"And is this duty so?" asked Quentin, with very excusable interest.
"Undoubtedly—there is no use concealing the fact, as foreknowledge will make you wary; and if successful, it will be reported favourably to head-quarters, 'that negotiations with the formidable guerilla chief—what's his infernal name—have been honourably concluded, through the courage and diplomatic skill of that very distinguished volunteer, Mr. Quentin Kennedy, now serving with the 25th Foot, whom I recommend most warmly to your Royal Highness's most earnest and favourable consideration'—that is the sort of thing," added the adjutant, putting aside his sword and belt, as the odour of the cooking reached his olfactory nerves.
"You think, Mr. Buckle, that the colonel will recommend me thus?" asked Quentin, his young heart throbbing with delight.
"And Sir John Hope, too—of course; they can do nothing else," was the confident reply, for the adjutant believed in what he said.
Hope, pride, and enthusiasm swelled up in the poor lad's breast as the adjutant spoke.
"Ah," thought he, "I should have offered my hand to Cosmo, and shall do so when I return."
"Congratulate me, major," he exclaimed, hastening to Middleton, who entered at that moment; "I have been chosen for an important duty already."
"So I have heard—so I have heard," he replied, quickly, shaking his head and his pigtail with it.
"And what do you think of it? Here is the despatch, addressed 'Al Senor Don Baltasar de Saldos, Herreruela, viâ Valencia de Alcantara.'
"You are particularly to avoid that town," said Buckle, emphatically.