or I dare say as soon as we stand up our figures will show
plainly against the snow. But we must risk all that. There, we must
chance it now, so let's get on our way."

Bracy took another good look round with his glass from where he lay upon
his chest among the stones; and though the enemy looked distant, the
mountain he had marked down seemed to have doubled its remoteness, and
the snowy passes and peaks which moved slowly across the field of his
glass raised themselves up like so many terrible impediments to the
mission he had set himself to carry through. Only a brief inspection,
but there was time enough for a rush of thoughts to sweep to his brain,
all of which looked dim and confused in the cloud of doubt which arose
as to the possibility of reaching the Ghil Valley.

It was horrible, for he could see in imagination the scene at the fort,
where all were gathered to see him off, and every eye was brightened
with the hope its owner felt; each countenance looked full of trust in
one who, they felt sure, would bring back success, and save the fort in
its terrible time of need. While now a cold chill seemed to be stealing
through him, and failure was staring him in the face.

A quick mental and bodily effort, a blush of shame suffusing his face,
and he was himself again--the young soldier ready for any emergency; and
the next minute he was biting his lip with vexation at his momentary
weakness. For there was Gedge watching him patiently, his follower who
looked up to him for help and guidance--his man ready to obey him to the
death, but, on the other hand, who looked for the payment of being cared
for and protected, and not having his services misused by the cowardly
action of a superior.

"It is just as I felt that day when I was swimming a mile from shore,"
he said to himself. "I felt that same chill, and thought that there was
nothing for me to do but give up and drown. Then the same feeling of
shame at my cowardice attacked me, and I struck out quietly, and went on
and on to land. The fort is my land this time, and I'm going to reach
it again by being cool. Oh, what a brain and power of self-control a
General must possess to master all his awful responsibilities! but he
does, and leads his men to victory against tremendous odds; while here I
have but my one man to lead, and am staggered at a difficulty that may
dissolve like a mist. Gedge!"

"Sir?"

"Forward for that patch of rocks a quarter of a mi