"That is one of Sir Robert Craufurd's aides." He turned and went quickly to the door.

He opened it as rapid steps approached along the passage, accompanied by the jingle of spurs and the clatter of sabretache and trailing sabre.

Colonel Grant appeared, followed by a young officer of Light Dragoons who was powdered from head to foot with dust.

The youth--he was little more--lurched forward wearily, yet at sight of Wellington he braced himself to attention and saluted.
"You appear to have ridden hard, sir," the Commander greeted him.
"From Almeida in forty-seven hours, my lord," was the answer.

"With these from Sir Robert." And he proffered a sealed letter.
"What is your name ?" Wellington inquired, as he took the package.
"Hamilton, my lord," was the answer; "Hamilton of the Sixteenth, aide-de-camp to Sir Robert Craufurd." Wellington nodded.