, and

for

the other

side, to

be greeted

by a burst of bleating that came from apparently two of its kind within. Pen stood screened by the trees for a time, fully expecting to see some occupant of the hut make his appearance

;

but the bleating ceased directly, and,

approaching carefully, the young private stood at

by the rough

stone wall, looking

down on a

which fully explained the reason for the

last

scene goat's

visit.

She had returned the wall a very

to her kids

little

;

and

after climbing

search showed the visitor that

the goat and her young ones were the sole occupants of the deserted place.

was the rough home

It

apparently forsaken

French kind

;

itself

soldiery.

it

of

a peasant who had

upon the approach

of

the

Everything was of the simplest

but situated as Pen Gray was in a palatial guise, for there

it

presented

was everything

that he could wish for at a time like that.

As

before said,

it

was a shed-like structure

;

but

55

PEN*S PATIENT. there

was bed and

a

fireplace,

the door, and, above

all,

pile of

wood

outside

a roof to cover those

who

sought shelter.

must bring him here somehow,' thought

'Yes, I

Pen as he caught sight of a cleanly scrubbed

pail

two hanging upon nails in the wall. But he saw far more than this, for his senses were

and a

tin or

sharpened by hunger

;

and with a smile

of satisfac-

them that

tion he hurried out, noting as he passed

the kids, keen

of

desire for food

and, hurrying onwards, he

way back

;

where he had

to

were satisfying their

appetite,

up

of that forenoon were taken

bearing

of

the

look '

his

down upon

How

painful

in the painful task

to

they could both

effort,

the nearly hidden shed.

you now. Punch

are

and some hours

;

wounded lad by slow degrees

much

where, after

his

companion lying

left his

sandy patch of shingle

in the dry,

made

?

'

asked Pen, turning

head upwards.

There was no reply. '

you '

Why,

Punch,' cried Pen,

'

you are not

asleep, are

?'

Asleep

!

said the

'

faint whisper, 'set

me

boy

bitterly

;

and then, in a

down.'

Pen took a step forward to where he could take hold of a stunted oak-bough whose bark felt soft and strange

;

and, holding tightly with one hand, he

held his burden with the other while he sank slowly,

the branch bending the while

Then he

slid

his

load

till

he was kneeling.

down amongst

the under-

'

'

'

66

pen's patient.

growth and quickly opened his water-bottle and held to the boy's lips.

it

*

?

Feel faint, lad

'

he

said.

Again there was no answer

but Punch swallowed

;

a few mouthf uls. *

Ah, that

better/ he said.

's

'

Head

's

swimming.'

you shall lie still for a few minutes till you think you can bear it, and then I want you to '

get

Well,

down

to that hut.'

Punch looked up at him with misty *

Hut

'

The one

see it

! '

he said I told

when you

there where

What hut ? you about. You will

faintly.

you

wonder-

eyes,

'

There

are better.

will be able to lie

's

and

be able to

a rough bed rest

your

till

wound heals.' Hut !

'

*

Oh, never mind now.

water

Will you have some more

?

The boy shook his head. Not going to die, am I ? '

*

'

A

Die

No

I

1

'

he said feebly.

'

cried Pen, with

chap like you

his

heart sinking.

going to die over a bit of a

isn't

wound.' '

boy

Don't,' said the

protest in his words.

am

*

not going to mind

make a 'No,'

come

fuss about .said

yet.'

Poji

it

faintly,

Don't

ftluivply

gammon a

I am.

if

when

but with a tone of fellow

Our chaps

!

I

don't

their time comes.' ;

'but your time hasn't

'

'

57

pen's patient.

The boy looked up '

at

him with a

Saying that to comfort a fellow/ he

whispered

;

only, I say, comrade,

'

—won't

me, and you won't '

Won*t what

now

Is

?

?

'

likely

it

you did

Pen sharply.

said

almost stick to

'

*

Leave you

?

Not a bit yet,' said the poor didn't mean that.' Then what did you mean ?

f ellcfvv faintly

*

I

peculiar smile.

*

'

cried

;

*

but

Pen wonder-

ingly.

made a snatch at his companion's arm, and tried to draw him down. What is it ? said Pen anxiously now, for he was startled by the look in the boy's eyes. Want to whisper,' came in a broken voice. No you can't have anything to whisper now,' said Pen, 'Here, let me give you a little more The poor

lad

'

'

'

'

;

water.

The boy shook '

Want

his head.

to whisper/ he

murmured

in a harsh,

low

voice.

But you had Shut your eyes and have a bit of a nap '

Well,

rested too,

what

is

it ?

and the faintness has gone.

then,

where I

you there

tell

's

Gammon W^ell,

you are

I shall be rested,

!

'

said

a bed, and, better

warm

wliat

is

it

? '

— Want

said

still.

milk/

the boy again

more heavily upon Pen's arm. *

till

not.

and I can get you down into the hut,

Punch, a draught of sweet '

better

*

Pen,

;

and he hung to whisper.'

trying

hard to

'

58

pen's patient.

master the feeling of despair that was creeping ovei him.

Them

*

wolves

whispered the boy.

!

'

*

them get me, comrade, when I 'm gone.' You shut your eyes and go to sleep/ '

Don't

cried

let

Pen

angrily, '

*

No,' said the boy, speaking

I aren't a baby,

me you

tell

and

won't

go to sleep

;

I

let

more strongly now. I *m saying.

You

them have me, and then

I will

know what

and then

if

I

don't

wake up no

more *

What

!

cried

'

Pen, speaking with a simulated

anger, 'you won't be such a coward as to go and

me

leave

all

The boy

alone here

started

;

?

his eyes brightened

a

little,

he gazed half-wonderingly in his companion's '

*

I

I

—

face.

I didn't think of that, comrade/ he faltered.

was thinking

chaps

and

;

but I

was going like some of our poor There, I '11 try don't want to shirk. I

not.'

'Of course you will/ said Pen harshly. then, try

and have a

'Now

nap.'

The boy closed his eyes, and in less than a minute he was breathing steadily and well, but evidently suffering now and then in his sleep, for the hand that clasped Pen's gave a sudden jerk at intervals.

Quite an hour, during which the watcher did not stir, till

there

was a sharper twitch and the boy's

eyes opened, to look wonderingly in his companion's as

if

he could not

recall

where he was.

'

'

''

'

'

69

pen's patient. '

Have a

water now, Punch

little

but the drop proved to be a

'Drop,' he said;

and he spoke quite

thirsty draught,

now

Is it far

*

To

'

in

his

senses

as he put a brief question.

*

me

?

? '

the hut

he

Do you

No.

?

to get

you on

Yes,

Going

But

said.

my to.

as soon as

think you can bear

back again

?

Look sharp the boy felt his companion take !

hold of his hand after restopping the water-bottle,

Punch whispered, *

What

is

Stop

*

!

Would you

it ?

like

to wait a little

?

longer

Give

'

No.

'

A

'

To bi^/

bullet

?

me a bullet What for ?

said the

out of a cartridge.'

boy with a grim

Pen hesitated for a moment

smile.

in doubt, looking in

Then, as a flash

the boy's smiling eyes the while.

had heard passed through

of recollection of stories he his mind,

he hastily drew a cartridge from his box,

broke the

little roll

the

setting

companion, piece

of

again,

bullet

open, scattering the free

who nodded

lead

between

before

powder and

passing

it

to

in silence as he seized the his

teeth.

he raised one hand, which

Then, nodding

Pen

took,

seizing one of the branches of the gnarled tree

bent

it

down

till

he got

it

and bade him hold on with

close to his all his

like

and he

companion,

might.

Punch's fingers closed tightly upon the

which acted

his

bough,

a spring and helped to raise

its

60

PEN'S PATIENT.

holder

high for Pen to get him once

sufficiently

more upon

his shoulders,

which he had freed from

thrown down beside his rifle. 'Try and bear it/ he panted, as he heard the low,

straps

hissing breath from the poor fellow's

him quiver and

wince.

encouragingly,

but

'

it

It did not, for in

*I

know

lips,

it's bad,'

me

won't take

and

felt

he added

long.'

a very few minutes he had

reached the rough stone wall, to which he shifted

few moments panting, and took the sufferer in his arms, and

his burden, stood for a

then climbed over,

staggered into the waiting shelter, where the next

minute Punch was lying insensible upon the bed. '

Ha

ejaculated

! '

hand across

his

This

palm

Pen as he passed the back of

his streaming forehead.

suggested another action, but

of his

hand that he

it

was the

laid across his companion's

brow. '

All

wet

!

'

he

muttered.

'

feverish for the perspiration to

Then he

He

come

can't

be

very

like that.'

started violently, for a

shadow crossed

the open door, and he involuntarily threw up one

hand

to

draw

his slung rifle

his shoulder,

and

was lying with

his

from

then his teeth snapped together.

There was no

rifle there.

cartouche-box right

away by

It

the stunted oak, as he

mentally called the cork-tree.

The next minute he was breathing

freely, for the

deep-toned bleat of the goat arose, and he looked out, to see that it

was answerable

for the shadow.

61

pen's patient.

'Ah, you will have to pay for this/ he muttered,

where

as he started to run to

mind

now

full

weapon

his

lay, his

of thoughts that in his efforts over

comrade had been absent.

his

He was

expectation that one or other of

full of

the vedettes might have caught sight of

ing his load to the hut tion to get his rifle

him

bear-

and, with the full determina-

;

and hurry back

to defend himself

and his companion for as long as the cartridges held he started with a run

out,

proved to be utterly

stagger of

only the

exhausted, and

up the

slope,

which

who was

one

degenerated almost into a

crawl.

He

back at

w£ts

last,

to find that

Punch had not

moved, but seemed to be sleeping heavily as he lay

upon

his

sound shoulder

laid his rifle

and

drew a deep

breath.

'I can't help selfish

;

but

if

;

and, satisfied

by

this,

belts across the foot of the

he nearly groaned.

it,'

Pen

bed and

'It isn't

I don't have something I can do

no

more.'

Then, strangely enough, he uttered a mocking laugh as he stepped to a rough shelf and took a like vessel

little pail-

with one stave prolonged into a handle

from the place where

it

had been

by

clean

left

r

the last occupant of

with

it

to

the

the hut, and as he stepped

open door

something

within

it

rattled.

He it

looked

down

at

it

in surprise and wonder,

was some moments before he grasped the

and

fact that

62

pen's patient.

what resembled blackened

the piece of

clay

was

hard, dry cake.

Ah

*

and

he half -shouted as he raised

!

'

a

tried to bite oif

what

felt like

piece,

to his lips

it

but only to break

off

wood, which refused to crumble but

gradually began to soften.

Then, smiling grimly, he thrust the cake within

and stepped

his jacket

find to his

to

stiffness,

out, forgetting his pain

and

dismay that there was no

sign of the goat.

How stupid My head won't '

'

the

goat's

hurried object,

* !

the

next minute.

And, recalling

I can't think.'

go.

rough

shelter,

he

where he had been a witness of

its

former

to

he muttered

and to

visit

the

to

his great delight found

the animal

standing with half-closed eyes nibbling at some of the plentiful herbage

partaking of

its

while

one

of

its

kids was

evening meal.

Pen advanced cautiously with the little wooden vessel, ready to seize the animal by one of its horns if

it

attempted to escape, as

stared as

if

at

him

in

wonder

it ;

turned sharply and

but

it

in recognition at the little pail,

only

sniffed

and resumed

But the kid was disposed to resent the interruption of the stranger, and some little force had to be used to thrust it away, returning again and again to begin to make some pretence of its

browsing.

butting at the intruder.

Pen laughed aloud

at the absurdity of his task

as he finally got rid of the

little

animal, and

made

63

pen's patient.

his first essay at milking, finding to his great delight

was

that he

successful, while the

goat-mother took

as a matter of course, and did not

it all

new

her

friend

refreshed

with a hearty

himself

draught of the contents of the

move while

little pail

and

;

then,

snatching at a happy thought, drew the hardened

cake from his breast and placed soak up the soft

it

so that

warm milk which

could

it

flowed into the

vessel. *

Ah

!

sighed the

'

young

soldier,

*

who 'd have

thought that taking the king's shilling would bring

a fellow to this

Now

?

for poor Punch.

Well,

we

sha'n't starve to-night.'

Once more as he turned from the goat the thought

him that one of the vedettes might be in but all was still and beautiful as he stepped

assailed

sight

;

back slowly, eating with avidity portions of the gradually

softening

while that

life

black

bread,

and feeling the

and hope and strength were gradually

coming back. *

Now

Punch

for poor

!

'

he muttered again

;

and,

entering the rough shelter once more, he stood look-

ing

wounded boy, who was sleeping soundly that Pen felt that it would be

down upon

heavily, so

the

So, partaking sparingly of

a cruelty to rouse him. his

novel

meal,

he placed a part upon

within reach of the rough

'Wounded men 'It's

Nature's

don't

way

of

a stool

pallet.

want

food,'

keeping

off

he

muttered.

fever;

must keep watch again, and give him a

and I

little

milk

64

pen's patient.

when he wakes.

Yes,

when he wakes

wakes/ he muttered, as he

—when

settled himself

he

upon the

earthen floor within touch of his sleeping comrade. '

Mustn't close the door/ he continued, with a

little

r

laugh, it

'

for there doesn't

seem to be one

Why,

would make the place dark.

and, besides,

;

there

's

a star

peeping out over the shoulder of the mountain, and low, deep

that

soft,

that

must be the

old days

;

But

!

asleep,

Punch

That

right.

's

your wound

?

*

is

the falling water.

home

star I used to see at

and, oh,

thing seems

hum how

Why, in the

beautiful and restful every-

I mustn't go to sleep.

he whispered

softly.

'

—Are you

Poor fellow

!

Sleep and Nature will help you with ;

but I must keep awake.

It

would

me

fast.

No,'

never do for you to rouse up and find

you mustn't go yet where A boy like so many other poor fellows have gone. fortune of war Well fortune you It 's the he half -sighed.

!

—and—and

'

Poor

lad,

—

!

—

—

'

Nature would take no

denial.

one long, deep, restful breath as then slowly and as Fast asleep.

if

if

Pen Gray drew wide-awake, and

grudgingly respired.

65

CHAPTER VIL MORE ABOUT

T was

bright daylight, and

in alarm, his

mind

HIM.

Pen Gray started up

in a state of confusion con-

sequent upon the heaviness of his sleep feeling of

what

trouble

something

that

—had happened.

—he

and the

knew

not

For a few moments he was divided between the ideas that the

enemy had come

that his companion had passed

him and

to arrest

away

in his sleep.

But these were only the ragged shadows of the night, for the boy was still sleeping soundly, the food remained untouched, and, upon cautiously look-

ing outside, there was nothing to be seen but the beauties of a

sunny morn.

Pen drew a deep breath as he returned to the troubled with

hut,

strain,

but

still

a

sensation of

and

weariness

light-hearted and hopeful.

There was something invigorating in the mountain air

even deep down there in the valley, and he was

ready to smile at his position as his eyes the '

upon

little pail.

Oh, I

say,'

tion placed

I

lit

am

!

in

one's

Well, no

Taking out Tent*.

he said to himself,

way

wonder

his knife,

;

!

How

'

it is

like

tempta-

horribly hungry

but I must play

fair.'

he was about to divide the £

;

MORE ABOUT

66

HIM.

which had so swollen up

piece of cake,

in the milk

that there seemed to be a goodly portion for two but, setting his teeth hard,

he shut the knife with

a snap and pulled himself together. w

'Come,' he muttered, 'I haven't gone through

months to snatch the

this drilling for

to forget

I will begin the

it.

all

chance

first

day by waiting

until

poor Punch wakes.'

He gave

sure that he

worse his

;

and he

rifle,

make

another look at his companion to

was

sleeping soundly and

still

was no

then, after glancing at the priming of

out

stepped

to

reconnoitre,

keeping

cautiously within shelter of the trees, but not obtain-

ing a glimpse of any of the vedettes, *

Looks as

if

they have gone,' he thought, and he

stepped to the edge of another patch of woodland to

again sweep the valley-sides as far as was possible. This led him to the edge of the

river,

where, as

soon as he appeared, he was conscious of the fact that

scores

darted

of

semi-transparent-looking

away from

close

to

his

feet,

fish

had take

to

shelter beneath stones

and the bank higher up the

stream, which glided

down towards

and sparkling in the

as crystal *

for

Trout ;

1

'

he exclaimed.

and then a

fire.

'

the

pure

fall

sun,

Something to ioHge

Doesn't look like starving.'

Pen took another good look round, but nothing like a vedette or single sentry

after a

few moments

the opportunity.

of

was

in

view

;

and

hesitation he snatched at

MORE ABOUT

67

HIM.

Stepping back into the shelter of the woods, he hurriedly stripped, after hanging his

from a

rifle

broken branch, and then dashing out into^the sunshine he leaped at once

which flashed up at

sparkling water,

Then

the beautiful, clear,

into

swam with

striking out, he

right into the depths,

and

vigorous strokes

was being

that he

felt

plunge.

his

downward towards the fall. This was something to make him put

carried steadily

strength

forth his

and as he struck out upstream so as to

;

reach the bank again there was something wondrously invigorating thrills

in

the

through

strength

of

making the

lad

water which sent

crisp

cool,

his

exhausted

frame,

laugh aloud as he fought against

the pressure of the water, won, and

waded ashore

nearly a hundred yards below where he had plunged in. '

What

a stream

! '

he exclaimed as he shook the

streaming water from his tense muscles.

mind another

How

time.

hot the sun feels started along the

Double

1

bank

cold I

'

was

it

!

'

I

must

But how

he ejaculated, and he

in a military trot, reached

the spot again where he had

made

his plunge, looked

round, indulged in another run in the brilliant sunshine,

and,

pretty well

stepped back into the

half-dried

by

his

efforts,

wood and rapidly resumed

his clothes. '

Why,

it

has pretty well taken the stiffness out

of me,' he muttered,

'

and

only I 'm nearly famished.

I feel

ready for anything,

Here, I can't wait.' h^

'

MORE ABOUT

68

HIM.

added, as he finished dressing, smartening himself

up

into soldierly trim,

and giving

a stamp

his feet

Now, how about two as he resumed his boots, poor Punch ? He can't be worse, for he seemed to have slept so well. It seems hard, but I must or

'

w

wake him To the

up.'

lad's great satisfaction, as

he reached the

door of the rough cabin, he found that the wounded

boy was just unclosing wonderingly as

eyes to look at him

his

make out what

unable to

if

it

all

meant. '

Gray,' he said faintly.

*

Yes,

'

I

—

How

I don't quite know,'

a faint it

voice,

stings *

—

*

;

Ain't

I

I

?

this

all.

Yes,

Stiff

when

'

Think

*

Yes.'

'

But look

*

Yes, I

Yea

see to

it

There,

Pen

soon,' said

so

I

thought I was,

It hurts

this

mean

?

I

say,

I

can't

look lift

so.'

with your wound

;

but

it

will

be

?

here.*

am

arm

—

I have done it up,*

looking.' isn't

'Yes, I see;

again/

and

it

what does

;

'This

reply, given in

but you are no worse,'

Gray arm at

better

was the

'Oh, I recollect now.

bathe

'11

here,

*

?

—my wound.'

Yes, I

eagerly *

are you, lad

'

wounded.

you

lifted

Look at that.' it up and it fell down

'

'

MORE ABOUT '

Yea

There

''

'

'

'

'

69

HIM.

no strength

's

'

in

It ain't

it.

dead

yet?' 'Didn't seem like

'You '

said Pen, smiling cheerily.

it,'

lifted it up.'

Yes,

know

I

but

;

it

my

what 's the matter with

voice

?

*

Nothing/

'

Yes, there is/ cried the boy peevishly.

gone squeaky again, like

all

and turned

it

was before

I say. Gray,

gruff.

am

very bad, and never get well again '

Not you

What

!

nonsense

And

back again.

fell

it

*

It

's

changed

I going to be

?

!

'But I

am

'Well,

you have seen plenty

so weak.'

in hospital, haven't

you

of our poor fellows

?

'Yes, some of them,' said the boy feebly. '

Well, weren't they

*

Yes, I forgot

Yes.

'

No.

How

But

I

'And

I

*

*

was

Fever

want

it ?

you bother your brains about

that,'

to know.'

No

!

after

is

but I wasn't so bad as

it ?

want you Course you do.

one

;

It

'There, don't '

that

all

?

was yesterday, wasn't Don't you remember ?

this yesterday. *

weak

!

to do all

you can

'Tisn't fever, is it

you were

Yes,

Now

a wound.

to get well' ?

feverish.

then,'

Every

And he took

out and opened his knife. '

Wound

him.

'

!

Wound

! '

said

the

boy,

watching

Whatcher going to do with your knife

?

'

'

MOKE A150UT

70

Take your bay'net

'

'

HIM.

you want

if

to finish a fellow

off/ '

Well, I don't/ said Pen, laughing.

*

'Tain't

anything to laugh

comrade.'

at, H

'

Yes,

it

is,

Now

wlien you talk nonsense.

then,

breakfast.'

'Don't gammon,' '

My

head

remember.

isn't

said

poor

the

fellow

feebly.

swimmy now. Beginning you carry me down here ?

all

Didn't

to

To be sure, and precious heavy you were Good chap said the boy, You sighing. always was a trump but don't play with a poor !

'

!

'

*

'

;

There can't be no breakfast.'

fellow. *

Oh, can't there

show you

'11

I say, Punch, I

to begin. '

I

?

and

;

I

want

*m nearly starved.'

I 'm not,' said the poor fellow sadly.

'

I couldn't

eat.*

'Oh, well, you have got shall '

'

to,

so look sharp, or I

I

have hardly touched

go mad.'

Whatcher mean ? I told you I 'm starving.

anything for two days except water.' '

fast

Well, go on

What

is

there

for

break-

It

makes

?

'

Bread,'

'

Ugh

me

then.

!

Don't

!

Black

dry

bread

!

feel sick.' '

Bread and milk.'

'

Where

did you get the milk

?

'Never you mind,' said Pen, plunging

his knife

;

MORE ABOUT into the *

Now

dark sop which

then,

boy

half-filled

you have got to eat

'No, don't ask

me;

71

HIM.

the

little

pail.

first.'

I can't touch

and the

it,'

closed his eyes against the piece of

saturated

bread that his companion held out to him on the knife.

'You must/

said

Pen

*

;

so look sharp.'

'I can't, I tell you.'

'Well, then, J shall have to starve.' '

'

No, no

go

;

on,'

After you.'

It took a

good deal of pressure, but at

last the

truth of the French saying about its being only the first

was proved,

step that costs

for after the first

which the poor fellow shudderingly

mouthful, of

partook, the boy consented to open his after holding out

his

until

mouth

again,

amateur surgeon and

nurse had consented to share the meal, which proved

who partook

refreshing to the patient,

of a little

mind that he could at food, Pen ate ravenously,

events

while, bearing in

all

restore the fluid

his spirits

rising with every mouthful. '

It will

forage

go

something

begin with. the

shallows,

That

is,'

marched '

*

I

'

if

There are the

else.

know

I can catch

some

of

I can't

trout,

them

and that too without rod or

he added, off*

he said to himself,

hard,'

'if

we

to in

line.

are not found out and

as prisoners.'

Whatcher thinking about ? said Punch drowsily. Catching fish, and making a fii'e to cook them.' '

'

'

MORE ABOUT

72 *

There

where

's

my

your

's

'

In the

*

But you

'

Oh, can't

'Oh

and

flint

fish

HIM,

my

steel in

but

satchel,

?

river.'

can't catch 'em/

yes,

I,

Punch

I

know,' piped the boy,

?

'They are

saw some the other day when we crossed that stream. I saw some run under the stones, and wanted to creep up and tiddle one, only I I

trout.

couldn't leave the ranks.' '

Ah,

well,

there

we

Punch, and

till

you get

it,

we

for

shall

now, tiddle

have to stay

well.*

*

I say, don't talk, please.

'

That 's right/ said Pen

and I won't

leave

to

have plenty of time to

shall

the trout, as you call

here

no ranks

are

bathe

Want

to go to sleep.*

cheerfully.

your

wound

'

Sleep away,

till

you wake

again.'

The boy made no answer, but dropped

off

at

once. '

That 's

better,'

thought Pen,

I will see whether I can't get

He

waited

until

his

'

and while he sleeps

some

of the trout.'

companion was breathing

and then he seated himself by the door and began to carefully clean his rifle and accoutreheavily,

ments, which

soldierly task

at

an end, he stood

boy a few minutes, and then stepped outside the dark hut to plunge into the

over

sleeping

the

sunshine

;

but,

amongst the

recollecting

trees,

himself,

and keeping

he stepped in

close in their shelter

'

MOKE ABOUT moved from spot

73

HIM.

spending nearly half an

to spot

hour searching every eminence for signs of danger.

'The coast seems clear/ he said to himself, 'and

enemy may have moved on but I must be careful, but I want to join our fellows, of course if I 'm made prisoner it will be the death of poor the

;

;

Punch, for they are not very careful about prisoners,

and'

Pen stopped short as he held on

bough of

to the

one of the stunted trees growing in

rocky

the

bottom and peered out to sweep the side of the valley where he felt that the mule-track ought to be.

He fired

head

started back as

if

the bullet that had been

from a musket had cut the leaves above his

and stood listening

which followed the

;

Yes,'

he

said,

*

that

echoes

of

was another, telling him that a

and

after a while he

faint cloud of

the trees, where the dim vapour '

roll

there

scores,

sharp skirmish had begun

make out a

the

Then

shot.

and another, followed by could just

to

smoke above

was slowly

rising,

where I thought the mule-

's

But what a height it is up And what does it mean ? Are our fellows coming back and driving the enemy before them, or is it the other way on ? There was no telling but when, about an hour later, the firing had grown nearer and then slowly become more and more distant till it died away. path must be.

1

;

Pen had learned one thing, and that was the neces-

;

MORE ABOUT

74

HIM.

sity for keeping carefully in hiding, for the

must be somewhere

He

enemy

near.

stepped ba<;k into the hut after silence once

more reigned

and found

in the false scene of peace,

that the peppering of the musketry had had no

upon the sleeper, who did not stir when he leant over him and laid his hand upon the poor

effect

fellow's forehead, *

Ha

!

'

which was

sighed

Pen,

'

he

cool 's

and moist.

not

going

die

to

but he will be as weak as weak for a month to come, and I ought to have been with our fellows instead of hiding here, for I have no business to be

doing ambulance work, and so they would

Ah for

!

'

tell

me.

he ejaculated, as he started to the door again,

from somewhere much farther away there came

the deep roll of a platoon of musketry, which was

repeated again and again, but always more distant,

though growing, while

still

more

sounds of a sharp engagement,

faintly, into the till

died quite

it

away. 'I I

never

thought

of

that.

That

heard must have been the enemy.

didn't

think so

before.

I

am

first

I

firing

wonder

sure now.

I

There

wasn't a single shot that I could have said was

from a

which

rifle.

But

it is

impossible to say for certain

side is holding the valley.

fellows were not there.'

At any

rate our

'

76

CHAPTER

VIII.

THE king's SHILLINO.

H

A

!

A, ha, ha, ha

'

bright, ringing specimen of

a youth's laugh, given out by one

healthy,

and

strong,

fairly

contei^t,

allowing

drawbacks, with the utterer's position in

Whatcher laughing at

'

lous tones of one

opposite pole of

?

who was

who

is

for

life.

followed in the queru-

'

to a great extent at the

life.

'

You, Punch.'

'

I don't see nothing to

laugh

at,

sick

and weak

as I am.' Yes,

*

you are weak enough, and don't know the

difference as I do.'

Diiference

'

!

There

no

ain't

difference.

I

'm a

regular invalid, as they calls them, and just as bad as some of our poor chaps

who go back

to live on

wooden leg all the rest of their lives.' Stuff and nonsense, Punch You are getting

the top of a '

!

better

and stronger every

Look at that arm

I ain't.

'

day,' ;

it 's

as thin as a

mopstick.* '

age, '

Well,

it

is

growing

Ya

!

thin, certainly

fast,

generally

Growing

a hole in his back

?

!

How

;

but a chap of your

is thin.'

can a fellow grow with

'

'

THE king's shilling.

76

'You haven't got a hole healing up fast.' '

your back.

in

It's

Tain't.'

'Yes,

it

You

is.

haven't seen

and I have

it,

w

every day.

I say it

'

Ah, you

'

No, I sha n't.'

'11

healing beautifully.*

's

say next that I ain't weak.'

you are always trying

'Well, that's because

make me think '

what

that I

Well,

am

of that

to

better than I am.' I don't

?

want

to put

you

out of heart.' '

gammon

No, but you needn't

ain't

as

weak

weaker.

as a rat,

I have got no

me.

am

because I

wind

at all

;

know

I

I

ten times

and I do wish

you wouldn't be always wallacking me down

to

I

'm always pumped out before

I get half-way there,

and quite done up before I

that big waterfall.

What 's

get back.

the good of going there

?

'Beautiful place, Punchy, and the mountain air

seems to come down with the water and

you

fill

full of strength.'

'Does you perhaps, but Beautiful place indeed t >

Tisn't

;

it 's

1

lovely.

it

don't do

Ugly great I

me no

hole

!

don't believe

ever see a more beautiful spot in our

good.

we

shall

lives.'

makes me horrible. I feel sometimes as if I could jump in and put myself out of my misery. Just two steps, and a fellow would be washed away 'It

to nowhere.' '

Why, you have

regularly got the

grumps

to-day,

'

THE king's shilling. Punch

when you were

just, too,

;

77

getting better than

ever,' *

I ain't, I tell you.

had a look

I

at myself this

morning while you were snoring, and I am as thin My poor old mother wouldn't know as a scarecrow.

me

again

if

ever I got back

and

;

I sha'n't

never see

our old place no more.'

you

'Yes,

manly-looking big

too

bugle

up

for

Bugle

I

Just hand

you

fine,

will

be

You might

then.

Yes, I didn't give it off

a rub yesterday.

it

that peg.'

hung by Punch's young fore-

Pen reached the bugle from where green cord, and the lines in

its

a

into

me/

believe '

rifleman,

British

blow your

to

—grown

Punch

will,

head began to fade as

lie

it

gave the instrument a

touch with his sleeve, and then placed the mouthpiece to

his lips, filled out his sadly pale, hollow

cheeks, and looked as all his

might,

he were going to blow with

if

when he was checked by Pen clapping

hand over the glistening copper

his *

Whatcher doing

'

'

cried the

boy

angrily.

There, you see you are better.

'Stopping you.

You

?

of

bell.

couldn't have attempted that a while ago.'

Ya

!

Think

I

'm such a

silly

as to bring the

r

enemy down upon us

?

'

Well, I didn't know.'

'

Then you ought

the

call,

along

to.

though, to

the

I should just like to give

set

mountain-side

our dear old there

lads

skirmishing

going

and

'

THE king's shilling.

78

peppering the frog- eating warmints

till

they ran

for their lives.'

Hurrah shouted Pen. Who 's trying to bring the enemy down upon us now, when we know there are some of them sneaking about in vedettes as they '

!

*

'

hold both ends of the valley.

Now

you say you

you dare.' 'Oh, I don't want to fall out,' grumbled the invalid. 'You think you know, but you ain't are not better

wound

got a

wind comes

know '

in

if

your back to

in

off the mountains.

feel

when a

I think I

cold

ought to

best.'

But you don't, Punch. Those pains will die out time, and you will go on growing, and keeping

thin perhaps for a bit

but your muscles will

;

fill

out by-and-by, same as mine do in this beautiful air. *

boy

Needn't be so precious proud of them,' said the sourly.

'I'm '

There, have another

not.

Sha'n't.

I 'm

sick

to

death

fish.'

on them.

They

are only Spanish or Portuguee trout, and not half so good as roach and dace out of a good old English pond,'

Pen laughed merrily '

Ah,

gi'in

—

away

!

I

agaiti.

think I ought to know.

when I have broiled the fish so nicely over the wood embers with sticks I cut for skewers. They were delicious, and '

Yes

*

I ate

better

than

to

r

till

I felt

ashamed/

grumble

THE king's shilling.

79

So you ought to be/ To enjoy myself so/ continued Pen, while you, with yoiir mouth so out of taste and no appetite, *

'

'

could hardly eat a bit/

mine

like

a

mug *

*

who 's

Well,

*

a happetite with a wound

I shall never get

?

no better

till

I get

of real old English beer/

Never mind

Ya

to have

;

you get plenty of milk/

Nasty, sickly stuff

!

!

1 11

never

tolicli

it

again/ '

Well then, beautiful sparkling water/

*

Who

English. '

ing

wants It

's

so thin

Come, come fast.

;

water

sparkling

'Taiil't

?

like

and cold/

you must own that you are mend-

Punch/

'Who wants

mended/ snarled the poor fellow, *and go through life like my old woman's cracked chayney plate with the rivet in it I was a strong lad once, and could beat any drummer in to

be

!

the regiment in a race, while

now

I ought to be

in horspital/

*No, you ought not

1*11

tell

you what you

want. Punch/ '

Oh, I know/

•No, you don't. stronger, so as

You want

to get just a little

you can walk ten miles in a day/

r

'

*

for

Ten miles Why, So you will again,

lad

we

lie

!

shall

have to

I used to ;

do twenty easy/

but I

up

all

ttiean

in a night,

day and nlarch

night so as to keep clear of the enemy/

all

'

'

THE king's shilling.

80

'Then you mean for us to try and get out of this

wretched hole

'I

mean

?

for us to

go on tramp as soon as you

are quite strong enough

a beautiful valley.

it 's

and then you

;

Why, Punch,

I

will think

have crept

about here of a night while you have been asleep, so that I have got to

know

the place by heart, and I

should like to have the chance of leading our fellows into places I

know where they

could hold

ten times or twenty times their

number

it

against

of French-

men who might try to drive them out.' You have got to know that ? said Punch with '

'

a show of animation that had grown strange to the poor fellow. '

Yes,* cried

*

Well, then,

playing '

Pen triumphantly. all

I

have got to say

you waren't

fair.'

Of course

it

wasn't.

Seeing you were so weak

you couldn't walk/ 'There now, you are laughing you don't play '

is

Don't I

fair.*

In what

?

at a fellow; but

way

?

*Why, you promised while I have been that you would read to me a bit.' '

And

I

nothing to

couldn't,

Punch, because

so bad

we have

got

read.'

And then you promised that you would tell me how it was you come to take the king's shilling.' but you don't want to know Well, yes, I did '

*

that.'

;

'

'

'

'

''

'

THE king's shilling. I have been

Yes, I do.

'

81

wanting to know ever

since.

Why, boy

'

'Because

?

it

seems so queer that a lad like you

should join the ranks/

Why

'

Yes, some

*

?

You

are too

young

be in the ranks some day as a

will

a

queer

day

but then, you

;

yet,

but you

full private.*

see,

my

father

was

Yours warn't, was he ? No-o,' said Pen, frowning and looking straight

soldier. *

away *

'

him out of the hut-door.' then, why don't you speak out

before

Well,

Because I don't

feel

much

?

It is rather

disposed.

a tender subject, Punch.' 'There,

Look here ain't *

we

always knew there was

I ;

you and me

friends

's

I think so, Punch.

I have lain

what you

have

Nobody

awake

did.

I

lots of

You

tried to be/

could have been better.

times and thought about

haven't minded

nasty things as I have sometimes

Not

I,

Punch.

'Yes,' said the

me on

saying such

?

boy eagerly, 'that's

you that

when my back 's been very

to spur

my

Sick people are often

said lots of things to it 's

and comrades,

?

'So you have.

'

something.

to be spiteful,

sorry sometimes, only I

I have

it.

I didn't

bad,

irritable.'

mean

and

it

seemed

and I have been very

was ashamed

to

tell

But you haven't done anything to be ashamed Pen was silent for a few moments, 'Tent.

F

but

;

you. of

?

'

''

'

'

THE king's shilling.

82

—

Ashamed ? No yes/ Well, you can't have been both/ said the boy. Whateher mean by that ? There have been times. Punch, when I have felt ashamed of what I have done.' Why, what have you done ? I don't believe it was ever anything bad. You say what it was. I '11 *

'

*

'

*

never

tell.'

'

Enlisted for a soldier.'

*

What

to be

?

'

Why, that ain't nothing What stuflf Why, that 's some-

cried the boy.

ashamed

of.

'

!

thing to be proud

specially in our Eifles.

of,

we have

the other regiments

got out here the lads

are proud of being in scarlet.

know better.

There

But

Let 'em.

one of them

isn't

In

who

I

wouldn't

be proud to be in our dark green, and to shoulder a rifle.

Besides,

the collar and

we have cuff's,

you are laughing

at

got our bit of scarlet on

and that

me

I

of being in our regiment.

's

quite enough.

Why,

You couldn't be ashamed I know what it was-

you ran away from home ? *It was no longer home to me. Punch.' Why, didn't you live there ? Yes but it didn't seem like home any *

*

It

;

was

My

like this. Punch.

longer.

father and mother had

died.'

'Oh,'

said

the

boy

good uns, waren't they

Pen bowed *

Then

it

softly,

'that's

bad.

?

his head.

waren't your

home any

longer

?

Very

''

'

'

83

THE king's shilling. Punch/ said the lad gravely.

*

Yes and

'

There you go again

when he

no,

sick

is

Don't aggravate a fellow

and weak.

you, and

when you

and no "

it

and no

!

puts

my

makes

it

I ain't a scholar like into

me

head ache.

rights,

but I was under

What 's under

*

It can't be yes

too.'

Well, Punch/ said Pen, smiling,

'

with your " yes

age

'

was mine by

it

age.'

?

Not twenty-one.' Of course not. You told me months ago that you was only eighteen. Anybody could see that, because you ain't got no whiskers. But what has '

'

that got to do with '

Well, I don't see

Punch, for it's *

it ?

But

all

want

I

why

I should tell

you

this,

all

about law.'

to know,' said the boy,

*

because

it 's

about you.'

all '

Well,

like this

it 's

and

to be executor '

my

:

my

father left

Oh, I say, whatcher talking about

You

?

said

?

I did.'

'Well,

then,

he couldn't have

your executioner

be

to

uncle

trustee.'

your father was a good un, didn't you '

my

left

when you

your uncle hadn't

done

nothing.'

is

'

Executor, Punch,' said the lad, laughing.

*

Well, that

*

No

one

;

that

who

's

's

what I

said, didn't I

?

a very different thing.

executes/

An

executor

'

THE king's shilling.

84

y p

know

'Well, I soldiers,

Hangs people who

that.

and shoots them as

ain't

Court-martial,

is.

you

know.* '

Punch, you are getting in a muddle.

'

Glad of

said the boy,

it,'

and I don't

like to hear

*Then

put

who

let's

executes the

it

you

'

for I thought it Was,

talk like that.'

An

right.

commands

executor

is

who

a person

of

one is

dead.' '

Oh, I

said the boy.

see,'

Dead without being

*

executed'

'Look better be it

and

still

listen,

My uncle

plain to you.

who had

'you had

here, Punch,' said Pen, laughing,

and I

was

will try

my

and make

father's executor,

to see that the property he left

was

right-

fully distributed.' '

Oh, I

'And

see,'

my

charge of

said Punch.

made him the money that was father

my

trustee,

to be

to take

mine when

I

became twenty-one.'

'AH right; go on. I am getting it now.' Then he had to see to my education, and '

me

till

I

grew

advise

up.'

'Well, that

was

all

right,

only

if

I

had been

what a chap you are, I shouldn't have called in no uncle. I should have said, " Young Penton Gray has got his head screwed your old man,

seeing

on proper, and he pose, then, '

I

will

your uncle

do what's

didn't.'

thought not, Punch.'

right."

I

sup-

'

'

'

THE king's shilling.

What

'Then, of course, he didn't.

then

did

he

do,

?

'Made me leave *

85

school,' said Pen.

Made you

Oh, well, that don't sound very bad.

leave school

?

once, but I 'd

was at school but have given anything to be made to Well,

I

never

come away.' *

But then there

Ah, perhaps you would, Punch.

are schools and schools.' *

know

Well, I

don't tease a fellow,

weak

all

it

makes me

What I

no more about

me

leave off telling of

!

*Yes, while *

so wild

'

;

now

but

I 'm

like,'

'Well, then, let's say '

the boy irritably

that,' said

you are

irritable

ain't

;

it.'

?

irritable.'

not a

bit.

It

's

only that I

want to know.' Very well, then. Punch I will cut it short.' No, you don't, so come now You promised '

;

*

tell

!

me

all

'Very *

about

it,

so play

well, then,

fair.'

you must

That 's what I 'm

to

listen patiently.'

only you will keep

a- doing of,

talking in riddles like about your executioners and trustees.

I

want you to

me

tell

just

in

plain

English.'

'Very school, '

well, then.

Punch.

was at a military

I

and I didn't want to be fetched away.'

Oh, I

see,'

cried the boy.

'

You mean one

them big schools where they makes young '

Yes.'

oflBcers

of ?

'

'

'

'

THE king's shilling.

86 '

Like Woolwich and Addiscombe

'

Yes.'

'

You were going

an

officer *

An

to be a soldier, then

a

Of course he is. Oh, well, didn't want to be fetched away. you *

That

?

's

mean,

I don't

wonder you

Learning to be an

Didn't your uncle want

fine.

to be a soldier, then

?

He wanted me

No.

I

Punch.'

soldier,

'

eh

—

?

officer is

officer,

?

to

go as a private pupil

with a lawyer.' '

What, and get to be a lawyer

excitedly.

that *

*

?

'

cried the

boy

Oh, I say, you weren't going to stand

?

Perhaps I should have obeyed him,

No, Punch.

knew

only I

that

had always been

it

my

father's

wish that I should go into the army, and he had

money for my education and to buy a commission when I left the military school.* 'Here, I know/ cried the boy excitedly; 'you left

the

needn't

tell

me no

more.

about a wicked uncle.

I

the commission and kept

it

'

No,

Punch

;

that

I

heard a story once

—your

know

one bought

for himself.'

wouldn't

work out

right.

him to let me stay at the military school he mocked at me, and laughed, and said that my poor father must have been mad to think of throwing away money like that and over and over

When

I begged

;

again

he

insisted

studies of the law,

that I should go on with

and give up

all

my

notion of wearing

'

'

87

THE KING*S SHILLING. a red coat, for he could see

that-

that was all I

thought about.' '

Well

*

Well,

the boy,

?' said

Punch

?

'And then you punched

his head,

and ran away

from home,' '

No, I did not/

Then you ought to have done. I would if anybody said my poor father was mad and, besides, your uncle must have been a bad un to want to make you a lawyer. I suppose he was a lawyer *

;

too.' *

*

Yes.'

There,

if

I didn't think so

Said you wanted to be a soldier

been a bad un. so as to

that

to,

wear the uniform

's

the I

A

only nat'ral.

king's livery

am proud

Well,

?

soldier

's

if

you did want

always proud of

our colonel say that

I heard

his uniform.

But he must have

!

it

was

and something to be proud on.

of mine, even if

taggy with sleeping out in

it

has got a bit raggy-

it

in all sorts of weather,

and rooshing through bushes and mud, and crossing streams. thing,

But

and we

by-and-by. '

I

Oh, that

'You get want you

soldiers don't think shall all

have new things served out

Well, go on.' 's

about

all,

Punch.'

know

on.

I

to

come

better.

'Tain't half

to the cutting off

the shilling.' '

of that sort of

Oh, you want to hear that

?

all,

and taking

'

'

'

'

'

THE king's shilling.

88

'Why,

Why,

of course I do.

part.

Don't hang

now.

Fix bayonets, and at them

Why,

'

me

Let

fire.

it's all the juicy

have

's

it

!

Punch,' said Pen, laughing,

*

I say, your uncle

bit.

There, forward

mistake.

But I have nearly

*

I led

him

such a

to let

life

with

me go back

!

a bad un, and no

is

!

told

miserable at home, and I

tell

This warms a fellow

I waren't going to now.

up a

you

don't

again that you are not getting better *

with a rush

all.

Punch.

Life got so

was

so sick of the law, that

my

uncle through begging

to the school, that he, one

day' *

Well,

whatcher stopping for

?

'

the

cried

boy,

whose cheeks were flushed and eyes sparkling with excitement. 'I don't like talking about

suppose I was wrong, for

management

my

of

my

affairs

it,'

replied Pen.

'I

father had left all the

in

his

brother-in-law's

hands.' *

Why, you

said

your uncle's hands just now

Punch in so he was my uncle.'

my

'

Yes,

'

Well, go on.'

'

And

'

Yes, and let j^ou go back to the school

*And

;

mother's

I had been begging

him

brother's

!

hands,

to alter his plans.* ?

was tired out with what he called my obstinacy, and he told me that if ever I dared to mention the army again he would give me a sound

I suppose he

flogging.'

'

'

'

'

89

THE king's shilling.

'And you up and said you would like to catch him at it ? cried Punch excitedly. No, Punch but I lost my temper.' Then you knocked him Enough to make you '

*

;

*

!

down *

?

No, Punch, but I told him he was forgetting the

commands

my

father had given him, and that I

would never go to the lawyer's

office again,'

what then ? Oh, I don't like to talk about it. Then, Punch ? It makes me feel hot all over even to think,' Of course it does. It makes me hot too but But do go on. What then, you see, I 'm weak. *

Well, and

'

'

;

happened then *

?

He knocked me down/ said the lad hoarsely. Oh cried the boy, trying to spring up from !

'

his

'

rough couch, but sinking back with the great

beads of perspiration standing upon his brown forehead. '

'

Don't you

No, Punch

;

tell

me you

That night I went right

I couldn't.

away from home,

stood that

!

just as I stood,

made

my way

to

London, and the next day I went to King Street, Westminster, and saw where the recruiting sergeants

were marching up and down.' '

I know,' cried the boy,

their *

arms and their colours

Yes, Punch,

regiment, the '

Yes,' cried

collars

and

'

with their canes under

flying.'

and I picked out the one

—

th

new

Rifles.*

Punch,

cuffs.'

in the

'

the Rifle green with the red

90

THE KING^S SHILLING. Pen, half-excited by his recollections, half-amused

at the boy's intense interest, nodded again. '

I

And

took the king's shilling/ cried Punch

know, but I want you to

just to

tell

me

—you

show that uncle that you wanted

;

Yes, Punch, that

was why

;

and

joined ours to serve the

king, and not for the sake of the scarlet coat.' *

'

and that 's

all.*

'

91

CHAPTER

IX.

HOW TO TREAT AN ENEMY.

w

ELL, but

all ?

that

is

said Punch.

'

now you

'Yes, and

are

and

tired

had

have a nap, and by the time you wake I

better

will

have some more milk for you/ '

Bother the old milk

don't I

want

to go to sleep.

had nearly

my

slept

and

I

I feel sometimes as

if

I 'm sick

!

head

A

off.

Now, look here

always sleeping.

you have got to do some day.

of

it

;

fellow can't be I tell

you what

You must

serve that

;

uncle of yours out.' '

Let him

*

I

sir.'

Ah, what

's

Don't you say " '

Shall

'

No,

All that about

ain't.

of trouble, *

are tired and weak.'

you has done me did not know that you had had such a lot

'No, I good.

You

rest.

if

sir.

that,

Punch

sir " to

I like.

me

Ain't

!

'

cried

again

Pen

sharply.

!

you a gentleman

Only Private Penton Gray,

*

?

of the

—

th

Rifles.'

'Well,

you are a-saying "sir" to

mean it as you regiment we are equals.*

'Yes, but I don't

am

in the *

Oh

me.'

yes, I like that

! '

said the

do.

While I

boy with a

faint

—

'

HOW TO TREAT AN ENEMY.

92 laugh.

'

Wish we was.

—

of the

th

Only Private Penton Gray

Well, ain't that being a gentleman

!

?

They are not like the line regiments with their common Brown Besses. Sharpshooters, that 's what we are. But they Don't our chaps

all

carry

rifles ?

w

we shouldn't be here. I have been thinking when I have been lying half -asleep that there were so many

didn't shoot sharp

enough the other day, or

else

Frenehies that they got our lads between two

and shot 'em *

hope

I

that

down.'

all

What makes you

Punch.

not.

if

they had been

right they would

all

have been after us before now to cut us

'

think

?

'Because

and

fires

—

I say,

Exactly,

my

head

you are

's

out,

and

beginning to swim again.*

and must go to sleep

tired out

again.' '

But

I tell

you

I don't

'

The poor boy stopped

short, to

gaze appealingly

in his companion's eyes as if asking for help,

and the

help Pen gave was to lay his hand gently on his

and keep it there till he had sunk into a deep sleep. eyelids

The next day the poor relapse,

Pen

the sufferer

fellow had quite a serious

and lay looking so feeble that once more

in his alarm stood watching

for rousing the

boy

just

as

him

Punch seemed

brightened up again.

and blaming himself

into such a state of excitement

that he seemed to have -caused

But

felt that

serious harm.

at

the

worst

he

'

'

HOW TO TREAT AN ENEMY. 'Look here/ he

said, *I ain't bad.

93

I

know what

it is.'

'You have been trying

'So do 1/ replied Pen.

your strength too much.* It was you cried the boy faintly. Wrong You ought to have treated give me too much to eat. me like a doctor would, or as if I was a prisoner, and given me dry bread.' !

*

Ah

*

sighed Pen,

! '

come from 'Jusso,' '

'

'

and you

*

But where was the bread to

*

?

said can't

Punch, with a faint

make bread without

But don't you think I 'm going to ever so much better to-day, and

Now, go on talking

soon.

me

to

little

flour,

die,

laugh;

can you

because I

?

am

shall be all right

again about your

uncle.

my

Pen,

said

'No,'

'you have heard too much of

troubles already/

'

Oh

'

Then you

no, I ain't.

want

I

to hear

you talk about

it.'

will

have to wait, Punch.'

'All right, then,

I shall

lie

and think

till

my

head begins to go round and round, and I shall go

on thinking about myself go backwards.

It

'

You know

*

Very

's

well,

You

till

don't

I get all miserable

want

that,

do you

and

?

I don't.' then,

let 's

have some more

like doctor's stuff to me.

that you might wait a

bit,

uncle.

I 've been thinking

and then go and see that

lawyer chap and punch his head, only that would be

'

HOW TO TREAT AN ENEMy.

94

common

such a if it

sort of way.

was me, but

right

all

This would

wouldn't do for you.

it

I have thought

be better.

would be

It

it out.'

you think too much. Punch/ said Pen, laying his hand upon his companion's forehead. 'I wish you wouldn't do that/ cried the boy pettishly. 'It's nice and cool now.' 'Yes,

'Yes,

That

better now.

it is

you

last sleep did

good.' *

Not

'Nonsense '

was thinking

for I

it,

You were

!

Yesterday,'

shamming

fast asleep.'

the boy

said

the time.'

all

'

;

but

to-day, so that I could think,

we have whopped

was only and I have

You must wait

been thinking that this would do. till

I

the French and gone back to

new uniforms served Then we must go and

England, and got our

out,

burnt

all

see

your

uncle,

and

to

your

our rags.

and

' L

'

That '11

Punch.

do,

wound now.' What for '

It

?

whatcher doing of

's

?

I

going

You

want on

ain't

Yes

;

it

is

quite

see

right.

all

Hero,

going to cut up that

other sleeve of your shirt, are you *

to

?

time that you had a fresh

bandage.' '

Ah, that

's

because you keep getting

it

into your

head that I 'm worse and that I 'm going to die it 's

all

wrong, for I

am

Frenchies thought they die,

out of

spite.

I

going to be

'd

am

done for

all right.

me

;

;

and

The

but I won't

going to get strong again,

'

'

HOW

TO TREAT AN ENEMY.

and as soon as the colonel

me

lets

some of them have

will let

;

95

carry a

and

it,

rifle I

Oh, very-

you must do it, I suppose I must lie still But ya I don't mean to die. only get it over. well

;

if

—

!

when

much for But when we us to do in walloping the French ? do get back to the regiment you see how I will stick up for you, and what a lot I will make the What's the good

of

chaps think of you

there's so

!

Will you keep your tongue quiet, Punch

*

*No, I

sha'n't/

'There,

laugh.

make

to

it,

you needn't

boy with a mocking tie

that so tight so as

hurt me, because I shall go on talking

it

the same

all

the

said

?

—

You always

worse.

begin

shy

to

and kick out like one of those old mules when talking

begin

hear the truth.

you

to

like

You

this.

hates

I

to

I shall tell the chaps every blessed

thing.'

But,

all

Punch lay

the same,

perfectly

wound was

until the dressing of his

at an end

then very faintly, almost in a whisper, he said,

our chaps never '

Ah

relief.

knew what a good chap

Asleep again

!

'

There

must

!

now

still

and

;

*

Yes

'

said Pen, with a sigh

'

be

slight

;

delirium,

and

of I

suppose I shall be doing no good by trying to stop him.

Poor fellow

me when he

!

He

know how he

goes wandering on like

could think out some food.

doesn't

way

this.

hurts

I wish I

of getting a change of

Plenty of milk, plenty of

fish.

I have been

as far as I dared in every direction, but there isn i

HOW TO TREAT AN ENEMV.

96

—

want much only one of those black-bread cakes now and then. Any one would have thought that the people in a country like this would have kept plenty of fowls. Perhaps Ah, there 's they do where there are any cottages. no shamming now. He 's fast enough asleep, and perhaps when he awakes he will be more himself,' But poor Punch's sleep only lasted about half an hour, and then he woke up with his eyes glittering a trace of a cottage.

I don't

w

and with a strangely eager look in his countenance, as he stretched out the one hand that he could use. *

have to '

he

Yes,'

said, 'that's

Go

do.

Punch,

I

it.

know what you

to that uncle of yours

'

Pen, laying his hand softly

cried

lad,'

will

upon the one that had closed upon

his wrist,

*

don't

talk now.' *

much, only

I won't

round.

want

I just

Yes, I

know

while you

slept.'

'

What for 'To make '

?

'

;

it

to say

stops

my

head from going

'

but I have been watching a deal

cried the boy.

enemy

sure that the

did not surprise

us.' *

Ah, you are a good chap,' said the boy, pressing

his wrist,

'And

I

am

very

tired,

head begins to go round '

Does

it ?

tell you.'

my

my

too.'

Well, then, I won't say

have got this into

make me

and when you talk

much

;

only I

head, and something seems to

'

HOW TO TREAT AN ENEMY. '

Leave

to-morrow morning,

it till

No it must come now, What you have to do

'

;

it.

like

'All right; oflScer

—same

to go to

is

it,

!

have just done.

I

as they uses

sir,

your uncle

'

like

Pistols

when they

Then you walks straight up head in the air, and you says desarve

then.'

for fear I should forget

an ofHcer and a gentleman Punch, Punch

'

97

to

an

fights duels.

with your

him,

to him,

"You

don't

but I won't take any dirty advantage

Which you so there 's the pistols," you says. For we are going to settle this will you choose ? Then I'll tell you how it is. Old little affair." who was a corporal once, before he was Pat Reilly of

*'

;

—

—

put back into the ranks chaps over their pipes

how

I heerd

him

telling our

he went with the doctor

was in to carry his tools to mend the one of them who was hurt. He called it he was an Irishman, you know a jool and he said when you fight a jool, and marches so many paces, and somebody not the doctor, but what they the regiment he

of

—

calls

the second

—

—

made a mistake, one of them be two seconds

only I think Pat

because there can't

must be a

first

;

or a third

'There, Punch,

;

tell

me

*

the rest to-morrow.*

boy obstinately but his voice was growing weaker. I have just done, and I shall be '

No,' said the

;

*

better then, for off"

what

worrying me.

know. 'Tent.

You

I

Let

wanted 's

see

to say will

what

it

have

was.

stands opposite to your uncle,

Q

left

Oh, I turns

'

'

HOW

98

'

TO TREAT AN KNEMY.

sideways, raises your pistol, takes a good aim at

Now

him, and shoots him dead.

say to that

then,

what do you

?

