"We are going away from the thunder of the cannon!" said the king.
"There is a turn in the road to the left," replied Colonel Dammers.
"Then we must ride to the right to keep near the fighting," said the king calmly, turning his head in the direction whence came the sound of firing. "Schweppe," he said to the major of guard cuirassiers who held his leading rein, "I command you to ride in that direction."
"There is no road, your majesty," he replied.
"Then we will ride through the fields." And the royal procession moved on, in the direction the king had indicated.
The sound of the cannon was heard nearer and nearer, mingled with the rattle of small arms.
The king and his suite rode to an eminence where the plain was bounded by a chain of hills; the party being rendered conspicuous to both sides from the dragoons, and the brilliant uniforms of the suite.
A few balls flew over their heads and the horses began to be uneasy.
Suddenly the enemy's artillery appeared to choose the king's party as their mark, and shells flew thicker and thicker over them, striking the ground now before them, now behind them.
The adjutant-general sprang to the king's side.