hough it took a tremendously long
time, through Measles fumbling in the dark, it was surprising what a
firm bridge that made as far as the tree.

The other half was made in just the same fashion, and much more easily.
Mattresses were laid on it; and there, thirty feet above the ground, we
had a tolerably firm bridge, one that, though very irregular, a man
could cross with ease, creeping on his hands and knees; but then there
were the women, children, and poor Harry Lant.

Captain Dyer thought it would be better to say nothing to them about it,
but to bring them all quietly up at the last minute, so as to give them
no time for thought and fear; and then, the last preparation being made,
and a rough, short ladder, eight feet long, Measles and I had contrived,
being carried over and planted at the end of the other quarters,
reaching well down to the next roof; we prepared for a start.

Measles and Captain Dyer went over with the ladder, and reported no
sentries visible, the bridge pretty firm, and nothing apparently to
fear, when it was decided that Harry Lant should be taken over first--
Measles volunteering to take him on his back and crawl over--then the
women and children were to be got over, and we were to follow.

I know it was hard work for him, but Harry Lant never gave a groan, but
let them lash his hands together with a handkerchief; so that Measles
put his head through the poor fellow's arms, for there was no trusting
to Harry's feeble hold.

"Now then, in silence," says Captain Dyer; "and you, Lieutenant Leigh,
get up the women and children. But each child is to be taken by a man,
who is to be ready to gag the little thing if it utters a sound.
Recollect, the lives of all depend on silence.--Now, Bigley, forward!"

"Wait till I spit in my hands, captain," says Measles, though what he
wanted to spit in his hands for, I don't know, without it was from use,
being such a spitting man.

But spit in his hands he did, and then he was down on his hands and
knees, crawling on to the mattress very slowly, and you could hear the
bayonets creaking and gritting, as they played in and out of the
musket-barrels but they held firm, and the next minute Measles was as
far as the tree, but only to get his load hitched somehow in a ragged
branch, when there was a loud crack as of dead-wood snapping, a
struggle, and Measles growled out an oath--he would swear, that fellow
would, in spite of all Mrs Bantem said, so you mustn