"Hullo!" said Colonel John Decies to himself--"vultures! I suppose
they might be referred to in my manual as a likely guide to the
wounded. Good idea. 'The flying casualty-scout should always take
note of the conduct of vultures, noting the direction of flight if any
are seen dropping to earth. These birds may prove invaluable guides. A
collection of them on the ground may indicate a wounded man who may be
alive.' ..."

The Colonel was thinking of his _magnum opus_, "The Aeroplane and the
Surgeon, in War," wherewith he lived laborious days at Bimariabad in
the intervals of testing, developing, and demonstrating his theories
at Kot Ghazi.

Turning his head, he shouted to Surgeon-Captain Digby-Soames,
R.A.M.C., his passenger and pupil:--

"Vultures on the left-front or starboard bow. 'Invariable battle-field
sign of wounded man. Note spot if unable to land and rescue. Call up
stretcher-party by signal--_Vide_ page 100 of Decies' great work,'
what?"

"By Jove, it is a wounded man," replied Captain Digby-Soames, who was
using field-glasses. "Damned if it isn't a Sahib, too! Out shikarring
and sprained his ankle, I suppose. Dead, I'm afraid. Poor devil!"

"Vultures aren't _at work_, anyhow," commented Colonel Decies. "Can't
land anywhere hereabouts, and I'm afraid 'calling up the stretcher
party' isn't in the game here."