The others slept too, sound and quiet, as though there were no fight on the morrow.
But ere the moon grew pale they were woke by Desborough, tramping about with clicking spurs among the sleepers, and giving orders in a loud noise.

At the first movement, while the rest were yawning and stretching themselves, and thinking that battle was not altogether so desirable a thing on a cold morning as it was overnight, Major Buckley was by Charles Hawker's bedside, and, reminding him of his promise, got him out unperceived, helped him to saddle his horse, and started him off to his mother with a note.
The lad, overawed by the major's serious manner, went without debate, putting the note in his pocket.

I have seen that note; Sam showed it to me the next day, and so I can give you the contents.

It was from Major Buckley to Mary Hawker, and ran thus:-- "I have sent your boy to you, dear old friend, bearing this.

You will have heard by now what has happened, and you will give me credit for preventing what might come to be a terrible catastrophe.