I have been out of it completely, bar a few petty skirmishes.

However, we may see some service yet.
A jemidar of ours brought in a Hillman today, who says that the tribes are massing in the Terada ravine, ten miles to the north of us, and intend attacking the next convoy.

We can't rely on information of this sort, but there may prove to be some truth in it.

Proposed to shoot our informant, so as to prevent his playing the double traitor and reporting our proceedings.

Elliott demurred.
If you are making war you should throw no chance away.