"When shall I set out, sir?" I asked.
He smiled, saying, "I shall give you no instructions, Captain Ormond; I shall only concern myself with results."
"May I take with me whom I please?"
"Certainly, sir."
I looked at Mount, who had been standing motionless by the door, an attentive spectator.
"I will take the rifleman Mount," I said, "unless he is detailed for other service--"
"Take him, Mr. Ormond. When do you wish to start? I ask it because there is a gentleman at Broadalbin who has news for you, and you must pass that way."
"May I ask who that is?" I inquired, respectfully.
"The gentleman is Sir George Covert, captain on my personal staff, and now under your orders."
"I shall set out to-night, sir," I said, abruptly; then stepped back to let him pass me into the hallway beyond.