“Fail not to tell him I will rebuild his mill,” said Bourbon. “Your highness need not trouble yourself on that score,” rejoined Hugues. “Benoit is rich enough to rebuild the mill himself. He will think nothing of the loss, provided your highness escapes.” “We must spur our horses sharply, if we would escape,” cried Pomperant, looking back. “Warthy and his men are better mounted than we are, and are gaining upon us.” “But they won't catch us,” rejoined Hugues. “We shall reach yonder thicket before them, and then we are safe.” “By Saint Denis, it galls me to the quick to fly thus before such caitiffs!” cried Bourbon. “Let us wait for them. That villain Warthy shall pay for his temerity.” “He _shall_ pay for it, but not now,” rejoined Pomperont. “On--on--for Heaven's sake! I implore your highness not to risk your life in a miserable encounter. Consider that a kingdom is at stake.” “Right,” rejoined the Constable. “En avant!” And dashing his spurs rowel-deep into his horse, he galloped swiftly on, the others keeping close beside him. In a few minutes more the party reached the thicket in safety, and, guided by Hugues, plunged unhesitatingly into its depths. XV. VIENNE |All Warthy's efforts to discover the fugitives were fruitless, though he sent half his men into the thicket, and continued himself to skirt it with the others till some hours after daybreak, when he gave up the quest. He did not return to the mill, deeming that Benoit had been sufficiently punished by the destruction of his property, but shaped his course towards Vienne, under the impression that Bourbon would attempt to cross the bridge over the Rhone at that town, and, if so, he might still be able to intercept him. In this expectation he rode on to Rive de Gier, where he halted for a while to recruit both men and horses, and at the same time instituted inquiries as to the fugitives, but could learn nothing of them. Then, crossing a mountainous ridge, in the midst of which towered Mont Pilas, he descended, towards evening, through vine-clad slopes to the lovely valley, through which rushes the broad and impetuous Rhone, hurrying on its way to the Mediterranean. On the farther bank of the river stood the ancient and picturesque town of Vienne--ancient indeed it may well be termed since it existed long before Lyons, and was a flourishing city in the time of the Romans, of whose occupation it still boasts many monuments. Facing the river, which almost washed the steps leading to its grand portal, stood the Cathedral of Saint Maurice--a vast and stately pile. Behind it was grouped a multitude of buildings, remarkable for their quaint and fantastic architecture, in the midst of which rose many a lofty tower, while here and there could be discerned a Roman arch or temple, proclaiming the great antiquity of the place.