Scorpion Sunset Read Online Free PDF Page B

Does Captain Vincent know about the briefing?’
    â€˜Already left, sir.’
    John checked Leigh’s pulse. ‘I’ll take another look at you after I’ve seen the brigadier, Leigh.’ John rose. His muscles felt as though they’d turned to stone since he’d sat down.
    â€˜I’m all right, Mason …’ Leigh’s eyelids fluttered. He crumpled to his knees.
    â€˜I’ll get Captain Leigh into one of the tents, Major Mason. You go along to the briefing, sir.’ Greening slung Leigh over his shoulder and walked away.
    â€˜I wish I had one-tenth of Greening’s strength left to me.’ Crabbe accompanied John as he negotiated his way around the groups of men who’d lit fires along the river bank to boil water in their billy cans. A few attempted to struggle to their feet when they saw John and Crabbe approach. Crabbe called out in advance.
    â€˜At ease, men.’
    The brigadier was slumped on a camp chair in front of one of the carts they used to haul their equipment. Given the debilitated state of the available donkeys and mules, only the most essential items of kit had been loaded. A fire burned next to the cart and an Indian orderly was making tea. John noticed the bleached leaves he was spooning into the tin pot, and wondered how many times they’d been used.
    The brigadier saw him staring at them. ‘There’s enough life left to colour the water, Mason.’
    â€˜I’ll take your word for it, sir.’
    â€˜Rumour has it the Relief Force has dispatched a supply ship under a white flag that should reach us tomorrow.’
    â€˜I thought that was more definite than just a rumour, sir.’
    â€˜Relief Force asked the Turks’ permission, I received the news via our wireless in Kut before we smashed it. The senior man here informed me it was on its way when I arrived.’ The brigadier watched the officers limping and straggling in then spoke to his orderly. ‘Lieutenant Grace will take over brewing the tea, Patel. Pass down an order to the non-commissioned officers asking them to ensure we receive privacy during the briefing.’
    â€˜Yes, sir.’ Patel saluted and disappeared. Just one more grey figure blending with the others in the twilight.
    â€˜Cigarettes, gentlemen?’ The brigadier handed out packs. ‘These are the last from the Dorsets’ mess. Don’t hoard them. In this dry heat they’re already turning to dust.’
    John opened the pack Bowditch handed him, extracted one, and lit it immediately.
    â€˜Thank you all for answering the summons. I realise you’re dispirited as well as exhausted but I thought it as well we exchange views on the situation. As senior ranking officer I approached the Turkish Officers on arrival, hoping to negotiate more suitable and humane treatment for the ranks. I regret without success. I have, however, officially registered my disgust at the conditions we find ourselves in, particularly the lack of shelter, clean drinking water, sanitation, food, and transport that has resulted in a high death toll among both officers and men on the march out of Kut. I also registered my revulsion as to the amount of violence meted out by both Turkish ranks and officers towards our men. I asked the Turks to make note that in the opinion of our senior officers and medics, our casualties would have been considerably fewer if the Ottomans had organised and furnished basic amenities.’
    â€˜And was your protest noted by the Turks, sir?’ John asked.
    â€˜Noted, and documented by them and me, Mason.’
    â€˜Are we being shipped to Baghdad, sir?’ Alf Grace poured the ‘tea’ into tin mugs and passed them down the line.
    â€˜That is the Turks’ intention. I’ve received assurance that the worst of our casualties, ranks as well as officers, will be conveyed there by steamship but I’ve been warned the majority will have to march.