letter if I have to try to
shoot or throw it in."

"That shall be done; we will use the thinnest paper, so that if you have
to swallow them you can do so without difficulty."

"If I find that I cannot by any possibility get my message in through
the town, sir, I shall try to cross the river and so make my way in on
that side."

"That would be even more dangerous than the other," Turenne said. "On
that side an even stricter watch is likely to be kept than on that
facing the town, for the Spaniards know that the garrison is not strong
enough to attempt any enterprise against the city, while it might at any
moment attempt to break out and march away on the other side.

"I own that I do not see myself how you can possibly succeed in either
case, but assuredly there must be more chance on the side of the town.
I have been thinking it over, and will order a troop of cavalry to
ride with you to Chivasso, for the Spanish horse from time to time make
forays from Turin, carry off prisoners, and burn villages. Until we are
in a position to make a general advance it is impossible to check these
attacks without keeping the whole of our cavalry massed near Turin, and
wearing out horses and men by the necessity for perpetual vigilance. And
now, goodbye; may fortune attend you! Do not be too rash. The letters
shall be sent you in an hour's time."

As they issued out from Susa they found the troop of cavalry awaiting
them. The officer in command was well known to Hector, and said:

"So it is you that I am to escort to Chivasso, Monsieur Campbell?"

"Yes; I am sorry to give you occasion for so much trouble."

"No trouble at all; we have not been in the saddle for the past week,
and a ride to Chivasso will make a pleasant change. Besides, I have
a brother in the garrison there, so that altogether I shall be your
debtor. You see, we are not allowed to ride beyond St. Ambrogio, or
Rivoli at farthest, for once beyond that, we should be liable to be
caught by the enemy's scouting parties. Of course we have a strong force
at Rivoli, but except to drive off small parties of the enemy who
may venture to come up too close, they are forbidden to engage in any
affairs. It is annoying, but one can understand that the general is
anxious to avoid encounters in which the enemy is sure to be superior
in force, until his reinforcements come up and we are able to take the
field in earnest."

"I do not think we shall be otherwise than inferior i