Can't you think of something a little stronger than plucky and brave--and--don't take any notice of me, Val, old lad.

I'm a bit weak this morning." "Of course you are," I said sharply, and dashed off at once into a fresh subject.

"I say, I must go and hunt out the Sergeant.

That was a nasty wound he got after you were hit." My words had the right effect.
"The Sergeant ?" he cried.

"Oh, poor old chap! we can't spare him.