He himself rode out with a regiment of cavalry some ten miles beyond Marienthal, along the road by which the Imperialists would advance were they to assemble to attack him.
At two o'clock the next morning a party he had sent to watch the Bavarians brought in the news that Merci was advancing with all his force.

Rosen was ordered to hurry forward to the spot where the advanced division was lying.

Messengers were sent off in all directions to recall the scattered cavalry, and having seen that everything had been done to place affairs in a better position, Turenne rode off with what troops he could gather to aid Rosen.

The latter had made a serious blunder.

In front of the position held by the advanced division was a large wood, through which the Bavarians must pass.