"We could mount, sally out suddenly, break through their pickets, and as soon as we are beyond them scatter; those who like can try to make their way down on horseback, those who prefer it try to do so on foot.

That would at least give us an alternative should the siege be pushed on to the last, and we find ourselves unable to make terms." There was general assent to the Major's proposal, which seemed to offer better chances than any.

There was the hope that the mutineers might tire of the siege and march away; that if they pressed it, terms might be at last obtained from them, and that, failing everything else, the garrison might yet make their way down country.
"As there is evidently no chance of an attack during the night," the Major said, "we will divide into two watches and relieve each other every four hours; that will give two as lookouts on the roof and six in the inclosure.

As you are senior officer next to myself, Doolan, you will take charge of one watch; I shall myself take charge of the other.
Forster and Wilson be with me, Rintoul and Richards with you.

Mr.Hardy, will you and the other gentlemen divide your numbers into two watches?
Dr.Wade counts as a combatant until his hospital begins to fill." "I fancy he may be counted as a combatant all through," the Doctor muttered.
"Tomorrow morning," the Major went on, "we will continue the work of filling sandbags.