"Gad, what a find!" he exclaimed. "Look here, Seymour. 'Born to command the world', begad!"
The other officers got up and looked over his shoulder. Jack watched their faces, and noticed how their expression changed from an ordinary interest and amusement to an excitement rivalling his own.
"By George, Lumsden," cried the general as he finished the document, "you've found a treasure here!"
"It cost me twenty dollars, sir."
"Dirt cheap at twenty thousand! How did it happen?"
Jack briefly told the story.
"Boney was always too careless about his aides-de-camp," said Seymour. "The idea of sending the poor chap off without an escort!"
"Spare your pity!" laughed Stewart. "This must go off to the commander-in-chief at once." He looked at Jack, and added dryly: "I suppose you are too tired to take it yourself?"
"If you'll give me a fresh horse I'll start at once, sir."
"Very well, though you look dog-tired. Have you got a flask you can give him, Seymour? That's right. There's a fellow half an hour ahead of you, with a despatch reporting our capture here—and I've put you down as missing, my boy. You're sure you can do it? It's a ride of nearly twenty miles."