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+Project Gutenberg's The Chevalier d'Auriac, by S. (Sidney) Levett-Yeats
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Chevalier d'Auriac
+
+Author: S. (Sidney) Levett-Yeats
+
+Release Date: December 17, 2011 [EBook #38323]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHEVALIER D'AURIAC ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's notes:
+
+   1. Page scan source:
+      http://www.archive.org/details/chevalierdauriac00leverich
+
+   2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                                 The
+
+                          CHEVALIER D'AURIAC
+
+
+
+
+                                  BY
+
+
+                           S. LEVETT YEATS
+
+                  AUTHOR OF "THE HONOUR OF SAVELLI"
+                                 ETC.
+
+
+
+
+                               NEW YORK
+
+                       LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.
+
+                          LONDON AND BOMBAY
+
+                                 1897
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                       Copyright, 1896 and 1897
+                          By S. LEVETT YEATS
+                              *   *   *
+                        _All rights reserved_.
+
+
+
+
+                      FIRST EDITION, MARCH, 1897
+                REPRINTED, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER, 1897
+
+
+
+
+                            TROW DIRECTORY
+                   PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING COMPANY
+                               NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                        THE CHEVALIER D'AURIAC
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                                TO THE
+
+                        CHUMMERY OF THE PALMS
+
+                I DEDICATE THIS, IN MEMORY OF CERTAIN
+
+                             RED-HOT DAYS
+
+                                                        S. L. Y.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                               PREFACE
+
+
+This story, like its predecessor, has been written in those rare
+moments of leisure that an Indian official can afford. Bits of time
+were snatched here and there, and much, perhaps too much, reliance has
+had to be placed on memory, for books there were few or none to refer
+to. Occasionally, too, inspiration was somewhat rudely interrupted.
+Notably in one instance, in the Traveller's Bungalow at Hassan Abdal
+(Moore's Lalla Rookh was buried hard by), when a bat, after making an
+ineffectual swoop at a cockroach, fell into the very hungry author's
+soup and put an end to dinner and to fancy. There is an anachronism in
+the tale, in which the writer finds he has sinned with M. C. de
+Remusat in "Le Saint-Barthélemy." The only excuse the writer has for
+not making the correction is that his object is simply to enable a
+reader to pass away a dull hour.
+
+   Umballa Cantonments,
+      March 16, 1896.
+
+
+
+
+                               CONTENTS
+
+
+                              CHAPTER I.
+
+The Justice of M. de Rône.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER II.
+
+M. de Rône Cannot Read a Cypher.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER III.
+
+The Red Cornfield.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER IV.
+
+The Chateau de la Bidache.
+
+
+                              CHAPTER V.
+
+A Good Deed Comes Home to Roost.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VI.
+
+'Green as a Jade Cup.'
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VII.
+
+Poor Nicholas!
+
+
+                            CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Monsieur de Preaulx.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER IX.
+
+The Master-General.
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+
+An Old Friend.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XI.
+
+A Swim in the Seine.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XII.
+
+Monsieur Ravaillac does not Suit.
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XIII.
+
+The Louvre.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Under the Limes.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XV.
+
+The Hand of Babette.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVI.
+
+A Council of War.
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Maître Pantin Sells Cabbages.
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+The Skylight in the Toison d'Or.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIX.
+
+'Plain Henri de Bourbon.'
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XX.
+
+At the Sign of 'The Toison d'Or.'
+
+
+
+
+                               PRELUDE
+
+
+                                  I.
+
+   In no secret shrine doth my Lady sleep,
+     But is ever before mine eyes;
+   By well or ill, by wrong or right--
+   By the burning sun, or the moon's pale light--
+     Where the tropics fire or the fulmar flies,
+   In rest or stormful fight.
+
+
+                                 II.
+
+   Good hap with the strong fierce winds that blow;
+     Man holdeth the world in fee.
+   By the light of her face, by my Lady's grace,
+     Spread we our sails to the sea.
+   With God above and our hearts below,
+   Fight we the fight for weal or woe.
+
+
+                                 III.
+
+   Good hap with the strong fierce winds that blow,
+     God rest their souls who die!
+   By my Lady's grace, by her pure, pale face
+   My pennon flies in its pride of place;
+     Where my pennon flies am I.
+
+
+                                 IV.
+
+   Nor wind nor storm may turn me back,
+     For I see the beacon fire.
+   And time shall yield a hard fought field,
+   And, with God's help, an unstained shield
+     I win my heart's desire.
+
+                                                 S. L. Y.
+
+                                                 (_Vanity Fair_.)
+
+
+
+
+                        THE CHEVALIER D'AURIAC
+
+                              CHAPTER I
+
+                      THE JUSTICE OF M. DE RÔNE
+
+
+'_Mille diables!_ Lost again! The devil runs in those dice!' and de
+Gomeron, with an impatient sweep of his hand, scattered the little
+spotted cubes on to the floor of the deserted and half-ruined hut,
+wherein we were beguiling the weariness of our picket duty before La
+Fère, with a shake of our elbows, and a few flagons of wine, captured
+from Monsieur the King of Navarre, as we, in our folly, called him
+still.
+
+A few days before we had cut out a convoy which the Béarnais was
+sending into the beleaguered town. Some of the good things the convoy
+bore found their way to the outposts; and on the night I speak of we
+had made such play with our goblets that it was as if a swarm of bees
+buzzed in my head. As for de Gomeron, he was in no better case, and
+his sun-tanned face was burning a purple red with anger at his losses
+and the strength of the d'Arbois, both of which combined to give a
+more than usually sinister look to his grim and lowering features. In
+short, we were each of us in a condition ripe for any mischief: I hot
+with wine and the fire of five-and-twenty years, and de Gomeron
+sullenly drunk, a restrained fury smouldering in his eyes.
+
+We had been playing by the light of a horn lantern, and as the flame
+of it flickered to and fro in the wind, which bustled in unchecked
+through a wide gap in the wall of the hut, where the remains of a door
+clung to a bent and twisted hinge, the shadow of de Gomeron on the
+wall behind him moved its huge outlines uneasily, although the man
+himself sat silent and still, and there was no word spoken between us.
+Hideous and distorted, this phantom on the wall may have been the soul
+of de Gomeron, stolen out of the man's body and now hovering behind
+him, instinct with evil; and this conceit of mine began to appear a
+reality, when I turned my glance at the still figure of my companion,
+showing no sign of life, except in the sombre glitter of the eyes that
+gazed at me steadily.
+
+I knew little of de Gomeron, except that he was of the Camargue, and
+had followed the fortunes of d'Aumale from Arques to Ivry, from Ivry
+to the Exile in the Low Countries, and that he held a commission from
+the duke as captain in his guards. He carried a 'de' before his name,
+but none of us could say where his lands lay, or of what family he
+came; and it was shrewdly suspected that he was one of those weeds
+tossed up by the storms of the times from the deep where they should
+have rotted for ever. There were many such as he, _canaille_ who had
+risen from the ranks; but none who bore de Gomeron's reputation for
+intrepid courage and pitiless cruelty, and even the hardened veterans
+of Velasco spoke with lower tones when they told of his deeds at the
+sack of Dourlens and the pillage of Ham. Of our personal relations it
+is enough to say that we hated each other, and would have crossed
+swords ere now but for the iron discipline maintained by de Rône--a
+discipline the bouquet of which I had already scented, having escaped
+by the skin of my teeth after my affair with de Gonnor, who trod on my
+toe at the General's levée, and was run through the ribs at sunrise
+the next morning, near the pollard elms, hard by the Red Mill on the
+left bank of the Serre.
+
+Up to the time this occurred I had been attached to de Rône's staff,
+with ten or twelve other young gentlemen whose pedigrees were as long
+as their swords; but after the accident to de Gonnor--my foot slipped
+and I thrust a half inch too low--I was sent with the stormers to
+Laon, and then banished to the outposts, thinking myself lucky to
+escape with that.
+
+At any rate, the outpost was under my command. Imagine, therefore, my
+disgust when I found that de Gomeron had been detached to examine into
+and report upon my charge. He did this moreover in so offensive a
+manner, hectoring here and hectoring there, that I could barely
+restrain myself from parading him on the stretch of turf behind the
+thorn hedge that fenced in the enclosure to the hovel. The very sight
+of that turf used to tempt me. It was so soft and springy, so level
+and true, with no cross shadows of tree trunks or mottled reflections
+of foliage to spoil a thrust in tierce.
+
+Our feelings towards each other being as they were, it would seem odd
+that we should have diced and drunk together; but the situation was
+one of armed peace; and, besides, time had to be killed, as for the
+past week M. de Réthelois, formerly as lively as a cricket, had kept
+himself close as a nun of Port Royal behind the walls of La Fère, and
+affairs were ineffably dull. I was certain, however, that we should
+soon break into open quarrel, and on this night, whether it was de
+Gomeron's manner of losing or whether it was the d'Arbois I cannot
+tell, but I felt a mad anger against the man as he sat staring at me,
+and it was all I could do to restrain myself from flinging the lees of
+the wine in my glass in his face and abiding the result. I held myself
+in with an effort, drumming with my fingers on the table the while,
+and at last he spoke in an abrupt and jarring voice:
+
+'What says the score?'
+
+I looked at the once blank card on which I had jotted down the points
+and passed it to him with the answer: 'One hundred and twenty livres
+of Paris, M. Gomeron.'
+
+'_De_ Gomeron, if you please, M. d'Auriac. Here is your money, see it
+is not Tournois,' and he slid a rouleau across the table towards me. I
+made no effort to take it; but, looking at the man with a sneer, gave
+answer: 'I was not aware that they used the _de_ in the Camargue,
+monsieur.'
+
+'Young fool!' I heard him mutter between his teeth, and then aloud,
+'Your education needs extension, Chevalier.'
+
+'There is space enough without.' I answered hotly, laying my hand on
+my sword, 'and no time like the present; the moon is at her full and
+stands perfectly.' We sprang to our feet at these words and stood
+facing each other. All thought of de Rône had flown from my mind, my
+one desire was to be face to face with the man on that patch of turf.
+_Peste!_ I had much to learn in those days!
+
+We stood thus for a second, and then a short mirthless 'Ha! ha!' burst
+from de Gomeron, and he made a turn to the corner of the room where
+his rapier leaned against the wall. It was at the moment of this
+action that we heard the quick challenge of the sentry outside, the
+password as sharply answered, and the tramp of feet.
+
+The same idea flashed through both our minds--it must be the General,
+and de Gomeron gave expression to the thought.
+
+'_Corbleu!_ de Rône perhaps--the old bat on the wing. We must defer
+the lesson, Chevalier.'
+
+I bowed and bit my lips in silence; there followed a shuffling of
+feet, and before a man could count two, Nicholas, the sergeant of our
+picket, with a file of men entered the hut, thrusting a couple of
+prisoners, a man and a woman, before them.
+
+'Two birds from La Fère, my captain,' and Nicholas with a salute to de
+Gomeron pointed to his prize. 'We took them,' he ran on, 'at the ford
+near the Red Mill, and but for the moon they would have gone free;
+spies no doubt. The old one is M. le Mouchard, I swear. There is fox
+in every line of his face; and as for Madame there--so the old
+gentleman calls her--in time I warrant she will learn to love the camp
+of the Holy League,' and the sergeant pushed the lantern so that it
+shone full on the lady's face. A curious light came into de Gomeron's
+eyes as he looked at her, and she shrank back at the sergeant's words
+and action, whilst the old man strained at the cords that bound his
+wrists till the lines of the blue veins stood high out on his
+forehead. The soldiers had shown Madame this kindness, that she was
+unbound; but her hood had fallen back, loosening in its fall a mass of
+chestnut hair, and from this framework her eyes glanced from one to
+another of us, half in fear and half in anger.
+
+'Messieurs!' There was a tremble in the sweet voice, and there was
+light enough to see her colour come and go. 'Messieurs! That man,' she
+made a little gesture of infinite disdain towards Nicholas, 'is lying.
+We are no spies. It is true we are from La Fère, but all that we did
+was to try and escape thence----'
+
+'To the camp of the Béarnais--eh, madame?' interrupted de Gomeron.
+
+'To the camp of the King of France,' she flashed back at him, a red
+spot rising on each cheek. 'Messieurs!' she went on, 'you are
+gentlemen, are you not? You will let us go. Surely the Holy League
+wars not with women and old men?'
+
+The mention of the League stirred her companion and he gave tongue:
+
+'The Holy League!' he exclaimed with a savage scorn. 'Madame, though
+we stand delivered unto these sons of Belial, I must speak, for my
+heart is full. Yea! Shall my lips be sealed before the enemies of the
+Lord! The Holy League! Ha! ha! There is no Holy League. It died at
+Ivry. There did the Lord God break it clean, as of old. He shattered
+the Amorites of the mountains. Lo! Even now His own champion is at
+hand, and ere the morrow's sun sets he shall smite these men of sin
+hip and thigh, as when the Chosen slew His enemies in Gibeon.'
+
+'_Corps du diable!_ A rope for the old Huguenot!' exclaimed Nicholas.
+
+'Thou swearest rightly, villain,' and the fanatic glared at the
+sergeant with fierce eyes. 'Swear ever so by thy master, for thou art
+in truth a limb of the body of Sin.'
+
+'Thou shalt roast like a chestnut over a log fire for this,' roared
+Nicholas, shaking his halberd at his adversary. 'And thou in Hell,'
+was the undaunted reply; 'and the smell of thy burning will be as the
+scent of a savoury bakemeat to the Lord my God.'
+
+So savagely prophetic was his tone; so fierce a glance did the bound
+Huguenot cast at Nicholas that it burnt to cinders any reply he might
+have had ready and reduced him to a speechless fury.
+
+Madame shivered slightly; but meeting my eyes and the repressed laugh
+in them, a faint smile parted her lips. This was for an instant only,
+and her face was grave enough as she turned to her companion, speaking
+with a quiet dignity, 'There is a time for everything, _mon père_--at
+present your speech is a trifle out of place.'
+
+The beetle brows of the Huguenot met together as he gave reply--
+
+'There is no place which is out of place to testify----' but here de
+Gomeron cut in with his quick stern voice, 'Be silent, sir! or else a
+gag will stop your tongue,' and then with a bow, 'Madame, it goes to
+my heart to detain you; but war is war, and we have no option. Will
+you not be seated? All that this poor hut affords is yours,' and he
+bent low again, perhaps to hide the expression in his eyes.
+
+She made no effort to take the chair he offered, but burst out
+passionately:
+
+'Monsieur, I see you command here, and it is to you to whom I must
+appeal. Monsieur, I give you my word of honour we are no spies. The
+rules of war allow the ransom of prisoners, and anything you name will
+be paid. Monsieur, I pray you let us go.'
+
+Whilst she spoke my glance rested on de Gomeron's face, and I saw that
+his eyes were drinking in her beauty greedily, and there was a look in
+them that recalled to my mind the stories of the sack of Ham.
+
+As she finished her appeal Madame turned towards the captain with a
+gesture of entreaty; but in this movement she too saw that in his
+voice and manner which paled her cheek to marble, and she made a
+half-irresolute step towards her companion as if for protection. De
+Gomeron observed this, and laughed under his heavy black moustache,
+and I felt that the strong wine and his evil heart were moving him to
+an atrocious deed.
+
+'_Vertu de Dieu!_ Madame, but there are some things which have no
+price! And there is no ransom you could name which would tempt Adam de
+Gomeron to part with his prisoners--with _one_ of them at any rate.
+You are no spy, I know: such eyes as yours were never made to count
+the strength of battalions. As for your friend there, we have means to
+make him tell us all about himself to-morrow; and you, _ma mignonne_,
+must not bruise your tender feet by walking through the night to the
+camp of Monsieur--the King of France. In a day or so, perhaps,' he
+went on with a horrible smile, 'but not to-night. Come! and he stepped
+up to her. Come, taste the d'Arbois--it is from your friends--and
+learn to love the poor soldiers of the Holy League.'
+
+Saying this he attempted to pass his arm round her waist, but slipping
+from his grasp, and her cheeks aflame, Madame struck him across the
+face with the back of her hand, such a stroke as the wing of an angry
+dove might give.
+
+The rest was done in a flash, and de Gomeron reeled back with bleeding
+lips, staggered back to the very end of the room, where he would have
+fallen but for the support of the wall. It was in me to follow up my
+blow by passing my sword through the man, so mad was I in my fury; but
+luckily for him Nicholas hung on my arm and saved the villain's life.
+He righted himself at once, and passing his hand across his mouth,
+spoke to me quite coolly and collectedly, but with livid features.
+
+'We finish this outside, sir; follow me,' and picking up his rapier,
+which lay on the table, where he had thrown it on the entrance of the
+prisoners, de Gomeron stepped out of the door. In the excitement of
+the moment the men poured after him, and I was the last to follow. It
+came to me like lightning that the prisoners were unguarded, and
+slipping my dagger from its sheath, I thrust its haft into Madame's
+hand, and I saw that she understood from the thanks in her eyes. As I
+went out I heard the voice of the Huguenot: 'They shall die as they
+have lived--by the edge of the sword; and the Lord shall confound His
+enemies.'
+
+It was but a stone-throw to the stretch of green, which extended as
+level as a tennis-court for a hundred paces or so, and then sloped
+gently downward towards the junction of the Serre and the Oise. Beyond
+rose the walls of La Fère, whose grey outlines, lit up here and there
+by the flare of a lamp or fire, were clearly visible in the bright
+moonlight. So clear was this light, that I could distinctly make out
+the blue flowers of the patch of borage, which lay between the hut and
+the thorn hedge, beyond which de Gomeron was awaiting me. When I came
+up I found him standing with his back to the moon. He had thrown off
+his doublet, and was in his shirt sleeves, which were rolled up to his
+elbows, and Nicholas and the men stood a little on one side, utterly
+forgetful of the prisoners, and eager as bloodhounds to witness the
+coming fight. It took but a half minute to make myself ready, and
+borrowing a poniard from Nicholas to help me to parry, for de Gomeron
+held one in his left hand, and I was determined to give him no further
+advantage--he already had the light--I took my position. Then there
+was an angry little clash and our blades met, looking for all the
+world like two thin streaks of fire in the moonlight. I began the
+attack at once in the lower lines, but soon found that my adversary
+was a master of his weapon, and his defence was complete. We were both
+sober enough now, besides being in deadly earnest, and de Gomeron
+began to change his tactics and attack in his turn. He was more than
+cunning of fence, thrusting high at my throat to get as much of the
+reflection of the moon as possible on his blade, and so dazzle my
+eyes; but this was a game I had played before, and seeing this he
+disengaged, and making a beautiful feint, thrust low in tierce. The
+parry was just in time, but the point of his blade ripped me exactly
+over the heart, and dyed my shirt red with the blood of a flesh wound.
+The discipline of Nicholas and his men went to shreds at the sight of
+this, and there was a shout: '_Croix Dieu!_ He is lost!'
+
+But a man's knowledge is not to be counted by his years, and Maître
+Touchet had himself placed a foil in my hand ere I was seven. The hair
+that stood between me and death as de Gomeron's point touched me
+cooled me to ice, and knowing that in a long-continued contest youth
+must tell, I began to feign retreat, and give back slowly, meaning to
+wind my opponent, and work him round to get a little of the moon in
+his eyes. De Gomeron took the bait and pressed his attack, with the
+result that he shifted his position of vantage, and in a while began
+to breathe heavily. At this point a cloud obscured the moonlight, and
+my opponent, springing back, called out: 'Hold! hold till the cloud
+passes! We cannot see.'
+
+'But I can, messieurs,' answered a deep voice to our right. 'What
+means this fool's work?' and a tall figure, the white line of a drawn
+sword shining in its hand, stepped between us, coming, as it were,
+from nowhere. The cloud passed, and the moon was again brilliant and
+clear. The light fell on the commanding form before us, showing the
+high aquiline features and grizzled hair of de Rône himself. Nicholas
+and his men melted into thin air at the sight, and de Gomeron and I
+stood speechless. The wind caught the black plumes in the General's
+hat, waving them silently in the air, and brought to us the faint
+clink of a chain-bit--de Rône had evidently stolen upon us on foot,
+leaving his horse at a distance.
+
+'So this is how my outposts are kept?' he said. 'M. de Gomeron, you
+are the senior officer here, and I await your explanation. _Mordieu!_
+It is something that I do this.'
+
+'I command the guards of the Duc d'Aumale,' began de Gomeron sullenly,
+but de Rône interrupted him in the same deep measured voice.
+
+'I know that. Your explanation, or,' and in fierce anger, 'by God! you
+will hang like a common thief by sunrise.'
+
+'A gentleman must defend his honour. Orders or no orders. General,
+there are times when one must fight. There was a matter in connection
+with some prisoners, and I was struck by M. d'Auriac. I have nothing
+further to say.'
+
+'Now, M. d'Auriac, what have you to say?'
+
+'The prisoners will, perhaps, explain to your Excellency why I struck
+this man.'
+
+'Take me to them.'
+
+We gathered up our belongings, and, hastily dressing, led the way back
+to the hut. What de Gomeron's thoughts were I know not, but my own
+reflections were none of the most cheerful. We all knew de Rône, and
+knew that, his mind once made up, nothing could turn him. De Gomeron
+had some chance of escape, as of a certainty I was the open aggressor;
+but for myself, I saw poor de Gonnor lying under the elm trees, taking
+his last look at the sunlight, and my heart became like lead. But we
+had no great time for thought, as a few steps brought us to the door
+of the hut, where Nicholas and his men stood at the salute with scared
+faces. Another step took us in, and de Rône, with a curling lip, cast
+a glance around the room, at the emptied wine flasks and the dice,
+which latter one of the men had doubtless picked up, and placed in a
+small heap beside the rouleau I had won. But chairs, table, wine
+flasks, and dice were all the room contained, and there was reason
+enough for the extra length of visage that master Nicholas and his
+knaves had pulled.
+
+'I do not see the prisoners,' said de Rône quietly.
+
+It was not likely, I thought to myself. They were gone--not a doubt of
+that. On the floor, near my feet, were some cut cords, and, lying on
+them, a knot of black and white ribbon, that had fallen there as if by
+chance. I had seen it last at the shoulder of Madame's dress, and
+something told me it was not there by accident. There was, at any
+rate, no hope for me from the prisoners, but a sudden impulse I could
+not understand, nor, indeed, did I try to, urged me to get the knot of
+ribbon, so, stooping low, I picked up the bow and the cut cords, and,
+with a careless movement, flung the latter on the table, saying
+quietly, 'They have escaped, your Excellency.'
+
+'And with them your explanation, M. d'Auriac, eh? _Corbleu!_ But the
+camp-marshal will have his hands full to-morrow;' and Nicholas'
+halberd all but fell from his hands as the General's eye rested on
+him. I had nothing to say; and de Rône went on. 'M. de Gomeron, you
+have given me a reason for your conduct that will hold good this once.
+Further orders will reach you at daylight about your neglect of your
+prisoners. As for you,' and he turned on me with the sharp command,
+'Follow me. You--knaves! fetch me my horse--he is tethered to the
+clump of elms to the right there.'
+
+Two men vanished from the door to do his bidding, and I adjusted my
+attire as well as I might, taking the opportunity to secrete the knot
+of ribbon. In a minute or so we heard the sound of horses' hoofs, and
+as we went out, I saw there were two beasts at the door, and, from the
+whinny of welcome that came to me, that one was mine, and Nicholas was
+at his head.
+
+As I sprang into the saddle the good fellow leaned forward and
+whispered, 'Make a dash for it. Chevalier, and change the flag.'
+
+I shook my head and followed de Rône, who had already moved a few
+paces onwards. And yet, as I rode on, Nicholas' words came back to me
+with an insistent force. It was not possible for me to expect any
+other issue than the worst, after what had happened. My big Norman
+horse was fleet and strong; but a turn of my wrist, a touch of my
+spur, and we should be a hundred yards away before de Rône could
+realise what had happened; and then the road was clear to the banks of
+the Lelle, where the King was himself; yes, the King. He was that to
+me, in my heart, although loyalty to my family and its chiefs had made
+me throw in my lot with the little band of exiles who remained true to
+the dead legend of the League, and preferred to eat the bread of Spain
+rather than accept the great Frenchman who had fought his way to his
+birthright. Even now, whispers were stirring the air that the end was
+coming; that the Archduke was sick of the war; that d'Aumale pined for
+his stately park of Anet; that Mayenne had practically submitted, and
+the Guisard was himself unsteady. If so, why should not I, Alban de
+Breuil, whose crow's nest of Auriac was half in ruins, and who
+reckoned an income of a bare two hundred pistoles, see the error of my
+ways as well? Behind me was safety. In front, between the nodding ears
+of my horse, there dangled a vision of a rope with a noose at the end
+of it; and I a noble!
+
+It was now midnight, and we distinctly heard the bells of Ste.
+Geneviève ringing the Sexts. They came to me with a refrain of 'Turn
+and ride, Turn and ride.' _Mordieu!_ but I was sorely tempted.
+
+'Gallop!'
+
+De Rône's sharp command broke the thread of my thoughts, and ended all
+chance of escape. We set spurs to our horses and splashed through the
+ford of the Oise, a half mile from the outpost. On the other bank a
+picket challenged, and, giving them the word, we rode in the direction
+of the even white line of the camp. A few strides more and we reined
+in at the door of the General's tent. The guard presented arms and I
+received a brief order to dismount and follow de Rône.
+
+I entered the tent, and stood patiently whilst he walked backwards and
+forwards for a little time. Suddenly he stopped and, facing me, said,
+
+'Well, M. d'Auriac?'
+
+'It could not be helped, your Excellency,' I stammered.
+
+'You said that of de Gonnor, and promised it should never occur
+again----'
+
+'But there were circumstances----'
+
+'Pshaw!' he exclaimed, 'I guess them all--wine--dice--women. One of
+the prisoners was a woman. I saw you pick up that knot of ribbon.
+There is no excuse--_Croix Dieu!_ None.'
+
+'I had the honour to be the first man behind your Excellency at the
+storm of Laon,' I said, with a happy recollection.
+
+'And saved my life, you were going to say,' he cut in. I bowed, and de
+Rône began again to pace up and down, tugging at his short pointed
+beard. I was determined to seize the three hairs occasion offered, and
+continued:
+
+'And that was after M. de Gonnor's unfortunate accident.'
+
+'Accident!' he laughed shortly. 'And that accident having been
+condoned, you want to set off saving my life against breaking the
+orders of the General?'
+
+'It will not occur again.'
+
+'_Croix Dieu!_ I will take care of that. It will not occur again with
+you, M. d'Auriac. See here, I will pay my debt; but first ask if I
+have your parole not to attempt escape. If you do not give it--'and he
+laid his hand on a call-bell, with an inquiring look towards me.
+
+'I will not attempt escape.'
+
+'Then you will not have to complain of the justice of de Rône.
+To-morrow some things will happen, and amongst them will be the
+lamented death of the Sieur d'Auriac. This much I will tell you.
+To-morrow the King and I meet once more--you must die on the field.
+Win or lose, if I catch you alive at the close of the day, I will hang
+you as high as Haman; and now go.'
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II
+
+                   M. DE RÔNE CANNOT READ A CYPHER
+
+
+My first thought on leaving de Rône was to make my way direct to the
+quarters of the staff, where I felt sure of welcome and accommodation
+for the rest of the night. These lay a hundred toises or so from the
+General's pavilion, facing from me; but as I came near to them I saw a
+pennon of light streaming from the partly open door of the largest
+tent, and from within burst a chorus of voices singing an old
+_chanson_ of Guienne.
+
+
+       Frère Jacques, dormez-vous?
+       Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
+       Sonnez les matines, sonnez les matines--
+       Bim! Baum! Baum!
+
+
+Bim! Baum! Baum! The last line was repeated amidst peals of laughter,
+followed by the crashing of glass. It was enough for me. I was in no
+mood for any further folly, or any more d'Arbois, and resolved to make
+the best of it in the open, as at this hour it was worse than useless
+to attempt to find my lackey Jacques, whom I had left behind in the
+camp with my belongings when I went on to the outposts. This man, I
+may note, was a faithful servant of our house, rough of manner,
+perhaps, but one who could be trusted to the end of his sword; and it
+was annoying to know that any search for him would be useless, as I
+had a message or so to send to Auriac, in the event of the worst
+happening. But resigning myself to what could not be helped I found a
+spot under some peach trees, which was convenient enough for my
+purpose. Tethering my horse to a stump, I removed the saddle, which I
+made shift to use as a cushion, and, leaning my back against it, was
+soon as comfortable as circumstances would permit. Enough had happened
+to drive from my head any of the fumes of the d'Arbois that may have
+been lurking there. In short, I was as sober as MM. of the High Court
+of Paris, and as wide awake as a cat on the look out for a mouse. Do
+what I could, sleep would not come, and I began, for want of a better
+thing, to reflect on my position. To act on Nicholas' advice and
+desert was out of the question; my private honour was not to be
+smirched, and the few hours I had yet to live were not to be spent in
+the breaking of my faith. A few hours to live! Involuntarily I
+stretched out my arm and drew it back, feeling the muscle rise at the
+movement. Good Lord! It was cruel! When one is five-and-twenty, and
+strong as a bull, it is hard to die. One death, that on the field, I
+could face with an equal mind; but if the chances of to-morrow were
+not kind, then there was the other matter, and the last of the
+d'Auriacs would swing like a _croquemort_ from the branch of a tree.
+_Morbleu!_ It was not to be borne, and I swore that my own hand should
+free my soul, rather than it should choke its way out to eternity at
+the end of a greased rope. The slight flesh wound I had received from
+de Gomeron beginning to sting at this moment, I thrust my hand into my
+pocket, and pulling out my kerchief, placed it over the spot. With the
+kerchief I drew out the knot of ribbon, and the sight of this, as I
+picked it up and held it between my fingers, changed the current of my
+thoughts. Almost in spite of myself I began to think of Madame, as I
+called her, by the only name I knew. It was a strangely formal title
+for one so young! Who was she? Some great lady of the court, perhaps.
+The wife--the thought jarred on me, and I put it aside, and then grew
+cold all over at the recollection of the danger she had escaped. At
+any rate, it was my hand that had rescued her from her peril. If we
+met again, it must surely be as friends, and it was pleasant to dwell
+on that. As my mind ran on in this way, I noticed a pin attached to
+the dainty bow, and at first I had a mind to fasten the token to the
+side of my hat, saying half aloud to myself, '_Par Dieu!_ But I will
+bear this favour to the King to-morrow,' and then I felt I had no
+right to wear the ribbon, and, changing my intention to do so, thrust
+it back with a half smile at my folly.
+
+Gradually the moonlight faded into a shimmering mist, through which
+purple shadows came and went; gradually the mist grew darker and
+darker, and I fell asleep. My sleep could not have lasted much more
+than an hour; but so profound was it that ages seemed to have passed
+when I awoke with a start, and the consciousness of movement around
+me. The moon was on the wane; but I saw that the camp was astir, and
+that the men were being mustered as silently as possible.
+
+'So things are about to happen,' I said to myself, recalling de Rône's
+words, and hastily saddling my horse, sprang on his back, and moved
+towards the General's tent. All around me was the muffled tramp of
+feet, the jingle of chain-bits and steel scabbards, the plunging of
+impatient horses, and a subdued hum of voices, above which rose now
+and again a hoarse word of command, as regiment after regiment wheeled
+into position on the level stretch before us. Three long black lines
+were moving noiselessly and rapidly towards the Oise. I knew they were
+de Leyva's brigade of Spanish infantry, veterans of the war of
+Flanders. To my right the occasional flash of a lance-head through the
+thick haze that was coming up, but which the morning sun would
+dissipate, showed me where the cuirassiers of Aumale were, and I
+thought of de Gomeron with regret that I had not finished him before
+de Rône's inopportune arrival. I had to die, and it might have been
+some consolation, in such mood was I, to have sent Adam de Gomeron on
+the dark way before me.
+
+When I reached the General's pavilion de Rône was just mounting his
+horse, a lackey standing near with a sputtering torch, and his staff
+in a little clump, a few yards away. I saluted, and he gave me a keen
+look, saying:
+
+'So you have come, M. d'Auriac--take your place with the staff. I will
+give you your work later on--and remember.'
+
+'I am not likely to forget, M. le Marquis,' and I moved off in the
+direction indicated.
+
+'Is that you, d'Auriac?' 'Why have you left the outposts?'
+'_Sangdieu!_ but why did you not come to us last night?' 'How is M. de
+Réthelois, and have you seen the abbess of Ste. Geneviève?'
+
+These and suchlike greetings met me as I was recognised and welcomed
+by de Belin, the young Tavannes, de Cosse-Brissac, and others of my
+acquaintance. I replied as best I might, but there was no time for
+much talk, as the General was moving onwards at a rapid pace, and we
+were compelled to follow at once. I dropped a little to the rear, to
+husband the strength of my horse as far as possible, and was joined by
+another rider.
+
+^Is that you, Belin?'
+
+'_Ma foi!_ Yes. It is the devil being hustled up so early in the
+morning--I am yet but half awake.'
+
+'I was surprised to find you here. I thought you were with the
+Archduke and de Mayenne.'
+
+'What! have you not heard?'
+
+'What in the devil's name could I hear on those cursed outposts?'
+
+'Then in your ear--the Rémois have gone from us, and de Mayenne and
+the Guisard have passed over to the King. My news is certain, and the
+Archduke has sent a cypher to de Rône bidding him retreat at once on
+Amiens.'
+
+'But this does not look like a retreat.'
+
+'No; de Rône has lost the key of the cypher.'
+
+We both laughed, and Belin went on: 'It was droll. I saw him receive
+the message, which the old fox must have read at a glance. But he
+turned it this way and that, and looking at Egmont, said as calmly as
+possible, "Ride back to Amiens and fetch me the key. I have lost mine
+and cannot follow the cypher"--but hark!' and Belin interrupted
+himself, 'there is de Réthelois' good morning.'
+
+Even as he spoke three bright flashes came from the citadel of La
+Fère, and the big guns from the bastion of Ste. Geneviève boomed
+sullenly into the morning. Then a long streak of fire ran across the
+grey mist, followed by the angry crackle of the petronels, above which
+the reports of the bombards of the trench-masters, as they replied to
+de Réthelois' artillery, sounded like strokes on a war drum.
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_ The Spaniards have drawn first blood, Belin.'
+
+'M. d'Auriac!'
+
+De Rône's voice stopped any further talk, and I spurred to his side.
+
+'My compliments to the Condé de Leyva and ask him not to waste time
+spitting at de Réthelois--tell him to leave a sufficient force to
+hold the garrison in check, and move across the river towards St.
+Gobains--report yourself to me at the ford.'
+
+I galloped off, and when I reached the Spaniard, whom I found with
+some difficulty, I discovered that he had already anticipated de
+Rône's orders, and had besides almost cut off a sortie from the city.
+There was nothing for it, therefore, but to wish de Leyva a pleasant
+day and to go on to the ford.
+
+And now a pale band of orange stretched across the east, and daylight
+rapidly came. A fair breeze sprang up with the sun, blowing the vapour
+into long feathery clouds that rolled slowly to the west. So heavy was
+the fire de Réthelois kept up from the citadel that its square keep
+was entirely hidden by the smoke; but as I rode towards the ford down
+the long slope that ended in the Red Mill, I saw on my right the whole
+of de Rône's army, advancing to the river in long even columns, and on
+my left, where they appeared to have sprung up by magic, two strong
+bodies of cavalry, whilst behind them, marching as rapidly as our own
+troops, and in as perfect order, came the men of Arques and Ivry, of
+Fontaine Française, and all the hundred fights of Henry of Navarre.
+
+By this time I had come to the outpost, and found the thatched roof of
+the cottage in flames, the result of a stray shell that had dropped
+through it, and blown down half of the remaining walls. It was clearly
+empty, but as I trotted past the thorn hedge I saw, about fifty paces
+or so to my right, a single horseman under a tree. His hands were tied
+behind him, and a cord, which hung from a branch overhead, ended in a
+noose secured lightly but firmly round his neck. His position was such
+that if the horse moved away from beneath him he would hang, and the
+poor wretch was absorbed in coaxing the animal to remain steady; but
+the trooper he bestrode had already scented the coming battle. His
+ears were cocked, his tail held out in an arch, and he was pawing at
+the ground with his forefoot. I could not hear what the man was
+saying, but his lips were moving, I doubt not with mingled prayers and
+curses, and I could see that he was trying to restrain the animal by
+the pressure of his knees. Another look showed me it was Nicholas, the
+sergeant, and knowing there was little leisure to lose if the knave
+was to be saved, I put spurs to my beast and headed towards him. I was
+just in time, for as I started the old trooper gave a loud neigh,
+flourished his heels in the air, and galloped off towards the enemy,
+with his mane and tail streaming in the wind. A touch of my sword
+freed Nicholas, but it was a narrow affair, and he lay gasping on the
+ground, and as he lay there I noticed that his ears had been cropped
+close to his head, and that the wounds were quite fresh. He recovered
+himself in about a minute, for the dog was tough as leather, and was
+about to pour forth his thanks and tell me how he came in such plight,
+but, sincerely sorry as I was, I had to cut him short.
+
+'Keep the story for another day, Nicholas,' I said, 'and follow the
+example of your horse, who I see is a loyal subject, and has gone
+straight back to the King.'
+
+With these words I spurred onwards, leaving Nicholas to follow my
+advice or not, as he listed. I had gathered enough, however, to find
+out that he was a victim to M. de Gomeron's ingenious humour. Little
+did I think, however, when I saved this poor fellow how amply I would
+be re-quited hereafter.
+
+I reached the ford just before the General, and saw that our right
+flank had already crossed the river in the far distance. Opposite us
+the Royalists appeared to be in some confusion; but in a moment they
+were restored to order, and moved steadily on.
+
+'The King is there,' burst out Belin, and a grim smile passed over de
+Rône's features as he nodded his head slightly in token of assent. As
+Belin spoke a group of about half a dozen riders galloped from the
+enemy's van, and, coming straight towards us, halted a bare hundred
+paces or so from the river bank. The leading horseman was mounted on a
+bay charger, and it needed not a second glance, nor a look at the
+white plumes in his helmet, to tell that it was Henry himself. Close
+beside him was a short, dark, thick-set man, with the jewel of the
+Order of France at his neck. He managed the grey he rode with infinite
+skill, and with his drawn sword pointed towards us, seemed to be
+urging something on the King.
+
+'Who is that?' I asked.
+
+'The King's viper,' answered Belin, 'who will sting him some day: do
+you not know Biron? _Mordieu!_' he added, turning to de Rône, 'shall
+we end the war, General; we could do it with a bit of lead that
+wouldn't cost the tenth part of a tester?'
+
+De Rône's brown cheek paled at the words, and for an instant he seemed
+to hesitate, and I could well understand his temptation.
+
+'No,' he replied--'_drop that_,' he thundered to a musketeer who was
+poising his piece, and the man fell back with a disappointed air.
+
+'_Peste!_' grumbled Belin, 'we might have all been in Paris within the
+week, whereas now it will take a fortnight at the least.'
+
+'Or a month, or a year, or never--eh, Belin,' gibed de Tavannes.
+
+'Do you think the fair Angelique will be constant?' asked another.
+
+Belin glanced at the laced favour in his hat with a smile, and
+answered: 'God bless our ladies! They know how to be constant--see
+there, messieurs,' and he pointed to a single figure, mounted on a
+barb, that rode out of the French lines and galloped forward, alone
+and unattended, to the side of the King. We saw as the barb approached
+that the figure was that of a woman, and, moreover, that of a very
+beautiful woman. She was dressed in a hunting habit of dark green,
+with a black hat and black feathers, under which we could see the
+light of her fair hair. As she reined up beside the King, Henry turned
+to her, as if expostulating, but she bent forward suddenly and kissed
+his hand, and then with charming courtesy took out her kerchief and
+waved it at us in dainty greeting.
+
+''Tis Gabrielle, the Duchesse de Beaufort herself!' exclaimed de
+Tavannes, and then gave tongue in a ringing cheer, which was taken up
+by us all, and rolled down the long line of battle, till its echoes
+reached us from even the furthest wings.
+
+De Rône lifted his plumed hat in response to Madame d'Estrées'
+greeting, and the King, bowing slightly to us from his saddle, put his
+hand on the barb's reins, and turning the horse's head, galloped his
+mistress to a place of safety. As they reached the mound whereon the
+royal guidon was displayed, we heard the opening bars of the Pont
+d'Audemer march, and as they ceased a red tongue of flame licked out
+from behind a cornfield and a masked battery opened on us.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER III
+
+                          THE RED CORNFIELD
+
+
+'M. le Marquis, the Condé de Leyva begs for help urgently.'
+
+'Tell him I have none to give,' de Rône made answer from his big black
+charger Couronne. '_Sangdieu!_' he added under his breath, 'had we
+been but three hours earlier the Béarnais was lost.'
+
+The words were hardly out of his mouth when the cavalier to whom they
+were addressed threw up his arms with a scream, and falling forward
+from his horse, began to beat at the earth convulsively with his
+hands, whilst he gasped out his life. As the death glaze was covering
+his eyes, his empty saddle was filled by a figure that rose up like a
+sprite through the dim smoke, and Belin's even voice was heard.
+
+'Poor Garabay! But my horse was shot under me an hour ago, and this
+one will do me excellently. Shall I carry your message, General?'
+
+'I claim the honour. Marquis; do not deny me, Belin. I have been idle
+too long,' and I pressed forward as I spoke.
+
+'Oh, I yield to you, d'Auriac! there is work enough for me at the
+other end; the bear of Aumale is dancing to a fine tune there,' and
+Belin reined back, whilst de Rône nodded assent, with a meaning in his
+look that I alone understood.
+
+I needed no second bidding, but turning my Norman's rein, galloped
+down the blazing line of battle. If I escaped through the day, which
+to my mind was already lost, I knew full well that de Rône, smarting
+under disappointment and chagrin at defeat, would be in no temper for
+mercy, and would certainly keep his word to me.
+
+There was not a doubt of it, but that the issue of the day was at a
+crisis. On our extreme right d'Aumale and the exiles of France were
+pitted against the Huguenot battalions, who went into battle with a
+hymn on their lips, and had sworn by the faith for which so many of
+them had died never to quit the field alive. Be sure they strove
+bitterly there, for the hatreds of sixty years had met face to face on
+their last field, and no quarter was asked or given. In the centre
+Bouillon, the Turenne of other days, and Biron--men whose very names
+were victory--led the attack, which was slowly but surely driving us
+back into the river. At one time indeed the fiery marshal, with the
+exception of the King perhaps the most brilliant cavalry leader of the
+age, had all but laid hands on our standard, and so close was he to me
+that I might have counted the jewels of the Order at his neck, and
+clearly heard his deep '_Mordieu!_' as he slowly gave way before the
+desperate rally that for the moment retrieved the day. But it was on
+our left that the greatest danger lay. Henry's rapid movement during
+the night had forestalled de Rône's plans, and had practically shut in
+the left wing of the Leaguer general between two fires. For although
+de Réthelois was penned into La Fère, yet his artillery had a long
+reach and galled us in the rear, whilst the King, fully grasping the
+situation, opened a heavy fire on our front, and that terrible battery
+from the cornfield never ceased launching forth its messages of death.
+These guns, no longer hidden by the tall corn-stalks, now beaten and
+trampled down, and as red as the poppies that once starred them, were
+in reality deciding the fortune of the day. Twice had de Leyva in
+person brought the veteran regiments of Almagro and Algarve up to
+their very muzzles, until the men could have touched them with their
+Biscay pikes, and twice had they been flung back, but made good their
+retreat, beating off the charge of Schomberg's reiters in so savage a
+manner that the free commander was unable to rally his men for the
+rest of the day.
+
+I let my beast go with a loose head, and there was no need of the spur
+to urge him to his utmost effort as he bore me to de Leyva. I found
+him bare-headed and on foot, his face black with smoke and bleeding
+from wounds. His _toison d'or_ had been shot away, though its jewelled
+collar still clasped his neck, and his left arm hung useless by his
+side. He stared at me when I gave him de Rône's answer, to which I
+added the news that Garabay was dead. Then he laughed through his
+cracked lips--a laugh that seemed to stick in the knot of his throat,
+and making me no further reply, waved his sword in the air with a cry
+on his men for yet another effort, and a forlorn hope at the guns. And
+they who had never known defeat before answered to his call and came
+up again--a line of men for whom the bitterness of death was passed. I
+ought to have gone back to de Rône, but the lust of battle was on me,
+and for me there was nothing in the world but the black guns behind
+the continuous flashes, lightening through the thick smoke which the
+wind was blowing in our faces. My brave horse was killed by a round
+shot, and as I scrambled up and took my place by de Leyva's side, his
+features relaxed and he said with a thin smile:
+
+'I have had both my horses killed, Chevalier, or would offer you a
+mount.'
+
+'We will replace them from Schomberg's reiters,' and the bugles,
+sounding the attack, cut short all further talk. It was win or lose
+now--all was staked upon this hazard, and it was well for us that
+Schomberg was broken, for to protect the men as far as possible from
+the guns, de Leyva advanced in open files. There was to be no firing.
+The work was to be all cold steel, and Bayonne knife and Biscay pike
+were to make a last effort against the long, black, snarling guns,
+behind which d'Aussonville's ordnance men yelped and danced with glee
+as each discharge brought down its tale of the mangled and dead. But
+up the long slope, never flinching, never swerving, one man stepping
+where another fell, the veteran regiments marched, with their gallant
+chief at their head. When about fifty paces away, the drift was so
+thick that we could see nothing save the incessant flashes of light,
+which possessed but power enough to show themselves. At this moment
+the bugles rang out shrilly, the ranks closed up like magic, there was
+one tremendous roar of artillery, and the half of us that were left
+were in the battery. Here, on the red and slippery corn-stalks, the
+devilry went on, and men fought more like beasts than human beings. As
+the heaving mass swayed backwards and forwards, the strong breeze
+lifted the smoke from the now speechless guns and showed that they
+were won, but it also showed us another sight, and that was de Rône's
+broken centre doubling back upon us in utter rout, and behind them a
+silver line of shining helmets as the King's House charged, led by
+Henry himself.
+
+On they came, a dancing line of light, a gleam of shining swords, with
+the white plume of the bravest of them full three lengths in front.
+
+'_Vive le Roi!_' The breeze flung us the deep-mouthed cheer as they
+broke through the mailed ranks of de Rône's own cuirassiers, and drove
+horse and foot, knight and knave, in a huddled mob before them.
+
+It may have been fancy, but I thought I saw in the press a dark figure
+that suddenly turned the reins of a huge, black charger and flew at
+the King. For an instant two bright sword blades crossed in the air,
+and then the black horse plunged riderless into the grey spate of
+smoke that the wind was bearing westwards, and a groan as of despair
+fell on my ears.
+
+'_Vive le Roi!_' Once again came the full-throated cry, and the bay
+horse was galloping towards us, followed by the line of swords, no
+longer shining, but dulled and red with the slaughter they had made.
+
+From a heap of dead and dying that lay about two yards off me, a
+figure, so hideous with wounds that it seemed barely human, rose to a
+sitting posture, and then staggering to its feet, swayed backwards and
+forwards, with the fragment of a sword still clutched in its hand.
+With a supreme effort it steadied itself, and as the poor, mad eyes,
+alive with pain, caught sight of the enemy, they lit again with the
+fire of battle, and de Leyva's voice rang out strong and clear as of
+old:
+
+'The guns--the guns--turn them on the King!'
+
+'They are spiked,' someone gave answer, with a grim, hopeless laugh.
+
+As he heard this reply, de Leyva slipped sideways, and would have
+fallen had I not sprang forward and supported him with my arm. He
+leaned his smitten frame against me for a moment, and something that
+was like a sob burst from him. But he recovered himself on the
+instant, and with the strength so often given to those who are about
+to die, pushed me aside with an oath, and shaking his broken blade in
+the face of the advancing line, fell forwards in a huddled mass, a
+dead man.
+
+The next moment the enemy were on us. We met them with a row of pikes;
+but what could we do, for we were few in number, weary with the long
+struggle, and weak with wounds? The issue was never in doubt, and they
+broke us at once. I have a vague memory of fighting for dear life
+amidst a thunder of hoofs, and the hissing sweep of swords, but was
+ridden down by some one, and all became dark around me.
+
+
+                          *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+When my mind came back, it was with the consciousness of rain that was
+falling softly, and the cool drops plashed on my burning head with a
+sensation of relief that I cannot describe. I suffered from an
+intolerable thirst, and strove to rise that I might find means to
+quench it; but found I was powerless to move, and writhed in my agony
+in the rut amidst the corn-stalks wherein I had fallen. The rain was
+but a passing shower, and when it ceased a light but cool breeze
+sprang up. It was night, and a fitful moon shone through the uneasy
+clouds that hurried to and fro overhead in the uncertain breeze, which
+shifted its quarter as often as a child might change its mind. I
+seemed to be alive only in the head, and began to wonder to myself how
+long I was to lie there until death came, and with it the end of all
+things. I began to wish it would come quickly, and there was a secret
+whispering in my soul to pray--to pray to the God of whom I had never
+thought since childhood--to entreat that Invisible Being, at whose
+existence I had so often laughed, to stoop from above the stars and
+end my pain, and I cursed myself for a white-livered cur that forgot
+the Godhead in my strength, and in my weakness could almost have
+shrieked to him for help. I pulled my fainting courage up, as I
+thought that if there was no God, it was useless wasting my breath in
+calling on him, whilst if, on the other hand, there was one, no prayer
+of mine could go higher than my sword's point, were I to hold the
+blade out at arm's length above me--and now that the end was coming, I
+was not going to cringe and whimper. So my sinful pride caught me by
+the heel as I lay there in my dolour.
+
+A half-hour or so may have passed thus, and the moon was now almost
+entirely obscured. Occasionally I could hear through the darkness
+around me the moaning of some poor wounded wretch, and now and again
+rose the shrill discordant shriek of a maimed horse, an awful cry of
+pain, the effect of which those only who may have heard it can
+understand. Soon a number of twinkling lights began to hover over the
+plain. Sometimes they moved forward rapidly, sometimes they were
+raised and lowered, and at other times stationary. Gradually two of
+these lanthorns came closer to me, stopping about ten paces off, and
+when I saw who bore them I knew at once they were death-hunters, and
+that in a few moments the knife of one of these ghouls might end my
+suffering. There were two of these fiends, a man and a woman, and as
+they halted the man stooped: there was a choking cry for mercy, the
+blow of a dagger, and a groan. The robber busied himself in searching
+the dead man's person, and, in the silence that followed, the woman
+with him threw up her head and laughed a horrid shrill laugh. It
+pealed out with so eerie a sound that the death-hunter sprang to his
+feet; but finding who it was, burst into the foulest language.
+
+'_Sangdieu!_ Be still, fool,' he snarled, 'or you'll laugh another way
+if I tickle you with my knife.'
+
+'Oh, ho! The brave Mauginot,' answered the she-devil, 'you will tickle
+me with your butcher knife--will you? I, too, can make you skip,' and
+she shook a bright dagger in her long lean arm, but suddenly changing
+her tone, 'Pouf!' she said, 'there is no use in squabbling, partner.
+This is the sixth we have helped to hell to-night, and not a broad
+piece amongst them. Holy Virgin! This is a field of paupers--let us
+begone!' and to my joy she made as if to go.
+
+'Stay Babette! what shines there?' and Mauginot ran forward a couple
+of paces, and bending low wrenched something from a body, and then
+stood up, holding it to the light.
+
+I saw his face clearly, and saw also his prize. It was poor de Leyva's
+collar of the Golden Fleece, and the blood-stained hand of the
+_croquemort_ held it up to the lantern, and clinked the jewelled
+links, whilst he feasted his eyes on the gold and gems. Over his
+shoulders peered the pitiless features of his partner, and in her eyes
+blazed all the bad light of avarice and murder. I almost held my
+breath as I watched the eyes of the woman leave the jewel and turn on
+the man with death in their look. As for him, he was unconscious of
+the knife quivering in the nervous fingers behind him, and he chuckled
+over his find.
+
+'That is the collar of the _Toison d'Or_, Babette. _Sacre chien!_ But
+I will wed you, and we will buy an estate and settle down, and you
+will be Madame de Mauginot--hey! That carrion there must have been a
+great prince--a field of paupers--bah! Give me more paupers like this.
+I am sorry he is dead, Babette, I would like to have--Ah, _mon
+Dieu!_--you devil! you devil!' for as he babbled on, his words were
+cut short by Babette's knife, which was buried to the hilt between his
+shoulder-blades, and he fell on his knees and then lurched on his face
+stone dead. The murderess made a snatch at the jewel, which I saw her
+conceal, and then with a mocking 'Adieu, M. _de_ Mauginot!' to her
+victim, stepped over my body and moved out of sight, swinging her
+lantern, and laughing low to herself.
+
+As I watched this hideous scene, I for the moment forgot the pain of
+my hurts; but they soon began to assert themselves in such a manner
+that I longed for the relief that unconsciousness would afford, nor
+indeed would I have been sorry if the night-hag, Babette, had come
+back and put an end to me. My senses half failed me again, and I felt
+myself tottering on the brink of delirium. I caught myself shouting
+and speaking out aloud in a mad manner; but I had no power of stopping
+myself. So the long hours of the night passed, and at last it was dawn
+once more, and morning came.
+
+Lying with my ear against the ground, I heard the dull beat of horses'
+hoofs, growing louder and more distinct as they approached, and in a
+little time the party, whoever they were, rode into the cornfield. For
+a second my eyes were dazzled by the reflection of the sun on the
+silver-plate of their armour; but I recovered myself with an effort,
+and watched eagerly, intending to cry out for help as they passed me,
+for my voice was too weak to reach where they were. There were two
+ladies amongst them, and all appeared to be looking with much concern
+and anxiety for some one. As they came closer I saw it was the King
+himself, with Madame Gabrielle and another lady, doubtless of the
+court, and a numerous retinue. Henry was mounted on his famous bay
+charger; and, as he lifted his hat and looked silently around him, I
+had good opportunity of observing the man who was without doubt the
+most heroic figure of the age, and who united in himself the most
+opposite extremes of character. I saw before me a spare figure, the
+head covered with short black hair, a long hooked nose that fell over
+the upper lip, and a sharp protruding chin, half hidden in a beard
+tinged with grey. His long curled moustaches were white as snow, and
+the story went that they had become so on the night when the Edicts of
+Pacification were revoked by the last of the Valois. Under his bushy
+eyebrows his keen restless eyes glittered like two beads, but for the
+moment they seemed dilated with a soft light, and there was an
+infinite sadness in them as he looked round the bloody field.
+
+'I am afraid we search in vain, madame,' and a tall cavalier mounted
+on a big bay addressed Madame de Beaufort. She nodded her head to him
+sadly, and turned to the King.
+
+'It is useless, sire, and I can bear this no longer--it is too
+horrible--let us go.'
+
+'_Mignonne_, you are right--this is no place for you. Roquelaure will
+see you and your little friend there back, and I will come to you
+soon--but now I have a letter to write--just a few lines to Béarn.'
+The King spoke with a strong southern accent, and as he spoke leaned
+forward and caressed Madame Gabrielle's hand. She, however, declined
+to go. 'I will wait, sire, but it shall be with my eyes shut,' and the
+King's mistress, whose cheeks were very pale, put her hand to her eyes
+as if to shut out the sight around her. The lady with Madame de
+Beaufort coming nearer at this time, I recognised my unknown Madame of
+the outposts, who had evidently found her way back to her friends. But
+it was with a bitter disappointment that I saw her in the company of
+the duchess, and evidently in attendance on her. Madame was nothing to
+me I thought, but I could not associate her with the fallen woman who
+was the mistress of the King. I was learning the lesson that love
+comes on a man like a thief in the night, and, unconsciously to
+myself, Madame had climbed on a pinnacle in my heart, and the thought
+that I had deceived myself in my estimate of her moved me to sudden
+anger, and stilled the cry for help that was rising to my lips--I
+would have no help from her and her friends.
+
+In the meantime the King was busily engaged in writing his despatch on
+a small tablet, which he rested on the pommel of his saddle, and as he
+wrote he repeated the words aloud, and the purport of the note, which
+was to de la Force at Pau, was to send him a dozen young peach-trees,
+carefully packed in mould, each in a tin case one foot long, these to
+be planted in his gardens of St. Germain.
+
+As he was thus engaged, a little shrivelled old man pushed his horse
+beside Madame de Beaufort, and said in mincing tones as hard as steel.
+'Come, madame, your brother has met a soldier's death, and no
+Frenchman can hope for a better--or he is safe and well somewhere. Dry
+your tears, and rejoice at the glorious victory we have won.' The
+duchess made some answer in a broken voice, and the King, hearing her,
+stopped writing and put his tablet away.
+
+'_M'amye!_ D'Ayen speaks rightly, though he speaks from the head. God
+keep us from more scenes like this. As for your brother, de
+C[oe]uvres, I will not rest till there is news of him; but now we can
+do no more. Come, then--open your pretty eyes and we will go--there is
+much on hand.'
+
+I was a hot-headed fool and furious in those days, and I set my teeth
+together grimly as they made ready to start, swearing I would rather
+die than make the slightest signal for aid. They rode past quite close
+to me--Gabrielle weeping at the King's bridle hand, and his Majesty
+sucking at a nectarine he had pulled from his holster. Madame was
+immediately behind, and as she came up to me, our eyes met with an
+instant recognition. In a moment her cheek had crimsoned and paled,
+and she reined in with a cry:
+
+'Stop--halt!'
+
+'It is Louis--Louis--O God, no!' exclaimed Madame de Beaufort,
+swinging round, the glad note in her voice breaking as she saw I was
+not her brother, de C[oe]uvres; but Madame had already dismounted and
+was holding my head up, and gently passing a handkerchief over my
+face.
+
+They had all surrounded me now, and I heard quick orders given.
+
+'He is past mending,' said d'Ayen, bending over me from his saddle, 'a
+gentleman, too, it seems. Let him lie there--he will die very soon,
+poor devil!'
+
+'_Mon Dieu!_ No!' broke in the duchess, and Madame looked at the
+speaker with a cold contempt.
+
+'He is the only man living here,' and the strong accent of the
+Béarnais came as from a distance; '_Ventre-saint-Gris!_ But they
+fought like paladins, and Frenchman or foreigner, he shall be saved if
+it can be done.'
+
+'Sire,' said a soft voice, 'you are the true King of the brave.'
+
+Then two men-at-arms raised me with a rough gentleness on their
+crossed spears, and inflicted on me in their kindness the most
+infinite torture. The King himself pressed a flask of wine to my lips,
+and, as I drank greedily, two cool hands held up my head. Then we
+moved on slowly, Madame refusing to ride, but walking by my side, and
+supporting my burning head.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV
+
+                      THE CHATEAU DE LA BIDACHE
+
+
+Months had passed since I shook hands with death in the cornfield by
+the banks of the Oise, and the grass was tall and green on the mounds
+around La Fère which marked the graves of those who had fought and
+died there, in reality for the hand of Spain, in spirit for the League
+that was dead. It was autumn now, and as I, well and strong again,
+walked down the long avenue of beeches that led to the park gates of
+Bidache, I let my memory run back to the days in the hospital of Ste.
+Geneviève, whither I was borne from the field; to the soft-voiced,
+gentle-handed sisters of mercy; to the physician Marescot, the King's
+own leech, with his acid face and kind heart, who doctored me; and
+above all to the tall, slight, black-robed figure that came to see me
+daily, and for whose coming I used to long, in the dreary hours of my
+pain, with an infinite desire. I argued with myself on the absurdity
+of the thing--here was I, hardened by ten years of campaigning which
+ought to have taught me the world, conquered out of hand by the glance
+of a pair of bright eyes, and the tones of a sweet voice. As the days
+wore on, I cursed myself for the unworthy suspicions that had come to
+me and tied my tongue when I lay wounded, and was rescued by chance,
+and her charity. Who or what she was I cared not, and recklessly
+abandoned myself to the feelings that were aroused in my heart.
+
+I shall not forget what happened one afternoon. A long gallery in the
+convent of Ste. Geneviève had been turned into a ward, and here the
+wounded lay on pallets with a walking space between. Owing to Madame's
+kindness I was comfortably quartered at the end of the gallery, and a
+screen had been set between me and the other patients. I was gaining
+strength daily, and, at the moment I speak of, was in a state between
+sleeping and waking, when I heard a laugh and the sound of footsteps,
+and saw through the partly open wing of the screen that my lady had
+come to make her daily rounds, not attended as usual only by her
+women, but by a gaily-dressed cavalier as well, and it was his laugh
+that I had heard. In this person, dressed in the extreme of fashion, I
+made out M. d'Ayen, the same who had so kindly suggested that I should
+be left to die in the field. He pattered along, holding a kerchief
+edged with gold lace to his nose, and ever and again waving it in the
+air, whilst he spoke in a loud tone, regardless of the looks cast at
+him by the sisters in attendance on the wounded. They came slowly
+towards me, for Madame stayed constantly to speak to some maimed
+wretch, and I saw her slip money into the hands of some, and there
+were kind words for all. I felt a strange pleasure in watching her,
+whilst at the same time I thought of my past, and how unfit I was even
+to nurse such a dream as my love for her. When within a yard or so of
+the screen, Madame bent over a sufferer, and d'Ayen exclaimed in his
+biting voice--
+
+'_Morbleu!_ Madame! But you are the Princess of Charity. Let us hasten
+to your interesting patient, however. His Majesty is most anxious to
+hear of him.'
+
+'His Majesty has never done me the honour to inquire,' she answered
+coldly.
+
+'You could hardly expect that, madame. But it came about in this way.
+We were at flux, and as usual I held a bad cascade----'
+
+But Madame, to whom his presence was unwelcome, waited to hear no
+more, and passing the screen, came to my side, and would have spoken;
+d'Ayen, however, cut in with a rudeness for which I could have run him
+through.
+
+'My compliments, M. d'Auriac. You are a lucky man. The King takes so
+great an interest in you that he has charged me with a message to you.
+His Majesty bids me say,' and his bead-like eyes twinkled down on me
+from his painted cheeks, and then turned slily towards Madame.
+
+I waited for him to continue, and he went on, talking as if his words
+were meant for Madame as well.
+
+'His Majesty trusts you will soon be recovered, and relieve Madame de
+la Bidache from the strain of watching you, and begs me to add that he
+is of a temper that can brook no rival in war--or love. Let me say, on
+my own account, that it would be well if M. le Chevalier would take a
+change of air.'
+
+I looked from one to another in blank amaze--at the little ape with
+his cruel eyes, and at Madame, who was still as a stone. Then she
+coloured to her eyelids, her hands fell clenched to her side, and she
+turned on d'Ayen.
+
+'Such a message, monsieur, should not have been delivered before me. I
+will take care that M. d'Auriac has a change of air; and, monsieur,
+your presence oppresses me. I beg you will not trouble to escort me
+farther.'
+
+Then she turned from us and passed down the ward, but d'Ayen remained.
+
+'I will kill you for this,' I gasped.
+
+He looked at me with a shrug of his lean shoulders.
+
+'Perhaps--I am old. But you would do well to take my advice,
+monsieur,' and with a bow he too turned and went.
+
+I was left lost in wonder, utterly in the dark as to what this all
+meant, but determined to find out and bring d'Ayen to book at the
+first chance. I made up my mind to ask the next day. The next day
+came; but Madame did not, and then another and yet another day of
+dreariness passed. At last someone, I forget who, told me she had gone
+with the court to Nantes, and that I would see her no more. Later on,
+when Marescot came to me, I begged the favour of his getting me the
+knot of ribbon he would find in the lefthand breast pocket of the
+doublet I wore on the day I was brought into the hospital.
+
+'You are getting well,' he said, and turned away, but came back in a
+little with a wrinkled smile on his lips, 'I cannot find the cordial
+you want, Chevalier.'
+
+I had half raised my head in expectancy as he returned, but sank back
+again at his words, and Marescot went on in his low voice that sounded
+like the humming of a bee. 'M. le Chevalier, that bow of ribbon has
+gone away, so high up that a taller man than you could not reach it.
+Forget it. But I have news for you, which the clumsy fool who told you
+of Madame's departure should have given you: you are to go to Bidache
+shortly, and stay there until you are well again. It will not be for
+long. After that, try the tonic of the Italian war. France will be all
+ploughshares now that the King is king.'
+
+I caught him by the sleeve of his soutane. 'Tell me,' I said weakly,
+'who is Madame, where is Bidache?'
+
+'Madame, as we all call her, is Claude de Rochemars, widow of Antoine
+de la Tremouille, and heiress of Bidache, Pelouse, and a quarter of
+the Cevennes. Bidache, where you go, is her chateau in Normandy.
+Madame,' he went on with a ghost of a smile on his thin lips, 'is
+kindness itself. Now no more talk for to-day.' Then he went, and I lay
+back, as sore in mind as in body.
+
+In a day or so Madame's steward of Bidache arrived, bearing a letter
+from her, in which, as a poor return for the service I had done
+her--so she put it--she placed her Norman chateau at my disposal until
+I was well again. I had a mind to refuse; but in my state could summon
+up no such resolution, and, muttering my thanks to the steward, said
+they could do what they listed with me. They moved me here by easy
+stages, carrying me in a litter as I was too weak to ride, and when I
+came to Bidache, and was borne to my apartments, imagine my joy and
+surprise at seeing there my knave Jacques, whom I thought to be either
+dead or home again at Auriac; and not only Jacques, but hanging on the
+wall my own sword, and the sight of it was like meeting a tried
+friend. Later on, Jacques informed me that after the rout he had made
+the best of his way back to the old rock, and stayed there, hoping for
+news of me. At last it came, with orders for him to hurry to Bidache,
+and he did so, bearing with him such things as he thought I needed, as
+well as a hundred pistoles of rents, the same being half the sum due
+to me for my rights over the fish in the bay of Auriac. As for the
+sword, it had been given to him on his arrival by Madame's orders to
+keep for me. I had come to a low ebb by this, and the money was trebly
+welcome, as it would furnish me with a couple of horses, and leave a
+round sum besides when I left Bidache, which I meant to do as soon as
+ever I was fit to travel. And now the time had come for me to depart,
+and I was to start that evening. For forty crowns Jacques had picked
+up a couple of stout cobs at Evreux, and we meant to leave an hour or
+so before sundown and make for Paris, where, if the King would accept
+an old leaguer's sword, we would stay; if not, the world was wide. I
+was as far as ever from understanding the strange message that M.
+d'Ayen had delivered to me, and felt myself safe in going to Paris, as
+a general amnesty covered all our sins of rebellion--so they were
+called now.
+
+So absorbed was I in these thoughts, that I did not mark the rapid
+approach of a horseman, nor indeed was I aware of his presence until,
+when within a few yards of me, he reigned in his plunging beast, whose
+bit and neck were white with foam, and lifting his hat respectfully,
+inquired if I was the Chevalier d'Auriac and on my reply exclaimed,
+'Madame will be overjoyed. We heard that you had already left Bidache,
+and my lady arrives within the hour from Evreux. Pardon, monsieur--I
+go to give the news to the household,' and, saluting again, the lackey
+dashed onwards towards the chateau.
+
+So I would meet her within the hour. Half unconsciously I glanced down
+to see if my doublet sat aright and my points were tied. Then I
+thought I would go back to the house and meet her there, and, as I did
+this, I looked at the fall of the plumes in my hat, and, finally,
+laughing at myself for a coxcomb, took my heart in both hands, and
+marched onwards towards the gates. The porter had already been warned,
+and on my coming I found him there with a crowd of yokels, all in a
+state of high excitement.
+
+'It is three years since Madame was here, monsieur,' the honest fellow
+exclaimed to me as I came up, 'three years, and now she comes without
+a word of warning--_hola!_ There they are, and there is Madame on the
+jennet she purchased from M. le duc de Sully--he was but the Sieur de
+Rosny then--_hola_! _hola!_'
+
+The crowd joined with him in his cheers, although as yet the party was
+far off--not so far, however, that I could not easily make out the
+graceful figure on the jennet, and in the two riders who accompanied
+Madame, apart from the half-dozen servants behind, I recognised to my
+surprise d'Ayen, and guessed that the grey-beard in the tall-crowned,
+broad-brimmed hat, with the sad-coloured cloak over his shoulders, was
+no other than the old Huguenot, whose zeal had outrun his discretion
+on the night when I saved Madame from a great peril.
+
+This guess of mine I hazarded aloud to the gate-keeper, who replied:
+
+'Yes, M. le Chevalier, that is Maître Palin, Madame's chaplain, and he
+was also chaplain to M. le Compte before he died.'
+
+'When was it that M. le Compte died?'
+
+'Let me see, monsieur--ah, yes--four years ago in Paris, at the time
+of the Plague. He was a great lord, as you may know, and brother of
+the duke, who they say has quarrelled with the King because of his
+conversion, and of Madame Charlotte, the Princess of Condé, who lives
+in the Rue Grenelle, and whom the King kept for long a close prisoner
+in the tower of St. Jean d'Angely--no one knows why; but it is buzzed
+that Monseigneur, the Prince of Condé, the King's cousin, died of a
+flask of wine, and that the Princess--but _hola_! _hola_! welcome to
+your own house, madame,' and he dropped on his knees as the cavalcade
+rode up, and presented the keys of the chateau gates slung on a silver
+chain to their mistress. She bent from the saddle and touched them
+with her hand, and the peasantry surrounded her with hearty greeting,
+hedging her in with cheerful red faces and broad smiles, so that she
+could not move. Meanwhile, I stood apart, tugging at my moustache,
+wondering by what right d'Ayen rode at her bridle hand, and feeling
+how true Marescot's words were, that the bow of ribbon was hung too
+high for me. Not that it was a question of birth--de Breuil of Auriac
+was a name that was old when Tremouille was unknown; but--there were
+other things which made all the difference, and men and women of the
+world will understand what I mean when I say this.
+
+As Madame lifted her head our eyes met, and, raising my hat, I
+advanced towards her, the people giving way respectfully. My ears were
+buzzing, and I was as shy and nervous as a schoolboy as I bowed over
+her gloved hand, and touched it with my lips.
+
+'Let me welcome you back to health, Chevalier,' she said, 'and say how
+glad I am to be able, even for a short while, to do the honours of my
+poor house in person to you. News came to us that you had already left
+Bidache--without even a word to me;' her voice dropped a little as she
+said this, but the tone was cool and friendly, nothing more.
+
+'I go to-night, madame.'
+
+'So soon; but I understand why, and will not press you to stay--here
+is one who, like myself, has longed for an opportunity to thank you in
+person. _Mon père_,' and she turned to the Huguenot priest, 'this is
+our friend to whom we owe so much.'
+
+'In the service of the Lord one would willingly lay down life,' said
+Palin, as he shook me warmly by the hand, 'nevertheless, a few hours
+more of the world for an old man is a grace not to be despised, and I
+thank the instrument that has bestowed this benefit upon me.'
+
+D'Ayen, between whom and myself there had passed no greeting, now
+spoke in a voice that fairly trembled with anger.
+
+'I was not aware that I should have the pleasure of meeting you here,
+M. le Chevalier. It will surprise the King,' he added, in a lower tone
+to Madame.
+
+I made no answer; but the memory of his warning and my determination
+to settle with him came up in full force. Madame, however, spoke.
+
+'M. d'Ayen, when, by the order of the King, you were directed to
+escort me to Bidache, there was nothing said about your right to
+dictate to me who shall be my guests. Remember, monsieur, that your
+company is forced upon me, and let me add that you are a trifle too
+paternal.'
+
+D'Ayen paled under his rouge, and, muttering something, reined back a
+pace, whilst Palin, looking him full in the eyes, said:
+
+'Will you swallow that, too, M. d'Ayen? At your age one would have
+thought digestion hard.'
+
+And there was no answer.
+
+Madame had in the meantime signalled a lackey to dismount and offer me
+his beast.
+
+'I cannot allow you to walk, and we will reach the house quicker in
+this way, besides, I want to hear all your news. My friends,' and she
+turned to the people, 'come to Bidache: it is long since we have met,
+and I would have you to make merry as of old--come, Chevalier.'
+
+In the cheers which followed, she touched her horse lightly on the
+shoulder with her whip, and galloped on, Palin and I on either hand,
+and the suite behind. In a little while she slackened pace, saying
+with a laugh, 'We are going too fast to talk, Chevalier, and I am a
+woman, you know, and must hear my own voice, if nothing else--so you
+are quite well and strong again?'
+
+'I am, madame, thanks to your kindness, which Alban de Breuil can
+never forget.'
+
+Her colour deepened slightly. 'It is the other way, Chevalier, the
+debt is on my side.'
+
+'I have done nothing--and the repayment was too much.'
+
+'I am sorry you think so,' looking straight between her horse's ears.
+
+'I did not mean that--I have already said I can never requite your
+kindness, and if Madame ever needs a stout arm and a good sword, it is
+my hope she will call on that of Auriac.'
+
+'Perhaps I may--some day,' she answered, 'for the blood of my fathers
+runs strong in me, but I think Maître Palin here will tell you that I
+am wrong, and that the sword is accursed.'
+
+'Unless it be drawn in the service of God, madame,' put in the
+Huguenot gravely.
+
+'_Mon père_ Palin has been a man-at-arms in his day,' said Madame,
+'and has fought at Jarnac and Moncontour. He is therefore of the
+church militant, as you see.'
+
+'I am proud to meet so brave a soldier as I doubt not you were, Maître
+Palin. We took different sides; but all that is passed now, and
+Huguenot and Leaguer are merged in the common name of Frenchman.'
+
+'Long live the King!' said Madame gaily; but Palin answered sadly:
+
+'Would it were so. But to my eyes there are still dark clouds ahead.
+We have no longer Henry of Navarre, but Henry of France; no longer a
+prince of the true faith, but a pervert.'
+
+'His Majesty will be delighted to hear that,' put in d'Ayen; but
+Madame took no more notice of him than of a fly.
+
+'Hush! _mon père_,' and she raised a warning hand, 'I will have no
+word against the King. M. le Chevalier is right, we are all one again,
+as France should ever be.'
+
+'Amen!' answered Palin; 'but too much blood has been shed for this
+compromise to be accepted. The way is dark--but I will say no more,'
+and the old croaker dropped a half length behind.
+
+A turn in the avenue at this moment brought us in full view of the
+grey walls of Bidache, and on the wide stone staircase that led to the
+great hall we saw the servants of the household assembled. Madame
+waved her hand in greeting, and the cheer which broke from them was
+drowned in the boom of the bombard from the keep. As the blue wreaths
+of smoke curled upwards a little ball ran to the top of the flagstaff
+on the keep, and the next moment the banner of Tremouille, with the
+arms of Rochemars of Bidache quartered thereon, spread out its folds
+to the morning, and Madame was come home once more.
+
+We dined an hour or so later than usual, Madame, d'Ayen, Palin, and
+myself at the high table, and the rest of the household with all
+Bidache at the next. Madame, who seemed in nowise fatigued by her long
+ride, was in the gayest of spirits and rippled with talk. As if
+thinking she had punished d'Ayen enough, she directed all her
+conversation towards him, and the old beau was in his element in
+discussing the intrigues of court life, and, let me add, interesting,
+for his memory went far back. Madame spoke of the Edict, but for which
+they would never have been at Bidache; of the surrender of Mercoeur,
+and of the betrothal of his daughter Francoise de Lorraine, the
+greatest heiress in France, to _César Monsieur_, the little Duc de
+Vendôme; of the Constable and his disappointment thereat; of the
+squabbles between M. de Bar and his wife, the King's sister; of court
+gossip and court scandal, until Palin's face grew sour, and I felt a
+disappointment within me, as she prattled on like some Paris beauty,
+whose sole thoughts were of masques at the Louvre and hunting parties
+at Vincennes. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled as she
+discussed with d'Ayen whether the ruff or the collar drooped in the
+Italian manner was the more becoming, and whether the _cinque pace_
+dance was more enjoyable than the minuet. _Pardieu!_ Their speech was
+all frill and furbelows. But for a word thrown in here and there, I
+sipped my Romanée in silence, wondering at this flow of talk, and
+wondering, too, at this change of front, and if I was wrong in my
+estimate of Madame. As she talked, my head for a moment overcame my
+heart, and I began to judge her in that way, showing, in doing so, my
+ignorance of that complex thing--a woman.
+
+At last the dinner came to a close, and Palin, rising, opened his lips
+with a long thanksgiving, to which all, Madame included, listened
+devoutly. Our hostess then retired, and we three were left together in
+an absolute silence. Had it been any other place I would have felt
+bound to call d'Ayen to account, and ask him to name a proxy if he was
+unable to meet me by reason of his age. But as it was this was
+impossible, and I contented myself with a frigid reserve, in which I
+was joined by the Huguenot. He looked from one to the other of us with
+a satirical smile on his thin lips, and then rising made a slight bow
+and left us to ourselves. As we returned to our seats from our
+response to his greeting, I blurted out the questions:
+
+'Who is M. d'Ayen? Why is he here?'
+
+'Who is he? It is enough to say he is one of those men who live on the
+follies of kings. And it is enough to say that his company is forced
+upon us.'
+
+'I have heard that before; but Madame seemed to like him well enough
+at dinner.' I felt I was wrong as I said this, but the words came out.
+
+'He is here by the King's orders, by the orders of Henry the Great,'
+said Palin with bitterness. 'Monsieur, you seem a man of honour, what
+do you think of a king who would force a marriage on a woman to----'
+and he whispered words in my ear which struck me speechless.
+
+I could not believe him. It was incredible. Was this the hero king,
+the gallant soldier, the father of his people? It could not be true.
+
+Palin saw the doubt on my face.
+
+'Even you,' he said; 'well, go to Paris and see.'
+
+'I shall go, I am going to-day.'
+
+'It will be at the risk of your life.'
+
+'Maître Palin, there is the King's Peace, and even if it were not so I
+will go.'
+
+He looked at me long and attentively: 'Let it be so,' he muttered to
+himself, and then loudly, 'Well, Chevalier, I have warned you; if you
+go you will want a safe lodging--seek out Pantin in the Rue des Deux
+Mondes, and mention my name. The house faces the Pont Neuf, you can't
+miss it.'
+
+'Thank you, I will do so.'
+
+Then after a few minutes more of talk we wished each other good-bye
+and parted.
+
+As for myself, I was on the cross with what I had heard. My mind was
+racked with doubt, and at last in despair I sought my own room to
+think over the matter. I could make nothing of it, turn it which way I
+would. To me Palin's story was incredible. But yet it explained and
+made clear so much! It was not to offer my sword only to the King that
+I would now go to Paris, it would be to save the woman I loved if
+possible. How I was to do this I had no definite idea, the one thing
+at present in my mind was Paris, Paris. I therefore gave the necessary
+orders to Jacques to make ready to start at once, and, descending the
+winding staircase of the tower wherein my room lay, sought the great
+hall with the view of either finding Madame there, or of sending some
+one with the request to permit my waiting on her to say good-bye. The
+staircase ended in a long dark corridor, hung on each side with
+trophies of the chase, old armour, and frayed and tattered banners. At
+the end of this was an arched doorway hidden by a heavy curtain, and
+above the arch was a half-length portrait of a man. The painter had
+not flattered his subject; the long pointed face with its grey beard
+was bent forward slightly, there was a cynical curve to the lips, and
+the eyes looked down on me as if with a laugh in them. I had passed
+this picture fifty times before, but had never stayed to examine it.
