"Perhaps not. Perhaps an accident—a chance shot," said the vice-chief.
"No, I'm sure not," Lanstron replied. "I am sure that it was cut deliberately and not by her."
"The 53d Regiment is going forward in that direction—the same regiment that defended the house—and it can't go any faster than it is going," the vice-chief continued, rather incoherently. He and the others no less felt the news as a personal blow. Though absent in person, Marta had become in spirit an intimate of their hopes and councils.
"She is helpless—in their power!" Lanstron said. "There is no telling what they might do to her in the rage of their discovery. I must go to her! I am going to the front!"
The announcement started a storm of protest.
"But you are the chief of staff! You cannot leave the staff!"
"You've no right to expose yourself!"
"A chance shell or bullet—"
"You do not seem to realize what this victory means to you. You might be killed at the very moment of triumph."
"I haven't had any triumph. But if I had, could there be a better time?" Lanstron asked with a half-bantering smile.