He had not seen these Uhlans; there might well be someone even in that small party who would recognize him.

And he knew what would happen then, if he were caught.

But his plan compelled him to run that risk, and he emerged from his shelter, and struck out boldly along the road the Uhlans had taken to come to the village.

He walked northeast, and he knew that that in itself would be suspicious, but it was all part of his plan.
He had not long to wait for the plan to begin, or at least to work out according to his calculations.

Behind him he heard a shout, but, affecting not to hear it, he did not turn.