The battle of the reitres might end abruptly at any moment. They were well mounted and able to follow close upon their prey; but the light gallop of Rosidor and Coquet made little noise on the wet earth, and as the path they were following was constantly intersected by others, the pursuers would have to separate to overtake them.
The first and most essential thing was to gain ground; so the Bois-Dorés thought of nothing at first but throwing the enemy off the scent by plunging at random into that labyrinth of muddy paths, which became blinder and blinder as they approached the valley.
After about ten minutes of hard riding, the marquis drew rein and bade Mario do likewise.
"Halt!" he said, "and open your sharp ears. Are we pursued?"
Mario listened, but the hard breathing of his breathless horse prevented him from hearing well.
He dismounted, walked away a few steps and returned.
"I can hear nothing," he said.
"So much the worse!" said the marquis; "they have finished fighting and they must be thinking of us. Mount again quickly, my boy, and let us ride on. We must succeed in reaching Brilbault, where our friends and servants are."
"No, father, no," said Mario, who was already in the saddle. "There is no one left at Brilbault now. We must ride to Briantes by the cross-road. Oh! please don't hesitate, father, and be sure that I am right. I am perfectly certain of what I say."
Bois-Doré yielded without understanding. It was no time for discussion.