At two o'clock in the morning of the 31st the river gate was thrown open and about two hundred and fifty men filed out.
Heavy clouds hid both moon and stars, and the air was oppressively hot.

The soldiers marched along the dusty road, guided by Baby and St Martin, who had volunteered for the work.

Not a sound save their own dull tramp broke the silence.

On their right gleamed the calm river, and keeping pace with them were two large bateaux armed with swivels.

Presently, as the troops passed the farm-houses, drowsy watch-dogs caught the sound of marching feet and barked furiously.