"Any other signs, Sergeant?"
"It's the other signs that make it look serious. The number of men carrying rifles is increasing rapidly. Yesterday no less than three hundred rifles were seen in the streets."
"Did you question any of those carrying them?"
"No, sir. Had no orders, sir."
"Just so: it would not have done any good, and it might have done harm. And you have had all supplies bought up, arms and ammunition?"
"All that were better than our own, sir."
"Well, have them secretly brought to the men's quarters, and let each man have his pick. Then some of the best shots can have a day off to practise a bit."
"Very good, sir."
"Something is going to happen soon," said Smoothbore to Herbert, who during the interview had come in.
"Rather suggestive of Micawber that, if you will pardon my saying so," Herbert ventured to assert. He had been a sudden and complete convert to the theory that trouble was brewing. The inaction of his Chief had been getting on his nerves.