"I was expecting such a message." He had already heard of the order that Sackville had received; and had requested Major Kurstad, a fellow aide-de-camp, to act for him should he send him a hostile message.

Going in he spoke to Kurstad, who at once went out and introduced himself to the British officer.
"This is a painful business," the latter said, "and I can assure you that I do not undertake it willingly.

However, I overheard the altercation between Lord Sackville and Major Drummond, and the same night he asked me to act for him, when the time for it came.

I consented, and cannot draw back from the undertaking; but I need hardly say that, after what happened at Minden, no English officer, unless previously pledged, would have consented to act for him.

I suppose, sir, there is no use in asking whether the matter cannot be arranged." "Not in the slightest.