“Nor I!”
“It’s curious.”
“Have you seen him?”—to the others.
“Not for a long time.”
“No—nor Pompey.” Every one remarked on the singular absence of the two leaders.
“Crassus,” said Mark. “Bevis is hunting Crassus and Pompey: that’s it. Come on. Let’s help. March.”
He marched along the winding hedge-row towards the Plain, and, turning round a corner, presently came to the gate in the nut tree mound just as Crassus, who had been searching it, opened the gate.
“Charge!” shouted Mark, and they dashed on the Pompeians. Crassus drew back, but before he could get quite through, Mark jammed him with the gate, between the gate and the post.
“Fred! Bill!” For Crassus struggled, and was very strong. Bill rushed to Mark’s assistance: together they squeezed Val tight.
“O! My side! You dogs!” Crassus hit at them with his sword: they pressed him harder.