ther, on the
farther bank of which were situated the stacks of wheat destined to
destruction. The ford was some way above the stacks, so that they would
have to cross the river by it, and then descend the bank, taking the
same route on their return. Jack had been unable to ascertain what
sentries were likely to be posted in the neighbourhood, or what guards
protected the stacks. An extent of open ground had now to be passed
over, and there was then a tolerably extensive wood, with more open
ground between it and the river. Jack was able to recognise each
feature of the country from the description given to him by the spy; he
thus felt sure that he was on the right road. He went on and on till
the bank of the river was reached, and he could see a town or village on
the opposite side. He now led the way up the stream till he discovered
the ford, which he and his companions crossed without difficulty, though
he had some fears that he might find a guard-house on the opposite side.

No one, however, appeared; the Russians undoubtedly supposing, from the
numerous impediments in the way, that no enemies would venture to attack
the place. They had now to make their way along the bank of the river
for some distance before they could reach the stacks destined to
destruction. It was necessary to proceed with the greatest caution, for
the slightest noise might betray them to the enemy, and ensure their
capture. They had gone part of the distance when they heard a dog bark,
and they could make out, a few yards from the river, the roof of a
cottage, from the neighbourhood of which apparently the sound came.
They could only hope that the dog was chained, for, should he be loose,
he might rush out upon them, and though they might kill him with their
cutlasses, the noise they might make would, in all probability, bring
his owners on their track.

The mist had cleared away and the stars were shining brightly overhead,
so that they had to keep under cover as much as possible. Jack hoped,
however, that all the inhabitants of the place would be in bed. Again
the dog barked. Jack, in a whisper, ordered the gunner and Jerry to
crouch down and remain perfectly quiet for a few minutes, when
immediately the dog became silent. After waiting a minute or two, he
again led the way forward till he could see the tops of the lofty stacks
rising high above the houses against the sky. They had made some way,
when again the dog barked fierc