The next moment the young man had launched himself into the darkness and was running for his life across the Corraterie in the direction of the Porte Neuve.
He knew that his foes were lying on every side of him, and the cry of "Seize him! Seize him!" went with him, making every step a separate peril.

He could not see a yard, but he was young and fleet and active; and the darkness covering him, the men were confused.

Over more than one black object he bounded like a deer.

Once a man rising in front of him brought him heavily to the ground, but by good fortune it was his foot struck the man, and on the head, and the fellow lay still and let him rise.

A moment later another gripped him, but Claude and he fell together, and the younger man, rolling nimbly sideways, got clear and to his feet again, made for the wall on his right, turned left again, and already thought himself over the threshold of the Porte Neuve.