Certain of recovering the trail again, Roland retraced his steps.

The two riders had separated at a road leading off to Vannes; one had taken that road, the other had skirted the village, which, as we have said, was on the road to Bourg.

This was the one to follow; besides, the gait of the horse made it easier, as it could not be confused with any other.

Moreover, he was on his way to Bourg, and between Neuville and Bourg there was but one other village, that of Saint-Denis.

For the rest, it was not probable that the solitary rider intended to go further than Bourg.
Roland continued on his way with more eagerness than ever, convinced that he was nearing the end.