300 TJie Pytc/iley Hunt^ Past and Pj^esent. 



fied bj tlie acquisition of a simple ''pass/' and the re- 

 tention of nnimpaired health. 



With an eye, possibly, to the Judicial Bench, if not 

 to the ''Great Seal," Mr, Wake resolved to follow the 

 Law as a profession ; but before getting fairly into his 

 wig and gown, a ride, far longer and more arduous than 

 that which had made his name famous in Oxford annals, 

 was looming in the future. 



Happening to be at Constantinople on the eve of the 

 Crimean War, Sir Hugh Rose — afterwards Lord Strath- 

 nairn — begged him to undertake the responsibility of 

 conveying a despatch of the highest importance to 

 London, and deliver it himself into the hands of the 

 English Foreign Minister. Though very desirous to 

 remain where he was at such an exciting moment, and 

 watch the outcome of events — a time when men's hearts 

 were failing them for fear of a great w^ar, with all its 

 attendant horrors and uncertain issues — Mr. Wake did 

 not hesitate to undertake the momentous duty. It was 

 enough for him to be told by Sir Hugh that there was 

 no one else so w^ell fitted as himself to be entrusted with 

 the important document, and that upon his refusal or 

 acceptance of the charge, hinged issues of the gravest 

 importance. "No more important despatch,^' added the 

 English Charge d' Affaires, " ever quitted one country for 

 another.'"' Without any delay, with a tatar to act as 

 guide, and a led horse to carry provisions, on an April 

 day of the memorable year 1854, the old Christ- Church 

 man commenced his ride across the bleak and dreary 

 Balkans for Belgrade. For seven days and nights — the 

 road often a mere trackway, and the darkness so impene- 

 t.able as to render it highly dangerous to go beyond a 



