Page:Statement of the attempted rescue of General Lafayette from Olmutz.djvu/16

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Olmutz.

a short distance ahead, and he chafed not a little at this personal difficulty. He enquired, “What are they doing now? Are we not too far off?” proposing several times to galop up to them, Mr. Huger urged delay. “They are going steadily along the road; there is a large party on the road now, passing the phæton. Let them get as far as possible from the fort. They are now slowly trotting along the road.” “Well, now is surely the time,” said the blind man. “Not yet” being repeated, seemed to rouse his anxiety and excitement to a great pitch, and his ardent young comrade could scarcely control his own feelings and temper, while endeavouring to act with coolness and judgment. At length he said, “now they have stopped the phæton, and General Lafayette and the officer have got out; they seem as if going to walk.” “Then this must be the time for us.” “ Not yet,” answered his cooler comrade. “Oh! Huger, I trust your heart does not fail you now?” said the usually quiet, composed man. “No indeed, but we must do what is best for success. Now General Lafayette has drawn the officer on a little footpath that runs above the high-road, holding by his arm; he seems edging off towards the fields; the phæcton is slowly following along the