+Somehow I did so on this occasion, and as I read the inscription
+'Antoine de la Tremouille' on the frame, the thin lips appeared to
+lengthen out into a grin. For a moment a chill fell on me, and then,
+laughing at myself for a fool, I lifted the curtain and passed into
+the great hall. At first I thought it was empty, but a second glance
+showed me Madame, seated at a small table, in the recess of the bow
+window that overlooked the park. Her face, leaning on her hand, was
+half averted from me, and I caught, a glimpse of a small foot resting
+on one of the lions' heads in which the legs of the table finished.
+The foot was beating up and down as if in unison with the impatience
+of Madame's thoughts, but I could see nothing of her face beyond its
+contour. She was, as usual, robed in black, wearing no jewels except a
+gold collar round her neck. For a moment I stood in silence, looking
+at her, half thinking that here was a chance to speak out what was in
+my heart, and then stilling the words by the thought of how impossible
+it was for a poor man to woo a rich woman.
+
+Through the open window I could see the woods, ruddy in their autumn
+foliage, and ever and again came the sound of cheerful voices, marking
+where the good people of Bidache were holding revelry in honour of
+their mistress' return.
+
+As I stood, hat in hand, Madame suddenly turned with a little start,
+and hastily concealed something as she caught sight of me. I went up
+at once, and she rose to meet me.
+
+'I have come to say farewell, madame,' and I held out my hand.
+
+'So soon,' she said, as she took it for a moment, her eyes not meeting
+mine.
+
+'Yes--Paris is far--and it will be well for me to be there as quickly
+as possible.'
+
+'Paris! You are surely not--' and she stopped.
+
+'Why not, madame?'
+
+'Oh! I don't know,' and hastily, 'one sometimes says things that
+don't exactly convey one's meaning. But I can imagine why you go to
+Paris--you are tired of Bidache, and pine for the great city.'
+
+'It is not that; but,' and I pointed to the rolling woods and wide
+lands that spread before us, 'I have no responsibilities like
+these--and Auriac, which stands by the sea, takes care of
+itself--besides, I have my way to make as yet.'
+
+'You have friends?'
+
+'One at any rate, and that was restored to me by you,' and I glanced
+to the hilt of my sword.
+
+'Man does not want a better; but you have another--here at Bidache,
+and I shall be in Paris soon, too, and--this place is dull. It kills
+me.'
+
+'And yet you have not been here for three years--madame, are all the
+masques at the Louvre so attractive that you can desert your home,
+where your name is honoured as that of the King, for the follies of
+the court?'
+
+I spoke with some bitterness, for I was sore at what I had heard at
+dinner, and she glanced up at me in a slight surprise. Then her lips
+parted in a half smile. 'Chevalier, will you answer me a question or
+so?'
+
+'Why not?'
+
+'You like gaiety, cheerfulness, light, do you not?'
+
+'Assuredly.'
+
+'You sometimes amuse yourself by gaming, do you not--and losing more
+than you can afford?'
+
+I bowed in simple wonder.
+
+'That friend of yours at your side has not been drawn only in battle,
+has it?'
+
+De Gonnor's white face rose up before me, and I felt my forehead burn.
+I could make no answer. Madame looked at me for a moment, and then
+dropped a stately little courtesy. 'Monsieur, you are very good to
+advise me, and I take your reproof. But surely what is sauce for the
+gander is sauce for the goose. Is not the Chevalier d'Auriac a little
+hasty? How is it that he is not at home at Auriac, instead of
+hastening to Paris as fast as he can--to the masques at the Louvre,
+and the salons of Zamet?'
+
+'It is different,' I stammered.
+
+'Ah, yes, it is different,' with a superb scorn; 'I saw you pull a
+half league of face as I talked at dinner. Monsieur can go here.
+Monsieur can go there. He may dance at a revel from curfew till
+cockcrow, he may stake his estates on a throw of the dice, he may run
+his friend through for a word spoken in jest--it is all _comme il
+faut_. But, Madame--she must sit at home with her distaff, her only
+relaxation a _prêche_, her amusement and joy to await Monsieur's
+return--is not that your idea, Chevalier?' She was laughing, but it
+was with a red spot on each cheek.
+
+'Madame,' I replied, 'when I was but fifteen I joined the Cardinal de
+Joyeuse, and from that time to now my life has been passed in the
+field; I am therefore but a soldier, rough of speech, unused to
+argument, apt to say what is in my mind bluntly. I was wrong to make
+the remark I did, and ask your pardon; but, madame, brush away the
+idea that in this case the sauce for the gander is sauce for the
+goose--I use your own words--think what it would be if all womankind
+acted on what you have preached--think what would happen if the
+illusions that surround you, and which are now your strength, are
+dispelled. The worst of men have some memory of a home made happy by a
+woman, sister, mother, or wife, and the return to which was like a
+glimpse into heaven--the thought of which often made them better
+men--do not destroy this. And, madame, there is yet another thing--man
+is a fighting animal, and the final issues of an affair come to the
+sword--where would a struggle between this hand and mine end?--'in my
+eagerness I took her small white fingers in mine as I spoke, and shut
+them within my palm--'Madame,' I continued, 'rest assured that the
+glory and strength of a woman is in her weakness, and when she puts
+aside that armour she is lost. Think not that you have no mission--it
+is at a mother's knee that empires have been lost and won, that
+generations have, and will be, cursed or blessed.'
+
+I stood over her as I spoke; I was a tall man then and strong, and
+whether it was my speech or what I know not, but I felt the hand I
+held tremble in mine, and her eyes were turned from me.
+
+'Let me say good-bye now,' I continued, 'and thank you again for what
+you have done.'
+
+She shook her head in deprecation.
+
+'Very well, then, I will not recall it to you; but I can never
+forget--life is sweet of savour, and you gave it back to me. We will
+meet again in Paris--till then good-bye.'
+
+'At the Louvre?' As she glanced up at me, trying to smile, I saw her
+eyes were moist with tears, and then--but the wide lands of Bidache
+were before me, and I held myself in somehow.
+
+'Good-bye.'
+
+'Good-bye.'
+
+I turned, and without another look passed out of the hall. As I went
+down the stairway I saw on the terrace to my right the figure of
+d'Ayen. He had changed his costume to the slashed and puffed dress
+which earned for the gay gentlemen of Henry's court the nickname of
+'Bigarrets,' from M. de Savoye's caustic tongue, and his wizened face
+stood out of his snowy ruff in all the glow of its fresh paint. With
+one foot resting on the parapet, he was engaged in throwing crumbs to
+the peacocks that basked on the turf beneath him. I would have passed,
+but he called out.
+
+'M. le Chevalier--a word.'
+
+'A word then only, sir, I am in haste.'
+
+'A bad thing, haste,' he said, staring at me from head to foot; 'these
+woods would fetch a good price, would they not?' and he waved his hand
+towards the wide-stretching forest.
+
+'You mistake, M. d'Ayen, I am not a timber merchant.'
+
+'Oh! a good price,' he went on, not heeding my reply. 'M. le
+Chevalier, I was going to say I will have them down when I am master
+here. They obstruct the view.'
+
+I could have flung him from the terrace, but held myself in and turned
+on my heel.
+
+'Adieu! Chevalier,' he called out after me, 'and remember what I have
+said.'
+
+I took no notice. The man was old, and his gibing tongue his only
+weapon. I ran down the steps to where Jacques was, ready for me with
+the horses. Springing into the saddle, I put spurs to the beast, and
+we dashed down the avenue, but as I did so I yielded to an impulse,
+and glanced up to the window--it was empty.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER V
+
+                   A GOOD DEED COMES HOME TO ROOST
+
+
+We dashed through the streets of Bidache, arousing the village dogs
+asleep in the yellow-sunlight to a chorus of disapprobation. About a
+dozen sought to revenge their disturbed slumbers, and, following the
+horses, snapped viciously at their heels; but we soon distanced them,
+and flinging a curse or so after us, in dog language, they gave up the
+pursuit, and returned to blink away the afternoon. It was my intention
+to keep to the right of Ivry, and after crossing the Eure, head
+straight for Paris, which I would enter either by way of Versailles or
+St. Germains; it mattered little what road, and there was plenty of
+time to decide.
+
+I have, however, to confess here to a weakness, and that was my
+disappointment that Madame had not stayed to see the last of me.
+Looking back upon it, I am perfectly aware that I had no right to have
+any feeling in the matter whatsoever; but let any one who has been
+placed similarly to myself be asked to lay bare his heart--I would
+stake my peregrine, Etoile, to a hedge crow on the result.
+
+Madame knew I loved her. She must have seen the hunger in my eyes, as
+I watched her come and go, in the days when I lay at Ste. Geneviève,
+wounded to death. She must have felt the words I crushed down, I know
+not how, when we parted. She knew it all. Every woman knows how a man
+stands towards her. I was going away. I might never see her again. It
+was little to have waved me Godspeed as I rode on my way, and yet that
+little was not given.
+
+In this manner, like the fool I was, I rasped and fretted, easing my
+unhappy temper by letting the horse feel the rowels, and swearing at
+myself for a whining infant that wept for a slice of the moon.
+
+For a league or so we galloped along the undulating ground which
+sloped towards the ford near Ezy; but as we began to approach the
+river, the country, studded with apple orchards, and trim with
+hedgerows of holly and hawthorn, broke into a wild and rugged
+moorland, intersected by ravines, whose depths were concealed by a
+tall undergrowth of Christ's Thorn and hornbeam, whilst beyond this,
+in russet, in sombre greens, and greys that faded into absolute blue,
+stretched the forests and woods of Anet and Croth-Sorel.
+
+In the flood of the mellow sunlight the countless bells of heather
+enamelling the roadside were clothed in royal purple, and the brown
+tips of the bracken glistened like shafts of beaten gold. At times the
+track took its course over the edge of a steep bank, and here we
+slackened pace, picking our way over the crumbling earth, covered with
+grass, whose growth was choked by a network of twining cranesbill, gay
+with its crimson flowers, and listening to the dreamy humming of the
+restless bees, and the cheerful, if insistent, skirl of the grass
+crickets, from their snug retreats amidst the yarrow and sweet-scented
+thyme.
+
+As we slid rather than rode down one of these banks, my horse cast a
+shoe, and this put a stop to any further hard riding until the mishap
+could be repaired.
+
+'There is a smith at Ezy, monsieur,' said Jacques, 'where we can get
+what we want done, and then push on to Rouvres, where there is good
+accommodation at the _Grand Cerf_.'
+
+'I suppose Ezy can give us nothing in that way?'
+
+'I doubt much, monsieur, for the place sank to nothing when
+Monseigneur the Duc d'Aumale was exiled, and the King, as monsieur is
+aware, has given the castle to Madame Gabrielle, for her son, little
+_César Monsieur_--the Duc de Vendôme.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ It is well that Madame de Beaufort has not set eyes on
+Auriac--eh, Jacques?' and I laughed as I saw the huge grey outlines of
+Anet rising in the foreground, and thought how secure my barren,
+stormbeaten rock was from the rapacity of the King's mistress.
+
+Jacques came of a rugged race, and my words roused him.
+
+'But M. le Chevalier would never let Auriac fall into the hands of the
+King or his Madame? We could man the tower with a hundred stout hearts
+and----'
+
+'Swing on the gibbet at the castle gates in two weeks, Jacques. But
+remember, we are loyal subjects now, and are going to Paris to serve
+the King.'
+
+'As for me,' answered Jacques, obstinately, 'I serve my master, the
+Chevalier de Breuil d'Auriac, and none besides.'
+
+In this manner we jogged along, making but slow progress, and the sun
+was setting when we came in view of the willow-lined banks of the
+Eure, and entered the walnut groves of the outlying forest in which
+Ezy lay. As we approached we saw that the village was three parts
+deserted, and the ruined orchards and smokeless chimneys told their
+own tale. Turning a bend of the grass-grown road we came upon a few
+children shaking walnuts from a tree, about two hundred paces from us,
+whilst a man and a woman stood hard by observing them. At the sight of
+us the woman turned to the man with an alarmed gesture, and he half
+drew a sword--we saw the white flash, and then, changing his mind, ran
+off into the forest. The children followed suit, sliding down the
+trunk of the tree, and fleeing into the brushwood, looking for all the
+world like little brown rabbits as they dashed into the gaps in the
+thorn.
+
+As for the woman, she turned slowly and began to walk towards the
+village.
+
+'They are very bashful here, Jacques,' I said, quickening my pace.
+
+'Except the lady, monsieur,' and then we trotted up alongside her.
+
+Reining in, I asked if she could direct me to the blacksmith's, for
+there seemed no sign of a forge about. She made no answer but stopped
+and stared at us through her hair, which fell in thick masses over her
+forehead and neck. As she did this I saw that she appeared to be of
+the superior peasant class, but evidently sunk in poverty. She was
+young, and her features so correct that with circumstances a little
+altered she would have been more than ordinarily good-looking. At
+present, however, the face was wan with privation, and there was a
+frightened look in her eyes. I repeated my question in as gentle a
+tone as I could command, and she found tongue.
+
+'There is none here, monsieur; but at Anet you will find everything.
+That is the way, see!' and she pointed down a winding glade, lit up
+here and there with bars of sunlight until it faded into a dark tunnel
+of over-arching trees. I felt convinced from her tone and manner that
+she was trying to put us off, and Jacques burst in.
+
+'Nonsense, my girl, I know there is a smith at Ezy, for but two days
+back one of Madame of Bidache's horses was shod here. You don't know
+your own village--try and think.'
+
+'There is none,' she said shortly.
+
+'Very well,' said Jacques, 'we won't trouble you further, and we will
+find out for ourselves. It will not be difficult.'
+
+We went on a pace or so, when she called out after us.
+
+'Monsieur!'
+
+'What is it?'
+
+She stood twisting the ends of her apron between her fingers and then,
+suddenly,
+
+'Monsieur, pardon, I will guide you.'
+
+'Oh! that is all very well,' began Jacques; but I interrupted him,
+wondering a little to myself what this meant.
+
+'Very well and thanks.'
+
+She dropped a courtesy, and then asked with a timid eagerness,
+
+'Monsieur does not come from the Blaisois?'
+
+'_Ma foi!_ No! This is hardly the way from the Orléannois; but lead
+on, please, it grows late.'
+
+She glanced up again, a suspicion in her eyes, and then without
+another word went on before us. We followed her down the winding
+grass-grown lane, past a few straggling cottages where not a soul was
+visible, and up through the narrow street, where the sight of us drove
+the few wretched inhabitants into their tumble-down houses, as if we
+had the plague itself at our saddle bows. Finally we stopped before a
+cottage of some pretensions to size; but decayed and worn, as all else
+was in this village, which seemed but half alive. Over the entrance to
+the cottage hung a faded signboard, marking that it was the local
+hostelry, and to the right was a small shed, apparently used as a
+workshop; and here the smith was, seated on a rough bench, gazing into
+space.
+
+He rose at our approach and made as if he would be off; but his
+daughter, as the young woman turned out to be, gave him a sign to
+stay, and he halted, muttering something I could not catch; and as I
+looked at the gloomy figure of the man, and the musty inn, I said out
+aloud, '_Morbleu!_ But it is well we have time to mend our trouble and
+make Rouvres; thanks, my girl, you might have told us at once instead
+of making all this fuss,' and bending from the saddle I offered our
+guide a coin. She fairly snatched at it, and then, colouring up,
+turned and ran into the inn. I threw another coin to the smith and
+bade him set about shoeing the horse.
+
+He shuffled this way and that, and then answered dully that he would
+do the job willingly, but it would take time--two hours.
+
+'But it will be night by then,' I expostulated, 'and I have to go on;
+I cannot stay here.'
+
+'As monsieur chooses,' answered the clod; 'but, you see, I have
+nothing ready, and I am slow now; I cannot help it.'
+
+'This is a devil of a place,' I exclaimed, resigning myself to
+circumstances, and, dismounting, handed the reins to Jacques. As I did
+so I heard voices from the inn, one apparently that of the girl, and
+the other that of a man, and it would seem that she was urging
+something; but what it was I could not catch, nor was I curious as to
+the point of discussion; but it struck me that as we had to wait here
+two hours it would be well to inquire if I could get some refreshment
+for ourselves and a feed for the beasts. For answer to my question I
+got a gruff 'Go and ask my daughter,' from the smith, who turned as he
+spoke and began to fumble with his tools. I felt my temper rising
+hotly, but stayed my arm, and bidding Jacques keep an eye on the
+horses, stepped towards the door of the inn. As I put my hand on it to
+press it open some one from within made an effort to keep it shut; but
+I was in no mood to be trifled with further, and, pushing back the
+door without further ceremony, stepped in. In doing so I thrust some
+one back a yard or so, and found that it was the girl who was trying
+to bar me out. Ashamed of the violence I had shown, I began to
+apologise, whilst she stood before me rubbing her elbow, and her face
+flushed and red. The room was bare and drear beyond description. There
+were a couple of rough tables, a chair or so, an iron pot simmering
+over a fire of green wood whose pungent odour filled the chamber. In a
+corner a man lay apparently asleep, a tattered cloak drawn over his
+features so as to entirely conceal them. I felt in a moment that this
+was the stranger who had fled on our approach, and that he was playing
+fox. Guessing there was more behind this than appeared, but not
+showing any suspicions in the least, I addressed the girl.
+
+'I am truly sorry, and hope you are not hurt; had I known it was you I
+should have been gentler. I have but come to ask if I can get some
+wine for ourselves and food for the horses.'
+
+'It is nothing,' she stammered, 'I am not hurt. There is but a little
+soup here, and for the horses--the grass that grows outside.'
+
+'There is some wine there at any rate,' and I rested my eye on a horn
+cup, down whose side a red drop was trickling, and then let it fall on
+the still figure in the corner of the room. 'There is no fear,' I
+continued, 'you will be paid. I do not look like a gentleman of the
+road, I trust?'
+
+She shrank back at my words, and it appeared as if a hand moved
+suddenly under the cloak of the man who lay feigning sleep in the
+room, and the quick movement was as if he had clutched the haft of a
+dagger. I was never a brawler or blusterer, and least of all did I
+wish to worry these poor people; but the times were such that a man's
+safety lay chiefly in himself, for the writ of the King ran weak in
+the outlying districts. The whole business, too, was so strange that I
+was determined to fathom it; and, unbuckling my sword, I placed it on
+a table so as to be ready on the instant, and then, seating myself on
+a stool beside it, said somewhat sharply,
+
+'Enough, my girl; get me some wine and take out some to my servant.
+This will pay for it,' and I rang a fat crown piece on the table.
+'Hurry your father if you can, and I will be gone the moment my horse
+is shod.'
+
+My tone was one not to be denied, and taking up the money she turned
+to a cupboard and with shaking fingers drew a bottle therefrom and
+placed it before me. Filling a cup I asked her to bear it out to
+Jacques, and then leaning back against the wall took a pull at my own
+goblet, and judge of my surprise when I found I was tasting nothing
+short of d'Arbois of the '92 vintage!
+
+As I sipped my wine, and speculated how it came there, the girl came
+back, and seeing that matters were as before began to attend to her
+cooking. Whatever she had said to the smith apparently had the effect
+of rousing him to greater activity, for through the open door I heard
+the puffing of his bellows, and very soon came the clang, clang of his
+hammer as he beat out a shoe.
+
+It was getting dark now within the room, over which the flames of the
+fire occasionally blazed up and cast a fitful and uncertain light.
+Outside, however, there was a moon; and, in a few minutes at the most,
+my horse would be shod and I would have to continue my journey without
+having discovered what this little mystery meant. I could not help
+being a little amused at the manner in which my bashful friend, whose
+face was so well covered up, kept himself a prisoner in his corner.
+But at this moment the girl's cooking was finished, and the savoury
+odour of it was apparently more than he could endure, for he suddenly
+sprang to his feet exclaiming,
+
+'_Nom du diable!_ I am sick of this, and hungry as a wolf. Give me my
+supper, Marie, and if he wants to take me let him do so if he can; he
+will have to fight an old soldier first.'
+
+As he spoke I distinctly saw his hand indicate me, and with an alarmed
+cry the girl sprang between us. It flashed upon me that my gentleman
+was, after all, only some one who was wanted, and that he regarded me
+with as much apprehension as I had regarded him with caution.
+
+'Tush!' I said, 'you good people make a great fuss over nothing. I
+certainly do not want to take you, my man, and neither you nor your
+little sweetheart here need be in the least alarmed.'
+
+I had hardly finished speaking when he rushed forward.
+
+'It is the Chevalier! It is Monsieur d'Auriac! Idiot, turkey, pig that
+I am to have kept my eyes shut and not recognised you. Monsieur, do
+you not know me--Nicholas--your sergeant, whom you saved from the
+rope?'
+
+'Where you appear likely to go again, Nicholas; but what are you
+skulking about here for?' The wood in the fireplace blazed up as I
+spoke, and I saw Nicholas shift uneasily and look at the girl, who had
+moved to his side, and stood with her hands holding on to his cloak.
+
+'This place was my home once, monsieur,' he said bitterly, 'and I have
+come back to it.'
+
+'I see you have, sergeant; but why in this way?'
+
+'Monsieur, I was driven to straits and did a thing. Then they hunted
+me from Dreux to Rouvres, from Rouvres to Anet----'
+
+'Where you appear to have made free with the duke's cellar, eh?'
+
+'It is not so, monsieur,' burst in the girl; 'neither he nor we have
+done that. The wine you have drunk was a gift from madame the
+duchess.'
+
+There was truth in every line of her features, in the fierce little
+gesture with which she turned upon me in defence of her lover. I was
+sorry to let my tongue bite so hard, and said so, and went on with my
+inquiries.
+
+'And from Anet you came here?'
+
+'It is but a stone-throw,' Nicholas answered, 'and I had a business in
+hand. After which we were going away.'
+
+Whilst he was speaking Marie lit a lantern, and I saw that my
+ex-sergeant was evidently in the lowest water. He had been a smart
+soldier, but was now unkempt and dirty, and his eye had the shifty
+look of a hunted animal. He wore a rusty corselet and a rustier chain
+cap on his head, drawn over a bandage that covered his ears. As my eye
+fell on the bandage I called to mind the mutilation that had been
+inflicted on him, a brand that had cast him out of the pale of all
+honest men. Nicholas watched my glance, and ground his teeth with
+rage.
+
+'I will kill him,' he hissed, 'kill him like the dog he is. Monsieur,
+that was my business!'
+
+'Then de Gomeron----'
+
+'Is but an hour's ride away, monsieur--at Anet.'
+
+'At Anet! What does he do there?'
+
+'Monsieur,' he answered hoarsely, taking me by the sleeve of my
+doublet, 'I know not; but a fortnight ago he came here with a score of
+lances at his back and the King's commission in his pocket, and he
+lords it as if he were the duke himself. Yesterday a great noble came
+up from the Blaisois, and another whose name I know not has come from
+Paris; and they hatch treason against the King. Monsieur, I can prove
+this. You saved my life once, and, beast as I am now, I am still
+grateful. Come with me. I will settle my score with him; and to-morrow
+you can bear news to the court that will make you a great man.'
+
+It was one of those moments that require instant decision. I was
+certainly not going to assist Nicholas in committing a murder. Any
+such plan of his could be easily stopped, but if what the man said was
+true, then he had given me information that might be of the greatest
+value to me. If it was false--well then, I should have a fool's errand
+for my pains, but be otherwise none the worse off. There was no time
+to question him in detail; for a second I was silent, and Marie looked
+from one to another of us with wide-open eyes.
+
+'You have a horse?' I asked.
+
+'Yes, monsieur. It is hidden in the forest not three hundred toises
+from here.'
+
+'We are ready. Monsieur le Chevalier,' and Jacques' voice broke in
+upon us, Jacques himself standing in the doorway. My mind was made up
+that instant, and I decided to take the chance.
+
+'Jacques,' I said, 'I have business here to-night, which must be done
+alone. Ride on therefore yourself to Rouvres and await me at the
+_Grand Cerf_. If anyone tries to hinder you, say that you ride for
+your master in the King's name. If I am not at Rouvres by morning,
+make your way to Septeuil. If I do not arrive in two days, go home
+and do the best you can for yourself. You follow?
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'Adieu, then; and Marie, here is something as a wedding portion for
+you,' and I thrust a handful of gold pieces into her palm, and, being
+moved by many things, added: 'When this is over, you and Nicholas go
+to Auriac. I will arrange for you there.'
+
+The girl stared blankly at me for a moment, then suddenly caught my
+hand and kissed it, and then with a rapid movement flung herself into
+her lover's arms.
+
+'No,' she said, 'no; take back your gift, monsieur. He will not go.'
+
+'Nonsense, Marie,' and Nicholas gently released her arms. 'I have come
+back to you to mend my ways, and must begin by paying my debts. Come,
+monsieur.'
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI
+
+                        'GREEN AS A JADE CUP'
+
+
+We passed the lacework of trees that bordered the skirts of the
+forest, Nicholas and I. On our left we could hear the drumming of a
+horse's hoofs growing fainter and more faint, as Jacques rode through
+the night to Rouvres. Marie's wailing came to us from behind, and
+Nicholas, who was walking doggedly along by the neck of my horse,
+stopped short suddenly and looked back. Turning in my saddle I looked
+back too, and there she was, in shadowy outline, at the ruined gates
+of the inn, and again her sobbing cry came to us.
+
+'_Morbleu!_' I muttered to myself as I saw Nicholas' face twitch in
+the moonlight; 'I must end this at once,' and then sharply to my
+companion, 'What stays you? Pick your heart up, man! One would think
+you go into the bottomless pit, you walk with so tender a foot!'
+
+'I don't know what is in the bottomless pit, monsieur, and, like other
+fools, would probably go there on the run; but I do know the mercy of
+M. de Gomeron, and--I am not wont to be so, but my heart is as heavy
+as lead.'
+
+'Very well; then let us go back. It is like to be a fool's errand with
+such a guide.'
+
+My words, and the tone they were uttered in, touched him on the raw,
+and he swung round.
+
+'I will go, monsieur; this way--to the right.'
+
+We turned sharply behind the silently waving arms of a hedge of
+hornbeam, and it was a relief to find that this cut away all further
+chance of seeing the pitiful figure at the gates of the inn. Nicholas
+drew the folds of his frayed cloak over his head, as if to shut out
+all sound, and hurried onwards--a tall figure, lank and dark, that
+flitted before me within the shadow of the hedgerow. My horse's knees
+were hidden by the undergrowth on either side of the winding track,
+that twined and twisted like a snake under the tangle of grass and
+weed. This waste over which we passed, grey-green in the moonlight,
+and swaying in the wind, rolled like a heaving, sighing sea to where
+it was brought up abruptly by the dark mass of the forest, standing up
+solidly against the sky as though it were a high coast line. As we
+forced our way onwards, the swish of the grass was as the churning of
+water at the bows of a boat, and one could well imagine that the long,
+shaking plashes of white, mottling the moving surface before us, was
+caused by the breaking of uneasy water into foam. Of a truth these
+white plashes were but marguerites.
+
+From the warm, dark depths at our feet myriads of grasshoppers
+shrilled to each other to be of good cheer, and ever and again we
+heard the sudden plunge and bustle of a startled hare, as it scuttered
+away in a mad fear at nothing.
+
+'You count your toises long here, Nicholas,' I remarked, for something
+to say, as we spattered in and out of a shallow pool; and the gnats,
+asleep on its surface, rose in a brown cloud, and hummed their anger
+about our ears.
+
+'They are as we reckon them, monsieur. But a few steps further and we
+will get my horse; and after that there is no difficulty, for I know
+each track and byepath of these woods.'
+
+'And I wager that many a fat buck has dropped here to your arquebus on
+moonlight nights such as this.'
+
+'One does not learn the forest for nothing, M. le Chevalier; but the
+bucks fell lawfully enough. My grandfather came here as huntsman to
+Madame Diane; my father succeeded him, and I had followed my father;
+but for the war----'
+
+'And a smart soldier you made. I remember that when I cut you down
+from a nasty position I had not time then to hear how you came in such
+plight. How was it? Tell me the truth.'
+
+'I have almost forgotten how to do so. I will try, however, and make
+it short. When M. le Marquis bore you off after the duel and the
+escape of the prisoners, the Captain de Gomeron turned on me, and,
+damning me from head to toe, swore he would flay me to ribbons.
+Feeling sure he would do so, and careless of the consequences, I
+answered back--with the result you know. Marked as I was, it was
+useless to seek employment anywhere, and then I became what I am, and
+will end on the wheel.'
+
+'I don't think so,' I said; but he interrupted,
+
+'At any rate not before I have paid my debt, and the bill presses.'
+
+I had purposely worked up to this.
+
+'See here, sergeant,' I said, 'no nonsense. Brush off that bee you
+have on your head. You are here to-day to attend to my business, not
+your own. You say you are sick of your present life. Well, I have
+means to give you another chance, and I will do so; but I repeat again
+"no nonsense." You understand?'
+
+He stood silently for a moment, looking this way and that. We were
+within a yard or so of the forest, and its shadow covered him, all but
+his face, which was turned to me, drawn and white. He was struggling
+against old habits of absolute obedience, and they won.
+
+'I understand, M. le Chevalier.'
+
+'Very well, then, go on, and remember what I have said.'
+
+He turned and stepped forwards; 'This way, and mind the branches
+overhead,' and we entered the forest, my horse leaping a shallow ditch
+that separated it from the grass land. We took a soft turf-covered
+path, overhung by branches, and went on for about fifty paces before
+coming to a halt, which we did in a small irregular patch of trees
+that lay in the full flood of the moonlight. In the darkness beyond I
+heard the gentle murmur of a small spring, and then the distinct
+movement of a heavy body and the clink of iron. My hand reached to my
+holster in a flash, but Nicholas saw the gesture, and said, 'It is the
+horse. A moment, monsieur,' and lifting up the curtain of leaves
+beside him, from which, as he did so, the dew fell in a soft shower,
+he dived into the thicket, to reappear again leading the long black
+length of his horse. It struck me at once that the beast was of
+uncommon size, and this, and the white star on its forehead, brought
+to my mind the recollection of de Rône's great English charger,
+Couronne.
+
+'_Harnibleu!_' I burst out; 'you seem to be in the lowest water, and
+here you have a horse worth a hundred pistoles at the least!'
+
+'Did you see her by daylight, monsieur, you would know that twice a
+hundred pistoles would not purchase her. Do you not know her, M. le
+Chevalier? This is Couronne, M. de Rône's charger!'
+
+'Couronne! I thought so. And how the devil do you come by her?'
+
+'Her reins were in the wind when I caught her; a fair prize of war,
+and M. de Rône will never need her more. Since I got her she has saved
+me twice, and if I can help it we shall never part.'
+
+He stroked the mare's sleek neck, wet and glistening with the dew,
+and, quickly mounting, swung her round to the bit and laid her beside
+me. It was not the time for talk, and we drew out of the clearing in
+single file, and, after forcing our way through the wet and shining
+leaves around us, found a bridle path. Along this my guide went at a
+trot. On either side of us the silent tree trunks stretched to an
+infinite distance in gloomy colonnades. Overhead, the boughs swayed
+and shook sadly; below, the dry leaves hissed and crackled. Once, when
+we had slackened pace for a moment, the sullen groaning of an old and
+very savage boar came to us, and we heard him grinding his tusks in
+his lair of juniper. At another time we surprised a number of deer in
+an open glade, and, startled by our sudden appearance, they dashed off
+with a wild rush into the forest, and then all was still. Beyond the
+glade the roadway widened, so that two might keep abreast, and down
+this we went at a gallop, to find ourselves once more in the endless
+aisles of the forest, passing through a ghostly light that barely
+enabled the horses to pick their way in and out amongst the huge
+moss-grown trees standing in measureless numbers around us, and where
+each pace took them fetlock-deep into the carpet of wet and withered
+leaves. Amidst the creaking of the boughs overhead, and the churn of
+the leaves at our feet, we rode on, nose to tail, Nicholas leading the
+way with unerring certainty. What his thoughts were, I knew not; but
+as I looked at the square outlines of the figure before me I could not
+but feel pity for this man, reduced to such a condition. True, the
+life of a common soldier was not such as to make a man squeamish about
+many things, but the ex-sergeant had always struck me as being a man
+of a different stamp to the generality of his fellows, and it was a
+thousand pities to see him forced to be a rogue; de Gomeron had truly
+much to answer for. But if I could I would mend this matter.
+
+I had done too little good in the world to neglect the opportunity
+that seemed to present itself to me, so as we went on I weaved a
+little plan to give the man another start in life. I had already a
+rough idea when I parted with those gold pieces to Marie, but pulled
+all the threads together as we rode along, fully resolving to give my
+plan effect as soon as the business I had in hand was done. And of
+this business I could not hope much. We were going straight into the
+lion's mouth, as it were, for, whether de Gomeron held the King's
+commission or not, he had twenty lances at his back at Anet; and who
+on earth would question him if a crop-eared thief and his companion
+were slain. Besides, even if we were not discovered, I could see no
+way of laying hold of the tail of the conspiracy by floundering
+through a measureless forest at night, and finally skulking round the
+castle like a homeless cat. I half began to repent me of the whole
+affair, and to wish that I had tossed the venture up and down a trifle
+more in my mind before I embarked upon it. At the worst, however,
+perhaps it meant nothing more than a night in the forest, and, the
+next day, a tired horse and man. On the other hand, there was, or
+rather is, such a thing as luck in the world, and did I make a
+discovery of any consequence my hand would be much stronger.
+Perchance, indeed, I might be assured of success, and then--other
+things might happen. Whilst I was thus ruminating, Nicholas suddenly
+pulled up, and held out a warning hand.
+
+'What is it?' I asked in a low tone.
+
+'_Hist!_' he said, and then in a rapid whisper, 'another fifty yards
+and we come to the open. Anet lies before us, and the rest of the way
+must be done on foot.'
+
+'And the horses?'
+
+'Fasten them here. You have a picketing rope?'
+
+'Yes--round the neck of the horse.'
+
+'Good; I had not noticed it before, and was half afraid you had none,
+monsieur.'
+
+The horses were soon securely fastened, and, when this was done,
+Nicholas spoke low and earnestly: 'Should we be discovered, monsieur,
+there is no use making a standing fight. The odds are too many. When
+we come to the open I will show you a withered oak. This is exactly
+opposite where the horses are--in this direction. If we are pursued,
+make for the forest, and lie down. The chances are they will pass us
+by. Then to the horses and follow me. If I go down--ride northwards
+for your life.'
+
+'How the devil am I to find my way through the trees?'
+
+Nicholas shrugged his shoulders as if to say 'That was my affair.'
+
+We had gone too far to go back, however, and placing my pistols in my
+belt, and loosening my sword in its sheath, I followed Nicholas with
+cautious footsteps. As he said, in about fifty yards we came to the
+open, and halted close to a huge oak, bald of all leaves, with its
+gnarled trunk riven and scarred by lightning. Before us a level
+stretch of turf sloped gently down towards what was once an ornamental
+lake, but now overgrown with the rankest weeds. In the centre of the
+lake was a small island, on which was set a summerhouse, fashioned
+like a Moorish kiosque, and beyond this arose, huge and square, the
+enormous façade of the chateau. It was in darkness except for an oriel
+window above a long terrace on the east wing, which was bright with
+light, and in the courtyard below there was evidently a fire. Men were
+singing around it, and a lilting chorus came to our ears.
+
+Nicholas pointed to the window, then looked at the priming of his
+wheel lock pistol and whispered hoarsely, 'We must keep in the shadow,
+monsieur. Stay--this is the tree; you cannot mistake it, and now come
+on. Be careful not to trip or stumble, and, above all, do not cough.'
+
+No worse warning than the latter could have been given to me, and I
+all but choked myself in my efforts to restrain an almost
+uncontrollable desire either to sneeze or cough. Luckily, I managed to
+hold myself in. Inch by inch we crept onwards, keeping well in the
+shadow, and edging our way round the frills of the forest. I could
+hear Nicholas breathing hard, and from time to time he stopped to
+rest; but I was a glad man to find I was not winded, and that
+therefore I must be truly as strong again as ever I was. At last, by
+dint of creeping, crawling, and wriggling along, we worked our way to
+within twenty paces of the terrace, above which the stained glass of
+the oriel window glowed with light. Here we came to a stop and
+watched. Sometimes we saw a shadow moving backwards and forwards in
+the light of the window, then the shadow was joined by another, and
+both stopped, as if the two men to whom they belonged were in earnest
+converse. The merriment from the courtyard was unceasing, and whatever
+may have been the dark plots weaving upstairs, below there was nothing
+but the can and the catch.
+
+'We must get to the window,' I whispered with an inquiring look.
+
+'By the terrace,' said Nicholas in answer, and as he spoke there came
+to us the faint but distinct sound of a horn, apparently from the very
+depths of the forest, and the notes roused a brace of hounds in the
+courtyard, who bayed into the night. Nicholas gripped my arm, and I
+turned to him in surprise. His face was pale, he was shaking all over
+like an aspen, and his black eyes were dilated with fear.
+
+'Did you hear that, monsieur?' he said thickly.
+
+'_Diable!_ What? I hear three different things--dogs, men, and someone
+blowing a horn.'
+
+'Then you did hear it--the horn?'
+
+'Yes. What of it? No doubt a post on its way to Anet.'
+
+'No post ever rang that blast, monsieur. That is the Wild Huntsman,
+and the blast means death.'
+
+As he spoke it came again, wild and shrill with an eerie flourish, the
+like of which I had never heard before. The dogs seemed to go mad with
+the sound, there was a hubbub in the courtyard, and someone in the
+chamber above the terrace threw open the sash and peered out into the
+night. I thought at first it was de Gomeron; but the voice was not
+his, for, after looking for a moment, he gave a quick order to the men
+below and stepped in again. As for Nicholas, he seemed beside himself,
+and I had to hold him by main force by my side, or he would have
+broken and fled.
+
+'_Diable!_' I said, 'sit still, fool--see, there are a couple of
+horsemen gone in search of your Wild Huntsman, who has been so nearly
+spoiling our soup. They will occupy him at any rate--sit still.'
+
+The men rode by us slowly, one of them carrying a torch, and, turning
+to the right, trotted off into the forest, cursing the orders they had
+received to go forth after the horn-winder. As they passed, I began to
+breathe more freely, for had they gone to the left it was an even
+chance that they would have discovered our horses, owing to one of the
+beasts neighing, a danger always to be guarded against in an
+ambuscade. In a minute or so Nicholas, too, began to get more
+composed, and seeing this I determined to prick him into anger, for
+then he would fear nothing.
+
+'Pull up, man,' I said; 'your ears lie beyond that pane of glass. Do
+you not want them back?'
+
+He put his hand up to the side of his head with a muttered curse, to
+which de Gomeron's name was linked, and I saw that he was better.
+
+'Now,' I whispered, 'for the window.'
+
+'We must get to the terrace,' he answered. 'From there it might be
+done.' And with a hurried look behind him, at which I began to laugh
+in a low tone of mockery, he crawled forward rapidly. I followed with
+equal speed and caution, and in a half minute we had gained the shadow
+of the terrace, and, working along its ivy-covered wall, got to the
+main building. Here we cast about for some means to get up. It was not
+possible to do this by holding on to the ivy, as if it came away there
+would be a fall and all our fat would be in the fire. The ascent had
+to be made noiselessly, and, as I looked at the high wall before us, I
+began to think it was impossible. Running my eye on the lichen-grey
+face of the main building, however, I noticed something that looked
+like a series of huge monograms, with a crescent above each, cut in
+high relief on the stones, beginning about ten feet from the ground.
+
+'We might get up that way,' I whispered.
+
+Nicholas nodded, with a pale face. In his excitement he had forgotten
+the Wild Huntsman, much to my satisfaction.
+
+'Bend then, and I will ascend from your back.'
+
+He leaned forwards against the wall, and climbing on to his shoulders,
+I found that I might possibly raise myself by the monograms, which I
+discovered to be the letters H. D. interlaced in one another, the
+initials of the second Henry and Diane de Poitiers; and the crescent
+was, as is well-known, Madame Diane's crest. Taking a long breath, I
+lifted myself slowly--there was but an inch or so to hold on to--and
+at last found a crevice in which I could just put the point of my
+boot. This was enough for me to change my hold to the next higher
+monogram, and finally I came to a level with the parapet of the
+terrace. Here there was a difficulty. Every time I stretched my hand
+out to grasp the parapet I found that I could not reach over, and that
+my fingers slipped off from the slime and moss on the stones. Three
+times I made the attempt, and swung back three times, until I began to
+feel that the effort was beyond me. There was, however, one chance,
+and quietly thrusting my boot forward, I began to feel amidst the ivy
+for a possible foothold, and, to my delight, found it rest at once on
+a small projecting ledge that ran round the terrace. The remainder of
+my task was easy, and the next moment I found myself lying flat on my
+face beneath the oriel window.
+
+Here I paused to recover myself, peering down at Nicholas, who was
+making an attempt to raise himself by his hands to reach the monograms
+and climb to me. 'Steady,' I whispered, 'and catch this.' Rapidly
+unwinding a silken sash I wore round my waist, in the fashion I had
+learned when serving in Spain, I dropped one end towards him, and
+after an effort or two he managed to seize it. Then I looped a fold of
+the silk round a buttress of the parapet, and, holding on to the other
+end, told Nicholas to climb, and as the sash tightened suddenly, I
+cast up a prayer that it might not break. It was, however, of Eastern
+make, and one may have hung a bombard to it with safety. I heard
+Nicholas breathing hard, and once or twice the ivy rustled more than
+it ought to have, but at last his head appeared over the parapet and
+he too was beside me. A moment after we saw the flash of a torch in
+the forest and heard the voices of the men who had gone forth
+returning, and then three instead of two horsemen appeared, riding
+towards the main entrance.
+
+'There, Nicholas, is your Wild Huntsman. Are you satisfied now?'
+
+And he hung his head like a great dog that has been detected in
+something wrong.
+
+'Now for the window,' I said. 'I will rise slowly and find out what I
+can. You keep your pistol ready and your eyes open. Do not rise, and
+remember my orders.'
+
+'There is a broken pane to the left; it is half-hidden by the curtain.
+You can hear and see from there.'
+
+As he said this I rose softly to my feet, and finding the broken pane
+without any difficulty, peered in.
+
+The room was bright with the light of candles, and at a table covered
+with papers were seated two men, whilst a third was standing and
+pointing with his fingers at a scroll. In the man with his back to me
+I had no difficulty in recognising de Gomeron. The one looking towards
+me was assuredly Biron, for his was a face that once seen could never
+be forgotten. As for the man who was standing beside him, I knew him
+not, though subsequently--but I anticipate.
+
+Biron was evidently in a high state of excitement. He was biting at
+the end of his dark moustache, and the fingers of his hand were
+playing nervously with the star on his breast, whilst his shifty,
+treacherous eyes were turning now on de Gomeron, now on the figure
+standing at his elbow. He seemed to be hesitating, and I heard de
+Gomeron say:
+
+'This is my price--not money, not land, not a title, but only a few
+words. You have each one, my lord, your share of the spoils, set down
+in writing. I do not want so much even. All I ask is your word of
+honour to favour my suit with the King. For me the word of Biron is
+enough, and I know his Majesty can refuse you nothing.'
+
+'My God!' exclaimed Biron, and writhed in his chair.
+
+'The Marshal might give me the promise I seek, Lafin,' and de Gomeron
+turned to the man who was standing at Biron's elbow. 'The word will
+give me a wife--not much of a reward.'
+
+'And the lands of Bidache and Pelouse, eh?'
+
+I almost fell forwards in my eagerness to hear, and only checked
+myself in time.
+
+'Exactly,' sneered de Gomeron. 'Do you think I have risked my life for
+the good of my health? See here, Chevalier,' and he bent forward and
+whispered a word or so that made the other pale, and then de Gomeron
+leaned back in his chair and smiled. Biron did not apparently see or
+hear. His forehead was resting on his clasped hand, and he seemed to
+be revolving the hazard of some great step. As for me, I thought I
+caught the words, 'your instant help,' followed by 'lances' and
+'power,' and guessed--I was not wrong--that the captain had forced
+Lafin's hand.
+
+'My dear de Gomeron,' he said, 'the Marshal is willing enough, but you
+know the common talk, that the King has other views for Madame, and
+that M. d'Ayen----' But Biron interposed:
+
+'M. de Gomeron, you ask too much. Madame de la Bidache is of the first
+nobility. Tremouille was my friend. It is too much.'
+
+'And I give Monseigneur a crown.'
+
+'_Peste!_ My lord, after all M. de Gomeron has deserved his price, and
+a good sword and a better head must not be thrown away. Remember,
+monseigneur, an open hand makes faithful hearts,' said Lafin.
+
+'But the King would never consent,' began Biron.
+
+'Give me your word to help me, monseigneur. I will do the rest for
+myself.'
+
+'Give it, my lord.'
+
+Biron hesitated for a moment, and then suddenly threw up his hands.
+'Very well, let it be as you wish. I promise, M. de Gomeron.'
+
+'Enough, my lord; I thank you. The Chevalier Lafin has laid before you
+in detail all our resources. Let me now show you this.' He unrolled a
+parchment that was before him, and handed it to the Marshal. 'Here,'
+he added, 'are the signatures of all. It only needs that of Biron; now
+sign.'
+
+I could hear the beating of my heart in the silence that followed, and
+then Biron said hoarsely, 'No! no! I will never put my name to paper.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ Marshal,' burst out Lafin, 'This is no time for nibbling
+at a cherry. Tremouille and Epernon have signed. Put your seal to the
+scroll, and the day it reaches M. de Savoye, thirty thousand troops
+are across the frontier, and you will change the cabbage gardens of
+Biron for the coronet of Burgundy and La Breese.'
+
+'And see your head on a crown piece, Marshal,' added de Gomeron.
+
+'But we have not heard, Lafin--' began the Marshal.
+
+'We will hear to-night, monseigneur--that horn meant news, and Zamet
+never fails. Curse the low-bred Italian! _Pardieu!_ he is here,' and
+as he spoke, I heard what seemed to be three distinct knocks at a
+carved door, and, Lafin opening it, a man booted and spurred entered
+the room. He was splashed with mud as one who had ridden fast and far.
+
+'Zamet!' exclaimed the Marshal and de Gomeron, both rising, and the
+face of the former was pale as death.
+
+'Good evening, gentlemen! _Maledetto!_ But I have had a devil of a
+ride, and some fool kept winding a will-o'-the-wisp kind of horn that
+led me a fine dance. It was lucky I met your men.'
+
+'Then that blast we heard was not yours?'
+
+'_Corpo di Bacco!_ No, Chevalier.'
+
+I was a glad man to think that Nicholas, who was crouching at my feet,
+did not hear this, or there might have been a catastrophe, but that
+indeed was not long delayed.
+
+'Well, friends, you all seem to have pale faces--would you not like to
+hear the news? I have ridden post to tell you.'
+
+There was no answer, and the Italian continued: 'I suppose I must give
+it, make your minds easy. It is all over--she died last night. We are
+free at any rate from the enmity of Gabrielle--she knew too much.'
+
+'Did it hurt her?' asked Biron nervously.
+
+'I don't know,' answered Zamet brutally, 'I have never tasted the
+Borgia citron myself.'
+
+'_Mon Dieu!_' exclaimed the Marshal, springing to his feet, 'this is
+too terrible,' and he began to pace up and down, whilst the other
+three remained in whispered converse, their eyes now and again turning
+to Biron, who walked the room like a caged beast. Nicholas had risen
+slowly to his feet despite my orders, and was looking over my
+shoulders with a white face and blazing eyes. I dared not tell him to
+go back; but, with a warning look at him, strained my ears to catch
+what was being said, but could hear nothing, until at length Zamet
+raised his voice: 'Have done with it, Marshal, and sign. After all,
+Madame de Beaufort was no more than a----,' and he used a foul word.
+'The King is prostrate now; but in a week Gabrielle will be forgotten,
+and then anything might happen. He is beginning to recover. He already
+writes verses on the lost one,' he went on with a grin, '_charmante_
+Gabrielle--_diavolo!_ but you should have seen her as she lay
+dead--she was green as a jade cup.'
+
+'Be still, dog,' and Biron turned fiercely on him. The Italian stepped
+back, his hand on his dagger; but in a moment he recovered himself.
+His black eyebrows lifted, and his upper lip drew back over his teeth
+in a sneer.
+
+'I did not know Monseigneur would be so affected; but time presses and
+we need the name of Biron to that scroll. Hand the Marshal the pen,
+Lafin.'
+
+'It is here,' and de Gomeron, dipping a pen in a silver ink-stand,
+held it out in his hand.
+
+Biron made a half step forward to take it, when a thing happened. I
+felt myself suddenly thrust aside, and there was a blinding flash, a
+loud report, and a shout from Nicholas, 'Missed, by God!'
+
+There was absolutely no time to do anything but make for the horses.
+Nicholas had fired at de Gomeron in his mad thirst for revenge, and
+had practically given our lives away. In the uproar and din that
+followed we slid down the sash like apes, and dashed towards the
+horses. Some one shouted 'Traitor--traitor,' and let fly at us twice
+as we ran across the open space. From the courtyard we could hear the
+hurry and bustle of men suddenly aroused, and as we reached the oak we
+heard the bay of the bloodhounds, and the thunder of hoofs in pursuit.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VII
+
+                            POOR NICHOLAS!
+
+
+From the oak to the spot where our horses were tethered was close upon
+fifty paces, and never, I think, was ground covered at a speedier rate
+by men running for their lives. I was bursting with anger, and know
+not what restrained me from pistolling Nicholas, so furious was I at
+the blind folly of the man. As we reached the horses, we could hear
+the dogs splashing through the spill-water at the edge of the lake,
+and someone fired a third shot at us from horseback--a shot in the
+dark which whistled through the branches overhead.
+
+'Quick! quick, monsieur! 'gasped Nicholas, and with a turn of his hand
+he freed Couronne, and sprang to her back--the great mare standing
+steady as a rock.
+
+'Quick!' he called out again more loudly, and I made a vain effort to
+loosen my beast, which, startled by the shots, the baying of the dogs,
+and our haste and hurry, plunged and kicked as though it were
+demented.
+
+'Damn you!' I hissed, half at the horse, half at the crop-eared idiot
+who had caused this disaster, and, managing somehow to scramble to the
+saddle, cut the halter with a draw of my dagger. At this moment the
+dogs reached us; a dark object sprang up from the ground, and,
+fastening on the jaws of my horse, brought him to his knees, whilst
+the other beast flew at my companion. Nicholas' pistol rang out to no
+purpose, the report was echoed by a chorus of shouts from the troopers
+following us, and Couronne, swinging round, lashed out with her heels
+at the hound that was baying her. Leaning forward with one arm half
+round the neck of my snorting horse, I thrust twice at the hound
+hanging to him, the first time sliding off his metal collar, but at
+the second blow my blade slipped to the hilt into something soft, it
+seemed of its own accord, and as the dead dog fell suddenly back,
+bearing my poniard with it, my freed horse rose to its feet, and mad
+with pain dashed forwards into the teeth of our pursuers. I let him
+go--one might as well have tried to stop the rush of a mad bull. By a
+miracle I escaped being torn off by the overhanging branches, and as
+we raced into the open, Nicholas at my heels shouting 'To the north!
+to the north!' we were not twenty paces away from the troopers. My
+frantic horse went straight at them, and, driving my spurs home, I
+made him leap at the foremost horseman. His animal swerved off--a
+piece of good luck for both of us. Then my pistol missed fire, and I
+was in the midst of them. The quarters were so close, and the
+confusion so great, that at first only those on the outside could use
+their weapons, and in their hurry to do so some of these perhaps
+struck at each other. One man, however, shortened his sword, and would
+have run me through had I not luckily seen the flash of the blade and
+given him the heavy iron-bound butt of my pistol on the forehead. He
+was probably much hurt, but although he lurched backwards senseless,
+so close was the press that he was held in his saddle. The butt of the
+pistol was broken off by the blow, and for the moment I was disarmed.
+I dared not call out to Nicholas for fear of being recognised; but at
+this juncture horse and man on my right seemed to be dashed to earth,
+and Nicholas was at my elbow, striking right and left with the heavy
+hilt of his sword. Profiting by the relief, I drew out my second
+pistol and shot the man before me. Pressing against his mount with my
+brave little nag, who was now in hand again, I got clear, and, with a
+shout to Nicholas to follow, dashed off towards the north. It was at
+this moment that three other riders galloped up, and I heard de
+Gomeron call out, '_Sangdieu!_ They are off. After them, dogs,' and
+clapping spurs to his beast he rode after us. We had, however, gained
+a full twenty yards' start, which was more than trebled by the few
+seconds' delay before the troopers could recover themselves and
+follow. My horse was going at racing pace; but Couronne kept by his
+side with a long and effortless stride. De Gomeron was at our heels,
+and with a sudden rush ranged alongside of Nicholas. The sergeant
+possibly did not recognise his assailant, and managed somehow to parry
+the cut aimed at him, and the next moment de Gomeron's horse stumbled
+and went down; but the man himself, who was a rare horseman, fell on
+his feet like a cat. It was, however, a moment more of respite, and
+Nicholas, with a wild cheer, dashed into the forest, riding recklessly
+through the trees. We both leaned forward to the necks of our horses,
+and as far as I was concerned I made no attempt to guide my beast, but
+let him follow Couronne, who, surefooted as a stag, turned and twisted
+amongst the trees with almost human forethought. The single hound that
+was left strained bravely behind us; but, mindful probably of the fate
+that had overtaken his brother, made no direct attack. As we dashed
+into the wood the troopers attempted to follow; but it was with a
+relaxed speed, and every moment we were distancing them, and their
+cries, shouts, and curses became fainter and more faint. I began to
+think if we could but be rid of the sleuthhound, we would get off with
+whole skins. The beast was, however, not to be shaken off, and,
+avoiding the heels of the horses, came with a _lop_, _lop_, through
+the leaves alongside my nag, just out of reach of the point of my
+sword, which I had managed to draw. As he snapped and growled, my
+horse, already once wounded, and still smarting with pain, shied off
+from him, bruising my leg against a tree trunk, in the bark of which
+my spur remained, and all but unseating me. Another shy amongst the
+trees would have finished my business, for the pain of the bruise at
+the moment was exquisite; but, leaping a fallen log, Nicholas burst
+through a juniper bush, and my horse following him, we came on to an
+open stretch which sloped down to the river.
+
+'_Ouf!_ Out of it at last!' I gasped out to Nicholas.
+
+'It's a mile yet to the river, monsieur,' he answered, slackening pace
+slightly to allow me to get alongside of him.
+
+The dog, however, was not yet shaken off, and kept steadily beside my
+horse. In the bright moon I could see him running freely and easily;
+and, much as I cursed his presence there, I could not help but admire
+the gallant beast. He seemed to know perfectly the danger that lay in
+the long shining sword, that thrust out at him like a snake's tongue
+whenever he came too near.
+
+I, however, owed him one for the bruise, and it was not a time to
+waste in admiring things. So I called to Nicholas.
+
+'Slacken pace a little more. I want to be rid of the dog.'
+
+'We can kill him in the river,' answered the sergeant.
+
+'Better stop him here,' and Nicholas obeyed.
+
+Seeing us slacken, the hound tried to head the horses. This was
+exactly what I wanted; and shortening the reins, I pulled round my nag
+suddenly, right upon the dog, and, stooping low, gave him a couple of
+inches in the quarters as he attempted to double. It was not a wound
+that would kill. I had no intention, unless forced to, of doing that;
+but it had the desired effect, and he fled back howling with pain.
+
+'Adieu, monsieur!' I cried out after him with a laugh, and joining the
+sergeant we cantered on through the clearing towards the river.
+
+The ill-will I felt towards Nicholas had gone by this time. He had
+borne himself like a brave man, as he was; and, after all, if I had
+been in his position I would perhaps have done the same, and let drive
+at de Gomeron at sight. My little nag, however, at this time began to
+show signs of distress, and I turned my attention from the sergeant to
+husbanding the poor beast's strength--patting him on his foam-covered
+neck to encourage him, and speaking to him in the manner that horses
+love. _Pardieu!_ If men only knew it, there are moments when a touch
+of the hand and a kind word are better than four-inch spurs.
+
+We came to a narrow patch now, and rode down this, the river being in
+sight, winding like a silver ribbon thrown carelessly down. On the
+opposite bank it was overhung with willows, whose drooping boughs
+swung low to the very surface of the water. Here and there the stump
+of a felled tree stood up like a sentinel. In the distance, behind us,
+we could hear one or two of the troopers, who had by this time managed
+to get through the wood, yelling and shouting as they urged their
+horses towards the river. Doubtless more would soon follow, and I
+cursed them loudly and heartily. Nicholas looked back.
+
+'But fifteen yards of a swim, monsieur, and we are safe.'
+
+'Not exactly. See there?'
+
+The sergeant followed my outstretched blade, and swore too. Right
+before us two men galloped out of a strip of coppice that stretched to
+the water's edge and cut us off from the stream.
+
+'_Sacrebleu!_ How did they know that cut? Have at them, monsieur.'
+
+And we did.
+
+It had to be a matter of moments only. The troopers behind were coming
+on, and, if once they reached us, we could not well hope to escape
+again; the odds were too many. I did not, therefore, waste time, but
+went straight for my man, and, to do him justice, he seemed nothing
+loath to meet me. He cut over the shoulder, and, receiving this on my
+forte, I gave him the point in the centre of his breastplate, making
+it ring like a bell. Only a Milanese corselet could have saved him as
+it did. My nag went on, but turned on its haunches to the reins, and
+before he could well recover himself I was at him again, and
+discovered that he wore a demi-mask on his face.
+
+'Monsieur, shall I prick your mask off before killing you?' I mocked,
+suiting the words to a thrust that all but effected the object, and
+ripped him on the cheek.
+
+He was a good swordsman, but this made him beside himself with
+passion, and this frantic state, and the sound of his voice as he kept
+cursing me, told me that my opponent was none other than Biron
+himself. Now came a serious difficulty, which I had to consider like
+lightning. Did I kill him, and he was an infant in my hands, there
+could be no hope for me--he was too great--too highly placed for me to
+have any chance if I compassed his death. Therefore, as I pressed him,
+I called out loud enough for him to hear, 'Marshal, you are mad--go
+back--you are known to me.'
+
+He thrust at me for answer; but I could stand no more nonsense, and,
+getting within his guard, struck him off his horse with a blow from
+the hilt of my sword, and, wasting not a second more on him, turned to
+the assistance of Nicholas.
+
+It was much needed, for the sergeant's opponent was none other than de
+Gomeron himself, who had remounted after his fall, and, by cutting off
+a corner, intercepted us, almost with complete success. How Nicholas
+held his own against this finished swordsman for even so long a period
+as a half-minute I am unable to say. It was doubtless due to the
+strength of his bitter hatred, and his fury for revenge. Even as it
+was, I was too late. As I dashed towards him, Nicholas fairly screamed
+out:
+
+'Leave him to me--he is--a--ah!'
+
+He never finished, for de Gomeron saw his chance and passed his sword
+through the sergeant's throat, and he fell limply from Couronne a dead
+man.
+
+Before, however, the free-lance could recover himself I was on him,
+and, standing in my stirrups, cut at him with the full swing of my
+sword. He parried like lightning, but the force of the blow beat down
+his guard, and although my blade fell flat upon his steel cap, he went
+down like an ox.
+
+Poor Nicholas was gone! I knew that thrust, and once received there
+was nothing for it but masses for the soul. A half-dozen troopers were
+not two hundred yards away, and life lay on the other side of the
+Eure. I went straight on, and jumped my horse into the stream. It was
+running high and deep, and as I fell into the water with a splash and
+hiss of white foam around me, I heard another heavy plunge close to my
+shoulder, and, in the glance I cast towards the sound, saw that it was
+the now riderless Couronne, who had followed her companion of the
+night. To ease the horse, I slipped from the saddle, and, hanging on
+to the pommel, was towed along by him as the good beast breasted the
+stream bravely. _Pardieu!_ How the yellow water grumbled and foamed
+and bubbled around us. The current set towards the opposite bank, and
+the force of it carried us down, it seemed in a moment, fully fifty
+yards from the spot where we had plunged in, to within a few feet of
+the opposite shore. Here, however, the river ran strong and swiftly,
+the bank was high, and the horses could make no headway, but kept
+drifting down. By this time the troopers had reached the scene of the
+fight, and I could hear them howling with anger as they gathered
+around their fallen leaders, and, without a head to guide them,
+hesitated what to do, each moment of delay giving me precious time,
+and bringing me closer to a shelving bank a few yards to the left. Not
+one of the troopers dared the stream, and they had apparently emptied
+their arquebuses after us in pursuit, for none fired, although they
+called to each other, 'Shoot him down--shoot him down!'
+
+A couple of men galloped down stream a little below me, and,
+dismounting, began to load hurriedly, it being evidently their
+intention to pick me off as I drifted past. For the moment I gave
+myself up for lost; but, determining to make a last effort to save
+myself, made a snatch at the willows that overhung the bank and
+brushed us with their wet and dripping leaves as we struggled
+underneath. As I did this, I loosed my hold of the saddle, and the
+horses slid past me, and I was dragged by the current right into the
+bank. The willows were tough, and I held on to them like a leech, and
+the troopers, who had seen what I was about, began to laugh at me, and
+adjure me to hold on tight as they would be ready to shoot in a
+moment. The fools! They gave me the moment's time I wanted, and,
+digging my boot into the soft bank, I laid hold of the stem of a
+willow and with an effort reached the shore. I rolled over at full
+length, and then lay flat on my face, whilst the troopers with many
+curses ran forward a few feet and let off their arquebuses, on the off
+chance of bringing me down. They aimed truly enough, and had I not
+lain to earth as I did, I should infallibly have been killed, for the
+bullets whizzed past, it seemed, but a few inches above me. I let out
+a yell as if I was mortally hurt, and then rising, ran down stream
+behind the willows as fast as my bruised leg would allow me, to see if
+I could not get back one or both the horses. My stratagem had the
+desired effect, for on my cry of 'I am dead--I am dead,' two others of
+the men who had run up let off their pieces where I was supposed to
+be, and they all shouted, 'We have him; he is down.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ Not yet,' I could hardly refrain from chuckling to myself,
+as I hobbled along the bank, and to my joy saw them in a little bay,
+about a hundred paces from me, moving slowly in the shallow water. One
+behind the other, towards the land. A spur had been thrown out here,
+evidently with the object of protecting the bank, and it had cast the
+main stream on the opposite shore, and given the beasts a chance of
+landing.
+
+I felt my leg at each step I took; but went on at a round pace
+somehow, and came up to Couronne just as she was stepping out of the
+water. Catching her by the bridle, I mounted, although with some
+difficulty, and slipping my hands through the reins of my own nag,
+trotted off under cover of the trees, leaving M. de Gomeron, who had
+doubtless recovered by this time, and his men to make a target of the
+darkness. I had come through somehow, but I was sick and sore at
+heart, as I urged Couronne from a trot to a gallop, when I thought of
+poor Nicholas lying dead by the banks of the Eure.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII
+
+                         MONSIEUR DE PREAULX
+
+
+I kept off the road as far as possible to avoid being tracked. Even if
+no further attempt to follow me was made to-night, which was
+uncertain, as de Gomeron was not the man to let the barest chance slip
+through his fingers, yet there was no doubt as to what would happen on
+the morrow. I congratulated myself on having crippled the last of the
+sleuthhounds, as my gentlemen would be placed thereby in a difficulty
+in regard to my route, and if they scoured the country in twos and
+threes, I felt confident of being able, with Jacques' aid, to give a
+good account of myself did we meet, despite my bruised leg, which
+reminded me of itself unpleasantly.
+
+As I patted Couronne's neck I thought of Nicholas, and with the memory
+of him the face of Marie came up. I felt myself in a measure
+responsible for his death, and was resolved to weigh out in full to
+Marie the payment I had promised them both. It was a debt I would
+discharge to the end of the measure.
+
+A sense of relief came to my mind with this resolve, and, as Rouvres
+could not be far distant, I slackened pace to let the horses breathe a
+trifle, and began to hastily plan my future course of action on
+reaching Paris. I had not only discovered what was evidently a deep
+and widely-spread plot, but had also stumbled on the dreadful secret
+of the death of the woman who was to be Queen of France in name, as
+she was in reality. It was certain that she had been foully murdered.
+It was certain that the King's most trusted captain and many of his
+greatest nobles were hilt-deep in treachery--so much I knew. I had
+seen with mine own eyes, and heard with mine own ears, but beyond this
+I had no proofs--and what would my word weigh against theirs! Besides
+this there was my own trouble. D'Ayen's mocking warning was explicit
+enough when read with Palin's confidence, and any doubt I may have had
+on that point was almost set at rest by what I had overheard. In
+short, I was the rival of the King, and felt my head very loose upon
+my neck.
+
+What was I to do? It was no easy matter to decide; but I came to the
+conclusion that my best course was to seek out the all-powerful Sully,
+tell him what I knew, and beg the help of that great man. I did not
+know him, except by repute; but my case was strong and my cause good.
+I would delay not a moment about this on reaching Paris; but it was
+Rouvres I had to come to first, and many a league lay for reflection
+between me and the Louvre.
+
+So I jogged on, not quite certain of my way, and every now and again
+making a cast to find the road, for by riding parallel with it I knew
+I must reach my destination. Once, however, I lost myself for about an
+hour, and, on finding the road again, resolved to keep to it for the
+remainder of my journey, as the moon was rapidly waning, and that
+darkness which touches the edge of the morning was at hand.
+
+At last I heard the Lauds chime solemnly out into the night, and in a
+few minutes pulled up the weary beasts before the gates of Rouvres.
+Here I found a difficulty I might have anticipated. The gates were
+shut, and the unpleasant prospect of a dreary wait of some hours lay
+before me. This was not to be borne, and I raised a clamour that might
+have awakened the dead. It had the desired effect of rousing the watch
+at the gate; a wicket was opened, the light of a lanthorn flashed
+through, and a gruff voice bade me begone.
+
+'Open,' I roared, 'open in the King's name.'
+
+'_Pardieu!_ Monsieur, the gates are kept shut in the King's name, and
+his Majesty does not like his subjects' rest being disturbed,'
+answered another voice, and from its tone and inflection I guessed it
+was that of an officer.
+
+'In that case, monsieur,' I said, 'let me in so that we may both go to
+our beds, and a thousand apologies for disturbing you. My servant is
+already at the _Grand Cerf_, and one man cannot take Rouvres.'
+
+'Then you are that M. de Preaulx of the Anjoumois, whose lackey
+Jacques Bisson arrived last night--for it is morning now?'
+
+'You keep good watch, monsieur--who else should I be?' I said, with an
+inward 'thank heaven' at the accident that had discovered to me my new
+name.
+
+There was no reply for a moment, though I heard some one laughing, and
+the rays of the light were cast to the right and to the left of me to
+see that I was really alone. Finally orders were given for my
+admission. The gates went open with a creaking, and I was within
+Rouvres.
+
+As I rode in I stopped to thank the officer for his courtesy, and the
+light being very clear, he observed my condition, and exclaimed,
+'_Diable!_ But you have ridden far, monsieur, and with a led horse
+too!'
+
+'I ride in the King's name, monsieur,' I replied a little coldly, and,
+thanking him once more, was seized with an inspiration, and begged the
+favour of his company at dinner at the _Grand Cerf_.
+
+'With pleasure, monsieur. Permit me to introduce myself. I am the
+Chevalier d'Aubusson, lieutenant of M. de Sancy's company of
+ordonnance.'
+
+I raised my hat in response; 'His Majesty has no braver word than M.
+de Sancy. At twelve then, monsieur, I shall have the pleasure of
+meeting you again; good night, or rather good morning!'
+
+'Adieu!' he answered, 'I will be punctual. The _Grand Cerf_ is but a
+couple of hundred toises to your right.'
+
+As I rode up the narrow and ill-paved street I heard d'Aubusson
+whistling a catch as he turned into the guard-room, and congratulated
+myself on my stratagem and the luck that had befriended it. I knew
+enough of court intrigue to be aware that de Sancy and the Marshal
+were at each other's throats, and that I could therefore always get
+protection here by declaring myself against Biron. Then came a short
+turn to the right, and Monsieur de Preaulx of the Anjoumois was at the
+door of the _Grand Cerf_. It opened to my knock, and Jacques, faithful
+knave, was in waiting. After this there followed the usual little
+delay and bustle consequent on a new arrival.
+
+As I dismounted Jacques whispered in my ear, 'You are M. de Preaulx of
+Saumur in the Anjoumois, monsieur.'
+
+'So M. d'Aubusson tells me,' I replied in the same tone, and then
+louder, 'but you might have made a mess of it, Jacques--however, you
+meant well, and I owe you five crowns for your good intentions. Now
+call mine host, and tell him to show me to my rooms whilst you see to
+the horses.'
+
+Mine host was already there, in slippered feet, with a long candle in
+one hand and a cup of warmed Romanée in the other. He led the way with
+many bows, and I limped after him to a room which was large and
+comfortable enough.
+
+'Here is some mulled Romanée for monsieur le baron,' he said, as he
+handed me the goblet; 'his lordship the count will observe that the
+best room has been kept for him, and later on I will have the pleasure
+of setting the finest dinner in France before the most noble marquis;
+good night, monseigneur, good night and good dreams,' and he tottered
+off, leaving me to drink the mulled wine, which was superb, and to
+sleep the sleep of the utterly weary.
+
+It was late when I awoke and found Jacques in my room, attending to my
+things. The rest had done my leg good, although it was still stiff,
+and the wearing of a long boot painful. As I finished my toilet I
+asked my man,
+
+'Horses ready?'
+
+'They will be by the time Monsieur has dined. I shall put the valises
+on the nag we got at Evreux for you.'
+
+'Right. _Morbleu!_ I hear M. d'Aubusson below. It is very late.'
+
+'It has just gone the dinner hour.'
+
+I hurried downstairs, leaving Jacques to pack, and was only just in
+time to receive my guest.
+
+'A hundred pardons, monsieur; but I overslept myself.'
+
+''Tis a sleepy place,' he answered, 'there is nothing to do but to
+sleep.'
+
+'Surely there is something to love.'
+
+'Not a decent ankle under a petticoat.'
+
+'At any rate we can eat. Come, sit you down. My ride has made me
+hungry as a wolf, and I have far to go.'
+
+The dinner was excellent, the Armagnac of the finest vintage, and
+d'Aubusson to all appearances a gay frank-hearted fellow, and we
+became very friendly as the wine cup passed.
+
+'Tell me what induced M. de Sancy to quarter his company here?' I
+asked towards the close of the meal, as the lieutenant was cursing his
+luck at being stationed at Rouvres.
+
+He burst out laughing; 'Oh! M. de Sancy has a government and five
+thousand livres a year to maintain his company, and being a pious soul
+has enlisted all the saints, and keeps them as far as possible from
+the temptations of Paris.'
+
+'Enlisted the saints!'
+
+'Yes--this Armagnac is excellent--yes, the saints. Our gentlemen are
+all from heaven--there is St. Andre, St. Vincent, St. Martin, St.
+Blaise, St. Loy, St. Pol, and half the calendar besides!'
+
+'Ha! ha! the heavenly host.'
+
+'Oh! I am proud, I assure you. I command the company from Paradise.'
+
+'Or the gendarmes of the Kyrielle.'
+
+'_Noel_! _Noel!_' he called out gaily, and as he did so we heard a
+clatter of hoofs in the courtyard, and a few moments afterwards the
+landlord ushered in two gentlemen. It took me but a glance to
+recognise in one the Italian Zamet, and in the other the Chevalier
+Lafin. It cost me an effort to compose myself, so much was I startled;
+but I comforted myself with the assurance that I was unknown to them,
+and that an arrest would be no easy matter with Sancy's company at
+hand. Beyond bowing to us, however, as they passed, they took no
+further notice of me for the present, and contented themselves with
+ordering some wine, and conversing in low tones at the table at which
+they sat.
+
+Nevertheless, it was a piece of ill luck. These men were evidently
+back on their way to Paris, and by coming through Rouvres had stumbled
+upon me in such a manner as to hold me at serious disadvantage. My one
+consolation was that Zamet did not look like a fighting man, and as
+for the other, there was an equal chance for each of us; but I had no
+idea what their force might be outside. It turned out that it was very
+small, and it was owing to this that the incident I am about to
+describe ended so peacefully. A look or two in our direction appeared
+to indicate that the new arrivals were discussing us, and my doubts
+were soon set at rest by a lackey entering and holding a brief
+whispered talk with Zamet. He dismissed the man quietly, and then
+bending forward said something to Lafin, and both, rising, approached
+us.
+
+'Monsieur will pardon me,' said Zamet, addressing me with his lisping
+Italian accent, 'but I understand that you entered Rouvres late last
+night.'
+
+'Yes,' I answered, whilst d'Aubusson raised his eyebrows and leaned
+back in his chair, twirling his moustache.
+
+'Then would you be so kind as to inform me, if you came by the road
+from Anet, whether you met a wounded horseman riding this way?'
+
+'Before I answer any questions, will you be good enough to tell me who
+you are, gentlemen?'
+
+'I am Zamet, Comptroller of the King's household,' replied the
+Italian.
+
+'And I the Chevalier de Lafin, nephew and heir to the Vidame de
+Chartres.'
+
+'I see no reason to reply to your question, messieurs, even if you are
+the persons you name.'
+
+Zamet smiled slightly, with a meaning look towards Lafin, who burst
+out:
+
+'Have a care, monsieur, remember I follow the Marshal duc de Biron.'
+
+'Of Burgundy and La Bresse,' I added with a sneer, rising from my
+seat, my hand on my sword hilt.
+
+'It is he,' exclaimed the Italian, and Lafin, who saw my movement,
+stepped back half a pace, not from fear, but to gain room to draw his
+weapon.
+
+'My dear lieutenant,' and I turned to d'Aubusson, 'you complain that
+this is a dull place. We shall now have some relaxation. These
+gentlemen want a question answered, and I say certainly--I suggest the
+garden as a suitable place for our conference. Will you do me the
+favour to look on?'
+
+'That will be slower than ever for me. If you will allow me to join
+you?'
+
+'Delighted. You are my guest, and it will make us exactly two to two.
+Now, gentlemen,' I will answer your question on the lawn.' Whilst we
+were speaking, some hurried words passed between Lafin and Zamet, and
+as I turned to them with my invitation the Italian answered:
+
+'There was no offence meant, monsieur. We had business with the man
+from Anet,' he looked hard at me as he spoke, 'and at present we have
+not leisure to attend to you. We will, therefore, not intrude on you
+further. We but stay for a glass of wine, and then press onwards.'
+
+'Hum!' exclaimed d'Aubusson, surveying him from head to bootheel, and
+then turning an equally contemptuous look at Lafin, 'you are very
+disobliging gentlemen.'
+
+'This is not to be borne,' burst out Lafin. 'Come, sir----'
+
+But Zamet again interposed.
+
+'_Diavolo!_ Chevalier, your courage is known. We will settle with
+these gentlemen another day--you forget. Will you risk all now? 'His
+companion put back his half-drawn sword with a curse and a snap, and,
+turning on his heel, went to the other end of the room, followed by
+Zamet. There they drank their wine and departed, and an hour later I
+also started. D'Aubusson insisted on accompanying me part of the way
+with a couple of his saints, and, as we approached the Paris gate, we
+observed a man riding slowly, a little ahead of us. 'I recognise the
+grey,' said Jacques, coming to my side. 'Monsieur, that is one of the
+three servants the two gentlemen who have gone before had with them.'
+
+This small force accounted, as I have said, for the moderation Zamet
+had shown; but it flashed upon me that the lackey had been left behind
+for no other purpose than that of observing our route. Even if I was
+wrong in this surmise it was well to be prudent, and turning to
+d'Aubusson I said:
+
+'Monsieur, I wish to be frank with you. It is true that I am bearing
+news to Paris which will be of the greatest service to the King; but
+my name is not de Preaulx.'
+
+'I know that,' he said quietly, 'I am of the Anjoumois, and there is
+no such name there.'
+
+'And you did not arrest me?'
+
+'Why the devil should I? The land is at peace, and I have been
+Monsieur "I-Don't-Know-What" before now myself. Besides, you were in
+my hands at the _Grand Cerf_. You are in my hands now. But I wanted to
+know more, and when I saw that you were an object of M. Zamet's
+attentions I knew you were on our side.'
+
+'Exactly so, and I owe you much for this. There is another favour I
+would ask.'
+
+'And it is?'
+
+'That you stop the man riding ahead of us until this evening.'
+
+'As it will annoy Zamet, I shall do so with pleasure. I had half a
+mind to stop the shoemaker himself.'
+
+With this allusion to Zamet's ignoble origin he turned and gave a
+short order to his men. As we came up to the gate the man before us
+slackened pace so as to let us pass, with the obvious intention, so I
+thought, of following me at his convenience. He had hardly pulled rein
+when the two saints closed in, one on each side of him, and in a trice
+he was in their hands. He protested violently, as might have been
+expected, but in vain, and we waited until he was well out of sight on
+his way to the guard-room.
+
+At the gate we asked which way Zamet and his party had gone.
+
+'By Tacoignieres, messieurs,' answered the sentinel.
+
+'Then my way is by Septeuil,' I said. 'I owe you a long debt, M.
+d'Aubusson, and will repay. We shall meet again.'
+
+'_Pardieu!_ I hope so--and you dine with me at More's.'
+
+'Or where you will--adieu.'
+
+'A good journey.'
+
+And with a parting wave of my hand I turned Couronne's head, and
+galloped off, followed by Jacques.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX
+
+                          THE MASTER-GENERAL
+
+
+In the labyrinth of narrow streets, crooked roads, and blind alleys
+behind the Palais de Justice, where the houses are so crowded, that
+they seem to climb one over the other in their efforts to reach higher
+and higher in their search for air, is a small street called the Rue
+des Deux Mondes. It had this advantage--that it was wider than most of
+the other roads in that part of Paris, and opened out abruptly on to
+the river face, very nearly opposite the upper portion of the Pont
+Neuf, then under course of construction but not to be finished for
+some years later. At the corner of the street and overlooking the
+river, the Pont Neuf, the Passeur aux Vaches, with a glimpse of the
+Quai Malaquais and the mansions of the Faubourg St. Germain, was a
+house of moderate size kept and owned by a Maître Pantin, who was
+engaged nominally, in some legal business in the courts of the city. I
+say nominally, because he was in reality an agent of the Huguenot
+party, who, having contributed so largely to help the King to his own,
+were in reward restricted from the public exercise of their religion
+to a radius of thirty miles beyond Paris. This restriction did not,
+however, apply to Madame Catherine, the King's sister, now the Duchess
+de Bar, and a few of the great nobles such as Bouillon, de Guiche, de
+Pangeas, and one or two others, who had declined to follow the King's
+example and see the error of their religious ways, and who when in the
+capital were allowed to attend the princess' daily _prêche_ in the
+Louvre, a thing which exasperated all Paris, and induced Monseigneur
+the Archbishop de Gondy to make public protest to the King, and to
+come back very downcast with a carrot for his cabbage.
+
+It was this house of Maître Pantin, it will be remembered, that had
+been recommended to me as a lodging by Palin, who told me of the
+owner's occupation, and when I demurred on account of my religious
+convictions, the Huguenot pointed out that I had to do things in Paris
+which required a safe retreat, and that he could vouch for the honesty
+and discretion of Pantin. I admitted that his arguments were
+reasonable, and resolved to take advantage of his recommendation.
