They drove towards Torcy-la-Mirande in order to strike the river by the heights of Vieux-Bac.
When in the course of an hour they began to perceive by the evening light a sheet of white mist hanging over the low lying meadows:
"Gad," said the young Baron, "we can't cross: the Ilette Bridge is destroyed."
"What!" exclaimed the General, "the Ilette Bridge destroyed? What's that you say? The Bridge destroyed!"
"Why, General! yes. In the plan of the manœuvres the Bridge is destroyed in theory."
The General did not appreciate the joke.
"I admire your wit young man," he said sharply.
At Vieux-Bac they thundered across the iron bridge and followed the ancient Roman road, which connects Torcy-la-Mirande with the chief town of the department. In the sky, Venus was kindling her silver flame close by the crescent moon. They travelled about thirty kilometres without meeting any troops. At Saint-Évariste there was a terrible hill to climb. The car groaned like a tired beast but did not stop. Coming down it went over some stones and was on the point of capsizing in a ditch. Then the road was excellent as far as
