Besides the night was densely dark—not a star scintillated.
It was easy to go wrong in a known place, still more a strange one.
Isidore's orders from his brother was to stop before the town.
Here his brother was to change horses and take the lead.
He was as troubled as the Queen herself at this absence. His hope was that Bouille and Raigecourt in their eagerness would come out to meet the Royal party: they must have learnt the site during three days and would do as guides.
Consequently on reaching the base of the hill, seeing a few lights sparkling over the town, Isidore pulled up irresolutely, and cast a glance around to try and pierce the murkiness. He saw nothing.
He ventured to call in a low voice, but louder and louder, for the officers; but no reply came.
He heard the rumbling of the stage coming along at a quarter of a league off, like a thunder peal.
Perhaps the officers were hiding in the woods which he explored along the skirts without meeting a soul.
He had no alternative but to wait.