I will give them seven hours.

At three in the morning, we will mount.

There are not beds enough here, but if you get some clean straw scattered down in one of the sheds, the men can lie there.

In the meantime, I will go round and hire fresh horses, leaving your own in pledge for their safe return.
"You had better pick out two of your men to ride on to Moulins.
The mayor there promised to send out a cart, to fetch in any wounded who might be found at the scene of the conflict.

If, on their arrival, they find that Monsieur de la Vallee is not among these, they must ride on till they get there--it is some three leagues from the town--and bring in his body, together with those of his servants.