We shall not reach the plains of Italy without being sore beset by danger." Tom's eyes flashed keenly under their dark brows.
"What have you learned, my lord ?" "That the pass is being closely watched, Tom, by spies, or whatever you choose to call them, from the French army.

The Duke of Savoy is, as I have told you before, completely hemmed in by the armies of the great Vendome, one of the ablest generals France possesses.
His capital is in danger, and it is of the first importance that he should receive the despatches and messages with which I am charged by Marlborough, and which will give him heart and courage to prolong the contest till the promised help, which is now on its way, shall reach him.

Doubtless it is equally the policy of the enemy to keep him in ignorance of what they themselves now know or fear, so that he may surrender to the French arms before he hears what is being done for his succour.
"That, in brief, is the situation we have to grapple with.

I suspect that Sir James is one of those who are watching for messengers from England, and that we shall have to measure our wits against his.

Tom, I must get through the pass.