In truth, a deepening noise of hoofs and shouts came down the alley from the street.
Lucas looked at me, who had regained my guard and stood, little hurt, between him and M. le Comte. He could not push past me into the house and so through to the other street. He made for the alley, crying out:
"Au revoir, messieurs! We shall meet again."
Grammont seized him.
"Help me, Lucas, for the love of Christ! Don't leave me, Lucas!"
Lucas beat him off with the sword.
"Every man for himself!" he cried, and sprang down the alley.
"It is not the duke," I said to Yeux-gris. "It is most likely the watch." I paled at the thought, for the watch was the League's, and Lucas by all signs the League's tool. It might go hard with us if captured. "Go through the house, M. le Comte," I cried. "Quick, if you love your life! I'll keep them at the alley's mouth as long as I can."
Not waiting for his answer, I rushed down the passage. At the end of it I ran against Lucas, who, in his turn, had bowled into Vigo.