Into this St.Auban, Vilmorin, and their bravos will thrust the girl, then away through Blois and beyond it, for a mile or so, in the direction of Meung, thereby misleading any chance pursuers.

There they will quit the coach and take a boat that is to be in waiting for them and which will bear them back with the stream to Chambord.

Thereafter, God pity the poor lady if they get thus far without mishap." "Mort de ma vie!" I cried, slapping my thigh, "I understand!" And to myself I thought of the assignation at St.Sulpice des Reaux, and the reason for this, as also St.Auban's resolution to so suddenly quit Blois, grew of a sudden clear to me.

Also did I recall the riddle touching Vilmorin's conduct which a few moments ago I had puzzled over, and of which methought that I now held the solution.
"What do you understand ?" asked Malpertuis.
"Something that was told me this morning," I made answer, then spoke of gratitude, wherein he cut me short.
"I ask no thanks," he said curtly.

"You owe me none.