Ted found that Alec, who still limped a little in walking, had been appointed an extra aide-de-camp by the brigadier, who had noticed the lad's great energy and thoroughness at Delhi. Alec told his chum how glad he was that his name had been cleared, and wanted to know all about the trial at once; but Ted was too anxious to look round the camp and find out the notables, so, observing that the story would keep, he asked Alec to act as guide. Paterson, by the way, did not mention the little fact that he had greatly distinguished himself under Greathed at Agra on the way down, and had been recommended for promotion. Ted found that out from another source. "We advance to-morrow," the aide-de-camp informed his chums, and broke off abruptly to call their attention to a big, square-shouldered man in blue tunic, white cords, and jack-boots. "Here, do you see that man with the reddish hair and beard? He's a plucky chap. He's a clerk, not a soldier, but he's done a feat that any man might be proud of." "What's he done?" asked Claude. "Well, he don't look much like a mild Hindu or any other sort of Asiatic, does he? But he volunteered to disguise himself and break through the rebel lines with a note from Outram and plans of the enemy's weak points and advice for Sir Colin. And he did it. Fancy a man of his build and hair and features disguised as a native of Oudh! He must have a nerve. But he got through, and the general now has the plans; and if we succeed, Kavanagh will deserve a share of the credit. He's in the Volunteer Cavalry now." "I want to see Sir Colin," said Ted. "Is he likely to be about?" "I'll point him out if we see him. And who do you think is going to conduct the force to-morrow?" "Who? How should I know?" "Why, Lieutenant Roberts, the Artillery D.A.Q.M.G. at Delhi. That young man will be a major-general before any of us commands a battalion. He's a wonderful fellow, but so modest that nobody is jealous." "Fine-looking lot those Highlanders!" Alec observed as they passed a group of men wearing the kilt and bonnet and white gaiters. "They're the 93rd, I suppose," said Ted. "Hoot, mon, what for do ye no don the kilt yourself, Sandy?" "I should like to," Alec replied. "The 93rd's a grand regiment, and I'm proud of being a countryman of theirs." "Hear, hear!" said Ted. "They look fit." The three friends entered the Alambagh enclosure. "Who are those two?" asked Claude, nodding towards a couple of distinguished-looking officers who were walking about slowly, in earnest conversation. "Ssh!--not so loud. Why, the older man is Sir Colin himself, and the taller one with glasses is General Mansfield, his chief of staff." "Oh!" The boys looked with keen interest upon the commander-in-chief. They saw a spare man, with a slight stoop, but a soldier to the backbone--an elderly man with furrowed brows, bearing the marks of long and arduous service; but there was no sign of weakness about the firm mouth, or the eyes so clear and alert.