507
　　TheForeandAftwaited，leaningupontheirriflesandlisteningtotheprotestsoftheiremptystomachs。TheColoneldidhisbesttoremedythedefaultofliningassoonasitwasborneinuponhimthattheaffairwouldnotbeginatonce，andsowelldidhesucceedthatthecoffeewasjustreadywhen-themenmovedoff，theirBandleading。Eventhentherehadbeenamistakeintime，andtheForeandAftcameoutintothevalleytenminutesbeforetheproperhour。TheirBandwheeledtotherightafterreachingtheopen，andretiredbehindalittlerockyknollstillplayingwhiletheRegimentwentpast。
　　Itwasnotapleasantsightthatopenedontheuninstructedview，forthelowerendofthevalleyappearedtobefilledbyanarmyinposition-realandactualregimentsattiredinredcoats，and-ofthistherewasnodoubt-firingMartini-Henrybulletswhichcutupthegroundahundredyardsinfrontoftheleadingcompany。
　　Overthatpock-markedgroundtheRegimenthadtopass，anditopenedtheballwithageneralandprofoundcourtesytothepipingpickets；duckinginperfecttime，asthoughithadbeenbrazedonarod。Beinghalfcapableofthinkingforitself，itfiredavolleybythesimpleprocessofpitchingitsrifleintoitsshoulderandpullingthetrigger。Thebulletsmayhaveaccountedforsomeofthewatchersonthehillside，buttheycertainlydidnotaffectthemassofenemyinfront，whilethenoiseoftheriflesdrownedanyordersthatmighthavebeengiven。
　　"GoodGod！"saidtheBrigadier，sittingontherockhighaboveall。"ThatRegimenthasspoiltthewholeshow。Hurryuptheothers，andletthescrew-gunsgetoff。"
　　Butthescrew-guns，inworkingroundtheheights，hadstumbleduponawasp’snestofasmallmudfortwhichtheyincontinentlyshelledateighthundredyards，tothehugediscomfortoftheoccupants，whowereunaccustomedtoweaponsofsuchdevilishprecision。
　　TheForeandAftcontinuedtogoforward，butwithshortenedstride。Whereweretheotherregiments，andwhydidtheseniggersuseMartinis？Theytookopenorderinstinctively，lyingdownandfiringatrandom，rushingafewpacesforwardandlyingdownagain，accordingtotheregulations。Onceinthisformation，eachmanfelthimselfdesperatelyalone，andedgedintowardshisfellowforcomfort’ssake。
　　Thenthecrackofhisneighbor’srifleathisearledhimtofireasrapidlyashecould-againforthesakeofthecomfortofthenoise。Therewardwasnotlongdelayed。Fivevolleysplungedthefilesinbankedsmokeimpenetrabletotheeye，andthebulletsbegantotakegroundtwentyorthirtyyardsinfrontofthefirers，astheweightofthebayonetdraggeddownandtotherightarmsweariedwithholdingthekickoftheleapingMartini。TheCompanyCommanderspeeredhelplesslythroughthesmoke，themorenervousmechanicallytryingtofanitawaywiththeirhelmets。
　　"Highandtotheleft！"bawledaCaptaintillhewashoarse。"Nogood！Ceasefiring，andletitdriftawayabit。"
　　Threeandfourtimesthebuglesshriekedtheorder，andwhenitwasobeyedtheForeandAftlookedthattheirfoeshouldbelyingbeforetheminmownswathsofmen。Alightwinddrovethesmoketoleeward，andshowedtheenemystillinpositionandapparentlyunaffected。Aquarterofatonofleadhadbeenburiedafurlonginfrontofthem，astheraggedearthattested。
　　ThatwasnotdemoralizingtotheAfghans，whohavenotEuropeannerves。Theywerewaitingforthemadriottodiedown，andwerefiringquietlyintotheheartofthesmoke。AprivateoftheForeandAftspunuphiscompanyshriekingwithagony，anotherwaskickingtheearthandgasping，andathird，rippedthroughthelowerintestinesbyajaggedbullet，wascallingaloudonhiscomradestoputhimoutofhispain。Thesewerethecasualties，andtheywerenotsoothingtohearorsee。Thesmokeclearedtoadullhaze。
　　Thenthefoebegantoshoutwithagreatshouting，andamass-ablackmass-detacheditselffromthemainbody，androlledoverthegroundathorridspeed。Itwascomposedof，perhaps，threehundredmen，whowouldshoutandfireandslashiftherushoftheirfiftycomradeswhoweredeterminedtodiecarriedhome。ThefiftywereGhazis，halfmaddenedwithdrugsandwhollymadwithreligiousfanaticism。WhentheyrushedtheBritishfireceased，andinthelulltheorderwasgiventocloseranksandmeetthemwiththebayonet。
　　AnyonewhoknewthebusinesscouldhavetoldtheForeandAftthattheonlywayofdealingwithaGhazirushisbyvolleysatlongranges；becauseamanwhomeanstodie，whodesirestodie，whowillgainheavenbydying，must，inninecasesoutoften，killamanwhohasalingeringprejudiceinfavouroflife。Wheretheyshouldhaveclosedandgoneforward，theForeandAftopenedoutandskirmished，andwheretheyshouldhaveopenedoutandfired，theyclosedandwaited。
　　Amandraggedfromhisblanketshalfawakeandunfedisneverinapleasantframeofmind。Nordoeshishappinessincreasewhenhewatchesthewhitesoftheeyesofthreehundredsix-footfiendsuponwhosebeardsthefoamislying，uponwhosetonguesisaroarofwrath，andinwhosehandsareyard-longknives。
　　TheForeandAftheardtheGoorkhabuglesbringingthatregimentforwardatthedouble，whiletheneighingoftheHighlandpipescamefromtheleft。Theystrovetostaywheretheywere，thoughthebayonetswavereddownthelineliketheoarsofaraggedboat。
　　Thentheyfeltbodytobodytheamazingphysicalstrengthoftheirfoes；ashriekofpainendedtherush，andtheknivesfellamidscenesnottobetold。Themenclubbedtogetherandsmoteblindly-asoftenasnotattheirownfellows。Theirfrontcrumpledlikepaper，andthefiftyGhazispassedon；theirbackers，nowdrunkwithsuccess，fightingasmadlyasthey。
　　Thentherearrankswerebiddentocloseup，andthesubalternsdashedintothestew-alone。Fortherear-rankshadheardtheclamourinfront，theyellsandthehowlsofpain，andhadseenthedarkstalebloodthatmakesafraid。Theywerenotgoingtostay。Itwastherushingofthecampsoveragain。LettheirofficersgotoHell，iftheychose；theywouldgetawayfromtheknives。
　　"Comeon！"shriekedthesubalterns，andtheirmen，cursingthem，drewback，eachclosingintohisneighbourandwheelinground。
　　CharterisandDevlin，subalternsofthelastcompany，facedtheirdeathaloneinthebeliefthattheirmenwouldfollow。
　　"You’vekilledme，youcowards，"sobbedDevlinanddropped，cutfromtheshoulder-straptothecentreofthechest；andafreshdetachmentofhismenretreating，alwaysretreating，trampledhimunderfootastheymadeforthepasswhencetheyhademerged。