+
+We rode into Paris by the St. Germain's gate, and I was immediately
+struck by the aspect of gloom that the city wore. Most of the shops
+were indeed open, but there appeared to be no business doing, and
+instead of men hurrying backwards and forwards, the streets were
+filled with groups of people evidently engaged in discussing some
+affair of the utmost moment. Every third or fourth man wore a black
+scarf over his right arm, and the bells of the churches were tolling
+dismally for the dead. From St. Germain des Pres, from St. Severin,
+from the airy spire of Ste. Chapelle, they called out mournfully, and
+above them all, drowning the distant voices of St. Germain
+l'Auxerrois, St. Jacques de la Boucherie, St. Antoine, and others less
+known to fame, pealed out the solemn notes of the Bourdon of Nôtre
+Dame.
+
+Near the Pré-aux-clercs, hundreds of long-robed students were
+assembled, and the windows of many of the great houses, including the
+Logis de Nevers, were hung with black. It was strange to see Paris,
+always so bright and gay, with this solemn air upon it. No notice was
+taken of us as we rode on, the knots of people merely moving aside to
+let us pass, and answering Jacques' cheerful 'good-day 'with a silent
+inclination of the head or a chill indifference.
+
+'_Pardieu_, monsieur,' exclaimed Jacques, as we turned up the Rue de
+la Harpe, hard by the Hôtel de Cluny, 'one would think the King
+himself were dead, these gentry pull such long faces.' My servant's
+chance observation sent a sudden shock through me. What if Henry was
+dead! What if I had got only one thread of the plot that was weaving
+at Anet? I did not answer Jacques; but observing a Capuchin priest
+advancing in my direction, I reined in Couronne, and giving him the
+day, asked what it was that had befallen the city. He looked up at me
+in a slight surprise, and then, observing my travel-stained
+appearance, replied:
+
+'I see you are a stranger, sir; but have you not heard the news--it
+should have gone far by this?'
+
+'I have not, as you see--but what is it? Surely the King is not dead?'
+
+'God forbid,' he answered, 'no, not the King; but she who in a few
+weeks would have been Queen of France.'
+
+'The Duchesse de Beaufort?'
+
+'Exactly.'
+
+'I knew that; but you don't mean to say that the city is in mourning
+for the mistress of the King?'
+
+He looked at me straight in the face, and stroked his white beard
+thoughtfully. He was a tall, a very tall, thin man, and his eyes, of
+the clearest blue, seemed to lighten with a strange light.
+
+'No, my son, not for the mistress of the King, as you call her, but
+for the open hand and the generous heart, for the kindly soul that
+never turned from suffering or from sorrow, for Magdalen bountiful,
+and, let us hope, Magdalen repentant.'
+
+'But----'
+
+'Adieu, my son--think of what I have said. Is your own heart so pure
+that you can afford to cast a stone at the dead?' And without waiting
+for a further answer he went onwards. I turned and watched the tall,
+slim figure as it moved through the crowd, the people making way for
+him on every side as if he were a prince of the church.
+
+But though he was slowly passing out of sight, he had left words
+behind him that were at their work. This was the woman whom I had
+openly-reviled as fallen and beyond the pale--had I any right to cast
+stones? For a moment I was lost in myself, when Jacques' voice cut
+into my thoughts.
+
+'That must have been a cardinal at least, monsieur, though he does not
+look like the Cardinal du Perron, whom we heard preach at Rheims--I
+will ask,' and he inquired who the Capuchin was, of a man who had just
+come up.
+
+'That is the _père_ Ange, monsieur,' was the answer, and the man went
+on, leaving Jacques' thanks in the air.
+
+The _père_ Ange. The name brought back a host of recollections to me
+as I shook up Couronne's reins and headed her towards the Pont St.
+Michel. I saw myself a boy again in the suite of Joyeuse, and
+remembered with what awe I used to gaze on the brilliant de Bouchage,
+his brother, who was a frequent visitor at Orleans. His splendid
+attire, his courtly air, the great deeds he had done were in all men's
+mouths. We youngsters, who saw him at a respectful distance, aped the
+cut of his cloak, the tilt of his sword, the cock of his plumed hat.
+If we only knew how he made love, we would have tried to do so in like
+manner; but for this each one of us had to find out a way of his own.
+
+All at once it was rumoured that the chevalier had vanished,
+disappeared mysteriously, and that every trace of him was lost. There
+were men who whispered of the Chatelet, or, worse still, the Bastille;
+others who said the Seine was very deep near the mills by the Pont aux
+Meunniers; others who put together the sudden retreat from the court
+of the brilliant but infamous Madame de Sauves, the Rose of Guise,
+with the disappearance of de Bouchage, and shook their heads and
+winked knowingly. They were all wrong. Gradually the truth came out,
+and it became known that the polished courtier, the great soldier, and
+the splendid cavalier had thrown away the world as one would fling
+aside an old cloak, and buried himself in a cloister.
+
+It was a ten days' wonder; then other things happened, and perhaps not
+one in ten thousand remembered, in the saintly _père_ Ange, the once
+fiery prince of the house of Joyeuse.
+
+I have mentioned this because of his reproof to me. Day by day my
+education was progressing, and I began to recognise that my virtue was
+pitiless, that I was too ready to judge harshly of others. _Père_
+Ange's reproof was a lesson I meant to profit by; and now--to the
+abode of Maître Pantin.
+
+Palin's directions were clear, and after crossing the Pont St. Michel,
+a wooden bridge, we kept to the south of Ste. Chapelle, and then,
+after many a twist and turn, found ourselves in the Rue des Deux
+Mondes, before the doors of Pantin's house.
+
+The master himself answered my knock and stood in the doorway, a
+small, wizened figure, looking at us cautiously from grey eyes,
+shadowed by bushy white brows.
+
+'Good-day, monsieur--what is it I can do for you?'
+
+'You are Maître Pantin?'
+
+'At your service.'
+
+'And I am the Chevalier d'Auriac. I have come to Paris from Bidache on
+business, and need a lodging. Maître Palin has recommended me to you.'
+
+'Enough, monsieur le chevalier. My friend Palin's name is sufficient,
+and I have need of clients, for the house is empty. If Monsieur's
+servant will lead the horses through that lane there, he will find an
+entrance to the stables--and will Monsieur step in and take a seat
+while I summon my wife--Annette! Annette!'
+
+I limped in and sat down, escorted by expressions of compassion from
+Pantin, who mingled these with shouts for Annette. In a little time
+Madame Pantin appeared, and never have I seen so great a resemblance
+between husband and wife as between these two. There was the same
+small, shrivelled figure, the same clear-cut features, the same white
+eyebrows standing prominently out over the same grey eyes--their
+height, walk, and tone of voice even, was almost the same. Madame,
+however, had an eye to business, which her husband, although I
+understood him to be a notary, had not discovered to me, and whilst he
+went off to see, as he said, to the arrangements for the horses,
+Madame Annette struck a bargain with me for my lodging, which I closed
+with at once, as I was in sufficient funds to be a little extravagant.
+This matter being arranged by my instant agreement to her terms, she
+showed me to my rooms, which were on the second floor, and commanded a
+good view of the river face; and, pocketing a week's rental in
+advance, the old lady retired, after recommending me to an ordinary
+where the food was excellent and the Frontignac old.
+
+I spent the remainder of the day doing nothing, going forth but to sup
+quietly at the Two Ecus, which I found fully upheld the good name
+Madame Pantin had given it, and returning early to my rooms.
+
+Sitting in an easy chair at a window overlooking the Seine, I lost
+myself for a while in a dreamland of reverie. Let it be remembered
+that I was a man of action, who had been awakened by the love he bore
+for a woman to a sense of his own unfitness, and it will be realised
+how difficult it was for me to look into myself. I tried to tick off
+my failings in my mind, and found they were hydra-headed. There were
+some that I alone could not combat, and I hated myself for my want of
+moral strength. I had groped towards religion for aid, to the faith of
+my fathers; but there were doctrines and canons there that I could not
+reconcile with my inward conscience. I could not believe all I was
+asked to take on trust, and I felt I was insensibly turning towards
+the simpler faith of the Huguenot. But here, again, I was in troublous
+waters. I had got over the sinful pride that prevented me from
+approaching my God in humbleness, but I found that prayer, though it
+gave momentary relief, did not give permanent strength to resist, and
+a sort of spiritual despair fell upon me. Along with this was an
+unalterable longing to be near the woman I loved, to feel her presence
+about me, to know that she loved me as I loved her, and, in short, I
+would rather go ten times up to a battery of guns than feel over again
+the desolation and agony of spirit that was on me then. So I spent an
+hour or so in a state of hopeless mental confusion, and at last I cut
+it short by pulling myself up abruptly. Win or lose, I would follow
+the dictates of my conscience. If I could, I would win the woman I
+loved, and with God's help and her aid lead such a life as would bring
+us both to Him when we died. It was a quick, unspoken prayer that went
+up from me, and it brought back in a moment its comfort.
+
+Jacques' coming into the room at this juncture was a relief. He lit
+the tall candles that stood in the grotesque bronze holders that
+projected from the wall, and then, drawing the curtains, inquired if I
+needed his services further that night.
+
+'I don't think so, Jacques--but stay!'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'How do we stand?'
+
+'Oh, well enough, monsieur. Better really than for a long time. We
+have three horses and their equipment--although one of Monsieur's
+pistols is broken--and a full hundred and fifty crowns.'
+
+'A perfect fortune--are you sure of the crowns?'
+
+'As I am of being here, monsieur.'
+
+'Well, then, there is something I want you to do, and attend with both
+ears.'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'I want you to take the two horses we got at Evreux and fifty crowns,
+and go back to Ezy. Keep ten crowns for yourself and give forty to the
+smith and his daughter, and take them with you to Auriac. The
+forester's lodge is vacant--let them live there, or, if they like,
+there is room enough in the château. I will give you a letter to
+Bozon. He wants help, and these people will be of service to him.
+After you have done this, sell one of the horses--you may keep the
+proceeds, and come back to me. If I am not here you will get certain
+news of me, and can easily find me out--you follow?'
+
+'Exactly.'
+
+'Then when will you be prepared to start?'
+
+'As soon as Monsieur le Chevalier is suited with another man as
+faithful as I.'
+
+'Eh!'
+
+'_Sangdieu!_ monsieur, I shall never forget what _père_ Michel and the
+old steward Bozon said when I came home last without you. I believe if
+I were to do so again the good cure would excommunicate me, and Maître
+Bozon would have me flung into the bay to follow. If I were to go back
+and leave you alone in Paris anything might happen. No! no! My fathers
+have served Auriac for two hundred years, and it shall never be
+said that Jacques Bisson left the last of the old race to die
+alone--never!'
+
+'My friend, you are mad--who the devil talks of dying?'
+
+'Monsieur, I am not such a fool as perhaps I look. Do I not understand
+that Monsieur has an affair in hand which has more to do with a rapier
+than a ribbon? If not, why the night ride, why the broken pistol, and
+the blood-stained saddle of Couronne? If Monsieur had come to Paris in
+the ordinary way, we would have been at court, fluttering it as gaily
+as the rest, and cocking our bonnets with the best of them--instead of
+hiding here like a fox in his lair.'
+
+'You are complimentary; but it is to help me I want you to do this.'
+
+'The best help Monsieur can have is a true sword at his
+elbow--Monsieur will excuse me, but I will not go,' and, angry as his
+tone was, there were tears in the honest fellow's eyes. Of course I
+could have dismissed the man; but I knew him too well not to know that
+nothing short of killing him would rid me of him. Again I was more
+than touched by his fidelity. Nevertheless, I was determined to carry
+out my project of making up to Marie in some way for the death of
+Nicholas, and resolved to temporise with Jacques. There was no one
+else to send, and it would have to be my stout-hearted knave; but the
+business was to get him to go.
+
+'Very well, Jacques; but remember, if I get other temporary help that
+you approve of you will have to go.'
+
+'In that case, monsieur, it is different.'
+
+'Then it must be your business to see to this, and now good night.'
+
+'Good night, monsieur,' and he took himself off.
+
+I had made up my mind to lay my information before Sully. That he was
+in Paris I knew, having obtained the information from Pantin, and it
+was my intention to repair the next day to the Hôtel de Béthune, and
+tell the minister all. The night was one of those in which sleep would
+not come, not because the place was a strange one--I was too old a
+campaigner to lose rest because the same feather pillow was not under
+my head every night--but because my thoughts kept me awake. What these
+were I have already described, and they were in force sufficient to
+banish all sleep until the small hours were well on, and I at last
+dropped off, with the solemn notes of the Bourdon ringing in my ears.
+
+It was about ten o'clock the next morning that I mounted Couronne,
+and, followed by Jacques, well armed, took my way towards the Hôtel de
+Béthune. We found the Barillierie thronged with people on their way to
+St. Denis to witness the burial of Madame de Beaufort, and the Pont au
+Change was so crowded that we had to wait there for a full half-hour.
+At last we got across the bridge, on which in their eagerness for gain
+the money-changers had fixed their stalls, and pushed and struggled
+and fought over their business on each side of the narrow track they
+left for the public. Finally, we passed the grey walls of the Grand
+Chatelet, and turning to our right, past St. Jacques, the Place de
+Gréve, and the Hôtel de Ville, got into the Rue St. Antoine by a side
+street that ran from St. Gervais to the Baudets. Here we found the
+main street almost deserted, all Paris having crowded to the funeral,
+and a quarter-mile or so brought us to the gates of the Hôtel de
+Béthune.
+
+Sully had just received the Master-Generalship of the Ordnance, and at
+his door was a guard of the regiment of La Ferte. I knew the blue
+uniforms with the white sashes well, and they had fought like fiends
+at Fontaine Française and Ham. The officer on guard very civilly told
+me that the minister did not receive that day, but on my insisting and
+pointing out that my business was of the utmost importance, he gave
+way with a shrug of his shoulders. 'Go on, monsieur le chevalier, but
+I can tell you it is of no use; however, that is a business you must
+settle with Ivoy, the duke's secretary.'
+
+I thanked him, and, dismounting and flinging the reins to Jacques,
+passed up the courtyard and up the stone steps to the entrance door.
+Here I was met by the same statement, that Sully was unable to receive
+to-day; but, on my insisting, the secretary Ivoy appeared and asked me
+my name and business.
+
+'I have given my name twice already, monsieur,' I answered. 'I am the
+Chevalier d'Auriac, and as for my business it is of vital import, and
+is for Monseigneur's ear alone--you will, therefore, excuse me if I
+decline to mention it to you.'
+
+Ivoy bowed. 'It will come to me in its own good time, monsieur. Will
+you be seated? I will deliver your message to the duke; but I am
+afraid it will be of little use.'
+
+'I take the risk. Monsieur d'Ivoy.'
+
+'But not the rating, chevalier,' and the secretary, with a half-smile
+on his face, went out and left me to myself. In a few minutes he
+returned.
+
+'The duke will see you, monsieur--this way, please.'
+
+'_Pardieu!_' I muttered to myself as I followed Ivoy, 'he keeps as
+much state as if he were the chancellor himself. However, I have a
+relish for Monseigneur's soup.'
+
+Ivoy led the way up a winding staircase of oak, so old that it was
+black as ebony, and polished as glass. At the end of this was a
+landing, where a couple of lackeys were lounging on a bench before a
+closed door. They sprang up at our approach, and Ivoy tapped gently at
+the door.
+
+'Come in,' was the answer, given in a cold voice, and the next moment
+we were in the room.
+
+'Monsieur le Chevalier d'Auriac,' and Ivoy had presented me.
+
+Sully inclined his head frigidly to my bow, and then motioned to Ivoy
+to retire. When we were alone, he turned to me with a brief 'Well?'
+
+'I have information of the utmost importance which I wish to lay
+before you.'
+
+'I hear that ten times a day from people. Will your story take long to
+tell?'
+
+'That depends.'
+
+'Then be seated for a moment, whilst I write a note.'
+
+I took the chair he pointed out, and he began to write rapidly. Whilst
+he was doing this I had a glance round the room. It was evidently the
+duke's working cabinet, and it bore everywhere the marks of the prim
+exactness of its master's character. There was no litter of papers on
+the table. The huge piles of correspondence on it were arranged
+neatly, one file above the other. All the books in the long shelves
+that lined the walls were numbered, the curtains were drawn back at
+exact angles to the curtain poles, the chairs were set squarely, there
+was not a thing out of place, not a speck of dust, not a blot on the
+brown leather writing-pad, on the polished walnut of the table before
+which Sully sat. On the wall opposite to him was a portrait of Madame
+de Sully. It was the only ornament in the room. The portrait itself
+showed a sprightly-looking woman with a laughing eye, and she looked
+down on her lord and master from the painted canvas with a merry smile
+on her slightly parted lips. As for the man himself, he sat squarely
+at his desk, writing rapidly with an even motion of his pen. He was
+plainly but richly dressed, without arms of any kind. His collar was
+ruffed in the English fashion, but worn with a droop, over which his
+long beard, now streaked with grey, fell almost to the middle of his
+breast. He was bald, and on each side of his high, wrinkled forehead
+there was a thin wisp of hair, brushed neatly back. His clear eyes
+looked out coldly, but not unkindly, from under the dark, arched
+eyebrows, and his short moustaches were carefully trimmed and twisted
+into two points that stuck out one on each side of his long straight
+nose. The mouth itself was small, and the lips were drawn together
+tightly, not, it seemed, naturally, but by a constant habit that had
+become second nature. It was as if there were two spirits in this man.
+One a genial influence that was held in bonds by the other, a cold,
+calculating, intellectual essence. Such was Maximilian de Béthune,
+Marquis de Rosny and Duc de Sully. He was not yet nominally chief
+minister. But it was well known that he was in the King's inmost
+secrets, and that there was no man who held more real power in the
+State than the Master-General of the Ordnance. As I finished my survey
+of him, he finished his despatch, and after folding and addressing it
+he turned it upside down and said to me:
+
+'Now for your important news, monsieur. It must be very important to
+have brought _you_ here.'
+
+'I do not understand?'
+
+He looked at me, a keen inquiry in his glance. 'You do not
+understand?' he said.
+
+'Indeed, no, monseigneur.'
+
+'Hum! You are either deeper than I take you to be, or a born fool.
+Look, you, are you not Alban de Breuil, Sieur d'Auriac, who was lately
+in arms in the service of Spain against France as a rebel and a
+traitor?'
+
+'I was on the side of the League.'
+
+'Monsieur, the League died at Ivry----'
+
+'But not for us.'
+
+He made an impatient gesture. 'We won't discuss that. Are you not the
+man I refer to? Say yes or no.'
+
+'I am d'Auriac--there is no other of my name--but no more a rebel or
+traitor than Messieurs de Guise, de Mayenne, and others. The King's
+Peace has pardoned us all. Why should I fear to come to you? I have
+come to do you a service, or rather the King a service.'
+
+'Thank you. May I ask if you did not receive a warning at La Fère, and
+another at Bidache?'
+
+'From M. d'Ayen--yes. Monseigneur, I refuse to believe what I heard.'
+
+'And yet your name heads a list of half a dozen whom the King's Peace
+does not touch. One of my reasons for receiving you was to have you
+arrested.'
+
+'It is a high honour, all this bother about a poor gentleman of
+Normandy, when Guise, de Mayenne, Epernon, and others keep their skins
+whole.'
+
+'You have flown your hawk at too high a quarry, monsieur.'
+
+'Then that painted ape, d'Ayen, told a true tale,' I burst out in
+uncontrollable anger. 'Monseigneur, do what you will to me. Remember
+that you help to the eternal dishonour of the King.'
+
+The words hit him, and the blood flushed darkly under the pale olive
+of the man's cheek.
+
+'Monsieur, you forget yourself.'
+
+'It is not I, but you who do so--you who forget that your name is
+Béthune. Yes, touch that bell. I make no resistance. I presume it will
+be the Chatelet?'
+
+His hand, half stretched towards the button of the call-bell before
+him, suddenly stayed itself.
+
+'Were my temper as hasty as your tongue, monsieur, it would have been
+the Chatelet in half an hour.'
+
+'Better that----' I began, but he interrupted me with a quick wave of
+his hand.
+
+'Monsieur d'Auriac, a time will come when you will have reason to
+regret the words you have used towards me. I do not mean regret them
+in the place you have mentioned, but in your heart. In this business
+the honour of Béthune as well as the honour of the King is at stake.
+Do you think I am likely to throw my hazard like an infant?'
+
+I was silent, but a dim ray of hope flickered up in my heart as I
+looked at the man before me, and felt, I know not why, in the glance
+of his eye, in the tone of the voice, in his very gestures, that here
+was one who had conquered himself, and who knew how to rule.
+
+'Now, sir,' he went on, the animation in his tone dropping to a cold
+and frigid note, 'proceed with your tale.'
+
+It was a thing easier ordered than done, but I managed it somehow,
+trying to be as brief as possible, without missing a point. Sully
+listened without a movement of his stern features, only his eyes
+seemed to harden like crystal as I spoke of Biron and Zamet. When I
+told what I heard of the death of Madame de Beaufort, he turned his
+head to the open window and kept it thus until I ended. When he looked
+back again at me, however, there was not a trace of emotion in his
+features, and his voice was as cold and measured as ever as he asked:
+
+'And your reward for this news, chevalier?'
+
+'Is not to be measured in pistoles, monseigneur.'
+
+'I see; and is this all?'
+
+His tone chilled me. 'It is all--no,' and with a sudden thought, 'give
+me twenty men, and in a week I put the traitors in your hands.'
+
+He fairly laughed out. '_Corb[oe]uf!_ Monsieur le chevalier, do you
+want to set France ablaze?'
+
+'It seems, monseigneur, that the torch is held at Anet,' I answered a
+little sulkily.
+
+'But not lighted yet; leave the dealing with that to me. And,
+monsieur, the King is at Fontainebleau, and for a month nothing can be
+done. And see here, monsieur, I can do nothing for you; you follow. At
+the end of a month go and see the King. Tell him your story, and, if
+he believes you, claim your reward. I will go so far as to promise
+that you will be received.'
+
+All the little hope I had begun to gather fluttered away at these
+words like a scrap of paper cast in the wind. 'Monseigneur,' I said,
+and my voice sounded strangely even to my own ears, 'in a month it
+will be too late.'
+
+'Leave that to me,' he answered. 'I have a reminder always before my
+eyes,' and he pointed through the open window in the direction of a
+house that towered above the others surrounding it.
+
+'I do not follow,' I stammered.
+
+'That is the Hôtel de Zamet,' he said grimly, and I thought I
+understood why he had turned to the window when I spoke of Madame de
+Beaufort's death.
+
+I rose with a sigh I could barely repress: 'Then there is nothing for
+me to do but to wait?'
+
+'You will not lose by doing so.'
+
+'I thank you, monseigneur; but there is one little favour I ask.'
+
+'And that is?'
+
+'The King's Peace until I see the King.'
+
+'You will be safer in the Chatelet, I assure you, but as you
+wish--stay, there is one thing. Not a word of your interview with me,
+even to the King.'
+
+My hopes rose again. 'On my faith as a gentleman, I will not mention
+it.'
+
+As I finished he struck his bell sharply twice, and Ivoy entered.
+
+'Ivoy, do me the favour to conduct Monsieur d'Auriac to the gates
+yourself, and impress upon him the necessity of keeping to his
+lodging. The air of Paris out-of-doors is unhealthy at present.
+Good-day, monsieur.'
+
+Ivoy bowed, with a slight upraising of his eyebrows, and we passed
+out. Going down the stairway, he said to me with a smile: 'I see you
+dine at home to-day, chevalier.'
+
+'At the Two Ecus,' I answered, pretending not to understand his
+allusion, and he chuckled low to himself. At the gates I observed that
+the guards were doubled, and a whispered word passed between Ivoy and
+the officer in command. But of this also I took no notice, and,
+wishing them the day, rode back as I came.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X
+
+                            AN OLD FRIEND
+
+
+I was not the man to neglect Sully's warning, and, besides, there was
+an added reason for being careful of dark corners, as both Zamet and
+Lafin knew me, and were unlikely to lose any opportunity of doing me
+harm that might come their way. I could do nothing but wait and
+exercise patience until the month was over, and it was a hard enough
+task. Beyond my daily visits to my ordinary, I went nowhere and saw no
+one. I occasionally, of course, met my landlord and his wife, but few
+words passed between us, and Jacques had become marvellously taciturn,
+so that I was alone as if I were in a desert in that vast city, where
+the roar of the day's traffic and the hum of voices seemed to vibrate
+through, and possess the stillest hours of the night. Doubtless there
+were men of my acquaintance in Paris, but I did not seek them, for the
+reasons already stated, and I lived as secluded a life as though I had
+taken the vows of a hermit.
+
+In the meantime I was more than anxious that Jacques should execute my
+plan in regard to Marie. That I felt was a debt of honour to myself;
+but though I tried the threat of dismissal, he refused to go point
+blank, and I was weak enough to allow him his way. It was one of the
+many instances in which my firmness of temper failed, but it is not
+possible for a man always to keep his heart in a Milan corselet. I
+could not make out Sully's reasons for his action. It seemed to me
+that he had got all my information out of me without pledging himself
+to anything in return, and that he held me as safely as a cat does a
+wounded mouse. To save my own skin by quitting Paris was a thought I
+can honestly aver that never came to me. It could not, with the
+all-pervading presence of my love for Madame. It was for her sake I
+was here, and for her sake I would go cheerfully to the block if it
+need be; but it would not be without a try to save her, and if the
+worst came to the worst I should let all France know the infamy of her
+King. The hero-worship I had in my heart for him had given place to a
+bitter hatred for the man who was using his power to drive a woman to
+ruin, and inflict upon me the most bitter sorrow. All this may sound
+foolish, but such was my frame of mind, and I was yet to know how
+great the man was whom I hated--but of that on another day. In the
+meantime there was no news from Bidache, and I was kept on the cross
+with anxiety lest some danger had befallen my dear one there. Anet was
+not three hours' ride away, and at Anet was de Gomeron, unless indeed
+the conspirators had scattered, as was not at all unlikely, after the
+manner in which they had been discovered. My doubts in regard to
+Madame's safety were set at rest about three weeks after my interview
+with Sully. One evening Pantin knocked at my door, and, on my bidding
+him enter, came in with many apologies for disturbing me.
+
+'But, chevalier,' he added, 'I have news that Monsieur will no doubt
+be glad to hear.'
+
+'Then let me have it, Maître Pantin, for good news has been a stranger
+to me for long.'
+
+'It is this. Our friend Palin arrives in Paris to-morrow or the day
+after.'
+
+'And stays here?'
+
+'No, for he comes in attendance on Madame de la Bidache, and will
+doubtless live at the Rue Varenne.'
+
+I half turned for a moment to the window to hide the expression of joy
+on my face I could not conceal otherwise. Were it daylight I might
+have been able to see the trees in the gardens of the Rue Varenne; but
+it was night, and the stars showed nothing beyond the white spectral
+outline of the Tour de Nesle beyond the Malaquais.
+
+'Indeed, I am glad to hear this,' I said as I looked round once more;
+'though Paris will be dull for Madame.'
+
+'Not so, monsieur, for the King comes back tomorrow, and the gossips
+say that before another fortnight is out there will be another
+_maîtresse en titre_ at the Louvre. _Ciel!_ How many of them there
+have been, from poor La Fosseuse to the D'Estrées.'
+
+'Maître Pantin, I forgot myself--will you help yourself to the
+Frontignac?'
+
+'A hundred thanks, monsieur le chevalier. Is there any message for
+Palin? _Pouf!_ But I forget. What has a handsome young spark like you
+got in common with an old greybeard? You will be at court in a week;
+and they will all be there--bright-eyed D'Entragues, Mary of Guise,
+Charlotte de Givry, and----'
+
+'Maître Pantin, these details of the court do not interest me. Tell
+Palin I would see him as soon as he arrives. Ask him as a favour to
+come here. He said you were discreet----'
+
+'And I know that Monsieur le Chevalier is likewise.' With a quick
+movement of the hand the short grey goatee that Pantin wore vanished
+from his chin, and there was before me not the face of the notary, but
+that of Annette. She laughed out at the amaze in my look, but quickly
+changed her tone.
+
+'Maître Palin said you were to be trusted utterly, monsieur, and you
+see I have done so. Your message will be safely delivered, and I
+promise he will see you. But have you no other?'
+
+'None,' I answered, a little bitterly.
+
+'I have, however, and it is this,' and she placed in my hand a little
+packet. 'Monsieur may open that at his leisure,' and she turned as if
+to go.
+
+'One moment--I do not understand. What is the meaning of this
+masquerade?'
+
+'Only this, that my husband will appear to have been at the same time
+at the Quartier du Marais as well as the Faubourg St. Germain. I would
+add that Monsieur would be wise to keep indoors as he is doing. We
+have found out that the house is being watched. Good-night, monsieur,'
+and, with a nod of her wrinkled face, this strange woman vanished.
+
+I appeared in truth to be the sport of mystery, and it seemed as if
+one of those sudden gusts of anger to which I was subject was coming
+on me. I controlled myself with an effort, and with a turn of my
+fingers tore open the packet, and in it lay my lost knot of ribbon.
+For a moment the room swam round me, and I became as cold as ice. Then
+came the revulsion, and with trembling fingers I raised the token to
+my lips and kissed it a hundred times. There were no written words
+with it; there was nothing but this little worn bow! but it told a
+whole story to me. It had come down to me, that ribbon that Marescot
+said was hung too high for de Breuil of Auriac; and God alone knows
+how I swore to guard it, and how my heart thanked him for his goodness
+to me. For ten long minutes I was in fairyland, and then I saw myself
+as I was, proscribed and poor, almost in the hands of powerful
+enemies, striving to fight an almost hopeless cause with nothing on my
+side and everything against me. Even were it otherwise, the rock of
+Auriac was too bare to link with the broad lands of Pelouse and
+Bidache, and, love her as I did, I could never hang my sword in my
+wife's halls. It was impossible, utterly impossible. So I was tossed
+now one way, now another, until my mental agony was almost
+insupportable.
+
+The next day nothing would content me but that I must repair to the
+Rue Varenne, and, if possible, get a glimpse of Madame as she arrived.
+I left instructions that Palin should be asked to wait for me if he
+came during my absence; for my impatience was too great to admit of my
+staying in for him. I was not, however, in so great a hurry as to
+entirely neglect the warnings I had received, and dressed myself as
+simply as possible, removing the plumes from my hat, and wearing a
+stout buff coat under my long cloak. Thus altered I might be mistaken
+for a Huguenot, but hardly anyone would look for a former cavalier of
+the League in the solemnly-dressed man who was strolling to the end of
+the Malaquais. There I took a boat and went by river the short
+distance that lay between me and the jetty at the Rue de Bac. At the
+jetty I disembarked, and went leisurely towards the Rue Varenne. As I
+was crossing the Rue Grenelle, hard by the Logis de Conde, a
+half-dozen gentlemen came trotting by and took up the road. I stopped
+to let them pass, and saw to my surprise that amongst them were my old
+comrades in arms, de Cosse-Brissac, Tavannes, and de Gie. I was about
+to wave my hand in greeting, when I recognised amongst them the
+sinister face of Lafin riding on the far side of me. Quick as thought
+I pretended to have dropped something, and bent down as if to search
+for it. The pace they were going at prevented anyone of them, not even
+excepting Lafin, with his hawk's eye, from recognising me; but it did
+not prevent Tavannes from turning in his saddle and flinging me a
+piece of silver with the gibe, 'Go on all fours for that, maître
+Huguenot.' I kept my head low, and made a rush for the silver, whilst
+they rode off laughing, a laugh in which I joined myself, though with
+different reasons. On reaching the Rue Varenne I had no difficulty in
+finding the house I sought; the arms on the entrance gate gave me this
+information; and I saw that Madame had only just arrived, and had I
+been but a half-hour earlier I might have seen and even spoken with
+her. I hung about for some minutes on the chance of getting a glimpse
+of her, with no success; then finding that my lounging backwards and
+forwards outside the gates was beginning to attract attention from the
+windows of a house opposite, I took myself off, feeling a little
+foolish at what I had done.
+
+I came back the way I went, and as I walked down the Malaquais met
+master Jacques taking an airing with two companions. In one of them I
+recognised Vallon, my old friend de Belin's man; the other I did not
+know, though he wore the _sang-de-b[oe]uf_ livery of the Compte de
+Belin. Having no particular interest in lackeys I paid him no further
+attention, though, could I but have seen into the future, it would
+have been a good deed to have killed him where he stood.
+
+On seeing me Vallon and Jacques both stopped, and I signalled to them
+to cross over the road to me, as I was anxious to hear news of Belin,
+who was an intimate friend. This they did, and on my inquiry Vallon
+informed me that Belin was at his hotel in the Rue de Bourdonnais, and
+the good fellow urged me to come there at once, saying that his master
+would never forgive him were he not to insist on my coming. I was
+truly glad to hear Belin was in Paris. He was a tried friend, whose
+assistance I could rely on in any emergency; and, telling Vallon I
+would be at the Rue de Bourdonnais shortly, I went on to my lodging,
+followed by Jacques, leaving Vallon to go onwards with his companion.
+
+On coming home I found, as might be expected, that there was no sign
+of Palin, and, after waiting for him until the dinner hour, gave him
+up for the present and rode off to the Two Ecus; and when my dinner, a
+very simple one, was finished, took my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais,
+this time mounted on Couronne, with Jacques, well armed, on the
+sorrel.
+
+The hotel of the Compte de Belin lay at the west end of the Rue de
+Bourdonnais, close to the small house wherein lived Madame de
+Montpensier of dreadful memory; and on reaching it I found that it
+more than justified the description Belin had given of it to me, one
+day whilst we were idling in the trenches before Dourlens. It stood
+some way back from the road, and the entrance to the courtyard was
+through a wonderfully worked iron gateway, a counterpart, though on a
+smaller scale, of the one at Anet. At each corner of the square
+building was a hanging turret, and from the look of the windows of one
+of these I guessed that my friend had taken up his quarters there.
+
+I was met by Vallon, who said he had informed his master of my coming;
+and, telling a servant to hold my horse, he ushered me in, talking of
+a hundred things at once. I had not gone ten steps up the great
+stairway when Belin himself appeared, running down to meet me. '_Croix
+Dieu!_' he burst out as we embraced. 'I thought you were with the
+saints, and that de Rône, you and a hundred others were free from all
+earthly troubles.'
+
+'Not yet, de Belin. I trust that time will be far distant.'
+
+'Amen! But you as good as buried yourself alive, at any rate.'
+
+'How so?'
+
+'Vallon tells me you have been a month in Paris, and you have never
+once been to the Rue de Bourdonnais until now. You might have known,
+man, that this house is as much yours as mine.'
+
+'My dear friend, there were reasons.'
+
+He put a hand on each of my shoulders, looked at me in the face with
+kind eyes, and then laughed out.
+
+'Reasons! _Pardieu!_ I can hardly make you out. You have a face a
+half-toise in length, never a plume in your hat, and a general look of
+those hard-praying and, I will say, hard-fighting gentry who gave the
+King his own again.'
+
+'How loyal you have become.'
+
+'We were all wrong--the lot of us--and I own my mistake; but you--you
+have not turned Huguenot, have you?'
+
+'Not yet,' I smiled; 'and is Madame de Belin in Paris?'
+
+'_Diable!_ and he made a wry face. 'Come up to my den, and I'll tell
+you everything. Vallon, you grinning ape, fetch a flask of our old
+Chambertin--I will show M. le Chevalier up myself.'
+
+And linking me by the arm, he led me up the stairway, and along a
+noble corridor hung on each side with the richest tapestry, until we
+reached a carved door that opened into the rooms in the turret.
+
+'Here we are,' Belin said, as we entered. 'I find that when Madame is
+away these rooms are enough for me. _Tiens!_ How a woman's presence
+can fill a house. Sit down there! And here comes Vallon. Set the wine
+down there, Vallon, and leave us.'
+
+He poured out a full measure for me, then one for himself, and
+stretched himself out in an armchair, facing me. I always liked the
+man, with his gay cynicism--if I may use the phrase--his kind heart
+and his reckless life; and I knew enough to tell that if Madame la
+Comptesse had been a little more forbearing she might have moulded her
+husband as she willed.
+
+'Belin,' I said,' I am so old a friend, I know you will forgive me for
+asking why, if you miss Madame's presence, you do not have her here?'
+
+'Oh, she has got one of her fits, and has gone to grow pears at Belin.
+It was all through that fool Vallon.'
+
+'Vallon!'
+
+'Yes. Bassompierre, de Vitry, myself, and one or two others, had
+arranged a little supper, with cards to follow, at More's. You don't
+know More's, but I'll take you there. Well, to continue: I had gone
+through about three weeks of my own fireside before this arrangement
+was made, and longed to stretch my legs a little. To tell Sophie would
+only cause a discussion. It is as much as I can do to get her to the
+Louvre accompanied by myself. So when the evening arrived I pleaded
+urgent business over my steward's accounts, and, giving orders that I
+was not to be disturbed under any circumstances, came here to my
+study, a duplicate key to the door of which Sophie keeps. I put Vallon
+in that chair there before the writing-table, after having made him
+throw on my _robe-de-chambre_, and gave him instructions to wave his
+hand in token that he was not to be disturbed if Madame la Comptesse
+came in, and, after thoroughly drilling the rascal, vanished by the
+private stair--the entrance to that is just behind my wife's portrait
+there.'
+
+'And then?'
+
+'Well, we had as pleasant an evening as might be expected. I won five
+hundred pistoles and came home straight to my study, and on entering
+it imagine my feelings on seeing Sophie there--and you can guess the
+rest.'
+
+'Poor devil,' I laughed, 'so your little plan failed utterly.'
+
+'Vallon failed utterly. It appears that Sophie came up about ten, and,
+being waved off, went away. She returned, however, about an hour later
+to find Monsieur Vallon, who had got tired of his position, asleep
+with his mouth open in the chair in which you are sitting. She refused
+to believe it was only a card party--though I said I would call the
+Marshal and de Vitry to witness--burst into tears, and in fine, my
+friend, I had a bad quarter of an hour, and Sophie has gone off to
+Belin.'
+
+'And the pistoles?' I asked slily.
+
+He looked at me, and we both laughed.
+
+'She took them,' he answered.
+
+'Belin,' I said after a moment, 'will you ever change?'
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_ As the King swears. Why should I? After all,
+Sophie will come round again. I really am very happy. I have many
+things to be thankful for. I can always help a friend----'
+
+'I know that,' I interrupted, 'and I want your help.'
+
+'How much is it? Or is it a second?'
+
+'Neither, thanks. Though in either case I would come to you without
+hesitation. The fact is--' and I explained to him my difficulty in
+providing for Marie, without, however, going into other matters, or
+giving him any account of my troubles.
+
+When I ended, Belin said. 'What you want, then, is a trustworthy
+fellow.'
+
+'At least that is what Jacques wants. I can get on well enough.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ It is more than I could; but, as it happens, I have the
+very thing for you. Pull that bell-rope behind you, will you? and
+oblige a lazy man.'
+
+I did so, and in a minute or so Vallon appeared, wiping his mouth
+suspiciously with the back of his hand.
+
+'Vallon,' said de Belin, 'does Ravaillac continue to work
+satisfactorily?'
+
+'As ever, monsieur le compte.'
+
+'Well, I am going to lend him to the Chevalier, who has need of his
+services.'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'Send him up here, and Bisson, too.'
+
+Vallon bowed and vanished, as I said,
+
+'I do not know how to thank you, Belin.'
+
+'_Pouf!_ A mere bagatelle. I thought we were going to have a little
+amusement in the gardens of the Tuileries. I know of a perfect spot
+for a meeting--_ça_! _ça!_' and he lunged twice in quarte at an
+imaginary adversary. As he came back from the second thrust, he said,
+'By the way, I must tell you--but here they are,' and Ravaillac came
+in, followed by Jacques, Vallon bringing up the rear.
+
+As they entered I recognised in Ravaillac the man who was with Jacques
+and Vallon on the Malaquais, and Belin, turning to Jacques, said
+quietly: 'Bisson, I am going to lend Ravaillac here to your master, to
+take your place whilst you go away to Ezy. I pledge you my word that
+he is a good sword.'
+
+'True enough, monsieur le compte; we were amusing ourselves with a
+pass or two below, and he touched me twice to my once, and, as your
+lordship answers for him, I am content.'
+
+'That is well, most excellent Bisson! Ravaillac, you understand? Here
+is the Chevalier d'Auriac, your new master, who will remain such until
+he sends you back to me.'
+
+Ravaillac bowed without reply. He was quite young, barely twenty, and
+very tall and thin; yet there was great breadth of shoulder, and I
+noticed that he had the framework of a powerful man: his appearance
+was much beyond that of his class, but there was a sullen ferocity in
+his pale face--the eyes were set too close together, and the mouth too
+large and straightly cut to please me. Nevertheless, I was practically
+bound to accept Belin's recommendation, and after a few orders were
+given, the men were dismissed.
+
+'What was I about to say before these men came in?' asked Belin.
+
+'I'm afraid I cannot help.'
+
+'Of course not--oh, yes! I recollect. I was about to tell you how I
+got Ravaillac's service. I lay you five crowns to a tester you would
+never guess.'
+
+'You have already told me with your wager. You must have won him.'
+
+'Exactly. You've hit it, and it was in this way. About three months
+ago I was returning to Paris attended but by Vallon, and with only a
+small sum with me. At an inn at Neuilly I met an acquaintance, a Baron
+d'Ayen, one of the last of the _mignons_, and a confirmed gambler.'
+
+'I know him,' I said, my heart beginning to beat faster at the very
+thought of d'Ayen.
+
+'Then it makes the story more interesting. We dined together, and then
+had a turn at the dice, with the result that d'Ayen won every ecu that
+I had.
+
+'"It would be a pity to stop now," he said, as I rose, declaring
+myself broken. "Suppose we play for your horse, compte?'"
+
+'"No, thanks," I replied; "luck is against me, and I have no mind to
+foot it to my hotel. But I'll tell you what, I have rather taken a
+fancy to your man, since I once saw him handle a rapier. I'll lay
+Vallon against him; what do you call him?"
+
+'"Ravaillac. He is of Anjouleme, and has been a Flagellant. Will he
+suit you?"
+
+'"I shall have to find that out. Do you accept the stakes?"
+
+'"_Mon ami_, I would play for my soul in this cursed inn."
+
+'"Very well, then--throw."
+
+'The upshot of it was that I won, and from that moment the blind
+goddess smiled on me, and after another hour's play I left d'Ayen with
+nothing but the clothes he stood in. What he regretted most was the
+loss of his valise, in which lay some cosmetiques he valued beyond
+price: he got them from Coiffier. I earned his undying friendship by
+giving him back his valise, lent him his horse, which I had won, and
+came off with fifty pistoles and a new man. Of course, you know that
+d'Ayen has fallen on his feet?'
+
+'I do not.'
+
+'I'll tell you. Where the devil have you been burying yourself all
+these months? You must know that the King is looking forward for
+another Liancourt for a lady whom he destines for a very high place,
+and d'Ayen is to be the happy man. It is an honour he fully
+appreciates, and he has been kind enough to ask me to stand as one of
+his sponsors at the wedding, which by the King's orders comes off in a
+fortnight.'
+
+'And you have promised?'
+
+'Yes, it was a little amusement. They say, however, that Madame is
+furious, and that her temper is worse than that of Mademoiselle
+d'Entragues--who, by the way, literally flung herself at the King,
+without avail. Her time will come soon enough, no doubt--but, good
+gracious, man! what is the matter? You are white as a sheet.'
+
+'It is nothing, Belin--yes, it is more than I can bear. Belin, old
+friend, is there nothing that can save this lady?'
+
+He looked at me and whistled low to himself. 'Sets the wind that way?
+I did not know you had even heard of the lily of Bidache. Are you hard
+hit, d'Auriac?' And he rose from his seat and put a kind hand on my
+shoulder.
+
+I jumped up furiously. 'Belin, I tell you I will stop this infamy if I
+die for it! I swear before God that I will kill that man, king though
+he be, like a mad dog----'
+
+'Be still,' he said. 'What bee has stung you? You and I, d'Auriac,
+come of houses too old to play the assassin. _Croix Dieu_, man! Will
+you sully your shield with murder? There, drink that wine and sit down
+again. That's right. You do not know what you say. I have fought
+against the King, and I serve him now, and I tell you, d'Auriac, he is
+the greatest of Frenchmen. And there is yet hope. Remember, a
+fortnight is a fortnight.'
+
+I ground my teeth in silent agony.
+
+'Wait a moment,' he continued; 'a chamberlain of the court knows most
+of its secrets, and I can tell you that it is not such plain sailing
+as you think for d'Ayen. The death of that unhappy Gabrielle has
+affected the King much. He is but now beginning to recover, and Biron,
+who was hurrying to his government of Burgundy, has been ordered to
+remain in close attendance on the King. Whether Biron knew of the
+King's intentions or not, I do not know; but he has strongly urged the
+suit of one of his gentlemen for the hand of Madame--it is that
+_croquemort_ de Gomeron, with all his faults a stout soldier. It is
+said that the Marshal has even pressed de Gomeron's suit with Madame,
+and that rather than marry d'Ayen, and clinging to any chance for
+escape, she has agreed to fall in with his views. This I heard from
+the Vidame and the Chevalier de Lafin--good enough authority.'
+
+'One alternative is as bad as the other.'
+
+'There is no satisfying some people. Why, man! don't you see it would
+be the best thing in the world for you if it was settled in favour of
+our friend from the Camargue.'
+
+'That low-born scoundrel?'
+
+'_Mon ami_, we don't know anything about that. Give the devil his due;
+he is a better man than d'Ayen. I know there is ill blood between you,
+and wonder that some has not been spilt before now.'
+
+'There will be, by God! before this is ended!'
+
+'_Tenez!_ Let but the King agree to de Gomeron's suit--and he is hard
+pressed, I tell you, for Sully even is on Biron's side in this matter,
+and after that----'
+
+'What?'
+
+'Henry's mind will have turned another way. There are many who would
+like to play queen, and few like Mesdames de Guercheville and
+Bidache.'
+
+'But in any case, Belin, I lose the game.'
+
+'You have become very clever in your retreat, my friend. You win your
+game if de Gomeron is accepted; and then----'
+
+'And then, my wise adviser?'
+
+'She need not marry the Camarguer. You can run him through under the
+limes in the Tuileries, wed Madame, and grow cabbages at Auriac ever
+after. _Pouf!_ The matter is simple!'
+
+Miserable as I was, I fairly laughed out at Belin's plot.
+Nevertheless, the hopefulness of the man, his cheery tone and happy
+spirit, had their effect upon me, and if it turned out that the King
+was wavering, there was more than a straw of hope floating down-stream
+to me. My courage grew also when I put together Sully's words with
+Belin's news that Biron was detained by the side of the King. It
+surely meant that this was done to prevent the Marshal doing mischief
+elsewhere. If so, I was nevertheless on the horns of a dilemma, for by
+telling of the plot I would, if my story were believed, make matters
+hopeless, and advance d'Ayen's cause, to the misery of the woman I
+loved.
+
+On the other hand, by keeping silent I was in an equally hard
+position. My pledge to Sully prevented me from taking Belin fully into
+my confidence, and, hardly knowing what I was doing, I poured myself
+out another full goblet of the Chambertin, and drained it at a
+draught.
+
+'Excellent,' said Belin. 'There is nothing like Burgundy to steady the
+mind; in another moment you will be yourself again, and think as I do
+in this matter. Courage, man! Pick your heart up! A fortnight is a
+devil of a long time, and----'
+
+'Monsieur le Baron d'Ayen,' and Vallon threw open the door, and at its
+entrance stood the coldblooded instrument of the King. He looked older
+and more shrivelled than ever, but the paint was bright upon his
+cheeks, his satin surcoat and puffed breeches were fresh from the
+tailor's, and his hat, which he carried in his left hand, was plumed
+with three long crimson marabout feathers, held in a jewelled clasp.
+
+'My dear de Belin,' he said, bowing low, 'I trust my visit is not
+inopportune? I had no idea you were engaged.'
+
+'Never more welcome, baron. I think Monsieur le Chevalier is known to
+you; sit down and help yourself to the Chambertin.'
+
+D'Ayen bowed slightly to me, but I took no notice, and rose to depart.
+
+'I will say good day, Belin, and many thanks for what you have done.'
+
+'Do not retire on my account, monsieur le chevalier,' said d'Ayen in
+his mocking voice. 'I come to give news to my friend here, which will
+doubtless interest you. The fact is, his Majesty insists on my
+marriage taking place as soon as possible, and has given instructions
+for the chapel in the Louvre to be prepared for the ceremony. You
+still hold good to your promise of being one of my sponsors, de
+Belin?'
+
+'If the wedding comes off--certainly.'
+
+'Ha! ha! If it comes off! I would ask you too, monsieur,' and he
+turned to me, 'but I know you have pressing business elsewhere.'
+
+'Whatever my business may be, monsieur, there is one thing I must
+attend to first, and I must request the pleasure of your company to
+discuss it.'
+
+'Ah!' he said, stroking the marabout feathers in his hat, 'that
+difference of opinion we had about the woods of Bidache, eh? I see
+from your face it is so. I had almost forgotten it.'
+
+'Monsieur's memory is convenient.'
+
+He bowed with a grin; 'I am old, but shall take care not to forget
+this time----'
+
+'Come, gentlemen,' and Belin interposed, 'the day is too young to
+begin to quarrel, and if this must come to a meeting allow your
+seconds to arrange the time and place. One moment, baron,' and taking
+me by the arm he led me to the door. '_Malheureux!_' he whispered,
+'will you upset the kettle! See me to-morrow, and adieu!' He pressed
+my hand and I went out, preceded by Vallon, who must have caught
+Belin's words, but whose face was as impassive as stone.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI
+
+                         A SWIM IN THE SEINE
+
+
+Swearing he would be back again in a week, Jacques set out for Ezy
+within an hour of our return to the Rue des Deux Mondes, and his going
+had removed one weight from my mind. I knew full well that, unless
+something beyond his control happened, my business would be faithfully
+discharged, though I felt I was losing a tower of strength when I
+needed support most, as I watched him riding along the Malaquais,
+mounted on the sorrel and leading the grey.
+
+He went out of sight at last, and, now that the momentary bustle
+caused by his departure had ceased, I had leisure to think of what I
+had heard from de Belin; and those who have read the preceding pages,
+and have formed their judgment as to what was my character at that
+time, can well imagine that I was mentally on the rack.
+
+The trouble with d'Ayen was bad enough, but united to that was Belin's
+statement, that she--she was prepared, no matter what the consequences
+were, to give her hand to de Gomeron! Had I been in her place death
+would have been preferable to me rather than this alternative; and
+then I thought of the token she had sent back to me--felt that I was
+being trifled with, and gave full rein to my jealous and bitter
+temper.
+
+To all intents and purposes I was alone in my chamber, and yet I could
+swear that there was an invisible presence at my ear that whispered,
+'Fooled! Tricked! She is but as other women are, and you have played
+the quintain for her practice.'
+
+By heaven! If it was so, I would end it all at once, and not waste
+another moment of my life on a heartless coquette! It must be so. It
+was so. By this time I had got beyond power of reason, and jumped to
+my conclusions like the thrice blind fool I was. Snatching forth the
+bow from its resting place over my heart, I tore the ribbons asunder,
+and flung them on the floor before me, with a curse at the vanity of
+womankind that could make a plaything of a heart. I would be gone that
+moment. I would leave this country of intrigue and dishonour. In an
+hour I could catch Jacques up, and in ten days we would be on the
+seas, and in that New World, which had not yet time to grow wicked,
+make for myself a fresh life. By God! I would do it! My hand was on
+the bell-rope, when there came a sharp tap at the door, and the next
+moment Ravaillac announced in his low voice:
+
+'Maître Palin to wait on Monsieur le Chevalier.'
+
+I pulled myself together with an effort, and advanced to meet my old
+friend as he came in.
+
+'At last! I have been expecting you hourly for some time.'
+
+'I could not come, chevalier. I will explain in a moment.'
+
+'First sit down. Take that chair there near the window; it commands a
+good view.'
+
+'Monsieur does not need this?'
+
+It was Ravaillac's voice that broke in upon us, and he himself stood
+before me, holding out on a salver the ribbons of the torn bow. Civil
+as the question was, there was something in his tone that made me look
+at him sharply. It seemed to me, as I looked up, that a faint smile
+vanished between his bloodless lips like a spider slipping back into a
+crevice.
+
+I could, however, see no trace of impertinence in the long sallow
+face, and the whole attitude of my new follower was one of submissive
+respect. I fancied, therefore, that I had made a mistake, and put it
+down to the state of mental agitation I was in at the time.
+
+'No,' I answered him; 'you can fling it away. And in future you need
+not ask me about such trifles.'
+
+'Very well, monsieur, I will remember,' and with a bow he moved
+towards the door, the salver in his hand.
+
+'Ravaillac,' I called out after him.
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'On second thoughts do not throw that away. I did not--I mean, please
+leave it there on the table.'
+
+'Monsieur,' and, laying down the salver, he stepped out of the room.
+
+'I see you have changed your livery with your old servant, chevalier,'
+said Palin, sipping at his wine, as the man went out, closing the door
+carefully and softly behind him.
+
+'Not so. Jacques has merely gone away temporarily on some business of
+importance. In fact he left to-day, shortly before you came, and this
+man, or rather youth, has been lent to me by a friend.'
+
+'And his name is Ravaillac?'
+
+'Yes.'
+
+'An uncommon name for a man of his class.'
+
+'Perhaps--but these men assume all kinds of names. He is, however,
+better educated than the usual run of people in his position, and
+bears an excellent character, although he has been a Flagellant, from
+which complaint he has recovered.'
+
+'Most of them do. And now, my good friend, let us dismiss Ravaillac
+and tell me how you progress.'
+
+For a moment it was in me to tell him all, to say that I had abandoned
+a worthless cause, and that I could do no more as I was leaving France
+at once. Mechanically I stretched out my hand towards the tags of
+ribbon on the table, and my fingers closed over them. What was I to
+say? I could not answer Palin. Through the now darkening room I could
+see his earnest features turned towards me for reply, and behind it
+there moved in the shadow the dim outline of a fair face set in a mass
+of chestnut hair, and the violet light from its eyes seemed to burn
+through my veins. My tongue was stilled, and I could say nothing. At
+length he spoke again.
+
+'Do I gather from your silence that you have failed?'
+
+'No--not so--but little or nothing could be done, as the King has only
+just come, and then----' I stopped.
+
+'And then--what?'
+
+'It seems that Madame has changed her mind.'
+
+'I do not follow you. Do you know what you are saying?' His tone was
+coldly stern.
+
+My temper began to rise at this. I put down the ribbons and said:
+'Yes, I think I do--or else why has Madame come to Paris, and what is
+this story I hear about a Monsieur de Gomeron? If that is true it ends
+the matter.'
+
+I got up as I spoke, and began to pace the room in my excitement.
+
+'Had I been twenty years younger. Monsieur d'Auriac, I would have
+paraded you for what you have said; but my cloth and my age forbid it.
+My age, not because it has weakened my arm, but because it has taught
+me to think. My young friend, you are a fool.'
+
+'I know I have been,' I said bitterly, 'but I shall be so no longer.'
+
+'And, in saying so, confirm yourself in your folly. Are you so beside
+yourself that you condemn unheard! Sit down, man, and hear what I have
+to say. It will not keep you long. You can leave Paris five minutes
+after, if you like.'
+
+I came back to my seat, and Palin continued: 'You appear to be
+offended at Madame de la Bidache's coming to Paris?'
+
+'I am not offended--I have no right to be.'
+
+'Well, it will interest you to hear that her coming to Paris was
+forced. That practically we are prisoners.'
+
+'You mean to say that he--the King--has gone as far as that!'
+
+'I mean what I say--Madame cannot leave her hotel, except to go to the
+Louvre, without his permission.'
+
+'But this is infamous!'
+
+'In an almost similar case this was what the daughter of de C[oe]uvres
+said, and yet she died Duchesse de Beaufort. But are you satisfied
+now?'
+
+'I am,' I said in a low tone, and then, with an effort, 'but there is
+still the other matter.'
+
+'You are exacting--are you sure you have a right to ask that?'
+
+Luckily, it was too dark for Palin to see my eyes turn to the tangle
+of crushed ribbons on the table. How much did the Huguenot know? I
+could not tell, and after all I had no right to ask the question I
+had, and said so.
+
+'I have no right, but, if it is true, it means that the affair is at
+an end.'
+
+'If it is true?'
+
+'Then it is not?' My heart began to beat faster.
+
+'I did not say so. Remember that the alternative is Monsieur le Baron
+d'Ayen.'
+
+'There is another.'
+
+'And that is?'
+
+'Death.'
+
+'We are Huguenots,' he answered coldly, 'and believe in the word of
+God. We do not kill our souls.'
+
+'Great heavens! man! Tell me if it is true or not? Do not draw this
+out. In so many words, is Madame de la Bidache pledged to de Gomeron?'
+
+'Most certainly not, but Biron and her nearest relative, Tremouille,
+have urged it on her as a means of escape. She has, however, given no
+answer.'
+
+'Then de Belin was wrong?'
+
+'If you mean that the Compte de Belin said so, then he had no
+authority for the statement.'
+
+I took back the ribbons from the table and thrust them into their old
+resting-place, my face hot with shame at my unworthy suspicions.
+
+'Palin,' I said, 'you were right. I am a fool.'
+
+'You are,' he answered, 'exactly what your father was before you at
+your age.'
+
+'My father--you knew him?'
+
+'Yes--Raoul de Breuil, Sieur d'Auriac, and Governor of Provence. We
+were friends in the old days, and I owed him my life once, as did also
+Henry the Great, our King and master--in the days of his youth.'
+
+'And you never told me this?'
+
+'I have told you now. I owe the house of Auriac my life twice over,
+and I recognise in this, as in all things, the hand of God. Young man,
+I have watched you, and you are worthy--be of good courage.' He
+stretched out his hand, and I grasped it in silence.
+
+'See here,' he continued, 'I have come to you like a thief in the
+twilight, because I have that to say which is for you alone. It is
+useless to appeal to the King. Our only chance is flight, and we have
+no one to rely on but you. Will you help us--help Madame?'
+
+'Why need to ask? Have I not already said so? Am I not ready to die,
+if need be, to save her?'
+
+'You are now,' he said, 'but I will not press that point. Then we, or
+rather I, can count on you?'
+
+'To the end of my sword; but does not Madame know of this?'
+
+'Not yet. Should it fall through, there would be only another bitter
+disappointment for her. It is, moreover, an idea that has but shaped
+itself with me to-day.'
+
+'Where do you propose going?'
+
+'To Switzerland. There we would be safe, and there they are of our
+faith.'
+
+'Remember, Maître Palin, that I am not'
+
+'Look into your own heart and tell me that again at another time. Can
+you count on a sword or two?'
+
+'If Jacques were only here!' I exclaimed.
+
+And then, remembering my new man's reputation, 'They say Ravaillac is
+good, and I have a friend'--I bethought me of Belin--'upon whom I
+think I could rely.'
+
+'Better one blade of steel than two of soft iron, chevalier. We must
+do what we can with what we have.'
+
+'When do you propose starting?'
+
+'On the night of the fête at the Louvre.'
+
+'And we meet?'
+
+'Under the three limes in the Tuileries at compline.'
+
+'I have but one horse at present--we must have more.'
+
+'That is not hard--I will settle that with Pantin. He knows the spot
+exactly, and will have horses in readiness and guide you there, if
+need be.'
+
+'I know it too, and will not fail you. God grant us success.'
+
+'Amen!'
+
+There was a silence of a moment, and then Palin arose. 'It grows
+darker and darker,' he said; 'I must go now--adieu!'--and he held out
+his hand.
+
+'Not yet good-bye,' I said. 'I will accompany you to the end of the
+Malaquais at any rate. Ho! Ravaillac! My hat and cloak!'
+
+There was no answer; but it seemed as if there was the sound of a
+stumble on the stairs outside the closed door, and then all was still.
+
+'_Diable!_ That sounds odd,' I exclaimed; 'and 'tis so dark here I can
+hardly lay hands on anything. Oh! Here they are--now come along.'
+
+As I opened the door to lead the way out I saw a flash of light on the
+staircase, and Madame Pan-tin appeared, bearing a lighted candle in
+her hand.
+
+'I was coming to light your room, monsieur,' she said.
+
+'It is good of you; but what is my new knave doing?'
+
+'If Monsieur will step towards the loft, near Couronne's stall, he
+will see that Ravaillac is absorbed in his devotions--perhaps Maître
+Palin would care to see also?'
+
+'Not I,' said Palin.
+
+'But, at any rate, his devotions should not interfere with his
+duties,' I burst out; 'it will take but a minute to bring him to his
+senses. Excuse me for a moment, Palin--Madame will see you as far as
+the door, and I will join you there.'
+
+And without waiting for a reply I ran down towards the stables, and on
+coming there heard the voice of some one groaning and sobbing. Peering
+up into the darkness of the loft above me, I could see nothing, but
+heard Ravaillac distinctly, as he writhed in a mental agony and called
+on God to save him from the fires of hell. The first thought that
+struck me was that the youth was ill, and, clambering up the ladder
+that led to the loft, I found him there in the dim light, kneeling
+before a crucifix, beating at his heart, and calling on himself as the
+most miserable of sinners.
+
+'Ravaillac!'--and I put my hand on his shoulder--'what ails you, man?
+Are you ill?' He turned his face up towards me; it was paler than
+ever, and he screamed out, 'My hour is come--leave me--leave me! Our
+Lady of Sorrows intercede for me, for I know not how to pray,' and
+with a half-smothered howl he fell forwards on his face before the
+crucifix, and, clasping it with both hands, began to sob out his
+entreaties to God anew. I saw that it was useless wasting further time
+on him, and that he had been taken with one of those frenzy fits that
+had before driven him to the Flagellants. I left him, therefore, to
+come to himself, and muttering that Belin might have told me of this
+foible, came backwards down the ladder to find that Palin and Madame
+Pantin had followed me, and were but a few yards away.
+
+'Did you hear?' I asked, as I joined them; 'is it not strange?'
+
+'He is wrestling with the enemy,' said Palin. 'Let him be.'
+
+'He is a traitor,' burst out Annette. 'Monsieur le chevalier, I would
+send him packing tonight.'
+
+'I can hardly do that,' I said, 'and, besides, agony such as that
+young man is passing through does not mark a traitor.'
+
+'As Monsieur pleases,' she answered, and then rapidly in my ear, 'Were
+it not for someone else's sake I would let you go your own way. Beware
+of him, I say.'
+
+'_Corbleu!_ dame Annette! why not speak plainly? We are all friends
+here.'
+
+But she only laughed mirthlessly, and led the way towards the door.
+
+I accompanied Palin to the end of the Malaquais, speaking of many
+things on the way, and finally left him, as he insisted on my coming
+no further. So much had happened during the day, however, that I
+determined to cool my brain with a walk, and my intention was to cross
+the river and return to my lodging by the Pont aux Meunniers.
+
+I hailed a boat, therefore, and was soon on the other side of the
+Seine, and, flinging my cloak over my arm, set off at a round pace,
+Annette's warning about Ravaillac buzzing in my head with the
+insistence of a fly. As I passed the Louvre I saw that the windows
+were bright with lights, and heard the strains of music from within.
+They were as merry within as I was sad without, and I did not linger
+there long. Keeping to the right of St. Germain l'Auxerrois, I passed
+by the Magasins de Louvre, and then, slackening my pace, strolled idly
+down the Rue de St. Antoine. Down this great street it seemed as if
+the coming of the King had awakened the good citizens to life again,
+for there were lights at nearly all the windows, though the street
+itself was in darkness, except at the spots where a lantern or two
+swung on ropes stretched across the road, and lit up a few yards dimly
+around them. A few steps further brought me almost opposite a large
+house, over the entrance to which was a transparent signboard with a
+row of lamps behind it, and I saw I had stumbled across More's, the
+eating and gaming house kept by the most celebrated _traiteur_ in
+Paris. I had a mind to step in, more out of curiosity than anything
+else, when, just as I halted in hesitation before the door, two or
+three masked cavaliers came out singing and laughing, and in the
+foremost of them I had no difficulty in recognising the old reprobate,
+d'Ayen. Much as I would have avoided a quarrel, it could not be
+helped, for I had the door, and it was certainly my right to enter.
+They, however, ranged themselves arm-in-arm before me, and, being in
+wine, began to laugh and jeer at my sombre attire.
+
+'Does Monsieur le Huguenot think there is a _prêche_ here?' said
+d'Ayen, bowing to me in mockery as he lifted his plumed hat.
+
+I determined to show in my answer that I knew them.
+
+'Let me pass. Monsieur d'Ayen,' I said coldly. 'We have too much
+between us to quarrel here.'
+
+He knew me well enough, but pretended surprise.
+
+'_Corb[oe]uf!_ Monsieur le chevalier, and so it is you! Gentlemen,
+allow me to present to you Monsieur le Chevalier d'Auriac, with whom I
+have an argument that we never could bring to a conclusion. We
+disagreed on the subject of landscape gardening.'
+
+It was a hard pill to swallow, but I had made up my mind to retreat.
+The Edict was fresh; a conflict there would have meant complete
+disaster; and there would be no chance for escape, as the passage was
+getting crowded.
+
+'I remember perfectly,' I said, carrying on d'Ayen's feint, 'but I am
+not prepared to discuss the matter now. I must go back to take some
+notes to refresh my memory.'
+
+The man was blown with wine. He thought I feared him, and my words,
+which roused his companions to scornful laughter, made him do a
+foolish thing.
+
+'At least take a reminder with you,' and he flung his soft,
+musk-scented glove in my face.
+
+'A ring! a ring!' roared twenty voices, and, before I knew where I
+was, I was in the centre of a circle in the passage, the slight figure
+of d'Ayen before me, and the point of his rapier glinting like a
+diamond--now in quarte, now in tierce.
+
+He was of the old school of Dominic, and came at me with a _ça_!
+_ça!_' and a flourish, springing back like a cat to avoid the return.
+Had I been taught the use of the small sword by any less master than
+Touchet it would have gone hard with me, but, as it was, the third
+pass showed me the game was mine. The din around us was beyond
+description, for whilst More and his men were struggling to get close
+enough to separate us, the onlookers kept thrusting the hotel people
+back, and oaths, shrieks, wagers, screams for the watch, and
+half-a-hundred different exclamations and challenges were shouted out
+at once. I had no time to look around me, for, old as he was, my
+opponent displayed uncommon activity, and I could not but admire his
+courage. Coxcomb and fool, dishonoured though he was, under his
+flowered vest was no craven heart, and I spared him once for his age
+and twice for his spirit. But now came the warning cry of 'Watch! the
+watch!' behind me. D'Ayen thrust low in tierce; the parry was simple
+and I pinked him through the shoulder-joint--I could have hit him
+where I liked at that moment. He dropped his sword with a curse, and
+I found myself the next moment in a general _melée_, for the watch
+were using no mild measures to force an entrance, and there was a
+fine to-do in consequence.
+
+Someone--I know not who--at this juncture cut the silken cord by which
+a huge ornamental lantern was hung above our heads. It fell with a
+crash, and in a moment we were in semi-darkness. I took the
+opportunity to dash forwards, flatten myself against the wall, and, by
+dint of a little management and more good luck, succeeded in getting
+within a yard or so of the door. Here, taking my occasion, I made a
+sudden spring forwards, upsetting a man in front of me, and dashed off
+down the street. Unfortunately, I was not so quick but that I was seen
+and instantly pursued by a portion of the watch on guard outside.
+
+There was nothing for it but to run. Fast as I went, however, there
+were good men behind me, and I could not shake them off, though the
+streets were in gloom. The worst of the matter, however, was that the
+watch was being constantly reinforced by amateur guardians of the
+peace. Everyone who happened to be passing, or heard the noise, seemed
+to think it his duty to join in the chase, and it was with a fine
+following that I headed towards the river. Heaven knows how I cursed
+my folly at having put my nose into More's, and I redoubled my pace as
+I heard, from the shouts to the right and to the left of me, that I
+was practically hemmed in, and that my only chance was to take to the
+river. They were close up to me when I reached the bank a few yards
+below the Pont aux Meunniers, and without further hesitation I plunged
+in, and the bubbling and seething of the water brought the yell of
+disappointment from the bank faintly to my ears. The set of the stream
+was towards the opposite shore, and in five seconds I was in pitch
+darkness, though, looking back over my shoulder as I struck out, I
+could see, by the lanterns that some carried, the watch and the
+volunteer brigade dancing with anger at my escape, but none of them
+dared to follow.
+
+I had to swim with a will, for the current was swift; but at length I
+reached my own side of the river--drenched, it is true, but safe for
+the present. When I reached my lodging Pantin opened the door to me.
+
+'_Ciel!_' he exclaimed, as he saw me wet and dripping. 'What has
+happened?'
+
+'I have had a swim in the Seine, Pantin; say nothing about it.'
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XII
+
+                   MONSIEUR RAVAILLAC DOES NOT SUIT
+
+
+In the excitement attendant in my scuffle with d'Ayen and the
+subsequent events, ending in my escape from the clutches of the watch,
+I had for the moment clean forgot Ravaillac's fit of frenzy. I slept
+profoundly, and towards morning was half awakened by an uneasy feeling
+that there was someone in the room. This passed away; but a short time
+after I awoke with a start, and looking around saw Ravaillac bending
+over some of my things which were lying in a corner of the room. As I
+looked at him the full recollection of his strange behaviour came back
+to me, and, a slight movement on my part attracting his attention, he
+bade me a civil good-morning. He made no mention, however, of his
+illness, nor did he excuse himself in any way, but set about his
+duties in a quiet, cat-like manner.
+
+Whilst he moved softly about, I began to piece together the noise of
+the stumble I had heard outside my door when about to set out with
+Palin, with Madame Pantin's warning and the scene in the loft. It
+struck me that his seizure might after all be a blind, and I
+determined to question the man, and, by watching the play of his
+features and noting his manner of reply, try and discover if there was
+anything to show that my idea was correct.
+
+Pretending, therefore, to be unaware of what had passed, I asked:
+
+'How was it you were not in to receive me last night, Ravaillac?'
+
+There was a quick up-and-down movement of the long grey eyes, and he
+answered:
+
+'I was ill, monsieur; I trust Monsieur le Chevalier is not hurt?'
+
+'Hurt! Why should I be?'
+
+'Monsieur will pardon me, but I thought it possible.'
+
+'How so?'
+
+'Monsieur's clothes were dripping wet when I first came in, and his
+rapier stained full six inches from the point when I drew it out of
+its sheath to clean it this morning. It looked like an arm-thrust, and
+I thought----'
+
+'Never mind what you thought. I had a slight affair last night, but
+was not hurt.' It was clear to me that he was trying to carry the war
+into my country, as it were, by counter-questions to mine. I therefore
+cut him short, and added:
+
+'Your illness came and went very suddenly. Are you often taken that
+way?'
+
+'Then Monsieur knows----'
+
+'A great many things, perhaps; but kindly answer my question.'
+
+It may have been fancy or not; but it seemed to me that, as once
+before, I saw the wraith of a smile flit stealthily along his thin
+lips. He was standing in front of me, holding my rapier, and his eyes
+were bent down on the polished steel hilt as I spoke.
+
+At first he made no answer, and I repeated my question. This time he
+looked me full in the face, and the whole expression of the man
+changed--his cheeks paled, his eyes dilated, his voice took a shrill
+pitch.
+
+'I cannot tell, monsieur. It comes and goes like the wind. There is a
+Fear that falls on me--a Fear and something, I know not what, beside;
+but all before my eyes is red--red as if it rained blood--and then a
+myriad of devils are whispering in my ears, and there is no safety for
+me but the cross and prayer. It has passed now--God be thanked! Will
+Monsieur not take his sword?'
+
+His voice dropped again to its low, soft note as he ended, and handed
+me my rapier. I buckled it on, thinking to myself, 'My friend, you are
+either a lunatic at large or a finished actor. In either case you
+won't do for me.' I said no more, however, but when he gave me my hat
+he asked:
+
+'Will Monsieur require me in attendance?'
+
+'Yes. I go to the Hôtel de Belin, and I trust this will be the last of
+your attacks whilst you are with me. The Compte told me you had been a
+Flagellant, but had recovered.'
+
+'I have been well for a long time, monsieur,' he answered, taking my
+humour--'I will try and get ill no more.'
+
+'I am glad of that. Saddle Couronne. I go out at once--you can follow
+on foot.'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+The next moment he was gone, and I heard him running down the stairs.
+It would take a few minutes to get Couronne ready, but I followed him
+down at once, as I had an inquiry to make from Madame Pantin. I heard
+someone moving below in the kitchen, and, thinking it was dame
+Annette, called down the winding stair:
+
+'Madame--Madame Pantin!'
+
+'Madame is out; but is there anything I can do for Monsieur?' And the
+notary appeared below, a dim outline, clad in his dressing-gown, with
+a woollen cap on his head.
+
+I went down to him and asked:
+
+'Pantin, do you know if Ravaillac was out last night?'
+
+'I would have told Monsieur there and then when he came in from his
+swim in the Seine. No, for I watched and saw him sleeping in the loft.'
+
+'Are you sure?'
+
+'As I am of being here.'
+
+'Thanks! Madame is out early?'
+
+'She has gone to the Rue Varenne; but, monsieur, be careful of that
+Ravaillac.'
+
+I nodded my head, and then, raising my voice: 'I dine at the Two Ecus
+as usual--good day!'
+
+'Good day, monsieur!'
+
+Couronne was at the door, Ravaillac at her head, and, mounting, I went
+at a walking pace towards the Pont au Change, my servant a yard or so
+behind. It was my intention to see de Belin, to ask him to find out if
+I was in any danger owing to last night's folly or misadventure--call
+it what you will--and to beg his advice on the course I was to pursue.
+
+I had been recognised by d'Ayen. My name was known to those with him,
+and any trouble with the Hôtel de Ville meant hopeless disaster. I had
+almost made up my mind to conceal myself somewhere until the day of
+flight; but, before taking any action, thought it advisable to consult
+my friend, and to return Ravaillac to his service.
+
+On my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais, however, I began to turn the
+matter of Ravaillac over again in my mind, and found myself between
+the hedge and the ditch. If I got rid of him, the man, if he was a
+spy, could watch me in secret; if I kept him with me, the same thing
+happened. After all, whilst with me he had greater opportunities, and
+the less of the two evils was to be rid of him--yes, it would be
+better so.
+
+Imagine my disappointment when reaching his hotel to find that Belin
+was out! Vallon begged me to wait, explaining that his master had been
+absent for so long a time that his return would be but a matter of
+minutes. He had supped out the night before with de Vitry, the Captain
+of the Scots Guards, and M. le Grand, had come back late, and gone
+forth very early in the morning, and it was now full time he was back.
+
+I determined therefore to wait, though every moment was of importance
+to me, and, after a half-hour of patience in an easy chair, rose and
+walked towards the window, to while away the time by watching what was
+going on below. One of the heavy brocade curtains was half drawn, and
+without thinking of it I came up towards that side, and looked out
+from behind its cover. It struck me as strange that my horse was
+without the gate, instead of being within the courtyard, and
+Ravaillac, with the reins thrown over his shoulder, was engaged in
+converse with a cavalier whose back was turned to me, and whose head
+was entirely concealed by his broad-brimmed hat and long plumes.
+
+But the tall, straight figure, with its stretch of shoulder, could not
+be mistaken. It was de Gomeron to a certainty, and my doubts on the
+point were soon at rest. Keeping as far as possible within the shadow
+of the curtain, I watched them for full five minutes whilst they
+conversed together earnestly, and then something changed hands between
+them. Finally, the cavalier left Ravaillac with a nod to his salute,
+and crossed over to the other side of the road, where a mounted lackey
+was holding his horse. As he gained the saddle, he turned his face
+towards me for an instant. There was no shadow of doubt left. It
+was de Gomeron, and it was clear that there was more between the
+free-lance and Ravaillac than there should be, and also I was
+convinced, I know not how, that what had passed between them touched
+me, and was not for my good. What object the man had to play traitor I
+cannot say; but I do know that there are some natures to whom double
+dealing is as their skin, and whom nothing can turn from falsehood and
+chicane.
+
+Be this as it may, I knew at any rate the grass where one viper lay,
+and made up my mind to blunt his fangs without any further delay. I
+gave de Belin another half-hour, and then, calling Vallon, left a
+message with him, begging my friend to see me at my lodging on a
+matter of the utmost moment. As soon as I was in the saddle, I bent
+forwards, and, looking Ravaillac full in the face, said: 'My friend,
+you have too many acquaintances for my service; I return you from this
+moment to Monsieur le Compte.'
+
+'I do not understand, monsieur,' he began to stammer; but I cut him
+short.
+
+'I spoke clearly enough. I do not require your services further. You
+are discharged. Take this,' and flinging him a couple of gold pieces,
+which the scoundrel swooped at like a hawk, I turned the mare's head
+and trotted off.
+
+I made a short cut down a side street, and, in so doing, had an
+opportunity of taking a last look at my man. He was standing talking
+to Vallon, and moving his hands in my direction.
+
+'Reeling out lies by the dozen,' I muttered to myself. 'If I mistake
+not, there will be another place lost to you by sundown.'
+
+I let myself in by the stable entrance, and, after attending to
+Couronne, entered the house. There was apparently not a soul within. I
+sought the lower apartments in the hope of finding either the notary
+or his wife, to explain to them my action in regard to Ravaillac; but
+neither of them was visible. There was no answer to my call. There
+could not be a soul in the house.
+
+I determined, therefore, to go up to my room and await de Belin's
+coming, and on my opening the door of my sitting-room saw, to my
+surprise, a man apparently dozing in my armchair. The noise of my
+entrance awoke him. He jumped up, and I recognised my friend.
+
+'Belin! what good wind has blown you here? But how did you come in?
+There is no one in the house?'
+
+'There was when I came in, my friend. Do you know'--and he looked me
+in the face--'You have made a mess of things.'
+
+'You know already! Belin, I have just been to see you about it. The
+whole affair was forced on me.'
+
+'Partly. It was lucky I was there, and sober enough to think of
+cutting the cord of the lamp. You vanished, as I thought you would,
+and I have been attending to your affairs since then; any other man
+would have been laid by the heels ere this, but the stars fought for
+you.'
+
+'Any other man who had not a friend like you, Lisois. But do you
+really mean that I am safe from arrest?'
+
+'I think so, from any count under the Edict of Blois; but I had a
+devil of a dance. First of all, the catchpoles insisted upon turning
+their attentions towards me, and I only got off on the testimony of M.
+le Baron, who after all is but scratched, though spoiling for revenge.
+Then I rushed off to de Villeroi; but he, full of his new office as
+governor of the Hôtel, hummed and hawed--would hear of nothing, he
+said, until you were provided with a lodging in Fort l'Eveque, and
+talked big of the law and its course. However, I had an argument to
+persuade him: little birds twitter odd things into the ears of a
+chamberlain, sometimes, and he agreed to hold over the matter for a
+few hours until I had seen the King.'
+
+'The King!'
+
+'Why not, _mon ami?_ With the first streak of light I went to see a
+friend who shall be nameless, but is a power in the land. An hour
+later I was at the Louvre and at his Majesty's bedside. Henry was in
+high good humour. He had won nine thousand crowns last night from the
+invincible Portuguese, de Pimental. Almost as great a victory as
+Arques, he said. I related the whole of the circumstances without
+mentioning your name, and, pledging my word that d'Ayen would be about
+by this afternoon, begged for a pardon.'
+
+'But the King of course asked for my name.'
