But he was doomed to a long trial of patience.  Twice he saw Germans and hid until they had gone by.  They seemed to be scouting in the night almost to the mouths of the French guns, and he admired their energy although it stood in the way of his own plans.  He came to a second brook, drank again, and then took a short cut through a small wood.  He had marked the reports of guns from a hill about two miles in front of him, and he was sure that a French battery must be posted there.  He reckoned that he could reach it in a half hour, if he exerted himself.

Half way through the wood and human figures rose up all about him.  Strong hands seized his arms and an electric torch flashed in his face.

“Who are you?” came the fierce question in French.

But it was not necessary for John to answer.  The man who held the torch was short, but very muscular and strong, his face cut in the antique mold, his eyes penetrating and eager.  It was Bougainville and John gave a gasp of joy.  Then he straightened up and saluted: 

“Colonel Bougainville,” he said, “I see that you know me!  I have just escaped from the enemy for the second time.  There is a house in that direction, and it is occupied by the Prince of Auersperg, one of the German generals.”

He pointed where the chateau lay, and Bougainville uttered a shout: 

“Ah!”

“He holds there a prisoner, Mademoiselle Julie Lannes, the sister of the great Philip Lannes, the aviator; and other Frenchwomen.”

“Ah!” said Bougainville again.

“You will help rescue them, will you not?”

Bougainville smiled slightly.

“An army can’t turn aside for the rescue of women,” he replied, “but it happens that this brigade, under General Vaugirard is marching forward now to find, if possible, an opening between the German armies, and you’re the very man to lead it.”

John’s heart bounded with joy.  He would be again with the general whom he admired and trusted, and he would certainly guide the brigade straight to the chateau.

“Is General Vaugirard near?” he asked.

“Just over the brow of this hill, down there where the dim light is visible among the trees.”

“Then take me to him at once.”

CHAPTER XV

THE RESCUE

Escorted by Bougainville, John went down a little slope to a point where several officers stood talking earnestly.  The central figure was that of a huge man who puffed out his cheeks as he spoke, and whose words and movements were alive with energy.  Even had he seen but a dim outline, John would have recognized him with no difficulty as General Vaugirard, and beside him stood de Rougemont.

Bougainville saluted and said;

“The American, John Scott, sir.  He has just escaped from the enemy and he brings important information.”

Vaugirard puffed out his great cheeks and whistled with satisfaction.