I couldn't refuse him that!" "Did he go alone ?" "Yes, sir." "Quite ?" "Well, not quite, sir, because I was with him." "Hah!" sighed Ingleborough, in a tone full of relief.
"I've stuck to him, by the General's orders, ever since.

Like a leech, sir," said the sergeant, in conclusion--"like a leech." The cavalry General welcomed the young men warmly, and, as it happened, the same four officers were with him, ready to join in the greeting.
"I never expected to see you two fellows again," said one of them, laughing.

"I was out with my men when you were cut off.

Why, you must have had a very narrow escape!" "Of course," said the General, laughing; "but that has been the fashion: we have all had narrow escapes.

Well, you got safely in with your despatch ?" "We got in with our despatch, sir!" said West rather grimly, "but not safely;" and he briefly told their adventures.
"Bravo! Well done!" was chorussed.
"Why, you two will have to join the regulars!" said the General.