“You must, my boy. Here is what I want you to do. Throw the blanket over me and fill the tin with water.”
The boy did this and felt better, for it kept off the feeling of misery.
“That is good,” said the Colonel. “Now start off at once down the valley, and if you see any of the French soldiers before you, strike off to left or right and try and get by them, and don’t go down to the track again till they are left behind.”
“And then find our men, sir?” cried the boy excitedly.
“Yes.”
“And tell them where you are, and bring some back to carry you to your tent?”
“Yes,” said the Colonel, smiling.
“But suppose I can’t find them, sir?”
“Then—” said the Colonel, looking sadly at the boy, before closing his eyes, “then—we won’t talk about that, my boy: a brave little fellow like you must find them.”
“Yes, I’ll try,” said Dick eagerly. “When shall I go?”