I will despatch a message to my men, bidding them spread themselves as far north as Comiines and as far south as Charlemont.

Should the fugitives have made such a detour as I suggested there will be ample time to take them." La Boulaye still contemned the notion with a fine show of indifference, but Tardivet held to his purpose, and presently despatched the messengers as he had proposed.

At that Caron felt his pulses quickening with anxiety for Mademoiselle.

These astute measures must inevitably result im her capture--for was it not at Roubaix that he had bidden her await him?
There was but one thing to be done, to ride out himself to meet her along the road from Soignies to Oudenarde, and to escort her into France.

She should go ostensibly as his prisoner, and he was confident that not all the brigands of Captain Tardivet would suffice to take her from him.
Accordingly, he announced his intention of resuming his interrupted journey, and ordered his men to saddle and make ready.