It was true that the coast lay before them, but this cave would be hard to find if they had gone out of their path in approaching it.
Had it not been for the moonlight they would have despaired. As it was, they gazed around in bewilderment and anxiety. Behind them lay the forest. Beyond that—Varenac.
Ah! what was happening at Varenac? Another question to torment them!
Again, it was possible that the others had already reached the cave. If so, in what apprehension they would be waiting!
At any rate they must press forward. Enemies might overtake them at any moment. The persuasions of Floessel or his fellows might again incite the peasants to pursue them, and they had walked but slowly.
Hark! Listen! The muffled thud, thud, of horse-hoofs coming from the left.
The wind had dropped and mists were gathering again. They could not pierce those dark shadows, strain their eyes as they might.
Yet horsemen were coming towards them across the moors.
Could it be those who had gone to Varenac?
It seemed impossible, since they came from the direction of Kérnak.