The rabble shrank from the collision, and fled aside.

Quick as thought the riders swerved; and changing their course, galloped through the looser part of the throng, and in a trice drew rein side by side with us, a laugh and a jeer on their reckless lips.
It was neatly done: and while it was being done the Vidame and his knot of men, with those who had been searching the building, hurried down the gallery towards us, their rear cleared for the moment by the troopers' feint.

The dismounted men came bundling down the steps, their eyes aglow with the war-fire, and got horses as they could.
Among them I lost sight of Louis, but perceived him presently, pale and bewildered, mounted behind a trooper.

A man sprang up before each of us too, greeting our appearance merely by a grunt of surprise.

For it was no time to ask or answer.