f all concerned,
so it must be a unit when danger threatened any part. Here was the
British Empire, a vast area, scattered over the globe. It was essential
that everybody should see it had not overgrown its strength. Be manifest
that its vitality, its power of action, were as keen at the extremities
as at the centre. Should a portion be gravely endangered, the world must
behold all the other sections stirring themselves to meet the emergency.
Each should be a leader for the whole body, the supreme weight of which
would thus be focussed upon the menaced quarter. In the process, our
varied peoples would determine their common interests and a common pride
of dominion, incalculable in worth.

Within this singleness of the Empire, came Colonel Adrian Hope and his
gallant 93rd Highlanders, then at Cape Town on their way to China. Only,
Sir George Grey's commission, as Cape Governor, gave him no authority to
divert from its mission, an over-sea military expedition. He would be
stepping outside his own realm with a vengeance, because he would be
superseding the orders of the British Government. The contemplation of
such a step was staggering. But would it be wisdom? That decided, it
should go through, for Sir George did not bind himself by forms or
consequences. Never being an official, than which no truer word could be
writ, he was wont to give ready hostage to his official fortunes. India
was to top all.

The meagre information from there, left him, as has been seen, to act
very much on possibilities. These, however, were dark and storm-laden; he
felt that England was confronted by her whole destiny in India. On the
other hand, the operations in China were the result of a compact with
France. To deflect troops elsewhere, might be a serious breach of that
compact. It was so easy not to do anything; Sir George resolved to do
everything.

'I informed Adrian Hope,' he described the result, 'of the apparent state
of affairs in India, and of the course which seemed to me necessary. This
was that he must proceed direct from Cape Town to Calcutta, instead of
following his existing orders. Should there be no need for him at
Calcutta, he could continue his voyage to Singapore, with a loss of time
not material. Quite naturally, he was doubtful as to what he ought to do.
He was under orders for a theatre of war, and was responsible to his
superiors in London.

'I undertook the full authority for the change which I urged, and I
remar