Yet these and a hundred other separate and characteristic necessities had been foreseen and provided for.
Van, mainguard, rearguard, band, ambulance, forlorn hope, all were embarked at length.

Lieutenant Chinn saluted, reported the entire flotilla ready, saluted again, and descended the steps with the Doctor (Sir Felix had sent no word, after all).

Only the Major remained on the Quay's edge.

Overhead rode the stars; around him in the penumbra of the lantern's rays the crowd pressed forward timidly.
He turned.
"Fellow-citizens," he said, and his voice trembled on the words, but in an instant was steady again, "you surmise, no doubt, the purpose of this expedition.

An invader menaces these shores, the defence of which has been committed to us.