The Hero

Viac o knihe

We were tasked with taking an unoccupied hill, believing it safe unless the enemy fired from it. However, the area was teeming with Boers, who opened fire as we approached. Our attempts to storm the position were futile; men fell like nine-pins, and when ordered to fire, we had nothing to aim at but rocks. We had to retreat, and I soon discovered that Larcher had been wounded. Determined to help, I returned for him and asked if he could move. He replied he was hurt in the leg, and I bandaged him as best as I could while we were under fire. He was bleeding profusely, yet he maintained a brave demeanor. I inquired about his condition, and he assured me he was just feeling a bit unwell. I helped him to his feet, but soon he turned pale and groaned that he felt bad, then fainted. I had to carry him, but soon after, I was hit in the arm. I urged him to stay strong, but as he opened his eyes, a bullet struck him in the neck, and he bled out, gasping his last breath as his blood splattered on my face.