　　IkissedherinthekitchenandIkissedherinthehallChild’un，child’un，followme！
　　OhGolly，saidthecook，ishegwinetokissusall？
　　Halla-Halla-Halla-Hallelujah！
　　TheGoorkhaswerepouringthroughtheleftgorgeandovertheheightsatthedoubletotheinvitationoftheirRegimentalQuick-
　　step。Theblackrockswerecrownedwithdarkgreenspidersasthebuglesgavetonguejubilantly：-
　　Inthemorning！Inthemorningbythebrightlight！
　　WhenGabrielblowshistrumpetinthemorning！
　　TheGoorkharearcompaniestrippedandblunderedoverloosestones。Thefrontfileshaltedforamomenttotakestockofthevalleyandtosettlestrayboot-laces。Thenahappylittlesighofcontentmentsougheddowntheranks，anditwasasthoughthelandsmiled，forbeholdtherebelowwastheenemy，anditwastomeetthemthattheGoorkhashaddoubledsohastily。Therewasmuchenemy。Therewouldbeamusement。Thelittlemenhitchedtheirkukriswelltohand，andgapedexpectantlyattheirofficersasterriersgrinerethestoneiscastforthemtofetch。TheGoorkhas’groundslopeddownwardtothevalley，andtheyenjoyedafairviewoftheproceedings。Theysatupontheboulderstowatch，fortheirofficerswerenotgoingtowastetheirwindinassistingtorepulseaGhazirushmorethanhalfamileaway。Letthewhitemenlooktotheirownfront。
　　"Hi！yi！"saidtheSubadar-Major，whowassweatingprofusely。
　　"Damfoolsyonder，standcloseorder！Thisisnotimeforcloseorder，itisthetimeforvolleys。Ugh！"
　　Horrified，amused，andindignant，theGoorkhasbeheldtheretirementoftheForeandAftwitharunningchorusofoathsandcommentaries。
　　"Theyrun！Thewhitemenrun！ColonelSahib，maywealsodoalittlerunning？"murmuredRunbirThappa，theSeniorJemadar。
　　ButtheColonelwouldhavenoneofit。"Letthebeggarsbecutupalittle，"saidhewrathfully。"Serves’emright。They’llbeproddedintofacingroundinaminute。"Helookedthroughhisfield-glasses，andcaughttheglintofanofficer’ssword。
　　"Beating’emwiththeflat-damnedconscripts！HowtheGhazisarewalkingintothem！"saidhe。
　　TheForeandAft，headingback，borewiththemtheirofficers。Thenarrownessofthepassforcedthemobintosolidformation，andtherearranksdeliveredsomesortofawaveringvolley。TheGhazisdrewoff，fortheydidnotknowwhatreservethegorgemighthide。Moreover，itwasneverwisetochasewhitementoofar。Theyreturnedaswolvesreturntocover，satisfiedwiththeslaughterthattheyhaddone，andonlystoppingtoslashatthewoundedontheground。AquarterofamilehadtheForeandAftretreated，andnow，jammedinthepass，wasquiveringwithpain，shakenanddemoralisedwithfear，whiletheofficers，maddenedbeyondcontrol，smotethemenwiththehiltsandtheflatsoftheirswords。
　　"Getback！Getback，youcowards-youwomen！Rightaboutface-
　　columnofcompanies，form-youhounds！"shoutedtheColonel，andthesubalternssworealoud。ButtheRegimentwantedtogo-togoanywhereoutoftherangeofthosemercilessknives。Itswayedtoandfroirresolutelywithshoutsandoutcries，whilefromtherighttheGoorkhasdroppedvolleyaftervolleyofcripple-stopperSniderbulletsatlongrangeintothemoboftheGhazisreturningtotheirowntroops。
　　TheForeandAftBand，thoughprotectedfromdirectfirebytherockyknollunderwhichithadsatdown，fledatthefirstrush。
　　JakinandLewwouldhavefledalso，buttheirshortlegsleftthemfiftyyardsintherear，andbythetimetheBandhadmixedwiththeRegiment，theywerepainfullyawarethattheywouldhavetocloseinaloneandunsupported。
　　"Getbacktothatrock，"gaspedJakin。"Theywon’tseeusthere。"
　　AndtheyreturnedtothescatteredinstrumentsoftheBand，theirheartsnearlyburstingtheirribs。
　　"Here’saniceshowforus，"saidJakin，throwinghimselffulllengthontheground。"Abloomin’fineshowforBritishInfantry！
　　Oh，thedevils！They’vegoneandleftusalonehere！Wot’llwedo？"
　　Lewtookpossessionofacast-offwater-bottle，whichnaturallywasfullofcanteenrum，anddranktillhecoughedagain。
　　"Drink，"saidheshortly。"They’llcomebackinaminuteortwo-
　　yousee。"
　　Jakindrank，buttherewasnosignoftheRegiment’sreturn。Theycouldhearadullclamourfromtheheadofthevalleyofretreat，andsawtheGhazisslinkback，quickeningtheirpaceastheGoorkhasfiredatthem。
　　"We’reallthat’sleftoftheBand，an’we’llbecutupassureasdeath，"saidJakin。
　　"I’lldiegame，then，"saidLewthickly，fumblingwithhistinydrummer’ssword。ThedrinkwasworkingonhisbrainasitwasonJakin’s。
　　"’Oldon！Iknowsomethingbetterthanfightin’，"saidJakin，stungbythesplendourofasuddenthoughtduechieflytorum。
　　"Tipourbloomin’cowardsyonderthewordtocomeback。ThePaythanbeggarsarewellaway。Comeon，Lew！Wewon’tgethurt。Takethefifean’givemethedrum。TheOldStepforallyourbloomin’gutsareworth！There’safewofourmencomingbacknow。Standup，yedrunkenlittledefaulter。Byyourright-quickmarch！"
　　Heslippedthedrum-slingoverhisshoulder，thrustthefifeintoLew’shand，andthetwoboysmarchedoutofthecoveroftherockintotheopen，makingahideoushashofthefirstbarsofthe"BritishGrenadiers。"
　　AsLewhadsaid，afewoftheForeandAftwerecomingbacksullenlyandshamefacedlyunderthestimulusofblowsandabuse；
　　theirredcoatsshoneattheheadofthevalley，andbehindthemwerewaveringbayonets。Butbetweenthisshatteredlineandtheenemy，whowithAfghansuspicionfearedthatthehastyretreatmeantanambush，andhadnotmovedtherefore，layhalfamileoflevelgrounddottedonlybythewounded。
　　Thetunesettledintofullswingandtheboyskeptshouldertoshoulder，Jakinbangingthedrumasonepossessed。Theonefifemadeathinandpitifulsqueaking，butthetunecarriedfar，eventotheGoorkhas。
　　"Comeon，youdogs！"mutteredJakintohimself。"Arewetoplayforhever？"Lewwasstaringstraightinfrontofhimandmarchingmorestifflythaneverhehaddoneonparade。
　　Andinbittermockeryofthedistantmob，theoldtuneoftheOldLineshrilledandrattled：-
　　SometalkofAlexander，AndsomeofHercules；
　　OfHectorandLysander，Andsuchgreatnamesasthese！
　　Therewasafar-offclappingofhandsfromtheGoorkhas，andaroarfromtheHighlandersinthedistance，butneverashotwasfiredbyBritishorAfghan。Thetwolittlereddotsmovedforwardintheopenparalleltotheenemy’sfront。
　　Butofalltheworld’sgreatheroesThere’snonethatcancompare，Withatow-row-row-row-row-row，TotheBritishGrenadier！
