ree would have been better, only
you lost that along with your cap."

"Never mind. Make haste; the place is so hot and stiff."

"Yes, sir, I know; but the wash must come last."

"Why?" cried Archie irritably.

"Because this 'ere ain't a bath-room, sir, and there ain't no
washhand-stand. You see, I have only got that there big jar of water,
and a cocoa-nut shell to drink out of. You must have breakfast first,
and here goes."

Archie remained silent while, taking the cup, the lad fetched the great
jar, which was half-full of water.

"There you are, sir," cried Peter, as he filled the cup. "What do you
say? Think you could sit up now, or shall I help you?"

In response, wincing a little from pain and feebleness, Archie sat up,
took the cup, and drained it with thirsty haste.

"That's good," cried Peter, taking and refilling it. "It does me good
to see you, sir. Oh, you are coming on fine. Slep' all night, didn't
you?" he continued, as he steadied the cup.

"I suppose so, Pete," said Archie, with a sigh. "I don't remember any
thing."

"That's a good sign, sir. Now then, have another, or will you try a
little soaked bread first?"

"No," said Archie decisively. "You drink that."

"No, no, sir; after you have done."

"'Tention! Drink first," said Archie, speaking more firmly.

"Oh, if you give commands, sir," said Peter, "I must do it;" and he
drained the little vessel, with almost as much avidity as his patient,
"Fine tap, ain't it, sir?" he continued, as he drew breath.

"Yes. Now give me another cup and a piece of bread, so that I can break
it and soak it."

"Hooray! You are getting hungry, sir;" and the lad broke off some of
the bread from the big cake that was left, handed a piece to his
subaltern, and watched him with intense satisfaction as with trembling
fingers he held a wedge in the cup, keeping it there till it was
thoroughly soaked.

"Now then, you do the same," said Archie.

"Oh, I can wait, sir. I ain't in no hurry."

"Obey your orders, sir," cried Archie sternly.

"Right, sir," was the prompt reply; and the private followed his
officer's example, this being repeated in each case, with results doubly
satisfactory to Peter Pegg. "They make capital bread here, sir, don't
they?" he said, smiling, as he partook heartily of his share of the
food.

"Yes," replied Archie quietly. "I seem to be able to taste it better
this morning."

"That's good, sir. Ready for a piece mor