The females having likewise retired, Benoit and Hugues drew near the fire, and fell fast asleep, but they were speedily roused from their slumbers by the fierce barking of the dogs. Both started to their feet in great alarm, as the trampling of horses, mingled with the clank of arms, was heard outside, and left no doubt that a troop of cavalry was at hand. Without a moment's delay, Benoit extinguished the lamp which unluckily had been left burning on the table, and rushed up the staircase to warn the fugitives. In another minute a loud knocking was heard at the door, and an authoritative voice demanded immediate admittance. Hugues, however, made no reply, but reconnoitring the party through the window, perceived that it consisted of some twenty mounted men-at-arms, whose leader was knocking against the door with the handle of his sword. “Unfasten the door instantly, I say,” cried this personage, “or my men shall burst it open. Some one must be astir, for a light has just been extinguished.” “I knew that cursed light had betrayed us,” groaned Hugues. “If the saints do not help us now, Bourbon will certainly be captured!” Just then the creaking of a window on the upper floor was heard, and a voice, which Hugues recognised as that of the miller, called out, “Who are you, and what is the meaning of this disturbance?” “I am the Seigneur Perot de Warthy,” returned the officer. “I am in quest of the traitor and rebel, Charles de Bourbon. I have tracked him to this neighbourhood, and shall search the house to see if he is concealed within it.” “Mercy on us! what is to be done?” ejaculated Hugues. “You must look for the Constable de Bourbon elsewhere,” replied Benoit, in a surly tone. “You won't find him here.” “I am by no means sure of that,” rejoined Warthy. “Are you the miller?” “I am Benoit, the miller, at your service.” “Then listen to me, Maître Benoit,” continued Warthy, “and give heed to what I say. By harbouring Bourbon you incur the punishment of death, and if he is concealed within your house, and you do not at once deliver him up, I will hang you at your own threshold.” “I have nothing to fear on that score,” returned the miller, resolutely. “Bravely answered!” exclaimed Hugues. “My father-in-law that is to be is a true man. But I am afraid his courage will be severely tried anon.” “Are you going to open the door, rascal, or must I break it down?” roared Warthy. “I have been trifled with long enough.” “Have a moment's patience and I will let you in,” returned Benoit. “Be speedy, then,” said Warthy. “Surround the house,” he added to his men, “and see that no one gets out at the back.” The trampling of horses, accompanied by the clanking of arms, proved that this order was promptly obeyed. “Bourbon's only chance is gone,” ejaculated Hugues. As the exclamation was made, the miller, followed by Bourbon and Pomperant, both with their swords drawn, descended to the room. Madelon came down quickly after them.