Kasper had in a moment reloaded, but at the same instant the Cossacks dashed toward the slope of Hartz, following in single file and shouting savagely, "Hurrah! Hurrah!"
They disappeared like a flash, and as Kasper aimed again the last horse disappeared in the woods.
The steed of the dead Cossack stood alone by the lake. His fallen master's foot yet remained in the stirrup, although the body was submerged in the water.
Materne listened on his rock, and then said joyfully:
"They are gone! Let us press on. Frantz, remain here for a while. If any should return—"
But despite this direction all three ran to where the horse yet stood, and Materne, seizing the animal's bridle, cried:
"Now, old fellow, we will teach thee to speak French. These Cossacks have famous horses, my boys," he continued, "and when I am too old to go afoot, I will keep this one to hunt with."
"Let us go," cried Kasper.
Toward six o'clock they heard the first challenge of their sentinels:
"Who goes there?"