The Major turned round.

Bathurst was leaning against the wall breathing heavily after his exertions, Forster was coolly wiping his sword on the tunic of one of the fallen Sepoys.
"Are either of you hurt ?" he asked.
"I am not hurt to speak of," Forster said; "I got a rip with a bayonet as I jumped down, but I don't think it is of any consequence." "How are you, Bathurst ?" the Major repeated.

"What on earth possessed you to jump down like that ?" "I don't know, Major; I had to do something, and when you stopped firing I felt it was time for me to do my share." "You have done more than your share, I should say," the Major said; "for they went down like ninepins before you.

Now, Wilson, you take one of his hands, and I will take the other, and help him up." It needed considerable exertion to get him up, for the reaction had now come, and he was scarce able to stand.
"You had better go up to the house and get a glass of wine," the Major said.

"Now, is anyone else hurt ?" "I am hit, Major," Richards said quietly; "a ball came in between the sandbags just as I fired my first shot, and smashed my right shoulder.