"That will be best. I will arrange with Lord Raglan to give him leave, provided he will accept the mission."
Without further delay Blythe went back to his camp and told Hyde all that had occurred.
"Go! Of course I will go. This very day, if the doctor will let me. I will unmask her; I will spoil her game. If I cannot save Stanislas, at least she shall not benefit by her crime."
"You are sure you can find her?"
"Trust me! People in her position are easily found. The first Court Guide will give you her address. She holds her head high, and must pay the penalty of greatness."
The prospect of starting soon for England on such an errand seemed to restore Hyde to energy and strength.
"Not fit to travel!" he said to the doctor, who still expressed some doubts on that head. "Why, I am fit for anything."
"Nonsense, man! You won't be able to use your arm for weeks."
"I shan't want it. My head's sound and clear; that's the chief thing. The moment I get my leave and my orders, I'm off."
They gave Hyde a passage home in the Himalaya, a man-of-war transport, and at that time one of the swiftest steamers afloat. At the most, the journey would not occupy more than twelve days or a fortnight. He might not be able or in time to do much for Stanislas in his present peril, but he at least hoped that retribution might follow fast on the betrayal of his friend.