'That I don't want to shoot him dead. Punch.*

You

'

'

don't

?

'No.'

he your enemy

*

Why,

*

I don't know.'

isn't

?

*Then I suppose that won't

do.'

'I'm afraid not, Punch.' Then you must wait a

little

'

get promoted for bravery in the

longer field.

till

you

You

will

Captain Gray then, and then you can go to

be

him, and look him as

if

you

felt that

full in

he was no better

and ask him what he thinks

What

my

him than a worm,

the face, and smile at

of that.*

Punch ? *No, I mean you smiling down at him as wasn't worth your notice.* *

*

!

of

captain's uniform.

Ah, that sounds

Then, you think that will do

'

Yes.'

now

Ah, and get

'

Oh

With a

*

?

I will go to sleep.'

'

yes, I

better, Punch.'

am

going to get better now.'

sigh of satisfaction, the boy closed his eyes,

utterly exhausted,

and lay breathing steadily and well,

while Pen stood leaning over him waiting

hand

lightly

till

he

felt

was asleep and then, as he laid upon his patient's brow, a sense of

sure that the boy his

he

better. Punch,*

'

'Then,

if

;

HOW

TO TKEAT AN ENEMY.

hopefulness came over cool *

him on

99

feeling that he

was

and calm. There are moments/ he thought to himself,

when

I ought to give tip as prisoners, for

it

seems as

is

impossible to go on

if

wants suitable

know what

'

food,

I could

should be to blame

if

like

this.

Poor fellow, he

and think how

I will I don't

do to get him better food. I stand

it

by and

see

him

I

die for

want of proper nourishment/ And it seemed to him that his depressing thoughts had affected his eyes, for the cabin had grown dull and gloomy, and his despair '

'

Oh,

became more deep.

it 's

no use to give way,' he muttered.

There must be food of some kind to be found

knew where the kids

He

to forage for

Why

it.

not

kill

if

I

one of

'

?

stopped short in

his

planning and took a

step forward, to pass round the rough heather pallet,

thus bringing him out of the shadow into the light

and face to face with a eighteen,

who was

girl of

resting one

about seventeen or

hand upon the door-

post and peering in at the occupant of the rough bed, but

run.

who now

uttered a faint cry and turned to

'

leo

CHAPTER

X.

TALKING IN HIS SLEEP.

'N

O, no

Pray, pray, stop

!

out after his strange

!

'

cried Pen, dashing

who was making

visitor,

for the edge of the nearest patch of wood.

The imploring tone

of

words had

his

though the tongue was foreign that girl's

effect,

upon the

and she stopped slowly, to look back and, then as it seemed to dawn upon her

ears,

him what her pursuer was, she slowly

at

fell

its

;

imploringly towards

speak of

itself,

and

him,

say,

*

raised her hands

gesture seeming to

the

am

only

in wonder, for

Pen

Don't hurt

me

!

I

a helpless girl/

Then she looked up

at

him

raised his in turn, as he exclaimed, I

*

Don't run away.

want your help.* The girl shook her head, *

'

IngUs, Sif

si,

Inglhy

Inglh,

Don't

go.

I

won't

hurt you.' '

Si,

si,

with some animation

Ingles,* said the girl

now. '

Ah, she understands that

then aloud,

'

Help

!

wounded

'

I

! '

thought Pen

;

and

and he pointed

at

the open door.

The

girl

looked at him, then at the door, and

then shook her head.

; '

101

TALKING IN HJS SLEEP. *Can you understand French and the '

girl

How

started

cried

*

Pen eagerly;

shook her head again. !

stupid to ask like that

and then aloud, 'Help

The

?

wounded.'

!

once more, and then

shook her head

girl

and struggled

muttered Pen

'

slightly as

Pen caught her by

the arm. '

Don't

fight,'

he

cried.

gesticulated towards the

'

Help

help

!

And he

!

'

hut as he pointed througli

the door at the dimly seen bed, while the girl held

back at arm's-length, gazing at him wildly, until a

happy thought struck him, for he recalled the words that he had more than once heard used by the villagers while '

he and his fellows were foraging.

El pano,' he

cried

'

;

el

—

pano

bread,

bread

!

And he pointed to the dimly seen boy and then to his own mouth. Si el pano I cried the girl, ceasing her faint '

'

J

struggle. *

Si, si !

'

cried

together for a

Pen again, and he joined

moment

his

hands

before slowly beckoning their

him into the cottage. He stepped in, and then turned to look back, but

visitor to follow

only to find that the girl

still

turned to look round again as

As

held aloof, and then if

in search of help.

she once more glanced in his direction with eyes

that were full of doubt. Pen walked round to the

back of the rough

pallet,

placing the bed between

them, and then beckoned to the girl to come nearer as he pointed

downward

at his sleeping patient

'

'

TALKING IN HIS SLEEP.

102

Their visitor

still

held aloof,

till

Pen raised

his

them imploringly, and

hands towards

her, joining

his heart leaped

with satisfaction as she began slowly

and cautiously

And now

to approach.

upon

for his part he sank

his knees,

as she watched him, looking ready to dart

and

away

at

any moment, he placed one finger upon his lips and raised his left hand as if to ask for silence, while he uttered softly the one word,

To

his great satisfaction the

her shadow

till

herself '

*

I 'd

fell

give something

understand that he

Ah, I

able to see.

He

!

across the bed, and, supporting

by one hand, she peered

now,' thought Pen.

Hush girl now approached

'

is

I

if

What

in.

could speak Spanish

can I do to

wounded

know

?

She ought

to be

I

pointed quickly to his

against the bed, and then

rifle,

which was leaning

downward

bandage displayed one end.

last-applied

make her

at

where the

Then, point-

ing to poor Punch's face, he looked at the girl sadly

and shook his head.

was growing quite dusk inside the hut, but Pen was able to see the girl's face light up as, without a moment's hesitation now she stepped quickly It

through the rough portal and bent down so that she could lightly touch the sleeper's hand, which she took in hers as she bent lower

and then rose slowly,

meet Pen's inquiring look

;

^

and as she shook her

head at him sadly he saw that her eyes were with

tears.

to

filling

;

103

TALKING IN HIS SLEEP.

'

El pano, el pano and his next movement was telling though grotesque, for he opened his mouth and made signs of eating, '

Sick/ he whispered

before pointing

^8% si!'

'

;

dying.

downward

at the boy.

cried the girl quickly, and, turning to

him

the door again, she passed through, signing to to follow,

but only to turn back, point to the

pail that stood

upon the

indicate that she

wanted

floor

by the

little

bed's head,

and

it.

Pen grasped her meaning, caught up the pail, handed it to her, and quite simply and naturally sank upon one knee and bent over to lightly kiss the girFs extended hand, which closed upon the edge of the little vessel.

She shrank quickly, and a look of half -dread, halfannoyance came upon her countenance but, as Pen ;

drew back, her face smoothed and she nodded quickly, pointed in the direction of the big fall, made two or three significant gestures that might or might not

have meant, '

El pano,

'

1 11 soon be

d pano ;

*

back/ and then whispered,

and ran

stones as swiftly as one of her '

Ha

tion,

'

!

el

'

said

Pen

softly, as

pano means

off over the

own mountain

rugged goats.

he sighed with satisfac-

bread, plain enough, and she

Gone,' he added, as the must have understood that. 'Then there must be another disappeared. girl

cottage somewhere in that direction, and I to

hope that she

to eat.

Who

will

am

going

come back soon with something

could have thought

it

?

—But suppose

she has gone to join some of the French

who

are

— 104

TALKING IN HIS SLEEP.

about here, and comes back with a party to take us prisoners

!

—Oh, she wouldn't be upon us

ean*t look

But

was only

frightened, and

no wonder,

wouldn't have come here. simple country

poor lads in

girl,

No, no, she

people's.

No, a

and she

they must

to find us in her

girl like

would only think

distress,

;

of enemies.

must be hers or her

hut, for it

she

;

are not fighting

know

I don't

made up

look upon us as

We

as enemies.

against her people.

so treacherous

Else she that,

of helping

a

two

come back and

will

bring us some bread.'

As Pen

stood watching the place where the girl

had disappeared pocket, where

had

left

hand went involuntarily

his

he jingled a few pesetas that he

and then, as he canvassed

;

to his

to himself the

possibility of the girl's return before long, he

slowly back into the hut and stood looking

went

down

at

the sleeper. *

Bread and milk,' he said

life to

softly.

But how queer

him.

it

'

It will be like

seems that I should

be worrying myself nearly to death, giving up clothes to nurse,

whom

make him

comfortable, playing doctor and

and nearly starving myself, I never cared a bit.

more

for

when

I used to hear

him

he seemed

so

my

boy

for

have done any

brother.

Why,

him speak it jarred upon me, coarse and common. It's human and

nature, I suppose,

poor girl again.

for a

I couldn't

he had been

if

my

I

'm not going to doubt that

She looks common and simple too

a Spanish peasant,

I suppose,

who

liad

come

to milk

"

105

TALKING IN HIS SLEEP.

and see to the goats after perhaps being frightened

away by the

A

firing.

seventeen or eighteen,

girl of

Well, Spanish girls would be just as

I should say.

Of course and she did just the same as one of them would have done. She looked sorry for poor Punch, and I saw one tear There, Punch, boy we trickle over and fall down, tender-hearted as ours at home.

;

—

now

shall be all right

if

;

the French don't come.'

*

Pen stepped out in the open and seated himself upon a piece the direction

was

it

mossy rock where he could gaze in where he had last seen his visitor. But of

murmur

distant

of the great

seemed

like a friend to

behind

the

him '

feel

fall,

the sharp, sibilant

The great planet which had

chirrup of crickets.

him

before had risen from

and

mountain,

distant

peculiar sweet,

There was the

and misty now.

dull

all

warm perfume

was a that made

there

in the air

drowsy and content.

Ah,' he sighed,

'

they say that when things are

mend-

at their worst they begin to mend.

They

ing now, and this valley never

never looked, so

beautiful before.

sweet, soft,

dewy

think I ever use for

me

to

How

felt,

are

one seems to breathe in the

night-air

felt so truly

It

!

happy.

*s

I don't

lovely.

There,

it 's

of

no

watch that patch of wood, for I could

not see our visitor unless she was coming with a lantern

;

and perhaps she has had

Well, watching the spot

she

's

coming she

is

if

to

doing no good, and

will find her

likely not to lose heart

miles

I

way, and she

is

go. if

more

'm in the hut, for I

106

TALKING IN HIS SLEEP.

might scare her away.

Here,

how

getting on

poor old Punch

—

thought

I

never

my

was getting up

is

let

go in and see

'a

But

!

have imagined

could

" lessons for

that the time would come

—when

me

when

'*

I should be waiting

in for a

some

for

wounded comrade

a cake of black bread to keep us both

Pen Gray walked

I

to-morrow morning

and watching in a Spanish peasant's hut one to come and bring

I never

alive.'

softly in the directicMi of the

dimly seen hut through heathery brush, rustling at every step and seeming to have the

him walk on

tiptoe

for

fear

effect of

making

he should break the

silence of the soft southern evening.

The was a

and

lad stopped

distant shout that suggested the hailing of a

French soldier who had

Then

listened eagerly, for there

waa

It

repeated,

'

lost his

in the forest.

Ahoy-y-hoy-hoy-y-y

from far away,

answered

way

and

it

brought

* !

and

up a

suggestion of watchful enemies searching for others in the darkened woods.

Then came another impatience from the *

I

shout,

that

?

of

listener.

ought to have known

what 's

and an ejaculation

it

was an

owl.

Hallo

!

Has she come back by some other

way V For the sound of a voice came to him from inside

making him hurry over the short distance that separated him from the door, where he gtood for a moment or two listening, and he heard distinctly, Not me I mean to make a big fight the rough hut,

*

!

'

'

TALKING IN HIS SLEEP. for

it

out of

obeying orders it

themselves *

spite.

Cowards

I

me down

Shoot !

107

—

How

would they

lad,'

said

Pen,

stepping

bedside and leaning over his comrade, ?

for

like

Talking in your sleep

and Pen

laid his

what 's the

?

muttering voice

hand upon the boy's

fore-

A

good

head, as he said to himself,

Poor fellow

'

mess of bread-and-milk

would save

wonder how long she

be

will

'

the

to

'

There was no reply, but the ceased,

—

?

Why, Punch,

matter

a boy

!

!

his

life.

I

108

CHAPTER XL punch's commissariat,

T was

far longer

than Pen anticipated, for the

darkness grew deeper, the forest sounds fainter

and fainter, and there were times when the watcher went out to listen and returned again and again

Punch sleeping more

find

to

restfully,

while the

very fact that the boy seemed so calm appeared to affect his

ness,

out

comrade with a strange sense of drowsiof

which he kept on rousing himself,

muttering the while with annoyance,

me

her come and find

asleep.

It

'

I can't

have

She

so stupid.

's

must be here soon/

And

after

a trot up and

which he had seen the

in

down

in the direction

girl pass,

and back, he

felt better. '

Sleep

is

queer,'

he said to himself.

few minutes ago as

I

if

couldn't

*

I

felt

a

possibly keep

awaka'

He

softly touched Punch's temples again, to find

them now quite foot of the of

the

rough

future,

the

and seating himself at the

pallet

he began to think hopefully

and then with his back propped

against the rough at

cool,

glowing

woodwork he orange

disc

stared wonderingly of

the

sun,

which

was peering over the mountains and sending

its

'

109

punch's commissariat, level rays right

through the open doorway of the

hut.

Pen gazed at the for everything

soft,

warm glow

wonderingly,

seemed strange and incomprehensible.

There was the sun, and here was he lying back

woodwork But what did it all mean ? rough bed. Then came the self -evolved answer, Why, with

his

shoulders against the

*

been asleep

of

I

the

have

!

Springing from the bed, he just glanced at his

companion as he ran out to look

softly breathing

once more in the direction taken by the

Then he stepped back again

girl.

in the hope that she

might have returned during the night and brought

some bread

;

but

all

anybody having been

was

still,

and not a sign of

there.

Pen's heart sank, '

I

Grasping at shadows,' he muttered.

'

Here have

been wasting time over sleep instead of hunting

for food.'

Ignorant for the time being of the cause of the

wretched feeling of depression which

now

stole

over

him, and with no friendly voice at hand to say, *

Heart

sinking

?

Despondent

?

Why,

of

course

you are ready to think anything is about to occur now that you are literally starving Pen had accepted the first ill thought that had occurred to !

'

him, and this was that his companion had turned

worse in the night and was dying.

Bending over the poor fellow once more, he thrust

'

'

110

!

punch's commissariat.

hand within the breast

a

spirits

of

his

shirt,

and his

sank lower, for there was no regular throbbing

beat in response, for the simple reason that in his

hurry and confusion of

intellect

he had not

felt in

the right place, '

Oh

with

and

'

husky, despairing tone, while he bent lower,

its it

he gasped, and his own voice startled him

1

seemed to him that he could not detect the

boy's breath playing upon his cheek,

Oh, what have I done

'

'

shoulders he began to

at the boy's

draw him up

a sitting position, with some wild idea that

into

would enable him

this

he panted, and catching

?

to regain hie breath.

But the next moment he had lowered him back

upon the rough pallet, for a cry Punch uttered proved that he was very much alive. '

he

I say,'

You

hurt

cried,

*

whatcher doing of

?

Don't

1

'Oh, Punch,' cried Pen, panting hard now, 'how

you frightened me *

Why,

!

I never did nothink,' cried the

boy

in an

ill-used tone. '

No, no.

Lie

getting worse.

I

still.

You were

only thought you were so

still,

and I could not

hear you breathe/

grumbled the wounded boy as he screwed first one shoulder up to his

'But you surlily,

ear

shouldn't,'

and then the

What snoring

did ?

other.

you expect

?

'

Hff

Think

You

!

I

did

ought

I say, though, give a fellow

hurt to

1

be

some more

;

Ill

punch's commissariat. that

of

milk,

you

will

you get some bread

I

?

—not

'm

Couldn't

thirsty.

to eat, but to sop in

I don't think I could eat anything,

but

it ?

The

'

boy stopped short as he lay passing his tongue over his fever-cracked lips, for the

able cabin

doorway

of the miser-

was suddenly darkened, and Pen sprang

round to find himself face to face with his visitor of the previous evening,

who

stood before

him with

the wooden vessel in one hand and a coarse- looking

bread-cake in the other.

She looked searchingly and suspiciously at Pen few moments

for a

;

and then, as

if

seeing no cause

for fear, she stepped quickly in, placed the food she

had brought upon the rough

shelf,

and then bent

work -roughened hand upon while he stared up at her won-

over Punch and laid one the boy's forehead, deringly.

The

girl

turned to look round at Pen, and uttered

a few words hurriedly in her Spanish patois. as

Then,

recollecting herself, she caught the bread-cake

if

from where she had placed

it,

broke a piece

off,

and

young rifleman's hand, speaking again quickly, every word being incomprehensible, though her movements were plain enough as she signed to him to eat. put

*

'

it

in the

Yes, I

know what you

mean,' said Pen smiling

but I want the bread for him,' and he pointed

to the

wounded

boy.

The peasant-girl

showed

on the

instant

that

though she could not understand the stranger's words

'

PUNCHES COMMISSARIAT.

112

were clear enough.

his signs

piece of the bread

handled

and took down the

which was

pail,

She broke

This she held up to

half- full

of

another

off

little

wooden-

warm

milk.

and signed to him to drink but he shook his head and pointed to Punch. This produced a quick, decisive nod of the head, as Pen,

;

the girl wrinkled up her forehead and signed in an

way

insistent

He

that Pen should drink

first.

obeyed, and then the girl seated herself upon

the bed and began to sop pieces of the bread and

hold them to Punch's *

Thenkye,' he said faintly, and for the

many days

for

said,

and

visitor's face.

'

bread,

company with a bright more words.

English, can

The

girl's

I suppose

'

which was given in

girlish

you

you

he

fragment

smile and

a few

'I say,' said Punch, slowly turning his head side to side,

time

'Tis good,'

his lips parted to receive another

milk-softened

the

first

the boy showed his white teeth, as

he smiled up in their

of

lips.

from

can't understand plain

?

voice sounded

very pleasant, as she

laughingly replied. *Ah,' said Punch, 'and I can't understand plain

Spanish. try to eat,

But

—

I

know what you mean, and

'Tis good.

Give us a

I will

bit more.'

For the next ten minutes or so the peasant-girl remained seated upon the bedside attending to the

wounded boy, breaking off the softer portions of the cake, soaking them in the warm milk, and

'

113

punch's commissariat. placing

them

to the sufferer's lips,

and more than once

handing portions of the cake to Pen and giving him

wood vessel so that he might drink, while the sun lit up the interior of the hut and lent a the clean

peculiar brightness to the intently gazing eyes

three occupants,

its

till

of

the rustic breakfast came to

an end, this being when Punch kept his lips closed, gazed up straight in the girl's face, and smiled and shook his head. *

Good

!

'

said the girl in her native tongue, and

she nodded and laughed in satisfaction before play-

making believe to close the boy's eyes, and ending by keeping her hand across the lids so that he might understand that he was now to sleep. To this Punch responded by taking the girl's fully

hand

in

his

and holding

against his cheek before

it

it

for

a few moments

was withdrawn, when

the poor wounded lad turned his face

away

so that

no one should see that a weak tear was stealing down his sun-browned cheek.

But the

girl

saw

it,

and her own eyes were wet

as she turned quickly to Pen, pointed to the bread

and milk, signed to him that he should go on

eating,

and then hurried out into the bright sunshine, Pen following, to see that she

was making

straight for

the waterfall.

The next minute she had disappeared amongst the trees. '

Well, Punch,' cried Pen, as he stepped back to

the hut,

'

feel better for

your breakfast

?

'

114

me

see

you

snivelling, did she

call

*

Ah

'

and

;

'

she didn't

?

snivel too, as

it

to see

you so

few moments'

silence,

bad.'

said Punch, after a

!

I say,

made her Of course she was sorry

it.

weak and

But

Yes, of course.

?

Yes, I think so

'

'

punch's commissariat.

Better

'

'

'

during which he had lain with his eyes shut. '

What

*

No

Does your wound hurt you

is it ?

about

I forgot all

;

I say, I should like

it.

to give that girl something, because

of her

but I

;

a hole in

was

it

real

kind

nothing but a sixpence with

and she wouldn't care

for that, because

English.'

it 's '

it,

ain't got

?

Well,

A

would.

upon

its

know, Puncb.

don't

I

I

dare say she

good-hearted girl like that wouldn't look

would keep

value, but

it

out of remembrance

of our meeting.' *

Think

eyes

?

'

that,' said

But,

well.

where our fellows

Eh

to run

?

'

all

away and

Is

'

Of course

it likely,

I say.

Pen.

'

Think about

the same, I wish I could

so that she could guide

me

to

are.'

cried the

'

what

and with his

!

make her understand *

eagerly,

Oh, don't I wish I could talk

Oh, never mind

getting

Punch

said

'

sparkling.

Spanish '

so

boy eagerly.

me

leave

Punch

You

here, are

you

ain't a-going ?

?

not,' cried

I get

'

the boy.

muddly and

*

Never you mind

stupid in

my

sometimes, and then I say things I don't mean/

head

'

115

punch's commissariat.

Of course you do

'

Pen cheerily

said

Think

'

so,

;

I understand.

It

'but you are getting

;

comrade

You

?

see,

I

weakness/

's

better.'

had no

ain't

doctor.'

we

Nature

you have.

Yes,

'

's

a fine doctor

and

;

if

can keep in hiding here a few days more, and

that girl will keep on bringing us bread and milk,

you

be in marching order

soon

will

We

not going to be in the dumps.

we

so

;

are

will find our

fellows somehow.' '

To be

we

sure

will,'

wrenched himself a

said

Punch

over,

little

cheerfully, as he

wincing with pain

the while.

Wound

*

What

is

*

Yes

horrid,' said the

'

Then,

;

Punch

it,

why

*

me

Yes,

a stinger.

hurt you again

boy with a lie still

?

?

sigh.

You

should

tell

to move.*

right

all

you

don't

me you wanted

?

;

I

will next time.

It did give

what some

Sets a fellow thinking

our poor chaps must feel

who

of

down and

get shot

out in the mountains without a comrade to help

lie

them '

—

a comrade like you.

Look

here,

Punch,'

I shall never

interrupted

Pen,

'

'

don't

I

like butter.' '

'

I do,' said the boy,

Wished

I

with his eyes dancing merrily.

had had some with that bread

's

morning.*

and Now, you know what I mean,* cried Pen mind this, if you get talking like that to me again '

;

I will *

go

off"

Ha, ha

*

and leave you.'

!

'

said

the

boy

softly,

'

don't

believe

'

'

116

punch's commissariat.

you.

All right then, I won't say any more

don't like

it

but I shall think about

;

it

if

you

all

the

more/

'What

'There you go again,' cried Pen.

you want

What

?

are

you trying

to get

is

it

You

?

are hurting yourself again.'

was only trying

*0h, I

to

get at that there

sixpence/ said the poor fellow, with a dismal look in his face.

I

*

I just touched

'm half -afraid

'

it ain't

1

any more/

I

had better keep '

it

want it.' No, you don't, not But

—No,

then/

it

'Then don't touch *

it 's lost.

Think

so

?

'

it till

till

that girl comes

we say

;

and you

good-bye.'

said Punch.

Pen nodded. '

You think

'

She

Punch, rather drowsily now, 'I say,

'Ah,' said

how nice when you

it

feels for

to be kind to

you

Pain gone off ? Pen thoughtfully. am all right now. Think she will come

Very,' said

'

Yes

I

'

?

back soon

No, not for hours and hours.'

'Oh, I say, Pen.

me

any one

are bad/

'

'

?

sure to/

is

;

she will come again, then

*

to

go to sleep

'

Yes, quite.'

'

Then

Think

it

would be

week/

for

*

?

I think I will, for I feel

sleep for a

safe

as

if

I

could

117

punch's commissariat.

Go

'

to sleep then.

It

's

the best thing you can

do.'

she comes

promise *

Only, promise

Well, I will.

'

—

Poor

I 'm

while

promise fellow

— wake said

1 '

I

asleep,

me

one thing

— — want I

:

if

you

'

Pen,

*

he

's

weak

as

as

But that breakfast has been like life to him. Well, there 's some truth in what they say, that when things come to the worst they begin to

weak.

mend.'

A

few minutes

wounded comrade had sunk gently out

stole

noting that his poor

later, after

among

Pen

into a deep sleep,

the trees, keeping a sharp

lookout for danger as he swept the slopes of the valley in search of signs of the enemy, for he felt

that

it

was too much

scarlet of

own men. now seemed thoroughly

one of their

But the and a

to hope for the dark -green or

valley

restful feeling

began to

steal

through the

being, for everything looked peaceful

and as

if

the horrors of

deserted,

and

war had never

lad's

beautiful,

visited the

land.

The sun was

rising higher,

and he was glad

to

take shelter beneath the rugged boughs of a gnarled old cork-tree, soft,

where he stood listening to the low,

musical

pictured

murmur

of

the

fall.

And

as

he

the clear, bright, foaming water flashing

back the sun's rays, and in imagination saw the

shadowy forms

of the trout darting here

and

there,

he took a step or two outward, but checked himself

'

118

punch's commissariat.

and turned back to where he could com-

directly

mand

the door of the hut, for a feeling of doubt

mind as to what might happen if he went away and before long he stole back to the side of the rough pallet, where he found Punch sleeping heavily, feeling, as he seated himself upon a rough stool, that he could do nothing more but wait and watch. But it was with a feeling of hope, crossed his

;

was something to look forward

for there

coming of the

peasant-girl.

'And that lad

;

can't be for hours yet,* thought the

and then

his

mind

drifted off to England,

the various changes of his his being soft

hum

to in the

And

there.

life,

and the causes

of

then, as he listened to the

of insect-life that floated through the open

door, his eyelids

grew heavy

as

if

he had caught

Weak

the drowsy infection from his companion.

he was from light feeding, he too dropped so that the long,

dering

and

how he his

asleep,

weary time that he had been won-

should be able to pass was but as

when he next

a minute, for the sun was setting unclosed

as

eyes,

to

meet the mirthful gaze of

who burst into a feeble laugh claimed, Why, you have been asleep Punch,

!

*

,f

as

he ex-

;

'

119

CHAPTER XIL A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES. *

A SLEEP -^**

'

to the door.

Yes

have been watching ever so long.

I

;

woke up hours in at the door

I

ago, all in a fright, thinking that

come back

gal had

'

up and hurrying

cried Pen, starting

!

and I seemed to see her come

;

and look round, and then go

Ah, you saw her

right and left as

said Fen, looking sharply to

* !

some trace of

in expectation of

if

again.'

her coming. *

No/

said Punch,

done that

of

lots

screwing myself

'

it 's

times.

round.

no use to

look.

have

I

Hurt my shoulder, She ain't been and

too, left

nothing.'

'But you saw her *

?

'

cried Pen.

Well/ said Punch, in a hesitating way,

you may

I didn't, like as

not as I saw her at

was the same as been off

my

I

Yes,' said Pen,

'

Do you

?

'

said

—

She seemed

I did

to

and

come

I only felt her, like.

It

seemed to see things when I have

head a

'

first

say.

'

bit. '

I understand,'

Punch dreamily.

*

Well, I don't.

shadow going

I didn't see her, only it

was

like a

but I

feel

as sure as sure that

out of the door

;

she came and stood close to

me

for ever so long,

'

'

;

'

A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES.

120

and I think

saw her back as she went out and then I quite woke up and lay and listened, hoping that she would come again.* *

*

I

I hope it

;

was only a dream, Punch,'

but I had no business to go to sleep like '

Why not

was nothing '

You

?

waren't on sentry-go

said

Pen

that,' ;

and there

to do.*

I ought to have kept awake.'

was jolly glad to see you sleep and I lay here and thought of what a lot of times you must have kept awake and watched over me when I was so bad, and Here, '

No, you oughtn't.

I

;

whatcher going to do *

Going away

'

Oh,

all

till

?

you have done talking

right.

won't

I

are such a touchy chap.

no

say

nonsense.'

You

more.

Give

go away.

Don't

us a drink.'

*Ah,

made

now you

for the

shelf

vessel stood.

drink '

are talking sense,' said Pen, as he

*

upon which the

Here, Punch,' he said,

Jolly glad of

it.

Chuck

a good drink of water.

good rinse out

it

Only, I say, I

given you water out of a dirty pail

how

querulously, it

from

?

'd

fetch

give

me it

a

first.'

Pen dryly, *I think Now, you don't think that

Well,

you mustn't

away and

'Yes,' said

*

'

wooden

It has turned sour.'

this.

well.

little

should

*But,

I

know

it

would be as

I

should have

?

? '

said

the

where are you going

to

boy get

'

AMONG THE

A RUSTLE

Out *Ah,

of the pool just

below the waterfall/

be nice and cool from there/ said the

it will

boy, passing his tongue over his dry

you might get had been on it all day/ afraid that

'

Were you

121

TREES.

?

'

it

'

lips.

was

I

from where the sun

said Pen, smiling.

'Here, I say, don't giin at a fellow like that,* said the

boy peevishly,

chap up

so.

*You do keep catching a

am

Oh, I

so thirsty

had been eating charcoal cinders wound 's all as hot and dry as

It

!

's

all

day

if

it

;

as

if

I

my

and

was being

burnt.

'Yes, I had no business to have been asleep,' said

Pen.

*

I

'II

fetch the water,

and when you have had

a good drink I will bathe your wound/

But don't keep on in that aggravating way, saying you oughtn't I wanted you to go to to have gone to sleep. sleep and it wasn't a dream about her coming and looking at me while I was asleep. I dessay my eyes were shut, but I felt somebody come, and it only aggravates me for you to say nobody *

Ah, do

;

there

a good chap.

's

;

did.'

'Then I won't say as he hurried out of all

any more, Punch,' cried Pen the door. But you dreamt it, it

'

the same,' he continued to himself as he hurried

along the track in the direction of the

a

sharp

danger,

lookout partly

in

the the

while,

partly

faint hope

fall,

in

that

keeping

search

he

of

might

catch sight of their late compassionate visitor,

who

A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES.

122

might be on the way bearing a fresh addition to their scanty store.

But he encountered no sign of enemy. One minute he was making

either friend or

way amongst

his

the gnarled cork-trees, the next he passed out to

where the

soft, deep, lulling,

burst upon his ears

fall

upon

musical sound of the

and soon

;

was

after he

his knees drinking deeply of the fresh, cool

water, before rinsing out and carefully

wooden

seau,

which he was

from the pool when he

the

in the act of raising

there

for

started,

movement amongst the bushes upon the on the

filling

was a

steep slope

othei^ side of the falls.

Pen's

beat

heart

heavily,

fugitive

for,

as

he

enemy bent him or trapping him as a

was, the rustling leaves suggested an

upon taking aim at prisoner.

He

turned to

make

his

way back

to the hut,

then as the water splashed from the pail,

little

and

wooden

he paused.

'What a coward I am T he muttered, and, sheltering himself among the trees, he began to thread his way between them towards where he could pass among the rocks that filled the bed of the stream below the

make

falls

and

so as to reach the other side

sure of the cause

of

the

movement amidst

the low growth. '

I dare say it

was only

enough to run when I had brought

my

I see

piece.'

goats,'

he

a Frenchman

said. ;

'

Time

but I wish

'

A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES.

123

Keeping a sharp lookout for danger, he reached the other side of the

and then climbed

little river,

up the rocky bank, gained the top

in safety,

and

once more started violently, for he came suddenly

upon a goat which was

amongst

browsing

the

bushes and sprang out in alarm. *

am

Yes, I

forced laugh

himself

a coward

down

little

his

wounded

'

muttered the lad with a

and, stepping back directly, he lowered

;

the

!

the bank, recrossed the stream,

pail,

made

and

companion

way

his

was

where

to

waiting

filled

him

for

impatiently. '

Oh, I say, you have been a time

boy,

'

am

and I

!

'

grumbled the

so thirsty/

'Yes, Punch, I have been a while.

the

and

when

pail,

I

there

was a

rustle

had

I

among

filled

the trees,

thought one of the Frenchies was about to

pounce upon me.'

'And was '

No, only a goat amongst the bushes

made me no,

it?'

longer.

There, let

don't try yourself.

hurt you

much

me

;

and that

—

no,

Did

it

hold you up

That's the way.

?

The boy drank with

avidity,

and then drew a

long breath.

'Oh,

What, did to

good!' he

'tis

hurt

it

howl about

that.

?

Yes, tidy

Good job

Don't want them to find us friends.

If

'Nice and cool

said.

;

it

but I

ain't

too.

going

wasn't a Frenchy.

now we

are amongst

that gal will only bring us a bit to

'

'

'

A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES.

124

eat for about another day I shall be all right then. Sha'n't

I,

comrade

?

'Better, I hope, Punch,' said Pen, smiling; 'but

you won't be '

Gammon

right for some time yet,'

all

the boy.

cried

!

'

'

I shall.

It

only

wants plenty of pluck, and a wound soon gets I

well.

mean

soon,

and I

that

cake,

butter

and

—

to

fit

I

say

—what

lie

for

his head.

Well, cheese, then

when a chap '

Spanish

the

's

?

That

?

ask her to bring us some. it,

go on again precious

I say, give us a bit more of

will.

Pen shook '

be

to

Of course still,

will do.

It

's

I

a good

begins to get hungry

want

sign, ain't

?

you have got to do is and not worry your wound by trying it is.

to

All

to to

move.' 'Yes,

it

all

is

very

fine,

but you ain't got a

wound, and don't know how hard I try and try, and I know how

it is it

hurts

must move I say, I wish we had got a book quiet if you read to me.'

do move, but

I feel as if I

!

'I

you

all

me

still.

if

I

the same,

I could

keep

wish I had one. Punch, but I must talk to

instead.'

us a story.'

'

Well,

'

I can't, Punch.'

'

Yes, you can

tell

how you came '

to lie

;

you did

tell

me your

to take the shilling.*

Well, yes, I did tell

you

that.'

story about

'

A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES. *0f course you

comrade.

did,

Well,

125

tliafc's right.

Tell us again/

You

'

Nonsense

'

Oh, don't I

!

But

?

a hundred times

how

I should like to

No, no

Pen, wrinkling *

Why

up

Tell us all about

me

'Well, yes,

do

to

your

—your

again.'

it

Punch,* said

that,

feelings, does it

me

does set

it

thinking about

his forehead.

It don't hurt

?

me

It sets

punch somebody's head

don't ask

;

to hear that again.'

I could listen to that

I do.

over.

somebody, I mean. '

want

don't

?

thinking about the

past' *A11 right, then; I won't ask you. •give

my

us

Here, I

know

bugle and the bit of flannel and stuff

out of the haversack.

I

want

to give it a polish

up again/ '

Why, you made doesn't

It

polishing '

want

it

quite bright last time. Punch.

cleaning.

can't

be always

it.'

Yes, I can.

I

have rubbed out

want to keep on polishing that

coming better already.

Pen

You

hesitated,

bruise

in

the

Give us hold on

but seeing

how

likely

side.

till

It

I 's

it' it

was

to

quiet his patient's restlessness, he placed the bright

instrument beside him, and with

with which he scoured polisher,

it,

it

the piece of cloth

and the leather for a

and then sat thoughtfully down to watch

the satisfied look of intentness in the boy's counten-

ance as he held the copper horn so close to his face that he could breathe upon

it

without moving his

A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES.

126

head, and then go on polish, polish, slowly,

degrees the

movement

of his

till

hand became more slow,

his eyes gradually closed, his head fell sideways,

he sank to

by-

and

sleep. F

Poor fellow

'

said

!

'

Pen thoughtfully.

'

But he

can't be worse, or he wouldn't sleep like that.'

Pen rose carefully so as not to disturb the sleeper, and cautiously peered outside the hut-door, keeping well out of sight till he had assured himself that there was no

enemy

visible

upon the

slopes of

the valley, and then, taking a few steps under the

from

shelter of the trees, he scanned the valley again

another point of view, while he listened intently, trying to catch the sound of the tramping of feet or the voice of

command such

as

would indicate the

nearness of the enemy.

But ful]

all

and

was

all

still,

after stepping

looked peaceful and beauti-

back

to peer through the

hut-door again to see that Punch had not

stirred,

he passed round to the back, where he could gaze in

the direction of the fall and of the track by

which the peasant-girl had hurried away, 'I wonder whether she will come back thought Pen

;

have another

again,'

and then feeling sure that they would visit

from their new

friend,

he went

slowly back to the hut and seated himself where he could watch the still-sleeping boy and think there

was much

to dwell

that mountain valley

upon

;

for

in the solitude of

—about home, and whether

he

should ever get back there and see England again,

— A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES.

127

who were

down about how

or be one of the unfortunates

and hastily long

it

laid

beneath a foreign

soil

;

shot

would be before Punch was strong enough to

tramp slowly by his side in search of their own corps or of some other regiment where they would

be welcome enough until they could join their own.

knew wound

These were not inspiriting thoughts, and he it

must be weeks before the poor

would be suggestions

came

to

Then other mental

healed.

sufficiently

fellow's

worry him as to whether he

was pursuing the right course as a companion he felt that he was, but as a soldier he was in doubt ;

about the

upon by *

way

which his conduct would be looked

his superiors.

Can't help

skulk.

in

I

it/

he muttered.

couldn't leave

'

I didn't

the poor

fellow

want

to

alone

perhaps to the wolves.*

The day went by very

was hot, and the air felt full of drowsiness, and the more Pen forced himself to be wakeful the more the silence seemed to press him down like a weight of sleep to

slowly.

It

which he was forced to yield from time to time,

only to start awake again with a guilty look at his

companion, followed by a feeling of

relief

that Punch's eyes were

and not gazing

still

closed

on finding

him mockingly. Slow as it was, the evening began to approach at last, and with it the intense longing for the change that would be afforded by the sight of their

at

visitor,

A RUSTLE AMONG THE TREES.

128

But the time glided on, and with it came doubts which were growing into feelings of surety which were clinched by a sudden movement on the part

wounded boy, whose long afternoon-sleep was brought to an end with an impatient ejaculation.

of the

'There! '

knew how

I

She won't come now.' 'Never mind, Punch,'

cheerily.

'

There

go now and see

's

if

I

a

would

it

he

be,'

said.

said Pen, trying to speak

little

more bread, and I

will

can find the goat, and try and

get some milk.'

'Not

you,'

know you

the

boy

*She will

peevishly.

and won't

are a stranger,

know what them

I

again.

said

she-billygoats are.

have watched them over and over again. bread alone, and it

for breakfast,

let

's

go to

and water

one good long snooze then I '

*

am

shall

mean

I

will do.

I

Leave the

We

sleep.

to

want have

ready for to-morrow, and

going to get up and march.*

Nonsense, Punch,' cried Pen. Can't

you try

let

! '

said the

'

You

boy mockingly.

'

r±

can't.

I must, and,

know such a

besides, British soldiers don't

»

thing as

cant. *

Ah

made

I '

cried

Pen

excitedly, as he started

was the

for the door, for there

of feet amongst the bushes

;

up and

rustling sound

and directly

after,

hot

and panting with exertion, the peasant-girl appeared at the opening that light.

was growing dim

in the failing

129

CHAPTER

XIII.

'LOOK OUT, comrade!'

H

OORAY round

their visitor,

!

Punch,

cried

'

and

who

wrenching his head

stepped

in,

hand

one

stretching

towards

put the basket she

upon the bed, and placed her hand upon her breathing hard as if she were in pain.

carried side,

Why, you have been

'

running,* cried Punch, look-

ing at her reproachfully.

and you are a good

'

It

little

shouldn't have run so fast.

As the

girl

was

lass

all

right on you,

to come,

'Tain't good.'

began to recover her breath she showed

her white teeth and nodded merrily at the

boy

;

but you

and then, as

if

wounded

she had grasped his meaning,

she turned to Pen, caught up the basket, and began rapidly to take out first

its

contents,

of bunches of grapes, a

which consisted

few oranges, and from

beneath them a piece of thin cheese and another cake,

which lay at the bottom in company with a

rough-looking drinking-mug.

These were

all

Punch, while the

arranged upon the bed close beside girl,

as she emptied her basket,

kept on talking to Pen in a hurried way, which he took to mean as an apology for her present being so

common and simple. Upon this base Pen made what he 'Tout.

I

considered a

;

'

130

'LOOK OUT, comrade!*

suitable

thanking the

reply,

and

compassion

kindness

girl

to

warmly for her two unfortunate

strangers.

make you understand/ he said but we are both most grateful and we shall never What 's the matter ? forget it, and •

I

wish

I could

w

'

For to his

all

at once, as the girl

was

listening eagerly

words and trying to understand them, nodding

smilingly at

him the

while, a sudden change

came

over her countenance as she gazed fixedly past the

young

soldier at the little square opening in the hut-

him which served

wall behind

as a window, and

then turned to snatch her basket from the bed. '

What

'Look

is it

?

out,

'

cried Pen.

comrade

—

window behind/

the

said

Punch.

Pen turned on the

instant,

but the dim window

gave no enlightenment, and he looked back now at the

girl,

who was about

to pass through the door,

but darted back again to run round the foot of the bed, so as to place

it

between her and

looking Spanish peasant -lad

tlie

swarthy-

who suddenly appeared

to block the doorway, a fierce look of savage

triumph

upon

his hips

in his eyes, as he planted his hands

and burst out into an angry tirade which made the girl

shrink back against the wall.

Not a word was intelligible to the all the same the scene told its own lips parted, his

helpless,

face turned white,

lookers-on, but tale.

Punch's

and he lay back

with his fingers clenched, while Pen's chest

;

'

'LOOK OUT, comrade!' began lo heave and he stood there ing hard as

131

irresolute, breath-

he had been running, knowing well

if

what the young Spaniard's words must

as he did

mean.

What

followed passed very quickly, for the

young

Spaniard stepped quickly into the hut, thrust Pen aside,

stepped round to the foot of the bed, and

caught the shrinking

girl

savagely by the wrist.

She shrank from him, but he uttered what sounded

more

than words, and began to drag

like a snarl

her back round the foot of the bed towards the door.

Pen chest,

as

felt

if

something were burning in

his

and he breathed harder, for there was a twobetween the desire

fold struggle taking place therein

to interfere

and the feeling of prudence that told

him he had no right to meddle under the circumstances in which he was placed. Prudence meant well, and there was somethingf very frank and brave in her suggestions

had the worst of retort

it,

for the girl

upon her assailant

began to

but she

;

resist

and

angrily, her eyes flashing

as she struggled bravely to drag her wrist

away

but she was

strong

muscles

of

almost

helpless

man,

the

against

the

and the next moment she

turned upon Pen an appealing look, as she uttered

one word which could only mean

Pen took that feeling

in

his

to

*

Help

be the meaning, and

young English breast

phorically, into flame.

!

the hot

burst,

meta-

'

'LOOK OUT, comrade!'

132

Springing at

young Spaniard, he

the

wrested the girl from his grasp

now

;

literally

and as she sprang

Pen

to catch at Punch's extended hand.

closed

was a brief struggle, and the Spaniard was driven here and there for a few moments before he caught his heel against the rough sill at the bottom of the doorway and went down heavily outside, but only to spring up again with his teeth bared like those of some wild beast with her

there

assailant,

as he sprang at Pen.

A

came from the

piercing shriek

she tried

hand

but the boy held

;

brave

her

fast,

throw

to

effort

and

lips,

from Punch's detaining

herself

free

to

girl's

checking the herself

girl in

between

the

contending pair, while Punch uttered the warning

Mind, comrade Look out The next instant there was a

cry,

*

!

Spaniard

Knife

!

dull thud,

heavily in the doorway,

fell

Knife

!

stood breathing hard, shaking his

and the

Pen

while

now open

hand,

which was rapidly growing discoloured. Has he cut you, comrade ? cried Punch *

'

husky *

*

It

in a

voice.

No. 's

!

All right

1

'

panted Pen with a half -laugh.

—

only the skin off

his teeth,

he muttered to himself, very near.

—No,

no,

I hit

first.'

Cowardly brute

'

my

girl/

!

It

But was

he said now, aloud,

as the girl stripped a little handkerchief from her

neck and came up to him timidly, as his

bleeding

stream.

knuckles.

That

'

I

will soon stop

will ;'

if

to bind

up

go down to the

and he brushed past

133

'LOOK OUT, comrade!' her, to

again face the Spaniard,

who was

approach-

ing him cautiously now, knife in hand, apparently

about to spring. Oh, that

*

's

it,

it

is

?

said

'

Pen

sternly,

and

still

facing the Spaniard he took a couple of steps back-

ward towards the wall

of the hut.

His assailant did not read his uttered

and

intention,

a snarl of triumph as he continued

cautious tactics and

himself from side to

his

went on advancing, swinging and side as if about to spring ;

a dull gleam of light flashed

from the knife he

held in his hand.

But the hand Pen had thrust out behind him had not been idle

;

and Punch, who lay helplessly upon

the bed, uttered a sigh of satisfaction, for with one

quick movement Pen threw forward his right again to

where

it

came

closely in contact

with his

left,

which joined on in throwing forward horizontally the

rifle

Pen had caught from where

it

stood in the

corner of the hut, the muzzle delivering a dull blow

There was a sharp

in the Spaniard's chest. click,

and Pen thundered

and run, before

it 's

—

out,

click,

'Drop that knife

*

fire

!

The man could not understand a word of English, but he plainly comprehended the young soldier's meaning, for his right hand relinquished its grasp, the knife fell with a dull sound upon the earthen floor,

and

its

tlio ^iv] .stood

a low

sipjh

owner turned and dashed witli

hor

luinfls olns^ped as

full of relief,

awaj', wliile

she uttorcd

and then sank down

in

a

'LOOK OUT, COMRADE

134

heap upon the

floor,

sobbing as

if

r her heart would

break. '

'

One

How

head '

?

No

for

him,

would

it

comrade,'

cried

Punch

hoarsely.

be to spend a cartridge over his

Make him run need. Punch.

the

This

faster.' is

a bad bit of luck.'

Bad luck said Punch. Only I call it fine. Teach him I couldn't come and help. Yes, fine what British soldier means. Oh, can't you say *

'

!

'

!

something to

tell

that poor girl not to cry like that

?

Say, old man,' said the boy, dropping into a whisper, 'didn't see

it

before.

Why, he must be

her chap

!'

L

^

135

CHAPTER

XIV.

PUNCH WILL TALK. *

Y'ES»

-

you are right, Punch,' said Pen, I have Thick - headed idiot.

^ suppose

frowning.

'

my

quite taken the skin off

knuckles.

Poor girl/

he continued, 'she has been cruelly punished for doing a womanly '

Yes

;

but he

action.'

's

got

Oh, didn't I want to help

!

never forget what a British

be

all right.

like that

we

But, fist is.

my

word,

Yours

right.

lie

will

will soon

Oh, I wish she wouldn't go on crying

Do

!

and serve him

too,

it

say something to her and

tell

her

are very sorry she got into a scrape.'

But

'No, you say something,' said Pen quietly. there

was no need,

away her

hurriedly dashing as

if

for the girl suddenly sprang up, tears,

her eyes flashing

she were ashamed of being seen crying

;

and,

looking sharply from one to the other, she frowned,

stamped her

little

foot

upon the earthen

floor,

and

pointed through the open door. '

Juan malo

!

'

she cried, and, springing to where

the knife lay, she caught it

flying in

amongst the

it

up, ran outside,

*

Juan malo !

*

Mai

—

'

Then coming back,

trees.

she approached Pen. she cried.

'

and sent

Malo — malo

bad,' said Pen, smiling.

'

!

'That's Latin as

!

'

PUNCH WILL TALK.

136

Spanish.

well as

Juan mal *

—

^

he continued, to the

Si,*

girl,

malo.*

The girl nodded quickly and pointed to his hand. Navaja ? she said. What does that mean ? said Pen. Knife ? '

*

'

*

'

And he shook and to give

his head. effect

*

No, no, no,

words he

his

to

struck the injured hand into

its

no,*

he

said,

energetically-

fellow-palm, and

then held up the knuckles, which had

begun to

bleed again.

The

and nodded, and she made again

girl smiled

to take the handkerchief from her neck to bind

it

up, '

No, no, no

cried Pen, laughing

!

'

and shaking

his head.

The

girl

and

again,

looked

a

pointed

annoyed,

little

to

and smiled

provisions

the

she

had

brought. *

she said.

Queso, panOt

*

Las uvas ;

*

and she

caught up one of the bunches of grapes, picked

a few, and placed them in Punch's hand.

off

Then

turning quickly to the door, she stopped to look round.

*

Jiuin

malo

minute she was out of

Ah

!

'

she cried

and the next

;

sight.

Punch with a sigh, wish I was a Spaniel and could tell her what a good little lass she is, or that I was a scholar like you are I 'd know *

'

said

'

;

how you do

it.

lingo at once.

Why, you Think

bullying her again

?

quite began to talk her

tliat cliap's

waiting to begin

'

PUNCH

137

^YU.L TALK.

*I hope not, Punch.'

*So do should

your '

's

him have

you, and

tell

run up against

to

again/

fist

It

Perhaps he won't for fear that she

I.

a bad job, Punch, and I want to go

my

the stream to bathe

down

to

I dare say I should

hand.

him if he were hanging about, for the girl came from that way.' But you needn't say it 's a bad job,' said Punch.

see

*

'

There

's

nothing to mind.'

•I hope

there

's

nothing to

deal worse

were

Pen thoughtfully. 'Perhaps mind. It would have been a

said

not,'

if

we

French had found out that

the

here.'

some of these grapes

they are

;

that bit of a spurt did as long as I

lie

'Here, have

much,* said Punch.

'Yes, ever so

quite

me

fine.

good.

I

Do you know, feel better now

Just as

still.

shamming, and ought to get up, and

I had been

if

—and—

oh,

no

made an movement

I don't,' said the poor fellow softly, as he

change his position, the slight

effort to

bringing forth an ejaculation of pain.

*

Just like a

red-hot bayonet.' '

Poor old chap

!

'

said

injured lad's position.

Pen, gently altering the

'You must be

careful,

and

wait. '

But

I

peevishly.

don't '

It has

to

made me

wait,'

cried

feel as

weak

believe that one

iral.

T

much

fuss as I do.*

dfiii't

want

the

boy

as a great

would have made ho

'

PUNCH WILL TALK.

138 'There,

don*t

there,

worry about

Go on

it.

eating the grapes.'

boy

'No,' said the

them

The

now.

me

turned

quite

'Don't feel to want

piteously,

I

sick.

me

went through

that

shoot

say,

comrade, I sha'n't

want to get up and go on to-morrow. I suppose I must wait another day.' Yes, Punch/ said Pen, laying his uninjured hand upon the boy's forehead, which felt cold and dank '

with the perspiration produced by the pain. '

But, I say, do have some of these grapes.'

'

Yes,

if

you

said Pen, picking

will,'

bunch that the wounded boy had bed.

'

ness. *

let

up the little fall upon the

They will take off the feeling Can you eat some of the bread too ? Try.

No,' said Punch, shaking his head

and by degrees the pain died

out,

chat about the encounter, and

how

;

of sick-

but he

did,

and he began to eager he felt to

get out into the open country again. '

tell

I say, comrade,' he said at

you

before,

but when

last,

it's

'

I never liked to

been dark I have

been an awful coward and lain coming out wet with scare,

thinking I was going to die and that you

would have to scrape a hole cover

me up

with stones.

before, because I tell

me

D' ye let all

it

see,

was

all

for

me somewhere and

I didn't like to tell

knew you would laugh

at

you

me and

nonsense for being such a coward.

that bullet

made a

the pluck out of me.

that chap seemed to

tell

me

hole in

my

But your that

it

back and

set-to with

hadn't

all

gone,

'

'

139

PUNCH WILL TALK.

ready for anything again, and that there

for I felt

was nothing the matter with me, only being as weak as a '

rat.'

To be

sure

cried Pen, laying his

! '

boy's shoulder.

'

You have

you.

That

that

is all

got to wait

till

hand upon the

the matter with

's

your strength comes

back again, and then, Punch, you and I are going to see

we

if

'That's

can't join the regiment again.' right,' cried

brightening

;

'

and

on our travels won't

We '

we don't find them we will go we do. Why, it will be fine,

if

till

as soon as I get over being such a cripple.

it,

have Ventures, sha'n't we

shall

To be

sure,' replied

strong, don't '

the boy, with his dull eyes

you

Pen

;

*

?

and you want to get

*

?

Oh, don't I just

I should just like to be strong

!

enough to meet that brown Spaniel chap and chuck

my '

'

cap at him.'

What What

come

for

?

for

?

at me.

Set his

I vshould just like is

I

have licked

—

before

about and crowing over me.

you now,

it.

now our chaps, and Noughty-fourths who was always bragging

chaps as big as he

one of the

monkey up and make him

I

was a

bit afraid of

I don't

him

till

mind telling one day when

r

me one on the nose and made it made me so savage I forgot all about he gave

and

stronger,

bleed.

That

his being big

and I went in at him hot and

strong,

and the next thing I knew was Corporal Grady was patting

me on

the back,

and there was quite a

'

PUNCH WILL TALK.

140

crowd of our chaps standing laughing, corporal

him

"

says,

foine

Bedad,

Punchard, boy,

Yes, foine*'

!

he

just

said,

and the ye

licked

like

"Now, go and wash your face, and be proud just like that. And then I remember

that.

of it,"

'

quietly.

You

*

Pen

And he

laid

much/

are talking too

hand on the boy's forehead

again.

*

Oh, but I just want to

you

*

Tell

his

time,' said

remember that another

*Yes, but

me

tell

this.'

You

to-morrow, Punch.

are growing

excited and feverish.' '

'

How

do you

No

but I

;

know know

You

?

a doctor.'

ain't

that your forehead was cold

and wet a few minutes

ago,

and that

it

is

hot and

burning now.* *

Well, that only

'

No

want

;

it

means that

it 's

getting dry.'

means doing yourself harm when you

to get well.'

*

Well, I must talk,' pleaded the boy.

'

Yes, a

*

What am

little.'

I to

do

?

I can't

be always going to

sleep.' '

No

;

but go as much as you can, and you will

get well the quicker.' '

All right,' said

But

here goes. this bullet

Punch

sadly.

'

'Bey orders

I do wish that the chap as gave

had got

it hisself .

;

so

me

I say, comrade,' added

the boy, after lying silent for a few minutes. '

Wliat

'Just

is it

?

Wliab do you want

unhook that

tliere

cord

?

and

hang

my

'

PUNCH WILL TALK. Ah,

bugle on that other peg. see

Stop a minute

now.

it

—

The boy's eyes brightened

tliat

141 better

's

I can

;

give us hold.'

as

instrument, and he looked at

Pen handed him the with pride, while

it

directly after, obeying the impulse that seized him,

he placed the mouthpiece to his breath,

drew a deep

lips,

and with expanding cheeks was about to

when Pen snatched

give forth a blast

it

from his

hands. ?

'

Whatcher doing

*

Stopping you from bringing the French

upon

cried

us,'

of

Pen

'

sharply.

*I wasn't thinking at

brow wrinkled up

was a some and *

fool

!

*

down

What were you

?

thinking about

his

boy angrily.

cried the

Got a

of our fellows

all,'

boy slowly, as

said the

way.

in a puzzled

my

sort of idea in

might hear

it

'

Well, I

head that

and come down

find us.* I

wish they would,' said Pen sadly

think there

's

a doubt of

by the French.

it,

Punch,

we

There, I 'm sorry I

;

*

but I don't

are surrounded

was

so

rough

with you, only you were going to make a mistake.' *

Sarve

me

jolly well

must have been quite it

up. It

I won't do

it

oflF

right,*

my

said

chump.

the boy.

