"To-morrow will see you an officer with a medal of honour on your breast," was his confident prediction.
Manasseh smiled sadly. He knew better than the other what to expect.
Meanwhile the enemy had not given up the fight. The terrace, they perceived, must be retaken, and a detachment of French troops was advancing to storm it.
"Let them come on!" cried the major, confidently. "We can handle them, ten to one. Give them a volley, my lads!"
But this time Manasseh shook his head, whereupon the whole battalion grounded arms.
"What do you mean?" exclaimed the major, astounded.
Manasseh raised his hand to heaven. "Egy az Isten!" he cried, and all his comrades followed his example.
"What do you say?" asked the bewildered officer.
"We swear by the God who has said 'Thou shalt not kill!'" was Manasseh's reply.
"But you are soldiers, and on the battle-field."