I heard his shouts long
after I had lost sight of him among the trees.
Presently I came up with the Prussian reserves. The infantry
were leaning on their muskets or lying exhausted on the wet
ground, and the officers stood in groups listening to the mighty
roar of the battle and discussing the reports which came from the
front. I hurried past at the top of my speed, but one of them
rushed out and stood in my path with his hand up as a signal to
me to stop. Five thousand Prussian eyes were turned upon me.
There was a moment! You turn pale, my friends, at the thought of
it. Think how every hair upon me stood on end. But never for
one instant did my wits or my courage desert me. "General
Blucher!" I cried. Was it not my guardian angel who whispered
the words in my ear? The Prussian sprang from my path, saluted,
and pointed forward. They are well disciplined, these Prussians,
and who was he that he should dare to stop the officer who bore a
message to the general?
It was a talisman that would pass me out of every danger, and my
heart sang within me at the thought.
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