It was some time before in his weak, half-starved state the poor boy could make them understand, for he had completely broken down: and it was not until he had swallowed a little biscuit soaked in wine, as he lay with his head in Mrs Beane's lap, that he at last told hysterically of how he had managed to crawl by the French outposts and reached his friends. His last words were, "Why don't you go?--the Colonel--you'll be too late." There was silence for a few minutes, all present watching the little messenger as he lay back insensible in Mrs Beane's arms. Then the Major walked away: the men were formed up in a hollow square: and he addressed them and told them that their Colonel was lying wounded and dying away yonder, on the slope of the ravine, and he called for volunteers to fetch him in. They stepped forward to a man, and a strong company was told off under one of the captains, the doctor being of the party, and the men carrying a litter ready for their load. "But we must have the boy for a guide," said the Major. There were difficulties in the way, and Mrs Corporal Beane was consulted, for it was evident that Dick was in too exhausted a state to be moved, and she said so as she paused for a few moments in the task of giving him food, a little at a time. "No, I'm not, sir," said the boy, to the great surprise of all present. "I can't walk, but if father came too he could carry me on his back, and I'll show you the way." There was a moment's silence, and Mrs Corporal sobbed. "He's wounded badly, my dear," she said, kissing him: "but I'm as stout and strong as father is, and I'll go and carry you." "With every man of us to help you," cried the Captain, and in half an hour's time, aided by the darkness, the little party stole out of the fortified camp, and by great good fortune passed with Dick's guidance beyond the enemy's lines. Then every effort was made, and soon after daybreak the spot where the disastrous fight had been was reached. It was a sad group which surrounded the motionless figure lying covered with a blanket, which the doctor removed and knelt down; Dick struggling to the other side, while the Captain and his men waited to hear the worst. "We are not too late," said the doctor, rising: and after administering stimulants, the words proved true, for the Colonel opened his eyes, looked wildly round, and then smiled as his gaze rested upon Dick, who was holding his hand. "Thank you, Dick, boy," he said, in a faint whisper. "I knew you would." The cheer which rose from the men made the rocks echo again, and the Captain turned from grasping his old friend's hand, and said sharply:-- "Silence in the ranks--no, I mean, another cheer, my lads." And it was given.