both flanks to the attack of the enemy.

During the short campaign Hector had ridden behind Turenne, and
shared in the general disappointment of the army when the enemy
refused to accept their offer of battle, and still more so when
after the capture of Chieri it became necessary to retreat. His
two fellow aides-de-camp loudly bewailed the bad fortune that thus
obliged them to retire without having effected anything beyond the
capture of an insignificant town, which, however, had the advantage
of opening a way for them into the heart of the country then held
by the enemy.

"You seem to take it rather philosophically, Campbell," de Lisle
said to Hector, as he remained silent while they were bemoaning
their fate.

"I do not see that it is of any use taking it otherwise. At least
we have had the satisfaction of bearding the Spaniards, who indeed
seem to me to behave wisely in remaining in their intrenchments and
waiting until they can unite all their forces against us. However,
we have shown them that we are not afraid of them, and that even
in the middle of November we are so eager to meet them that we have
hastened to take the field and to strike a blow before winter sets
in in earnest; but I think it possible that we may have a fight
yet before we get back. Leganez has the reputation of being a good
general, and he may yet combine his troops at Asti with those of
Villanova and Turin and try to cut us off from Carignano." At this
moment Turenne suddenly entered the room.

"To horse, gentlemen! News has come that Prince Thomas is marching