`` we will have to cut the soldiers loose , '' laurence said , low and wretched , and looked upwards , where the carrying-loops attached to the leather ; but to send a hundred men and more to their deaths , scarce minutes from safety , he was not sure he could bear ; or ever to meet general kalkreuth again , having done it ; some of the general 's own young aides were aboard , and doing their best to keep the other men quiet .