s would be the case, and advancing rapidly
with the troops from Villanova seized Poirino, on the line by which the
French would retire, while at the same time Prince Thomas, who commanded
at Turin, advanced with the greater portion of his troops, and marched
towards the little river Santina, intending to cross there. Thus the
French army could not retire on Carignano without exposing both flanks
to the attack of the enemy.

During the short campaign Hector had ridden behind Turenne, and shared
in the general disappointment of the army when the enemy refused to
accept their offer of battle, and still more so when after the capture
of Chieri it became necessary to retreat. His two fellow aides-de-camp
loudly bewailed the bad fortune that thus obliged them to retire without
having effected anything beyond the capture of an insignificant town,
which, however, had the advantage of opening a way for them into the
heart of the country then held by the enemy.

"You seem to take it rather philosophically, Campbell," de Lisle said to
Hector, as he remained silent while they were bemoaning their fate.

"I do not see that it is of any use taking it otherwise. At least we
have had the satisfaction of bearding the Spaniards, who indeed seem
to me to behave wisely in remaining in their intrenchments and waiting
until they can unite all their forces against us. However, we have shown
them that we are not afraid of them, and that even in the middle of
November we are so eager to meet them that we have hastened to take the
field and to strike a blow before winter sets in in earnest; but I think
it possible that we may have a fight yet before we get back. Leganez
has the reputation of being a good general, and he may yet combine his
troops at Asti with those of Villanova and Turin and try to cut us off
from Carignano." At this moment Turenne suddenly entered the room.

"To horse, gentlemen! News has come that Prince Thomas is marching at
the head of three thousand foot and fifteen hundred horse to cut us off,
and that Leganez is moving with all speed towards Poirino with the same
object. Carry my orders for a thousand cavalry and as many infantry to
be ready to march at once. We must be beforehand with Prince Thomas."

In ten minutes the cavalry and infantry selected were in movement, and
Turenne, placing himself at the head of the former, rode on at a gallop,
and keeping on at full speed with his cavalry, occupied the bridge
before P