In some respects he is the bravest man I know, but he is constitutionally unable to stand noise, and the sound of a gun is torture to him.

It is an unfortunate idiosyncrasy for which he is in no way accountable." "Exceedingly unfortunate, I should say," Forster said, with a dry laugh; "especially at times like this.

It is rather unlucky for him that fighting is generally accompanied by noise.

If I had such an idiosyncrasy, as you call it, I would blow out my brains." "Perhaps Bathurst would do so, too, Captain Forster, if he had not more brains to blow out than some people have." "That is sharp, Doctor," Forster laughed good temperedly.

"I don't mind a fair hit." "Well, I must go," the Doctor said, somewhat mollified; "there is plenty to do, and I expect, after these fellows have held a council of war, they will be trying an attack." When the Doctor went out he found the whole of the garrison busy.