It was argued, however, that they’d hardly run away for that; Indian vowed that it would take more than a groan to scare him away from a supper, and the Seven could not but admit that what wouldn’t scare Indian would surely not do for the yearlings.
Quite a long time was spent in fruitless discussion. It is not necessary to repeat it all here. Suffice it to say that nobody thought of anything that seemed just quite right to do for so important an occasion, and that the unhappy plebes were still discussing the matter when they strolled back toward camp that afternoon.
It lacked then still half an hour before the drum sounded the call to quarters, and so there was no use entering the enclosure. The party sat down on a fallen log nearby, and lazily watched the doings of the plebes who were on guard and the corporal who was “testing” them. Meanwhile they still discussed the all-important problem.
It did seem then as if they’d have to fall back on the original Texas proposition—a desperate charge, a hand-to-hand conflict, and “to the victor belong the spoils.”
“But it’ll be all spoiled!” wailed Indian.
Yet, what else was there? The Parson had left all his chemicals behind, and so he could not devise any “pyrotechnic effects” to frighten them. As to bribing the drum orderly, that was impossible, because the yearlings would “make it hot for him,” if he turned traitor. And that was about all that had so far been suggested.
While they were discussing it one of the tactical officers came out of his tent and strode past the sentry. He came toward the plebes, and they stopped talking, arose and saluted him as he passed. A moment or two later he had gone into the woods and they sat down again.
That may seem to be a very trivial incident; the reader is probably wondering why on earth it is mentioned here at all. Great happenings, however, depend very often on the most trivial circumstances.
It was Erasmus who observed that if Cleopatra’s nose had been just a little shorter the whole history of the globe would have been changed. You may dispute that if you choose, but at any rate, it is most certain that a very desperate and daring scheme was destined to grow out of this incident—the passing of the blue-uniformed lieutenant.
The Seven were silent for a few moments after having resumed their comfortable attitudes. Then Texas spoke.