In three quarters of an hour the sergeant returned with his men, saying that he had ridden right through the valley and could see no signs of life whatever.
"Very well, sergeant, then we will proceed.

But we will do so in groups.
If we are to be attacked in that valley, we could make no fight of it were we ten times as many as we are; and if we must be caught, they shall have as few of us as possible; therefore, let a corporal with four men go on a good quarter of a mile ahead, so that he will be past the worst part before the next body enter.

Then do you take ten men and go next.

I will follow you at the same distance with the other five men and the wagons.

Order the corporal if attacked to ride through if possible; if not, to fall back to you.