ition in the wood had been discovered. It is most
important that they should believe that their ambush is unsuspected."

Their progress was very slow. When they were nearly opposite the
centre of their position Paolo was suddenly touched by his master. They
listened intently, and could hear at no great distance ahead low sounds
at regular intervals.

"Men snoring," Paolo whispered in his ear.

They moved forward again even more cautiously than before. Presently
they stopped, for at the edge of the wood facing the camp they heard a
slight movement and a low clash of arms, as if a sentinel on the lookout
had changed his position. Feeling sure that the guards would all be
placed along the edge of the wood, they moved forward again, stopping
every few yards to listen. There was no doubt now that they were close
to a large body of sleepers. Occasional snores, broken murmurs, and a
sound as one turned from side to side rose from in front of them.

"You go round on one side, I will go round on the other, Paolo. We will
meet again when we have passed beyond them. It is important that we
should form some estimate as to their numbers."

In half an hour they met again, and crawled along for some distance side
by side in silence.

"How many should you say, Paolo?"

"They were lying four deep as far as I could make out, master. I kept
very close to the outside line. I could not count them accurately
because of the trees, but I should say that there were about two hundred
and fifty in a line."

"That was very close to what I reckoned them at. At any rate, it is a
regiment about a thousand strong. They are musketeers, for several times
I went close enough to feel their arms. In every case it was a musket
and not a pike that my hand fell on. Now we will go on till we are
opposite our last watchfire, and then crawl up the hill."

They were challenged as they approached the lines.

"A friend," Hector replied. "An officer of the prince's staff."

"Give the countersign," the soldier said.

"Conde."

"That is right, but wait until I call an officer."

"Good! but make no noise; that is important."

The sentinel went to the watchfire, and an officer sitting there at once
rose and came forward.

"Advance, officer of the staff!" he said in low tones. "That is right,
monsieur," he went on as Hector advanced close enough to be seen by the
light of the fire.

"I have a special pass signed by General Gassion," he said.

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