Of the
seven which strayed not, four had discovered the trip-cord; so it was
evident that that ingenious contrivance extended along the whole line.
Only M'Snape, however, had penetrated farther. The general report was
that the position was closely guarded from end to end.
"You say you found a cord running back from Bain to the trenches,
M'Snape," asked Captain Mackintosh, "and a sentry holding on to it?"
"Yess, sirr," replied the scout, standing stiffly to attention in the
dark.
"If we could creep out of the wood and rush _him_, we might be able to
slip our attack in at that point," said the Captain. "You say there is
cover to within twenty yards of where he is sitting?"
"Yes, sirr."
"Still, I'm afraid he'll pull that cord a bit too soon for us."
"He'll no, sirr," remarked M'Snape confidently.
"Why not?" asked the Captain.
M'Snape told him.
Captain Mackintosh surveyed the small wizened figure before him almost
affectionately.
"M'Snape," he said, "to-morrow I shall send in your name for
lance-corporal!"
IV
The defenders were ready. The trenches were finished: "A" and "B" had
adjusted their elbow-rests to their liking, and blank ammunition had
been served out. Orders upon the subject of firing were strict.
"We won't loose off a single shot until we actually _see_ you,"
Captain Blaikie had said to Captain Mackintosh.
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