Why should we not at least cut our way out to the free forest, if we cannot rout the enemy and drive them back whence they came ?" "The life of the free forest would mean death to those raw lads who have come out from England or from the provinces," said Fritz gravely.

"It would be hardly more than a choice of deaths; and yet I would sooner die sword in hand, hewing my way to freedom, than cooped up between walls where every shot begins to tell, and where the dead can scarce be buried for the peril to the living." And indeed the position of affairs was so deplorable that a council was held by Monro; and it was agreed that if any desired to make this last sortie, either for life and liberty for themselves, or in the last forlorn hope of driving the enemy from their position, it might be attempted; but if it failed, there was nothing for it but capitulation, if honourable terms could be had, or if not to die at their posts, fighting to the very last.
A cheer went up from the men when they heard these words.

If they had well nigh lost hope, their courage was not quenched, and a large band volunteered for the sortie.

Fritz and Roche were amongst these, but Pringle remained behind in the fort.
"I will stand by the Colonel and the sinking ship," he said.

"It is but a choice of evils.