Those we met just now doubtless belonged to the force gathered in Bazas; and it is in the direction of the north, rather than the west, that the Catholics are most vigilant.

If she succeeds in making her way through them, it will be well nigh a miracle.
"Now that we are well past Bazas, we will leave the road and make our way across the fields; for it is upon the roads that any watch there may be will be set." It was a long day's journey, and at eight o'clock in the evening they lay down in a wood, ten miles from Nerac; having walked fully fifty miles since crossing the river Ciron.
"I am very glad, Monsieur Philip, that we were not here four hours earlier." "Why, Pierre ?" "Because, sir, in that case you would have insisted on pushing on to Nerac, so as to enter it before the gate is closed; and in that case I doubt whether, with the best will, I could have got that far, and I am sure that Jacques and Roger could not have done so." "No, indeed," Jacques said, "I have done my last inch.

For the last four hours I felt as if walking upon hot irons, so sore are my feet; and indeed, I could not have travelled at all, if I had not taken your advice and gone barefoot." They had bought some wine and bread in a little village through which they had passed and, as soon as they had finished their supper, they lay down to sleep.

They were up next morning long before daybreak, and were at the gates of Nerac before they opened.
A group of countrymen were gathered there and, as soon as the drawbridge was lowered, they entered the town with them.

They observed that there were sentries all round the walls, and that a keen watch was kept.