“Then I may start when I like, sir?”
“Certainly, my lad. Of course you will take your rifle?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Take two revolvers instead of one. You may want them at a pinch; but you must depend upon scheming in this, and not on strength. By the way, there are a few biscuits in my haversack; you can take them.”
“Oh no, sir—” I began; but he interrupted me.
“Take them,” he said shortly, and in a way that meant a command; but I compromised the matter with my conscience by only taking half.
I now left the Colonel’s quarters with Denham and Joeboy, and only waited till it was as dark as it seemed likely to be before having a few final words with my companion and Briggs, who were the only men in the secret of what was about to be undertaken. Then, filling my water-bottle and placing the biscuits in my pocket—after Denham had refused a share—I saw that my bandolier was quite full of cartridges, slung my rifle, and placed one revolver in its holster-pocket and thrust the other in my breast. We now walked towards the well-barricaded gateway, gave the word, and Joeboy and I stepped out, with Denham and Briggs; but stopped to shake hands with Denham, who held mine tightly.
“Good luck to you, Val, lad!” he said softly. “Don’t take any notice of what I said before—I mean of all that cold water I poured on your scheme. It’s splendid. Go in and win; and when you’re half-way back, or if you’re pursued, make old Joeboy fill his bellows and roar. I’ll come to your help, even if there’s a thousand Doppies after you.”
“I know you will,” I said warmly as I returned the pressure of his hand. “There, good-bye.”
“Good-bye, old boy! You’ll do it. Oh! I wish I were coming too.”