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Updated: June 11, 2025
So, rising, for it was time now, I softly awoke Pierrebon and mademoiselle, and in a short while we were once more on our way through the low hills that stretched through Lencloître. It was necessary at all hazards that we should get some food, as well for the horses as ourselves, and when we had gone a little way we saw Razines lying to our left.
"Supper and a guide," began Pierrebon; but dismounting I put him aside, and said: "We are three travellers, one of whom is a lady. We have lost our way, and seek but a guide to the ford." As I spoke the man on the other side of the gate raised a dark lantern he had hitherto held low in his hand, and flashed it through the opening, whilst he peered at us. "Only three?" he asked.
My first task was to make arrangements for Masses for the soul of the dead Olivet, and for the erection of a small cross to his memory in the Church of Ste. Radegonde. Thus having fulfilled my promise to mademoiselle I spent the next day or so in resting my arm, which grew rapidly better, and in replacing sundry articles of apparel both for Pierrebon and myself.
I said nothing, deeming it wiser to let her be with her thoughts; but as we came to the skirts of the wood I spoke: "Mademoiselle, I promise you that I will see to the Christian burial of your friend." And then she wept unrestrainedly. To tell the truth, I knew not what to do, and Pierrebon kept his head well to the front, looking neither to the right nor to the left.
"Madame, you are lucky to have escaped; but you must tell us of your adventures as we sup," and he moved towards the table. In the meantime Pierrebon, looking well to the right and left, led the horses towards the stables. Every shadow in the winding walk, every recess in the over-grown privet, hid a secret enemy to him.
"Then it was he who arrived last night?" "No; he was brought in by Montluc himself this morning, and it strikes me that he will never see the sun set. He has been taken to the Tour de l'Oiseau where Montluc has just gone, and which we had better reach as soon as possible if we wish to see things." I had to be content with this, and Pierrebon being ready we started off at a smart canter.
This was difficult; but there are circumstances under which men do all but impossible things, and Malsain performed the feat. After this the worthy Pierrebon took a more active part in the binding of Malsain. Still holding the arquebus in one hand he unhitched another bridle from its peg.
It was steady as a rock, and behind the little black muzzle the match burned bravely; whilst behind the match was a red face with two blue eyes that looked as if they meant what their owner said. Malsain let his dagger drop with a clash. Pierrebon then advanced a couple of paces nearer, still holding the arquebus at Malsain's breast. "Now, my friend!
Malsain stooped down with the rapidity of lightning, and began fumbling with the yard or so of trailing rein. He tried to deceive Pierrebon; but the candle gave enough light to see, and Pierrebon was sharp. There was no help for it, and at last it was done, badly done, but enough to utterly cripple Malsain. The final order now came: "Now lie down on your face."
It was useless to follow, though I rode a few yards after him, and then, restraining myself, I pulled round and came back. Then I heard a voice thank me, and Pierrebon appeared at my horse's head, as though he had dropped from the clouds, and as I dismounted he burst forth: "Now, praise to St. Hugo of Orrain! We have defeated the bandits."
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