[The Queen’s Cup by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link bookThe Queen’s Cup CHAPTER 3 18/30
We have come about twelve miles, and have as much more to do; and if we start at the same hour as we did today we shall get there about nine.
I shall halt half a mile away, reconnoitre the place at night, and if the ground is open enough to move without making a noise, we will post the troops in the positions they are to occupy, and attack as soon as day breaks. "In that way we shall get the benefit of surprise, and at the same time have daylight to prevent their escaping.
Besides, if we attacked at night a good many of the villagers, and perhaps women, might be killed in the confusion. "Tomorrow morning we will cut down some young saplings and make a dozen scaling ladders.
We have brought a bag of gunpowder to blow open the gate, and if the main body enter there while two parties scale the walls at other points we shall get them in a trap." At about nine o'clock the next evening the guide said that they were now within half a mile of the village, and they accordingly halted.
The men were ordered to keep silence, and to lie down and sleep as soon as they had eaten their supper; while Mallett, accompanied by the two officers of the native troops and the guide, made his way towards the village. It was found to be larger than had been anticipated.
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