long knives that all the peasants here carry. I fancy from what I
heard when we were at Hall with Turenne that the country between
Eichstadt and there is for the most part a great forest, and there
are rough hills to pass before we get to Hall. It will be just as
well to have some weapons that we can use with effect if we should
come upon any bands of robbers."

"Quite so, master. A good axe is as good as a sword in a rough sort
of fight; but is there not some way we can travel so as to avoid
this great forest that you speak of?"

"Not without making a great detour, and that through a country
where there will be bodies of Merci's troops quartered everywhere."

"Very well, master. Then I think that the risk will be less with the
robbers, especially as we have not apparently much worth stealing
upon us."

"Not only apparently, but really, Paolo. Fortunately my purse was
pretty well filled when we were taken prisoners; but we spent a
good deal at Ingoldstadt, principally in buying articles we could
have done without, but which we got in order to give an excuse
for your going into the town, and in these disguises and pistols.
However, we shall not, I hope, require much more outlay; and after
getting axes and knives we shall have enough to pay for our food,
such as it is, for some time. However, there is certainly nothing
in our pockets to tempt robbers."

"No, master; but if they searched you they would notice your
clothes. They would show at once that you are a person of quality;