I 2O TALES OF A NOMAD. 



other for those operations which have been delegated, 

 and for the proper execution of which the chief com- 

 mander has no other guarantee than faith in the ability 

 of his subordinate to carry out instructions in general, 

 and to skilfully meet any unforeseen exigencies which 

 may arise. The latter class of responsibilities are by far 

 the most wearing. Therefore, as he trots past you, let 

 your loyalty go out to him from a full heart, yes, from 

 all you who shoulder a musket. He has not time and 

 opportunity to nod to each of you ; but he bears the 

 heaviest part of the burden of all of you, and if he be a 

 brave and good soldier, as he generally is, he cares for 

 all of you. His life to him is nothing. He is the living 

 embodiment of your collective hopes and wishes, and he 

 has no desire save your welfare, and no hope but to lead 

 you to victory. God save the general means God save 

 the Queen God save my dear country God save me. 



True, he has his rewards, and certainly he deserves 

 them ; but the prospect of reward does not influence him. 

 The greatest, the best, and the bravest are ever the 

 simplest in that respect. 



The evening before the assault we were speculating 

 as to the plan of attack, and examining the kopje, the 

 town, and the face of the hill with field glasses, in order 

 as much as might be to make ourselves acquainted with 

 the nature of the ground. 



Basutos generally build their towns on places more 

 adapted for monkeys than for men to live in. I know 

 nothing more awkward or trying to the nerves than 

 attacking a Basuto stronghold. You do not see your 

 enemy, but the whistling of the bullets round you makes 

 it painfully apparent that the enemy see you. You are 

 peppered from rocks and bushes, from huts, from breast- 



