Marteau heard him coming.

He put the candle down, concealed himself and, as the man came, struck him heavily over the head with the butt of his remaining pistol.

He fell like a log.

Leaving the candle where it was, the young officer, dispossessing his victim of his pistols, entered the hall and, instead of entering the great room by the door by which he had left it, ran along the hall to the main entrance and thus took the remaining brigand in the rear.
This man was one of those who had seized the Countess Laure.

In spite of herself the girl started as the officer appeared in the doorway.
The man felt her start, wheeled, his eyes recognized the officer.