If they were delayed, they would have time to form their plans before we came." "By my faith, you may be right," said De Catinat thoughtfully.

"What would you propose ?" "That we ride back, and go by some less direct way." "It is impossible.

We should have to ride back to Meudon cross-roads, and then it would add ten miles to our journey." "It is better to get there an hour later than not to get there at all." "Pshaw! we are surely not to be turned from our path by a mere guess.
There is the St.Germain cross-road about a mile below.

When we reach it we can strike to the right along the south side of the river, and so change our course." "But we may not reach it." "If anyone bars our way we shall know how to treat with them." "You would fight, then ?" "Yes." "What! with a dozen of them ?" "A hundred, if we are on the king's errand." Amos Green shrugged his shoulders.
"You are surely not afraid ?" "Yes, I am, mighty afraid.

Fighting's good enough when there's no help for it.