About
eleven o'clock
The slimy mud brought by the rolling waters had covered the whole country , and it was a sad spectacle to see , as the wind cleared the mist , a number of cavaliers stuck in the mud , and trying vainly to reach either of the hills . From the other hill , on which the flag of France waved , their cries of distress had been heard , and that was why the trumpets had sounded . The gendarmes now sounded their cornets , and were answered by guns in joyful recognition . About eleven o'clock the sun appeared over this scene of desolation , drying some parts of the plain , and rendering practicable a kind of road . Henri , who tried it first , found that it led by a detour from where they were to the opposite hill , and he believed that though his horse might sink to a certain extent , he would not sink altogether . He therefore determined to try it , and recommending Diana and Remy to the care of the ensign , set off on his perilous way . At the same time as he started , they could see a cavalier leave the opposite hill , and , like Henry , try the road .