Ted's heart glowed with pride and pleasure. He had shaken hands with this famous man; he had actually enjoyed ten minutes' private talk with him--a thing half the officers in the camp would have given much for. The name of the young general was on everyone's lips. Over the heads of his seniors in rank John Nicholson had been given the command of the Punjab Movable Column, and wherever that column had marched victory had crowned its arms, no matter what the odds. Along the frontier of the Indus, amidst the wild robber clans of Bannu, he was worshipped as a deity; and Ted now understood what had been incomprehensible before, namely, the strange behaviour of the subadar, and the sudden awe that had fallen upon the Pathans as soon as Ahmed Khan had whispered the magic words "Jan Nikkulseyn". CHAPTER XXI "Wombwell's Menagerie" On his return in the early morning of the following day, Ted related his adventures to brother and cousin, and told of his interview with the hero of the Punjab. "Yes," replied Jim, "Nicholson has been here inspecting our defences and examining our men. He's left his column behind and galloped on to confer with our general. Lucky for you, young 'un, that he happened to be present. But, then, you are such a lucky beggar!" "I wonder what they'll do to your friend the major?" observed Charlie, whose splendid constitution was doing wonders for him. "Ask him to resign, I expect," Jim opined. But that officer of the 15th Derajats had already resigned. Before he and his escort had left the Ridge a shell from one of the Mori 24-pounders exploded in their midst, killing the major and one sepoy and wounding four others. Ted, however, did not learn this until the following day, and at the same time he heard that Nicholson had left the camp and ridden out to bring in his column, which was now close at hand. "Before I forget, here's something for you, Ted," Jim exclaimed, after the three had discussed the ensign's adventures at some length. "The mail came while you were away, and I had a letter from Ethel enclosing this for you." Jim handed his brother a note, which Ted promptly opened and read. "It's very jolly of her! The colonel has nearly completely recovered, she says, and they are quite safe. Will you swop letters, Jim?" "Wouldn't you like to? Cheeky young cub!" Charlie laughed. "I've already offered him half my daily pay for a sight of the precious document, and he's waiting for me to raise the bid. He's been looking so radiantly absurd, young 'un, since he received it, that I've been longing to throw my boots at him, but unfortunately I can't get at them." Jim winked solemnly at his cousin, and appeared far too happy to be abashed by the satire of his facetious relatives.