But he was doomed to a long trial of patience. Twice he saw Germans and
hid until they had gone by. They seemed to be scouting in the night
almost to the mouths of the French guns, and he admired their energy
although it stood in the way of his own plans. He came to a second
brook, drank again, and then took a short cut through a small wood. He
had marked the reports of guns from a hill about two miles in front of
him, and he was sure that a French battery must be posted there. He
reckoned that he could reach it in a half hour, if he exerted himself.
Half way through the wood and human figures rose up all about him.
Strong hands seized his arms and an electric torch flashed in his face.
"Who are you?" came the fierce question in French.
But it was not necessary for John to answer. The man who held the torch
was short, but very muscular and strong, his face cut in the antique
mold, his eyes penetrating and eager. It was Bougainville and John gave
a gasp of joy. Then he straightened up and saluted:
"Colonel Bougainville," he said, "I see that you know me! I have just
escaped from the enemy for the second time. There is a house in that
direction, and it is occupied by the Prince of Auersperg, one of the
German generals."
He pointed where the chateau lay, and Bougainville uttered a shout:
"Ah!"
"He holds there a prisoner, Mademoiselle Julie Lannes, the sister of the
great Philip Lannes, the aviator; and other Frenchwomen.
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