As he spoke, he pointed to the little group in the centre of the soldiers who were making their way along the road from Ceyzeriat to Bourg.
"I am glad to see that no harm has befallen you, M.de Montrevel," said the young man, with great courtesy; "I assure you it gives me much happiness." And spurring his horse, he was beside the soldiers and gendarmes in a few strides.

"Pardon me, gentlemen," he said, springing from his horse, "I claim a place among my three friends, the Vicomte de Jayat, the Comte de Valensolle, and the Marquis de Ribier." The three prisoners gave a cry of admiration and held out their hands to their friend.

The two wounded men lifted themselves up on their litters, and murmured: "Well done, Sainte-Hermine, well done!" "I do believe, God help me!" cried Roland, "that those brigands will have the nobler side of the affair!".