CHAPTER NINE.
FOUR-LEGGED HELP.
"Here, you two boys," cried the director; "I've just heard of this wild project.

Are you mad, West ?" "I hope not, sir." "But, my good lad, I really--I--that is--bless my soul! It's very brave of you; but I don't think I ought to let you go." "I heard you say, sir, that everyone ought to be ready to devote his life to the defence of the country." "Eh ?" cried the director.

"To be sure, yes, I did--in that speech I made to the volunteers; but then you're not everybody, and--er--er--you see, what I said was in a speech, and sometimes one says more then than one quite means." "There'll be no work doing in the office, sir," said Ingleborough; "and I hope you will not place any obstacles in the way of our going." "Oh no, my dear boys! I feel that I must not; but I don't like you to run such a terrible risk." "We must all run risks, sir," said West gravely.
"And I beg your pardon: our time is up for seeing the Commandant," said Ingleborough, referring to his watch.
"Yes, I heard you were to go to him," said the director.

"But it sounds very rash.

There, go on, and come to me afterwards." They parted, and a few minutes later the young men were ushered into the Commandant's room.
"Then you have not repented, my lads ?" he said, smiling.
"No, sir," replied West, speaking for both; "we are quite ready to go." "Then I must take you both at your word.