Ah! it brings the tears to my old eyes when I think how proud they were of their Colonel.

And I was proud of them also.

They deserved a dashing leader.
The night promised to be a stormy one, which was very much to my liking.
It was my desire to keep my departure most secret, for it was evident that if the English heard that I had been detached from the army they would naturally conclude that something important was about to happen.
My horse was taken, therefore, beyond the picket line, as if for watering, and I followed and mounted him there.

I had a map, a compass, and a paper of instructions from the Marshal, and with these in the bosom of my tunic and my sabre at my side, I set out upon my adventure.
A thin rain was falling and there was no moon, so you may imagine that it was not very cheerful.

But my heart was light at the thought of the honour which had been done me and the glory which awaited me.
This exploit should be one more in that brilliant series which was to change my sabre into a baton.