Read "The Seed of Empire" by Fred M. White online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
The more the colonel of the Musketeers debated the matter, the more anxious he was to get something done. He knew only too well that he could expect nothing in the way of further reinforcements, and it would be useless to ask for further machine guns. Moreover, in case of an attack, the Musketeers might be overwhelmed before they could fall back on their supports. If, on the other hand, they could force the Germans out of that snug little position and take possession of the ruin, protected as it was on the far side by the elbow of the canal, it would be possible to hold it against all comers. It was only a small matter by comparison, but one of those small matters that, successfully attained, cover a regiment with glory and frequently have an important bearing on the big engagement.
It was about eight in the evening when the colonel called his officers about him and disclosed his scheme.