The corporal took David's hand
in his, and held it with the tight grip of the comrade who means to
stand by to the last ditch.
"Forward, th' Light Brigade!
Was 'ere a man dismay'd?
Not though the soldier knew
Some 'un had blunder'd...."
"God forbid!" murmured the corporal, as the words trailed slowly out
into the air from under Doctor Wendell's hand.
"Theirs not to make reply--
Theirs--not to--reason--why--
Theirs--but--to--do--an'--die----"
The corporal set his teeth. Presently he looked across the bed and met
the eyes of the major's mother. "So far, so good," he said, nodding to
her, as the small hand in his relaxed its hold.
"Talk about sheer pluck!" growled Captain Stephen Thorndyke, in the
waiting-room, where he and Colonel Chester and Cadet Stuart were
marching up and down during the period of suspense.
"It's that 'Charge of the Light Brigade' that floors me," said Stuart.
"If the youngster'd just whimper a little; but to go under whispering,
'Theirs not to make reply----'" He choked, and frankly drew his gray
sleeve across his eyes.
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