"Did you observe the position of the men?" asked MacWhirlie.
"Not of the first one," answered the Sergeant. "But the second was stationed here. So also was the Captain. They both stood with their faces toward the plain—outward. I watched them both from a distance, after I had left them. The Captain paced up and down, just there along the ridge, keeping his eyes toward the enemy's camp. He made a half face outward, so to speak, as he walked."
"Outward? You are quite sure of that?"
"Quite."
"Very well. I shall take this post now. You will form the entire guard in a circle enclosing this spot."
"How far away, Sir?"
"Just far enough to have me well in sight. Let the men pace their beats as ordinary sentinels, keeping each other in view, face to face and right about. At the slightest call or alarm of any kind let them close in instantly, all of them at a sharp run."
"Is that all, Sir?"
"Yes; except that I want you to report to me as soon as the men are placed. You may go, now."
"Fall in. Attention. Right face. Forward—March!"