They went at a rapid trot, and even those who were ready to charge a body of the enemy, however numerous, without a moment's hesitation, experienced a feeling of nervousness as they rode on in the darkness through the thick forest on their unknown errand.
That they were going northward they knew, and knew also, after a short time, that they must be entering the lines of the enemy.

They saw no signs of watch-fires, for these would long since have been quenched by the downpour.

After half an hour's brisk riding all knew, by the sharp sound of the beat of the horses' hoofs, that they had left the soft track through the forest and were now upon a regular road.
"Thank goodness for that!" Vincent said in a low tone to his next neighbor.

"I don't mind a brush with the enemy, but I own I don't like the idea that at any moment my brains may be knocked out by the branch of a tree." "I agree with you," the other replied; "and I fancy every man felt the same." There was no doubt as to this.

Hitherto no sound had been heard save the jingling of accouterments and the dull heavy sound of the horses' tread; but now there could be heard mingled with these the buzz of voices, and occasionally a low laugh.