They were sent to the rear. 

 Meantime, the firing had become stronger. Away ahead, Bill's party saw a long line of men lying about on a ridge of sand. They were firing furiously at the advancing scouts. 

 "I reckon that's a patrol. We'd better scatter them," ordered Bill, going forward in the most brazen manner to capture about twenty men. According to the rules of war this was impossible. Hence the sudden appearance of a "Brass Hat" with a white band on his arm. 

 "Here—you!" he shouted to Bill and his men. 

 "Well, matey—what's wrong?" 

 "You're out of action—clear out," said the officer, a little annoyed at the term "matey." 

 "Hands up," said Bill, shoving in a round of blank and presenting his rifle at the man on the horse. 

 "Confound your cheek—how dare you——" 

 "No lip, old cock. Get off that gee-gee." 

 "Don't you know who I am? I'm Colonel Redtabs——" 

 "And I'm Bill Buster, boss of this scoutin' show. You can't fool me—I'm an Australian." 

 "Hang it all! Don't you know I'm an umpire?" 

 "Look here, this ain't a cricket match. Get off, or I'll blow you off," said Bill, fingering his trigger. The old colonel, realising that he was dealing with a too zealous scout, unacquainted with the rules of mimic warfare, jumped off his horse. 

 "Now, Sandy, get on that horse." 

 "What?" said Sandy, a little confused. 

 "Get on that horse or I'll blow you on," ordered Bill, somewhat annoyed at the waste of time. 

 Sandy jumped up. 

 "Now, take this bloke back to Colonel Killem. Tell him he's a poor fellow wot's wrong in his head, an' thinks he's at a cricket match." 

 The captured umpire, who was a sportsman with a real sense of humour, laughed heartily as he was led away. 

 Prev. P 37/77 next