As we came
out I heard the splash behind me as the first Prussian took the
water. There was just the breadth of the Sambre between us.
I rode with my head sunk between my shoulders in Napoleon's
fashion, and I did not dare to look back for fear they should see
my moustache. I had turned up the collar of the grey coat so as
partly to hide it. Even now if they found out their mistake they
might turn and overtake the carriage. But when once we were on
the road I could tell by the drumming of their hoofs how far
distant they were, and it seemed to me that the sound grew
perceptibly louder, as if they were slowly gaining upon me. We
were riding now up the stony and rutted lane which led from the
ford. I peeped back very cautiously from under my arm and I
perceived that my danger came from a single rider, who was far
ahead of his comrades.
He was a Hussar, a very tiny fellow, upon a big black horse, and
it was his light weight which had brought him into the foremost
place. It is a place of honour; but it is also a place of
danger, as he was soon to learn.
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