"Undoubtedly! And without doubt you will now try to recover it, and it will cost you many men, and us also, and so the game goes on."
And that very same night, when Jack had at last fallen asleep, Greski said to Jim, as though he were inviting him to a theatre party:
"At midnight we will take a little walk, and you will see your friends attempt to recover the new fort, the Mamelon.
"You seem to know all about it," said Jim incredulously.
"Of course. That again is where we beat you. We know all your plans. We have plans of every trench you cut with every gun you place in it."
"Not from any of our men," said Jim, with heat, for underhand work such as that struck him offensively.
"Oh no. But your men talk too much among themselves, and our spies are through your camps night and day. They all speak French, you see, and uniforms are easy to get, whereas none of your people speak Russian well enough to pass muster for a moment. I can even tell you that the attack will be all French--Zouaves, Marines, and Chasseurs, under three thousand in all, and the General Monet will be in command. They will walk right up into the trap and will all be killed or captured."
"It is sheer murder."
"What would you? It is war; and after all, though I hate Russia, one cannot help remembering that she did not invite you to come here. We will wait here. It is not yet time."
"Why aren't you up there yourself?"