I shall send this by a trusty messenger at daybreak.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
(Signed,)
SAMUEL HARDWICKE,
Commanding Scouting Party.
This document was duly dated from "Fishing Camp, Five miles below Pensacola," and when it was written, Sam quietly waked Bob Sharp.
"Bob," he said, "I have an important duty for you to do."
"I'm your man, Sam, for anything that turns up."
"Yes, I know that," replied Sam, "and that is why I picked you out for this business. The choice lay between you and Sid Russell, and I chose you, because I shall need a very rapid walker a little later to carry a still more important despatch, I fancy."
"It's a despatch, then," said Bob.