do so; but the fort
is to be the first consideration. Do you hear?"

"Yus, sir.--Oh yus, I hears," said Gedge through his teeth as, with the
help of Mrs Gee's pocket-book packet, he put some oil-silk over the
snow, and then applied the broadest bandage he could find cleverly
enough.

"That's right. I'm a bit of a coward, Gedge," continued the poor
fellow, with a smile.

"Yes, sir, you are, sir," said Gedge; "an out-and-outer."

"And I want to have as little pain to bear as I can while you're gone."

"Course you do, sir. That's why I'm doing this."

"Make haste, while the light lasts. I want you then to take the rest of
the food and put it in your own haversack."

"Yes, sir; not inside?"

"To use as sparingly as you can, so as to make it last till you reach
the Ghil Valley. I have broken down, Gedge, but you must get there. Do
you hear?--must."

"Yes, sir, I hear--must."

"It means salvation for the poor creatures yonder, holding out their
hands to us for help."

"Yes, sir.--But a deal you can see that," muttered Gedge.

"And it means a sergeant's stripes for the brave lad who took the
message in the terrible emergency."

"Sergeant, sir? As big a man as old Gee?"

"Yes; and as good a non-commissioned officer, and I hope a more popular
man."

"Rigid, sir. That sounds good," cried Gedge cheerily. "But about you,
sir? If you get the ridgement o' little chaps and saves the fort, it
means your company, don't it--Captain?"

Bracy groaned.

"I was not striving for promotion, Gedge, but to save our
fellow-countrymen and women yonder. But listen: in case I faint again--
give me a scrap or two more snow, my lad."

He took and sucked the icy particles handed to him, and felt refreshed.

"Now, then," he said; "listen once more, and be quick. Just tie that
bandage, and then put the food together. I am not going to load you
with instructions which you may not be able to carry out, but look
yonder--there is the top of the mountain you have to skirt, shining
bright and hopefully in the distance."

"I can see it, sir."

"That is your guide. Once you compass that the way will be easier."

"Yes, sir. When ought I to start?"

"To-night, man, as soon as the sun is down; therefore, mark well where
the bright peak lies, so as to take your bearings. The enemy's fire
will enable you to avoid that danger. Quick; there is no time to spare;
and remember--you must get there."

"Yes, sir; I won't forg