On returning to his regiment, Hector found that an order had come
just after he left, for four companies to march down under the
guidance of an engineer officer to begin work on the trenches. De
Thiou, knowing that he had gone to the marshal's, had gone down
with the four leading companies. The other infantry regiments had
furnished similar contingents, showing that the siege was to be
pushed forward with all haste.

"Enghien does not allow the grass to grow under his feet," Captain
Mieville said. "We stormed Wimpfen a few hours after our arrival
before it; we carried Rothenburg in a single night, and I expect
that by tomorrow evening we shall be masters of this place."

In the morning four more companies went down to relieve those who
had been at work all night, and these had made great progress
when, in the afternoon, the news came that Merci was marching with
all his strength towards Nordlingen. Trumpets at once sounded to
recall the troops from the trenches, a meal was hastily cooked,
and at sunset the army marched for Nordlingen. All night they pushed
on through the forest, and just as the leading squadrons emerged
from it on to the plain, Merci's forces were seen issuing out
from the forest facing them. Both armies at once formed in order
of battle.

Enghien, anxious to attack, rode forward with Turenne, de Gramont,
and Geis to reconnoitre the ground. It was found that between
the armies there was a small river, with great pools and swamps
on either side, and that the only approaches were by narrow and
winding paths where two horsemen could scarcely ride abreast. Even