A moment the boat rocked perilously under him; then--for unheeded it had been drifting that way--it softly touched the bank on which Carlat stood staring and aghast.
La Tribe's chance was gone; he saw that the steward must reach him before he could succeed in a second attempt.

On the other hand, the undergrowth on the bank was thick, he could touch it with his hand, and if he fled at once he might escape.
He hung an instant irresolute; then, with a look which went to the Countess's heart, he sprang ashore, plunged among the alders, and in a moment was gone.
"After him! After him!" thundered Count Hannibal.

"After him, man!" and Carlat, stumbling down the steep slope and through the rough briars, did his best to obey.

But in vain.

Before he reached the water's edge, the noise of the fugitive's retreat had grown faint.