Jeanne slept in her mistress' room.

Nothing occurred to disturb their rest.
It was evening of the second day, and the shadows again were lying long across the valley, when there came slowly filing into view along the turn of the road the band of returning riders.

At their head was the tall form of Dunwody, the others following, straggling, drooping in their saddles as though from long hours of exertion.

The cavalcade slowly approached and drew up at the front door.

As they dismounted the faces of all showed haggard, worn and stern.
"There has been combat, Madame!" whispered Jeanne.