call it; but two can play at that game."

"Yes, but look: here's Mr Allan coming to say that we can't go," said
West excitedly, for the chief director was approaching and raised his
hand to stop them, signing to them directly after to come to his side.

"Looks as if he is going to put a stopper on our patriotism," growled
Ingleborough. "We've been reckoning without our host."

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. But once more I give you both
the opportunity to draw back if you like."

"Thank you, sir," replied West; "but if you will trust us we will take
the despatch."

"Very well," said the Commandant, turning very stern and business-like.
"Here is the despatch. It is a very small packet, and I leave it to
your own ingenuity to dispose of it where it cannot be found if you have
the bad luck to be captured. It must be sewn up in your pockets, or
fitted into your hats, or hidden in some way or other. I leave it to
you, only telling you to destroy it sooner than it should fall into the
enemy's hands."

"We'll consult together, sir, and d