"Who claims help in the royal name?" challenged a horseman who suddenly galloped into the inn yard and pulled up his reeking steed amid the fighting party.
"Lieutenant Philip de Taverney!" exclaimed Gilbert, sinking back deeper than ever in the carriage corner.
Chon, who let nothing slip her, caught this name.
The young officer of the dauphin's dragoon guards leaped off his horse amid the scene, which was attracting all the villagers. The innkeeper ran up to him imploringly as the saver.
"Officer, this gentleman is trying to take away the horses kept for her Royal Highness," he faltered.
"Gentleman?" queried Philip.
"Yes, this gentleman;" retorted
Jean.
"You mistake, you are mad—or no gentleman," replied the Chevalier of Redcastle.
"My dear lieutenant, you are wrong on both points," said the viscount; "I have my senses, and I am entitled to ride in the royal carriages."