g.

"They are who?" Gambetta said, puzzled. "I do not understand you,
colonel."

"These are the Lieutenants Barclay," Colonel Tempe said.

The minister looked from the colonel to the two boys, and back
again.

"Do you mean to say--?" he began, incredulously.

"Yes, sir, it is us," Ralph said; "and I do not think there is much
fear of our being recognized."

"So little that I do not recognize you, now.

"There is no mistake, colonel?" he said, gravely; "no
mystification? You give me your pledge, and assurance, that these
are the officers who have volunteered for this duty? Remember, any
mistake might be fatal."

"These are certainly the Barclays, sir. I give you my word."

"It is a marvelous disguise," Gambetta said, his doubts now laid at
rest; "and does them immense credit.

"There are the dispatches, gentlemen. They are done up in these two
quills, and sealed. They are of the utmost importance; and must
not, at any hazard, fall into the hands of the enemy. The
dispatches are in duplicate so that, in case one only gets in, the
purpose is served.

"This is a circular letter, to all maires and other French
authorities, ordering them to give you every possible assistance.

"This is a special note, to the Maire of Melun.

"Here is a letter to General Aurelles, at Orleans. If he is not in
when you arrive, the chief of his staff will do. He is ordered to
send a staff officer with you, through the lines, as far as you
require him. The horses are in the train.

"Now, goodbye. I wish you a very good future, for you are gallant
young fellows."

So saying, he shook them warmly by the hand; and they hurried off
to the train.

Chapter 15: The Expedition.

A special telegram had been sent forward from Tours to station
master at Orleans, to request him to order the two horses, sent
forward in the train, to be got out of their boxes without any loss
of time; and to do anything else which the owners of the horses
required. Accordingly, as the train was waiting outside the
station, the guard came round and asked at each carriage for the
owners of the horses. He appeared a little surprised, when two Jews
answered the inquiry; as he had expected that they were officers of
high rank, and importance.

"The compliments of the stationmaster," he said, "and is there
anything he can do with the horses?"

"Yes," Ralph said. "Give my compliments to the station master; and
say that I shall be much obliged if he wi