Again I pointed, this time to
the boat.
"Over the hedge, Michelot!" I cried. "We must ride in a straight line for
the water and so intercept them. Follow me."
Over the hedge we went, and down the gentle slope at as round a pace as the
soft ground would with safety allow. I had reckoned upon being opposed to
six or even eight men, whereas there were but four, one of whom I knew was
hardly to be reckoned. Doubtless St. Auban had imagined himself safe from
pursuit when he left two of his bravos with the horses, probably to take
them on to Meung, and there cross with them and rejoin him. Two more, I
doubted not, were those seated at the oars.
I laughed to myself as I took in all this, but, even as I laughed, those in
the field stood still, and sent up a shout that told me we had been
perceived.
"On, Michelot, on!" I shouted, spurring my horse forward. Then, in answer
to their master's call, the two ruffians who had been doing duty as grooms
came pounding into the field.
"Ride to meet them, Michelot!" I cried. Obediently he wheeled to the left,
and I caught the swish of his sword as it left the scabbard.
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