A slim young man, writing dispatches at a rude little pine table, rose to receive them.

He did not seem to Dick to be more than thirty, and he had the thin, scholarly face of a student.

His manner was attractive, he shook hands warmly with all three of them and said: "Reinforcements are most welcome indeed.

My own work here seems to be largely done, but you will reach General Thomas in another day, and he needs you.

Take my chair, Major Hertford.