CHAPTER I

BEAU GESTE AND HIS BAND “I think, perhaps, that if Very Small Geste were allowed to live, he might retrieve his character and find a hero’s grave,” said the Lieutenant. “And what would he do if he found a hero’s grave?” enquired the Captain. “Pinch the flowers off it and sell them, I suppose. As for retrieving his character, it is better not retrieved. Better left where it is—if it is not near inhabited houses, or water used for drinking purposes . . .” “Oh, _please_ let him live,” interrupted Faithful Hound. “He i…