Ebook Ninety-Three

Thirty grenadiers, detached as scouts, and commanded by a sergeant, marched at a considerable distance in front of the main body; the vivandiere of the battalion accompanied them. The vivandieres willingly join the vanguard; they run risks, but they have the chance of seeing whatever hap pens. Curiosity is one Of the forms of feminine bravery. Suddenly the soldiers of this little advance party started like hunters who have neared the hiding-place of their prey. They had heard something like' a breathing from the centre of a thicket, and seemed to perceive a movement among the branches. The soldiers made signals.