wanting room to use their bayonets after a few fierce and telling thrusts.
“This is useless, Graham,” panted the Colonel at last; “these sheep hamper every movement. We can do nothing in this horrible darkness. I am going to give the order for every man to make for the walls, where we must defend ourselves with the bayonet as the fellows attack us. We must wait for morning, and then shoot them down.”
“And by then they will have slaughtered every woman and non-combatant in the fort,” growled the Major savagely.
“No; we must each lead a company or two for the quarters. You take as many as you can collect straight for the ladies’ rooms.”
“Roberts has gone ten minutes ago, and is fighting his way across.”
“Go round by the walls on the other side and get in behind. I am going to rush for the hospital. Bracy and all those poor fellows must be saved.”
“Too late,” said the Major bitterly. “Two of the men here left a score of the hounds fighting their way into the ward. Oh, if we only had a light!”
Strange things occur when least expected, and there are times when, as if by a miracle, the asked-for gift is bestowed.
“God bless you, Graves!” whispered the Major; “if we don’t meet again, I’ll do all that man can do.”