He is waiting to see how things go, and the moment the game is fairly opened you may be sure he will be on the move." "Yes, I don't suppose you will be very long after me," Jack said; "still, I am not sorry to go." At seven o'clock in the evening Jack set out, taking with him two dragoons as orderlies, the earl having suggested that he should do so.
"Always do a thing yourself if it is possible, Captain Stilwell; but there are times when you must be doing something else, and it is as well to have some one that you can rely upon; besides, the orderlies will give you additional importance in the eyes of the peasants.

Most of the men have picked up some Spanish, but you had better pick out two of my orderlies who are best up in it." Jack had spent the afternoon in making a round of calls at the houses where he had been entertained, and after the exchange of adieus, ceremonial speeches, and compliments, he was heartily glad when the gates closed behind him and he set out on his journey.

As the road did not pass anywhere near the Spanish camp there was little fear of interruption in the way.

The guide led them by little frequented tracks across the hills, and by morning they were far on their road.
They were frequently obliged to make detours to avoid towns and villages favorable to King Philip.

Why one town or village should take one side, and the next the other, was inexplicable to Jack, but it was so, and throughout the country this singular anomaly existed.