coming out by Oulx, still in the valley of the Dora,
but several leagues distant from Susa, and in the line now traversed by the
masterpiece of modern engineering, viz., the Mont Cenis Tunnel. Arnaud's
design was to cross the river by the bridge of Salabertrand, between Oulx
and Exilles, but learning from a peasant, of whom they had asked for food,
that an excellent supper was preparing for them, they understood it was
dangerous to remain. After taking refreshment, therefore, Arnaud renewed
the march, and discovered some thirty-six camp fires, and shortly after
the vanguard encountered the enemy's outposts.

As was the invariable custom, an interval of prayer preceded their further
advance, made under cover of the night. Approaching the bridge, they are
asked, "Who's there?" and answer, "Friends;" to which the enemy reply,
"Kill! kill!" emphasized by a tremendous fire for a quarter of an hour.
Arnaud, however, saved his men by commanding them to lie on the ground at
the first shot. Still they were in great danger, for a portion of the enemy
had got to the rear of the Vaudois, and so they were exposed from both
sides. Realizing their desperate position, a cry was raised--"Courage! the
bridge is won!" At those words Arnaud's men rushed headlong, sword in hand,
and with bayonets fixed forced the entrenchments of the enemy. Thus, by the
favour of God, 800 men, unaccustomed to war, and exhausted by fatigue, won
a victory over a body numbering some 2,500 troops, exclusive of those who
had attacked them in the rear, and the peasants who assisted in the fray.
The defeated lost six hundred of their men, besides twelve captains and
other officers; the victors, only fifteen killed and twelve wounded. Their
hostages, however, took advantage of the battle and escaped, with the
exception of six of the oldest. Apart from the successful repulse of the
troops intended to obstruct their journey, this splendid victory at the
bridge of Salabertrand gave to the conquerors military stores and other
booty. Arnaud's men would have been glad to have rested, but prudence bid
them not to linger. So, having destroyed so much of the spoil as they were
unable to appropriate, they set forward. The explosion of the enemy's
powder, set on fire by the Vaudois, mingled with their own shouts of
triumph and the notes of their trumpets, as with exulting hearts they
renewed their march, exclaiming, "Thanks be to the Lord of hosts, who hath
given us the victory