Do I go straight along the road ?" "Yes, sir, nine miles hence you will see the chateau on an eminence a mile away to the right." Followed by his troopers and Paolo, Hector dashed off at full speed.

In three quarters of an hour, at a turn of the road, they caught sight of the chateau.

Flames were pouring through most of the windows.
"Now, lads," he said to the men, "we have got long odds to face, but there is a lady to be rescued, and if any men can accomplish it we will." The chateau was partly castellated, the new portion having been built against what had formerly been a small castle.

On its summit a flag was still flying.

Riding on at the top of their speed they soon saw a number of men swarming round a gate which opened into the older portion of the building.
"Put your pistols in your belts, lads.