companion was not unlikely to go and see how things were getting on in
the rear.

The moon had just set, and as yet daylight had not appeared. It was
pitch-dark, and at every step we stumbled over the great stones with
which these mountain paths are covered. It was an unpleasant situation,
but I hoped soon to come upon Ney's troops, and the fact of having seen
the bodies of soldiers belonging to his corps increased the hope. So I
went steadily on, listening for diversion to the Norman's stories of
his country. Dawn appeared at last, and I saw the first houses of a
large village. It was Agreda. I was alarmed at finding no outposts, for
it showed that not only did no troops of the marshal's occupy the place,
but that his army corps must be at least half a day further on. The map
showed no village within five or six leagues of Agreda, and it was
impossible that the regiments could be quartered in the mountains, far
from any inhabited place. So I kept on my guard, and before going any
farther reconnoitred the position.

Agreda stands in a rather broad valley. It is built at the foot of a
lofty hill, deeply escarped on both sides. The southern slope, which
reaches the village, is planted with large vineyards. The ridge is rough
and rocky, and the northern slope covered with thick coppice, a torrent
flowing at the foot. Beyond are seen lofty mountains, uncultivated and
uninhabited. The principal street of Agreda runs through the whole
length of the place, with narrow lanes leading to the vineyards opening
into it. As I entered the village I had these lanes and the vineyards on
my right. This is important to the understanding of my story.

Everybody was asleep in Agreda; the moment was favourable for going
through it. Besides, I had some hope--feeble, it is true--that when I
reached the farther end I might perhaps see the fires of Marshal Ney's
advance guard. So I went forward, sword in hand, bidding my soldier cock
his musket. The main street was covered with a thick bed of damp leaves,
which the people placed there to make manure; so that our footsteps made
no sound, of which I was glad. I walked in the middle of the street,
with the soldier on my right; but, finding himself no doubt in a too
conspicuous position, he gradually sheered off to the houses, keeping
close to the walls so that he might be less visible in case of an
attack, or better placed for reaching one of the lanes which open into
the country. This showed