There was a long consultation, and it was agreed that, unless something could be done, the column must retire for, by the time the bridge was built, the supply of food would be exhausted.
"If we could get a wire across," the engineer officer said, "we certainly could build the bridge in less time than I stated." "I will try to carry it across, sir," Lisle said.

"I am a strong swimmer, and I think I could do it." "Yes, but the Ashantis are all on the opposite bank.

You would be picked off before you got halfway across." "I would try after dark.

Once I got the wire across and fixed, enough men could cross, with its assistance, to clear the other bank of the enemy." "You would find it very hard work tugging the wire across, Bullen.
The stream would catch it and, as it is as much as you can do to swim the current without any drawback, it would certainly carry you down." "Yes, sir; but if I asked for a volunteer, I should find one without difficulty." "Well, Mr.Bullen, if you volunteer to try, I shall, of course, be very glad to accept the offer; especially as, if you keep tight hold of the wire, the stream will only send you back to this bank." As soon as it was known that Lisle was about to attempt to swim the river, several volunteers came forward; and from these he selected one of the Sikh soldiers, not only because he was a tall and powerful man, but because he could give him orders in Punjabi.

As soon as night came on, the preparations were completed.