They plodded on determinedly through the night.

The two weaker horses of the four finally gave way under the strain.

Husbanding the remaining two with the greatest care, the two soldiers, passing through the deserted villages of St.Prix, on the Little Morin, and Baye, finally reached the great highroad which ran through Champaubert, Vauxchamps and Montmirail, toward Paris, and which, owing to a northward bend of the river, crossed the country some leagues to the southward of the Marne.
Day was breaking as they reached the edge of the forest bordering the road, and from a rather high hill had a glimpse of a wide stretch of country before them.

Fortunately, while it was still raw and cold, the sun came out and gave them a fair view of a great expanse of rolling and open fields.

A scene of great animation was disclosed to them.
The road was covered with squadrons of green-coated Russian cavalry, evidently just called to the saddle, and moving eastward at a walk or slow trot.