“Gone?” whispered Marcus, as soon as he thought it safe to speak.
“No, boy,” was whispered back directly. “They’ve halted a little way farther on.”
“What does it mean?” said Marcus.
“I believe,” replied Serge, with his lips close to his young companion’s ear, “that there is quite an army of the enemy in front, and that these we heard are going to join them.”
“Then we ought to go on and give our people warning that they are going to be attacked.”
“No need, boy,” whispered Serge; “they won’t catch our men lying about with their eyes shut. Careful watch has been set by now, and scouts will be well advanced. Cracis and Julius will not be caught asleep in the enemy’s country. Now, then, as soon as we can feel sure that no more are coming we will try and get up to the camp.”
“But you will not be able to find it in the darkness.”
“I think I shall, boy,” said the old fellow, confidently.
“Pst!” whispered the driver, and Lupe uttered another growl, and then had to suffer the indignity of being muzzled with Marcus’ hand, till the fresh tramping sound had approached them and then passed away.
“Now, then,” said Marcus, “we must risk it now.”