“Means for them to come on and attack. He’s savage because they don’t,” said Ralph.
“Yes, that’s it. I believe they’re afraid of getting more holes in their jerkins.”
“Ha-ha!” laughed Ralph; “and they have no room, I suppose. Look here, let’s have a dash for it.”
“What! run away? That I won’t, from them, so long as I’ve got a sword.”
“Run away! No!” cried Ralph, who was bubbling over with excitement, the slight wound he had received acting as a spur to his natural desire to punish some one for his pain. “Can’t you see that if we make a dash at them on one side, we shall only have two to fight for a bit till the others can come up; and we might wound the first two if we’re quick, before their companions could attack.”
“Well said, general,” cried Mark excitedly. “That’s right. Let’s look sharp then, for my leg hurts as if it was getting stiff.”
“Never mind your leg. Hallo! hark!”
“Why don’t you come on yourself, then?” shouted one of the men, in answer to a good deal of gesticulation from the captain. “Take care you don’t get a hole in your skin.”
“Hurrah!” cried Mark; “they are afraid. Ready?”
“Yes; come on!” cried Ralph; and the two lads made a rush at the men who stood in their homeward way, astonishing them so that they turned and ran before the attacking party had gone half-a-dozen paces.