"If anything should happen to him," said the Chief, "we shall be in a hole." And he sent for Lord Lucan.
"I want your best horseman and your best horse, Lucan, and a man who will put a thing through."
"That's young Carron of the Hussars, sir."
And Jim, paraded for inspection on his big brown horse--quite filled out and frolicsome with its load of black bread the day but one before--seemed likely in the Chief's eyes.
"Mr. Carron," he said. "I have a dangerous task for you. I am told you are the man for it. Lieutenant Maxse left here an hour ago for the ships. They must get round at once and meet us at Balaclava. Here is a copy of the order. If Maxse has not got through you will deliver it to Admiral Dundas in Katcha Bay. Don't lose a moment. The welfare of the army depends on you."
Jim saluted.
"How will you go?"
"Mackenzie's farm and the post-road, sir."
"You are armed? You may meet Cossacks."
"Sword and revolver. I shall manage all right."