Pluckily the subaltern did the next best thing. At imminent danger he placed his foot upon the latent missile of destruction and waited.
"It's all right, sir," exclaimed the sergeant, who had clambered over the parados and run to the extended group of officers. "It's only a dummy. I had my doubts about Rifleman Dowit, and a thundering good job I did," he added grimly.
"Bring the man here," ordered the major breathlessly, for the blow from the sandbag had shaken him considerably.
Thereupon Rifleman Dowit was given a good dressing down and promptly transferred to the bearer section. For the time being he passes out of this story, but we shall hear of him again.
Malcolm and d**k found bayonet exercise exciting work--thrusting at suspended sacks stuffed with straw called for strength and s
