"When you want me," he said, "you'll find me--_here_." If there had been time for argument Morrison would have hotly protested against such self-sacrifice, but events were crowding upon them too fast.

From down the road came the sound of furious galloping.

Almost at once Lieutenant Harris, riding hard at the head of a troop of cavalry, swept round the curve and drew his horse upon his haunches.
"Colonel Morrison!" he shouted.

"You are ordered--" "One moment, Lieutenant," interrupted Morrison in tones so even that Cary marveled at his composure, "_Did you get Corporal Dudley ?_" Cary's ears ached for the answer.

He knew just as well as the questioner the danger which might now be disclosed or be forever forgotten and his heart went out to the other in this moment of hideous suspense.
There was an instant of hesitation and then came the answer.
"_No, sir!_ We tried hard but couldn't make it." Morrison's face did not change but his hands tightened until the nails dug deep into his palms.