To be driven forward after this fashion, whether he would or no, to be placed at the back of every base- born man-at-arms, to have no clearer knowledge of what had happened or of what was passing, or of the peril from which they fled, than the women among whom he rode--these things kindled anew the sullen fire of hate.
North of the Loire there had been some excuse for his inaction under insult; he had been in the man's country and power.

But south of the Loire, within forty leagues of Huguenot Niort, must he still suffer, still be supine?
His rage was inflamed by a disappointment he presently underwent.

Looking back as they rode clear of the wooden houses of Ponts de Ce, he missed Tavannes and several of his men; and he wondered if Count Hannibal had remained on his own side of the river.

It seemed possible; and in that event La Tribe and he and Carlat might deal with Badelon and the four who still escorted them.

But when he looked back a minute later, Tavannes was within sight, following the party with a stern face; and not Tavannes only.