gh."

"He can, sir," cried Punch. "He has got it all in his head like a map."

"My good boy," said the officer, biting his lip to add to the severity
of his aspect, "if you interrupt again you will be placed under arrest."

Punch closed his lips so tightly that they formed a thin pink line right
across the bottom of his face.

"Now, Private Gray, do you think that you do carry within your
recollection a pretty good idea of the face of the country; or to put it
more simply and plainly, do you think you could guide a regiment through
the passes of this wild country and lead them safely to where you left
the French encamped?"

"I have not a doubt but that I could, sir."

"In the dark?"

"It would be rather harder in the dark, sir," replied Pen, "but I feel
confident that I could."

"May I take it that you are willing to try?"

"I am the King's servant, sir, and I will do my best."

"That's enough," said the chief. "You can return to your quarters and
hold yourself in readiness to do what I propose, and if you do this
successfully--"

The speaker stopped short, and Pen took a step towards him.

"What were you going to say?" said the officer.

"Let me try first, sir," said the lad, with his pale face, worn by what
he had gone through of late, flushing up with excitement.

"That will do," said the officer, "only be ready for your duty at any
moment.--Well, what do you wish to say?"

Pen stretched out his hand and laid it upon Punch's shoulder, for the
boy had been moving his lips almost continuously during the latter part
of the conversation, and in addition making hideous grimaces as if he
were in pain.

"Only this, sir," said Pen; "my companion here went through all that I
did. He was keenly observant, and would be of great assistance to me if
at any turn I were in doubt."

"Then you would like to have him with you?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you feel that you could trust him?"

"Oh yes, sir," replied Pen. And the boys' eyes met--their hands too,
for Punch with his lips still pressed together took a step forward and
caught Pen by the hand and wrist.

"Take him with you, then," said the officer.

"Oh, thank--Hooray! hooray!" cried Punch, wildly excited now, for he had
caught the tramp of men and seen that which made him dash towards the
open tent-door.

"Bring back that boy!" cried the officer; and the sergeant, who was
waiting outside, arrested Punch and brought him before the group of
officers.