“Right, Bracy,” cried the Colonel. “He is the man. Ha! here comes Roberts to announce the advance of the enemy. I could hear the war-cries.—Yes, Roberts—the rascals worrying us again?”
“Yes, sir; coming down the right gully in strong numbers. Will you come and look?”
The Colonel picked up his glass and held out his hand.
“I shall lead the men to-day, Bracy,” he said, “for a change. Major Graham will be in command here. I shall tell him of your mission. Within an hour I shall depend upon you making your start.”
“Within an hour, sir,” said Bracy, as Roberts looked on in wonder.
“I have been thinking that a mule would help your journey at the first. What do you think?”
“I think not, sir,” said Bracy quietly. “We should be better free to climb anywhere. A baggage animal would tie us down to tracks.”
“Quite right. Go as we arranged.—Roberts,” he continued, turning to the Captain, “Bracy is going to take a despatch for me. He starts directly.”
“Directly, sir?” said Roberts, looking aghast.
“Yes; he has his instructions. You can have half-an-hour with him before he starts; but you will ask no questions, only help him in any way you can to start without delay, while I am keeping the enemy well employed at this end of the valley.”