Page 258 - A Jacobite Exile

force had gathered round us, in which case we must be all either killed or
taken prisoners. My own suggestion would be that we should remain here

another two hours, and then continue our march so as to reach the spot,
where we are to endeavour to break through their line, about sunset. Should

we be observed, as we most likely should be, we might at that hour be
taken for a freshly-arrived body of Russian troops. There would be no risk
of losing our way, and we might hope to be close upon them before we

were discovered to be enemies. If we succeed, as I trust we shall, in
breaking our way through and reaching the town, well and good. If, on the

other hand, we find greater obstacles than we expect, and are forced to fall
back fighting, we shall have the advantage that darkness will be setting in.
The Russians, the greater part of whom will be ignorant of our strength,

will lose time before they move, fearing they may be assaulted in other
quarters, and in the darkness we might be able to make good our escape,

which it is certain none of us would do, should we meet with a repulse at
daybreak."

"Your reasons are very just, Captain Carstairs. Though certainly my
opinion was in accordance with that given by your fellow officers, I am

bound to say that your argument seems unanswerable.

"What say you, gentlemen? I have two objects in view--the first to reinforce

the garrison of Notteburg, the second to save the troops under my
command, if I should fail in doing so. I know the country well, but its

features will be considerably altered. Trees will have been cut down,
houses levelled, intrenchments thrown up, camps scattered here and there,
and I own that in the dark, I might, as Captain Carstairs says, very easily

miss my way. I think his proposal therefore unites the greatest chances of
getting through their line and entering the town, with a possibility of

drawing off the troops without great loss, in case of failure."

The other three officers at once agreed, and orders were issued for the men

to lie down until five o'clock and rest themselves before pursuing their
march.