Colburne did not utter the disgust and contempt which he felt; he turned away in silence, intending to look up dressings for his arm, which had become dry and feverish. The Major called him back.
"I say, Cap, if the enemy are in force, what are we to do?"
"Why, we shall fight, of course."
"But we ha'n't got men enough to stand an assault."
"How many?"
"One little comp'ny Louisianny men, two comp'nies nine months' men, and a few invalids."
"That's enough. Have you any spare arms?"
"I d'no. I reckon so," said the Major, in a peevish tone. "I reckon you'd better hunt up the Quartermaster, if there is one. I s'pose he has 'em."
"A friend of mine has brought fifteen able-bodied negroes into the fort. I want guns for them."