tail.'

Then the Major in command moved down to the rear swearing softly and
asking for the blood of Lieutenant Halley--the subaltern who had just
spoken.

'Look after your rearguard,' said the Major. 'Some of your infernal
thieves have got lost. They're at the head of the squadron, and
you're a several kinds of idiot.'

'Shall I tell off my men, sir?' said the subaltern sulkily, for he
was feeling wet and cold.

'Tell 'em off!' said the Major. '_Whip_ 'em off, by Gad! You're
squandering them all over the place. There's a troop behind you
_now_!'

'So I was thinking,' said the subaltern calmly. 'I have all my men
here, sir. Better speak to Carter.'

'Carter Sahib sends salaam and wants to know why the regiment is
stopping,' said a trooper to Lieutenant Halley.

'Where under heaven _is_ Carter?' said the Major.

'Forward with his troop,' was the answer.

'Are we walking in a ring, then, or are we the centre of a blessed
brigade?' said the Major.