Now, who has played us this little trick ?" "Who could it be but that rogue Jacques! He has had the horses in his charge.

By my faith, he shall know what the strappado means when I see Versailles again." "But why should he do it ?" "Ah, he has been set on to it.

He has been a tool in the hands of those who wished to hinder our journey." "Very like.

But they must have had some reason behind.

They knew well that to cut our straps would not prevent us from reaching Paris, since we could ride bareback, or, for that matter, could run it if need be." "They hoped to break our necks." "One neck they might break, but scarce those of two, since the fate of the one would warn the other." "Well, then, what do you think that they meant ?" cried De Catinat impatiently.