I am not in
command here. The general has sent twice, the second appeal being made
through my request, and in each case the answer was an insult."

"Bit, father--"

"It is useless, my boy, so say no more. Sir Godfrey brings the assault
on himself. I have done all I can. General Hedley acknowledges it, and
you see I have ceased to be the stern officer to you, and have spoken
kindly and in the spirit you wish."

"But one moment, father. Do you think we could persuade Sir Godfrey
through Scarlett?"

"No, my boy, and I am afraid I should act precisely the same were I in
his place. No more now."

"But, father, shall I be expected to go forward with the troops?"

"No. I have provided against that, Fred. You and I will not be
combatants here."

"Why, father!" cried Fred, excitedly. "Look!"

"Yes," said Colonel Forrester, sadly. "They have begun. I thought it
would not be long. I dreaded being in the general's confidence over
this."

CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN.

WATCHING THE ATTACK.

That which Fred had dreaded had indeed begun, for about a hundred and
fifty men had been told off for the attack, and these had prepared
themselves by picketing their horses, arming themselves with stout axes
for the barricades, and dragging after them stout scaling-ladders.

The advance had seemed to be dilatory before, and the generally received
opinion in the camp had been that the defending party, to save risk, was
to be starved into submission.

But those who judged did not know the general. He had been waiting his
time, for sundry reasons: respect for Colonel Forrester, and mercy,
being among these; but now that he found it necessary to adopt strong
coercive measures, he was prompt and quick in every step.

Fred Forrester was freed from the terrible necessity of taking part in
the attack, but that did not lessen his eagerness to see what would be
the result, and in consequence he hurried to the top of the nearest
woodland summit, and from thence prepared to witness the issue of the
fight.

As he reached the clump of beeches which crowned the hill, he caught
sight of the back of some one lying at the very edge of the wood, in the
commanding spot he had selected for himself, and where he had often
stood to make signs to Scarlett in the old boyish days. For a moment or
two he hesitated, and then approached, wondering who it could be, and
taking the precaution to draw his sword, for it was not likely to be one
of