He assented, looking at me with grave eyes.
"Major," he said very solemnly, "there is a ford. My son discovered it this day."
The news astounded me.
"Good God!" said I. "You are speaking the truth?"
"Look at me, major. Would I lie to you?"
"Then the Emperor knows. You have told him, monsieur?"
He shook his head.
"Swear by Almighty God that you will not desert us, and I will name the place to you," he said.
I knew not what to say to him—the dilemma was beyond all words. If I pledged myself to these people, then truly must I be a prisoner in Russia. If I did not pledge myself, the army was lost.
"But," I cried, "there is my regiment—my duty, Monsieur d'Izambert."