+
+'Of course he did, and, in reply, I said I would bring you in person
+to the Louvre this afternoon: then by good chance Sully himself came
+in. His lands of Muret march with mine, and Monseigneur is my very
+good friend. The King began to put him the case, to which Sully
+listened without a movement, except an occasional glance at a roll of
+documents in his hand, and when Henry finished said, with a smile--
+
+"'A trifle, sire, that may well be left to M. de Villeroi; perhaps,
+however, sire, your Majesty might agree to de Belin's petition. There
+is a spice of mystery about it, which even interests me. I have,
+however, brought these papers on the Gabelle."
+
+"'_Diable!_ Salty, but hardly a relish--let it be as you wish, Belin;
+and now for my salt without any soup." I took the hint, as may be
+imagined, and went straight back to Villeroi, and the matter being now
+in the hands of the King, he will of course take no action.'
+
+'You have been goodness itself.'
+
+'My dear fellow, let that rest! All that you have to do now is to come
+with me this afternoon, put your case to the King, and I lay a hundred
+crowns to a tester you hear no more--of the little affair of last
+night.'
+
+As he said this, looking me full in the face, with a peculiar stress
+on the last words of his speech, a sudden light came upon me. Sully's
+lands marched with those of de Belin. They were friends. Sully did
+not, for reasons of his own, wish it known that he took an interest in
+my mission, and the rest was easy to guess.
+
+'_Pardieu!_ That little thrust through the sword arm of M. le Baron
+is, after all, not so unlucky--eh! Belin? At least, for our very good
+lord of Muret and Villebon.'
+
+But Lisois only laughed in reply, as he said: 'Add a cat falling on
+its feet from a church steeple to your scutcheon, d'Auriac. Shall I
+get Rouge Croix to prick the new coat of arms?'
+
+'As you will; you have made my heart, which was heavy as lead, light
+once more--I feel now that I am not playing a hopeless game.'
+
+'The proper feeling to have, whatever the hazard be. With all your
+northern blood, d'Auriac, you should not have so many nerves.'
+
+'You forget my mother was of the south.'
+
+'True, of the Foix Candale. You will die a Huguenot. But I must be
+going. Meet me at the Rue de Bourdonnais at one, exactly, and I will
+take you to the Louvre, and now good-bye!' He rose and gave me his
+hand.
+
+'But, surely, there is no need for you to go now? Dine with me at my
+ordinary; I have much to tell you.'
+
+_Tap_! _tap_! _tap!_ It was dame Annette's little knock at my door,
+and I knew it was something of import that had brought her to my room.
+
+'One moment, Belin!' and, opening the door, I saw Madame Pantin
+standing there in breathless agitation.
+
+'What is it, madame? Come in, and speak freely; there is only my
+friend the Compte de Belin here.'
+
+'It is nothing, monsieur,' she said loudly, and then, dropping her
+voice to a whisper, 'Ravaillac was out last night. Pantin was
+deceived. I have come up to tell you so at once: be rid of him. I am
+asked to tell you this by a friend.'
+
+'A hundred thanks! I have parted with him, and he will not trouble us
+more. But who is this friend who takes so great an interest in me?'
+
+'You have company, monsieur,' she answered, with a bobbing courtesy,
+'I will not intrude longer.' And, without another word, she turned and
+went away.
+
+When I looked back, Belin was smoothing the plumes in his hat and
+laughing. 'I heard every word, d'Auriac. So Ravaillac is a mouchard,
+is he? And you have sent him back to me.'
+
+'I have,' I answered, and then I told my friend what had happened.
+
+His face was grave enough when I ended.
+
+'So that explains one thing,' he muttered to himself, tapping the
+point of his boot with the end of his sheathed rapier, and then,
+looking up, said slowly, 'You were right, and he shall sleep in Fort
+l'Eveque to-night. No, I cannot stay. Be punctual--and see here.' He
+came close up to me, and rested his hand on my shoulder.
+
+'Though you do not know it, your game forms part of a bigger game
+played for higher stakes. There are those who love France, and would
+have no more madness such as that over poor Gabrielle--we are helping
+you with heart and soul. Be punctual--and adieu. No, I can go out by
+myself; do not trouble to come down.'
+
+He was gone, and I paced up and down for a quarter of an hour, feeling
+like a pawn that some unseen hand was moving hither and thither on the
+chessboard of intrigue. And then I went to my solitary dinner at the
+Two Ecus.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII
+
+                              THE LOUVRE
+
+
+It wanted full ten minutes to the hour when I rode through the gates
+of the Hôtel de Belin, and a moment or so after was with my friend. He
+was standing in the great hall as I entered, in the midst of a small
+but brilliantly dressed group of cavaliers. On my being announced,
+however, he came forward to meet me with outstretched arms.
+
+'_Pardieu!_' he exclaimed, stepping back a half-pace after our
+greeting, 'so you have dropped the Huguenot? We poor devils will have
+but a bad time of it if you turn courtier.'
+
+'Is that likely?' I asked, a little bitterly, and then, in a low tone,
+'have you made Ravaillac safe?'
+
+'He has made himself safe,' he whispered, 'he is gone.'
+
+'Gone?'
+
+'Yes--vanished. It is, perhaps, best so. We will discuss him later,'
+and, raising his voice, 'come, let me present you to my friends,' and
+he led me up to his companions, who, gathered in a little knot near
+the huge fireplace, stood surveying us with a well-bred curiosity.
+
+'Gentlemen, permit me to introduce my old comrade, the Chevalier
+d'Auriac--the Duc de Bellegarde, whom we all call M. le Grand, the
+Vicompte de Vitry, the Seigneur de Valryn, and the Chevalier
+d'Aubusson, who, like you, d'Auriac, is new to the court.'
+
+'And who is delighted to meet with an old acquaintance, and trusts
+that M. de Preaulx is in as good a way.'
+
+'As the company from Paradise--eh, chevalier?' I put in.
+
+'Fairly hit,' exclaimed the lieutenant, and then he must needs tell
+the story of our little adventure, at which there was much laughter,
+and it was easy to see that the Marshal and Zamet had no friends in
+the Rue de Bourdonnais.
+
+'Come, gentlemen,' said de Belin, 'if we delay longer we shall miss
+the cinque-pace--one health round, and let us start.'
+
+As he spoke, a number of long-necked glasses filled with the wine of
+Champagne were brought to us. Holding his glass high above his head,
+de Belin called out:
+
+'Gentlemen--the King.'
+
+The toast was drunk with a cheer in which my voice alone was still;
+but I joined with the others in shivering my glass to fragments on the
+white marble of the floor, and then, a gay, laughing crowd, we took
+horse for the Louvre.
+
+As we trotted along, I could not help wondering to myself at my own
+outward gaiety, and whether the same bright mask covered thoughts as
+dark as mine in my companions' hearts. Who, on looking at de Belin and
+hearing the frivol of his talk, or on casting a glance at the red and
+honest face of de Vitry, would imagine that these men were hilt-deep
+in the intrigues of the court? Perhaps the stately Bellegarde, the
+cynical lord of Valryn, the Thersites of his day, whose ribald tongue
+had silenced even de Sancy, and that devil-may-care d'Aubusson, were
+up to the elbows in the same pie!
+
+Absorbed for a moment or so in these reflections I became silent, and
+was only aroused by Bellegarde riding up alongside of me and calling
+out--
+
+'A tester for your thoughts, chevalier, and three hundred pistoles for
+your nag.'
+
+'My thoughts would be expensive at that price, duc, and the pistoles
+will not buy Couronne.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ Then name your own price. 'Tis just such a horse as that I
+have dreamed of to lead the King's House against M. de Savoye.'
+
+'I may need her for the Italian war myself, monseigneur. No, Couronne
+is not for sale. She bears too heavy a stake for us to part.'
+
+Bellegarde looked at me curiously on my speech, and I half repented of
+my last words; but he said no more, and a second or so later we were
+past the Magasins and approaching the main entrance to the Louvre.
+
+The sight before us was gay beyond description. All the good commons
+of Paris had thronged to see the court re-open, and to catch a
+glimpse, and perhaps a wave of the hand, from the King, whom they now
+loved with their whole hearts. They came all in their gayest, and as
+the cheerful crowd swayed backwards and forwards beyond the long line
+of guards that kept the entrance to the palace free, it was for all
+the world like a bank of flowers stirred by the wind.
+
+But it was not the commons alone that had gathered there. From within
+the palace itself we caught the continual flashes of silvered armour,
+the sheen of silk and satin, the waving of plumes and the glitter of
+jewels, and, far as the eye could stretch along the river-face, there
+was an apparently endless cavalcade approaching the Louvre. In that
+great heaving crowd, wherein all the strength of France was gathered,
+we saw, as the wind caught the banners and spread them to the
+sunlight, that there was hardly a house in France but was represented
+here, from the lordly seigneurs of Champagne and Guienne, with their
+splendid followings, to the poor knights of Gascony and Bearn, who had
+not a tower that was not in ruins amongst them, and could barely
+maintain the brace of starveling lackeys that rode at the heels of
+each of these lean-pursed but long-sworded gentlemen. Here one saw the
+white shield of Couci, the lilies of Conde, the griffins of Epernon,
+there the cross of Croye, the star of d'Andelot, the red hand
+of d'Auvergne, and the black wolves on the golden shield of La
+Roche-Guyon, the proudest lord of Burgundy, who traced his descent far
+back into the mists beyond the middle ages.
+
+Absorbed as I was in my own troubles, I could not restrain a feeling
+of pride that rose within me at the scene. Down through that roaring
+crowd that cheered them again and again as they passed, it was as if
+all the old historic names of France had gathered to do honour to the
+day. And I felt, too, as I looked at the endless sea of heads, that
+this was no longer a France at murderous war with itself, but a united
+and powerful nation that was being led onwards to its destiny by the
+strong hand of a man who had quenched a fratricidal struggle; and for
+the moment I forgot how small he could be who was yet so great.
+
+I had yet to learn how great he could be; and here, as I write these
+lines in my study in the watch tower of Auriac, round which the
+sea-gulls circle and scream, my old eyes grow dim, and I lay down my
+pen and wonder for a moment at His will, which did not shield that
+brave heart from an assassin's blow.
+
+The throng was so thick that for a time we were unable to gain a
+passage, and were compelled to go at a walking pace, and Belin,
+reining in his fretting beast, exclaimed, 'Faith! 'tis the largest
+gathering I have ever seen.'
+
+'All France is here to-day,' said de Valryn. 'There go d'Ossat, and
+his Eminence fresh from the Quirinal.'
+
+'I wonder d'Ossat did not win his red hat as well as Monseigneur of
+Evreux,' said de Vitry.
+
+'Ah! he is so unlike the Cardinal,' replied de Valryn.
+
+'How do you mean?'
+
+'In this way. His Eminence deceives but he never lies; the Bishop, on
+the other hand, lies, but he never deceives.'
+
+'It would cost you your regiment if the King heard that, de Valryn.'
+
+'On the contrary, I am sure it will get to his ears, and then I could
+almost hope for the vacant baton, though 'tis said that is already in
+Ornano's hand--see, there is the Constable's banner!'
+
+'And Bouillon too--the stormy petrel is back from Sedan--I almost
+sniff war in the air.'
+
+'Oh, he has taken to himself a wife--See! He has quartered the arms of
+La Marck on his scutcheon.'
+
+'_Si dieu ne me vult, le diable me prye_,' said d'Aubusson, reading
+the scroll on the banner of Turenne; and then, the crowd giving way
+for a moment, we took the opportunity and passed through the gates of
+the Louvre. So full did we find the Petite Galerie on our entrance,
+that it was impossible to see or to observe who was there, and all
+that I was conscious of, as I slowly made my way forwards at the heels
+of de Belin, was the sound of music, the murmur of voices, and the
+rippling of gay laughter. In front of us was the noble stairway that
+led to the Galerie d'Apollon, and between the silent and statue-like
+figures of the King's House who lined the steps, and who still wore
+their violet sashes in token of mourning for the death of Gabrielle,
+there seemed an endless train of men and women advancing upwards.
+Amongst the jewelled clusters of fair and dainty dames, my eye sought
+in vain for the face of Madame; but my glance was, for the moment,
+arrested by the graceful figure of the celebrated La Noirmoutiers, as,
+with one arched and scarlet-shod foot resting on the white marble of
+the topmost step of the stairway, she turned to address some laughing
+remark to the cavalier who was her escort. I had not seen her since I
+was a boy of fifteen; but years had not changed her--her eyes were as
+lustrous, her cheeks as pink and dimpled as when she trailed the
+honour of Lorraine in the dust, and broke the heart of Joyeuse. I
+could not restrain a feeling of pity for the man upon whom she was now
+turning the light of her cruel beauty, for there was that in his
+honest eyes that showed he would do for her what Mornay, what Joyeuse,
+what Francis of Lorraine had done.
+
+'Who is the man?' I bent forward and whispered to de Belin.
+
+'Poor de Réthelois, who held La Fère so well against us. I fear he
+will find holding his heart a harder task.'
+
+'He has capitulated already, I think,' I answered, and then she rested
+one small gloved hand on her escort's arm and they passed out of
+sight.
+
+By this time I had collected myself to some degree, and began to try
+and rapidly rehearse in my mind what I should say when I came face to
+face with the King, but I am not ashamed to confess that at each
+attempt I found myself getting more and more hopelessly confused, and
+finally, dropping the effort, determined to let the occasion find its
+own words. At last we were on the stairway, and in twenty steps had
+entered the great hall which Henry had built himself, and which was
+known as the Galerie d'Apollon. Except for the vacant space round the
+still empty throne, the full length of its seventy yards was almost as
+much crowded as the hall below; but here the music was much louder,
+though the laughter and talk was not less merry and incessant. There
+was not, of course, nearly so much movement, and the people were more
+or less gathered in little knots or groups, though there were many gay
+butterflies flitting from one of these to the other.
+
+'Keep by me,' said de Belin, and almost as he spoke we came face to
+face with Tavannes, de Gie, and de Cosse-Brissac, all dressed in the
+extreme of fashion. Belin saluted coldly, but my heart warmed towards
+my old comrades in arms, and I stretched out my hand. This de Gie took
+limply, but Tavannes and de Cosse-Brissac contented themselves with
+bows of the politest ceremony. The Vicompte de Gie was, however,
+effusive in speech if chill in manner.
+
+'It is not everyone who could tear a hole in the Edict as you have
+done, d'Auriac,' he said; and then added with a smile, 'but who made
+your cloak? 'Tis a trifle longer than we wear it here.'
+
+'It is short enough for me to see the King in,' I answered a little
+crisply.
+
+'The King!' exclaimed both Tavannes and Brissac, a marked interest in
+their tones.
+
+'My dear fellow,' said de Gie, interrupting my reply, 'I knew you
+would fall on your feet; see here,' and stepping right up to me, he
+threw open my cloak slightly with a turn of his wrist, 'wear it so,
+d'Auriac; it shows your cross of St. Denis now.' Then dropping his
+voice, 'friend or foe? Are you for the Marshal or the Master-General?'
+
+'I am here for a short time,' I replied. 'I have come to see the King.
+I neither understand nor care about your intrigues.'
+
+'I understand perfectly, monsieur,' he said, falling back, a
+half-smile on his lips, and, bowing to each other, we passed on in
+different ways, they down, and I up the hall to join de Belin, who had
+gone a few paces ahead.
+
+'The King is still in his cabinet,' he said, pointing to a closed
+door, before which a sentry stood on guard. 'I go in at once. When I
+come out let it be the signal for you to join me. I will then present
+you; and mind--speak freely.'
+
+'I mean to,' I answered, and with a nod he passed up through the
+press. I leaned against the pillar near which I was standing and
+surveyed the crowd. Madame was nowhere there, or else I had missed
+her. Perhaps it was better so, for did I see her I might be unnerved;
+and here Bellegarde joined me.
+
+'Do you see her?' he asked.
+
+'See whom?' I answered, with a start and an eager look around.
+
+'_La belle_ Henriette. See, there she stands! A little court around
+her, with the brightest eyes and the sharpest tongue in France. I
+wager a hundred pistoles she will rule us all some day.'
+
+As events showed, Bellegarde was right, though that concerns not this
+story. I followed his glance, and saw Mademoiselle d'Entragues
+surrounded by a group of admirers, with whom she was bandying jest and
+repartee. I saw before me a tall, slight woman, beautiful in a wicked,
+imperious way, her eyes as black as night, and her features exquisite,
+but marred in every line, to my mind, by their look of pride. I
+never saw her again but once, and that was at Bois Lancy, where the
+once-powerful Marquise de Verneuil had gone to hide her shame.
+
+It was a pleasanter sight to turn from this girl, who was even then
+weighing the price of her honour, to the cluster of fair faces around
+the tabouret of Madame Catherine, the King's sister, now the Duchesse
+de Bar. Close to the Princess was Mary of Guise, and within a few feet
+of her were the wives and daughters of Rohan, de Pangeas, de Guiche,
+and d'Andelot. I did not, of course, know who they were, but
+Bellegarde pointed them out one by one, and then suddenly waved his
+hand in greeting to a man.
+
+'Ah, there is Pimental! one moment, chevalier,' and he left me to join
+his friend. I was again alone, and resigned myself to patience, when a
+voice seemed to whisper over my shoulder:
+
+'If M. le Chevalier will kindly survey the other side of the room,
+perhaps he will be equally interested.'
+
+I turned round sharply. There was no one whom I could recognise as the
+person who had addressed me. On the other hand, however, I blessed him
+in my heart, for not ten feet away was Madame, radiant and beautiful,
+with Palin by her side, and M. d'Ayen, with his arm in a silken
+sling, bowing before her. He was pressing the tips of her fingers to
+his lips when our eyes met, and, drawing away her hand, she made a
+half-movement towards me. I was by her side in a moment, and as we
+shook hands she said with a smile:
+
+'So we have met again, chevalier! In the Louvre, above all places!
+'This with a slight rising of colour.
+
+'I thought I had missed you. I was looking for you everywhere, and had
+given you up. I of course knew you were in Paris.'
+
+'But the Rue Varenne was too distant a land to journey to? Come,'
+she added as I began to protest, 'give me your arm and take me
+there'--she indicated the upper end of the room--'the crush is not so
+great there. It is frightful here. M. d'Ayen will, I know, excuse me.'
+
+Here d'Ayen, who stood glaring at me and biting at the red feathers in
+his hat which he held in his hand, interposed:
+
+'I was in hopes that Madame would give me the pleasure,' he began.
+
+'Another day, perhaps, baron,' I cut in rudely enough. 'I trust,' I
+added in a kinder tone, 'that your arm does not incommode you?'
+
+'It will heal soon,' he said in a thick voice, and turned away
+abruptly.
+
+'He is very angry,' Madame said, following him with her eyes.
+
+'That will heal too, I hope. This way is easiest, I think,' and I
+moved onwards with my charge, still, however, keeping an eye on the
+door of the cabinet.
+
+'Do you know,' I said a moment or so later, 'I am indebted to an
+unknown friend for finding out you were here?'
+
+'Indeed!' she replied seriously enough, though her eyes were smiling;
+'perhaps I ought not to tell you, but I saw you and told Coiffier to
+let you know I was here.'
+
+'Coiffier, the astrologer!'
+
+'Yes--do you not see him there? He is a brother of Pantin, and devoted
+to my house; a strange man though, and at times I almost fear him.'
+
+I looked in the direction she indicated, and saw a tall man, dressed
+like any ordinary cavalier of the court, except for his cloak, which
+was of extreme length, and fell almost to his heels. He, however, wore
+no sword, but held in his hand a small rod of ebony, with a golden
+ball at the end. This was the celebrated astrologer Coiffier, who had
+foretold the death of Henry III., and who, it is said, never died, but
+was taken away bodily by the Evil One. How far this is true I know
+not, but it was common report when he disappeared for ever.
+
+'He is much unlike Pantin,' I remarked; 'no one would take them for
+brothers.'
+
+'And yet they are--and Pantin always says he is the younger, too.'
+
+And now, as we made our way slowly towards the upper end of the room,
+I began to get tongue-tied, and Madame, too, said nothing. Finally, I
+blurted out, 'I am to see the King in a few minutes.'
+
+She looked down and half-whispered, 'God give you success.'
+
+'Amen!' I echoed to her prayer.
+
+And then, in a way that people have when their hearts are full of
+grave things, we began to talk of matters light as air.
+
+'The King is late to-day,' Madame said, glancing at the still closed
+door of the cabinet, near which a curious crowd had gathered; 'perhaps
+the cinque-pace will not come off,' she ran on, 'Monsieur de Guiche
+told me that the King was to open it with Mademoiselle d'Entragues. Do
+you not see her there? That lovely, black-eyed girl, talking to
+half-a-dozen people at once.'
+
+'Is she so very beautiful?'
+
+'What a question to ask! I do not see a woman in the room to compare
+with her.'
+
+'To my mind her profile is too hard.'
+
+'Indeed!' Madame's face, with its soft though clear outlines, was half
+turned from me as she spoke. 'I suppose, then, you do not care for
+her--a man never thinks with a woman in the matter of beauty. But I
+did think you would admire Mademoiselle.'
+
+'Why should I, even supposing she was beautiful? To my mind there are
+two kinds of beauty.'
+
+And here I was interrupted by the sound of cheering from the Petite
+Galerie, and the sudden hush that fell on the room. As we moved down
+to see for whom the crush was parting on either side, we discovered
+that it was the Marshal himself, and close at his heels were Lafin,
+with his sinister smile, and a dozen gentlemen, amongst whom I
+observed the grim figure of Adam de Gomeron. Madame saw the
+free-lance, too, and then turned her eyes to mine. She read the
+unspoken question in my look, her eyes met mine, and through her
+half-parted lips a low whisper came to me--'Never--never.'
+
+'They are coming straight towards us,' I said, 'we will stand here and
+let them pass,' and with her fingers still resting on my arm we moved
+a pace or so aside. As Biron came up there was almost a shout of
+welcome, and he bowed to the right and left of him as though he were
+the King himself. He was then the foremost subject in France, and in
+the heyday of his strength and power. In person he was of middle
+height, but carried himself with unexampled grace and dignity of
+manner. His short beard was cut to a peak, and from beneath his
+straight eyebrows, his keen and deep-set eyes, those eyes which Marie
+de Medici said hall-marked him for a traitor, _avec ses yeux noirs
+enfoncés_, seemed to turn their searchlights here, there, and
+everywhere at once. His dress, like all about the man, was full of
+display. He wore a suit of grey satin, a short black velvet cloak held
+by a splendid emerald and diamond clasp, and carried a hat plumed with
+white and black feathers. His sword hilt and the buckles on his shoes
+flashed with gems. As he came onwards, making straight for the door of
+the cabinet, Coiffier stepped out of the crowd and held him lightly by
+his cloak. The Marshal turned on him sharply: 'Let me go, I have no
+time for mummeries.' 'Very well, my lord, only I should advise
+Monseigneur never again to wear a suit such as he is attired in at
+present.'
+
+Biron stopped, and we all gathered closer.
+
+'Why, Coiffier?' he asked, in a tone of affected gaiety, but with a
+nervous manner.
+
+'Because, monseigneur, I dreamed that I saw you early one morning
+standing, dressed as you are just now, by the block in the yard of the
+Bastille.'
+
+One or two of the women almost shrieked, and a murmur went up from
+those who heard the words. As for the Marshal, his face grew pale and
+then flushed darkly.
+
+'You are mad, my friend,' he said hoarsely, and then, with his head
+down, went straight to the door of the cabinet. It seemed to open of
+its own accord as he came up to it, and, leaving his suite behind, he
+passed in to the King.
+
+Little did I think of the prophecy until that August dawn, when I
+stood by the side of the Lieutenant of Montigny and saw the head of
+Charles de Gontaut, Duc de Biron, and Marshal of France, held up to
+the shuddering spectators in the red hand of Monsieur of Paris.
+
+'It almost seems as if I shall not have my interview,' I said to
+Madame a minute or so later, when the commotion caused by Coiffier had
+ceased.
+
+'When were you to go in?' she asked.
+
+'As soon as ever M. de Belin came out to summon me.'
+
+'Then here he is,' and as she spoke I saw the door open, and Belin
+looked out. 'Go,' she said, and then our eyes met and I stepped up to
+the cabinet.
+
+'Courage,' whispered Belin, and I was before the King. In the first
+two steps I took on entering the room, I perceived that there had been
+a scene; Sully was standing against the open window, his back to the
+light, and gravely stroking his beard. The Marshal was pacing
+backwards and forwards in an agitated manner, and the King himself was
+leaning against a high desk, beating a tattoo with his fingers on the
+veneer.
+
+As de Belin presented me, I bent to my knee, and there was a dead
+silence, broken only by Henry renewing the quick, impatient tapping of
+his fingers on the woodwork of the desk. He was, what was unusual with
+him when in Paris, in half armour, and perhaps in compliment to the
+King of Spain, for it was the anniversary of the treaty of Vervins,
+wore the scarlet and ermine-lined mantle of the _Toison d'Or_. In the
+silence my eyes unconsciously caught the glitter of the collar, and I
+could almost read the device, '_Pretium non vile laborum_,' on the
+pendant fleece.
+
+'You may rise, monsieur,' the King said at last coldly, and added,
+'and you may speak. It is because I understand that you broke the laws
+unwittingly that I have for the moment excused you--now what have you
+to say?'
+
+As he spoke his piercing eyes met me full in the face, and for the
+moment I could not find words.
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_' and Henry picked up a melocotin from a salver
+that was by him and played with it between his fingers; 'you could not
+have been born under the two cows on a field _or_, else you would have
+found tongue ere this, M. d'Auriac. You are not of the south, are
+you?'
+
+'No, sire, though my father was Governor of Provence, and married into
+the Foix Candale.'
+
+'If so, you should be a perfect Chrysostom. What have you to say?'
+
+I had regained my courage by this and took the matter in both hands.
+'Your Majesty, I will speak--I charge the Marshal, Duc de Biron,
+with being a traitor to you and to France, I charge him with
+conspiring----'
+
+'You liar!'
+
+It was Biron's voice, furious and cracked with rage, that rang through
+the room; but Henry stopped him with a word, and then I went on
+repeating exactly what is known, and what I have described before.
+When it was over the King turned to the Marshal, who burst out in a
+passion of upbraiding, calling God and his own services to witness
+that his hands were clean, 'and is the word of this man to be
+believed?' he concluded, 'this man who was openly in arms against his
+King, who is known as a brawler in the streets, who is even now trying
+to win the hand of a royal ward with not a penny piece to line his
+doublet pockets, who is excluded from the King's Peace--is his oath to
+be taken before the word of a peer of France? Sire, my father died by
+your side--and I--I will say no more. Believe him if you will. Here is
+my sword! It has served you well,' and unbuckling his sword the
+Marshal flung himself on his knees before the King and presented him
+with the hilt of his blade.
+
+Astonished and silenced by this audacious outburst, I could say
+nothing, but saw Sully and de Belin exchange a strange smile. The
+King, however, was much moved. Putting his hands on Biron's shoulders,
+he lifted him to his feet. 'Biron, my old friend,' he said, 'the oaths
+of this man and of a hundred such as he are but as a feather weight
+against your simple word. Messieurs, it is because I wished the
+Marshal to know that I would hear nothing behind a man's back that I
+would not repeat to his own face that I have allowed M. d'Auriac a
+free rein to his tongue. In fine, I believe no word of this incredible
+tale. M. d'Auriac,' and he turned to me, 'I give you twenty-four hours
+to quit France, and never cross my path again.' And here the reckless
+Biron interposed hotly, 'But I must have satisfaction, sire.'
+
+'Is it not satisfaction enough to know that the King believes your
+word?' said Sully.
+
+'That may do for the house of Béthune, but not for Biron.'
+
+The taunt told. It was the one tender point with the great minister.
+'The house of Béthune,' he began.
+
+'Was old with the Ark, duc--we all know that,' said Henry; 'but truly
+I know not what satisfaction the Marshal wants.'
+
+'If not for me, sire, for my friends. There is M. de Gomeron who has
+been much wronged too.'
+
+'I see, you are coming to the old point again. I tell you, Biron,
+plainly, and once for all, I will not have it--my word is given to
+d'Ayen. And now let us go.'
+
+When the King had warned me out of France, I had made a half-movement
+to bow and retire and then glanced round to Belin for a hint as to
+what I should do. I could not see him, and not knowing whether to
+leave the cabinet or not, I remained standing irresolutely where I
+was, and thus was a witness to the little passage described above. As
+Henry refused Biron's request he, however, at the same time linked his
+arm in that of the Marshal, and stepped towards the door of the
+cabinet. Sully followed immediately behind, and I brought up the rear.
+
+In this manner we entered the Galerie d'Apollon, and as we passed in
+the King looked round and saw me. He stared hard for a moment, and
+then said in loud tones, 'Twenty-four hours is a short time to reach
+the frontier, M. d'Auriac,' and then he turned his back on me.
+
+Everyone heard the words, and I caught de Gie's mocking voice as he
+spoke to Mademoiselle d'Entragues, 'His cloak was short enough to see
+the King in, I observe,' and then there was a feminine titter.
+
+With my heart boiling with rage I made for the stairway. I did not
+dare to look for Madame. There was enough despair on my face to enable
+her to read it like a book were she to see me, and I had no doubt she
+had. I felt I had miserably failed. There was one chance, however, and
+that was to urge her to instant flight, and I determined to ride
+straight to the Rue Varenne and there await either Madame's or Palin's
+return and induce them to adopt this course.
+
+At this moment someone came in my way, and, stepping aside to let him
+pass, I caught sight of Madame with both de Belin and the Huguenot at
+her side. She was not three feet from me, and held out her hand
+saying, 'Courage; I know all.' I held her small fingers for a moment,
+and then the ribbon by which her fan was slung to her wrist somehow
+slipped and the fan fell to the ground. I picked it up, and, on
+handing it to her, caught a whisper, 'Coiffier, to-night,' and then
+with a bow I went on. Ten steps more brought me to the head of the
+stairway, and Coiffier was standing there. 'Would you have your
+fortune told, monsieur?' he asked.
+
+'Will to-night suit you?' I answered, taking his humour.
+
+'To-night will be too late, monsieur le chevalier. Look in that as you
+ride home and you will see--and now go.'
+
+With a turn of his wrist he produced a small red ball of polished wood
+and placed it in my hands, and then moved backwards amongst the crowd.
+
+It did not take me five minutes more to find Couronne, but as I turned
+her head on reaching the gates of the town towards the river face, I
+heard de Belin's quiet voice behind:
+
+'Not that way, d'Auriac; you come with me.'
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIV
+
+                           UNDER THE LIMES
+
+
+It mattered little to me if I rode a portion of my way back with de
+Belin, and so I turned Couronne's head as he wished. Before setting
+off, however, he gave some rapid and whispered orders to Vallon,
+emphasising them with a loud 'Quick, mind you, and do not fail.'
+
+'It is not likely, monsieur,' answered Vallon, and then set off.
+
+The crowd was as great as ever, and we were compelled to go slowly.
+Looking for a moment to my right as we went forwards, I saw Vallon
+making as much haste as he could in the delivery of his message, and I
+wished to myself that my own stout-hearted knave were with me. One
+blade such as his was worth a half-dozen hired swords.
+
+It was my intention to leave de Belin at his hotel and make my way as
+quickly as possible to my lodging, and thence, taking the risk of the
+King's warning, go straight to the Rue Varenne and urge Madame to
+instant flight. My house of cards had come down, a fluttering heap, as
+the first story was raised, and to my mind there was nothing for it
+but a sharp spur and a loose rein. I wished, too, for a moment of
+leisure to examine Coiffier's gift. I had little doubt that it
+conveyed a message or a warning, and the sooner I got at its contents
+the better.
+
+In the meantime Belin rode by my side, whistling a march to himself,
+whilst a couple of lackeys immediately behind us shouted themselves
+hoarse with an insistent 'Way, way for Monsieur le Compte!'
+
+This cry of theirs was being constantly echoed by a Capuchin, who,
+mounted on a mule, with his hood drawn over his face so as to show
+little but his eyes and a portion of a grey beard, kept alternately
+flinging an 'Ave!' and a 'Way! way!' to the crowd, the whiles he stuck
+close to our heels, having evidently made up his mind to follow the
+old saw--the stronger the company the freer the road.
+
+I know not why it was, but the jingling notes of the tune my friend
+whistled irritated me beyond measure, and at last, at the corner of
+the Rue Perrault, I could stand it no longer, and, reining in, held
+out my hand.
+
+'I must say good-bye here, Belin. We will meet again, and meet in
+better times, I trust, for me. In the meanwhile let me thank you, my
+friend. The rest of my business lies in my own hand.'
+
+He laughed and said, 'Not yet good-bye; and as for your business,
+there is some of it in Coiffier's wooden ball. I would open that here
+before you decide to leave me.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ You all seem to be determined to speak to me in riddles.
+Why can you not say plainly what you mean? And, besides, this is no
+place to read.'
+
+'It is as good as any other. See here, d'Auriac! I slipped out of the
+King's cabinet as he spoke to you, and told Madame how your affair was
+progressing. She herself had something to communicate to you. The
+matter was pressing, and as things stood she could not tell you there.
+As for your being treated like a pawn, I give you my word it was
+beyond me to help that. But if you come with me you will learn many
+things within the hour. In the meantime open the ball, man! It was a
+lucky thing Coiffier was there.'
+
+Without any further hesitation I drew forth Coiffier's gift. It was,
+as I have said, a hollow, wooden globe, and was made in two parts,
+which could be joined together or separated by a turn of the wrist. I
+held it in my hands for a moment or so and then opened it, and had
+just pulled forth the paper it contained, when by ill chance, as it
+seemed, the Capuchin, who was urging his mule past us, brushed
+violently against my horse, with the result that the paper slipped
+from between my fingers and fluttered to earth. Couronne, after her
+first start, was steady enough, but the monk's ill-conditioned mule
+kicked and plunged, bringing him apparently heavily to the ground. He
+fell exactly over the paper and lay there for a moment, face
+downwards, resting on one elbow. I sprang down, as much to get the
+paper as to assist him, but as I did so, he scrambled to his feet with
+'A hundred pardons, monsieur, for my clumsiness,' and then hastily
+turned and hurried after his mule, which was already many yards ahead,
+behaving after its kind, and whose speed was not diminished by the
+sticks, stones, and oaths flung at him; and there was a roar of
+laughter--a mob will laugh or hiss at the merest trifles--as the lank
+figure of the Capuchin sped along in pursuit of his beast and vanished
+after him down a side street.
+
+Belin himself joined in the merriment, and I picked up the paper,
+muddy and much soiled. Smoothening it out against the flap of my
+saddle, I made out the words, '_To-night, under the limes in the
+Tuileries--at compline_.' There was no doubt about the writing, and,
+thrusting the precious scrap into my breast-pocket, I remounted. As I
+did so de Belin said:
+
+'Well, have you changed your plans?'
+
+'Partly, but I think I shall go back to my lodging.'
+
+'Do nothing of the kind as yet. I have asked Pantin to meet us at the
+Two Ecus, your own ordinary. Vallon has gone to call him. You can give
+him any orders there. You owe me as much as to yield to me in this.'
+
+It would have been ungracious not to have agreed, and I told Lisois I
+would go with him.
+
+'Hasten, then! The road is clearer now, thanks to the Capuchin, or
+rather to his mule. By the way, did you see the monk's face?'
+
+'No!'
+
+'A pity! I tried to, but failed in the attempt. His voice was familiar
+to me, and he seemed wonderfully active for an old man.'
+
+'You are suspicion itself, Belin.'
+
+'I have slept with the dogs and risen with the fleas. Harkee, Hubert!
+And you, Pierre! If you see that Capuchin again let me know at once;
+keep your eyes open. If you can persuade him to speak to me, it will
+be worth five crowns a-piece to you.'
+
+'Monsieur's wishes shall be obeyed,' said both men in a breath, and
+now finding the road free enough we set off at a canter, and kept the
+pace up until almost at the door of the Two Ecus.
+
+As we pulled up at the ordinary and dismounted, Belin exclaimed: 'Now
+for our supper. I am of those who can only fight under a full belt,
+and I would advise you, d'Auriac--you who will have fighting to do
+very soon perhaps--to follow my advice, and make the best use you can
+of your knife.'
+
+I laughed out some reply, and then, turning to mine host, ordered
+refreshment for both man and beast, and directed that our supper
+should be served in a private room.
+
+'And observe,' cut in Belin, 'if Maître Pantin arrives, let him be
+shown up to us at once.'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+Before we went in de Belin asked his men if they had seen any more of
+the monk, and received an answer in the negative. Bidding them
+remember his orders on the subject, he linked his arm in mine and we
+went within.
+
+'You seem in a way about the monk,' I said.
+
+'My dear friend, I cannot get it out of my head that I have seen him
+before, and I don't like a riddle like that to be unsolved.'
+
+'This comes of your court intrigues, de Belin. You were not wont to be
+so.'
+
+'Other times, other manners,' he answered, a little grimly, and we sat
+at our table.
+
+How well do I remember that small room in the Two Ecus, with the dark
+oak wainscoting, the furniture that age had polished, the open window
+showing the yellow sunset between the high-roofed and many-gabled
+houses, the red Frontignac sparkling like rubies in our long-necked
+glasses, and the deft service of Susette, the landlord's daughter,
+whose pretty lips pouted with disappointment, because no notice was
+taken of her good looks by the two cavaliers who supped together,
+whose faces were so grave, and whose speech was in tones so low as to
+be heard only by each other. At last we were left to ourselves, and
+Belin, who had been explaining many things to me that I knew not
+before, suddenly rose and began to pace the room, saying: 'You take
+the position now, d'Auriac. If not, let me put the points again before
+you briefly. There are men like Sully, Villeroi, Forget, and I myself,
+who understand and grasp the King's views, and know that if he has his
+way France will be the greatest country on earth. On the other hand,
+Henry is bound by ties of much service rendered to him by men like
+Sancy, who disgraces his name by plundering the state, and Zamet, who
+cannot disgrace himself by anything he does. These men, and such as
+they, exhaust our resources if they do nothing else, and serve the
+cause of the great nobles, such as Epernon, Turenne, Tremouille, and
+above all Biron, whose ambition knows no bounds, and who, I am
+certain, will never be still unless his head is on a crown-piece or
+else on the block.'
+
+'But what has that to do with me?'
+
+'Listen! Great as the King is, he has one failing--you know what it
+is; and it is on this the Sancys and Birons play. To carry out his own
+designs it is necessary that Henry should be saved from himself. The
+Italian embassy is with us, and whilst d'Ossat and the Cardinal
+performed the ostensible object of their mission, they affected
+another and secret object--and that was the arrangement of the King's
+marriage with Marie de Medici.'
+
+'The King's marriage!'
+
+'Yes.'
+
+'But the Queen still lives.'
+
+'And long may she live; but not as Queen.'
+
+'Ah!'
+
+'Exactly; you begin to see now. If we can make this move we get the
+support of the Quirinal, and, more, the help of the Florentine
+coffers. We will paralyse the great conspiracy which Biron
+heads--rather a league than a conspiracy. We can dispense with the
+expensive services of Sancy, of Ornano, and of Zamet, and then Henry
+will be free to carry out his great designs.'
+
+'If, however, Biron is as strong as you say?'
+
+'Permit me--we are providing for that. He has been kept close to the
+King. Sully, as Master-General of the ordnance, has ordered the guns
+at Dijon to be sent to Paris with a view of replacing them with new
+ones. None are going, and by the time that the King's betrothal is
+announced, Burgundy will be as much Henry's as it is the Marshal's
+now.'
+
+'But he will believe nothing against Biron.'
+
+'Other people have nursed vipers before, but the King is not himself
+now. He can think of nothing but one thing. See here, d'Auriac, I have
+helped you for two reasons: one, because I love France; and the other,
+because I love you. Henry has ordered the marriage of Madame de
+Bidache with d'Ayen to be celebrated to-morrow. He gave that order
+to-day, to put an end to the importunities of the Marshal in regard to
+de Gomeron. I know this, and Madame knows it too. In plain language
+you must play a bold stroke for the woman you love--take her away
+to-night.'
+
+'That was partly arranged--we are to go to Switzerland.'
+
+'You will never reach the frontier. Look--there is my castle of
+Mourmeton in Champagne. It is old and half in ruins. See, here is my
+signet. Take it, show it to Gringel, the old forester there--he will
+take you to a hiding place. Stay there until the affair blows over,
+and then to Switzerland or elsewhere, if you will; in the meantime I
+pledge you the faith of de Belin that no stone will be left unturned
+to effect your pardon.'
+
+I took the ring he gave me and slipped it on, and then our hands met
+in a hearty clasp that expressed more than words. It was at this
+moment that Susette announced Pantin, and the little notary came in
+with his quick, short step.
+
+'I am late, messieurs, I know,' he said, 'but I was not at home when
+Vallon arrived, or else I had been here sooner.'
+
+'You are in ample time for what we want, Pantin,' I said, 'though
+there is no time to waste. I am leaving Paris to-night, and will not
+return to the Rue des Deux Mondes, but start from here. My business
+concerns the safety and honour of Madame de la Bidache, and when I say
+that I know I can rely on you. Is it not so?'
+
+'It is, monsieur.'
+
+'Well, then, should anyone ask for me, say I have gone you know not
+where. You do not know, as a matter of fact. If Jacques, my servant,
+returns, bid him go straight to M. le Compte. He will get orders from
+him.'
+
+'I understand perfectly, monsieur.'
+
+'There is yet another thing. Hasten to Maître Palin and bid him await
+me now outside the Porte St. Denis with two spare horses; he will
+understand what I mean. And now, my friend, adieu. This will pay what
+I owe you,' and I thrust a half-dozen pistoles into his hand.
+
+But he resolutely refused. 'No, no, monsieur le chevalier.'
+
+'But dame Annette?' interposed Belin.
+
+'Um!' said the notary, scratching his chin, 'that is another matter. I
+had for the moment forgotten I was a married man. Very well, monsieur,
+I will take the money--not that I need it, but for the sake of peace;
+and now there is little time to lose. I go to do all you have asked me
+to, and rest assured, messieurs, it will be faithfully done.'
+
+'I have no doubt of that, Pantin.'
+
+'We had better make a start, too,' I said, and Belin shouted for the
+horses. We stayed for a moment or so after the notary's departure,
+during which time Belin urged me to take Vallon and a couple of men
+with me to my tryst, but, fearing no complications, I refused, saying
+that this was a matter that were best done with one hand. Belin would
+have come himself but that, his friendship with me being known, it was
+necessary for him to avoid all suspicion of his being in the affair.
+
+'I shall go to the Louvre,' he said, 'and engage d'Ayen at play.
+Pimental and others will be there, and, if I mistake not M. le Baron
+will have a sore head for his wedding,' and he chuckled here.
+
+Then I settled the score with mine host, and, mounting our horses, we
+rode back the way we came. It was at the Magasins that we wished each
+other good-bye, and, with a last grip of the hand and a last warning
+to hasten to Mourmeton, Belin turned towards the Louvre, whilst I went
+on towards the Tuileries, keeping the northern road, and not the more
+frequented street along the river face. I chose this way because,
+although it was a little longer, yet there was still a half-hour for
+my appointment, and it would not do for me to arrive too early, as by
+hanging about at the trysting-place I might attract attention, and,
+perhaps, ruin the game. As I rode on I caught myself wondering if I
+could play the same hand that Sully, Villeroi, and de Belin were
+throwing to. I knew they were honest men--their positions removed them
+from such temptations as might assail even a great noble, and that
+they were loyally trying to serve their country and their King. If
+such service, however good its object, meant, as it clearly did, that
+one must be up to the elbows in intrigue, then I thanked God that I
+belonged to no party, and inwardly resolved that, whether I won or
+lost my hazard, the court would see me no more; and as for the King!
+_Pardieu!_ It is not good to know a hero too well.
+
+There was a strong moon, and the night was as clear as crystal. One
+side of the street was in shadow, illumined here and there by the
+dim light of a few lanterns set high up in niches in the old and
+moss-grown walls of the buildings. The houses here were old even for
+this part of Paris, and, with their sloping roofs and many gables,
+rose in irregular outlines on either side--outlines, however, so
+softened by the moonlight, in which they seemed to quiver, that it was
+as if some fantastic creation of fairyland had been set down here--a
+phantom city that would melt into nothingness with the warm rays of
+the morning sun.
+
+Away in the distance it still seemed as if I could hear the hum of the
+city behind me, but here all was quiet and still and the iron-shod
+hoofs of Couronne rang out with a strange clearness into the night.
+Occasionally I met a passer on the road, but he or she, whoever they
+were, took care to give me a wide berth, and once a woman who had
+opened her door to look out, for some reason or other, hurried in and
+shut it with a little cry of alarm as I passed.
+
+I had now come to the gardens of the Tuileries, and, putting Couronne
+at the wall which was just being raised around them, found myself
+within a quarter-mile of our place of meeting. The turf was soft and
+level here, and I let Couronne go at a half-gallop, keeping in the
+chequered shade of the huge trees, which whispered strange things to
+each other in the breeze. At this moment it seemed as if I heard the
+smothered neigh of a horse. I knew the sound well, for often had my
+old Norman tried to serve me in this way through the scarf by which
+his jaws were bound together when we lay in ambuscade. With a touch of
+my hand I stayed my beast and stopped to listen. Beyond me stretched
+the avenue, at the end of which stood the great lime trees. I could
+see nothing but the ghostly line of trunks, lit up here by the moon,
+there standing out black against the night, or fading away into a
+lacework of leaves and branches. There was no sound except the tinkle
+of the leaves and the sullen creaking of the boughs overhead. 'It must
+be her horse or Palings,' I said aloud to myself; and then the
+compline came to me clear and sweet from the spire of St. Germain.
+
+I lifted my hat for an instant with a silent prayer to God for help,
+and then shook up Couronne. Ere the last notes of the bells had gone I
+was under the limes. At first I could see nothing; there was no one
+there; and my heart grew cold at the thought that some danger had
+overtaken my dear one.
+
+'Madame!' I called out. 'It is I---d'Auriac'
+
+Then a figure in a grey mantle stepped out from the shadow of the
+trees, and I sprang from the saddle and held out my hand.
+
+'I knew it was you, chevalier,' she said, 'but I wanted to make
+certain and waited until you spoke.'
+
+'I hope I have not kept you waiting?'
+
+'Indeed no. I had but just come across from the Louvre when you
+arrived.'
+
+'Then you did not come riding?'
+
+'How could I? I have been in the Louvre, and am expected to be at the
+_coucher_ of Madame Catherine in a half-hour,' and she laughed
+slightly.
+
+The thought of that smothered neigh flashed through my mind like
+lightning.
+
+'We must trust ourselves to Couronne,' I said. 'Palin will be at the
+Porte St. Denis. There is no time to waste; come!'
+
+Then it seemed that she hesitated, and, flinging back her hood, looked
+me full in the face. In the moonlight I saw her white as marble, and
+she suddenly put out both her hands, saying:
+
+'I trust you utterly, d'Auriac'
+
+Man is not made of stone, and I loved this woman as my life. There was
+that in her voice, in the pitiful appeal of its tones, that broke down
+all my false pride. I cannot say how it happened, but in a moment my
+arm was round her waist, and I drew her towards me, she nothing
+resisting.
+
+'Claude, I love you. Give me the right to protect you.'
+
+What she said is for my ears alone; and then she lay still and passive
+in my arms, her head resting on my shoulder.
+
+So for a time we stood in silence, and then I kissed her.
+
+'Come, dear,' I said, 'and with the morning we shall be safe.'
+
+Of her own accord she put her arms about my neck and pressed her lips
+to mine, and then I lifted my darling to Couronne's saddle bow.
+
+Had I but taken de Belin's offer! If Jacques were but with me then!
+
+My foot was in the stirrup, my hand on the reins, when there was a
+sudden flash, a loud report, and my poor horse fell forward,
+floundering in the agony of death.
+
+I just managed to snatch Claude from the saddle, and staggered back,
+and then with a rush a half-dozen men were on us. They were masked to
+a man, and made their attack in a perfect silence; but as my sword
+flashed out of my scabbard I recognised the tall figure of the
+Capuchin, and thrust at him fiercely, with a curse at my folly in
+coming alone.
+
+Things like these take a short time in doing, and should take a
+shorter time in telling. I ran one man through the heart, and with a
+gasp he fell forwards and twisted himself like a snake round my blade.
+Then someone flung a cloak over my head--I was overborne by numbers
+and thrown. Two or three men held me down; there was an iron grip at
+my throat, and a man's knee pressed heavily on my chest. I made a
+frantic effort to free myself: the covering slipped from my face, and
+I saw it was the Capuchin kneeling over me, a dagger in his hand. His
+mask had fallen from him, and his face was the face of Ravaillac!
+
+I could not call out, I was held too tight; and the villain lifted his
+poniard to strike, when a voice--the voice of de Gomeron--said:
+
+'Hold! We will put him out another way.'
+
+'This is the quickest and surest,' answered Ravaillac; but the reply
+was brief and stern.
+
+'Carry out my orders. Gag him and bring him with us.'
+
+'To Babette's?'
+
+'To Babette's. There is the oubliette. Quick, there is no time to
+lose.'
+
+'Oh, ho!' laughed Ravaillac, 'that is good! M. le Chevalier will be
+able to drown his sorrows under the Seine; but he will take a long
+time to die!'
+
+'You villain!' I gasped, but like lightning the gag was on me, and
+then I was blindfolded. I could see nothing of Madame, though I tried
+my utmost to get a glimpse of her. Then I was bound hand and foot, and
+lifted by a couple of men. After being carried a short space I was
+thrust into a litter, and as this was done I heard a faint cry from
+Claude; and I groaned in my heart, for I was powerless to help.
+
+The litter went forward at a jolting pace, and from the echo of hoofs
+around it I gathered that there were at least a dozen mounted men
+about me. Sometimes I heard a brief order given by de Gomeron, and the
+sound of his voice made me certain that Madame was with us. If so,
+there might still be hope, and I lay still and tried to follow our
+route by the movement of the party, but I could see nothing; and after
+a time my brain began to get confused, for we turned this way and
+that, up side streets, down winding roads, until the thing became
+impossible.
+
+Once we were challenged by the watch, and my captor gave answer
+boldly:
+
+'M. de Gomeron, of the Marshal's Guards, with prisoners for the
+Chatelet; let us pass in the King's name.'
+
+I heard the words and strove to call out, but the gag was too secure.
+At any rate, I had learned one thing--we were going in the direction
+of the Chatelet. Who, then, was Babette? I had heard the name once
+before, on the night that I lay wounded before La Fère, and an
+inspiration seemed to come on me, and I was certain that the night hag
+and de Gomeron's Babette were one and the same.
+
+Then we jolted on for about another half-hour--we must have passed the
+Chatelet by this--when suddenly the litter took a sharp turn to the
+right, and after going a little way was put to the ground.
+
+'_Sacré nom d'un chien!_' exclaimed one of my carriers, 'he is heavy
+as lead.'
+
+'He will be light enough in a week or so,' answered someone else; and
+then I heard the creaking of hinges, and the litter appeared to be
+borne within a yard and was left there. After a half-hour or so I was
+dragged out, and I heard a woman's voice:
+
+'This way, my lambs; the gentleman's room is below--very far below,
+out of all draughts;' and she laughed, with the same pitiless note in
+her voice that I had heard once before--and I knew it was the
+murderess.
+
+Down a winding stair we went, and I remained passive, but mentally
+counted the steps and the turns. There were eighteen steps and three
+turns, at each of which there was apparently a door, and then we
+stopped. There was a jingling of keys, the harsh, grating noise of a
+bolt being drawn back, and Babette spoke again:
+
+'Monsieur's apartment is ready--'tis the safest room in the Toison
+d'Or.' Then I was flung in heavily as I was, and the door bolted
+behind me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV
+
+                         THE HAND OF BABETTE
+
+
+I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
+Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could
+have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped
+like a wild cat. Now that I think of it, in the madness of those
+moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly
+helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits,
+as will be shown hereafter.
+
+In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible
+to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing
+anything. I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where
+I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the
+bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted
+by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more,
+and looked around me. For all I could see I might have been as
+before--I was in blank, absolute darkness. Into the void I peered, but
+could make out nothing, though I could hear my own laboured breathing,
+and the melancholy drip, drip of water as it oozed from above me and
+fell in sullen drops on the slime below.
+
+As I strained into the velvet black of the darkness, it came to
+me--some fiend must have whispered it--that I was blind. My mind
+almost ceased to work at the thought, and I remained in a kind of
+torpor, trying in a weak manner to mentally count the drops of water
+by the dull splashing sound they made in falling. Ages seemed to pass
+as I lay there, and the first sense of coming to myself was the
+thought of Claude, whom I had lost, and the quick agony of this made
+my other sufferings seem as nothing. There is a misery that words, at
+least such words as I am master of, cannot picture, and I will
+therefore say no more of this.
+
+A little thing, however, now happened, and but for this I might have
+lain where I was until I died, so entirely impressed was I with the
+idea that I was sightless. In utter weariness I turned my head on one
+side and saw two small beads of fire twinkling about a yard or so from
+me. They were as small as the far-away stars, and they stared at me
+fixedly. 'This is some deception of the mind,' I thought to myself,
+when suddenly another pair of fiery eyes appeared; then there was a
+slight shuffling, and all was still. But it was the saving of me.
+Sight and hearing could not both deceive. I knew what they were, and I
+knew, too, that I was not blind. From that moment I began to regain
+possession of my faculties and to think of means of escape. In my vest
+pocket was a small clasp knife. If I could but get at that I could
+free myself from my bonds. That, at any rate, had to be the first
+step. I began to slowly move my arms up and down with a view to
+loosening the cords that bound me, but, after some time spent in this
+exercise, realised the fact that the ropes might cut through me, but
+that they would not loosen. Then it struck me, in my eagerness to be
+free, that I might get at the knots with my teeth, and by a mighty
+effort I raised myself to a sitting posture--only to remember that I
+was gagged, and that it was of no avail to think of this plan. There
+are those who will smile, perhaps, if their eyes meet this, and put me
+down in their estimation for a fool for my forgetfulness. That may or
+may not be, but I have written down exactly what happened.
+
+Although the new position I had attained did not in any way advance me
+towards freedom, yet it gave me a sense of personal relief. I was able
+to raise my knees a little, and sitting down thus, with my body thrown
+a little forward, to ease the strain of the cords, I began to think
+and go over in my mind the whole scene of the tragedy from the
+beginning to its bitter end. I had no doubt as to the personality of
+Babette. I was not likely to forget her voice. I had heard it under
+circumstances that ought to have stamped it on my memory for all time,
+and if I had the faintest doubts on the matter, they were set at rest
+by the fact that she was so well known to de Gomeron--she probably had
+been a camp-follower on our side--and also by the still more damning
+fact that her house was known as the Toison d'Or. The name had been
+distinctly mentioned by her, and its meaning was clear to me when I
+thought of the dreadful scene over de Leyva's body.
+
+As for de Gomeron, I knew him well enough to understand his game. The
+whole affair, as far as he was concerned, was a sudden and rapid
+resolve--that was clear. I argued it out in this way to myself, and,
+as I went on thinking, it was almost as if someone was reading out a
+statement of the case to me. It was evident that the free-lance was to
+the last moment in hopes that the King would yield to Biron's
+intercession on his behalf. When that was refused he may have had some
+idea of gaining his end by force, but was compelled to hurry his
+_coup_ by the knowledge that he had obtained from his confederate or
+spy, Ravaillac.
+
+It had worked out well enough for him. My disappearance, my dead
+horse--poor Couronne!--all these would point to me as the author of
+the abduction, and give de Gomeron the time he wanted to perfect his
+plans. The man I had run through would never tell tales, and, so far,
+the game lay in the Camarguer's hands.
+
+And then about Madame. As I became calmer I saw that for his own sake
+de Gomeron would take care that her life was safe--at any rate for the
+present, and whilst there was this contingency there was hope for her,
+if none for me, as I felt sure that, what with the King and Madame's
+relatives of the Tremouille on one hand, and Sully and de Belin on the
+other, things would go hard, sooner or later, with de Gomeron,
+whatever happened to me.
+
+By the time my thoughts had reached this point I was myself again, and
+the certainty with which I was possessed that Claude was in no
+immediate danger of her life gave me strength to cast about for my own
+liberation as the first step towards freeing her.
+
+But my despair almost returned as I thought and thought, until my
+brain seemed on fire, without my efforts bringing me a ray of hope. I
+shuddered as I reflected that it was part of de Gomeron's scheme to
+let me die here. It could easily be done, and a few bricks against the
+wall would remove all traces of the living grave of d'Auriac. In my
+mental excitement I seemed to be able to project my soul outside my
+prison, and to see and hear all that my enemy was plotting.
+
+I do not for a moment say I was right in every detail, but events
+showed that I was not far wrong; and it is a wonder to me that the
+learned men of our day have not dealt with this question of the mind,
+though, to be sure, it savours no little of those secrets which the
+Almighty in His wisdom has concealed from us, an inquiry into which is
+perhaps a sin--perhaps in some future time these things may be
+disclosed to us! Whether I am right or wrong, I know not. I have,
+however, set down faithfully what passed through my mind in those
+hours of agony.
+
+Was I never to see the light again? Never to hear another human voice?
+Was I to come to my death in a long-drawn-out agony? Dear God, then,
+in mercy, strike me dead! So I prayed in my utter desolation; but
+death did not come, though its mantle of darkness was around me.
+
+Hour after hour passed. I shifted my position, and, strange to say,
+slept. How long I slept I know not; but I woke stinging with pain, and
+found this was due to my being bound as I was, and in a little the
+agony became almost insupportable; and I was on the verge of going
+into a delirium, only righting my failing senses by a mighty effort of
+will.
+
+I had lost all count of the time, but guessed it was advanced in the
+day by this; and my eyes had become so accustomed to the darkness that
+I could manage to see the faint outlines of the cell in which I was
+imprisoned. I tried to make out its extent with an idle and useless
+curiosity, and then, giving it up and utterly hopeless, leaned my head
+on my upraised knees, and sat thus waiting for the end.
+
+I longed for death to come now--it would be a happy release from my
+pain.
+
+Suddenly there came a grating noise as the bolts outside were moved.
+Then the door of the cell swung open with a groaning, and there was a
+blinding flash of light that, for the time being, deprived me of the
+powers of sight, though, with a natural instinct, I shut my eyes to
+the flash as it came.
+
+Then I heard de Gomeron's voice saying, 'Remove the gag--I have
+something to ask Monsieur.'
+
+As I felt two cold, hard hands fumbling with the knots of the gag, I
+managed to open my eyes, though the light still pained me, and saw the
+tall figure of the free-lance, his drawn sword in his hand, standing
+in the open doorway, and kneeling beside me was Babette. The hag
+caught the loathing in my glance, and laughed to herself as she
+wrenched at the knots, and de Gomeron, who was evidently in no mood to
+delay, hurried her efforts with a sharp 'Quick!'
+
+'It is done,' she answered, and rose to her feet, swinging the silken
+bands of the gag she held in her hand.
+
+'Then have the goodness to step back whilst Monsieur d'Auriac and I
+discuss the position.'
+
+Babette did as she was bidden, muttering something, and de Gomeron,
+advancing a pace, addressed me--
+
+'Monsieur, I have come to make you an offer, and I will not waste
+words. I am playing to win a desperate game, and I shall not hesitate
+to play any card to win. My offer is this. I ask you to sign a formal
+document, which I shall bring to you, holding me guiltless of any
+design against either you or Madame de la Bidache. In return I will
+set you free in ten days after you sign this paper. During that time
+you must consider yourself my prisoner; but you will be better lodged
+than now. Should you refuse to accept this offer, there is nothing
+left for me but to leave you here to die.'
+
+He spoke in slow, measured accents, and the vault of the roof above me
+gave back the man's words in a solemn echo. The light of the lantern
+stretched in a long yellow shaft up the spiral stairway beyond the
+door, and, half in this light and half in shadow, stood the witch-like
+figure of Babette, leaning a little forward as if striving to catch
+each word that was spoken.
+
+In the silence that followed the free-lance's speech I could almost
+hear the blood throbbing in my temples; and for the moment I was
+deprived of all power of words. It was not from fear, nor from any
+idea of accepting the offer, but a thought had come to my mind. I
+would oppose craft with craft, and meet the fox in the skin of a fox.
+
+'Give me twenty-four hours to decide,' I answered, 'and free me from
+these cords. I cannot think for the pain of them.'
+
+'_Pardieu!_' he laughed. 'The knots have been well tied; but
+twenty-four hours is a long time.'
+
+'Yet you are willing to accommodate me for ten days, better lodged.
+_Ventrebleu!_ M. de Gomeron! Do you think I can scratch my way out of
+this?'
+
+He did not answer me, but stood for a while biting at the ends of his
+thick moustache. Then he suddenly called to Babette, 'Cut the cords.'
+
+She came forward and obeyed. Words cannot convey the sensation of
+relief as the cords fell from me, but for the time being so numbed was
+I that I was powerless to move.
+
+'You have your desire, monsieur,' said de Gomeron, 'and I await your
+decision. It will save me trouble if you inform Babette whether you
+agree or not. In the former event we shall have the pleasure of
+meeting again; in the latter case I take the opportunity of wishing
+you as happy a time as a man may have--in the future life. In the
+meantime I will see that some refreshments are sent to you. _Adieu!_'
+
+He turned and stepped out of the cell and stood for a moment whilst
+Babette picked up the lantern and followed him.
+
+'Monsieur will not want the light to aid him to think,' she laughed,
+and then the door was shut. I heard the sullen clank of the chain, the
+turning of the great keys, and I was alone and in darkness once more.
+
+Dark it may have been, but, thank God! I was no longer like a trussed
+fowl, and betook myself to rubbing my numbed limbs until finally the
+chilled blood was warmed and I was able to stand, and then, in a
+little, I gained strength to grope my way backwards and forwards in
+the cell as an exercise. No thought of ever agreeing to de Gomeron's
+terms ever crossed me. I had, however, resolved to make a dash for
+freedom when he came to me again. I should pretend to agree, and then
+win or lose all in the rush. Anyway, I would not die here like a rat
+in a trap. I almost chuckled to myself as I thought I was in a fair
+way to outwit the free-lance. He was a fool after all, though, at the
+same time, I could not but admit that his move to get me to admit his
+innocence was a skilful one. Still, it was a plot that might overreach
+itself. My captors had eased me of my belt, which was so well stuffed
+with pistoles. They had not, however, had time or opportunity to
+search me further, and had left my clasp-knife, which lay in my
+pocket, as I have said, together with a dozen or so of gold pieces I
+had kept there to be at hand. I pulled out the knife and, opening it,
+ran my fingers along the blade. It was three inches or so in length,
+but sharp as a razor, and with it one might inflict an ugly wound in a
+struggle. I mapped out my plan mentally. When de Gomeron came again I
+should fell him as he entered, arm myself, if possible, by snatching
+his sword, and then cut my way out or be cut down. I had no doubt that
+I might be able to effect the first part of the programme. In those
+days I was as strong as a bull, and there were few men, especially if
+they were unprepared, who could have stood a blow from me. It was in
+act two that I might come to grief. At any rate, it would be a final
+and quick ending to the business, not the long-drawn-out agony I would
+otherwise have to endure. Now that I think of it, it was a poor enough
+plan, and it was lucky that, under Providence, another way was shown
+to me. Such as it was, however, it was the only thing that occurred to
+me at that time, and it would not be for want of effort on my part
+that it would fail. The more I thought over it, then the more I was
+convinced that it was my sole chance, and I grew impatient for the
+moment when I should put my design into execution. Twenty-four hours
+was long to wait, and I raved at myself for having fixed such a time.
+_Morbleu!_ I might have had the sense to make it five, or three, or
+two hours! I little guessed, as I paced the cell impatiently, how many
+hours had passed since de Gomeron left me, and that it was impossible
+to measure time in that loathsome dungeon. As I sat brooding, the
+profound silence was once more suddenly disturbed by the sudden
+jarring of a bolt. It was not, however, the door of my cell that was
+opened, but a little wicket about a foot square, and through this
+there flashed again a blinding light, and the face of Babette peered
+in. So malign was its aspect that I shuddered in spite of myself, and
+then, in a fury I could not control, shouted out:
+
+'Out of my presence, hag! Begone!'
+
+'Oh! ho!' she laughed. 'A time will come when Monsieur will go on his
+two knees and pray to Babette--to good Babette--to kind Babette! In a
+day or so it will be thus,' and she laughed shrilly. 'But I go as you
+wish, to carry your refusal to the Captain.'
+
+She made a movement as if to go, but, cursing myself at very nearly
+having spoilt all, I burst out, 'Stay!' and she looked back.
+
+'Monsieur!' She grinned through the wicket.
+
+'See here,' and in my eagerness my voice was hoarse and thick; 'five
+hundred crowns if you free me from this, and a thousand more if you
+will do the same for Madame.'
+
+'Will Monsieur add a palace in the moon to this?'
+
+'I give you the word of d'Auriac. Fifteen hundred crowns is a fortune.
+They will be yours in six hours from the time you free us. Think of
+it--fifteen hundred crowns!'
+
+Never have I seen avarice blaze so in a face as in hers. As I dropped
+out the last words, she shook her head from side to side with a
+swaying motion of a serpent. Her eyes glittered like those of an asp,
+and between her half-parted lips she hissed rather than spoke to
+herself:
+
+'Fif-teen hun-dred crowns! It is the price of a barony! I, who have
+taken life for a half-pistole!'
+
+'You will save two lives for this,' I pleaded.
+
+But the she-devil, though sorely tempted, was faithful. What de
+Gomeron's power over her was I know not. I could add nothing to my
+offer; I had laid my all on the hazard, and it was not to be done.
+
+'_Pouf!_' she mocked, 'you do not go high enough. You do not promise
+the palace in the moon. But I waste my time. Is it "Yes," or "No," for
+the Captain?'
+
+There was another chance, and I would risk that. I made a step nearer
+the opening.
+
+'Give me something to drink, and I will answer at once.'
+
+'Ah! ha! Monsieur requires some courage. Here is a flask of
+Frontignac, but it is expensive, and Monsieur, I am afraid, has left
+his belt outside his room. The Frontignac is five crowns.'
+
+'You forgot my pockets,' I answered. 'Here are two pistoles; hand me
+the wine.'
+
+'The money first,' and she stretched out her hand.
+
+Like a flash I closed my fingers on her wrist, and drew in her hand to
+the full length of the arm.
+
+'If you scream, if you utter a sound, I will tear your arm from its
+socket.'
+
+The answer was a shriek that might have been heard a half-mile away,
+and then a foul oath and a howl of pain. It was hardly a knightly
+deed, but there was too much at stake to mince matters; and on her
+scream I gave the prisoner arm I held a wrench strong enough to show
+that I could keep my word. As the shrill echoes of her cry died away,
+I could hear her breathing heavily on the opposite side of the door,
+and she struggled mutely and with surprising strength to free herself.
+There was no answer to her call for help. There must have been many a
+shriek for help that had rung through that terrible dungeon, and died
+away answerless but for the mocking echoes! And Babette knew this, for
+she ceased to utter a sound after that one long scream, and fought in
+silence like a she-wolf at bay. At last she leaned exhausted against
+the door, and I felt that half my game was won. It had been an
+unexpected thought, and I had jumped at the opportunity Providence had
+thrown in my way.
+
+'Do you hear?' I said; 'open the door, or--' and I gave another
+half-turn to her arm.
+
+She who could inflict such suffering on others was of those who were
+unable to bear the slightest pain herself. She moaned in agony and
+called out:
+
+'Free me, and I promise--I promise anything.'
+
+I only laughed and repeated my order, relieving the strain on her arm,
+however, so that she could slip back a half-pace or so from the
+wicket. Then I heard the great lock open and the chain put down, and
+Babette's voice trembling with anger and pain.
+
+'It is open.'
+
+The door swung outwards, so that all I had to do was to fold my
+prisoner's arm from the elbow along its face as I pushed it open. It
+kept her perfectly secure, and enabled me to take a precaution that,
+it turned out, was needed, for as I pushed the door I drove the
+death-hunter back with it, and the moment it was sufficiently open to
+let me pass, I sprang out and seized her left arm. Quick as I was,
+however, I was not quite quick enough to avoid the blow of her dagger,
+and received a flesh wound, which, however, was after all but slight.
+Then there was another struggle, and affairs were adjusted between
+Babette and myself without any special harm being done to her.
+
+'Now listen to me,' I said. 'Whatever happens, I will kill you first
+if there is any treachery. Take me straight to Madame.'
+
+'She is not here,' was the sullen reply.
+
+'Then I take you with me to the Hôtel de Ville. Come--to your senses.'
+
+She broke into the most terrible imprecations; but time was precious,
+and I quenched this readily enough, and at last it was clear she was
+utterly cowed. Again I repeat that no harm was done, and it was only
+dire necessity that compelled me to use the violence I did.
+
+'Come,' and I shook her up. 'Where is Madame?'
+
+She looked from right to left with a quick, uneasy motion of her eyes.
+
+'I do not know. She is not here.'
+
+I was compelled to believe her--or to accept her statement, which you
+will.
+
+'Very well, then I waste time no longer,' and suiting actions to my
+words, and exerting my strength to its utmost, I took her with me up
+the stairway, forcing her to open each of the doors that closed on it.
+At the last door I took the precaution of gagging Babette, and
+fastened her arms securely, but lightly, behind her back with her own
+girdle. Then holding her against the wall, I ran rapidly over the
+whole position. If Madame was in the house, which was uncertain, I
+could effect her rescue better from without than within. If, on the
+other hand, she was not there, I would be wasting most valuable time,
+and perhaps ruin all chance of saving her, by searching the rooms of
+the Toison d'Or, unarmed as I was. Once free, I could force de Gomeron
+to give up his victim. He would not, after the charges I should lay
+against him in an hour, dare to leave Paris, whatever else he might
+do. That would in itself be a confession of guilt. As for Babette, I
+felt it was impossible to drag her with me through the streets of
+Paris.
+
+'Look here!' and I gave my prisoner a shake. 'I fully believe that
+Madame is here, and if you wish to save yourself from the rack--it
+hurts more than what I have done to you--you will see that no harm
+comes to her. You follow?'
+
+She was speechless, but her eyes were blazing with wrath as she made a
+sullen movement of her head.
+
+'You had also better tell Monsieur de Gomeron, your master, that I
+refuse his terms. It will save him the trouble of knowing that I have
+escaped--you understand?'
+
+This time she nodded eagerly enough.
+
+'Now,' I went on, 'we will open the last door.'
+
+I took the bunch of keys, and, after a try or two, succeeded in
+hitting on the right one. After this I pushed Babette before me into
+the small flagged yard, and saw to my surprise that it was night, and
+that the moon was out. Then I gave the fact no further thought beyond
+an inward 'Thank God!' for the uncertain moonlight that would cover my
+escape. As I pushed my captive along the shadow of the wall until we
+came to the entrance gate, I looked around and above me carefully, but
+there was nothing to indicate where Madame was. A hundred times was I
+tempted to turn back and risk all in searching the house for her, and
+it was only because I was convinced that the sole chance of saving her
+was to be free first myself that I did not give in to my desire. On
+reaching the gate I discovered that there was a wicket in it large
+enough to squeeze a man's body through, and that this was closed by a
+heavy pair of iron cross-bars, a secure enough defence from the
+outside. Holding Babette at arm's-length from me, I put down the bar
+and opened the wicket. Then, still keeping my hold on her, I freed her
+hands, and, bending slightly forwards and looking her straight in the
+face, said:
+
+'Remember! And adieu, Madame de--Mau-ginot!'
+
+At these words, which brought back to her memory her crime on the
+battle-field of La Fère, she shrank back, her eyes seemed to sink into
+their sockets, and as I loosed my hold of her shoulder she fell in a
+huddled heap on the flags of the yard.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVI
+
+                           A COUNCIL OF WAR
+
+
+As I slipped through the wicket I cast a hurried glance around me, and
+then, acting on the impulse of the moment, ran forwards along the road
+for about fifty paces, with Babette's dagger clenched in my hand.
+There I was brought to a stand by a dead wall, studded with iron
+spikes at the top, which rose sheer above me for fully twenty feet and
+barred all further progress. It was evident that the Toison d'Or stood
+in a blind alley, and that I had taken the wrong turning. Not even an
+ape could have scaled the moss-grown and slippery surface of those
+stones, and, leaning against a buttress in the darkest corner of the
+wall, I stood for a moment or so and waited, determined to sell my
+life as dearly as possible should I be pursued. There was no sound,
+however; all was still as the grave. I ran my eye down the road, but
+the moon was not bright enough to penetrate the shadows, and I could
+make out nothing except the many-storied and gabled buildings that,
+packed closely to each other, beetled over the passage. The hanging
+turrets projecting from these houses were for all the world like
+gigantic wasps' nests, such as are seen clinging to the rocks of the
+upper Dordogne. Here and there a turret window showed a light
+glimmering behind it, and, had I time, I might have pictured to myself
+a resemblance between this 'beetle-browed' passage to that of some
+long, narrow, and sluggish mountain tarn, guarded on each side by an
+impassable barrier of frowning rocks. It was, however, not a moment to
+let oneself be impressed by scenery, and, eyes and ears on the
+stretch, I peered into the indistinct light to see the slightest
+movement, to catch the slightest sound. But the silence remained
+undisturbed. It was an eyrie of night-hawks, and they were hunting now
+far from their nests. So I stole forth from the shadow of the
+buttress, and, keeping the dagger ready to strike, retraced my steps
+past the Toison d'Or and along the winding and crooked passage,
+keeping as far away from the walls as possible to avoid any sudden
+attack, until at last I found myself in a cross street, down which I
+went, taking note of such landmarks as I could to guide me back, when
+I should return with vengeance in my right hand. The cross street led
+into other winding and twisting lanes, whose squalid inhabitants were
+either flitting up and down, or quarrelling amongst themselves, or
+else sitting in a sullen silence. I guessed I had got myself into one
+of the very worst parts of Paris, and as I had heard that it was more
+than dangerous to be recognised in such places as one not belonging to
+the noble order of cut-purses, I did not halt to make inquiries, but
+pursued my way steadily along the labyrinth of streets, feeling more
+lost at every step I took. Once or twice I passed a street stall, and,
+as the flare of the torches which lit up its gruesome contents fell
+on me, I was looked at curiously; but so soiled and wet was I, so
+torn my cloak and doublet in the struggle with de Gomeron's bravos,
+that at the most they took me for a night-hawk of superior feather,
+whose plumes had been ruffled by a meeting with the law. That I
+inspired this idea was evident, indeed, from the way in which one
+terrible-looking old man leaned forwards and, shaking his palsied
+finger at me, croaked out:
+
+'Run, captain; run, Messire de Montfaucon!'
+
+I hurried past as fast as I could, followed by the laughter of those
+who heard the remark, thinking to myself it was lucky it was no worse
+than a jibe that was flung at me.
+
+How long I wandered in that maze of streets I cannot say, but at last
+I came upon an open space, and, finding it more or less empty, stopped
+to take my bearings. My only chance to get back to my lodging that
+night--and it was all-important to do so--was to strike the Seine at
+some point or other; but in what direction the river lay, I could not,
+for the life of me, tell. At last I determined to steer by the moon,
+and, holding her track to the south-west of me, went on, keeping as a
+landmark on my left the tall spire of a church whose name I then did
+not know. So I must have plodded on for about an hour, until at last I
+was sensible that the street in which I was in was wider than the
+others I had passed through, and, finally, I saw before me a couple of
+lanterns, evidently slung on a rope that stretched across a street
+much broader still than the one I was in. That, and the sight of the
+lanterns, convinced me that I had gained one of the main arteries of
+the city, and it was with an inward 'Thank God!' that I stepped under
+the light and looked about me, uncertain which direction I should
+take, for if I kept the moon behind me, as I had done hitherto, I
+should have to cross over and leave the street, and I felt sure this
+would be a serious error that would only lead me into further
+difficulties. It was as yet not more than a half-hour or so beyond
+compline, so the street was full. And unwilling to attract the
+attention of the watch, which had a habit of confining its beat to
+places where it was least required, I began to stroll slowly down,
+determined to inquire the way of the first passer-by who looked in a
+mood amiable enough to exchange a word with so bedraggled a wretch as
+I was then.
+
+I had not long to wait, for in a short time I noticed one who was
+evidently a well-to-do citizen hurrying along, with a persuading staff
+in his right hand, and the muffled figure of a lady clinging on to his
+left arm. I could make out nothing of her; but the man himself was
+short and stout of figure, and I ran to the conclusion that he must be
+a cheery soul, for, as far as I could see by the light of the street
+lamps, he looked like one who enjoyed a good meal and a can to follow,
+and approaching, I addressed him--
+
+'Pardon, monsieur, but I have lost my way.'
+
+I had hardly spoken so much, when, loosening his arm from the lady,
+the little man jumped back a yard, and began flourishing his stick.
+
+I saw that in the next moment he would shout for the watch, and
+stopped him with a quick--
+
+'Monsieur, I have been attacked and robbed--there,' and I pointed in
+the direction whence I had come. 'I have escaped but with my life, and
+I pray you tell me how to find my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais.' The
+lady, who had at first retreated with a little cry of alarm behind her
+companion, here stepped forward with a soft--
+
+'Poor man! are you much hurt?'
+
+'Not in the least, mademoiselle, thank you,' and I unconsciously moved
+a step forward.
+
+'Stand back!' called out the little man, dabbing his stick at me, 'and
+say Madame, sir--the lady is my wife.'
+
+'Pardon my error, sir, but----'
+
+The lady, however, interposed--
+
+'Be still. Mangel. So you wish to find the Rue de Bourdonnais, sir?'
+
+'He had better find the watch,' interrupted Maître Mangel; 'they have
+gone that way, towards the Porte St. Martin.'
+
+'This, then, is the----'
+
+'Rue St. Martin.'
+
+'A hundred thanks, mademoiselle.'
+
+'Madame--_Madame_ Mangel, monsieur.'
+
+'Pardon, I now know where I am, and have only to follow my nose to get
+to where I want. I thank you once more, and good night.'
+
+'Good night, monsieur,' answered Madame; but Maître Mangel, who was
+evidently of a jealous complexion, tucked his wife under his arm and
+hurried her off, muttering something under his breath.
+
+I let my eye follow them for a moment or so, and ere they had gone
+many paces, Madame Mangel, who appeared to be of a frolicsome spirit,
+turned her head and glanced over her shoulder, but was immediately
+pulled back with a jerk by her husband, whose hand moved in much the
+same manner as that of a nervous rider when clawing at the reins of a
+restive horse. Then I, too, turned and went down in an opposite
+direction along the Rue St. Martin, smiling to myself at the little
+scene I had witnessed, and my spirits rising at every step I took, for
+I felt each moment was bringing me nearer the time when I should be
+able to effect Claude's freedom, and balance my account with Adam de
+Gomeron. At last I saw the spire of St. Jacques de la Boucherie to my
+right, and a few steps more brought me to the bridge of Notre Dame.
+The passage was, however, closed, and, turning to the west, I kept
+along the river face and made for the Pont du Change, hoping that this
+bridge would be open, else I should perforce be compelled to swim the
+Seine once more, as no boats were allowed to ply during the night.
+Here, however, I was not disappointed, and threading my way through
+the crowd that still lingered round the money-changers' stalls, I soon
+found myself in the Barillierie, and hastening past Sainte Chapelle to
+the Rue des Deux Mondes. I had determined in the first instance to
+seek out de Belin, but thought better of that as I went along the Rue
+St. Martin, when I considered how unlikely I was to find my friend at
+home, whereas, on the other hand, the notary and his wife were sure to
+be in their house; and it moreover struck me as being the safest plan
+to go straight there until I could communicate with de Belin. For if I
+should be suspected of making away with Madame, no one would think me
+fool enough to come back to my lodging, which was well known, no
+doubt, and where I could be trapped at once.
