Don't you hear the noise of hoofs upon the road ?" De Lescure ran to him, and kneeling down, put his ear to the ground.
"It's a donkey or a mule," said he; "it is not a horse's foot." "Come down the avenue," said Henri, "and let us see who it is.

Whether mule or horse, the beast is going at his full speed." "Better stay where we are," said de Lescure.

"If he be coming to us, his news will reach the house quicker than by our going to meet him." The rider grew nearer and nearer, and in a few moments turned up the road leading to the back of the house.

The steps of the tired brute became slower as he trotted up the avenue, although the sound of a cudgel on his ribs were plainly audible.

Henri and de Lescure were standing under the garden wall, and as the animal drew near them, they saw it was a jaded donkey, ridden by a peasant girl.
"Fly, for the sake of God!" said the girl, even before she dismounted from the donkey; "fly for the sake of the blessed Virgin.