We are on Government service too, so that if we cannot pay we can pick out what we like and then report to headquarters, when they will be requisitioned." But the task proved easy enough, for they had not gone far in the direction of the mines when they met another of the directors, who greeted them both warmly.
"I've heard all about it, my lads," he said, "and it's very brave of you both." "Please don't say that any more, sir," cried West appealingly, "for all we have done yet is talk.

If we do get the despatch through there will be some praise earned, but at present we've done nothing." "And we're both dreadfully modest, sir," said Ingleborough.
"Bah! you're not great girls," cried the director.

"But you are not off yet, and you can't walk." "No, sir," said West; "we are in search of horses--good ones that we can trust to hold out." "Very well; why don't you go to someone who has been buying up horses for our mounted men ?" "Because we don't know of any such person," said West.

"Do you ?" "To be sure I do, my lad, and here he is." "You, sir ?" cried Ingleborough excitedly.

"Why, of course; I heard that you were, and forgot in all the bustle and excitement of the coming siege.