They held a short council on the matter, and in the end Garin bade four of them take him up and carry him in a cloak.

Some two miles back they had passed a house, and thither the corporal now bade them retrace their steps.

They made an odd procession; first went two mounted troopers leading the horses of the others, then the four on foot, carrying the Deputy in a cloak, and lastly, Garin riding in the rear.
In this manner they went back along the dark road, and for close upon a half-hour--for their progress was slow--they trudged along in silence.
At last there was a short exclamation from one of the riders, as half a mile away an illuminated window beamed invitingly.

Encouraged by it, they quickened their steps a little.

But almost at the same time La Boulaye stirred on the cloak, and the men who carried him heard him speak.