France, and at last he
said:

"I've failed to find any sign of the British army."

"They're farther to the left," replied Lannes. "I caught a glimpse of
their khaki lines this morning. Their regular troops are great fighters,
as our Napoleon himself admitted more than once, and they've never done
better than they're doing today. When I saw them they were advancing."

"I'm glad of that. It's curious how I feel about the English, Philip.
They've got such a conceit that they irritate me terribly at times, yet
I don't want to see them beaten by any other Europeans. That's our
American privilege."

"A family feeling, perhaps," said Lannes, laughing, "but we French and
English have been compelled to be allies, and after fighting each other
for a thousand years we're now the best of friends. I think, John, we'll
have to go down and procure information from somebody about our
general. Otherwise we'll never find him."

"We must be near the center of our army, and that's where he's likely to
be. Suppose we descend in the field a little to the east of us."

Lannes looked down, and, pronouncing the place suitable, began to drop
in a series of spirals until they rested in a small field that had been
devoted to the growth of vegetables. Here John at once felt the shaking
of the earth, and tasted the bitter odor again. But woods on either side
of them hid the sight of troops, although the sound of the battle was as
great and violent as ever.

"We seem to have landed on a desert island," said Lannes.

"So we do," said John. "Evidently there is nobody here to tell us where
we can find our dear and long lost general. I'll go down to the edge of
the nearest wood and see if any of our skirmishers are there."

"All right, John, but hurry back. I'll hold the _Arrow_ ready for
instant flight, as we can't afford to linger here."

John ran toward the wood, but before he reached the first trees he
turned back with a shout of alarm. He had caught a glimpse of horses,
helmets and the glittering heads of lances. Moreover, the Uhlans were
coming directly toward him.

In that moment of danger the young American showed the best that was in
him. Forgetful of self and remembering the importance of Lannes'
mission, he shouted:

"The Uhlans are upon us, Philip! I can't escape, but you must! Go! Go
at once!"

Lannes gave one startled glance, and he understood in a flash. He too
knew the vital nature of his errand, but his instant decision