“Our danger is not over, Monsieur,” said Marie Lou, seriously. “If Rakov has spoken of me at the police office, others will follow when these do not return.”
De Richleau nodded. “Mademoiselle is right, we must leave immediately.”
“What of your wounded friend?” she asked.
“We must take him with us,” the Duke replied. “Poor Simon, it will cause him much pain, but it is the only thing to do. I dread to wake him — he has slept soundly through all this.”
Marie Lou shivered slightly. “It is terrible — two wounded men, and no shelter but the woods.”
“Let’s think a bit,” said Rex. “The Duke and I can manage someway. It’s Simon who’s the jamb. Can’t you think of some folks who’d take him in — a lonely farm, maybe. We’d cash up handsome if they’d do it. Then we’d come back and pick him up when he’s able to move round a bit again.”
“I would do it gladly, Monsieur, if it were possible — but it is not. No one would take that risk — it is too dangerous, and I, myself, shall soon be sought for by the police.”
“It is as I feared, Mademoiselle,” De Richleau said, sadly. “We have brought misfortune upon you. After what has happened tonight you are forced to leave your home because of us.”
She shook her head. “No, you are not to blame. I knew quite well the risk I ran — but ever since I can remember I have had a feeling of waiting — waiting for something to happen. I knew that I should not grow to be an old woman among these forest here. It may be that we shall die — it may be the beginning of a new life for me, who can tell — but I am not sorry, I am glad. It is, I think,” she smiled, “the second chapter in the fairy story of the Princess Marie Lou.”
“I think you’re just marvellous,” Rex grinned. “Things aren’t so almighty wonderful with us at the moment — but they might be a darn sight worse. We’ll get out of this jamb yet — someway!”