CHAPTER V
THE STRUGGLE THROUGH THE COUNTRY
It was fully nine o'clock before they left Mr. Revigne's place, for such was his name. He was one of the prosperous small farmers of that section, and he and his sons knew every foot of the country for miles. Henri was a bright, intelligent fellow, and his brother, who had joined the Captain's band, was a reservist.
They went across fields, keeping the stream in sight, and they had not gone far before the boys learned to repose the greatest confidence in their new companion. After passing two well-travelled roads, they approached a third, which Henri informed them was the main road to Rivage east of their location.
"It wouldn't be much of a trick for those fellows to cut across from Martin River, so we must be very careful now," said Henri.
There was but a single field to cross, and Henri advised the boys to keep out of sight while he went forward to examine the road. In a few moments he returned with the information that the road was clear, and both boys bounded forward and made a run for the fences. As ill luck would have it a troop appeared on the highway to their right, before they reached the fence. Henri stopped.
"Wait," he said. "Line up by the side of me, so you will be hidden beside me; then let us all walk together to the fence."
In that manner they reached the moss-grown stone barrier, so well known in many parts of the country.
"Drop down now, and keep out of sight," said Henri.
So saying he mounted the fence and crossed over. The horsemen beyond were now hurrying down the road. He mounted the fence on the other side, and awaited their approach. An officer in front halted and inquired, in German, if Henri had seen any people on the road.