Nine o'clock
to say nothing of the impracticability of getting past the numerous Prussian pickets and outposts that filled the valley all the way from la Garenne to Remilly . He therefore ended by consenting to act as guide to the two comrades . His leg was less stiff than it had been , and they were so fortunate as to secure a loaf of bread at a farmhouse . Nine o'clock was striking from the church of a village in the distance as they resumed their way . The only point where they encountered any danger worth mentioning was at la Chapelle , where they fell directly into the midst of a Prussian advanced post before they were aware of it ; the enemy flew to arms and blazed away into the darkness , while they , throwing themselves on the ground and alternately crawling and running until the fire slackened , ultimately regained the shelter of the trees . After that they kept to the woods , observing the utmost vigilance . At a bend in the road , they crept up behind an out-lying picket and , leaping on his back , buried a knife in his throat .