The Keepers of the People

CHAPTER XI

THE COUNCIL OF WAR

1230On the morning of the morrow Prince Ralph sat in his room considering the map of Varandaleel; and Ruth and Althea lay on a couch by the window, fanned by their maids, and talking to one another in low voices. Presently Colonel Sayers, who had been summoned from the encamped army, entered with Dr. Brand, both very cheerful; and after saluting Prince Ralph, they sat down.

1231“Well, how is it with the army?” said Prince Ralph.

1232“Very well, your Highness,” said Colonel Sayers. “The beasts and the corn and wine are coming in without a hitch. There is plenty of water; I’ll be shot if there isn’t enough to wash in! and plenty of wood for the fires. The men are a bit impatient — spoiling for a fight, in fact. That’s the only thing that’s the matter with them.”

1233“Good,” said Prince Ralph, smiling. “And their health, Dr. Brand?”

1234“Oh, their health’s all right, your Highness. A dozen accidents from carts and horses and carelessness; just enough to keep the hands of my young men in,” said Dr. Brand.

1235“Good” said Prince Ralph. “You had better get the chief officers together; and tell them to make every man understand that if he disobeys orders he will be shot. The cavalry will want holding; they’re hot-blooded.”

1236“Very good,” said Colonel Sayers.

1237Lord Lisdor sauntered in, and was going out again, when Prince Ralph called to him to stay; and mutes brought them cups of wine and cigars. Then Prince Raleigh came in on Vashti’s arm, and seated himself in a high chair; Vashti came over to Ruth and Althea; and Lord Lisdor watched Vashti’s face.

1238Prince Ralph threw himself back in his chair, and looking round, said, “We shall fight the Russians in Varandaleel.”

1239The faces of the men fell very earnest; and Althea drew herself upright on the couch, and fixed intent eyes on him.

1240“We could easily hold the pass with five hundred men and a couple of guns,” he went on. “We could keep the Russians making continual, hopeless assaults till we wore out their patience. They could not stay many days at the foot of the pass for want of food. In the hundred square miles round it they could not find six days’ food for eight thousand men. As it is, they must be bringing their supplies with them, to have got as far as they have. Doubtless, too, when they retired, we could pursue them with our cavalry and guns and destroy them slowly. But many would escape in scattered parties; and besides, it is not enough for me.”