"Already!" exclaimed Wellington, and his countenance set.

"The commander, General Herrasti, has sent an urgent appeal to Sir
Robert for assistance."

"And Sir Robert?" The question came on a sharp note of apprehension,
for his lordship was fully aware that valour was the better part
of Sir Robert Craufurd's discretion.

"Sir Robert asks for orders in this dispatch, and refuses to stir
from Almeida without instructions from your lordship."

"Ah!!" It was a sigh of relief. He broke the seal and spread the
dispatch. He read swiftly. "Very well," was all he said, when he
had reached the end of Sir Robert's letter. " I shall reply to
this in person and at, once. You will be in need of rest, Mr.
Hamilton. You had best take a day to recuperate, then follow me
to Almeida. Sir Terence no doubt will see to your immediate needs."

"With pleasure, Mr. Hamilton," replied Sir Terence mechanically -
for his own concerns weighed upon him at this moment more heavily
than the French advance. He pulled the bell-rope, and into the
fatherly hands of Mullins, who came in response to the summons,
the young officer was delivered.

Lord Wellington took up his hat and riding-crop from Sir Terence's
desk. "I shall leave for the frontier at once," he announced.
"Sir Robert will need the encouragement of my presence to keep him
within the prudent bounds I have imposed. And I do not know how