But, gentlemen, I have just heard that Ewing made no attempt to cross, and that Cadwalader, having tried it, failed.

He could get his men over, but no horses and guns, on account of the ice on the bank, and therefore he returned, and we are here alone.

What, think you, is to be done now ?" There was a moment's silence.
"Perhaps we would better recross and try it again on a more favorable night," finally said De Fermoy, in his broken accents.
"Yes, yes, that might be well," said one or two others, simultaneously.
The most of them, however, said nothing.

The general waited a moment, looking about him.
"Gentlemen, it is too late to retreat.

I promised myself I would not return without a fight, and I intend to keep that promise.