The vehicle rolled at full speed down the slope.
On arriving at a vaulted way leading to the bridge and passing under the Revenue Tower, one of the doors was seen closed. They got it open but two or three wagons were in the way.
"Lend me a hand, gentlemen," cried Isidore, dismounting.
Just then they heard the bells boom and a drum beat. Drouet was hard at work!
"The scamp! if ever I lay hold of him—" growled Isidore, grinding his teeth. By an incredible effort he dragged one of the carts aside while Malden and Valory drew off the other. They tugged at the last as the coach thundered under the vault.
Suddenly through the uprights of the tilt, they saw several musket barrels thrust upon the cart.
"Not a step or you are dead men!" shouted a voice.
"Gentlemen," interposed the King, looking out of the window, "do not try to force your way through—I order you."
The two officers and Isidore fell back a step.
"What do they mean to do?" asked the King.