"Seth!" Richard exclaimed.
"Look! there are two more running to the attack. This is a time to waive ceremony and be gone. To horse, Master Richard!"
The keen-eyed man, who had been powerless being without a sword, now caught up the weapon which the fallen man had dropped.
"There's another pistol shot if you move," cried Seth, with one foot in the stirrup.
It is doubtful whether the threat would have stopped him, but the two men suddenly running towards him through the trees did. He knew them and they were not expected.
Barrington and Seth seized the opportunity, and putting spurs to their horses were riding towards the head of the valley which led down to the frontier. They broke into a gallop as soon as they reached the road, and for some time neither of them spoke.
"Had we waited the whole of Beauvais would have been upon us. All's fair in war."
"And in love, they say," Barrington added.
A low growl expressed Seth's opinion on this point.
"Right, Seth, right," was the bitter answer. "I have had my lesson, and enough of women for a lifetime. You have your wish. We ride alone to Paris."