" These are Lieutenants Barclay, General," the Com-
I mander of the I^arcey said. "A heavy firing broke out

' suddenly fi*om the water side at Lower Meudon. It was

answered from our side, and thinking that it might be
some one trying to swim across, I fired a roimd of grape
into the Germans, and ordered a sharp look-out to be
kept. I had scarcely spoken the words before we were
hailed for a rope, and in another minute these officers,
both insensible from cold, were pulled on board. Think-
ing they might have despatches, I at once started up the
river, and when they were brought round by the surgeon,
they stated that they were the Lieutenants Barclay, bearers
of despatches from Tours."

"Gallantly done! gentlemen; bravely done!" the
General said warmly, shaking both boys by the hand.
The burning heat of Percy's hand struck him at once.
Digitized by VjOOQ IC



aSa The Young Franc-Tireurs.
" Where are your despatches, gentlemen ? you have pre-
served them, I hope?"

Ralph produced the two quills. " They are duplicate,
General," he said. " We each carried one in case any
accident might befall one of us."

" Thank you,*' the General said. " I need now detain
you no longer. I have work here for all night, and you
had better go instantly to bed. Your brother is in a
high state of fever." He touched a bell, and an officer
in waiting came in. " Captain Bar, will you kindly take
these gentlemen to an hotel at once. The horses are,
as usual, in the carriage, I suppose ; and," he dropped
his voice, "send a message from me to request Dr.
