a turn where it doubled a sharp corner he saw their hands go up to
the salute, and with this slight warning came upon two of his own
officers--Major Frazer and Captain Archimbeau--perched on a knoll to
the left, and attentively studying the artillery practice through
their glasses. The captain (who, by the way, commanded B Company)
signed to him to halt, and climbed down to him while the fatigue
party trudged on. Major Frazer followed, closing his field telescope
as he descended.

'What do you say to it?' asked Captain Archimbeau, with a jerk of his
hand towards the great breach.

'It can be done, sir,' Sergeant Wilkes answered. 'Leastways, it
ought to be done. But with submission, sir, 'twill be at wicked
waste, unless they first clear the hornwork.'

'They can keep it pretty well swept while we assault. The fact is,'
said Major Frazer, a tall Scotsman, speaking in his slow Scots way,
'we assault it early to-morrow, and the general has asked me to find
volunteers.'

'For the forlorn hope, sir?' The sergeant flushed a little, over the
compliment paid to the Royals.

Major Frazer nodded. 'There's no need to make it common knowledge
just yet. I am allowed to pick my men, but I have no wish to spend
the night in choosing between volunteers. You understand?'

'Yes, sir. You will get a plenty without travelling outside the
regiment.'