“Aye — if that were possible, Loskiel.”

“Possible!” I repeated, blankly. “Why not?”

“Because,” he said in a dull voice, “I shall never see another sunrise save this one that is coming presently. Let me have my fill of it unvexed by Generals and orders.”

“You are not well, Boyd,” I said, troubled.

“As well as I shall ever be — but not as ill, Loskiel.”

At that moment the Sagamore laid his hand on my shoulder and pointed. I saw nothing for a moment; then Boyd and Murphy sprang forward, rifles in hand, and Mayaro after them, and I after them, running into the village at top speed.