There was much difference of opinion between them as to the best course to be pursued, but Enghien, who was always in favour of great battles, finally determined so to place the army that the enemy would be forced to come out and fight.  He therefore marched to Venecher, captured Wimpfen, and threw a bridge across the river, whereupon General Merci fell back twenty leagues into Franconia.  As soon as they had passed the river an occurrence took place that threatened to overthrow all the plans of the campaign.  Some hasty words spoken by Enghien so angered the Generals Geis and Konigsmark that they determined to retire at once with the Swedes and Hessians.  Turenne was requested by Enghien to endeavour to arrange matters, and by his kind and gentle manner succeeded in conciliating Geis, who consented to remain with the Hessians.  Konigsmark, however, as hot tempered as Enghien himself, refused to do so, and with his whole force retired to Bremen, in Lower Saxony.

The French and Hessians marched towards the Tauber, captured Rothenburg and other towns, and thereby obtained a large quantity of provisions and stores; and hearing that the Bavarians were advancing to Nordlingen, marched in all haste to give them battle there.

CHAPTER XVI:  AN ESCAPE

After being confined for a week in the prison at Kirchheim Hector was sent with a number of other prisoners to Ingolstadt.  Here he was confined in the castle, a separate room being allotted to him in recognition of his rank, and Paolo was, at his request, allowed to remain with him.

“I cannot but think, master, that we should have done better if you had given your parole not to try to escape.  In that case we might have had comfortable quarters in the town instead of this somewhat bare chamber.  If there had been a chance of escape it would have been different, but seeing the strength of the castle, methinks there is no prospect whatever of our being able to get out.”

“That remains to be seen, Paolo.  I fancy there is always a chance of escape if one does but hit upon the right way.  At present we know nothing of the castle or the vigilance of the guard, and no doubt it will take us some little time to find these matters out.  The first thing we require is patience.  No doubt they will allow me out to take exercise, and like enough, if I give my word that you will return every day at a certain hour, they will allow you to go in to the town, seeing that you can scarcely be called a prisoner, having no military rank or position, but being in their eyes only a lackey.  If they will do that it will be a great step gained, for you will be able to bring in anything that we may require.  However, I will not ask that you should be permitted to go in and out for some little time.