Castelnau and those who remained with him followed Jacques de Savoie to Amboise, trusting and tranquil.
But upon their arrival they were at once lodged in prison. There they were to remain, so they were informed, until the affray was at an end, and there was no longer any danger to be apprehended in allowing them access to the king.
CHAPTER XXVI
THE FOREST OF CHÂTEAU-REGNAULT
The forest of Château-Régnault was fortunately only about a league and a half distant from Noizai. Gabriel urged his horse thither at a gallop; but after he had reached the spot, he rode about in every direction for more than an hour without falling in with any party, either of friends or foes.
At last he thought he distinguished the regular gallop of cavalry beyond a bend in the path he was pursuing; but they could not be Huguenots, for they were laughing and talking, while the Huguenots were too vitally concerned to conceal their movements not to preserve most complete silence.
"No matter!" thought Gabriel; and he hurried on, and soon came upon the red scarfs of the king's troops.
As he made his way toward their leader he recognized him, and was recognized by him.
It was Baron de Pardaillan,—a gallant young officer who had made the Italian campaign with him under Monsieur de Guise.
"Ah, it is the Comte de Montgommery!" cried Pardaillan. "I thought you were at Noizai, Count."