I was tired and sore, but now reasonably safe, with my eyes at an opening through which I could gaze out.

I began to feel happy, too, thinking of the surprise which was about to come to Billie.
We clattered on down a long slope, apparently making no effort to avoid noise.

It seemed we must be drawing near the river, yet the night was so dark, and our passage so rapid, I could make out no familiar landmarks through my peep-hole.

Indeed I had about all I could do to hold on.

We were halted twice, but a word from the officer passed us along safely.
One picket-post had a fire glowing in close against the rocks, and the sergeant stood within a foot of me.