He thanked them, made a few remarks about his determination that no Boers should drag the British flag from where it fluttered, told the garrison that he was proud to say that they had an ample supply of provisions and military stores, and that the Boers had only to make their first attack to find how they had deceived themselves about the British surrender at Majuba Hill.
Here there was another deafening burst of cheers.
Finally he made a fresh allusion to the well-known town farther north which was being surrounded by the enemy even as they were being shut in there.
"It will be a race," he said, "between us as to which town will first beat the Boers off; and the victors will then have the glorious task of going to the relief of the others." After this the regulars were marched off to their quarters, leaving the volunteers standing fast; and the Commandant now summoned their officers to his side.
As it happened, this was within a few yards of the spot where West and Ingleborough were drawn up in the line, and every word the Commandant spoke came to them clear and plain.
"I have another little business to speak about, gentlemen," he said, "in connection with a second despatch which was enclosed to me this morning within my own.

It is a letter of instructions I am ordered to convey to our brave brother-in-arms now in command at Mafeking; and, on thinking the matter over, I concluded that it would be unwise to select one of my own men to carry that despatch, from their want of knowledge of the country and people, and far better to apply to you gentlemen to recommend to me a thoroughly trustworthy man or two, who, regardless of all obstacles, would carry the despatch, bringing to bear force or cunning so as to evade the enemy's scouts, for the road is sure to swarm with them, even if it is not occupied by the Boers in force.

It is possible, too, that Mafeking may be completely invested when he or they reach its neighbourhood; but I must have a despatch-rider who will look upon even that as a trifle to be overcome or crossed, and who will not rest until the despatch is safely placed in Colonel Baden-Powell's hands.

Let me be fully understood: I want messengers who will be ready to fight if necessary or fly if needs be, but only to rebound and try in another direction--in short, men who will button up this despatch and say: `It shall be placed in Baden-Powell's hands by hook or crook as soon as a swift horse can cover the ground.' This is what I want, and it is urgent, or it would not be placed in my hands to deliver with such stern commands.

It means life or death to hundreds, if not thousands.
So now then, whom do you know that will, with the assistance of a brave comrade, risk his life and carry my despatch ?" A dead silence, which lasted many seconds, fell upon the group, but at last the volunteer Colonel spoke out.
"I am not prepared to name anyone, sir," he said, "and I flinch from sending any man in my regiment upon so terribly perilous a journey, for it means almost to a certainty being shot down, for the bearer of the despatch will be bound to hurry on and pay no heed to challenges to stop." "Certainly," said the Commandant, frowning; "but surely--" "One moment, sir; I was about to say that the fairest way would be to call for volunteers, and then select the two most likely men." "Well," said the Commandant, "do that then, and let the men fully understand that it is a most dangerous task.