In the forest it would be hopeless to escape them, but here the grass is short and the ground dry, and, without boots, we cannot have left any tracks that would be followed, especially as bodies of French troops have been marching backwards and forwards along the edge of these heights for the last fortnight.

I won't say that it is impossible that they can find us, but it will not be by our tracks.
"Now, come down to this bush where I was lying.

We will wait there till daylight breaks.

It is as far down as I dare go by this light, but, when we can see, we will find a safer place further down." Cautiously they made their way down to a clump of bushes, twenty feet below the edge, and there, lying down, dozed until it became light enough to see the ground.

The slope was very steep, but bushes grew here and there upon it, and by means of these, and projecting rocks, they worked their way down some thirty feet lower, and then sat down among some bushes, which screened them from the sight of anyone who might be passing along the edge of the river, while the steep slope effectually hid them from anyone moving along above.
"Is there any signature to that letter," James asked presently.
The midshipman took the piece of paper out and looked at it.
"No, there is no signature," he said; "but I know the handwriting.