"Well, what is it?" he asked, without raising his eyes from his work in front of him. "Have you anything else to say?"
"Excuse me, sir, I do not wish to trouble you too much; but if any one is sent to Cairo," said Helmar, diffidently, "I should like to be allowed to go too—I know the best route to take."
The officer looked up, and scanned the drawn face before him.
"You look tired, my man, and I do not wonder at it. You must rest; but your orders will be given you later on. You can go now."
George was compelled to leave, and he did so reluctantly. He felt it was hard if a relieving force should be sent, and he not allowed to accompany it after all he had done. Still, he knew this man's word was absolute, and he must abide by his decision whatever it might be. With keen disappointment he left the room, accompanied by the officer who had been directed to see about quarters for him.
Once outside he was handed over to a subordinate, who carried him off to his tent. The man was a sergeant, and a good sort. After traversing the lines for a few minutes they stopped outside one of the many white tents.
"It's very late to see about quarters for you," said the man, "but this is my tent, and if you would like to share it with me to-night, I will see that you are made comfortable to-morrow. You'll find they are not so bad," he went on, throwing back the fastenings as he spoke. "There are plenty of blankets and some good grub."
"I shall be delighted," replied George quickly; "only let me sleep, the bare ground will do as well as anything else."
"Ah, well, you'll find my quarters better than that," said the sergeant, with a laugh, leading the way in.
Inside, George found as the man had said, and he quickly had a comfortable bed made on the ground.