The great thing, now, was to ascertain whether the army would advance to take up some strong position outside the town and oppose the Prussian advance, or whether they would march away.
Being fifty thousand in number, the former would appear to be the natural course for a general to adopt; as Frederick had with him but twenty-three thousand men.

Of this fact, however, Soubise would be ignorant, and might only have heard that the Prussian army was marching to annihilate him.
Before long baggage waggons began to clatter through the streets.
They were being driven westward, and it was in the same direction that the regiments made their way.
Fergus followed them to the plain outside the town.

The tents had already been struck; the troops, as they arrived from the town and camp, were marshalled in order; a long train of baggage waggons were already making their way westward; and there was no longer any grounds for doubt that Soubise was retreating.
It was just eleven o'clock when Fergus returned to the cathedral.
The peasant was awaiting him.
"They all seem on the move," the latter said.

"I have heard much about them." "It does not matter, now," Fergus replied.

"I must get back to your place, as quickly as I can." Not a word was spoken, until they had left the town.
"They must be going up into Hanover, to join the French army there," the peasant said.
"They are running away.