*

I

There, hang

again.'

was quite dark now, and

in the silence

Pen

soon after heard a low, deep breathing which told

wounded companion had once more sunk asleep, while on his part a busy brain and a smarting hand tended to reproduce the evening him that

his

PUNCH WILL TALK.

142 scene,

and with

it

what would be the

a series of mental questions as to result

;

and so startling were some

came to trouble the watcher that he placed himself by the side of the bed farthest from the door and laid his rifle across the foot ready of the suggestions that

to

hand,

as

he

half-expected

to

see

the

dim,

oblong square of the open doorway darkened by an

approaching enemy stealing upon them, knife-armed

and

silent,

ready to take revenge for the blow, urged

by a feeling of jealous hatred against one who had never meant him the slightest harm. That night Pen never closed his eyes, and it was with a sigh of relief that he saw the first pale light of day stealing down into the rocky vale. thereto

'

'

143

CHAPTER JUAN

S

XV.

REVENGE.

H, you have come back again, then/ grumbled

Punch, as Pen met his weary eyes and the dismal face that was turned sideways to watch the

door of the hut.

and forgotten

'

Thought you had gone

good

for

about a poor fellow.'

all

No, you didn't, Punch,' said Pen, slowly standing

'

his rifle

up

he sank

in a corner close at hand, as

utterly exhausted

upon the foot

of the bed,

you had come across some place where there was plenty to eat, and some one was giving you bottles of Spanish wine, and that you had forgotten all about your poor Yes,

*

I

comrade lying

water, then

that

too tired to argue with you, Punch,'

Pen with a

said

expected

here.'

am

'There, I

'

I

did.

sigh.

*

You have drunk

and

I should

have eat that

cheese, only I let it slip out of

last of the

bit of hard,

my

fingers

whatcher brought for us to eat

am

'Nothing, I Well, but

starve.'

dry

and

bounced like a bit of wood under the bed.

'

the

?

Course I have, hours ago, and eat the

bread,

all

it

Well,

?

sorry to say.'

what are we going

to

do

?

We

can't

'

144 '

on

I

'

'

juan's revenge.

am

afraid

we

Punch,

caiij

things are going

if

like this/

'But they aint to go on like here and starve.

up here

this.

I won*t lie

Nice thing for a poor fellow tied

so bad that he couldn't pick

up a

of

bit

had tumbled down, and you gone off roaming about where you liked, leaving your poor wittles again as

wounded comrade

to die

Oh, I do

!

call it

a shame

!

cried the lad piteously. *

Yes,

gently

'

;

Punch/

but I can fetch some water.

Pen

said

Are you very

'

thirsty *

does seem a shame.

it

?

Thirsty

Course

?

I

been like an oven here

am

Burnt up

!

has

It

!

all day.'

Pen caught up the wooden seau and hurried out through the wood, to return in a few minutes with the vessel brimful of cold, clear water, which he set

down

and then after carefully raising the

ready,

poor boy into a sitting position he filled

lifted

the well-

drinking-cup to his lips and replenished

it

again

twice before the poor fellow would give up, '

Ah

!

'

he

sighed,

did you go this time '

Out

'

that

's

better

!

Which way

?

there to the west, wherfi the sun goes down,

Punch.' '

Well, didn't

where they '

'd

Not one

;

you

find

no farmhouses nor cottages

give you a bit of something to eat

?

only rough mountain-land, with a goat

here and there.' *

Well,

why

didn't

you catch

one, or drive

your

'

'

;

145

JUAN'S REVENGE. bayonet into

have eaten I tried

'

it

enemy

and I never got near

you?' Yes '

;

it

we

could

Punch, but the two or three I saw had

to,

But you

'

couldn't cook

raw/

been hunted by the wild,

we

If

it ?

didn't

till

they were perfectly

one.'

no enemy

see

this

did

time,

they are dotted about everywhere, and

have been crawling about

all

so as not to be seen.

's

It

I

day through the woods

worse there than in any

The French

direction I have been this week.

are

holding the country wherever I have been.'

'Oh, I do call this a nice game,' groaned the

wounded boy. It does

fill

*

Here, give us another cup of water.

one up, and I have been feeling as hollow

as a drum.'

Pen handed him the cup once more, and Punch drank with as much avidity as Yes,'

'

say,

he sighed,

till

I

comrade,

though,

waited

'

do

you think

was dark, and then

it

have got through their lines to

begged a bit of bread '

Perhaps, Punch,

*

Well, then,

*

Well,

Pen '

*

why

Course I

'

if

I

!

you

'd

you could some place and have tried,

?

if

I

had not been

didn't

we have had

quietly,

first.

a nice game

call it

don't

were his

if it

you try

taken.'

?

that over times enough,' said

you know.'

and

I think

do,'

said the boy, changing

his tone

only this wound, and being so hungry, do

make me

had been you going on

like this,

such a beast. Tout*,

If it

'

JUAN'S UEVENGE.

146

lying wounded here, and

it

was me waiting on you,

and feeding you, and tying you up, been sick of

it

a week ago, and

I should

you

left

have

to take

your chance.' '

No, you wouldn't. Punch, old chap

you/ said Pen,

want you

to

'

we won't argue about

so

feel

that I

;

it

that,

in

isn't

I only

have done everything

I

could.' *

'Oept cutting off and leaving

You

chance.

haven't done

me

to

take

my

that.'

'No, I haven't done that, Punch.' '

*

And

I suppose

and I ought

to

you ain't going to,' said the boy, tell you you are a fool for your

pains.* '

But you

'

No, I suppose not

beast place

— ;

are not going to do that, Punch.' ;

and

I

wish

such an ungrateful brute.

and

don't get no better.

it

I

wasn't such a

It is all that sore

But, I say,

why

you go out stmight and find the first lot of Frenchies you can, and say to them like a man, " Here, I give myself up as a prisoner " ?

don't

*I told you, Punch, '

Yes you

said

;

have '

me

carried

Well, that

want rough don't

's

what

you were

I believe,' replied Pen.

afraid that they wouldn't

away on account of my wound.' what I do believe. Punch. I don't

to be hard on the French, but they are a very lot

here in this wild mountain-land, and I

believe

they would burden themselves with

wounded.' *

Well,

it

wouldn't matter/ said the boy dismally.

'

'

147

juan's revenge.

Of course they wouldn't carry me about but they would put me out of my misery, and a good job too.' '

;

Pen lines

which made him look ten years

hand upon

laid his '

I

Ha

up with

said nothing, but his face wrinkled

don't

you are

that does a fellow good,

and

I

lie

here

how you can do

so

much

as

wondering

*

any poor chap ever had such a

believe

comrade

he

his comrade's fevered brow.

sighed Punch,

* !

older, as

;

sometimes for

such

an' '

Will you be quiet, Punch

away

'

cried Pen, snatching

his hand,

—

*

Yes, yes

*

Then be

talk like *

?

please don't take

it

away,*

You know how

quiet.

you

I hate

to

this.'

Yes, all

right

;

I

have done.

But,

I

say,

do

you think it 's likely that gal will come again ? She must know that what she brought wouldn't last. '

must have got into such

I think, poor lass, she

trouble with her people that she daren't '

Her

people

!

'

the boy.

cried

'

It

come 's

again.'

that ugly

black-looking nigger of a sweetheart of hers.

You

had a good sight of him that night when you took aim with your rifle. Why didn't you pull the trigger '

?

A

chap like that

*

no good

Just the same as you would

of the rifle yourself, '

's

There

What

you

go

Punch

—

again,'

a chap you are

!

eh

if

you had had hold

?

said

You

in the world,'

the

boy

sulkily.

are always pitching

'

148 it

at

'

juan's revknge.

me

Why,

like that.

him like a man,' Would you ? said Pen,

of course I should have

shot '

'

smiling,

'Oh, well, I don't know.

makes you feel as you couldn't hard on him. But it wouldn't be quite the

Such a chap be too

Perhaps I shouldn't.

right

thing,

makes

my

as that

There,

suppose.

I

don't

bother.

It

But, oh, shouldn't I like

sore place ache.

him what I think of him I say, don't you think she may come to-night ? I have almost ceased to hope. No, Punch Besides, I don't want to depend on people's charity, though I like to see it I want to be able to do to tell

!

'

;

something for ourselves.

No, I don't think she will

come any more.' boy

'I do,' said the

confidently.

to think that she will

come

She must know how

to.

after

jolly

'

I

am

beginning

She

all.

hungry

is

sure

I should be.

She looked so kind. A gal like that wouldn't leave She is a nice, soft-hearted one, she is, us to starve. though she

is

Spanish.

I wouldn't take no notice,

but I see the tears come in her eyes, and one of

my

them dropped on

hand when she leaned over me

was in pain. English and lived somewhere

and looked so sorry because pity she ain't

It's a

I

at

where one might expect to see her again. very sad and shocking to have to

live in a

home It

is

country

like this.' '

Do you

*Yes,

feel so

horrid.

hungry now, Punch Give us a

bit of

?

that clieese to

149

juan's revenge.

Then

nibble.

and go to

I

sleep.

must have another drink, and try Feel as though I could now you

have come back. see '

you

I

was

was never going

afraid I

to

again.'

I don't believe

you thought

had forsaken you,

I

Punch.' '

Not me

!

You

couldn't have done

it.

'Tain't

But I tell you what I did think that the Frenchies had got hold of you and made you prisoner. Then I lay here feeling that I could not move myself, and trying to work whether you would try it out as to what you 'd do

in you, comrade, I

know.

:

—

me

and make them come and fetch too, or

whether you would think

it

to be a prisoner

wouldn't be

safe,

and you would be afraid to speak for fear they

And so I went on. make a chap feel queer

should come and bayonet me.

Oh, I say, comrade,

does

it

to lie here without being able to help hisself. to think at last that I

my

I got

wished I was dead and out of

misery.'

was very hard to I was bear, but I couldn't help being so long. working for you for both of us all the time.' And now Course you was, comrade I know. you 've come back, and it 's all right again. Give *

Yes, Punch, lad, I know.

It

—

—

'

I

us another drink of water. so

and

much

I shall

better,

It

's

better than nothing

because there

's

plenty of

go to sleep and do as I did

—

last

it

night

was so hungry ^get dreaming away about there being plenty of good things to eat. I seemed

when

I

'

'

150

juan's revenge.

to see a

regular feast

beautiful white bread

kept on eating

I

to

have any

say

'

There she

!

is

only

;

it

was

as rum,

What

!

But/ the boy added,

!

away

did I

his eager

in despair,

she

'

!

brought no basket

and panting with her

For, eager

and

fruit

rum

as

And, hooray

it.

tones of delight seeming to die ain't

and

-roast-meat

the time, only nothing seemed

all

taste in

—

her

exertions,

eyes bright with excitement, the peasant-girl suddenly

dashed in through the open door, caught Pen by the breast with one hand, and pointed with the other in the

from which she had come, as she

direction

whispered excitedly,

*

Los Franceses

'

I

Then, loosening her grasp, she turned quickly to the

boy and passed one hand beneath

signing to Pen to help her raise the

from the bed, while Pen hurried

neck,

his

wounded

lad

to the door to look

out. '

'

Yes,'

he whispered quickly, as he turned back,

enemy

she means the

carry you to a place of safety. I

understand.

—

All right,

Clasp your hands round

I will carry you.

He

—

my

—

Here,

girl,

take

my

my rifle

held out the piece, and the girl caught

her hand,

to

lass

;

Here, Punch, I won't hurt you more

than I can help.

and

me

are coming, and wants

while

Pen drew

sitting position, stooped

his

companion

neck, !

it

into

in

a

down, and turned his back

to the bed. *

me.

All right

Forward

I

;

!

won't squeak, comrade.

Up

with

151

juan's revenge.

But the boy could not control his muscles, the contractions in his face showing plainly enough the agony he

felt

as with one

quick movement Pen

the clinging hands to hia

raised

himself, pressing

breast,

and swung the poor fellow upon his back.

The girl nodded sharply, as, made for the door, beckoning

rifle

to

in hand, she

Pen

to

follow

and then, with a look of despair, she stopped short, her actions showing plainly enough what she must be saying, for there was a quick rush

quickly

;

among

the trees outside, and the

young Spaniard

dashed to the front of the hut, made a snatch at the

rifle

the girl

was

bearing, and tore

it

from her

grasp as he drove her back into the hut and barred the way, uttering a loud hail the while.

•Too late! bitterly.

'

We

are

too

Here they are

!

late.

Punch,' said Pen

Prisoners,

my

lad.

I

can do no more/ For, as

he spoke, about a dozen of the enemy

doubled up to the front of the hut, and the young

Spaniard

who had betrayed

the two lads stood before

Pen, showing his white teeth in a malignant grin of

triumph, as he held the girl by the wrist.

152

CHAPTER

XVI.

PRISONERS.

A

RE

you

much

in

pain,

Punch

?

said Pen, aa

*

with his wrists tied tightly behind him he

knelt beside his comrade,

who

lay

now

just outside

the door of the hut, a couple of French chasseurs on

guard.

The

in

officer

command

had

of the little party

taken possession of the hut for temporary bivouac,

and his

men had

lighted

a

whose flames

fire,

up the surrounding trees, beneath which the new-comers had stretched themselves and were now partaking of bread, grapes, and the water a couple of their party had fetched from the stream. The young Spaniard was seated aloof from the girl, whose back was half-turned from him as she sat there seeming to have lost all interest in the scene and those whom she had tried to warn of the danger picturesquely

they were

in.

From time but she

lit

to time the Spanish lad spoke to her,

only jerked

her

head away from him,

looking more indifferent than ever, *

Are you in much pain, Punch

again

;

for the

boy had not

more towards him, '

Oh, pretty

replied,

? '

Pen

asked

and Pen leaned

to gaze in his face searchingly.

tidy,'

replied the

boy at

last

;

*

but

'

153

PRISONKES.

wound,

You seemed

now.

better

it's

but

going

it's

No, you bore

*

Did I

it

That

?

bravely.

that I should have to howl

And

—

?

was

I

but I

;

I say, comrade, look here

you know, sham bad

say,

*

right.

's

I

again,

sleep

to

though, I didn't show nothing, did I '

wake up my

to

afraid,

am

all

though,

right now.

some chaps miche-

;

so as to get into hospital to

be fed up and get off duty, and they do

it too,

you

know.' '

'

Yes, I know,' said Pen, watching the lad anxiously.

But don't talk so much.' Must I want to tell you, '

•sham,

—

you know

am going way on.'

to

I

;

the other

miche

What do you mean ? said Pen. Why, make-believe I 'm all right. Make these Then froggies think my wound 's only a scratch. *

'

'

perhaps they will march

me

off

along with you as a

—

want them to you know.' Why, you March you off said Pen bitterly. I don't

prisoner.

!

'

know you '

'

'

Can't

can't stand.'

I 've got

!

of your arm.

means

You '11

me

let

I 've got to, comrade,

bite.

here, wait a bit,

closer to me.

It

sake of the

I

bullet.'

It

Only wish

I

then.

and then you back up a

Haven't tied

want

will.

would come easy

my

bit

hands like yours.

Just you edge close so as I can slip

your box,

hold tight

and I

setting one's teeth pretty hard.

had got a bulkt to

Look

to.

my

fingers into

to get out one cartridge for the

'

154 *

PRISONERS.

You

off the belt,

with '

my

and that young Spaniard

when

you ought to have

I said

somehow. be

to

it 's

Well,

?

know.

I

got

it

along

done

Can't you put

to

fired at

know how

knowing what comrade

it,

him

and get the

only I don't

;

without

me up

then, wasn't

must have a

I

I will try

hold of the case

girl to get

Now

know.

I didn't

!

and brought him down bullet

's

?

rifle

So he has

I right

Didn't you see they slipped

Punch.

can't,

to

say.

*

?

'No, Punch.' '

But you might give a fellow a

'My '

that

Well,

Wait if

advice

is 's

to

pretty

I sha'n't be able to

Let

wait.'

advice,

that

is,

comrade.

they comes and makes an end of a fellow

till

he breaks down, for I

'

and

lie still

bit of advice.'

am

beginning to think that

go through with

it.'

wait and see what happens. Punch.

's

have done our

best,

We

and we can do no more.'

Just then Pen's attention was taken up by the

young

officer,

who came

the door of the hut,

to

yawned, and stood looking about at his men before slowly sauntering round the bivouac as all

was

stiffly

right,

as he

Spanish

girl

light cast

the

sentries

passed on,

till

if

drawing themselves up he caught sight of the

and the lad seated together

by the

to see that

in the full

fire.

Then turning sharply to one of his men, the young officer pointed at the Spaniard and gave an order in a low, imperious tone.

'

155

PKLSONKRS.

Two

of his

men advanced

to

group,

lit-up

tlie

and one of them gave the lad a sharp clap on the

made him spring up

shoulder which

angrily, w^liile

the other chasseur snatched the English

rifle

from

his hand, the first chasseur seizing the cartridge-belt

and

case.

There was a brief struggle, but

it

was two

to one,

and the Spaniard, as Pen watched the encounter

was sent staggering back, catching

eagerly, in a

bush and

on the

Ha

up knife now

hand and

gasped Punch excitedly, as he

saw the

at the nearest soldier.

! '

gleam of the knife with a

but only to rebound in

instant, springing

making '

falling heavily,

his heel

hiss, for

;

and then he drew in his breath

was almost momentary

it

the two French soldiers

obey his

officer's

just raised his

ordei's

:

who had approached

one of liim to

and disarm the informer

musket and made a drive with the

butt at the knife-armed Spaniard,

who

metal plate of the stock

temple and rolled

over, half-stunned,

full in his

received the

amongst the bushea

Another order rang out from the

officer,

and

young Spanitard could recover himself a couple more of the soldiers had pounced upon him, and a minute later he was firmly bound, as helpless a prisoner as the young rifleman who watched the before the

scene.

comrade/ whispered Punch, 'that's done

'Say,

me

But do you

good.

*See

it

?

Why,

see that

of course I

?

saw

it.

That's not

'

'

156

PRISONERS.

what he bargained

for

when he

Frenchmen

led the

here.'

*No, I don't mean that/ whispered Punch impatiently,

*

I

meant the

gal.'

What about her ? The girl ? said Pen. Where is she ? whispered Punch. Why, she was but where Yes, waSj' whispered Punch again She went off like a shot into the she now ?

'

'

'

'

'

*

'

*

is

*

;

woods.' *

Ah

!

'

exclaimed Pen, with a look of

relief in his

eyes.

and now I want to know Here comes the officer. what's going to be next. '

she

Yes,

What '11 be

's

No,'

;

his first order

young Spaniel '

gone

said

too

?

To shoot

and that

us,

?

Pen,

'

But don't

talk

;

he

*s

close

here.'

The

officer

approached his prisoners now, closely

by one of his men, whose galons showed that he was a sergeant. followed

'

Badly wounded, eh

?

'

said the officer in French.

'Yes, sir; too bad to stand.' Well, we The worse for him,' said the officer. can't take wounded men with us we have enough *

'

;

of our own,' 'Yes,

sir,'

said the

sergeant;

and Pen

felt

the

blood seem to run cold through his veins.

And

then curiously enough there was a feeling of

relief in the

knowledge that

his

wounded comrade

'

'

'

'

'

'

157

PRISONERS.

could not understand the words he had grasped at once.

'We

go back to camp in half an hour/

shall

continued the officer

Pen as he right

sat

and then running his eye over

;

up by Punch's

side,

'

This fellow

all

?

'Yes, sir/ *

See to his fastenings.

But surely, sir,' you are not going

him

to you.'

cried Pen, in very good French,

*

'

I leave

to have

my

poor companion shot

in cold blood because he has the misfortune to be

wounded '

?

Eh, do you understand French

word you have

'Yes, sir; every '

But you are not an

'

I

my

have

officer

feelings, sir,

?

said.'

?

and

I appeal to

and a gentleman to save that poor

an

officer

It

would be murder, and not the act of a *

Humph

!

'

grunted the

have stayed at home.

officer.

—Here,

*

fellow.

soldier.'

You boys

should

sergeant, carry the lad

Find room for him in the ambulanca

into camp.

There,

you as

sir,

are

you

satisfied

now

? '

he continued

to Pen.

'Yes,

am

sir,'

replied

Pen quickly;

in the presence of a brave

bless

you

The

for this

officer

'satisfied that I

French

officer.

God

!

nodded and turned away, the sergeant

stopping by the prisoners. 'Here,

I say,' whispered Punch,

that talking about

?

'what was

all

158 '

PEISONERS.

Only

Punch/

carried into camp, *

Gammon

know/ panted

understand the lingo

me

to have

shot,

you

from

it

excitedly.

me

could

I

*

me.

I

not

to this 'ere

You

what he

said.

so as I

shouldn't know.

—

our other chaps have

are trying

But

have gone out

shot fair in the field

to be shot as a prisoner, well, I

if it 's

be

but you were begging him not

;

I should like to

needn't.

gull

and he gave orders

sergeant to carry out to hide

boy

the

to

replied Pen.

you try and

Don't

!

how you were

about

arranging

mean

;

like

but

to take

like a man.'

it

The boy's

voice faltered for a

few moments

as he

uttered the last words, and then he added almost in

a whisper,

'

mean,

I

But you

just now.

show the white

weak

'11

stand by me, comrade, and I it

as I ought.

when you get back feather,

And you

that I didn't

but went out just like a

*

fellow ought '

for I 'm awful

I

think I will go through will tell the lads

can,

if

?

That won't be now, Punch,' said Pen, leaning over

him.

'

I

am

not deceiving you.

I appealed to the

and he gave orders at once that you were to be carried by the men to their camp and placed in

officer,

one of the ambulance wagons.' '

Honour ? cried Punch excitedly. Honour bright,' replied Pen. But that means taking me away from '

'

*

you,' cried

the boy, with his voice breaking, *

Yea

;

but to go into hospital and be well treated/

—

'

'

;

159

PRISONERS,

'Oh, but I don't want to go like that/ cried the

boy wildly, tell

'

Can't you ask the

—

him that

mustn't be

here

oh,

officer

—

—you—we two

you

can't

mustn't

For the sergeant now joined them

'

with a couple of

men

carrying a rough

litter

and

;

as Punch, almost speechless now, caught at his wrist

and clung to him

tightly,

down

he looked

in the

prisoner's wildly appealing eyes. *

Why, what 's

the matter with the boy

the sergeant roughly. to be shot

*

Does he think he

Oh, that

I

'11

's it, is it,

said

sir,'

sir

bayonet

? '

of your

that he

!

him up

going

quietly,

'and

's

all

Tell

!

What 's

right.

him that

his hurt

men aimed !

Why,

Yes, I

'A French

—one

bullet

too well.'

we know how

to

have just such a boy as

gently, lads.

—Humph

!

He

Poor

shoot. he.

—

but nature was

too

strong

Lift

has fainted.'

For poor Punch had held out bravely to the pluck.

My

'

?

Ha, ha

fellow

's

said the sergeant.

'No,' said Pen, smiling.

*

Pen

but you speak good French

see

growled

from me.'

can't bear being separated

faith,

'

?

'He's badly hurt,

'

?

even for

his

last

British

'

'

'

160

CHAPTER XVIL IN MISERY.

SAY,

Pen, are

you there

*

?

What do you want ? 'Want you to turn me round so as I can look out of the door. What made you put me like this ? It wasn't my doing. You were put so that you Yes, I 'm here.

'

*

*

might be more comfortable.' '

But

wake in Hush '

*

'

not

me

over

There

?

look out of the door

's

nobody to

But

hear.

just

There are three or four other people to

!

'You are E>on't you understand, Punch ? Understand understand what ? Pen.

—

'

fellow,

if

first.'

whispered

hear,'

so jolly

Don't talk so loudly.'

Why Hush

ix)

it 's

the night.'

!

turn

not more comfortable, and

I like to be able

dark. I

am

I

half-asleep

'

yet.

said the poor

subduing his voice in obedience to his com-

panion's words. *

I

must

you, I suppose.*

tell

me

Why, of course Oh, I begin to understand now. Have I been off my head a bit ? Yes you were very much upset when the *

Tell

?

!

'

;

French '

officer

Phee

—ew

was with !

'

us,

and fainted away.'

whistled the boy softly.

'

Oh,

it 's

'

'

'

161

IN MISERY.

coming

all

back

The

now.

French

came,

and

knocked over that Spanish chap, and I thought that they were going to take

Why, they I

My

thinking

got

I

Punch,

No,

doctor thought *

*

muddle-

in a

was never going it

—

just

now

was two nights

it

to

see

?

and the

ago,

Why, you have been my

?

doctor.

'

'Don't get excited. tell

I

Yes,

right.

all all

shoot me.

'

The doctor

I say

head was

When was

you any more. *

That's

then!

didnt,

remember now.

dum,

me away and

Lie quite

still,

and

I

will

you.*

Ah,

do.

might turn

am

I

me

all

in a

muddle

still

;

only you

round, so that I can look straight

out of the door, and I could breathe the fresh air then.

I

am

being quite stuffercated like

*Yes, the hut

a sigh.

'

is

this.'

dreadfully hot,' said Pen with

There are six other poor wounded fellows

lying here.' '

Six other wounded fellows lying here

cher talking about *

Only

this,

!

What-

?

Punch,' said Pen, with his lips close

'You were carried to the little camp where those French came from that made us prisoners, and there you were put in an ambulancewagon with six more poor fellows, and the mules to the boy's ear.

dragged us right away to a village where a detach-

ment

of the French

you understand •Tent.

army was

?

K

in occupation.

Do

'

'

162

'

'

IN MISERY.

think

'I

But

so.

you

something

said

about

doctors.* *

There are several surgeons in

Yes.

this village,

and wounded men in every hut. There has been fighting going on, and a good many more wounded

men were brought

in yesterday.'

Punch in a quick, short whisper. Steady Did we win ? I've seen *I don't know, but I think not. nothing but wounded men and the doctors and the The French officer was very nice, French orderlies. and let me stay with you in the ambulance and '

Halt

*

I

said

'

!

;

when we came

a halt and I helped to carry

to

you and the other wounded

me

the doctors ordered

into

to stop

I have been able to attend to

this

and

hut,

help,

you as well

one of so that as the

others,' '

Good chap

our hut at

all

I

Then

That was lucky.

this ain't

?

*No.' *

What

'

She escaped somewhere

'a

become

of that gal, then

?

in the darkness,' replied

Pen. '

And what about

recollect that

that Spanish beggar

He

now.

?

Ah, I

brought the French to take

us prisoners.' '

I

haven't seen any more of him. Punch, since

they led him away.' '

Serve him right

And

!

in this hut ever since

?

so I 've

been lying here

'

'

'

'

163

IN MISERY. 'Yes,

quite insensible,

knew when the your wound and took

and

French

even

surgeon

a ragged

out

you

think

don't

I

dressed

bit

the

of

cartridge/ '

Took out what

*

A

piece of the

wound from

the *

?

wad

that was driven

and kept

healing/

you have been carrying on nice games

Well,

And said the boy. me knowing of it hasn't done me a bit of good/ The doctor says it haa He told me yesterday

without it

in,

*

'

!

*

evening that you would soon get right now. '

And

?

shall I

*

Yes, I hope

'

So do

I.

*

so.

But

it

should be done without *

'

*

rum

does seem

my

knowing

that

of

this

all

it.*

Well, you have been quite insensible.' I

suppose

I don't

But where are we now, then

so.

know, Punch, except that

?

this is a little

Spanish village which the French have been occupying as a sort of hospital/ *

*

'

But where 's all the fighting ? I don't know, Punch, much more than you

There was some

firing last night.

deal of tramping close

men were marching came through the

I heard a

at hand, as

in,

night,

if

and I heard ;

but

don't

some more

know who 's

beat

*

?

firing again

seemed to be

it

miles away.'

And you

good

and then more and more

about a couple of hours ago

'

do.

'

'

164

'

'

IN MISERY. i

know

I

nothing, I

you, only that everything

tell

has been very quiet for the last hour or '

Perhaps because you

have

so.'

been asleep/

said

Punch. '

No

have been quite awake, fetching water

I

;

from a mountain-stream here for the poor fellows who keep asking for more and more,'

know we

'

Do

'

I don't think so.

they

are English

*

?

Poor fellows

wounds

their

!

keep them from thinking about such a thing as that

and,

;

what they

I

besides,

say,

am

just able

and to say a few words when they

ask for drink or to be moved a

'Oh/

said Punch,

talk French.

'

'

I

I could

am

sure

little.'

'that comes of being able to

Wish

Here, I say, you said

I could.

been doing up

the doctor had

Think

to understand

walk now

you

my wound

again.

?

couldn't,'

I ain't,' said the boy,

'

Perhaps I could

if

I

tried. '

But why do you ask

*

Because

'

said Pen.

so jolly nice

it 's

Couldn't

so quiet.

it 's

all

way

to our troops

*

?

That 's what

and dark

we

;

slip off

and, besides,

and

find the

?

I 've

been thinking, Punch, ever

you have been lying here.' Of course you would,' said the boy

since *

whisper. it,

and

I

'

And why

not

?

in

an eager

I think I could

manage

'm game.'

'You must

wait, Punch,

and with me think our-

'

165

IN MISKBY. selves lucky that

we

are

get strong enough, and then '

Oh,

I say,

all right.

what

'I don't

's

I shall

we

know.

will try,'

do what you

become of your

rifle

saw them

I

Wait and

together.

still

and once.

tell

me.

belt

?

But

They were

with some muskets and bayonets laid in the mule-

wagon under the straw on one seen them sinca'

But

side.

I haven't

That 's a pity/ sighed the boy faintly and soon after Pen found, when he whispered to him, that he *

;

was breathing felt fairly

cool

softly

and regularly, while

in spite of

his

head

the stifling air of the

crowded hut.

Punch did not

when he did

stir

till

long after sunrise, and

was to see that, utterly exhausted, his companion had sunk into a deep sleep, for the rest of that terrible night had been spent in trying to assuage the agony of first one and then another of the

it

most badly wounded who were lying around.

Every now and

th en

there

had been a piteous

appeal for water to slake the burning thirst, and twice over the lad had to pass through the terrible experience of holding the hand of some poor fellow

who

in

the darkness had whispered

his

last

few

words as he passed away. Later on a couple more wounded

men had been

borne in by the light of a lantern, by whose aid a

was found for them in the already too crowded and it became Pen's duty to hold tlie dim open

place liut,

lantern and cast the light so that a busy surgeon,

166

IN MISERY.

who was

already exhausted by his long and terrible

duties, could

do his best to bandage and stop some

wound. It

was just

terrible silence

at

daylight,

in

which had now

the midst

of

the

fallen around, that

down till it rested upon and when the sun rose at last

Pen's head had sunk slowly

Punch's shoulder

;

up the dismal scene, with the elder lad's pallid and besmirched face, consequent upon the help he had been called upon to render, giving him the appearance of being one of the wounded men. its

horizontal

rays

lit

'

!

167

CHAPTER XVIIL war's horrors.

UT

the morning brought not only the horizontal

rays of the great sun which

with

its

up the hut

lit

sad tale of death and suffering, but likewise

a renewal of the fight of the previous day, and this time the tide of battle swept

much

encampment of the wounded. Punch started out of a state

of

why

wondered

the noise

his sleeping comrade, for

nearer to the

dreamy calm, and he heard had not roused up from apparently quite near

hand came the boom of artillery, a sound which for the moment drowned all others, even the hoarse, at

harshly uttered words of command, as large bodies of

men swung

past the doorway of the hut, and the

on his

he muttered,

out there.

wonder

I

once

more the

roar

of

say, *

air

artillery.

sleep

!

comrade Eh, what

'

Why

*it*s if

a

big

going

fight

those are our guns

was rent by the Pen Pen Oh, !

doesn't he

1

dull,

I

wake up

?

;'

on

and

angry

can't

let

Here, I

'

is it

?

'

And Pen opened

gaze wonderingly at Punch's excited *

fallen

ear.

'Ah,*

him

which a minute before had

bugle-calls

fitful

Don't you hear

?

face.

his eyes, to

'

'

'

WAn*9 HORROBa

168 Hear

*

from the other's

The two put his

that

eyes.

and then Punch

we

winning,'

are

he

'Hear

said.

?

How

'

Well,

'

Think

'

Yes,

can I help hearing

and they

Punch,

will be here soon.'

his head.

he said

not,'

lad,

came hurriedly

and

* ;

I'm wanted' into the hut

'

"What does he want

'

It

's

?

?

so

Afraid

it

English guns, I know.'

it 's

Pen shook

?

'

Ah,

all

For just then a

and made him a

right.

man

sign.

grumbled Punch.

the surgeon/ said Pen, and he hurried away.

For some hours

saw

dreamy look vanished

lads waited, listening,

sure

'

*

the

lips close to Pen's ear.

am

'I

And

Yes, yes.'

?

little

—

long, hot,

weary hours

of his fellow-prisoner, the

—Punch

morning wear-

ing on and the atmosphere of the hovel becoming

unbearably

close,

brilliant sunshine,

while

the time outside in the

all

evidently just on the other side

a stretch of purple hilly land, a battle was in

of

progress, the rattle of

musketry breaking into the

heavy volume of sound while every stretch

now and

made by the

field-guns,

again on the sun-baked, dusty

which lay beyond the doorway, where the

shadows were dark, a mounted man galloped

past.

Wish my comrade would come back,' he muttered and it was long ere his wish was fulfilled. But the time came at last, and Pen was standing there before '

;

' '

'

'

169

war's horrors.

him, holding in his hands a tin drinking-cup and a piece of bread. *

said hoarsely, looking away.

Take hold/ he

Where you been ? said Punch. I' the ambulance, I 'Working in Pen staggered, and sat down suddenly '

'

—

And on

the

ground. '

What

'

No,

's

the matter

Not

?

?

hit

no.'

'

Had anything

*

Bother

water.

I

yourself

said Pen.

!

'

want the

'

Had anything

'

Well, no.'

'

Then

*

'

?

Make

Toss off that

haste.

cup.'

yourself

?

'

repeated Punch firmly.

I sha'n't touch a drop until

you have half

and take some of that bread.* '

But

'

no good, Pen.

'It's

there

—

so

hesitated.

Very

of the better,'

he said

well,'

water.

'

It

's

And

'half.'

;

very good

he drank some

—makes

one

and he ate a morsel or two of bread,

a job to get *

and I won't

!

Pen '

I sha'n't

What

*

feel

I

had

it.'

did that fellow

want

? '

asked Punch as

he attacked his share. '

*

Me

to help with the wounded,' said

So you thought me long '

Course

many

?

I

did.

But

Pen

huskily.

?

the

wounded

—

are

there

'

'

'

But don't

'

Heaps/

'

Poor chaps/ said Punch,

it '

said Pen.

How

say.

at

'

war's horrors.

170

we

'

'

talk so loudly/

they can't hear what

'

are things going

There, they are

?

again/

I think the

French are giving ground,' said Pen

in a whisper. '

Hooray

*

Hush

*

What, mayn't

!

!

hooray

I say

you mayn't.

'No,

I

since I

went away.

coming

on to try and

couldn't

make out much

I

?

have

I fancy our

take

for the

Yes,' said Punch.

Pen shook

this

smoke

he

so,'

were driven back, and

He

Punch strained came a again,

all

it

?

'They have

said.

his eyes in the

bugle-call,

it

Our people

to the door

same

piei'cing,

started

;

and

direction,

beyond a group of

shrill,

Punch

tried

'

to the right,

while

the time.'

Well, will they do

said no more, but turned

from away

I

and, besides,

;

heard what was being done.

I

but

village,

his head.

'Don't think twice.

'

little

men have been

have been with that surgeon nearly '

up a

picked

as

cottages,

then again and

upright

with

a

cry,

catching Pen's arm. *

I

say,

hear that

?

That

's

our charge.

Don't

you hear ? They are coming on again The effort Punch had made caused a pain so 1

intense that he fell back with a groan.

'You can leave me, Pen,

old

chap/

he

said.

—

'

l7l

WAR*S HORRORS. '

Don't mind

me

;

Go

English charge.

they

are, I tell

and

don't

to them.

to listen

—but

But They

it 'a

the

are coming

Don't look like that, and

you.

There, listen

The two

look.

!

lads were not the only ones in that hut

then and to note that the conflict was

drawing nearer and nearer. Punch, indeed, was right, and a short time after

Pen crouched down

closer to his companion, for

quite close at hand,

came

volley after volley, the

zip, zip of the ricochetting bullets

the

way

now,

seeming to clear

for the charge.

Then more

volleys.

The dust was ploughed

up,

and Punch started as

a bullet came with a sofb plug in the hut-wall, and Pen's heart felt ready to stop heating as there

a hoarse

command

was

and half-a-dozen French

outside,

infantry dashed into the building, to

fill

the door-

way, two lying down and their comrades kneeling

and standing. '

Don't speak,' whispered Pen, for the boy had

wrenched himself round and was gazing intently at the backs of

tlie soldiers.

Silence, before a

'

Don't speak.'

grim happening.

from outside, exultant and

fierce,

and

Then a roar in the wide-

open space beyond the hut-door the two lads saw a large body of the

enemy

in

serried ranks of British infantry

double,

their

retreat

before the

who came on

at tlie

bayonets flashing in the sun's rays,

and cheering »^ they swept onward.

'

172

war's horrors.

The muskets in the doorway was filled with smoke. '

Pen, I must whisper

flashed,

— Hooroar

it

There was a long interval shouting and scattered the cloud of

smoke was

the two lads to

that

with distant

now

was long

it

dissipated

make out

1

then,

and

firing,

and the hut

ere

sufficiently for

the doorway was

who

untenanted except by a French chasseur

athwart the threshold on his back, his hand

lay still

clutching at the sling of his piece. '

Think we have won

?

'

whispered Punch, looking

away. '

Don't know,' muttered Pen

that

;

but the knowledge

was wanted came soon enough,

later it

for an

hour

became evident that the gallant attempt of

commander

the British

had been

to take the village

foiled.

The their

British cheer they

but

ears,

it

had heard

was not

still

repeated,

echoed in

and

speedily apparent that the fight had swept their left

;

it

was

away

to

and from scraps of information dropped

by the members of the bearer-party who brought more wounded into the already crowded hut, and took

away

entrance,

the

silent

figure

lying

prone in

the

Pen made out that the French had made

a stand and had

finally succeeded in driving

back

their foes.

In obedience to an order from the grim-featured surgeon, he left Punch's side again soon after, and it

was dark

ere he returned, to find the

boy

fast

173

war's horrors. asleep.

but

He sank down and

little

listened,

feeling

now

fatigue, starting up, however, once more,

every sense on the

alert, as

there came a series of

sharp commands at the hut-dooi', and he realised that he

the

must have dropped

evening,

off,

and outside the

for it

soft

was

late in

moonlight was

making the scene look weird and stranga

'

174

CHAPTER

XIX.

ANOTHER BREAKDOWN.

UNCH and '

What

heard the voices felt for his is it ?

Not going '

No,

his voice

comrade's hand.

he whispered.

'

'

to shoot me, are they

no,

—

He was

'

and he reached out

too,

said

'I think

Pen,

we

'

are

quite right,

but all

and

'

Have they won

?

?

—and

going

dropped

he

on.'

through that night

all

the slow business of setting a division on the march

was under way, and the wagons drawn by the

baggage

long, long train of little

wiry mules of the

country began to move.

The ambulance

train

followed, with

its

terrible

burden heavily increased with the results of the

—thanks — Pen was

late

engagement, while as before

to the service

he had been able to render

able to accom-

pany the heavily laden

wagon

in

which Punch

lay. '

So we were

beaten,' said /the

boy sadly

—

as the

wheels of the lumbering vehicle creaked loudly, for the route was rough and stony '

Beaten.

before at

Yes.'

And

—and Pen

his voice

nodded.

was graver than

the thought of what he had seen since

they had been prisoners.

—

'

l75

ANOTHER BREAKDOWN.

On, on, on, through the dark hours, with Punch

now and

falling off every

again into a

fitful sleep

a sleep broken by sudden intervals of half-conscious-

when

ness,

words uttered by shoot

me,

about to

?

next

to the

Pen

halt,

trudged

he

*

:

While, as the weary procession continued

way on

as

his

they

are

comrade/ its

was wrung by the broken Not going to companion Don't let them do that,

Pen's heart

village,

had

painfully

where they were

another

distraction,

on by the

side

of

for

the

wagon a hand was suddenly placed on

creaking his arm.

He

turned sharply.

Eh, what

'

Well

*

dim

?

? '

he

a half-familiar voice, and

said

'

cried.

light he recognised the features of the

in

the

young

French captain who had listened to his appeal to save the bugler's *

'

life.

Rough work, sir,' said Pen, Your fellows played a bold game Yes.

in trying

ma foi I

But we

Nearly succeeded,

to dislodge us.

drove them back.' '

Yes,* said Pen.

*

How 's

'

Better.'

your friend

That 's

'

well.

? '

asked the captain.

And now

tell

learn to speak French so well '

From my

'

Your tutor

well

1

You

tutor,* !

me, where did you

?

answered Pen.

And you

a simple soldier

English are full of surprises.'

!

Well,

'

'

ANOTHER BREAKDOWN.

176 Pen laughed.

we

*I suppose so/ he said; 'but

are not alone in

that/

The French captain chatted a little longer, and alone but for the then once more Pen was alone

—

strange accompaniment of sounds incident

night march

:

to the

the neighing of horses, the scraps of

quick talking which

fell

on

his ear, along

with that

never-ceasing creak, rumble, and jolt of the wagons,

a creaking and jolting which seemed to the

tired

though they would go on for ever and

brain as ever.

He was

aroused out of a strange waking dream,

which the past and the present were weirdly blended, by a voice which called him by name, and

in

he tried to shake himself free from the tangle of

hemmed him

confused thought which *

Aren't you there

'

Yes, Punch, yes.

'

Ah, that

*s

all

?

*

came the

What right

voice again.

is it ?

I

!

in,

wanted

to

tell

you

that I feel such a lot better.'

'Glad to hear '

Yes, I feel as

*You had laugh,

*

it,

if

Punch.' I could get out of this now.'

—

think

I

Pen with a forced

better not try,' said I

think

And

'

then

the

do

you

confusion came again. '

'

What do you Think

mean

? '

think

cried

the

? '

said Punch,

other.

'

I

—what

?

In the darkness of the heavy

vehicle.

Punch's

'

ANOTHER BREAKDOWN. face betrayed a feeling figure it out.

of alarm,

177

and he

tried

to

Something in Pen's voice frightened

him, *

He

is

not the same/ he muttered

;

and his im-

was substantiated when a halt was called just about the time of dawn, for Pen dropped like and when Punch, with a log by the wagon-side pression

i

great pain to himself, struggled into a sitting position,

and then clambered down to his comrade, he found to his horror that his worst fears were realised.

was burning, and the poor lad was muttering incoherently, and not in a condition to pay heed to the words of his companion. Pen's forehead

'

Gray, Gray

!

can't

you hear

What 's wrong

?

?

which was the new headquarters was higher up in the mountains and whether it was

The

village

;

the fresher air operating beneficially, or whether the period of natural recovery had arrived, certain

it

was that Punch found himself able to move about again and during the days and weeks that followed ;

he

it

was who took the post of nurse and attended

to the

wants of Pen

—

was a victim

suiferer

wants, alas to

efficient

most dangerous, perhaps, of

for the

him

The

too few, for the

something worse than a

mere shot- wound susceptible to laid

!

all

dressing,

fevers had

low.

period passed as in a long dream, and the

thought of rejoining the British column had for a time ceased to animate Punch's brain. Tent.

Ii

'

'

'

''

'

'

ANOTHER BREAKDOWN.

178

But youth and a strong constitution

rose superior

Pen's case to all the evils of circumstance and

in

environment, and one afternoon the old clear look

came back

to his eyes,

'

Ah, Punch,' he

'

Better

how

you now

are

—have

'

I

*

111

better *

I

am

well

;

but you

and he turned and looked at

an orderly who was hurrying

—Why,

ill

which has

lasted for weeks.'

Pen,

tried to sit up,

past.

'

He

asks

he

if

you have had a fever

has been

Pen

—

I

ill ?

I been

1

.?

?

cried Punch,

* !

'

said the boy.

*

?

said,

and he would have dismally

attempt had not Punch encircled him

failed in the

with his arm. <

Why

weak

as

—

why,' he

faintly,

'

I

am

you

Yes, that

*

But, Punch,

weak

*

I

are.'

what has been happening ? don't know. I can't understand what

people say

and attend going on Yes,'

another

as

1

'

'

said

—

but they

;

to

you

let

me

all

fetch water for

these

them

and to-day there has been a

;

lot

troops marching past.'

said

Pen

;

'

that

means there has been

fight.'

'

No, I don't think

'

Why

'

Because I have heard no

not

so.'

?

better go to sleep again

firing.

But hadn't you

?

Pen smiled, but he took the advice and lay back.

'

ANOTHER BREAKDOWN. '

Perhaps I had/ he said faintly

watched him he

fell

179 and as Punch

;

into a restful doze.

was during the days that followed, each one bringing back more strength to the invalid, and likeSo

it

wise each day a further contingent of the in the battle of a

each day,

be

to

month before being passed

again and drafted to the front

service

for

too.

fit

while

by little, and he eagerly one night when Punch bent over little

him and whispered something

You know

said the boy,

I '

—now

in his ear.

have been talking about

for several nights past

wasn't talking about

now

;

as

Pen found that the strength that used

was returning

his

listened

'

wounded

to you/

and when

was thinking of

I

it

;

it

I

But

it.

I think the time has come.'

You mean it ? To escape ? cried Pen eagerly. Yes I have been watching what has gone on. We are almost alone here, with only wounded and The rest have gone and and behind surgeons. '

*

'

'

;

—

;

this village there is

a forest of those scrubby- barked

oak-trees.' *

'

'

Cork-trees/ said Pen.

Oh, that

!

's

it

'

And

the boy

drew himself

But do you think you are strong enough yet ? Of course.' And Pen 'Strong enough ?

to stand at his companion's side.

the

way

'

up.

*

rose,

Do you know

*

?

*Yes.*

And Punch

felt

for

and took

his

com-

panion's hand, trying to see his face in the pitchy darkness,

*

It is to the right of the

camp/

'

'

'

ANOTHER BREAKDOWN.

180 *

Then

*

Wait/ said Punch, and he glided

let 's go.'

Pen standing there

blackness, leaving

But

off into the

alone.

was not for long. In a minute or two the boy was back once more, and this time he held it

something in his arms. '

Ready

?

'

Yes.

What

'

Stoop.

he asked in a whisper.

'

for

—That

?

I watched,

's it.

and took them

not English ones, but they will shoot, I expect.'

And softly he

slipped the sling of a

musket over Pen's

by handing him a cartouchehave got a gun for myself too.

shoulders, following that

box and

belt.

'I

There

Better than a bugle. there

was the sound

through a buckle.

'

*

Yes/ said Pen.

*

Where

'

Here/

'

Right

's

!

'

extended palm.

'

And

in the darkness

of a belt being tightly

Are you ready

your hand

And

!

drawn

?

?

the younger lad gripped his friend's *

Now,

it 's

this

way.

I planned

when you were so ill, and said to myself would be the way when you got better. all

that

it it

Come

along.'

Softly and silently the

two

making for the belt gloomy leafage made only a darkness,

the black velvet sky.

slipped off in the of forest slight

where the

blur

against

'

'

'

'

181

CHAPTER

XX.

HUNTED.

w

HAT 'S

ning to hurt you again

*

No/

*

What

about

Punch

the matter,

said the is

boy

it,

?

Wound

?

surlily.

then

?

What

are

you thinking

?

'

Thinking about you being so grumpy.'

*

Grumpy

Well, isn't

1

low-spirited

feel

begin-

wandering hunted as

about if

it

enough to make a fellow

when he has been here

we were

on

these

ill

weeks,

for

mountain -sides,

wild beasts, almost starving,

and afraid to go near any of the people

?

Punch with quite a snarl. If you had had a bullet in your back like I did there 's *

No,' replied

'

something to grumble about.

knew how it hurt.' *0h yes, I did, Punch,' many a time I have felt

I don't believe you,

ever

seen

said for

Pen quietly, 'for you when I have

you wincing and your face twitching with

pain.'

Of course you did. I know. You couldn't have But what have you got been nicer than you were. to grumble about now you re better ? Our bad luck in not getting back to some of our '

'

people.'

'

182 *

—

HUNTED.

Well, I should like that too, only I don't

You

mind.

much

see, I

can't help feeling as jolly as a

know

that

sand-boy.' don't

*I

much

have anything

sand-boys

to be jolly about. Punch,' said Pen, brighten-

ing up.

—

More do I but it 's what people say,' said Punch only, I do feel jolly. To be out here in '

*

;

—and

the sunshine

and having a

the moonshine, too, of a night

sort of feeling that I can sit

now without my back

down

and smarting, and

aching

want to run and jump and shout. You know what it is to feel better, now, as well

feeling that I

This ain't home, of course

as I do.

;

but everything

looks wonderful nice, and every morning I

long

holiday.

yourself '

me

seems to

all

it

I

I

wake up

was having a regular do say you are enjoying

as if I

say,

too.'

can't,

Punch.

There are too

many draw-

backa' *

Oh, never mind them.'

'But I can't help

it.

You know

I

have been

dreadfully weak.' *

But you shouldn't worry about

that.

*

I don't

now you are getting well.' What, not when we are faint with hunger ? No, not a bit. It makes me laugh. It seems such a jolly game to think we have got to hunt for our victuala Oh, I think we are having a regular Come on.' fine time. It 's a splendid place mind a

bit

'

'

!

'

'

183

HUNTP^D. *

No, no

we had

;

better rest a little

more/

Let 's get some chestnuts. Not me shame to grumble when you get plenty

Ain*t

'

!

you can eat raw or make a

fire

it

a

them as and roast them ? of

Then look at the grapes we have had and you never know what we shall find next. Why, it was only yesterday that woman gave us some bread, and pointed to the onions, and told us leastways she jabbered and kept on to take more pointing again. Of course, we haven't done as well as we did in the hut, when the girl brought us bread Starve, indeed

!

;

;

and cheese and milk with

all

;

but I couldn't enjoy

that stinging in

it

then

my back. And everything 's

good now except when you look so grumpy.' 'Well, Punch, most of

my

grumpiness has been

on your account, and I will cheer up now.

If I

could only meet some one to talk to and under-

stand us, so that are, I '

wouldn't

we

could find out where our people

care.*

mind

Well, never

all

that,

and don't

care.

I

Here we are having a big holiday in the country. We have got away from the French, and don't.

we

again,

and I

for anything well.

There

grumpy '

as

What 's

*To I say,

feel

and kicking

more than ever that

I don't care

I

now you 's

you

am

all alive

are not prisoners.

are getting

more and more

only one thing as would

make me

as

are.'

that.

feel that

Punch

?

my wound

you don't think

was getting bad

it will,

do you

?

again,

'

184 '

HUNTED.

No

why

;

should I

It

?

's

all

healing

up

beauti-

fully.' '

Then I

joyously.

don't care for anything/ cried the boy Yes, I do.

*

away my bugle

to think they took

suppose they did.

I feel horrid wild

I never

saw

sometimes

leastways, I

;

no more

it

and

;

it

don't seem natural not to have that to polish up. I have got a musket,

we have a or a pig '

we

though

and, I say,

;

why

don't

day's shooting, and knock over a kid

?

Because

would be somebody's kid or

it

should be hunted

we

and

ever,

for,

French being after us for escaped

instead of the prisoners,

down worse than

pig,

should rouse the people against us for

killing their property.' '

would be

Yes, that

Punch

said

bad,'

;

*

but

it

would only be because we are hungry.' *

Yes, but the people wouldn't study that.'

*

Think they would knife us

it ?

for

'

said the

boy

thoughtfully. '

and

I

hope not

it

;

would go bad with

'Well,

we

Which way

'

I

the French.

'Let's

bit,'

'

dunno

us, I feel sure.'

are rested now,' said Punch.

get on again a

chance

but they would treat us as enemies,

shall

we go

anywhere

;

I

?

so

said Pen.

'

's

not

run against

to

have had enough of them.

Let's

it.'

Pen laughed reckless

merrily,

way having

its

his

comrade's

humorous

side,

easygoing,

and cheering

'

'

185

HUNTED.

him up

at a time

him ready

when

's

'if

What

'

Easier

for

we

are to chance

wood and try

get out of this

'

made

to despair.

'Well/ he said, let

their helpless condition

to

Punch,

it,

go downhill/

?

said

travelling/

Pen.

'

We may

reach

another pleasant valley, and find a village where the people will let us beg some bread and fruit/ '

Yes, of course,' said Punch, frowning

don't seem nice '

to do

but

it

—begging/

we have no money

Well,

'

;

What

to buy.

we

are

?

'

Grab/ said Punch

<

What— steal

*

Steal

forage.

?

'

cried Pen.

Gammon

!

laconically.

Aren't

!

'Tain't stealing.

we

soldiers

?

Soldiers

We must live in an enemy's

country.' *

But the Spaniards are not our enemies/

now you

'There,

are harguing,

and I hate to

What

hargue when you are hungiy.

I say

we we

is,

are soldiers and in a strange country, and that

must take what we want.

come *

It

's

only foraging

;

so

on.'

Come

along

humouredly.

then,

Punch,'

'But you are

Pen

said

spoiling

my

goodmorals,

and' '

Pst

He

!

'

whispered Punch.

set

the

example,

'

Lie

down/

throwing

himself

prone

amongst the rough growth that sprang up along the mountain-slope

;

and Pen followed

his example.

'

HUNTED.

186 '

What

can you see

?

he whispered, as he crept

'

his comrade's side, noting the while that

closer to

upon his chest the boy had made ready musket and prepared to take aim. You had

as he lay his

'

better not shoot/ '

Then

them that too/ whispered Punch.

tell

Who

*

Them

'

Didn't you see

'

I

saw

'I

did

!

'

?

?

nothing.'

—

below yonder.

bayonets, just

Soldiers

marching,' *

Soldiers

whispered Pen joyfully.

? '

They may

'

be some of our men.' '

That they are

not.

They

are French.*

French they undoubtedly were

for as the lads

;

peered cautiously from their hiding-place, and

tened to the rustling and tramp of

many

lis-

feet,

an

order rang out which betrayed the nationality of

what seemed

body

to be a large

men coming

of

in

their direction. *

Keep snug/ whispered Punch,

see us.

It

'

and they won't

too close here.'

's

Pen gripped

his

companion's arm, and lay try-

ing to catch sight of the marching

minutes

with

a

satisfied

feeling

were bearing away from them. directly after

;

changed their

men

that

But

some

the troops

his heart

a bugle-call rang out, the direction,

for

men

sank again

the line extended, and

it

became plain that they would pass right over the ground where the two lads

lay.

187

HUNTED. '

I

am afraid they will see What 's to be done ?

us,

Punch/ whispered

*

Pen.

'

'Run for wood up the and I

Look

it.

slope,

'

here,

make

straight for that

whispered Punch,

'

You go

first,

will follow.'

But that 's uphill, whispered Pen. Up Bad for them as for us/ replied the boy. Once there, we are with you right for the wood. *

'

'

'

;

safe.'

Punch had said he hated no time for argument then as Pen gazed

in

'Now

was

it

to the best course.

the direction of the approaching

party, but they were invisible

comrade,

and

to argue,

he

then,'

;

and, turning to his

said, 'off!'

Springing up, he started at a quick run in and out amongst the bushes and rocks in the direction of the forest indicated

by

his companion, conscious

the next minute, as he glanced back in turning a block of stone, that Punch was imitating his tactics,

carrying his musket at the trail and bending low as he ran.

