After this skirmish, we shall find the neighbourhood too hot for us.

It is sure to make a great noise and, at the first gleam of the sun on helm or breast plate, some Catholic or other will hurry off to Toulouse with the news.

In future we had best take some of the men-at-arms with us, when we pay our visits, or we may be caught like rats in a trap." Making a circuit of twenty miles, they approached Merlincourt that evening and, establishing themselves as usual in a wood, remained quiet there next day.

After nightfall D'Arblay rode off, taking with him Francois and five of his own men, and leaving Philip in command of the rest.

The gold and jewels they had gathered had been divided into three portions, and the bags placed in the holsters of the saddles of the three lackeys; as these were less likely to be taken than their masters and, if one were captured, a portion only of the contributions would be lost.