The trumpeters rejoined their companions and reported.
‘If we could only capture the lot,’ said Jack, ‘it would be glorious.’
‘We can do nothing against hundreds,’ muttered Linham.
‘But if we could find the rest of our troop and bring them along?’ suggested Jack.
‘Just what I was thinking,’ said Linham. ‘On with your things, boys; we’ll have a try.’
In a couple of minutes they were on their way again, and Sergeant Linham guided them so truly that they went straight on until suddenly, from the shadow of some trees in front, two mounted figures appeared. Instantly the cold moonbeams fell on the barrel of a carbine, and a stern voice cried, ‘Who goes there? Halt, or I fire.’
‘Friends!’ cried Sergeant Linham joyfully.
‘Stand, friends, and give the countersign,’ came the sharp response, as the carbines of the two Hussar vedettes were pointed straight at them.
‘We don’t know the word. We’re four of the 17th Lancers left behind in the village we halted at this afternoon.’
‘Stay where you are,’ came the reply; ‘the sergeant of the picket will examine you.’