"Tell General Picton I wish to see him immediately."
In a minute or two the aide-de-camp returned with the General.
"THE FRENCHMAN WAS A VERY SKILFUL SWORDSMAN, JACK EQUALLY SO."
"Napoleon left Frasne this morning," said Wellington. "The Prussians have fallen back. Ziethen has been beaten. Napoleon is marching now upon Quatre Bras. Read that."
Picton read the document, and studied the plan. Then the Duke and he held a whispered consultation. The aide-de-camp returned again and again to the ballroom, and Jack saw the officers stealing away one by one. Then the Duke turned to Jack:
"You have done well in bringing me this document. I will not forget it. Prepare to join your regiment."
Jack saluted, and passed into the street. As he did so, the bell of the Hotel de Ville boomed one. Simultaneously could be heard the tramp, tramp of the Highland regiments as they defiled into the Grande Place.
The British forces were preparing to meet the enemy.
In the morning the two armies found themselves ranged in battle array opposite each other.