"Yesterday? There was sunlight when we came upon the clearing, and——"
"That was the day before," Lemasle answered. "'Twixt fainting and sleeping you've lost full twice round the clock."
"Tell me," said Herrick.
"Have you all your wits?" Lemasle asked.
"Yes; and strength returning slowly. Let me lie here and listen."
"You remember how we dashed forward when the scoundrels began to creep up behind us?"
"Yes; and we were stopped from following you."
"For a time we were unconscious of that," said Lemasle. "There were galloping horses behind us, and without looking back I shouted to encourage you. When I did glance behind, I saw that we were pursued, but of you I saw nothing. I bade Mademoiselle ride on, and then I turned, firing upon those that followed. Faith, playing the traitor breeds cowardice in a man. There were four of them, yet they halted. If they wanted to make an end of me, now was their opportunity, I cried, and they hung back like curs from the challenge. One man I hit, his hand went suddenly to his face, where I think the bullet struck him, and he pitched into the ditch by the roadside, what soul he was possessed of going quickly to its judgment. The rest turned and galloped back the way they had come. Perchance they had no firearms, perhaps they saw that the Duke was not with me, but the laughter I sent after them should have made them fight had they been men. I did not know the country reared such curs as these. So I rode on to Mademoiselle. I would have taken her to safety ere I returned to look for you, since I hold that a man's first duty is toward the woman he has in his keeping, but she would not. Faith, Herrick, I think she still believed you half a traitor, and I did you justice arguing your cause for full an hour as we went carefully among the trees in search of you. But I talk. It is you who should tell me your tale first."
"Finish, captain. I have wit enough to listen, but hardly to talk much yet."
"Is the Duke safe?" asked Lemasle.