Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ...all else failed. But, in any case, Henry felt that he was lost, and was already recommending his soul to God, --that soul so filled with remorse and dismay. He did not know exactly in what part of the path he was, and if the precipice was near or far. But he thought it must be near, and was about to throw himself off his horse, at all risks. As he was casting a last look into the distance, he perceived, at the end of the path, a man on horseback, like himself, but standing under the shelter of an oak. He was not able to recognise this man at a distance. Besides, a long cloak and a broad-brimmed hat concealed his features and his figure. But he was doubtless some gentleman who had missed his way in the forest. Henry was now safe. The path was narrow; and the stranger had only to push his horse forward to bar the king's passage, or to stretch out his hand to arrest his course. Nothing more easy; and even though there might be some danger in this, surely as soon as the man recognised the king he would have no hesitation in risking this danger to rescue his sovereign. In less time than it takes to write these lines, the three or four hundred paces that separated Henry from his saviour were cleared. Henry, to warn him, uttered a cry of distress, waving his uplifted arm. The man saw him, and made a movement. He was doubtless making ready. But a terrible thing occurred! the furious steed passed in front of the unknown horseman, and the latter made not the slightest effort to stop him. Indeed, it seemed as if he fell back a little to avoid a possible shock. The king uttered a second cry, no longer, this time, of appeal and entreaty, but of rage and despair. And now he heard the iron hoofs of his horse striking on stone, and not on the turf. He had..
