"Impossible? who dares to say any thing is impossible? I'd like to see the man who dares to say it! Impossible? when I say it is possible! why you scurvy——"
"He's right!" said the inspector. "If you would take Viola, you must have better men than the like of these."
"But I say they shall take him! I'd like to know who is the master, you or I?"
"Your worship had better try. I've done my duty, and I'm done for, at least for this night. Both my hands are disabled; I am not a match for a child in arms."
Mr. Skinner shook his head.
"I was not aware, sir,—it's a pity you are wounded. The wounded must of course fall back. As for the rest, let them stand in a line. Well done! March! March! Ma——"
The word of command was broken off by another discharge from the hut, and the line, which had begun to move, fell back in disorder. As for Mr. Skinner, he took refuge behind a tree. He knew that his safety was essential to the success of the expedition.
"Forward, you cowards! March! March!" shouted he; but none obeyed.
"March! I say. Will you, or not?" screamed the justice, collaring the man who stood next to him.
"No, I will not!" said the man, as he slipped aside.