for the sound of hoofs, though still
audible, became more faint and indistinct.

I could have cried aloud in joyful triumph as my gallant horse flew out
from the narrow pass on to the broad road. My pursuers were now far in
the rear, and I had a moment to think. Whoever they were, they knew I
had come from Le Blanc, and would expect me to return there. My best
plan was to let them pass, and then go back in search of Jacques. Even
to save my own life I must not desert my trusty servant.

In a few seconds I had formed my plan, and acted upon it. Leaving the
highroad, I struck into the open country, and dismounting, concealed my
horse in a hollow. Several minutes passed before the two horsemen came
galloping by, evidently bent on following me to Le Blanc.

As soon as they had gone out of hearing, I mounted again and returned
quickly but cautiously to the spot where the startling struggle had
taken place. Casimir still lay where he had fallen, by the side of his
horse. The second animal had disappeared, but its rider was huddled
against the wall groaning, and talking as if in delirium.

"It was not my fault, monsieur," he was saying, "Casimir bungled it; he
struck too soon."

His head had evidently been dashed with great violence against the wall
and I could do little for him. Besides, there was my servant to be
considered. Tying my horse securely, I advanced to the edge of the
slope, and cried aloud, "Jacques! Jacques!"

There was no answer, and my heart sank as I thought how likely it was
that the poor fellow lay there dead, killed by the terrible fall. I
found the spot where his horse had slipped, and groped my way down,
still calling his name. And at last I heard a feeble "I am here,
monsieur!"

"Where?" I cried, "where?" and, guided by the sound of his voice, I made
my way toward him.

He was half lying, half sitting at the foot of a chestnut tree, and at
my approach he struggled to his feet.

"I am coming round, monsieur," he said in a whisper, "I must have been
stunned. I do not know what happened; I think I must have been thrown
against a tree."

"Sit down," I commanded, "and rest while I find the horse and get your
pistols; they may be useful."

The poor beast had rolled to the bottom of the slope, and was, of
course, quite dead; so I removed the pistols and returned to Jacques
hastily.

"We were trapped, monsieur," he whispered.

"Yes," I agreed, "but we can talk of that later. The question now i