start, and that you shape well. Remember, this is irregular cavalry,
and in many respects quite unlike regulars. You'll need tact and a
firm hand combined, and you mustn't ever forget that the men whom you
will lead are gentlemen."

Cunningham reported to his Colonel, only to discover that he, too, knew
all about him. The Colonel was less inclined to be restricted as to
topic, and less mindful of discretion than the Brigadier.

"I hear they couldn't stand you in Peshawur. That's hopeful! If you'd
come with a recommendation from that quarter, I'd have packed you off
back again. I never in my life would have believed that a dozen men
could all shut their eyes so tightly to the signs--never!"

"The signs, sir?"

"Yes, the signs! Come and look your troop over."

Cunningham found that the troop, too, had heard about his coming. He
did not look them over. When he reached the lines, they came out in a
swarm--passed him one by one, eyed him, as traders eye a horse--and
then saluted him a second time, with the greeting:

"Salaam, Chota-Cunnigan-bahadur!"

"Yes! You're in disgrace!" said his Colonel, noticing the color rising
to the youngster's cheeks.