Shangois had ridden to camp to fetch him back to Bonaventure for two purposes: to secure the five thousand dollars from Ferrol, and to save Nic's sister from marrying a highwayman.

These reasons he would have given to Nic Lavilette, but other ulterior and malicious ideas were in his mind.

He had no fear, no real fear.

His body shrank, but that was because he had been little used to rough riding and to peril.

But he loved this game too, though there was a troop of foes behind him; and as long as they rode behind him he would ride on.
He foresaw a moment when he would stop, slide to the ground, and with his sabre kill one man--or more.