“In half an hour at most we can reach the woods of Malincourt, my lord, and the captain will be there with a strong force to meet us.”
“Then we’ll be off at once,” said Gerard; and once more Gabrielle was roused and they set forth.
Misfortune appeared to have dealt her last blow at them for that night, in foiling the attempt to escape; and under Babillon’s guidance they reached the woods of Malincourt without mishap.
“You will come to the maison, Babillon,” said Gabrielle. “You may be in danger in the city, and you have rendered us a service I shall never forget.”
“By your leave, miladi, I will return. Suspicion will not fall my way; but should there be danger I can then seek your protection. Trouble is already in the making in the city, and when the men of Morvaix learn how your ladyship has been treated, I know nothing of their tempers if there be not deep resentment and wrath.”
“A timely thought,” interposed Dubois, overhearing this. “A diversion in the town would help us much at Malincourt.”
“But it might lead to violence and perhaps to bloodshed,” said Gabrielle. “I would not have that on my account.”
“By your leave, I would rather return,” repeated Babillon.
“How shall we thank you?” asked Gerard.
“Miladi’s safety is enough reward for any Morvaix man, my lord,” he answered sturdily, and with that he turned and went.