We lay that night at Auch, and I gave M.de Cocheforet the utmost liberty, even permitting him to go out and return at his will.

In the morning, believing that on the farther side of Auch we ran little risk of attack, I dismissed the two dragoons, and an hour after sunrise we set out again.

The day was dry and cold, the weather more promising.

I proposed to go by way of Lectoure, crossing the Garonne at Agen; and I thought that, with roads continually improving as we moved northwards, we should be able to make good progress before night.

My two men rode first, I came last by myself.
Our way lay down the valley of the Gers, under poplars and by long rows of willows, and presently the sun came out and warmed us.