The order was given, and the manœuvre accomplished.
The river was crossed.
A hundred steps more, and they would be on the road.
But the Moulin Canal was on their way—six feet deep, and impossible to ford.
It was necessary to stop and march back.
For an instant, they held the idea of fording the river at St. Gengoulf, taking the Rue St. Jean, passing through Varennes and falling on the rear of the escort.
But the dragoons were fatigued; the horses rebelled at every step. It would be necessary to fight a way through Varennes, and to fight to get to the King.
They said that the garrison of Verdun were on the march, with some cannon.
Their courage failed them. They felt that all was lost.
M. de Bouillé, weeping with rage, dashed his sword into its sheath, and ordered a retreat.