Do you understand ?" "Oi do, sorr." "She will explain what you are to guard against.

I'll be back to you in a moment, Billie." I caught one glimpse out through the south windows as I passed the door of the dining-room--moving troops covered the distance, half concealed under clouds of smoke, but none were facing toward us.

On the floor, behind the barricades, a dozen of my men were peering out along the brown carbine barrels, eager and expectant, cartridges piled beside them on the floor.

At the front door I encountered Mahoney, so excited he could hardly talk.
"What is it ?" I questioned swiftly.

"An attack in front ?" "It's the big guns, sorr; be gorry, they're goin' to shell us out, an' whar the hell was them reinforcemints, Oi'd loike to know!" "So would I.If it's artillery we may as well hoist a white flag.