+
+At last I was once again in the Rue des Deux Mondes, very footsore and
+weary, but kept up by the thought of what I had before me, and ready
+to drop dead before I should yield to fatigue. There was no one in the
+street, and, seizing the huge knocker, I hammered at the door in a
+manner loud enough to waken the dead. It had the effect of arousing
+one or two of the inhabitants of the adjoining houses, who opened
+their windows and peered out into the night, and then shut them again
+hastily, for the wind blew chill across the Passeur aux Vaches. There
+was no answer to my knock, and then I again beat furiously at the
+door, with a little sinking of my heart as it came to me that perhaps
+some harm had befallen these good people. This time, however, I heard
+a noise within, and presently Pantin's voice, inquiring in angry
+accents who it was that disturbed the rest of honest people at so late
+an hour.
+
+'Open, Pantin,' I shouted; 'it is I--do you not know me?'
+
+Then I heard another voice, and a sudden joy went through me, for it
+was that of my trusty Jacques.
+
+'_Grand Dieu!_ It is the Chevalier! Open the door quick, man!'
+
+It was done in a trice, and as I stepped in Pantin closed it again
+rapidly, whilst Jacques seized my hand in his, and then, letting it
+go, gambolled about like a great dog that had just found its master.
+
+I noticed, however, at the first glance I took round, that both Pantin
+and Jacques were fully dressed, late as it was, and that the notary
+was very pale, and the hand in which he held a lantern was visibly
+trembling.
+
+'Monsieur,' he began, and then stopped; but I understood the question
+in his voice, and answered at once--
+
+'Pantin, I have come back to free her--come back almost from the
+dead.'
+
+'Then, monsieur, there are those here who can help you still. I had
+thought you brought the worst news,' and he looked at me where I
+stood, soiled and wet. 'This way, monsieur le chevalier,' he
+continued.
+
+'In a moment, Pantin,' cut in dame Annette's voice, and the good woman
+came up to me with a flagon of warmed wine in her hand.
+
+'Take this first, chevalier, 'tis Maître Pantin's nightcap; but I do
+not think he will need it this night. God be thanked you have come
+back safe.'
+
+I wrung her hand, and drained the wine at a draught, and then, with
+Pantin ahead holding his lantern aloft, we ascended the stair that led
+to my apartments. As we went up I asked Jacques--
+
+'Did you manage the business?'
+
+'Yes, monsieur, and Marie and her father are both safe at Auriac. I
+rode back almost without drawing rein, and reached here but this
+afternoon; and then, monsieur, I heard what had happened, and gave you
+up for lost.'
+
+At this juncture we reached the small landing near the sitting-room I
+had occupied, and Pantin without further ceremony flung open the door,
+and announced me by name. I stepped in with some surprise, the others
+crowding after me, and at the first glance recognised, to my
+astonishment, de Belin, who had half risen from his seat, his hand on
+his sword-hilt, as the door was flung open; and in the other figure,
+seated in an armchair, and staring moodily into the fire, saw Palin,
+who, however, made no movement beyond turning his head and looking
+coldly at me. Not so Belin, for he sprang forwards to meet me in his
+impulsive way, calling out--
+
+'_Arnidieu!_ You are back! Palin, take heart, man! He would never have
+come back alone.'
+
+The last words hit me like a blow, and my confusion was increased by
+the demeanour of Palin, who gave no sign of recognition; and there I
+stood in the midst of them, fumbling with the hilt of my sword, and
+facing the still, motionless figure before me, the light of the
+candles falling on the stern, drawn features of the Huguenot.
+
+My forehead grew hot with shame and anger, as I looked from one to
+another, and then, like a criminal before a judge, I faced the old man
+and told him exactly what had happened--all except one thing; that I
+kept back. At the mention of Ravaillac's name, and of his identity
+with the Capuchin, the Vicompte de Belin swore bitterly under his
+moustache; and but for that exclamation my story was heard in
+stillness to its bitter end. For a moment one might have heard a pin
+fall, and then Palin said, 'And you left her--there!' The dry
+contempt of his manner stung me; but I could say nothing, save
+mutter--
+
+'I did what I could.'
+
+'The one ewe-lamb of the fold--the last and the best beloved,' he
+said, as if speaking to himself; and then in a sudden fury he sprang
+to his feet. 'But why do we stand prating here? There are five of us,
+and we know where she is--come.'
+
+But Belin put his hand on his shoulder. 'Patience, Maître
+Palin--patience.'
+
+'I have had enough of patience and enough of trusting others,' and the
+Huguenot shook off his hand and looked at me with a scowl. 'Come,
+Monsieur d'Auriac; if you would make amends, lead me to this Toison
+d'Or and we will see what an old arm can do.'
+
+'I am ready,' I answered.
+
+But Belin again interfered.
+
+'Messieurs, this is madness. From what I have gathered d'Auriac
+will prove but a blind guide back. We are not, moreover, sure that
+Madame is there. Sit still here, you Palin; neither you nor d'Auriac
+are fit to think. Fore Gad! it was lucky I thought of this for our
+meeting-place tonight, Palin. Sit still and let me think.'
+
+'I can think well enough,' I cut in, 'and I have my plan; but I should
+like to ask a question or two before I speak.'
+
+'And these questions are?'
+
+'I presume I am suspected of this abduction?'
+
+'And of more. _Nom de dieu!_ Man! your mare was found dead, and beside
+her one of the Marshal's guards, run through the heart,' answered de
+Belin.
+
+'Then of course if I am seen I am in danger?'
+
+'A miracle only could save you. The King is enraged beyond measure,
+and swears he will let the Edict go in its full force against you. The
+Camarguer has made a fine story of it, saying how he tried to stop the
+abduction, but failed in the attempt.'
+
+'In short, then, it would ruin all chances if we adopt Maître Palin's
+suggestion?'
+
+'You are saving me the trouble of thinking.'
+
+'Again,' I went on, 'it is not certain if Madame is still at the
+Toison d'Or, and apart from that I doubt if I could find my way back
+there to-night, unless anyone could guide me,' and I looked at the
+Pantins, who shook their heads sorrowfully.
+
+'This settles our going out to-night,' I went on; 'there is but one
+thing to do to-morrow--to find the house. It will be easy to discover
+if Madame is within. After that I propose a rescue by the ordinary
+means of the law.'
+
+'Would it not be as simple to have recourse to Villeroi the first
+thing to-morrow?' asked Belin.
+
+'Simple enough; but the law has its delays, and if once the house is
+raided and Madame is not there we may whistle for our prize.'
+
+'But the wheel?' put in Pantin.
+
+'Will break Babette, who will not know. M. de Gomeron is no fool to
+trust her more than the length of his hand. No--I will leave nothing
+to chance. I propose then to seek out the house tomorrow, with
+Pantin's help, if he will give it.'
+
+'Most willingly,' put in the notary.
+
+'Thanks, my good friend. That we will find it I am certain, and then
+we can act. In the meantime I must ask you by all means in your power
+to get the search of the law after me delayed.'
+
+'Then M. de Villeroi must hear some certain news to-morrow,' said
+Annette.
+
+'There speaks a woman's wit,' exclaimed Belin; 'well, after all,
+perhaps your plan is the best.'
+
+'And in this search of to-morrow I will share,' Palin suddenly
+exclaimed. But my heart was sore against him for what he had said.
+
+'Pardon me, Maître Palin; this is my right--I do this alone.'
+
+'Your right,' he sneered.
+
+'Yes, Maître Palin, my right; I go to rescue my promised wife.'
+
+'And besides, Monsieur le Chevalier will want no help, for I am here,'
+Jacques must needs thrust in; 'and when Monsieur is married,' he
+blundered on, 'we will rebuild Auriac, mount a brace of bombards on
+the keep, and erect a new gallows for ill-doers.'
+
+'Silence, sir!' I thundered, half beside myself at the idiot's folly,
+for I saw the gleam in the eyes of Pantin and his wife, and despite
+the gravity of the occasion de Belin had hard to do to repress an open
+laugh.
+
+As for Palin, he said nothing for a moment, his features twitching
+nervously. At last he turned to me, 'It is what I have hoped and
+prayed for,' he said, holding out his hand; 'forgive me--I take back
+the words so hastily spoken--it is an old man who seeks your pardon.'
+
+I took his hand in all frankness, and he embraced me as a son, and
+then in a while Belin said--
+
+'We must be up and doing early to-morrow, and d'Auriac is in need of
+rest. He will share my bed here to-night; and harkee, Pantin! rouse us
+with the dawn.'
+
+We then parted, the Pantins showing the Huguenot to his chamber, and
+Jacques but waiting for a moment or so to help me off with my dripping
+things. My valises were still lying in the room, and I was thus
+enabled to get the change of apparel I so much needed.
+
+When at last we were abed I found it impossible to sleep, and Belin
+was at first equally wakeful. For this I was thankful, as I began to
+grow despondent, and felt that after all I had lost the game utterly.
+But the Vicompte's courage never faltered, and in spite of myself I
+began to be cheered by his hopefulness. He explained to me fully how
+it came that he was at the Rue des Deux Mondes. He wished to discuss
+with Palin some means for discovering me, and as the Huguenot, fearing
+to return to the Rue Varenne after what had happened, and yet was
+unwilling to leave Paris, had sought Pantin's home, de Belin had
+determined to pass the night here to consult with him, giving out to
+his people that he had gone on a business to Monceaux.
+
+'I will see Sully the first thing to-morrow,' he said, as we discussed
+our plans, 'and if I mistake not it is more than Madame we will find
+at the Toison d'Or. Be of good cheer, d'Auriac, your lady will come to
+no harm. The Camarguer is playing too great a game to kill a goose
+that is likely to lay him golden eggs. I'm afraid though he has spoilt
+a greater game for his master.'
+
+'How do you mean?' I asked, interested in spite of myself.
+
+'Only this, that unless you are extremely unfortunate I regard the
+rescue of Madame de Bidache as certain. I am as certain that this will
+lead to the arrest of de Gomeron and his confederates. They will taste
+the wheel, and that makes loose tongues, and it may lead to details
+concerning M. de Biron that we sadly need.'
+
+'It seems to me that the wheel is perilously near to me as well.'
+
+'There is the Edict, of course,' said de Belin, 'but Madame's evidence
+will absolve you, and we can arrange that you are not put to the
+question at once.'
+
+The cool way in which he said this would have moved me to furious
+anger against him did I not know him to be so true a friend. As it was
+I said sharply--
+
+'Thank you, I will take care that the wheel does not touch me.'
+
+'Very well,' he answered; 'and now I shall sleep; good night.'
+
+He turned on his side and seemed to drop off at once, and as I lay
+through the weary hours of that night I sometimes used to turn to the
+still figure at my side with envy at the peace of his slumber.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVII
+
+                     MAÎTRE PANTIN SELLS CABBAGES
+
+
+At last, just as my patience was worn to its last shred, I saw the
+glaze in the window begin to whiten, and almost immediately after
+heard footsteps on the landing. This was enough for me, and, unable to
+be still longer, I sprang out of bed and hastened to open the door
+myself. It admitted Jacques, and a figure in whom I should never have
+recognised the notary had I not known that it could be no other than
+Pantin. Jacques bore a tray loaded with refreshments, and Pantin held
+a lantern, for it was still dark, in one hand, and something that
+looked like the folds of a long cloak hung in the loop of his arm. The
+noise of their entrance awoke de Belin. With a muttered exclamation I
+did not catch, he roused himself, and, the candles being lit, we
+proceeded to make a hasty toilet. As I drew on my boots I saw they
+were yet wet and muddy, and was about to rate Jacques when Pantin
+anticipated, 'I told him to let them be so, monsieur,--you have a part
+to play; put this over your left eye.' And with these words he handed
+me a huge patch. Then, in place of my own hat, I found I had to wear a
+frayed cap of a dark sage-green velvet, with a scarecrow-looking white
+feather sticking from it. Lastly, Pantin flung over my shoulders a
+long cloak of the same colour as the cap, and seemingly as old. It
+fell almost down to my heels, and was fastened at the throat by a pair
+of leather straps in lieu of a clasp.
+
+'Faith!' exclaimed the Vicompte, as he stood a little to one side and
+surveyed me, 'if you play up to your dress you are more likely to
+adorn, than raise the gallows Jacques spoke of.'
+
+But I cut short his gibing with an impatient command to Pantin to
+start. The little man, however, demurred--
+
+'You must eat something first, monsieur--not a step will I budge till
+you have done that.'
+
+I forced myself to swallow a little, during which time our plans of
+overnight were hastily run over; Palin, who had joined us, declared he
+would go to the Princess Catherine, and seek her aid. We knew that was
+useless, but not desiring to thwart the old man let him have his will.
+It was decided, however, in case I had anything to communicate, that I
+should hasten to the Rue de Bourdonnais, and that in the meantime the
+Vicompte would see the Master-General at once and try what could be
+done. This being settled, and having ordered Jacques, who protested
+loudly, to stay behind, Pantin and I started off on our search for the
+Toison d'Or.
+
+As he closed the entrance door behind him carefully, and Jacques
+turned the key, I looked up and down the Rue des Deux Mondes, but
+there was not a soul stirring.
+
+''Tis the cold hour, monsieur,' said Pantin, shivering as he drew the
+remnant of a cloak he wore closer over his shoulders, 'and we are safe
+from all eyes,' and then I noticed for the first time that his feet
+were bare, and that he carried a pair of old shoes in one hand and an
+empty basket in the other.
+
+'But you are not going like that, man!' I said; 'you will catch a
+fever.'
+
+'We are going to the Faubourg St. Martin, monsieur, and there is no
+danger of the plague now.'
+
+Though I could not but feel more than grateful for the way in which
+the good fellow was labouring for me, I said nothing, but followed him
+as he entered the mist that rose from the river and clung heavily to
+its banks.
+
+It was, as Pantin had said, the cold hour, and all Paris was asleep.
+Above us the sky still swarmed with stars, though a pale band of light
+was girdling the horizon. Here and there in the heaving mist on the
+river we saw the feeble glimmer of a lanthorn that had survived
+through the night and still served to mark the spot where a boat was
+moored. All around us the outlines of the city rose in a brown
+silhouette; but the golden cross on the spire of Notre Dame had
+already caught the dawn and blazed like a beacon against the grey of
+the sky overhead.
+
+As the Pont au Change was the latest of the bridges to close, it was
+the earliest to open; but when we came there we had to cool our heels
+for half an hour or so before we could pass through; and by that time
+the city was already beginning to awake. I could not repress a slight
+shudder as we passed the dreary walls of the Chatelet, just as the
+guard was being changed at the gate, and thought by how lucky a chance
+I had escaped being a guest of M. de Breze.
+
+Once past the Chatelet we pushed on briskly, and by the time we had
+reached St. Jacques we were warm enough, despite the chillness of the
+morning. At a stall near the church, and hard by the Pont Notre Dame,
+Pantin purchased a quantity of vegetables, bidding me to keep a little
+ahead of him in future and guide him in this manner as far as I knew.
+Whilst he was filling his basket I turned up the Rue St. Martin,
+wondering what the notary's object could be in transforming himself
+into a street hawker. I went slowly, stopping every now and again to
+see if Pantin was following, and observed that he kept on the side of
+the road opposite to me, and ever and again kept calling out his wares
+in a monotonous sing-song tone. Thus far and for a space further I
+knew the road, and, observing that Pantin was able to keep me well in
+view, increased my pace until at last we came to the cross street near
+which I had met the jealous Mangel and his wife. Up the cross street I
+turned without hesitation, now almost facing the tall spire that had
+been my landmark, and I began to think I would be able to trace my way
+to the Toison d'Or without difficulty when I suddenly came to a
+standstill and faltered. For here there were half a dozen lanes that
+ran this way and that, and for the life of me I could not tell which
+was the one I had taken but a few hours before, so different did they
+look now to what they had appeared by moonlight. As I halted in a
+doubting manner Pantin hurried up, and, there being one or two near
+me, began to urge me to buy his cabbages. I made a pretence of putting
+him off, and then, the strangers having passed, I explained I had lost
+my bearings. 'I see a wine shop open across the road, chevalier--go in
+and call for a flask and await me,' he answered rapidly.
+
+I nodded, and bidding him begone in a loud tone, swaggered across
+the street, and entering the den--it could be called by no other
+name--shouted for a litre of Beaugency, and flung myself down on a
+rough stool with a clatter of my sword and a great showing of the
+pistol butts that stuck out from my belt.
+
+The cabaret had just opened, but early as I was I was not the first
+customer, for a man was sitting half-asleep and half-drunk on one of
+the foul-looking benches, and as I called for my wine, he rose up,
+muttering, 'Beaugency! He wants Beaugency--there is none here,' he
+went on in a maudlin manner, turning to me. 'At the Toison d'Or----'
+
+I almost started at the words; but the landlord, whose face appeared
+from behind a cask at my shout, and whose countenance now showed the
+utmost anger at his old client's speech, suddenly seized him by the
+neck and hustled him from the room--'The drunken knave!' he said with
+a great oath, 'to say that I kept no Beaugency--here, captain,' and he
+handed me a litre, with a much-stained glass, 'here is Beaugency that
+comes from More's own cellars,' and he looked knowingly at me.
+
+Not wishing to hold converse with the fellow, I filled the glass, and
+then, flinging him a crown, bade him drink the rest of the bottle for
+good luck. The scoundrel drank it there and then, and as soon as he
+had done so returned to the charge.
+
+'It is good wine--eh, captain?'
+
+'It is,' I answered drily; but he was not to be denied.
+
+'Monsieur is out early, I see.'
+
+'Monsieur is out late, you mean,' I made answer, playing my part, and
+longing for Pantin to return.
+
+'Ho! ho!' he roared; 'a good joke--captain, I do not know you, but
+tell me your name, and, curse me, if I do not drink your health in
+Arbois the day you ride to Montfaucon.'
+
+'You will know my name soon enough,' I answered, humouring the fellow,
+'and I promise to send you the Arbois the day I ride there. I may tell
+you that it was to the Toison d'Or I was recommended by my friends;
+but your Beaugency and your company are so good _compère_ that I shall
+make this my house of call during my stay in the Faubourg St. Martin.'
+
+'Damn the Toison d'Or,' he exclaimed, 'and you are a good fellow. Let
+me warn you in turn that the Toison d'Or is no longer safe.'
+
+'What do you mean?' I asked, leaning forwards.
+
+'For you, and for me, monsieur.'
+
+'Ah--my luck is good as your wine,' and at that moment I caught sight
+of Pantin. 'There is another crown to drink to our friendship, and
+mind you keep as good a flask for me against my return at noon--_au
+revoir!_ I have a business at my lodging.'
+
+The wretch overwhelmed me with thanks and stood at the door watching
+me as I crossed over the street, with a warning glance to Pantin, and
+strolled slowly onwards. A little further on I turned to my left,
+keeping well in the middle of the road to avoid the filth and refuse
+thrown carelessly on each side, and as I turned I saw that my man had
+gone in. I was certain of one thing, that the Toison d'Or was not far
+off, and whilst I picked my way slowly along Pantin came up to me with
+his sing-song whine.
+
+'Have you found it?' I asked in a low tone.
+
+'No,' he sang out.
+
+At this moment a figure rose up from the steps of a house where I had
+noticed it crouching, a few feet from me, and swung forwards.
+
+'Hola! 'Tis Monsieur le Capitaine! Has your excellency tasted the
+Beaugency--the dog-poison. I tell your excellency there is but one
+house in the Faubourg where they sell it--the Toison d'Or.'
+
+'Go and drink some there, then,' and I tossed him a piece of silver.
+
+He picked it up from the road where it had fallen like a dog snatching
+at a bone, and then stood surveying the coin, which he held in the
+open palm of his hand.
+
+'_You_ might,' he said; 'they would not serve me,' and then with a
+drunken familiarity he came close to my elbow. 'I'll show you the
+Toison d'Or. It is there--the second turn to the left and then
+straight before you. As for me, I go back to taste Grigot's
+Beaugency--his dog-poison,' he repeated with the spiteful insistence
+of a man in his cups.
+
+'The fool in his folly speaketh wisdom!' Pantin muttered under his
+breath, and then the man, staggering from me, attempted to go back
+whence he had been flung, but either the morning air was too strong
+for him, or else he was taken with a seizure of some kind, for ere he
+had gone ten paces he fell forwards on his face, and lay there in the
+slime of the street.
+
+At any other time I would have stopped to assist the man, but now I
+could only look upon his condition as a direct interposition of
+Providence and I let him lay where he had fallen.
+
+'Come, Pantin,' I cried, 'we have found the spot.'
+
+Following the directions given by our guide we found he had not
+deceived us, and in a few minutes I was standing at the entrance of
+the blind passage, at one end of which was the Toison d'Or.
+
+The wasps' nest was not yet awake, but as I stood for a moment
+discussing with Pantin what we should do next, a couple of men well
+muffled in cloaks passed down the lane on the opposite side, and it
+was all I could do to preserve an expression of unconcern on my face,
+for in one of the two I recognised Lafin. He, too, stooped for a
+moment, as if to fasten a point that had come undone, and, whilst
+doing so, fixed his eyes full on me. I met his gaze as one might look
+at a perfect stranger, but seeing he continued it, put my hand to the
+hilt of my sword with a scowl. The doubt on his face cleared on the
+instant to a look of relief, and I saw his thin lips curve into a
+slight smile of contempt as he rose and walked quietly after his
+companion. That swaggering movement of my hand to my sword-hilt had
+convinced him that I was one of the swashbucklers of the Faubourg St.
+Martin, and as such unworthy even of the contempt of the heir of the
+Vidame.
+
+'Who is it?' asked Pantin, who had been observing me closely.
+
+'Lafin.'
+
+'Are you sure, monsieur?'
+
+I nodded, and he went on, 'Then, monsieur, if I mistake not, M. le
+Vicompte is right, and we hunt the boar as well as the wolf. I will
+give word of this at the Arsenal before three hours are over.'
+
+We then went slowly towards the Toison d'Or in the same order on which
+we had come up the Rue St. Martin, my heart full of strange misgivings
+at Lafin's presence in the street. The sun had already whitened the
+gables of the houses, but so narrow was the passage that it seemed as
+if it must always be in shadow. There were a few people stirring--one
+or two street urchins, who flung gibes at Pantin, but gave me a wide
+berth; half a dozen women, in whose faces sin and want had set their
+seals, and a man or two of the worst class. Beyond the high, dead wall
+which closed in the passage I could now see the tops of some trees,
+and judged from this that we were almost upon the walls of Paris, and
+in this, as it turned out, I was right. At last I came opposite the
+Toison d'Or. The gate leading into the little court was shut, and so
+was every window facing the street. The signboard was swinging sadly
+over the closed door, and at the first glance it looked as if the
+house was deserted. For a moment the thought struck me to knock boldly
+at the door, and when it was opened to force my way in and trust to
+luck for the rest, but I was cooled on the instant when I thought what
+failure meant. I would trust as little to chance as possible. I passed
+slowly on, and found that the Toison d'Or joined on to another, but
+much smaller, house which had its bound set to it by the wall that
+crossed the street. The sash of a window on the top story of this
+house was up, and as I came up to it the front door swung open and a
+man stood on the steps and looked me full in the face. As my glance
+passed him, I saw that the door opened into a room that was used
+apparently as a shop for all kinds of miscellaneous articles, and the
+man himself would have stood well for the picture of a thieves' fence,
+which, indeed, he was.
+
+'A good morning, captain,' he said. 'Will you buy--or have you come to
+sell?' he asked, dropping his voice.
+
+As he spoke, Pantin came up and began to importune the man from a safe
+distance to purchase his wares, but beyond a curse had no further
+attention paid to him, and with a disappointed air he went slowly back
+towards the Toison d'Or. It flashed upon me that something had fallen
+my way. 'I have come to buy _compère_,' I answered, and, stepping into
+the shop, began to examine a few cast-off doublets, and flung them
+aside, demanding one on which the gold lace was good. A woman joined
+the man at this time, and whilst they were rummaging amongst their
+stores I hastily ran over in my mind the plan I had formed. If I could
+get a lodging here I would be in a position to watch who came and went
+from the house and strike my blow with deliberation and certainty. So
+at last when the doublet was shown to me, though the price was
+exorbitant I paid it without demur, and on the man asking if it should
+be sent to my lodging, I pretended to hesitate for a moment, and then
+explaining that as I had just come to Paris, and was in search of a
+lodging, I would take the doublet with me.
+
+'Monsieur must have scaled the city walls last night, then?' the man
+said with a sly look.
+
+'Exactly,' I answered.
+
+The woman, however, here cut in and explained that if it was a lodging
+I needed they could accommodate me.
+
+'All the more if you buy as well as you do now, captain,' said the
+man.
+
+'I will sell you as cheap as you want besides,' I answered, 'but let
+me see the rooms.'
+
+'There is but one room, monsieur,' answered the woman, 'but it is
+large and furnished,' and then she led me up the stairway. The room
+was certainly large beyond the ordinary, but I was disappointed beyond
+measure at finding that it was at the back of the house and would
+prevent me from watching who came in and out of the Toison d'Or. I
+objected to the situation, saying that I wanted a room overlooking the
+street.
+
+'There is none,' she answered shortly, 'but if monsieur desires to
+look on the street he may do so from the window at the end of this
+passage.'
+
+She pointed to a narrow passage that led from the door of the room to
+a small hanging turret, and from the arched windows of this I saw that
+I could see all I wanted without being seen myself. The woman seemed
+to be of the same kidney as her husband, and drove a close bargain,
+and after much pretended haggling I closed with her terms, and
+arranged also for her to bring me my meals, explaining that for the
+next week or so I would stay indoors as my health was not good.
+
+'I understand, monsieur,' she said, showing her teeth.
+
+'Then it is settled, and I will step down and bring up the doublet
+which I left in the shop.' With these words I counted out the rent and
+the money for my board, coin by coin, into her hand, as if each piece
+I disgorged was my last, and then stepping down, found, as I expected,
+Pantin at the door.
+
+The man was for ordering him away, but his wife insisted on making a
+purchase, in which I joined, and the fence going upstairs at that
+time, we three were left together. It was all important to get rid of
+the woman for a moment or so, and Pantin, seeing this, sold his whole
+basket load at a price so small that it raised even her astonishment.
+
+'I have sold it for luck,' he said, 'but if madame wishes, I will sell
+her daily at the same rate.'
+
+'Could you bring me fruit at the same price?' I asked.
+
+'Why not?' he answered.
+
+'Then bring me some to-morrow.'
+
+'Certainly, captain. Where shall I put these, madame?'
+
+But she bore them away herself, and this gave me the opportunity.
+
+'Pantin,' I said, 'I have taken a room here--you understand?'
+
+'And I,' he answered, 'have sold a cabbage to Babette. If you hear
+nothing more, meet me at dusk in the square behind St. Martin's.'
+
+There was no time to say more, for we heard the fence coming back.
+Pantin went off down the street, and I, after a word or two with the
+man, and an order to his wife regarding my meals, went slowly up to my
+room.
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XVIII
+
+                   THE SKYLIGHT IN THE TOISON D'OR
+
+
+Once back in my room, I flung off my cloak and took a survey of my new
+quarters. The room was long and low, and situated in the topmost story
+of the house. In one corner was a settle covered with a faded brocade,
+whilst on the other side there was a wardrobe and a few necessaries.
+The bed was placed at the extreme end of the room, and close to the
+window which overlooked the back of the house, and through which, from
+where I stood, the blue sky alone was visible, there was a table and a
+couple of chairs. Between the table and the bed intervened a clear
+space, about ten feet by six, covered with a coarse carpeting. If I am
+thus precise in my description, I would say I have done so in order to
+explain clearly what follows.
+
+So far things were satisfactory enough, and beyond what I had a right
+to expect in such a locality. The one drawback was that I would be
+compelled to use the turret at the end of the passage for my watch,
+and thus run the risk of being observed from the other houses. In the
+meantime I determined to see exactly what could be effected from the
+window, and pushing the table aside, so as to get a better view,
+looked out. I then saw that the house I was in as well as the Toison
+d'Or were both built against the remains of the old walls of Paris.
+Below me there was a sheer drop of fifty or sixty feet, right into the
+bed of the abandoned fosse, which was covered by a thick undergrowth
+and full of _débris_, A little beyond the fosse was a portion of what
+was known as the new wall. This was perhaps in a more ruinous
+condition than the fortification it was supposed to have replaced. The
+brushwood grew thick and high against it, and I could see the gap
+where a breach had been effected, probably during the last siege, when
+the Sixteen and Madame de Montpensier held Paris against the two
+kings. Beyond that stretched the open country, where, had I a mind to
+linger on the view, I might have made out the windings of the river,
+the houses of Corneuve, and the woods of Dugny and Gonesse. But it was
+not of these I was thinking, for in that survey I had grasped the fact
+that de Gomeron could not have chosen a spot better suited for his
+purposes than the Toison d'Or. It was a part of Paris as secure as if
+it had been cut off from the city and set in some unknown island, such
+as those who sail to the New World describe. I thought at first of
+stopping any further concern with the window, but as I was turning
+away I looked rather particularly at the wall below me, and saw that a
+ledge ran along it about three feet below the window. Following its
+track with my eyes, I observed that it was carried along the face of
+the Toison d'Or, and in doing this I became aware that there was a
+window open at the back of Babette's house, and that this was situated
+on the same level as my room, but just about the middle instead of the
+extreme end, as mine was. When I considered the position of this
+window, and that its look-out was on a place where never a soul seemed
+to come, I could not but think that if Madame were in the Toison d'Or,
+that in all probability her room was there, and I swore bitterly to
+myself at the thought of how impossible it would be to reach her. I
+then craned out and looked upwards, and saw that my house was a
+half-story lower than the Toison d'Or, and that, whilst the latter had
+a high sloping roof, the portion of the building in which I was
+appeared to be a long and narrow terrace with a low machicolated
+parapet running along the edge. Thus if there were a door or window in
+the Toison d'Or that opened on to my roof, it would be possible to
+step out thereon; and then I drew back, my blood burning. If it was
+possible to step out from the Toison d'Or on to the roof of the house
+I occupied, it might be equally easy to get thence into the Toison
+d'Or. Taking my sword, I measured the distance of the ledge from the
+window-sill, and then, holding on to the mullions by one hand,
+stretched out as far as I could, and found I could just touch the top
+of the parapet with the point of my blade. In short, the position was
+this: that so hard and smooth was the outside of the wall, it was
+impossible for anything save a lizard to get along it to the window
+behind which I supposed Madame was prisoned; yet it was feasible, with
+the aid of a rope thrown over the grinning head of the gargoyle a
+little above me, or else over the low battlement of the parapet, to
+reach the roof, and the odds were in favour of there being some sort
+of a door or window that would give ingress thence into the Toison
+d'Or. I began after this to be a little more satisfied with my
+quarters, and determined to set about my explorations about the dinner
+hour, when most people would be within, and the chance of discovery
+reduced to a minimum. I did not feel justified in putting the matter
+off until nightfall, as I have often observed that there was no time
+so good as the one I had chosen for affairs which depended much for
+their results upon a surprise. I now stepped out of my room, and,
+walking along the passage, looked out from the little turret along the
+face of the street. It was more alive than I had ever seen it before,
+but the occupants were principally women and children, with a man or
+so here and there. I saw that whilst the sunlight fell in patchwork
+and long narrow stretches on the street, it was bright enough where I
+was, and I perceived I had a good excuse for spending such time as I
+intended to behind the embrasures of the turret. And this excuse I had
+to bring into play at once, for as I stood there I heard a footstep on
+the passage, and, turning, observed the woman of the house.
+
+'I see,' she began, 'you are already in your turret.'
+
+'I like the sun, my good woman, and have had a long journey.'
+
+Something in my tone made her look at me oddly, and I began to wish I
+were well away from the keen scrutiny of her eyes. She dropped the
+_tutoyer_ and asked:
+
+'If monsieur is tired he would probably like his dinner earlier.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ The very thing, madame, and as long a bottle of Beaugency
+as you can get with it.'
+
+'It shall be done, monsieur,' and she turned to go.
+
+It struck me as a little odd that she should have come up in this
+aimless manner; but reflecting that perhaps, after all, it was due to
+nothing more than a desire to gratify feminine curiosity by spying
+what I was about, I dismissed the matter.
+
+After allowing a little time to elapse I descended to the shop and
+began carelessly running my eyes over the miscellaneous collection of
+articles therein. The fence followed me about, now recommending this
+thing and now that. At last I saw what looked to be a ball of rope
+lying in a corner and covered with dust.
+
+'What is that?' I inquired, touching it with the point of my sword.
+
+The man stooped without a word and, picking it up, dusted it
+carefully, then he unrolled a ladder of silken cord, about twelve or
+fifteen feet in length.
+
+'This, captain,' he said, swinging it backwards and forwards,
+'belonged, not so long ago, to M. de Bellievre, though you may not
+believe me.'
+
+'I have no doubt you are speaking the truth, but it seems rather
+weak.'
+
+'On the contrary, monsieur, will you test it and see?'
+
+We managed to do this, by means of two hooks that were slung from a
+beam above us, in a manner to satisfy me that the ladder was
+sufficient to bear double my weight, and then, as if content with
+this, I flung it aside.
+
+'Will not monsieur take it?' asked the man; 'it is cheap.'
+
+'It is good enough,' I answered, 'if I had a business on hand, but at
+present I am waiting.'
+
+'If monsieur has leisure I might be able to give him a hint that would
+be worth something in crowns.'
+
+'I am lazy when in luck, _compère_. No, I will not take the ladder.'
+
+'It may come in useful, though, and will occupy but a small space in
+monsieur's room'--and seeing that I appeared to waver--'shall I take
+it up, I will let it go for ten crowns?'
+
+'Five crowns or nothing,' I said firmly. 'But it is of the finest
+silk!'
+
+'I do not want to buy--you can take my price or leave it.'
+
+'Very well then, monsieur, thanks, and I will take it up myself.'
+
+'You need not trouble, I am going up and will take it with me.'
+
+With these words I took the ladder, folded in long loops, in my hand
+and went back to the turret. There I spent a good hour or so in
+re-examining it, and splicing one or two parts that seemed a trifle
+weak, at the same time keeping a wary eye on who passed and repassed
+the street, without, however, discovering anything to attract
+attention. Finally, the woman brought up my dinner, and I managed to
+eat, after a fashion, but made more play with the Beaugency, which was
+mild and of a good vintage. When the table was cleared, I sat still
+for about half an hour or so, playing with my glass, and then rising,
+saw that my door was securely fastened in such a manner that no one
+could effect an entrance, except by bursting the lock. This being done
+I removed my boots and unslung my sword, keeping my pistols, however,
+in my belt, and after a good look round, to see that no one was
+observing me, managed to loop the ladder round the gargoyle, and then
+tested it once more with a long pull. The silk held well enough, but
+the stonework of the gargoyle gave and fell with a heavy crash into
+the fosse below. It was a narrow business, and it was well I had tried
+the strength of the cord again. I looked out from the window
+cautiously to see if the noise had attracted any attention, and found
+to my satisfaction that it had not. After allowing a little time to
+elapse, so as to be on the safe side, I attempted to throw the looped
+end I had made to the ladder so that it might fall over the parapet,
+between two embrasures, but discovered, after half a dozen casts, that
+this was not feasible from where I stood. Then I bethought me of my
+boyhood's training amongst the cliffs that overhung the bay of Auriac,
+and, stepping out on to the ledge of the window, managed with an
+effort to hold on to the stump of the gargoyle with one hand, and,
+balancing myself carefully, for a slip meant instant death, flung the
+loop once more, and had the satisfaction of seeing it fall as I
+desired. Without any further hesitation I put my foot on the rungs,
+and in a minute more was lying on my face behind the parapet, and
+thanking God I had made the effort, for before me was a large
+skylight, half open, from which I could command a view of the interior
+of one room at least of the Toison d'Or, and by which it might be
+possible to effect an easy entrance. Before going any further,
+however, I glanced round me to see how the land lay, and was delighted
+to find that I could not be observed from the opposite side of the
+street, as the portion of the house I was on was concealed from view
+by the gabled roof that rose about ten feet from me, leaving me in a
+sort of long balcony. Now that I think of it, this roof must have been
+an after-thought on the part of the builders; then I was but too
+thankful to find it existed, and had no time for reflections. By
+turning my head I could see, too, that the high wall that shut in the
+mouth of the passage was evidently raised as a barrier between the
+street and the fosse, which took a bend and ran immediately below the
+wall. After lying perfectly still for a little, I slowly pushed myself
+forwards until at last I was beneath the skylight, and then, raising
+myself cautiously, peeped in. I saw a room of moderate size, and well
+but plainly furnished. In the centre was an oblong table covered with
+a dark cloth, and round about it were set a number of chairs. The
+skylight alone admitted light, and from this to the floor of the room
+was a matter of twelve feet or so. The chamber was empty, and I had
+more than half a mind to risk the descent, when the door was opened
+and Babette stepped in. I shrank back as low as possible, and observed
+that she was making arrangements for some one, for she placed a couple
+of decanters with glasses on the table, arranged the chairs, and then,
+after taking a look round, went out once more. I made up my mind to
+wait, and, settling myself under the skylight, began to exercise my
+patience. After an hour or so had passed I heard the door opened
+again, and then the sound of voices. Presently some one called out,
+'We had better shut the skylight,' and then another voice, this time
+Lafin's, said, 'No, it is no use, and we will want light to see.'
+
+Once more I raised myself and leaned against the edge of the opening,
+eyes and ears intent. There were three men in the room--Lafin, de
+Gomeron, and another whom I did not know, but whom I judged to be an
+Italian from his manner of pronouncing our language. They were all
+three seated round the table, poring over a number of documents and
+conversing in low tones. After a time it appeared to me that Lafin was
+urging something on de Gomeron, and the free-lance, who was short of
+temper, brought his clenched hand on the table in a manner to make the
+glasses ring, whilst he said with an oath--
+
+'I will not--I have risked too much. I have told you before that I did
+not come into this for the good of my health. My prize is my own. It
+has nothing to do with your affair, of which I am sick.'
+
+The other man then cut in--
+
+'I do not see, M. de Lafin, why we should drag this matter into our
+discussion. If M. de Gomeron wants a wife, well--many a fair dame has
+had a rougher wooing than the lady you speak of. But I--I have cause
+for complaint. I come here expecting to meet the Marshal--and I meet
+you and monsieur here. I mean no offence, but I must tell you plainly
+my master's instructions are that I should hear M. de Biron's promises
+and take his demands from his own lips.
+
+'And what about Epernon, Bouillon, and Tremouille, count?' asked de
+Gomeron.
+
+The dark eyes of the stranger flashed on him for a moment.
+
+'My master, the Duke of Savoy, knows their views.'
+
+'Personally?'
+
+The Italian waved his hand with a laugh. 'Gentlemen, I have given you
+my terms--it is for you to choose. As for my part, I would that my
+master dropped this business and trusted the day to his sword.'
+
+'That is not wont to be M. de Savoye's way,' sneered Lafin, and the
+Italian rose.
+
+'Very well, messieurs. I will then consider the issue is closed.'
+
+'It matters not a rush to me,' exclaimed de Gomeron; but Lafin, who
+was moodily plucking at his moustache, spoke again, and the tones of
+his voice were full of chagrin.
+
+'As you wish--I undertake that the Marshal sees you.'
+
+'Where and when? My time is precious.'
+
+'Here, at ten o'clock to-night.'
+
+'_Maledetto!_ This is not a place to come at that hour.'
+
+'It is safe--and it would be safer still if you stayed here till then.
+The spies of the Master-General--curse him--are everywhere, and M. de
+Gomeron will guarantee your protection here.'
+
+'I am deeply grateful,' the count bowed slightly, a faint tone of
+irony in his voice. 'Then you agree?'
+
+'Yes.'
+
+'This being so, perhaps you had better go over these notes that you
+may be in a position to exactly understand what we can do. Our terms
+of course are as before, but we will require money, and that at once.'
+
+'But large advances have already been made,' objected the Italian.
+
+'They are gone,' said Lafin.
+
+'How? Nothing has been done; and both Velasco and Savoy are unwilling
+to throw more money into the business unless some action is taken. How
+has the money gone?'
+
+'It is gone, and there is an end of it,' exclaimed Lafin sullenly. 'As
+for the action you wish taken--you have asked to see the Marshal, and
+he will inform you.'
+
+'Very well! Until then, monsieur, we will not discuss this point
+further.'
+
+The voices dropped again after this, and they began to pore over the
+papers and a map that the free-lance had spread before him, making an
+occasional remark which I did not follow. But I had heard enough to be
+convinced that the plot of Anet was still in full life. It was all
+important for me now to communicate what I knew at once to the
+Master-General. With a little ordinary care the conspirators could be
+trapped to a man, and if by one stroke I could effect this, as well as
+free Madame, anything was possible. Without further hesitation I
+therefore crept slowly back, and descended to my chamber as softly as
+a cat. Leaving the ladder swinging where it was--for I could not undo
+the knot--I drew on my boots, and went to the turret to reconnoitre
+before venturing out into the street. Imagine my chagrin and
+disappointment to see that three men were at the gate of the Toison
+d'Or, evidently on the watch, and in one of them I made out Ravaillac.
+I might have passed the others without discovery, but it would be
+impossible to escape the lynx eyes of this villain, who, though young
+in years, had all the craft of age, and who later on was to raise
+himself to an eminence so bad that I know not whom to place beside
+him, except perhaps those who were his aiders and abettors. I did not
+fear to run the gauntlet--that was an easy matter; but merely doing so
+would make my birds take to wing, and I found myself compelled once
+more to hold patience by the tail until the coast was clear.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIX
+
+                       'PLAIN HENRI DE BOURBON'
+
+
+Imagine what it was to me, to whom every moment was worth its weight
+in gold, to see the group, and, above all, Ravaillac, standing at the
+door of the Toison d'Or. Was there ever such cross-grained luck? If I
+could but pass down that narrow street without the hawk's eye of the
+Flagellant falling on me I might in an hour do all and more than I had
+ever hoped for. I could---- But _tonne dieu!_ What was the use of
+prating about what might be. Through the embrasure of the turret I
+covered Ravaillac with my pistol, and twice half pressed the trigger
+and twice restrained myself. Even if he fell the shot would ruin all.
+It could not be risked, and I thrust the long, black barrel back into
+my belt with a curse, and began to walk restlessly to and fro in the
+passage. It was impossible for me to keep still, my nerves were so
+strung. In a little I began to cool and sought my room, determined to
+occasionally take a turn to the turret and see if the guard was gone,
+but not to harass myself by watching them continually. In about an
+hour or so I wearied of sitting and looked out of my window again in
+the direction of Madame's room, as I called it to myself. At the
+moment of my doing so the shutter that was open towards my side
+suddenly closed. I could just make out a flash of white fingers on the
+dark woodwork, and then the face I longed to see looked out from the
+half of the window still open and drew back again almost on the
+instant. Feeling sure that she would look out once more, I leaned
+forwards. Madame did as I expected, and I could see the astonishment
+on her face and hear her cry of joy. She tried to converse with me by
+signals on her fingers, and for the first time I had occasion to bless
+what I had up to now considered a foolish accomplishment that I picked
+up as a boy when I was with Monseigneur de Joyeuse. Enough that Madame
+made me understand that she was well treated, and I let my dear know
+that there were those at work who would soon free her, and perhaps
+there was a word or so besides on a subject which concerned us two
+alone. It was in the midst of this part of our converse that she drew
+back all at once with a warning finger on her lips, and though I
+waited again for a full hour, forgetting the watchers below in the
+fresh fears that began to assail me, I did not see her again. At the
+end of that time, however, a white kerchief waved twice from the
+window and was then withdrawn. I turned back into my room, and now
+that I was certain she was there my impatience at being penned up as I
+was became almost insupportable, and heaven alone knows how I held
+myself in from making a dash for it and risking all on the venture. To
+cut the matter short, it wanted but a few minutes to sundown when, to
+my relief, I saw a cloaked figure I could not recognise step out of
+the Toison d'Or, and, after giving a few orders to the guards, pass
+briskly down the street. They in their turn went into the house, and
+at last the road was clear. I hesitated no further and hurried down
+the stairs. At the door I was stopped by my host, who inquired whither
+I was hastening.
+
+'I have just seen a friend,' I answered, and the next moment was in
+the street. As I pressed forwards I had two minds about keeping my
+appointment with Pantin in the square behind St. Martin's, but as I
+went on I reflected that I had to pass that way, and as I might need
+the notary's aid I would wait there a few minutes, and if he did not
+come, go straight to de Belin with my news.
+
+Although I was not in a frame of mind to observe what was going on
+around me, I soon became conscious that one of those sudden fogs which
+extend over the city at this period of the year had arisen, as it
+were, out of nothing, and in the course of a few minutes I was
+compelled to slacken pace and pick my way slowly, and with the
+greatest caution in regard to landmarks, for I could not risk losing
+my way again. The fog was not a thick one, but it was sufficient,
+united with the coming evening, to almost blur out the streets and
+houses and make the figures of passers-by loom out like large and
+indistinct shadows. Carefully as I had tried to impress the way on my
+memory, I hesitated more than once as to the route I should take, and
+it was with something that was like a sigh of relief that I found
+myself at last behind St. Martin's, whose spire towered above me, a
+tall, grey phantom. Here I halted for a moment to see if one of the
+few shadows that flickered now and then through the haze might give
+some signal by which I might recognise Pantin. It was in vain, and,
+determining to wait no longer, I set off at a round pace, when I was
+suddenly arrested by hearing the rich tones of a voice singing:
+
+
+              Frère Jacques, dormez-vous?
+              Dormez-vous, dormez-vous?
+
+
+The clear notes rang out through the fog, bringing with them a hundred
+recollections of the time when I had last heard the chorus. And the
+voice? That was not to be mistaken. It was de Belin, or else his
+ghost. Without a moment's hesitation I sang back the lines, advancing
+at the same time in the direction in which I had heard the voice. I
+had not gone fifty paces when I saw two tall shadows approaching me,
+and at the same time heard the verse again.
+
+'Lisois!' I called out.
+
+'It is he,' I heard de Belin say.
+
+Then the shadows stopped for a moment, and another and slighter figure
+joined them. Finally, one came forwards, and, when within a yard or so
+of me, spoke:
+
+'D'Auriac, is it you?'
+
+'Yes. I was hastening to you. Man, I have discovered all!'
+
+'_Morbleu!_' exclaimed the Compte; 'the _chanson_ was a happy thought,
+else we had missed you in this fog.'
+
+'Is Pantin here? We have not a moment to lose.'
+
+'He is. It was he who guided us here. I have brought a friend with me.
+Do not ask his name; but speak freely before him, and tell us exactly
+what you have discovered.'
+
+With these words he took me by the arm and led me up to the two. In
+the shorter there was no difficulty in recognising Pantin. What with
+the mist, the mask on his face, and the roquelaure that enveloped him
+to the ears, I could make out nothing of the stranger, who did not
+even answer my salutation except by a slight inclination of his head.
+I need not say I wasted no time, but laid the matter before them, and
+wound up with:
+
+'And now, gentlemen, we are three swords; let Pantin hasten and bring
+half a dozen of the Compte's people, and I guarantee that we not only
+free Madame, but take the whole brood of vipers.'
+
+'These cards won't win,' said de Belin. 'We must have more witnesses
+than ourselves, who are known to be enemies of the Marshal. The King
+plays at More's this evening. He is like to be there now, or else very
+soon, for he is bound on a frolic to-night. We will go straight there.
+Villeroi and Sully are both to be in attendance, and also the
+Marshal.'
+
+'The Marshal will not be there,' I interrupted.
+
+'If SO I wager the King asks for him, and I will take it on my head to
+explain. In half an hour we could be back with Sully and Villeroi, and
+then the game is ours. Do you not agree, monseigneur?' and he turned
+to the stranger. All the answer was another grave inclination of the
+head.
+
+'Come,' went on de Belin, slipping his arm into mine. 'Put yourself in
+my hands, d'Auriac, and I pledge you success. My God!' he broke off
+suddenly, 'to think we should win so completely.'
+
+There was so much in what he said that I agreed without demur, and
+Belin hurried me onwards, the stranger and Pantin following a few
+steps behind. As we went on Belin whispered:
+
+'Ask no questions, d'Auriac; say nothing until you see Sully, and ten
+minutes after I promise you twenty swords.'
+
+'If I do not get them in an hour,' I said grimly, 'I will go back
+myself and try what my own sword can do.'
+
+'And I will go back with you, too--there, is that not enough? Come,
+man!' and we hurried along through the mist as fast as we could walk,
+keeping on the left side of the road.
+
+As we came up to St. Merri, de Belin stopped and blew sharply on a
+whistle. There was an answering call, and from under the Flamboyant
+portico of the church the figure of a man, with a led horse, slipped
+out into the fog, now yellow with the light of the street lamps.
+Without a word the stranger mounted, and the two passed us at a trot.
+
+'What the devil does that mean!' I exclaimed. 'Your Monseigneur has
+left us!'
+
+'To return again,' answered the Compte drily. And then added, 'It will
+be a gay party at More's to-night, and it is time we were there.'
+
+I made no answer, but, as we went on, could not help feeling uneasy in
+my mind at the thought of being recognised at More's; for after what
+de Belin had said of the King's temper towards me, I made sure that I
+would have scant mercy were I once arrested. And again, I would say
+that it was not for myself I was in dread, but for the probable
+consequence to Madame did any harm happen to me at this juncture.
+
+But I had put my foot in the stirrup, and was bound to ride now; and
+then there was de Belin's word. At last we reached More's, and as we
+entered the hall I could not help wondering if the good Parisians knew
+that their King was playing at primero in an ordinary of the city, and
+would be later on, perhaps, pursued by the watch. More, whom I had not
+seen since my affair with d'Ayen, was in the hall, and at a word from
+de Belin conducted us himself up the stairway, though looking askance
+at me. We at length gained a long corridor, at the beginning of which
+Pantin was left. We stopped before the closed doors of a private
+dining-room from within which we could hear shouts of laughter.
+
+'His Majesty and M. de Vitry arrived scarce a half-hour ago,'
+whispered More as we approached the door.
+
+'We will not trouble you further,' replied the Compte; 'it is the rule
+at these little parties to enter unannounced.'
+
+With these words he put his hand to the door and went in, I following
+at his heels. There were at least ten or a dozen men in the room
+standing round a table, at which sat the King engaged at play with M.
+de Bassompierre. Neither the King nor Bassompierre, who seemed
+absorbed in the game, took the least notice of our entrance, nor did
+they seem in the least disturbed by the constant laughter and converse
+that went on. The others, however, stopped, and then burst out in
+joyous greetings of de Belin and very haughty glances at me. M. le
+Grand, indeed, bent forward from his great height, and whispered
+audibly to the Compte:
+
+'What scarecrow have you brought here, de Belin!'
+
+'Our captain for to-night, duc--see, there is the Grand-Master looking
+as if each crown the King loses was the last drop of blood in the
+veins of Béthune.' And as he said this, Sully and he glanced at each
+other, and a light, like that in an opal, flamed in the great
+minister's eyes.
+
+M. le Grand, however, seemed to be inclined for converse with me, and,
+stepping up, asked, 'And where do you lead us to-night, monsieur?'
+
+I was about to make some answer when de Vitry interposed, 'My dear
+duc, there is plenty of time to ask that. I wager you fifty pistoles
+that d'Ayen there throws higher than you five times out of six.'
+
+'Done,' replied Bellegarde--and then those who were not round the King
+and Bassompierre, gathered to watch Bellegarde and d'Ayen, whose
+cheeks were flushed with excitement as he threw with his left hand,
+the right being still in a sling.
+
+In the meantime the King played on, taking no notice of anyone, his
+beaked nose dropping lower towards his chin as he lost one rouleau
+after another to Bassompierre.
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_' he exclaimed at last, 'was ever such luck; at
+this rate I shall not have a shirt to my back in half an hour.'
+
+'If the Marshal were only here,' said Sully, 'we could start off at
+once. Sire, instead of risking any more. I see de Belin has brought
+our guide.'
+
+'Yes; where is Biron? I am sick of this;' and the King, who was a bad
+loser, rose from his seat impatiently, at the same time forgetting to
+hand over the last rouleau of pistoles he had lost to Bassompierre,
+and thrusting them back into his pocket with an absent gesture.
+
+As if in answer to his question the door opened, admitting the slight
+figure and handsome face of de Gie.
+
+'Where is the Marshal? Where is Biron?' asked ten voices in a breath.
+
+'Yes, M. de Gie,' put in the King; 'where is Biron?'
+
+'Sire, the Marshal is indisposed. He has begged me to present his
+excuses and to say he is too ill to come to-night;' and as he spoke I
+saw de Gie's jewelled fingers trembling, and his cheek had lost all
+colour.
+
+'This is sorry news to spoil a gay evening,' said the King; and the
+Master-General, pulling a comfit box from his vest pocket, toyed with
+it in his hand as he followed, 'Biron must be ill, indeed, to stay
+away. Sire. What does your Majesty think? Shall we begin our rambles
+by calling on Monseigneur?'
+
+'The very thing, Grand-Master; we will start at once.'
+
+'But, Sire, the Marshal is too ill to see anyone--even your Majesty,'
+said de Gie desperately, and with whitening lips.
+
+I thought I heard de Vitry mutter 'Traitor' under his thick moustache,
+but the Guardsman parried my glance with an unconcerned look. There
+was a silence of a half-minute at de Gie's speech, and the King
+reddened to the forehead.
+
+'If it is as you say, M. le Vicompte, I know the Marshal too well
+not to feel sure that there are two persons whom he would see
+were he dying--which God forbid--and one of these two is his King.
+Grand-Master, we will go, but--and his voice took a tone of sharp
+command, and his eyes rested first on de Gie, and then on the figure
+of a tall cavalier, at whose throat flashed the jewel of the St.
+Esprit--'but I must first ask M. de Vitry to do his duty.'
+
+As for me I was dumb with astonishment, and half the faces around me
+were filled with amaze. Then de Vitry's voice broke the stillness:
+
+'My lord of Epernon, your sword--and you too, M. le Vicompte.'
+
+The duke slipped off his rapier with a sarcastic smile and handed the
+weapon to the Captain of the Guard; but we could hear the clicking of
+the buckles as de Gie's trembling fingers tried in vain to unclasp his
+belt. So agitated was he that de Vitry had to assist him in his task
+before it was accomplished.
+
+The King spoke again in the same grating tones:
+
+'M. de Bassompierre and you, de Luynes, I leave the prisoners in your
+charge. In the meantime, messieurs, we will slightly change our plans.
+I shall not go myself to the Marshal's house; but I depute you,
+Grand-Master, and these gentlemen here, all except de Vitry, who comes
+with me, to repair there in my name. Should M. de Biron not be able to
+see you, you will come to me--the Grand-Master knows where.'
+
+'You will be careful, Sire,' said Sully.
+
+'_Mordieu!_ Yes--go, gentlemen.'
+
+I was about to follow the others, but Belin caught me by the arm as he
+passed out. 'Stay where you are,' he whispered, and then we waited
+until the footsteps died away along the corridor, the King standing
+with his brows bent and muttering to himself:
+
+'If it were not true--if it were not true.'
+
+Suddenly he roused himself. 'Come, de Vitry--my mask and cloak; and
+you, too, sir,' he said, turning on me with a harsh glance. He put on
+his mask, drew the collar of his roquelaure up to his ears, and in a
+moment I recognised the silent stranger who had ridden off so abruptly
+from under the portico of St. Merri. I could not repress my start of
+surprise, and I thought I caught a strange glance in de Vitry's eyes;
+but the King's face was impassive as stone.
+
+'We go out by the private stair, Sire; d'Aubusson is there with the
+horses.' With these words he lifted the tapestry of the wall and
+touched a door. It swung back of its own accord, and the King stepped
+forward, the Captain of the Guard and myself on his heels. When we
+gained the little street at the back of More's, we saw there three
+mounted men with three led horses.
+
+De Vitry adjusted the King's stirrup, who sprang into the saddle in
+silence, and then, motioning me to do likewise, mounted himself.
+
+'Monsieur,' said the King to me, reining in his restive horse, 'you
+will lead us straight to your lodging, next to the Toison d'Or.'
+
+'Sire,' I made answer, 'but it will be necessary to leave the horses
+by St. Martin's, as their presence near the Toison d'Or might arouse
+curiosity and suspicion.'
+
+'I understand, monsieur; have the goodness to lead on.'
+
+I rode at the head of the small troop, nosing my way through the fog
+with my mind full of feelings it was impossible to describe, but with
+my heart beating with joy. Neither d'Aubusson nor de Vitry gave a sign
+that they knew me, and, but for an occasional direction that I gave to
+turn to the right or left, we rode in silence through the mist, now
+beginning to clear, and through which the moon shone with the light of
+a faint night lamp behind lace curtains. At St. Martin's we
+dismounted. There was a whispered word between the lieutenant and de
+Vitry, and then the King, de Vitry, and myself pressed forwards on
+foot, leaving d'Aubusson and the troopers with the horses. It would
+take too long, if indeed I have the power, to describe the tumult in
+my mind as we wound in and out of the cross streets and bye lanes
+towards the Toison d'Or. At last we came to the jaws of the blind
+passage, and I whispered to de Vitry that we were there. Henry turned
+to de Vitry and asked:
+
+'Are you sure the signals are understood, de Vitry?'
+
+'Yes, Sire.'
+
+There was no other word spoken, and keeping on the off side of the
+road, to avoid passing immediately before the door of the Toison d'Or,
+where it was possible a guard might be set, we went onward towards my
+lodging. Favoured by the mist, which still hung over the passage, we
+got through without accident; but I perceived that not a light
+glimmered from the face of Babette's house, though I could hear the
+bolts of the entrance-door being drawn, as if some one had entered a
+moment or so before we came up. My own lodging was, however,
+different, and through the glaze of the window we could see the sickly
+glare of the light in the shop, where Monsieur and Madame were no
+doubt discussing the business of the day.
+
+'We must quiet my landlord and his wife,' I whispered to Vitry as we
+came up to the door.
+
+'Very well,' he said, and then I knocked.
+
+The fence, who was alone, himself opened the door. 'Ah, captain,' he
+exclaimed, 'we thought you were lost; but I see you have friends.' He
+said no more, for I seized his throat with a grip of iron, whilst de
+Vitry laced him up with his own belt. An improvised gag put a stop to
+all outcry, and in a thrice he was lying like a log amongst his own
+stolen wares.
+
+'Madame is doubtless in bed,' I said to him, and a sharp scream
+interrupted my words, for the woman, doubtless hearing the scuffle,
+had rushed into the room. M. de Vitry was, however, equal to the
+occasion, and she, too, was deposited beside her husband.
+
+The King, who had taken no part in these proceedings, now said:
+
+'I trust that woman's cry will not raise an alarm--_Ventre St. Gris_
+if it does!'
+
+'Have no fear. Sire,' I said in a low tone; 'the cries of women in
+this part of your capital are too frequent to attract the least
+notice. They will but think that there has been a little conjugal
+difference.'
+
+'So far, so good. De Vitry, you will stay here. At the first sound of
+the Grand-Master's whistle you will answer it, and they will know what
+to do. I have something to say to M. d'Auriac. Take me to your room,
+sir.'
+
+I bowed, and, lighting a taper that stood in a holder of moulded
+brass--a prize that had doubtless come to my landlord through one of
+his clients--led the way up the rickety stairs, and stopping at the
+door of my chamber, opened it to let the King pass. For an instant he
+hesitated, fixing his keen and searching eyes on me--eyes that flashed
+and sparkled beneath the mask that covered half his features, and then
+spoke:
+
+'M. d'Auriac, are you still an enemy of your King?'
+
+I could make no answer; I did not know what to say, and stood, candle
+in hand, in silence. Then Henry laughed shortly and stepped into the
+room. I shut the door as I followed, and turned up the lamp on my
+table. Then, facing the King, I said, 'Sire, I await your orders.'
+
+He had flung off his cloak and mask, and was leaning against the
+wardrobe, one hand on the hilt of his sword, and at my words he spoke
+slowly: 'I desire to see this room in the Toison d'Or, and to look
+upon the assembly that has met there with my own eyes.'
+
+'Now, Sire?'
+
+'Yes, now.'
+
+'Your Majesty, it is not now possible!'
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_--not possible!'
+
+'Permit me, Sire--the only way is by this window. If your Majesty will
+step here, you will see the risk of it. I will go and see if they have
+met; but I conjure you not to make the attempt. The slightest accident
+would be fatal.'
+
+'Do you think I have never scaled a rock before?' he said, craning out
+of the window. 'Am I a child, M. d'Auriac, or _mille tonnerres!_
+because my beard is grey, am I in my dotage? I will go, sir, and thank
+God that for this moment I can drop the King and be a simple knight.
+You can stay behind, monsieur, if you like. I go to test the truth of
+your words.'
+
+'Your Majesty might save yourself the trouble. I again entreat you;
+your life belongs to France.'
+
+'I know that,' he interrupted haughtily. 'No more prating, please.
+Will you go first, or shall I?'
+
+There was no answer to this. It flashed on me to call to de Vitry for
+aid to stop the King, but one look at those resolute features before
+me convinced me that such a course would be useless. I lowered the
+light, and then testing the ends of the ladder again and again, made
+the ascent as before. Leaning through the embrasure, I saw the dark
+figure of the King already holding on to the ladder, and he followed
+me, as agile as a cat. Making a long arm, I seized him by the
+shoulder, and with this assistance he clambered noiselessly over the
+parapet and lay beside me.
+
+'Cahors over again,' he whispered; 'and that is the skylight. They
+burn bright lamps.'
+
+'The easier for us to see, Sire. Creep forward softly and look.'
+
+One by one we stole up to the skylight, and the King, raising himself,
+glanced in, my eyes following over his shoulders. For full five
+minutes we were there, hearing every word, seeing every soul, and then
+the King bent down softly, and, laying a hand on my shoulder, motioned
+me back. It was not until we reached the parapet that he said
+anything, and it was as if he were muttering a prayer to himself.
+
+When we got back I helped him to dress. He did not, however, resume
+his roquelaure or hat, but stood playing with the hilt of his sword,
+letting his eye run backward and forward over the vacant space in my
+room. At last he turned to me:
+
+'Monsieur, you have not answered the question I put you a moment
+before.'
+
+'Sire,' I answered boldly, 'is it my fault?'
+
+He began to pull at his moustache, keeping his eyes to the ground and
+saying to himself, 'Sully will not be here for a little; there is
+time.' As for me, I took my courage in both hands and waited. So a
+half-minute must have passed before he spoke again.
+
+'Monsieur, if a gentleman has wronged another, there is only one
+course open. There is room enough here--take your sword and your
+place.'
+
+'I--I----,' I stammered. 'Your Majesty, I do not understand.'
+
+'I never heard that monsieur le chevalier was dense in these matters.
+Come, sir, time presses--your place.'
+
+'May my hand wither if I do,' I burst out 'I will never stand so
+before the King.'
+
+'Not before the King, monsieur, but before a man who considers himself
+a little wronged, too. What! is d'Auriac so high that he cannot stoop
+to cross a blade with plain Henri de Bourbon?'
+
+And then it was as if God Himself took the scales from my eyes, and I
+fell on my knees before my King.
+
+He raised me gently. 'Monsieur, I thank you. Had I for one moment led
+a soul to suspect that I believed in you from the first, this nest of
+traitors had never been found. St. Gris--even Sully was blinded. So
+far so good. It is much for a King to have gained a friend, and hark!
+if I am not mistaken, here is de Vitry.'
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX
+
+                   AT THE SIGN OF 'THE TOISON D'OR'
+
+
+Turning, we beheld de Vitry at the open door, the small and narrow
+figure of Pantin at his elbow, and, close behind, the stern features
+of the Grand-Master, the anxiety on whose face cleared as he saw the
+King before him. He was about to speak, but Henry burst in rapidly:
+
+'I know all, my lord. It is time to act, not talk. _Arnidieu!_ But I
+shall long remember this frolic!'
+
+'It would seem that God has given us a great deliverance. Sire. All is
+ready. I came but to see that your Majesty was safe and unharmed, and
+to leave Du Praslin with a sufficient guard for your person whilst we
+took our prisoners.'
+
+As Sully spoke the King threw his roquelaure over his arm and answered
+coldly, 'Monsieur, you are very good. When I want a guard I shall ask
+for one. I have yet to learn that Henri de Bourbon is to lurk in a
+corner whilst blows are going, and I shall lead the assault myself!'
+
+'And the first shot from a window, fired by some _croquemort_, might
+leave France at the feet of Spain, I cut in bluntly, whilst de Vitry
+stamped his foot with vexation, and the forehead of the Grand-Master
+wrinkled and furrowed, though he gave me an approving look from under
+his shaggy brows.
+
+For a moment it was as if my words would have stayed the King. He
+looked at me fixedly and stabbed at the carpet with the point of his
+blade, repeating to himself, 'At the feet of Spain--Spain! Never!' he
+added, recovering himself and looking highly around. 'Never!
+Messieurs, we shall all yet see the lilies flaunting over the
+Escorial.'
+
+'Amen!' exclaimed a voice from the darkness of the stairway, and I
+heard the grinding of a spurred heel on the woodwork of the floor.
+
+'Come,' said the King, 'we have no time to lose, and if we delay
+longer that hot-head de Belin, will strike the first blow.'
+
+'With your Majesty's permission, I will make an assault on the rear,'
+I said.
+
+'On the rear!' exclaimed de Vitry, whilst the Grand-Master said, 'It
+is impossible!'
+
+But I only pointed to the window, and Henry laughed.
+
+'_Ventrebleu!_ I understand--a great idea! But, monsieur, take care
+how you give away a secret. I shall have no peace if Monseigneur the
+Grand-Master hears what has happened.'
+
+I was young enough still to feel my face grow hot at the approval in
+the King's voice, and then, without another word, they passed out,
+_tramp_, _tramp_, down the stairs, all except Sully, who stayed behind
+for a moment.
+
+'Monsieur,' he asked, 'what has happened between you and the King?'
+
+'His Majesty has pardoned me.'
+
+'A child might see that. What else? Be quick!'
+
+'And has given me orders to meet you as you enter the Toison d'Or.'
+
+The frown on his face cleared. 'Well answered, chevalier. The King, I
+see, has won a faithful and discreet friend. Make your attack when you
+hear the petard.' Then he, too, turned his broad shoulders on me and
+followed the rest.
+
+As the sound of the heavy footfalls ceased I gave a last look at my
+pistols, drew in my sword-belt by a hole, and, all booted as I was,
+essayed the ladder again. The practice I had with it made the ascent
+easy now, and perhaps it was this that rendered me careless, for, as I
+was climbing, my foot slipped with a grating noise, and as I stopped
+for a moment, with one leg over the parapet and the other trailing
+over the drop behind, I heard a quick 'What is that?' through the open
+skylight. The voice was the Marshal's, and I almost felt that I could
+see his nervous start and rapid upward glance as the scrabbling noise
+reached his ears. Then came Lafin's answer, in those cool tones that
+can penetrate so far:
+
+'A cat--only a cat, monseigneur!'
+
+All was still again, and I crept softly to the opening. I did not dare
+look in, but crouched beneath the skylight, waiting for the signal. I
+had already observed that the skylight was but a light, wooden
+framework, with a glazing between, and would need no great effort to
+break down--one strong push and the way was clear before me. So I
+stayed for a minute of breathless silence, then from far below came a
+sharp, shrill whistle, hurried exclamations from the plotters, and now
+the explosion of the petard, that made the house rock to and fro like
+a tree in the wind.
+
+I had no need to force open the skylight. The effect of the explosion
+did that most effectually for me and blew out the lamps in the room
+below as well, reducing it on a sudden to absolute darkness. There was
+a yell of terror from the room, and, without a moment's hesitation, I
+swung through the window and dropped down amongst the conspirators.
+They were to a man crowding to the door, and not one took any note of
+my entrance, so great was their confusion. I followed the rush of
+hurrying figures as they passed through the door into a passage in dim
+light from a fire that burned in a small grate. One end of this
+passage was full of smoke, against which the bright flashes of drawn
+swords were as darts of lightning. Beyond the smoke and below we could
+hear the clash of steel, cries of pain, and savage oaths, where men
+were fighting and dying hard. As I dashed down the passage, sword in
+hand, my only thought to reach the prisoner's room, one of the
+retreating figures turned and called out, 'Quick, monseigneur! follow
+me--the secret stair!'
+
+It was Lafin. In the confusion and semi-gloom he had mistaken me for
+his chief. I made no answer, but, as I rushed forwards, struck him on
+the face with the hilt of my sword, and he rolled over like a log.
+
+Now I was right in amongst the scared plotters, cheek by jowl with M.
+de Savoye's envoy, and I could have dropped him then and there, but
+that my whole heart was in Madame's room, and I knew that there were
+others who could and would deal with him.
+
+As I elbowed my way through the press, vainly endeavouring to find the
+way to my dear's prison, we reached a landing from which a long stair
+led straight up, and here I heard the Marshal's voice, cracked with
+rage and fear.
+
+'Lafin! de Gomeron! To me--here! here!'
+
+'Ladies first. Marshal. I must look to my bride.'
+
+Then through the smoke I saw de Gomeron's tall figure mounting the
+stair, and I rushed forward to follow him.
+
+It was at this juncture that a portion of our own party forced their
+way to the landing, and one of them, whose sword was broken, flung
+himself upon me, dagger in hand, shouting, 'Death to traitors.' I
+had just time to seize his wrist. He tripped sideways over something
+that lay very quiet at our feet, and, dragging me down, we rolled over
+and over, with the clash of blades over us. 'It is I--fool--I,
+d'Auriac--let go,' I shouted, as he tried to stab at me.
+
+'Let go you,' sputtered d'Aubusson's voice, and we loosed each other.
+I had no time for another word, and grasping my sword, which was
+hanging to my wrist by the knot, I sprang up, and the next moment was
+hot foot after de Gomeron.
+
+I managed somehow to force my way through the crowd, but the stairway
+was half-full of men, and at the head of it stood the free-lance, with
+a red sword in his hand, and two or three huddled objects that lay in
+shapeless masses around him.
+
+Some one, with a reckless indifference to his own life--it was, I
+afterwards found out, Pantin--held up a torch, and as the flare of it
+shot up the stairway de Gomeron threw back his head and laughed at us.
+
+'Twenty to one--come, gentlemen--or must I come to you?' He took a
+couple of steps down the stairs, and the crowd, that had made as if it
+would rush him, wavered and fell back, bearing me, hoarse with
+shouting for way, with them to the landing.
+
+For the moment, penned up and utterly unable to get forward, I was a
+mere spectator to what followed.
+
+The free-lance took one more downward step, and then a slight figure,
+with one arm in a sling, slid out from the press and flew at him.
+
+It was d'Ayen, and I felt a sudden warming of the heart to the man who
+was going to his death.
+
+'You--you traitor,' he gasped, as, using his sword with his left hand,
+his sword ripped the free-lance's ruff.
+
+'Stand back, old fool--stand back--or--there! Take it,' and, with a
+sharp scream, d'Ayen fell backwards, the crowd splitting for a moment,
+so that he rolled to the foot of the stairs and came up at my feet.
+God rest his soul! He died at the last like a gallant man.
+
+They were backing in confusion now, and above the din I could hear the
+mocking of de Gomeron.
+
+'Come, gentlemen, do not delay, time presses.'
+
+One rush through at that time might have saved him, but he stood there
+playing with death. With an effort I pushed d'Ayen, who was still
+breathing, against the side of the wall, to let the poor wretch die in
+such comfort as could be, and, seeing my chance at last, made my way
+to the front.
+
+De Gomeron was half-way down the stairs by this, and when our swords
+met he did not for the moment recognise me. But at the second pass he
+realised, and the torchlight showed him pale to the forehead.
+
+'You!' he said between his teeth.
+
+'Yes--I--from under the Seine,' and I had run him through the throat
+but for our position, where the advantage was all his, and my reach
+too short. He had backed a step up as I spoke. Whether it was my
+sudden appearance or what, I know not, but from this moment his
+bravado left him, and he now fought doggedly and for dear life.
+
+There was a hush behind me, and the light became brighter as more
+torches were brought, and I could now see the Camarguer white as a
+sheet, with two red spots on his cheeks.
+
+'Do you like fighting a dead man, monsieur?' I asked as I parried a
+thrust in tierce.
+
+He half groaned, and the red spot on his cheek grew bigger, but he
+made no answer, and step by step I forced him upwards.
+
+He had been touched more than once, and there was a stain on his white
+satin doublet that was broadening each moment, whilst thrust and parry
+grew weaker, and something, I know not what, told me he was my man.
+
+Messieurs, you who may read this, those at least of you who have stood
+sword in hand and face to face with a bitter foe, where the fight is
+to the last, will know that there are moments when it is as if God
+Himself nerves the arm and steels the wrist. And so it was then with
+me. I swear it that I forestalled each movement of the twinkling blade
+before me, that each artifice and trick the skilful swordsman who was
+fighting for his life employed was felt by something that guided my
+sword, now high, now low, and ever and again wet its point against the
+broad breast of the Camarguer.
+
+So, too, with him--he was lost, and he knew it. But he was a brave
+man, if ever there was one, and he pulled himself together as we
+reached the upper landing for one last turn with the death that dogged
+him. So fierce was the attack he now made, that had he done so but a
+moment before, when the advantage of position was his, I know not what
+had happened. But now it was different. He was my man. I was carried
+away by the fire within me, or else in pity I might have spared him;
+but there is no need to speak of this more. He thrust too high. I
+parried and returned, so that the cross hilt of my rapier struck dully
+over his heart, and he died where he fell.
+
+But one word escaped him, some long-lost memory, some secret of that
+iron heart came up at the last.
+
+'Denise!' he gasped, and was gone.
+
+I stood over him for a moment, a drumming in my ears, and then I heard
+the ringing of cheers and the rush of feet. Then a half-dozen strong
+shoulders were at the door before me, and as it fell back with a crash
+I sprang in and took a tall, slim, white-robed figure in my arms, and
+kissed her dear face again and again.
+
+One by one those in the room stepped out and left us together, and for
+once a brave heart gave way and she sobbed like a child on my
+shoulder.
+
+I said nothing, but held her to me, and so we might have been for a
+half-hour, when I heard de Belin's voice at the broken door:
+
+'D'Auriac! Come, man!--the King waits! And bring your prisoner!'
+
+There was a laugh in his voice and a light on his face as he spoke,
+and my dear lifted her swimming eyes to my face, and I kissed her
+again, saying:
+
+'Come--my prisoner!'
+
+As we passed out I kept between Claude and the grim figure still lying
+stark on the landing, and held her to me so that she could not see.
+So, with Lisois before us, we passed down the passage, filled now with
+men-at-arms, and halted before a room, the door of which was closed.
+
+'We must wait here a moment,' said de Belin; and merely to say
+something, I asked:
+
+'I suppose we have the whole nest?'
+
+'All who were not killed. Stay! One escaped--that rascal Ravaillac. I
+could have run him through, but did not care to soil my sword with
+such _canaille_, so his skin is safe.'
+
+'And Babette?'
+
+He gave me an expressive look and muttered something about Montfauçon.
+Then the door was flung open and a stream of light poured forth. We
+entered, and saw the King standing surrounded by his friends, and a
+little on one side was the dejected group of conspirators.
+
+The Marshal, now abject, mean, and cringing, was kneeling before
+Henry, who raised him as we entered, saying:
+
+'Biron, and you, Tremouille, and you all who called yourselves my
+friends, and lay in wait to destroy me and destroy your country--I
+cannot forget that we were old comrades, and for old friendships' sake
+I have already told you that I forgive; and God give you all as clean
+a conscience as I have over the blood that has been spilt to-day.'
+
+He ran his eye over the group, and they stood before him abashed and
+ashamed, and yet overcome with joy at escape when death seemed so
+certain; and he, their leader, the man who hoped to see his head on a
+crown-piece, broke into unmanly sobbing, and was led away vowing
+repentance--vows that he broke again, to find then that the mercy of
+the King was already strained to breaking-point.
+
+As Lafin, with a white and bleeding face, led his master away, Henry's
+eye fell on me, and he beckoned me to advance. I did so, leading
+Claude by the hand.
+
+'Chevalier,' he said, 'it is saying little when I say that it is
+through you that these misguided gentlemen have realised their
+wrong-doing. There is one recompense you would not let me make you for
+the wrongs you have suffered. There is, however, a reward for your
+services which perhaps you will accept from me. I see before me a
+Royal Ward who has defied her guardian--_Ventre St. Gris!_ My beard is
+getting over grey to look after such dainties. I surrender my Ward to
+your care.' As he said this he took Claude's hand and placed it in
+mine. 'I see, madame,' he added, 'that this time you have no
+objections to the King's choice. There--quite right. Kiss her, man!'
+
+
+                          *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+It is all over at last--that golden summer that was so long, and yet
+seems but a day. It is ten years ago that those shining eyes, that
+never met mine but with the love-light in them, were closed for ever;
+and the gift that God gave me that did He take back.
+
+I am old, and grey, and worn. My son, the Vicompte de Bidache, is in
+Paris with the Cardinal, whilst I wait at Auriac for the message that
+will call me to her. When she went, Bidache, where we lived, became
+unbearable to me, and I came back here to wait till I too am
+called--to wait and watch the uneasy sea, to hear the scream of the
+gulls, and feel the keen salt air.
+
+I have come to the last of the fair white sheets of paper the _Curé_
+brought for me from Havre this autumn, and it grows strangely dark
+even for my eyes. I will write no more, but sit out on the terrace and
+wait for the sunset. Perhaps she may call me to-day.
+
+'Jacques, my hat and cloak!'
+
+
+
+                               THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Chevalier d'Auriac, by S. (Sidney) Levett-Yeats
+
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+<title>The Chevalier d'Auriac</title>
+<meta name="Author" content="S. Levett Yeats">
+
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+<meta name="Date" content="1897">
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+
+Project Gutenberg's The Chevalier d'Auriac, by S. (Sidney) Levett-Yeats
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Chevalier d'Auriac
+
+Author: S. (Sidney) Levett-Yeats
+
+Release Date: December 17, 2011 [EBook #38323]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHEVALIER D'AURIAC ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Note:<br>
+
+
+
+1. Page scan source:
+http://www.archive.org/details/chevalierdauriac00leverich</p>
+
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>The</h2>
+
+<h1>CHEVALIER D'AURIAC</h1>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h5>BY</h5>
+
+
+<h3>S. LEVETT YEATS</h3>
+
+<h5>AUTHOR OF &quot;THE HONOUR OF SAVELLI&quot; ETC.</h5>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h3><span class="sc2">NEW YORK</span><br>
+
+
+LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.<br>
+
+
+<span class="sc2">LONDON AND BOMBAY</span><br>
+
+
+1897</h3>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h4><span class="sc2">Copyright, 1896 and 1897</span><br>
+
+<span class="sc">By</span> S. LEVETT YEATS</h4>
+<hr style="width:10%; color:black">
+<h5><i>All rights reserved</i>.</h5>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h5>FIRST EDITION, MARCH, 1897<br>
+
+REPRINTED, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER, 1897</h5>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h5>TROW DIRECTORY<br>
+
+PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING COMPANY<br>
+
+NEW YORK</h5>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>THE CHEVALIER D'AURIAC</h2>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h4>TO THE</h4>
+
+<h3>CHUMMERY OF THE PALMS</h3>
+
+<h4>I DEDICATE THIS, IN MEMORY OF CERTAIN</h4>
+
+<h4>RED-HOT DAYS</h4>
+
+<p class="right">S. L. Y.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>PREFACE</h2>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">This story, like its predecessor, has been written in those rare
+moments of leisure that an Indian official can afford. Bits of time
+were snatched here and there, and much, perhaps too much, reliance has
+had to be placed on memory, for books there were few or none to refer
+to. Occasionally, too, inspiration was somewhat rudely interrupted.
