If we assume the existence of the barrier--an impassable line of fortifications encountered within many marches of the frontier--we may also assume that starvation will be the overwhelming force that will cut off the French retreat." The other's keen eyes flickered.

For a moment his face lost its assurance, and it was Samoval's turn to smile.

But the major made a sharp recovery.

He slowly shook his iron-grey head.
"You have no right to assume an impassable barrier.

That is an inadmissible hypothesis.