We do not wish to have the air of fugitives." He understood me, and I was obeyed.

For a half-hour we rode at a more gentle pace.

That was about the time they took to come up with us, still a league or so from Fabriano.

We heard their cantering hoofs crushing the snow, and then a loud imperious voice shouting to us a command to stay.

Instantly we brought up in unconcerned obedience, and they thundered alongside with cries of triumph at having run their prey to earth.
I cast aside my hat, and thrust my motleyed head through the curtains with a jangle of bells, to inquire into the reason of this halt.