Conductor! that fifty thousand francs, and quickly too!" Two shots from the interior made answer for the officers, who, after vainly shaking the doors, were still more fruitlessly attempting to force themselves through the windows.

No doubt one of their shots took effect, for a cry of rage was heard and a flash illuminated the road.
The colonel gave a sigh, and fell back against Roland.

He was killed outright.
Roland fired again, but no one replied to him.

His pistols were both discharged; locked in as he was he could not use his sabre, and he howled with rage.
Meantime the conductor was forced, with a pistol at his throat, to give up the money.

Two men took the bags containing the fifty thousand francs, and fastened them on Montbar's horse, which his groom had brought ready saddled and bridled, as if to a meet.