Drouet had thus two hours before him, and danger far outstripped safety.

Yet by a strange coincidence death followed Drouet also, and threatened without his being aware of it, the life of him who in his turn (and without _his_ knowledge) threatened the life of his sovereign.
A quarter-master (marechal des logis) of the dragoons shut up in the barracks at Sainte Menehould, had alone found means to mount his horse, and escape the vigilance of the people.

He had learnt from his commanding officer of Drouet's precipitate departure, and, suspecting the cause, he followed him on the road to Varennes, resolved to overtake and kill him; he kept within sight of him, but always at a distance, in order that he might not arouse his suspicions, and with the intention of overtaking and killing him at a favourable opportunity, and at a retired spot.

But Drouet, who had repeatedly looked round to ascertain whether he were pursued, had conjectured his intentions; and, being a native of the country, and knowing every path, he struck into some bye roads, and at last under cover of a wood he escaped from the dragoon and pursued his way to Varennes.
On his arrival at Clermont the king was recognised by Count Charles de Damas, who awaited his arrival at the head of two squadrons.

Without opposing the departure of the carriages, the municipal authorities, whose suspicions had been in some measure aroused by the presence of the troops, ordered the dragoons not to quit the town, and they obeyed these orders.