Ten carbines had been discharged at once into the narrow passage.

By their light Montbar and his companions recognized the uniform of the gendarmes.
"Fire!" cried Montbar in turn.
Seven or eight shots answered the command.

Again the darkness was illuminated.

Two of the Companions of Jehu lay upon the ground, one killed outright, the other mortally wounded.
"Our retreat is cut off, my friends," cried Montbar.

"To the right-about! If we have a chance, it is through the forest." The movement was executed with the precision of a military manoeuvre.
Montbar, again at the head of his companions, retraced his steps.