“A soldier, of course, and be glad to when he gets the chance.”
“Oh, I couldn’t sleep,” cried Marcus. “I feel all bubbling over with excitement, and if I were to lie down I should seem to be galloping over the fields again.”
“Nonsense! You lie down and have a sleep. You always used to mind what I said when I tried to teach you. Do so now, and get some rest.”
“But suppose they come back and attack us again?”
“Well, we shall have warning. There are scouts and sentries out in all directions, and you would have plenty of time to get up into the chariot, I dare say. There, lie down.”
“Don’t you order me, Serge,” said the boy, peevishly. “You are not my officer.”
“No, we are only comrades, and I am not ordering, only telling you for the best. There, get a sleep, boy, while you can.”
“Well, I’ll lie down, but I can’t sleep, Serge. I shall be thinking about the war, and the tribes that are coming to attack us, all the night.”
“Very well, boy, think about them, then, as you are so anxious to understand all about the war. I’d be sure and call you when you are wanted. I am not greedy about having all the fighting to myself. You shall have your share.”
“Very well,” said Marcus, and selecting a place that seemed a little less hard than the stony ground in their close neighbourhood, and where he was not likely to be trampled upon by any of the chariot horses, he threw himself down, but started up again in alarm with his hand seeking his sword, for a big lump of stone dimly-seen in the darkness suddenly seemed endowed with life, springing up to give itself a rough shake, and assuming the form of a big dog.