our lives here depend upon your success. You
understand?"

"Yes," said Bracy gravely, "I understand; and if I do not bring the
help, sir, it is because--"

"You have died trying to do your duty to your friends. I know. There,
we need no more words, Bracy. Look here."

He took the despatch from the table and tore it up into bits.

"Your appearance before the Ghoorka Colonel will be sufficient, and you
will have no alarming announcement upon you if you are taken prisoner.
Certainly it would be by people similar to those who are besieging us;
but one never knows what soldiers of fortune may be among them, ready to
be summoned by a chief to interpret the message."

"I understand, sir."

"Once you are well on the road you must make your companion fully
understand the importance of the mission, so that if you go down there
may still be the chance left to us of this man carrying on the news of
our urgent need."

Bracy nodded shortly and drew a deep breath, waiting for the Colonel to
speak again.

"As to preparations," said Colonel Graves at last, "go as you are; but
you will each need a _poshtin_ [long sheepskin coat] to cover your
Kharkee uniforms, for concealment and warmth. You will be a great deal
among the snow and rocks, and nothing can be less likely to attract
attention. You will take sword, revolver, rifle, and bayonet. See that
Gedge carries the same weapons. In addition, take as much simple
provisions and ammunition as you can carry."

"And rob you all at such a time of need, sir?"

"The amount you two can carry away in cartridges will not be missed if
it comes to the worst, Bracy," said the Colonel, smiling. "Once more,
are you quite satisfied that you have selected the right lad?"

"A man who will carry his wounded officer, with the enemy firing down at
him from both sides of a rocky defile, cannot be bettered, sir," said
the young officer quietly.

"Right, Bracy," cried the Colonel. "He is the man. Ha! here comes
Roberts to announce the advance of the enemy. I could hear the
war-cries.--Yes, Roberts--the rascals worrying us again?"

"Yes, sir; coming down the right gully in strong numbers. Will you come
and look?"

The Colonel picked up his glass and held out his hand.

"I shall lead the men to-day, Bracy," he said, "for a change. Major
Graham will be in command here. I shall tell him of your mission.
Within an hour I shall depend upon you making your start."

"Within an hour,