A guide thoroughly acquainted with the country rode ahead of the party, carrying a lantern fixed at the back of his saddle.

They had, after leaving the chateau, begun to mount the lofty range of hills behind.

The road crossing these was a mere track, and they were glad when they began to descend on the other side.

They crossed the Clain river some ten miles above Poitiers, a few miles farther forded the Vienne, crossed the Gartempe at a bridge at the village of Montmorillon and, an hour later, halted in a wood, just as daylight was breaking, having ridden nearly fifty miles since leaving the chateau.
So far they had kept to the south of the direct course, in order to cross the rivers near their sources.

Every man carried provisions for himself and his horse and, as soon as they had partaken of a hearty meal, the armour was unstrapped, and all threw themselves down for a long sleep; sentries being first placed, with orders to seize any peasants who might enter the wood to gather fuel.