they cannot long resist; even now the place may have been captured. I
broke my way through, and, hearing that there were troops in this
direction, I have galloped at full speed to implore your aid."

"How far is it?"

"About ten miles."

"You hear, de Mieville; bring the men on with all speed. I will
gallop forward with my troopers and do what I can. Do I go straight
along the road?"

"Yes, sir, nine miles hence you will see the chateau on an eminence
a mile away to the right."

Followed by his troopers and Paolo, Hector dashed off at full speed.
In three quarters of an hour, at a turn of the road, they caught
sight of the chateau. Flames were pouring through most of the
windows.

"Now, lads," he said to the men, "we have got long odds to face,
but there is a lady to be rescued, and if any men can accomplish
it we will."

The chateau was partly castellated, the new portion having been
built against what had formerly been a small castle. On its summit
a flag was still flying. Riding on at the top of their speed they
soon saw a number of men swarming round a gate which opened into
the older portion of the building.