f the work you have on hand. You must watch
for the time that is best for our start. You can't say anything to
that."

"No," sighed Marcus, "that's right; but see what a time we have been
waiting now. It must be hours since the general came and gave me his
command."

"Well, not hours, but it's a long time, boy, and it will be longer yet
before we shall dare to stir. Why, there are thousands of men below
there, and hundreds more coming into sight just along the part we shall
have to go, and we must wait till they have all marched off right and
left to join the rest before we shall dare to start."

"But you are making the worst of it, Serge," cried Marcus, eagerly, as
he glanced round from his post of observation at the magnificent sight
of men in motion, glittering arms, trampling horse, and all framed in by
the sterile rocks, the snow-capped hills, and the dazzling blue sky
above.

"Perhaps I am, boy, and all the better for us; but it's much the best to
look troubles straight in the face and not to come to grief from being
too hopeful."

And as to time, so it proved, for after about another two hours had
elapsed, with the boy bubbling over with impatience, they were able to
feel that they might venture downward through the lower part of the
amphitheatre, where they would be getting more into the shelter of rock
and valley, and beyond the ken of the two trampling multitudes urging
their way on after the little army now in full motion higher up the
pass, the leading foot showing still clearly and nearly as distinctly as
if close at hand, though quite a couple of miles from where the chariot
stood.

"Ah," cried Serge, at last, "now I think we will start."

"Yes, come on," cried Marcus. "But why did you say that?" he added,
hastily.

"Because the fight's begun, boy."

"Where? How?" cried Marcus.

"Look yonder towards that patch of grey rock which glitters in the sun.
That's where our stout rear-guard is. If you look hard you will be just
able to see something moving slowly and something like a dark cloud just
behind. That's the enemy's, front just coming into action, driving our
men on. Hark! Do you hear how the hum of the enemy's troops' sounds
changed?"

"Yes, I think so. It comes echoing along the rocks."

"Well, that's the barbarians cheering the others on."

"Oh," cried Marcus, "the attack begun, when we haven't even stirred to
fetch the help! Serge, shall we reach the army to-night?"

"