Hood looked up from the table.
"Who was that flung himself in?" he asked.
Randolph reached out his hand. "Despatches!" he gasped. "Food, whisky!"
"Poor lad," said the General, "you are exhausted. When did you last have food?"
"Yesterday morning," gasped Eggleston.
"You're lucky," said Hood bitterly. "And when did you last have a drink?"
"Two weeks ago," answered Randolph.
"Great Heaven!" said Hood, starting up. "Is it possible? Here, quick, drink it!"
He reached out a bottle of whisky. Randolph drained it to the last drop.
"Now, General," he said, "I am at your service."