regiment. Suddenly, I saw another figure, that had been lying down
outside the tent, rise. I saw the flash of the moonlight on steel;
then there was a blow, and the soldier fell. I drew my sword and
rushed forward.

"The native--for I could see that it was a native--was bending
over the man he had stabbed. His back was towards me, and on the
sandy soil he did not hear my footsteps until I was close to him;
then he sprang up with a cry of fury, and leaped on me like a
tiger. I was so taken by surprise that before I could use my sword
the fellow had given me a nasty stab on the shoulder; but before
he could strike again I had run him through. By this time several
other, men ran out of the tent, uttering exclamations of rage at
seeing their fallen comrade.

"'What is it, sir?' they asked me.

"'This scoundrel, here, has stabbed your comrade,' I said. 'He did
not see me coming, and I ran up just as he was, I think, rifling
him for booty. He came at me like a wild cat, and has given me a
nasty stab. However, I have put an end to his game. Is your comrade
dead?'

"'No, sir, he is breathing still; but I fancy there is little chance
for him.'

"'You had better carry him to the hospital tent at once; I will
send a surgeon there.'

"I called the regimental surgeon up, and went with him to the