human
Some of the enemy are on that island, that's certain, whispered Life, as he came to a halt at the base of a sharp rock some four feet high.
gpt
Don't expose yourself, Deck.
human
I don't intend to, Life. But what can those sharpshooters be doing here? They didn't know we were coming this way.
gpt
That's true, Major.
human
And they wouldn't be here just as an advance guard for some cavalry.
gpt
Right again.
human
Then why are they here?
gpt
I give it up.
human
Well, I don't.
gpt
What do you intend to do?
human
Find out why they are here.
gpt
But that may be impossible, without an open fight.
human
I wouldn't like to force an open fight until I know how those marksmen are backed up.
gpt
That's just the trouble. I agree that the Johnnies are there on the island. To get to the island you have got to cross that stream. If you show yourself in the water, you're a dead man--that goes without saying. Now what are you going to do?
human
Going over on the island.
gpt
But you'll be shot!
human
I sincerely trust not.
gpt
But you will be! It's suicide to wade that stream!
human
I shan't wade the stream.
gpt
You can't jump it, for it is fifteen or eighteen feet wide, and a jump wouldn't be quick enough--to my way of looking at it. You'd land, and drop, sure pop.
human
I shan't wade across, neither will I attempt to jump across,
gpt
Then how in thunder do you expect to get over to the island?
human
Wait and see, Life; and in the meantime keep that spot well covered,
gpt
What has that spot got to do with your getting over there?
human
Everything.
gpt
The stream is wider there by five feet than it is down below.
human
Perhaps you had better not ask any more questions, Life. But don't fail to keep that point covered,