I was sure you would readily undertake the mission, and I thought I could answer for your intelligence as well as your discretion." "I will undertake it, certainly, father, if you think me capable of it," Walter said.

"It is dull enough here, now that the wet weather has thoroughly set in, and I shall really like the adventure.

When am I to set out ?" "Tomorrow.

Your instructions, and the letters you are to carry, will be drawn up tonight, and you can set off after breakfast.

I shall ride with you, with a part of the troop, until you are past the point where you are likely to fall in with any body of the enemy's cavalry.