“Yes, persuaded,” continued Colonel Forrester, in measured tones, “with sword and gun, not till they are utterly helpless. Then they may.”
“Oh, father!”
“Yes, my boy; it is very sad, but they will not see that their case is desperate.”
“Is the attack to be made to-day, father?”
“I am not the general in command, my boy. That is a matter for another to decide.”
“Yes; but you know, father, and you can trust me.”
“Of course I can, Fred, and I will. Yes; the attack is to be made directly.”
“And will it succeed?”
“It must. It shall. No. I will not interfere,” he added to himself a moment later.
“And you, father?” said Fred, anxiously.