Here was the end of his search, which had proved futile.

Roland could not bring himself to retreat.

He fancied he was not attacked because of his numerous escort; he therefore left ten men and a torch in the chapel, told them to put themselves in communication, through the ruined window, with the captain of the gendarmerie, who was ambushed in the forest within a few feet of the window, while he himself, with two men, retraced his steps.
This time the two men who followed Roland thought him more than brave, they considered him foolhardy.

But Roland, caring little whether they followed or not, retraced his own steps in default of those of the bandits.

The two men, ashamed, followed him.
Undoubtedly the Chartreuse was deserted.