Chapter Three
Pursuit
“It was a trick to get you away from her,” cried Bernard after we had retraced my steps and made a frantic and futile search of the forest. “They meant no doubt to make some attempt at your house, but, as she came out with you, an alternative plan.”
Abreast of Lac Daumesnil, my companion slowed down, and finally stopped.
“Where did you last see her?” he asked, rapidly.
I took his arm, turning him slightly to the right, and pointed across the moon-bathed common.
“You see that clump of bushes on the other side of the road?” I said. “There’s a path to the left of it. I took that path and she took this. We parted at the point where they meet.”
My expression betrayed me and Bernard was quick to supply comfort despite what I could see were his own inner agonies.
“Do
