He concluded that the cannon were needed at some weak point where the Franco-British army was pressing hard.
Then a company of hussars came from the forest and rode quietly into the grounds, where they dismounted.

John saw that many, obviously the wounded, were helped from their horses.

In battle, he concluded, and not so far off.

Perhaps not more than two or three miles.

Rifle-fire, with the wind blowing the wrong way, would not be heard that distance.
The hussars, leading their horses, disappeared in a wood behind the house, and they were followed presently by a long train of automobiles, moving rather slowly.