u before we part company. You did an uncommonly
gallant bit of work in that skirmish yesterday. The Colonel spoke of
it; and congratulated me on having the smartest subaltern in the
regiment. Of course I've known it myself this long while; and I don't
think it will hurt you to know it too."

Denvil flushed hotly through his tan.

"I should be rather a poor sort of chap if I didn't manage to do
pretty well--under you," he said, with awkward bluntness, looking
straight between his charger's ears.

Desmond laughed. "Very neatly turned off, old chap. Now, I'm bound to
call a halt till the Sikhs come up with us. Hope to goodness they'll
be quick about it. Confounded nuisance having to wait."

Both men reined in their horses, and their consuming impatience. The
squadron followed suit; and in an amazingly short time the Sikhs came
into view, toiling lustily up the incline at their utmost speed.

Desmond turned in his saddle and raked the hillsides with his
field-glasses.

"Looks empty enough, in all conscience," he remarked.

The words were hardly spoken when a single shot startled the echoes of
the rocks, and instant alertness passed like an electric current
through the squadron. The advance guard, which had already entered the
defile, consisted of three promising young Pathans from Denvil's
troop; and anxiety for the fate of his favourites pricked the Boy to
keener impatience.

"I say, Desmond," he urged, "can't I take twenty men and push on to
find out what's up. They'll be taking pot-shots at my men, unless I
put a stop to it. For God's sake, let me go."

Desmond could not repress an approving smile at an impetuosity that
matched his own. He glanced down the valley at the advancing Sikhs,
and saw that he would not be long delayed in following on. Moreover,
he shared the Boy's anxiety for his three picked men; and a shot
fired, being tantamount to a declaration of hostilities, justified
immediate advance to the scene of action.

"Go ahead then," he said. "Advance warily; and good luck to you."

The Boy needed no second bidding. Eagerly, yet with all due
precautions, he went forward with his handful of Pathans; and was soon
lost to sight and sound in the darkness of the giant cleft.

Desmond, left alone, could hardly contain himself till the infantry
came up. Dividing into two flanking parties, they scrambled up the
steep slopes into the full radiance of dawn; while Desmond, with his
squadron ready drawn up, a