"But they don't know how many there are of us," declared Dennis. "If they try to attack us there will be a couple of thim what shurely will nade the sarvices of the surgeon."
"We may need the services of the undertaker."
"Not yet, sor!" said Dennis with a laugh.
It was apparently impossible for the young Irish soldier to realize the seriousness of the position in which he and his comrade now found themselves.
"We'll wait a while, anyway," said Noel, "before we do anything. If they don't attack us, we'll not make any trouble for them."
"I'm not so shure o' that," said Dennis.
"We won't yet, anyway," said Noel quietly, fearful that his impulsive friend, if the attack should be delayed, would become impatient and with difficulty would be held back from firing at the men who were so near.
Glancing again at the band of Confederates, Noel was still more puzzled by their inactivity. Apparently they had broken ranks and were sitting or lying about on the ground near the road, though guards had been stationed in front and rear.
The moments dragged slowly on, and the confidence of Noel that an attack was not to be made upon them gradually became stronger.
The afternoon sun now was not more than a half-hour above the horizon. If they should be left free for another hour, he was hopeful that they might make their way to the near-by woods and by a wide detour be able to return to the camp at Harper's Ferry.