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" Take his other arm," said Oliver. " Pull yourself together, Feathers. We've got to get back to camp. CAMP YOU know."
" Camp," said Featherstone. " Camp."
" That's right. Now, then, off we go."
At the gates of Tidworth Park they were challenged by the guard, but Peter gave Featherstone an extra prod in the ribs and they slouched through without being noticed. Inside the tent, Featherstone collapsed on his palliasse, and lay staring at the canvas.
" Been to Tidworth ?" said Taunton.
" Yes, we had a very decent time," said Peter.
" So it seems. How did he get like that ?"
" Well, we had a scrap on the way back with some people from Magnafields and poor old Featherstone got winded."
" His wind smells like whisky to me," said Taunton. Lawrence and Worming laughed. " You'd better look after him as you're responsible." And at that moment Featherstone was sick. He had rolled quietly over till his head rested on Taunton's tunic and breeches, folded ready for the next morning.
" Blast your soul," said Taunton. " Here, give me a hand you others. Get his head under the tent flap."
" Poor old chap," said Oliver. " You'll be better in a moment. That's the way, cough it up."
" Can I help ?" said Denis. He felt suddenly fond of Featherstone.
" Creep out of the tent and get a tent cloth," said Taunton. " Don't get caught."
" Hadn't we better undress him ? " said Peter.
" Yes, puttees first. Now his boots. Pull." When Denis returned with a cloth he found the patient in shirt and breeches. It was a warm night and Taunton agreed with his suggestion that the tent flap should be left open. When the last post went, Denis wrapped his blanket round him and turned away to the canvas. Drink and the fight had left him tired. The candle was put out, but Denis no longer felt alone. Poor old Featherstone. It was pretty foul to be

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sick in the tent, and it smelt abominably. But it wasn't really his fault, and he was better now he had been sick. Taunton wasn't such a bad chap either. They had all helped to put Featherstone right. He had enjoyed looking after him and feeling so much better himself. Now he wanted to talk to someone. He wanted to tell them about himself and hear others talk. But there was plenty of time in the morning.