“Ay, tell us that,” said the Constable, emptying his flagon.
“I think he will be taken, because he is rash, and exposes himself to needless risk,” said the old woman, looking hard at Bourbon as she spoke. “He is beset with dangers on all sides. The roads are guarded, and there are soldiers in every town in Dauphiné on the lookout for him. Where is he to go?”
“If he reaches the mountains, he will be safe,” said Bourbon.
“Ah! but he won't reach the mountains if he comes this way,” remarked the hostess.
“Why not?—they are close at hand,” asked Bourbon.
“Because the provost of Vienne, with a powerful guard, is in the neighbourhood, making active search for him,” said the old woman, in a significant tone; “that is why I think he will be captured.”
“She warns me of my danger,” thought Bourbon.
“The provost is coming hither from Eclose,” pursued the hostess. “I wouldn't advise Bourbon to take that road.”
“I don't think it likely he will take it, my good dame,” said the Constable. “Depend upon it, he will go in quite another direction.”
“In which direction can he go?” said the hostess. “I tell you, there are soldiers on every road.”