Melun and Montargis were their next halting places.

Desmond was gaining strength rapidly.

His good spirits were returning, and at their evening halt, he had been able to recite the history of his escape from England.

His wound had a less angry appearance, and on the day of their leaving Montargis the horses, at his request, occasionally broke into a trot for a mile or two.
"You are looking paler.

I think the motion is too much for you," Philip said after one of these occasions, when they again settled down to a walking pace.
"I feel a bit tired, Philip, but one must make a beginning, and I shall never get strong unless I begin to use my muscles.