A few horsemen were strolling up and down the road in front of the wood.

The rest were still lying at the foot of the trees, but their horses were gradually penetrating towards the center of the wood.
Michael had at first thought of seizing one of these horses, but he recollected that, of course, they would be as fatigued as his own.

It was better to trust to his own brave steed, which had already rendered him such important service.

The good animal, hidden behind a thicket, had escaped the sight of the Usbecks.

They, besides, had not penetrated so far into the wood.
Michael crawled up to his horse through the grass, and found him lying down.