Keep your head down, Punch,' he said softly, the boy raced up alongside. We can't see them, '

'

as so

they can't see us/ '

Don't

right

talk

—round

back a

bit.

—run/

to

I

your

am

whispered

left.

Punch.

me if

Don't mind

short-winded yet.

'

That I

's

hang

I shall follow

you.'

For answer, Pen slackened pace, and pass him.

let

Punch

188 *

HUNTED.

Whatcher doing

'You go

?

whispered the boy.

'

first/ replied

you

Pen, 'just as fast as

I will keep close behind you.'

can.

Punch uttered a low growl, but he did not stop to argue, and they ran on and on, getting out of breath but lighter hearted, as they both felt that

every minute carried them nearer to safety, for the risky part where the slope was

all

stone and low

bush was nearly passed, the dense patch of forest nearer at hand offering to them shelter so thick that,

once there, their enemies would have hard work to

judge which direction had been taken at once,

when

all

;

danger seemed to be

came a shout from behind, and then a *

Stoop

Stoop,

!

and then

Punch

Come

More

J

all

past, there

shot,

to the left

* I

was whispered back and, as Punch bore in the direction indicated by his comrade, there came shout after shout, shot after '

All right

shot,

on,'

;

and the next minute, as the fugitives tore on

heedless of everything but their effort to reach the shelter in advance, it

that

the

bullets

was

fired

perfectly evident to

were

whizzing

them

in

their

direction.

Twigs were cut and spat of the bullets

was the loud striking the rocks and fell

;

there

;

when they were almost within touch shadows spread by the volley,

trees, there

spat,

then,

of the dark

came a

scattered

and both lads went down heavily, disappearing

from the sight of their pursuers, who sent up a of triumph.

yell

'

'

Punch/ panted Pen,

'

;

189

HUNTED. '

—

not hurt

*

?

The answer was a hoarse utterance, as the boy struggled to his feet and then dropped again on all -fours, '

No,

he gasped.

no,'

'

Come on

!

come on

We

!

are close there.'

Pen was breathing hard as he too followed his comrade's movements just as if forced thereto by the natural instinct that prompted imitation

moment he reached heavily,

his feet he

and then began

to crawl

;

but the

dropped down again

awkwardly forward

so that he might from time to time catch a glimpse of Punch's retiring form. '

Come

on,

come on

! '

kept reaching his

ears

and then he felt dizzy and sick at heart. It seemed to be growing dark all at once, but he set it down to the closing-in of the overshadowing

And

trees.

then minutes passed of confusion,

exertion,

and a feeling as

upon the

difficulty of catching his breath.

of suffocation consequent

—

Then at last he could not tell how long after Punch was whispering in his ear as they lay side by side so close together that the boy's breath came hot upon his cheek. But this 'ere Oh, how slow you have been must do, for we can get no farther. Why, will do you were worse than me. Hurt yourself when you '

!

—

went down

?

Pen was about to reply, when a French voice Right through the forest shouted, Forward *

!

I

190

HUNTED.

There was the trampling of

feet,

the crackling of

dead twigs, and Punch's hand gripped his companion's

arm with

painful force, as the two lads lay breathless,

with their faces buried in the thick covering of past years'

dead

leaves,

till

the trampling died

the fugitives dared to raise their faces a fight for breath.

away and

little

in the

'

'

'

191

CHAPTER

XXI.

HIDE-AND-SEEK.

H, I say/ whispered Punch, in a half- suffocated

my

word

's all

right,

tone,

toucher

my

*

It

1

Talk

1

comrade

near

about

but

;

had held

I

if

a

as

breath half a jiffy longer I should have gone off

pop.

Don*t you

and whoop

can you

it

!

want

Pen

No,' said

*

Not they/

find the

to laugh.

way

faintly.

replied

again

if

*

—

Can't hear 'em

now

to

Will they come back

Punch chuckling. But we they tried.

now till it 's dark. cool down and get my

to stay here

catch your foot on a stone '

No/

'

Thought you

;

'

?

Couldn't

shall

have

It don't matter.

wind.

I

I say, though,

?

replied Pen, breathing hard.

What you

You

did.

did go

breathing like that for

out of breath

nobody

!

?

*

want

Hide-and-seek

?

Garn with you, you frog-soup eaters Wait till I get

thick-headed old I

game

this a

nothing to

is

my breath.

call

!

to see us

—

down ? You

Turn over on your back. now.

I say, isn't

nice

(

did get

There

's

and shady

!

Look at the beautiful Hooray Chestnuts. We

Talk about a hiding-place great, long green leaves.

it

quelch

!

1

havo dropped just into the right place for foraging.

'

1

'

HIDE-AND-SEEK.

92

Wait a

and we

bit

and make a

little

will creep right into the forest fire,

and have a

What

roast.

?

They have gone straight on and can't hear me. Here I say why, comrade, you did hurt yourself when you went down. Here, what is it ? Oh, I am sorry Ain't broke anything, have you ? My leg. Punch my leg,' said Pen faintly. Oh,

it 's all right.

:

!

!

—

*

'

Broke your

*No,

One

leg,

comrade

? '

cried the boy.

Pen faintly; 'not so bad as

no,' said

of the bullets, I think, scraped

that.

my leg when

they

fired.'

Punch in an excited voice full of Don't say that agony. Oh, comrade, not you The lad talked fast, but he was acting all the time. Leaving his musket amongst the leaves, he had crept to Pen's side, and was eagerly examining his *

Shot

*

I

cried

'

comrade's

1

now

helpless leg.

'Can't help

it,'

and drew out his seam, and

we

will

he whispered, as he searched for 'I will rip

knife.

sew

it

bullet

here.'

'

Scraped

!

down

And

time.'

It

's

the

a bad

—

We

!

it

up again some

then muttering to himself,

wound

I

must get the bullet out. No no And then, making use of the little

knowledge he had picked up, Punch tore cotton from his

own and

off strips of

his companion's garments,

and tightly bandaged the bleeding wound. *

it

It

's

a bad

job, comrade,'

might have been worse

shoot.

There

's

he said cheerily if

;

'

but

the Frenchies could

no bones broke, and you are not

'

'

;

193

HIDE-AND-SEEK. going to grumble

but I

;

have given anything

'd

hadn't been your turn now.

it

'Quite enough, Punch/ said piteous smile.

You

don't stop.

What say ? Go on now/

'

'

It

'

's

quite right

my

;

now but

turn

;

've stopped the bleeding, so get on.'

said Pen,

way, and you will

*i

Hurt much.' Pen with a rather

while there

*

's

a chance to

Those fellows will be sure to come back

escape. this

if

your opportunity

lose

you

if

I

wait.

self, *

!

Poor chap

'

and he

'

said Punch, as

laid

if

speaking to him-

a hand on Pen's wet forehead.

Look at that now

but I couldn't help

made a nasty mark there was no water here

!

I have

it,

for

He 's

But, poor chap, he won't know.

for a wash.

worse than I thought, though

;

talking like that-

quite oiF his head.' '

am

I

you go on

not, Punch,

like that.

while there *

He 's

worse

;

's

but you will send

Do

as I

tell

me

off it if

you, boy.

Escape

and

getting

a chance.'

quite

Punch,

said

queer,'

'

but I suppose I can't do anything more.'

*No; you can do no more, so don't waste your It will be horrible for you to be chance of escape.

made

prisoner again, so off with

clear. '

Do you

Hear you

Johnnies that *

hear

me

?

Yes, you needn't shout and

!

we

'Tent.

tell

the

are hiding here.'

No, no, of course not

the pain of the

you while the coast 's

;

it

was very

wound and your

U

foolish,

obstinacy

but

made me

'

'

!

HIDE-AND-SEEK.

194

Now

excited.

then, shake hands, and, there

a good

's

fellow, go.' '

Likely

!

wiping the pain-drops from

said Punch,

'

Pen's face. '

'

What do you mean by that ? What do I mean by what

'

cracked '

'

or else

Not Not

like,

you

tell

you wouldn't talk run like

to

chance!' replied Punch.

angrily.

are a bit

like this.'

a chance

when

?

there

So

'Jigger the chance! lie

a

's

Sha'n't

quiet.

There.'

I

'

's

this

you just hold your tongue and go

Pen

You

?

to run while there

me

tell

said

Punch,

But,

be

don't

there

foolish,

's

a good

fellow.' '

No, I won't

Hear that *

There

*

Oh,

time

there

No,

You

just look here.

Do you want them

?

'Then just you hold your

down

close to his

and tramp of many

rustle

Here they

whispered Pen.

no, no,'

nestling

Pst

said Pen, lowering his voice.

come and take us both *

you be foohsh.

are coming back.'

still,' ?

don't

coming nearer and nearer.

are,

to

is

They

? 's

and

;

tongue,' said

comrade's

feet

side,

Punch, for the

began to grow nearer

and as Punch lay upon his back with

again

;

eyes

turned

in

the

direction

of

his

the approaching

sound he soon after caught a glimpse or two of sunlight

down

flashed

from the barrels of muskets

far

the forest aisles, as their bearers seemed to be

coming right

for

where they

lay.

195

HIDE-AND-SEEK.

Look

'

Punch

here,' said

softly,

are coining straight here

us yet, so let

take

*s

it,

they look as

'

but there

;

and

if

it

me

talking

He 's gone

old chap

?

right

swoonded, as they

off,

But

seem queer.

It does

!

but as you

;

of

are,

for

it,

the good

boy to himself now,

the

said

'

a chance for

's

am jolly glad And what 's

to be, I

gives a fellow a chance.

of '

was

I suppose

they

they don't find us

Mind, I didn't want you to be hit

and

if

call

it

Poor

it.

might have

Wanted me to run wasn't it ? Why, if I had

been worse, as I said before.

away, did you run

it

Likely,

?

me me down

would have served

somebody had shot comrade

I

!

a British

soldier,

and that

what

's

Not

again.

mayn't be a man, but 's

right

well

jolly

my

if

likely,

was

father

the matter with

me.*

Punch lay talking enough to

startle

tree to tree in

and checked a

great

its

recumbent

not

figures, its

soldiers,

it

and then kept on

peered

movements

down

at the

two

startling the bugler,

whisper to address the

in a

from

one of the low branches of

chestnut,

position as

loudly

flitting

advance of the approaching

its flight in

who now began

but

himself,

a bird which came

overhanging

changing

to

bird.

what game do you call that ? You don't mean to say you have come here like this to show the Johnny Crapauds where we are, so that '

Here,' he

they

may

said,

*

take us prisoners

It wouldn't be fair,

even seen you

;

but

?

No, I thought

not.

and I don't suppose they have it

did look like

it.

Here they

'

196

HIDE-AND-SEEK.

come, though, and in another minute they will see us,

Oh, poor Gray

and chap

;

will be

No, they don't.

and

off to the left

see us,

it

!

and

if

;

but

—a

what I

them.

coming

much

of

here,

?

Yah

Why, they

go on home

!

Now

you.

just

couldn't ;

that

they are

then,

's

I don't

!

not

Now, what's next

What

want

I

is

Now, where

to be found

is

it

got to be done

;

poor old comrade into

and

play the nurse twice over

?

ain't it

mate here should have !

to

another goatherd's hut,

my

old

's

and I don't care where they go as

so as I can carry

it 's

way they must

set of bat-eyed bull-frogs

long as they don't find us.

be done

are wheeling

they had been English lads that

help seeing us

think

They

they look this

if

what they would have done. call

bad for him, poor

shelter.

I don't know, but

rum

his dose,

that

my

poor

and me have to

197

CHAPTER

XXII.

'UNLUCKY BEGGARS.'

F

I

one wasn't in such

trouble/ said

Punch to

lay in the growing darkness

himself, as he

beneath the great chestnut-tree, 'one would have time to think what a beautiful country this

But

is.

of all the unlucky beggars that ever lived, Private

Pen Gray and Bugler Bob Punchard is about the two worst. Only think of it we had just got out of ;

all

that trouble with

my wound

and Gray's

then he gets hit and I got to nurse him again.

Well,

that's

you now, comrade

?

all

clear

enough.

fever,

all

over

— How

are

he said aloud, as after cautiously

'

gazing round in search of danger, he raised his head

and bent over his wounded companion. There was no reply, and Punch went on

my

now

softly,

what you said to me. Sleepy, are you ? Well, go on, and have plenty of What did you it. It's the best thing for you. say ? Nature sets to work to mend you again ? '

It

's

turn

I forget now,

No, he didn't. meant.

Now,

to say

I

wonder whether

go away and leave him.

may tumble up against the me a prisoner, and I sha'n't

my

comrade

's

wliat he

safe for

it 's

No, of course

I

understand that

but that

me

it isn't,

to for

be able

who will make to make them

lying

wounded under

Frencli,

is

'

'

'UNLUCKY beggars/

198 and

this tree,

my

could I don't want

I

Another

one thing.

him here what am

if

that

is

I sha'n't be able to find

I going for

throat

's

To

?

than these chestnuts, for

anything like altogether.

coming

was

unlucky chaps as we

really such

this is

Then

long.

To be

alone.

all

and

we have

start

This

do.

is

There never

!

It will be

are.

wood

like

feel scared.

where the wolves

they do come,

if it isn't

rum

seem to be quite

shall

I

enough to make any fellow

if

a

alone here in a great

just the sort of place

Well,

to eat better

don't believe they are

I

and no mistake

to the wars,

dark before

try and find water, for

!

don't

Then,

again.

Ob dear this is know what to

ripe.

I

him

and something

like sand,

and leave

I start off

if

That's

to.

It

will

*8

be.

got two muskets,

too dark I will have

two wolves, and

that will keep the others off as long as they have

got the ones I shot to

eat.

—Did you

speak, comrade

he whispered, as he once more bent over Pen. he

's

about

Wish

fast asleep. it,

for the sun

know how

I

am

'No,

to forget all

down now, and

c^uite

's

I don't

to get through such a night as this.

However, here goes to turning

I was, so as

?

Ugh

try.

!

How

cold

it is

!

The boy shivered

as the

wind that came down

from the mountains seemed bitterly cold to one who

had been drenched

in perspiration

by the

and excitement that he had passed through. Poor old Private Gray he muttered. '

!

'

be feeling

it

worse than

me

if

exertion

*

He

will

he don't turn feverish/

'

199

'UNtt^UCKY BEGGARS.*

The boy hesitated

a few moments, and then,

for

he crept as close

stripping off his jacket,

wounded companion as he spread

fully

could,

his

and then carecoat

uiiifdrm

the rago^ed

to

over

their

breasts. *

Ought

to

I mustn't.

go to

sleep,

have got his

he muttered, 'but

Must make the best of it and try and keeping him warm. But no fellow could

go to sleep at a time like It

off too/

was a rash

this.*

assertion, for

many minutes had

not

passed before the boy was sleeping soundly the sleep weariness and exhaustion

of utter

and the next

;

time he unclosed his eyes as he lay there upon his back, not having

moved

since he lay down,

it

was

to

gaze wonderingly at the beautiful play of morning light

his

upon the

head

long, glossy,

for the

;

dark -green leaves over

sun had just risen and was bronz-

ing the leaves with ruddy gold.

The

birds were singing

the forest, and

all

somewhere at the edge

of

seemed so wonderful and strange

that the boy muttered to himself as he asked the question,

'

Where am

So deep had been

I

?

his sleep that

it

seemed

to be

one great puzzle.

He knew for now and shine.

it

was

then he

Then, like a

cold, felt

and he wondered a faint glow of

flash, recollection

at that,

warm

sun-

came back, and

he turned his head to gaze at his companion, but only to wrench himself

away and

roll

over and over

a yard or two, before sitting up quickly, trembling

;

'

'UNLUCKY BEGGARS.'

200

For he was

violently.

with horror by the

chilled

thought that his companion had passed away during the night.

was some minutes before he dared speak. ' Pen Gray he whispered, at last. It

!

He

waited, with the horror deepening, for there

companion lay upon

his

!

'

'

his

back motionless, and

though he strained his neck towards him he could

no movement of his breath, while his own staring eyes began to grow dim, and the outstretched figure before him looked misty and strange, detect

He 's dead He 's And me lying fellow. *

dead

!

groaned

! '

the

poor

sleeping there, never taking

'

—

any notice of him when he called for help for he must have called and me pretending to be his

—

comrade Oh, Pen it 's

the time

all

You At

how he

!

!

!

I ought to

but I did think

'

'Tain't

Pen Gray, old chap Oh, only just one word

down you

!

!

didn't

did

last,

if

speak to me, I

had not

if

laid

have stood up and watched him

it

was

to

keep him warm.

No,

he cried angrily, addressing himself.

'

warm

to

it

!

treated me.

yourself/

recovering his nerve somewhat, the boy

began to crawl on hands and knees towards the motionless figure,

hand upon snatch

he was near enough

his companion's breast.

he stretched to

till

it

it

to lay his

Then twice over

out slowly and cautiously, but only

back,

till

a feeling of rage at his

cowardice ran through him, and he softly lowered

down,

let it rest there for

it

a few moments, and then

'

'

'

'

'

'

:

201

'UNLUCKY BEGGARS.' with a fancy

*

of joy he exclaimed,

thrill

He

1

'

Yes,

'

I

Who

?

spoke

Punch,

cried

did,'

it*s

all

alive/

is

what

'Why,

Hooray, comrade

It

!

springing

all right.

's

Pst

began to think

?

pst

!

!

to I

his

woke

feet.

and

up,

he whispered, as he

'

dropped down upon hands and knees again.

For

was a rush of feet, and a patch of undergrowth a short distance beyond the spread of the great chestnut boughs was violently agitated. 'Why, it's only goats,' muttered Punch angrily. Wish I had got 'I scared them by jumping up. there

one of their young uns here.'

Who 's

'

What

'

Yes, comrade

All right

'Yes

What with

is it

;

that

it all

leg

Pen was

mean, Punch

What 's

?

the matter

?

silent for

'Yes/ he said

Why,

softly, 'I it 's

?

few moments, and then

a

understand now.

morning

sleep all the night, liave I

1

I

haven't

I

was

been

Yes,

'

I

am

comrade,

glad of

it,'

Then he winced, rise, *

'

to

?

—

Punch hesitated for and moment, and then with an effort 'so have I.' '

?

have been asleep and dreaming.

I

no.

does

hurt.

?

But how are you

it 's all right.

Can't you recollect, comrade

'

You, Punch

?

?

—

my

?

—

a

sighed Pen. for

he had made an

but sank back again, feeling faint.

Help me. Punch,' he

said.

effort

to

'

208 '

*

UNLUCKY BEGGARS.'

Wliatcher waut

?

To sit up with my back against the Punch hesitated, and then obeyed.

tree/

'

*

Ah, that

better/ ai^i^hed Pen.

's

I

'

am

not

much

hurt/ '

Oh

'

Nonsense

you

yes,

I

!

recollect

you get me some water *

up

I

'11

'

all

about

now.

it

Can

'

?

was the reply

try/

like that

Punch, shaking his head.

are,' said

* ;

but can you really

sit

'

?

We

Yes, of course.

go on again

shall be able to

'

soon. '

Wha-at

You

can't

to do.

round

!

cried

'

go

on.

If the till

Oh yes, I dare say know what I am going gone I am going to hunt

Punch.

But

I

French are

I find one of

them

'

!

There must

cottages.

be one somewhere about, because I just started some goats.

And

look there

!

Why,

must be some people living near boy pointed

to a

of

course there

And

here.'

the

dozen or so of pigs busily rooting

about amongst the dead leaves of the

forest, evidently

searching for chestnuts and last year's acorns shed

by the evergreen oaks. Now, look here,' continued the I am sure that you can sit up and '

off to look

boy.

*

wait, I

Soon as

am

just

out for some place where I can carry

you.'

'I can sit up,' replied Pen.

wound

'I have got a nasty

that will take some time to heal

nothing to mind, Punch, for

it's

;

but

it 's

the sort of thing

'

'

'

'

'

203

'UNLUCKY BEGGARS.'

But you must us till I can tramp

that will get well without a doctor.

beg shelter for

find shelter or

again. '

But

*

A

talk. '

*

can carry yer, comrade.'

I

way

little

Go and do

But Yes

there

;

stop

don't

to

the best you can.'

safe to leave

is it

There,

perhaps.

you

protested Punch.

? '

nothing to mind, unless some of

is

the French fellows find me.'

'That does

Punch

said

then,'

it,

'I

sturdily.

sha'n't go.'

*You must,

I tell you.'

'I don't care

I ain't going to leave you.'

;

'Do you want me

to starve, or perish with cold

in the night.' '

!

Course I don't

'Then do as

I tell you.'

*

But suppose the French come

'

Well,

we must chance

they do

if

you are careful

it

;

but

if

going and coming I don't think

in

me

they will find

?

;

and

I

don't suppose

you

will

be long.'

'That

I won't,' cried

goes, then

—

I

am

to

do

the boy confidently.

'Here

it ?

'Yea'

'Then here's 'No, don't do '

Why

'No.

not

?

You

off.'

that,' cried

Hadn't are

Pen.

I better

more likely

you go without arms

;

take the muskets

to get help for

mc

?

if

and, besides, Punch,' added

'

'UNLUCKY BEGGARS.'

204

Pen, with a faint smile,

might want the muskets

I

'

to defend myself against the wolves/

'All right/ replied the boy, replacing the

clumsy French pieces by his comrade's

side,

'

two Keep

up your spirits, old chap I won't be long/ The next minute the boy had plunged into the thicket-like outskirts of the forest, where he stopped short to look back and mentally mark the great ;

chestnut- tree.

know

*I shall

'from ever so far

said,

easy to 'member by the trunk, which

It is

off.

he

that,'

Now

goes up twisted like a screw.

way had

I better go

which

then,

*

?

Punch had a look round

as far as the density

would allow him, and then gave his

of the foliage

head a scratch.

Oh

'

dear

!

'

he

which way to go

How many

?

muttered, It

's

Now

who you boy,

know

to

regular blind-man's buff.

then, Three

Black, white, and gray.

The

who 's

horses has your father got

eyes, comrade.

catch

'

!

?

Shut your

What

colour

?

Turn round three times and

may.'

with his eyes tightly closed and his

arms spread out on either

side,

turned round the

three times of the game, and then opened his eyes

and strode right away. '

he

There can't be no better way than chancing

said.

'

He was ilex,

But hold hard

I

Where

's

my

tree

it/

?

standing close to a beautifully shaped

and for a few moments he could not make out

;

'UNLUCKY BEGGARS.' the great spiral-barked chestnut, to fancy that

he had

lost his

till,

way

205

just as he began

at once, he caught

sight of its glossy bronzed leaves behind the grayish

green

ilex,

'That's

all

right,'

he

said,

*Now

then, here's

luck/

was a

It

bitter fight

with grim giant despair as

the boy tramped on, and time after time, faint with

from misery, he was about to

hunger, suffering

throw himself down upon the earth, utterly broken in spirit, but he fought on bravely. '

saw such a country !' he muttered. be plenty of towns and villages and

I never

ought to

desert and stones and

scrubby

'

There

people,

but

it's

Any

one would think that you couldn't walk any-

all

trees.

where without finding something to eat, and there 's nothing but the goats and pigs, and as soon as they catch sight of you

away they

go.*

Over and over again he climbed hillsides to reach spots where he could look down, in the full expectation of seeing it

was

till,

lost

all

some

the same, there

growing alarmed

lest

was nothing

to be seen

he should find that he had

touch with his landmarks, he began to retrace

his steps in utter despair,

on

But

village or cluster of huts.

his

to give

but only to drop

down

knees at last and bury his face in his hands,

way

to the emotion that for a

few moments

he could not master, '

There,'

he

could not help

muttered, it,

recovering

himself,

but there was no one to

see.

*

I

Just

'

'imLUCKY BEGGARS.'

206

It ia being

like a silly great gal.

and weak with

my wound

But there The boy looked

sting

'

!

Why, you

again. off at a

No,

trot

my

word,

it

does

!

last

shai'ply round.

idgit

in

and,

some one at

's

!

it 's

;

hungry, I suppose,

all

'

he gasped,

'

you

've lost

him

right/ he cried, and he started

the direction o£ a short, plump-

looking figure in rusty black, who, bent of head and

book in hand, was slowly descending a slope away to his right.

'

207

CHAPTER

XXIII.

THE USE OF LATIN.

ERE

Ahoy

!

!

'

shouted Punch, and the black

figure slowly raised his

look round direction

head and began to

he was gazing in quite the opposite

till

where the boy was hurrying towards

to

him, and Punch had a full view of the stranger's

and a ruddy-brown

back

roll

of

fat

seemed to be supporting a curious old

which

flesh

hat, looking

like a rusty old stove-pipe, perched horizontally

upon

the wearer's head. '

Hi

Not that way

!

as he closed up. village

'

Look

I

this

! '

Here, I say, where

cried

Punch

tlie

nearest

's

?

The stove-pipe turned slowly round, and Punch found himself face to face with a plump-looking little

man who

tucked '

it

inside his

Morning

The

slowly closed the book he carried and

!

'

said Punch.

man bowed

little

of dignity,

shabby gown. slowly and with some show

and then gazed sternly in the boy's face

and waited. '

I said good-morning,

to himself,

you

tell

me

sir,'

said the

*what a rum-looking *

boy

little

;

and then

chap!

— Can

'

THE USE OF LATIN.

208

Punch got no further, for the little stranger shook his head, frowned more sternly, and shrugged his shoulders as he

made

as

book

to take out his

if

again. 'I

a beggar,

ain't

want you

'I only

the boy.

me

Oh, he can't understand

to

Look And he commenced he groaned.

cried

sir,'

here, can

*

you understand

dumb

in

this

!

?

motions to give the

stranger a difficult problem to solve.

But

man

it

proved to be not too

smiled,

for the little

difficult,

nodded his head, and imitated Punch's

suggestive pantomime of eating and drinking.

Then,

laying one hand upon the boy's shoulder, he pointed

with the other down the slope and tried to guide

him

in that direction,

'All right,' said Punch, nodding, 'I understand.

That 's where you

live

but not

;

And, catching the

way.'

little

Punch pointed towards the his

companion in that

The

plump

Come

yet.

stranger

forest

and

this

by the arm,

tried to

draw

head

and

direction.

man shook

little

his

suggested that they should go in the other direction, '

Oh, a mercy

don't

me

!

'

Why, Punch excitedly. Look here, sir, I can see

cried

you understand

?

'

what you are. You are a priest. I have seen folks like you more than once. Now, just look here.' The little man shrugged his shoulders again, shook his head, and then looked compassionately at the boy.

'That's

better,'

said Punch.

'Now,

sir,

do try

'

'

THE USE OF and understand, there here

's

209

LATIN.

a good

fellow.

look

Jiist

1

The boy tapped him on the shoulder now, and pointed towards the wood.

Now, look here, sir Punch made-believe giving a sharp

like this.'

it 's

'

;

present a musket,

to

click, click

after

with his tongue in imitation

of the cocking of the piece, cried

Bang ! and

then

gave a jump, clapped his hand to his right

leg,

staggered, threw himself down,

up

into a sitting position, to

which he made-believe

and then struggled sit up nursing his leg,

up with a bandage.

to bind

Then, holding out his hand to the

little priest,

caught hold of him, dragged himself himself fall back, rolled

him '

up,

but

he let

and lay looking at

over,

helplessly.

Understand that

and

gesticulating is

's

The

cried, as

you

jolly stupid if

great

Come and

can't.

he continued, pointing

sir,'

with

he sprang to his

'my

energy,

lying over yonder under a tree,

and starving. there

he

look here,

then,

•omrade

'

*You must be

feet again.

Now

?

help

me

wounded

fetch

to

poor

him,

a good old chap.' priest looked at

him

fixedly,

and then, taking

cue from the boy, he pointed in the direction

his

r

Punch had

indicated, nodded, clapped the

shoulder, and began to '

walk by

There, I thought I could

cried

Punch

thing. Tent,

boy on the

his side.

make you

understand,'

'But you might say someAin't deaf and dumb, are you ? eagerly.

M

'

210

THE

The l\imRclf,

his

muttered

he^^d,

and then, bending down, he tapped

and

leg,

shook

priest

little

OF LATIN.

UvSE

looking

questioningly

own

would-be

his

in

his

to

guldens face, he began to limp. '

Yea,

yes

yes,

!

Punch

cried

'

And,

excitedly.

imitating his companion, he bent down, tapped his

own

limped

tlien

leg,

as

walking

if

with

the

down

greatest of difficulty and niade-believe to sink helplessly.

'Good!

understand,' said the

I

Spanish.

'

Wounded.

little

priest

in

Lead on/

Punch held out his hand, which the little stranger took, and suffered himself to be led in the direction of the great chestnut, shaking his head and looking

Punch

questionii)gly niore than once at the boy, as

hesitaled and seemed to be in doubt, and ran here

and there trying fully as it

to

little

his

search,

his to

side,

priest's

passing

out his bearings, success-

happened, for he caught sight at

the object of

of

make

stand

Isbst

hurried back to the

and

panting

hand over his dripping

faint,

utterly

face,

exhausted. *

Can't help

been wounded. then

we

will

it,

sir/

Just

he s^id piteously. let

me

get

I

am

go on again,

my

breath,

sure now.

do wish I could make you understand better the

boy

piteously.

'

There

's

my

poor

yonder, perhaps dying by this time, and like this

*I have

me

and Oh, I

I

'

added

comrade turning

!

For just then he reeled and would have

fallen if

'

THP USE OF LATIN. the

211

had not caught him by the arms and

little priest

lowered him slowly down.

Punch, with a sob half-

'Thftnk you, air/ said

choking his

wound,

He

It

'

'b

all

on aecount of

Gome

There, I 'm better now.

air.

shook

and pressed him back.

Thank you, want to gpt on.

He 's

And Punch

very good of you

'&

It

sir.

'

know.'

my

on.'

tried to struggle up, but the little priest

bQ^

his

ufcterarice,

;

but I

getting tired of waiting,

you

pointed excitedly in the direction

of the tree.

The journey was continued soon after, with Punch's arm locked in that of his new-found friend and in due time Punch staggered through the trees ;

where Pen

to

lay,

now meeting

his gaze

with a wild

look of njiaery and despair. '

It

alj

's

right,

comrade,' cried Punch.

found somebody at

He must

last.

near here, but I can't

bad forgotten you ? No,' said Pen faintly, '

'

Look

here,' said

in French.

Tell

him

*

I never

Punch, I

*

want

I

have

somewhere

make him understand

only that you were lying wounded. I

live

'

anything,

Did you think

thought

that.'

say something to him

to get

you

to a cottage,

and say we are starving.' Pen obeyed, and faintly muttered a few words in French '

but the priest shook his head.

Fvanch ? he '

'No, *

;

said.

no,' replied Pen.

Ah, IngUs

! '

said the

'

IngUs' priest,

smiling

;

and he

THE USE OF

212

went down on one knee

LATIN.

to softly touch the rough

bandage that was about the wounded

leg.

Then, to the surprise of both boys, he carefully raised

Pen

to hold

into a sitting position, signed to

him

up,

and then taking

fashioned hat and hanging of the tree, the boys

Punch

off his curiously

upon a broken branch

it

saw that Nature had furnished

him with the tonsure of the priest without the barber's aid, and they had the opportunity now of seeing that it was a pleasantly wrinkled rosy face, with a pair of good-humoured-looking eyes that gazed up in *

theirs.

What 's he

going

to

do

? '

said

Punch

in

a

whisper.

He comprehended lent

his

for the

aid,

gown and

the next minute, and eagerly

securing

prove himself

little

it

priest,

twisting

up

his

round his waist, began to

a worthy descendant

of

the Good

Samaritan, though wanting in the ability to set the

wounded traveller upon his own ass. Going down, though, upon one knee, he took hold of first one hand and then the other, and, with Punch's assistance to his

own

natural strength, he

got Pen upon his back, hitching him up a

then a lad's

little

more,

till

arms across his

little,

and

he had drawn the wounded

chest.

This done, he knelt there on one knee, panting, before drawing a deep breath prior to rising with his burden. success.

Then he

tried to stand up, but without

'

'

THE USE OF LATIN.

He

then

waited,

again

tried

213 more

but once

;

without success, for the weight was greater than he

had anticipated. '

Can't you manage

me

let

The

it,

sir

? '

said Punch.

Here,

'

try.'

shook his head, but released one

little priest

hands and caught hold of Punch by the

of Pen's

shoulder. *

Yes, I know,

new

their

till

sir,'

friend

strength to bear as up,

was ready, the boy brought his well, and the little priest stood

Carry your

The

hat,

I

'

cried

Oh,

t'

other side

Will

tliat

do

priest

first

!

on,

it

excitedly,

sir

that

is

There you

are,

All

?

wrong

tlien,

?

sir.

?

shook his head, bent a

so as to well balance his load,

hand at

Punch

What,

understand.

sir

The

?

It will be all right.'

right,

;

sir

Oh, you mean stick

?

well

shook his head.

priest

What

it

hat.

of course I will.

'

after waiting

and then looked sharply at Punch

his shoulders,

and then at his

'

and

gave his load a hitch or two to balance

upon

*

cried Punch,

little

forward

and then, setting one

he put his hat on correctly, grasped

liberty,

both Pen's hands once more, and then began to march out of the forest. '

I 'm blessed

! '

muttered Punch.

they carried pickaback in Spain. as strong as a horse

you much, comrade

?

—pony,

I

'

The

mean.

Didn't little

—Does

know chap it

's

hurt

' ;

THE USE OP

214 '

Not

Punch.

0suoh,

LATIN.

Don't talk to me, though

thank goodness that we have found a friend

only,

The

little priest

trudged sturdily on tvith his

taking a direction along the edge of the

Punch noted was

different

forest,

!

load^

which

from any that he had

traversed during his search, while at the same time it

became plain

him that

to

finding his load rather hard

a

dew began

little

grew

neW

their

work

to appear

was

to carry, for first

dew gradually

this

;

friend

into tiny beads, the tiny beads ran into drops,

and the drops gathered together and run.

trickle

At

this point the little priest stopped short

the side of a rugged, gnarled little

they began to

till

lower,

rested

his

tree,

hands

by

and, bending a

tlpon

a

horizontal

branch.

'Look now. a

here,

sir,'

me have

said Punch, 'let

a try

I ain't

up

priest

shook his head, drew a deep breath,

to it miich, bnt

it

would give you

rest.'

The

and trudged on again, proving

his strength to

be

greater than could have been imagined to exist in

such a

little,

plutop,

almost dwarf-like form, for

with an occ^ional rest he tramped on for the best part of an hour,

edge of a deep his left to

till

slope,

at la^ he paused just at the

and struck

where a beaten traek

off

a

little

way

to

led to ^ good-&ized

cottage. '

Why

couldn't I find all this

as he gazed

down

? '

thought Punch,

into a valley dotted with huts,

215

THE USE OF LATIN. evidently a village fairly well inhabited.

waa aa easy as '

Ah

easy, only I didn't

know

'

Why,

it

the way.'

ejaculated the priest, as he thrust open the

! '

door, stepped into a

very humbly furnished room,

crossed at once to a rough pallet, and gently lowered

burden upon the simple bed.

his

praised

new

!

'

he said in Latin

position

;

saints be

and the words and the

such a reviving

haxJ

The

'

effect

upon the

wotinded rifleman that he caught at one of the priest's hd»nds '

and held to

God

bless

you

it firriily.

for this

' !

he

said, for

unconsciously

the priest's words had been the opening of the door

him and those he had though the words possessed

of communication betweefl

brought to his home

;

for

a prontihciation that was unfamiliar, the old Latin

tongue recalled to Pen years of study in the past,

and he snatched at the opportunity of saying a few ^^ords that the old tnan could understand.

A

beamed on the utterly Weariedcountenance as he bent over Pen

pleasant smile

out old fellow's

and patted him gently on the shoulder. '

Good,

good

he

* !

said

in

Latin

himself about the task of supplying

;

and he

them with

This was simple enough, consisting as

bread and herbs

— ;

man

of the

did

of

dwelling

but the herbs in this case were

silvery-brown skinned Spanish onions with

Then

food.

just suCh a repast as might have

been expected from some ascetic holy in the mountains

it

set

salt.

takifig tip a small earthen jar, he passed out

dark room into the sunshine

;

and as soon as

''

'

'

216 the

'

'

THE USE OF LATIN. boys were alone Punch turned eagerly to his

companion. '

Not

worse,

comrade

you,

are

?

he

'

said

anxiously. *

No, Punch,

fetch water '

not worse.

But has he gone

to

?

Yes, I think

But just you

so.

your leg hurt you much

tell

me

:

does

?

'Quite enough,' replied Pen, breaking off a portion of the bread

tween his

lips.

*

and placing a few fragments beBut don't talk to me now. I am

starving. '

'ere

know

Yes, I

bread

It

!

's

that,' cried

Punch

;

Go on

not now.

;

you

?

never mind me.'

'But I do mind you/ cried the boy. can I go on eating without you

what a chap you are to him ? '

Bless

you

for this

call this

when it ought to Look here, you could

eat one of these onions, couldn't

No, no

and

solid crust,

all

be crumb for a chap like you.

'

'

;

!

?

What was

'And how

I say, though,

that

you

said

!

was it but how did you say it so as to make him understand ? I talked to him enough, but he coxildn't make out a word of what I said. Was that there Spanish V No, Punch Latin.' 'Ah, you seem to know everything.' At that moment a shadow fell athwart the door, *

Yes, I guessed that

;

'

;

and the speaker made a dash at one of the muskets

'

THE USE OF

217

LATIN.

he had stood up against the wall on entering the priest's cottage. !

Oh, I beg your pardon^

'

sir

know it was you.' The old man smiled, and

he cried hastily,

'

*I didn't

ping jar which he had just spring, '

Me

and held

it

drink, sir

taking the

jar,

filled

from a neighbouring

towards the boy.

Thank

?

ye,

he was raising

mouth, but before himself,

entered with the drip-

sir,'

it

cried

was half-way there he

it

and carried that

so

poor

the

able

it

where

to Pen's

who was burning

fellow,

with feverish pain, was

and,

recollected

to the priest's pallet,

it

;

towards his parched

he went down on his knees and held lips,

Punch

to

drink long

and

deeply.

Pen was spilt

when Punch

drinking

still

started

and

a few drops of the water as he turned hastily

up at their host, who had laid a soft brown hand upon his head, and was looking down at him to look

with a pleasant smile. '

What

*

I don't know,' said Pen,

did he do that

for,

comrade

?

drawing a deep breath,

as he withdrew his lips from the water. do,'

he added

pleased because

'Course pleased

you did.

about in

let

I that.

'

me

He meant drink

don't

it

this before.'

away from

Yes, I

that he

was

first.'

see

anything

to

be

But have a drop more,

Quick, look sharp, before I go

comrade. snatches

I

quickly.

'

mad and

you, for I never felt like

!

!

218

THE USE OF

LATIIJ.

'Oo Oil then now, Punch/ But

'—

'

Oo on

'

Ah,

'

now

then

then

'

I can wait/

;

ejaculated

the

was almost a groan

sigh that

with a deep

boy,

and with trembling

;

hands he held the jar to his

and drank, and

lips

recovered his breath and drank again as

if

wae

it

impossible to satisfy his burning thirst.

Then recovering Pen's

lips.

Talk about wine/ he said

'

I

though he

Fancy this

dressed

is

living

here

at

hand

close

Now

right.

up

with !

— Had

like

fat

it

ain't in

it

and happy,

ah old scarecrow.

pump

a

it

of

water

enough now oflF

?

like

—That

bits of

's

that

in the watet while I cuts

up

these.'

He

took his knife from his pocket and began

to peel one

'

Why,

you go on breaking

bread and dipping

one of

' ;

wonder that he looks so

don't

the

himself, he held the jar again '%)

little

of the onions,

when

their host placed

vessel of salt close to his hand.

Thank

you,

sir,'

cried Punch.

'

Yoil are a real

gentleman/

The priest smiled and nodded, and watched the two lads as Pen took an earthenware bowl that their host placed close to his it

hand

after half-filling

with water so that he could steep the bread, while

Punch

deftly peeled one of the onions, not scrupling

about littering the quarter

it

and then

floor,

and then proceeded to

divide

the

segments

again.

—

'

!

'

219

THE USE OF LATIN. dipping one in the salt and placing

wounded companion's '

Good

good

!

lips.

the

said

!

'

between hia

it

smiling

again,

priest

with satisfaction, and laying his hand onCe more

upon Punch's head. '

to

Bone 'em

!

*

Bonv/m

bonwin

Punch.

said

'

!

*

'

!

Why, he

give

it

!'

me He means '

'

Good

it

was good, Punch,'

said Pen, smiling.

cried the boy,

crunching up one

Yes,'

!

of the savoury pieces of vegetable.

he means,

is

it

'

Thought he meant

?

That 's what had stolen

I

Bonum, eh, sir ? I should just think it is Wants a bit more salt but my word, it 's fine Have a bit more, comrade. You eat while there 's it.

;

Never mind me.

a chance.

I can

keep both of us

Talk about a dinner or a supper

going.

keep on

till

dark

I

Only wish, though,

of their Spanish shillings to

pay

for it

;

I could

I 'd got one ;

but those

French beggars took care of them for me.

my

give him as

I

it.

;

and I will

How

soon

too, ae

do you

now,

feel

?

Better,

you,'

though

have done with

comrade '

knife,

I can

Punch,

better/

replied

Pen.

he continued, ae his companion broke

*

Thank

off

more

bread for him and then began to peel another onion.

more are to yourself.'

'Course I am, comrade. bention to

me when

Then turning

to

I

Didn't you pay more

was wounded

?

the priest, he pointed

to

the

! '

'

220

THE USE OP

liATIN.

bread with his knifo, and then tapped the onion

he had begun to quarter with the blade. *

Splendid,

bonum ! The

he

sir/

smiling.

said,

*

Bonum

'

and then rose from where he

priest nodded,

had been seated watching the boys and walked through the open door, to stand just outside sweeping the scattered houses of the eyes,

and remaining

village

little

with his

two

so as to leave his

there,

guests to themselves. '

You

are beginning to get a bit better, comrade

?

asked Punch anxiously. '

Yes, Punch, yes,'

*

So am

was the

Feel as

I.

if

I

reply.

am growing

Why, comrade,

a horse again.

as strong as

was worth getting

it

as hungry, thirsty, and tired as that, so as to enjoy

such a meal. cause I

mean speaking

I don't

know you must be

feeling that

for you, be-

gnaw, gnaw,

But do go on eating, and when you have had enough you shut up shop and go off to sleep. Then I will ask that old chap grinding pain in your wound.

to give

me

a bit of rag and

up your wound.

me

see

I say,

laugh at him.

See you laugh at him

*

Yes

couldn't

down

you, bent of his.

I

and

Mum, though

;

? it,

like he was,

When

like a bear,

help

me wash and

tie

comrade, I hope he didn't

Did you

*

;

let

*

?

No.

Did you

?

when he was carrying with that queer shako

was behind he looked something I couldn't help

here he comes.'

having a good

grin.

;

'

THE USE OF The

old

221

LATIN.

now came slowly two lads, who hurriedly

in

priest

watching the

and stood

finished their

meal. '

*

Stand up, Punch/ said Pen. What for ? I was just going to clear away/

you

'

Stand up, I

*

All right / and the

tell

!

boy rose immediately, staring

hard at his companion, as Pen, with a quiver of emotion in his utterance, laid his hand over the remains of the black bread, and said, gazing hard at the old priest the while,

'

BenedictuSy benedicat

Amen/

Ah

'

!

said the priest, with a long-drawn breath

'

of satisfaction

;

'

Amen/

Benedictus, benedicat

Then, taking a step towards them, he laid his

hand upon the heads of his two guests in turn and Next, pointing said a few words in an undertone. to the

rough pallet-bed, he signed to Punch that he

should

lie

*

*

down

beside his companion.

What, take a snooze

Thank

you,

your Latin

sir.

stuff,

of doctoring 'I'll try,'

there,

But not

yet.

sir

?

'

—You

said tell

Punch.

him

in

comrade, that I want to do a bit

first.'

said

Pen wearily, already

half- asleep

when, to the surprise of both, the old outside and returned with a

little

man went

wooden tub

of

water which he brought to the bedside, and then, in spite of a half-hearted protestation of

on the part

Punch, he proceeded to carefully attend to the

wound.

THE USE OF

222 Well,

*

at

LATIN.

very good of you,

it 's

sir,'

after doing his best to help, 'and I wish I

last,

make you understand what

could

boy

said the

have done

But you

I say.

a deal better than I could have done,

it

and

I

my

comrade could have kept him-

self

awake he would

be ready enough to say some-

am

sure

if

mean you are a trump, very much obliged. But, you see, all I

thing in Latin that would

and he know, '

's

about Latin

sir,

Latin

'

beaming upon him

said the old priest,

!

'

with wondering eyes. '

Yes, sir

Latin,

pointing

then, '

—

bonuTn,

The

sir

to

limb,

!

priest nodded,

as he pointed to the

companion

sleeping

and

'

'

where there was room for Punch to his

him

bandaged

carefully

the

bonu'in

;

learnt of

as I

sir,

;

;

but the

lie

pallet,

down by

boy shook

his

head. '

No,

know

he

sir,*

that.'

said,

'

that

's

your roost

And, before his host could

boy placed one musket within reach

of

I

do

intjsrfere,

the

;

Pen s hand,

the other beside the door, across which he stretched himself. It

was now nearly dark, and

little

home

in

after placing his

something like order, the old

man

turned to where Punch had been resting upon one

arm a few minutes before, watching his movements, but was now prone upon the beaten-earth floor fast asleep,

with a look of restfulness upon his young,

sunburnt countenance.

'

THE USE OF The

old

man

223

LATIN.

stepped carefully across him, to stand

outside peering through

down

the evening gloom

into the silent village before, satisfied

and content,

he turned back into the hut, closing the door carefully after him, placing across

it

a heavy oaken bar,

before stepping back across Punch, to stand in the

middle of the floor deep in thought.

Then

his

hand began

from force of

habit,

and bringing out from beneath

for

seg|,rching

to move,

gown a little, worn

snufi'-bos,

which squeaked faintly

as he turned the lid and refreshed himself with

pinches of

its

brown

his

two

contents.

This was done very slowly and deliberately in the aemi- darkness, and finally the box

was replaced and

a few grains of the dust flicked away. '

Ah

sigh,

!

'

gijests.

'

English/

he

muttered.

*

Soldiers,

and defenders against the French.

heretics

!

But,' he

added

something that had passed,

Amen

a long-drawn

he looked from one to the other of his

as

friends

man with

ejaculated the old

softly, '

as

if

but

English recalling

Benedictu8, benedicat.

\

Then, crossing

softlj^ to

one corner of the room,

he drew open what seemed to be the door of a cupboard

;

but

it

of staircase there

This the old ill-fitting

was too dark

was a broad

man

to

show that

in place

step-ladder.

ascended, and directly after the

boards which formed the ceiling of his

humble living-room creaked as he stepped upon them, and then there was a faint rustling as if he

THE USE OF LATIN.

224

were removing leaves and stems of the Indian corn

company with other stores in what was undoubtedly a little loft, whose air was heavy that was laid in

with

various

odours

suggesting

the

presence

of

vegetables and fruit.

The oaken boards creaked once more as If the old man was stretching himself upon them with a sigh of weariness and satisfaction.

Amen

and

directly after a ray

of light shot across the place,

coming through the

*

!

'

wooden bars

moon had

he said

in the gable of the sloping roof, for the

just risen over the shoulder of the

tain to light

up the valley beneath, where the

hut clung to little loft

softly,

and

its its

rocky wall

;

mounpriest's

to light up, too, the

contents, and, above

all,

the features

of the sleeping man, gentle-looking in their repose.

And

could the lads he had befriended have gazed

upon him then they would have seen nothing that appeared grotesque.

'

;

225

CHAPTER XXIV. THROUGH

Y

ES, what

it

is

?

A KNOT-HOLE.

up on the companion, who had

cried Pen, starting

'

bed at a touch from his

hand gently on the sleeping

laid his

lad*s forehead,

and then sinking back again with a faint ejaculation of pain. *

Don't be scared, comrade ?

my

leg

*

Yes,

*

Poor chap

dress

horribly

's

!

*

it

I did,

like

*

so I

me

bad as

*

*

do

it.

thought you

faint smile.

'

I

night that they were

my

leg

so.'

Then

am

all

I

and I could not get away because

after us,

hurt

that

and

it

priest don't

was the French coming.' Punch,' said Pen with a

seem to have been dreaming

painful.'

I will bathe

that old

if

When you jumped up fancied

and

stiff

Never mind.

by-and-by

it

Does

only me.

*

hurt you

it

it 's

;

lie

down

that.

again,* said

Punch.

'

Things

ain't

But, I say, comrade, I can't help

it

as bad as ever again.'

Bad

!

No, no

Your wound ;

that

's

?

getting

all

right.

But that old

chap seems to have shut us up here and gone. Didn't happen to

bread and onions •Tent.

?

see,

I

did you, where he put the

am

quite hollow inside/

O

THROUGH A KNOT-HOLE.

226 '

No, Punch.

how '

when/ That 's a

I fell asleep,

and

I

can't recollect

or

'cause

pity,

make

welcome, and I can't forage

when he

cleared

was the sunrise

It

know we

I

should

be

out where he put the

away/

of a bi*ight morning,

sounds of bleating goats came plainly to the ears as the nimble animals were

making

and the listeners'

their

way

up the valley-side to their pasture. Then all at once came the sharp creak of a board, and Punch dashed at his musket, caught it up, cocked it, and stood ready to use it in defence of his companion.

There was another creak or two, evidently from overhead, and as Punch stood there on the alert, his

brows knit and teeth clenched, Pen softly

hand

in the direction of his

stole his

own musket and

raised

himself up on the bed ready to help.

Again there came a creak or two, a rustling in the corner of the room as of some one descending from above, and, though invisible, the muzzles of the two pieces

were slowly lowered

noise, till

in the direction of the

with a crack the door in the corner was

thrust inwasd and the

little

wonderingiy from one

to the other as

old priest stood looking

he raised his

hand. It

was

as

if

this

were a signal

two muskets were hurriedly

to disarm,

replaced,

when

the

and Punch

advanced towards the corner of the room, offering to shake hands.

THROUGH The

took the boy's fingers,

smiled,

priest

227

KNOT-HOLE.

A

and

he crossed to the bed,

then, thrusting to the door,

Pen's forehead, and afterwards pointed to the

felt

wounded

leg.

The next minute he went

to the door,

the great bar, and admitted the fresh air of the

trotting

up

bright light and

company with the louder which animals evidently came

morning

bleating of the goats,

removed

to the old

in

man

as he stepped back to

Then, after speaking kindly

look searchingly round.

them, he drove them away, returned into the

to

room

water, and

directly after with

proceeded to

busily attend to Pen's wound.

'That's good of him,' said Punch petulantly, 'and I

am

he

'd

give

glad to see him do

thought to attend to

me

I don't

poultice.

comrade

my wound

the chance to dress

and onion hollow

it,

it

;

but I wish

too

—

I

mean,

myself with bread

know when

I felt so

inside.'

But he had not long satisfied

to wait, for, evidently well

with the state of Pen's injury, the priest

him as tenderly as if his touch a woman, and then Punch was at rest,

finished attending to

were that of for the old

man

placed the last night's simple fare

before them, signed to to themselves,

them

to eat, and, leaving

went outside again,

to

them

sweep the valley

below with a long and scrutinising gaze.

Twice over during the next two days Pen made an

effort to rise,

were alone that

telling his if

companion when they

he had a stick he thought he

'

'

'

THROUGH A KNOT-HOLE.

228

could manage to limp along a short distance at a

was very evident that the old man, was uneasy in his own mind about

time, for host,

it

their their

presence. '

He

'

Think so

'

Yes.

evidently wants to get rid of us, Punch/ ?

'

See

said the boy.

how

he

keeps

fidgeting

out to go on looking round to see

if

in

and

anybody

's

coming.' I

Yes,

*

have noticed

that/

said

thinks the French are coming after will get into trouble for

keeping us

Yes it 's plain enough, so But you can't, comrade/

*

;

'

let

's

Punch.

us,

'

He

and that he

here,' go.'

Yes, I can/

*

Not without making your wound worse. That 's what you would have said to me.' Then I must make it worse,' said Pen angrily, Next time he comes in I 'U try to make him explain *

'

*

which way we ought

to

go to find some of our

people.

*Well,

we can

nice living on

do

feel

only

try,' replied

Punch, 'for

anybody when you

can't pay,

'tain*t

and

I

ashamed to eat as I do without being able to

money for it. 'Tain't as if he was an enemy. I 'd let him see then.' Go and open the door, Punch, and let the fresh air in. The sun does make this place so hot find

'

1

'Can't, comrade.' '

Why

not

?

'

'

'

THKOUGH A KNOT-HOLE. *

us

you was asleep

I did try while

229

but he

;

locked

's

in.' '

bar, '

Nonsense

and there

gone to

up

fastens the door with that big

standing up by the side/

it is

Yes, but there

another one outside somewhere,

's

tell

and the door won't move. I think he 's somebody we are here, and he has shut

so

that

for I tried,

us

He

!

we

get

sha'n't

away while he 's

gone.' '

No,

means well *

I

That

's

Pen impatiently.

said

no,'

to us

what

I

;

am

'

The

sure of that.'

I keep thinking, comrade

keep thinking,

that he

too,

man

old

's

;

but then

going to get some-

thing given him for taking two prisoners to give up to the French.' *

Nonsense

think

!

It

cowardly and ungenerous to

is

so.'

Then what 's he been gone such a long time for ? 's hours since he went awiiy and shut us in.' Hours ? *Yes; you don't know, because you sleep so '

It

'

much.' '

Well, I don't believe he 'd betray us.

man 's '

The

old

too good and generous for that.'

Then,

why

has he made prisoners of us

? '

said

r

Punch '

sourly.

Why

To keep anybody

decisively. '

'

Getting

comes

—

or

'

What

on

has he shut us else

from coming

time can

towards

somebody

else,'

it

be

sunset.

?

tip

now

in,'

said

Pen

?

Pst

!

Here he

THROUGH A KNOT-HOLE.

230

who

All doubts as to

was were put an end

it

to the next minute, for the familiar step of the old

approached

priest

what seemed

man

the

They

door.

to be another bar removed,

stood before

and the old

them with a big basket on

and remained looking back ae

if

heard

plainly

his arm,

whether he

to see

had been followed. Then, apparently door,

he came

satisfied,

In,

closed the

and smilingly placed the contents of the basket

before them.

He had

evidently been some distance, and looked

hot and weary

;

but he was quite ready to

Pen's lame efforts to

now

they should

make known

listen to

his desires that

say good-bye, and, with his help as

to direction, continue their journey.

The

little

listening

man

up smiling

stood

patiently to the

probably not understanding

before

Pen,

lad's

blundering

half,

and only replying

Latin,

with a word or two from time to time, these words

from their pronunciation puzzling Pen in turn it

was evident to Punch, the

listener,

that on

whole a mutual understanding was arrived at once the priest offered

took

it

his arm,

at,

but tlie

for all

and as the lad

he helped him to walk across the room and

back to the that he sat

man

Pen

;

pallet,

down

where he pressed him back

in spite of himself,

when

so

the old

patted him on the shoulder, smiling gently, and

then going

down on one knee

passed his hand softly

over the wound, and, looking up, shook his head sadly.

'

THROUGH

What

'

he

sat,

281

K?^OT-HOLE.

mean by

does he

excitedly, as

A

that,

Punch

?

