All at once Mr Raydon turned, and found me gazing intently at him.
“Well?” he said.
“You will let me go too, sir?” I said.
“No; you are too young to fight. Yes; you shall carry an extra rifle for me, and my surgical case.”
I ran back to where Gunson lay impatiently waiting for news, and told him.
“Yes,” he said, “it is quite right. This must be put down with a strong hand. Oh, if I had only strength to be one of the party! Mayne Gordon, I envy you.”
Ten minutes later I was saying good-bye to Mrs John, who looked pale and horrified at the news she had heard, and began to object to my going, till Mr John whispered a few words to her, when she turned upon me a piteous look.
“I am only going as the doctor’s assistant,” I said, lightly, but I felt as excited as if I were about to form one of a forlorn hope.
“Ready?” said Mr Raydon, coming to the door. “Get to the men, Gordon. Good-bye, sister.”
“But, Daniel!” she said, clinging to him; “is this necessary?”