"Notify Major Harry Hardwicke,
Royal Engineers, to report in person, to the Viceroy for special
duty, prepared to go in a week to England on duty. Absolute secrecy
required. His leave application will be approved for any period,
to take effect on his completion of duties assigned, in London.
Special cipher orders will be sent to him this A.M. Deliver them
and furnish him the code No. 2. No copies to be retained. Furnish
Major Hardwicke with a captain and ten picked men to escort
the property received by General Abercromby to Calcutta. Invoices
to you to be signed by him. Property to be sent down in sealed
pay-chests, with your seal and Major Hardwicke's. Report compliance,
and telegraph in cipher No. 2 Hardwicke's departure for Calcutta.
Special transportation has been ordered."
"There, my boy, you have your orders!" an hour later said General
Willoughby when Major Hardwicke reported. "I am glad to have the
whole thing off my hands. Here is the double-ciphered code. You
are to translate for yourself, and, remember, then destroy your
translation. Remember, also, one single whisper of your destination,
and you are a ruined man! Evidently the Viceroy is bent on trapping
old Hugh Johnstone. Damn him, for a sneaking civilian! I never
trusted him!" And the old General rolled away for his family tiffin.
"I'll see you when you have translated the private orders. Thank
God, the Viceroy keeps me out of this dirty muddle! You see, I
have no power over Johnstone--he is a blasted civilian.
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