'If we can make that big circuit to the west and get over that pass unobserved we're bound to strike a Russian column the next day.

It'll be a rough road, but I fancy we've all ridden as bad in our time.

But one thing we must have, and that's horses.

Can we and your six ruffians slip off in the darkness on the best beasts in this township?
If you can manage that, we'll do the trick.' Sandy sat down and pondered.

Thank heaven, he was thinking now of action and not of his own conscience.
'It must be done,' he said at last, 'but it won't be easy.