I went to take a stand opposite the portal, and I undertook to finish a general view of the ruin, a water-color, which, I feel, is certain to secure the approbation of the minister.
I was deeply absorbed in my work, when I suddenly fancied I could hear more distinctly than usual that sound of running horses which, since my misadventure, was forever haunting my ears.

I turned around sharply, and I discovered the enemy within two hundred paces of me.

This time, he was attired in plain clothes, being apparently equipped for an ordinary ride; he had obtained, since the previous day, several recruits of both sexes, and now really formed an imposing body.

Though long prepared for such an occurrence, I could not help feeling a certain discomfort, and I secretly cursed those indefatigable idlers.

Nevertheless, the thought of retreating never occurred to me; I had lost all taste for flight for the rest of my days.
As the cavalcade drew nearer, I could hear smothered laughter and whisperings, the subject of which was but too evident to me.