My
journey then had been aimless, and I had scarcely known whither I was bound
nor had I fostered any great concern thereon. Now I rode in hot haste with
a determined purpose, a man of altered fortunes and altered character.
Into Choisy we clattered at a brisk pace, but at the sight of the inn of
the Conn?table such memories surged up that I was forced to draw rein and
call for a cup of Anjou, which I drank in the saddle. Thereafter we rode
without interruption through Longjumeau, Arpajon, and Etrechy, and so well
did we use our horses that as night fell we reached ?tampes.
From inquiries that Michelot had made on the road, we learned that no troop
such as that which rode with St. Auban had lately passed that way, so that
't was clear we were in front of them.
But scarce had we finished supper in the little room which I had hired at
the Gros Paon, when, from below, a stamping of hoofs, the jangle of arms,
and the shouts of many men told me that we were overtaken.
Clearly I did not burn with a desire to linger, but rather it seemed to me
that although night had closed in, black and moonless, we must set out
again, and push on to Monnerville, albeit our beasts were worn and the
distance a good three leagues.
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