Pen

said

'

looking pinched of face and half-

wild with excitement.

you ain't what he means

*It means, comrade, that

That

the march.

him

He

out.

is

don't think

I

you

don't,

saying as you must give

now

as he

seemed

it

means any harm. ? '

make

I can

;

do you, old chap

sharply on the It

's

on

to go

fit

and

up,

—

I say,

he continued, turning

priest.

tis if

their host

comprehended the boy's

words, for he patted Punch on the shoulder, smiling,

and pointed displayed

its

to

the basket,

which he opened and

contents.

Punch only caught a glimpse thereof

but he saw

;

that there were bread and onions and

goat's-milk

cheese before he turned sharply round, startled

by a

quick tapping at the closed door. It

was not only he who was

priest turned sharply '

*

startled,

the

for

and hurried to the door.

Oh, comrade,' cried Punch in an excited whisper,

don't say that he

's

against us after

all

!

But with the sturdy boy it was a word and a blow, for he made for his loaded musket and caught it

up. '

Hist

!

'

upon him

ejaculated the priest, turning

and raising one hand. '

Oh, I don't care for

I don't

mind what you

that,'

are.

whispered Punch, If

you

enemy you shall have the first shot/ The priest shook his hand at him

as

'

and

sold us to the

to bid

if^ \

him

THROUGH A KNOT-HOLE,

232 be silent

and then, placing

;

his lips close to the door,

he said something in Spanish, and listened to a reply that came in a hurried voice. '

Ah

ejaculated the priest

! '

;

and then he whispered

again.

The next minute he was busy barring the door

and

;

this done,

closed

he turned to the boys, to cross

the room and open wide the cupboard-like door in

Then, returning to Pen, he helped him

the corner. to

again, guided

rise

his

halting steps, and

half-

him to the step-like ladder urged him with a word or two to climb up.

carrying

'

What

he

does

mean,

comrade

?

'

whispered

Punch. *

to

He means

go

there

somebody coming, and we are

upstairs.'

stop here, comrade, and fight

'

Let

'

No, he means

brave

*s

's

effort,

well,' replied

Pen

;

it out.'

and,

making a

he began to climb the ladder, pulling

himself up, but panting heavily the wliile
ing his breath with pain.

As soon

as the old

man saw

that he

was being

obeyed he turned to Punch, caught up Pen*s musket,

and signed '

you

Well,

excitedly,

gun and

to the

'or

boy to follow him.

can't

mean

to give us up,' said

you wouldn't want me

to

Punch

keep

my

his.'

Disposition to resist passed for the old

man

away

the next moment,

pressed the second musket into his

hand and urged him towards the

door.

'

'

THROUGH A KNOT-HOLE.

233

Can you get up, comrade ? whispered Punch, who was now all excited action. Yes/ came in a hoarse whisper, and a loud creak came from the ceiling. '

'

He wants me

Ketch hold of these guns then.

'

to bring the forage-basket. as he placed the

up against the

Bonum !

'

two

—Got

?

'em

'

and held them

pieces together

ladder.

who

ejaculated the priest,

'

he continued,

stood close

two muskets were drawn upwards and

up, as the

disappeared.

Punch

Right, sir/ said

'

hold of the basket, raised step

comrade

it

and he took

above his head, took a

whispered,

'

Basket

Got

!

it,

*

?

And

Yes.'

'

then

two,

or

in ansAver,

it

was drawn up

after the muskets,

the boards overhead creaking loudly the while.

Anything

'

else,

master

?

—What, take

this 'ere jar

Of course Here, comrade, you must look out now. Lean dowtt and catch hold of the jar and take care as you don\t slop it over.' water

of

Right

?

!

!

\

;

Presto

'

Hi, presto

conjuror *'

whispered the

*

!

'

said,'

!

'

priest.

muttered Punch.

*

Tha't

he continued to himself,

*

's

and

what the it

means,

Look sharp " Got it, comrade ? 'Yes,' came in Pen's eager whisper. !

Oh, I

'

face *

say,'

washed

Bonum !

muttered Punch,

'

I don't

want

my

!

Presto

!

'

whispered the

priest, as

shrank back with his face dripping

;

Punch

and, pressing

;

'

THROUGH

234

A

KXOT-HOLK

the boy into the opening, he closed the door upon

him and then hurried to the down the bar, throw the door slowly to strike a

light, after

cottage entrance, took

wide, and then began

placing a lamp upon

the rough table.

By

Punch had reached the little loftchamber, where Pen was lying beside the water-

like

this time

vessel. *

What game

this,

's

comrade

? '

he

whispered,

breathless with his exertions. '

'

Hist It

! !

Hifit

all

's

'

came from below.

very

fine,'

and he changed his

muttered Punch to himself

position,

with the result that

the boards upon which he knelt creaked once more. *

Hist

'Oh,

boy

!

Hist

all

!

'

came again from below.

right then.

I hear you,* muttered the

and he cautiously drew himself

;

to

where he

could place his eye to a large hole from which a

knot in the plank had fallen

now *

see

out, so that

what was going on below.

Here, this caps me,' he said to himself.

want

to think he

's

a bad un, but he

mean, do ?

it,

that he

's

'

I don't

took

's

the bar and shoved the door wide open.

take us

he could

sent for some one to

down

It don't

come and

No, or he wouldn't have given us our

guns.

Nick, nick, nick, nick, went the steel

;

flint

against the

and the boy watched the sparks flying

one of them seemed to

settle

till

lightly in the priest's

tinder-box, and the next minute that single spark

THROUGH A KNOT-HOLE. began to glow as the old

man

235

deliberately breathed

grew plain before the watcher's

upon

it till

eyes,

and the shape of the old man's bald head, with

its roll

the tinder

of fat across the

back of the nock, stood out

like a silhouette.

Then

was a rustling sound, and the boy saw a match applied, and marked that that

there

the point of

point was formed of pale yellow brimstone, which

began to turn of a lambent blue as quivered, and anon

grew a

it

melted and

flame-ipolour as the burning

mineral fired the match.

A

heavy breath as of

deep,

the floor as the old

man

relief

^se now through

applied the burning match

to the wick of his oil-lamp,

and Punch drew back

from the knot-hole, for the

loft

was dimly

lit

up

by the rays which came through the cracks of the badly laid floor, so that it seemed to him as if this could be no hiding-place, for any one in the room below must for certain be aware of the presence

any one

of

in the loft.

In spite of himself, Punch started and extended his

hand

see

him

to catch at his comrade's arm, for he could

muskets on one

upon the

though

plainly,

other,

side,

dimly,

lying

with

the

the basket and jar of water

while half-behind him, where he

himself lay, there

was the black

trap-like opening

through which he had climbed.

The boy's was a very alight movement, but it was sufficient to make a board creak, and a warning Hist came once more from below while, as he !

*

'

;

THROUGH A KNOT-HOLE.

236

looked downward, the boy found that he could see

what the

old

man was

doing, as he

drew

his

lamp

rough table and bent over a little open book, while he began muttering softly, half-aloud, across the

as he read from his

Book

of Hours.

Punch softly pressed his comrade's arm, and then there was a slight movement and the pressure was returned. '

Wonder whether he can

and then

in

spite

of

see too,' thought

Punch

;

himself he started, and his

breath seemed to come thick and short, for plainly

from a short distance

off

came the unmistakable

tramp of marching men.

Then he has sold us after all/ thought the boy, and by slow degrees he strained himself over so *

that

To

could look through the knot-hole again.

he his

great surprise the

priest

had not

stirred,

but was bending over his book, and his muttered

words rose softly to the boy's

ear,

while the old

man

seemed to be in profound ignorance of the approaching steps.

!

237

CHAPTER XXV. IN

THE NIGHT.

NEARER and nearer came the sound of and

Punch could do knees and changing his

was

it

rising to his

all

to

marching,

keep from

position

but

;

he mastered himself into a state of content by sending and receiving signals with his companion, each

giving and taking a long, firm pressure, as at last the invisible body of approaching cottage door,

'

Halte

Punch's eye was

it

if

now

'

He

glued to the hole.

felt

anybody looked up he would be sure to

glittering in the lamplight

learn

reached the

and an authoritative voice uttered the

sharp command,

that

men

what was

;

see

but the fascination to

to be their fate

was too strong

to

be resisted.

From

his coign of vantage

doorway and the two of

whom

he could command the

legs of a small

separated themselves and

into sight, one being an officer, bore,

the other a

And now to be

detachment of men,

rough,

came

full

from the sword he

clumsy-looking

peasant.

for the first time the little priest appeared

aware of the presence of strangers, for he

slowly lowered the hand which held the book, raised his head,

and seemed to be looking wonderingly at

his visitors.

238

IK

Ah

'

! '

he

THE NIGHT.

said, as if just

awakened from

his studies;

and he uttered some words, which sounded

who made

question, to the peasant,

and replied in apologetic

tones,

like

a

a rough obeisance as

making an

if

excuse for his presence there.

And now tion

the officer uttered an impatient ejacula-

and took another step into the room, saying

French, father

am

'I

sorry to interrupt your devotions,

but this fellow

;

in

tells

me

that he

saw a couple

of our English prisoners take refuge here.' '

I do not speak French,

man

son,

'

replied the old

calmly.

'Bah!

I forgot,' ejaculated the officer;

and then

way he stumbled through

the same

a halting

in

my

sentence in a very bad translation as he rendered it

into Spanish. *

Ah

* 1

said the old man, rising slowly

saw him look

who seemed

as

if

and Punch

;

wonderingly at the rough peasant,

to shrink back, half -startled,

from the

priest's stern gaze.

There was a few moments' the

two

tightly

fugitives clutched

during which

each other's hands so

Punch's nerves

that

silence,

literally

quivered

as

he listened for the sharp cracking of the boards,

which he seemed to know must betray them to their pursuers.

But no sound came

;

and,

stood out in big drops upon

heat of the could

feel

little

the

loft,

as

the

perspiration

his face in

the close

both he and his companion

horrible

tickJing

sensation

of

the

— THE NIGHT.

IN

down

and trickling

together

beads joining

239 their

necks.

Then

after

what seemed

an

to be quite

interval,

the old man's voice arose in deep, stern tones, as he exclaimed,

'

What

lie is

this,

uttered to these strangers *

I

—

father

I,

'

my

son, that

you have

'

?

—

faltered the man, shrinking back

a step and dropping the soft cap he was turning in his hands

ing hastily

upon the beaten floor, and then stoopI father to snatch it up again

— — *

I' *I

what

say,

lie

strangers for the sake pieces of

there

?

Go,

few accursed

of gaining a

before

these

told

Ah

I

For

!

'

was a quick movement on the part

the

of

and he dashed out of the door.

peasant, *

silver

you have

this

is

Halte

I

'

yelled the French

peasant outside

;

and

officer,

following the

then, giving a sharp

the scattered reports of

rang out on the night

command,

some half-dozen muskets

air,

the

two

fugitives start-

ing as at each shot the flash of the musket

lit

up

Then a short question or came thi'ough the open door-

the loft where they lay.

two, and their replies

way, and

it

became evident

to the listeners that the

peasant had escaped. '

Bah

stride

'Look '

I

* !

ejaculated the oSicer, as

through the doorway into here,

father,'

he said

paid this scoundrel

Punch saw him the room again. bad

in his

to guide

me

where he said two Englishmen were

Spanish,

to the

in hiding

place ;

but

'

240

THE NIGHT,

IN

he did not

me

tell

it

has brought us here I *

was with his must search.*

For the escaped prisoners

?

*

your language,

'

what you

is

Can you repeat your words in Latin might make your wishes more plain.' mean.

'

Latin

?

have

No, I

forgotten

said,

do not speak

I

but I think that

sir,

man

the old

drawing himself up with dignity,

As he

priest.

all

?

that,'

You said

the officer impatiently in more clumsy Spanish than before.

*The

English

search.'

And

tlie

prisoners

fugitives,

—my

men must

unable though

they

were to comprehend the words, naturally grasped their

meaning and held

they must draw

their breath

till

they

felt

again with a sound that would

it

betray their presence.

Then, with a slight laugh, the old priest laid his

book upon the table and took up the smoky

As he

oil-

Punch could see his face plainly, for it was lit up by the lamp, and the boy could perceive the mocking mirth in his eyes as he raised it above his head with his left hand, and walked slowly towards the door which covered the ladder-like staircase and then as Punch felt that all was over, the old man slowly passed the light across and moved to the rough fireplace, and so on lamp.

did

so.

;

all

round the room, before raising the light above

his

head once

more,

movement waving place as here.

if

to say,

and

his right *

You

with

a comprehensive

hand slowly round the

see there are

no prisoners

!

THE NIGHT.

IN '

Bah

!

;

ejaculated the French oflBcer, and, turning

'

angrily, he

marched out through the open doorway.

Punch was beginning his horror the officer

for he

had

gentleman *

He was

recollected himself.

the French

still.

to his

own

he said sharply, keeping

'

tongue.

marching

Then,

but to

to breathe again,

marched bade into the room,

Pardon, raon pere

now

241

'

out

Bon

'

soir

he

again,

I

gave

a

command, and, from where Punch's eye was

short still

glued to the opening, he saw the soldiers turn right-

about

and

face,

disappear through

then, beat,

beat,

beat,

the open

doorway,

the sound of marching

began again, this time to die slowly away, and he looked and listened

till

the pressure of Pen s hand

upon his arm grew almost wince,

drew

till

painful.

a movement on the part of the priest

his attention

what was passing beneath down the lamp and cross to

to

and he saw him

set

the door, which

he closed and

dropped

upon

upon

his

knees,

as

his

his clasped-together hands.

Tent.

But he did not

P

barred,

and then

head sank down

'

242

CHAPTER XXVL CONTRABANDISTAS. *

T^HINK -"

they have gone, comrade

Punch,

had

they

after

?

whispered

'

for

listened

some

minutes, and the tramp of the French soldiers had quite died away. *

Yes

;

but speak

when he thinks

us

'

All right,

can't bear

it

He

low.

will

come and

tell

it is safe.'

whisper

1 11

any

longer, I

but I

;

do

must

talk.

I

savage with

feel so

myself.' '

Why, what about

?

'To think about that old chap.

;

and

all

the time he

thing he could for

it,

's

been doing every-

But, I say,

us.

him carrying you.

see

wanted to

on feeling that he was going

trust him, but I kept

to sell us

I

it

was comic

to

Here, I mustn't talk about

or I shall be bursting out laughing.' '

*

Hush

Don't

!

All right.

!

'

whispered Pen.

But, I say, don't you think

have a go at the prog

?

things in that basket

and

too.

my

;

There I

's

we might

all sorts of

want a drink

good

of water

But you needn't have poured a lot of it down back. I know you couldn't help it, but it was

horrid wet

all

the same.'

'

'

'

243

CONTRABANDISTAS. '

Don*t touch anything, Punch

coming up soon, I dare

will be '

*

Wish he 'd come, then/

how 's your

I say,

leg

*

Hurts,' said

Pen

'

Poor

chap

round

old

;

and be

quiet.

He

say.'

the boy wearily.

said

'

?

curtly.

Can't

!

you

turn

yourself

?

'

No.

*

That

It 's

worse when I try to move

's

bad

but, I say,

;

you

it.'

now we

see

couldn't

have gone away unless I carried you.' *

But

Pen

it

seems so unfair to be staying

now

*I believe

bitterly.

I

could

here,' said

limp along

very slowly.' *

I don't,' said Punch.

You

'

see,

and

I believe

they caught sight of us creeping along

now they

have made up their minds to catch if

those Frenchies

would

let

go at us again

Hist

still,

! '

and as we have had a

;

want any more.' whispered Pen they think we

bullet apiece, '

we

us,

don't

;

*

are here

and they are coming back.'

'

Nonsense

'

Listen.'

'

Oh, murder

Fancy

!

I

'

!

whispered Punch.

'

This

is

hard

!

For he could distinctly hear hurried steps approaching the cottage, and he placed his eye to the knot-

what effect it was having upon the old man. But he was so still as he crouched there in the lamplight that it seemed as if he had dropped hole again to see

asleep,

worn out by

footsteps ceased

his efforts,

till

all

at once the

and there was a sharp tapping on

'

'!'

'

244

CONTRABANDISTAS.

the door, given in a peculiar way,

a rap, then

lirst

a pause, then two raps close together, another pause,

and then rap, rap, rap, quickly.

The

man

old

and seized It

'

let

to starve

He

throw

to

it

it

feet,

unbarred the door,

open.

over, comrade,' whispered Punch.

*s all fill

's

sprang to his

our pockets with the prog.

any

*

I don't

Well,

want

more.'

placed his eye to the knot-hole again, and then

turned his head to whisper to his companion.

he

*'Tain't the Frenchmen,'

Spanish

the

with

chaps

a

'It's

said.

red

handkercher tied

round his head, and him and the old priest

hugging one another.

for they are a

got a short gun, and

*

Yes

;

go

There

's

they have

he

is friends,

This chap has

lighting a cigarette

's

Can you hear me

at the lamp. '

now

one of

?

on.'

four more of them outside the door, and

One

got short guns.

all

ing one of them horse -donkeys.

of

them

's

hold-

Oh, I say, comrade

1

continued the boy, as a quick whispering went on

and the aromatic, pungent odour

of tobacco floated

up between the

boards.

What You can

see,

Punch ? Oh, go on and I 'm lying here on

and

can

make out

nothing.

mean

?

don't

to

'

*

Well,

is

I

—

it,

like

tell

What you,

whispered the boy huski]}^ *

Oh

yes

;

tell

me.

I can bear

it.'

tell

me

my

back

does

it

comrade

all

?

'

'

245

CONTRABANDISTAS.

we have

got

'

Why, what do you mean

'

That we thought the old chap was going to

sell

'

Well,

seems to me, comrade, as

it

out of the frying-pan into the

when

us to the French

now

to take us away.

*I can't. Punch. '

us

I

—

?

the time

all

of those Spanish thieves,

fire.'

and

it 's

'm afraid you will have

But

like Englishmen.

furriners I should like

and by

soldiers

comrade

we

who know how

—both

—with

on

are to be shot for soldiers,

to use their guns,

—

and not by Spanish what-do-you-call-'ems and thieves

some

minute.'

have been as

to

it

to

it.'

to,

if

was

them as has come

—Here, wait a

I can't bear

it

robbers

short blunderbusters.'

little

There was a few moments' pause, during which

Then a couple more

hurried talking went on.

looking Spaniards came at

cigarettes

lamp,

the

the priest,

saluted

in,

and

fierce-

propped

the

lit

short

carbines they carried against the cottage- wall before

joining in the conversation, *

What

*

Talking about shooting or something,' whispered

the boy,

'

and that old

ruffian

ing up at the ceiling to safe.

Punch

are they doing now,

Oh,

's

in

Irish

laughing and point-

them he has got us

tell !

murder

?

'

continued the boy.

E

'

He 's

took up the lamp

the way.

's

showing them

Here, Private Gray, try and pull yourself

make a apiece. They

together and let

have a shot us now.'

and he

's

fight for

it, if

we only

up

to fetch

are coming

'

246

CONTRA BANDISTAS.

Pen stretched out

hand

his

dim

in the

his musket, but

he could not reach

excitement the

boy did not notice

helplessness, but seized his

loft to seize

while in his

it,

comrade's

his

own, weapon and stood

up ready as the light and shadows danced in the gloomy loft, and prepared to give the armed

warm

strangers a

And now

reception.

the door at the

foot

ladder

the

of

creaked and the light of the lamp struck up as the old

man began

few steps

to ascend the

till

he could

reach up, thrusting the lamp he carried before him,

upon the towards the two boys

;

up, he lifted the light

and held

and placing

it

floor,

pushing

and

then, it

him could see their way. that moment he caught

it

farther along

drawing himself so that those

who

followed

At

attitude, * .

sight

and a smile broke out across

No, no

! '

he said eagerly,

'

Punch's

of

his face.

Amigos

Contra-

!

bandistas.' *

What

'

That they are

And

does he

mean by

that,

Pen

?

friends.'

the head of the

first

friend

now appeared

above the trap in the shape of the first-comer, a handsome, swarthy-looking

Spaniard,

eyes flashed as his face was

lit

whose dark

up by the

priest's

lamp, which shot the scarlet silk handkerchief about his

head with hues of orange.

'Buenos IngUs, amigos/ he the presented musket if

either of

;

cried,

as

he noted

and then volubly he asked

them spoke French.

'

:

247

CONTKABANDISTAS. *

Yes/ cried Pen eagerly

man went on

for the '

My

;

and the

rest

was

in that tongue

friend the priest tells

me

that you have had

a narrow escape from the French soldiers

But you are

shot you down.

'

us

to join

are

your

?

Yes,

yes/ cried Pen

Are any

?

who had

We

safe now.

Do you want

friends to the English.

people

easy,

eagerly.

*

Can you help

of our regiments near

*

?

'Not very/ replied the Spanish smuggler, 'for the French are holding nearly all the passes but we ;

you and get you up

will help

where you friend the

But our good me that one of you is badly

be safe with

will

padre

tells

into the mountains, us.

and he wants me to look at your wound.* Oh, it 's not very bad/ said Pen warmly.

hurt, *

*Ah, I must see/ said the man,

who had

seated

himself at the edge of the opening up which he

had come, and proceeded to light a fresh

The next moment, seemed to

which he

as he began puffing away, he

recollect himself,

offered

cigarette.

and drew out a

cigar,

with a polite gesture to the old

priest.

The

old

man

set

down

the lamp which he had

held for his visitor to light his cigarette, and smiled as he shook his head. his

Then, thrusting a hand into

gown, he took out his snuff-box, made the

lid

squeak loudly, and proceeded to help himself to a bounteous pinch. '

It is

you who have the wound/ continued the

—

'

248

CONTRAB ANDISTAS.

smuggler.

gentleman '

No/

You

'

suppose, an oflBcer and a

I

are,

?

said Pen,

'

only a

common English

soldier.'

'But you speak French like a gentleman. well,

my

no matter.

You

wounded

are

—

fighting for

we

country against the brigand French, and

and brothers.

friends

them,

my

friend,

and

I

know what

—brave

eh, father

?

old

man

He

!

added,

have not been too bad.

The

'

hold the lamp and

priest

their bullets do,

— but

bodies better than he, sometimes, bullets

fight with

can cure our souls

he added, in Spanish

'

are

your wound better than

so that I perhaps can dress

the padre

had many a

I have

Ah,

let

'

when Now,

—

I can cure

the French father,'

he

us see/

nodded as he took up the lamp again

answer to the request made to him in his own

in

tongue

;

and he now spoke a few words to the

smuggler which resulted in the picturesque-looking

man shaking '

his head.

The good

father,'

he said to Pen,

*

asks

think the French soldiers will come back think not.

my

men,

If

who

they do

we

shall

to-night, perhaps

many

—

;

if

I

but I

have warning from

are watching them, for

ing friends to meet us here

me

friends

nights hence

we are expectwho may come

—

for us to guide

them through the passes/ Then, drawing up his legs, he stepped into the loft and called down the stairway to the men below. There was a short reply, and steps were heard as if the two men had stepped out into the open.

—

:

249

CONTRA B ANDISTAS.

my

Now,

*

friend/ said the smuggler, as he

down on one knee and

went

leaned over Pen, whose hand

he took, afterwards feeling his temples and looking keenly into his eyes as the priest threw the light

wounded

the

full in

Why,' he

'

else besides

wine.

said,

lad's face.

suffering

from something

My men

will bring

you are

'

your wound.

you have water here. You are faint. me place you more comfortably. That 's

I see

There, let I

better. friend,'

some

'11

—

your wound soon.

see to

—And

he continued, turning to Punch,

you,

who

my

started

and shook his head. *

No

'

Never mind,' continued the smuggler.

friend

and

parly Frenchy,' he said.

can.

fruit,

—

him

^Tell

and

as

him some

my men

of our grape

bring

the

skin.

good hearty draught would do you good

father,'

turning

he added,

Your

some of the bread

eat

I will give

medicine as soon

A

to

'

to

the

old

too,

man and

laying his hand with an affectionate gesture upon the

'You have been working too and must have had quite a scare. I am

priest's

hard,

arm.

very glad we have come.'

A

came now from the room below, the smuggler replied, and there was a sound deep-toned

voice

of ascending steps

;

then another of the smugglers

appeared at the opening in the

floor,

thrusting some-

thing so peculiar and strange through the aperture

upon the edge in the by the «moky lamp. Punch whispered

that, as it subsided

cast

full light

'

250

CONTRAliANDISTAS.

'

Why,

it 's

dead

a raw kid, comrade, and I don't believe

it *s !

Pen laughed, and Punch's the smuggler,

who was

he saw

ej^es dilated as

standing with his head and

what looked like a breast and place it upon the

shoulders in the opening, take

drinking-horn from his

and then it seemed to the boy that he untied a thong that was about one of the kid's legs, and the floor

;

next moment to bleed, cup, for

appeared as

it

was

the animal had begun

juice trickling softly into the horn

its vital it

if

his first acquaintance with a skin of

rich Spanish wine. '

There,

my

friend,' said

the smuggler, taking up

the half- filled cup, 'they say this

but I never

knew

do harm

it

blood had been drained. spirit in

you before

:

bad for

fever,

man whose

life-

will put

some

it

perhaps put you to a good

I

the next

the wine-cup to the

wounded

'

to a

Drink

And

deal of pain.'

is

moment he was holding lad's lips.

There,' said the smuggler at last, as he finished

his self-imposed

task,

'I think

you have borne

it

Surely

a

bravely.' *

Oh,

nonsense,

*

said

Pen

quietly.

'

soldier should be able to bear a little pain.* *

I suppose

afraid

that

so,'

some

said his of

my

new surgeon

* ;

of

my men

after they

the

am

countrymen would have

shouted aloud at what I have done to you.

some

but I

have when

I

I

know

have tied them up

have been unlucky enough to get one of

French Guards' bullets

in

them.

There now.

'

:

'

CONTKAIUKOISTAS.

you can do

the best thing

to

is

251

go to

sleep

and,

;'

having improvised a pillow for him with one of cloaks,

follower's

his

Spaniard

the

descended

the priest's room, where several of his

assembled

;

and

to

men were

had seen that Punch

after the priest

had been supplied from the basket, he followed his

men were

friend to where the

gathered, leaving the

boys in the semi-darkness, for he took

whose

lamp,

rays

the

up through

more shone

once

down

the knot-hole and between the ill-fitting boards. *

Feel better, comrade

was no

'I

reply.

already, are

you

? '

asked Punch.

you

say,

aren't

gone to sleep

?

no answer, and, creeping

Still

But there

closer.

Punch passed

hand gently over Pen's arm and touched his face but this evoked no movement, only the drawing and expiration of a deep breath which came his

;

warmly

to the boy's

'Well, he

must be better or he wouldn't have

gone to sleep like

my

hand as he whispered

word, that chap did serve him out

The low sound

of voices

the boy's attention

;

And,

Don't think I could.

that.

!

from below now attracted

and, turning to the knot-hole, he it

was

nearly full of the dark, fierce-looking Spaniards,

who

looked

down

into the priest's

room

to see that

were listening to the old padre, whose face shone with animation,

lit

up

as

it

was by the lamp, while

he talked earnestly to those who bent forward to listen to his words.

It

was a picturesque

scene, for the

moon was now

'

252

CONTRABANDISTAS.

shining brightly,

rays striking in tlirough the

its

open door and throwing up the figures of several of the contrabandistas for

within the cottage, but

whom

who

was no room

there

pressed forward as

if

to

w

listen to the priest's words, *

Why, he must be preaching

to himself at last,

'

but I can't understand a word.

This Spanish seems queer

mean,

yawned obliged

should to

listen

make you to what

Wonder whether

Private

means

not

asleep.

buzz

me

!

?

Better

Phew it What is he !

muttered,

is

Well,

sleepy.

that

el

rey

as

he

old

I

ask

him,

though,

up here

hot

talking about

—

?

!

ain't

fellow

Gray knows what

sleepier to listen to him.

you, comrade

he

does

'Seems queer that eating and

drowsily.

drinking

What

stuff.

Dunno/

wonder.

I

Punch

to them,' said

says. el

rey

now he 's

Buzz,

Seems

to

buzz,

make

I say, not awake, are

?

There was no reply, and soon after Punch's heavy breathing was heard in addition to the low of the priest's voice, for the

boy

too,

murmur

worn out with

what he had gone through during the past was fast asleep.

hours,

253

CHAPTER XXVIL THE NEW FRIEND.

lUNCH woke up was broad

with a start to find that

was

daylight, for the sun

it

up, the

goats on the valley-side were bleating, and a loud

musical bell was giving forth

its

constantly iterated

sounds.

Punch looked down the knot-hole through which the bright morning rays were streaming up as well as between the ill-fitting boards

make

but as far

;

was no one below, and he remained peering down for some minutes, recalling all that had taken place overnight, till, as he

could

out

there

turning slightly, he caught sight of the basket of provisions.

makes one feel hungry again,' muttered the boy, and his hand was stretched out to draw the 'It

basket to his

back

comrade word,

hand

his ?

;

—Fast

how

I

would wake

'No, no/ he continued, pulling

side. '

let

asleep.

slept

Ah

have

That

fair-play.

looks

that supper

Be no harm

—Awake,

well. !

in

My

Wish he filling up

And, creeping softly to where the jar

had been placed for draught.

after

up, though.

with water.'

'

*s

!

'

he

safety, he took

ejaculated,

'

a long, deep

that

will

keep

the hungries quiet for a bit;' and then he chuckled

—

'

THE NEW FRIEND.

254

wandered about the

to himself as his eye

how

he noted

the priest used

and

a storeroom,

for

it

loft,

'And

one of his chief stores being onions.

so the

French are holding the country everywhere, are they

And we

?

are to

lie

then that Spanish chap

way

snug here for a

have to

here

lie

we have hope we sha'n't

last

;

Well,

but I

the fighting

till all

and

going to show us the

is

to get to our regiment again.

tumbled among friends at

bit,

's

done, for

my

comrade and me owe the Frenchies something, and

we

should both like to get a chance to pay

it.

wake up now. Water 's only water, after all, and I want my breakfast. I shouldn't mind if there was none, but Here, I say. Private Gray, you might

it *s

aggravating to your inside to see

Hallo voices

silk

's

'

father,'

big

somebody coming,' for he heard That 's the old from somewhere outside. muttered the boy. Yes, and that 's that There

!

'

Didn't he look fine with his

Spanish chap.

handkercher round

in his scarf

What

know

that.

here up in the mountains. to smuggle

—smugglers

?

Why,

Smugglers have vessels by the

be.

do

I

pistols

captain of the band.

's

Gray say they were

did

seaside.

head and his

his

I suppose he

?

they couldn't

There

's

no

seaside

What have they

got

?

'

Punch, you there

*

Yes/

Wake

lying there.

it

whispered

up.

your wound.*

Here

's

? '

came

back

in a sharp whisper.

the

boy.

'

All

right.

your doctor coming to see to

'

THE NEW FRIEND.

255

The next minute the voices sounded from the room below, and the smuggler's voice was raised and he called up in French '

Are you awake

:

my

there,

friends

?

And upon

'

receiving an answer in the affirmative he began to

ascend

the

step-ladder

As soon

quite at home.

and apparently

as he stood stooping in the

he drew back a rough shutter and admitted a

loft

little '

cautiously,

of the sunshine.

Good-morning

Kept you awake

! '

all

he

said.

night

'

How 's

the

wound

?

?

Pen explained that he had only just woke up.

means you are getting

*Well, that

the smuggler

;

then

said

and the boys scanned the speaker's

handsome, manly-looking Just

better,'

fresh

face.

were

steps

heard

ladder,

and the

pleasant- countenanced

peared,

carefully

bearing

and with a long

a large

upon

the

priest

ap-

bowl of water,

strip of coarse linen

hanging over

his arm.

He

smilingly nodded at the two lads, and then

knelt by the side of the bowl and watched atten-

while

tively

Pen's

wound was

bandaged with the coarse

fully

which a few words passed priest

and the smuggler,

in

who

dressed

and

care-

strip of linen, after

Spanish between the

directly after addressed

Pen. '

He was

asking

breakfast, but I tell

you

lie

quite

still

me

about getting you down to

him that you

will be better if

for a bit, perhaps for a

few days.

'

THE NEW FRIEND.

256 I

think

don't

They

more

are

French

the

you came down, and

if

days yet, unless they

It

will.

my

would be too

before I try to take

but you could do no

;

some

I shall not stir for

friends come, and I don't expect

patiently and give your

So you

risky.

wound a chance

you through the

your friends are a long

way

come nearer before

sure to

again.

likely to forget all about you, for

they are always on the move

good

come here

will

here

to get well

pass.

and they

oii*

lie

Besides, will be

You can make

long.

yourself very comfortable here, can't you, and eat

and drink and sleep '

But

it is

*

?

not fair to the

father,' said Pen,

'

and

we have no money to pay him for our lodging.' You Englishmen are brave fellows,' said the smuggler with a merry laugh. You like to pay *

*

your way, while those French thieves plunder and steal

and

every one they come near.

ill-use

Don't

you make yourself uncomfortable about that, my lad. As you hinted just now, the holy father is poor, and it may seem to you hard that you should live upon him but you English are our friends, and so ;

is

the father.

Make

yourselves quite comfortable.

we are glad to have you Eh, padre mio ? he continued, reas our guests. They are quite lapsing into his own tongue. You

are very welcome, and

—

'

'

welcome, are they not

The

priest

?

nodded and smiled as he bent down

and patted both the lads on the shoulder, Punch contenting liimself with what he did not understand,

'

THE NEW FRIEND. for

257 Pen took the

seemed very friendly, while

it

hand that rested on

his shoulder

and raised

it

to his

lips.

Then the

man

old

slowly

descended,

and the

smuggler turned and continued talking pleasantly to Pen.

have told him/ he

I

'

said,

have breakfast with you

'

am going to my men have

that I as

here,

gone up to the mountains with the mules, and I

want to show myself and get a shot sent after me, for some of the Frenchmen are down in the Be quiet for a day or two, and if my village still. friends come before you are able to march we will don't

my

get you on one of

mules.

Hallo

!

he added,

'

making a fire to cook us some breakI shouldn*t wonder if he bakes us a cake fast. and makes us a cup of good fragrant coffee. He '

the father

's

generally contents

himself

and a glass of water

—and '

He

know

I

his,'

with bread and herbs

my

but he knows

;

weaknesses

added the smuggler, laughing.

never objects to a glass of good wine.'

The smuggler's surmises were very long the old

man

right,

for before

paid several visits to the

loft,

and ended by seating himself with the others and partaking of a roughly prepared but excellent breakfast,

which included newly made cake,

and

eggs, with a capital

bowl of

coffee

fried

bacon

and goat's

milk. *

Well,

Punch, 'Tent,

'

my

friend,* said

the smuggler, turning to

have you made a good meal

Q

?

'

'

THE NEW FRIEND.

258

Punch looked uncomfortable, gave

head

his

a

and frowned.

scratch,

comrade, I

him,

'Tell

jabber French/ he

can*t

said.

'He asks

you have made a good breakfast,

if

Punch/

him it 's splendid.* The wounded lad interpreted between them; while '

Tell

now

the smuggler '

And you

addressed himself to his patient.

he

? '

said.

I

*

the father that his breakfast

suppose I

was

capital,

you can make yourself happy here better '

is

tell

and that

till

you get

?

Yes

that

may

;

and

tell

him, please, that our only regret

we cannot show our

gratitude more.'

no need.

The father has helped you because you are brave young English*

Tut, tut

men who

There

!

is

are over here risking your lives for our

countrymen

trying

in

to

drive

out

the

French

who have come down like a swarm of upon our land. You understand very well,

invaders locusts I

suppose

cigarette

*

—

continued

and

the

offering

it

Spaniard, rolling to

Pen,

and waited while the smuggler

who

rolled

up a

took

it

up another

Punch and again another for himself before turning and taking a smouldering brand of wood from the priest, who had fetched it from the for

hearth

— below 'you

French are here '

Not very

understand very well M'hy the

?

well/ said

Pen

'

I

am

an English

;

'

THE NEW FRIEND.

my

with

soldier here

who have

French,

259

people to fight against the

placed

a French king in your

country.'

'Yes/ said the Spaniard, frowning, as he sent a

smoke eddying towards the shutteropening in the sloping roof, where as it rose soft and gray it began to glow with gold as it reached curl of fragrant

the sunshine that streamed across the '

little

square

they have thrust upon us another of the usurper's

kin,

and

this

Napoleon has imprisoned our lawful

ruler in Valengay.' '

know

I didn't

all this,' replied

Pen

;

'

but I like

to hear.' *

Good

!

'

said the smuggler, nodding

and speaking

And you are an Englishman and fighting on our side. I know all this, and that your Wellesley is a brave general who is only waiting his time to sweep our enemies back to their own country. You are a friend who has suffered in our cause, and I can confide in you. You will be glad to hear that eagerly.

*

the prisoner has escaped.' *

Yes,' said Pen, forgetting the pain of his

wound

what he heard, while Punch yawned and did not seem happy with his cigarette. But what prisoner ? The King, Ferdinand.' Pen had never heard of any Ferdinand except one for the time in the interest of

*

'

that he had read of in Shakespeare softly,

'

I

am

;

but he said

glad.'

'Yes/ said the smuggler, 'and I and

my

friends

THE NEW FRIEND.

260

—glad

are glad-

and no

we can be

soldiers,

we

poor smugglers though

that,

of service to his Majesty.

He

has escaped from the French prison and

his

way

onward

we

Pyrenees, where

to the

followers are waiting spot,

where some

meet

us,

who will

can help him

;

and

him on

heard

is

to the capital, or place

is

that he

on his way, and the is

my

hidden by

them in of which

He

here in the mountains.

is

long

last

news

friends at one

of our caches a score or so of leagues away.

be here to-night

many arrive

nights

—

well,

the pass seems clear.

if

but he will come, and

;

they

butt of one of his steal

have to

will

smuggler, with a smile

have to

to

be ready to guide him and his friends

in coming, but he I

my

he reaches the appointed

till

safety in one of our hiding-places, our stores,

we have many

and

I

of our brothers will bring

way

farther on their

on

is

For we as contrabandistas know

to Madrid.

the passes through the frontier

all

are,

;

It

He may may be

the French

if

fight,'

said

the

and he lightly tapped the

pistols.

'

It

away and hide

is

hard for a king to

but every league he

;

passes through the mountains here he will find more friends

;

and we

shall try,

some of

us, to

guide your

English generals to where they can strike at our

French

Yes,

foes.

captain, rolling

serve our fall

—

well,

King it

my young

up a fresh

cigarette,

well in all this, and

will

continued the

friend,'

'and we if

some

shall

of us

be in a good cause, and better

than spending our lives in carrying smuggled goods silks

and

laces,

eau de

vie,

cigars

and tobacco

'

THE NKW FRIEND. duty free across these

we

bandistas, and

261

we

There,

hills.

are contra-

are used to risking our lives, for

on either side of the mountains the Governments

But we are

shoot us down.

and we are risking our

patriots all the same,

King just as if we were of the best. So get well, you two brave soldier lads. I see you have your guns, and maybe, as we have helped you, we may ask you to help us.

You need not mind,

for

lives for our

you

will be fighting against

Come, light up your

your enemies the French.

You must

again.

cigarette

my

be tired of

long

story.' *

Tired

No,' said Pen.

1

*

I

am

glad to hear

have often thought and wondered

for I

English had come here to fight, and that Napoleon

all

I

it,

why we

knew was

was conquering everywhere and trying

to master the world.' '

Which he

laughing.

'

never do/ said the smuggler,

will

Strong as he

know why

never succeed, and you *

No, I can't say

Then

and masterful, he

is,

that,' replied

will

?

Pen, wincing.

more he conquers the more enemies he makes, and nowhere *

Oh

will

tell

Because

you.

the

There, you are growing weary.'

friends. '

I

no,*

my wound

cried

a

Pen.

little

*

I

more.

shrank because I I

am

glad to hear

felt all

this.' *

But your friend

*

That

say

;

*s

—no

? '

said the contrabandista.

because he cannot understand what you

but I shall

tell

him

all

that you have said

THE NEW

262

when we

are alone, and then he will be as

your friend as

I

Good

shall

1

'

said

much

am, and quite as ready to fight in

your cause, though he *

FRIENt).

is

a boy.'

the Spaniard.

put you both to the

proof.'

'

And some day

I

263

CHAPTER

XXVIII.

PUNCH PROVES STURDY.

''T'HANK -I

said Punch.

you,'

ain't like

you

—

when you get on

I

to

it 's

's

the rest of them

all

;

and

as

if

you are saying

all sorts

got to

me all know a bit now

for you, but he will

keep fixing his

talking.

meant

a dozen languages,

talking to that contrabando chap

of things about me.

the time he

know

don't

Seems

worries me.

that

want

bother you, you know, comrade, only you see

French and Latin, and

it

'I didn't

He

will

I 've

keep looking at

eyes like a pair of gimlets, and screwing them into

me

makes you Now, you see, there was the feel uncomfortable like. other day, a week no, it was nine days ago, when you said when he was telling you all about the Spanish King coming here Nine days ago, Punch Nonsense We can't ;

and then he goes on talking, and

it

—

—

'

'

!

!

have been here nine days,' '

Oh

day

yes,

before,

we can. It 's ten, because there was the when he came first and doctored your

leg.' '

Well,

you seem very sure about

it

;

but I think

you are wrong.' '

I

ain't,'

said

Punch

sturdily.

'

Lookye here/

'

'

'

PUNCH PROVES STURDY.

264

and he thrust his hand into out again full of

it

little

his pocket

pebbles.

what have they got

'

Well,

*

Everything.

every day

we

and brought

to

do with

it

?

my

I puts a fresh one into

pocket

stops.'

What for ? To count up with. shillings that we owe '

'

prog.

Each

of

those

means two

the old gentleman for our

Knowing what a gentleman you I says to myself you will want

are in your

pay him some day a shilling apiece a day that 's what I put it at, and that means we owe him a pound and ideas,

—

to

;

;

if

we

are going to stop here

try another dodge, especially

if

much longer I must we are going on the

march, for I don't want to go tramping along with half a hundredweight of stones in '

You 're a rum

'

That

glad of

's

it.

what

my

mother used to say

I

'11

in

chuck

my

Why,

all

back.

;

and

I

am

a fellow good to see you burst I haven't seen

that not since the day bullet

pocket.'

fellow, Punch,' said Pen, smiling.

It does

out laughing.

my

when

I

you grin

went down with the

know what I '11 and make a scratch

Here, I

these stones,

every day on the stock of

my

like

musket.

do.

for

'Tain't as

was a Bri'sh rifle and the sergeant coming round and giving you hooroar for not keeping your arms in order. That would be a good way, wouldn't it, because the musket-stock wouldn't weigh any heavier when you had done than when you had if

it

begun.

'

'

'

PUNCH PROVES STURDY. you

'Well, are

satisfied

talking about you

want

to

know,

now, Punch, that he

ain't,

and that

why

the same,

all

isn't

?

you say he

Well,

'

265

's

enough

but I

;

that there Spanish

King don't come/ So does he. You saw how earnest he was yesterday when he came and talked to me, after '

my

seeing to

do any more to

you

Telled

*

means It

'

it's

and

leg,

telling

me

that he shouldn't

it.'

he

that, did

I

?

am

And

glad.

that

nearly well.'

means

so far well that I

it 's

am

to exercise

it

all I can.'

'Glad of

That

it if

place

this

splitting

we

for

Yes, that

*

Awkward

is !

to

have

are

telled

me.

you going to

are under orders not to go outside fear

the people seeing us

of

upon the father

*

we

But how

good news.

is

exercise

But you ought

it.

and

?

awkward. Punch.* I call

it

more than awkward, for

did nearly get the poor old chap into a bad

scrape

that

first

you what, though. come some night and

Tell

night.

You ask Mr Contrabando

to

show us the way.' '

Show

'

Anywhere.

right

up

us the

way where

Up into

?

the passes, as he calls them,

in the mountains, so that

we

shall

know

which way to go when we want to join the Bri'sh army.' *

It

would be hardly

fair to him. Punch,' said Pen.

'

PUNCH PROVES STURDY.

266

Never mind

'

it

would be

It

that.

would be exercising your

when

should be in

'

Ah, well, we shall

'

Ah, I would

times that he

and

his

all

's

we

Pretty muddle

leg.

the order comes to march and

your poor old leg won't

;

and

fair to ub,

go.'

see,

Punch,' said Pen.

and soon.

It

strikes

me

some-

him Ve watched them when

getting rather tired of his job,

chaps

I

too.

they come here of an evening to ask questions of the father and lay their heads together

understand their jibber-jabber, but to see that they are

the

way

grumpy and

it 's

and

;

plain enough

don't like

make you

ill

to

were good honest

much paper

as

captain

is

it,

and

they goes on screwing up those bits of

paper and lighting up and smoking away to

I can't

as

watch them. they do it

'Tain't as

enough if

they

Why, they must smoke

pipes.

going to give

is

up

'bacco.

Think

as a bad job

their

?

'No, Punch.' •

you might ask him

Well, anyhow, I think

take us out with him a

to

you don't like to do it on account of yourself, because, as you say, he might think it ungrateful, you put it all on to me. Look here. You says, if you can put it into bit.

French, as you wouldn't mind as

it 's

If

it

a

bit.

your comrade as wants to stretch

awful bad.

Yes, and

you

tell

him

You

says

his

legs

this too, that 1

keeps on worrying you about having pins and needles in

my

back.'

'Stuff,

Punch!'

'

PUNCH PROVES STURDY.

267 lying on

my

back so much up there in that there cockloft.

It

That

*

it ain't,

honour bright.

It

's

goes dead-like where the bullet went

all

just as

if

it

lay there

as big as a cannon ball,

still,

so sick of

it

it

's

and swelled up nearly

and that lump goes

and dumb in needles and pins There, you try

It

in.

dead

all

like for ever so long.

You

on him that way.

say I 'm

as never was.'

'And it was only yesterday, Punch, you told me that you were thoroughly happy and contented here, and the country was so beautiful and we were living so well that you didn't mind if we stayed here for months.'

'Twaren't yesterday.

'

day before

was the day before the

You have got all the time mixed know where you would have been if I

that.

I don't

up.

It

hadn't counted up.* Well, never

*

mind when

You

was.

it

deny

can't

that you said something like that.'

Ah, but I wasn't so tired then.

'

am

I

all

right

again now, and so are you, and I want to be at

Who 's

going to be contented shut up here like a

prisoner

?

'Not bad '

Oh

want

it.

sort of imprisonment, Punch.'

no, that

's

all

right enough, comrade

to get back to our chaps.

They

'11

;

but

I

be crossing

us oif as killed and wounded, and your people at

home

will be thinking

you are dead.

back to the fighting again. this,

Why,

I if

want

to get

we go on

like

one of these days they will be aarving out the

'

'

'

;

PUNCH PROVES STURDY.

268

promotions, and then where do

we come

in

I say,

?

Think

the captain didn't come to see us last week.

he will to-night *

I hope so,

?

and bring us news,'

But

So do I. came back ? '

about time that

isn't it

'

Must be very

*

Quite,* said Punch.

'

He

gets all the fun, going

down amongst

the trees with his book in his hand.

Here,

don't volunteer to take us for a walk

darkness if

—

bit of

to

*

Don't, Punch.'

'

Why

not

if

he

—something

a tramp up and down in the

I shall vote that

you don't talk

Padre

near,' said Pen.

out for his walks, a-roving up and

more than a

Mr

him

we run away.

There,

I shall.'

?

'Because I don't want us to seem ungrateful.' '

Oh,

all

right then.

—

I say, here he comes

! '

cried

Punch the next minute and the old man trudged up to the door with the basket he had taken away empty evidently well filled again. ;

The

priest looked tired as he

came

in,

and accord-

ing to his custom looked questioningly at the boys,

who and

could only respond with a shake of the head this

made the

old

man

sigh.

'Paz!' he said sadly; and, smiling

cheerfully, he

displayed the contents of his basket, stored the provisions he his

had brought

wont proceeded

in the loft.

in,

and then according to

to set out the evening meal

up

'

'

PUNCH PROVES STURDY. This meal seemed to have lost

weary

fugitives,

and quite

269 zest

its

to the

when

late in the evening,

the lads, after sitting talking together in whispers so

awaken the

as not to

by

who, evidently tired out

priest,

had

his afternoon expedition,

down upon

the

and was sleeping heavily, were about to follow

pallet

his

lain

example for want of something better to

suddenly sprang up, ascended to the

loft,

do,

and

he

told

Punch that he was going out again on the watch to see if the friends expected were coming along the pass,

and ended by

down

lie

telling

better

to rest.

'That's settled old

them that they had

man went

sleep now.

I

it

for

me,'

said

Punch, as the

out and closed the door.

want

to follow

him and

'I

can't

stretch

my

legs.' '

'

But you

Ho

!

can't

do

couldn't I

?

that,

Punch.

Why,

I could set off

and run

was shot down.' 'But you can't. Punch,' said Pen gravely. 'It's quite possible that the captain may come and ask like I haven't

done since

where the father '

is.

I think

Oh, very well, then,

call this half living.

I

I

we

we ought will stop

want

to go

;

to stay.'

but I don't

and attack some-

body or have them attack us. Why, it 's like being yes, dead, and just as if dead, going on this round they had forgot to bury us because they 've got

—

too

much

sleep *

to

Are you going to

do.

lie

down

?

No,' said Pen,

'

I feel as

wakeful as you

are.'

to

'

PUNCH PROVES STURDY.

270 '

to sleep.

No

outside in the dark.

would make us sleepy *

now

Of course we can't go Well, we might have a walk tip and down

I say, look at that

Very well

;

only

!

one could see

Yah

!

He

and

it

again.'

we mustn't go out

the door, in case the captain should '

us,

of sight of

coine.'

won't come/ grumbled Punch

;

and

he descended to the lower room, scraped the faintly glowing

wood-ashes together, and

then

went to

the door, peered out, and listened, and afterwards,

followed by his comrade, he began to tramp up atid

down

the shelf-like ledge upon which the priest's

was built. was very dark,

cottage It

for the

that not a star was visible

by the

;

sky was so overcast

and, as

if

was disposed

silence, neither

feeling depressed

for talk,

and the

consequence was that at the end of about half an

hour Pen caught his companion by the arm and stopped short.

His reason was plain enough, for

Punch uttered a faint Hist and led the way to the cottage door, where they both stopped and listened that of steps to a sound which had grown plainer coming swiftly towards them. They hardly had time to softly close the door and climb up to the loft before the door was thrown open, there Was a quick step below, and a soft whistle which they well knew now was uttered at the foot of the steps. Pen replied in the way he had learned, and directly after came the question, Where 's th^ !

'

'

—

*

father

?

' '

'

PUNCH PROVES STUKDY. 'He went out an hour ago/ Pen Which way ?

271

replied.

*

By

*

the upper pass/ replied Pen.

There was a sharp ejaculation, expressive of impatience, the steps crossed the

creaked as

was shut

it

to,

room

again, the door

and then the steps died

away. '

There, Punch, you see I

was

*

Who *s

right

anybody

to see ?

as your hat

'

replied the

'Well,! think

when

it 's

as black

boy impatiently.

right

you

if

What

don't.

—

we do ^go to sleep now ? Go to sleep ? growled the boy irritably. wake you mean I tell you what I am

shall *

it's

's

right,' said Pen.

'

'

to

Go

just

!

fit for.' '

'

Well,

Sentry

that

?

No

go.

fear

of

though, isn't

No/

anybody catching me

it

now.

of being a soldier, but 'Tis

Pen thoughtfully.

*

But you get very sleepy over

'

I

did,'

settled themselves

had

priest

loudly

while

postures.

Punch/

*

said

Pen

upon the

it,

gravely, floor

added

they

for

placed

their

you

don't

of

the

?

loft,

litter

comfort

themselves

*

they both

as

straw and dried-fern

the bundles of the

miserable work,

?

it

replied

never

I used to think

his rounds.

was the very worst part

could just enjoy

*

Pen good-humouredly.

said

'

who came on

asleep

I

what

in

and

which rustled restful

I used to find it a capital time to think.

'

'

PUNCH PROVES STURDY.

272 '

'

What The

'

about

?

when

old days

I

the troubles I had had.

was a boy at Then I used

school,

and

to question

myself.' '

'

How How

did you do that

did I do that

?

Why,

?

I

used to ask myself

questions as to whether I hadn't done a very foolish

thing in enlisting for a '

And

soldier.'

then of course you used to say

no,' cried

'Anybody could answer that question. Why didn't you ask yourself some good tough questions that you couldn't answer regular Punch.

—

'

puzzlers

?

'I always found that puzzle enough, Punch,' said

Pen gravely

*

;

and I have never been able

to

answer

it yet.' '

Well, that

of laugh.

*

a

's

rum

You have

un,' said

Punch, with a sort

me a

often called

queer fellow.

You do puzzle me. Why, of course you did right. You are not down-hearted because we have had a bit of a venture or

you a

like it as

bit

you do that Pst

itself,

!

'

up before

for

It

?

's

it 's

long,

experience,

all

as I do, even

sometimes because

sure to turn

'

much

two

if

so dull.

I do grumble

Something

and

What

's

did

?

whispered Pen

;

and Punch was

for he too caught the hurrying of

and low

and

voices

in

eager

silence

many

converse coming

feet,

nearer

and the next minute there was the heavy thump as of a fist upon the door, which and nearer

;

PUNCH PROVES STURDY was thrust open

so roughly that

it

273

banged against

the wall.

And then midst and the

scuffling

the sounds of heavy breathing

of

as of

feet

men

bearing in a

heavy burden, the room below seemed to be rapidly filling up,

Tent.

and the door was closed and barred.

K

274

CHAPTER THE ROYAL

T^HE "*"

two

XXIX. VISITOR.

lads grasped hands as they listened in

the intense darkness to what seemed to be a

scene of extreme excitement, the actors in

it

having

evidently been hurrying to reach the cottage, which

they had gained in a state of exhaustion

who spoke gave

utterance

to

their

for those

;

words as

if

panting and breathless with their exertions, while

from their whispering

it

seemed evident that they

were afraid of being overheard.

The two listeners dared not stir, for the least movement would have betrayed them to those below, and before many minutes had elapsed they

felt

certain that the present invaders of the cottage were strangers.

All at once some one gave vent to a piteous sigh

and an ejaculation or two as

if

of pain

and

;

this

was followed by what sounded to be words that were full of pity and compassion, mingled with great deference, towards the sufferer.

Pen could make out nothing more

in the hurried

and whispered conversation than that Spanish, and for the time being he felt

dazed as to

who

the new-comers were.

was in somewhat

it

He was

too

'

THE ROYAL

much

275

VISITOR.

and puzzle out matters calmly,

startled to try

and for a while he devoted himself

to the preserva-

tion of utter silence.

At

though, a few more utterances below,

last,

spoken in a deferential tone, followed by a sharp,

angry command or two, sent a

through his

flash

and he pressed Punch's arm with greater

brain,

energy in an

effort to

try and convey to his com-

panion the thought that he

comers must 'If they

himself,

*

I

the fresh-

be.

would only strike a

light,'

he thought to

might get a peep through the knot-hole

— which was always what took

tion of

knew who

carefully kept clear for inspec-

place

— below 'and

I

could see

then at a glance whether this was the expected King

with his followers.'

But the darkness remained profound. *If it is the escaped

Spanish King,' he said to

himself, 'it will be plain to

see.

they have been pursued by the

It

must

French,

be,

or

and they

wouldn't be afraid to speak aloud.'

Then he began to doubt again, for the Spanish King and his followers, who needed a guide to lead them through the intricate passes of the mountains,

would not have known their way to the

cottage. *

Nonsense

arose.

