There would be no risk of losing our way, and we might hope to be close upon them before we were discovered to be enemies.

If we succeed, as I trust we shall, in breaking our way through and reaching the town, well and good.

If, on the other hand, we find greater obstacles than we expect, and are forced to fall back fighting, we shall have the advantage that darkness will be setting in.

The Russians, the greater part of whom will be ignorant of our strength, will lose time before they move, fearing they may be assaulted in other quarters, and in the darkness we might be able to make good our escape, which it is certain none of us would do, should we meet with a repulse at daybreak." "Your reasons are very just, Captain Carstairs.

Though certainly my opinion was in accordance with that given by your fellow officers, I am bound to say that your argument seems unanswerable.
"What say you, gentlemen?
I have two objects in view--the first to reinforce the garrison of Notteburg, the second to save the troops under my command, if I should fail in doing so.