We put the handcuffs on the boy's ankles, and tied the girl's with our handkerchiefs." "Sergeant, tell off two men and let them take these prisoners back to the village, and guard them carefully till we return.

They may as well keep the handcuffs on the boy's ankles, and untie the girl's; but let one of them keep a tight hold of her arm, and be sure that she doesn't slip away." Two men were told off for the duty, and the march was then resumed.
Daylight was faintly breaking when they reached the edge of the cliff.
Ralph, with ten men, was posted at the spot where a slight track was visible going down into a sort of gulley.

Captain O'Connor then proceeded with half the company to the right, Desmond taking the remainder to the left; each posting men at intervals along the edge of the cliff, and placing parties of four at every point where there appeared the smallest probability of an ascent being practicable.
All were ordered to load at once.

They were to make prisoner any one coming up the cliff, and in case of resistance to fire without hesitation.

The two officers then returned to the spot where they had left Ralph.