　　ThemenoftheForeandAftweregatheringthickattheentranceintotheplain。TheBrigadierontheheightsfarabovewasspeechlesswithrage。Stillnomovementfromtheenemy。Thedaystayedtowatchthechildren。
　　JakinhaltedandbeatthelongrolloftheAssembly，whilethefifesquealeddespairingly。
　　"Rightaboutface！Holdup，Lew，you’redrunk，"saidJakin。Theywheeledandmarchedback：-
　　hoseheroesofantiquityNe’ersawacannon-ball，Norknewtheforceo’powder，"Heretheycome！"saidJakin。"Goon，Lew"：-
　　Toscaretheirfoeswithal！
　　TheForeandAftwerepouringoutofthevalley。Whatofficershadsaidtomeninthattimeofshameandhumiliationwillneverbeknown；forneitherofficersnormenspeakofitnow。
　　"Theyarecominganew！"shoutedapriestamongtheAfghans。"Donotkilltheboys！Takethemalive，andtheyshallbeofourfaith。"
　　Butthefirstvolleyhadbeenfired，andLewdroppedonhisface。
　　Jakinstoodforaminute，spunroundandcollapsed，astheForeandAftcameforward，thecursesoftheirofficersintheirears，andintheirheartstheshameofopenshame。
　　Halfthemenhadseenthedrummersdie，andtheymadenosign。Theydidnotevenshout。Theydoubledoutstraightacrosstheplaininopenorder，andtheydidnotfire。
　　"This，"saidtheColonelofGoorkhas，softly，"istherealattack，asitshouldhavebeendelivered。Comeon，mychildren。"
　　"Ulu-lu-lu-lu！"squealedtheGoorkhas，andcamedownwithajoyfulclickingofkukris-thoseviciousGoorkhaknives。
　　Ontherighttherewasnorush。TheHighlanders，cannilycommendingtheirsoulstoGod（foritmattersasmuchtoadeadmanwhetherhehasbeenshotinaBorderscuffleoratWaterloo），openedoutandfiredaccordingtotheircustom，thatistosaywithoutheatandwithoutintervals，whilethescrew-guns，havingdisposedoftheimpertinentmudfortaforementioned，droppedshellaftershellintotheclustersroundtheflickeringgreenstandardsontheheights。
　　"Charrgingisanunfortunatenecessity，"murmuredtheColour-
　　SergeantoftherightcompanyoftheHighlanders。"Itmakesthemensweerso，butIamthinkin’thatitwillcometoacharrgeiftheseblackdevilsstandmuchlonger。Stewarrt，man，you’refiringintotheeyeofthesun，andhe’llnottakeanyharmforGovernmentammuneetion。Afootlowerandagreatdealslower！WhataretheEnglishdoing？They’reveryquiet，thereinthecenter。
　　Runningagain？"
　　TheEnglishwerenotrunning。Theywerehackingandhewingandstabbing，forthoughonewhitemanisseldomphysicallyamatchforanAfghaninasheepskinorwaddedcoat，yet，throughthepressureofmanywhitemenbehind，andacertainthirstforrevengeinhisheart，hebecomescapableofdoingmuchwithbothendsofhisrifle。TheForeandAftheldtheirfiretillonebulletcoulddrivethroughfiveorsixmen，andthefrontoftheAfghanforcegaveonthevolley。Theythenselectedtheirmen，andslewthemwithdeepgaspsandshorthackingcoughs，andgroaningsofleatherbeltsagainststrainedbodies，andrealisedforthefirsttimethatanAfghanattackedisfarlessformidablethananAfghanattacking；whichfactoldsoldiersmighthavetoldthem。
　　Buttheyhadnooldsoldiersintheirranks。
　　TheGoorkhas’stallatthebazarwasthenoisiest，forthemenwereengaged-toanastynoiseasofbeefbeingcutontheblock-withthekukri，whichtheypreferredtothebayonet；wellknowinghowtheAfghanhatesthehalf-moonblade。
　　AstheAfghanswavered，thegreenstandardsonthemountainmoveddowntoassisttheminalastrally。Thiswasunwise。TheLancers，chafingintherightgorge，hadthricedespatchedtheironlysubalternasgallopertoreportontheprogressofaffairs。Onthethirdoccasionhereturned，withabullet-grazeonhisknee，swearingstrangeoathsinHindustani，andsayingthatallthingswereready。SothatsquadronswungroundtherightoftheHighlanderswithawickedwhistlingofwindinthepennonsofitslances，andfellupontheremnantjustwhen，accordingtoalltherulesofwar，itshouldhavewaitedforthefoetoshowmoresignsofwavering。
　　Butitwasadaintycharge，deftlydelivered，anditendedbytheCavalryfindingitselfattheheadofthepassbywhichtheAfghansintendedtoretreat；anddownthetrackthatthelanceshadmadestreamedtwocompaniesoftheHighlanders，whichwasneverintendedbytheBrigadier。Thenewdevelopmentwassuccessful。Itdetachedtheenemyfromhisbaseasaspongeistornfromarock，andlefthimringedaboutwithfireinthatpitilessplain。Andasaspongeischasedroundthebath-tubbythehandofthebather，soweretheAfghanschasedtilltheybrokeintolittledetachmentsmuchmoredifficulttodisposeofthanlargemasses。
　　"See！"quoththeBrigadier。"EverythinghascomeasIarranged。
　　We’vecuttheirbase，andnowwe’llbucket’emtopieces。"
　　AdirecthammeringwasallthattheBrigadierhaddaredtohopefor，consideringthesizeoftheforceathisdisposal；butmenwhostandorfallbytheerrorsoftheiropponentsmaybeforgivenforturningChanceintoDesign。Thebucketingwentforwardmerrily。TheAfghanforceswereupontherun-therunofweariedwolveswhosnarlandbiteovertheirshoulders。Theredlancesdippedbytwosandthrees，and，withashriek，uprosethelance-
　　butt，likeasparonastormysea，asthetroopercanteringforwardclearedhispoint。TheLancerskeptbetweentheirpreyandthesteephills，forallwhocouldweretryingtoescapefromthevalleyofdeath。TheHighlandersgavethefugitivestwohundredyards’law，andthenbroughtthemdown，gaspingandchokingeretheycouldreachtheprotectionofthebouldersabove。TheGoorkhasfollowedsuit；buttheForeandAftwerekillingontheirownaccount，fortheyhadpennedamassofmenbetweentheirbayonetsandawallofrock，andtheflashoftherifleswaslightingthewaddedcoats。
　　"Wecannotholdthem，CaptainSahib！"pantedaRessaidarofLancers。"Letustrythecarbine。Thelanceisgood，butitwastestime。"
　　Theytriedthecarbine，andstilltheenemymeltedaway-fledupthehillsbyhundredswhentherewereonlytwentybulletstostopthem。Ontheheightsthescrew-gunsceasedfiring-theyhadrunoutofammunition-andtheBrigadiergroaned，forthemusketryfirecouldnotsufficientlysmashtheretreat。Longbeforethelastvolleyswerefired，thedoolieswereoutinforcelookingforthewounded。Thebattlewasover，and，butforwantoffreshtroops，theAfghanswouldhavebeenwipedofftheearth。Asitwas，theycountedtheirdeadbyhundreds，andnowherewerethedeadthickerthaninthetrackoftheForeandAft。
