"There have been no storms for the past two days.

It must have fallen quite recently, for otherwise the news would have been taken to the nearest commune, whose duty it would be to see at once to its removal." Philip de la Vallee had, as the servant was speaking, glanced at Desmond.

To both, it seemed that this obstacle could scarcely be the result of an accident.
"I will see how large the tree is," the baron said.

"Whatever be its size, it is hard if eight men and four horses cannot drag it off the road." So saying, he cantered forward, followed by the retainer, whose comrade also fell in as they passed him.
"Look to your arquebuses," Philip said to the two men on the box, and at the same time called up Mike and the two men, from behind.
"A tree has fallen across the road," he said to them, "and it is possible that this may be an ambush, and that we may be attacked, so hold yourselves in readiness, look to your pistols, and see that the priming is all right in the pans." Then they went to the door of the carriage.
"It is just possible that we are going to have trouble, Anne," Philip said.

"Remember what I told you last night, and on no account move from your seat, whatever may take place." As he spoke, there was a discharge of firearms in front, and at the same moment a score of horsemen broke from the trees, and rode down upon the carriage.