"Yes—I have them."
"Then let us start at once."
Caillette, without the smallest hesitation, sprang on Fanfar's horse.
"And you, Bobichel?"
"Don't be troubled about me!"
"Hark!" cried Fanfar.
They listened, and heard distinctly the tread of horses in the distance.
"The police!" said Bobichel.
"They have lost no time, at all events!" And Gudel laughed. "But we have the advantage, and I know a cross-road which will cut off a good bit."
The two horses stepped gingerly out of Schwann's premises, and when once on the high road dashed madly forward. The inn was wrapped in silence and almost in darkness—only one room was lighted, the one where the Marquis sat, impatient and anxious. He, too, heard the horses galloping. His plan had succeeded, then. In a few minutes the house would be surrounded.