'

The

! '

he thought to himself, as fresh doubts

old priest or the captain

them and brought them

Theu

all

was

must have met

here.'

silent for a time,

till

it

was evident

THE ROYAL

276

VISITOR.

was moving by the fireplace and then there was the sound of some one blowing. This was followed by a faint glow of light the blowing sound increased, and it was evident that the wood ashes possessed sufBcient life to be fanned into flame, which increased as the embers were evidently being drawn together by a piece of metal and before another minute had elapsed Pen made out that some one

;

;

;

through the knot-hole that the instrument used for reviving the

fire

was the blade of a sword.

Then some one sighed deeply and words in an imperious tone whose

some one fanning the

fire

uttered a few

effect

was

to set

with more energy, when

the cracks in the boarded floor began to show, and the watcher above began to get glimpses of those

below him.

A

few minutes

later the

embers began to crackle,

the members of the party below grew more visible,

and some one uttered a few words in an eager tone

—words

which evoked an ejaculation or two of satisfaction, followed by an eager conversation that

sounded like a dispute.

was followed by an angry, imperious command, and this again by what sounded to Pen like a word or two of protest. Then the sharp, commanding voice beat down the respectful objection, This

one of the flaming brands seemed to hearth,

and directly

after the

rise

from the

smoky wick

of the

padre's lamp flamed up.

And now Pen had a view

of the

crowded room

;

'

THE ROYAL which completely dashed

277

VISITOR. his

in the

belief

party

being the Spanish King and his followers, for he was looking

down upon

kerchief

Some wore

cloaks.

round

tied

men, for the

the regular hand-

and had

heads

their

sombrero hats held in hand or All, too,

gathering of

a

unshorn, peasant-like

rough-looking,

most part in

the heads of

laid

by

their

their sides.

were well armed, wearing swords and rough

scarves or belts which contained pistols.

This scene was enough to sweep of this being a

king and

away

all

thought

his courtiers, for nothing

could have been less suggestive thereof, and the lad

looked in vain for one of them

wounded or

who might have been

so wearied out that he

had been carried

in.

Then another

for a

moment Pen

let his

but

for

direction,

only

thoughts run in

a few moments.

These were evidently not any of the smuggler's men.

He had

seen too

many

the priest's hut not to

that for

them during his sojourn at know what they were like

of

men accustomed to the mountains they were all in their way jaunty of mien. is

to say,

Their arms,

too,

were

different,

and once more the

thought began to gain entrance that his former surmise was right, and that these bearers of swords

had spoken

who

in such deferential tones to one of their

party were after

all

who had assumed to pass over the

was the King

?

faithful followers or courtiers

disguises that

would enable them

mountains unnoticed.

Which then

THE ROYAL

278 'If

some

self, *it

them would speak/

of

would be

But the

VISITOR.

easier to

silence,

said

Pen

to him-

tell.'

save for a faint crack or two from

the burning wood, remained profound.

At

last the

watcher was beginning to come to a

conclusion and settle in his

the party

own mind

that one of

who was bending forward towards

the

fire

with his cloak drawn about his face might be the

King

;

and

his belief

flame from the tiny boots,

tion

fire

as a flickering

played upon this man's high

one of which displayed a rusty spur.

The next minute of the

grew stronger

men

all

doubt was at an end, for one

nearest the door uttered a sharp ejacula-

which resulted

in the occupants of the padre^a

dwelling springing to their their scabbards,

and some

feet.

of

Swords leapt from the

men drew

their

cloaks about their left arms, while others snatched pistols

from their

belts,

and there followed the sharp

clicking of their locks. It

was evident they were on the

alert for antici-

pated danger, and Pen's eyes glistened, for he could

But he noted one thing, and that was that the booted and spurred individual in the cloak did not stir from where he was seated upon the priest's stool by the fire. Then, with a gesture of impatience, Pen saw him throw back his cloak and put his hand to his belt to draw forth a pistol which refused to come. Then with an angry word he gave a fierce tug, with the result that the weapon came out so suddenly that hear no sound.

THE ROYAL its

holder's

arm

279

VISITOR.

flew up, the pistol exploded with a

was loaded passed upward through the boarded ceiling, and Pen started and made a snatch at the spot where his loud

crash,

the bullet with which

musket was propped up

against

it

the wall,

while

Punch leaped from where he had crouched and came down again upon the ill-fitting boards, which cracked loudly as

if

the boy were going through.

'

280

CHAPTER XXX. AN AWKWARD POSITION.

T^HERE

was a burst of excitement, hurried ejacula•*• tions, and half-a-dozen pistols were rapidly discharged by their holders at the ceiling while directly after, in obedience to a command uttered by one of the party, a dash was made for the corner door, which was dragged open, and, sword in hand, several of the men climbed to the loft The boards creaked, there was a hurried scuffle, and first Punch ;

and then Pen were compelled to descend into the

room below, dragged before the their knees, points,

and surrounded by a

whose bearers gazed at

command to strike. The leader sank back

upon

leader, forced circle of

sword-

their leader, awaiting

his

pistol

seat,

nursing the

he had accidentally discharged.

Then with

his eyes half -closed

who gazed

in his

he slowly raised

it

to take

aim

him firmly and without seeming to blench, while Punch uttered a low, growling ejaculation full of rage as he made a struggle to escape, but was forced back upon his knees, to start at Pen,

and wince as he neck.

Then he

Let *em see game.

we

at

felt

the point of a sword touch his

cried aloud,

'

Never mind, comrade

are Bri'sh soldiers and

mean

!

to die

:

'

AN AWKWARD Pen did not withdraw

who

held his

him

to

life

his

eyes from

the

man

and reached out behind

in hand,

arm

Punches

grasp

281

POSITION.

but

;

his

effort

was

vain.

man seemed

Just then the seated

threw the empty

for he

self,

to recollect him-

upon the

pistol

and tugged another from his

belt,

cocked

it,

floor

and

then swung himself round, directing the pistol at the

which was dashed open by the old

door,

priest,

who

ran in and stood, panting hard, between the prisoners

and the holder of the

He was

pistol.

too breathless to speak, but he gesticulated

violently before

grasping

Pen's shoulder with one

hand and waving the other round as back

who

those

held

the

prisoners

if

to drive

upon

their

knees.

He come

tried ;

to

speak,

but the words would not

and then there was another diversion, for a

fresh-comer dashed in through the open door, and, regardless his

way

to

of

swords directed

the

at

him,

where the prisoners were awaiting

forced their

fate.

was breathless with running, for he sank quickly on one knee, caught at the hand Avhich held He,

too,

the pistol

and raised

quickly to his

it

lips,

as he

exclaimed in French *

'

No, no, your Majesty

They are

spies,'

!

Not that

!

shouted the tired-looking Spaniard

who had given the command which had followers to make the seizure in the loft.

sent his

'

'

AN AWKWARD

282

No

'

'

'

POSITION.

spies/ cried the contrabandista.

his Majesty's friends

—wounded English

had been fighting upon our

and

uncocked his

and

pistol

who

soldiers

swords were

;

Spanish

dethroned

the

Our and

side.'

There was a burst of ejaculations sheathed,

*

thrust

it

monarch

back into his

belt.

They have had a narrow escape,' he Why were you not here with the '

'

promised

said bitterly.

you

friends

?

'They are Majesty,' said

my

awaiting

outside

the smuggler

bluntly.

your

orders,

'May

I

re-

mind you that you are not to your time, neither have you come by the pass I promised you to watch.' '

Bah

How

1

could

who

wretched French,

We

I,

when

I

was driven by these

are ten times our

number

had to reach the trysting-place how we

?

could,

was natural that these boys should be looked upon as spies. Now then, where are you going to and

it

take us

The French

?

cannot be far be-

soldiers

hind.*

they are very near/

'

No,

*

And your men

'

Out

sire

;

—where

yonder,

between

sire,

?

are they

you

and

your

pursuers.

we

'

Then

'

I cannot tell yet,

the

are

enemy

to continue our flight to-night

at bay.

back here, but

I

sire.

It

Not

may

if

my men

?

can hold

be that they will

cannot say yet.

fall

I did intend to

!

AN AWKWARD lead

you through the

know by

'

'

283

POSITION.

forest

the mountain side

;

and along a path but

it is

I

possible that

the French are there before us/ '

And

cried the *

you boasted

are these your plans of wiiich

No,

King

?

bitterly.

contrabandista

the

sire/ replied

bluntly.

'Your Majesty's delay has upset all those.' The King made an angry gesticulation. *

How

could I help

it ?

'

he said

bitterly.

'

Man,

we have been hemmed in on ail sides. There, I spoke hastily. You are a tried friend. Act as You must not withdraw your you think best. help/ '

Your Majesty

trusts me, then, again

*

Trust you

Of

?

?

King, holding

course,' said the

out his hand, which the smuggler took reverently

and raised to his

lips.

Then dropping it he turned sharply and the two prisoners. 'All

a mistake,

wath a smile,

*

I see

my

There,' he

friends.

you are not afraid

Punch's questioning

look,

he

patted

shoulder before turning to Pen again.

your guns

?

'

he

Get them,

added,

and noting

;'

him on the Where are *

said.

Pen pointed up '

to the priest

to the loft.

then,

quickly.

We

shall

have

to

leave here now.'

He had

hardly spoken before a

murmur

arose

and swords were drawn, for there was a quick step outside,

a voice cried

'

El rey

'

and one of the

AN AWKWAHD

284

POSITION.

smuggler's followers pressed through to whisper a

few words. *

Ah

cried the recipient,

! '

few words feet, if

who

turned and said a

who

in Spanish to the King,

di'ew his rough cloak around him,

prepared for anything that might

rose to his

and stood as

coma

Just then Pen's voice was heard, and, quite free

now. Punch stepped to the door and took the two

muskets that were passed down to him.

Then Pen

descended with the cartouche-boxes and

and

belts,

handed one to Punch in exchange for a musket, and the two lads stood ready.

The smuggler smiled approval as he saw his young friends' prompt action, and nodded his head. *

Can you walk

he

? '

said.

Pen nodded. '

And

*

Try

can you us,*

a few shots on our behalf

fire

replied

against the grain after

Pen.

*

But

what we have

it

rather

received.

*

?

goes

You

only came in time.* '

Yes, I know,' replied the smuggler.

many

are

mistakes in war, and

we

are

*

But there

all

friends

now.

The contrabandista turned from him sharply and hurried to the door, wliere another of his followers appeared,

who whispered

an

order,

and stepped back, while his leader turned

to

the father and

in the old

man

said

a few words to him, received

something, which resulted

joining the two lads and pressing

their hands, looking at

them

sadly.

'

AN AWKWARD

285

POSITION.

The next minute the smuggler signed to them to join his follower who was waiting by the door, while he stepped to the King, spoke to him firmly for a few minutes, and then led the way out into the darkness, with the two English lads, who were conscious that they

and his men, out along the shelf in the

fugitive direction

gained

were being followed by the royal

of

the forest-path,

when a

which they had just

distant shot rang out, to be repeated

by the echoes and followed by another and another, ample indication that there was danger very near at hand.

The captain

few words

said a

and

to his follower,

then turned to Pen.

'Keep with this man,' he said, *when I am not here. I must go back and see what is going on.'

The

lads heard his steps for a

minute amongst

the crackling husks of the past year's chestnuts and

parched twigs.

Then they were merged with those

of the party following. *

I say,' whispered

'

I

Punch,

had almost forgotten

'

how 's your it,'

leg

?

Pen

replied

in

a

whisper. *

That

's

good, comrade.

But, I say,

all

that set

a fellow thinking.' '

Yes

'AH

;

don't talk about

right.

But

it,'

replied Pen.

I say, isn't this lovely

—on

the

march again with a loaded gun over your shoulder ? If I had got my bugle back, and one's officer along-

'

;

AN AWKWARD

286 side, I

POSITION.

Think we

should be just happy.

a chance of a shot or two

shall

have

?

The smuggler, who was leading the way, stopped short and turned upon Punch with a deep, low growl. *

Eh

I can't

? '

replied Punch.

Here, don't do that

Be

no good, comrade

's

quiet.

and

again,

!

'

know when you washed '

It

;

understand a word.'

The man growled upon the boy's lips. '

'

Punch.

laid his

cried Punch.

hand sharply

'

How

do I

*

that last

?

The man means we may be

nearing the enemy.' '

Why

don't he say so, then

and their guide grunted as

'

grumbled Punch

if satisfied

with the

effect

and led on again in and out a

Pen's words,

of

?

rugged, winding path, sometimes ascending, some-

times descending, but never at fault in spite of the darkness.

Sometimes he stopped short to

how near when satisfied out

the King's party were behind, and

he

that

on again, giving the two

led

lads a friendly tap or

finding

listen as if to find

two upon the shoulder

any attempt

at

after

other communication

was in vain. At last after what must have been about a couple of hours'

made gnarled

tramp along the extremely rugged path,

profoundly trees,

dark by the overhanging low,

he stopped short again and laid his

hand in turn upon the

lips of the boys,

and then

'

'

'

AN AWKWARD

287

POSITION,

touched Pen's musket, which he

him ground,

riKide

took hold of his hands in turn and laid them on the muzzle, and then stood

What 's he up

'

still,

now

to

?

'

whispered Punch, with

his lips close to his comrade's ear.

we

think he means

'

I

'

Oh, that

stood

*s

it,

is

it

are to halt and keep guard.

? '

muttered Punch

;

and he

while the smuggler patted him on the

fast,

shoulder and went

leaving

off quickly,

boys

the

Punch muttering and fuming in his But he mastered himintense desire to speak. alone,

and stood

self

behind

party

were *

to tell '

with

came

close at hand.

as the steps of

listening

firm,

nearer

and

This was too

nearer

much

the

they

till

for Punch.

they will be ready Lookye here/ he whispered How are we going to march over us directly. '

;

them

Be

to halt

silent.

see that they

?

Perhaps they will have the sense to

ought to

stop.

Most likely there are

some amongst them who understand French.'

Pen proved

to be right in his surmise, for directly

after a portion of the following party

were

close to

them, and the foremost asked a question in Spanish. '

it

Halte

'

!

proved

said

Pen sharply, and at a venture

And

sufficient.

;

but

as he stood in the dim,

shadowy, overhung path the word was passed along

and the

to the rear, '

Bravo

I

'

dull

sound of footsteps died

whispered Punch.

to understand English after

our chaps coming back

?

'

all.

They

out.

are beginning

I say,

ain't

that

;!

'

AN AWKWAKD

288

POSITION.

Pen heard nothing for a few moments.

was the

there

some one's

Then

faint crack of a twig breaking beneath

and the smuggler who was acting

feet,

as their guide rejoined them. '

Los Francises' said the man, in a whisper

he dropped the carbine he carried with

its

and

;

butt upon

the stony earth, rested his hands upon the muzzle,

and stood

in silence gazing right

listening

and keenly on the

sharply upon Punch,

who

away, and evidently for

alert,

he turned

could not keep his tongue

quiet. *

Oh, bother

whispered to Pen

comrade,' he cork-trees '

big

bung

help *

it,

'

directly

aren't these 'ere

'm not

I *

Why

sure,'

whispered his companion

do you ask

What

?

and

off

I feel as

for

does

it

?

Just you cut one of them.

Urrrrrrr !

hist

now

Lots,

Here,

?

impatiently.

'

*

;

'

*

Perhaps.

matter

All right/ growled the boy,

!

!

'

stuff it into

I

if

was

the

a

;

for I can't

talk.'

growled the guide

there

after

must

my mouth

Cut a good

and then,

;

whispei'ing

contrabandista

'

Hist

behind,

captain

and

joined

them, to ask a low question in Spanish.

They are before 'The enemy are in front. said the smuggler in French to Pen. Then he spoke

to his follower,

began to retrace his

steps,

us,'

who immediately

while the leader followed

him with the two lads, who were led back to where the King was waiting in the midst of his followers

AN AWKWARD

289

POSITION.

and now a short colloquy took place which resulted in all facing

who

round and following the two smugglers,

retraced their path for the next half-hour,

and

then suddenly struck off along a rugged track whose difficulty

two

was such that

it

was quite plain

lads that they were striking off right

to the

up

into

the mountains.

was a wearisome route that was only followed with great difficulty, and now it was that Pen's wounded leg began to give him such intense pain that there were momenta when he felt that he must It

break down.

But

it

came

to

an end at

break, in the midst of theatre of stones, or

last,

just before day-

what seemed

to be

an amphi-

what might have been some

quarry or place where prospecting had taken place in search of

some one or other

abounded in parts of the

And now

of the minerals

sterile land.

a halt was made, the smuggler picking

out a spot which was rough with bushes signed to the two lads to

command

which

lie

down and

;

and here he

rest,

a silent

welcome that Pen sank at full length at once, the rugged couch seeming to him so welcome that it felt to him like down,

A

so

few specks of orange

light

high up in the

sky told that sunrise was very near at hand, and for a few minutes Pen gazed upwards, rapt in wonder

by the beauty of the sight. But as he lay and listened to the low murmur of voices, these gradually grew fainter and apparently more distant, while the 'Tent.

S

AN AWKWARD

290

ruddy specks of

light paled

POSITION.

and there seemed

nothing more, for pain and their way.

exhaustion

Thoughts of Spaniards,

officers

to be

had had and men,

and the contrabandistas with their arms of knife and carbine, were quite as naught, danger nonexistent, all.

and for the time being

sleep

was

lord of

;

291

CHAPTER XXXI. A

T

DREAM OF

A

RAMROD.

seemed to Pen to be a dream, and then by some kind of mental change In the

reality.

first

it

appeared to bo

instance he felt that

lie

all

was

lying in the loft over the priest's room, trying to sleep,

but he could not get himself into a comfort-

Punch had gone down below to clean his musket and wanted him to come down too and submit his weapon to the same But it had happened that he wanted to process. go to sleep horribly, and he had refused to go down able position because

with the consequence that as he lay just over the knot-hole Punch kept on poking his ramrod through

waken him

and the hard rod was being forced through the dry leaves of the the opening to

Indian bullet

corn

to

reach

his

up,

leg

exactly where the

had ploughed, while in the most aggravating

way Punch would keep on sawing

the ramrod to

and fro and giving him the most acute pain.

Then the boy seemed to leave off in a tiff and tell him that he might sleep for a month for aught he cared, and that he would not try to waken him w

any more. to

Then somehow, as the pain ceased, he did not go sleep, but went right off up the mountain-side

A DREAM OF A RAMROD.

292

King and

in the darkness, guiding the into a place of safety

still it

them now and then. However, he went on and

the time that he should

mountains so

was not

so safe but

hear the French coming and firing

that he could at

;

his followers

well,

on, feeling puzzled all

know

the

way through

and he took the King to

the rest

under the great chestnut- tree, and then on again to

where the French were

firing,

and one of them

brought him down with the bullet that ploughed his leg.

But that did not seem

knew every King lie

to matter, for, as

bit of the country

to the goatherd's cottage,

down and have a good

if

he

by heart, he led the and advised him to

rest

on the rough bed,

because the peasant girl would be there before long

with a basket of food.

The King said that he did not care to sleep because he was so dreadfully thirsty, and what he wanted was a bowl of goat's milk. Then somehow he went to where the goat was waiting to be milked, and for a long time the milk would not

come, but

when

it

did and he "was trying to

wooden seau it was all water from the foot of the

little

fill

the

full of beautiful cold falls

where the trout

were rushing about.

to

Then somehow Punch kept on sawing his ramrod and fro along the wound in his leg, and the more

he tried to catch hold of the iron rod the more

Punch kept on snatching

it

away

;

and they were

'

'

'

'

'

;

293

A DREAM OF A RAMROD.

going through the darkness again, with the King and his followers

behind, on the

close

way

to safety

while Pen felt that he was quite happy now, because

he had saved the King,

who was

so pleased that he

made him Sir Arthur Wellesley and gave him command of the British army. Whereupon Punch exclaimed, I never saw such Do wake up. Here 's a fellow as you are to sleep '

!

Mr Contrabando looks as

he wanted to go away.'

if

'

Punch

!

*

Punch

it is.

'

'

waiting to speak to you, and he

exclaimed Pen, starting up.

'

Are you awake now ? Yes. Have I been dreaming

Awake ? I d* know whether you have been dreaming ?

or

you have been snoring till I was ashamed you, and the more I stirred you up the more you

not, but

of

would keep on saying, "Ramrod,"' *

Bah

Nonsense

!

!

'That's what I thought, comrade.

Here he '

Ah,

is again.'

my

holding sleep '

young

out

his

friend

hand.

stiff;

but I

am

said the contrahandista,

'Better

Pen

ready to go

your

we

eagerly. on.

much chance

long

*

Leg

Are we

's

to

shall

have

to

of that, for

by the enemy, and stay unless we can beat them

are pretty well surrounded

here

after

?

'Well, no, there's not

off.'

'

replied

Yes,'

?

march again

we

!

?

Better

very

But steady!

'

A DREAM OF A RAMROD.

294 '

Where

are

we

What

?

place

this

is

?

asked

'

Pen rather confusedly. One of our hiding-places, my friend, where we store up our goods and stable the mules when the pass near here is blocked up by snow or the '

frontier guards.

Well,

to go into hiding

how do you

now

feel

where you will be

Ready or are you

safe,

?

ready to help us against your enemies the French '

'

?

Will there be fighting

You may be

want

asked Pen eagerly,

'

pretty sure of that

but I don*t

;

you two wounded young fellows taking part therein unless you are willing/ I am willing,' said Pen decisively but to force

;

one of the buglers of '

Oh, of

course,'

non-combatant.

my

said

He

my

who

comrade,

into

it 's

*

'

only fair that I should ask

?

is

only

regiment.'

the smuggler

carries

a musket,

with a

smile,

captain, I

see,

*

a

like

yourself.' '

Yes,' replied Pen,

French

We

piece.

belong to a

'

but

it is

only a

regiment by

rifle

rights.' '

Yes

*

Well, I will ask him,' said Pen,

;

I

have heard

understand

a

word

of

it,'

we

said the smuggler.

are

continued, addressing the boy,

wants to know whether we against

the

'

for he doesn't

saying. '

—

Punch,'

he

the contrabandista

few shots

will fire a

French who are trying

to

take the

?

cried the

Spanish King.' '

Where do they want

boy eagerly.

to take

him

'

'

'

DREAM OF A

A '

Back

'

295

RAMR01 rel="nofollow">.

to prison.'

Why, of course we will/ said the boy sharply. What do you want to ask that for ? Because he knows that you are not a private *

*

*

soldier, *

but a bugle-boy.'

Well, I can't help that, can I

am

I

?

a-growing,

and I dare say I could hit a haystack as well as a good many of our chaps.

They

ain't all of

them

so

clever because they are a bit older than I am.'

'Well, don't get into a

tiff,

Punch.

This

isn't

a

time to show your temper.'

Who 's

'

What

boy.

teeth for *

a-showing temper

Quiet

does he want to chuck that in a fellow's

?

Quiet

1

1 '

said Pen, smiling.

him that you are ready the enemy ?

to tell

at

I can't help being a

?

'

Then

am

I

to have a shot or

two

'

*

you a pretty comrade

Well, I do call

boy indignantly,

'

I should

! '

said the

have thought you would

have said yes at once, instead of parlyvooing about it

like that.

—

Right, sir

! '

cried the boy, catching

up

two or three military slaps, and drawing himself up as if he had just heard the command, Present arms his musket, giving it

!

*

'

Bon !

'

said the smuggler, smiling

;

and he gave

the boy a friendly slap on the shoulder. '

Ah r

ejaculated

Punch,

'

that

better/

's

as

the

now turned away to speak to a group of men who were standing keeping watch behind

smuggler his

some rocks a short distance

— away.

'

I say,

comrade

''

'

'

A DREAM OF A RAMROD.

296 you did

me

tell

mean

does bong '

Good/

'

Ho

Bong

I shall

!

Fire a few shots

next time.

— what

am

I

I

remember that game to go on

shooting as long as the cartridges last

How 's

is full.

it

?

All right.

!

but I forgetted

once,

;

my

and

box

?

yours

*Only half/ replied Pen. *

Oh, well, fair-play Here,

alike.

We

measure. *

Oh

'

Will

my

no, that

we

hold.

That

share and share looks

like

fair

we

?

quite near enough.'

's

a few shots at the French

eagerly.

boy, as long as the

ain't silver !

and copper

Ain't

whether you

*I

should just

it

money here, it

feel the same.

how 's your

lasts ;" 's

rum, comrade

paying has made the pain in I say,

;

? '

think

con-

we

Father always said to me, " Pay your debts,

!

There

a jewel

don't M^ant to count them, do

fire

Punch

tinued will

catch

's

leg

?

and tliough

it

cartridges and ?

Now,

I

wonder

The very thought of my back come again,

'

'

297

CHAPTER

XXXII.

A CAVERNOUS BREAKFAST.

SAY, comrade/ whispered Punch to begin soon

The boys were

' ;

we going

are

?

seated

upon a huge block

of stone

watching the coming and going of the contraband-

whom

several of

istas,

formed a group in a nook

of the natural amphitheatre -like

had made

chasm in which they

their halt.

This seemed to be the entrance to a gully,

down

which, as they waited, the lads had seen the smugglerleader pass to and fro several times over, as they could

to their left lay the

by which they had approached during the

track

night

make out away

and as far

;

but they could not be

sure.

That which had led them to seemed as

fact that it

somewhere down

if

sentries

there,

one

of

this idea

was the

had been stationed

whom

hurriedly into the amphitheatre as

if

had come

in search of

his chief. r

'I say, comrade,' said Punch, repeating his question

rather impatiently, I feel just like old '

'

How 's

that,

What he

'

aren't

we going

to begin soon

O'Grady.'

Punch

?

calls " spoiling for a fight,

me

boy."

*

?

'

A CATEUNOUS IIREAKFAST.

298

'Oh, you needn't feel like

Punch,' said Pen,

tliat,

smihno'. '

Well, don't

'

No.

I

you

?

I

never want to

ain't

being a good

never do.

kill

any-

body/ *

You

'

I can't help that. Punch.

don't

That

?

in for it I fire

away

Of

soldier.*

when one 's but when I 'm

course,

like the rest

;

cool I somehoAV don't like the feeling that one has killed or '

wounded some brave man.*

Oh, get

the boy,

out,' cried

wounded some brave man

or

1

—

men only Frenchies.' Why, Punch, there are '

'

with your " killed

They

"

as brave

ain't

brave

men amongst

the

French as amongst the English.* '

Get out

I don't

!

believe

said

that,'

the boy.

how could our General with his little bit of an army drive the big army of Frenchies about as he does ? Ask any of 'There

can't

If

be.

there

you that one Englishworth a dozen Frenchies. Why, you must

our fellows, and they will

man

is

have heard them say *

Oh

were,

yea,

I have.

he nui-sed his

leg,

tell

so.'

Punch,' said Pen, laughing, as

which reminded him

from time to time.

'But

of his

I don't believe

it.

wound It's

only bluster and brag, of which I think our fellows

ought to be ashamed.

Why, you

seen the French soldiers drive our

've

more than once

men

Punch grudgingly. when there have been more oi' them.' '

Well, yes,' said

back.' '

But that

's

'

299

A CAVERNOUS BREAKFAST. *

Not always, Punch.*

'

Why

'

Oh, when they have had better positions and our

officers

?

then

have been outflanked/

Now

'

is it,

you are dodging away from what we were

talking about,' said Punch.

you

'

You were

saying that

didn't like shooting the men.'

Well, I don't/

'

vou don't understand

'That's because

boy triumphantly.

cried the

am

'

You

things,'

although

see,

only a boy, and younger than you are, I

am

I

an

older soldier/ '

Are you, Punch

'

Course I

am

?

'

said Pen, smiling.

Why, you

!

've

only been about a

year in the regiment/ '

Yes, about a year/

*

Well,' cried the

in

it,

you

as is

They

can.

King ? " and kill

to.

I

was born

am years many of them

as

are the King's enemies, and

Don't the song say,

'*

it

God save the

Well, every British soldier has got to help

many enemies

as

as he can.

But I

say,

are going to fight for the Spanish King, then

Well, all right is

mind shooting

needn't

your duty

we

'

so I 'm just as old a soldier as I

You

old.

boy triumphantly,

he

now

morning.

?

I

;

I

?

But where haven't seen anything of him this

he

's

our King's friend.

hope he hasn't run away and

left

us

to do the fighting/ *

Oh no,' said Pen,

friend said

'

I don't think so.

we were surrounded by

Our smuggler

the French.*

'

300

''

A CAVERNOUS BREAKFAST, ?

Surrounded, eh

*

'

better

cried Punch.

'

Won't matter which way we

!

shall be sure to bring

was a king

know what

I

So much the then,

fire

some one down.

we

Glad you

away though.

think the Spanish King ain't run I

'

If

I should do, comrade,*

continued Punch, nursing his musket and giving

an affectionate rub and pat here and hurt you, comrade

No,

*

'

'Leg

there,

?

now and

only

it

then,'

Pen,

said

smiling. *

But what would you do if you were a king Lead my army like a man.'

?

'

What

'

Nonsense

'

Oh, you would want your generals, of course,

1

and the more brave generals the King has Arthur Wellesley man,

he

isn't

—

I say, he

the better.

'

Yes, I believe

*

Yes,

's

so,'

You

he

let

with me,

I

am

Perhaps

go,

my

when he 's

boy, about the

so

hungry

not,

!

0, 0, and

Oh, I say

! '

it 's

Ain't they going to give

?

Punch,

for

it 's

very

whether our friends keep their provisions sembling

They

Well, they are good soldiers, and I wish,

us anything to eat

'

'

wonder whether Old O'Grady would say

should hear him sometimes

How

talk.

!

Irish-

I

niy boy, old O. was here to help.

'

an

continued Punch after a minute,

'

he was.

Oirish

's

like Sir

replied Pen.

spoiling for one now.

on the

—

?

are splendid fellows to fight.

he

?

are the generals for

cried

doubtful

here.'

the boy, with his face re-

that of the brave

man

in

Chevy Chase

—

'

A CAVERNOUS BREAKFAST.

who was

dump, that 's a thing I 'd was a king and led my army. I would doleful

in

see to if I

have

301

my men

They would was a king

'

get a good feed before they advanced.

much better. Yes, my own men. They 'd

fight ever so

if

I 'd lead

like

I

him all the better. Of course I wouldn't have him do all the dirty work, Look there, comrade there 's Mr Contrabut bando making signals to you. We are going to seeing him, and fight for

;

Come on

begin.

!

The boy sprang

to his feet,

and the companions

marched sharply towards the opening where the group of smugglers were gathered. *

Bah

a pity

!

'

Punch contemptuously.

ejaculated

it is

I don't believe that they will

!

good with dumpy

tools like

them

;

and the boy

'

literally glared at the short carbines the

best,

'

worth a dozen of those blunderbusters. they

call

smugglers

Of course a rifle but a good musket and bayonet is

had slung across their shoulders. would be

What do much *

them

?

Bell- mouthed

?

What do

Why, they

are

many trumpet- things out of the band upon a stick. Why, it stands to reason that

just like so

stuck

they can't go bang.

It

will only be a sort of a

pooh!' And the boy pursed up his lips and held his hand to his mouth as if it were his lost bugle, and emitted a '

soft,

low note

poooooh

!

DSjeuner, mes aTYiis/ said the smuggler, as the

boys advanced

;

and he led the

of his followers along the

way

past a group

narrow passage-like open-

A CAVERNOUS BREAKFAST.

302

ing to where

became a hewn-out tunnel which

it

showed the marks

of great extent, in one corner of

which a

smoke

rising to

chamber fire

and on into a rock-

picks,

of

was blazing

an outlet

cheerfully, with the

Directly after the aromatic

in the roof.

hungry

scent of hot coffee smote the nostrils of the lads, as well as

away

the aroma of newly fried ham, while

at one side to the right they caught sight of

the strangers of the past night, Pen recognising at

now uncloaked

once the

who had

leader

presented

a pistol at his head. *

me

Here, I say,' whispered Punch excitedly,

*

hold

*

You

up, comrade, or I shall faint.' '

What 's that

feel

dreadful

pain

'

Pen anxiously.

said

again

Is

?

your

It

?

Pain

there

?

*

wound *

the matter

;

'

Yes,'

?

whispered Punch

and he thrust

his

hand

;

*

but

ain't

it

into his pocket to

feel for his knife.

was a rough meal, roughly served, but so abundant that it was evident that the smugglers It

were adepts in looking after the commissariat department.

King and

In one part of the cavern-like place the his followers

were being amply supplied,

while right on the other side

—

by a

partly hidden

couple of stacks piled up in the centre of the great

chamber, and formed in the one case of spirit-kegs, in the other of carefully liave

bound up

been of silk or velvet

near the

fire

some

bales that

—were grouped

might

together

scores of the contrabandistas

who

'

!

303

A CAVERNOUS BREAKFAST. seemed to be always coming and going

and going

receive portions of food,

—coming

make

to

to

place for

others of the band.

And

it

was beyond these stacks

of smuggled goods

that their contrabandista friend signed to the lads

One

to seat themselves. coffee

and freshly

fried

men brought them

of the

ham and

cake,

which the

captain shared with them and joined heartily in the meal. *

"

Pen/ whispered Punch,

I say,

parlyvoo " that I say he

him and the King D'ye *

'ear

do

*

a trump

's

in

Fight for

!

I should just think

!

him

tell

we

will

Tell him.'

?

Pen.

No,' said

*

know what we

feel

Punch, not what

we

Let him

we

towards him by what

do,

say.'

Have

'All right.

boy.

'

of

some of them

'tain't

half

little

Why, when we have had

it

it

out and call

I

1

Oh

honesty,

—What

-

no, I

's

go

on

wonder

the matter

For in answer to a

;

it

!

kid.

Kid, indeed

it.

'm sure of that,

Only fancy

the coffee, comrade. too

running

sometimes for rations,

you couldn't get your teeth into !

see

good as ours made of sheep,

so

even though they do serve

Grandfather kid

we

pigs

I suppose

Talk about that goat's mutton

about in the woods.

Whys

your own way,' said the

But, I say, I do like this ham.

made

it 's

it

drink

whether

1

!

I say, pass

Milk and sugar

first.

Age

before

this

was smuggled.

shrill whistle

that rang loudly

now

?

304

A CAVERNOUS BREAKFAST.

in echoes

from the

place sprang

roof,

up and

every contrabandista in the

seized his carbine, their captain

setting the example. *

No,

no,'

he

said,

turning to the two

your breakfast, and eat

well,

boys.

lads.

*

Finish

may

It

long time before you get another chance.

be a

There's

plenty of time before the firing begins, and I will

come back

you and

for

station

you where you can

fight for Spain.'

He walked followers

quickly across to where the King's

had started up and stood sword

their chief remaining seated

looking calm and stern

;

in hand,

upon an upturned keg,

but at the same time his

eyes wandered proudly over the roughly disguised

devoted

little

band who were ready

him

to defend

to the last.

Pen watched the contrabandista as he advanced and saluted the dethroned monarch without a trace of anything servile

;

the Spanish gentleman spoke

as he addressed his sovereign in a low tone, but his

words were not audible to the young rifleman.

Still

the latter could interpret them to himself by the Spaniard's gestures. *

What 's

he a-saying of

as he spoke the

turned

it

? '

whispered Punch

boy surreptitiously cut open a

into a sandwich, and thrust

it

and

;

cake,

into

his

haversack. 'I can't hear. Punch,' replied I shouldn't understand, for

But he

's

he

's

Pen

;

'and

if

I could

speaking in Spanish.

evidently telling him that his people

may

— A CAVERNOUS BREAKFAST. finish their breakfast in peace, for, like us,

"

305 they are

not wanted yet/

As Pen spoke the officers sheathed their swords, and two or three of them replaced pistols in their sashea Then the contrabandiata turned and walked sharply across the cavern-like chamber to overtake

and as he disappeared, distant but sharp and echoing rap, 7*ap, rap, came the reports of firehis men,

Punch looked sharply

arms, and *

Muskets, ain't they

'

I think

'Must

so,'

be,

comrade.

a bang like that.

he said excitedly.

Fill

Those blunderbusters

old

!

Imh

;

!

I

am

says, to

The game

's

glad.

T

's

like !

Oh, bad luck, as

the spalpeen

begun.*

It

be " Forward

It will

skirmishing advance.

O'Grady

bugle

couldn't go off with

your pockets and haversack, com-

the old days once more.

—a

?

tra-

we are ready. But, I always make his hay when the

—There they go again

directly-

—

them

All right

say, a soldier should

rade.

'

replied Pen.

bookoos don't they call

sun shinea

?

at his companion.

who

stole

my

306

CHAPTER XXXIIL AT BAY.

nnHE -^

King's party remained perfectly

the

first

few

sliots,

tain themselves, they

and then, unable

previous

who had seemed night, and who had

The to

tall,

to con-

stem-looking

be their leader the

given the orders which

resulted in the boys being dragged

down

now with a due show approached the King, who remained priest's

during

seemed to the lads to be pre-

paring for immediate action.

Spaniard

still

room,

of

into the

deference

seated,

and

seemed to be begging his Sovereign to go in the direction he pointed,

onward right

led

where a dark passage evidently

into

the inner

portions of

the

cavern or deserted mine.

The conversation, which was carried on in Spanish, would not have been comprehended by the two lads even

if

they had understood that tongue

spite of the

up

;

but in

Spaniard going even so far as to follow

his request

and persuasion by catching at the

King's arm and trying to draw him in the direction

he indicated, that refugee shook his head wrested

his

wrist

violently,

away, drew his sword, placed

himself in front of his followers, and signed to them to

advance towai'ds

tlie

entrance.

307

AT BAY. Well done

'

whispered Punch.

!

'

thing like a king after does

'

He

He means

all.

some-

is

fighting,

he

* !

'Hush/ whispered back Pen, 'or you

will

be

heard.'

Not us/

'

who began busying him-

replied Punch,

most unnecessarily with

self

butt between his

running

cartridge as

the barrel to tap the end of the

make

to

if

pulling out the ramrod and

feet,

down

it

his musket, placing the

sure that

it

was well driven

home.

with

Satisfied

thrust

he drew the Iron rod again,

this,

into the loops,

it

threw the piece muzzle-

forward, opened the pan to see that

powder, shut

down

it

examination of the

again,

flint.

was

it

full of

and made a careful

For these were the days

long prior to the birth of the copper percussion -cap,

and plenty of preliminaries had to be gone through before the

musket could be

Satisfied

now

fired.

that everything possible had been

done, he whispered a suggestion to his companion

that he too should

make an

examination.

a few minutes ago.'

*

I did,' replied Pen,

*

But hadn't you better look again

'

?

'

whispered

Punch. '

at

No,

them

we

no,' cried his ;

they are

companion Impatiently.

all

advancing to the

'

Look

enti'ance,

and

oughtn't to be left behind.' '

We

ain't

bis set teeth.

a-going to be/ said the boy through '

Come

on.'

'

AT BAY.

808 '

No/

*

Come

replied Pen. on, I say/ cried the

only got muskets, but

and our dooty

is

we

boy again.

are riflemen

'

all

We

have

the same,

to go right in front skirmishing to

way/

clear the

said Pen, 'to wait here

'Our orders were/

till

what he

captain fetched us to the front and did

our told

us/

But

'

am't come,'

Tae

'Not yet/

come and

'Do you want him to that we have broken faith with him

and are not here excitedly,

*

?

*

cried

don't,'

the boy, speaking

But suppose he

we know that he gone down ? He Pen was

Pen.

replied

find

'Course I

pYotest>e.d Pmieli.

ain't

coming

aren't got a bullet in can't

reserve,

you may

call

come.

Well, that

's

them

—

leading

's

—

to stop in the rear

better than

that,

?

comrade.

you only being a year

I

I

he

for

Where

him

?

thought you did

's

Are

know

This comes of

do.

and me going

in the regiment

come on/ *Yes, Punch; you must be '

till

He 's ordered

hisself.

way

on learning for years and years. ;

the Spaniel

yonder

it ?

it

his cloud of riflemen feeling the

willingly.

him and has

when he gave

*

;

to stop

the King, ain't

an advance, and he

in the front

do

silent.

us those orders he told that other lot

we

How

?

come then/

look here/ continued Punch

And

now

I say our place is

so

Forward, then*

said

right,'

Double

* !

Pen un-

;

AT BAY. '

That

's

your sort

And

1

'

carrying their muskets at the

309

trail,

the two lads ran

forward, their steps drowned for the

heavy

firing

going on

and

falling into step

moment by

away beyond the

and they were nearly close up to the

the

entrance

little

Spanish

party before their advance was observed, and then

one of the Spaniards shouted

a

command which

resulted in his fellows of the King's friends

turning

suddenly upon

bodyguard of

them to form a

chevavujO'de-frise of sword-blades for the protection

of their Sovereign.

For the moment, were in

lives

peril

two

lads'

flinch,

and,

in the excitement, the ;

but Pen did not

though suffering acute pain from his wound, ran on, his

left

arm almost brushing the

little

hedge of

sword-points, and only slackening his speed

when

he was a dozen yards in front and came right upon the smuggler-leader, pistol in one hand, long Spanish knife in the other.

Instead of angrily denouncing them for their disobedience to his order, he signed to them to stop,

and ran on to meet the King's party, holding up his hand and then, taking the lead, he turned off a little ;

way

to his left toward

a huge

pile of stones

and

mine-refuse, where he placed them, as

it

were, behind

a bank which would act as a defence

if

a rush upon

them were made from the front. The two lads watched him, panting the while with excitement, listening as they watched to the fierce burst of firing that

was now being

sustained.

310

AT BAY.

The King gave way at once planting

orders,

himself with his followers ready

an anticipated assault

for

apparently

satis-

and ran forward again with the two

knife

his

and,

;

smuggler waved the hand that grasped

the

fied,

to the smuggler's

young Englishmen, This time it was the pistol that he waved to them as if bidding them follow, and he ran on some forty or fifty yards to where the entrance widened out and another heap of mine- rubbish offered itself upon the other side as a rough earthwork for defence, and where the two lads could find a temporary parapet which commanded the entry for nearly a hundred yards.

Here he bade the two lads kneel where, perfectly safe themselves, they could do something to protect

on their

their Spanish friends behind

left.

Do your best,' he said hoarsely, driving my men back fast but if you '

;

a steady surprise

care

fire,

little

said

the

still

rift

hid

it

and maybe check

and mind not

He

as

will

be,

it

'

any

of

my

are

can keep up

will act as a

their advance.

to injure

They

But take

men.'

no more, but ran forward again along

unoccupied way,

him from

till

a curve of the great

their sight.

What did he say ? whispered Punch as Pen now looked round and diagonally way to the great chamber, and could see

across the

rough stonework, above which appeared a

little line

*

of swords.

'

excitedly,

the other

'

'

311

AT BAY, *

we were

Said

his friends if they '

No

fear/

to be careful not to hurt

were beaten back.'

Punch

said

their red handkerchiefs

;

we can

*

round their

We Ve

footy guns.

little

him and

them by heads and their tell

got nothing to do, then,

yet.' '

For a while, Punch

Hark

fast.

them

at

!

'

but they are coming on

;

For the

firing

grew louder

and louder, and was evidently coming nearer. *

And

only

two

muttered Punch.

were here

*

of

us

covering-party

a

as

Oh, don't I wish

all

our chaps

!

'

Or

*

Yes, or half of them, comrade.

Why,

was only

me

half of them,' said Pen.

thank ye can

!

load

company.

if

it

and

fire

old O'Grady,

faster

I 'd say

boy.

He

than any chap in our

Here, look at that

!

'

For the sunlight

shone plainly upon the red silk handkerchief of a Spaniard

who suddenly ran

into sight, stopped short,

and turned to discharge his carbine as invisible pursuers,

and then dropped his

if

at

piece,

some threw

up his hands, and fell lieavily across the way, which was now tenanted by a Spanish defender of the King. *

Only wounded perhaps,' panted Punch

watched the

fallen

man

;

and Pen

hopefully in the expectation

him make an effort to crawl out of the fire but the two lads now became fully

of seeing line

of

;

conscious of faster

the fact that

bullets

were pattering

and faster right into the gully-like passage

'

!

312

AT BAY,

and striking the

some

walls,

bury themselves,

to

others to flatten and fall down, bringing with

them

fragments of stone and dust.

The musketry replies of pistol

but

roll,

it

of

the attacking party and the

and carbine blended now

in a regular

was evident that the defenders were

own

stubbornly holding their

;

while the muskets

that rested on the stones in front of the two lads

remained

and Punch uttered an impatient

silent,

ejaculation as he looked sharply round at Pen. *

Oh, do give

us

a

chance/ he

comrade, oughtn't

we two

way in advance ? No/ said Pen

excitedly.

'

Here they come

As

*

Here,

to run to cover a

little

'

Now

cried.

then, look out

* !

the words left his

lips,

first

one and then

another, and directly after three more, of the contra-

bandistas ran round the curve well into sight and divided,

some to one

side,

some

to the other, seeking

the shelter of the rocky wall, and fired back apparently at their pursuing

enemy

before beginning to

reload.

They were nearly a hundred yards from the two boys,

who

crouched, trembling with excitement, wait-

ing impatientlj?' to afford the

by bringing firing

tiring

went

their

muskets to

on, there

little

bear.

was another

help they could

Then, as the

little

rush of re-

men, half-a-dozen coming one by one into

sight, to turn, seek the

back as

if

in the

cover of the wall, and

hope of checking pursuit.

fire

But a

313

AT BAY. couple

of

went down, and

these

it

soon became

evident from the firing that the advance was steadily continued.

Another ten minutes of wild excitement followed,

and then there was a rush of the Spaniards, who continued their predecessors' sheltering

themselves

hidden from the two *

—

Let

-oh,

's

cried Punch.

do '

tactics, firing

but the enemy

;

back and

were

still

lads.

let

There

's 's

cross over to the other side,*

two

places there

where we

could get shelter;' and he pointed to a couple of

heaps

of

diagonally were about forty

stone that

yards in advance.

But

was another rush

as he spoke there

friends round the curve, with the

those

who had come

before

same

of their

tactics,

now dashed

while

across the

great passage and occupied the two rough stoneworks themselves. '

Too

late

* !

muttered Punch amidst the roar of

musketry which now seemed to have increased in a

vast

degree,

multiplied

echoing repetitions

from wall to '

No

!

'

as

the

as

shots

were by

they crossed and recrossed

wall.

shouted Pen.

'

Fire

!

'

For half-a-dozen

French chasseurs suddenly came running into sight in pursuit of the last little party of the Spaniards,

dropped upon one knee, and, rapidly taking aim, fired

at

and brought down a couple more of the

retreating men.

There was a sharp flash from Punch's

piece,

and

314

AT BAY.

a report from Pen's which sounded like an echo

from the

first,

and two of the half-dozen chasseurs

rolled over in the dust, while their

comrades turned

on the instant and ran back out of

sight, followed

by a tremendous yell of triumph from the Spaniards, who had now manned the two heaps of stones on the other side.

There was another to

fill

yell,

and another which seemed

the entry to the old mine with a hundred

echoes, while as the

boys were busily reloading a

figure they did not recognise

came running towards

their coign of vantage at the top of his speed. '

Quick, Punch

I

An enemy

Bayonets

I

I

'

cried

Pen. *

'Tain't/

grumbled Punch.

'

Nearly ready.

It

's

Contrabando.'

The next minute the Spaniard was behind them, slapping each on the back. *

Bravo

I

Bravissimo

1

'

he shouted, making his

voice heard above the enemy's firing, for his

now were making no tinuez

!

'

he

cried,

reply.

'

Continuez

and then dashed

off

!

men Con-

forward again

and, heedless of the flying bullets, crossed to where his

men were

lying

down behind

the two farther

heaps of stones, evidently encouraging some of them to occupy better places ready for the

they made their attack in

force.

enemy when

315

CHAPTER XXXIV. KEEPING THE BRIDGE.

LIGHT

as

was the cheek

—two

sight of a couple of their sufficient to stop the

for a

—the

men going down was

advance of the attacking party

few minutes; but the

Wind, unreasoning

shots only

way

firing continued in the

of excited soldiery until the

upon the notice of their eager men that they were firing down a wide gully-like leaders

had forced

it

spot where, consequent on the curve, none of those

they sought to shoot

But

down were

this state of

in sight.

excitement lasted only a few

minutes, and then, headed

by an

officer,

about a

dozen of the enemy dashed into view.

'Now

then/ whispered Punch; but

necessary, for the

two muskets the

it

lads

was not had laid

ready went off almost as one, and a couple of the

French chasseurs stumbled forward and almost within

touch

of

their

dead

fell

headlong

or

wounded

comrades.

Once more that was enough to make the others turn tail and dash back, leaving their leader behind shaking his sword after them as they ran in contempt

;

and then,

and rage, he stopped short and bent

down over each

of the poor fellows

who had

fallen.

—

'

KEEPING THE BRIDGE,

316 Pen could

him lay

see

hand upon

his

their breasts

before coolly sheathing his sword and stopping in

bravado to take out a cigarette, light

it,

and then,

back upon his enemies

calmly smoking, turn his

and walk round the curve and disappear. 'There, Punch,* said Pen, finishing the loading of

musket

his

'

;

don't

you

me

tell

again

the

that

French have no brave men amongst them/ '

boy slowly,

Well,* said the

after that I won't.

*

Do you know, it made me feel queer.* 'It made me feel I don't know how,* *

said

Pen

half -choking in the throat.' *

Oh,

it

didn't

thoughtfully.

had

make me

*I

feel like that,* said

had finished reloading before he they were dead, and

felt all his fellows to see if

I could have brought

hand, but

somehow

like hitting

Then

fire.

Punch

him down

as easy as kiss

I felt as if it

a chap when he

's

would be a shame,

down, and so I didn't

and

I looked at you,

my

you

I could see

hadn't opened your pan through looking at him.

You don't think 'You know

ought to have

I

don't,

fired,

do you

Pen

Punch,* said

would have been cowardly to have

'It

man *

I

?

shortly.

at a

fired

like that.'

But I

say,' said

was as good as

Punch,

telling us that

'

wasn't

it

cheek

!

It

he didn't care a button

for us.' 'I don't believe he does,* said '

Pen thoughtfully;

but, I say. Punch, I shouldn't like to be one of his

men.'

'

'

;

KEEPING THE BRIDGE.

them two

What,

'

No, no

him

Of

?

mean those who ran away and

I

;

He 's

the lurch.

in

we brought down

as

!

course not '

317

left

just the sort of captain

be ready to lay about him with the

who would

flat

of his sword.' *

And

serve

Punch.

*

the

cowardly beggars right/ cried

Think they

'Come

on

will

come on again

with

again,

such

a

prize

Spanish King to be made a prisoner long

before

There,

too.

be

?

?

Yes, and

There

ready.

the

as

11

be

another rush directly.'

There was, and almost before the words were out of

Pen's

This time, though, another

lips.

make

as far as the lads could little

out,

was leading the

detachment, which was about twice as strong

as the

and the lads

last,

result that

two

fired

once more, with the

of the attacking party

but instead of the rest turning rushing back, they followed

their pace,

and stood hesitating

officer

excitedly

shouting

;

went down

in panic

tail

their

Then they began

yards farther.

their

officer,

officer

and

a dozen

to waver, checked while, in spite of

and

waving

his

sword to make them advance, they came to a stand, with the brave fellow some distance in

front,

where

J

the lads

could

hear

making a dash back

him shout and rage at the leading

files,

before

evidently

with the intention of flogging them into following him. Bqtj

damped by the

fate of their fellowsi

it

only

'

'

KEEPING THE BRIDGE.

318

wanted the appearance of movement, to

officer's

began

set

flight,

them

by sending a

Look

at

who

hurried their pace

scattered volley from their carbines,

not a bullet from which took

fellow

Punch

that,

effect.

there

;

's

!

go on, load away, Yes, he

him

's

that.

But,

to shoot him.

my

word, look

be a-cussing and a-swearing like

He

I call that stupid.

My

needn't have

word, ain't he in a jolly rage

!

to the surprise of Pen, the officer did not

imitate his fellow

who paused

to light a cigarette,

but took the point of his sword in his stooped

'There,

loading.

want you

another plucky un.

But

Much

I don't

He must

I

hooray.

done

another brave

*

'Yes,' cried the boy, finishing

at

and they

in motion,

run back in panic, followed by the jeering

to

yells of the contrabandisiaSy

*

as they judged the

down with

his

left

hand,

back to his enemies, broke

the blade in half across his knee, dashed the pieces

and then slowly walked back. Poor fellow said Pen thoughtfully.

to the ground, '

*

!

'

Yes, and poor sword,' said Punch.

he will have to pay for that out of his or have officer,

stupid.

down

it

and finds his own swords. for

it

I suppose

own

Oh no

stopped out of his pay.

Won't he be sorry

*

;

pocket,

he

's

an

But he was a

when he

cools

1

They were not long kept

in suspense as to M^hat

would occur next, for just before he disappeared the lookers on saw the officer suddenly turn aside to

'

KEEPING THE BRIDGE.

up

close

the natural wall

to

319

the

of

ravine,

little

giving place to the passage of the stronger party still

who came on

such havoc in their

was

effort

if

to dis-

who were committing

sharpshooters

the

concert

cheering and yelling as

But

detachments.

little

their

two

in vain, for at a short interval the

young riflemen once more fired at the dense little party, which it was impossible to miss. Two men in the front

went down, three

or four of their fellows

leaped over their prostrate forms, and then several

who

those

of

and

stumbled

panic

fell,

and once more the company was in

ensued, flight,

followed

by a couple

followed slowly

looking

one

ofiicers,

whom

of

sword at

despondent-

of

turned

him

carbine bullets were flying around

while

contemptuously raise his

the

to shake his

his enemies, his fellow taking his cue

this act to

full

Mpi

in a

from

mock-

ing salute. '

any

Here, I won't say anything about the Frenchmen more,'

splendid

!

*Why, those

Punch,

said

They

are

just

oflicers

are

laughing at the contra-

what-you-may-call-'ems, and telling them they can't shoot a

bit.

It

's

just

finishing his loading

;

what *

those

buss things are no good at

about sicken them, won't

Pen shook

his

officers

little

all.

dumpy

blunder-

I suppose that will

it ?

head as he closed the pan of his

musket with a sharp 'The

I thought,* he continued,

click.

will not be satisfied

put a stop to our shooting, Punch.'

till

they have

'

KEEPING THE BRIDGE.

320

Oh, but they

'

'

the boy, with a laugh.

can't,' said

But, I say, I never thought I could shoot so well Ain't

as thia

No/

'

at

said

easy

it

Pen

1

quietly.

'

we

I think

shot well

but here with our muskets resting steady

first,

on the stones in shoot

*

we

at,

and with so many men

front,

can't help hitting

Here comes our

some of them.

to

Hallo

!

friend.'

For now that the

little

gorge before them lay open

the contrahandista joined them, to begin addressing

words

his '

I

Tell

am

of eulogy to Pen.

your comrade

way

of the

'

how proud

which you are holding the enemy

in

come from the King, and he

I have just

in check.

he continued,

too,'

—a

sends a message to you

message, he says, to the

two brave young Englishmen, and he wants to know how he can reward you for all that you have done.' Oh, we don't want rewarding,' said Pen quietly. *

*

But

me,

tell

is

there

any way by which the enemy

can take us in the rear *

?

No,' said the smuggler quietly.

be bad for you

—and us—

if

'

But

it

would

they could climb up to

But

the top there and throw pieces of rock down.

they would want ladders to do that.

though

— —

no,'

afraid of

he

added

;

*

there

's

I

am

nothing

afraid,

to

that they will be coming on again, and

you must keep up your

firing

till

they are so sick

of their losses that they will not be able to get

jnore of their '

And

be

wh£(.t

men then

to advance.' ? '

sa,id

Pen.

any

'

'

KEEPING THE BRIDGE.

