Chapter 13
Never before has Jacques mistreated the faithful animal beneath him in such a manner. Usually, the slightest touch of his knee is enough to send the brown mare galloping at full speed. But now he lashes her with his riding whip every so often. Pierre and Philip follow closely behind him, chasing up the sandy path towards the neck of the hill.
Jacques does not know how fast Gibbons is moving or how long he has been away from his home. He can only hope that they will catch up to him before he reaches the beach, as many of his accomplices may be waiting for him there. Jacques has already guessed that Gibbons is involved in smuggling.
“Come on, boys,” he encourages the others. “Monsieur Jean is alone, and we must get back to him as soon as possible.”
Foam drips from the horses’
