Neckar of the defection of Konigsmark and the Swedes, and that
Conde and Turenne's united army did not exceed twenty thousand
men, and, as he knew, that of Merci was at least equal to it in
strength. His first question on entering the camp was as to the
quarters of his own regiment, and he at once rode there. As soon
as he was recognized the men ran to him, cheering wildly, and so
great was the tumult that Turenne himself, whose headquarters were
but a short distance away, rode to the spot to enquire the cause
of the tumult. When he saw Hector surrounded by his cheering soldiers
he passed through the crowd, and, reaching him, shook him warmly
by the hand.

"I had hoped that we might have made an exchange for you during the
winter, colonel, but I had not thought it possible that I should
see you again before that time; for in the first place, we captured
no prisoners in this campaign, but, on the contrary, have had many
of our own officers taken; and in the second place, we have been
too busy ever since Marienthal to enter into negotiations. You have,
I suppose, given them the slip, you and that varlet of yours, for
I see him over there."

"Yes, marshal; we had no very great difficulty in getting away. I
have been very well treated, and until I heard that you were again
taking the offensive, I had no reason to fret over my imprisonment."

"Well, you have joined us just in time, for at any moment we may
fight a great battle. When you have leisure this evening come over
to my tent. I shall be glad to hear how you managed to escape, and
any news you have gained as to Merci's force and intentions."