Geoffrey consulted with his comrades for a few moments. They would pass Busigney shortly on their route, they could not leave the man to perish; a decision was soon reached.
"We will take you to Busigney," said Geoffrey; "mount behind me, my horse is strong and will carry two as well as one."
"Heaven bless you, my lord," replied the man, and by the help of the lad Tom he was soon seated behind Geoffrey.
"Forward!" cried Geoffrey, "we have lost valuable time and we must make up for it," and the whole party galloped on at increased speed.
But ere they had gone far the lad in the rear overtook them at a hot pace.
"There is a strong body of cavalry coming up behind us, and in a few moments they will over-take us—they are riding furiously."
Geoffrey called all his party together, still riding onward.
"Which is it, boys," he cried, "fight or flight? The first may be fatal to our mission, the second may fail."
Then the peddler spake—
"If I may venture my advice, gentlemen, you will neither fight nor fly, at least until you know who these men are. A hundred yards ahead there is a deep dell overhung with trees. Under their shelter you may let this band of cavalry pass on, after you have seen them you may take better counsel as to your action."