We lingered lovingly over the repast, and I was trying to decide whether or not we would push on at once or wait and rest until afternoon when suddenly my question was answered for me.

While we had been clearing up and loading the carts a long train of freight cars had noiselessly glided down the rails opposite our quarry, and had halted without pulling into the station.  There was nothing abnormal in this, and from where we sat a trifle below the level of the track, we could see but little of what was going on on the opposite platform.  Standing upright in my charette, carefully folding a blanket so as to take up the least possible space, my eye was attracted by several red specks scurrying up a steep incline.  A moment afterwards my gaze drifted downward and I realized that from the innocent looking freight cars hundreds of armed soldiers were disembarking and spreading themselves out, en tirailleurs, preparing an attack in ambush.  I had seen this same pretty feat successfully accomplished at the grand manauvres, the year before, but it was another thing entirely when one grasped that these men were in dead earnest.

Just then a buggy, containing a disheveled woman and collarless man, galloped over the crossing and sped westward.  The occupants, whom I hailed, did not deign a reply, but beckoning with their arms, enjoined me to follow them.

“It’s time to break camp,” I said, “if we intend to reach the next town before it gets too hot.”

So off we started, preceded by a heavy delivery wagon, a Familistere from the north, which crossed the rails just as we were pulling onto the road.  It was a big covered affair, filled to overflowing with bedding and household utensils—­and even the top was loaded with huge boxes and baskets of provisions.  Behind it walked, or rather trotted, three stout women and a man, the former half-crazed with heat and anxiety, mopping their brows and their tears as the cortege advanced.

An hour and a half of steady climbing quite exhausted them, and when we reached the level, the three graces collapsed by the roadside, still weeping copiously.  I observed this as I approached, and presently saw their companion mounted on the high hind wheel of their wagon, gazing intently towards the east through a pair of field glasses.

“What can you see?” I asked as the charette passed by them.

“Come and have a look.  It’s worth while.  My wife and family are too frightened.”

I halted, and climbing up by the spokes reached the top, and steadying myself with my left hand, took the proffered glass with my right.