Can five hundred men stand against tens of thousands ?" "It seems that three stood against them this morning, and worked some damage, my uncle, but it is true those three are of a different race from the Abati," she added with bitter sarcasm.

Then she turned to those behind her and cried: "Who of my captains and Council will accompany me, if I who am but a woman dare to advance on Harmac ?" Now here and there a voice cried, "I will," or some gorgeously dressed person stepped forward in a hesitating way, and that was all.
"You see, men of the West!" said Maqueda after a little pause, addressing us three.

"I thank you for the great deeds that you have done and for your counsel.

But I cannot take it because my people are not--warlike," and she covered her face with her hands.
Now there arose a great tumult among her followers, who all began to talk at once.

Joshua in particular drew a large sword and waved it, shouting out a recital of the desperate actions of his youth and the names of Fung chieftains whom he alleged he had killed in single combat.
"Told you that fat cur was a first-class trumpeter," said Orme languidly, while the Sergeant ejaculated in tones of deep disgust: "Good Lord! what a set.