Both of the young officers had received wounds, but these were of so slight a nature that they had been able to keep their places.
"I wonder what the next move will be. At any rate, we shall be in clover at Prahsu, and be able to get into condition again by the time we make another move. Plenty of stores are sure to be lying there, while I expect that Hall and Wilkinson will be on pretty short commons."
"Well, I suppose it is all for the best."
One day they came upon a swollen river, which was so deep as to be unfordable, and the column were brought to a halt. The Pioneers, on being questioned, were of accord that it would take at least two days to build a bridge. There was a long consultation, and it was agreed that, unless something could be done, the column must retire for, by the time the bridge was built, the supply of food would be exhausted.
"If we could get a wire across," the engineer officer said, "we certainly could build the bridge in less time than I stated."
"I will try to carry it across, sir," Lisle said. "I am a strong swimmer, and I think I could do it."
"Yes, but the Ashantis are all on the opposite bank. You would be picked off before you got halfway across."
"I would try after dark. Once I got the wire across and fixed, enough men could cross, with its assistance, to clear the other bank of the enemy."
"You would find it very hard work tugging the wire across, Bullen. The stream would catch it and, as it is as much as you can do to swim the current without any drawback, it would certainly carry you down."
"Yes, sir; but if I asked for a volunteer, I should find one without difficulty."