"About five hundred miles," was the reply.
Jack stared.
"No wonder your horse is lame—though you didn't ride the whole distance on the same beast, I suppose."
"No indeed; but I've scarcely been out of the saddle for six days—"
"Six days! Hard riding that, sir."
"True. The fact is, I've most important despatches for Sir John Moore, and haven't wasted a minute more than I could help."
Jack was off his horse in a moment.
"In that case, sir, pray take my horse and finish your ride with equal speed. If you bring news for the general, no one will be more delighted to see you. It's only about three miles, and the road's straight ahead; I'll follow with your horse."
"That's very good of you. I didn't like the idea of trudging in in this lame fashion. You're sure you don't mind? Those brigands, eh?"
"Not a bit. They won't show their noses again."