The dynamics of laser ablation from metallic surfaces (Ag, Al, Fe and Ni) induced by the combined effect of two 30 fs subthreshold laser pulses has been examined. In a pump-probe setup the yield of the emitted secondary ions and neutrals has been determined as a function of the delay between the two laser pulses. The instantaneous generation of highly excited (ballistic) electrons by the laser pulse and the thermal properties of the metal, which have been modified to be valid into the regime of high electron temperatures have been found to be determining factors for the ablation process. Unexpectedly, two distinct maxima for particle emission have been observed as a function of the time separation of the pump and the probe pulse. The energy relaxation is discussed within the frame of the two-temperature model (TTM) and it is shown that the measured behavior (in the time domain) of ablated particles can only be explained by taking into account a general expression for the thermal conductivity, valid for a wide range of electron temperatures and in addition a substantial role of hot, ballistic electrons. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.