"If we can only get into the mountain road before they reach this one, we shall not meet them," I went on. "Forward, men!"
"But," said Blaise, astonished and frowning, but riding on beside me, "they will reach this road before we pass the junction. Do you wish them to take us in the flank? See, they have seen us and are pressing forward!"
"If we reach our road in time, we shall lead them a chase. Go to the head and set the pace at a gallop!"
"And have them overtake us and fall on our rear?"
"You mutinous rascal, don't you see that they are three times our number?
We stand better chance in flight than in fight! But, no, you are right!
They are too near the junction. We must face them. I shall go to the
head. Julie, my betrothed, I must leave you for a time. Roquelin and
Sabray shall fall behind with you, Jeannotte, and the two boys."
"I shall not leave your side!" she said, resolutely.
"Oh, mademoiselle!" cried Jeannotte, in a great fright.
"You may fall back, if you like," said Julie to her. "I shall not."
All this time we were going forward and the governor's troops were rapidly nearing the junction. We could now plainly hear the noise they made, which, because of that made by ourselves, we had not heard sooner. They were looking at us with curiosity, and were evidently determined to intercept us.
"Julie, consider! There may be great danger."