"Seen to that little job myself.
Not a bugger in the hull crew been nigh 'em." Thurstane cantered around to the front of the wagon which contained the two women, and called, "How are you ?" At the sound of his voice there was a rustle inside, and Clara showed her face over the shoulder of the driver.
"So you were not hurt ?" laughed the young officer.

"Ah! that's bully." With a smile which was almost a boast, she answered, "And I was not very frightened." At this, Aunt Maria struggled from between two rolls of bedding into a sitting posture and ejaculated, "Of course not!" "Did they hit you ?" asked Clara, looking eagerly at Thurstane.
"How brave you are!" he replied, admiring her so much that he did not notice her question.
"But I do hope it is over," added the girl, poking her head out of the wagon.

"Ah! what is that ?" With this little cry of dismay she pointed at a group of savages who had gathered between the train and the mouth of the canon ahead of it.
"They are the enemy," said Thurstane.

"We may have another little tussle with them.

Now lie down and keep close." "Acquit yourselves like--men!" exhorted Aunt Maria, dropping back into her stronghold among the bedding.
Sergeant Meyer now approached Thurstane, touched his cap, and said, "Leftenant, here is brifate Sweeny who has not fired his beece once.