Then he renewed his disguise as a soldier, but this time dispensed with the greater part of his bandages, and set out on his return, in high spirits at having so successfully performed his journey.
He pursued his journey as far back as Blois without the slightest interruption, but here his tramp came to a sudden termination.
Secure in the excellence of his French, Rupert had attempted no disguise as to his face beyond such as was given by a strip of plaister, running from the upper lip to the temple.

He strode gaily along, sometimes walking alone, sometimes joining some other wayfarer, telling every one that he was from Bordeaux, where he had been to see his parents, and get cured of a sabre cut.
As he passed through the town of Blois, Rupert suddenly came upon a group of horsemen.

Saluting as he passed--for in those days in France no one of inferior rank passed one of the upper classes without uncovering--he went steadily on.
"That is a proper looking fellow," one of the party said, looking after him.
"By our Lady," exclaimed another, "I believe I have seen that head and shoulders before.

Yes, I feel sure.
"Gentlemen, we have made a prize.

Unless I am greatly mistaken, this is the villainous Englishman who it is believed aided that malapert young lady to escape." In another moment Rupert was surrounded.