I think you'll win through, Scott, in the way you wish." John knew that the good wishes of these two friends, so undemonstrative and so true, would follow him all the time and he choked a little.

But when the lump in his throat was gone he spoke casually, as if he were not venturing into a region that was sown thick and deep with dragon's teeth.
At the advice of Captain Colton he slept several hours more that afternoon, and in the darkest part of the night, clothed simply like a peasant, but carrying a passport that would take him through the French lines, he said good-by to his friends, and, taking his life in his hands, departed upon his mission.

Lest he be taken for a _franc-tireur_ he was entirely unarmed, and he wore a thick blue blouse, gray trousers equally thick, and heavy boots.

He also carried, carefully concealed about his person, a supply of gold and German notes, although there would not be much use for money in that region of the dragon's teeth into which he was venturing.
He re-crossed the little river on the same high-arched bridge by which he had come, skirted the hospital camp, and then bore off toward the east.

It was past midnight, the skies were free from snow, but there were many low, hovering clouds which suited his purpose.