He had had little
sleep since Tuesday night, and not very much then; and much of the
time had been spent in the saddle, a wearing thing to one so little
accustomed to long rides. Worn as he was, it was unthinkable that
he should go far to-night. He might get as far as Chavagne, perhaps.
But there he must sup and sleep; and what, then, of to-morrow?
Had he but thought of it before, perhaps Aline might have been able
to assist him with the loan of a few louis. His first impulse now
was to follow her to the chateau. But prudence dismissed the
notion. Before he could reach her, he must be seen by servants,
and word of his presence would go forth.
There was no choice for him; he must tramp as far as Chavagne, find
a bed there, and leave to-morrow until it dawned. On the resolve
he set his face in the direction whence he had come. But again he
paused. Chavagne lay on the road to Rennes. To go that way was to
plunge further into danger. He would strike south again. At the
foot of some meadows on this side of the village there was a ferry
that would put him across the river.
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