As I had agreed to stay with Mohun, I was
obliged to decline.
Five minutes afterward he had mounted, and with a salute, the tall form
disappeared in the forest.
We set out in turn, and were soon at Mohun's bivouac.
XXIV.
A NIGHT BIRD.
I shared Mohun's blankets, and was waked by the sun shining in my face.
My companion had disappeared, but I had scarcely risen when he was seen
approaching at full gallop.
Throwing himself from his horse, he grasped my hand, his face beaming.
"All right, Surry!" he exclaimed; "I have seen Mordaunt; my command is
all arranged; I have four superb regiments; and they are already in the
saddle."
"I congratulate you, my dear general! Make good use of them--and I
think you are going to have the opportunity at once."
"You are right--the enemy's cavalry are drawn up on the north bank of
the river."
"Any firing in front?"
"They are feeling at all the fords."
"Are you going there?"
"At once."
"I will go with you."
And I mounted my horse which stood saddled near by.
Swallowing some mouthfuls of bread and beef as we rode on, we soon
reached Mohun's command. It consisted of four regiments, drawn up in
column, ready to move--and at sight of the young _sabreur_, the men
raised a shout.
Mohun saluted with drawn sabre, and galloped to the front.
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