Should he stop at some inn in the town?
Impossible, he was too well known in Bourg; besides, his horse with its cavalry saddle-cloth would excite suspicion.

It was one of the conditions of success that his presence at Bourg should remain unknown.
He could hide at the Chateau des Noires-Fontaines and keep on the watch, but could he trust the servants?
Michel and Jacques would hold their tongues, Roland was sure of them; but Charlotte, the jailer's daughter, she might gossip.

However, it was three o'clock in the morning, every one was asleep, and the safest plan was certainly to put himself in communication with Michel.

Michel would find some way of concealing his presence.
To the deep regret of his horse, who had no doubt scented a stable, Roland wheeled about and rode off in the direction of Pont-d'Ain.

As he passed the church of Brou he glanced at the barrack of the gendarmes, where, in all probability, they and their captain were sleeping the sleep of the righteous.
Roland cut through the little strip of forest which jutted into the road.