"Two hours, if the enemy don't interfere. Two years, if they do. It's a steep bit of hill, and this sun is making the snow soft on the surface."
"True," agreed Bernhardt. "Then we must advance all along the line. It will be costly, but we'll give them a hot time when we get to close quarters."
"We shall lose at least a hundred men," objected Trafford.
"More, I think," said Bernhardt coolly; "but we shall take the Marienkastel."
"I've got an idea," said Trafford musingly.
"Out with it!"
"Give me twenty men and twenty minutes, and I'll turn those fellows out of the bob-run—or my name's not George Trafford."
"Choose your men and choose your moment," he said, flashing a glance at his companion, "but remember that time presses."
"I am ready now," said Trafford, his face alight with enthusiasm. "Any twenty men will do, provided they are good ski-ers and know which end of a rifle goes off."
Bernhardt gave the order for twenty men of the Guides to attach themselves under Trafford.