　　ButtheRegimentdidnotcheerwiththeHighlanders，nordidtheydanceuncouthdanceswiththeGoorkhasamongthedead。TheylookedundertheirbrowsattheColonelastheyleanedupontheirriflesandpanted。
　　"Getbacktocamp，you。Haven’tyoudisgracedyourselfenoughforoneday！Goandlooktothewounded。It’sallyou’refitfor，"
　　saidtheColonel。YetforthepasthourtheForeandAfthadbeendoingallthatmortalcommandercouldexpect。Theyhadlostheavilybecausetheydidnotknowhowtosetabouttheirbusinesswithproperskill，buttheyhadbornethemselvesgallantly，andthiswastheirreward。
　　AyoungandsprightlyColour-Sergeant，whohadbeguntoimaginehimselfahero，offeredhiswater-bottletoaHighlanderwhosetonguewasblackwiththirst。"Idrinkwithnocowards，"answeredtheyoungsterhuskily，and，turningtoaGoorkha，said，"Hya，Johnny！Drinkwatergotit？"TheGoorkhagrinnedandpassedhisbottle。TheForeandAftsaidnoword。
　　Theywentbacktocampwhenthefieldofstrifehadbeenalittlemoppedupandmadepresentable，andtheBrigadier，whosawhimselfaKnightinthreemonths，wastheonlysoulwhowascomplimentarytothem。TheColonelwasheartbroken，andtheofficersweresavageandsullen。
　　"Well，"saidtheBrigadier，"theyareyoungtroops，ofcourse，anditwasnotunnaturalthattheyshouldretireindisorderforabit。"
　　"Oh，myonlyAuntMaria！"murmuredajuniorStaffOfficer。
　　"Retireindisorder！Itwasaballyrun！"
　　"Buttheycameagain，asweallknow，"cooedtheBrigadier，theColonel’sashy-whitefacebeforehim，"andtheybehavedaswellascouldpossiblybeexpected。Behavedbeautifully，indeed。Iwaswatchingthem。It’snotamattertotaketoheart，Colonel。AssomeGermanGeneralsaidofhismen，theywantedtobeshootedoveralittle，thatwasall。"Tohimselfhesaid-"Nowthey’rebloodedIcangive’emresponsiblework。It’saswellthattheygotwhattheydid。’Teach’emmorethanhalfadozenrifleflirtations，thatwill-later-runaloneandbite。PooroldColonel，though。"
　　Allthatafternoontheheliographwinkedandflickeredonthehills，strivingtotellthegoodnewstoamountainfortymilesawayAndintheeveningtherearrived，dusty，sweating，andsore，amisguidedCorrespondentwhohadgoneouttoassistatatrumperyvillage-burning，andwhohadreadoffthemessagefromafar，cursinghisluckthewhile。
　　"Let’shavethedetailssomehow-asfullaseveryoucan，please。
　　It’sthefirsttimeI’veeverbeenleftthiscampaign，"saidtheCorrespondenttotheBrigadier；andtheBrigadier，nothingloth，toldhimhowanArmyofCommunicationhadbeencrumpledup，destroyed，andallbutannihilatedbythecraft，strategy，wisdom，andforesightoftheBrigadier。
　　Butsomesay，andamongthesebetheGoorkhaswhowatchedonthehillside，thatthatbattlewaswonbyJakinandLew，whoselittlebodieswereborneupjustintimetofittwogapsattheheadofthebigditch-graveforthedeadundertheheightsofJagai。
　　JUDSONANDTHEEMPIRE
　　Gloriana！TheDonmayattackusWheneverhisstomachbefain；
　　Hemustreachusbeforehecanrackus……
　　AndwherearethegalleonsofSpain？
　　Dobson。
　　Oneofthemanybeautiesofademocracyisitsalmostsuperhumanskillindevelopingtroubleswithothercountriesandfindingitshonourabradedintheprocess。AtruedemocracyhasalargecontemptforallotherlandsthataregovernedbyKingsandQueensandEmperors，andknowslittleandthinkslessoftheirinternalaffairs。Allitregardsisitsowndignity，whichisitsKing，Queen，andKnave。So，soonerorlater，aninternationaldifferenceendsinthecommonpeople，whohavenodignity，shoutingthecommonabuseofthestreet，whichalsohasnodignity，acrosstheseasinordertovindicatetheirowndignity。Theconsequencesmayormaynotbewar，butthechancesdonotfavourpeace。
　　AnadvantageinlivinginacivilisedlandwhichisreallygovernedliesinthefactthatalltheKingsandQueensandEmperorsofthecontinentarecloselyrelatedbybloodormarriage-are，infact，onelargefamily。Awiseheadofthemknowsthatwhatappearstobeastudiedinsultmaybenomorethansomeman’sindigestionorwoman’sindispositiontobetreatedassuch，andexplainedinquiettalk。Again，apopulardemonstration，headedbyKingandCourt，maymeannothingmorethanthatso-and-so’speopleareoutofhandfortheminute。Whenahorsefallstokickinginahunt-crowdatagate，theriderdoesnotdismount，butputshisopenhandbehindhim，andtheothersdrawaside。Itissowiththerulersofmen。Intheolddaystheycuredtheirownandtheirpeople’sbadtemperwithfireandslaughter；butnowthatthefireissolongofrangeandtheslaughtersolarge，theydootherthings，andfewamongtheirpeopleguesshowmuchtheyoweinmerelifeandmoneytowhattheslangoftheminutecalls"puppets"and"luxuries。"
　　OnceuponatimetherewasalittlePower，thehalf-bankruptwreckofaoncegreatempire，thatlostitstemperwithEngland，thewhipping-boyofalltheworld，andbehaved，aseveryoneknows，mostscandalously。ButitisnotgenerallyknownthatthatPowerfoughtapitchedbattlewithEnglandandwonagloriousvictory。
　　Thetroublebeganwiththepeople。Theirownmisfortuneshadbeenmany，andforprivaterageitisalwaysrefreshingtofindaventinpublicswearing。Theirnationalvanityhadbeendeeplyinjured，andtheythoughtoftheirancientgloriesandthedayswhentheirfleetshadfirstroundedtheCapeofStorms，andtheirownnewspaperscalleduponCamoensandurgedthemtoextravagances。Itwasthegross，smooth，sleek，lyingEnglandthatwascheckingtheircareerofcolonialexpansion。Theyassumedatoncethattheirrulerwasinleaguewiththatcountry，andconsequentlythey，hispeople，wouldforthwithbecomeaRepublicandcoloniallyexpandthemselvesasafreepeopleshould。Thismadeplain，thepeoplethrewstonesattheEnglishConsulsandspatatEnglishladies，andcutoffdrunkensailorsofourfleetintheirportsandhammeredthemwithoars，andmadethingsveryunpleasantfortouristsattheircustoms，andthreatenedawfuldeathstotheconsumptiveinvalidsatMadeira，whilethejuniorofficersoftheArmydrankfruit-extractsandenteredintoblood-curdlingconspiraciesagainsttheirmonarch，allwiththeobjectofbeingaRepublic。NowthehistoryofalltheSouthAmericanRepublicsshowsthatitisnotgoodthatSouthernEuropeansshouldbealsoRepublicans。Theyglidetooquicklyintomilitarydespotism；andtheproppingofmenagainstwallsandshootingthemindetachmentscanbearrangedmuchmoreeconomicallyandwithlesseffectonthedeath-ratebyahide-boundmonarchy。StilltheperformancesofthePowerasrepresentedbyitspeoplewereextremelyinconvenient。Itwasthekickinghorseinthecrowd，andprobablytheriderexplainedthathecouldnotcheckit。Thepeopleenjoyedallthegloryofwarwithnoneoftherisks，andthetouristswhowerestonedintheirtravelsreturnedstolidlytoEnglandandtoldthe"Times"thatthepolicearrangementsofforeigntownsweredefective。
