Dazzled by the appalling light, and almost deafened by the sharp detonating rattle of the thunder, the little party rode in fear and trembling till their guide stopped them with a motion of his hand, and indicating an almost invisible avenue that forked from the road they were following, exclaimed, "V'là, m'sieurs!"
"Ask him how far it is to the Count's hunting-lodge!" exclaimed Raymond.
"He says 'not far.'"
"Certes, I am as wise as before. Ask him again." The man mumbled something unintelligible, then held up two fingers.
"A murrain on his thick-headedness; fair Sir, I cannot rightly tell what he doth mean."
"Then be cautious. Remember, directly we catch sight of the place, one man remains with the guide and the rest follow me!"
The path was too narrow for two to ride abreast, so they proceeded in single file, the guide leading, with a soldier, leaning over his crupper to give the necessary length of chain, following closely behind and through the avenue, so dense that even the lightning almost failed to illumine, Raymond's party rode on their desperate errand.
[CHAPTER XV]
TRAPPED!
BEFORE the raiders had proceeded very far a short exclamation from one of the men-at-arms caused them to pull up sharply.
"What's amiss?" demanded Raymond in a whisper.