th 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. Mind, too, that he must be
a good and a rather reckless rider, able to bear fatigue, and above all
determined to do this thing for the honour of his country and the sa