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“You’ve killed me, you cowards,” sobbed Devlin and dropped, cut from the shoulder-strap to the centre of the chest; and a fresh detachment of his men retreating, always retreating, trampled him under foot as they made for the pass whence they had emerged. |
this is from “The Drums of the Fore and Aft”, collected in Wee Willie Winkie. An inexperienced English regiment, retreats before a force of fanatical Afghans. Two drummer boys, Jakin and Lew, are left stranded in front of the enemy. Rather than run, they march up and down, beating a rousing tune. Their comrades rally, return to the fight, and win the day, though Jakin and Lew die in the first volley. |
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