So we sha'n't have to cross the river to the north, but will keep on this side and cross it at Miranda, or at some ford near.

The column that was operating round Zamora fell back behind the Esla, a fortnight since; for four thousand of the French reinforcements from the south had reached Zamora, and strong parties of their cavalry were scouting over the whole of the country round." Ryan had already heard how the road between Valladolid and Burgos had been interrupted, and several convoys cut off and captured.

He was glad to find, however, that no serious fighting had taken place while he had been a prisoner.
After nightfall they started on their journey.

They travelled sixty miles that night.

The farmer's son, a young fellow of twenty, who knew the country thoroughly, accompanied them on horseback for the first twenty miles, to set them on their way.