So near capture had they been, however, that over and over again they heard the shouting of the parties who scoured the woods in search of them.
It was the worst feature of their situation that the Marshal de Retz certainly knew of their presence in his territories, and that he would be easily able to guess their errand and take measures to prevent it succeeding.
Their last and most fatal failure had happened several days before, and the first eager burst of the search for them had passed.

But the Scots knew that the enemy was thoroughly alarmed, and that it behoved them to abide very closely within their hiding-place.
The Lord James took worst of all with the uncertainty and confinement.
Any restraint was unsuited to his jovial temper and open-air life.

But for the present, at least, and till they could gain some further information as to the whereabouts of the maidens, it was obvious that they could do no better than remain in their seaside shelter.
Their latest plan was to abide in the cave till the marshal set out again upon one of his frequent journeys.

Then it would be comparatively easy to ascertain by an ambush whether he was taking the captives with him, or if he had left them behind.

If the maids were of his travelling company, the three rescuers would be guided by circumstances and the strength of the escort, as to whether or not they should venture to make an attack.
But if by any unhoped-for chance Margaret and Maud were left behind at Machecoul, it would at least be a more feasible enterprise to attack the fortress during the absence of its master and his men.
Alone among the three Scots Malise faced their predicament with some philosophy.