“Well, how about the rest?” inquired the earl.
“It’s just this—you must cut and run. Don’t imagine for a moment that such a course of action is discreditable to you; on the contrary, it is most wise and discreet. Of what avail is it seeking to hunt down or bring to justice a parcel of lawless miscreants who lie in ambush? My good fellow, I know what a guerilla war is—have gone through it: they pick you off before you know where you are; and, mind you, they would take a pride in making dogs’ meat of you. No, no, my lord, we won’t risk that, and to remain here to be a mark for sharp-shooting—why, it would be madness. They have sworn to have your life.”
“Have they?”
“Do you doubt it?”
“I don’t know what to say—am in perfect ignorance of their movements.”
“I think you have already had proof sufficient. I tell you that they lie concealed in all parts. The first question that occurs to me is, how you are to reach your chateau in safety.”
“I will ride there.”
“You will do no such thing.”
“Why not?”
“Because I won’t let you—that’s why.”