fortress of Bicêtre, 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, I ran on; the ground got more broken--more
and more still, till I staggered and fell, and rose again, and ran on in
the blind anguish of the hunted. Again the thought of Alice nerved me. I
would not be lost and wreck her life: I would fight and struggle for
life to the bitter end. With a great effort I caught the top of the
wall. As, scrambling like a catamount, I drew myself up, I actually felt
a hand touch the sole of my foot. I was now on a sort of causeway, and
before me I saw a dim light. Blind and dizzy, I ran on, staggered, and
fell, rising, covered with dust and blood.

'Halt la!'

The words sounded like a voice from heaven. A blaze of light seemed to
enwrap me, and I shouted with joy.

'Qui va la?' The rattle of musketry, the flash of steel before my eyes.
Instinctively I stopped, though close behind me came a rush of my
pursuers.