It may be that we shall come upon a Spanish sentinel who may need silencing." "No, Paolo; only in the last extremity and to save our lives must we resort to arms.

Were a sentry found killed in the morning they would know that their position in the wood had been discovered.

It is most important that they should believe that their ambush is unsuspected." Their progress was very slow.

When they were nearly opposite the centre of their position Paolo was suddenly touched by his master.

They listened intently, and could hear at no great distance ahead low sounds at regular intervals.
"Men snoring," Paolo whispered in his ear.
They moved forward again even more cautiously than before.