I myself had seen well nigh thirty years service before I came to command a regiment.

And now, sir, will you give me your parole not to attempt to escape ?" "Certainly, sir," Hector replied promptly.

He knew that should he refuse four or five troopers would be set to watch him, and even if he evaded these, which was well nigh impossible, he might be recaptured on the following morning, as detachments of the Bavarian horse would be sure to be pressing hard upon Turenne's troops.

The pursuit was indeed taken up again during the night, but Turenne succeeded in keeping his pursuers at bay, and reaching the frontiers of Hesse.

There he found the infantry and cavalry who had not been engaged already assembled, for they had received orders to march instantly to that spot.