Thereafter we rode without interruption through Longjumeau, Arpajon, and Etrechy, and so well did we use our horses that as night fell we reached Etampes.
From inquiries that Michelot had made on the road, we learned that no troop such as that which rode with St.Auban had lately passed that way, so that 't was clear we were in front of them.
But scarce had we finished supper in the little room which I had hired at the Gros Paon, when, from below, a stamping of hoofs, the jangle of arms, and the shouts of many men told me that we were overtaken.
Clearly I did not burn with a desire to linger, but rather it seemed to me that although night had closed in, black and moonless, we must set out again, and push on to Monnerville, albeit our beasts were worn and the distance a good three leagues.
With due precaution we effected our departure, and thereafter had a spur been needed to speed us on our way that spur we had in the knowledge that St.Auban came close upon our heels.

At Monnerville we slept, and next morning we were early afoot; by four o'clock in the afternoon we had reached Orleans, whence--with fresh horses--we pursued our journey as far as Meung, where we lay that night.
There we were joined by a sturdy rascal whom Michelot enlisted into my service, seeing that not only did my means allow, but the enterprise upon which I went might perchance demand another body servant.

This recruit was a swart, powerfully built man of about my own age; trusty, and a lover of hard knocks, as Michelot--who had long counted him among his friends--assured me.

He owned the euphonious name of Abdon.
I spent twenty pistoles in suitable raiment and a horse for him, and as we left Meung next day the knave cut a brave enough figure that added not a little to my importance to have at my heels.
This, however, so retarded our departure, that night had fallen by the time we reached Blois.

Still our journey had been a passing swift one.
We had left Paris on a Monday, the fourth of June--I have good cause to remember, since on that day I entered both upon my thirty-second year and my altered fortunes; on the evening of Wednesday we reached Blois, having covered a distance of forty-three leagues in less than three days.
Bidding Michelot carry my valise to the hostelry of the Vigne d'Or, and there await my coming, I called to Abdon to attend me, and rode on, jaded and travel-stained though I was, to Canaples, realising fully that there was no time to lose.
Old Guilbert, who came in answer to my knock at the door of the chateau, looked askance when he beheld me, and when I bade him carry my compliments to the Chevalier, with the message that I desired immediate speech of him on a matter of the gravest moment, he shook his grey head and protested that it would be futile to obey me.