Walking briskly to and fro in order to keep myself warm, I listened
intently for the sound of hoofs. Perhaps three hours had passed--the
time seemed an age--when clambering softly from the gully and advancing
to the roadside I stretched myself flat on the grass. Two horsemen were
approaching slowly, and their animals were jaded and leg-weary.

They came close to me at a walking pace; I could dimly distinguish their
figures as they leaned forward; they were level with me, one so close
that I could have shot him dead with my eyes shut; but it was horrible
to think of slaying a fellow creature in cold blood, and I let them
pass. Slowly and painfully they proceeded until at length they reached
the narrow road.

Returning to the hollow I wakened Jacques, and, telling him of the two
ruffians' return, advised that we should proceed.

"Very good, monsieur," he said at once, "I am at your service."

CHAPTER XXI

I Save Cordel's Life

Leading the horse to the road I helped Jacques to mount, for in spite of
his bold words he was still very weak, and then walked along by his
side. The night was passing, though it was not yet light, but as the
road stretched straight ahead of us for several miles we could not
mistake the way.

I walked at a smart pace, but rather with the idea of reaching some
place of shelter than from any fear of danger. Our pursuers had
abandoned the chase, and for a while, at least, were unlikely to renew
it. They were too tired for a fresh pursuit, and their animals were worn
out.

Jacques being still wrapped in my cloak, I was able to walk briskly, and
this prevented me from feeling the cold. Mile after mile I trudged
along, and as we proceeded the haze of darkness lifted, and dawn began
to glimmer in the eastern sky.

Save for ourselves the road was deserted; the country around seemed
dead; not a hamlet, not even a house appeared in sight. Everything was
gloomy and depressing; the very rays of the sun were cold and
cheerless, and the bare trees added only another dreary feature to the
landscape.

Several times Jacques begged earnestly that we should change places,
but, knowing this would make the pace slower, I insisted on his keeping
his seat.

"We will stop at the first inn," I said, "have some food and a rest, and
procure another horse."

About eight o'clock we entered the street of a village and drew up
before the door of the inn. Jacques dismounted, the ostler led the
animal awa