Between Snow and Fire — page 241: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

of | rs Jf 5 (" ; 7) — = . “Yer—send yer winder to be cleaned! Stick it in yer breeches pocket !’’ were some of the witticisms yelled back by the retreating rowdies, in allusion to the eye-glass worn by the newcomer. “By Jove, Milne. You seem to have been in the wars,” said the latter looking from one to the other of the injured parties, “ What’s the row, eh?” > “Tt speaks for itself. Nothing much, though. I’ve only been reminding our valiant friends there that fair play isa jewel even when its only a Kafir that’s concerned.” “Which unsavoury Ethiop seems to have been knocked about a bit, however,” rejoined the other, sticking his glass into his eye to examine the fallen native. The Kafir, who had raised himself to a sitting posture, was now staring stupidly about him as though half dazed. Blood was issuing from his nose and mouth, and one of his eyes was completely closed up. His assailants had allslunk — away by now, the arrival upon the scene of this unwelcome ally having turned the scale against any plan they might have entertained of showing further unpleasantness toward the solitary intervener. Some three or four of the Gaika’s countrymen, who had held aloof, now came up to the assistance of their friend. These gave their version of the story. Eustace listened attentively. “It was a foolish thing to make any remark at such a time and in such a place,” he said. “It was sure to provoke strife. Go and get him a tot of grog,” throwing them a six- pence, “ and then you'd better get away home.” “T tell you what it is, Milne,” said Errington in a low tone. “I know that fellow you floored so neatly, He’s one of the best bruisers in the country, and I’m afraid you © : You'd better keep a bright | haven’t seen the last of him. lookout as long as you're in this part. He’s bound to play you some dog’s trick at the earliest opportunity.” “Is he? Well I must try and be ready for him. I sup- pose now we must bring the poor devil round,eh? He seems about stunned.” | Errington had a flask in his pocket. Dismounting he raised the fallen man’s head and poured some of the con- tents into his mouth. F Horse. The crowd had already — begun to melt away before this new accession of force. =