　　ThisthenwasthestateofaffairsnorthoftheLine。Southitwasmorestrained，fortherethePowerswereatdirectissue：England，unabletogobackbecauseofthepressureofadventurouschildrenbehindher，andtheactionsoffar-awayadventurerswhowouldnotcometoheel，butofferingtobuyoutherrival；andtheotherPower，lackingmenormoney，stiffintheconvictionthatthreehundredyearsofslave-holdingandinterminglingwiththenearestnativesgaveaninalienablerighttoholdslavesandissuehalf-
　　castestoalleternity。Theyhadbuiltnoroads。Theirtownswererottingundertheirhands；theyhadnotradeworththefreightofacrazysteamer，andtheirsovereigntyranalmostonemusket-shotinlandwhenthingswerepeaceful。Fortheseveryreasonstheyragedallthemore，andthethingsthattheysaidandwroteaboutthemannersandcustomsoftheEnglishwouldhavedrivenayoungernationtothegunswithalongredbillforwoundedhonour。
　　ItwasthenthatFatesentdowninatwin-screwshallow-draftgunboat，designedforthedefenceofrivers，ofsometwohundredandseventytons’displacement，LieutenantHarrisonEdwardJudson，tobeknownforthefutureasBai-Jove-Judson。Histypeofcraftlookedexactlylikeaflat-ironwithamatchstuckupinthemiddle；itdrewfivefeetofwaterorless，carriedafour-inchgunforward，whichwastrainedbytheship，and，onaccountofitspersistentrolling，wastoliveinthreedegreesworsethanatorpedo-boat。WhenJudsonwasappointedtotakechargeofthethingonherlittletripofsixorseventhousandmilessouthward，hisfirstremarkashewenttolookheroverindockwas，"BaiJove，thattopmastwantsstayingforward！"Thetopmastwasastickaboutasthickasaclothes-prop，buttheflat-ironwasJudson’sfirstcommand，andhewouldnothaveexchangedhispositionforsecondpostonthe"Anson"orthe"Howe"。Henavigatedher，underconvoy，tenderlyandlovinglytotheCape（thestoryofthetopmastcamewithhim），andhewassoabsurdlyinlovewithhiswallowingwash-tubwhenhereportedhimself，thattheAdmiralofthestationthoughtitwouldbeapitytokillanewmanonher，andallowedJudsontocontinueinhisunenviedrule。
　　TheAdmiralvisitedheronceinSimon’sBay，andshewasbad，evenforaflat-irongunboatstrictlydesignedforriverandharbourdefence。Shesweatedclammydropsofdewbetweendecksinspiteofapreparationofpowderedcorkthatwassprinkledoverherinsidepaint。SherolledinthelongCapeswelllikeabuoy；herfoc’s’lewasadog-kennel；Judson’scabinwaspracticallyunderthewater-
　　line；notoneofherdead-bightscouldeverbeopened；andhercompasses，thankstotheinfluenceofthefour-inchgun，wereacuriosityevenamongAdmiraltycompasses。ButBai-Jove-Judsonwasradiantandenthusiastic。HehadevencontrivedtofillMr。
　　Davies，thesecond-classengine-roomartificer，whowashischiefengineer，withtheglowofhispassion。TheAdmiral，whorememberedhisownfirstcommand，whenprideforbadehimtoslackenoffasingleropeonadewynight，andhehadrackedhisriggingtopiecesinconsequence，lookedattheflat-ironkeenly。
　　Herfendersweredonealloverwithwhitesennitwhichwastrulywhite；herbiggunwasvarnishedwithabettercompositionthantheAdmiraltyallowed；thesparesightswerecasedascarefullyasthechronometers；thechocksforsparespars，twoofthem，weremadeoffour-inchBurmateakcarvedwithdragons’headsthatwasoneresultofBai-Jove-Judson’sexperienceswiththeNavalBrigadeintheBurmesewar；thebow-anchorwasvarnishedinsteadofbeingpainted，andtherewerechartsmorethantheAdmiraltyscalesupplied。TheAdmiralwaswellpleased，forhelovedaship’shusband-amanwhohadalittlemoneyofhisownandwaswillingtospenditonhiscommand。Judsonlookedathimhopefully。HewasonlyaJuniorNavigatingLieutenantundereightyears’standing。
　　HemightbekeptinSimon’sBayforsixmonths，andhisshipatseawashisdelight。Thedreamofhisheartwastoenlivenherdismalofficialgraywithalineofgold-leafandperhapsalittlescroll-workatherbluntbarge-likebows。
　　"There’snothinglikeafirstcommand，isthere？"saidtheAdmiral，readinghisthoughts。"Youseemtohaveratherqueercompasses，though。Bettergetthemadjusted。"
　　"It’snouse，sir，"saidJudson。"ThegunwouldthrowoutthePoleitself。But-butI’vegotthehangofmostoftheirweaknesses。"
　　"Willyoubegoodenoughtolaythatgunoverthirtydegrees，please？"Thegunwasputover。Roundandroundandroundwenttheneedlemerrily，andtheAdmiralwhistled。
　　"Youmusthavekeptclosetoyourconvoy？"
　　"SawhertwicebetweenhereandMadeira，sir，"saidJudsonwithaflush，forheresentedthesluronhisseamanship。"It’s-it’salittleoutofhand，now，butshe’llsettledownafterawhile。"
　　TheAdmiralwentovertheside，accordingtotherulesoftheService，buttheStaff-CaptainmusthavetoldtheothermenofthesquadroninSimon’sBay，fortheyoneandallmadelightoftheflat-ironformanydays。"Whatcanyoushakeoutofher，Judson？"
　　saidtheLieutenantofthe"Mongoose"，arealwhite-painted，ram-
　　bowgunboatwithquick-firingguns，ashecameintotheupperverandahofthelittlenavalCluboverlookingthedockyardonehotafternoon。ItisinthatClubasthecaptainscomeandgothatyouhearallthegossipofalltheSevenSeas。
　　"Tenpointfour，"saidBai-Jove-Judson。
　　"Ah！Thatwasonhertrialtrip。She’stoodeepbytheheadnow。I
　　toldyoustayingthattopmastwouldthrowheroutoftrim。"
　　"Youleavemytop-hamperalone，"saidJudson，forthejokewasbeginningtopallonhim。
　　"Oh，mysoul！Listentohim。Juddy’stop-hamper！Keate，haveyouheardoftheflat-iron’stop-hamper？You’retoleaveitalone。
　　CommodoreJudson’sfeelingsarehurt。"
　　KeatewastheTorpedoLieutenantofthebig"Vortigern"，andhedespisedsmallthings。"Histop-hamper，"saidheslowly。"Oh，ahyes，ofcourse。Juddy，there’sashoalofmulletinthebay，andI
