The plash of oars from the
Marquis's boat was waxing indistinct despite the stillness, whilst by the
eye the boat itself was no longer to be distinguished.
As I turned, my glance fell upon the bravo whom I had shot. He lay stiff
and stark upon his back, his sightless eyes wide open and staring
heavenwards, his face all blood-smeared and ghastly to behold.
Mademoiselle shuddered. "Let us go," she repeated in a faint whisper; her
eye had also fallen on that thing, and her voice was full of awe. She laid
her hand upon my sleeve and 'neath the suasion of her touch I moved away.
To our surprise and joy we found St. Auban's coach where we had left it,
with two saddled horses tethered close by. The others had doubtless been
taken by the coachman and the bravo who had escaped Michelot, both of whom
had fled. These animals we looked upon as the spoils of war, and
accordingly when we set out in the coach,--Mademoiselle having desired me
to ride beside her therein,--Michelot wielding the reins, it was with those
two horses tethered behind.
"Monsieur de Luynes," said my companion softly, "I fear that I have done
you a great injustice.
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