over the men's heads to see
what was going on. The light company were busy all this time in
exploring and examining the localities on our right and left, that we
might not be hemmed in. This is a necessary precaution in a mountainous
country; for the enemy may open the door to you and bid you enter, and,
when well in, may shut you in, so as to leave you no possibility of
escape. Young officer, never be inveigled in this manner, but take care,
especial care, that you can always insure that last extremity--a good
retreat. My eyes lingered on the light bobs as they ascended the
surrounding hills, and I wished to be with them, to see what was to be
seen. This was a most critical campaign, and required more prudence and
caution than I ever possessed in the whole course of my life. In such a
country you could not tell but your next step might be in the cannon's
mouth. I was thus thinking, when I saw the adjutant running towards the
centre of the regiment, vociferating, "Pass the word for Mr. Shipp; pass
the word for Mr. Shipp."--"Holloa!" thought I, "what's all this about?".
At last he came up to me, and said I was to join the light company
immediately. This was making me a light bob, indeed. I made over the
colour to my covering sergeant, by the adjutant's desire; but at that
moment a thought struck me, that perhaps this was the last time I should
ever bear it; for I could not foresee but that that day--nay, that
fleeting hour--might be my last; so I pressed the colour to my bosom and
kissed it: why should I be ashamed of it? I was a soldier, and the oft
blood-stained banner was my pride.

I soon joined the light bobs, for I could run and jump with the best of
them, and the column now proceeded slowly. The fine light company of the
25th regiment of Bengal Native Infantry were with us, and there was the
greatest intimacy between this native company and ours, and more
familiarity and good-fellowship than I had ever witnessed during my
course of service in India. We now ascended a small hill, at the bottom
of which we saw several men running away. Our soldiers were not cruel,
nor did they ever wantonly throw away their fire. A soldier ought to
guard every round intrusted to his care, for the protection of his
country and himself, as the apple of his eye; many a brave man has lost
his life in battle for the want of a round of ammunition, which, in all
probability, he had been careless of at the beginning. It is not only a
crime