"Yes, and without leaving tracks," replied Bonneville, striking the ground, which was hard and rocky.
"Now all we want to know is which way to go," said Petit-Pierre.
"As we have, I believe, thrown those who are after us off the scent, we can now go whichever way you think best," replied Bonneville.
"You know that to-morrow night I have a rendezvous at La Cloutière with our friends from Paris."
"We can get to La Cloutière from here almost without leaving the woods, where we are safer than we should be in the open. We can take a path I know of to the forest of Touvois and the Grandes-Landes, to the west of which is La Cloutière; only, it is impossible for us to get there to-day."
"Why not?"
"Because we should have to make a number of detours, which would take us at least six hours; and that is very much more than you have strength for."
Petit-Pierre stamped his foot impatiently.
"I know a farmhouse," continued Bonneville, "about three miles this side of La Benaste, where we should be welcome, and where you could rest awhile before doing the remainder of the way."
"Very good," said Petit-Pierre; "then let us start at once. Which way?"