+Notably in one instance, in the Traveller's Bungalow at Hassan Abdal
+(Moore's Lalla Rookh was buried hard by), when a bat, after making an
+ineffectual swoop at a cockroach, fell into the very hungry author's
+soup and put an end to dinner and to fancy. There is an anachronism in
+the tale, in which the writer finds he has sinned with M. C. de
+Remusat in &quot;Le Saint-Barthélemy.&quot; The only excuse the writer has for
+not making the correction is that his object is simply to enable a
+reader to pass away a dull hour.</p>
+<div style="margin-right:80%">
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">Umballa Cantonments</span>,<br>
+
+March 16, 1896.</p>
+</div>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_01"  href="#div1_01">The Justice of M. de Rône.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER II.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_02"  href="#div1_02">M. de Rône Cannot Read a Cypher.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER III.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_03"  href="#div1_03">The Red Cornfield.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IV.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_04"  href="#div1_04">The Chateau de la Bidache.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER V.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_05"  href="#div1_05">A Good Deed Comes Home to Roost.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VI.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_06"  href="#div1_06">'Green as a Jade Cup.'</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VII.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_07"  href="#div1_07">Poor Nicholas!</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER VIII.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_08"  href="#div1_08">Monsieur de Preaulx.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER IX.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_09"  href="#div1_09">The Master-General.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER X.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_10"  href="#div1_10">An Old Friend.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XI.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_11"  href="#div1_11">A Swim in the Seine.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XII.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_12"  href="#div1_12">Monsieur Ravaillac does not Suit.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIII.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_13"  href="#div1_13">The Louvre.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIV.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_14"  href="#div1_14">Under the Limes.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XV.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_15"  href="#div1_15">The Hand of Babette.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XVI.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_16"  href="#div1_16">A Council of War.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XVII.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_17"  href="#div1_17">Maître Pantin Sells Cabbages.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XVIII.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_18"  href="#div1_18">The Skylight in the Toison d'Or.</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIX.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_19"  href="#div1_19">'Plain Henri de Bourbon.'</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XX.</h3>
+
+<p style="text-indent:15%"><b><a name="div1Ref_20"  href="#div1_20">At the Sign of 'The Toison d'Or.'</a></b></p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>PRELUDE</h2>
+<br>
+
+<div style="margin-right:20%; margin-left:20%; font-size:90%">
+<h4>I.</h4>
+
+<p class="t0">In no secret shrine doth my Lady sleep,</p>
+<p class="t1">But is ever before mine eyes;</p>
+<p class="t0">By well or ill, by wrong or right&mdash;</p>
+<p class="t0">By the burning sun, or the moon's pale light&mdash;</p>
+<p class="t1">Where the tropics fire or the fulmar flies,</p>
+<p class="t0">In rest or stormful fight.</p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h4>II.</h4>
+
+<p class="t0">Good hap with the strong fierce winds that blow;</p>
+<p class="t1">Man holdeth the world in fee.</p>
+<p class="t0">By the light of her face, by my Lady's grace,</p>
+<p class="t1">Spread we our sails to the sea.</p>
+<p class="t0">With God above and our hearts below,</p>
+<p class="t0">Fight we the fight for weal or woe.</p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h4>III.</h4>
+
+<p class="t0">Good hap with the strong fierce winds that blow,</p>
+<p class="t1">God rest their souls who die!</p>
+<p class="t0">By my Lady's grace, by her pure, pale face</p>
+<p class="t0">My pennon flies in its pride of place;</p>
+<p class="t1">Where my pennon flies am I.</p>
+<br>
+
+
+<h4>IV.</h4>
+
+<p class="t0">Nor wind nor storm may turn me back,</p>
+<p class="t1">For I see the beacon fire.</p>
+<p class="t0">And time shall yield a hard fought field,</p>
+<p class="t0">And, with God's help, an unstained shield</p>
+<p class="t1">I win my heart's desire.</p>
+
+<p style="text-indent:40%">S. L. Y.</p>
+
+<p class="right">(<i>Vanity Fair</i>.)</p>
+</div>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h1>THE CHEVALIER D'AURIAC</h1>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_01"  href="#div1Ref_01">THE JUSTICE OF M. DE RÔNE</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Mille diables!</i> Lost again! The devil runs in those dice!' and de
+Gomeron, with an impatient sweep of his hand, scattered the little
+spotted cubes on to the floor of the deserted and half-ruined hut,
+wherein we were beguiling the weariness of our picket duty before La
+Fère, with a shake of our elbows, and a few flagons of wine, captured
+from Monsieur the King of Navarre, as we, in our folly, called him
+still.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A few days before we had cut out a convoy which the Béarnais was
+sending into the beleaguered town. Some of the good things the convoy
+bore found their way to the outposts; and on the night I speak of we
+had made such play with our goblets that it was as if a swarm of bees
+buzzed in my head. As for de Gomeron, he was in no better case, and
+his sun-tanned face was burning a purple red with anger at his losses
+and the strength of the d'Arbois, both of which combined to give a
+more than usually sinister look to his grim and lowering features. In
+short, we were each of us in a condition ripe for any mischief: I hot
+with wine and the fire of five-and-twenty years, and de Gomeron
+sullenly drunk, a restrained fury smouldering in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had been playing by the light of a horn lantern, and as the flame
+of it flickered to and fro in the wind, which bustled in unchecked
+through a wide gap in the wall of the hut, where the remains of a door
+clung to a bent and twisted hinge, the shadow of de Gomeron on the
+wall behind him moved its huge outlines uneasily, although the man
+himself sat silent and still, and there was no word spoken between us.
+Hideous and distorted, this phantom on the wall may have been the soul
+of de Gomeron, stolen out of the man's body and now hovering behind
+him, instinct with evil; and this conceit of mine began to appear a
+reality, when I turned my glance at the still figure of my companion,
+showing no sign of life, except in the sombre glitter of the eyes that
+gazed at me steadily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I knew little of de Gomeron, except that he was of the Camargue, and
+had followed the fortunes of d'Aumale from Arques to Ivry, from Ivry
+to the Exile in the Low Countries, and that he held a commission from
+the duke as captain in his guards. He carried a 'de' before his name,
+but none of us could say where his lands lay, or of what family he
+came; and it was shrewdly suspected that he was one of those weeds
+tossed up by the storms of the times from the deep where they should
+have rotted for ever. There were many such as he, <i>canaille</i> who had
+risen from the ranks; but none who bore de Gomeron's reputation for
+intrepid courage and pitiless cruelty, and even the hardened veterans
+of Velasco spoke with lower tones when they told of his deeds at the
+sack of Dourlens and the pillage of Ham. Of our personal relations it
+is enough to say that we hated each other, and would have crossed
+swords ere now but for the iron discipline maintained by de Rône&mdash;a
+discipline the bouquet of which I had already scented, having escaped
+by the skin of my teeth after my affair with de Gonnor, who trod on my
+toe at the General's levée, and was run through the ribs at sunrise
+the next morning, near the pollard elms, hard by the Red Mill on the
+left bank of the Serre.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Up to the time this occurred I had been attached to de Rône's staff,
+with ten or twelve other young gentlemen whose pedigrees were as long
+as their swords; but after the accident to de Gonnor&mdash;my foot slipped
+and I thrust a half inch too low&mdash;I was sent with the stormers to
+Laon, and then banished to the outposts, thinking myself lucky to
+escape with that.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At any rate, the outpost was under my command. Imagine, therefore, my
+disgust when I found that de Gomeron had been detached to examine into
+and report upon my charge. He did this moreover in so offensive a
+manner, hectoring here and hectoring there, that I could barely
+restrain myself from parading him on the stretch of turf behind the
+thorn hedge that fenced in the enclosure to the hovel. The very sight
+of that turf used to tempt me. It was so soft and springy, so level
+and true, with no cross shadows of tree trunks or mottled reflections
+of foliage to spoil a thrust in tierce.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our feelings towards each other being as they were, it would seem odd
+that we should have diced and drunk together; but the situation was
+one of armed peace; and, besides, time had to be killed, as for the
+past week M. de Réthelois, formerly as lively as a cricket, had kept
+himself close as a nun of Port Royal behind the walls of La Fère, and
+affairs were ineffably dull. I was certain, however, that we should
+soon break into open quarrel, and on this night, whether it was de
+Gomeron's manner of losing or whether it was the d'Arbois I cannot
+tell, but I felt a mad anger against the man as he sat staring at me,
+and it was all I could do to restrain myself from flinging the lees of
+the wine in my glass in his face and abiding the result. I held myself
+in with an effort, drumming with my fingers on the table the while,
+and at last he spoke in an abrupt and jarring voice:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What says the score?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I looked at the once blank card on which I had jotted down the points
+and passed it to him with the answer: 'One hundred and twenty livres
+of Paris, M. Gomeron.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>De</i> Gomeron, if you please, M. d'Auriac. Here is your money, see it
+is not Tournois,' and he slid a rouleau across the table towards me. I
+made no effort to take it; but, looking at the man with a sneer, gave
+answer: 'I was not aware that they used the <i>de</i> in the Camargue,
+monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Young fool!' I heard him mutter between his teeth, and then aloud,
+'Your education needs extension, Chevalier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is space enough without.' I answered hotly, laying my hand on
+my sword, 'and no time like the present; the moon is at her full and
+stands perfectly.' We sprang to our feet at these words and stood
+facing each other. All thought of de Rône had flown from my mind, my
+one desire was to be face to face with the man on that patch of turf.
+<i>Peste!</i> I had much to learn in those days!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We stood thus for a second, and then a short mirthless 'Ha! ha!' burst
+from de Gomeron, and he made a turn to the corner of the room where
+his rapier leaned against the wall. It was at the moment of this
+action that we heard the quick challenge of the sentry outside, the
+password as sharply answered, and the tramp of feet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The same idea flashed through both our minds&mdash;it must be the General,
+and de Gomeron gave expression to the thought.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Corbleu!</i> de Rône perhaps&mdash;the old bat on the wing. We must defer
+the lesson, Chevalier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I bowed and bit my lips in silence; there followed a shuffling of
+feet, and before a man could count two, Nicholas, the sergeant of our
+picket, with a file of men entered the hut, thrusting a couple of
+prisoners, a man and a woman, before them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Two birds from La Fère, my captain,' and Nicholas with a salute to de
+Gomeron pointed to his prize. 'We took them,' he ran on, 'at the ford
+near the Red Mill, and but for the moon they would have gone free;
+spies no doubt. The old one is M. le Mouchard, I swear. There is fox
+in every line of his face; and as for Madame there&mdash;so the old
+gentleman calls her&mdash;in time I warrant she will learn to love the camp
+of the Holy League,' and the sergeant pushed the lantern so that it
+shone full on the lady's face. A curious light came into de Gomeron's
+eyes as he looked at her, and she shrank back at the sergeant's words
+and action, whilst the old man strained at the cords that bound his
+wrists till the lines of the blue veins stood high out on his
+forehead. The soldiers had shown Madame this kindness, that she was
+unbound; but her hood had fallen back, loosening in its fall a mass of
+chestnut hair, and from this framework her eyes glanced from one to
+another of us, half in fear and half in anger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Messieurs!' There was a tremble in the sweet voice, and there was
+light enough to see her colour come and go. 'Messieurs! That man,' she
+made a little gesture of infinite disdain towards Nicholas, 'is lying.
+We are no spies. It is true we are from La Fère, but all that we did
+was to try and escape thence&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'To the camp of the Béarnais&mdash;eh, madame?' interrupted de Gomeron.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'To the camp of the King of France,' she flashed back at him, a red
+spot rising on each cheek. 'Messieurs!' she went on, 'you are
+gentlemen, are you not? You will let us go. Surely the Holy League
+wars not with women and old men?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The mention of the League stirred her companion and he gave tongue:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The Holy League!' he exclaimed with a savage scorn. 'Madame, though
+we stand delivered unto these sons of Belial, I must speak, for my
+heart is full. Yea! Shall my lips be sealed before the enemies of the
+Lord! The Holy League! Ha! ha! There is no Holy League. It died at
+Ivry. There did the Lord God break it clean, as of old. He shattered
+the Amorites of the mountains. Lo! Even now His own champion is at
+hand, and ere the morrow's sun sets he shall smite these men of sin
+hip and thigh, as when the Chosen slew His enemies in Gibeon.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Corps du diable!</i> A rope for the old Huguenot!' exclaimed Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Thou swearest rightly, villain,' and the fanatic glared at the
+sergeant with fierce eyes. 'Swear ever so by thy master, for thou art
+in truth a limb of the body of Sin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Thou shalt roast like a chestnut over a log fire for this,' roared
+Nicholas, shaking his halberd at his adversary. 'And thou in Hell,'
+was the undaunted reply; 'and the smell of thy burning will be as the
+scent of a savoury bakemeat to the Lord my God.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So savagely prophetic was his tone; so fierce a glance did the bound
+Huguenot cast at Nicholas that it burnt to cinders any reply he might
+have had ready and reduced him to a speechless fury.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Madame shivered slightly; but meeting my eyes and the repressed laugh
+in them, a faint smile parted her lips. This was for an instant only,
+and her face was grave enough as she turned to her companion, speaking
+with a quiet dignity, 'There is a time for everything, <i>mon père</i>&mdash;at
+present your speech is a trifle out of place.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The beetle brows of the Huguenot met together as he gave reply&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is no place which is out of place to testify&mdash;&mdash;' but here de
+Gomeron cut in with his quick stern voice, 'Be silent, sir! or else a
+gag will stop your tongue,' and then with a bow, 'Madame, it goes to
+my heart to detain you; but war is war, and we have no option. Will
+you not be seated? All that this poor hut affords is yours,' and he
+bent low again, perhaps to hide the expression in his eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She made no effort to take the chair he offered, but burst out
+passionately:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, I see you command here, and it is to you to whom I must
+appeal. Monsieur, I give you my word of honour we are no spies. The
+rules of war allow the ransom of prisoners, and anything you name will
+be paid. Monsieur, I pray you let us go.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Whilst she spoke my glance rested on de Gomeron's face, and I saw that
+his eyes were drinking in her beauty greedily, and there was a look in
+them that recalled to my mind the stories of the sack of Ham.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As she finished her appeal Madame turned towards the captain with a
+gesture of entreaty; but in this movement she too saw that in his
+voice and manner which paled her cheek to marble, and she made a
+half-irresolute step towards her companion as if for protection. De
+Gomeron observed this, and laughed under his heavy black moustache,
+and I felt that the strong wine and his evil heart were moving him to
+an atrocious deed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Vertu de Dieu!</i> Madame, but there are some things which have no
+price! And there is no ransom you could name which would tempt Adam de
+Gomeron to part with his prisoners&mdash;with <i>one</i> of them at any rate.
+You are no spy, I know: such eyes as yours were never made to count
+the strength of battalions. As for your friend there, we have means to
+make him tell us all about himself to-morrow; and you, <i>ma mignonne</i>,
+must not bruise your tender feet by walking through the night to the
+camp of Monsieur&mdash;the King of France. In a day or so, perhaps,' he
+went on with a horrible smile, 'but not to-night. Come! and he stepped
+up to her. Come, taste the d'Arbois&mdash;it is from your friends&mdash;and
+learn to love the poor soldiers of the Holy League.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Saying this he attempted to pass his arm round her waist, but slipping
+from his grasp, and her cheeks aflame, Madame struck him across the
+face with the back of her hand, such a stroke as the wing of an angry
+dove might give.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The rest was done in a flash, and de Gomeron reeled back with bleeding
+lips, staggered back to the very end of the room, where he would have
+fallen but for the support of the wall. It was in me to follow up my
+blow by passing my sword through the man, so mad was I in my fury; but
+luckily for him Nicholas hung on my arm and saved the villain's life.
+He righted himself at once, and passing his hand across his mouth,
+spoke to me quite coolly and collectedly, but with livid features.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We finish this outside, sir; follow me,' and picking up his rapier,
+which lay on the table, where he had thrown it on the entrance of the
+prisoners, de Gomeron stepped out of the door. In the excitement of
+the moment the men poured after him, and I was the last to follow. It
+came to me like lightning that the prisoners were unguarded, and
+slipping my dagger from its sheath, I thrust its haft into Madame's
+hand, and I saw that she understood from the thanks in her eyes. As I
+went out I heard the voice of the Huguenot: 'They shall die as they
+have lived&mdash;by the edge of the sword; and the Lord shall confound His
+enemies.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was but a stone-throw to the stretch of green, which extended as
+level as a tennis-court for a hundred paces or so, and then sloped
+gently downward towards the junction of the Serre and the Oise. Beyond
+rose the walls of La Fère, whose grey outlines, lit up here and there
+by the flare of a lamp or fire, were clearly visible in the bright
+moonlight. So clear was this light, that I could distinctly make out
+the blue flowers of the patch of borage, which lay between the hut and
+the thorn hedge, beyond which de Gomeron was awaiting me. When I came
+up I found him standing with his back to the moon. He had thrown off
+his doublet, and was in his shirt sleeves, which were rolled up to his
+elbows, and Nicholas and the men stood a little on one side, utterly
+forgetful of the prisoners, and eager as bloodhounds to witness the
+coming fight. It took but a half minute to make myself ready, and
+borrowing a poniard from Nicholas to help me to parry, for de Gomeron
+held one in his left hand, and I was determined to give him no further
+advantage&mdash;he already had the light&mdash;I took my position. Then there
+was an angry little clash and our blades met, looking for all the
+world like two thin streaks of fire in the moonlight. I began the
+attack at once in the lower lines, but soon found that my adversary
+was a master of his weapon, and his defence was complete. We were both
+sober enough now, besides being in deadly earnest, and de Gomeron
+began to change his tactics and attack in his turn. He was more than
+cunning of fence, thrusting high at my throat to get as much of the
+reflection of the moon as possible on his blade, and so dazzle my
+eyes; but this was a game I had played before, and seeing this he
+disengaged, and making a beautiful feint, thrust low in tierce. The
+parry was just in time, but the point of his blade ripped me exactly
+over the heart, and dyed my shirt red with the blood of a flesh wound.
+The discipline of Nicholas and his men went to shreds at the sight of
+this, and there was a shout: '<i>Croix Dieu!</i> He is lost!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But a man's knowledge is not to be counted by his years, and Maître
+Touchet had himself placed a foil in my hand ere I was seven. The hair
+that stood between me and death as de Gomeron's point touched me
+cooled me to ice, and knowing that in a long-continued contest youth
+must tell, I began to feign retreat, and give back slowly, meaning to
+wind my opponent, and work him round to get a little of the moon in
+his eyes. De Gomeron took the bait and pressed his attack, with the
+result that he shifted his position of vantage, and in a while began
+to breathe heavily. At this point a cloud obscured the moonlight, and
+my opponent, springing back, called out: 'Hold! hold till the cloud
+passes! We cannot see.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But I can, messieurs,' answered a deep voice to our right. 'What
+means this fool's work?' and a tall figure, the white line of a drawn
+sword shining in its hand, stepped between us, coming, as it were,
+from nowhere. The cloud passed, and the moon was again brilliant and
+clear. The light fell on the commanding form before us, showing the
+high aquiline features and grizzled hair of de Rône himself. Nicholas
+and his men melted into thin air at the sight, and de Gomeron and I
+stood speechless. The wind caught the black plumes in the General's
+hat, waving them silently in the air, and brought to us the faint
+clink of a chain-bit&mdash;de Rône had evidently stolen upon us on foot,
+leaving his horse at a distance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'So this is how my outposts are kept?' he said. 'M. de Gomeron, you
+are the senior officer here, and I await your explanation. <i>Mordieu!</i>
+It is something that I do this.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I command the guards of the Duc d'Aumale,' began de Gomeron sullenly,
+but de Rône interrupted him in the same deep measured voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I know that. Your explanation, or,' and in fierce anger, 'by God! you
+will hang like a common thief by sunrise.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A gentleman must defend his honour. Orders or no orders. General,
+there are times when one must fight. There was a matter in connection
+with some prisoners, and I was struck by M. d'Auriac. I have nothing
+further to say.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Now, M. d'Auriac, what have you to say?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The prisoners will, perhaps, explain to your Excellency why I struck
+this man.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Take me to them.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We gathered up our belongings, and, hastily dressing, led the way back
+to the hut. What de Gomeron's thoughts were I know not, but my own
+reflections were none of the most cheerful. We all knew de Rône, and
+knew that, his mind once made up, nothing could turn him. De Gomeron
+had some chance of escape, as of a certainty I was the open aggressor;
+but for myself, I saw poor de Gonnor lying under the elm trees, taking
+his last look at the sunlight, and my heart became like lead. But we
+had no great time for thought, as a few steps brought us to the door
+of the hut, where Nicholas and his men stood at the salute with scared
+faces. Another step took us in, and de Rône, with a curling lip, cast
+a glance around the room, at the emptied wine flasks and the dice,
+which latter one of the men had doubtless picked up, and placed in a
+small heap beside the rouleau I had won. But chairs, table, wine
+flasks, and dice were all the room contained, and there was reason
+enough for the extra length of visage that master Nicholas and his
+knaves had pulled.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not see the prisoners,' said de Rône quietly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was not likely, I thought to myself. They were gone&mdash;not a doubt of
+that. On the floor, near my feet, were some cut cords, and, lying on
+them, a knot of black and white ribbon, that had fallen there as if by
+chance. I had seen it last at the shoulder of Madame's dress, and
+something told me it was not there by accident. There was, at any
+rate, no hope for me from the prisoners, but a sudden impulse I could
+not understand, nor, indeed, did I try to, urged me to get the knot of
+ribbon, so, stooping low, I picked up the bow and the cut cords, and,
+with a careless movement, flung the latter on the table, saying
+quietly, 'They have escaped, your Excellency.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And with them your explanation, M. d'Auriac, eh? <i>Corbleu!</i> But the
+camp-marshal will have his hands full to-morrow;' and Nicholas'
+halberd all but fell from his hands as the General's eye rested on
+him. I had nothing to say; and de Rône went on. 'M. de Gomeron, you
+have given me a reason for your conduct that will hold good this once.
+Further orders will reach you at daylight about your neglect of your
+prisoners. As for you,' and he turned on me with the sharp command,
+'Follow me. You&mdash;knaves! fetch me my horse&mdash;he is tethered to the
+clump of elms to the right there.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Two men vanished from the door to do his bidding, and I adjusted my
+attire as well as I might, taking the opportunity to secrete the knot
+of ribbon. In a minute or so we heard the sound of horses' hoofs, and
+as we went out, I saw there were two beasts at the door, and, from the
+whinny of welcome that came to me, that one was mine, and Nicholas was
+at his head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I sprang into the saddle the good fellow leaned forward and
+whispered, 'Make a dash for it. Chevalier, and change the flag.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I shook my head and followed de Rône, who had already moved a few
+paces onwards. And yet, as I rode on, Nicholas' words came back to me
+with an insistent force. It was not possible for me to expect any
+other issue than the worst, after what had happened. My big Norman
+horse was fleet and strong; but a turn of my wrist, a touch of my
+spur, and we should be a hundred yards away before de Rône could
+realise what had happened; and then the road was clear to the banks of
+the Lelle, where the King was himself; yes, the King. He was that to
+me, in my heart, although loyalty to my family and its chiefs had made
+me throw in my lot with the little band of exiles who remained true to
+the dead legend of the League, and preferred to eat the bread of Spain
+rather than accept the great Frenchman who had fought his way to his
+birthright. Even now, whispers were stirring the air that the end was
+coming; that the Archduke was sick of the war; that d'Aumale pined for
+his stately park of Anet; that Mayenne had practically submitted, and
+the Guisard was himself unsteady. If so, why should not I, Alban de
+Breuil, whose crow's nest of Auriac was half in ruins, and who
+reckoned an income of a bare two hundred pistoles, see the error of my
+ways as well? Behind me was safety. In front, between the nodding ears
+of my horse, there dangled a vision of a rope with a noose at the end
+of it; and I a noble!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was now midnight, and we distinctly heard the bells of Ste.
+Geneviève ringing the Sexts. They came to me with a refrain of 'Turn
+and ride, Turn and ride.' <i>Mordieu!</i> but I was sorely tempted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Gallop!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">De Rône's sharp command broke the thread of my thoughts, and ended all
+chance of escape. We set spurs to our horses and splashed through the
+ford of the Oise, a half mile from the outpost. On the other bank a
+picket challenged, and, giving them the word, we rode in the direction
+of the even white line of the camp. A few strides more and we reined
+in at the door of the General's tent. The guard presented arms and I
+received a brief order to dismount and follow de Rône.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I entered the tent, and stood patiently whilst he walked backwards and
+forwards for a little time. Suddenly he stopped and, facing me, said,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Well, M. d'Auriac?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It could not be helped, your Excellency,' I stammered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You said that of de Gonnor, and promised it should never occur
+again&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But there were circumstances&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Pshaw!' he exclaimed, 'I guess them all&mdash;wine&mdash;dice&mdash;women. One of
+the prisoners was a woman. I saw you pick up that knot of ribbon.
+There is no excuse&mdash;<i>Croix Dieu!</i> None.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I had the honour to be the first man behind your Excellency at the
+storm of Laon,' I said, with a happy recollection.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And saved my life, you were going to say,' he cut in. I bowed, and de
+Rône began again to pace up and down, tugging at his short pointed
+beard. I was determined to seize the three hairs occasion offered, and
+continued:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And that was after M. de Gonnor's unfortunate accident.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Accident!' he laughed shortly. 'And that accident having been
+condoned, you want to set off saving my life against breaking the
+orders of the General?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It will not occur again.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Croix Dieu!</i> I will take care of that. It will not occur again with
+you, M. d'Auriac. See here, I will pay my debt; but first ask if I
+have your parole not to attempt escape. If you do not give it&mdash;'and he
+laid his hand on a call-bell, with an inquiring look towards me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I will not attempt escape.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then you will not have to complain of the justice of de Rône.
+To-morrow some things will happen, and amongst them will be the
+lamented death of the Sieur d'Auriac. This much I will tell you.
+To-morrow the King and I meet once more&mdash;you must die on the field.
+Win or lose, if I catch you alive at the close of the day, I will hang
+you as high as Haman; and now go.'</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_02"  href="#div1Ref_02">M. DE RÔNE CANNOT READ A CYPHER</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">My first thought on leaving de Rône was to make my way direct to the
+quarters of the staff, where I felt sure of welcome and accommodation
+for the rest of the night. These lay a hundred toises or so from the
+General's pavilion, facing from me; but as I came near to them I saw a
+pennon of light streaming from the partly open door of the largest
+tent, and from within burst a chorus of voices singing an old
+<i>chanson</i> of Guienne.</p>
+<div class="poem2">
+<p class="t0">
+Frère Jacques, dormez-vous?<br>
+
+Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?<br>
+
+Sonnez les matines, sonnez les matines&mdash;<br>
+
+Bim! Baum! Baum!</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">Bim! Baum! Baum! The last line was repeated amidst peals of laughter,
+followed by the crashing of glass. It was enough for me. I was in no
+mood for any further folly, or any more d'Arbois, and resolved to make
+the best of it in the open, as at this hour it was worse than useless
+to attempt to find my lackey Jacques, whom I had left behind in the
+camp with my belongings when I went on to the outposts. This man, I
+may note, was a faithful servant of our house, rough of manner,
+perhaps, but one who could be trusted to the end of his sword; and it
+was annoying to know that any search for him would be useless, as I
+had a message or so to send to Auriac, in the event of the worst
+happening. But resigning myself to what could not be helped I found a
+spot under some peach trees, which was convenient enough for my
+purpose. Tethering my horse to a stump, I removed the saddle, which I
+made shift to use as a cushion, and, leaning my back against it, was
+soon as comfortable as circumstances would permit. Enough had happened
+to drive from my head any of the fumes of the d'Arbois that may have
+been lurking there. In short, I was as sober as MM. of the High Court
+of Paris, and as wide awake as a cat on the look out for a mouse. Do
+what I could, sleep would not come, and I began, for want of a better
+thing, to reflect on my position. To act on Nicholas' advice and
+desert was out of the question; my private honour was not to be
+smirched, and the few hours I had yet to live were not to be spent in
+the breaking of my faith. A few hours to live! Involuntarily I
+stretched out my arm and drew it back, feeling the muscle rise at the
+movement. Good Lord! It was cruel! When one is five-and-twenty, and
+strong as a bull, it is hard to die. One death, that on the field, I
+could face with an equal mind; but if the chances of to-morrow were
+not kind, then there was the other matter, and the last of the
+d'Auriacs would swing like a <i>croquemort</i> from the branch of a tree.
+<i>Morbleu!</i> It was not to be borne, and I swore that my own hand should
+free my soul, rather than it should choke its way out to eternity at
+the end of a greased rope. The slight flesh wound I had received from
+de Gomeron beginning to sting at this moment, I thrust my hand into my
+pocket, and pulling out my kerchief, placed it over the spot. With the
+kerchief I drew out the knot of ribbon, and the sight of this, as I
+picked it up and held it between my fingers, changed the current of my
+thoughts. Almost in spite of myself I began to think of Madame, as I
+called her, by the only name I knew. It was a strangely formal title
+for one so young! Who was she? Some great lady of the court, perhaps.
+The wife&mdash;the thought jarred on me, and I put it aside, and then grew
+cold all over at the recollection of the danger she had escaped. At
+any rate, it was my hand that had rescued her from her peril. If we
+met again, it must surely be as friends, and it was pleasant to dwell
+on that. As my mind ran on in this way, I noticed a pin attached to
+the dainty bow, and at first I had a mind to fasten the token to the
+side of my hat, saying half aloud to myself, '<i>Par Dieu!</i> But I will
+bear this favour to the King to-morrow,' and then I felt I had no
+right to wear the ribbon, and, changing my intention to do so, thrust
+it back with a half smile at my folly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gradually the moonlight faded into a shimmering mist, through which
+purple shadows came and went; gradually the mist grew darker and
+darker, and I fell asleep. My sleep could not have lasted much more
+than an hour; but so profound was it that ages seemed to have passed
+when I awoke with a start, and the consciousness of movement around
+me. The moon was on the wane; but I saw that the camp was astir, and
+that the men were being mustered as silently as possible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'So things are about to happen,' I said to myself, recalling de Rône's
+words, and hastily saddling my horse, sprang on his back, and moved
+towards the General's tent. All around me was the muffled tramp of
+feet, the jingle of chain-bits and steel scabbards, the plunging of
+impatient horses, and a subdued hum of voices, above which rose now
+and again a hoarse word of command, as regiment after regiment wheeled
+into position on the level stretch before us. Three long black lines
+were moving noiselessly and rapidly towards the Oise. I knew they were
+de Leyva's brigade of Spanish infantry, veterans of the war of
+Flanders. To my right the occasional flash of a lance-head through the
+thick haze that was coming up, but which the morning sun would
+dissipate, showed me where the cuirassiers of Aumale were, and I
+thought of de Gomeron with regret that I had not finished him before
+de Rône's inopportune arrival. I had to die, and it might have been
+some consolation, in such mood was I, to have sent Adam de Gomeron on
+the dark way before me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I reached the General's pavilion de Rône was just mounting his
+horse, a lackey standing near with a sputtering torch, and his staff
+in a little clump, a few yards away. I saluted, and he gave me a keen
+look, saying:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'So you have come, M. d'Auriac&mdash;take your place with the staff. I will
+give you your work later on&mdash;and remember.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am not likely to forget, M. le Marquis,' and I moved off in the
+direction indicated.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Is that you, d'Auriac?' 'Why have you left the outposts?'
+'<i>Sangdieu!</i> but why did you not come to us last night?' 'How is M. de
+Réthelois, and have you seen the abbess of Ste. Geneviève?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">These and suchlike greetings met me as I was recognised and welcomed
+by de Belin, the young Tavannes, de Cosse-Brissac, and others of my
+acquaintance. I replied as best I might, but there was no time for
+much talk, as the General was moving onwards at a rapid pace, and we
+were compelled to follow at once. I dropped a little to the rear, to
+husband the strength of my horse as far as possible, and was joined by
+another rider.
+<br>
+^Is that you, Belin?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ma foi!</i> Yes. It is the devil being hustled up so early in the
+morning&mdash;I am yet but half awake.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I was surprised to find you here. I thought you were with the
+Archduke and de Mayenne.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What! have you not heard?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What in the devil's name could I hear on those cursed outposts?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then in your ear&mdash;the Rémois have gone from us, and de Mayenne and
+the Guisard have passed over to the King. My news is certain, and the
+Archduke has sent a cypher to de Rône bidding him retreat at once on
+Amiens.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But this does not look like a retreat.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No; de Rône has lost the key of the cypher.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We both laughed, and Belin went on: 'It was droll. I saw him receive
+the message, which the old fox must have read at a glance. But he
+turned it this way and that, and looking at Egmont, said as calmly as
+possible, &quot;Ride back to Amiens and fetch me the key. I have lost mine
+and cannot follow the cypher&quot;&mdash;but hark!' and Belin interrupted
+himself, 'there is de Réthelois' good morning.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Even as he spoke three bright flashes came from the citadel of La
+Fère, and the big guns from the bastion of Ste. Geneviève boomed
+sullenly into the morning. Then a long streak of fire ran across the
+grey mist, followed by the angry crackle of the petronels, above which
+the reports of the bombards of the trench-masters, as they replied to
+de Réthelois' artillery, sounded like strokes on a war drum.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ventre St. Gris!</i> The Spaniards have drawn first blood, Belin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'M. d'Auriac!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">De Rône's voice stopped any further talk, and I spurred to his side.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My compliments to the Condé de Leyva and ask him not to waste time
+spitting at de Réthelois&mdash;tell him to leave a sufficient force to
+hold the garrison in check, and move across the river towards St.
+Gobains&mdash;report yourself to me at the ford.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I galloped off, and when I reached the Spaniard, whom I found with
+some difficulty, I discovered that he had already anticipated de
+Rône's orders, and had besides almost cut off a sortie from the city.
+There was nothing for it, therefore, but to wish de Leyva a pleasant
+day and to go on to the ford.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And now a pale band of orange stretched across the east, and daylight
+rapidly came. A fair breeze sprang up with the sun, blowing the vapour
+into long feathery clouds that rolled slowly to the west. So heavy was
+the fire de Réthelois kept up from the citadel that its square keep
+was entirely hidden by the smoke; but as I rode towards the ford down
+the long slope that ended in the Red Mill, I saw on my right the whole
+of de Rône's army, advancing to the river in long even columns, and on
+my left, where they appeared to have sprung up by magic, two strong
+bodies of cavalry, whilst behind them, marching as rapidly as our own
+troops, and in as perfect order, came the men of Arques and Ivry, of
+Fontaine Française, and all the hundred fights of Henry of Navarre.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">By this time I had come to the outpost, and found the thatched roof of
+the cottage in flames, the result of a stray shell that had dropped
+through it, and blown down half of the remaining walls. It was clearly
+empty, but as I trotted past the thorn hedge I saw, about fifty paces
+or so to my right, a single horseman under a tree. His hands were tied
+behind him, and a cord, which hung from a branch overhead, ended in a
+noose secured lightly but firmly round his neck. His position was such
+that if the horse moved away from beneath him he would hang, and the
+poor wretch was absorbed in coaxing the animal to remain steady; but
+the trooper he bestrode had already scented the coming battle. His
+ears were cocked, his tail held out in an arch, and he was pawing at
+the ground with his forefoot. I could not hear what the man was
+saying, but his lips were moving, I doubt not with mingled prayers and
+curses, and I could see that he was trying to restrain the animal by
+the pressure of his knees. Another look showed me it was Nicholas, the
+sergeant, and knowing there was little leisure to lose if the knave
+was to be saved, I put spurs to my beast and headed towards him. I was
+just in time, for as I started the old trooper gave a loud neigh,
+flourished his heels in the air, and galloped off towards the enemy,
+with his mane and tail streaming in the wind. A touch of my sword
+freed Nicholas, but it was a narrow affair, and he lay gasping on the
+ground, and as he lay there I noticed that his ears had been cropped
+close to his head, and that the wounds were quite fresh. He recovered
+himself in about a minute, for the dog was tough as leather, and was
+about to pour forth his thanks and tell me how he came in such plight,
+but, sincerely sorry as I was, I had to cut him short.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Keep the story for another day, Nicholas,' I said, 'and follow the
+example of your horse, who I see is a loyal subject, and has gone
+straight back to the King.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With these words I spurred onwards, leaving Nicholas to follow my
+advice or not, as he listed. I had gathered enough, however, to find
+out that he was a victim to M. de Gomeron's ingenious humour. Little
+did I think, however, when I saved this poor fellow how amply I would
+be re-quited hereafter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I reached the ford just before the General, and saw that our right
+flank had already crossed the river in the far distance. Opposite us
+the Royalists appeared to be in some confusion; but in a moment they
+were restored to order, and moved steadily on.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The King is there,' burst out Belin, and a grim smile passed over de
+Rône's features as he nodded his head slightly in token of assent. As
+Belin spoke a group of about half a dozen riders galloped from the
+enemy's van, and, coming straight towards us, halted a bare hundred
+paces or so from the river bank. The leading horseman was mounted on a
+bay charger, and it needed not a second glance, nor a look at the
+white plumes in his helmet, to tell that it was Henry himself. Close
+beside him was a short, dark, thick-set man, with the jewel of the
+Order of France at his neck. He managed the grey he rode with infinite
+skill, and with his drawn sword pointed towards us, seemed to be
+urging something on the King.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Who is that?' I asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The King's viper,' answered Belin, 'who will sting him some day: do
+you not know Biron? <i>Mordieu!</i>' he added, turning to de Rône, 'shall
+we end the war, General; we could do it with a bit of lead that
+wouldn't cost the tenth part of a tester?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">De Rône's brown cheek paled at the words, and for an instant he seemed
+to hesitate, and I could well understand his temptation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No,' he replied&mdash;'<i>drop that</i>,' he thundered to a musketeer who was
+poising his piece, and the man fell back with a disappointed air.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Peste!</i>' grumbled Belin, 'we might have all been in Paris within the
+week, whereas now it will take a fortnight at the least.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Or a month, or a year, or never&mdash;eh, Belin,' gibed de Tavannes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Do you think the fair Angelique will be constant?' asked another.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Belin glanced at the laced favour in his hat with a smile, and
+answered: 'God bless our ladies! They know how to be constant&mdash;see
+there, messieurs,' and he pointed to a single figure, mounted on a
+barb, that rode out of the French lines and galloped forward, alone
+and unattended, to the side of the King. We saw as the barb approached
+that the figure was that of a woman, and, moreover, that of a very
+beautiful woman. She was dressed in a hunting habit of dark green,
+with a black hat and black feathers, under which we could see the
+light of her fair hair. As she reined up beside the King, Henry turned
+to her, as if expostulating, but she bent forward suddenly and kissed
+his hand, and then with charming courtesy took out her kerchief and
+waved it at us in dainty greeting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">''Tis Gabrielle, the Duchesse de Beaufort herself!' exclaimed de
+Tavannes, and then gave tongue in a ringing cheer, which was taken up
+by us all, and rolled down the long line of battle, till its echoes
+reached us from even the furthest wings.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">De Rône lifted his plumed hat in response to Madame d'Estrées'
+greeting, and the King, bowing slightly to us from his saddle, put his
+hand on the barb's reins, and turning the horse's head, galloped his
+mistress to a place of safety. As they reached the mound whereon the
+royal guidon was displayed, we heard the opening bars of the Pont
+d'Audemer march, and as they ceased a red tongue of flame licked out
+from behind a cornfield and a masked battery opened on us.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_03"  href="#div1Ref_03">THE RED CORNFIELD</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">'M. le Marquis, the Condé de Leyva begs for help urgently.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Tell him I have none to give,' de Rône made answer from his big black
+charger Couronne. '<i>Sangdieu!</i>' he added under his breath, 'had we
+been but three hours earlier the Béarnais was lost.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words were hardly out of his mouth when the cavalier to whom they
+were addressed threw up his arms with a scream, and falling forward
+from his horse, began to beat at the earth convulsively with his
+hands, whilst he gasped out his life. As the death glaze was covering
+his eyes, his empty saddle was filled by a figure that rose up like a
+sprite through the dim smoke, and Belin's even voice was heard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Poor Garabay! But my horse was shot under me an hour ago, and this
+one will do me excellently. Shall I carry your message, General?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I claim the honour. Marquis; do not deny me, Belin. I have been idle
+too long,' and I pressed forward as I spoke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh, I yield to you, d'Auriac! there is work enough for me at the
+other end; the bear of Aumale is dancing to a fine tune there,' and
+Belin reined back, whilst de Rône nodded assent, with a meaning in his
+look that I alone understood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I needed no second bidding, but turning my Norman's rein, galloped
+down the blazing line of battle. If I escaped through the day, which
+to my mind was already lost, I knew full well that de Rône, smarting
+under disappointment and chagrin at defeat, would be in no temper for
+mercy, and would certainly keep his word to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was not a doubt of it, but that the issue of the day was at a
+crisis. On our extreme right d'Aumale and the exiles of France were
+pitted against the Huguenot battalions, who went into battle with a
+hymn on their lips, and had sworn by the faith for which so many of
+them had died never to quit the field alive. Be sure they strove
+bitterly there, for the hatreds of sixty years had met face to face on
+their last field, and no quarter was asked or given. In the centre
+Bouillon, the Turenne of other days, and Biron&mdash;men whose very names
+were victory&mdash;led the attack, which was slowly but surely driving us
+back into the river. At one time indeed the fiery marshal, with the
+exception of the King perhaps the most brilliant cavalry leader of the
+age, had all but laid hands on our standard, and so close was he to me
+that I might have counted the jewels of the Order at his neck, and
+clearly heard his deep '<i>Mordieu!</i>' as he slowly gave way before the
+desperate rally that for the moment retrieved the day. But it was on
+our left that the greatest danger lay. Henry's rapid movement during
+the night had forestalled de Rône's plans, and had practically shut in
+the left wing of the Leaguer general between two fires. For although
+de Réthelois was penned into La Fère, yet his artillery had a long
+reach and galled us in the rear, whilst the King, fully grasping the
+situation, opened a heavy fire on our front, and that terrible battery
+from the cornfield never ceased launching forth its messages of death.
+These guns, no longer hidden by the tall corn-stalks, now beaten and
+trampled down, and as red as the poppies that once starred them, were
+in reality deciding the fortune of the day. Twice had de Leyva in
+person brought the veteran regiments of Almagro and Algarve up to
+their very muzzles, until the men could have touched them with their
+Biscay pikes, and twice had they been flung back, but made good their
+retreat, beating off the charge of Schomberg's reiters in so savage a
+manner that the free commander was unable to rally his men for the
+rest of the day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I let my beast go with a loose head, and there was no need of the spur
+to urge him to his utmost effort as he bore me to de Leyva. I found
+him bare-headed and on foot, his face black with smoke and bleeding
+from wounds. His <i>toison d'or</i> had been shot away, though its jewelled
+collar still clasped his neck, and his left arm hung useless by his
+side. He stared at me when I gave him de Rône's answer, to which I
+added the news that Garabay was dead. Then he laughed through his
+cracked lips&mdash;a laugh that seemed to stick in the knot of his throat,
+and making me no further reply, waved his sword in the air with a cry
+on his men for yet another effort, and a forlorn hope at the guns. And
+they who had never known defeat before answered to his call and came
+up again&mdash;a line of men for whom the bitterness of death was passed. I
+ought to have gone back to de Rône, but the lust of battle was on me,
+and for me there was nothing in the world but the black guns behind
+the continuous flashes, lightening through the thick smoke which the
+wind was blowing in our faces. My brave horse was killed by a round
+shot, and as I scrambled up and took my place by de Leyva's side, his
+features relaxed and he said with a thin smile:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have had both my horses killed, Chevalier, or would offer you a
+mount.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We will replace them from Schomberg's reiters,' and the bugles,
+sounding the attack, cut short all further talk. It was win or lose
+now&mdash;all was staked upon this hazard, and it was well for us that
+Schomberg was broken, for to protect the men as far as possible from
+the guns, de Leyva advanced in open files. There was to be no firing.
+The work was to be all cold steel, and Bayonne knife and Biscay pike
+were to make a last effort against the long, black, snarling guns,
+behind which d'Aussonville's ordnance men yelped and danced with glee
+as each discharge brought down its tale of the mangled and dead. But
+up the long slope, never flinching, never swerving, one man stepping
+where another fell, the veteran regiments marched, with their gallant
+chief at their head. When about fifty paces away, the drift was so
+thick that we could see nothing save the incessant flashes of light,
+which possessed but power enough to show themselves. At this moment
+the bugles rang out shrilly, the ranks closed up like magic, there was
+one tremendous roar of artillery, and the half of us that were left
+were in the battery. Here, on the red and slippery corn-stalks, the
+devilry went on, and men fought more like beasts than human beings. As
+the heaving mass swayed backwards and forwards, the strong breeze
+lifted the smoke from the now speechless guns and showed that they
+were won, but it also showed us another sight, and that was de Rône's
+broken centre doubling back upon us in utter rout, and behind them a
+silver line of shining helmets as the King's House charged, led by
+Henry himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On they came, a dancing line of light, a gleam of shining swords, with
+the white plume of the bravest of them full three lengths in front.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Vive le Roi!</i>' The breeze flung us the deep-mouthed cheer as they
+broke through the mailed ranks of de Rône's own cuirassiers, and drove
+horse and foot, knight and knave, in a huddled mob before them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It may have been fancy, but I thought I saw in the press a dark figure
+that suddenly turned the reins of a huge, black charger and flew at
+the King. For an instant two bright sword blades crossed in the air,
+and then the black horse plunged riderless into the grey spate of
+smoke that the wind was bearing westwards, and a groan as of despair
+fell on my ears.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Vive le Roi!</i>' Once again came the full-throated cry, and the bay
+horse was galloping towards us, followed by the line of swords, no
+longer shining, but dulled and red with the slaughter they had made.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From a heap of dead and dying that lay about two yards off me, a
+figure, so hideous with wounds that it seemed barely human, rose to a
+sitting posture, and then staggering to its feet, swayed backwards and
+forwards, with the fragment of a sword still clutched in its hand.
+With a supreme effort it steadied itself, and as the poor, mad eyes,
+alive with pain, caught sight of the enemy, they lit again with the
+fire of battle, and de Leyva's voice rang out strong and clear as of
+old:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The guns&mdash;the guns&mdash;turn them on the King!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'They are spiked,' someone gave answer, with a grim, hopeless laugh.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he heard this reply, de Leyva slipped sideways, and would have
+fallen had I not sprang forward and supported him with my arm. He
+leaned his smitten frame against me for a moment, and something that
+was like a sob burst from him. But he recovered himself on the
+instant, and with the strength so often given to those who are about
+to die, pushed me aside with an oath, and shaking his broken blade in
+the face of the advancing line, fell forwards in a huddled mass, a
+dead man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The next moment the enemy were on us. We met them with a row of pikes;
+but what could we do, for we were few in number, weary with the long
+struggle, and weak with wounds? The issue was never in doubt, and they
+broke us at once. I have a vague memory of fighting for dear life
+amidst a thunder of hoofs, and the hissing sweep of swords, but was
+ridden down by some one, and all became dark around me.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="W20">
+
+
+<p class="normal">When my mind came back, it was with the consciousness of rain
+that was
+falling softly, and the cool drops plashed on my burning head with a
+sensation of relief that I cannot describe. I suffered from an
+intolerable thirst, and strove to rise that I might find means to
+quench it; but found I was powerless to move, and writhed in my agony
+in the rut amidst the corn-stalks wherein I had fallen. The rain was
+but a passing shower, and when it ceased a light but cool breeze
+sprang up. It was night, and a fitful moon shone through the uneasy
+clouds that hurried to and fro overhead in the uncertain breeze, which
+shifted its quarter as often as a child might change its mind. I
+seemed to be alive only in the head, and began to wonder to myself how
+long I was to lie there until death came, and with it the end of all
+things. I began to wish it would come quickly, and there was a secret
+whispering in my soul to pray&mdash;to pray to the God of whom I had never
+thought since childhood&mdash;to entreat that Invisible Being, at whose
+existence I had so often laughed, to stoop from above the stars and
+end my pain, and I cursed myself for a white-livered cur that forgot
+the Godhead in my strength, and in my weakness could almost have
+shrieked to him for help. I pulled my fainting courage up, as I
+thought that if there was no God, it was useless wasting my breath in
+calling on him, whilst if, on the other hand, there was one, no prayer
+of mine could go higher than my sword's point, were I to hold the
+blade out at arm's length above me&mdash;and now that the end was coming, I
+was not going to cringe and whimper. So my sinful pride caught me by
+the heel as I lay there in my dolour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A half-hour or so may have passed thus, and the moon was now almost
+entirely obscured. Occasionally I could hear through the darkness
+around me the moaning of some poor wounded wretch, and now and again
+rose the shrill discordant shriek of a maimed horse, an awful cry of
+pain, the effect of which those only who may have heard it can
+understand. Soon a number of twinkling lights began to hover over the
+plain. Sometimes they moved forward rapidly, sometimes they were
+raised and lowered, and at other times stationary. Gradually two of
+these lanthorns came closer to me, stopping about ten paces off, and
+when I saw who bore them I knew at once they were death-hunters, and
+that in a few moments the knife of one of these ghouls might end my
+suffering. There were two of these fiends, a man and a woman, and as
+they halted the man stooped: there was a choking cry for mercy, the
+blow of a dagger, and a groan. The robber busied himself in searching
+the dead man's person, and, in the silence that followed, the woman
+with him threw up her head and laughed a horrid shrill laugh. It
+pealed out with so eerie a sound that the death-hunter sprang to his
+feet; but finding who it was, burst into the foulest language.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Sangdieu!</i> Be still, fool,' he snarled, 'or you'll laugh another way
+if I tickle you with my knife.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh, ho! The brave Mauginot,' answered the she-devil, 'you will tickle
+me with your butcher knife&mdash;will you? I, too, can make you skip,' and
+she shook a bright dagger in her long lean arm, but suddenly changing
+her tone, 'Pouf!' she said, 'there is no use in squabbling, partner.
+This is the sixth we have helped to hell to-night, and not a broad
+piece amongst them. Holy Virgin! This is a field of paupers&mdash;let us
+begone!' and to my joy she made as if to go.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Stay Babette! what shines there?' and Mauginot ran forward a couple
+of paces, and bending low wrenched something from a body, and then
+stood up, holding it to the light.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw his face clearly, and saw also his prize. It was poor de Leyva's
+collar of the Golden Fleece, and the blood-stained hand of the
+<i>croquemort</i> held it up to the lantern, and clinked the jewelled
+links, whilst he feasted his eyes on the gold and gems. Over his
+shoulders peered the pitiless features of his partner, and in her eyes
+blazed all the bad light of avarice and murder. I almost held my
+breath as I watched the eyes of the woman leave the jewel and turn on
+the man with death in their look. As for him, he was unconscious of
+the knife quivering in the nervous fingers behind him, and he chuckled
+over his find.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That is the collar of the <i>Toison d'Or</i>, Babette. <i>Sacre chien!</i> But
+I will wed you, and we will buy an estate and settle down, and you
+will be Madame de Mauginot&mdash;hey! That carrion there must have been a
+great prince&mdash;a field of paupers&mdash;bah! Give me more paupers like this.
+I am sorry he is dead, Babette, I would like to have&mdash;Ah, <i>mon
+Dieu!</i>&mdash;you devil! you devil!' for as he babbled on, his words were
+cut short by Babette's knife, which was buried to the hilt between his
+shoulder-blades, and he fell on his knees and then lurched on his face
+stone dead. The murderess made a snatch at the jewel, which I saw her
+conceal, and then with a mocking 'Adieu, M. <i>de</i> Mauginot!' to her
+victim, stepped over my body and moved out of sight, swinging her
+lantern, and laughing low to herself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I watched this hideous scene, I for the moment forgot the pain of
+my hurts; but they soon began to assert themselves in such a manner
+that I longed for the relief that unconsciousness would afford, nor
+indeed would I have been sorry if the night-hag, Babette, had come
+back and put an end to me. My senses half failed me again, and I felt
+myself tottering on the brink of delirium. I caught myself shouting
+and speaking out aloud in a mad manner; but I had no power of stopping
+myself. So the long hours of the night passed, and at last it was dawn
+once more, and morning came.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Lying with my ear against the ground, I heard the dull beat of horses'
+hoofs, growing louder and more distinct as they approached, and in a
+little time the party, whoever they were, rode into the cornfield. For
+a second my eyes were dazzled by the reflection of the sun on the
+silver-plate of their armour; but I recovered myself with an effort,
+and watched eagerly, intending to cry out for help as they passed me,
+for my voice was too weak to reach where they were. There were two
+ladies amongst them, and all appeared to be looking with much concern
+and anxiety for some one. As they came closer I saw it was the King
+himself, with Madame Gabrielle and another lady, doubtless of the
+court, and a numerous retinue. Henry was mounted on his famous bay
+charger; and, as he lifted his hat and looked silently around him, I
+had good opportunity of observing the man who was without doubt the
+most heroic figure of the age, and who united in himself the most
+opposite extremes of character. I saw before me a spare figure, the
+head covered with short black hair, a long hooked nose that fell over
+the upper lip, and a sharp protruding chin, half hidden in a beard
+tinged with grey. His long curled moustaches were white as snow, and
+the story went that they had become so on the night when the Edicts of
+Pacification were revoked by the last of the Valois. Under his bushy
+eyebrows his keen restless eyes glittered like two beads, but for the
+moment they seemed dilated with a soft light, and there was an
+infinite sadness in them as he looked round the bloody field.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am afraid we search in vain, madame,' and a tall cavalier mounted
+on a big bay addressed Madame de Beaufort. She nodded her head to him
+sadly, and turned to the King.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is useless, sire, and I can bear this no longer&mdash;it is too
+horrible&mdash;let us go.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Mignonne</i>, you are right&mdash;this is no place for you. Roquelaure will
+see you and your little friend there back, and I will come to you
+soon&mdash;but now I have a letter to write&mdash;just a few lines to Béarn.'
+The King spoke with a strong southern accent, and as he spoke leaned
+forward and caressed Madame Gabrielle's hand. She, however, declined
+to go. 'I will wait, sire, but it shall be with my eyes shut,' and the
+King's mistress, whose cheeks were very pale, put her hand to her eyes
+as if to shut out the sight around her. The lady with Madame de
+Beaufort coming nearer at this time, I recognised my unknown Madame of
+the outposts, who had evidently found her way back to her friends. But
+it was with a bitter disappointment that I saw her in the company of
+the duchess, and evidently in attendance on her. Madame was nothing to
+me I thought, but I could not associate her with the fallen woman who
+was the mistress of the King. I was learning the lesson that love
+comes on a man like a thief in the night, and, unconsciously to
+myself, Madame had climbed on a pinnacle in my heart, and the thought
+that I had deceived myself in my estimate of her moved me to sudden
+anger, and stilled the cry for help that was rising to my lips&mdash;I
+would have no help from her and her friends.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the meantime the King was busily engaged in writing his despatch on
+a small tablet, which he rested on the pommel of his saddle, and as he
+wrote he repeated the words aloud, and the purport of the note, which
+was to de la Force at Pau, was to send him a dozen young peach-trees,
+carefully packed in mould, each in a tin case one foot long, these to
+be planted in his gardens of St. Germain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he was thus engaged, a little shrivelled old man pushed his horse
+beside Madame de Beaufort, and said in mincing tones as hard as steel.
+'Come, madame, your brother has met a soldier's death, and no
+Frenchman can hope for a better&mdash;or he is safe and well somewhere. Dry
+your tears, and rejoice at the glorious victory we have won.' The
+duchess made some answer in a broken voice, and the King, hearing her,
+stopped writing and put his tablet away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>M'amye!</i> D'Ayen speaks rightly, though he speaks from the head. God
+keep us from more scenes like this. As for your brother, de
+C&oelig;uvres, I will not rest till there is news of him; but now we can
+do no more. Come, then&mdash;open your pretty eyes and we will go&mdash;there is
+much on hand.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was a hot-headed fool and furious in those days, and I set my teeth
+together grimly as they made ready to start, swearing I would rather
+die than make the slightest signal for aid. They rode past quite close
+to me&mdash;Gabrielle weeping at the King's bridle hand, and his Majesty
+sucking at a nectarine he had pulled from his holster. Madame was
+immediately behind, and as she came up to me, our eyes met with an
+instant recognition. In a moment her cheek had crimsoned and paled,
+and she reined in with a cry:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Stop&mdash;halt!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is Louis&mdash;Louis&mdash;O God, no!' exclaimed Madame de Beaufort,
+swinging round, the glad note in her voice breaking as she saw I was
+not her brother, de C&oelig;uvres; but Madame had already dismounted and
+was holding my head up, and gently passing a handkerchief over my
+face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They had all surrounded me now, and I heard quick orders given.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He is past mending,' said d'Ayen, bending over me from his saddle, 'a
+gentleman, too, it seems. Let him lie there&mdash;he will die very soon,
+poor devil!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Mon Dieu!</i> No!' broke in the duchess, and Madame looked at the
+speaker with a cold contempt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He is the only man living here,' and the strong accent of the
+Béarnais came as from a distance; '<i>Ventre-saint-Gris!</i> But they
+fought like paladins, and Frenchman or foreigner, he shall be saved if
+it can be done.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Sire,' said a soft voice, 'you are the true King of the brave.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then two men-at-arms raised me with a rough gentleness on their
+crossed spears, and inflicted on me in their kindness the most
+infinite torture. The King himself pressed a flask of wine to my lips,
+and, as I drank greedily, two cool hands held up my head. Then we
+moved on slowly, Madame refusing to ride, but walking by my side, and
+supporting my burning head.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_04"  href="#div1Ref_04">THE CHATEAU DE LA BIDACHE</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">Months had passed since I shook hands with death in the cornfield by
+the banks of the Oise, and the grass was tall and green on the mounds
+around La Fère which marked the graves of those who had fought and
+died there, in reality for the hand of Spain, in spirit for the League
+that was dead. It was autumn now, and as I, well and strong again,
+walked down the long avenue of beeches that led to the park gates of
+Bidache, I let my memory run back to the days in the hospital of Ste.
+Geneviève, whither I was borne from the field; to the soft-voiced,
+gentle-handed sisters of mercy; to the physician Marescot, the King's
+own leech, with his acid face and kind heart, who doctored me; and
+above all to the tall, slight, black-robed figure that came to see me
+daily, and for whose coming I used to long, in the dreary hours of my
+pain, with an infinite desire. I argued with myself on the absurdity
+of the thing&mdash;here was I, hardened by ten years of campaigning which
+ought to have taught me the world, conquered out of hand by the glance
+of a pair of bright eyes, and the tones of a sweet voice. As the days
+wore on, I cursed myself for the unworthy suspicions that had come to
+me and tied my tongue when I lay wounded, and was rescued by chance,
+and her charity. Who or what she was I cared not, and recklessly
+abandoned myself to the feelings that were aroused in my heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I shall not forget what happened one afternoon. A long gallery in the
+convent of Ste. Geneviève had been turned into a ward, and here the
+wounded lay on pallets with a walking space between. Owing to Madame's
+kindness I was comfortably quartered at the end of the gallery, and a
+screen had been set between me and the other patients. I was gaining
+strength daily, and, at the moment I speak of, was in a state between
+sleeping and waking, when I heard a laugh and the sound of footsteps,
+and saw through the partly open wing of the screen that my lady had
+come to make her daily rounds, not attended as usual only by her
+women, but by a gaily-dressed cavalier as well, and it was his laugh
+that I had heard. In this person, dressed in the extreme of fashion, I
+made out M. d'Ayen, the same who had so kindly suggested that I should
+be left to die in the field. He pattered along, holding a kerchief
+edged with gold lace to his nose, and ever and again waving it in the
+air, whilst he spoke in a loud tone, regardless of the looks cast at
+him by the sisters in attendance on the wounded. They came slowly
+towards me, for Madame stayed constantly to speak to some maimed
+wretch, and I saw her slip money into the hands of some, and there
+were kind words for all. I felt a strange pleasure in watching her,
+whilst at the same time I thought of my past, and how unfit I was even
+to nurse such a dream as my love for her. When within a yard or so of
+the screen, Madame bent over a sufferer, and d'Ayen exclaimed in his
+biting voice&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i> Madame! But you are the Princess of Charity. Let us hasten
+to your interesting patient, however. His Majesty is most anxious to
+hear of him.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'His Majesty has never done me the honour to inquire,' she answered
+coldly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You could hardly expect that, madame. But it came about in this way.
+We were at flux, and as usual I held a bad cascade&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Madame, to whom his presence was unwelcome, waited to hear no
+more, and passing the screen, came to my side, and would have spoken;
+d'Ayen, however, cut in with a rudeness for which I could have run him
+through.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My compliments, M. d'Auriac. You are a lucky man. The King takes so
+great an interest in you that he has charged me with a message to you.
+His Majesty bids me say,' and his bead-like eyes twinkled down on me
+from his painted cheeks, and then turned slily towards Madame.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I waited for him to continue, and he went on, talking as if his words
+were meant for Madame as well.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'His Majesty trusts you will soon be recovered, and relieve Madame de
+la Bidache from the strain of watching you, and begs me to add that he
+is of a temper that can brook no rival in war&mdash;or love. Let me say, on
+my own account, that it would be well if M. le Chevalier would take a
+change of air.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I looked from one to another in blank amaze&mdash;at the little ape with
+his cruel eyes, and at Madame, who was still as a stone. Then she
+coloured to her eyelids, her hands fell clenched to her side, and she
+turned on d'Ayen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Such a message, monsieur, should not have been delivered before me. I
+will take care that M. d'Auriac has a change of air; and, monsieur,
+your presence oppresses me. I beg you will not trouble to escort me
+farther.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then she turned from us and passed down the ward, but d'Ayen remained.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I will kill you for this,' I gasped.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked at me with a shrug of his lean shoulders.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Perhaps&mdash;I am old. But you would do well to take my advice,
+monsieur,' and with a bow he too turned and went.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was left lost in wonder, utterly in the dark as to what this all
+meant, but determined to find out and bring d'Ayen to book at the
+first chance. I made up my mind to ask the next day. The next day
+came; but Madame did not, and then another and yet another day of
+dreariness passed. At last someone, I forget who, told me she had gone
+with the court to Nantes, and that I would see her no more. Later on,
+when Marescot came to me, I begged the favour of his getting me the
+knot of ribbon he would find in the lefthand breast pocket of the
+doublet I wore on the day I was brought into the hospital.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are getting well,' he said, and turned away, but came back in a
+little with a wrinkled smile on his lips, 'I cannot find the cordial
+you want, Chevalier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had half raised my head in expectancy as he returned, but sank back
+again at his words, and Marescot went on in his low voice that sounded
+like the humming of a bee. 'M. le Chevalier, that bow of ribbon has
+gone away, so high up that a taller man than you could not reach it.
+Forget it. But I have news for you, which the clumsy fool who told you
+of Madame's departure should have given you: you are to go to Bidache
+shortly, and stay there until you are well again. It will not be for
+long. After that, try the tonic of the Italian war. France will be all
+ploughshares now that the King is king.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I caught him by the sleeve of his soutane. 'Tell me,' I said weakly,
+'who is Madame, where is Bidache?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Madame, as we all call her, is Claude de Rochemars, widow of Antoine
+de la Tremouille, and heiress of Bidache, Pelouse, and a quarter of
+the Cevennes. Bidache, where you go, is her chateau in Normandy.
+Madame,' he went on with a ghost of a smile on his thin lips, 'is
+kindness itself. Now no more talk for to-day.' Then he went, and I lay
+back, as sore in mind as in body.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In a day or so Madame's steward of Bidache arrived, bearing a letter
+from her, in which, as a poor return for the service I had done
+her&mdash;so she put it&mdash;she placed her Norman chateau at my disposal until
+I was well again. I had a mind to refuse; but in my state could summon
+up no such resolution, and, muttering my thanks to the steward, said
+they could do what they listed with me. They moved me here by easy
+stages, carrying me in a litter as I was too weak to ride, and when I
+came to Bidache, and was borne to my apartments, imagine my joy and
+surprise at seeing there my knave Jacques, whom I thought to be either
+dead or home again at Auriac; and not only Jacques, but hanging on the
+wall my own sword, and the sight of it was like meeting a tried
+friend. Later on, Jacques informed me that after the rout he had made
+the best of his way back to the old rock, and stayed there, hoping for
+news of me. At last it came, with orders for him to hurry to Bidache,
+and he did so, bearing with him such things as he thought I needed, as
+well as a hundred pistoles of rents, the same being half the sum due
+to me for my rights over the fish in the bay of Auriac. As for the
+sword, it had been given to him on his arrival by Madame's orders to
+keep for me. I had come to a low ebb by this, and the money was trebly
+welcome, as it would furnish me with a couple of horses, and leave a
+round sum besides when I left Bidache, which I meant to do as soon as
+ever I was fit to travel. And now the time had come for me to depart,
+and I was to start that evening. For forty crowns Jacques had picked
+up a couple of stout cobs at Evreux, and we meant to leave an hour or
+so before sundown and make for Paris, where, if the King would accept
+an old leaguer's sword, we would stay; if not, the world was wide. I
+was as far as ever from understanding the strange message that M.
+d'Ayen had delivered to me, and felt myself safe in going to Paris, as
+a general amnesty covered all our sins of rebellion&mdash;so they were
+called now.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So absorbed was I in these thoughts, that I did not mark the rapid
+approach of a horseman, nor indeed was I aware of his presence until,
+when within a few yards of me, he reigned in his plunging beast, whose
+bit and neck were white with foam, and lifting his hat respectfully,
+inquired if I was the Chevalier d'Auriac and on my reply exclaimed,
+'Madame will be overjoyed. We heard that you had already left Bidache,
+and my lady arrives within the hour from Evreux. Pardon, monsieur&mdash;I
+go to give the news to the household,' and, saluting again, the lackey
+dashed onwards towards the chateau.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So I would meet her within the hour. Half unconsciously I glanced down
+to see if my doublet sat aright and my points were tied. Then I
+thought I would go back to the house and meet her there, and, as I did
+this, I looked at the fall of the plumes in my hat, and, finally,
+laughing at myself for a coxcomb, took my heart in both hands, and
+marched onwards towards the gates. The porter had already been warned,
+and on my coming I found him there with a crowd of yokels, all in a
+state of high excitement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is three years since Madame was here, monsieur,' the honest fellow
+exclaimed to me as I came up, 'three years, and now she comes without
+a word of warning&mdash;<i>hola!</i> There they are, and there is Madame on the
+jennet she purchased from M. le duc de Sully&mdash;he was but the Sieur de
+Rosny then&mdash;<i>hola</i>! <i>hola!</i>'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The crowd joined with him in his cheers, although as yet the party was
+far off&mdash;not so far, however, that I could not easily make out the
+graceful figure on the jennet, and in the two riders who accompanied
+Madame, apart from the half-dozen servants behind, I recognised to my
+surprise d'Ayen, and guessed that the grey-beard in the tall-crowned,
+broad-brimmed hat, with the sad-coloured cloak over his shoulders, was
+no other than the old Huguenot, whose zeal had outrun his discretion
+on the night when I saved Madame from a great peril.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This guess of mine I hazarded aloud to the gate-keeper, who replied:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes, M. le Chevalier, that is Maître Palin, Madame's chaplain, and he
+was also chaplain to M. le Compte before he died.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'When was it that M. le Compte died?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Let me see, monsieur&mdash;ah, yes&mdash;four years ago in Paris, at the time
+of the Plague. He was a great lord, as you may know, and brother of
+the duke, who they say has quarrelled with the King because of his
+conversion, and of Madame Charlotte, the Princess of Condé, who lives
+in the Rue Grenelle, and whom the King kept for long a close prisoner
+in the tower of St. Jean d'Angely&mdash;no one knows why; but it is buzzed
+that Monseigneur, the Prince of Condé, the King's cousin, died of a
+flask of wine, and that the Princess&mdash;but <i>hola</i>! <i>hola</i>! welcome to
+your own house, madame,' and he dropped on his knees as the cavalcade
+rode up, and presented the keys of the chateau gates slung on a silver
+chain to their mistress. She bent from the saddle and touched them
+with her hand, and the peasantry surrounded her with hearty greeting,
+hedging her in with cheerful red faces and broad smiles, so that she
+could not move. Meanwhile, I stood apart, tugging at my moustache,
+wondering by what right d'Ayen rode at her bridle hand, and feeling
+how true Marescot's words were, that the bow of ribbon was hung too
+high for me. Not that it was a question of birth&mdash;de Breuil of Auriac
+was a name that was old when Tremouille was unknown; but&mdash;there were
+other things which made all the difference, and men and women of the
+world will understand what I mean when I say this.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Madame lifted her head our eyes met, and, raising my hat, I
+advanced towards her, the people giving way respectfully. My ears were
+buzzing, and I was as shy and nervous as a schoolboy as I bowed over
+her gloved hand, and touched it with my lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Let me welcome you back to health, Chevalier,' she said, 'and say how
+glad I am to be able, even for a short while, to do the honours of my
+poor house in person to you. News came to us that you had already left
+Bidache&mdash;without even a word to me;' her voice dropped a little as she
+said this, but the tone was cool and friendly, nothing more.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I go to-night, madame.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'So soon; but I understand why, and will not press you to stay&mdash;here
+is one who, like myself, has longed for an opportunity to thank you in
+person. <i>Mon père</i>,' and she turned to the Huguenot priest, 'this is
+our friend to whom we owe so much.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'In the service of the Lord one would willingly lay down life,' said
+Palin, as he shook me warmly by the hand, 'nevertheless, a few hours
+more of the world for an old man is a grace not to be despised, and I
+thank the instrument that has bestowed this benefit upon me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">D'Ayen, between whom and myself there had passed no greeting, now
+spoke in a voice that fairly trembled with anger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I was not aware that I should have the pleasure of meeting you here,
+M. le Chevalier. It will surprise the King,' he added, in a lower tone
+to Madame.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I made no answer; but the memory of his warning and my determination
+to settle with him came up in full force. Madame, however, spoke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'M. d'Ayen, when, by the order of the King, you were directed to
+escort me to Bidache, there was nothing said about your right to
+dictate to me who shall be my guests. Remember, monsieur, that your
+company is forced upon me, and let me add that you are a trifle too
+paternal.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">D'Ayen paled under his rouge, and, muttering something, reined back a
+pace, whilst Palin, looking him full in the eyes, said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Will you swallow that, too, M. d'Ayen? At your age one would have
+thought digestion hard.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And there was no answer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Madame had in the meantime signalled a lackey to dismount and offer me
+his beast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I cannot allow you to walk, and we will reach the house quicker in
+this way, besides, I want to hear all your news. My friends,' and she
+turned to the people, 'come to Bidache: it is long since we have met,
+and I would have you to make merry as of old&mdash;come, Chevalier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the cheers which followed, she touched her horse lightly on the
+shoulder with her whip, and galloped on, Palin and I on either hand,
+and the suite behind. In a little while she slackened pace, saying
+with a laugh, 'We are going too fast to talk, Chevalier, and I am a
+woman, you know, and must hear my own voice, if nothing else&mdash;so you
+are quite well and strong again?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am, madame, thanks to your kindness, which Alban de Breuil can
+never forget.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her colour deepened slightly. 'It is the other way, Chevalier, the
+debt is on my side.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have done nothing&mdash;and the repayment was too much.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am sorry you think so,' looking straight between her horse's ears.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I did not mean that&mdash;I have already said I can never requite your
+kindness, and if Madame ever needs a stout arm and a good sword, it is
+my hope she will call on that of Auriac.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Perhaps I may&mdash;some day,' she answered, 'for the blood of my fathers
+runs strong in me, but I think Maître Palin here will tell you that I
+am wrong, and that the sword is accursed.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Unless it be drawn in the service of God, madame,' put in the
+Huguenot gravely.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Mon père</i> Palin has been a man-at-arms in his day,' said Madame,
+'and has fought at Jarnac and Moncontour. He is therefore of the
+church militant, as you see.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am proud to meet so brave a soldier as I doubt not you were, Maître
+Palin. We took different sides; but all that is passed now, and
+Huguenot and Leaguer are merged in the common name of Frenchman.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Long live the King!' said Madame gaily; but Palin answered sadly:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Would it were so. But to my eyes there are still dark clouds ahead.
+We have no longer Henry of Navarre, but Henry of France; no longer a
+prince of the true faith, but a pervert.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'His Majesty will be delighted to hear that,' put in d'Ayen; but
+Madame took no more notice of him than of a fly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Hush! <i>mon père</i>,' and she raised a warning hand, 'I will have no
+word against the King. M. le Chevalier is right, we are all one again,
+as France should ever be.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Amen!' answered Palin; 'but too much blood has been shed for this
+compromise to be accepted. The way is dark&mdash;but I will say no more,'
+and the old croaker dropped a half length behind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A turn in the avenue at this moment brought us in full view of the
+grey walls of Bidache, and on the wide stone staircase that led to the
+great hall we saw the servants of the household assembled. Madame
+waved her hand in greeting, and the cheer which broke from them was
+drowned in the boom of the bombard from the keep. As the blue wreaths
+of smoke curled upwards a little ball ran to the top of the flagstaff
+on the keep, and the next moment the banner of Tremouille, with the
+arms of Rochemars of Bidache quartered thereon, spread out its folds
+to the morning, and Madame was come home once more.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We dined an hour or so later than usual, Madame, d'Ayen, Palin, and
+myself at the high table, and the rest of the household with all
+Bidache at the next. Madame, who seemed in nowise fatigued by her long
+ride, was in the gayest of spirits and rippled with talk. As if
+thinking she had punished d'Ayen enough, she directed all her
+conversation towards him, and the old beau was in his element in
+discussing the intrigues of court life, and, let me add, interesting,
+for his memory went far back. Madame spoke of the Edict, but for which
+they would never have been at Bidache; of the surrender of Mercoeur,
+and of the betrothal of his daughter Francoise de Lorraine, the
+greatest heiress in France, to <i>César Monsieur</i>, the little Duc de
+Vendôme; of the Constable and his disappointment thereat; of the
+squabbles between M. de Bar and his wife, the King's sister; of court
+gossip and court scandal, until Palin's face grew sour, and I felt a
+disappointment within me, as she prattled on like some Paris beauty,
+whose sole thoughts were of masques at the Louvre and hunting parties
+at Vincennes. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled as she
+discussed with d'Ayen whether the ruff or the collar drooped in the
+Italian manner was the more becoming, and whether the <i>cinque pace</i>
+dance was more enjoyable than the minuet. <i>Pardieu!</i> Their speech was
+all frill and furbelows. But for a word thrown in here and there, I
+sipped my Romanée in silence, wondering at this flow of talk, and
+wondering, too, at this change of front, and if I was wrong in my
+estimate of Madame. As she talked, my head for a moment overcame my
+heart, and I began to judge her in that way, showing, in doing so, my
+ignorance of that complex thing&mdash;a woman.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last the dinner came to a close, and Palin, rising, opened his lips
+with a long thanksgiving, to which all, Madame included, listened
+devoutly. Our hostess then retired, and we three were left together in
+an absolute silence. Had it been any other place I would have felt
+bound to call d'Ayen to account, and ask him to name a proxy if he was
+unable to meet me by reason of his age. But as it was this was
+impossible, and I contented myself with a frigid reserve, in which I
+was joined by the Huguenot. He looked from one to the other of us with
+a satirical smile on his thin lips, and then rising made a slight bow
+and left us to ourselves. As we returned to our seats from our
+response to his greeting, I blurted out the questions:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Who is M. d'Ayen? Why is he here?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Who is he? It is enough to say he is one of those men who live on the
+follies of kings. And it is enough to say that his company is forced
+upon us.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have heard that before; but Madame seemed to like him well enough
+at dinner.' I felt I was wrong as I said this, but the words came out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He is here by the King's orders, by the orders of Henry the Great,'
+said Palin with bitterness. 'Monsieur, you seem a man of honour, what
+do you think of a king who would force a marriage on a woman to&mdash;&mdash;'
+and he whispered words in my ear which struck me speechless.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not believe him. It was incredible. Was this the hero king,
+the gallant soldier, the father of his people? It could not be true.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Palin saw the doubt on my face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Even you,' he said; 'well, go to Paris and see.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I shall go, I am going to-day.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It will be at the risk of your life.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Maître Palin, there is the King's Peace, and even if it were not so I
+will go.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked at me long and attentively: 'Let it be so,' he muttered to
+himself, and then loudly, 'Well, Chevalier, I have warned you; if you
+go you will want a safe lodging&mdash;seek out Pantin in the Rue des Deux
+Mondes, and mention my name. The house faces the Pont Neuf, you can't
+miss it.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Thank you, I will do so.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then after a few minutes more of talk we wished each other good-bye
+and parted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As for myself, I was on the cross with what I had heard. My mind was
+racked with doubt, and at last in despair I sought my own room to
+think over the matter. I could make nothing of it, turn it which way I
+would. To me Palin's story was incredible. But yet it explained and
+made clear so much! It was not to offer my sword only to the King that
+I would now go to Paris, it would be to save the woman I loved if
+possible. How I was to do this I had no definite idea, the one thing
+at present in my mind was Paris, Paris. I therefore gave the necessary
+orders to Jacques to make ready to start at once, and, descending the
+winding staircase of the tower wherein my room lay, sought the great
+hall with the view of either finding Madame there, or of sending some
+one with the request to permit my waiting on her to say good-bye. The
+staircase ended in a long dark corridor, hung on each side with
+trophies of the chase, old armour, and frayed and tattered banners. At
+the end of this was an arched doorway hidden by a heavy curtain, and
+above the arch was a half-length portrait of a man. The painter had
+not flattered his subject; the long pointed face with its grey beard
+was bent forward slightly, there was a cynical curve to the lips, and
+the eyes looked down on me as if with a laugh in them. I had passed
+this picture fifty times before, but had never stayed to examine it.
+Somehow I did so on this occasion, and as I read the inscription
+'Antoine de la Tremouille' on the frame, the thin lips appeared to
+lengthen out into a grin. For a moment a chill fell on me, and then,
+laughing at myself for a fool, I lifted the curtain and passed into
+the great hall. At first I thought it was empty, but a second glance
+showed me Madame, seated at a small table, in the recess of the bow
+window that overlooked the park. Her face, leaning on her hand, was
+half averted from me, and I caught, a glimpse of a small foot resting
+on one of the lions' heads in which the legs of the table finished.
