Ere their pursuers had reached the edge of the woods Sir John had been safely lowered into Edgar’s arms, and Peter, in his turn, had successfully clambered down. Bearing their burden between them, the two lads moved quietly away among the trees. Fortunately for them, Sir John had fallen quite silent and lay inert, as though in his weak state the foul air of the tunnel had overcome him. Their escape was effected just in time, for their pursuers were only a few yards away, their presence betrayed by their angry mutterings. "Surround the tree!" they heard Sir Eustace order. "They can scarcely be out so soon, bearing a sick man. Keep in the shadow of the undergrowth, and fall upon them unawares. They are still ours to crush, how and when we will." Filled with a thankfulness too great for words at having safely escaped from a dreadful fate, Edgar and Peter moved softly away until they could feel that they were safe. Then they sank upon the ground, overcome by an exhaustion that their imminent peril had not allowed them to heed until safety was assured. *CHAPTER XV* *Ill News at Bordeaux* After half an hour’s rest Edgar judged it time to make a move. It was clearly dangerous to keep Sir John in the chill night air longer than was absolutely necessary, well wrapped up though he was. The village was little more than half a mile away, and towards this the two lads made their way through the woods, with many a stumble in the darkness. Just as they were beginning to think that they had mistaken the direction in which it lay, they suddenly came upon it. "Shall we make for the innhouse?" enquired Peter. "Nay, let us first seek the priest. It may be that Sir Eustace will think that we have come from the village and will return there. He may send in a messenger or a body of men to intercept us. Let us first seek advice of the priest. I know his house; it lieth on the outskirts, to the south." Struggling on for a few more minutes, the two lads found themselves at last at the priest’s house. It was in darkness, but presently, in response to cautious knocks, a light appeared, and the door was unbolted and opened. "Who seeks Father Armand at this late hour?" he asked. "The two strangers. We are back from Ruthènes and seek thine aid. We have rescued the prisoner, but he is sick and sorely needs attention." "What! Escaped from Ruthènes?" cried the priest, as he stepped quickly outside the house and laid his hand on Edgar’s arm. "Warmly do I felicitate you, for verily ye are the first that ever did so. And hast rescued the prisoner ye sought? Marvel of marvels! But if that is so ’tis dangerous for you to stay here a minute longer. When Sir Eustace finds you have escaped he will lose little time in riding in and searching this village through and through. Come--I will accompany you--ye must return to the woods awhile until ye can ride away in safety."