Part 13 (1/2)

”We must all run risks, sir,” said West gravely.

”And I beg your pardon: our time is up for seeing the Commandant,” said Ingleborough, referring to his watch.

”Yes, I heard you were to go to him,” said the director. ”But it sounds very rash. There, go on, and come to me afterwards.”

They parted, and a few minutes later the young men were ushered into the Commandant's room.

”Then you have not repented, my lads?” he said, smiling.

”No, sir,” replied West, speaking for both; ”we are quite ready to go.”

”Then I must take you both at your word. But once more I give you both the opportunity to draw back if you like.”

”Thank you, sir,” replied West; ”but if you will trust us we will take the despatch.”

”Very well,” said the Commandant, turning very stern and business-like.

”Here is the despatch. It is a very small packet, and I leave it to your own ingenuity to dispose of it where it cannot be found if you have the bad luck to be captured. It must be sewn up in your pockets, or fitted into your hats, or hidden in some way or other. I leave it to you, only telling you to destroy it sooner than it should fall into the enemy's hands.”

”We'll consult together, sir, and decide what to do,” replied West, looking frankly in the officer's eyes; ”but--I have heard of such a thing being done, sir--”

”What do you mean?” said the Commandant sternly.

”That to ensure a despatch not falling into the enemy's hands the bearer learned its contents carefully and then burned it.”

”Hah! Yes. That would make it safe,” cried the officer, with a satisfied look. ”But, no, it could not be done in this case. I have no right to open the despatch, and I do not know its contents. You must take it as it is, and in the event of disaster burn or bury it. Destroy it somehow. It must not fall into the enemy's hands. Here.”

”I understand, sir,” said West, taking the thick letter in its envelope, as it was extended to him; and the Commandant heaved a sigh as if of relief on being freed of a terrible incubus.

”There,” he said, ”I shall tie you down to no restrictions other than these. That packet must somehow be placed in the hands of the Colonel Commandant at Mafeking. I do not like to name failure, for you are both young, strong, and evidently full of resource; but once more: if you are driven too hard, burn or destroy the packet. Now then, what do you want in the way of arms? You have your rifles, and you had better take revolvers, which you can have with ammunition from the military stores.

Do you want money?”

”No, sir; we shall require no money to signify,” said Ingleborough quietly. ”But we must have the best horses that can be obtained.”

”Those you must provide for yourselves. Take the pick of the place, and the order shall be made for payment. My advice is that you select as good a pair of Basuto ponies as you can obtain. They will be the best for your purpose. There, I have no more to say but 'G.o.d speed you,' for it is a matter of life and death.”

He shook hands warmly with both, and, on glancing back as soon as they were outside, they saw the Commandant watching them from the window, whence he waved his hand.

”He thinks we shall never get back again, Noll,” said Ingleborough, smiling; ”but we'll deceive him. Now then, what next?”

”We must see Mr Allan,” replied West.

”Then forward,” cried Ingleborough. ”We must see old Norton too before we go, or he'll feel huffed. Let's go round by his place.”

They found the superintendent in and ready to shake hands with them both warmly.

”Most plucky!” he kept on saying. ”Wish I could go with you.”

”I wish you could, and with a hundred of your men to back us up,” said West laughingly.

”You ought to have a couple of thousand to do any good!” said the superintendent: ”but even they would not ensure your delivering your despatch. By rights there ought to be only one of you. That would increase your chance. But it would be lonely work. What can I do for you before you go?”