They were but out of the path when a quick, noisy sound of hoofs on the road made them start and stop suddenly.
"Soldiers!" cried Hans, and the whole party scattered to the edge of the forest.
They were Prussians, and cavalry, and they acted as escort to a light, closed travelling carriage.
A dash, a rise of wet dust,—it had rained the day before,—hitting them in their faces, and the cavalcade passed, the roar of the cannon following like a pursuer.
"We'll keep to the woods," and Hans changed their direction.
Plunging again into the greenwood, they walked with the firs and pines for company until the path brought them out on the highway opposite an inn before which were the same Prussian soldiers, standing about dismounted from their horses.
The carriage was empty.
Plainly some accident had happened, for a smith was busy at work on its wheel. Herr Leo, the Head Forester, was asking questions, and Hans, leading Bettina, pressed forward for the news, the wood gatherers listening timidly on the edge of the crowd.
The battle had begun before daybreak. The French guns had said an early good-morning to the Prussians. The King was at Auerstädt.
"And where is the Emperor?" The forester leaned on his gun, one hand on his hip.