"The punishment for desertion is death by the firing squad. But I'm going to be merciful. You can escape again...I insist that you escape!...[To the scouts] Drive them out where you found them. And keep them away from the oasis. [Turning back with a scowl toward the legionnaires] Any more of you want to desert? If you do, you can go now. I won't stop you. Later, you may wish you'd taken my offer, I promise you."