Down the road marched now a numerous company from which--to judge by their odd appearance--the players at bowls had been drawn.

They numbered close upon threescore, and in the centre of them came a great lumbering vehicle, which puzzled La Boulaye.

He drew away from the door and posted himself at the window, so that unobserved he might ascertain what was toward.

Into the courtyard came that company, pele-mele, an odd mixture of rags and gauds, yet a very lusty party, vigorous of limb and loud of voice.

With them came the coach, and there was such a press about the gates that La Boulaye looked to see some of them crushed to death.