"I do not think we shall be otherwise than inferior in force
even when our last regiment comes up," Hector said. "What with
Holland and the Rhine and the frontier of Spain, it is clear that
the cardinal must have as much as he can do to enable all our
commanders to make head against the enemy, and it is no secret that
beyond one more regiment of cavalry that will arrive with Count
d'Harcourt, no other reinforcements are likely to reach us for
some time to come. But then, you see, we have Turenne as well
as d'Harcourt, and each of them ought to count for two or three
thousand men."

"Well, I would rather fight against long odds," the officer said,
"than be kept here month after month doing nothing. Here is winter
coming on, and I suppose that will put a stop to everything."

"I should hardly think so," Hector replied. "I am sure that the
viscount is as eager for action as we are, and winter here is not
the same thing as in Holland or on the Rhine. From what I hear
there is very little snow in the plains; and as the country is
generally flat, an army could march almost as easily as in summer,
and in some respects they would be better off."

"How do you mean?"

"I mean that in summer the barns would be all empty of food until
filled again by the harvest, whereas in winter they would be all
well stocked with forage for the cattle and horses."

"You are right, Monsieur Campbell. Certainly there should be
nothing to prevent our operating through the winter, and I shall