+The foot was beating up and down as if in unison with the impatience
+of Madame's thoughts, but I could see nothing of her face beyond its
+contour. She was, as usual, robed in black, wearing no jewels except a
+gold collar round her neck. For a moment I stood in silence, looking
+at her, half thinking that here was a chance to speak out what was in
+my heart, and then stilling the words by the thought of how impossible
+it was for a poor man to woo a rich woman.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Through the open window I could see the woods, ruddy in their autumn
+foliage, and ever and again came the sound of cheerful voices, marking
+where the good people of Bidache were holding revelry in honour of
+their mistress' return.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I stood, hat in hand, Madame suddenly turned with a little start,
+and hastily concealed something as she caught sight of me. I went up
+at once, and she rose to meet me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have come to say farewell, madame,' and I held out my hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'So soon,' she said, as she took it for a moment, her eyes not meeting
+mine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes&mdash;Paris is far&mdash;and it will be well for me to be there as quickly
+as possible.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Paris! You are surely not&mdash;' and she stopped.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Why not, madame?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh! I don't know,' and hastily, 'one sometimes says things that
+don't exactly convey one's meaning. But I can imagine why you go to
+Paris&mdash;you are tired of Bidache, and pine for the great city.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is not that; but,' and I pointed to the rolling woods and wide
+lands that spread before us, 'I have no responsibilities like
+these&mdash;and Auriac, which stands by the sea, takes care of
+itself&mdash;besides, I have my way to make as yet.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You have friends?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'One at any rate, and that was restored to me by you,' and I glanced
+to the hilt of my sword.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Man does not want a better; but you have another&mdash;here at Bidache,
+and I shall be in Paris soon, too, and&mdash;this place is dull. It kills
+me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And yet you have not been here for three years&mdash;madame, are all the
+masques at the Louvre so attractive that you can desert your home,
+where your name is honoured as that of the King, for the follies of
+the court?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I spoke with some bitterness, for I was sore at what I had heard at
+dinner, and she glanced up at me in a slight surprise. Then her lips
+parted in a half smile. 'Chevalier, will you answer me a question or
+so?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Why not?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You like gaiety, cheerfulness, light, do you not?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Assuredly.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You sometimes amuse yourself by gaming, do you not&mdash;and losing more
+than you can afford?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I bowed in simple wonder.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That friend of yours at your side has not been drawn only in battle,
+has it?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">De Gonnor's white face rose up before me, and I felt my forehead burn.
+I could make no answer. Madame looked at me for a moment, and then
+dropped a stately little courtesy. 'Monsieur, you are very good to
+advise me, and I take your reproof. But surely what is sauce for the
+gander is sauce for the goose. Is not the Chevalier d'Auriac a little
+hasty? How is it that he is not at home at Auriac, instead of
+hastening to Paris as fast as he can&mdash;to the masques at the Louvre,
+and the salons of Zamet?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is different,' I stammered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ah, yes, it is different,' with a superb scorn; 'I saw you pull a
+half league of face as I talked at dinner. Monsieur can go here.
+Monsieur can go there. He may dance at a revel from curfew till
+cockcrow, he may stake his estates on a throw of the dice, he may run
+his friend through for a word spoken in jest&mdash;it is all <i>comme il
+faut</i>. But, Madame&mdash;she must sit at home with her distaff, her only
+relaxation a <i>prêche</i>, her amusement and joy to await Monsieur's
+return&mdash;is not that your idea, Chevalier?' She was laughing, but it
+was with a red spot on each cheek.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Madame,' I replied, 'when I was but fifteen I joined the Cardinal de
+Joyeuse, and from that time to now my life has been passed in the
+field; I am therefore but a soldier, rough of speech, unused to
+argument, apt to say what is in my mind bluntly. I was wrong to make
+the remark I did, and ask your pardon; but, madame, brush away the
+idea that in this case the sauce for the gander is sauce for the
+goose&mdash;I use your own words&mdash;think what it would be if all womankind
+acted on what you have preached&mdash;think what would happen if the
+illusions that surround you, and which are now your strength, are
+dispelled. The worst of men have some memory of a home made happy by a
+woman, sister, mother, or wife, and the return to which was like a
+glimpse into heaven&mdash;the thought of which often made them better
+men&mdash;do not destroy this. And, madame, there is yet another thing&mdash;man
+is a fighting animal, and the final issues of an affair come to the
+sword&mdash;where would a struggle between this hand and mine end?&mdash;'in my
+eagerness I took her small white fingers in mine as I spoke, and shut
+them within my palm&mdash;'Madame,' I continued, 'rest assured that the
+glory and strength of a woman is in her weakness, and when she puts
+aside that armour she is lost. Think not that you have no mission&mdash;it
+is at a mother's knee that empires have been lost and won, that
+generations have, and will be, cursed or blessed.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I stood over her as I spoke; I was a tall man then and strong, and
+whether it was my speech or what I know not, but I felt the hand I
+held tremble in mine, and her eyes were turned from me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Let me say good-bye now,' I continued, 'and thank you again for what
+you have done.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She shook her head in deprecation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well, then, I will not recall it to you; but I can never
+forget&mdash;life is sweet of savour, and you gave it back to me. We will
+meet again in Paris&mdash;till then good-bye.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'At the Louvre?' As she glanced up at me, trying to smile, I saw her
+eyes were moist with tears, and then&mdash;but the wide lands of Bidache
+were before me, and I held myself in somehow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Good-bye.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Good-bye.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I turned, and without another look passed out of the hall. As I went
+down the stairway I saw on the terrace to my right the figure of
+d'Ayen. He had changed his costume to the slashed and puffed dress
+which earned for the gay gentlemen of Henry's court the nickname of
+'Bigarrets,' from M. de Savoye's caustic tongue, and his wizened face
+stood out of his snowy ruff in all the glow of its fresh paint. With
+one foot resting on the parapet, he was engaged in throwing crumbs to
+the peacocks that basked on the turf beneath him. I would have passed,
+but he called out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'M. le Chevalier&mdash;a word.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A word then only, sir, I am in haste.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A bad thing, haste,' he said, staring at me from head to foot; 'these
+woods would fetch a good price, would they not?' and he waved his hand
+towards the wide-stretching forest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You mistake, M. d'Ayen, I am not a timber merchant.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh! a good price,' he went on, not heeding my reply. 'M. le
+Chevalier, I was going to say I will have them down when I am master
+here. They obstruct the view.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could have flung him from the terrace, but held myself in and turned
+on my heel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Adieu! Chevalier,' he called out after me, 'and remember what I have
+said.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took no notice. The man was old, and his gibing tongue his only
+weapon. I ran down the steps to where Jacques was, ready for me with
+the horses. Springing into the saddle, I put spurs to the beast, and
+we dashed down the avenue, but as I did so I yielded to an impulse,
+and glanced up to the window&mdash;it was empty.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_05"  href="#div1Ref_05">A GOOD DEED COMES HOME TO ROOST</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">We dashed through the streets of Bidache, arousing the village dogs
+asleep in the yellow-sunlight to a chorus of disapprobation. About a
+dozen sought to revenge their disturbed slumbers, and, following the
+horses, snapped viciously at their heels; but we soon distanced them,
+and flinging a curse or so after us, in dog language, they gave up the
+pursuit, and returned to blink away the afternoon. It was my intention
+to keep to the right of Ivry, and after crossing the Eure, head
+straight for Paris, which I would enter either by way of Versailles or
+St. Germains; it mattered little what road, and there was plenty of
+time to decide.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have, however, to confess here to a weakness, and that was my
+disappointment that Madame had not stayed to see the last of me.
+Looking back upon it, I am perfectly aware that I had no right to have
+any feeling in the matter whatsoever; but let any one who has been
+placed similarly to myself be asked to lay bare his heart&mdash;I would
+stake my peregrine, Etoile, to a hedge crow on the result.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Madame knew I loved her. She must have seen the hunger in my eyes, as
+I watched her come and go, in the days when I lay at Ste. Geneviève,
+wounded to death. She must have felt the words I crushed down, I know
+not how, when we parted. She knew it all. Every woman knows how a man
+stands towards her. I was going away. I might never see her again. It
+was little to have waved me Godspeed as I rode on my way, and yet that
+little was not given.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In this manner, like the fool I was, I rasped and fretted, easing my
+unhappy temper by letting the horse feel the rowels, and swearing at
+myself for a whining infant that wept for a slice of the moon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a league or so we galloped along the undulating ground which
+sloped towards the ford near Ezy; but as we began to approach the
+river, the country, studded with apple orchards, and trim with
+hedgerows of holly and hawthorn, broke into a wild and rugged
+moorland, intersected by ravines, whose depths were concealed by a
+tall undergrowth of Christ's Thorn and hornbeam, whilst beyond this,
+in russet, in sombre greens, and greys that faded into absolute blue,
+stretched the forests and woods of Anet and Croth-Sorel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the flood of the mellow sunlight the countless bells of heather
+enamelling the roadside were clothed in royal purple, and the brown
+tips of the bracken glistened like shafts of beaten gold. At times the
+track took its course over the edge of a steep bank, and here we
+slackened pace, picking our way over the crumbling earth, covered with
+grass, whose growth was choked by a network of twining cranesbill, gay
+with its crimson flowers, and listening to the dreamy humming of the
+restless bees, and the cheerful, if insistent, skirl of the grass
+crickets, from their snug retreats amidst the yarrow and sweet-scented
+thyme.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As we slid rather than rode down one of these banks, my horse cast a
+shoe, and this put a stop to any further hard riding until the mishap
+could be repaired.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is a smith at Ezy, monsieur,' said Jacques, 'where we can get
+what we want done, and then push on to Rouvres, where there is good
+accommodation at the <i>Grand Cerf</i>.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I suppose Ezy can give us nothing in that way?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I doubt much, monsieur, for the place sank to nothing when
+Monseigneur the Duc d'Aumale was exiled, and the King, as monsieur is
+aware, has given the castle to Madame Gabrielle, for her son, little
+<i>César Monsieur</i>&mdash;the Duc de Vendôme.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i> It is well that Madame de Beaufort has not set eyes on
+Auriac&mdash;eh, Jacques?' and I laughed as I saw the huge grey outlines of
+Anet rising in the foreground, and thought how secure my barren,
+stormbeaten rock was from the rapacity of the King's mistress.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Jacques came of a rugged race, and my words roused him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But M. le Chevalier would never let Auriac fall into the hands of the
+King or his Madame? We could man the tower with a hundred stout hearts
+and&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Swing on the gibbet at the castle gates in two weeks, Jacques. But
+remember, we are loyal subjects now, and are going to Paris to serve
+the King.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As for me,' answered Jacques, obstinately, 'I serve my master, the
+Chevalier de Breuil d'Auriac, and none besides.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In this manner we jogged along, making but slow progress, and the sun
+was setting when we came in view of the willow-lined banks of the
+Eure, and entered the walnut groves of the outlying forest in which
+Ezy lay. As we approached we saw that the village was three parts
+deserted, and the ruined orchards and smokeless chimneys told their
+own tale. Turning a bend of the grass-grown road we came upon a few
+children shaking walnuts from a tree, about two hundred paces from us,
+whilst a man and a woman stood hard by observing them. At the sight of
+us the woman turned to the man with an alarmed gesture, and he half
+drew a sword&mdash;we saw the white flash, and then, changing his mind, ran
+off into the forest. The children followed suit, sliding down the
+trunk of the tree, and fleeing into the brushwood, looking for all the
+world like little brown rabbits as they dashed into the gaps in the
+thorn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As for the woman, she turned slowly and began to walk towards the
+village.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'They are very bashful here, Jacques,' I said, quickening my pace.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Except the lady, monsieur,' and then we trotted up alongside her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Reining in, I asked if she could direct me to the blacksmith's, for
+there seemed no sign of a forge about. She made no answer but stopped
+and stared at us through her hair, which fell in thick masses over her
+forehead and neck. As she did this I saw that she appeared to be of
+the superior peasant class, but evidently sunk in poverty. She was
+young, and her features so correct that with circumstances a little
+altered she would have been more than ordinarily good-looking. At
+present, however, the face was wan with privation, and there was a
+frightened look in her eyes. I repeated my question in as gentle a
+tone as I could command, and she found tongue.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is none here, monsieur; but at Anet you will find everything.
+That is the way, see!' and she pointed down a winding glade, lit up
+here and there with bars of sunlight until it faded into a dark tunnel
+of over-arching trees. I felt convinced from her tone and manner that
+she was trying to put us off, and Jacques burst in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Nonsense, my girl, I know there is a smith at Ezy, for but two days
+back one of Madame of Bidache's horses was shod here. You don't know
+your own village&mdash;try and think.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is none,' she said shortly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well,' said Jacques, 'we won't trouble you further, and we will
+find out for ourselves. It will not be difficult.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We went on a pace or so, when she called out after us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What is it?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She stood twisting the ends of her apron between her fingers and then,
+suddenly,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, pardon, I will guide you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh! that is all very well,' began Jacques; but I interrupted him,
+wondering a little to myself what this meant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well and thanks.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She dropped a courtesy, and then asked with a timid eagerness,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur does not come from the Blaisois?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ma foi!</i> No! This is hardly the way from the Orléannois; but lead
+on, please, it grows late.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She glanced up again, a suspicion in her eyes, and then without
+another word went on before us. We followed her down the winding
+grass-grown lane, past a few straggling cottages where not a soul was
+visible, and up through the narrow street, where the sight of us drove
+the few wretched inhabitants into their tumble-down houses, as if we
+had the plague itself at our saddle bows. Finally we stopped before a
+cottage of some pretensions to size; but decayed and worn, as all else
+was in this village, which seemed but half alive. Over the entrance to
+the cottage hung a faded signboard, marking that it was the local
+hostelry, and to the right was a small shed, apparently used as a
+workshop; and here the smith was, seated on a rough bench, gazing into
+space.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He rose at our approach and made as if he would be off; but his
+daughter, as the young woman turned out to be, gave him a sign to
+stay, and he halted, muttering something I could not catch; and as I
+looked at the gloomy figure of the man, and the musty inn, I said out
+aloud, '<i>Morbleu!</i> But it is well we have time to mend our trouble and
+make Rouvres; thanks, my girl, you might have told us at once instead
+of making all this fuss,' and bending from the saddle I offered our
+guide a coin. She fairly snatched at it, and then, colouring up,
+turned and ran into the inn. I threw another coin to the smith and
+bade him set about shoeing the horse.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He shuffled this way and that, and then answered dully that he would
+do the job willingly, but it would take time&mdash;two hours.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But it will be night by then,' I expostulated, 'and I have to go on;
+I cannot stay here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As monsieur chooses,' answered the clod; 'but, you see, I have
+nothing ready, and I am slow now; I cannot help it.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This is a devil of a place,' I exclaimed, resigning myself to
+circumstances, and, dismounting, handed the reins to Jacques. As I did
+so I heard voices from the inn, one apparently that of the girl, and
+the other that of a man, and it would seem that she was urging
+something; but what it was I could not catch, nor was I curious as to
+the point of discussion; but it struck me that as we had to wait here
+two hours it would be well to inquire if I could get some refreshment
+for ourselves and a feed for the beasts. For answer to my question I
+got a gruff 'Go and ask my daughter,' from the smith, who turned as he
+spoke and began to fumble with his tools. I felt my temper rising
+hotly, but stayed my arm, and bidding Jacques keep an eye on the
+horses, stepped towards the door of the inn. As I put my hand on it to
+press it open some one from within made an effort to keep it shut; but
+I was in no mood to be trifled with further, and, pushing back the
+door without further ceremony, stepped in. In doing so I thrust some
+one back a yard or so, and found that it was the girl who was trying
+to bar me out. Ashamed of the violence I had shown, I began to
+apologise, whilst she stood before me rubbing her elbow, and her face
+flushed and red. The room was bare and drear beyond description. There
+were a couple of rough tables, a chair or so, an iron pot simmering
+over a fire of green wood whose pungent odour filled the chamber. In a
+corner a man lay apparently asleep, a tattered cloak drawn over his
+features so as to entirely conceal them. I felt in a moment that this
+was the stranger who had fled on our approach, and that he was playing
+fox. Guessing there was more behind this than appeared, but not
+showing any suspicions in the least, I addressed the girl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am truly sorry, and hope you are not hurt; had I known it was you I
+should have been gentler. I have but come to ask if I can get some
+wine for ourselves and food for the horses.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is nothing,' she stammered, 'I am not hurt. There is but a little
+soup here, and for the horses&mdash;the grass that grows outside.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is some wine there at any rate,' and I rested my eye on a horn
+cup, down whose side a red drop was trickling, and then let it fall on
+the still figure in the corner of the room. 'There is no fear,' I
+continued, 'you will be paid. I do not look like a gentleman of the
+road, I trust?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She shrank back at my words, and it appeared as if a hand moved
+suddenly under the cloak of the man who lay feigning sleep in the
+room, and the quick movement was as if he had clutched the haft of a
+dagger. I was never a brawler or blusterer, and least of all did I
+wish to worry these poor people; but the times were such that a man's
+safety lay chiefly in himself, for the writ of the King ran weak in
+the outlying districts. The whole business, too, was so strange that I
+was determined to fathom it; and, unbuckling my sword, I placed it on
+a table so as to be ready on the instant, and then, seating myself on
+a stool beside it, said somewhat sharply,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Enough, my girl; get me some wine and take out some to my servant.
+This will pay for it,' and I rang a fat crown piece on the table.
+'Hurry your father if you can, and I will be gone the moment my horse
+is shod.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My tone was one not to be denied, and taking up the money she turned
+to a cupboard and with shaking fingers drew a bottle therefrom and
+placed it before me. Filling a cup I asked her to bear it out to
+Jacques, and then leaning back against the wall took a pull at my own
+goblet, and judge of my surprise when I found I was tasting nothing
+short of d'Arbois of the '92 vintage!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I sipped my wine, and speculated how it came there, the girl came
+back, and seeing that matters were as before began to attend to her
+cooking. Whatever she had said to the smith apparently had the effect
+of rousing him to greater activity, for through the open door I heard
+the puffing of his bellows, and very soon came the clang, clang of his
+hammer as he beat out a shoe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was getting dark now within the room, over which the flames of the
+fire occasionally blazed up and cast a fitful and uncertain light.
+Outside, however, there was a moon; and, in a few minutes at the most,
+my horse would be shod and I would have to continue my journey without
+having discovered what this little mystery meant. I could not help
+being a little amused at the manner in which my bashful friend, whose
+face was so well covered up, kept himself a prisoner in his corner.
+But at this moment the girl's cooking was finished, and the savoury
+odour of it was apparently more than he could endure, for he suddenly
+sprang to his feet exclaiming,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Nom du diable!</i> I am sick of this, and hungry as a wolf. Give me my
+supper, Marie, and if he wants to take me let him do so if he can; he
+will have to fight an old soldier first.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he spoke I distinctly saw his hand indicate me, and with an alarmed
+cry the girl sprang between us. It flashed upon me that my gentleman
+was, after all, only some one who was wanted, and that he regarded me
+with as much apprehension as I had regarded him with caution.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Tush!' I said, 'you good people make a great fuss over nothing. I
+certainly do not want to take you, my man, and neither you nor your
+little sweetheart here need be in the least alarmed.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had hardly finished speaking when he rushed forward.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is the Chevalier! It is Monsieur d'Auriac! Idiot, turkey, pig that
+I am to have kept my eyes shut and not recognised you. Monsieur, do
+you not know me&mdash;Nicholas&mdash;your sergeant, whom you saved from the
+rope?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Where you appear likely to go again, Nicholas; but what are you
+skulking about here for?' The wood in the fireplace blazed up as I
+spoke, and I saw Nicholas shift uneasily and look at the girl, who had
+moved to his side, and stood with her hands holding on to his cloak.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This place was my home once, monsieur,' he said bitterly, 'and I have
+come back to it.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I see you have, sergeant; but why in this way?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, I was driven to straits and did a thing. Then they hunted
+me from Dreux to Rouvres, from Rouvres to Anet&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Where you appear to have made free with the duke's cellar, eh?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is not so, monsieur,' burst in the girl; 'neither he nor we have
+done that. The wine you have drunk was a gift from madame the
+duchess.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was truth in every line of her features, in the fierce little
+gesture with which she turned upon me in defence of her lover. I was
+sorry to let my tongue bite so hard, and said so, and went on with my
+inquiries.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And from Anet you came here?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is but a stone-throw,' Nicholas answered, 'and I had a business in
+hand. After which we were going away.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Whilst he was speaking Marie lit a lantern, and I saw that my
+ex-sergeant was evidently in the lowest water. He had been a smart
+soldier, but was now unkempt and dirty, and his eye had the shifty
+look of a hunted animal. He wore a rusty corselet and a rustier chain
+cap on his head, drawn over a bandage that covered his ears. As my eye
+fell on the bandage I called to mind the mutilation that had been
+inflicted on him, a brand that had cast him out of the pale of all
+honest men. Nicholas watched my glance, and ground his teeth with
+rage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I will kill him,' he hissed, 'kill him like the dog he is. Monsieur,
+that was my business!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then de Gomeron&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Is but an hour's ride away, monsieur&mdash;at Anet.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'At Anet! What does he do there?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur,' he answered hoarsely, taking me by the sleeve of my
+doublet, 'I know not; but a fortnight ago he came here with a score of
+lances at his back and the King's commission in his pocket, and he
+lords it as if he were the duke himself. Yesterday a great noble came
+up from the Blaisois, and another whose name I know not has come from
+Paris; and they hatch treason against the King. Monsieur, I can prove
+this. You saved my life once, and, beast as I am now, I am still
+grateful. Come with me. I will settle my score with him; and to-morrow
+you can bear news to the court that will make you a great man.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was one of those moments that require instant decision. I was
+certainly not going to assist Nicholas in committing a murder. Any
+such plan of his could be easily stopped, but if what the man said was
+true, then he had given me information that might be of the greatest
+value to me. If it was false&mdash;well then, I should have a fool's errand
+for my pains, but be otherwise none the worse off. There was no time
+to question him in detail; for a second I was silent, and Marie looked
+from one to another of us with wide-open eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You have a horse?' I asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes, monsieur. It is hidden in the forest not three hundred toises
+from here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We are ready. Monsieur le Chevalier,' and Jacques' voice broke in
+upon us, Jacques himself standing in the doorway. My mind was made up
+that instant, and I decided to take the chance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Jacques,' I said, 'I have business here to-night, which must be done
+alone. Ride on therefore yourself to Rouvres and await me at the
+<i>Grand Cerf</i>. If anyone tries to hinder you, say that you ride for
+your master in the King's name. If I am not at Rouvres by morning,
+make your way to Septeuil. If I do not arrive in two days, go home
+and do the best you can for yourself. You follow?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Adieu, then; and Marie, here is something as a wedding portion for
+you,' and I thrust a handful of gold pieces into her palm, and, being
+moved by many things, added: 'When this is over, you and Nicholas go
+to Auriac. I will arrange for you there.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The girl stared blankly at me for a moment, then suddenly caught my
+hand and kissed it, and then with a rapid movement flung herself into
+her lover's arms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No,' she said, 'no; take back your gift, monsieur. He will not go.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Nonsense, Marie,' and Nicholas gently released her arms. 'I have come
+back to you to mend my ways, and must begin by paying my debts. Come,
+monsieur.'</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_06"  href="#div1Ref_06">'GREEN AS A JADE CUP'</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">We passed the lacework of trees that bordered the skirts of the
+forest, Nicholas and I. On our left we could hear the drumming of a
+horse's hoofs growing fainter and more faint, as Jacques rode through
+the night to Rouvres. Marie's wailing came to us from behind, and
+Nicholas, who was walking doggedly along by the neck of my horse,
+stopped short suddenly and looked back. Turning in my saddle I looked
+back too, and there she was, in shadowy outline, at the ruined gates
+of the inn, and again her sobbing cry came to us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i>' I muttered to myself as I saw Nicholas' face twitch in
+the moonlight; 'I must end this at once,' and then sharply to my
+companion, 'What stays you? Pick your heart up, man! One would think
+you go into the bottomless pit, you walk with so tender a foot!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I don't know what is in the bottomless pit, monsieur, and, like other
+fools, would probably go there on the run; but I do know the mercy of
+M. de Gomeron, and&mdash;I am not wont to be so, but my heart is as heavy
+as lead.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well; then let us go back. It is like to be a fool's errand with
+such a guide.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My words, and the tone they were uttered in, touched him on the raw,
+and he swung round.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I will go, monsieur; this way&mdash;to the right.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We turned sharply behind the silently waving arms of a hedge of
+hornbeam, and it was a relief to find that this cut away all further
+chance of seeing the pitiful figure at the gates of the inn. Nicholas
+drew the folds of his frayed cloak over his head, as if to shut out
+all sound, and hurried onwards&mdash;a tall figure, lank and dark, that
+flitted before me within the shadow of the hedgerow. My horse's knees
+were hidden by the undergrowth on either side of the winding track,
+that twined and twisted like a snake under the tangle of grass and
+weed. This waste over which we passed, grey-green in the moonlight,
+and swaying in the wind, rolled like a heaving, sighing sea to where
+it was brought up abruptly by the dark mass of the forest, standing up
+solidly against the sky as though it were a high coast line. As we
+forced our way onwards, the swish of the grass was as the churning of
+water at the bows of a boat, and one could well imagine that the long,
+shaking plashes of white, mottling the moving surface before us, was
+caused by the breaking of uneasy water into foam. Of a truth these
+white plashes were but marguerites.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From the warm, dark depths at our feet myriads of grasshoppers
+shrilled to each other to be of good cheer, and ever and again we
+heard the sudden plunge and bustle of a startled hare, as it scuttered
+away in a mad fear at nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You count your toises long here, Nicholas,' I remarked, for something
+to say, as we spattered in and out of a shallow pool; and the gnats,
+asleep on its surface, rose in a brown cloud, and hummed their anger
+about our ears.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'They are as we reckon them, monsieur. But a few steps further and we
+will get my horse; and after that there is no difficulty, for I know
+each track and byepath of these woods.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And I wager that many a fat buck has dropped here to your arquebus on
+moonlight nights such as this.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'One does not learn the forest for nothing, M. le Chevalier; but the
+bucks fell lawfully enough. My grandfather came here as huntsman to
+Madame Diane; my father succeeded him, and I had followed my father;
+but for the war&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And a smart soldier you made. I remember that when I cut you down
+from a nasty position I had not time then to hear how you came in such
+plight. How was it? Tell me the truth.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have almost forgotten how to do so. I will try, however, and make
+it short. When M. le Marquis bore you off after the duel and the
+escape of the prisoners, the Captain de Gomeron turned on me, and,
+damning me from head to toe, swore he would flay me to ribbons.
+Feeling sure he would do so, and careless of the consequences, I
+answered back&mdash;with the result you know. Marked as I was, it was
+useless to seek employment anywhere, and then I became what I am, and
+will end on the wheel.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I don't think so,' I said; but he interrupted,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'At any rate not before I have paid my debt, and the bill presses.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had purposely worked up to this.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'See here, sergeant,' I said, 'no nonsense. Brush off that bee you
+have on your head. You are here to-day to attend to my business, not
+your own. You say you are sick of your present life. Well, I have
+means to give you another chance, and I will do so; but I repeat again
+&quot;no nonsense.&quot; You understand?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He stood silently for a moment, looking this way and that. We were
+within a yard or so of the forest, and its shadow covered him, all but
+his face, which was turned to me, drawn and white. He was struggling
+against old habits of absolute obedience, and they won.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I understand, M. le Chevalier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well, then, go on, and remember what I have said.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned and stepped forwards; 'This way, and mind the branches
+overhead,' and we entered the forest, my horse leaping a shallow ditch
+that separated it from the grass land. We took a soft turf-covered
+path, overhung by branches, and went on for about fifty paces before
+coming to a halt, which we did in a small irregular patch of trees
+that lay in the full flood of the moonlight. In the darkness beyond I
+heard the gentle murmur of a small spring, and then the distinct
+movement of a heavy body and the clink of iron. My hand reached to my
+holster in a flash, but Nicholas saw the gesture, and said, 'It is the
+horse. A moment, monsieur,' and lifting up the curtain of leaves
+beside him, from which, as he did so, the dew fell in a soft shower,
+he dived into the thicket, to reappear again leading the long black
+length of his horse. It struck me at once that the beast was of
+uncommon size, and this, and the white star on its forehead, brought
+to my mind the recollection of de Rône's great English charger,
+Couronne.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Harnibleu!</i>' I burst out; 'you seem to be in the lowest water, and
+here you have a horse worth a hundred pistoles at the least!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Did you see her by daylight, monsieur, you would know that twice a
+hundred pistoles would not purchase her. Do you not know her, M. le
+Chevalier? This is Couronne, M. de Rône's charger!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Couronne! I thought so. And how the devil do you come by her?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Her reins were in the wind when I caught her; a fair prize of war,
+and M. de Rône will never need her more. Since I got her she has saved
+me twice, and if I can help it we shall never part.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He stroked the mare's sleek neck, wet and glistening with the dew,
+and, quickly mounting, swung her round to the bit and laid her beside
+me. It was not the time for talk, and we drew out of the clearing in
+single file, and, after forcing our way through the wet and shining
+leaves around us, found a bridle path. Along this my guide went at a
+trot. On either side of us the silent tree trunks stretched to an
+infinite distance in gloomy colonnades. Overhead, the boughs swayed
+and shook sadly; below, the dry leaves hissed and crackled. Once, when
+we had slackened pace for a moment, the sullen groaning of an old and
+very savage boar came to us, and we heard him grinding his tusks in
+his lair of juniper. At another time we surprised a number of deer in
+an open glade, and, startled by our sudden appearance, they dashed off
+with a wild rush into the forest, and then all was still. Beyond the
+glade the roadway widened, so that two might keep abreast, and down
+this we went at a gallop, to find ourselves once more in the endless
+aisles of the forest, passing through a ghostly light that barely
+enabled the horses to pick their way in and out amongst the huge
+moss-grown trees standing in measureless numbers around us, and where
+each pace took them fetlock-deep into the carpet of wet and withered
+leaves. Amidst the creaking of the boughs overhead, and the churn of
+the leaves at our feet, we rode on, nose to tail, Nicholas leading the
+way with unerring certainty. What his thoughts were, I knew not; but
+as I looked at the square outlines of the figure before me I could not
+but feel pity for this man, reduced to such a condition. True, the
+life of a common soldier was not such as to make a man squeamish about
+many things, but the ex-sergeant had always struck me as being a man
+of a different stamp to the generality of his fellows, and it was a
+thousand pities to see him forced to be a rogue; de Gomeron had truly
+much to answer for. But if I could I would mend this matter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had done too little good in the world to neglect the opportunity
+that seemed to present itself to me, so as we went on I weaved a
+little plan to give the man another start in life. I had already a
+rough idea when I parted with those gold pieces to Marie, but pulled
+all the threads together as we rode along, fully resolving to give my
+plan effect as soon as the business I had in hand was done. And of
+this business I could not hope much. We were going straight into the
+lion's mouth, as it were, for, whether de Gomeron held the King's
+commission or not, he had twenty lances at his back at Anet; and who
+on earth would question him if a crop-eared thief and his companion
+were slain. Besides, even if we were not discovered, I could see no
+way of laying hold of the tail of the conspiracy by floundering
+through a measureless forest at night, and finally skulking round the
+castle like a homeless cat. I half began to repent me of the whole
+affair, and to wish that I had tossed the venture up and down a trifle
+more in my mind before I embarked upon it. At the worst, however,
+perhaps it meant nothing more than a night in the forest, and, the
+next day, a tired horse and man. On the other hand, there was, or
+rather is, such a thing as luck in the world, and did I make a
+discovery of any consequence my hand would be much stronger.
+Perchance, indeed, I might be assured of success, and then&mdash;other
+things might happen. Whilst I was thus ruminating, Nicholas suddenly
+pulled up, and held out a warning hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What is it?' I asked in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Hist!</i>' he said, and then in a rapid whisper, 'another fifty yards
+and we come to the open. Anet lies before us, and the rest of the way
+must be done on foot.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And the horses?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Fasten them here. You have a picketing rope?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes&mdash;round the neck of the horse.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Good; I had not noticed it before, and was half afraid you had none,
+monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The horses were soon securely fastened, and, when this was done,
+Nicholas spoke low and earnestly: 'Should we be discovered, monsieur,
+there is no use making a standing fight. The odds are too many. When
+we come to the open I will show you a withered oak. This is exactly
+opposite where the horses are&mdash;in this direction. If we are pursued,
+make for the forest, and lie down. The chances are they will pass us
+by. Then to the horses and follow me. If I go down&mdash;ride northwards
+for your life.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How the devil am I to find my way through the trees?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nicholas shrugged his shoulders as if to say 'That was my affair.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had gone too far to go back, however, and placing my pistols in my
+belt, and loosening my sword in its sheath, I followed Nicholas with
+cautious footsteps. As he said, in about fifty yards we came to the
+open, and halted close to a huge oak, bald of all leaves, with its
+gnarled trunk riven and scarred by lightning. Before us a level
+stretch of turf sloped gently down towards what was once an ornamental
+lake, but now overgrown with the rankest weeds. In the centre of the
+lake was a small island, on which was set a summerhouse, fashioned
+like a Moorish kiosque, and beyond this arose, huge and square, the
+enormous façade of the chateau. It was in darkness except for an oriel
+window above a long terrace on the east wing, which was bright with
+light, and in the courtyard below there was evidently a fire. Men were
+singing around it, and a lilting chorus came to our ears.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nicholas pointed to the window, then looked at the priming of his
+wheel lock pistol and whispered hoarsely, 'We must keep in the shadow,
+monsieur. Stay&mdash;this is the tree; you cannot mistake it, and now come
+on. Be careful not to trip or stumble, and, above all, do not cough.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No worse warning than the latter could have been given to me, and I
+all but choked myself in my efforts to restrain an almost
+uncontrollable desire either to sneeze or cough. Luckily, I managed to
+hold myself in. Inch by inch we crept onwards, keeping well in the
+shadow, and edging our way round the frills of the forest. I could
+hear Nicholas breathing hard, and from time to time he stopped to
+rest; but I was a glad man to find I was not winded, and that
+therefore I must be truly as strong again as ever I was. At last, by
+dint of creeping, crawling, and wriggling along, we worked our way to
+within twenty paces of the terrace, above which the stained glass of
+the oriel window glowed with light. Here we came to a stop and
+watched. Sometimes we saw a shadow moving backwards and forwards in
+the light of the window, then the shadow was joined by another, and
+both stopped, as if the two men to whom they belonged were in earnest
+converse. The merriment from the courtyard was unceasing, and whatever
+may have been the dark plots weaving upstairs, below there was nothing
+but the can and the catch.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We must get to the window,' I whispered with an inquiring look.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'By the terrace,' said Nicholas in answer, and as he spoke there came
+to us the faint but distinct sound of a horn, apparently from the very
+depths of the forest, and the notes roused a brace of hounds in the
+courtyard, who bayed into the night. Nicholas gripped my arm, and I
+turned to him in surprise. His face was pale, he was shaking all over
+like an aspen, and his black eyes were dilated with fear.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Did you hear that, monsieur?' he said thickly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Diable!</i> What? I hear three different things&mdash;dogs, men, and someone
+blowing a horn.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then you did hear it&mdash;the horn?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes. What of it? No doubt a post on its way to Anet.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No post ever rang that blast, monsieur. That is the Wild Huntsman,
+and the blast means death.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he spoke it came again, wild and shrill with an eerie flourish, the
+like of which I had never heard before. The dogs seemed to go mad with
+the sound, there was a hubbub in the courtyard, and someone in the
+chamber above the terrace threw open the sash and peered out into the
+night. I thought at first it was de Gomeron; but the voice was not
+his, for, after looking for a moment, he gave a quick order to the men
+below and stepped in again. As for Nicholas, he seemed beside himself,
+and I had to hold him by main force by my side, or he would have
+broken and fled.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Diable!</i>' I said, 'sit still, fool&mdash;see, there are a couple of
+horsemen gone in search of your Wild Huntsman, who has been so nearly
+spoiling our soup. They will occupy him at any rate&mdash;sit still.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The men rode by us slowly, one of them carrying a torch, and, turning
+to the right, trotted off into the forest, cursing the orders they had
+received to go forth after the horn-winder. As they passed, I began to
+breathe more freely, for had they gone to the left it was an even
+chance that they would have discovered our horses, owing to one of the
+beasts neighing, a danger always to be guarded against in an
+ambuscade. In a minute or so Nicholas, too, began to get more
+composed, and seeing this I determined to prick him into anger, for
+then he would fear nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Pull up, man,' I said; 'your ears lie beyond that pane of glass. Do
+you not want them back?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He put his hand up to the side of his head with a muttered curse, to
+which de Gomeron's name was linked, and I saw that he was better.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Now,' I whispered, 'for the window.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We must get to the terrace,' he answered. 'From there it might be
+done.' And with a hurried look behind him, at which I began to laugh
+in a low tone of mockery, he crawled forward rapidly. I followed with
+equal speed and caution, and in a half minute we had gained the shadow
+of the terrace, and, working along its ivy-covered wall, got to the
+main building. Here we cast about for some means to get up. It was not
+possible to do this by holding on to the ivy, as if it came away there
+would be a fall and all our fat would be in the fire. The ascent had
+to be made noiselessly, and, as I looked at the high wall before us, I
+began to think it was impossible. Running my eye on the lichen-grey
+face of the main building, however, I noticed something that looked
+like a series of huge monograms, with a crescent above each, cut in
+high relief on the stones, beginning about ten feet from the ground.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We might get up that way,' I whispered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nicholas nodded, with a pale face. In his excitement he had forgotten
+the Wild Huntsman, much to my satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Bend then, and I will ascend from your back.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He leaned forwards against the wall, and climbing on to his shoulders,
+I found that I might possibly raise myself by the monograms, which I
+discovered to be the letters H. D. interlaced in one another, the
+initials of the second Henry and Diane de Poitiers; and the crescent
+was, as is well-known, Madame Diane's crest. Taking a long breath, I
+lifted myself slowly&mdash;there was but an inch or so to hold on to&mdash;and
+at last found a crevice in which I could just put the point of my
+boot. This was enough for me to change my hold to the next higher
+monogram, and finally I came to a level with the parapet of the
+terrace. Here there was a difficulty. Every time I stretched my hand
+out to grasp the parapet I found that I could not reach over, and that
+my fingers slipped off from the slime and moss on the stones. Three
+times I made the attempt, and swung back three times, until I began to
+feel that the effort was beyond me. There was, however, one chance,
+and quietly thrusting my boot forward, I began to feel amidst the ivy
+for a possible foothold, and, to my delight, found it rest at once on
+a small projecting ledge that ran round the terrace. The remainder of
+my task was easy, and the next moment I found myself lying flat on my
+face beneath the oriel window.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here I paused to recover myself, peering down at Nicholas, who was
+making an attempt to raise himself by his hands to reach the monograms
+and climb to me. 'Steady,' I whispered, 'and catch this.' Rapidly
+unwinding a silken sash I wore round my waist, in the fashion I had
+learned when serving in Spain, I dropped one end towards him, and
+after an effort or two he managed to seize it. Then I looped a fold of
+the silk round a buttress of the parapet, and, holding on to the other
+end, told Nicholas to climb, and as the sash tightened suddenly, I
+cast up a prayer that it might not break. It was, however, of Eastern
+make, and one may have hung a bombard to it with safety. I heard
+Nicholas breathing hard, and once or twice the ivy rustled more than
+it ought to have, but at last his head appeared over the parapet and
+he too was beside me. A moment after we saw the flash of a torch in
+the forest and heard the voices of the men who had gone forth
+returning, and then three instead of two horsemen appeared, riding
+towards the main entrance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There, Nicholas, is your Wild Huntsman. Are you satisfied now?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And he hung his head like a great dog that has been detected in
+something wrong.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Now for the window,' I said. 'I will rise slowly and find out what I
+can. You keep your pistol ready and your eyes open. Do not rise, and
+remember my orders.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is a broken pane to the left; it is half-hidden by the curtain.
+You can hear and see from there.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he said this I rose softly to my feet, and finding the broken pane
+without any difficulty, peered in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The room was bright with the light of candles, and at a table covered
+with papers were seated two men, whilst a third was standing and
+pointing with his fingers at a scroll. In the man with his back to me
+I had no difficulty in recognising de Gomeron. The one looking towards
+me was assuredly Biron, for his was a face that once seen could never
+be forgotten. As for the man who was standing beside him, I knew him
+not, though subsequently&mdash;but I anticipate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Biron was evidently in a high state of excitement. He was biting at
+the end of his dark moustache, and the fingers of his hand were
+playing nervously with the star on his breast, whilst his shifty,
+treacherous eyes were turning now on de Gomeron, now on the figure
+standing at his elbow. He seemed to be hesitating, and I heard de
+Gomeron say:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This is my price&mdash;not money, not land, not a title, but only a few
+words. You have each one, my lord, your share of the spoils, set down
+in writing. I do not want so much even. All I ask is your word of
+honour to favour my suit with the King. For me the word of Biron is
+enough, and I know his Majesty can refuse you nothing.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My God!' exclaimed Biron, and writhed in his chair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The Marshal might give me the promise I seek, Lafin,' and de Gomeron
+turned to the man who was standing at Biron's elbow. 'The word will
+give me a wife&mdash;not much of a reward.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And the lands of Bidache and Pelouse, eh?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I almost fell forwards in my eagerness to hear, and only checked
+myself in time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Exactly,' sneered de Gomeron. 'Do you think I have risked my life for
+the good of my health? See here, Chevalier,' and he bent forward and
+whispered a word or so that made the other pale, and then de Gomeron
+leaned back in his chair and smiled. Biron did not apparently see or
+hear. His forehead was resting on his clasped hand, and he seemed to
+be revolving the hazard of some great step. As for me, I thought I
+caught the words, 'your instant help,' followed by 'lances' and
+'power,' and guessed&mdash;I was not wrong&mdash;that the captain had forced
+Lafin's hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My dear de Gomeron,' he said, 'the Marshal is willing enough, but you
+know the common talk, that the King has other views for Madame, and
+that M. d'Ayen&mdash;&mdash;' But Biron interposed:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'M. de Gomeron, you ask too much. Madame de la Bidache is of the first
+nobility. Tremouille was my friend. It is too much.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And I give Monseigneur a crown.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Peste!</i> My lord, after all M. de Gomeron has deserved his price, and
+a good sword and a better head must not be thrown away. Remember,
+monseigneur, an open hand makes faithful hearts,' said Lafin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But the King would never consent,' began Biron.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Give me your word to help me, monseigneur. I will do the rest for
+myself.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Give it, my lord.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Biron hesitated for a moment, and then suddenly threw up his hands.
+'Very well, let it be as you wish. I promise, M. de Gomeron.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Enough, my lord; I thank you. The Chevalier Lafin has laid before you
+in detail all our resources. Let me now show you this.' He unrolled a
+parchment that was before him, and handed it to the Marshal. 'Here,'
+he added, 'are the signatures of all. It only needs that of Biron; now
+sign.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could hear the beating of my heart in the silence that followed, and
+then Biron said hoarsely, 'No! no! I will never put my name to paper.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i> Marshal,' burst out Lafin, 'This is no time for nibbling
+at a cherry. Tremouille and Epernon have signed. Put your seal to the
+scroll, and the day it reaches M. de Savoye, thirty thousand troops
+are across the frontier, and you will change the cabbage gardens of
+Biron for the coronet of Burgundy and La Breese.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And see your head on a crown piece, Marshal,' added de Gomeron.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But we have not heard, Lafin&mdash;' began the Marshal.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We will hear to-night, monseigneur&mdash;that horn meant news, and Zamet
+never fails. Curse the low-bred Italian! <i>Pardieu!</i> he is here,' and
+as he spoke, I heard what seemed to be three distinct knocks at a
+carved door, and, Lafin opening it, a man booted and spurred entered
+the room. He was splashed with mud as one who had ridden fast and far.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Zamet!' exclaimed the Marshal and de Gomeron, both rising, and the
+face of the former was pale as death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Good evening, gentlemen! <i>Maledetto!</i> But I have had a devil of a
+ride, and some fool kept winding a will-o'-the-wisp kind of horn that
+led me a fine dance. It was lucky I met your men.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then that blast we heard was not yours?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Corpo di Bacco!</i> No, Chevalier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was a glad man to think that Nicholas, who was crouching at my feet,
+did not hear this, or there might have been a catastrophe, but that
+indeed was not long delayed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Well, friends, you all seem to have pale faces&mdash;would you not like to
+hear the news? I have ridden post to tell you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no answer, and the Italian continued: 'I suppose I must give
+it, make your minds easy. It is all over&mdash;she died last night. We are
+free at any rate from the enmity of Gabrielle&mdash;she knew too much.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Did it hurt her?' asked Biron nervously.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I don't know,' answered Zamet brutally, 'I have never tasted the
+Borgia citron myself.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Mon Dieu!</i>' exclaimed the Marshal, springing to his feet, 'this is
+too terrible,' and he began to pace up and down, whilst the other
+three remained in whispered converse, their eyes now and again turning
+to Biron, who walked the room like a caged beast. Nicholas had risen
+slowly to his feet despite my orders, and was looking over my
+shoulders with a white face and blazing eyes. I dared not tell him to
+go back; but, with a warning look at him, strained my ears to catch
+what was being said, but could hear nothing, until at length Zamet
+raised his voice: 'Have done with it, Marshal, and sign. After all,
+Madame de Beaufort was no more than a&mdash;&mdash;,' and he used a foul word.
+'The King is prostrate now; but in a week Gabrielle will be forgotten,
+and then anything might happen. He is beginning to recover. He already
+writes verses on the lost one,' he went on with a grin, '<i>charmante</i>
+Gabrielle&mdash;<i>diavolo!</i> but you should have seen her as she lay
+dead&mdash;she was green as a jade cup.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Be still, dog,' and Biron turned fiercely on him. The Italian stepped
+back, his hand on his dagger; but in a moment he recovered himself.
+His black eyebrows lifted, and his upper lip drew back over his teeth
+in a sneer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I did not know Monseigneur would be so affected; but time presses and
+we need the name of Biron to that scroll. Hand the Marshal the pen,
+Lafin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is here,' and de Gomeron, dipping a pen in a silver ink-stand,
+held it out in his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Biron made a half step forward to take it, when a thing happened. I
+felt myself suddenly thrust aside, and there was a blinding flash, a
+loud report, and a shout from Nicholas, 'Missed, by God!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was absolutely no time to do anything but make for the horses.
+Nicholas had fired at de Gomeron in his mad thirst for revenge, and
+had practically given our lives away. In the uproar and din that
+followed we slid down the sash like apes, and dashed towards the
+horses. Some one shouted 'Traitor&mdash;traitor,' and let fly at us twice
+as we ran across the open space. From the courtyard we could hear the
+hurry and bustle of men suddenly aroused, and as we reached the oak we
+heard the bay of the bloodhounds, and the thunder of hoofs in pursuit.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_07"  href="#div1Ref_07">POOR NICHOLAS!</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">From the oak to the spot where our horses were tethered was close upon
+fifty paces, and never, I think, was ground covered at a speedier rate
+by men running for their lives. I was bursting with anger, and know
+not what restrained me from pistolling Nicholas, so furious was I at
+the blind folly of the man. As we reached the horses, we could hear
+the dogs splashing through the spill-water at the edge of the lake,
+and someone fired a third shot at us from horseback&mdash;a shot in the
+dark which whistled through the branches overhead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Quick! quick, monsieur! 'gasped Nicholas, and with a turn of his hand
+he freed Couronne, and sprang to her back&mdash;the great mare standing
+steady as a rock.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Quick!' he called out again more loudly, and I made a vain effort to
+loosen my beast, which, startled by the shots, the baying of the dogs,
+and our haste and hurry, plunged and kicked as though it were
+demented.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Damn you!' I hissed, half at the horse, half at the crop-eared idiot
+who had caused this disaster, and, managing somehow to scramble to the
+saddle, cut the halter with a draw of my dagger. At this moment the
+dogs reached us; a dark object sprang up from the ground, and,
+fastening on the jaws of my horse, brought him to his knees, whilst
+the other beast flew at my companion. Nicholas' pistol rang out to no
+purpose, the report was echoed by a chorus of shouts from the troopers
+following us, and Couronne, swinging round, lashed out with her heels
+at the hound that was baying her. Leaning forward with one arm half
+round the neck of my snorting horse, I thrust twice at the hound
+hanging to him, the first time sliding off his metal collar, but at
+the second blow my blade slipped to the hilt into something soft, it
+seemed of its own accord, and as the dead dog fell suddenly back,
+bearing my poniard with it, my freed horse rose to its feet, and mad
+with pain dashed forwards into the teeth of our pursuers. I let him
+go&mdash;one might as well have tried to stop the rush of a mad bull. By a
+miracle I escaped being torn off by the overhanging branches, and as
+we raced into the open, Nicholas at my heels shouting 'To the north!
+to the north!' we were not twenty paces away from the troopers. My
+frantic horse went straight at them, and, driving my spurs home, I
+made him leap at the foremost horseman. His animal swerved off&mdash;a
+piece of good luck for both of us. Then my pistol missed fire, and I
+was in the midst of them. The quarters were so close, and the
+confusion so great, that at first only those on the outside could use
+their weapons, and in their hurry to do so some of these perhaps
+struck at each other. One man, however, shortened his sword, and would
+have run me through had I not luckily seen the flash of the blade and
+given him the heavy iron-bound butt of my pistol on the forehead. He
+was probably much hurt, but although he lurched backwards senseless,
+so close was the press that he was held in his saddle. The butt of the
+pistol was broken off by the blow, and for the moment I was disarmed.
+I dared not call out to Nicholas for fear of being recognised; but at
+this juncture horse and man on my right seemed to be dashed to earth,
+and Nicholas was at my elbow, striking right and left with the heavy
+hilt of his sword. Profiting by the relief, I drew out my second
+pistol and shot the man before me. Pressing against his mount with my
+brave little nag, who was now in hand again, I got clear, and, with a
+shout to Nicholas to follow, dashed off towards the north. It was at
+this moment that three other riders galloped up, and I heard de
+Gomeron call out, '<i>Sangdieu!</i> They are off. After them, dogs,' and
+clapping spurs to his beast he rode after us. We had, however, gained
+a full twenty yards' start, which was more than trebled by the few
+seconds' delay before the troopers could recover themselves and
+follow. My horse was going at racing pace; but Couronne kept by his
+side with a long and effortless stride. De Gomeron was at our heels,
+and with a sudden rush ranged alongside of Nicholas. The sergeant
+possibly did not recognise his assailant, and managed somehow to parry
+the cut aimed at him, and the next moment de Gomeron's horse stumbled
+and went down; but the man himself, who was a rare horseman, fell on
+his feet like a cat. It was, however, a moment more of respite, and
+Nicholas, with a wild cheer, dashed into the forest, riding recklessly
+through the trees. We both leaned forward to the necks of our horses,
+and as far as I was concerned I made no attempt to guide my beast, but
+let him follow Couronne, who, surefooted as a stag, turned and twisted
+amongst the trees with almost human forethought. The single hound that
+was left strained bravely behind us; but, mindful probably of the fate
+that had overtaken his brother, made no direct attack. As we dashed
+into the wood the troopers attempted to follow; but it was with a
+relaxed speed, and every moment we were distancing them, and their
+cries, shouts, and curses became fainter and more faint. I began to
+think if we could but be rid of the sleuthhound, we would get off with
+whole skins. The beast was, however, not to be shaken off, and,
+avoiding the heels of the horses, came with a <i>lop</i>, <i>lop</i>, through
+the leaves alongside my nag, just out of reach of the point of my
+sword, which I had managed to draw. As he snapped and growled, my
+horse, already once wounded, and still smarting with pain, shied off
+from him, bruising my leg against a tree trunk, in the bark of which
+my spur remained, and all but unseating me. Another shy amongst the
+trees would have finished my business, for the pain of the bruise at
+the moment was exquisite; but, leaping a fallen log, Nicholas burst
+through a juniper bush, and my horse following him, we came on to an
+open stretch which sloped down to the river.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ouf!</i> Out of it at last!' I gasped out to Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It's a mile yet to the river, monsieur,' he answered, slackening pace
+slightly to allow me to get alongside of him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The dog, however, was not yet shaken off, and kept steadily beside my
+horse. In the bright moon I could see him running freely and easily;
+and, much as I cursed his presence there, I could not help but admire
+the gallant beast. He seemed to know perfectly the danger that lay in
+the long shining sword, that thrust out at him like a snake's tongue
+whenever he came too near.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I, however, owed him one for the bruise, and it was not a time to
+waste in admiring things. So I called to Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Slacken pace a little more. I want to be rid of the dog.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We can kill him in the river,' answered the sergeant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Better stop him here,' and Nicholas obeyed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Seeing us slacken, the hound tried to head the horses. This was
+exactly what I wanted; and shortening the reins, I pulled round my nag
+suddenly, right upon the dog, and, stooping low, gave him a couple of
+inches in the quarters as he attempted to double. It was not a wound
+that would kill. I had no intention, unless forced to, of doing that;
+but it had the desired effect, and he fled back howling with pain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Adieu, monsieur!' I cried out after him with a laugh, and joining the
+sergeant we cantered on through the clearing towards the river.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The ill-will I felt towards Nicholas had gone by this time. He had
+borne himself like a brave man, as he was; and, after all, if I had
+been in his position I would perhaps have done the same, and let drive
+at de Gomeron at sight. My little nag, however, at this time began to
+show signs of distress, and I turned my attention from the sergeant to
+husbanding the poor beast's strength&mdash;patting him on his foam-covered
+neck to encourage him, and speaking to him in the manner that horses
+love. <i>Pardieu!</i> If men only knew it, there are moments when a touch
+of the hand and a kind word are better than four-inch spurs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We came to a narrow patch now, and rode down this, the river being in
+sight, winding like a silver ribbon thrown carelessly down. On the
+opposite bank it was overhung with willows, whose drooping boughs
+swung low to the very surface of the water. Here and there the stump
+of a felled tree stood up like a sentinel. In the distance, behind us,
+we could hear one or two of the troopers, who had by this time managed
+to get through the wood, yelling and shouting as they urged their
+horses towards the river. Doubtless more would soon follow, and I
+cursed them loudly and heartily. Nicholas looked back.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But fifteen yards of a swim, monsieur, and we are safe.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not exactly. See there?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sergeant followed my outstretched blade, and swore too. Right
+before us two men galloped out of a strip of coppice that stretched to
+the water's edge and cut us off from the stream.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Sacrebleu!</i> How did they know that cut? Have at them, monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And we did.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It had to be a matter of moments only. The troopers behind were coming
+on, and, if once they reached us, we could not well hope to escape
+again; the odds were too many. I did not, therefore, waste time, but
+went straight for my man, and, to do him justice, he seemed nothing
+loath to meet me. He cut over the shoulder, and, receiving this on my
+forte, I gave him the point in the centre of his breastplate, making
+it ring like a bell. Only a Milanese corselet could have saved him as
+it did. My nag went on, but turned on its haunches to the reins, and
+before he could well recover himself I was at him again, and
+discovered that he wore a demi-mask on his face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, shall I prick your mask off before killing you?' I mocked,
+suiting the words to a thrust that all but effected the object, and
+ripped him on the cheek.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was a good swordsman, but this made him beside himself with
+passion, and this frantic state, and the sound of his voice as he kept
+cursing me, told me that my opponent was none other than Biron
+himself. Now came a serious difficulty, which I had to consider like
+lightning. Did I kill him, and he was an infant in my hands, there
+could be no hope for me&mdash;he was too great&mdash;too highly placed for me to
+have any chance if I compassed his death. Therefore, as I pressed him,
+I called out loud enough for him to hear, 'Marshal, you are mad&mdash;go
+back&mdash;you are known to me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He thrust at me for answer; but I could stand no more nonsense, and,
+getting within his guard, struck him off his horse with a blow from
+the hilt of my sword, and, wasting not a second more on him, turned to
+the assistance of Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was much needed, for the sergeant's opponent was none other than de
+Gomeron himself, who had remounted after his fall, and, by cutting off
+a corner, intercepted us, almost with complete success. How Nicholas
+held his own against this finished swordsman for even so long a period
+as a half-minute I am unable to say. It was doubtless due to the
+strength of his bitter hatred, and his fury for revenge. Even as it
+was, I was too late. As I dashed towards him, Nicholas fairly screamed
+out:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Leave him to me&mdash;he is&mdash;a&mdash;ah!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He never finished, for de Gomeron saw his chance and passed his sword
+through the sergeant's throat, and he fell limply from Couronne a dead
+man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Before, however, the free-lance could recover himself I was on him,
+and, standing in my stirrups, cut at him with the full swing of my
+sword. He parried like lightning, but the force of the blow beat down
+his guard, and although my blade fell flat upon his steel cap, he went
+down like an ox.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Poor Nicholas was gone! I knew that thrust, and once received there
+was nothing for it but masses for the soul. A half-dozen troopers were
+not two hundred yards away, and life lay on the other side of the
+Eure. I went straight on, and jumped my horse into the stream. It was
+running high and deep, and as I fell into the water with a splash and
+hiss of white foam around me, I heard another heavy plunge close to my
+shoulder, and, in the glance I cast towards the sound, saw that it was
+the now riderless Couronne, who had followed her companion of the
+night. To ease the horse, I slipped from the saddle, and, hanging on
+to the pommel, was towed along by him as the good beast breasted the
+stream bravely. <i>Pardieu!</i> How the yellow water grumbled and foamed
+and bubbled around us. The current set towards the opposite bank, and
+the force of it carried us down, it seemed in a moment, fully fifty
+yards from the spot where we had plunged in, to within a few feet of
+the opposite shore. Here, however, the river ran strong and swiftly,
+the bank was high, and the horses could make no headway, but kept
+drifting down. By this time the troopers had reached the scene of the
+fight, and I could hear them howling with anger as they gathered
+around their fallen leaders, and, without a head to guide them,
+hesitated what to do, each moment of delay giving me precious time,
+and bringing me closer to a shelving bank a few yards to the left. Not
+one of the troopers dared the stream, and they had apparently emptied
+their arquebuses after us in pursuit, for none fired, although they
+called to each other, 'Shoot him down&mdash;shoot him down!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A couple of men galloped down stream a little below me, and,
+dismounting, began to load hurriedly, it being evidently their
+intention to pick me off as I drifted past. For the moment I gave
+myself up for lost; but, determining to make a last effort to save
+myself, made a snatch at the willows that overhung the bank and
+brushed us with their wet and dripping leaves as we struggled
+underneath. As I did this, I loosed my hold of the saddle, and the
+horses slid past me, and I was dragged by the current right into the
+bank. The willows were tough, and I held on to them like a leech, and
+the troopers, who had seen what I was about, began to laugh at me, and
+adjure me to hold on tight as they would be ready to shoot in a
+moment. The fools! They gave me the moment's time I wanted, and,
+digging my boot into the soft bank, I laid hold of the stem of a
+willow and with an effort reached the shore. I rolled over at full
+length, and then lay flat on my face, whilst the troopers with many
+curses ran forward a few feet and let off their arquebuses, on the off
+chance of bringing me down. They aimed truly enough, and had I not
+lain to earth as I did, I should infallibly have been killed, for the
+bullets whizzed past, it seemed, but a few inches above me. I let out
+a yell as if I was mortally hurt, and then rising, ran down stream
+behind the willows as fast as my bruised leg would allow me, to see if
+I could not get back one or both the horses. My stratagem had the
+desired effect, for on my cry of 'I am dead&mdash;I am dead,' two others of
+the men who had run up let off their pieces where I was supposed to
+be, and they all shouted, 'We have him; he is down.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i> Not yet,' I could hardly refrain from chuckling to myself,
+as I hobbled along the bank, and to my joy saw them in a little bay,
+about a hundred paces from me, moving slowly in the shallow water. One
+behind the other, towards the land. A spur had been thrown out here,
+evidently with the object of protecting the bank, and it had cast the
+main stream on the opposite shore, and given the beasts a chance of
+landing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt my leg at each step I took; but went on at a round pace
+somehow, and came up to Couronne just as she was stepping out of the
+water. Catching her by the bridle, I mounted, although with some
+difficulty, and slipping my hands through the reins of my own nag,
+trotted off under cover of the trees, leaving M. de Gomeron, who had
+doubtless recovered by this time, and his men to make a target of the
+darkness. I had come through somehow, but I was sick and sore at
+heart, as I urged Couronne from a trot to a gallop, when I thought of
+poor Nicholas lying dead by the banks of the Eure.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_08"  href="#div1Ref_08">MONSIEUR DE PREAULX</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">I kept off the road as far as possible to avoid being tracked. Even if
+no further attempt to follow me was made to-night, which was
+uncertain, as de Gomeron was not the man to let the barest chance slip
+through his fingers, yet there was no doubt as to what would happen on
+the morrow. I congratulated myself on having crippled the last of the
+sleuthhounds, as my gentlemen would be placed thereby in a difficulty
+in regard to my route, and if they scoured the country in twos and
+threes, I felt confident of being able, with Jacques' aid, to give a
+good account of myself did we meet, despite my bruised leg, which
+reminded me of itself unpleasantly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I patted Couronne's neck I thought of Nicholas, and with the memory
+of him the face of Marie came up. I felt myself in a measure
+responsible for his death, and was resolved to weigh out in full to
+Marie the payment I had promised them both. It was a debt I would
+discharge to the end of the measure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A sense of relief came to my mind with this resolve, and, as Rouvres
+could not be far distant, I slackened pace to let the horses breathe a
+trifle, and began to hastily plan my future course of action on
+reaching Paris. I had not only discovered what was evidently a deep
+and widely-spread plot, but had also stumbled on the dreadful secret
+of the death of the woman who was to be Queen of France in name, as
+she was in reality. It was certain that she had been foully murdered.
+It was certain that the King's most trusted captain and many of his
+greatest nobles were hilt-deep in treachery&mdash;so much I knew. I had
+seen with mine own eyes, and heard with mine own ears, but beyond this
+I had no proofs&mdash;and what would my word weigh against theirs! Besides
+this there was my own trouble. D'Ayen's mocking warning was explicit
+enough when read with Palin's confidence, and any doubt I may have had
+on that point was almost set at rest by what I had overheard. In
+short, I was the rival of the King, and felt my head very loose upon
+my neck.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What was I to do? It was no easy matter to decide; but I came to the
+conclusion that my best course was to seek out the all-powerful Sully,
+tell him what I knew, and beg the help of that great man. I did not
+know him, except by repute; but my case was strong and my cause good.
+I would delay not a moment about this on reaching Paris; but it was
+Rouvres I had to come to first, and many a league lay for reflection
+between me and the Louvre.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So I jogged on, not quite certain of my way, and every now and again
+making a cast to find the road, for by riding parallel with it I knew
+I must reach my destination. Once, however, I lost myself for about an
+hour, and, on finding the road again, resolved to keep to it for the
+remainder of my journey, as the moon was rapidly waning, and that
+darkness which touches the edge of the morning was at hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last I heard the Lauds chime solemnly out into the night, and in a
+few minutes pulled up the weary beasts before the gates of Rouvres.
+Here I found a difficulty I might have anticipated. The gates were
+shut, and the unpleasant prospect of a dreary wait of some hours lay
+before me. This was not to be borne, and I raised a clamour that might
+have awakened the dead. It had the desired effect of rousing the watch
+at the gate; a wicket was opened, the light of a lanthorn flashed
+through, and a gruff voice bade me begone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Open,' I roared, 'open in the King's name.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Pardieu!</i> Monsieur, the gates are kept shut in the King's name, and
+his Majesty does not like his subjects' rest being disturbed,'
+answered another voice, and from its tone and inflection I guessed it
+was that of an officer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'In that case, monsieur,' I said, 'let me in so that we may both go to
+our beds, and a thousand apologies for disturbing you. My servant is
+already at the <i>Grand Cerf</i>, and one man cannot take Rouvres.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then you are that M. de Preaulx of the Anjoumois, whose lackey
+Jacques Bisson arrived last night&mdash;for it is morning now?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You keep good watch, monsieur&mdash;who else should I be?' I said, with an
+inward 'thank heaven' at the accident that had discovered to me my new
+name.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no reply for a moment, though I heard some one laughing, and
+the rays of the light were cast to the right and to the left of me to
+see that I was really alone. Finally orders were given for my
+admission. The gates went open with a creaking, and I was within
+Rouvres.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I rode in I stopped to thank the officer for his courtesy, and the
+light being very clear, he observed my condition, and exclaimed,
+'<i>Diable!</i> But you have ridden far, monsieur, and with a led horse
+too!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I ride in the King's name, monsieur,' I replied a little coldly, and,
+thanking him once more, was seized with an inspiration, and begged the
+favour of his company at dinner at the <i>Grand Cerf</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'With pleasure, monsieur. Permit me to introduce myself. I am the
+Chevalier d'Aubusson, lieutenant of M. de Sancy's company of
+ordonnance.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I raised my hat in response; 'His Majesty has no braver word than M.
+de Sancy. At twelve then, monsieur, I shall have the pleasure of
+meeting you again; good night, or rather good morning!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Adieu!' he answered, 'I will be punctual. The <i>Grand Cerf</i> is but a
+couple of hundred toises to your right.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I rode up the narrow and ill-paved street I heard d'Aubusson
+whistling a catch as he turned into the guard-room, and congratulated
+myself on my stratagem and the luck that had befriended it. I knew
+enough of court intrigue to be aware that de Sancy and the Marshal
+were at each other's throats, and that I could therefore always get
+protection here by declaring myself against Biron. Then came a short
+turn to the right, and Monsieur de Preaulx of the Anjoumois was at the
+door of the <i>Grand Cerf</i>. It opened to my knock, and Jacques, faithful
+knave, was in waiting. After this there followed the usual little
+delay and bustle consequent on a new arrival.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I dismounted Jacques whispered in my ear, 'You are M. de Preaulx of
+Saumur in the Anjoumois, monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'So M. d'Aubusson tells me,' I replied in the same tone, and then
+louder, 'but you might have made a mess of it, Jacques&mdash;however, you
+meant well, and I owe you five crowns for your good intentions. Now
+call mine host, and tell him to show me to my rooms whilst you see to
+the horses.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Mine host was already there, in slippered feet, with a long candle in
+one hand and a cup of warmed Romanée in the other. He led the way with
+many bows, and I limped after him to a room which was large and
+comfortable enough.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Here is some mulled Romanée for monsieur le baron,' he said, as he
+handed me the goblet; 'his lordship the count will observe that the
+best room has been kept for him, and later on I will have the pleasure
+of setting the finest dinner in France before the most noble marquis;
+good night, monseigneur, good night and good dreams,' and he tottered
+off, leaving me to drink the mulled wine, which was superb, and to
+sleep the sleep of the utterly weary.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was late when I awoke and found Jacques in my room, attending to my
+things. The rest had done my leg good, although it was still stiff,
+and the wearing of a long boot painful. As I finished my toilet I
+asked my man,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Horses ready?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'They will be by the time Monsieur has dined. I shall put the valises
+on the nag we got at Evreux for you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Right. <i>Morbleu!</i> I hear M. d'Aubusson below. It is very late.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It has just gone the dinner hour.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I hurried downstairs, leaving Jacques to pack, and was only just in
+time to receive my guest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A hundred pardons, monsieur; but I overslept myself.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">''Tis a sleepy place,' he answered, 'there is nothing to do but to
+sleep.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Surely there is something to love.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not a decent ankle under a petticoat.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'At any rate we can eat. Come, sit you down. My ride has made me
+hungry as a wolf, and I have far to go.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The dinner was excellent, the Armagnac of the finest vintage, and
+d'Aubusson to all appearances a gay frank-hearted fellow, and we
+became very friendly as the wine cup passed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Tell me what induced M. de Sancy to quarter his company here?' I
+asked towards the close of the meal, as the lieutenant was cursing his
+luck at being stationed at Rouvres.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He burst out laughing; 'Oh! M. de Sancy has a government and five
+thousand livres a year to maintain his company, and being a pious soul
+has enlisted all the saints, and keeps them as far as possible from
+the temptations of Paris.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Enlisted the saints!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes&mdash;this Armagnac is excellent&mdash;yes, the saints. Our gentlemen are
+all from heaven&mdash;there is St. Andre, St. Vincent, St. Martin, St.
+Blaise, St. Loy, St. Pol, and half the calendar besides!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ha! ha! the heavenly host.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh! I am proud, I assure you. I command the company from Paradise.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Or the gendarmes of the Kyrielle.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Noel</i>! <i>Noel!</i>' he called out gaily, and as he did so we heard a
+clatter of hoofs in the courtyard, and a few moments afterwards the
+landlord ushered in two gentlemen. It took me but a glance to
+recognise in one the Italian Zamet, and in the other the Chevalier
+Lafin. It cost me an effort to compose myself, so much was I startled;
+but I comforted myself with the assurance that I was unknown to them,
+and that an arrest would be no easy matter with Sancy's company at
+hand. Beyond bowing to us, however, as they passed, they took no
+further notice of me for the present, and contented themselves with
+ordering some wine, and conversing in low tones at the table at which
+they sat.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nevertheless, it was a piece of ill luck. These men were evidently
+back on their way to Paris, and by coming through Rouvres had stumbled
+upon me in such a manner as to hold me at serious disadvantage. My one
+consolation was that Zamet did not look like a fighting man, and as
+for the other, there was an equal chance for each of us; but I had no
+idea what their force might be outside. It turned out that it was very
+small, and it was owing to this that the incident I am about to
+describe ended so peacefully. A look or two in our direction appeared
+to indicate that the new arrivals were discussing us, and my doubts
+were soon set at rest by a lackey entering and holding a brief
+whispered talk with Zamet. He dismissed the man quietly, and then
+bending forward said something to Lafin, and both, rising, approached
+us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur will pardon me,' said Zamet, addressing me with his lisping
+Italian accent, 'but I understand that you entered Rouvres late last
+night.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes,' I answered, whilst d'Aubusson raised his eyebrows and leaned
+back in his chair, twirling his moustache.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then would you be so kind as to inform me, if you came by the road
+from Anet, whether you met a wounded horseman riding this way?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Before I answer any questions, will you be good enough to tell me who
+you are, gentlemen?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am Zamet, Comptroller of the King's household,' replied the
+Italian.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And I the Chevalier de Lafin, nephew and heir to the Vidame de
+Chartres.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I see no reason to reply to your question, messieurs, even if you are
+the persons you name.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Zamet smiled slightly, with a meaning look towards Lafin, who burst
+out:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Have a care, monsieur, remember I follow the Marshal duc de Biron.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Of Burgundy and La Bresse,' I added with a sneer, rising from my
+seat, my hand on my sword hilt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is he,' exclaimed the Italian, and Lafin, who saw my movement,
+stepped back half a pace, not from fear, but to gain room to draw his
+weapon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My dear lieutenant,' and I turned to d'Aubusson, 'you complain that
+this is a dull place. We shall now have some relaxation. These
+gentlemen want a question answered, and I say certainly&mdash;I suggest the
+garden as a suitable place for our conference. Will you do me the
+favour to look on?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That will be slower than ever for me. If you will allow me to join
+you?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Delighted. You are my guest, and it will make us exactly two to two.
+Now, gentlemen,' I will answer your question on the lawn.' Whilst we
+were speaking, some hurried words passed between Lafin and Zamet, and
+as I turned to them with my invitation the Italian answered:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There was no offence meant, monsieur. We had business with the man
+from Anet,' he looked hard at me as he spoke, 'and at present we have
+not leisure to attend to you. We will, therefore, not intrude on you
+further. We but stay for a glass of wine, and then press onwards.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Hum!' exclaimed d'Aubusson, surveying him from head to bootheel, and
+then turning an equally contemptuous look at Lafin, 'you are very
+disobliging gentlemen.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This is not to be borne,' burst out Lafin. 'Come, sir&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Zamet again interposed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Diavolo!</i> Chevalier, your courage is known. We will settle with
+these gentlemen another day&mdash;you forget. Will you risk all now? 'His
+companion put back his half-drawn sword with a curse and a snap, and,
+turning on his heel, went to the other end of the room, followed by
+Zamet. There they drank their wine and departed, and an hour later I
+also started. D'Aubusson insisted on accompanying me part of the way
+with a couple of his saints, and, as we approached the Paris gate, we
+observed a man riding slowly, a little ahead of us. 'I recognise the
+grey,' said Jacques, coming to my side. 'Monsieur, that is one of the
+three servants the two gentlemen who have gone before had with them.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This small force accounted, as I have said, for the moderation Zamet
+had shown; but it flashed upon me that the lackey had been left behind
+for no other purpose than that of observing our route. Even if I was
+wrong in this surmise it was well to be prudent, and turning to
+d'Aubusson I said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, I wish to be frank with you. It is true that I am bearing
+news to Paris which will be of the greatest service to the King; but
+my name is not de Preaulx.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I know that,' he said quietly, 'I am of the Anjoumois, and there is
+no such name there.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And you did not arrest me?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Why the devil should I? The land is at peace, and I have been
+Monsieur &quot;I-Don't-Know-What&quot; before now myself. Besides, you were in
+my hands at the <i>Grand Cerf</i>. You are in my hands now. But I wanted to
+know more, and when I saw that you were an object of M. Zamet's
+attentions I knew you were on our side.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Exactly so, and I owe you much for this. There is another favour I
+would ask.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And it is?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That you stop the man riding ahead of us until this evening.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As it will annoy Zamet, I shall do so with pleasure. I had half a
+mind to stop the shoemaker himself.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With this allusion to Zamet's ignoble origin he turned and gave a
+short order to his men. As we came up to the gate the man before us
+slackened pace so as to let us pass, with the obvious intention, so I
+thought, of following me at his convenience. He had hardly pulled rein
+when the two saints closed in, one on each side of him, and in a trice
+he was in their hands. He protested violently, as might have been
+expected, but in vain, and we waited until he was well out of sight on
+his way to the guard-room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the gate we asked which way Zamet and his party had gone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'By Tacoignieres, messieurs,' answered the sentinel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then my way is by Septeuil,' I said. 'I owe you a long debt, M.
+d'Aubusson, and will repay. We shall meet again.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Pardieu!</i> I hope so&mdash;and you dine with me at More's.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Or where you will&mdash;adieu.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A good journey.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And with a parting wave of my hand I turned Couronne's head, and
+galloped off, followed by Jacques.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_09"  href="#div1Ref_09">THE MASTER-GENERAL</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">In the labyrinth of narrow streets, crooked roads, and blind alleys
+behind the Palais de Justice, where the houses are so crowded, that
+they seem to climb one over the other in their efforts to reach higher
+and higher in their search for air, is a small street called the Rue
+des Deux Mondes. It had this advantage&mdash;that it was wider than most of
+the other roads in that part of Paris, and opened out abruptly on to
+the river face, very nearly opposite the upper portion of the Pont
+Neuf, then under course of construction but not to be finished for
+some years later. At the corner of the street and overlooking the
+river, the Pont Neuf, the Passeur aux Vaches, with a glimpse of the
+Quai Malaquais and the mansions of the Faubourg St. Germain, was a
+house of moderate size kept and owned by a Maître Pantin, who was
+engaged nominally, in some legal business in the courts of the city. I
+say nominally, because he was in reality an agent of the Huguenot
+party, who, having contributed so largely to help the King to his own,
+were in reward restricted from the public exercise of their religion
+to a radius of thirty miles beyond Paris. This restriction did not,
+however, apply to Madame Catherine, the King's sister, now the Duchess
+de Bar, and a few of the great nobles such as Bouillon, de Guiche, de
+Pangeas, and one or two others, who had declined to follow the King's
+example and see the error of their religious ways, and who when in the
+capital were allowed to attend the princess' daily <i>prêche</i> in the
+Louvre, a thing which exasperated all Paris, and induced Monseigneur
+the Archbishop de Gondy to make public protest to the King, and to
+come back very downcast with a carrot for his cabbage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was this house of Maître Pantin, it will be remembered, that had
+been recommended to me as a lodging by Palin, who told me of the
+owner's occupation, and when I demurred on account of my religious
+convictions, the Huguenot pointed out that I had to do things in Paris
+which required a safe retreat, and that he could vouch for the honesty
+and discretion of Pantin. I admitted that his arguments were
+reasonable, and resolved to take advantage of his recommendation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We rode into Paris by the St. Germain's gate, and I was immediately
+struck by the aspect of gloom that the city wore. Most of the shops
+were indeed open, but there appeared to be no business doing, and
+instead of men hurrying backwards and forwards, the streets were
+filled with groups of people evidently engaged in discussing some
+affair of the utmost moment. Every third or fourth man wore a black
+scarf over his right arm, and the bells of the churches were tolling
+dismally for the dead. From St. Germain des Pres, from St. Severin,
+from the airy spire of Ste. Chapelle, they called out mournfully, and
+above them all, drowning the distant voices of St. Germain
+l'Auxerrois, St. Jacques de la Boucherie, St. Antoine, and others less
+known to fame, pealed out the solemn notes of the Bourdon of Nôtre
+Dame.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Near the Pré-aux-clercs, hundreds of long-robed students were
+assembled, and the windows of many of the great houses, including the
+Logis de Nevers, were hung with black. It was strange to see Paris,
+always so bright and gay, with this solemn air upon it. No notice was
+taken of us as we rode on, the knots of people merely moving aside to
+let us pass, and answering Jacques' cheerful 'good-day 'with a silent
+inclination of the head or a chill indifference.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Pardieu</i>, monsieur,' exclaimed Jacques, as we turned up the Rue de
+la Harpe, hard by the Hôtel de Cluny, 'one would think the King
+himself were dead, these gentry pull such long faces.' My servant's
+chance observation sent a sudden shock through me. What if Henry was
+dead! What if I had got only one thread of the plot that was weaving
+at Anet? I did not answer Jacques; but observing a Capuchin priest
+advancing in my direction, I reined in Couronne, and giving him the
+day, asked what it was that had befallen the city. He looked up at me
+in a slight surprise, and then, observing my travel-stained
+appearance, replied:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I see you are a stranger, sir; but have you not heard the news&mdash;it
+should have gone far by this?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have not, as you see&mdash;but what is it? Surely the King is not dead?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'God forbid,' he answered, 'no, not the King; but she who in a few
+weeks would have been Queen of France.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The Duchesse de Beaufort?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Exactly.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I knew that; but you don't mean to say that the city is in mourning
+for the mistress of the King?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked at me straight in the face, and stroked his white beard
+thoughtfully. He was a tall, a very tall, thin man, and his eyes, of
+the clearest blue, seemed to lighten with a strange light.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No, my son, not for the mistress of the King, as you call her, but
+for the open hand and the generous heart, for the kindly soul that
+never turned from suffering or from sorrow, for Magdalen bountiful,
+and, let us hope, Magdalen repentant.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Adieu, my son&mdash;think of what I have said. Is your own heart so pure
+that you can afford to cast a stone at the dead?' And without waiting
+for a further answer he went onwards. I turned and watched the tall,
+slim figure as it moved through the crowd, the people making way for
+him on every side as if he were a prince of the church.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But though he was slowly passing out of sight, he had left words
+behind him that were at their work. This was the woman whom I had
+openly-reviled as fallen and beyond the pale&mdash;had I any right to cast
+stones? For a moment I was lost in myself, when Jacques' voice cut
+into my thoughts.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That must have been a cardinal at least, monsieur, though he does not
+look like the Cardinal du Perron, whom we heard preach at Rheims&mdash;I
+will ask,' and he inquired who the Capuchin was, of a man who had just
+come up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That is the <i>père</i> Ange, monsieur,' was the answer, and the man went
+on, leaving Jacques' thanks in the air.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The <i>père</i> Ange. The name brought back a host of recollections to me
+as I shook up Couronne's reins and headed her towards the Pont St.
+Michel. I saw myself a boy again in the suite of Joyeuse, and
+remembered with what awe I used to gaze on the brilliant de Bouchage,
+his brother, who was a frequent visitor at Orleans. His splendid
+attire, his courtly air, the great deeds he had done were in all men's
+mouths. We youngsters, who saw him at a respectful distance, aped the
+cut of his cloak, the tilt of his sword, the cock of his plumed hat.
