Chicot knew he was safe in the city of Etampes, where he was under the
protection of magistrates who would have arrested the officer
immediately on his complaint. It was the knowledge of this which had
induced the officer to stop his men from firing, and to abstain from
pursuit. Therefore he retired with his soldiers, leaving the two dead
men on the ground after laying their swords by them, that it might seem
as though they had killed each other.

Chicot vainly searched for his former companions, and then determined to
stay for a time in the city; and even, after watching the officer and
his men leave the town, had the audacity to return to the inn. There he
found the host, who had not recovered from his terror, and who watched
him saddling his horse as though he had been a phantom, and never even
asked him for his money.

Then he went and finished his night in the public room at another inn,
among all the drinkers, who were far from thinking that this tall
unknown, who looked so smiling and gracious, had just killed two men.

At break of day he started again, but a prey to anxiety, for although
two attempts had failed, the third might be successful. He determined
when he reached Orleans to send to the king to ask for an escort.

But as the road to Orleans was passed without accident, Chicot began to
think again that it was needless, and that the king would lose his good
opinion of him, and also that an escort would be a great trouble. He
went on, therefore, but his fears began to return as evening advanced.
All at once he heard behind him the galloping of horses, and turning
round he counted seven cavaliers, of whom four had muskets on their
shoulders. They gained rapidly on Chicot, who, seeing flight was