CHAPTER III: THE FIRST BATTLE


During the three days that were spent in reconnoitering the country
Hector Campbell learnt more than he would have done in as many
years under ordinary circumstances. Turenne took the greatest pains
to point out to him how the nature of the ground could be taken
advantage of, how flanks could be protected against attack by
comparatively small bodies, occupying positions from which they
could be with difficulty expelled; how important was the action of
guns, especially when so placed as to be able to sweep the ground
across which an enemy must advance in any endeavour to turn the position
of an army. Turenne, on his part, took pleasure in instructing a
pupil who was at once so eager to learn, and who showed himself so
apt in profiting by his teaching.

"You see," he said, "I am concerned rather in defensive positions
at present than in seeing how we could best turn an enemy barring
our advance. Although the greater portion of the dominions of the
duchess has fallen into the hands of the enemy, she is fortunate
in that the few places that remain are those that at once enable
her to make a defence with comparatively small forces; and at the
same time, it is possible for her to receive aid from France,
or, if absolutely necessary, for her to fall back across the Alps.
Susa, her headquarters, lying at the mouth of the valley up which
the road over Mount Cenis finds its way, at once guards the pass
and keeps open communication with France.

"It is, as it were, the handle of a fan, and can be approached by
three main roads only, -- those to Turin, Carignano, and Chivasso.