Unfortunately the rain of the day before had swollen the brooks which crossed our path, and we more than once had a difficulty in fording them.

Noon found us little more than half way to Lectoure, and I was growing each minute more impatient when our road, which had for a little while left the river bank, dropped down to it again, and I saw before us another crossing, half ford half slough.

My men tried it gingerly and gave back and tried it again in another place; and finally, just as Mademoiselle and her brother came up to them, floundered through and sprang slantwise up the farther bank.
The delay had been long enough to bring me, with no good will of my own, close upon the Cocheforets.

Mademoiselle's horse made a little business of the place, and in the result we entered the water almost together; and I crossed close on her heels.

The bank on either side was steep; while crossing we could see neither before nor behind.