The questions of father and son were a crossfire, and it must be owned they had good reason for amazement.

Roland, in civilian's dress, on a cavalry horse, at three in the morning, on the road from Bourg to the chateau! The young officer cut short all questions.
"Silence, poachers!" said he, "put that deer behind me and be off at trot to the chateau.

No one must know of my presence there, not even my sister." Roland spoke with military precision, and both men knew that when he gave an order there was no replying.

They picked up the deer, put it behind his saddle, and followed the gentle trot of the horse at a run.
There was less than a mile to do, and it took but ten minutes.

At a short distance from the chateau, Roland pulled up.