When he could hold his breath no longer he came up in one of the thickest clumps.

The water reached to his waist there, and standing on the bottom in all the density of willows and bushes he was hidden thoroughly from all except watchful searchers.

And who would miss him at such a time, and who, if missing, would take the trouble to look for him while the French cannon were thundering upon them and a perilous crossing was to be made?
It was all so ridiculously easy.

He knew that he had nothing to do but stand close while the men pulled themselves out of the river and the remaining boats made their passage.

For further protection he moved into water deep enough to reach to his neck, while he still retained the cover of the willows and bushes.