"Started!" I echoed unsurprised, "whither?"
"He did not confide in me," the fellow replied, "and I didn't ask; 'twould have been no use. My orders were to ride for my life, to give you a letter, and afterwards to guide you to a certain place mentioned in the note."
"And who is your employer?"
"I had no orders to tell that; I expect he has written it down here," and the fellow handed me a sealed packet.
As he raised his arm I noticed a hole, apparently made by a bullet, through his cloak.
"What is the meaning of that?" I asked.
"It means," said he grimly, "that had I not received orders to make no delay on my journey, there would have been one rogue less in your part of the world, monsieur."
"You have been attacked on the road?" I said, with a swift glance at Jacques.
"The bullet went a trifle wide," he answered shortly, "but it came close enough for my comfort."
"Well," exclaimed Jacques, "a miss is as good as a mile. Come and have some breakfast, while monsieur reads his letter. Both you and the animal need food and rest."