"He shall go with you—they care not for him."
At a beck from the duke, Humbert was at his side. "Follow me," said
Rodolph.
But Gilbert lingered a moment to press Father Omehr's hand to his lips, and then the three passed silently, out of the apartment. They soon gained the terrace, where, to his surprise, Gilbert found his own horses that had been tied in the ravine. Bertha had brought them there. The two adventurers were conducted by the duke beyond the castle bounds. The clouds had passed away, and the moon and stars shone brightly.
"Away now!" cried the hero of Hohenburg.
Bidding the noble duke an affectionate farewell, Gilbert and his follower sprang to the saddle and galloped off. But the adventures of the night were not yet over. Hardly had they passed the ravine, before Humbert's quick ear detected the tramp of a horse behind them.
"Faster!" said Gilbert, putting spurs to the somewhat jaded animal he rode.
Faster they went, but the sound came nearer and nearer. Again Gilbert urged on his horse, and again the galled creature bounded forward, but the pursuing sound came faster than they. Humbert looked behind, and by the bright moonlight saw a solitary horseman advancing at a furious pace.
"It is but one man," said he.
"So much the worse!" replied the youth, without checking his speed.
"He must overtake us!" continued Humbert; "he gains at every leap!"