'Why, then/ to wait

till

it 's

said the smuggler,

dark and see

if

321

'we

we

shall

have

by

can't steal

them and thread our way through the lower leaving them to watch our empty cache,'

pass,

Quite a quarter of an hour passed now, and

seemed as

if

were too much damped

them

the

the spirits of for

it

French chasseurs

their

officers

to

get

to advance again.

was another rush, with much the same result as before, and again another and another, and this was kept up at intervals for hours, till Pen

Then

grew

there

and heart-sick, his comrade dull and

faint

stubborn

;

and both were faint

had been beating

down with

for the

too,

torrid

violence

sun so

grew too hot to touch, and the burning thirst caused by the want of air made the ravine seem to swim before Pen's eyes. But they kept on, and with terrible repetition the scenes of the morning followed, until, as the two lads that the heated rocks

reloaded, they rested the hot musket- barrels before

them upon the heated rock and looked

full

in each

other's eyes. *

Well, Punch,' said

thinking

Pen hoarsely,

*

what are you

?

The boy was

few moments, and then which was repeated between

silent for a

in the horrible stillness

each attack he said slowly,

*

Just the same as you

are, comrade.'

That your old wound throbs and burns just the same as mine does ? '

'Tent

U

'

KEEPING THE BRIDGE.

822 '

Oh,

long *

;

it

does/ said Punch,

but I wasn't thinking

Then you were

you were glad over,

and has

for ever so

that.'

horrible business

and that these Spanish us,

'

thinking, the same as I was, that

tliat this

nothing to help '

fellows,

must now

was thinking was

we have had *Yes,' said fired

tliat it 's all

was nearly

who have done

finish it themselves

Well, not azackly,' replied the boy.

have

'

over

now

—

'

?

What

I

as soon as

another shot apiece.'

Pen; 'one more shot

apiece,

and we

our last cartridges/

But look here,' said Punch, couldn't we manage with powder and shot from their blunderbusters ? I only know I don't know,' said Pen wearily. *

*

this, try.'

'

*

that I shall be too heart-sick and tired out to

'

323

CHAPTER XXXV. FOB THE KING.

A

S the evening drew near, it was to the two young riflemen as if Nature had joined hands with the enemy and had seemed to bid them stand back and rest while she took up their work and finished it to the bitter end.

'It's just as

Nature were fighting against us/

if

said Pen. •

with here

Who 's

What 's she got to do grumbled Punch. Phew Just feel it ? The sun 's as low down as that, and here 's

Nature

I

she

?

'

!

'

!

my

musket-barrel so hot you can hardly touch

But

I don't

'Well,

know what you

only meant that,

one

feels

now

the

enemy

bitterly,

don't

It

's

are not coming on,

just the

they come on.

made their last come soon my gun will go since they

so thirsty

's

same

Must be charge, and

here.

they will come Yes,* said

till it 's

now

Pen

if

they don't

and then

off all of itself,

Think

?

* ;

But

half an hour

they come I sha'n't have a shot for them.

'

'I

ready to choke.*

Oh, I see now.

why

if

Pen

growing hotter and hotter, and one

it 's

'

mean.*

doesn't matter,' said

it

it.

but I believe they are waiting

dark and we sha'n't be able to see

to shoot.'

'

;

324

FOR TIIK KING.

Why,

'

the cowards

knew

they

angrily.

dark

till it 's

we had only got one

that

The

'

Perhaps you are right

!

they wouldn't stop

but, I say, comrade, if

'

mean beggars

cowardly,

Punch

cried

!

cartridge

w

apiece,

am

and that we were so stupid and giddy that

sure I couldn't

came on they seemed and

Why,

hit.

me

to

when they be swimming round

last

to

time

round.'

'Yes,

was

it

said

horrible,'

Pen thoughtfully, as

he tried to recollect the varied incidents of the

up

charge, and gave over, *

I

Punch

in despair.

'

I

wish

it

last

was

all

!

Well, don't be in such a hurry about that,' said

the boy.

wish

it

wish the fighting was over, but to

*I

was

all

over sounds ugly.

You

they

see,

must be precious savage with us for shooting as we have, and if they charge home, as you call it, and find that

what we

haven't got a shot, I want to

know

are going to do then.'

don't

I

*

we

feel

as

if

matters now,'

it

said

Pen

despondently.

But I do, comrade. It 's bad enough to be wounded and a prisoner that 's all in the regular work but these Frenchies must be '

Oh, don't you

!

;

;

when we can't help ourselves it seems to me that we sha'n't be safe. You are tired, and your wound bothers you, and no wonder. horribly wild now, and

It to

's

that

me

as

makes you talk if it

so

does matter.

take their chance, even

if

grumpy.

But

it

seems

Course soldiers have to

they are only buglers, and

'

FOR THE KING. I took mine,

and got

Now my wound 's

it.

I don't feel like giving up.

half

my

had

what you

innings.

are

—

getting dark yet,

'No, Punch.

better,

I feel as if I hadn't

haven't even got to be

I

private.

full

826

But,

I say, it ain't

is it ?

But

I feel so giddy I can hardly

see. '

Look

out,

they come

;

then

cried the

!

'

and you are

all

boy

excitedly.

Here

'

wrong.'

For the boy had caught sight of another

rusli

enemy scattered wildly and catching up his musket, Punch fired, while it was as if mechanically and hardly knowing what he was being made, with the

;

about that Pen raised his piece and followed his companion's example.

What

ensued seemed to be part of a nightmare-

like dream, during

his comrade's

which Pen once more followed

example

;

and, grasping his

musket by

and struck out wildly for a few minutes before he felt that he was borne the heated barrel he clubbed

it

down, trampled upon, and then lay half-conscious of

what was going on. He was in no pain, but to something that

There were defiant feet,

he were listening

was taking place at a distance. shouts, there was the rushing of

was firing. but what it

there

felt as if

Orders were being given in

meant he could not grasp, till all at once it seemed to him that it was very dark, and a hot, wet hand was laid upon his foreFrench

head.

;

all

'

'

'

'

'

FOR THE KING.

326

#

Then a

came

voice

—a

;

but this

it

did not

familiar voice

too seemed to be from far away, and

seem natural that he should be feeling the touch

upon

the voice came from

while

forehead

hia

a

distance,

*I

they haven't done for you, have they,

say,

comrade

Oh, do try to speak.

?

Tell

me where

it

hurts.' '

'

Hurts

Course

Speak

That you, Punch

!

Hooray

it is.

Where

!

make

up, or I can't

?

your wound

's

out in

it

all

Where have you got it ? Got what ? Why, I telied you. The woimd/ My wound ? said Pen dreamily.

?

this row.

*

'

'

know

—

in

my

leg.

But what does

it 's

mean

it all

So am

better now.

Did something

?

hit

I.

me

?

I didn't half see

kelch,

But

Why, you

*

on the head '

*

'

but you went down a horrid

;

and must have hit your head against the

rocks,'

'Yes,

I

yes,

am

But where are we '

Fighting

you hear I

*

What 's

going on

can

hear

Fighting

I should just tliink there is

!

?

Can't

the

shouting,

but

I

don't

quite

yet,'

Never mind,

then.

I

was

for.'

'Done

?

?

understand *

?

?

beginning to understand now.

for!

What,

killed

?'

afraid

you were done

'

'

327

FOR THE KING.

'Something of the kind/ grumbled Punch; 'but don't bother about

it

now.'

must/ said Pen, with wliat was passing around Here, tell me, are my arms seeming to lighten up. I

'

*

me

fastened behind

and mine

'Yes,

hand out so as

?

But

too.

I just

We

to feel for you.

wriggled one are prisoners,

and the Frenchies have chivied right back to where the King and his men have been making a lad,

of a

bit

that

noAv

's

I can't tell

stand.

something like

— bad

and

it,

you

I think

all

azackly, but

they are fighting

luck to them, as O'Grady would say

right in yonder where

we had our

!

—

I say,

braxfas'.

better than I thought, comrade.'

it 's '

In what way, Punch

'

Why,

I

to

tell

like

had made up that

you,

But they

bay'net.

?

my they

haven't.

mind, though I didn't 'd

give

us

both the

Perhaps, though, they

are keeping us to shoot through the head because

they caught us along with the smugglers.

That

's

what they always do with them.' '

Well

'

No,

began Pen drearily.

'

'Tain't well,

'tain't.

The boy ceased speaking,

nor anything like for the fight that

it.'

had

been raging in the interior of the cavern seemed to be growing fiercer

;

in fact, it soon

became plain

to

was setting in their direction the French, who had been driving the contrabandista* 8 followers backward into the cavern, and apparently carrying all before tliem, had the listeners that the tide of warfare ;

828

FOR THE KING.

met with a sudden check. For a fairly brief space they had felt that the day was their own, and eager to

make up

for the long check they

had

principally through the keen firing of the

suffered,

two boys,

they had pressed on recklessly, while the undrilled contrahandistas, losing heart in turn, were beginning, in spite of the daring of their leader,

who seemed

to

be in every part of their front at once, to drop back into the cavern, giving last

way more and

more,

till

at

they had shrunk some distance into the old

mine, bearing back with them the royal party,

had struggled

to restrain

them

who

in vain.

The part of the old workings to which they had retreated was almost in utter darkness, and just when the French were having their own way and the Spanish party were giving up in despair, their enemies came to a stand, the French officers hesitating to continue the pursuit, fearing a trap, or that they

might be led into so dangerous a position that they might meet with another reverse.

They felt that where they were they thoroughly commanded the exit, and after a brief colloquy it was decided to give their men breathing-time while a party went back into the great cave, where the fire was still burning, and did what they could to contrive a supply of firebrands or torches before they

made another advance. Fortunately for the Spanish party, the cessation of the attack on the part of the French gave the former

breathing-time as well

;

and, wearied out though he

FOR THE KING.

829

was, and rather badly wounded, the contrabandista

hurriedly

gathered his

ready to

upbraid

men

them

together,

bitterly

for

and though

way

the

in

which they had yielded to the French attack, he busied himself instead in trying to prepare

a more stubborn resistance

when

them

for

the encounter was

resumed.

He had

the advantage of his enemies in this, that

they were

thoroughly well acquainted with the

all

ramifications of the old mine,

power, he

these

foes,

would be

in his

to lead the

were meeting with great flying

it

enemy on by giving way and guiding them where, while they

felt,

strategically

and

difficulties in tracing their

latter

would be able

to

escape

through one of the old adits and carry with them

King and his followers. The contrabandistaj too, had

the

—

this further

that he could easily refresh

who were now To

thirst.

several,

this

who

suffering

advantage

his exhausted

cruelly

men,

from hunger and

end he gave his orders quickly to

hurried away, to return at the end of a

short time bearing a couple of skins of wine and

bread from their regular store.

These refreshments

were hurriedly distributed, the King and his party not being forgotten hastily, the

;

and

after

all

partook most

men's leader busied himself in seeing to

the worst of the wounded, sending several of these latter into hiding in

a long vault where the mules of

the party were stabled ready to resume their loads

when

the next raid

was made

across the passes.

'

FOR THE KING.

830 *Now,

am

;

'

my

lads,'

he

said,

addressing his men, *I

going to upbraid you with the want of

not

you that when

courage you have shown, only to

tell

the French come on again

most likely be with

it

will w

Those are what I believe they are waiting

lights. for.

The poor

them

to see us

fools think that torches will enable

and shoot us down, but they

We

advantage.

to our

you

in such

out

my

;

an attack that

and

I

am

them and not

let

him on the shoulder It is

I,'

who

said the officer

King's

is it

who had

touched

?

who had taken

and to

flight,

scatter

Yes/ he added, turning

stop.

'

;

if

your duty to

will be

it

them

I feel sure

sharply in the darkness to some one

in the

going to lead

you follow instructions we can make them flee. Once

get them on the run,

'

be

be in the dai'kness

shall

they will be in the light

will

whom

the lead

the whole of

the monarch's followers looked for direction.

His

Majesty wants to speak with you.' '

I

come,' replied the contrabandista,

'11

know why he wants me *

Yes/ replied the

'

I

want *

suppose

it

is

'

Do you

?

officer briefly.

to find fault with

me

for our

of success/

I

believe

that

is

the

case,'

said

the

officer

coldly. *

Ha

!

'

ejaculated the eontrabandista,

'

I

have as

good a right to blame his Majesty for the meagreness of the help his followers have aflbrded

'I have done

my

best,' said

me/

the officer gravely,

FOR THE KING. 'and so have the

friend to his Majesty

and

;

this

you,

believe

I

recriminations.

But

rest.

331 no time for

is

are a faithful

sir,

you think the

I believe

same of me.' 'I do/ replied the smuggler,

'and his Majesty

who

not to blame for thinking hard of one

is

has

brought him into such a position as this/

Be

'

with

me

the

brief, please/ said

me

that

officer,

'

and be frank

He

before you join the King.

we

with

feels

are completely trapped, and but a short

me whether the make a desperate

time back he went so far as to ask

time had not come for us

to

all

charge upon the enemy, and die like men.'

The smuggler uttered an officer

'I

meant it

for

us,

home

find hiding-places,

speak,

my men

you and your men are noisome

in these

and

he

sir,'

passages to

finally escape/

The smuggler laughed

You

he said bitterly, 'for I

sir,'

possible that

is

sufficiently at

that

which the

misconstrued.

suppose

'

ejaculation

would

scornfully. said,

leave

*

as

if

you

believe

Majesty to

his

his

fate.'

'Their acts to-day have not inspired him with

much

confidence in them/ said the officer coldly. M

*

Well,

no,'

consider that pursuits

said

my

the

men,

smuggler

who

;

'

but you must

are perfect in their

and able enough to carry on a

fight against the Civil

Guards

own

guerilla-like

in the mountains,

have

for the first time in their lives been brought face

'

FOB THE KINO.

882 to face with a their

body

of well-drilled soldiers ten times

number, and armed with weapons far superior

to ours.'

That

'

true,'

is

the

said

quietly

officer

*

;

but I

expected to have seen them do more to-day, and,

with this strong place to hold, not so ready to give

up

as they were.'

'You take are beaten '

it,

we

then,' said the smuggler, 'that

?

His Majesty has been the judge, and

it

his

is

opinion.' '

His Majesty

is

a great and good king, then/ said

We

the smuggler, 'but a bad judge.

We

certainly have the worst of

matters would have

had not been '

my

and

poor

gone far worse with us

for the clever

marksmanship

if

it

of those

boys.'

Ah

come

!

'

exclaimed

the

resulted in those

!

'

calls

two poor

taken prisoners, perhaps

Indeed

officer,

'

I

may

as

well

His Majesty speaks bitterly in the

to that.

extreme about what he

'

it,

have been a good deal disheartened, and

fellows

two

are not beaten.

the cowardice which

lads being mastered

and

slain, before his eyes.'

said the smuggler sharply.

'

But I did

not see that his Majesty's followers did more to save

them than *

There,

versation. is

my

men.'

we had

better cease this unfruitful con-

But before

waiting for

I take

us, tell

face to face with death,

me

you

as

what

to his Majesty,

man

to

is really

who

man, perhaps our position

?

'

'

'

FOR THE KING.

You

are beaten,

King

and unable

to

333

do more to save the

?

The smuggler was silent for a few moments, busily tightening a bandage round his arm. 'Would you mind 'One moment, sir/ he said. tying this

?

'

A

'

Yes, and

for

wound

said the officer, starting.

!

'

bleeds

it

more

want every drop

I

freely than I could wish,

of

blood to spend in his

Majesty's service.'

The

officer

sheathed his sword quickly, bent for-

ward, and, in spite of the darkness, carefully tightened the bandage. '

I beg your pardon, Seilor el Contrabandista.

trust

you more than

we not

beaten, are *

Thanks,

ever,'

he

I

'But we are

said.

?

senor.

—Beaten

?

No

When

1

my

fellows have finished their bread

and wine they

be more

We

smugglers have

plenty of the fox in our nature, and

we should not

treasure

full of fight

up our

has not two '

Ha

'

I

wish

that in

rich contraband stores in a cave that

holes.'

You put

!

than ever.

to,'

life

into me,' cried the

said the smuggler.

'

officer.

Tell his Majesty

a short time he will see the Frenchmen

coming on lighting their way with

torches,

he and his followers will show a good front

we do

as

will

—keep

and that ;

but do

on retreating farther and farther

through the black passages of this old copper-mine.' '

But retreating

?

'

said the officer.

'

334 '

FOR THE KING.

Yes

they will keep pressing us on, driving us

;

back, as they think,

us

capture

smuggler

;

they can make a rush and

till

— King,

man and when at a

to

last

and simple

noble,

they make their

final

rush they will capture nothing but the darkness, for

we

have doubled round by one of the

shall

making our way back

passages and be

passes to find liberty and '

But one moment,' cavern-mine

officers are

life.'

?

What Do you '

of the entrance to

think these French

such poor tacticians that they will leave

the entrance unguarded by a body of troops '

One

into the

said a stern voice from the

deeper darkness behind. this great

side-

entrance,

sire,'

?

said the smuggler deferen-

tially. !

said the officer, I did not Your Majesty know that you were within hearing.' I had grown weary of waiting, Count,' said the Kincr. I came on, and I have heard all that I *

'

'

*

'

Senor Contrabandista,

wished.

your pardon.

man who see

I

ask

it

I,

as a bitterly stricken, hunted

has been driven by his misfortunes to

enemies on every hand, and

accustomed to lead a weary

doubt and

your King, ask

life,

who

has grown

halting ever between

despair.'

Your Majesty trusts me then,' said the smuggler, sinking upon one knee to seize the hand that was extended to him and pressing it to his lips. Your plans are Ha ejaculated the monarch. '

*

*

1

'

those of a general

;

but there

is

one thing presses

FOR THE KING.

335

was watching the way in which those two boys held the enemy at bay, fighting in my poor cause like heroes and again For hours

hard upon me.

I

;

and again as

my

to grasp

lives

yield

to

But

aid.

was hemmed their

my

sword and lead

them

lend

to

my

I stood watching,

fingers tingled

few brave fellows

was ever the same

it

my

I

by those who were ready to give my defence, and I was forced to

in

in

assurances

their

that

an

such

would be not merely to throw their and

:

own, but giving

advance

lives

away

to the usurper, death

life

to Spain.'

'They spoke the

smuggler

truth, sire/ said the

gravely. '

'

But

tell

can nothing be done

refreshed.

King with a piteous sigh, Your men, you say, will be

me,' cried the

My

?

friends here are as ready as I am.

we

Before you commence the retreat, can

not, say,

by a bold dash, drive them past where those two young Englishmen lie prisoners at the back of the little

stonework they defended so bravely

last cartridge

was

fired

away

You do

?

till

the

not answer/

said the King. '

Your Majesty stung me

contrabandista,

'

in thinking tliat I played a coward's

part in not rescuing those '

I

to the heart,' said the

two

hoped I had condoned

lads.'

all

that,' said

the

King

quickly.

'You have, and vanity

in

sire,

my

and perhaps

it

is

nature that makes

the weakness

me

say in

my

FOR THE KING.

336 defence, I

and half-a-dozen of

my men made

brave an effort as

we

French made their

final

poor fellows helped

me back with a

Ah

when

the

and each time

my

could, twice over,

rush,

as

bayonet-wound.

he exclaimed hastily, for what I expected there was a flickering light away in front, followed by another and another, and the sound of hurrying feet, accompanied by the clicking of gun and pistol !

!

'

lock as the contrabandistas gathered together, rested

and refreshed, and ready for action once again.

337

CHAPTER XXXVI THE ROUT,

IN

T

IS

—

one thing

or

two things

—

make

to

plans

mentally or upon paper, and another thing to carry them out.

A

general lays

down

his plan of

campaign, but a dozen hazards of the war to

baflfle

laid

and

down

spoil courses

sure

ways leading

The contrabandista

may

tend

which seem as they are to success.

chief

had made his arrange-

ments in a way that when he explained them made his

believe

hearers

that nothing could be better.

His reluctant silence respecting the position of the

two

had impressed the Spanish King with the that he considered the young riflemen's situa-

lads

belief

tion to be hopeless,

done everything In

fact,

possibility,

and that he

felt

possible.

he doubted their being

even

that he had

if

they

still

and the breathed where they

were struck down, of forcing his

alive,

way through

the

strong force of French that occupied the mine, and

reaching

their

would not be

side.

Above

all,

he

felt

that

justified in risking the lives of

he

many

men for the sake of two. And now the flickering lights in the distance told that the French had somehow contrived the means for making their way through the darkness easier, »Tent. V

338

IN

THE ROUT.

They had evidently been busy breaking up

case

and

keg, starting the brands thoroughly in the

fire,

and

keeping them well alight by their bearers brandishing them to and fro as they advanced, with the full intent of

driving the Spaniards into some cul-

among

the ancient workings of the mine, and

de-sac

them

there bayoneting

or forcing

them

to lay

down

their arms.

All this

was

by the French

in accordance with the orders given officers,

perfect in their parts

the contrabandista

a

and the chasseurs advanced and with a bold

But the King

front.

followers and those of

were also as perfect in what they would they

down

knew

exactly that they were to

their adversaries as they

fire

do,

and

and bring

had an opportunity

given them by their exposure in the

light,

and after

they were to lead the untouched on by an

tiring

orderly retreat, thus tempting the farther

into

the

winding

enemy

intricacies

farther and

the

of

old

workings.

Those advancing and those in retreat began to carry out their orders with exactitude

;

the chasseurs

cheered and advanced in about equal numbers, torchbearers

and musketeers with

fixed

bayonets,

former waving their burning brands, and

all

the

cheer-

ing loudly as in the distance they caught sight of those in retreat rattle

;

and echoing

but

it

roll of

was only

to find

as the

carbine and pistol rang out

and smoke began to rise, that they were forming excellent marks for those who fired, and before they

IN

THE ROUT.

had advanced, almost at a run,

339

fifty yards, the

mine-

was becoming dotted with those who were wounded and fell. The distance between the advancing and retreatfloor

the same, but the pace

ing lines remained about

began to slacken, the run soon became a walk, and a very short time afterwards a stand on the part of those

who

attacked, and

smoke

the

of the

pieces

began to grow more dense as the firing increased. Orders kept on ringing out as the French shouted

*

Forward

!

as they ran,

that,

but

'

in

vain,

had flashed

and the

brilliantly,

stood began to pale, and the well-drilled

now saw

officers

a dense black curtain of

light

as they

men who

smoke before

them, riven here and there by flashes of light, began to

hesitate,

before

many

then to

fall

back, slowly at

first,

and

paces to the rear had been taken they

found the light begin to increase again and more

men

fell.

That pause had been the turning-point, for from a slow falling back the pace grew swifter, the waving

and tossing lights burned more brightly, and those

who filled sent ragged volley after volley in amongst the now clearly seen chasseurs while the Spaniards, forgetful now of the commands they had received, ;

kept on advancing, in firing

pursuers in their turn,

more eagerly as each few steps took them

clear of the cloud of It

fact,

smoke which they

left behind.

was a completely unexpected change

The French

officers

of position.

shouted their commands, and the

— 340

THE ROUT.

IN

contrabandista captain gave forth cases

it

was

in

vain,

his,

but in both

for almost before he could

realise the fact

a panic had seized upon chasseur

and torch-bearer

alike,

and soon

all

were in

flight

men whose way was

a strangely weird medley of

up by the lights that were borne and blazed fiercely on their side, while their' pace was hastened lit

by the firing in their rear. It was only a matter of some few minutes befora the French officers found that

all

their attempts to

check the rout were in vain.

The hurry

of the flight increased

of the mine-passage

was

left

till

the darkness

behind and

all

raced

onward through the great store-cavern and out the narrow gully,

now

faint in the evening

into

light,

and on past the rough stone-piled defences, where tlie

officers

once more tried to check the headlong

flight.

Here

their orders

began to have some

effect,

for

wounded lying in the way, and some from breathlessness, some from shame, now slackened their pace and stooped to form litters of their muskets, on which some poor wretch who was crying for help with extended hands was placed there were dead and

and carried onward.

And somehow,

in the confusion of the flight, as

the fallen wounded were snatched up in the semi-

darkness

from where they

lay,

the last

burning

brand having been tossed aside as useless by those

who

could

now

see their

way, two of the wounded

IN

who

THE ROUT.

341

lay with their arms secured behind

straps were lifted

them with

and borne onward, for those who

were now obeying their

officers'

orders

were too

hurried and confused, hastened as they were in their

movements by the

rattle

their rear, to scrutinise

who

the

of firearms in

wounded were.

It

them that they were not wearers the rough contrabandista' s garb; and so it was

was of

and crash

that

sufficient for

the

dark-green

uniform

of

the

bandaged

wounded was enough, and the two young riflemen became prisoners and participators in the chasseurs' rout.

'

'

;

342

CHAPTER XXXVII. AFTER 'WIGGLING.'

W

HERE

do you suppose we

Punch

?

Don't quite know/ was the reply.

*

'Chap arms strapped behind him and

can't think with his

sometimes as

his wrists aching

and at other times being

off

are,

they were sawn

if

pins and needles.

all

*

Can you think ? Not very clearly *

Quite in a *

No

;

and

has been too dark to

it

But where should you say we are

much.

see

;

new

I

part of the country

we came

think

?

nearly over

ground as we were going after we old chap's cottage

;

and

if

we

waited

left till it

the same that good

was

quite

and we could start off, I think I could way back to where we left the old man.'

daylight,

my

?

find

So do 1/ said Pen eagerly. That must be the mountain that the contrabandista captain took us up '

*

in the darkness.'

Why, tliat 's what I was thinking/ said Punch and if we had gone on a little farther I think we '

*

should have got to the place where the Frenchies attacked all

and

us.

Of course

in the darkness.

his

fellows

I ain't sure, because it

But, I say,

have given

was

Mr Contrabando

up the

pursuit.

haven't heard anything of them for hours now.'

I

'

343

AFTER 'WIGGLING.* '

No/

given

it

said

Pen

up, else

;

we may be we shouldn't '

sure that they have

be halted here.

—

Punch but, like you, I can't be sure the Frenchmen have been making for the fancy,

—

I

that

place

where they surprised us after being driven down the mountain pass/ 'That's beating

it/

off

said

Punch; 'and our

the enemy,

what-you-may-call-it call it

have gone

quarters

friends, after

back

—

mine,

to

their

didn't

they

?

'

Yes/

'

Well, then, that

's

what we have got

away from here and go back and

join

to do

Mr

—get

Contra-

bando again/ '

Impossible, Punch, even

'

Not

could

it

!

Why,

we were

if

do

I could

free/

in the

it

only get rid of these straps,

now

dark

if

I

that the

Frenchies are beaten/ *

Not

beaten,

Punch

feel pretty sure in

only driven back,

;

thinking

it

and

I

out that they have

what

come

to

good,

strong

selves

and wait for reinforcements before attacking

a

halt

here

place

in

dare

I

say

is

a

where they can defend them-

again.' '

'

Oh, they won't do

that,'

They had such a sickener

said

Punch roughly.

last night.'

'Well, I can't be sure/ said Pen; 'but as far as I can

make out they have a

lot of

wounded men

lying about here in this bit of a valley, and there are hundreds of

them camped down about the

fires.

'

844

AFTER 'WIGGLING.'

They wouldn't have a strong *

those

lit

place.'

I suppose not/ said Punch.

*

Because they would

that.

hadn't been

fires if it

I never thought of

have been afraid to

show the smugglers where they were, and

when they were

talking as

and hundreds of them couldn't see

in

—

it

sounded

there were hundreds

if

regiments,

One

I think.

the night, but while I was lying

awake I thought there were thousands of them.' Say hundreds, Punch. Well, I haven't spoken to you much lately, for I thought you were '

asleep.'

me

Not

Asleep

!

about you

;

'

and

I

!

That

what

's

I

thought

hoped you was, so that you could

what a muddle we got into. Well, I don't know how you feel now, but what I want to do is to get away from here.' Don't talk so loud,' said Pen there are those forget

'

;

fellowfi

near *

'

on sentry, and they keep on coming very

now and

That

then.'

don't

what we talk

understand

Punch,

said

matter,'

about.

*

they can't

What do you

say to having a go at getting our arms loose

'They would

find

it

out,

?

and only bind us up

again.' '

*

'

Yes,

if

we

stopped to let 'em

see.'

Then you think we could get away, Punch To be sure I do only we should have to

And

;

the sooner the

sentries will

l)eti'er,

*

?

crawl.

for once it gets liglit the

have a shot at

us,

and we have had

'

'

'

AFTER 'WIGGLING.' enough of

345

I say, though, didn't they pick us

that.

up because they thought we were wounded ? The men did and then one of the officers saw our uniforms and that we were the two who had '

;

when they made

been taken prisoners *

Oh, that was

what do you say *

How

?

was

it,

again to get

my

'

said Punch.

'

Well,

Hadn't we better make a start

?

said Pen.

'

it ?

their rush.'

I

*

arms

?

have been trying again and

loose,

and I

am growing more

helpless than ever.'

Punch gave a low grunt, and

very

seeing

look round and pierce

to

tried

raised his head a

little

tlie

little,

darkness,

though but the fact that they

were surrounded by wounded men, for the most part asleep,

though here and there was one who kept

move himself into an easier position, but utter a low moan and relapse into a state of

trying to

only to

semi-insensibility.

About a dozen paces away, though, he could just make out one of the sentries leaning upon his musket and with his back to them. Satisfied with his scrutiny. Punch shifted his position a little, drawing himself into a position where he could get his lips close to his companion's ear. '

Look

*

Bite

now '

I

here,'

he

said,

Nonsense

!

1

'

can you bite

Who

?

could think of eating

?'

Tchah

!

'

whispered Punch,

'

who wants

to eat

?

have been wiggling myself about quietly ever

since they set

me down, and

I have got

my

hands a

346

AFTER 'WIGGLING.'

Now, I am just going to squirm myself a bit farther and turn over when I have got my hands about opposite your mouth, and I want you to set to with your teeth and try hard to draw the bit loose.

tongue of the strap out of the buckle, for loose *

now

Ah

!

that I think you could do

I

Then if you know what you *

*

Don't

talk,

try,' said

?

We

Why

might have it

Didn't think of

made me

'

you

'11

do

it.

I

Pen excitedly, but didn't you think of this

replied

then,'

better chance, for '

the boy,

are.'

turn over at once. before

it.'

whispered Pen.

try, Punch,'

'11

it's so

will

tried at once,

be light before

My

it.

*

and had a

long.'

arms hurt so that they

stupid.'

Giving himself a wrench, the boy managed to

move forward a

little,

turned over, and then worked

himself so that he placed his bandaged wrists close to his comrade's mouth,

and then lay perfectly

for the sentry turned suddenly as

if

still,

he had heard

the movement.

Apparently

changed

liis

satisfied,

though, that

all

was

well,

he

position again, and then, to the great

satisfaction of the

two

prisoners,

he shouldered his

musket and began to pace up and down, coming and going, and halting at

last at the far

end of his

beat.

Then,

Pen

set

full of

to

doubt but eager to make an

work,

felt

for

the

buckle,

effort.

and after

several tries got hold of the strap in his teeth, tug-

347

AFTEK 'WIGGLING.' ging at

and with his heart sinking more

it fiercely

and more at every

he seemed to make

for

effort,

no progress. Twice over, after tremendous

he half-

efforts that

up what seemed to be an impossibility but he was roused upon each occasion by an impatient movement on the part of fancied loosened his teeth, he gave ;

Punch. '

It

no use/ he thought.

of

's

ing myself more and more;' firmly once

more

'

am

I

only punish-

and, fixing his teeth

gave one shake

in the leather, he

and tug such as a wild beast might have done in

With one

worrying an enemy. his head

back and lay

final

drag he jerked

with his jaws throbbing

still

and the sensation upon him that he had injured himself so that several of his teeth had given way.

no good.

'It's

himself to urge

boy shook

for the

;

him

won't try

;

'

no

It's of

use,

his wrists sharply as

to begin again.

when

Punch/ he said to

'

I can't

do

it,

and

if

I

to his astonishment he felt that his

comrade was moving and had forced himself back with a low,

dull,

rustling

sound so that he could

place his lips to his ear again

the boy whispered, strap quite loose.

Just wait a

bit,

'

;

and

That

last did

My

how my

!

and then

to Pen's surprise

and I got the wrists do ache

it,

!

I will pull

you over on to

your face and have a turn at yours.*

Pen

felt

too

much confused

to

believe that his

companion had succeeded, but he lay perfectly with his teeth

still

aching violently,

till

all

still,

at once

848 he

AFTER 'WIGGLING.'

felt

Punch's hands busy about him, and he was

jerked over upon his face.

Then he a

as

little

felt

that the boy had raised himself up

to take an observation of their sur-

if

roundings before busying himself with the straps that bound his '

Lie

still/

my

have got

numbed wrists. was whispered,

knife out, and I

under the strap.

Pen

aching

his

set

minute he

Don't holloa

felt

teeth

'

don't flinch

am

;

but I

going to shove

it

if it hurts.*

and the next

hard,

the point of the long Spanish clasp-

knife which his comrade carried being thi*ust beneath

one of the straps, *

He

will cut me,'

thought Pen, for he knew that

the pressure of the strap had so that the leather

was half-bedded

setting his teeth harder

more intense

—

made

while,

—

his flesh swell

in his

arm

;

but

the pain he felt there was

when

the knife-blade was being

forced under the strap he only suffered a dull sensation,

and then grew conscious that as the knife was

being thrust beneath the strap

it

steadily divided

the bond, so that directly after there

way

sound and the blade had forced

its

that the severed portions

apart

so

much

its

;

dull

so thoroughly

sensation

was

numbed limbs that he was what had been done, but he

dulled in the

hardly conscious of

knew

fell

was a

that one extremely tight ligature had ceased

duty,

though he could hardly grasp the idea

that one of his bonds was cut.

Then a

peculiar throbbing sensation

came

on, so

'

;

349

AFTER 'WIGGLING.* painful that

diverted the lad's attention from the

it

continuation of Punch's task, and before he could

thoroughly grasp

it

Pen found that the sharp blade

had been thrust under another strap, dividing that the leather fell apart, and he was free.

it

so

making an effort to put this to the proof it seemed as if his arms were like two sensebut only for a few minutes, less pieces of wood But upon

his

;

they began

till

to

limbs which

prove themselves

were bearers of the most intense agony. Click

went Punch's

1

then he whispered,

'

That

closing 's

knife-blade

done

it

;

and

Now, when

!

you are ready, lead off right between those sleeping chaps. Creep, you know, in case the sentry looks round,* *

A

minute

first,'

whispered Pen

'*

;

my

arms are

like lead,' '

So

's

mine.

Pen made no time

;

make

I say, don't they ache reply,

but lay breathing hard for a

and then, raising his head a

little

so as to

sure of the safest direction to take, he turned

towards his comrade and off!'

?

whispered,

'

Now

then

'

350

CHAPTER XXXVIII '

T

was

still

of the

HEAR THAT

?

dark, but there were faint suggestions

coming day when Pen began to creep

in

the direction of a black patch which he felt must

be forest. This promised shelter

way amongst

his

around, and his

but he had

;

first

to thread

wounded who lay sleeping difficulty was to avoid touching them, the

for they apparently lay thickest in the direction he

had chosen. Before he was aware of what he was doing he

hand upon an outstretched arm, which was drawn back with a sharp wince, and Bearing to the left and its owner uttered a groan. had

laid his inert right

whispering to Punch to take

care,

Pen crept

on, to

find himself almost in contact with another sufferer,

who

said something incoherently

from Punch checked

*Come

on,'

said

;

and then a whisper

his companion.

Pen

hastily,

'or they will give

the alarm.* '

Not

they, poor chaps

sentry isn't coming,

Pen glanced not '

visible, for

is

They

1

he

are too bad.

That

*

?

in the man's direction, but he

some low bushes intervened.

I can't see him,* said Pen.

was

'

V

'HEAR THAT '

Then look

What do you mean

come *

comrade

Every man

in war.

all fair '

here,

?

now

;

351 our time.

's

It

's

for himself.'

Don't stop to

but

talk,

on.*

All right

'They

;

but just

this,'

came back

can't help themselves,

notice whatever

going to

kill

same as I

do.'

we

do,

them.

Pen hesitated

for a

in a whisper.

and won't take any

unless they think

Help

we

are

comrade, the

yourself,

Then, as he saw

moment.

musket

and

difficulty in furnishing himself

with

Punch busily taking

of

possession

cartouche-belt, he followed his example. 'It

's

for

life,

He had no

perhaps,' he thought.

the required arms from a pile, and that too without

any of the wounded seeming

to

pay the

slightest

attention. *

*

'

Got a full box Ready ? whispered Punch. Yes,' was the answer. Look sharp, for Sling your musket then. *

'

getting light

upon hands and knees,

a pang through Pen's wrists, appreciated

it 's

fast.'

Directly after the two lads were crawling painfully

?

his

comrade's

for every

and

advice,

onward

yard sent

he thoroughly for

there

were

moments when he felt that had he been carrying the musket he would certainly have left it behind. He did not breathe freely till he had entered the dark patch of woodland, where it was fairly open, and they had pressed on but a short distance

in the

;

'HEAR THAT?'

352

direction of the mountain,

which high up began to

when he

look lighter against the sky,

started vio-

a bugle rang out from

lently, for the clear notes of

somewhere beyond the spot where the wounded

away

and right over and over teaching plainly enough that it was the

to be answered again,

lay,

reveille,

and

to left

also that they

were in

close

body of troops. time, comrade/ said Punch

proximity

to a very large *

Just in

coolly, as

he

rose to his feet. '

up

Take care

! '

cried Pen.

It isn't safe to stand

'

yet.' '

Think not

the boy.

*

Oh,

?

Lead

we

shall be all right/ replied

Didn't you

on.

know

?

The

reveille

was going right behind and oif to the left and right so there 's no troops in front, and all we have got to do is to get on as fast as we can up the mountain yonder. And it 's no good I must walk. My ;

wristies are so

my

on

hands

bad that they

if

will

I try to crawl

drop

off.

any more

Ain't

yours

bad?' *

Terribly,' replied Pen.

'

Come

incline.

on,

then

;

we must

Can't you see

?

risk

There

's

it.

There, right

a bit of a track

yonder.' '

I didn't see

it.

Punch,' said Pen, as they bore off

to their right, where the

they increased their pace

way was more open, and now to a steady walk, a

glance back showing them that they were apparently well screened

by the low growth

of

trees

which

V

*HEAR THAT flourished

the bottom

in

now

that they could

'We've done and

*

'

it,

the mountains

of

slopes

more

see

353

clearly rising in front.

said

comrade,'"

Punch

cheerily,

I call this a bit of luck,'

Don't talk so loudly.'

*0h,

'They're

don't matter,' replied the boy.

it

making too much noise themselves to hear us. Hark Why, it 's just as if Listen to the buzz at them there 's thousands of them down there, just as you !

!

thought

;

and we

've hit

on the right way, for those

Frenchies wouldn't come through here unless

was Their enemy 's skirmishing with the enemy in front. all behind, and they '11 be thinking about making their *

way back

To

see

if

to the mine,'

they can't make up for yesterday's

I 'm afraid, Punch,

reverses,

it

it 's

all

over with the

poor King and his followers.' '

Punch thoughtfully,

Yes,' said

as close as he could get to his companion.

bad lookout for them, comrade to think

chap

to the poor

on we

bit farther

Breakfast

How

!

'

I liked him.

smiling

wearied out and faint with his sufferings,

very poor exhibition of mirth

—a

water, like that of a sun-gleam '

Breakfast

* !

he

said,

Xeut,

it

but,

;

was a

sort of smile

half -scornfully,

W

get

and

upon a drizzly day.

always thinking of eating. Punch,' frv

a

bit of breakfast.'

Pen,

said

's

upon a snug spot

will pitch

?

It

And when we

!

where there's water, and make a '

*

but somehow I seem

more of Mr Contrabando,

Good luck a

;

on

as he trudged

'

You

are

'

'

354 *

'

'

That

" soup

HEAR THAT

?'

when one blows

only at bugle-time,

I ain't,

and tater

'

:

*'

I say, do

for breakfast or dinner.

you know what the cavalry chaps say the trumpet call is for stables ? w

*

No/

said

Pen quietly

and then to humour his

;

companion he tried to smile again, as the boy *

know

Oh, I

them the morning call

says for

lots of

Ye

And

come

give all your horses

some water and hay-y-y-y

the boy put his half- crippled

!

Punch

'

what the trumpet

to the stable,

softly rang out the cavalry '

is

lads that are able

Now And

This

1

fist .to

*

his lips

how

Nobody can hear us. Tchah cheer you up a bit. Well, it has

stirred

There

!

I

!

right,

enough

here.

me and

tell

when '

and

can you

?

'

all

!

call.

whispered Pen angrily,

be such a fool

:

said,

comrade.

But, I say,

me

I

We

you

up.

are safe

what made you jump upon

was always thinking about eating

I said breakfast

Because this

For'ard

wanted to

is

?

no time to think of eating and

drinking.' '

Oh my

when you

!

Ain't

it ?

'

chuckled the boy.

'

Why.

march in the enemy's country you ought to be always on the forage, and it 's the time to think of breakfast whenever you get the are on the

chance.* *

Of

'

Well,

course,' said Pen. ain't

we

got the chance

?

We

was too

'

'

'

'HEAR THAT busy to think of eating were lying

355

we

yesterday, and while

all

up there

tied

V

like

a couple of calves in

a farmer's cart' *

we much better off now, Punch ? I should Much better much better off Well, are

*

*

we

are

made me think

that

of

He

at the next attack.

And

comfort.

haversack

you

didn't

at breakfast yesterday.

it,

the Frenchies 's

My

?

what I helped myself

to

?

his side.

'The band was torn

•No,' he said.

that

;

he provision us

Ain't yours

hand to

his

call

hope he

I

!

well provisioned

is

right with

's all

Pen clapped

Poor chap

it.

will be able to repulse, as

one

think

!

was talking about poor Mr Oontrabando

It

!

—

and

off,

it's

gone,'

What

*

a pity

and regular bulgy

right,

all

what

's

will

be

enough for one all

the collar *

'

Never mind, comrade.

!

enough

I say, ain't

right.

as

for

it

*s

they say,

two

;

so that

getting against

?

we are on the mountain Think we are not getting up Yes,

where the old mine '

is

and,

;

Mine

the same mountain

is ?

That must be

No, Punch,

slope. Punch.'

off

mote to the

right,

I think.' '

and

Yes, I suppose I suppose

we

old padre's place '

No, Punch

right/

;

so.

But

of coiirse

we

ain't sure

;

are not going anywhere near the *

?

that lies farther

away

still

to the

'

'

'

how you seem

But, I say,

Yes.

your head wliere seems to

?'

'HEAR THAT

356

me

as

if

the places

all

lie

to get

into

it

I can't.

!

It

you could make a map.'

But I suppose if I wandered about here for long enough I should be able to make out some of the roads and tracks.* Then I suppose you haven't been here long enough/ said the boy banteringly. If you had, you would be able to tell where the British army is, and '

No, no.

'

'

lead right on to *

it

at once.'

That would be rather a hard

troops are perhaps changing

job,

their

Punch, when every

quarters

day.' '

I say, hear that

?

'

said the

boy

excitedly, as

a

distant call rang out. '

Yes, plain enough to hear,' replied Pen.

'

Then we ought

'

No.

Why

*

Some

of the Frenchies in front.

to turn back, oughtn't

we

?

?

That was just

before us, half a mile away.*

Pen shook

his head,

and the boy looked at him

wonderingly. *

There

!

There

it

hiding somewhere, or

is

we

again

shall be

Let

!

's

get

into

running right into

them.'

For another clear bugle-note rang out as answer to the first. That 's nothing *

'

to

mind.

Punch,'

said

if

in

Pen,

These notes came from behind, and were echoed

from the mountain in

front.'

'

'HKAR THAT

Why,

'

of course

But

!

I

V

357

can't help

it.

Father

always said that I had got the thickest head he ever

we were

see.

I got thinking that

into

some French regiment

we

going to run right

Then

it 's all right,

somewhere up

shall be able to divide our rations

yonder where the echoes are playing that game.

what a mistake might be made

say,

if

took an echo like that for the real thing *

Yes,' said

Pen thoughtfully

and

some

I

officer

!

and the two lads

;

stopped and listened to different repetitions of the calls,

which seemed fainter and fainter as the time

went on

and the sun was well up, brightening as

;

lovely a landscape of mountain, glen, and green slope as ever

But

met human

eye.

was blurred

it

to

Pen by the desolation and

wildness of a country that was being ravaged invasion and

As

by

of the horrors of war.

its train

the lads tramped on, seeing no sign of

human

hut on the moun-

habitation, not even a goatherd's

grew hotter and the way more weary, till all at once Punch pointed to a few goats just visible where the country was growing more rugged and wild. tain slopes, the sun

he

'

See that, comrade

?

'

Yes, goats,' said

Pen wearily

short, to

'

cried. ;

and he stopped

throw himself down upon a heathery patch,

and removed his cap to wipe his perspiring forehead. '

No, no

Punch. to

the

'

;

don't sit down.

I didn't

left

in

mean that

Don't stop

Look away Can't you see it

those old goats. hollow.

yet,' cried

'

'

*HEAB THAT?'

358 ?

sparkling

where a

And

'

little

tain-side to

the

rivulet

form a

boy pointed

place

down the mounthe water making a bright

was

fall,

the

to

trickling

'Let's get up yonder

leap into a fair-sized pool.

down and see what I have got in my haversack. Then a good drink of water, and we shall be able to go on, and perhaps find where and

first

sit

our fellows are before night.'

Punch

'Yes,

—

or

march right

into the

of

lines

the French,' said Pen bitterly.

'Oh, well,

we must

take

chance of that,

our

One's as likely as the

comrade.

There's

other.

the French troops about, and there's our English lads

No,

—the it 's

lads in red as well as the boys in green.

just as likely to find one as the other.

how they Shall we

are getting on

Perhaps,'

make

up there

said

I

are

wonder

in the old mine.

be near enough to hear

fighting going on '

We

no use to be down in the mouth.

if

there's any

?

Pen,

springing

up.

*

But

let

's

for that water.'

But

was farther off than it had at first appeared, and it was nearly half an hour after they had startled the browsing goats when the two weary lads threw themselves down with a sigh of it

content beside the mountain pool, which supplied

them with delicious draughts of clear cold water as an accompaniment to the contents of the haversack which Punch's foresight had provided. *

Ah

!

'

sighed the boy.

'

'Lishus, wasn't it

?

'

'

'

'

?'

'HEAR THAT

359

'Yes, delicious,' said Pen.

Only one thing agin

'

it/ said

Punch.

One thing against it/ said Pen, looking Why, it could not have been better.'

up.

*

'Yes/

boy

the

said

waren't

'It

sadly.

half

enough/ *

*

Hark Guns

Listen

!

firing

!

'

!

said Pen, holding

exclaimed Punch

'

'Think that's in the the old mine ? '

It

little

up

sure enough, and a long

whether

it's

a whisper.

in

valley that leads

impossible to say,' replied Pen.

'a

his hand.

way

It

*

's

up

firing,

but I can't

oflF;

being replied to or whether

we

to

tell

are only

listening to the echoes.'

'Anyhow,' said Punch, I suppose

we ought

*

my

feel

Ready

?

No, not a

to

orders,

and

my

arms

'But how do

sigh.

go on now

I feel as

bit.

coat and bathe

marching

to get farther away.'

Pen with a

'Yes,' replied

you

'it's

if

?

I

want

to take off

in the water here, for

they ache like hooray.'

'Do it, the same there '

's

then,' said

to

Pen wearily, 'and I must do

my wound

as well

;

and then, Punch,

only one thing I can do more.'

What 's

that,

comrade

?

Get in the shade under that gray-looking old olive, and have a few hours' sleep.* '

'

*

Splendour

Hark '

!

'

said

at the firing

Yes,' said

Punch,

taking

his

coat.

as he followed his

com-

off

!

Pen wearily,

'

360

;

'HEAR THAT?'

rade's example.

*

They may

fire,

but I

am

so done

up that they can't keep me awake.' The water proved to be a delicious balm for the bruised limbs and the wound a balm so restful and calming to the nerves that somehow the sun had long set, and the evening star was shining brilliantly in the soft gray evening sky when the two sleepers, who had lain utterly unconscious for hours, started awake together, wondering what it all meant, and

—

then prepared themselves to face the darkness of the

coming night, not knowing what but Pen

felt

a

sti'ange chill

fate

might bring

run through his breast

with a shiver as Punch exclaimed in a low, warning whisper,

*

I say, comrade, hear that

?

Wolves

I

'

'

361

CHAPTER XXXIX. STRUNG-UP.

R

Punch

are,

make

to

What a fellow you you think we had enough

dogs/ said Pen angrily.

Don't

!

us low-spirited and miserable without you

imagining that the

howl you hear comes from

first

one of those horrible brutes *

*

It

's

*

?

very well/ said Punch with a shudder.

all

I have heard dogs

enough

my

in

time.

Why,

I

used to be once close to the kennel where they kept the foxhounds, and they used to set-to and sing

sometimes

all

dogs howl

all

night,

Well, perhaps

have heard shut-up

I

and other

when it was moonlight make a noise like that. *

Then

at once.

sorts begin to

howl

but I never heard a dog

;

I

you are

am

sure

it 's

Punch

right.

wolves.'

but I sup-

;

pose they never attack people except in the winter-

when they are starving and the ground 's covered with snow and this is summer, and they have no reason for coming down from the mountains.' time

;

'

'

Oh, I

exclaimed the boy,

*

haven't they just

Will you hold your tongue, Punch

angrily.

for a '

say,'

'This

is

a nice

way

tramp over the mountains,

! '

cried

?

*

said the

boy rather

!

Pen

to prepare ourselves isn't it

?

Are we going to tramp over the mountains

the night

*

dolefully.

in

'

'

'

362

STRUNG-UP.

and be glad of the opportunity to get

'Yes,

away from

farther '

But won't

rade

the French before morning,'

be very bad for your

it

com-

leg,

?

'

No

'

But wouldn't

worse than

to-night

it

be for your back, Punch/

be better

if

we had

a good rest

We

saw goats

?

'

Where

*

In some

before

will

it

?

'

said

Pen

bluntly.

goatkeeper's cottage.

we came

here,

and there must be people who

keep them.' *

Perhaps so/ said

Pen

* ;

but I have seen no

cottages. *

We

*

No, and I don't think

ain't looked/ said

Punch. it

look for them in the dark.

would be very wise to Come, Punch, don't be

a coward.' *

I ain't one

but I can't stand going tramping

;

about in these mountains with those horrid beasts

hunting you, smelling you out and following you

wherever you '

if

go.*

I don't believe

we

they would dare to come near us

shouted at them,' said Pen firmly

needn't be satisfied with that, for

and we

fired at

if

;

'

and we

they came near

them they would never come near

us again/ '

Yes,

we have

got the guns/ said the boy

;

and

he unslung the one he carried and began to try the charge with the ramrod. if

yours

is all

right too

? '

'

he

Hadn't you better see said.

'

'

368

STRUNG-UP. Perhaps I had/ was the reply,

'

*

for

we might

have to use them for business that had nothing to

do with wolves/

As he driving

spoke,

the

Pen followed

cartridge

and

his comrade's example,

bullet

home, and

well

powder was up

then feeling whether the

the

in

pan. *

Oh, I say/ cried the boy huskily,

go again

'

there they

They 're coming down from high up

1

the mountains.

Hadn't we better go lower down

and try and

some cottage

'

find

I don't think

so,'

said

Pen

?

sturdily.

'But we might find one, you know one, just the

was so bad.

same as we did

Then we could shut

laugh at the wolves

We

before,

if

—an

empty

when my back

ourselves in and

they came/

want to laugh at the wolves,' said Pen jocularly. 'And it might make them savage. I know I used to have a dog and I could always put him in a rage by laughing at him and calling him *

don't

names.' '

And now you I

it.

are laughing at me.

am ashamed

perhaps

;

but,

I can't help

knowing what

I

do

about the wolves, and what our chaps have seen

Ugh

!

It

's

horrid

!

There they go again.

Let

's

get lower down.' *

To where the French are lying

in camp, so that

may get hold of us again ? Nonsense, Punch What was the good of our slipping away if it was

they

only to give ourselves up

I

?

'

364 '

'

'

STRUNG-UP.

But we

know then

didn't

we

that

should run up

against these wolves/ '

We

going to run up against them,

not

are

Punch, but they are going to run away from us

we behave '

like men.'

But, don't you see, I can't behave like a

when

I

*m only a boy

?

unnerved.

'

No,' said

Come Pen

man

Oh, there they go again

half- whispered the poor fellow, who

'

if

along, there

firmly,

*

's

You

!

seemed thoroughly

a good chap.'

behave like a

can't

man, but you can behave like a brave boy, and

what you are going to do. If we ever get back to our company you wouldn't like me to tell the lads that you were so frightened by the howling that

's

of the wolves that

them, and

you

let

me go on

alone to face

'

Punch excitedly, 'you don't mean to say that you would go on alone but I mean to say I would,' said Pen firmly I shall not have to, because you are coming on 'Here, I say,' cried

!

'

;

*

along with me.' 'No, I ain't/ said the boy stubbornly. '

Yes,

you

'

You

don't know,' continued the boy, through his

set teeth,

*

are.'

Hanged

Pen laughed '

Well,

if

I

do

—

so there

I

bitterly.

you are a queer

fellow,

Punch,' he said.

'You stood by me yesterday and faced dozens of those French chasseurs, and fought till we had fired off our last cartridge, and then set-to to keep them

'

'

'

STRUNG -UP.

365

with the butt of your musket, though you were

off

come on again and again/

quite sure they would *

Perhaps I did/ said the boy huskily,

felt I

ought to as a

'tain't

a

Ugh

'Come *

It

!

's

am

I

I can*t bear

;

but

the boy passionately

it.'

going.'

I say, pray don't, comrade

!

and clung to

was dooty

it

and

horrid,

on, Punch.

No, don't

because I

dooty to get torn to pieces by

soldier's

wolves.

and

soldier,

'

!

'

cried

and he caught at Pen's arm

;

you I 'd shoulder arms, keep touch with you, and keep step it

with

and march straight up with the bullets flying

show the white once be game

'

to a

all

till

*

tell

orders,

you

I wouldn't

ears.

You know

I dropped.

I tell

I

regiment of the French,

about our

was obeying

if it

coming on behind. true

his might.

all

and

all

I 'd

our fellows

I would, as true as

!

What

!

'

said

upon him

turning

Pen,

firmly,

*

you would do that if you were ordered ? That I would, and I wouldn't flinch a bit. You know I never did,* cried the boy passionately. '

'

'Didn't I always double beside

and give the *

Yes

;

calls

whenever

and now I

leader to-night.

Pen jerked

am

Now

I

my

was

company-leader,

told

?

going to be your company-

then,

his ariii free

my

lad,

forward

and stepped

!

oif at once,

while his comrade staggered with the violence of the thrust he had received.

Then, recovering himself,

struggling with the stubborn rage that

he stood

fast,

filled his

young

breast,

till

Pen was a dozen paces in

'

STRUNG-UP.

366

marching sturdily on in the direction of the howls that they had heard, and without once looking front,

back.

Then from out

the silence came the

of

boy's

voice. '

You

'11

be sorry for this/ he shouted.

Pen made no

reply.

'Oh, it's too bad of him,* muttered Punch. say,'

rade.

he shouted, 'you will be sorry for

D'ye

'ear

this,

'I

com-

?

Tramp, tramp, tramp went Pen's

over the

feet

stony ground. *

Oh, I say, comrade, this

is

too bad

!

'

whim-

and then, giving his tousket one

pered the boy;

or two angry slaps as

if

in

an exaggerated

salute,

he shouldered the piece and marched steadily after his leader.

