I do not mind taking a strong dose of quinine if you will give it me, for I feel as weak as a child, but no spirits." With an impatient shrug of the shoulders the Doctor mixed a strong dose of quinine and gave it to him.
An hour later a sudden outburst of musketry took place.

Not a native showed himself on the side of the house facing the maidan, but from the gardens on the other three sides a heavy fire was opened.
"Every man to the roof," the Major said; "four men to each of the rear corners, three to the others.

Do you think you are fit to fire, Forster?
Had you not better keep quiet for today; you will have opportunities enough." "I am all right, Major," he said carelessly.

"I can put my rifle through a loophole and fire, though I have one arm in a sling.

By Jove!" he broke off suddenly; "look at that fellow Bathurst--he looks like a ghost." The roll of musketry was unabated, and the defenders were already beginning to answer it; the bullets sung thickly overhead, and above the din could be heard the shouts of the natives.