was right; he had to run the gauntlet, for to his
dismay, as he tramped on with his load, he awoke to the fact that the
Dwats, who had retired from the upper shelves as the Fusiliers rushed up
the defile, were coming back to their hiding-places, and, warned by the
firing of their companions, were ready to harass the retreat.

"I don't care," he muttered, "if I can only get him outer fire; but they
must hit one of us before long. 'Tain't possible for 'em to keep on
without."

Bang! and then bang! again, and the stones close by where the brave
fellow trod were struck up, one of them giving Gedge a sharp blow on the
knee.

"Talk about hitting a 'aystack!" he snarled. "Why, I could make better
practice with a indyrubber cattypult and a bag o' marbles."

"Gedge--Gedge!" came from Bracy's lips in excited tones, for he had
slowly revived to a knowledge of their position.

"Yes, sir; all right, sir. I know. I'd double, but the going is too
bad."

"Of course, my lad; impossible. But are you mad?"

"Yes, sir; downright savage at the murderous brutes. This is their way
o' treating the wounded."

"I didn't mean that, my man, but the way you're carrying me."

Shot after shot came whistling and buzzing by them from behind as he
spoke, but still without effect.

"I'm carrying you all right, sir. Can't help hurting you a bit. It's
easy this way."

"Nonsense, man. Set me down at once. I can stand. Then sling your
rifle in front, and take me on your back."

"There they go, sir," said Gedge as another shot buzzed by, telling of
its rough shape. "They never did no pigeon-shooting, sir, nor practised
at sparrers from the trap."

"Did you hear what I said, sir?" cried Bracy angrily. "Set me down, and
get me on your back. I can hold on with one hand and leave yours free."

"Couldn't use 'em if they was, sir."

"Halt! Take me on your back at once, sir," cried Bracy, panting with
anger and pain.

"Can't, sir. Who's a-going to halt with them firing at us like that
from behind? Ain't I 'bliged to keep ree-treating?"

"Obey my orders, sir. I tell you I shall be easier to carry on your
back."

"Oh yes, sir, a deal easier to carry, and a nice deal easier to hit.
Aintcher got it bad enough as it is?" said Gedge sulkily.

Bracy was silent for a few moments as he felt his suspicions realised.
Gedge was carrying him in that awkward fashion so as to shelter him from
any better-aimed bullet that might come. To m