“Take the message to the Colonel,” I replied.

“Going to do what?” cried Denham. “Nothing of the kind.”

“But I promised him.”

“I know you did; but you must have a fit of delirium coming on. It’s being too much up in the sun.”

“Nonsense,” I said. “I’ve no time for joking.”

“Joking, my dear boy? Nothing of the kind. I’m going to take you to the doctor; he’ll nip your complaint in the bud.”

“Absurd,” I cried. “Come with me to the Colonel.”

“What! To deliver the message?”

“Of course.”

“No, Val, my boy. I like you too well to let you go to the old man. Do you know what he’d do?”