Some of those fellows across the hall might become restless, and stroll in here at any moment, to discover the cause for delay.
"Very well, Miles; leave Ross here, and carry out your orders; that should give you seven men--why, no, it doesn't! Where is the negro ?" "He said you told him he didn't need go beyond the head of the ravine, sir," explained the sergeant, "and as one of the men heard you say so, I didn't feel like making him come along.

He started back for camp." "I believe I did promise something like that," I admitted, "and he wouldn't have been much assistance anyway.

Well, six men and yourself ought to do the business.

Watch the windows, so none get away." Perhaps I should have gone myself, but I was disinclined to leave the room, desirous of getting off my despatch without delay, and possessed implicit confidence in the promptness and discretion of the sergeant.

He drew his revolver, the men silently following his example, and the little party slipped quietly out into the hall, the last man closing the door behind him.