as to reach the spot, where we are to endeavour to break through their line, about sunset.  Should we be observed, as we most likely should be, we might at that hour be taken for a freshly-arrived body of Russian troops.  There would be no risk of losing our way, and we might hope to be close upon them before we were discovered to be enemies.  If we succeed, as I trust we shall, in breaking our way through and reaching the town, well and good.  If, on the other hand, we find greater obstacles than we expect, and are forced to fall back fighting, we shall have the advantage that darkness will be setting in.  The Russians, the greater part of whom will be ignorant of our strength, will lose time before they move, fearing they may be assaulted in other quarters, and in the darkness we might be able to make good our escape, which it is certain none of us would do, should we meet with a repulse at daybreak.”

“Your reasons are very just, Captain Carstairs.  Though certainly my opinion was in accordance with that given by your fellow officers, I am bound to say that your argument seems unanswerable.

“What say you, gentlemen?  I have two objects in view—­the first to reinforce the garrison of Notteburg, the second to save the troops under my command, if I should fail in doing so.  I know the country well, but its features will be considerably altered.  Trees will have been cut down, houses levelled, intrenchments thrown up, camps scattered here and there, and I own that in the dark, I might, as Captain Carstairs says, very easily miss my way.  I think his proposal therefore unites the greatest chances of getting through their line and entering the town, with a possibility of drawing off the troops without great loss, in case of failure.”

The other three officers at once agreed, and orders were issued for the men to lie down until five o’clock and rest themselves before pursuing their march.

It was past that hour before they were in motion again.  Major Sion, with a peasant from the neighbourhood of Notteburg, rode ahead.  Then came the troop of cavalry, with the guns close behind them, followed by the infantry.  As they approached the Russian lines, the peasant several times went on in advance, and presently a trooper rode down the line, with the order that the troops with firearms were to light their matches, and the spearmen to keep in a compact body.

They were now not far from the Russian lines, and the destruction that had been wrought during the last ten days was visible to them.  Every tree and bush had been felled, for use in the intrenchments or for the erection of shelters.  A few blackened walls alone showed where houses had stood.  Gardens had been destroyed, and orchards levelled.

Light smoke could be seen rising at many points from the Russian fires, and, when the troops were halted, they were but half a mile from the intrenchments.