But it was, in our case, more than a little.
The truth is, we were all womanish fellows about a height; and I
have myself been put, more than once, hors de combat by a less
affair than the rock of Edinburgh Castle.
We discussed it in the dark and between the passage of the rounds;
and it was impossible for any body of men to show a less
adventurous spirit. I am sure some of us, and myself first among
the number, regretted Goguelat. Some were persuaded it was safe,
and could prove the same by argument; but if they had good reasons
why some one else should make the trial, they had better still why
it should not be themselves. Others, again, condemned the whole
idea as insane; among these, as ill-luck would have it, a seaman of
the fleet; who was the most dispiriting of all. The height, he
reminded us, was greater than the tallest ship's mast, the rope
entirely free; and he as good as defied the boldest and strongest
to succeed. We were relieved from this dead-lock by our sergeant-
major of dragoons.
'Comrades,' said he, 'I believe I rank you all; and for that
reason, if you really wish it, I will be the first myself. At the
same time, you are to consider what the chances are that I may
prove to be the last, as well. I am no longer young--I was sixty
near a month ago. Since I have been a prisoner, I have made for
myself a little bedaine.
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