Through Three Campaigns | Page 8

I am, as you know, a very good shot; and should certainly be
able to do my part, with credit."
"I will tell the havildar to be on the lookout for you, when you come
into camp, and to bring you straight to me. I will then see that your
uniforms and belts are properly put on, before I send you off under his
charge. I hope the matter may turn out well. If it does not, you must
remember that I have done my part because you urged it upon me, and
prayed me to assist you for your father's sake."
"I shall never forget that, Gholam Singh, and shall always feel deeply
indebted to you."
When the risaldar had left, Lisle called Robah in.
"All is arranged, Robah; and now it remains only to carry out the
details. In the first place, you must get me the stain; in the second, you
must go into the bazaar and buy me a loincloth and light jacket, such as
the soldiers wear when they lay aside their uniforms. As to the uniform,
that is already arranged for; and I shall, of course, have one of the
sheepskin greatcoats that have just been served out, and which I expect
I shall find indispensable. Put in my kit bag one pair of my thickest
woollen vests and drawers. I cannot carry more, for I mean to take one
suit of my own clothes to put on in case, by any accident, I should be
discovered and sent back. I can get that carried on the baggage waggon.
"Tomorrow we shall start at five o'clock in the morning and, at the first
halt, I shall leave the party quietly. I have no doubt that Gholam Singh

will give orders, to the native officer in charge, that I am to be
permitted to do so without remark. As soon as I leave the convoy you
must join me with my uniform and, above all, with the stain. You can
bring out a bag with some provisions for the day, for I shall not return
to camp until after dark."
When Robah went away to make the necessary purchases, Lisle packed
up his baggage and labelled it. His father's effects had all been sold, a
few days after his death; as it would not have paid to send them home.
They had fetched good prices, and had been gladly bought up by the
other officers; some as mementoes of their late comrade, and some
because they were useful.
Several of the officers came in and chatted with him while he was
packing, all expressing regret that he was leaving. At mess that evening
they drank his health, and a pleasant journey; and he gravely returned
thanks. When the mess broke up he returned to the bungalow, and
packed a small canvas bag with the suit he was going to take with him.
Then he examined and tried on the uniform of the dead sepoy; which
Robah had, that evening, received from the risaldar. It fitted him fairly
well. In addition to the regular uniform there was a posteen, or
sheepskin coat; loose boots made of soft skin, so that the feet could be
wrapped up in cloth before they were put on; and putties, or leggings,
consisting of a very long strip of cloth terminating with a shorter strip
of leather. These things had been served out that day to the troops, and
were to be put on over the usual leg wrappings when they came to
snow-covered country. They were to be carried with the men's kits till
required. For ordinary wear there were the regular boots, which were
strapped on like sandals.
"Well, I think I ought to be able to stand anything in the way of cold,
with this sheepskin coat and the leggings, together with my own warm
underclothing."
"You are sure," Robah said, "that you understand the proper folding of
your turban?"

"I think so, Robah. I have seen them done up hundreds of times but,
nevertheless, you shall give me a lesson when you join me tomorrow.
We shall have plenty of time for it.
"Now, can you think of anything else that would be useful? If so, you
can buy it tomorrow before you come out to meet me."
"No, sahib. There are the warm mittens that have been served out for
mountain work; and you might take a pair of your own gloves to wear
under them for, from all I hear, you will want them when you are
standing out all night on picket work, among the hills."
"No, I won't take the gloves, Robah. With two pairs on, my fingers
would be so muffled that I should not be able to do good shooting."
"Well, it will