"I think, sir," he said after a pause, and a rather curious quaver was in his voice, "I think it might be worth trying."
Another pause followed, and Bradford rose, and taking a map from his haversack spread it on the table.
"Now, Graeme," he said, "show us as nearly as you can where this fellow lies."
"There," said Graeme, putting his finger on the map.
"Could you guide a column to the place, do you think?"
"Yes, blindfold."
Another pause, then Bradford spoke, with restored confidence in his voice—here was something tangible to fight, not an atmosphere—"Send to commanding officers at once, please, Major Godwin," he said, "and tell them to come here."
Godwin left, returning a few minutes afterwards.
"We shall want three columns," continued Bradford, "one here, one there, and another where Graeme was standing. You'll take one, Godwin, I another, and—and Carthew, I suppose, the third."
"For heaven's sake not him, sir," put in Graeme quickly.