　　thinkthey’refoulofyourscrews。Bettergodown，orthey’llcarryawaysomething。"
　　"Idon’tletthingscarryawayasarule。YouseeI’venoTorpedoLieutenantonboard，thankGod！"
　　Keatewithinthepastweekhadsomanagedtobungletheslinginginofasmalltorpedo-boatonthe"Vortigern"，thattheboathadbrokenthecrutchesinwhichsherested，andwasherselfbeingrepairedinthedockyardundertheClubwindows。
　　"Oneforyou，Keate。Nevermind，Juddy；you’reherebyappointeddockyard-tenderforthenextthreeyears，andifyou’reverygoodandthere’snoseaon，youshalltakemeroundtheharbour。
　　Waitabeechee，Commodore。What’llyoutake？Vanderhumforthe’Cookandthecaptainbold，Andthemateo’theNancybrig，Andthebo’suntight’（Juddy，putthatcuedownorI’llputyouunderarrestforinsultingthelieutenantoftherealship）’Andthemidshipmite，Andthecrewofthecaptain’sgig。"
　　BythistimeJudsonhadpinnedhiminacorner，andwasproddinghimwiththehalf-butt。TheAdmiral’sSecretaryentered，andsawthescufflefromafar。
　　"Ouch！Juddy，Iapologise。Takethat-ertopmastofyoursaway！
　　Here’sthemanwiththebow-string。IwishIwereastaff-captaininsteadofabloodylootenant。Sperrilsleepsbeloweverynight。
　　That’swhatmakesSperriltumblehomefromthewaistuppards。
　　Sperril，Idefyyoutotouchme。I’munderordersforZanzibar。
　　ProbablyIshallannexit！"
　　"Judson，theAdmiralwantstoseeyou！"saidtheStaff-Captain，disregardingthescofferofthe"Mongoose"。
　　"Itoldyouyou’dbeadockyard-tenderyet，Juddy。Asideoffreshbeefto-morrowandthreedozensnapperonice。Onice，youunderstand，Juddy？"
　　Bai-Jove-JudsonandtheStaff-Captainwentouttogether。
　　"Now，whatdoestheAdmiralwantwithJudson？"saidKeatefromthebar。
　　"Don’tknow。Juddy’sadamnedgoodfellow，though。IwishtogoodnesshewasontheMongoosewithus。"
　　TheLieutenantofthe"Mongoose"droppedintoachairandreadthemailpapersforanhour。ThenhesawBai-Jove-Judsoninthestreetandshoutedtohim。Judson’seyeswereverybright，andhisfigurewasheldverystraight，andhemovedjoyously。ExceptfortheLieutenantofthe"Mongoose"，theClubwasempty。
　　"Juddy，therewillbeabeautifulrow，"saidthatyoungmanwhenhehadheardthenewsdeliveredinanundertone。"You’llprobablyhavetofight，andyetIcan’tseewhattheAdmiral’sthinkingofto-"
　　"Myordersarenottofightunderanycircumstances，"saidJudson。
　　"Go-look-see？Thatall？Whendoyougo？"
　　"To-nightifIcan。Imustgodownandseeaboutthings。Isay，I
　　maywantafewmenfortheday。"
　　"Anythingonthe"Mongoose"isatyourservice。There’smygigcomeinnow。Iknowthatcoast，dead，drunk，orasleep，andyou’llneedalltheknowledgeyoucanget。Ifithadonlybeenustwotogether！Comeoverwithme！"
　　ForonewholehourJudsonremainedclosetedinthesterncabinofthe"Mongoose"，listening，poringoverchartuponchartandtakingnotes，andforanhourthemarineatthedoorheardnothingbutthingslikethese："Nowyou’llhavetoputinhereifthere’sanyseaon。Thatcurrentisridiculouslyunder-estimated，anditsetswestatthisseasonoftheyear，remember。Theirboatsnevercomesouthofthis，see？Soit’snogoodlookingoutforthem。"Andsoonandsoforth，whileJudsonlayatlengthonthelockerbythethree-pounder，andsmokedandabsorbeditall。
　　Nextmorningtherewasnoflat-ironinSimon’sBay，onlyalittlesmudgeofsmokeoffCapeHangkliptoshowthatMr。Davies，thesecond-classengine-roomartificer，wasgivingherallshecouldcarry。AttheAdmiral’shouse，theancientandretiredbo’sun，whohadseenmanyAdmiralscomeandgo，broughtouthispaintandbrushesandgaveanewcoatofpurerawpea-greentothetwobigcannon-ballsthatstoodoneoneachsideoftheAdmiral’sentrance-gate。Hefeltdimlythatgreateventswerestirring。
　　Andtheflat-iron，constructed，ashasbeenbeforesaid，solelyforthedefenseofrivers，metthegreatrolloffCapeAgulhasandwassweptfromendtoendandsatuponhertwin-screwsandleapedasgracefullyasacowinabogfromoneseatoanother，tillMr。
　　Daviesbegantofearforthesafetyofhisengines，andtheKrooboysthatmadethemajorityofthecrewweredeathlysick。Sheranalongaverybadly-lightedcoast，pastbaysthatwerenobays，whereuglyflat-toppedrockslayalmostlevelwiththewater，andverymanyextraordinarythingshappenedthathavenothingtodowiththestory，buttheywerealldulyloggedbyBai-Jove-Judson。
　　Atlastthecoastchangedandgrewgreenandlowandexceedinglymuddy，andtherewerebroadriverswhosebarswerelittleislandsstandingthreeorfourmilesoutatsea，andBai-Jove-Judsonhuggedtheshoremorecloselythanever，rememberingwhattheLieutenantofthe"Mongoose"hadtoldhim。Thenhefoundariverfullofthesmelloffeverandmud，withgreenstuffgrowingfarintoitswaters，andacurrentthatmadetheflatirongaspandgrunt。
　　"Wewillturnuphere，"saidBai-Jove-Judson，andtheyturnedupaccordingly；Mr。Davieswonderingwhatintheworlditallmeant，andtheKrooboysgrinning。Bai-Jove-Judsonwentforwardtothebowsandmeditated，staringthroughthemuddywaters。Aftersixhoursofrootingthroughthisdesolationatanaveragerateoffivemilesanhour，hiseyeswerecheeredbythesightofonewhitebuoyinthecoffee-huedmid-stream。Theflat-ironcreptuptoitcautiously，andaleadsmantooksoundingsallarounditfromadinghy，whileBai-Jove-Judsonsmokedandthought，withhisheadononeside。
　　"Aboutsevenfeet，isn’tthere？"saidhe。"Thatmustbethetailendoftheshoal。There’sfourfathominthefairway。Knockthatbuoydownwithaxes。Idon’tthinkit’spicturesquesomehow。"TheKroomenhackedthewoodensidestopiecesinthreeminutes，andthemooring-chainsankwiththelasstsplintersofwood。Bai-JoveJudsonlaidtheflat-ironcarefullyoverthesite，whileMr。
　　Davieswatched，bitinghisnailsnervously。
　　"Canyoubackheragainstthiscurrent？"saidBai-Jove-Judson。Mr。
　　Daviescould，inchbyinch，butonlyinchbyinch，andBai-Jove-
　　Judsonsatinthebowsandgazedatvariousthingsonthebankastheycameintolineoropenedout。Theflatirondroppeddownoverthetailoftheshoal，exactlywherethebuoyhadbeen，andbackedoncebeforeBai-Jove-Judsonwassatisfied。Thentheywentupstreamforhalfanhour，putintoshoalwaterbythebankandwaited，withaslip-ropeontheanchor。
　　"Seemstome，"saidMr。Daviesdeferentially，"likeasifIheardsomeonea-firingoffatintervals，sotosay。"
