CHAPTER XIII.
THE SEEKER FOR HELP Colonel Talbot, Lieutenant-Colonel St.Hilaire and four other officers were in a deep alcove that had been dug just under the highest earthwork, where they were not likely to be interrupted in their deliberations by any fragment of an exploding shell.

The only light was that of the stars and the early moon which had now come out, but it was sufficient to show faces oppressed by the utmost anxiety.

Three other men also had been summoned to the council.
"We have chosen you six for an important errand," said Colonel Talbot, "but you are to go upon it singly, and not collectively.

As you see, we are besieged here by a greatly superior force.

Its assault has been repulsed, but it will not go away.