rge?" said Marcus, in a low voice.

"Yes, boy. Isn't it grand! Take the lesson to heart. You will
understand it better later on, for it's too much for one so young as you
to take in all at once. Look how our generals have placed their men,
with never a bit of confusion from beginning to end, and all ready when
the trumpets sound to advance and strike, while these Gauls, crowded up
together into this great trap, don't even know as yet that their numbers
will be worse than nothing, only a big crowd in which every man will be
in his neighbour's way."

"But suppose they stand fast," said Marcus, "instead of giving way?"

"We shall march over them, boy, straight for the pass. Nothing can stop
our advance. One of our lines may go down, but another will step into
its place, and if that is broken there is another close behind, and
another and another, each of which must weaken the resistance and pave
the way for our army to pass on."

"Don't say pave the way, Serge. It sounds too horrible, and makes me
think of what it means."

"Don't think, then, boy."

"I must," replied Marcus; "but it will be dreadful for the first cohort
which leads."

"Grand, you mean, boy," cried the veteran, "and you ought to be proud,
for it is ours."

"I don't see any signs of the captain's coming to meet us."

"In hiding perhaps," said Serge. "He's certain to be there. He will
not let his men show themselves until we advance, and he has not stirred
as yet."

"How do you know?"

"Look at the barbarians," cried the old soldier, pointing to the distant
crowd far up the slope. "They would be showing it by now if he were
coming on."

"It is getting late," said Marcus, after a pause.

"Yes," replied Serge, "and if I were in command I should be here to
begin leading on my men. Think of that now," he whispered, sharply.
"Here he is!"

"Who? My father?"

"No, boy. He'd be in the rear upon one of these hills, directing the
advance of the legions, where he can look over the whole amphitheatre."

No more was said, for a thrill seemed to be running through the long
serried line of veterans extending to right and left, as, followed by a
group of his principal officers, Caius Julius rode close up to his
leading cohort, gave the order to advance, and turned his horse to ride
in front and lead.

Then as the heavy tramp of the armed men rang out and the advance with
shield joined to shield moved on over the stony ground, there was a