“What is it, Mr Murray?”
“Firing, sir. I heard shots.”
“Are you sure?”
“I heerd it too, sir,” said the injured man.
“Attention there!” said the lieutenant sharply.
“One, two, and three from the left make ready. Present—Fire!”
The three shots rang out like one, and directly after they were replied to, the reports sounding faintly enough but perfectly distinguishable through the distance.
The lieutenant waited while twenty could be counted, and then ordered the men to fire again. This drew forth a reply, and so evidently from the same direction that the order was given for the party to march; but directly after the lieutenant called Halt, for from behind them and quite plainly from the direction they were leaving, came the deep-toned thud of a heavy gun.