I could see that Fronsac relished it too, though the blood in his cheek may have come from happiness. The guard still watched between us to prevent our talking, while the others sat before the fire, crunching their bread and meat. A sorry-looking lot they were, gathered, doubtless, from the banditti who infested the mountains--Spaniards most of them, swarthy and dirty, with countenances where one might search in vain for a trace of kindliness. Yet sitting there I caught a glimpse of the joy they got from life--a hard day’s march or stirring fight, and then, after it, a snug seat close before a good fire, with bread and meat, and, oh! such hunger to relish it! The women I saw nothing of, and I thanked fortune that they had a place apart in which to pass the night. But it was evidently here that we were to sleep, for some of the men had already rolled themselves in their cloaks and lay down against the wall, a saddle for pillow, prepared to spend the night with what comfort they could. Not one of them, except the guard between us, seemed to give us the slightest heed, and for the first time since I had awakened with the water of the river in my ears the thought of escape came to me. With only one man to deal with, it would not be a difficult thing, provided he could be silenced without awaking any of the others. At least, it was worth thinking over. I got slowly to my feet, stretched my arms, and yawned. Then I took a step towards the door, but the sentry stopped me. “You will remain here, Monsieur,” he said. “But I am weary,” I protested. “Where am I to spend the night?” He grinned and pointed back at the corner. “You will spend it there,” he said. “But here comes Drouet, whose business it is to look after you.” As he spoke the fellow who had ridden at my right all evening entered, and with him another whom I remembered having seen with Fronsac. They came direct to us, spread their cloaks before the fire, and Drouet motioned me to seat myself on his. “As I am responsible for your continuance with us, Monsieur,” he said, sitting down beside me, “we must take a few precautions.” “Very well,” I said. “Do whatever you think needful.” Without more words he produced some pieces of rope. With one of these he bound my right ankle to his left one, and then the guard came forward and bound our wrists together. “I think that will do,” he said. “I advise you not to endeavor to get them loose, Monsieur, for I sleep lightly. Besides, M. le Duc cautioned me not to hesitate to kill you should you attempt escape.” “I shall attempt to do nothing but go to sleep,” I answered, yawning, and we lay down together. I saw that Fronsac watched all this keenly, and I knew that he too was thinking of flight. His guard sat down beside him, as mine had done.