None tackled him there, though they followed him up as dogs a boar in the forest; but old Gurdun, the father, ran round the other way to hold the west door.

Richard, having gained the nave and open country (as it were), went swiftly down it, carrying Jehane with ease; he found the strenuous old man before the door.

'Out of my way, De Gurdun,' he cried in a high singing voice, 'or I shall do that which I shall be sorry for.' 'Bloody thief,' shouted old Gurdun, 'add murder to the rest!' Richard stretched his sword arm stiffly and swept him aside.

He tumbled back; the crowd received him--priests, choristers, peasants, knights, all huddled together, baying like dogs.

Count Richard strode down the steps.
'Alavi! Alavia!' sang Gaston, 'this is a swift marriage!' Richard, cooler than circumstances warranted, set Jehane on his saddle, vaulted up behind her, and as his pursuers were tumbling down the steps, cantered over the flags into the street.