"But you nearly got shot, stealing up to the lines like this." He laughed softly.
"Boss Val wouldn't shoot Joeboy.

Doppies nearly ketch him.

Big lot coming down now." "What!" I said excitedly.

"Some of them coming down ?" "Um! Big lot coming down to fight." I began to grasp now that after all there was some night expedition on the way, and that the pile of haversacks Joeboy had found had been deposited there to leave the men free and unfettered.
"Look here," I said sharply; "are you sure that the Doppies are coming down ?" "Um! Great big lot." "Here, you," I whispered, "wake up!" and I shook and shook the sentry roughly, making him spring up and make a snatch at his rifle.
"Thank ye," he said.

"I say, I was nearly dropping off to sleep." "Very," I said dryly; "but keep awake now.