"And you think he would follow us?"
"That is what I feared. He is splendidly mounted, and could easily overtake us; but now," and Jacques laughed, "the case is different."
"Even should he come up with us," I said, "he is but one against two, and we can both handle a sword!"
My companion shrugged his shoulders. "What chance should we have in Saintbreuil, monsieur? A word to a king's officer, and we should either be dead, or in prison."
"Faith," I said laughing, though not with much heartiness, "you draw a lively picture! Once outside these walls, I shall not care to venture into a town again until we reach Tanlay."
"With these horses there should be no need."
The officer of the guard gazed at us suspiciously. "You travel early, monsieur!" he remarked.
"Too early for comfort!" I replied, "but I must reach Nevers before Marshal Tavannes leaves. He does not like idle excuses."
"You are right, monsieur!" replied the man, with an instant change of expression, "one does not play tricks with the marshal. But I did not know he was at Nevers."
"'Tis but a flying visit, I believe."