It
also was ready for the alternative it guessed at the back of
Boyce's mind.
"I know it's a mess, sir," he replied, with a straight look at
Boyce. "A mess for both of us, and, as I have said, I'll leave it
to you, sir."
"Very well," said Boyce. "It's the simplest thing in the world.
There were four killed at once, including Sergeant Oldham. You
remained faithful when the others bolted. You and I tackled the
old Boer and you got wounded. You and I went on trek for the rest
of the troop. We got within breathing distance of the Commando--
how many strong?"
"About a couple of hundred, sir."
"And of course we bolted back without knowing anything about the
troop, except that we are sure that, dead or alive, the Boers have
accounted for them. If you'll agree to this report, we can ride
back to Headquarters and I think I can promise you sergeant's
stripes in a very short time!"
"I agree to the report, sir," said Somers, "because I don't see
that I can do anything else. But to hell with the stripes under
false pretences and don't you try playing that sort of thing off
on me."
"As you like," replied Boyce, unruffled. "Provided we understand
each other on the main point.
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