Still behind me came on my relentless pursuers. Far away, below
me, I saw the same dark mass as before, but now grown closer and
greater. My heart gave a great thrill of delight, for I knew that
it must be the fortress of Bicetre, and with new courage I ran on.
I had heard that between each and all of the protecting forts of
Paris there are strategic ways, deep sunk roads, where soldiers
marching should be sheltered from an enemy. I knew that if I could
gain this road I would be safe, but in the darkness I could not see
any sign of it, so, in blind hope of striking it, I ran on.
Presently I came to the edge of a deep cut, and found that down
below me ran a road guarded on each side by a ditch of water fenced
on either side by a straight, high wall.
Getting fainter and dizzier,
