From eight till twelve would give me four hours of darkness in
which to make the ascent. It was only the first stage, then,
which I had seriously to consider.
Over that flat country there lay the inviting white road, and I
remembered that my comrades had both taken their horses. That
was clearly their ruin, for nothing could be easier than for the
brigands to keep watch upon the road, and to lay an ambush for
all who passed along it. It would not be difficult for me to
ride across country, and I was well horsed at that time, for I
had not only Violette and Rataplan, who were two of the finest
mounts in the army, but I had the splendid black English hunter
which I had taken from Sir Cotton. However, after much thought,
I determined to go upon foot, since I should then be in a better
state to take advantage of any chance which might offer. As to
my dress, I covered my Hussar uniform with a long cloak, and I
put a grey forage cap upon my head. You may ask me why I did not
dress as a peasant, but I answer that a man of honour has no
desire to die the death of a spy.
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