The best possible thing that could befall us would be for the Russians to make us out, before we get too far into their lines, in which case we may be able to fall back before they can gather in overwhelming strength, and may thus draw off without any very great loss." Major Sion called the captains of the infantry companies, and the troop of horse, to a sort of council of war, when the little force halted for an hour at three o'clock in the afternoon.
"We have another ten miles to march, gentlemen, and I should like to ask your opinion as to whether it would be best to try to force our way in as soon as we get there, or to halt at a distance of three or four miles from the Russians, and make our effort at daybreak before they are fairly afoot." The other three officers gave their opinion in order of seniority, and all advocated the plan of falling upon the Muscovites at daybreak.
"And what do you think, Captain Carstairs ?" Major Sion asked Charlie.
"I regret to say, major, that my opinion differs from that of the other gentlemen, and this for several reasons.

In the first place, if we halt so near the Russians, our presence in their neighbourhood may be betrayed by a peasant, and we may be surprised in the night.
If no such mishap should take place, we should have to be on foot two hours before sunrise.

I in no way doubt your knowledge of the road, but it is at all times difficult to make out a mere track, like that we are following, at night, and in the morning we might well find ourselves involved in the Russian intrenchments, from which we could not extricate ourselves before a large force had gathered round us, in which case we must be all either killed or taken prisoners.

My own suggestion would be that we should remain here another two hours, and then continue our march so as to reach the spot, where we are to endeavour to break through their line, about sunset.

Should we be observed, as we most likely should be, we might at that hour be taken for a freshly-arrived body of Russian troops.