WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
"Any losses?"
"More than I care to think of," said William, with a shudder. "And you?"
Scott said nothing. There had been many little burials along his route—one cannot burn a dead baby—many mothers who had wept when they did not find again the children they had trusted to the care of the Government.
Then Hawkins came out carrying a razor, at which Scott looked hungrily, for he had a beard that he did not love. And when they sat down to dinner in the tent he told his tale in few words, as it might have been an official report. Mrs. Jim snuffled from time to time, and Jim bowed his head judicially; but William's grey eyes were on the clean-shaven face, and it was to her that Scott seemed to appeal.
"Good for the Pauper Province!" said William, her chin on her hand, as she leaned forward among the wine-glasses. Her cheeks had fallen in, and the scar on her forehead was more prominent than ever, but the well-turned neck rose roundly as a column from the ruffle of the blouse which was the accepted evening-dress in camp.
"It was awfully absurd at times," said Scott. "You see, I did n't know much about milking or babies. They 'll chaff my head off, if the tale goes up North."
"Let 'em," said William, haughtily. "We 've all done coolie-work since we came. I know Jack has." This was to Hawkins's address, and the big man smiled blandly.
"Your brother 's a highly efficient officer, William,"
[218]
