Meanwhile Captain Roberts’s company occupied a strong position along a curtain defending the great gate, and the lads were all in a state of eager expectation of the order to fire.
“It’s our turn now, Sergeant,” said one of the youngest-looking. “I could pick off that chap in front before he knew where he was.”
“Silence, sir!” said the Sergeant shortly; and then looking to right and left, he gave a general admonition:
“Less talking in the ranks.”
“Yah!” whispered the lad who had been snubbed. “Why don’t they make him curnel?”
“See Drummond just now?” said Bracy, where he and his companion stood together.
“Just a glance,” replied Roberts.
“Why, he came close by you.”
“Yes; but my attention was taken up by his boots—yours, I mean. I never saw a fellow look so conscious and proud of being well shod before.”
“Hullo! What does this mean?” said Bracy. “Not an attack, surely? My word! that’s brave; one, three—six of them. Why, Roberts, the cheek of it! They’re coming to order us to surrender.”