illala,
its venerable steeple, and the tall chimneys of the palace, being easily
seen above the low hills in front. Neal Kerrigan passed me, as I rode
back with my message, galloping to the front with all the speed he could
muster; but while I was talking to the general he came back to say that
the beating of drums could be heard from the town, and that by the rapid
movements here and there of people, it was evident the defense was being
prepared. There was a look-out, too, from the steeple, that showed our
approach was already known. The general was not slow in adopting his
measures, and the word was given for quick march, the artillery to
deploy right and left of the road, two companies of grenadiers forming
on the flanks. "As for you, sir," said Humbert to me, "take that horse,"
pointing to a mountain pony, fastened behind the gig, "ride forward to
the town and make a reconnaissance. You are to report to me," cried he,
as I rode away, and was soon out of hearing.

Quitting the road, I took a foot-track across the fields, and which the
pony seemed to know well, and after a sharp canter reached a small, poor
suburb of the town, if a few straggling wretched cabins can deserve the
name; a group of countrymen stood in the middle of the road, about fifty
yards in front of me; and while I was deliberating whether to advance or
retire, a joyous cry of "Hurra for the French!" decided me, and I
touched my cap in salute, and rode forward.

Other groups saluted me with a similar cheer as I went on; and now
windows were flung open, and glad cries and shouts of welcome rang out
from every side. These signs were too encouraging to turn my back upon,
so I dashed forward through a narrow street in front, and soon found
myself in a kind of square or "Place," the doors and windows of which
were all closed, and not a human being to be seen any where. As I
hesitated what next to do, I saw a soldier in a red coat rapidly turn
the corner. "What do you want here, you spy?" he cried out in a loud
voice, and at the same instant his bullet rang past my ear with a
whistle. I drove in the spurs at once, and just as he had gained a
doorway I clove his head open with my sabre--he fell dead on the spot
before me. Wheeling my horse round, I now rode back as I had come, at
full speed, the same welcome cries accompanying me as before.

Short as had been my absence, it was sufficient to have brought the
advanced guard close up with the town, and just