A stir an hour
before the usual time is sure to excite remark, and as it is certain
these fellows will have arranged with some one in the village for
early news of any unusual movement, we must take steps to prevent a
messenger passing. I propose that you two shall be astir half an hour
before the troops; and that you shall, before any one else is moving,
go along the path leading to the cliffs, stop a couple of hundred
yards beyond the village, and arrest any one who may come along."
"Yes, I think that will be a very good plan," Lieutenant Desmond said.
"No one shall pass us, I warrant."
"Don't forget to take your pistols; it is likely enough you may have
to use them before the day is over. These scoundrels know they fight
with ropes round their necks, and are almost sure to resist
desperately. Now we will have one glass more, and then be off to bed.
The day will begin to break about seven, and I will impress upon the
landlord the urgent necessity of calling you both by five."
"I suppose we are to stay where we take up our station till you come
along with the company, O'Connor, whether we take any prisoners or
not?"
"Yes, that will be the best way, Desmond. If you have caught any one I
will send them back with a guard to the village. No, it would not do
for you to move before we come up, for there is no saying what time a
messenger will go along.
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