Now and then he watched the turbid waters of the Rhone as they swept past him, and envied the rapidity of the current, wishing he could speed on as swiftly. But the shades of night had fallen, the mountains were shrouded, and the beauties of the banks were obscured before he approached Ampuis. Still, any object on the darkling river was discernible. For some little time he had lost sight of the detachment on the opposite bank--the men having been forced to go inland on account of rocks and other obstacles which they encountered in their course---and he looked anxiously for their reappearance. XVI. THE ROCK. IN THE RHONE. |Having conducted Warthy thus far, we will now see what had become of the fugitives. Aided by Hugues, whose intimate acquaintance with the country was of the utmost service, Bourbon and his companion had managed to steal out of the thicket in which they had secreted themselves, and passing through a long ravine, had crossed the chain of mountains lying between them and the valley of the Rhone, and had descended the vine-clad slopes bordering the noble river. They did not, however, make for Vienne--Hugues having ascertained from a peasant that the bridge was strictly guarded--but proceeded at once to Ampuis, where they hoped to cross by the ferry. Bourbon now proposed that Hugues should leave him, but the faithful fellow begged so earnestly to be allowed to go on, that at last the Constable assented. At Ampuis, which was then, as now, renowned for its delicious wine, known as Côte Rôtie, they alighted at an auberge close by the river, and obtained some refreshment, of which they stood greatly in need, together with a flask or two of generous wine. Here they left the horses, the poor brutes being too jaded to proceed farther, and renovated by the repast, hastened to the ferry, which was at no great distance from the inn. The ferryboat, it may be mentioned, was not rowed across the river, but being fastened by a rope to a rock in the middle of the stream, swung to and fro, like a flying-bridge. At this juncture it was chained to a post on the river-side--no passengers just then requiring to cross. When the party approached the ferryman, it was so dark that he could not distinguish them very dearly. But he looked hard at Bourbon, and showed by his manner that his suspicions were awakened. “We want to cross the river instantly, friend,” said Pomperant. “What am I to have?” inquired the ferryman. “A gold crown,” replied Pomperant, without hesitation. “That's not enough,” said the ferryman. “I ought to have ten gold crowns at the least.” “Well, you shall have them--but be quick,” said Pomperant. “A moment, and I'll be with you,” said the ferryman, running towards the inn. “We are discovered!” cried Bourbon. “The villain has gone for assistance. Ha! what is that?” he added, as the trampling of horses was heard. As he looked anxiously in the direction, Warthy and his men came in sight.