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?”
“Only come and see us off this evening.”
“I will,” was the reply, “and wish you safe back.”