For two days and nights the weary fugitives continued their journey, subsisting on roots and turnips, for the countryside had been swept by a party of marauders, so that not a farm nor a cottage had escaped destruction by fire.
Oswald's wound, also, began to cause great anxiety, for the lack of rest and proper attention had aggravated the injury. But in spite of the great disadvantages under which they laboured, the lads manfully pursued their way, till they were rewarded by the sight of the Castle of Taillemartel.
Encouraged by the prospect of a safe ending of their tribulations, the fugitives quickened their pace, till Geoffrey suddenly came to a halt.
"Do I see aright, Oswald?" he exclaimed. "Behold the banner over the keep."
Oswald shaded his eyes and looked, and as he did so a look of dismay passed over his face. For in place of the mullet and the three stars of the Lysles floated the black eagle of De Chargné—one of the most powerful adherents to the Orleanist cause.
CHAPTER XIV
HOW ARNOLD GRIPWELL WAS FREED FROM HIS
BONDS
Aghast at the disconcerting discovery that the Castle of Taillemartel was in hostile hands, the lads stood in dire perplexity. The one refuge on French soil which they had relied upon was now denied them.
"What hath befallen Sir Oliver, thy father?" asked Oswald at length. "Surely, had he gained the castle he would have held it against all odds."
"I cannot say," replied Geoffrey. "But, unless we wish to find ourselves behind iron bars once more, it behoves us to give Taillemartel a wide berth."