"With the risk of tumbling up against one! No, we had better go straight on."
Again they pressed forward in silence. The sounds behind them grew still fainter, but they became aware in a few minutes that the number of their pursuers had increased. There were more voices, distributed over a wider area.
"The regiment has come up, I fancy," said Kenneth. "Very likely some of them will ride round the wood. We're in a tight corner, Remi."
"Hurry on, man. Our one chance is to be first out."
From the continual diminution of the sounds it was plain that the Uhlans were moving with great caution. No doubt they feared an enemy in every bush. The fugitives, on the other hand, pressed on as fast as they could, guarding against a circular course by means of the small compass which Pariset wore in a strap on his wrist.
After a quarter of an hour's hot exertion they came suddenly to the farther edge of the wood. The country immediately in front was open and level, dotted about with single trees and small clumps. In the distance they saw a farmhouse, and still farther away, a picturesque chateau on the side of a hill.
"Shall we make a run for it?" said Kenneth, as they paused a moment before leaving the shelter of the trees.
For answer, Pariset caught him by the sleeve, and drew him back.
"Cut off?" asked Kenneth.
"Yes; a troop of Uhlans are galloping along the edge of the wood away there to the left; nearly a mile away, thank goodness!"