A messenger was despatched to the hills for assistance, and the march began.

It was a tedious movement.

Felix was wearied, and walked in a drowsy state.

Towards six o'clock, as he guessed, the trees began to thin, and the column reached the first slopes of the hills.
Here about thirty shepherds joined them, a contingent from the nearest camp.

It was considered that the danger was now past, and that the gipsies would not attack them on the hill; but it was a mistake.
A large body almost immediately appeared, coming along the slope on the right, not less than two hundred; and from their open movements and numbers it was evident that they intended battle.