　　Therewasbeyonddoubtadullmutterintheair。"Seemstome，"
　　saidBai-Jove-Judson，"asifIheardascrew。Standbytosliphermoorings。"
　　Anothertenminutespassedandthebeatofenginesgrewplainer。
　　Thenroundthebendoftherivercamearemarkablyprettilybuiltwhite-paintedgunboatwithablueandwhiteflagbearingaredbossinthecentre。
　　"Unshackleabaftthewindlass！Streambothbuoys！Easy，astern。
　　Letgo，all！"Theslip-ropeflewout，thetwobuoysbobbedinthewatertomarkwhereanchorandcablehadbeenleft，andtheflat-
　　ironwaddledoutintomidstreamwiththewhiteensignatheronemast-head。
　　"Giveherallyoucan。Thatthinghasthelegsofus，"saidJudson。"Anddownwego！"
　　"It’swar-bloodywar。He’sgoingtofire，"saidMr。Davies，lookingupthroughtheengine-roomhatch。
　　Thewhitegunboatwithoutawordofexplanationfiredthreegunsattheflat-iron，cuttingthetreesonthebanksintogreenchips。
　　Bai-Jove-Judsonwasatthewheel，andMr。Daviesandthecurrenthelpedtheboattoanalmostrespectabledegreeofspeed。
　　Itwasanexcitingchase，butitdidnotlastformorethanfiveminutes。Thewhitegunboatfiredagain，andMr。Daviesinhisengine-roomgaveawildshout。
　　"What’sthematter？Hit？"saidBai-Jove-Judson。
　　"No，I’vejustseizedofyourroos-de-gare。Begy’pardon，sir。"
　　"Right0！Justthehalfafractionofapointmore。"Thewheelturnedunderthesteadyhand，asBai-Jove-Judsonwatchedhismarksonthebankcominginlineswiftlyastroopsanxioustoaid。Theflat-ironsmelttheshoalwaterunderher，checkedforaninstant，andwenton。"Nowwe’reover。Comealong，youthieves，there！"
　　Thewhitegunboat，toohurriedeventofire，wasstorminginthewakeoftheflat-iron，steeringasshesteered。Thiswasunfortunate，becausethelightercraftwasdeadoverthemissingbuoy。
　　"Whatyoudohere？"shoutedavoicefromthebows。
　　"I’mgoingon。Holdtight。Nowyou’rearrangedfor！"
　　Therewasacrashandaclatterasthewhitegunboat’snosetooktheshoal，andthebrownmudboiledupinoozycirclesunderherforefoot。Thenthecurrentcaughtherstembythestarboardsideanddroveherbroadsideontotheshoal，slowlyandgracefully。
　　Theresheheeledatanundignifiedangle，andhercrewyelledaloud。
　　"Neat！Oh，damnneat！"quothMr。Davies，dancingontheengine-
　　roomplates，whiletheKroostokersgrinned。
　　Theflat-ironturnedup-streamagain，andpassedunderthehove-upstarboardsideofthewhitegunboat，tobereceivedwithhowlsandimprecationsinastrangetongue。Thestrandedboat，exposedeventoherlowerstrakes，wasasdefence-lessasaturtleonitsback，withouttheadvantageoftheturtle’splating。Andtheonebigbluntguninthebowsoftheflat-ironwasunpleasantlynear。
　　Butthecaptainwasvaliantandsworemightily。Bai-Jove-Judsontooknosortofnotice。Hisbusinesswastogouptheriver。
　　"Wewillcomeinaflotillaofboatsandecrazeryourviletricks，"saidthecaptainwithlanguagethatneednotbepublished。
　　ThensaidBai-Jove-Judson，whowasalinguist："Youstayowhereyouareo，orI’llleaveahole-oinyourbottomothatwillmakeyoumuchosperforatados。"
　　Therewasagreatdealofmixedlanguageinreply，butBai-Jove-
　　Judsonwasoutofhearinginafewminutes，andMr。Davies，himselfamanoffewwords，confidedtooneofhissubordinatesthatLieutenantJudsonwas"amostremarkablepromptofficerinawayofputtingit。"
　　Fortwohourstheflat-ironpawedmadlythroughthemuddywater，andthatwhichhadbeenatfirstamutterbecameadistinctrumble。
　　"Waswardeclared？"saidMr。Davies，andBai-Jove-Judsonlaughed。
　　"Then，damnhiseyes，hemighthavespoiltmyprettylittleengines。There’swarupthere，though。"
　　Thenextbendbroughtthemfullinsightofasmallbutlivelyvillage，builtroundawhitewashedmudhouseofsomepretensions。
　　Therewerescoresandscoresofsaddle-colouredsoldieryonduty，whiteuniformsrunningtoandfroandshoutingroundamaninalitter，andonagentleslopethatraninlandforfourorfivemilessomethinglikeabriskbattlewasragingroundarudestockade。AsmellofunburiedcarcassesfloatedthroughtheairandvexedthesensitivenoseofMr。
　　Davies，whospatovertheside。
　　"Iwanttogetthisgunonthathouse，"saidBai-Jove-Judson，indicatingthesuperiordwellingoverwhoseflatrooffloatedtheblueandwhiteflag。Thelittletwinscrewskickedupthewaterexactlyasahen’slegskickinthedustbeforeshesettlesdowntoabath。Thelittleboatmoveduneasilyfromlefttoright，backed，yawedagain，wentahead，andatlastthegraybluntgun’snosewasheldasstraightasarifle-barrelonthemarkindicated。ThenMr。DaviesallowedthewhistletospeakasitisnotallowedtospeakinHerMajesty’sserviceonaccountofwasteofsteam。Thesoldieryofthevillagegatheredintoknotsandgroupsandbunches，andthefiringupthehillceased，andeveryoneexceptthecrewoftheflatironyelledaloud。SomethinglikeanEnglishcheercamedownwind。
　　"Ourchapsinmischiefforsure，probably，"saidMr。Davies。"Theymusthavedeclaredwarweeksago，inakindofway，seemstome。"
　　"Holdhersteady，yousonofasoldier！"shoutedBai-Jove-Judson，asthemuzzlefelloffthewhitehouse。
　　Somethingrangasloudlyasaship’sbellontheforwardplatesoftheflat-iron，somethingsplutteredinthewater，andanotherthingcutagrooveinthedeckplankinganinchinfrontofBai-
　　Jove-Judson’sleftfoot。Thesaddle-colouredsoldierywerefiringasthemoodtookthem，andthemaninthelitterwavedashiningsword。Themuzzleofthebiggunkickeddownafractionasitwaslaidonthemudwallatthebottomofthehousegarden。Tenpoundsofgunpowdershutupinahundredpoundsofmetalwasitscharge。
　　Threeorfouryardsofthemudwalljumpedupalittle，asamanjumpswhenheiscaughtinthesmallofthebackwithaknee-cap，andthenfellforward，spreadingfan-wiseinthefall。Thesoldieryfirednomorethatday，andJudsonsawanoldblackwomanclimbtotheflatroofofthehouse。Shefumbledforatimewiththeflaghalliards，thenfindingthattheywerejammed，tookoffheronegarment，whichhappenedtobeanIsabella-colouredpetticoat，andwaveditimpatiently。Themaninthelitterflourishedawhitehandkerchief，andBai-Jove-Judsongrinned。"Nowwe’llgive’emoneupthehill。Roundwithher，Mr。Davies。Cursethemanwhoinventedthosefloatinggunplatforms。WherecanI
　　pitchinanoticewithoutslayingoneofthoselittledevils？"
