rron shall make a
song about it. How they will laugh when I explain that we are going to
Aunay and not to prison!"

During this conversation Marie, had remained silent, but now in a low
voice she asked, "Are there many, Albert?"

"A score, perhaps," I replied; "but do not be alarmed. As your aunt
says, they will probably regard the venture as a rich joke. Now I must
go to my men," and I ordered the coachman to drive on rapidly.

The six troopers rode three abreast behind the coach, which rattled
along swiftly, while the sergeant and I followed. Each instant brought
our pursuers nearer, and it soon became evident that they were able to
ride us down.

"Pardon, monsieur," said the sergeant, "but if there is to be a fight
we had better get it over. At present we are only spoiling our horses."

"True," I replied, and called on the troopers to halt.

The cavaliers were advancing at a gallop. Foremost of the throng rode
my cousin Henri and Baron Maubranne, while close in their rear pressed
Peleton, and half a dozen horsemen with whose features I was
unacquainted. Behind these again came several men whom I had met at
Perret's--Armand d'Arcy, Lautrec, and finally, Raoul.

The sword trembled in my hand, and my heart sank on recognising Raoul.
How could I fight against the staunch comrade who had always been
dearer to me than a brother? It was impossible. For the sake of our
friendship I must endeavour to avert a struggle.

The Frondeurs, I gladly believe, would have listened to reason but for
Peleton and Baron Maubranne, who, with raised swords, rushed at me,
yelling "Down with the _Mazarin_!"

In self-defence I was compelled to parry their blows, and Peleton,
lunging rather wildly, received the point of my sword in his chest. At
this the cavaliers, headed by Maubranne, charged us in a body, but my
troopers withstood the shock manfully, and the baron rolled to the
ground.

At the first clash of swords all thoughts of peace took wing; the
intoxication of the fight got into our blood, and made us reckless.
Spurring into the throng, I called on my men, who attacked with such
zest that the cavaliers began to give way.

Henri, however, quickly rallied them; the fight was renewed with
increased fury, and the air was filled with the clatter of steel and
the shouts of the combatants.

[Illustration: "The air was filled with the clatter of steel."]

The old sergeant had not praised his men without cause. They we