Men and horses were alike fatigued, and the cavalry for the most part dismounted and led their animals along.
There were several sharp fights with bodies of the enemy, who, ignorant of the line by which the French were retreating, feared to press the rearguard too close, lest they should find them in very superior numbers.

Once, when they passed a lane running down to the river, Turenne--who had taken every opportunity of making his way across the line of retreat and seeing how all was going on--said to Hector, "Will you ride up here, Campbell, and cheer up any parties you may come across.

Tell them that all is going on well, and that by morning we shall find that the enemy have given up the pursuit, and shall be able to halt and take a few hours' rest, and give battle should the enemy come up in force.

Their horses must be as fatigued as ours, for they must have been marching for eight or ten hours since the morning." Hector had only Paolo now with him, having appointed the four troopers to go with different parties of the infantry, and to act as orderlies to their captains.

He rode rapidly up the lane, and presently heard the cavalry passing across it.
"There is one party, Paolo," he said, urging his horse into a gallop.