interpret it rightly.

"Yes, I see what you mean, and it's of no use to say `but' to me. Our
chief is a thoroughly good commander of men, and if he has got us into
this hole of a place, where we are all shut up tightly without a chance
to get out, why it's--"

Serge stopped short, to draw himself up tightly, for all at once he
understood the true meaning of Marcus' sign, having suddenly become
aware of the fact that their captain had in going from post to post
stopped close to his elbow, and had heard nearly every word that had
been spoken, while it was evident that he was thinking of something else
at the same time, for he finished the old soldier's sentence for him in
the way he interpreted it.

"Why, it is his duty to get us out of it, eh, my man? That is what you
were going to say, is it not?"

"Well, something like it, captain," faltered the veteran; "but I didn't
mean no harm."

"Of course you did not, but you were teaching this boy to criticise his
superiors. Well, my man, you as an old soldier can see that we are in a
very dangerous position."

"Yes, captain."

"And that if I try to cut my way out with the force I have at my command
I may succeed."

"You will succeed, captain."

"Well, yes, I believe I should," said the captain, quickly; "but it
would only be with the loss of a great number of men that could not be
spared, and my division would afterwards be of little value to the main
force."

"Yes, captain; that's right," growled Serge.

"Spoken like a good old fighting man," said the chief. "Now, then,
speaking with your experience, what is best for me to do?"

"Set the men to build up rough walls with the stones, twice as strong as
you have already."

"Good! Go on," cried the chief, while Marcus stood listening with his
lips apart, and quivering with excitement the while.

"Then sit fast and wait."

"Without supplies?"

"Plenty of water from the spring yonder," growled Serge.

"Food?" said the chief, sharply.

"Foraging parties," continued Serge.

"Not to be depended upon in this high desert, man."

"Capture the enemy's provisions," said Serge.

"Doubtful, my man," cried the captain. "Can you propose nothing else?"

"Send off messenger at once on to the generals in front, telling how you
are fixed, and asking for help at once."

"Hah!" cried the captain. "That is what I was waiting for you to say.
Now for the messenger I must send to Julius and Cracis."

"Someone who