“I think not, because Rodrigo did not take the trail.”
“Then which way did he go? Quick, please, mademoiselle, which way?”
97“He turned off into that arroyo.”
“Oh, what chance, what luck!” But the boy stopped with his foot in the stirrup. “No, mademoiselle, I can’t leave you!”
“Oh yes you can. I daresay there’s another champion about.” She glanced up at the cliff. “And besides, all danger is past. The donkey caravan is still here, and for company, I have Berthe, of course.”
“Really, mademoiselle?”
“Yes, Michel, really.”
“Good, I’m off! But we will meet you at–Dupin just told me–at the next village on this same trail. Now I’m off!” He was indeed. “I say, mademoiselle,” he called back, “I’m glad we left the ship, aren’t you?”
Jacqueline turned hastily her gaze from the cliff. He startled her, expressing her own secret thought.
Chasseur and steed vanished in the ravine, and she smiled. “The God of pleasant fools go with him,” she murmured.