Conscious, too, from a
knowledge of the post, that there was but a single mode of enfilading
his defences, he had made his provision for the guardianship of the
all-important point. Nothing was more easy than the defence of this
pass, the ascent being considerable, rising into a narrow gorge, and as
suddenly and in like manner descending on the point opposite that on
which Fullam was toiling up his way. In addition to this, the gulley was
winding and brokenly circuitous--now making a broad sweep of the
circle--then terminating in a zigzag and cross direction, which, until
the road was actually gained, seemed to have no outlet; and at no time
was the advancing force enabled to survey the pass for any distance
ahead.
Everything in the approach of the Georgian was conducted with the
profoundest silence: not the slightest whisper indicated to the
assailants the presence or prospect of any interruption; and, from the
field of strife below, nothing but an occasional shot or shout gave
token of the business in which at that moment all parties were engaged.
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