In passing through forests it was not possible to travel much beyond a walk, as it was necessary not only to avoid overhanging arms of trees, but to keep the track, for the road in many places was nothing more.
Once or twice they lost it altogether, and it was only when they hit upon the house of a peasant or a little village, and obtained a guide, that they were able to recover their road.

Consequently all were thoroughly exhausted when they reached Paris.

The gates were opened to them when it was understood that they bore despatches from the army.
They made their way to the Hotel Conde.

It was illuminated, for the prince had given a great banquet in honour of the victory won by his son; and although most of the guests had left long before, a party of the closest friends and connections of the prince were holding an informal council, when the word came to them that three officers had arrived with despatches from the Duc d'Enghien.

The prince came down.
Hector had dismounted without assistance, but the other two officers had to be lifted from their saddles.
"Are you bearers of any special news, de Penthiere ?" the prince asked; for the two young nobles were well known to him.
"No, monseigneur, save that our despatches give full details of the battle." "What is our loss ?" "It is very heavy," de Penthiere said.