"
Seeing I was not to be moved by thought of their pitiable condition, he
drew back with a profound sigh, and as he disappeared some one came
hastily toward us along the hallway from the rear.
"What is it, Caton?" I asked anxiously, as I recognized him.
"They are forming to rush me, I think," he answered. "I need a few more
men if I can get them."
"They are preparing to assault front and rear at the same time," I
answered. "They are massing now, and in my judgment Brennan will have
to face the brunt of it. The front of this house is greatly exposed,
and will prove extremely difficult to defend if they come against it
with any force. How many men do you absolutely require in order to hold
your position? Remember, the women are all in the front part of the
house, and we must protect them at all hazards."
"Good God, Wayne! Do you think I am likely to forget, with Celia Minor
among them?" he exclaimed indignantly. "Nothing but a strict sense of
duty holds me one moment where I am. Heaven knows I wish to be with
her, and, by thunder, Brennan is aware of it."
"Then come with me," I cried. "There are times when a higher law than
that of military despotism should control our actions. I am going
there, orders or no orders. Ebers can command your detachment and
accomplish all the service you possibly could. Your rightful place is
between these ruffians and the woman you love.
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