　　Thesideoftheslopewasspeckledwithmenreturninginadisorderlyfashiontotheriverfront。Behindthemmarchedasmallbutverycompactbodyofmenwhohadfiledoutofthestockade。
　　Theselastdraggedquick-firinggunswiththem。
　　"BaiJove，it’saregulararmy。Iwonderwhose，"saidBai-Jove-
　　Judson，andhewaiteddevelopments。Thedescendingtroopsmetandmixedwiththetroopsinthevillage，and，withthelitterinthecentre，crowdeddowntotheriver，tillthemenwiththequick-
　　firinggunscameupbehindthem。Thentheydividedleftandrightandthedetachmentmarchedthrough。
　　"Heavethesedamnedthingsover！"saidtheleaderoftheparty，andoneafteranothertenlittlegatlingssplashedintothemuddywater。Theflatironlayclosetothebank。
　　"Whenyou’requitedone，"saidBai-Jove-Judsonpolitely，"wouldyoumindtellingmewhat’sthematter？I’minchargehere。"
　　"We’rethePioneersoftheGeneralDevelopmentCompany，"saidtheleader。"Theselittleboundershavebeenhammeringusinlagerfortwelvehours，andwe’regettingridoftheirgatlings。Hadtoclimboutandtakethem；butthey’vesnaffledthelock-actions。
　　Gladtoseeyou。"
　　"Anyonehurt？"
　　"Noonekilledexactly，butwe’reverydry。"
　　"Canyouholdyourmen？"
　　Themanturnedroundandlookedathiscommandwithagrin。Therewereseventyofthem，alldustyandunkempt。
　　"Wesha’n’tsackthisash-bin，ifthat’swhatyoumean。We’remostlygentlemenhere，thoughwedon’tlookit。"
　　"Allright。Sendtheheadofthispost，orfort，orvillage，orwhateveritis，aboard，andmakewhatarrangementsyoucanforyourmen。"
　　"We’llfindsomebarrackaccommodationsomewhere。Hullo！Youinthelitterthere，goaboardthegunboat。"Thecommandwheeledround，pushedthroughthedislocatedsoldiery，andbegantosearchthroughthevillageforsparehuts。
　　Thelittlemaninthelittercameaboardsmilingnervously。Hewasinthefullestoffulluniform，withmanyyardsofgoldlaceanddanglingchains。Alsoheworeverylargespurs；thenearesthorsebeingnotmorethanfourhundredmilesaway。"Mychildren，"saidhe，facingthesilentsoldiery，"layasideyourarms。"
　　Mostofthemenhaddroppedthemalreadyandweresittingdowntosmoke。"Letnothing，"headdedinhisowntongue，"temptyoutokillthesewhohavesoughtyourprotection。"
　　"Now，"saidBai-Jove-Judson，onwhomthelastremarkwaslost，"willyouhavethegoodnesstoexplainwhatthedeuceyoumeanbyallthisnonsense？"
　　"Itwasofanecessitate，"saidthelittleman。"Theoperationsofwarareunconformible。IamtheGovernorandIoperateCaptain。
　　Be’oldmylittlesword。"
　　"Confoundyourlittlesword，sir。Idon’twantit。You’vefiredonourflag。You’vebeenfiringatourpeoplehereforaweek，andI’vebeenfiredatcominguptheriver。"
　　"Ah！The’Guadala’。Shehavemisconstruedyouforaslaverpossibly。Howarethe’Guadala’？"
　　"MistookashipofHerMajesty’snavyforaslaver！Youmistakeanycraftforaslaver！BaiJove，sir，I’veagoodmindtohangyouattheyard-arm！"
　　Therewasnothingnearerthatterriblesparthanthewalking-stickintherackofJudson’scabin。TheGovernorlookedattheonemastandsmiledadeprecatingsmile。
　　"Thepositionisembarrassment，"hesaid。"Captain，doyouthinkthoseillustrioustradersburnmycapital？Mypeoplewillgivethembeer。"
　　"Nevermindthetraders，Iwantanexplanation。"
　　"Hum！TherearepopularuprisinginEurope，Captain-inmycountry。"Hiseyewanderedaimlesslyroundthehorizon。
　　"Whathasthattodowith-"
　　"Captain，youareveryyoung。Thereisstilluproariment。ButI"-
　　hereheslappedhischesttillhisepauletsjingled-"Iamloyalisttopitsofallmystomachs。"
　　"Goon，"saidJudson，andhismouthquivered。
　　"Anorderarrivetometoestablishacustom-houseshere，andtocollectofthetaximentfromthetraderswhenshearecomeherenecessarily。Thatwasonaccountofpoliticalunderstandingswithyourcountryandmine。Butonthatarrangementtherewasnomoneyalso。Notonedamnlittlecowrie。Idesiredamnablytoextendallcommercialthings，andwhy？Iamloyalistandthereisrebellion-
　　yes，Itellyou-Republicsinmycountryfortojustbegin。Youdonotbelieve？Seesometimehowitexist。Icannotmakethiscustom-housesandpaythesohigh-paidofficials。ThepeopletooinmycountrytheysaythekingshehasnoregardanceintoHonourofhernation。Hethrowawayeverything-Gladstoneherall，yousay，pay？"
　　"Yes，that’swhatwesay，"saidJudsonwithagrin。
　　"Thereforetheysay，letusbeRepublicsonhotcakes。ButI-I
　　amloyalisttoallmyhands’ends。Captain，onceIwasattach？atMexico。IsaytheRepublicsarenogood。Thepeopleshaveherstomachhigh。Theydesire-theydesire-acourseforthebills。"
　　"Whatonearthisthat？"
　　"Thecock-fightforpayatthegate。Yougivesomething，payforseebloodyrow。DoImakeitscomprehension？"
　　"Arunfortheirmoney-isthatwhatyoumean？Gad，you’resporting，Governor。"
　　"SoIsay。Iamloyalist，too。"Hesmiledmoreeasily。"Nowhowcananythingdoherselfforthecustoms-houses；butwhentheCompany’smensshearrives，thenacock-fightforpayatgatethatisquitecorrect。MyarmyhesaysitwillRepublicandshootmeoffuponwallsifIhavenotgiveherblood。Anarmy，Captain，areterribleinherangries-especialmentwhenshearenotpaid。I
　　know，too，"herehelaidhishandonJudson’sshoulder，"Iknowtooweareoldfriends。Yes！Badajos，Almeida，Fuentesd’Onor-
　　timeeversince；andalittle，littlecock-fightforpayatgatethatisgoodformyking。Moresithertightonthronebehind，yousee？Now，"hewavedhishandroundthedecayedvillage，"Isaytomyarmies，Fight！FighttheCompany’smenwhenshecome，butfightnotsoverystrongthatyouareanydeads。ItisallintheraportathatIsend。Butyouunderstand，Captain，wearegoodfriendsallthetime。Ah！CiudadRodrigo，youremember？No？
　　Perhapsyourfather，then？Soyouseenoonearedeads，andwefightafight，anditisallintheraporta，topleasethepeopleinourcountry，andmyarmiestheydonotputmeagainstthewalls。Yousee？"
　　"Yes；butthe’Guadala’。Shefiredonus。Wasthatpartofyourgame，myjoker？"
　　"The’Guadala’。Ah！No，Ithinknot。Hercaptainheistoobigfool。ButIthinkshehavegonedownthecoast。Thoseyourgunboatspokehernoseandshoveheroarineveryplace。Howis’Guadala’？"
　　"Onashoal。StucktillItakeheroff。"
　　"Thereareanydeads？"
　　"No。"
　　TheGovernordrewabreathofdeeprelief。"Therearenodeadshere。Soyouseenonearedeadsanywhere，andnothingisdone。