t
to join the army. Rothenburg had been, he found out on his arrival,
captured in a few hours, and the main body of the French had marched
to Dinkelsbuhl, and there he came up with them. He had learned from the
party on the Neckar of the defection of Konigsmark and the Swedes, and
that Conde and Turenne's united army did not exceed twenty thousand men,
and, as he knew, that of Merci was at least equal to it in strength. His
first question on entering the camp was as to the quarters of his own
regiment, and he at once rode there. As soon as he was recognized
the men ran to him, cheering wildly, and so great was the tumult that
Turenne himself, whose headquarters were but a short distance away,
rode to the spot to enquire the cause of the tumult. When he saw Hector
surrounded by his cheering soldiers he passed through the crowd, and,
reaching him, shook him warmly by the hand.

"I had hoped that we might have made an exchange for you during the
winter, colonel, but I had not thought it possible that I should see you
again before that time; for in the first place, we captured no prisoners
in this campaign, but, on the contrary, have had many of our own
officers taken; and in the second place, we have been too busy ever
since Marienthal to enter into negotiations. You have, I suppose, given
them the slip, you and that varlet of yours, for I see him over there."

"Yes, marshal; we had no very great difficulty in getting away. I have
been very well treated, and until I heard that you were again taking the
offensive, I had no reason to fret over my imprisonment."

"Well, you have joined us just in time, for at any moment we may fight a
great battle. When you have leisure this evening come over to my tent.
I shall be glad to hear how you managed to escape, and any news you have
gained as to Merci's force and intentions."

As soon as the marshal had ridden off, his officers pressed round him,
but before speaking to them individually Hector said a few words to the
men, thanking them for the greeting they had given him, and saying that
he was glad indeed to be back among them. Then he talked for a time to
the officers, two or three of whom, after saying a few words apart to
Captain de Thiou, had hurried away. Half an hour later de Thiou said:

"I have no doubt that you will be glad of supper, colonel. Ours is just
prepared, and we hope that you will join us."

"I am hungry, de Thiou, now I come to think of it, for except a cr