They were not pursued.  The fall of their leader had, for the moment, paralysed the band, and while three or four of them remained by the carriage—­whose last defender had fallen—­the others, dismounting, ran to where the vicomte was lying.

“That has been a tough business, your honour,” Mike said, as he joined his master.  “It is right you were, sir, when you told me that you were afraid that rascal would try and hinder us on our way.  Sure it has been a bad business, altogether.  Monsieur Philip is killed, and the baron, too, I suppose, and all the others, and Miss Anne has fallen into the hands of that villain again.”

“I do not think that the baron has been hurt, Mike.  I expect the orders were only to take him prisoner.”

“Where are we going, your honour?” Mike asked, for they were still galloping at full speed.

“I am going to get into the road again, and try to find help, at Moulins, to recover the young lady.  There is one thing, she is not likely to be molested by that fellow for some little time.”

“Then you did not kill him, your honour?”

“No.  I cut through his guard, but it turned my sword.  But I laid his face open, and it will be some time before he will be fit to show himself to a lady.  If, as I expect, I can get no help at Moulins, I shall ride on to Monsieur de la Vallee’s place, gather some men there, and try to cut the party off before they get to Tulle.  If I am too late, I shall see what I can do to rescue them.  From la Vallee I shall go to Pointdexter.  I have no doubt that we can get together a force, there, large enough to besiege de Tulle’s castle.”

After an hour’s ride, they arrived at Moulins, and Desmond rode at once to the mairie.  Being in uniform, he was received with every respect by the mayor, who, however, on hearing his story, said that he did not see how he could interfere in the matter.  It seemed to be a private quarrel between two nobles, and, even if he were ready to interpose, he had no force available; “but at the same time, he would send out four men, with a cart, to bring in any they might find with life in them.”

“Very well, sir,” Desmond said, indignantly.  “You know your duty, I suppose, and I know mine, and I shall certainly report to the king your refusal to give any assistance to punish these ill doers.”

So saying, he left the room, and at once rode to some stables.  Leaving his horse and Mike’s there, he hired others, and then continued his journey south at full speed, and before evening rode into Roanne.  He knew that it was useless, endeavouring to stir up the authorities here, as they would naturally say that it was the business of the mayors at Nevers and Moulins, since the attack had taken place between those towns.  Ordering fresh horses to be got ready, he said to Mike: 

“Do you go to all the inns on the left of the main street—­I will go to all those on the right—­and enquire if a troop of mounted men have come in.  I am afraid there is no chance of it, but it is at least worth the trial.”