ly.

"Well, sir, I don't say you was ink-o--what you call it: but you was a
bit touched in the upper story; and that was only nat'ral, sir."

"Tell me about the enemy down below. Have they made us out?"

"I think not, sir; but I must out with it, sir."

"Ah! there is danger?"

"Oh no, sir, I don't think so; but I can't give much of a report, for I
had to do sentry-go while you slep', sir."

"Did you? Well, you're a good fellow, Gedge."

"Not a bit of it, sir. There, it must come to the top. I'd rather tell
you than you should find it out, sir. I held up as long as I could, and
kep' going to sleep walking or standing still; and at last, after
getting out your glass, I knelt down to put it back, and down I went
right off to sleep, just as if some one had hit me on the head with the
butt of his piece."

"I'm glad of it, Gedge," said Bracy, smiling.

"Glad of it, sir?" said the lad, staring.

"Heartily. It was the only thing you could do after what you had gone
through."

"Beg pardon, sir, but as a soldier--" began Gedge.

"Soldiers cannot do impossibilities, my lad. I have all the will and
spirit to get on to the Ghil Valley, and yet here I am with my urgent
message undelivered, and lying sleeping the greater part of a day."

"Oh, that's different, sir. You're sorter like being in hospital and
wounded."

"If not wounded, Gedge," said Bracy sadly, "I am crippled."

"Don't say that, sir," cried the lad excitedly. "I thought you said
there was nothing broke."

"I did not think so then, my lad, but there is something wrong with my
right leg."

"Amb'lance dooty--first help," said Gedge quickly. "Let's look, sir."

Bracy bowed his head, and the young soldier ran his hand down the puttee
bandage about his officer's leg, and drew in his breath sharply.

"Well," said Bracy faintly, "what do you make out?"

"Leg's not broke, sir, but there's something awfully wrong with the
ankle. It's all puffed up as big as my 'elmet."

"I was afraid so. Here, help me to stand up."

"Better not, sir," protested Gedge.

"Obey orders, my lad," said Bracy softly, and with a smile at his
attendant. "You're not the Doctor."

"No, sir, but--"

"Your hands."

Gedge extended his hands, and by their help Bracy rose, to stand on one
leg, the other hanging perfectly helpless, with the toes touching the
rock.

"Help--me--" said Bracy faintly, and he made a snatch at Gedge, who was
on the alert and caught him ro