6o6 



POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



front. The black dots, with pennons, indicate the general position of 

 the vedettes at this point, though, of course, they are continually ad- 

 vancing. The commander has noted on his map a foot path, beginning 

 at *D', leading over the rugged hills. By taking this path a consider- 

 able distance could be saved; but it is quite impracticable for the 

 wagons, and the troops, therefore, continue along the high road. The 

 valley is gently undulating, with a gradual slope from the low hills 

 towards the stream. 



The projecting hills near the head of the column form an especially 

 dangerous point. What easier than for an enemy to plant batteries here 

 on either side of the road. A sudden, heavy fire would throw a neg- 

 ligent force at once into disorder; a situation to be taken instant ad- 

 vantage of by a vigorous adversary; a charge of horse concealed behind 

 the hill at c O', and nothing might be left except flight, with great loss 

 of life, and surrender with loss — if not of honor, at least of reputation 

 as a safe leader. 



Happily, we shall avoid both alternatives. Our scouts have ex- 

 plored most thoroughly every possible vantage ground. They have 

 not been content with any mere glances; their instructions are to take 

 nothing for granted. That field, marked 'G', looks innocent enough, 

 but the tall, thick rye or corn may cover a skilfully placed battery. The 

 plot marked 'M' may be simply a vineyard; but it does no harm to in- 

 quire. The inhabitants of the country are friendly, and, therefore, the 

 chances are not favorable to this sort of surprise; but in war it is often 

 not the likely, but the unexpected that happens; the commander who 

 knows his business guards against the remote possibility. 



