Every day Hector went into the place to gather news, and learned that Wimpfen had been captured by the French by a sudden assault, and that they had crossed the Neckar.  On returning he at once started with Paolo, but on approaching the Neckar learned that the French had marched on to Rothenburg.  They fell in, however, with a detachment which had been left on the Neckar.  Hector found among them several officers to whom he was known, and, borrowing Paolo’s money, fitted himself and follower out again, bought a couple of horses that had been captured from the Bavarians, who had, he learned, retired to Franconia, and set out to join the army.  Rothenburg had been, he found out on his arrival, captured in a few hours, and the main body of the French had marched to Dinkelsbuhl, and there he came up with them.  He had learned from the party on the Neckar of the defection of Konigsmark and the Swedes, and that Conde and Turenne’s united army did not exceed twenty thousand men, and, as he knew, that of Merci was at least equal to it in strength.  His first question on entering the camp was as to the quarters of his own regiment, and he at once rode there.  As soon as he was recognized the men ran to him, cheering wildly, and so great was the tumult that Turenne himself, whose headquarters were but a short distance away, rode to the spot to enquire the cause of the tumult.  When he saw Hector surrounded by his cheering soldiers he passed through the crowd, and, reaching him, shook him warmly by the hand.

“I had hoped that we might have made an exchange for you during the winter, colonel, but I had not thought it possible that I should see you again before that time; for in the first place, we captured no prisoners in this campaign, but, on the contrary, have had many of our own officers taken; and in the second place, we have been too busy ever since Marienthal to enter into negotiations.  You have, I suppose, given them the slip, you and that varlet of yours, for I see him over there.”

“Yes, marshal; we had no very great difficulty in getting away.  I have been very well treated, and until I heard that you were again taking the offensive, I had no reason to fret over my imprisonment.”

“Well, you have joined us just in time, for at any moment we may fight a great battle.  When you have leisure this evening come over to my tent.  I shall be glad to hear how you managed to escape, and any news you have gained as to Merci’s force and intentions.”

As soon as the marshal had ridden off, his officers pressed round him, but before speaking to them individually Hector said a few words to the men, thanking them for the greeting they had given him, and saying that he was glad indeed to be back among them.  Then he talked for a time to the officers, two or three of whom, after saying a few words apart to Captain de Thiou, had hurried away.  Half an hour later de Thiou said: 

“I have no doubt that you will be glad of supper, colonel.  Ours is just prepared, and we hope that you will join us.”