, back and front; but I always
find that it is when we are going to have a change of weather."

The Colonel paid no heed, and Bracy added:

"I dare say it will soon pass off, though."

"It will not," said the Colonel quietly, and to the young man's dismay.
"You will feel it more or less all your life. Yes," he added, looking
up and smiling, "a twinge to remind you that you were once a brave
officer of the Queen."

Bracy coughed, for he felt a little husky, and as if he were standing
near a fire.

"Now, Bracy, business. I cannot go on sending despatch after despatch,
none of which reach their destination. Either going or coming, my
messengers have come to a bad end or been unfaithful."

Bracy made no reply, for none was expected; and the Colonel now looked
up, and, with his hands resting upon the table, gazed full in the young
man's eyes.

"I want a messenger whom I can trust," he said, "a man who will
undertake the task of delivering my despatch as a duty to his country.
There are plenty of good, trusty lads in the regiment. Whom would you
select--the best you know?"

Bracy was silent for a few moments before speaking.

"I should be sorry to see him go upon so dangerous a mission, sir; but
if I had to select a lad in whom I should have perfect confidence, I
should choose Private Gedge."

"A very good selection, Bracy; but I want an officer."

The young man stalled, and drew his breath hard.

"There is Andrews, or Elder, or Morrison," continued the Colonel, "or
Drummond, of Wrayford's; but he is too volatile. Roberts would be a
splendid fellow for the task, for, like Drummond, he is strong amongst
ice and snow, and my messenger will have to take to the snow nearly all
the way to save being stopped."

"A wise plan, sir," said Bracy eagerly; "one that should succeed."

"I think it will; but my messenger will be face to face with death from
the hour he starts, doubly facing it--from nature as well as man. But I
cannot spare Roberts. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, sir; you wish me to volunteer."

"Yes, Bracy," said the Colonel, holding out his hand, which Bracy caught
in both his. "God bless and protect you, my dear boy! I do."

"Yes, sir," said the young man firmly. "I'll go."

"Not alone. Take that man Gedge with you; he has had little to do
amongst the snow, but--"

"Yes, sir; he'll learn anything. When am I to start?"

"As soon as you can be ready. Then, I will clear the way for you b