This accomplished,
he ordered fires built; but there was not a soldier of them all
whose hands could clasp an ax-handle, so weak and numbed with cold
were they. He was not to be baffled, however. If fire could not be
had, exercise must serve its purpose. Hastily pouring some powder
into his hand he dampened it and blacked his face. "Victory, men,
victory!" he shouted, taking off his hat and beginning to leap and
dance. "Come on! We'll have a war dance and then a feast, as soon
as the meat arrives that I have sent for. Dance! you brave lads,
dance! Victory! victory!"
The strong men, understanding their Colonel's purpose, took hold
of the delicate ones; and the leaping, the capering, the tumult of
voices and the stamping of slushy moccasins with which they
assaulted that stately forest must have frightened every wild
thing thereabout into a deadly rigor, dark's irrepressible energy
and optimism worked a veritable charm upon his faithful but almost
dying companions in arms. Their trust in him made them feel sure
that food would soon be forthcoming. The thought afforded a
stimulus more potent than wine; it drove them into an ecstasy of
frantic motion and shouting which soon warmed them thoroughly.
It is said that fortune favors the brave. The larger meaning of
the sentence may be given thus: God guards those who deserve His
protection.
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