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Chapter XVII. The Varmints have their Innings.

Doolan made a bright file to disperse the darkness and got some handkerchiefs from the pockets of some of his dead companions, and we then bound the Captain's head as well as we could.

A footstep sounded among the trees close behind us, and I made out Andrew's honest face peering at us from the underwood. He came forward cautiously at first, leaning on a stick, and took my hand, while he brushed something like moisture from his eyes with the other.

"I thank the 'tarnal God that you are all right, Mr. Douglas. I made tracks like a good many others, as it was no use in stoppin' to be shot down like dogs. I got struck on the leg and could not go far, so I planted myself in the high grass. Soon after I saw the critters shin down the trees and clear off. Some of them nearly walked over me, but as there were too many of them I thought it better to lay close if I wanted to get off with a whole skin. When all was quiet I came back to look for you. I guess the varmints had their innings this time. I call it an almighty smash. Some of the townspeople will turn up soon most likely."

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Doolan, who was supporting the Captain's head, looked up and said:

"Sergeant, who were those fellows "Stanley and Chester" that the Captain was telling to charge, I don't remember the names in our company."

"The poor fellow was delirious, and did'nt know what he was saying, I will show you their names in a book some time," I replied, amused at Doolan's question.

"Oh, I see, people often talk of what they have read when they are 'off their pannikin.' For my part I think reading is not good when it makes you do that."

"Then I suppose by the same rule you should not eat for fear you might choke; I saw a fellow choke once with a lump of bar's meat, when he was laughing at a yarn that I was tellin', one night, when a few of us was camped on the mountains in my country," said Andrews.

"Then don't tell any more of them yarns now; there's enough kilt to-night anyhow," remarked Doolan, rubbing the place where the cartridge box was usually fixed.

About twenty of our men had put in an appearance by this time, many of them more or less wounded. I posted four on the lookout for fear of a surprise, and set the remainder to look after the wounded and dead. The latter were put side by side under a tree on one side of the road, and the wounded were made as comfortable as possible on the other side, until they could be properly attended to.

Soon after we were delighted to hear a party of horseman approaching from the township. While I was listening a page 76sudden faintness came over me from loss of blood, and some of the men assisted me to the side of the road, and put me in a sitting posture with my back to a tree, while Andrews got some water and washed my wound. He was fixing the bandage which had become loose, when about thirty men arrived, followed by a buggy. One of the first that rode up was Doctor Gill, our Wairuara medico. He was off his horse in a moment, while the others looked round in surprise.

"What is the matter my lads? I thought we would find you nearer Mr. Hirch's house, said the doctor.

He was soon in possession of the facts, and at once turned his attention to the wounded. The buggy moved in front of me, and I was astonished to see Mr. Munroe and his daughter seated in it. Andrews was just giving the last touches to my bandage, when Miss Munroe caught sight of me. She cried out, as she sprang from the buggy; "Oh my poor——!" and then suddenly stopped in evident confusion.

Her father seized her arm, and said something hurriedly in a low voice, after which she walked over and said gently:

Mr. Douglas, I hope you are not badly hurt; how pale you are. Can I do anything for you?

"I thank you Miss Munroe, my friend here has done all that can be done for the present. My wound is of very little consequence, and I have no doubt the doctor will soon make me right again. It is merely a scratch, though it has made me a little faint."

"I have something in the buggy that will perhaps revive you."