He pointed with a pencil to the map spread out in front of him. The adjutant looked, frowned and tugged at his moustache.
"I really cannot say, sir," he replied at length. "If the map is correct——"
"I refer to the actual terrain," interrupted Colonel Quarrier. "Look here, Manners; if it is fairly undulating, and not too steep on the north-eastern side, it ought to be admirably suited for a coup-de-main. Frontal, of course, but that is inevitable."
"Just so, sir," murmured the adjutant. Colonel Quarrier deliberately folded up the map. "Very well," he said in conclusion. "Send a reliable officer out. I want an accurate report. Whom can you suggest?"
Captain Manners pondered.
"There's Mr. Spofforth, sir——"
"Too jolly lanky for the job," objected the colonel.
"Mr. Danvers——"
"Took lowest marks at map-reading," continued the critical C.O. "A smart officer in every other respect."
"Mr. Laxdale——"