In the meanwhile the interview on the bastion, to which we have already alluded, took place between Lundie and the Sergeant.
“Have the men's knapsacks been examined?” demanded Major Duncan, after he had cast his eye at a written report, handed to him by the Sergeant, but which it was too dark to read.
“All, your honor; and all are right.”
“The ammunition—arms?”
“All in order, Major Duncan, and fit for any service.”
“You have the men named in my own draft, Dunham?”
“Without an exception, sir. Better men could not be found in the regiment.”
“You have need of the best of our men, Sergeant. This experiment has now been tried three times; always under one of the ensigns, who have flattered me with success, but have as often failed. After so much preparation and expense, I do not like to abandon the project entirely; but this will be the last effort; and the result will mainly depend on you and on the Pathfinder.”
“You may count on us both, Major Duncan. The duty you have given us is not above our habits and experience, and I think it will be well done. I know that the Pathfinder will not be wanting.”
“On that, indeed, it will be safe to rely. He is a most extraordinary man, Dunham—one who long puzzled me; but who, now that I understand him, commands as much of my respect as any general in his majesty's service.”