“Reconnaissance. We took the Boer mounts after our communal breakfast. We went north up the railway line, scouting for sign. Passing riders, game . . . We rode for five miles. It took us some time because we were also logging on a chart the extent of the depredations to rail infrastructure and communications. We thought it would be of some use to the engineers if they ever came near the place. And it kept us busy. In fact, it was of use, I believe. On our return, we handed it over and the rail, and the telegraph system was repaired in seven days before the march into Kimberley. The engineers were the most efficient of our forces, since no officer knew enough about engineering to put his oar in and ruin their plans.”

“All was well back home at Lemon Tree Lodge when you returned?”

“Just fine. Completely normal. The lads had put yesterday’s stew on to reheat, and we had supper at the table. We bunked down for the night. It was Syd and Herbert on outpost duty that night, and off they went. The other four kipped down inside the hut. We had erected a bivouac tent just by the back door for the outpost lookouts, and when they were relieved at crack of dawn, they went and put their heads down there. They were allowed to sleep in until midday. I don’t think the stones disappeared during the night. Some of us were light sleepers—goes with the job. We’d have woken up if someone had been creeping about sieving the contents of the sugar bowl. I think the dirty deed was done before suppertime.”

“What steps did you take to retrieve the stolen diamonds?”

“Swift, stringent, ruthless. Without fear, favour or regard for rank.”

“The only way,” Redfyre commented.

“I sent them all into the outhouse, watching each other, and there they stayed until called in for their individual interviews. In alphabetical order.

“I made it an impersonal process. I told them each exactly what had happened and made no bones about the consequences for every man in the unit if the stones were not recovered. Then I ordered a strip and I searched each man. Thoroughly. I searched his clothes, every seam. Each man presented his kitbag, and I searched that, too. Wallets, chocolate tins, sewing cases, envelopes, the lot. Nothing. Every man was as clean as a whistle. When I’d put the fear of God into them, I told them that war does strange things to a man’s mentality. I understood that. If whoever had taken the diamonds came clean and discreetly handed me the loot within the next twenty-four hours, I would take no further action.”

“And yourself, Captain?”