"I don't believe it will be necessary," replied the lieutenant, and again, no doubt, there was some hidden irony in his words.
"But the Moros may attack us here at any moment," urged Draney pleadingly.
"I hope they won't attack you, Mr. Draney. But, in any event, I have no orders to leave any of my men here."
"Yet, surely, as an officer commanding troops in the field, you have some discretion in the matter."
"I fear it would be an abuse of my discretion to weaken my detachment by leaving men here."
At that moment four or five shots sounded faintly in the distance.
"You must see my present duty as clearly as I do, Mr. Draney," uttered the young lieutenant quickly. "Good-bye, sir."
"Can't you leave me even six men?"
Prescott did not reply, but called:
"March the detachment, Sergeant."