id, slowly, "I shouldn't wonder if such a fight did come
off, and if it does it will be hard and fierce. I shouldn't wonder if
it is what your father means. That used to be the way we went on: he
planned where the fight was to be, and Caius Julius went on and won. I
remember every bit of that amphitheatre place, and what a death trap it
seemed. You know the captain would not stay in it when the Gauls had
surrounded him, but left the way clear for us to go for the help we've
brought, and led his force right up into the pass so as to make the
enemy follow him. Now our generals are scheming to get the Gauls, who
have kept on attacking us front, rear and flanks, right into that
amphitheatre of a place in the mountains, where they mean, so it seems,
to make a stand and stop our getting up by the pass--for that's what
they think we mean to do--so as to join forces with him who is holding
it still."

"But is he holding it still?" said Marcus. "The scouts that were sent
out last night as soon as it was dark have not yet returned."

"Yes they have," said Serge, quickly. "I saw them come back an hour
ago, and make for the general's headquarters."

Serge was right, for one of his comrades had heard the result of their
investigation, the news they brought back being that their leader was
still holding the pass, and, what was more, he was well supplied with
provisions, for the country people on the farther slope, realising the
strength of the Roman general's position, had judged it best to accept
the conquest, and, making friends, had kept up an ample supply of food,
so that the little force which kept the gateway into Gaul and commanded
the approaches on either side, had had no greater difficulties to
contend with than an occasional attack on the part of the enemy.

This being made known to Serge, he laughed softly.

"There, you'll see how our generals will carry to-day's work out, my
lad. That's it: Cracis has calculated upon its being like this, and
this place will be instead of a retreat a masterly scheme which will end
this war."

"How?" said Marcus.

"How? Why, in the way your father has arranged. You'll see that when
we advance the general will throw out two wings to secure the little
hollows by which the Gauls have been advancing, till he has got round
them, and then, and then only, he will advance his centre. Do you see?"

"Not quite," said Marcus, "though I am trying to follow you."

"Well, I should ha