Pen halted

till

the boy closed up, and then started

again,

'There, better than

he said quietly, 'I knew you

Punch,'

you know

The boy made

lio

yourself.'

reply,

but marched forward

and evidently now thoroughly strung- up to meet anything that was in store, he with his teeth set

stared

straight

;

before

him

into

the darkness and

paid no heed to the distant howls that floated to

them upon the night

air

from time to time.

'

'

867

CHAPTER

XL.

FRIENDS OR FOES *

'T'HIS *"

is

rather hard work, Punch,

after

notice.

'

a long silence

The ground

's

;

anything to say

lad,' said

Pen,

but the boy took no

so rugged that 1 've nearly

gone down half-a-dozen times.

Well, haven't

you

?

The boy kept

his teeth firmly pressed

and marched on in silence

went on

?

;

together

and the night tramp

for quite a couple of hours,

till,

growing

wearied out by the boy's determination, Pen began again

to

try and break

the icy reserve between

them. '

What

a country this

is

! '

he

said.

'

To think

of

our going on hour after hour never once seeing a sign

that light

any

of * !

one's

Ah,

dwelling-place.

he exclaimed excitedly.

*

Do you

look

at

see that

?

*Yes,* said

Punch

sulkily,

*a wolf's eye staring

at us/

'Then he's got one softly.

'

shut,'

I can only see one.

ing of nothing else but wolves. fire far

Pen,

said

Why, you It

*s

a

laughing

are think-

little

watch-

away.'

Punch lowered his piece quickly and cocked it. Look out, comrade,* he said, some one will '

'

'

'

FRIENDS OR FOES

368

Drop down

challenge directly. if

together, don't us,

?

he does *

?

they will be sentries right up here/

I don't think

said Pen. *

'

What

?

then

Shepherds/ replied Pen abruptly.

He was

about to add,

to keep off the wolves,* but

*

he checked himself in time, as he half-laughed and thought that

it

would scare

Punch remained step,

till

silent

his

companion again.

and marched

on,

keeping

they were getting very close to a tiny

scrap of a smouldering

rush of feet as

if

fire

;

and then there was a

about a couple of dozen goats had

up and

away, with

been

startled, to spring

their

horny hoofs pattering amongst the stones

at the

the

scatter

;

and

same moment the two lads became aware of

fact

that

after

their

habit

the sturdy

animals had been sleeping around a couple of

little

fierce-

looking, goatskin-clothed, half-savage Spanish goat-

whom

making it burst into a temporary blaze which lit up their swarthy features and flashed in their eyes, and, what was more startling still, on the blades of the two long knives which they snatched from their herds, one of

kicked at the

fire,

belts. '

AmigoSf amigos!' cried Pen, and he grounded

arms. Punch following his example, *

Amigos!

men, as the

No, Franceses/ shouted one of the fire

burnt up more brightly

pointed at Pen's musket.

;

and he

;

FRIENDS OR FOES 'i^o/ cried Pen, 'Ingl^es.' piece

near the

began to said, 'sit

fire,

warm his down and ;

369

?

And

laying

down

his

he coolly seated himself and hands.

give

'Come

me your

Punch/ he

on,

haversack.'

The boy obeyed, and as the two men looked at them doubtingly Pen took the haversack, held it out, thrust his hand within two or three times, and shook his head before pointing to his lips and making signs as if he wanted to eat. El panoy agua/ he said. The men turned to gaze into each other's eyes as if in doubt, and then began slowly to thrust their *

and

long, sharp knives into their belts;

it

proved

pantomime had been one of them strode away into

directly afterwards that Pen's sufficiently good, for

the

where the lads could make out a windshade of piled-up stones, from which he

darkness,

sort of

returned directly afterwards with what proved to

be a goatskin-bag, which he carried to his companion,

and then went

somewhere behind the

off again,

to return

stones, carrying

looking earthen jar, which proved to be

fri 111

a peculiarfilled

with

Just then Punch drew the two muskets a

little

water.

farther from the his jacket '

fire,

and to Pen's surprise took

and carefully covered their

off

locks.

Afraid of the damp,' muttered Pen to himself

and then he smiled up in the face of the looking of the two goatherds as the

man

fiercer-

placed a

cake of coarse-looking bread in his hands and afterTent.

X

370

FRIENDS OR

wards turned out from the bag a couple of large onions, to which he added a small bullock's horn

whose opening was stopped with a ball of goatskin. ! Bueno, bueno said Pen, taking the food '

'

which was

of a gentleman

and, not to be outdone, he took the

;

hand that gave and

The

act

reserve,

him with the grave courtesy

offered to

of

lightly raised

courtesy seemed

to

it

to his

melt

all

lips.

chilling

and the two men hurried to throw some

upon the

heather-like twigs

which began to

fire,

burn up brightly, emitting a pleasant aromatic smoke. Then, seating themselves, the more fierce-looking of the pair pointed to the bread and held up the jar so that they could drink. '

Amigos, amigos/ he said softly

;

and he took the

jar in turn, drank to the lads, and gi-avely set

down between them Punch

it

and then as Pen broke bread

;

started violently, for each of the

men drew

out his knife, and the boy's hand was stretched out

towards the muskets, but withdrawn directly as he realised the

meaning of the unsheathed knives, each

of the goatherds snatching

beginning to peel

it

up one

of the onions

and

for the guests, before hasten-

ing to stick the point of his knife into the vegetable

and hand both to their '

They

scared me,' said Punch.

onions smell good

He had the two like

visitors.

I

Want

a bit of

*

I say, don't the

salt,

though.'

hardly said the word before the

men caught up

wad which

closed

taller of

the horn, drew out the ballit

up,

and revealed within a

FRIENDS OR FOES

371

?

reddish-looking powder which glistened in the light

and proved to be

of the fire

rock-salt.

was a very rough and humble meal, but Punch

It

when he

expressed his companion's feelings

was '

said

it

'lishus.

Worth coming

for

—

Punch

eh,

?

'

said Pen,

'

and

risking the wolves.' '

Here, I say, drop that, comrade.

on a fellow.

But I

say,

Don't be hard

One can't help having one's feelings. you looked half-scared too when these

two Spaniards whipped out

their knives.'

was more than half, Punch. But it was the same with them they looked startled enough when we came upon them suddenly with our muskets and 'I

;

woke them out *

Yes

of sleep.'

they thought

;

showed them we was

we was

Frenchies

till

you

friends.'

was a rough but savoury meal, and wonderfully picturesque too, for the fire burned up briskly, shedding a bright light upon their hosts in their It

rough goatskin pleased and

the herd of

clothes, as

they sat looking on as

if

amused at Punch's voracity, while now goats that had scampered away into the

darkness recovered from their panic and came slowly

back one by one, to form a

where they

stood,

circle

long-horned,

round the

shaggy, and

bearded, looking in the half-light like so of the classic times, blinking their eyes

the

little

many

fire,

full-

satyrs

and watching

feast as if awaiting their time to be invited

to join in.

'

FRIENDS OB FOES?

372 '

'

'

say/

I

Pen suddenly,

said

'

was

that

very

thoughtful and right of you, Punch, to cover over the muskets

but you had better put your jacket on

;

These puffs of air that come down from the

again.

mountains blow very cold it

when

;

the

flames up

seems to burn one cheek, while the wind blows on

the other and feels quite icy.

There

any damp making the locks

rusty.

jacket, lad '

'

fire

Who *

no chance of

Put on your

put on your jacket/

;

That I

's

don't,'

said the boy, in a half-whisper.

thought anything about dew or

damp

?

Why, you did/

*Not

likely,

with the guns so close to the

Did you think I meant that *

Why,

'

Nonsense

fire.

*

?

of course.' !

I didn't

want

these Spaniels to take

notice of them.' '

I don't

*

Why,

*

Of

*

And

understand you, Punch/

didn't

you

tell

them we was English

?

course.'

at

the

same

time,'

couple of French muskets

said

down

Punch,

'

put a

before them, and

us with French belts and cartridge-boxes on us the time

?

'

Oh, they wouldn't have noticed that/

*

I don't know,' said Punch.

looking

all

chaps,

but they are

'

These are rough-

not fools

;

and the

French have knocked them about so that they hate them and feel ready to give them the knife at the slightest chance.'

'

'

'

873

FRIENDS OR FOES? '

Well, there

's

no harm in being

but I don't think they will doubt '

Punch

particular, us.'

Well, I don't doubt them,' said Punch.

a jolly supper won't

it

again

?

be a pity to leave

You know,

'

What

new man.

But here and go on the march

I feel just like a

1

;

I can't help

it,

comrade

;

I shall

begin thinking about the wolves again as soon as

we

Hadn't we better

start off into the darkness.

down

lie

here and go to sleep

don't know,' said

'I

men have been very strangers,

and

if

them '

Pen thoughtfully.

'These

we

are quite

we said we went

they doubt our being what

awkward

Could you go

position

if

off to sleep

and trust

Deal sooner trust them than the wolves, comrade/

so infectious

How

sleepy,

we

?

?

said Punch,

'

daylight

friendly to us, but

ours would be a very off to sleep.

till

tiresome

and

shall

yawning violently, an act which was that it made his companion yawn too. if

we

never get

!

'

he exclaimed,

don't

'

You make me

jump up and

start at once

off.'

Punch appealingly. Let 's risk it, comrade. These two wouldn't be such brutes as to use their knives on us when we were asleep. Look here What do they mean now ? For the two goatherds came and patted them on the shoulders and signed to them to get up and *

Well then,

don't,' said

'

!

r

follow.

'Why, they want us

to

go along

comrade,' said the boy, picking

with

them,

up the two muskets.

'

374

FRIENDS OR FOBS

'Here,

ketch

Why, they

in

hold,

want

don't

case

?

they

mean

mischief.

to take us into the dark so

that the goats shouldn't see the murder, do they

am

*I

replied

?

going to do what you suggested, Punch,'

Pen, 'risk

it;'

and he followed

their

two

hosts to the rough-looking stone shelter which kept off the

wind and

reflected the

warmth

Here they drew out a couple skin-rugs, and

them.

made

No words

of the

fire.

of tightly rolled -up

signs that the lads should take

were spoken, the men's intention

was plainly enough expressed; and a very short time afterwards each lad was lying

down

in the

angle of the rough wall, snugly rolled in his skinrug, with

both

it

a French musket for companion

seemed as

if

;

and

to

only a few minutes had elapsed

before they were gazing across a beautiful valley

where mists were

rising,

wreath after wreath of

half -transparent vapour, shot with

many

colours

by

the rays of the rising sun.

f* .^-

T

t

'

375

CHAPTER XLI BOOTS OR BOOTY

''T'HERE, Punch/ -*

said Pen,

?

rising;

'you didn't

dream, did you, that our friends crept up

with their knives in the night to make an end of

you *

?'

No,' cried the

First one of his knife in

goats,

'

I didn't

And what

off again

dream

away was real.

distance

it.

It

then

and pretended that they

fire.'

? '

said Pen.

there wasn't no

boy, 'and I

little

;

to see to the

'Well,

*

*

he turned to gaze

them and then the other did come with his hand but I cocked my musket, and

they sneaked

wanted

excitedly, as

who were some

after the men,

amongst the

boy

must have gone

That was

all

what

then,' replied

the

to sleep.'

a dream, I believe, Punch

;

and I

suppose you had another dream or two about the

wolves

?

was a dream. Yes, it must have been. No, it was more a bit of fancy, for I half- woke up and saw the fire shining on a whole drove of the but I soon made out that they savage beasts '

Yes, that

;

weren't wolves,

So

it

was the

because wolves don't

goats,

I say, look here.

have horns.

Those two

—

'

876

BOOTS OR BOOTY

They

chaps have been milking.

do they

us,

of the

it

for

two goatherds soon proved that

were hospitably bent,

between

mean

don't

?

The coming they

?

themselves

that

and the lads agreed

there

far

worse

warm

goat's-

were

breakfasts than black-bread cake and milk.

This ended, a

diflScult

task had to be mastered,

and that was to try and obtain information such as would enable the two questioners to learn the whereabouts of the British troops.

But

it

proved to be easier than might have been

supposed.

To

Pen's surprise he learned

all

he wanted by the

soldado, FrancSs, and

use of three words

Inglh

—

with the addition of a good deal of gesticulation. For, their breakfast ended, the their hosts,

that

of

his

muskets and *

his

companion,

and

his

lads stood with

own

then

breast and

touched

their

belts.

Soldado/ he

The

Pen patted

and

two

said.

'

Soldado.'

two goatherds caught and touched them both in turn

fiercer-looking of the

meaning

directly,

upon the breast before repeating the word soldado (soldier). '

That

all right,

's

Punch/

said Pen.

'

I

have made

him understand that we are soldiers.' Tchah said Punch scornfully. These Spaniels ain't fools. They knowed that without you telling '

them.'

!

'

*

'

BOOTS OR 1300TV

'Never mind,' said Pen.

me have my own

'Let

way, unless you would like to do

377

?

it/

'No, thank you/ replied the boy, shrinking back, while Pen

now

turned and pointed in the direction

where he believed the French troops '

Soldado Frances

?

'

lay.

he said in a questioning tone

and the man nodded quickly, caught hold of the pointing arm, and pressed

it

a

little to

show him that he had not quite

to

one

;

lad's

side, as if

located their

enemies correctly. *

Soldado Frances!* he

teeth in a smile

said,

showing

his white

and then his face changed and

;

he drew his knife.

'Soldado Frances/

he

said

fiercely.

Pen nodded, and signed

to the

man

to replace his

knife. *

So

far,

Punch,' said

so good,

know how we

Pen.

'

I

don't

are going to get on about the next

question.'

But again the task proved perfectly easy, for, laying his hand upon the goatherd's arm, he repeated the words 'Soldado IngUs,' 'Si,' said

the

man

lad on his shoulder. *

Yes, that

look here.'

higher

's

'

and he patted the

Soldado IngUs'

right,' said

all

And

directly;

Pen

;

'

but,

now

then,

pointing with his hand to a spot

up the mountain,

he

repeated

Spanish words with a questioning tone:

IngUa ? The man looked

at

the *

two

Soldado

him blankly, and Pen pointed

378

BOOTS OR BOOIT

?

and then

in another direction, repeating his question,

away down a

again

ward

where they

of

And now

far-reaching valley lying weststood.

the Spaniard's face

up

lit

as

he fully

if

grasped the meaning of the question. *

Si,

si,

si I

*

away

right

IngUs

he

the

into

Soldado

!

And

mibchos,*

nodding quickly and pointing

cried,

distant

Inglis

! '

he

valley.

*

Soldado

cried.

'

Muchos,

then, thoroughly following the

mean-

ing of the lad's questions, he cried excitedly, as he

away down

pointed of

flash

light

the valley, where an occasional

suggested the presence

'Soldado IngUs,

And

Tuuchoar

Tniichos,

of

a

river,

then he

tapped the musket and belts and repeated his words

he

poiiited

away

'Bravo amigo!' cried

—

'There,

again

and again as

distance.

don't think there

's

somewhere over

lie

Then

*

if

Pen.

a doubt of

it.

The

into

Punch,

I

British forces

there.'

the British forces

lie

over there,' cried

Punch, almost pompously, 'that's where the lies,

the

for they always

go

home again to-night

first

if

Why, we

we have

luck.

—

th

shall be at

My

word,

when we march into camp ? For, of course, they think we are dead You listen what old O'Grady saya You see if he don't say, " Well done, me boys Ye are welkim as the flures of May." I say, ask him how many miles won't the chaps give us a hooroar

!

!

it is '

to

where our fellows

No, Punch, you do

it,'

lie.'

'

'

'

BOOTS OR BOOTY *

No, I ain't going to

'

Wellj look here

to us,

How

;

try.'

to be done

men have been very good show that we are grateful.

these

and we ought to

is it

879

?

?

We ain't got no know/ said Punch. money, have we ? Not a peseta. Punch. But I tell you what will please them. You must give them your knife/ Likely Why, it 's the Give them my knife best bit of stuff that was ever made. I wouldn't *

I don't

'

'

'

1

!

take a hundred pounds for '

Well, no one will offer

are not asked to sell

them '

pay

to

But give

right.

for

it.'

it

to you, Punch,

ask you to give

I

it.

what they have done

my

knife

You know

best,

!

I

!

am

it

to

for us.'

— Oh, and you think we ought you —Good-bye, I wouldn't.

well, all

if

to give it to them, there

sharper

and you

old

are.

very sorry to part with you

all

the

same. '

Never mind, Punch.

I

'11

give you a better one

some day/

Some day never comes,' said the boy grumpily. But I know you will if you can.' '

'

Pen took the

knife, and, eager to get the matter

over, he stepped to

where the bigger goatherd stood

watching them, and opened and shut the big clasp knife, picked

up a

piece of wood,

keen the blade was, the the while

;

man

watching him curiously

and then Pen closed

the man's hand.

and showed how

it

and placed

it

in

—

'

!

880

BOOTS OR BOOTY

The Spaniard looked moment, as '

For

?

him

at

curiously

for

a

not quite grasping his meaning.

if

usted' said Pen

smiled, but shook hia

;

and the man nodded and

head and gave him the knife

back. '

Hooroar

He

!

Pen pressed groaned

;

it/ cried

Punch.

upon the man again, and Punch

it

but the

won't have

man

rejected

once more thrust-

it,

ing the knife back with both hands, and then laugh-

down to Pen's boots. What does he mean by that, Punch ? Haw, haw, haw, haw laughed the

ingly pointed '

'

'

!

'

cried Pen.

boy.

'

He

wants you to give him your boota' Nonsense !

'

'

Here,

us

give

hold

of

my

have got you again

knife.

Hooroar

But he sha'n't have your boots he shall have mine, and welcome. Look here, my cock Spaniel,* continued the boy excitedly, as he pocketed his knife, and dropping Sharper,

I

!

;

himself on the ground he began to unfasten his

But the man shook his head and signed to him that they would not do, pointing again and again to Pen's. No, no you can't have them. These are better. You can have them and boots.

'

;

welcome.'

But there was a difference of opinion, the Spaniard persisting in his demand for the pair that had taken his fancy. *

Here, I didn't think he was such a

Punch.

fool,' cried

'These are the best;' and the boy thrust

BOOTS OR BOOTY

881

?

and held them out to the man, who

off his boots

still

shook his head violently. 'No,

Punch/

no,

who had

Pen,

said

and he drew off own boots and held them to the man, who seized

followed his companion's example his

them *

Not

tramp

them

'

There, put yours on again. Punch/

me,' said the boy.

and

in boots

barefoot

Blest

?

;

showing them with a look of triumph

joyfully,

to his fellow,

if .

'

Think

I 'm going to

you tramp over the rocks Here, you put do so there

let

I

;

!

on.*

Not me/

'

fit

quickly

1/ said Pen.

'Yes, they would.

'

I don't believe they

I

do know

years older than I am, but as yours

;

now

so

then.

my

I tried

You

that.

feet

's

would are

quite as big

yours

when you

was asleep one night, and they

fitted

me

so of course these 'ere will

you.

Here, catch

fit

exactly,

hold.'

Pen turned away so decisively that the boy stood scowling; but a thought struck him, and with a look of triumph he turned to the younger of the

two goatherds. '

Here you

are,

cocky/ he cried

;

and to the

man's keen delight Punch thrust the pair of boots into his hands

back. '

'It's

and gave him a hearty slap on the

all

right,

Foots soon gets hard

Nature

soles

comrade,'

when you

cried

ain't got

the

no

and heels them with her own

boy. shoes.

leather.

Lots of our chaps have chucked their boots away.

'

BOOTS OR BOOTY

382 and don't mind a

me

the world,

bit.

There

?

tpas plenty of foots in

was any brogues.

boy, before there

I

heered O'Grady say that one day to one of our chaps

who had had going to do

his boots stolen.

I say,

what

are they

?

This soon became evident, for the elder goatherd,

on seeing that the lads were about to start

in the

upon Pen a goatskin

direction of the valley, pressed

bag which he took from a comer of the

shelter, its

contents being a couple of bread-cakes, a piece of

brown

cheese like dried

and the horn of

'Come

along, Punch,' cried

Have they

of it then.

qmd pro

? '

cried

Pen

quo at

Punch

hungry.

all events.*

eagerly.

'

Take

care

when

bit

I

Old O'Grady told me over

and over again that a chew ain't

'They

cheerily.

have often longed for a

I

felt so horribly

when you

about a dozen onions,

salt.

have given us a '

leather,

got nothing

of 'bacco is splendid

eat

to

;

so

we

will

just try.' '

What

you talking about

are

?

'

marched along the mountain slope old

who

*

went

delicately/ for the

said Pen, as they like

some one of

way was

stony,

and Nature had not had time to commence the promised soleing and heeling process. '

What was

slipped '

talking about

some 'bacco into the

Nonsense I said

I

'

?

You

said they 'd

bag.'

cried Pen.

you did. You said quid something.' a few Latin words that sounded like it*

'I swear *

I

BOOTS OR BOOTY '

Well, look ye here, comrade

Latin was old

chap

he was

Mr

!

!

all

383

?

don't do

;

it

very well for that old padre

Bless his bald head

And

Contrabando;

but

Punchard, sivvy play, as

plain

all

very well for

English

we say

—good

Regular trump

!

parly vooing was

again.

for

in French.'

Bob

884

CHAPTER

XLII.

FRIEND AND ENEMY.

'T'HE two -^

for

lads started

if

oflF

light-hearted and hopeful,

they could trust the goatherds, whose

information seemed to be perfectly correct, a day's

journey downward to the river in the valley, though

seeming far

must bring them pretty near

distant,

—

the goal they sought quarters of the

army

other words, the head-

in

that had crossed over from

Portugal into Spain to drive back the French usurper, the task having been given to England's most trusted

who was

General, Wellesley, to be better

Thanks

known

in time to

as Wellington.

to the goatherds, the lads

visioned for a

day

come always

;

were well pro-

but at the same time, and again

thanks to their hosts of the past night, they were sadly crippled for their task. It

was not long before they began

to feel

how

badly they were equipped, for the principal production of the part of the country they traversed seemed to be stones,

up

to

from the smallest sharp-cornered pebble

huge blocks half the

size of

a house.

But

for

hours they trudged on sturdily, chatting cheerfully at

first,

then

growing

silent,

and

remarks which were started by Punch.

then

making

'

'

;

'

FRIEND AND ENEMY.

385

what they

'Say, comrade/ he said, 'is Spain

a

Yes, and

'

at least,

'

country

civilised

?

one of the most famous in Europe

used to

it

be.'

Ah, used to be

'

'Tain't

!

'

they have got roads like

Punch.

sat

ain't the

my

you

down and had a but

like,

word

visions so as to

for

grumbled like

Ain't

bit of dinner

'We

it,'

farther

the bone.

feet to

'No,' replied Pen, if

Used.

this.'

we go on much

wear

I shall

we

Rough

!

If

'

'

rough,' said Pen.

it is

Rough

*

Punch sharply,

said

I don't call a place civilised where

now,

*Yes,

call

this

time

it

?

down and

will sit

rest

we must try and husband our promake them last over till to-morrow

night.' '

What 's to-morrow night

We

got

do with

to

it ?

ought to be along with the British army by

to-night

We

and what 's husbands got to do with

;

are not going to share our prog with

else,

and

husbands,

it's

if

won't bring their wives telling

me

?

it ?

anybody

how do we know they Bother You will be 1

they are going to bring

their kids

all

next, *

Is that

little '

out

meant

farther

for a joke.

Come

first.

Step out indeed first

thing

—

!

'

Punch

?

's

go a

along, step out.'

grumbled the boy.

right

Let

out

of

my

'

boots,

I stepped I

say,

comrade, oughtn't the soles of our feet to begin to get hard '7eat.

by now

?

Y

FRIEND AND ENEMY.

386

'Don't talk about '

Oh,

you can

now, what

know

not had,

my

'&

that

'

go on

I did If

I

had

and shared them then

we

could

would have been better

It

foots.

?

this

have

should

now and

every

*

it ?

know, Punch.

don*t

like

it 's

to be so bad.

goat- stalker

—and

till

we

and bathe our

rest

If

?

I 'd have kept them,

!

then, wouldn't

's

too

it

was going

if

have changed

Let

Punch/

going to be by to-night it

-one apiece

*I

feel

that

blest

boots

it

it,

Don't think about

get to the

first spring,

it.

and then

feet.'

All right'

The boys kept on hour

their painful

for another

and then, the spring being found, they rested

;

and bathed

their tender soles, partook of a portion

and went on again.

of their provisions,

That night the river seemed ever,

walk

and as they

their night's rest,

settled

to be as far off as

upon a sheltered spot

for

and ate their spare supper, Punch

hazarded the remark that they shouldn't overtake the

army

the next day.

Pen was more hopeful,

and that night they fell asleep directly, with Punch quite forgetful of the wolves. The morning found the travellers better prepared for the continuance of their journey,

and they

toiled

on painfully, slept for another night in a patch of forest,

and started

so as to reach

the

off at the river,

swiftly westward on their

first

blink of

dawn

which was now flowing left.

'

'

FRIEND AND ENEMY. Their provisions were finished,

387

all

but a scrap of

the bread which was so hard that they were glad to soak

in the river; but in spite of their pain

it

they walked on more bravely, their sufferings being

by the water, which was now always on left, and down to whose bubbling surface

alleviated their

they descended from time to time. *I say,' said Punch,

all

at once,

'I

hope those

we have come a

chaps were right, because

long

way, and I can't see no sign of the army.'

You must have

patience. Punch.'

*A11 right; but it's nearly all used up,

look here, do you think the of the river

Can't say, Punch.

'

But suppose

town and a bridge

But

we

Oh

I

we

hope

so.'

?

Are we

likely to

are you

come

to a

?

shall

away up

in the mountains.

be able to find a ford where

cross.' !

'

said

Punch

in addition to weariness

midday, when the heat

and they now from hunger

thoughtfully

journeyed on, beginning to suffer

down

How

the other side.

are too far

I dare say

can '

we

;

—

it 's

going to get across

No

will be this side

?

*

'

army

I say,

and pain of

the

;

;

and just about

sun was beating

strongly in the river valley. Punch limped off

painfully to

where an

oak-tree spread

its

shady

boughs, and threw himself prone. 'It's all up, comrade,' he farther.'

said.

'Can't go no

;

'

FRIKND AND ENEMY.

388 No, no

'

way/

don't give

;

said Pen,

who

felt pain-

disposed to follow his companion's example.

fully

Get well into the shade and have a few hours' sleep. It will be cooler by-and-by, and we shall get on better a£ter a rest. There, try and go to '

X

sleep.'

Who 's

*

to sleep with a pair of red-hot feet and

empty cupboard

aji

took hold of

drew them

ankles,

his

And he

I can't,' said Punch.

?

and sat

up,

Chinese-tumbler fashion, rocking himself to and fro while with a weary sigh Pen sank

and sat gazing into the sunny

we

Couldn't

'

Punch

at

*

It

and

'

said

green and meadow-

all

Pen

?

and stones and

Can you swim

Yes, pretty well,' said

him

distance.

rocks

all

's

this side,

like over the other. *

beside

get over to the other side

last.

rough going

down

'

;

?

but I should be

too tired to try.'

So can

*

pretty tidy.

I,

Let

tired to try.

carried us

Very

'

said

am

just rest a

but not too

tired, bit,

and then swim

It runs pretty fast, but 'tain't far,

across. it

's

I

Pen

some way down,

all

*

but I must rest

Then the boys were of

mind

if

we

silent for a time, for

the verdant

try,'

first.'

whose eyes were wandering as distance

if

the better.'

well, after a bit I don't ;

and

he

undulating

Punch,

scanned slope

the

on the

other side of the river, suddenly burst out with: 'Yes,

we had

better get across, for our chaps are

sure to be on the other side of the

river.'

'

'

''

!'

FRIEND AND ENEMY. *

Why

*

'Cause

?

Pen drowsily.

said

'

we

are

Soldiering always seems to

this.

be going by the rules of contrary

boy

the

cried

There they are

excitedly,

'

and

;

what did

I

—

there

tell

!

you

?

!

What, our men

*

389

Where

?

?

'

cried

Pen

excitedly.

'Right over yonder, a mile away.' 'I can see nothing.'

You

*

forward, nursing

ing

Punch

don't half look,' cried

wildly into the

angrily, bend-

tender feet and staring

his

*I ketched

distance.

bit of scarlet ever so far

off,

sight of

a

and that must mean

Bri'sh soldiers.'

No

'

might be something painted red

it

;

—or

a

patch of poppies perhaps.'

say next

my

as

!

Oh, go

*

It's

it

it

cried

'

Punch

angrily.

*

a jerrynium in a red

is

You pot,

will

same

mother always used to have in her window.

red-coats,

I

tell

you.

There,

can't

you

see

them?' 'No.' '

Tchah

You

!

—about

yonder hill

looking

right.

a mile away from the top of that

Pen

slowly.

see that flash

Punch, you are right

Ah

! '

Look

Now,

?

No,' said

Do you *

not

just to the right of that bit of a wood.

do you see '

are

Yes, I do

—men marching.

in the sunlight.

Bayonets

!

said the boy.

say to a swim across

'

?

'

Now

then,

what do you

FRIEND AND ENEMY.

890

am

'Yes, I

*How

ready/ said Pen.

far is

do

it,

*

you think ? 'Oh, 'About a hundred yards/ replied the boy. we ought to do that easy. You see, it will be only paddle at first, and then wade till you get up to your

swim

tx)

and then swim.

chest,

at

Rough

all.

When you

shallow.

have to take

off

Perhaps

x'ivers

like this are

always

We

sha'n't

are ready I am.

we can wring our

they will soon dry in the sun. word.

the

army

the British

am

I

have

sha'n't

our shoes and stockings

get very wet, well,

give

we

and

;

we

if

clothes,

and

Look sharp and

ready for anything

with

in sight.'

There was no hesitation now.

The

lads took the

precaution of securing their cartouche-boxes between the muzzle of their pieces and the ramrod

and,

;

r

keeping

the muskets

moment they

slung

still

so

that

any

at

could let them drop loose to hang from

down amongst

the shoulder, they stepped carefully

the stones until the pleasantly cool water began to

foam above till

their feet,

they were

and then waded carefully on

knee-deep and began to

feel

the

pressure of the water against their legs. 'Ain't '

Don't

going to be deep,' said Punch cheerily.

it feel

nice to

Why,

your toddlers

though

in it

would carry you along

walk.

It strikes

me

if it

that

we

faster than

fast

to

it

swim

you could

shall get across without

up to one's waistbelt.' The boy seemed pretty correct

having

How

was deep enough

runs,

!

?

it

in his judgment,

FBIEND AND ENEMY. for as they carefully

waded on

bottom was very uneven across,

and

—

—they

391

carefully, for the

were nearly half

the water was not so deep as the

still

boy had prophesied. *

There

What

!

did I

tell

you

? '

he said

;

and

then with his next step he caught at his companion's

hand and went down to his

The

chin.

was that Pen lost his balance, and the pair, half-struggling, half-swimming for about a dozen yards, were carried swiftly along to where a result

patch of rock showed

water foaming

and found bottom hole

his exertions.

'Oh

'

'

have swallowed. are half-over.

to their knees.

cried Pen, panting a little with

I say,

'I

with the

directly, struggling up,

!

yes, I will

and choking.

right round against the rocks,

now

swift stream only

What a

in mid-stream with the

around.

all

They were swept

*

itself

you must take

take

care,' said

care, Punch.'

the boy, puffing

know how much water I But it 's all shallow now, and we don't

How about your cartridges

?

Mine

's

all wet.'

'Then I suppose mine are too,' said Pen. 'Perhaps 'Never mind/ cried Punch cheerfully. they will be all right if we lay them out to dry in

Now

the sun. it

then, are

you ready

?

It looks as

if

will be all shallow the rest of the way.'

'I sha'n't trust it/ said Pen, 'so let's

keep hold

of hands.'

They

started again, yielding a little to the stream,

'

FRIEND AND ENKMY.

392

and wading diagonally for the bank on Punch's

left,

but making very slow progress, for Pen noted that the water, which was rough and shallow where they were, seemed to flow calmly and swiftly onward a short distance away, and '

Steady

little '

Steady

!

!

'

was evidently

deep.

cried Pen, hanging

towards the bank from which they had I

am

likes.

It

All right

do as one

;

Ah

pushing behind.

away a started.

steady enough, only one can't 's !

just as

if

all

the water was

look out, comrade

!

Pen was already looking out, and he had need, for once more his companion had stepped as it were oiF a shelf into deep water, and the next moment, still grasping Punch's hand with all his might, he .

was

striking out

borne rapidly

;

and then together they were being

down by

the stream.

393

CHAPTER XLIIL FRESH COMRADES.

EN

never could quite settle in his happened.

all

it

He was

own mind how

conscious

the

of

rush of water and the foam bubbling against his lips,

while he clung tightly to his companion

till

they were swept against rocks, borne into eddies, whirled round

now beneath

for breath as darkness

was turned

now

into light

then

;

rock that were slimy with weed as he

caught at them with one hand, and then, ing to Punch,

who

raced beside their ears,

and

still

cling-

clung to him, they were being

carried slowly over a shallow patch

half-blind

gasping

they were being dragged over rough

feeling as if

pieces of

the surface,

till

where the water

at last he struggled out,

dizzy, to find himself alone,

with the

sun beating hotly upon his head.

He was

giddy, breathless, confused in his excite-

ment, as he pressed the water from his eyes

and

;

then he uttered a cry, for about twenty yards from

where he ankles,

stood,

with the water barely up to his

he could see Punch lying upon

gradually gliding

away towards

his

face,

the spot where the

stream was beginning to run smooth and deep.

He

could recall this part of his adventure, though,

well enough

:

how he

staggered and

splashed

to

'

394

:b^resh

comkades.

the place, where he could catch hold of the boy,

and turn him over before getting hold of

his belt

and dragging him right out of the river on sandy bank where it was hot and dry.

And

then he could recall

how

to the

a great despair came

upon him, and he knelt helplessly gazing down at his comrade, with the horrible feeling

upon him that

he was dead.

Then all was misty again. The river was running onward with a swift rush towards its mouth, and he was conscious that he was safe upon the bank from which he had started. Then he knew that he must have swooned away, and lay, for how long he could not

tell

but the next thing that he remembered

;

was that he opened his eyes to see Punch bending over him and rocking him to and fro

clearly

according

to the drill instructions

learned as to

how

they had

to deal with a fellow-soldier

both

who

has been half -drowned.

Oh, Punch/ he

*

him dead

like

cried, in

a voice that sounded to

a hoarse whisper, *I thought you were

1

The boy was blubbering as if his heart would break, and it was some moments before he halfsobbed and half- whimpered out, Why, you couldn't have done that, because it 's what I was thinking '

But, I say, comrade, you are

about you. aren't '

I

you

—

*0h,

all right,

*

?

I suppose

don't

so,'

talk

gasped Pen. like

that,'

sobbed

the

boy.

'

'

'

'!!

395

FRESH COMRADES. *

This

'ere

the worst of

's

Why, you must

coming round.

you

Blest

?

if

I

know

on the wrong side after

now

be,

you

or else

!

And What 's

here

!

we

to be

are

done

?'

'Wring our wearily, *

all

say as you are

you save me, or did

But, I say, did

couldn't talk. I save

Do

all.

or

'

lie

clothes,

down and

Well, I feel as

Punch.

'

This

make us

steam.

rest without.

I should like to do that,' said

if

'ere

Punch,' said Pen

I suppose,

sand I

hot and dry enough to

is

he

comrade,'

say,

continued,

wiping his eyes and speaking in a piteous tone,

you take no

'don't

my

squeezing out of it's

I

running out.

was beginning

But

all alone.

Spain

1

Here,

to

me and am so full

notice

of

the water

eyes.

I

of

it

that

But we are all right, comrade. think you had gone and left me

I say, this 'ere

what 's

choking and pynting.

'

?

Don't turn like that,

Oh, this

He 's in a blessed fit He had seized Pen by

you

with

matter

the

continued Punch excitedly.

a nice place, this

's

'ere

's

worse

still

1

the shoulders now, and

began shaking him violently, struggle with him, forced

ing

the

across

Look, look

river,

him

he

till

aside,

gasped

Pen began

to

and then pointout,

'

Cavalry

!

The boy swung himself round, one hand felt for his musket, the other at his belt, where the bayonet should have been, for the word cavalry suggested to him preparations for receiving a charge.

'

FRESH COMRADES.

396

Then, following the direction o£ hia compatiion*a pointing hand, he fully grasped what was meant, for

coming down the slope across the

couple of English light dragoons,

two

sight of the

figures

seemed as

cautiously, each with

at the ready, and if

moment

for the

it

vedette were about to place the

the

two

lives of the

who had caught

on the opposite bank.

The men were approaching his carbine

were a

river

But

lads in fresh peril.

drew nearer the boys

and shouted

rose

as they

though the

;

rushing noise of the river drowned their worda

As the boys continued

the

to gesticulate,

men

began to grasp the fact that they had been in the water, and

what they were,

for one of

them began

pointing along the stream and waving his hand, as

he shouted again and again, '

Can't

— understand—what — you — say

Punch; and then putting shouted with

all his

his

might,

'

English

!

yelled

'

hand to his

lips,

Help

The word help evidently reached the *

!

'

he

!

ears of one

waved carbine and pointed down-

of the dragoons, for, rising in his stirrups, he

the hand that held his

stream, yelling out something again.* *I don't know, comrade,' cried '

I think it

*I

know

was

"

Come on

!

now,' cried Pen.

"

Punch

dolefully.

'

*It

Then the drenched, exhausted

was "ford."

'

pair staggered on

over the dry sand, which suggested that at times the river

must be twice

vedette guided

their

its

present width

;

and the

horses carefully on amongst'

' ''

'

397

FRESH COMRADES. the stones of the farther bank,

till,

a few hundred

yards lower down, where the river was clear of

and ran swiftly on

obstructions

two horses turned

the

down

the

into

right

which,

water,

in a regular ripple,

and paced gently half-way

up as they made

knees, splashed

to

their

for the opposite

bank, which the lads reached at the same time as the vedette. '

Why,

hallo,

what you were.

my

lads

The

'

Yes.'

'

What

'

Yes, tried to cross

!

—

We

!

couldn't

th, aren't

you

have you been in the river

—

make out

?

?

'most drowned,' said Punch

hoarsely.

'You should have come down to this ford. Where are you for ? Our corps, when we can find it,' said Pen, Oh, that 's all right about two miles away. *

'

;

Come '

on.'

Not me

enough of

!

'

Punch

said

sturdily.

'

I

have had

it.'

What do you mean ? said the other dragoon Afraid to cross ? who had not spoken. '

'

'

*

if

Yes, that

's

you had had

said Punch,

it,'

my

dosa

*

So would you be

I 'm nearly full of water

now.' '

Well,

laughing.

We

you '

it,'

said

the

first

dragoon,

Here, take hold of our stirrup-leathers.

will take

Punch

look

you across

hesitated.

all right.'

'

'

398

FRESH COMRADES.

we

*

Shall

'

Yes, of course.'

risk

And Punch

comrade

it,

?

'

he

said.

limped painfully to the side of the

second dragoon, while Pen took hold of the stirrupleather of the

first.

'Here, I say, this won't do,' said the man, as their horses' hoofs sank in the hot, dry sand of the

other side. up.

'

Why, you

—Dismount

panion lads,

mean '

?

Wound,' said Pen

to the

A

safe.

Pen

camp

wound

told

the way.

What

does that

*

?

My

'

How

I.

'

my

There,

*

ride the rest of

quietly.

comrade, there,

you say

far do

it

is

?

couple of miles

How

saddles.

he continued,

'

Footsore, or a

?

and he and his com-

from their

has been worse than

*

cried,

You can

Limping

!

he

'

dropped

mount.

Hallo

!

are both regularly knocked

but we will see you there

;

have you been him,

off for rations

?

and an end was put to

their

famishing state by a surprise of the dragoons' haversacks.

About

half

an hour

later the led horses entered

the camp, and the boy*s hearts were gladdened by the cheery notes of a cavalry *

call.

Ah,' whispered Punch, as he leaned over from his

seat in the saddle to whisper to Pen,

do a fellow's heart good, comrade. good as a bugle.

If

should be just myself.'

I

could

'

that seems to

But

*tain't

so

hear that again I

399

CHAPTER

XLIV.

BEFORE THE AQUILINE.

THREE

days in the English camp, and the two

had pretty well recovered

lads

;

but they were

greatly disappointed to find that during the absence

dragoons

the

of

on vedette duty the

—

th and

another regiment had been despatched for a reconnoitring expedition, so that the lads had encountered

no old '

friends.

Well, I suppose

said Punch,

'

we oughtn't to grumble,

comrade,'

makes no end

of a fuss

for every one

over us, and are always beginning to ask questions

and

one telling them about

set

were

all

we

did after

we

left behind.'

'Yes

I

;

am

rather tired of

when we

be only too glad

it,'

said Pen.

'I shall

are able to join the

regiment.' *

Oh, I shall be glad enough,' said Punch.

want

to see old O'Grady,

think, colonel

if

I

was

to

would put

Of course

me boy

make a

me

;

'

I

and, I say, do you

sort of petition like, the

in one of the companies

I used to be proud

now

?

enough of being bugler,

but I want to be full private.' '

Well,

you have only got

to wait

till

you get

bigger,' said Pen, smiling. *

Bother bigger

! '

cried

the boy.

*

Why,

I

am

BEFORE THE AQUILINE.

400 growing

and

fast,

last

time I was measured I was

only an inch shorter than the got

;

and what

little

an inch make when

difference does

a fellow can carry a

and can use

rifle

ain't able,

though

there isn't a

man

can't say that I

chap we have

it

You

it ?

was only a

musket/ '

No, Punch

;

in the regiment

could have done better than you did/ *

There,

then

!

'

cried

the

Then I 'm sure

boy,

with

eyes

his

you would speak up and say all that to the colonel he would let me go into one of the companies. I want to be in yours, but I would wait for my chance if they would only sparkling,

make me a

'

full private at

if

once/

The boys were sitting talking together when an infantry sergeant came up and said, Here, youngsters, don't go away. Smarten yourselves up a bit. You are to come with me to the officers' tent. I will be *

back in about ten minutes.*

The sergeant went off in his quick, way, and Punch began to grumble. '

Who 's

lantly,

'

smarten himself

to

when

his

no proper boots ? don't fit, and they yours ain't

much

uniform

is all

'

it

Yes,' said It

's

like

he cried petu-

nohow and he 's got

These old uns they

've give

will be all to pieces directly better.

;

me and

I suppose they are going

where we have been and

to question us again about

what we have

up,*

business-like

done.'

Pen wearily, and I am rather making a show of us,' '

tired of

'

'

'

401

BEFORE THE AQUILINE. *

Oh, well,

They

don't hurt.

it

and

like to hear,

I dare say the oflScers will give orders that

we

are to

have something to eat and drink.' *

Pen

drinking,' said '

but eating and

Punch, you think of nothing again.

we

Well, after being starved as

have, ain't

enough to make anybody think that a

any harm

wouldn't do them

back

For he

* !

caught

little

Hallo,

?

sight

he

the

of

it

more soon

's

sergeant

coming, *

Now,

boys,'

he

said,

*

ready

?

Pen; and the keen-looking non-com,

'Yes,' said

looked both of them over in turn, '

That the best you can do

said sourly.

Well, I suppose

'

and you look as

if

Punchard, can't you lower *

No,

sir

drowned.

it

it is.

You

?

those trousers

he

are clean,

you had been at work. let

'

You,

down a

little

?

They have run when we were half-

I did try last night.

;

up through being

*

for yourselves

in the river

'

Humph

Perhaps,' said the sergeant.

!

*

I believe

was the growing so much.' Punch turned sharply to

him a wink, '

Now

as

much

his

as to say,

then, forward

!

'

'

comrade and gave

Hear that

?

said the sergeant.

look here, put on your best manners, boys. are going before some of the biggest officers, so

your

A

p's

and

And You

mind

q's.'

few minutes

•Tebt.

'

later the sergeant stopped short at

Z

'

402

BEFORE THE AQUILINE.

the largest tent in the camp, stated his business to the sentry flag,

came

and

who was marching

a few minutes a subaltern

after waiting

out,

and fro before a

to

spoke to the sergeant, and then told the

boys to follow him. Directly after, the pair

were ushered

into

the

presence of half-a-dozen officers in undress uniform,

one of whom, a keen-looking, aquiline-nosed man,

gave them

in turn a sharp,

searching look, which

Punch afterwards said went right through him and came back again. He then turned to a gray-haired Go on. I will listen.' officer and said shortly, The gray-haired officer nodded and then turned to the two lads. Look here, boys,* he said, we have heard something about j^our adventures while you were away from your regiment. Now, stories grow in telling, like snowballs. Do you understand ? *

*

*

*

Oh

yes,

sir,*

said Punch,

'I

know

that;' and,

apparently not in the slightest degree abashed by the presence in which he found himself, the boy eagerly

scanned each item

officer in turn,

within

the

tent,

before examining every

and then

letting

eyes

his

wander out through the open doorway. '

And

my

you,

had remained

lad

? '

continued the

*

Well,' said the officer, of

Pen

said the lad quietly.

Yes,

account

for

silent.

*

sir,'

officer,

where

exaggeration, for I

'

we want

you have

am

the plain, simple

been,

afraid one of

without

you

—

I

any don't

'

know

BEFORE THE AQUILINE.

408

which, but I dare say I shall

make a very

—

shrewd guess before we have done

up your adventures with rather a *I

beg your pardon,

sir,'

has been dressing

free hand.'

said

Pen

*my

quietly,

comrade here, Punchard, has told nothing but the simple truth, and I have only answered questions

without the slightest exaggeration/ *

Without the

officer,

?

exaggeration

slightest

the

said

'

looking searchingly at Pen, and there was a

touch of irony in his tone,

'

Well, that

is

what

I

want from you now.' Pen coloured and remained silent while the officer asked a question or two of Punch, but soon turned the elder

to

who, warming as he went on,

lad,

and succinctly related the main points of

briefly

what they had gone through. Well spoken, my Very well said aquiline-nosed officer and Pen started, *

!

lad,' said

for,

warming

Pen had almost forgotten

his pre-

;

in his narration, sence.

'

How

the

long have you been a private in the

th?' '

A

'

Where were you

year,

sir.'

before you enlisted

?

'At Blankton House School' '

Oh, I thought they called that College.'

*

Yes,

sir,

they

do,' said

Pen, smiling

;

*

but

it

is

only a preparation place.' 'Yes, for the for the '

army

Yea,

sir.'

*

?

sons of

gentlemen making ready

'

'

BEFORE THE AQUILINE.

404 *

And how come you

be a private in his

to

Majesty's Rifle Regiment ?'

Pen was

silent.

'Speak

out,

ain't '

comrade/

put

nothing to be ashamed

Silence, sir

rade

speak

'

for

'

Let your com-

Then turning to Pen, there was nothing to be

himself.'

Your comrade ashamed of.'

says

Pen gravely.

'

There

'

Well, then, keep nothing back.'

'

It

is not, sir,*

this

'There

of.'

cried the officer.

!

*

was

Punch.

in

way,

said

sir,'

said Pen.

'

I

was educated

and then by a death in my family hopes were set aside, and I was placed in a

to be an officer,

my

all

lawyer's it,

become a

to

I couldn't bear

clerk.

sir.' *

And you

ran

'

No,

I appealed again

sir.

My

away

my

return to

to

I

office

?

school and

and again for leave finish

my

education.

and I suppose did wrong, for I went straight to where they were relative refused to listen to me,

recruiting for the Rifle Regiment, and the sergeant

me H'm

took '

at once.' !

'

said the officer, looking searchingly in the

lad's eyes.

a regiment

'

How

came you

?

Pen smiled rather *

in

to join so quiet-looking

It

was because

my

teeth that

uniform that I

bitterly.

my

relative, sir,

always threw

was for the sake of the wanted to join the army.' it

it

scarlet

'

'

'

;

"

BEFORE THE AQUILINE. '

lad

H'm ;

the

said

! '

officer.

'

405

Now, look

here,

my

presume you have had your eyes about you

I

during the time that you were a prisoner,

when you

were escaping, and when you were with the contrabandista and had that adventure with the Spanish

whom you suppose to why did you suppose

gentleman the way,

King '

that he

By

was the

?

From

the behaviour of his followers,

from what '

be the King.

He was

H'm.

from the smuggler

I learned

sir,

and

chief.'

a Spaniard, of course

?

'Yes, sir/ '

Do you

*

No,

*

Do you

'

Pretty easily, sir

speak Spanish

We

sir.

?

conversed in French.'

speak French fluently

am

but I

;

*

?

afraid

my

accent

is

atrocious. '

But you should hear him talk

Punch '

Latin, sir

Silence,

boy

snapped out the gray-haired

!'

Well, he can, sir

angrily.

*

whc was a '

'

cried

eagerly.

and the chief gave him a look and a *

!

He

;

that

Punch

talked to the old father, the padre,

regular friend to

Silence,

smile.

quite true,' cried

's

officer

boy

! '

said

us.'

the

aquiline-nosed

officer

Your comrade can say what he has say modestly and well. That is a thing you

sternly now. to

*

cannot do, so do not interrupt again.' *

*

All right,

sir.

No,

sir

;

beg pardon/ said Punch,

Well,* continued the officer, looking keenly

and

'

'

'

'

BEFORE THE AQtlLINE.

406

searchingly at Pen,

you

'

have been able to

sliould

carry in your mind a pretty good idea of the country

you have passed through.' '

He

can, sir/ cried Punch.

'

He

has got

it all

in

head like a map.'

his '

My

good boy/ said the

add to the severity

officer,

of his aspect,

again you will be placed under

Punch

if

*

you interrupt

arrest.'

closed his lips so tightly that they formed

a thin pink '

biting his Itp to

line right across the

bottom of his

Now, Private Gray, do you think

face.

that you do

carry within your recollection a pretty good idea of the face of the country

and

plainly,

;

or to put

it

do you think you could guide a

ment through the lead them safely encamped ? In the dark

*It

to

where you

left

*

the French

sir.'

?

would be rather harder

replied Pen,

regi-

passes of this wild country and

*I have not a doubt but that I could, '

more simply

but I

the dark,

in

sir,'

feel confident that I could.'

May I take it that you are willing to try ? 'I am the King's servant, sir, and I will do my

*

best. '

That 's enough,'

said the chief.

'

You can

return

to your quarters and hold yourself in readiness to

do what

I propose,

and

The speaker stopped

if

you do

short,

this successfully

and Pen took a step

towards him. '

What were you going

to say

? '

said the officer.

'

'

'

BEFORE THE AQUILINE. '

Let

me

try

first,

407

sir/ said the lad,

with his pale

worn by what he had gone through flushing up with excitement. face,

*

That

will do/ said the officer,

your duty at any moment. to say

—

Well,

'

of late,

only be ready for

what do you wish

?

Pen stretched out

hand and

his

laid

upon

it

Punch's shoulder, for the boy had been moving his

almost continuously during the latter part of

lips

the conversation, and in gi'imaces as

if

Only this, went through *

making hideous

addition

he were in pain, sir,'

said

Pen

all

that

I

;

*

my

did.

companion here

He was

keenly

observant, and would be of great assistance to if

any turn I were in doubt.' Then you would like to have him with you

me

at '

'Yes, *

?

sir,'

And you

feel

him

that you could trust

?

*0h yes, sir,' replied Pen. And the boys' eyes met their hands too, for Punch with his lips still

—

pressed together took a step forward and caught Pen

by the hand and wrist. Take him with you, then,' said the officer. Oh, thank Hooray hooray cried Punch, wildly excited now, for he had caught the tramp of men and seen that which made him dash towards '

'

!

!

'

the open tent- door. '

Bring back that boy

sergeant,

who was

!

'

cried the officer

;

and the

waiting outside, arrested Punch

and brought him before the group of

officers.

408

How

'

*

BEFORE THE AQUILINE.

You

dare you,

are

sir

cried the chief wrathfully,

!

'

not to be trusted.

I rescind that per-

mission I was about to give.'

Oh, don't do that,

'

sir

'Tain't fair

!

I

'

cried the

w

boy.

'I couldn't help

it,

marching into camp

sir,

Ain't seen them,

sir,

be hard on a fellow,

—

the

since I sir

You might have done

!

It

sir.

—

was our

—

th, sir

fellows,

Rifles, sir.

was shot down. Don't So glad to see them, sir.

the same.

I only wanted to

give them a cheer.'

Then go out and cheer them,

'

sir,'

said the officer,

frowning severely, but with a twinkle of mirth in his

—

you know your duty. It is an important one, and I have given it to you in the full belief that you will well serve your country eye.

'

There, Pen Gray,

and your King.'

;

409

CHAPTER XLV. NO MORE BUGLING.

HAT

same night not only a regiment but a

very

brigade

strong

the

of

British

marched upon the important service that

army was in

hand.

They marched only by

night,

and under Pen's

guidance the French forces that had been besieging the old mine were utterly routed. at

a time when

provisions

were

This happened failing,

and the

contrabandista captain saw nothing before him but surrender,

he had

for

found

to

his

dismay that

the adit through which he had hoped to lead the

Spanish monarch to safety liad been blocked by

—by whom,

the treacherous action of some follower

he could not

tell,

though he guessed that

it

was a

question of bribery.

There was nothing for

it

but to die in defence

they were prepared to do

of his monarch,

and

but no further

fierce fighting

the French General,

this

had taken

after securing

place, for

every exit by

the aid of his reinforcements, felt satisfied that he

had only to wait for either surrender or the dash out by a forlorn hope, ready to die sword in hand.

Then came shortly what was surprise,

to

him a thorough

and the routing of his forces by the British

;

410

NO MORE BUGLING.

troops in an encounter which laid open a large tract of country and

proved to be one of the greatest

successes of Sir Arthur Wellesley's campaign.

The natural

was a meeting in the English GeneraVs tent, where the King was being entertained by the General himself. Here he exsequence

a desire

pressed

English youth to

to

see

whom

again

the

brave young

he owed so much, for he

had learned the part Pen Gray had taken

in his

rescue. It

was one afternoon

of such a

the Peninsula deserve the the their

—

th

Rifles

task

as

Spanish monarch on his

and to

of

Sunny Spain

that

were on duty ready to perform

acting

of

name

day as well made

escort

to

way back

the dethroned to his capital

Pen a message was brought come with his companion to the General's

to the surprise of

him

to

tent.

Here he was received by the King in person, and with a few earnest thanks for all he had done, the monarch presented him with a ring which he took from his

finger.

He

followed this up by taking his

watch and chain and presenting them

to Punch,

who

took them in speechless wonder, looked from one

and then whispered to Pen,

to the other,

'

He means

this for you.'

The General heard '

No,

my

lad

;

his words,

keep your present.

and said

Your

quietly,

friend

and

companion has yet to be paid for the modest and brave way in which he performed his duties in

'

NO MORE BUGLING. guiding our force. is

in full

—

Private Gray, his Majesty here

agreement with that which I

—which

It is this

do.

411

is

am

my

quite Within

about to

powers as

General of his Britannic Majesty's forces. ceptional cases promotion is given to for

bravery in the

you

presenting

field.

with

is

soldiers

I have great pleasure in

your

commission.

Gray, I hope that some day I

The way

young

In ex-

may

open to you now,

I

Ensign

you Captain. wish you every

call

success.' *

Oh, I say

! '

cried Punch, as soon as they

were

alone.

The boy could say no more, for he was halfchoking with emotion. But within an hour he was with Pen again bursting with news and ready to announce, No more bugling Hooray I am the '

youngest

!

full private in

our corps

THE END.

!

!

:

Edinburgh Printed by

TiT.

&

B. Chambers, Limited*