I bade my men lag behind all they could; till at last we must have dropped fifty yards or so, where, in the darkness, we were quite lost to view.

Then I gave the order to gallop; and overtaking the company, as in hot haste, I rode up to the officer and saluted.
"A good journey to you, Captain," said I.

"'Twill be slower than ours, for the troop we are to join is already beyond the Bann, and we ride post-haste to overtake it." "You are of Merriman's troop then ?" said the officer.
"That are we.

Good-night to you, Captain.

Lay to, my men, and spurs all!" And so we rode forward..