Anyhow, it's not difficult, and we'll be as careful as may be." "You will have to keep your heads clear, both of you," concluded Blakeney.
He was looking at Armand as he said this; but the young man had not made a movement during this brief colloquy between Hastings and the chief.

He still sat with arms folded, his head falling on his breast.
Silence had fallen on them all.

They all sat round the fire buried in thought.

Through the open window there came from the quay beyond the hum of life in the open-air camp; the tramp of the sentinels around it, the words of command from the drill-sergeant, and through it all the moaning of the wind and the beating of the sleet against the window-panes.
A whole world of wretchedness was expressed by those sounds! Blakeney gave a quick, impatient sigh, and going to the window he pushed it further open, and just then there came from afar the muffled roll of drums, and from below the watchman's cry that seemed such dire mockery: "Sleep, citizens! Everything is safe and peaceful." "Sound advice," said Blakeney lightly.

"Shall we also go to sleep?
What say you all--eh ?" He had with that sudden rapidity characteristic of his every action, already thrown off the serious air which he had worn a moment ago when giving instructions to Hastings.