“Yes, I know.”
“You tell him to get to his books and read all he can about sword and pike wounds, and how to take a bullet out of a man when he gets hit. Then he can cut up bandages, and get ready knives and scissors and thread and big needles.”
“Do you mean in case of wounds, Ben?”
“Why, of course, sir.”
“But do you think it likely that we shall have some—”
“Rather queer sort of siege if we don’t have some damage done, sir. Well, that settles about Master Pawson. Now, what next?”
“The men at the farm, Ben.”
“Yes, sir; we ought to get about ten or a dozen. They’re good stout lads. We must have them up at once and do a bit of drilling. They needn’t stay here yet, but they can be got in order and ready to come in at a moment’s notice. Next?”
“All the tenants must be seen, Ben. They’ll all come too, and drill ready for service if wanted.”
“And that means about another twenty, I suppose, sir.”