I nudged our guide, saying, “What is the number of the troops down there?”

“Fifteen thousand infantry, and six thousand horsemen, monsieur,” he answered promptly.

“It may be so,” I said, “but we shall be better able to judge when they are ready to march.”

For two hours we lay flat on the ground, with our eyes fixed on the camp, never changing our position, and speaking hardly a word.  We watched the cavalry feed and groom the animals, and saw the troops sit down to breakfast.  Then a body of horsemen, about fifty or sixty in number, rode out from the camp in the direction of Arnay-le-Duc.

[Illustration:  “For two hours we lay flat on the ground, with our eyes fixed on the camp.”]

After a while the troops fell in, and a number of richly-dressed officers rode along the lines, as if to inspect them.

“Jacques,” I said softly, for all this time he had remained with the animals, “if you can leave the horses, come here.”

In two or three minutes he had crept close up to us, and was looking steadily at the camp.

“How many, Jacques?” I asked, for he was an old campaigner, with far more experience than either Felix or I possessed.

“’Tis a nice little army,” he said after a time, “but”—­with a sidelong glance at Philippe—­“no match for ours.  Why, the Marshal has hardly more than four thousand horsemen, with thirteen thousand infantry at the outside.”

“My own estimate!” exclaimed Felix; “what do you say, Edmond?”

“One can easily make a mistake at this work,” I answered, “but I should think your guess is not far from the truth.”

“Then we need stay no longer.  Come,” to the guide, “lead us back safely, and the crowns are yours.”

Stealing very quietly and cautiously into the wood, we took our horses by the bridle, and led them—­Jacques going in front and closely followed by our guide—­along a narrow path, away from the camp.  At the end of the wood we mounted, and, riding in twos, set out briskly on the return journey.

Thanks to Philippe, we reached the inn without mishap, paid the landlord, who was evidently surprised at seeing us again, for the loan of his horse, and handed our guide his promised reward.

“Put the crowns in your purse, my man,” said Felix, “and for your own sake I should advise you not to open your lips.  Marshal Cosse may not be too pleased with your night’s work.”

We cantered off at a sharp pace, eager to acquaint the Admiral with our success, and had covered a little more than half the distance, when, on turning a bend in the road, we perceived about a dozen horsemen galloping full tilt towards us.

“King’s men!” cried Jacques quickly.  “A patrol from the camp on their way back.”

“We must ride through them!” exclaimed Felix. “’Tis our only chance.  All three abreast, Jacques.  Ready?”