The matter was too important for an instant's delay, and a sergeant was at once told off to accompany them.
The first faint blush of daylight was in the east when they arrived at the cottage which served as General Craufurd's quarters, and, upon their speaking to the sentinel at the door, a window was thrown open, and a deep voice demanded "What is it?"
"We have just arrived through the French lines," Tom said, "the enemy are at hand in force."
The casement closed, and an instant afterwards the general came out. "Who are you?"
"We belong to the Norfolk Rangers, general, and have been detached on service in the interior; we have only just made our way back."
"How am I to know your story is true?" the general asked sharply.
"You may, perhaps, remember, sir, we landed from the 'Latona,' and you kindly lent us horses to accompany you."
"Aha! I remember," the general said. "Well, your news?"
"The French have crossed the Turones in force, sir; at least they have a good many guns with them."
"Which way were they going?"