In any case, it matters little, for he is a stranger, this fellow, and only here by chance.

Now lead the other to the carriage, and we shall get away before an alarm is given." The two horsemen rode off in pursuit of the fugitive, and De Catinat, still struggling desperately to escape, was dragged down the St.Germain road and thrust into the carriage, which had waited at some distance while these incidents were being enacted.

Three of the horsemen rode ahead, the coachman was curtly ordered to follow them, and De Vivonne, having despatched one of the band with a note to his sister, followed after the coach with the remainder of his desperadoes.
The unfortunate guardsman had now entirely recovered his senses, and found himself with a strap round his ankles, and another round his wrists, a captive inside a moving prison which lumbered heavily along the country road.

He had been stunned by the shock of his fall, and his leg was badly bruised by the weight of his horse; but the cut on his forehead was a mere trifle, and the bleeding had already ceased.
His mind, however, pained him more than his body.

He sank his head into his pinioned hands, and stamped madly with his feet, rocking himself to and fro in his despair.