night they cut the telegraph-wires, and every day they lay in wait for
any baggage convoy or foraging party that leaves the camp.

* * * * *

You will be pleased to hear more about the brave piper of the Gordon
Highlanders, who, though shot through both ankles at the battle of
Dargai Ridge, propped himself up, and continued playing on his pipes to
cheer his comrades.

The Indian despatches say that he has been recommended for the Victoria
Cross.

This decoration is the English reward for great bravery. It is the
decoration of all others which British soldiers love to receive.

It is a simple little bronze cross, of the shape known as a Maltese
cross; in the centre is the crown, with the British lion standing upon
it, and on a scroll beneath the inscription "For Valor." For soldiers it
has a red ribbon, for sailors a blue. The slide through which the ribbon
passes is a bronze bar ornamented with a laurel wreath, the symbol of
victory.

The value of the Victoria Cross is practically nothing, but those men
who have been happy enough to earn it value it above any riches or
honors.

Piper Findlater, of the Gordon Highlanders, is a proud fellow just now,
and would not be willing to change places with any duke or millionaire,
no matter how great his rank or wealth, for in that little simple cross