.

AN UNPLEASANT COMMISSION.
The hunt was over, darkness was falling, and it was now a question of returning to the chateau.

The horses were nearby; they could hear them neighing impatiently.

They seemed to be asking if their courage was so doubted that they were not allowed to share in the exciting drama.
Edouard was bent upon dragging the boar after them, fastening it to the saddle-bow, and so carrying it back to the chateau; but Roland pointed out that it was simpler to send a couple of men for it with a barrow.
Sir John being of the same opinion, Edouard--who never ceased pointing to the wound in the head, and saying, "That's my shot; that's where I aimed"-- Edouard, we say, was forced to yield to the majority.

The three hunters soon reached the spot where their horses were tethered, mounted, and in less than ten minutes were at the Chateau des Noires-Fontaines.
Madame de Montrevel was watching for them on the portico.