“Better try and join some of our men, where they are holding out, my dear boy. This is going to be a terrible business, and we must all row together and help one another.”
“Yes,” said Brace, “I am going to help; but I must have my guns first, and remount my men.”
Then hastily finishing his rough breakfast, he rose and went off to give orders for an immediate start.
“Vincent, my lad,” said the doctor, “we shall all be cut to pieces, I’m afraid.”
“Our chances look very bad, I’m afraid,” I replied.
“Hold your tongue, sir,” cried the doctor. “You are not afraid of anything. I said I was, but I’m not a fighting man. We’re in for it, and are going to do our duty. My great trouble is about poor Craig. That man’s a gentleman.”
“Hist!” came from close by among the trees.
“Eh? who was that?”
“Only me, doctor—Craig.”
“Bah! I had forgotten him. You heard?”