It was Bougainville and John gave a gasp of joy.

Then he straightened up and saluted: "Colonel Bougainville," he said, "I see that you know me! I have just escaped from the enemy for the second time.

There is a house in that direction, and it is occupied by the Prince of Auersperg, one of the German generals." He pointed where the chateau lay, and Bougainville uttered a shout: "Ah!" "He holds there a prisoner, Mademoiselle Julie Lannes, the sister of the great Philip Lannes, the aviator; and other Frenchwomen." "Ah!" said Bougainville again.
"You will help rescue them, will you not ?" Bougainville smiled slightly.
"An army can't turn aside for the rescue of women," he replied, "but it happens that this brigade, under General Vaugirard is marching forward now to find, if possible, an opening between the German armies, and you're the very man to lead it." John's heart bounded with joy.

He would be again with the general whom he admired and trusted, and he would certainly guide the brigade straight to the chateau.
"Is General Vaugirard near ?" he asked.
"Just over the brow of this hill, down there where the dim light is visible among the trees." "Then take me to him at once.".