Serge stopped short, to draw himself up tightly, for all at once he understood the true meaning of Marcus’ sign, having suddenly become aware of the fact that their captain had in going from post to post stopped close to his elbow, and had heard nearly every word that had been spoken, while it was evident that he was thinking of something else at the same time, for he finished the old soldier’s sentence for him in the way he interpreted it.
“Why, it is his duty to get us out of it, eh, my man? That is what you were going to say, is it not?”
“Well, something like it, captain,” faltered the veteran; “but I didn’t mean no harm.”
“Of course you did not, but you were teaching this boy to criticise his superiors. Well, my man, you as an old soldier can see that we are in a very dangerous position.”
“Yes, captain.”
“And that if I try to cut my way out with the force I have at my command I may succeed.”
“You will succeed, captain.”
“Well, yes, I believe I should,” said the captain, quickly; “but it would only be with the loss of a great number of men that could not be spared, and my division would afterwards be of little value to the main force.”
“Yes, captain; that’s right,” growled Serge.
“Spoken like a good old fighting man,” said the chief. “Now, then, speaking with your experience, what is best for me to do?”