I did not know this at the time, and was amazed to see the van of the march turn apparently up stream.

Laputa's great voice rang out in some order which was repeated down the column, and the wide flanks of the force converged on the narrow cart-track which entered the water.

We had come to a standstill while the front ranks began the passage.
I sat shaking with excitement, my eyes straining into the gloom.

Water holds the evening light for long, and I could make out pretty clearly what was happening.

The leading horsemen rode into the stream with Laputa in front.