A very small Englishman, with a straw-coloured moustache and a weary manner, was riding at the head of them.

He halted his camel beside the fugitives and saluted the ladies.

He wore brown boots and brown belts with steel buckles, which looked trim and workmanlike against his khaki uniform.
"Had 'em that time--had 'em proper!" said he.

"Very glad to have been of any assistance, I'm sure.

Hope you're none the worse for it all.
What I mean, it's rather rough work for ladies." "You're from Halfa, I suppose ?" asked the Colonel.
"No, we're from the other show.