M1LITAR Y AD VENTURES. 33 



ghosts gliding through the black gloom 

 of the early morning. We took every pre- 

 caution, and had advance and rear guards, 

 and also picquets on either flank, and, 

 indeed, carried out the regulations for the 

 advance of troops in an enemy's country 

 to the very letter : lucky it was that we did 

 so, for we had hardly advanced ten miles 

 when one of the scouts came running in 

 with the astounding information that a very 

 large army was drawn up across our road, 

 and it must be dislodged before we could 



proceed. Major H did not hesitate 



long, but formed us up in the order in which 

 he meant we should fight. He threw out 

 strong flanking parties, and led the attack 

 himself with the main body, leaving a 

 strong reserve, or support, under my com- 

 mand ; he also left a very shrewd color- 

 sergeant with me to advise me ; this ser- 



