"Now then, where are these two attacking parties of Boers ?" "I only reported that one was coming, sir--one descending the pass." "Very well; you shall have credit for only one, then.

Well, where is it ?" "I can't say, sir," I replied.

"I was warned of it by my native servant." "Then just go back and flog your native servant till you have given him a lesson against spreading false alarms to rob tired men of their rest.
It is perfectly abominable--just when we want all our strength for the work in hand for us to-morrow." "I'm very sorry, sir," I said.
"Sorry?
What must I be, then?
I can't fight unless I have plenty to eat and as much sleep as I can get.

There, get back to your post.

I wish to goodness you had stopped at home or joined the Boers, or done something else with yourself, instead of coming and giving this confounded false alarm.