They must keep to the hut up in the mountains. This had been seldom
used on account of the difficulty in getting there, and the waste of
time involved by the distance. In all respects it was safer. If they
were surprised it was not likely they would all be caught, for in the
open there was always a chance of escape. The distance and lonely
situation were all in their favour. In a small house in a narrow
street they were like trapped animals.
The custom was to start at midnight on the outskirts of the town,
collecting by degrees, and when they were well on their way the
cavalcade joined together and formed into Indian file.
Some were on horseback and some on the more sure-footed mules.
Not one among the conspirators could ride with the exception of Vardri
and Emile, and the knowledge of the art possessed by the latter was
poor enough.
The steeds of the general company went at whatever pace they chose and
in what direction they saw fit, and occasionally two or three got
wedged together in some narrow place and there was an interlude of
kicking and squealing.
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