THE BATTLE OF CLISSOW 265

such mishap should take place, we should have to be on
foot two hours before sunrise. I in no way doubt your
knowledge of the road, but it is at all times difficult to
make out a mere track, like that we are following, at night,
and in the morning we might well find ourselyes involved
in the Russian intrenchments, from which we could not
extricate ourselves before a large force had gathered round
us, in which case we must be all either killed or taken
prisoners. My own suggestion would be that we should
remain here another two hours, and then continue our
march so as to reach the spot where we are to endeavour
to break through their line about sunset. Should we be
observed, as we most likely should be, we might at that
hour be taken for a freshly-arrived body of Russian troops.
There would be no risk of losing our way, and we might
hope to be close upon them before we were discovered to
be enemies. If we succeed, as I trust we shall, in break-
ing our way through and reaching the town, well and good.
If, on the other hand, we find greater obstacles than we
expect, and are forced to fall back fighting, we shall have
the advantage that darkness will be setting in. The Rus-
sians, the greater part of whom will be ignorant of our
strength, will lose time before they move, fearing they
may be assaulted in other quarters, and in the darkness we
might be able to make good our escape, which it is certain
none of us would do should we meet with a repulse at day-
break.”

“Your reasons are very just, Captain Carstairs. Though
certainly my opinion was in accordance with that given by
your fellow-officers, I am bound to say that your argument
seems unanswerable. What say you, gentlemen? I have
two objects in view—the first to reinforce the garrison of
Notteburg, the second to save the troops under my com-
mand if I should fail in doing so. I know the country
well, but its features will be considerably altered. Trees