“Yes, sir.”
“After Bracy has started you can bring your company along the upper track to act as a reserve, and cover us if it is necessary when we retire. That will do.”
The two officers left the Colonel’s quarters and hurried out.
“My dear boy,” cried Roberts excitedly, “this is horribly sudden. Had you any idea of it before this morning?”
“Not the slightest,” said Bracy gravely.
“Glad of it, for I should have been hurt if you had not told me.”
“But you will not be hurt now? You heard what Graves said.”
“I was not to question you? Yes. Still, you have some confidences to make?”
“Not one, old fellow.”
“But surely—it is such a risky thing. Oh! it is preposterous; he ought not to have sent you. It is like sending a good man and true to his death.”