"But Fred will suffer on the route," I remarked, "and unless he is cared for, will never reach the city alive."
"Don't give yourself any uneasiness on that score," Captain Fitz said, he having heard my last remark; "I will take care that he is treated with as much consideration as the circumstances will admit of, and see that he wants for nothing."
I uttered a few hurried thanks, and the captain was about to pass, when I detained him.
"Is there any means by which we can obtain an interview with my friend?" I asked.
"I fear not," he answered, in a hesitating manner, which inspired me with some hope.
"Only a few words," I pleaded.
"If the colonel or commissioner should know that I ever listened to the suggestion, there would be a pretty row," muttered the captain, still hesitating.
"But they need not know it," I repeated.
"Come, Captain Fitz, for old acquaintance sake, let us see the young man. No harm will come of it, and you will be doing a good service," said Mr. Brown, who knew the officer while quartered at Melbourne.
"Well, I will see what I can do for you; but remember, I shall give you only five minutes."