ill only make for the
mountains and collect together again ready for a fresh attack as soon as
they get the chance."

"But will they keep on doing that?" cried Marcus.

"Of course they will whenever they feel strong enough; and when they are
weak they will give up."

"Oh, I don't understand it a bit," cried Marcus.

"Well, you don't want to understand it," said Serge. "That's for the
generals and big captains to do. All that they want of us is to fight."

"But why is this war?" said Marcus, impatiently.

"Oh, I suppose it's because some of the tribes have been attacking and
plundering and carrying off cattle and goods of the country people, till
the chiefs say: This sort of thing must be stopped, and they collect an
army, talk it over with the peaceful tribes who are ready to be friends,
and then with their help march into the enemy's country, conquer it, and
bring them to their senses. That's what we do, and used to do--bring
all these nations round about under the rule of Rome. These we are
fighting with now are the peoples off to the north and west. They have
got all sorts of names, but I suppose they are all Gauls. But now look
here: a bit ago you were so tired out with your long march that you
wanted to sleep. Half the night hasn't gone, so the best thing you can
do is to curl yourself up and sleep till sunrise as hard as you can."

"Sleep!" cried Marcus, mockingly. "Who's to sleep at a time like this?"

"A soldier, of course, and be glad to when he gets the chance."

"Oh, I couldn't sleep," cried Marcus. "I feel all bubbling over with
excitement, and if I were to lie down I should seem to be galloping over
the fields again."

"Nonsense! You lie down and have a sleep. You always used to mind what
I said when I tried to teach you. Do so now, and get some rest."

"But suppose they come back and attack us again?"

"Well, we shall have warning. There are scouts and sentries out in all
directions, and you would have plenty of time to get up into the
chariot, I dare say. There, lie down."

"Don't you order me, Serge," said the boy, peevishly. "You are not my
officer."

"No, we are only comrades, and I am not ordering, only telling you for
the best. There, get a sleep, boy, while you can."

"Well, I'll lie down, but I can't sleep, Serge. I shall be thinking
about the war, and the tribes that are coming to attack us, all the
night."

"Very well, boy, think about them, then, as you are so