He had been elevated to the position of leader and perhaps the responsibility weighed heavily upon him, for certain it is that after advising what should be done, he evinced a disposition to retire from what might be the scene of a conflict.
“Look here, old man, we’re ready to do as you have said. Now give the word and lead us on to those recruits. We’ll soon find out what they’re made of,” one of the men said as the corporal turned toward the rear much as though intending to join Isaac and Nathan:
“Yes, give the word. This is your plan, and we’re ready to carry it out as you have said!”
“Fair an’ easy; fair an’ easy, comrades,” Corporal ’Lige said soothingly. “A good general doesn’t depend wholly on his plan until he’s made certain of the enemy’s position. You don’t allow that we can rush in hilter-skilter an’ hope to work our purpose, eh?”
“Why not? There are only a dozen of them to near fifty of us.”
“But look at Colonel Allen’s regiment.”
“Well, what of them? They are not in this quarrel, for their commander is leader of the expedition so far.”
“No, they are not in it,” the corporal said; “but what assurance have we they won’t take a hand as soon as we begin operations? Don’t you allow they know what the Stockbridge men brought with them?”
“Why, everybody in camp knows that.”
“Then do you suppose they’re goin’ to 97 stand by idly while we take the money and munitions?”