The poor creatures were terrified and bewildered.
“We are trying to escape!”
“Pass on.”
After a bit I return to see Berthet.
“Anything new?” “No, nothing.” “Supposing you look around more at the left.” “All right.”
I resume my place. All at once, I hear the clatter of horses’ hoofs. Berthet rejoins me. “Do you hear that?” “Yes. It must be they. Don’t forget. Fire, then run across fields.”
The cavalcade approaches, is clearly audible. With eyes strained, I can still see nothing in the blackness. Suddenly I catch the glitter of helmets.
“Halt, there!”
“Gendarmes!” cries a voice, “don’t shoot!” French gendarmes, in retreat!
“Advance slowly, one by one.”