Finally, in descending the hill, my horse, frightened, made a terrible swerve or side-jump.

I did not know the cause; but after having, with difficulty, got him into the road again, I found myself opposite to a deserter who had been hanged that day! I was horribly disgusted by the sight; the gallows being very low, and the head of the malefactor almost parallel with mine.

I spurred on, and galloped away from such unpleasant night-company.

At last I arrived at Head-Quarters, all in a perspiration.

I sent my horse back; and went in to the King, who asked me at once, why I was so heated.