+If we only knew how he made love, we would have tried to do so in like
+manner; but for this each one of us had to find out a way of his own.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All at once it was rumoured that the chevalier had vanished,
+disappeared mysteriously, and that every trace of him was lost. There
+were men who whispered of the Chatelet, or, worse still, the Bastille;
+others who said the Seine was very deep near the mills by the Pont aux
+Meunniers; others who put together the sudden retreat from the court
+of the brilliant but infamous Madame de Sauves, the Rose of Guise,
+with the disappearance of de Bouchage, and shook their heads and
+winked knowingly. They were all wrong. Gradually the truth came out,
+and it became known that the polished courtier, the great soldier, and
+the splendid cavalier had thrown away the world as one would fling
+aside an old cloak, and buried himself in a cloister.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a ten days' wonder; then other things happened, and perhaps not
+one in ten thousand remembered, in the saintly <i>père</i> Ange, the once
+fiery prince of the house of Joyeuse.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have mentioned this because of his reproof to me. Day by day my
+education was progressing, and I began to recognise that my virtue was
+pitiless, that I was too ready to judge harshly of others. <i>Père</i>
+Ange's reproof was a lesson I meant to profit by; and now&mdash;to the
+abode of Maître Pantin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Palin's directions were clear, and after crossing the Pont St. Michel,
+a wooden bridge, we kept to the south of Ste. Chapelle, and then,
+after many a twist and turn, found ourselves in the Rue des Deux
+Mondes, before the doors of Pantin's house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The master himself answered my knock and stood in the doorway, a
+small, wizened figure, looking at us cautiously from grey eyes,
+shadowed by bushy white brows.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Good-day, monsieur&mdash;what is it I can do for you?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are Maître Pantin?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'At your service.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And I am the Chevalier d'Auriac. I have come to Paris from Bidache on
+business, and need a lodging. Maître Palin has recommended me to you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Enough, monsieur le chevalier. My friend Palin's name is sufficient,
+and I have need of clients, for the house is empty. If Monsieur's
+servant will lead the horses through that lane there, he will find an
+entrance to the stables&mdash;and will Monsieur step in and take a seat
+while I summon my wife&mdash;Annette! Annette!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I limped in and sat down, escorted by expressions of compassion from
+Pantin, who mingled these with shouts for Annette. In a little time
+Madame Pantin appeared, and never have I seen so great a resemblance
+between husband and wife as between these two. There was the same
+small, shrivelled figure, the same clear-cut features, the same white
+eyebrows standing prominently out over the same grey eyes&mdash;their
+height, walk, and tone of voice even, was almost the same. Madame,
+however, had an eye to business, which her husband, although I
+understood him to be a notary, had not discovered to me, and whilst he
+went off to see, as he said, to the arrangements for the horses,
+Madame Annette struck a bargain with me for my lodging, which I closed
+with at once, as I was in sufficient funds to be a little extravagant.
+This matter being arranged by my instant agreement to her terms, she
+showed me to my rooms, which were on the second floor, and commanded a
+good view of the river face; and, pocketing a week's rental in
+advance, the old lady retired, after recommending me to an ordinary
+where the food was excellent and the Frontignac old.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I spent the remainder of the day doing nothing, going forth but to sup
+quietly at the Two Ecus, which I found fully upheld the good name
+Madame Pantin had given it, and returning early to my rooms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sitting in an easy chair at a window overlooking the Seine, I lost
+myself for a while in a dreamland of reverie. Let it be remembered
+that I was a man of action, who had been awakened by the love he bore
+for a woman to a sense of his own unfitness, and it will be realised
+how difficult it was for me to look into myself. I tried to tick off
+my failings in my mind, and found they were hydra-headed. There were
+some that I alone could not combat, and I hated myself for my want of
+moral strength. I had groped towards religion for aid, to the faith of
+my fathers; but there were doctrines and canons there that I could not
+reconcile with my inward conscience. I could not believe all I was
+asked to take on trust, and I felt I was insensibly turning towards
+the simpler faith of the Huguenot. But here, again, I was in troublous
+waters. I had got over the sinful pride that prevented me from
+approaching my God in humbleness, but I found that prayer, though it
+gave momentary relief, did not give permanent strength to resist, and
+a sort of spiritual despair fell upon me. Along with this was an
+unalterable longing to be near the woman I loved, to feel her presence
+about me, to know that she loved me as I loved her, and, in short, I
+would rather go ten times up to a battery of guns than feel over again
+the desolation and agony of spirit that was on me then. So I spent an
+hour or so in a state of hopeless mental confusion, and at last I cut
+it short by pulling myself up abruptly. Win or lose, I would follow
+the dictates of my conscience. If I could, I would win the woman I
+loved, and with God's help and her aid lead such a life as would bring
+us both to Him when we died. It was a quick, unspoken prayer that went
+up from me, and it brought back in a moment its comfort.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Jacques' coming into the room at this juncture was a relief. He lit
+the tall candles that stood in the grotesque bronze holders that
+projected from the wall, and then, drawing the curtains, inquired if I
+needed his services further that night.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I don't think so, Jacques&mdash;but stay!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How do we stand?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh, well enough, monsieur. Better really than for a long time. We
+have three horses and their equipment&mdash;although one of Monsieur's
+pistols is broken&mdash;and a full hundred and fifty crowns.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A perfect fortune&mdash;are you sure of the crowns?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As I am of being here, monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Well, then, there is something I want you to do, and attend with both
+ears.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I want you to take the two horses we got at Evreux and fifty crowns,
+and go back to Ezy. Keep ten crowns for yourself and give forty to the
+smith and his daughter, and take them with you to Auriac. The
+forester's lodge is vacant&mdash;let them live there, or, if they like,
+there is room enough in the château. I will give you a letter to
+Bozon. He wants help, and these people will be of service to him.
+After you have done this, sell one of the horses&mdash;you may keep the
+proceeds, and come back to me. If I am not here you will get certain
+news of me, and can easily find me out&mdash;you follow?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Exactly.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then when will you be prepared to start?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As soon as Monsieur le Chevalier is suited with another man as
+faithful as I.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Eh!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Sangdieu!</i> monsieur, I shall never forget what <i>père</i> Michel and the
+old steward Bozon said when I came home last without you. I believe if
+I were to do so again the good cure would excommunicate me, and Maître
+Bozon would have me flung into the bay to follow. If I were to go back
+and leave you alone in Paris anything might happen. No! no! My fathers
+have served Auriac for two hundred years, and it shall never be
+said that Jacques Bisson left the last of the old race to die
+alone&mdash;never!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My friend, you are mad&mdash;who the devil talks of dying?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, I am not such a fool as perhaps I look. Do I not understand
+that Monsieur has an affair in hand which has more to do with a rapier
+than a ribbon? If not, why the night ride, why the broken pistol, and
+the blood-stained saddle of Couronne? If Monsieur had come to Paris in
+the ordinary way, we would have been at court, fluttering it as gaily
+as the rest, and cocking our bonnets with the best of them&mdash;instead of
+hiding here like a fox in his lair.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are complimentary; but it is to help me I want you to do this.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The best help Monsieur can have is a true sword at his
+elbow&mdash;Monsieur will excuse me, but I will not go,' and, angry as his
+tone was, there were tears in the honest fellow's eyes. Of course I
+could have dismissed the man; but I knew him too well not to know that
+nothing short of killing him would rid me of him. Again I was more
+than touched by his fidelity. Nevertheless, I was determined to carry
+out my project of making up to Marie in some way for the death of
+Nicholas, and resolved to temporise with Jacques. There was no one
+else to send, and it would have to be my stout-hearted knave; but the
+business was to get him to go.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well, Jacques; but remember, if I get other temporary help that
+you approve of you will have to go.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'In that case, monsieur, it is different.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then it must be your business to see to this, and now good night.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Good night, monsieur,' and he took himself off.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had made up my mind to lay my information before Sully. That he was
+in Paris I knew, having obtained the information from Pantin, and it
+was my intention to repair the next day to the Hôtel de Béthune, and
+tell the minister all. The night was one of those in which sleep would
+not come, not because the place was a strange one&mdash;I was too old a
+campaigner to lose rest because the same feather pillow was not under
+my head every night&mdash;but because my thoughts kept me awake. What these
+were I have already described, and they were in force sufficient to
+banish all sleep until the small hours were well on, and I at last
+dropped off, with the solemn notes of the Bourdon ringing in my ears.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was about ten o'clock the next morning that I mounted Couronne,
+and, followed by Jacques, well armed, took my way towards the Hôtel de
+Béthune. We found the Barillierie thronged with people on their way to
+St. Denis to witness the burial of Madame de Beaufort, and the Pont au
+Change was so crowded that we had to wait there for a full half-hour.
+At last we got across the bridge, on which in their eagerness for gain
+the money-changers had fixed their stalls, and pushed and struggled
+and fought over their business on each side of the narrow track they
+left for the public. Finally, we passed the grey walls of the Grand
+Chatelet, and turning to our right, past St. Jacques, the Place de
+Gréve, and the Hôtel de Ville, got into the Rue St. Antoine by a side
+street that ran from St. Gervais to the Baudets. Here we found the
+main street almost deserted, all Paris having crowded to the funeral,
+and a quarter-mile or so brought us to the gates of the Hôtel de
+Béthune.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sully had just received the Master-Generalship of the Ordnance, and at
+his door was a guard of the regiment of La Ferte. I knew the blue
+uniforms with the white sashes well, and they had fought like fiends
+at Fontaine Française and Ham. The officer on guard very civilly told
+me that the minister did not receive that day, but on my insisting and
+pointing out that my business was of the utmost importance, he gave
+way with a shrug of his shoulders. 'Go on, monsieur le chevalier, but
+I can tell you it is of no use; however, that is a business you must
+settle with Ivoy, the duke's secretary.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I thanked him, and, dismounting and flinging the reins to Jacques,
+passed up the courtyard and up the stone steps to the entrance door.
+Here I was met by the same statement, that Sully was unable to receive
+to-day; but, on my insisting, the secretary Ivoy appeared and asked me
+my name and business.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have given my name twice already, monsieur,' I answered. 'I am the
+Chevalier d'Auriac, and as for my business it is of vital import, and
+is for Monseigneur's ear alone&mdash;you will, therefore, excuse me if I
+decline to mention it to you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ivoy bowed. 'It will come to me in its own good time, monsieur. Will
+you be seated? I will deliver your message to the duke; but I am
+afraid it will be of little use.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I take the risk. Monsieur d'Ivoy.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But not the rating, chevalier,' and the secretary, with a half-smile
+on his face, went out and left me to myself. In a few minutes he
+returned.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The duke will see you, monsieur&mdash;this way, please.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Pardieu!</i>' I muttered to myself as I followed Ivoy, 'he keeps as
+much state as if he were the chancellor himself. However, I have a
+relish for Monseigneur's soup.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ivoy led the way up a winding staircase of oak, so old that it was
+black as ebony, and polished as glass. At the end of this was a
+landing, where a couple of lackeys were lounging on a bench before a
+closed door. They sprang up at our approach, and Ivoy tapped gently at
+the door.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come in,' was the answer, given in a cold voice, and the next moment
+we were in the room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur le Chevalier d'Auriac,' and Ivoy had presented me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sully inclined his head frigidly to my bow, and then motioned to Ivoy
+to retire. When we were alone, he turned to me with a brief 'Well?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have information of the utmost importance which I wish to lay
+before you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I hear that ten times a day from people. Will your story take long to
+tell?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That depends.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then be seated for a moment, whilst I write a note.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took the chair he pointed out, and he began to write rapidly. Whilst
+he was doing this I had a glance round the room. It was evidently the
+duke's working cabinet, and it bore everywhere the marks of the prim
+exactness of its master's character. There was no litter of papers on
+the table. The huge piles of correspondence on it were arranged
+neatly, one file above the other. All the books in the long shelves
+that lined the walls were numbered, the curtains were drawn back at
+exact angles to the curtain poles, the chairs were set squarely, there
+was not a thing out of place, not a speck of dust, not a blot on the
+brown leather writing-pad, on the polished walnut of the table before
+which Sully sat. On the wall opposite to him was a portrait of Madame
+de Sully. It was the only ornament in the room. The portrait itself
+showed a sprightly-looking woman with a laughing eye, and she looked
+down on her lord and master from the painted canvas with a merry smile
+on her slightly parted lips. As for the man himself, he sat squarely
+at his desk, writing rapidly with an even motion of his pen. He was
+plainly but richly dressed, without arms of any kind. His collar was
+ruffed in the English fashion, but worn with a droop, over which his
+long beard, now streaked with grey, fell almost to the middle of his
+breast. He was bald, and on each side of his high, wrinkled forehead
+there was a thin wisp of hair, brushed neatly back. His clear eyes
+looked out coldly, but not unkindly, from under the dark, arched
+eyebrows, and his short moustaches were carefully trimmed and twisted
+into two points that stuck out one on each side of his long straight
+nose. The mouth itself was small, and the lips were drawn together
+tightly, not, it seemed, naturally, but by a constant habit that had
+become second nature. It was as if there were two spirits in this man.
+One a genial influence that was held in bonds by the other, a cold,
+calculating, intellectual essence. Such was Maximilian de Béthune,
+Marquis de Rosny and Duc de Sully. He was not yet nominally chief
+minister. But it was well known that he was in the King's inmost
+secrets, and that there was no man who held more real power in the
+State than the Master-General of the Ordnance. As I finished my survey
+of him, he finished his despatch, and after folding and addressing it
+he turned it upside down and said to me:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Now for your important news, monsieur. It must be very important to
+have brought <i>you</i> here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not understand?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked at me, a keen inquiry in his glance. 'You do not
+understand?' he said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Indeed, no, monseigneur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Hum! You are either deeper than I take you to be, or a born fool.
+Look, you, are you not Alban de Breuil, Sieur d'Auriac, who was lately
+in arms in the service of Spain against France as a rebel and a
+traitor?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I was on the side of the League.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, the League died at Ivry&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But not for us.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He made an impatient gesture. 'We won't discuss that. Are you not the
+man I refer to? Say yes or no.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am d'Auriac&mdash;there is no other of my name&mdash;but no more a rebel or
+traitor than Messieurs de Guise, de Mayenne, and others. The King's
+Peace has pardoned us all. Why should I fear to come to you? I have
+come to do you a service, or rather the King a service.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Thank you. May I ask if you did not receive a warning at La Fère, and
+another at Bidache?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'From M. d'Ayen&mdash;yes. Monseigneur, I refuse to believe what I heard.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And yet your name heads a list of half a dozen whom the King's Peace
+does not touch. One of my reasons for receiving you was to have you
+arrested.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is a high honour, all this bother about a poor gentleman of
+Normandy, when Guise, de Mayenne, Epernon, and others keep their skins
+whole.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You have flown your hawk at too high a quarry, monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then that painted ape, d'Ayen, told a true tale,' I burst out in
+uncontrollable anger. 'Monseigneur, do what you will to me. Remember
+that you help to the eternal dishonour of the King.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words hit him, and the blood flushed darkly under the pale olive
+of the man's cheek.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, you forget yourself.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is not I, but you who do so&mdash;you who forget that your name is
+Béthune. Yes, touch that bell. I make no resistance. I presume it will
+be the Chatelet?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His hand, half stretched towards the button of the call-bell before
+him, suddenly stayed itself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Were my temper as hasty as your tongue, monsieur, it would have been
+the Chatelet in half an hour.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Better that&mdash;&mdash;' I began, but he interrupted me with a quick wave of
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur d'Auriac, a time will come when you will have reason to
+regret the words you have used towards me. I do not mean regret them
+in the place you have mentioned, but in your heart. In this business
+the honour of Béthune as well as the honour of the King is at stake.
+Do you think I am likely to throw my hazard like an infant?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was silent, but a dim ray of hope flickered up in my heart as I
+looked at the man before me, and felt, I know not why, in the glance
+of his eye, in the tone of the voice, in his very gestures, that here
+was one who had conquered himself, and who knew how to rule.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Now, sir,' he went on, the animation in his tone dropping to a cold
+and frigid note, 'proceed with your tale.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a thing easier ordered than done, but I managed it somehow,
+trying to be as brief as possible, without missing a point. Sully
+listened without a movement of his stern features, only his eyes
+seemed to harden like crystal as I spoke of Biron and Zamet. When I
+told what I heard of the death of Madame de Beaufort, he turned his
+head to the open window and kept it thus until I ended. When he looked
+back again at me, however, there was not a trace of emotion in his
+features, and his voice was as cold and measured as ever as he asked:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And your reward for this news, chevalier?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Is not to be measured in pistoles, monseigneur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I see; and is this all?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His tone chilled me. 'It is all&mdash;no,' and with a sudden thought, 'give
+me twenty men, and in a week I put the traitors in your hands.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He fairly laughed out. '<i>Corb&oelig;uf!</i> Monsieur le chevalier, do you
+want to set France ablaze?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It seems, monseigneur, that the torch is held at Anet,' I answered a
+little sulkily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But not lighted yet; leave the dealing with that to me. And,
+monsieur, the King is at Fontainebleau, and for a month nothing can be
+done. And see here, monsieur, I can do nothing for you; you follow. At
+the end of a month go and see the King. Tell him your story, and, if
+he believes you, claim your reward. I will go so far as to promise
+that you will be received.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All the little hope I had begun to gather fluttered away at these
+words like a scrap of paper cast in the wind. 'Monseigneur,' I said,
+and my voice sounded strangely even to my own ears, 'in a month it
+will be too late.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Leave that to me,' he answered. 'I have a reminder always before my
+eyes,' and he pointed through the open window in the direction of a
+house that towered above the others surrounding it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not follow,' I stammered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That is the Hôtel de Zamet,' he said grimly, and I thought I
+understood why he had turned to the window when I spoke of Madame de
+Beaufort's death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I rose with a sigh I could barely repress: 'Then there is nothing for
+me to do but to wait?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You will not lose by doing so.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I thank you, monseigneur; but there is one little favour I ask.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And that is?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The King's Peace until I see the King.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You will be safer in the Chatelet, I assure you, but as you
+wish&mdash;stay, there is one thing. Not a word of your interview with me,
+even to the King.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My hopes rose again. 'On my faith as a gentleman, I will not mention
+it.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I finished he struck his bell sharply twice, and Ivoy entered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ivoy, do me the favour to conduct Monsieur d'Auriac to the gates
+yourself, and impress upon him the necessity of keeping to his
+lodging. The air of Paris out-of-doors is unhealthy at present.
+Good-day, monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ivoy bowed, with a slight upraising of his eyebrows, and we passed
+out. Going down the stairway, he said to me with a smile: 'I see you
+dine at home to-day, chevalier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'At the Two Ecus,' I answered, pretending not to understand his
+allusion, and he chuckled low to himself. At the gates I observed that
+the guards were doubled, and a whispered word passed between Ivoy and
+the officer in command. But of this also I took no notice, and,
+wishing them the day, rode back as I came.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_10"  href="#div1Ref_10">AN OLD FRIEND</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">I was not the man to neglect Sully's warning, and, besides, there was
+an added reason for being careful of dark corners, as both Zamet and
+Lafin knew me, and were unlikely to lose any opportunity of doing me
+harm that might come their way. I could do nothing but wait and
+exercise patience until the month was over, and it was a hard enough
+task. Beyond my daily visits to my ordinary, I went nowhere and saw no
+one. I occasionally, of course, met my landlord and his wife, but few
+words passed between us, and Jacques had become marvellously taciturn,
+so that I was alone as if I were in a desert in that vast city, where
+the roar of the day's traffic and the hum of voices seemed to vibrate
+through, and possess the stillest hours of the night. Doubtless there
+were men of my acquaintance in Paris, but I did not seek them, for the
+reasons already stated, and I lived as secluded a life as though I had
+taken the vows of a hermit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the meantime I was more than anxious that Jacques should execute my
+plan in regard to Marie. That I felt was a debt of honour to myself;
+but though I tried the threat of dismissal, he refused to go point
+blank, and I was weak enough to allow him his way. It was one of the
+many instances in which my firmness of temper failed, but it is not
+possible for a man always to keep his heart in a Milan corselet. I
+could not make out Sully's reasons for his action. It seemed to me
+that he had got all my information out of me without pledging himself
+to anything in return, and that he held me as safely as a cat does a
+wounded mouse. To save my own skin by quitting Paris was a thought I
+can honestly aver that never came to me. It could not, with the
+all-pervading presence of my love for Madame. It was for her sake I
+was here, and for her sake I would go cheerfully to the block if it
+need be; but it would not be without a try to save her, and if the
+worst came to the worst I should let all France know the infamy of her
+King. The hero-worship I had in my heart for him had given place to a
+bitter hatred for the man who was using his power to drive a woman to
+ruin, and inflict upon me the most bitter sorrow. All this may sound
+foolish, but such was my frame of mind, and I was yet to know how
+great the man was whom I hated&mdash;but of that on another day. In the
+meantime there was no news from Bidache, and I was kept on the cross
+with anxiety lest some danger had befallen my dear one there. Anet was
+not three hours' ride away, and at Anet was de Gomeron, unless indeed
+the conspirators had scattered, as was not at all unlikely, after the
+manner in which they had been discovered. My doubts in regard to
+Madame's safety were set at rest about three weeks after my interview
+with Sully. One evening Pantin knocked at my door, and, on my bidding
+him enter, came in with many apologies for disturbing me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But, chevalier,' he added, 'I have news that Monsieur will no doubt
+be glad to hear.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then let me have it, Maître Pantin, for good news has been a stranger
+to me for long.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is this. Our friend Palin arrives in Paris to-morrow or the day
+after.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And stays here?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No, for he comes in attendance on Madame de la Bidache, and will
+doubtless live at the Rue Varenne.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I half turned for a moment to the window to hide the expression of joy
+on my face I could not conceal otherwise. Were it daylight I might
+have been able to see the trees in the gardens of the Rue Varenne; but
+it was night, and the stars showed nothing beyond the white spectral
+outline of the Tour de Nesle beyond the Malaquais.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Indeed, I am glad to hear this,' I said as I looked round once more;
+'though Paris will be dull for Madame.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not so, monsieur, for the King comes back tomorrow, and the gossips
+say that before another fortnight is out there will be another
+<i>maîtresse en titre</i> at the Louvre. <i>Ciel!</i> How many of them there
+have been, from poor La Fosseuse to the D'Estrées.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Maître Pantin, I forgot myself&mdash;will you help yourself to the
+Frontignac?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A hundred thanks, monsieur le chevalier. Is there any message for
+Palin? <i>Pouf!</i> But I forget. What has a handsome young spark like you
+got in common with an old greybeard? You will be at court in a week;
+and they will all be there&mdash;bright-eyed D'Entragues, Mary of Guise,
+Charlotte de Givry, and&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Maître Pantin, these details of the court do not interest me. Tell
+Palin I would see him as soon as he arrives. Ask him as a favour to
+come here. He said you were discreet&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And I know that Monsieur le Chevalier is likewise.' With a quick
+movement of the hand the short grey goatee that Pantin wore vanished
+from his chin, and there was before me not the face of the notary, but
+that of Annette. She laughed out at the amaze in my look, but quickly
+changed her tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Maître Palin said you were to be trusted utterly, monsieur, and you
+see I have done so. Your message will be safely delivered, and I
+promise he will see you. But have you no other?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'None,' I answered, a little bitterly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have, however, and it is this,' and she placed in my hand a little
+packet. 'Monsieur may open that at his leisure,' and she turned as if
+to go.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'One moment&mdash;I do not understand. What is the meaning of this
+masquerade?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Only this, that my husband will appear to have been at the same time
+at the Quartier du Marais as well as the Faubourg St. Germain. I would
+add that Monsieur would be wise to keep indoors as he is doing. We
+have found out that the house is being watched. Good-night, monsieur,'
+and, with a nod of her wrinkled face, this strange woman vanished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I appeared in truth to be the sport of mystery, and it seemed as if
+one of those sudden gusts of anger to which I was subject was coming
+on me. I controlled myself with an effort, and with a turn of my
+fingers tore open the packet, and in it lay my lost knot of ribbon.
+For a moment the room swam round me, and I became as cold as ice. Then
+came the revulsion, and with trembling fingers I raised the token to
+my lips and kissed it a hundred times. There were no written words
+with it; there was nothing but this little worn bow! but it told a
+whole story to me. It had come down to me, that ribbon that Marescot
+said was hung too high for de Breuil of Auriac; and God alone knows
+how I swore to guard it, and how my heart thanked him for his goodness
+to me. For ten long minutes I was in fairyland, and then I saw myself
+as I was, proscribed and poor, almost in the hands of powerful
+enemies, striving to fight an almost hopeless cause with nothing on my
+side and everything against me. Even were it otherwise, the rock of
+Auriac was too bare to link with the broad lands of Pelouse and
+Bidache, and, love her as I did, I could never hang my sword in my
+wife's halls. It was impossible, utterly impossible. So I was tossed
+now one way, now another, until my mental agony was almost
+insupportable.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The next day nothing would content me but that I must repair to the
+Rue Varenne, and, if possible, get a glimpse of Madame as she arrived.
+I left instructions that Palin should be asked to wait for me if he
+came during my absence; for my impatience was too great to admit of my
+staying in for him. I was not, however, in so great a hurry as to
+entirely neglect the warnings I had received, and dressed myself as
+simply as possible, removing the plumes from my hat, and wearing a
+stout buff coat under my long cloak. Thus altered I might be mistaken
+for a Huguenot, but hardly anyone would look for a former cavalier of
+the League in the solemnly-dressed man who was strolling to the end of
+the Malaquais. There I took a boat and went by river the short
+distance that lay between me and the jetty at the Rue de Bac. At the
+jetty I disembarked, and went leisurely towards the Rue Varenne. As I
+was crossing the Rue Grenelle, hard by the Logis de Conde, a
+half-dozen gentlemen came trotting by and took up the road. I stopped
+to let them pass, and saw to my surprise that amongst them were my old
+comrades in arms, de Cosse-Brissac, Tavannes, and de Gie. I was about
+to wave my hand in greeting, when I recognised amongst them the
+sinister face of Lafin riding on the far side of me. Quick as thought
+I pretended to have dropped something, and bent down as if to search
+for it. The pace they were going at prevented anyone of them, not even
+excepting Lafin, with his hawk's eye, from recognising me; but it did
+not prevent Tavannes from turning in his saddle and flinging me a
+piece of silver with the gibe, 'Go on all fours for that, maître
+Huguenot.' I kept my head low, and made a rush for the silver, whilst
+they rode off laughing, a laugh in which I joined myself, though with
+different reasons. On reaching the Rue Varenne I had no difficulty in
+finding the house I sought; the arms on the entrance gate gave me this
+information; and I saw that Madame had only just arrived, and had I
+been but a half-hour earlier I might have seen and even spoken with
+her. I hung about for some minutes on the chance of getting a glimpse
+of her, with no success; then finding that my lounging backwards and
+forwards outside the gates was beginning to attract attention from the
+windows of a house opposite, I took myself off, feeling a little
+foolish at what I had done.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I came back the way I went, and as I walked down the Malaquais met
+master Jacques taking an airing with two companions. In one of them I
+recognised Vallon, my old friend de Belin's man; the other I did not
+know, though he wore the <i>sang-de-b&oelig;uf</i> livery of the Compte de
+Belin. Having no particular interest in lackeys I paid him no further
+attention, though, could I but have seen into the future, it would
+have been a good deed to have killed him where he stood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On seeing me Vallon and Jacques both stopped, and I signalled to them
+to cross over the road to me, as I was anxious to hear news of Belin,
+who was an intimate friend. This they did, and on my inquiry Vallon
+informed me that Belin was at his hotel in the Rue de Bourdonnais, and
+the good fellow urged me to come there at once, saying that his master
+would never forgive him were he not to insist on my coming. I was
+truly glad to hear Belin was in Paris. He was a tried friend, whose
+assistance I could rely on in any emergency; and, telling Vallon I
+would be at the Rue de Bourdonnais shortly, I went on to my lodging,
+followed by Jacques, leaving Vallon to go onwards with his companion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On coming home I found, as might be expected, that there was no sign
+of Palin, and, after waiting for him until the dinner hour, gave him
+up for the present and rode off to the Two Ecus; and when my dinner, a
+very simple one, was finished, took my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais,
+this time mounted on Couronne, with Jacques, well armed, on the
+sorrel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The hotel of the Compte de Belin lay at the west end of the Rue de
+Bourdonnais, close to the small house wherein lived Madame de
+Montpensier of dreadful memory; and on reaching it I found that it
+more than justified the description Belin had given of it to me, one
+day whilst we were idling in the trenches before Dourlens. It stood
+some way back from the road, and the entrance to the courtyard was
+through a wonderfully worked iron gateway, a counterpart, though on a
+smaller scale, of the one at Anet. At each corner of the square
+building was a hanging turret, and from the look of the windows of one
+of these I guessed that my friend had taken up his quarters there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was met by Vallon, who said he had informed his master of my coming;
+and, telling a servant to hold my horse, he ushered me in, talking of
+a hundred things at once. I had not gone ten steps up the great
+stairway when Belin himself appeared, running down to meet me. '<i>Croix
+Dieu!</i>' he burst out as we embraced. 'I thought you were with the
+saints, and that de Rône, you and a hundred others were free from all
+earthly troubles.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not yet, de Belin. I trust that time will be far distant.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Amen! But you as good as buried yourself alive, at any rate.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How so?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Vallon tells me you have been a month in Paris, and you have never
+once been to the Rue de Bourdonnais until now. You might have known,
+man, that this house is as much yours as mine.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My dear friend, there were reasons.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He put a hand on each of my shoulders, looked at me in the face with
+kind eyes, and then laughed out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Reasons! <i>Pardieu!</i> I can hardly make you out. You have a face a
+half-toise in length, never a plume in your hat, and a general look of
+those hard-praying and, I will say, hard-fighting gentry who gave the
+King his own again.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How loyal you have become.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We were all wrong&mdash;the lot of us&mdash;and I own my mistake; but you&mdash;you
+have not turned Huguenot, have you?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not yet,' I smiled; 'and is Madame de Belin in Paris?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Diable!</i> and he made a wry face. 'Come up to my den, and I'll tell
+you everything. Vallon, you grinning ape, fetch a flask of our old
+Chambertin&mdash;I will show M. le Chevalier up myself.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And linking me by the arm, he led me up the stairway, and along a
+noble corridor hung on each side with the richest tapestry, until we
+reached a carved door that opened into the rooms in the turret.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Here we are,' Belin said, as we entered. 'I find that when Madame is
+away these rooms are enough for me. <i>Tiens!</i> How a woman's presence
+can fill a house. Sit down there! And here comes Vallon. Set the wine
+down there, Vallon, and leave us.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He poured out a full measure for me, then one for himself, and
+stretched himself out in an armchair, facing me. I always liked the
+man, with his gay cynicism&mdash;if I may use the phrase&mdash;his kind heart
+and his reckless life; and I knew enough to tell that if Madame la
+Comptesse had been a little more forbearing she might have moulded her
+husband as she willed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Belin,' I said,' I am so old a friend, I know you will forgive me for
+asking why, if you miss Madame's presence, you do not have her here?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh, she has got one of her fits, and has gone to grow pears at Belin.
+It was all through that fool Vallon.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Vallon!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes. Bassompierre, de Vitry, myself, and one or two others, had
+arranged a little supper, with cards to follow, at More's. You don't
+know More's, but I'll take you there. Well, to continue: I had gone
+through about three weeks of my own fireside before this arrangement
+was made, and longed to stretch my legs a little. To tell Sophie would
+only cause a discussion. It is as much as I can do to get her to the
+Louvre accompanied by myself. So when the evening arrived I pleaded
+urgent business over my steward's accounts, and, giving orders that I
+was not to be disturbed under any circumstances, came here to my
+study, a duplicate key to the door of which Sophie keeps. I put Vallon
+in that chair there before the writing-table, after having made him
+throw on my <i>robe-de-chambre</i>, and gave him instructions to wave his
+hand in token that he was not to be disturbed if Madame la Comptesse
+came in, and, after thoroughly drilling the rascal, vanished by the
+private stair&mdash;the entrance to that is just behind my wife's portrait
+there.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And then?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Well, we had as pleasant an evening as might be expected. I won five
+hundred pistoles and came home straight to my study, and on entering
+it imagine my feelings on seeing Sophie there&mdash;and you can guess the
+rest.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Poor devil,' I laughed, 'so your little plan failed utterly.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Vallon failed utterly. It appears that Sophie came up about ten, and,
+being waved off, went away. She returned, however, about an hour later
+to find Monsieur Vallon, who had got tired of his position, asleep
+with his mouth open in the chair in which you are sitting. She refused
+to believe it was only a card party&mdash;though I said I would call the
+Marshal and de Vitry to witness&mdash;burst into tears, and in fine, my
+friend, I had a bad quarter of an hour, and Sophie has gone off to
+Belin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And the pistoles?' I asked slily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked at me, and we both laughed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'She took them,' he answered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Belin,' I said after a moment, 'will you ever change?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ventre St. Gris!</i> As the King swears. Why should I? After all,
+Sophie will come round again. I really am very happy. I have many
+things to be thankful for. I can always help a friend&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I know that,' I interrupted, 'and I want your help.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How much is it? Or is it a second?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Neither, thanks. Though in either case I would come to you without
+hesitation. The fact is&mdash;' and I explained to him my difficulty in
+providing for Marie, without, however, going into other matters, or
+giving him any account of my troubles.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I ended, Belin said. 'What you want, then, is a trustworthy
+fellow.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'At least that is what Jacques wants. I can get on well enough.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i> It is more than I could; but, as it happens, I have the
+very thing for you. Pull that bell-rope behind you, will you? and
+oblige a lazy man.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did so, and in a minute or so Vallon appeared, wiping his mouth
+suspiciously with the back of his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Vallon,' said de Belin, 'does Ravaillac continue to work
+satisfactorily?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As ever, monsieur le compte.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Well, I am going to lend him to the Chevalier, who has need of his
+services.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Send him up here, and Bisson, too.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Vallon bowed and vanished, as I said,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not know how to thank you, Belin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Pouf!</i> A mere bagatelle. I thought we were going to have a little
+amusement in the gardens of the Tuileries. I know of a perfect spot
+for a meeting&mdash;<i>ça</i>! <i>ça!</i>' and he lunged twice in quarte at an
+imaginary adversary. As he came back from the second thrust, he said,
+'By the way, I must tell you&mdash;but here they are,' and Ravaillac came
+in, followed by Jacques, Vallon bringing up the rear.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As they entered I recognised in Ravaillac the man who was with Jacques
+and Vallon on the Malaquais, and Belin, turning to Jacques, said
+quietly: 'Bisson, I am going to lend Ravaillac here to your master, to
+take your place whilst you go away to Ezy. I pledge you my word that
+he is a good sword.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'True enough, monsieur le compte; we were amusing ourselves with a
+pass or two below, and he touched me twice to my once, and, as your
+lordship answers for him, I am content.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That is well, most excellent Bisson! Ravaillac, you understand? Here
+is the Chevalier d'Auriac, your new master, who will remain such until
+he sends you back to me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ravaillac bowed without reply. He was quite young, barely twenty, and
+very tall and thin; yet there was great breadth of shoulder, and I
+noticed that he had the framework of a powerful man: his appearance
+was much beyond that of his class, but there was a sullen ferocity in
+his pale face&mdash;the eyes were set too close together, and the mouth too
+large and straightly cut to please me. Nevertheless, I was practically
+bound to accept Belin's recommendation, and after a few orders were
+given, the men were dismissed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What was I about to say before these men came in?' asked Belin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I'm afraid I cannot help.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Of course not&mdash;oh, yes! I recollect. I was about to tell you how I
+got Ravaillac's service. I lay you five crowns to a tester you would
+never guess.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You have already told me with your wager. You must have won him.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Exactly. You've hit it, and it was in this way. About three months
+ago I was returning to Paris attended but by Vallon, and with only a
+small sum with me. At an inn at Neuilly I met an acquaintance, a Baron
+d'Ayen, one of the last of the <i>mignons</i>, and a confirmed gambler.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I know him,' I said, my heart beginning to beat faster at the very
+thought of d'Ayen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then it makes the story more interesting. We dined together, and then
+had a turn at the dice, with the result that d'Ayen won every ecu that
+I had.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'&quot;It would be a pity to stop now,&quot; he said, as I rose, declaring
+myself broken. &quot;Suppose we play for your horse, compte?'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'&quot;No, thanks,&quot; I replied; &quot;luck is against me, and I have no mind to
+foot it to my hotel. But I'll tell you what, I have rather taken a
+fancy to your man, since I once saw him handle a rapier. I'll lay
+Vallon against him; what do you call him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'&quot;Ravaillac. He is of Anjouleme, and has been a Flagellant. Will he
+suit you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'&quot;I shall have to find that out. Do you accept the stakes?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'&quot;<i>Mon ami</i>, I would play for my soul in this cursed inn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'&quot;Very well, then&mdash;throw.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The upshot of it was that I won, and from that moment the blind
+goddess smiled on me, and after another hour's play I left d'Ayen with
+nothing but the clothes he stood in. What he regretted most was the
+loss of his valise, in which lay some cosmetiques he valued beyond
+price: he got them from Coiffier. I earned his undying friendship by
+giving him back his valise, lent him his horse, which I had won, and
+came off with fifty pistoles and a new man. Of course, you know that
+d'Ayen has fallen on his feet?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I'll tell you. Where the devil have you been burying yourself all
+these months? You must know that the King is looking forward for
+another Liancourt for a lady whom he destines for a very high place,
+and d'Ayen is to be the happy man. It is an honour he fully
+appreciates, and he has been kind enough to ask me to stand as one of
+his sponsors at the wedding, which by the King's orders comes off in a
+fortnight.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And you have promised?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes, it was a little amusement. They say, however, that Madame is
+furious, and that her temper is worse than that of Mademoiselle
+d'Entragues&mdash;who, by the way, literally flung herself at the King,
+without avail. Her time will come soon enough, no doubt&mdash;but, good
+gracious, man! what is the matter? You are white as a sheet.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is nothing, Belin&mdash;yes, it is more than I can bear. Belin, old
+friend, is there nothing that can save this lady?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked at me and whistled low to himself. 'Sets the wind that way?
+I did not know you had even heard of the lily of Bidache. Are you hard
+hit, d'Auriac?' And he rose from his seat and put a kind hand on my
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I jumped up furiously. 'Belin, I tell you I will stop this infamy if I
+die for it! I swear before God that I will kill that man, king though
+he be, like a mad dog&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Be still,' he said. 'What bee has stung you? You and I, d'Auriac,
+come of houses too old to play the assassin. <i>Croix Dieu</i>, man! Will
+you sully your shield with murder? There, drink that wine and sit down
+again. That's right. You do not know what you say. I have fought
+against the King, and I serve him now, and I tell you, d'Auriac, he is
+the greatest of Frenchmen. And there is yet hope. Remember, a
+fortnight is a fortnight.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I ground my teeth in silent agony.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Wait a moment,' he continued; 'a chamberlain of the court knows most
+of its secrets, and I can tell you that it is not such plain sailing
+as you think for d'Ayen. The death of that unhappy Gabrielle has
+affected the King much. He is but now beginning to recover, and Biron,
+who was hurrying to his government of Burgundy, has been ordered to
+remain in close attendance on the King. Whether Biron knew of the
+King's intentions or not, I do not know; but he has strongly urged the
+suit of one of his gentlemen for the hand of Madame&mdash;it is that
+<i>croquemort</i> de Gomeron, with all his faults a stout soldier. It is
+said that the Marshal has even pressed de Gomeron's suit with Madame,
+and that rather than marry d'Ayen, and clinging to any chance for
+escape, she has agreed to fall in with his views. This I heard from
+the Vidame and the Chevalier de Lafin&mdash;good enough authority.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'One alternative is as bad as the other.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is no satisfying some people. Why, man! don't you see it would
+be the best thing in the world for you if it was settled in favour of
+our friend from the Camargue.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That low-born scoundrel?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Mon ami</i>, we don't know anything about that. Give the devil his due;
+he is a better man than d'Ayen. I know there is ill blood between you,
+and wonder that some has not been spilt before now.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There will be, by God! before this is ended!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Tenez!</i> Let but the King agree to de Gomeron's suit&mdash;and he is hard
+pressed, I tell you, for Sully even is on Biron's side in this matter,
+and after that&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Henry's mind will have turned another way. There are many who would
+like to play queen, and few like Mesdames de Guercheville and
+Bidache.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But in any case, Belin, I lose the game.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You have become very clever in your retreat, my friend. You win your
+game if de Gomeron is accepted; and then&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And then, my wise adviser?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'She need not marry the Camarguer. You can run him through under the
+limes in the Tuileries, wed Madame, and grow cabbages at Auriac ever
+after. <i>Pouf!</i> The matter is simple!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Miserable as I was, I fairly laughed out at Belin's plot.
+Nevertheless, the hopefulness of the man, his cheery tone and happy
+spirit, had their effect upon me, and if it turned out that the King
+was wavering, there was more than a straw of hope floating down-stream
+to me. My courage grew also when I put together Sully's words with
+Belin's news that Biron was detained by the side of the King. It
+surely meant that this was done to prevent the Marshal doing mischief
+elsewhere. If so, I was nevertheless on the horns of a dilemma, for by
+telling of the plot I would, if my story were believed, make matters
+hopeless, and advance d'Ayen's cause, to the misery of the woman I
+loved.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the other hand, by keeping silent I was in an equally hard
+position. My pledge to Sully prevented me from taking Belin fully into
+my confidence, and, hardly knowing what I was doing, I poured myself
+out another full goblet of the Chambertin, and drained it at a
+draught.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Excellent,' said Belin. 'There is nothing like Burgundy to steady the
+mind; in another moment you will be yourself again, and think as I do
+in this matter. Courage, man! Pick your heart up! A fortnight is a
+devil of a long time, and&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur le Baron d'Ayen,' and Vallon threw open the door, and at its
+entrance stood the coldblooded instrument of the King. He looked older
+and more shrivelled than ever, but the paint was bright upon his
+cheeks, his satin surcoat and puffed breeches were fresh from the
+tailor's, and his hat, which he carried in his left hand, was plumed
+with three long crimson marabout feathers, held in a jewelled clasp.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My dear de Belin,' he said, bowing low, 'I trust my visit is not
+inopportune? I had no idea you were engaged.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Never more welcome, baron. I think Monsieur le Chevalier is known to
+you; sit down and help yourself to the Chambertin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">D'Ayen bowed slightly to me, but I took no notice, and rose to depart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I will say good day, Belin, and many thanks for what you have done.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Do not retire on my account, monsieur le chevalier,' said d'Ayen in
+his mocking voice. 'I come to give news to my friend here, which will
+doubtless interest you. The fact is, his Majesty insists on my
+marriage taking place as soon as possible, and has given instructions
+for the chapel in the Louvre to be prepared for the ceremony. You
+still hold good to your promise of being one of my sponsors, de
+Belin?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If the wedding comes off&mdash;certainly.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ha! ha! If it comes off! I would ask you too, monsieur,' and he
+turned to me, 'but I know you have pressing business elsewhere.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Whatever my business may be, monsieur, there is one thing I must
+attend to first, and I must request the pleasure of your company to
+discuss it.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ah!' he said, stroking the marabout feathers in his hat, 'that
+difference of opinion we had about the woods of Bidache, eh? I see
+from your face it is so. I had almost forgotten it.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur's memory is convenient.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He bowed with a grin; 'I am old, but shall take care not to forget
+this time&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come, gentlemen,' and Belin interposed, 'the day is too young to
+begin to quarrel, and if this must come to a meeting allow your
+seconds to arrange the time and place. One moment, baron,' and taking
+me by the arm he led me to the door. '<i>Malheureux!</i>' he whispered,
+'will you upset the kettle! See me to-morrow, and adieu!' He pressed
+my hand and I went out, preceded by Vallon, who must have caught
+Belin's words, but whose face was as impassive as stone.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_11"  href="#div1Ref_11">A SWIM IN THE SEINE</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">Swearing he would be back again in a week, Jacques set out for Ezy
+within an hour of our return to the Rue des Deux Mondes, and his going
+had removed one weight from my mind. I knew full well that, unless
+something beyond his control happened, my business would be faithfully
+discharged, though I felt I was losing a tower of strength when I
+needed support most, as I watched him riding along the Malaquais,
+mounted on the sorrel and leading the grey.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He went out of sight at last, and, now that the momentary bustle
+caused by his departure had ceased, I had leisure to think of what I
+had heard from de Belin; and those who have read the preceding pages,
+and have formed their judgment as to what was my character at that
+time, can well imagine that I was mentally on the rack.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The trouble with d'Ayen was bad enough, but united to that was Belin's
+statement, that she&mdash;she was prepared, no matter what the consequences
+were, to give her hand to de Gomeron! Had I been in her place death
+would have been preferable to me rather than this alternative; and
+then I thought of the token she had sent back to me&mdash;felt that I was
+being trifled with, and gave full rein to my jealous and bitter
+temper.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To all intents and purposes I was alone in my chamber, and yet I could
+swear that there was an invisible presence at my ear that whispered,
+'Fooled! Tricked! She is but as other women are, and you have played
+the quintain for her practice.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">By heaven! If it was so, I would end it all at once, and not waste
+another moment of my life on a heartless coquette! It must be so. It
+was so. By this time I had got beyond power of reason, and jumped to
+my conclusions like the thrice blind fool I was. Snatching forth the
+bow from its resting place over my heart, I tore the ribbons asunder,
+and flung them on the floor before me, with a curse at the vanity of
+womankind that could make a plaything of a heart. I would be gone that
+moment. I would leave this country of intrigue and dishonour. In an
+hour I could catch Jacques up, and in ten days we would be on the
+seas, and in that New World, which had not yet time to grow wicked,
+make for myself a fresh life. By God! I would do it! My hand was on
+the bell-rope, when there came a sharp tap at the door, and the next
+moment Ravaillac announced in his low voice:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Maître Palin to wait on Monsieur le Chevalier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I pulled myself together with an effort, and advanced to meet my old
+friend as he came in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'At last! I have been expecting you hourly for some time.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I could not come, chevalier. I will explain in a moment.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'First sit down. Take that chair there near the window; it commands a
+good view.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur does not need this?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was Ravaillac's voice that broke in upon us, and he himself stood
+before me, holding out on a salver the ribbons of the torn bow. Civil
+as the question was, there was something in his tone that made me look
+at him sharply. It seemed to me, as I looked up, that a faint smile
+vanished between his bloodless lips like a spider slipping back into a
+crevice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could, however, see no trace of impertinence in the long sallow
+face, and the whole attitude of my new follower was one of submissive
+respect. I fancied, therefore, that I had made a mistake, and put it
+down to the state of mental agitation I was in at the time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No,' I answered him; 'you can fling it away. And in future you need
+not ask me about such trifles.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well, monsieur, I will remember,' and with a bow he moved
+towards the door, the salver in his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ravaillac,' I called out after him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'On second thoughts do not throw that away. I did not&mdash;I mean, please
+leave it there on the table.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur,' and, laying down the salver, he stepped out of the room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I see you have changed your livery with your old servant, chevalier,'
+said Palin, sipping at his wine, as the man went out, closing the door
+carefully and softly behind him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not so. Jacques has merely gone away temporarily on some business of
+importance. In fact he left to-day, shortly before you came, and this
+man, or rather youth, has been lent to me by a friend.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And his name is Ravaillac?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'An uncommon name for a man of his class.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Perhaps&mdash;but these men assume all kinds of names. He is, however,
+better educated than the usual run of people in his position, and
+bears an excellent character, although he has been a Flagellant, from
+which complaint he has recovered.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Most of them do. And now, my good friend, let us dismiss Ravaillac
+and tell me how you progress.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a moment it was in me to tell him all, to say that I had abandoned
+a worthless cause, and that I could do no more as I was leaving France
+at once. Mechanically I stretched out my hand towards the tags of
+ribbon on the table, and my fingers closed over them. What was I to
+say? I could not answer Palin. Through the now darkening room I could
+see his earnest features turned towards me for reply, and behind it
+there moved in the shadow the dim outline of a fair face set in a mass
+of chestnut hair, and the violet light from its eyes seemed to burn
+through my veins. My tongue was stilled, and I could say nothing. At
+length he spoke again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Do I gather from your silence that you have failed?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No&mdash;not so&mdash;but little or nothing could be done, as the King has only
+just come, and then&mdash;&mdash;' I stopped.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And then&mdash;what?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It seems that Madame has changed her mind.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not follow you. Do you know what you are saying?' His tone was
+coldly stern.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My temper began to rise at this. I put down the ribbons and said:
+'Yes, I think I do&mdash;or else why has Madame come to Paris, and what is
+this story I hear about a Monsieur de Gomeron? If that is true it ends
+the matter.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I got up as I spoke, and began to pace the room in my excitement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Had I been twenty years younger. Monsieur d'Auriac, I would have
+paraded you for what you have said; but my cloth and my age forbid it.
+My age, not because it has weakened my arm, but because it has taught
+me to think. My young friend, you are a fool.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I know I have been,' I said bitterly, 'but I shall be so no longer.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And, in saying so, confirm yourself in your folly. Are you so beside
+yourself that you condemn unheard! Sit down, man, and hear what I have
+to say. It will not keep you long. You can leave Paris five minutes
+after, if you like.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I came back to my seat, and Palin continued: 'You appear to be
+offended at Madame de la Bidache's coming to Paris?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am not offended&mdash;I have no right to be.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Well, it will interest you to hear that her coming to Paris was
+forced. That practically we are prisoners.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You mean to say that he&mdash;the King&mdash;has gone as far as that!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I mean what I say&mdash;Madame cannot leave her hotel, except to go to the
+Louvre, without his permission.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But this is infamous!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'In an almost similar case this was what the daughter of de C&oelig;uvres
+said, and yet she died Duchesse de Beaufort. But are you satisfied
+now?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am,' I said in a low tone, and then, with an effort, 'but there is
+still the other matter.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are exacting&mdash;are you sure you have a right to ask that?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Luckily, it was too dark for Palin to see my eyes turn to the tangle
+of crushed ribbons on the table. How much did the Huguenot know? I
+could not tell, and after all I had no right to ask the question I
+had, and said so.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have no right, but, if it is true, it means that the affair is at
+an end.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If it is true?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then it is not?' My heart began to beat faster.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I did not say so. Remember that the alternative is Monsieur le Baron
+d'Ayen.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is another.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And that is?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Death.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We are Huguenots,' he answered coldly, 'and believe in the word of
+God. We do not kill our souls.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Great heavens! man! Tell me if it is true or not? Do not draw this
+out. In so many words, is Madame de la Bidache pledged to de Gomeron?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Most certainly not, but Biron and her nearest relative, Tremouille,
+have urged it on her as a means of escape. She has, however, given no
+answer.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then de Belin was wrong?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If you mean that the Compte de Belin said so, then he had no
+authority for the statement.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took back the ribbons from the table and thrust them into their old
+resting-place, my face hot with shame at my unworthy suspicions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Palin,' I said, 'you were right. I am a fool.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are,' he answered, 'exactly what your father was before you at
+your age.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My father&mdash;you knew him?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes&mdash;Raoul de Breuil, Sieur d'Auriac, and Governor of Provence. We
+were friends in the old days, and I owed him my life once, as did also
+Henry the Great, our King and master&mdash;in the days of his youth.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And you never told me this?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have told you now. I owe the house of Auriac my life twice over,
+and I recognise in this, as in all things, the hand of God. Young man,
+I have watched you, and you are worthy&mdash;be of good courage.' He
+stretched out his hand, and I grasped it in silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'See here,' he continued, 'I have come to you like a thief in the
+twilight, because I have that to say which is for you alone. It is
+useless to appeal to the King. Our only chance is flight, and we have
+no one to rely on but you. Will you help us&mdash;help Madame?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Why need to ask? Have I not already said so? Am I not ready to die,
+if need be, to save her?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are now,' he said, 'but I will not press that point. Then we, or
+rather I, can count on you?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'To the end of my sword; but does not Madame know of this?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not yet. Should it fall through, there would be only another bitter
+disappointment for her. It is, moreover, an idea that has but shaped
+itself with me to-day.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Where do you propose going?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'To Switzerland. There we would be safe, and there they are of our
+faith.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Remember, Maître Palin, that I am not'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Look into your own heart and tell me that again at another time. Can
+you count on a sword or two?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If Jacques were only here!' I exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then, remembering my new man's reputation, 'They say Ravaillac is
+good, and I have a friend'&mdash;I bethought me of Belin&mdash;'upon whom I
+think I could rely.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Better one blade of steel than two of soft iron, chevalier. We must
+do what we can with what we have.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'When do you propose starting?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'On the night of the fête at the Louvre.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And we meet?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Under the three limes in the Tuileries at compline.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have but one horse at present&mdash;we must have more.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That is not hard&mdash;I will settle that with Pantin. He knows the spot
+exactly, and will have horses in readiness and guide you there, if
+need be.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I know it too, and will not fail you. God grant us success.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Amen!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a silence of a moment, and then Palin arose. 'It grows
+darker and darker,' he said; 'I must go now&mdash;adieu!'&mdash;and he held out
+his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not yet good-bye,' I said. 'I will accompany you to the end of the
+Malaquais at any rate. Ho! Ravaillac! My hat and cloak!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no answer; but it seemed as if there was the sound of a
+stumble on the stairs outside the closed door, and then all was still.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Diable!</i> That sounds odd,' I exclaimed; 'and 'tis so dark here I can
+hardly lay hands on anything. Oh! Here they are&mdash;now come along.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I opened the door to lead the way out I saw a flash of light on the
+staircase, and Madame Pan-tin appeared, bearing a lighted candle in
+her hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I was coming to light your room, monsieur,' she said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is good of you; but what is my new knave doing?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If Monsieur will step towards the loft, near Couronne's stall, he
+will see that Ravaillac is absorbed in his devotions&mdash;perhaps Maître
+Palin would care to see also?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not I,' said Palin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But, at any rate, his devotions should not interfere with his
+duties,' I burst out; 'it will take but a minute to bring him to his
+senses. Excuse me for a moment, Palin&mdash;Madame will see you as far as
+the door, and I will join you there.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And without waiting for a reply I ran down towards the stables, and on
+coming there heard the voice of some one groaning and sobbing. Peering
+up into the darkness of the loft above me, I could see nothing, but
+heard Ravaillac distinctly, as he writhed in a mental agony and called
+on God to save him from the fires of hell. The first thought that
+struck me was that the youth was ill, and, clambering up the ladder
+that led to the loft, I found him there in the dim light, kneeling
+before a crucifix, beating at his heart, and calling on himself as the
+most miserable of sinners.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ravaillac!'&mdash;and I put my hand on his shoulder&mdash;'what ails you, man?
+Are you ill?' He turned his face up towards me; it was paler than
+ever, and he screamed out, 'My hour is come&mdash;leave me&mdash;leave me! Our
+Lady of Sorrows intercede for me, for I know not how to pray,' and
+with a half-smothered howl he fell forwards on his face before the
+crucifix, and, clasping it with both hands, began to sob out his
+entreaties to God anew. I saw that it was useless wasting further time
+on him, and that he had been taken with one of those frenzy fits that
+had before driven him to the Flagellants. I left him, therefore, to
+come to himself, and muttering that Belin might have told me of this
+foible, came backwards down the ladder to find that Palin and Madame
+Pantin had followed me, and were but a few yards away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Did you hear?' I asked, as I joined them; 'is it not strange?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He is wrestling with the enemy,' said Palin. 'Let him be.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He is a traitor,' burst out Annette. 'Monsieur le chevalier, I would
+send him packing tonight.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I can hardly do that,' I said, 'and, besides, agony such as that
+young man is passing through does not mark a traitor.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As Monsieur pleases,' she answered, and then rapidly in my ear, 'Were
+it not for someone else's sake I would let you go your own way. Beware
+of him, I say.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Corbleu!</i> dame Annette! why not speak plainly? We are all friends
+here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But she only laughed mirthlessly, and led the way towards the door.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I accompanied Palin to the end of the Malaquais, speaking of many
+things on the way, and finally left him, as he insisted on my coming
+no further. So much had happened during the day, however, that I
+determined to cool my brain with a walk, and my intention was to cross
+the river and return to my lodging by the Pont aux Meunniers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I hailed a boat, therefore, and was soon on the other side of the
+Seine, and, flinging my cloak over my arm, set off at a round pace,
+Annette's warning about Ravaillac buzzing in my head with the
+insistence of a fly. As I passed the Louvre I saw that the windows
+were bright with lights, and heard the strains of music from within.
+They were as merry within as I was sad without, and I did not linger
+there long. Keeping to the right of St. Germain l'Auxerrois, I passed
+by the Magasins de Louvre, and then, slackening my pace, strolled idly
+down the Rue de St. Antoine. Down this great street it seemed as if
+the coming of the King had awakened the good citizens to life again,
+for there were lights at nearly all the windows, though the street
+itself was in darkness, except at the spots where a lantern or two
+swung on ropes stretched across the road, and lit up a few yards dimly
+around them. A few steps further brought me almost opposite a large
+house, over the entrance to which was a transparent signboard with a
+row of lamps behind it, and I saw I had stumbled across More's, the
+eating and gaming house kept by the most celebrated <i>traiteur</i> in
+Paris. I had a mind to step in, more out of curiosity than anything
+else, when, just as I halted in hesitation before the door, two or
+three masked cavaliers came out singing and laughing, and in the
+foremost of them I had no difficulty in recognising the old reprobate,
+d'Ayen. Much as I would have avoided a quarrel, it could not be
+helped, for I had the door, and it was certainly my right to enter.
+They, however, ranged themselves arm-in-arm before me, and, being in
+wine, began to laugh and jeer at my sombre attire.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Does Monsieur le Huguenot think there is a <i>prêche</i> here?' said
+d'Ayen, bowing to me in mockery as he lifted his plumed hat.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I determined to show in my answer that I knew them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Let me pass. Monsieur d'Ayen,' I said coldly. 'We have too much
+between us to quarrel here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He knew me well enough, but pretended surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Corb&oelig;uf!</i> Monsieur le chevalier, and so it is you! Gentlemen,
+allow me to present to you Monsieur le Chevalier d'Auriac, with whom I
+have an argument that we never could bring to a conclusion. We
+disagreed on the subject of landscape gardening.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a hard pill to swallow, but I had made up my mind to retreat.
+The Edict was fresh; a conflict there would have meant complete
+disaster; and there would be no chance for escape, as the passage was
+getting crowded.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I remember perfectly,' I said, carrying on d'Ayen's feint, 'but I am
+not prepared to discuss the matter now. I must go back to take some
+notes to refresh my memory.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The man was blown with wine. He thought I feared him, and my words,
+which roused his companions to scornful laughter, made him do a
+foolish thing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'At least take a reminder with you,' and he flung his soft,
+musk-scented glove in my face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A ring! a ring!' roared twenty voices, and, before I knew where I
+was, I was in the centre of a circle in the passage, the slight figure
+of d'Ayen before me, and the point of his rapier glinting like a
+diamond&mdash;now in quarte, now in tierce.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was of the old school of Dominic, and came at me with a <i>ça</i>!
+<i>ça!</i>' and a flourish, springing back like a cat to avoid the return.
+Had I been taught the use of the small sword by any less master than
+Touchet it would have gone hard with me, but, as it was, the third
+pass showed me the game was mine. The din around us was beyond
+description, for whilst More and his men were struggling to get close
+enough to separate us, the onlookers kept thrusting the hotel people
+back, and oaths, shrieks, wagers, screams for the watch, and
+half-a-hundred different exclamations and challenges were shouted out
+at once. I had no time to look around me, for, old as he was, my
+opponent displayed uncommon activity, and I could not but admire his
+courage. Coxcomb and fool, dishonoured though he was, under his
+flowered vest was no craven heart, and I spared him once for his age
+and twice for his spirit. But now came the warning cry of 'Watch! the
+watch!' behind me. D'Ayen thrust low in tierce; the parry was simple
+and I pinked him through the shoulder-joint&mdash;I could have hit him
+where I liked at that moment. He dropped his sword with a curse, and
+I found myself the next moment in a general <i>melée</i>, for the watch
+were using no mild measures to force an entrance, and there was a
+fine to-do in consequence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Someone&mdash;I know not who&mdash;at this juncture cut the silken cord by which
+a huge ornamental lantern was hung above our heads. It fell with a
+crash, and in a moment we were in semi-darkness. I took the
+opportunity to dash forwards, flatten myself against the wall, and, by
+dint of a little management and more good luck, succeeded in getting
+within a yard or so of the door. Here, taking my occasion, I made a
+sudden spring forwards, upsetting a man in front of me, and dashed off
+down the street. Unfortunately, I was not so quick but that I was seen
+and instantly pursued by a portion of the watch on guard outside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was nothing for it but to run. Fast as I went, however, there
+were good men behind me, and I could not shake them off, though the
+streets were in gloom. The worst of the matter, however, was that the
+watch was being constantly reinforced by amateur guardians of the
+peace. Everyone who happened to be passing, or heard the noise, seemed
+to think it his duty to join in the chase, and it was with a fine
+following that I headed towards the river. Heaven knows how I cursed
+my folly at having put my nose into More's, and I redoubled my pace as
+I heard, from the shouts to the right and to the left of me, that I
+was practically hemmed in, and that my only chance was to take to the
+river. They were close up to me when I reached the bank a few yards
+below the Pont aux Meunniers, and without further hesitation I plunged
+in, and the bubbling and seething of the water brought the yell of
+disappointment from the bank faintly to my ears. The set of the stream
+was towards the opposite shore, and in five seconds I was in pitch
+darkness, though, looking back over my shoulder as I struck out, I
+could see, by the lanterns that some carried, the watch and the
+volunteer brigade dancing with anger at my escape, but none of them
+dared to follow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had to swim with a will, for the current was swift; but at length I
+reached my own side of the river&mdash;drenched, it is true, but safe for
+the present. When I reached my lodging Pantin opened the door to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ciel!</i>' he exclaimed, as he saw me wet and dripping. 'What has
+happened?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have had a swim in the Seine, Pantin; say nothing about it.'</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_12"  href="#div1Ref_12">MONSIEUR RAVAILLAC DOES NOT SUIT</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">In the excitement attendant in my scuffle with d'Ayen and the
+subsequent events, ending in my escape from the clutches of the watch,
+I had for the moment clean forgot Ravaillac's fit of frenzy. I slept
+profoundly, and towards morning was half awakened by an uneasy feeling
+that there was someone in the room. This passed away; but a short time
+after I awoke with a start, and looking around saw Ravaillac bending
+over some of my things which were lying in a corner of the room. As I
+looked at him the full recollection of his strange behaviour came back
+to me, and, a slight movement on my part attracting his attention, he
+bade me a civil good-morning. He made no mention, however, of his
+illness, nor did he excuse himself in any way, but set about his
+duties in a quiet, cat-like manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Whilst he moved softly about, I began to piece together the noise of
+the stumble I had heard outside my door when about to set out with
+Palin, with Madame Pantin's warning and the scene in the loft. It
+struck me that his seizure might after all be a blind, and I
+determined to question the man, and, by watching the play of his
+features and noting his manner of reply, try and discover if there was
+anything to show that my idea was correct.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pretending, therefore, to be unaware of what had passed, I asked:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How was it you were not in to receive me last night, Ravaillac?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a quick up-and-down movement of the long grey eyes, and he
+answered:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I was ill, monsieur; I trust Monsieur le Chevalier is not hurt?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Hurt! Why should I be?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur will pardon me, but I thought it possible.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How so?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur's clothes were dripping wet when I first came in, and his
+rapier stained full six inches from the point when I drew it out of
+its sheath to clean it this morning. It looked like an arm-thrust, and
+I thought&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Never mind what you thought. I had a slight affair last night, but
+was not hurt.' It was clear to me that he was trying to carry the war
+into my country, as it were, by counter-questions to mine. I therefore
+cut him short, and added:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Your illness came and went very suddenly. Are you often taken that
+way?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then Monsieur knows&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A great many things, perhaps; but kindly answer my question.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It may have been fancy or not; but it seemed to me that, as once
+before, I saw the wraith of a smile flit stealthily along his thin
+lips. He was standing in front of me, holding my rapier, and his eyes
+were bent down on the polished steel hilt as I spoke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At first he made no answer, and I repeated my question. This time he
+looked me full in the face, and the whole expression of the man
+changed&mdash;his cheeks paled, his eyes dilated, his voice took a shrill
+pitch.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I cannot tell, monsieur. It comes and goes like the wind. There is a
+Fear that falls on me&mdash;a Fear and something, I know not what, beside;
+but all before my eyes is red&mdash;red as if it rained blood&mdash;and then a
+myriad of devils are whispering in my ears, and there is no safety for
+me but the cross and prayer. It has passed now&mdash;God be thanked! Will
+Monsieur not take his sword?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His voice dropped again to its low, soft note as he ended, and handed
+me my rapier. I buckled it on, thinking to myself, 'My friend, you are
+either a lunatic at large or a finished actor. In either case you
+won't do for me.' I said no more, however, but when he gave me my hat
+he asked:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Will Monsieur require me in attendance?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes. I go to the Hôtel de Belin, and I trust this will be the last of
+your attacks whilst you are with me. The Compte told me you had been a
+Flagellant, but had recovered.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have been well for a long time, monsieur,' he answered, taking my
+humour&mdash;'I will try and get ill no more.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am glad of that. Saddle Couronne. I go out at once&mdash;you can follow
+on foot.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The next moment he was gone, and I heard him running down the stairs.
+It would take a few minutes to get Couronne ready, but I followed him
+down at once, as I had an inquiry to make from Madame Pantin. I heard
+someone moving below in the kitchen, and, thinking it was dame
+Annette, called down the winding stair:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Madame&mdash;Madame Pantin!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Madame is out; but is there anything I can do for Monsieur?' And the
+notary appeared below, a dim outline, clad in his dressing-gown, with
+a woollen cap on his head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went down to him and asked:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Pantin, do you know if Ravaillac was out last night?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I would have told Monsieur there and then when he came in from his
+swim in the Seine. No, for I watched and saw him sleeping in the loft.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Are you sure?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As I am of being here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Thanks! Madame is out early?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'She has gone to the Rue Varenne; but, monsieur, be careful of that
+Ravaillac.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I nodded my head, and then, raising my voice: 'I dine at the Two Ecus
+as usual&mdash;good day!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Good day, monsieur!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Couronne was at the door, Ravaillac at her head, and, mounting, I went
+at a walking pace towards the Pont au Change, my servant a yard or so
+behind. It was my intention to see de Belin, to ask him to find out if
+I was in any danger owing to last night's folly or misadventure&mdash;call
+it what you will&mdash;and to beg his advice on the course I was to pursue.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had been recognised by d'Ayen. My name was known to those with him,
+and any trouble with the Hôtel de Ville meant hopeless disaster. I had
+almost made up my mind to conceal myself somewhere until the day of
+flight; but, before taking any action, thought it advisable to consult
+my friend, and to return Ravaillac to his service.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais, however, I began to turn the
+matter of Ravaillac over again in my mind, and found myself between
+the hedge and the ditch. If I got rid of him, the man, if he was a
+spy, could watch me in secret; if I kept him with me, the same thing
+happened. After all, whilst with me he had greater opportunities, and
+the less of the two evils was to be rid of him&mdash;yes, it would be
+better so.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Imagine my disappointment when reaching his hotel to find that Belin
+was out! Vallon begged me to wait, explaining that his master had been
+absent for so long a time that his return would be but a matter of
+minutes. He had supped out the night before with de Vitry, the Captain
+of the Scots Guards, and M. le Grand, had come back late, and gone
+forth very early in the morning, and it was now full time he was back.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I determined therefore to wait, though every moment was of importance
+to me, and, after a half-hour of patience in an easy chair, rose and
+walked towards the window, to while away the time by watching what was
+going on below. One of the heavy brocade curtains was half drawn, and
+without thinking of it I came up towards that side, and looked out
+from behind its cover. It struck me as strange that my horse was
+without the gate, instead of being within the courtyard, and
+Ravaillac, with the reins thrown over his shoulder, was engaged in
+converse with a cavalier whose back was turned to me, and whose head
+was entirely concealed by his broad-brimmed hat and long plumes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But the tall, straight figure, with its stretch of shoulder, could not
+be mistaken. It was de Gomeron to a certainty, and my doubts on the
+point were soon at rest. Keeping as far as possible within the shadow
+of the curtain, I watched them for full five minutes whilst they
+conversed together earnestly, and then something changed hands between
+them. Finally, the cavalier left Ravaillac with a nod to his salute,
+and crossed over to the other side of the road, where a mounted lackey
+was holding his horse. As he gained the saddle, he turned his face
+towards me for an instant. There was no shadow of doubt left. It
+was de Gomeron, and it was clear that there was more between the
+free-lance and Ravaillac than there should be, and also I was
+convinced, I know not how, that what had passed between them touched
+me, and was not for my good. What object the man had to play traitor I
+cannot say; but I do know that there are some natures to whom double
+dealing is as their skin, and whom nothing can turn from falsehood and
+chicane.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Be this as it may, I knew at any rate the grass where one viper lay,
+and made up my mind to blunt his fangs without any further delay. I
+gave de Belin another half-hour, and then, calling Vallon, left a
+message with him, begging my friend to see me at my lodging on a
+matter of the utmost moment. As soon as I was in the saddle, I bent
+forwards, and, looking Ravaillac full in the face, said: 'My friend,
+you have too many acquaintances for my service; I return you from this
+moment to Monsieur le Compte.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not understand, monsieur,' he began to stammer; but I cut him
+short.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I spoke clearly enough. I do not require your services further. You
+are discharged. Take this,' and flinging him a couple of gold pieces,
+which the scoundrel swooped at like a hawk, I turned the mare's head
+and trotted off.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I made a short cut down a side street, and, in so doing, had an
+opportunity of taking a last look at my man. He was standing talking
+to Vallon, and moving his hands in my direction.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Reeling out lies by the dozen,' I muttered to myself. 'If I mistake
+not, there will be another place lost to you by sundown.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I let myself in by the stable entrance, and, after attending to
+Couronne, entered the house. There was apparently not a soul within. I
+sought the lower apartments in the hope of finding either the notary
+or his wife, to explain to them my action in regard to Ravaillac; but
+neither of them was visible. There was no answer to my call. There
+could not be a soul in the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I determined, therefore, to go up to my room and await de Belin's
+coming, and on my opening the door of my sitting-room saw, to my
+surprise, a man apparently dozing in my armchair. The noise of my
+entrance awoke him. He jumped up, and I recognised my friend.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Belin! what good wind has blown you here? But how did you come in?
+There is no one in the house?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There was when I came in, my friend. Do you know'&mdash;and he looked me
+in the face&mdash;'You have made a mess of things.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You know already! Belin, I have just been to see you about it. The
+whole affair was forced on me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Partly. It was lucky I was there, and sober enough to think of
+cutting the cord of the lamp. You vanished, as I thought you would,
+and I have been attending to your affairs since then; any other man
+would have been laid by the heels ere this, but the stars fought for
+you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Any other man who had not a friend like you, Lisois. But do you
+really mean that I am safe from arrest?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I think so, from any count under the Edict of Blois; but I had a
+devil of a dance. First of all, the catchpoles insisted upon turning
+their attentions towards me, and I only got off on the testimony of M.
+le Baron, who after all is but scratched, though spoiling for revenge.
+Then I rushed off to de Villeroi; but he, full of his new office as
+governor of the Hôtel, hummed and hawed&mdash;would hear of nothing, he
+said, until you were provided with a lodging in Fort l'Eveque, and
+talked big of the law and its course. However, I had an argument to
+persuade him: little birds twitter odd things into the ears of a
+chamberlain, sometimes, and he agreed to hold over the matter for a
+few hours until I had seen the King.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The King!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Why not, <i>mon ami?</i> With the first streak of light I went to see a
+friend who shall be nameless, but is a power in the land. An hour
+later I was at the Louvre and at his Majesty's bedside. Henry was in
+high good humour. He had won nine thousand crowns last night from the
+invincible Portuguese, de Pimental. Almost as great a victory as
+Arques, he said. I related the whole of the circumstances without
+mentioning your name, and, pledging my word that d'Ayen would be about
+by this afternoon, begged for a pardon.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But the King of course asked for my name.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Of course he did, and, in reply, I said I would bring you in person
+to the Louvre this afternoon: then by good chance Sully himself came
+in. His lands of Muret march with mine, and Monseigneur is my very
+good friend. The King began to put him the case, to which Sully
+listened without a movement, except an occasional glance at a roll of
+documents in his hand, and when Henry finished said, with a smile&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'A trifle, sire, that may well be left to M. de Villeroi; perhaps,
+however, sire, your Majesty might agree to de Belin's petition. There
+is a spice of mystery about it, which even interests me. I have,
+however, brought these papers on the Gabelle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'<i>Diable!</i> Salty, but hardly a relish&mdash;let it be as you wish, Belin;
+and now for my salt without any soup.&quot; I took the hint, as may be
+imagined, and went straight back to Villeroi, and the matter being now
+in the hands of the King, he will of course take no action.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You have been goodness itself.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My dear fellow, let that rest! All that you have to do now is to come
+with me this afternoon, put your case to the King, and I lay a hundred
+crowns to a tester you hear no more&mdash;of the little affair of last
+night.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he said this, looking me full in the face, with a peculiar stress
+on the last words of his speech, a sudden light came upon me. Sully's
+lands marched with those of de Belin. They were friends. Sully did
+not, for reasons of his own, wish it known that he took an interest in
+my mission, and the rest was easy to guess.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Pardieu!</i> That little thrust through the sword arm of M. le Baron
+is, after all, not so unlucky&mdash;eh! Belin? At least, for our very good
+lord of Muret and Villebon.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Lisois only laughed in reply, as he said: 'Add a cat falling on
+its feet from a church steeple to your scutcheon, d'Auriac. Shall I
+get Rouge Croix to prick the new coat of arms?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As you will; you have made my heart, which was heavy as lead, light
+once more&mdash;I feel now that I am not playing a hopeless game.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The proper feeling to have, whatever the hazard be. With all your
+northern blood, d'Auriac, you should not have so many nerves.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You forget my mother was of the south.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'True, of the Foix Candale. You will die a Huguenot. But I must be
+going. Meet me at the Rue de Bourdonnais at one, exactly, and I will
+take you to the Louvre, and now good-bye!' He rose and gave me his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But, surely, there is no need for you to go now? Dine with me at my
+ordinary; I have much to tell you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>Tap</i>! <i>tap</i>! <i>tap!</i> It was dame Annette's little knock at my
+door,
+and I knew it was something of import that had brought her to my room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'One moment, Belin!' and, opening the door, I saw Madame Pantin
+standing there in breathless agitation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What is it, madame? Come in, and speak freely; there is only my
+friend the Compte de Belin here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is nothing, monsieur,' she said loudly, and then, dropping her
+voice to a whisper, 'Ravaillac was out last night. Pantin was
+deceived. I have come up to tell you so at once: be rid of him. I am
+asked to tell you this by a friend.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A hundred thanks! I have parted with him, and he will not trouble us
+more. But who is this friend who takes so great an interest in me?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You have company, monsieur,' she answered, with a bobbing courtesy,
+'I will not intrude longer.' And, without another word, she turned and
+went away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I looked back, Belin was smoothing the plumes in his hat and
+laughing. 'I heard every word, d'Auriac. So Ravaillac is a mouchard,
+is he? And you have sent him back to me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have,' I answered, and then I told my friend what had happened.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His face was grave enough when I ended.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'So that explains one thing,' he muttered to himself, tapping the
+point of his boot with the end of his sheathed rapier, and then,
+looking up, said slowly, 'You were right, and he shall sleep in Fort
+l'Eveque to-night. No, I cannot stay. Be punctual&mdash;and see here.' He
+came close up to me, and rested his hand on my shoulder.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Though you do not know it, your game forms part of a bigger game
+played for higher stakes. There are those who love France, and would
+have no more madness such as that over poor Gabrielle&mdash;we are helping
+you with heart and soul. Be punctual&mdash;and adieu. No, I can go out by
+myself; do not trouble to come down.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was gone, and I paced up and down for a quarter of an hour, feeling
+like a pawn that some unseen hand was moving hither and thither on the
+chessboard of intrigue. And then I went to my solitary dinner at the
+Two Ecus.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_13"  href="#div1Ref_13">THE LOUVRE</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">It wanted full ten minutes to the hour when I rode through the gates
+of the Hôtel de Belin, and a moment or so after was with my friend. He
+was standing in the great hall as I entered, in the midst of a small
+but brilliantly dressed group of cavaliers. On my being announced,
+however, he came forward to meet me with outstretched arms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Pardieu!</i>' he exclaimed, stepping back a half-pace after our
+greeting, 'so you have dropped the Huguenot? We poor devils will have
+but a bad time of it if you turn courtier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Is that likely?' I asked, a little bitterly, and then, in a low tone,
+'have you made Ravaillac safe?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He has made himself safe,' he whispered, 'he is gone.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Gone?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes&mdash;vanished. It is, perhaps, best so. We will discuss him later,'
+and, raising his voice, 'come, let me present you to my friends,' and
+he led me up to his companions, who, gathered in a little knot near
+the huge fireplace, stood surveying us with a well-bred curiosity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Gentlemen, permit me to introduce my old comrade, the Chevalier
+d'Auriac&mdash;the Duc de Bellegarde, whom we all call M. le Grand, the
+Vicompte de Vitry, the Seigneur de Valryn, and the Chevalier
+d'Aubusson, who, like you, d'Auriac, is new to the court.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And who is delighted to meet with an old acquaintance, and trusts
+that M. de Preaulx is in as good a way.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As the company from Paradise&mdash;eh, chevalier?' I put in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Fairly hit,' exclaimed the lieutenant, and then he must needs tell
+the story of our little adventure, at which there was much laughter,
+and it was easy to see that the Marshal and Zamet had no friends in
+the Rue de Bourdonnais.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come, gentlemen,' said de Belin, 'if we delay longer we shall miss
+the cinque-pace&mdash;one health round, and let us start.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he spoke, a number of long-necked glasses filled with the wine of
+Champagne were brought to us. Holding his glass high above his head,
+de Belin called out:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Gentlemen&mdash;the King.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The toast was drunk with a cheer in which my voice alone was still;
+but I joined with the others in shivering my glass to fragments on the
+white marble of the floor, and then, a gay, laughing crowd, we took
+horse for the Louvre.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As we trotted along, I could not help wondering to myself at my own
+outward gaiety, and whether the same bright mask covered thoughts as
+dark as mine in my companions' hearts. Who, on looking at de Belin and
+hearing the frivol of his talk, or on casting a glance at the red and
+honest face of de Vitry, would imagine that these men were hilt-deep
+in the intrigues of the court? Perhaps the stately Bellegarde, the
+cynical lord of Valryn, the Thersites of his day, whose ribald tongue
+had silenced even de Sancy, and that devil-may-care d'Aubusson, were
+up to the elbows in the same pie!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Absorbed for a moment or so in these reflections I became silent, and
+was only aroused by Bellegarde riding up alongside of me and calling
+out&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A tester for your thoughts, chevalier, and three hundred pistoles for
+your nag.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My thoughts would be expensive at that price, duc, and the pistoles
+will not buy Couronne.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i> Then name your own price. 'Tis just such a horse as that I
+have dreamed of to lead the King's House against M. de Savoye.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I may need her for the Italian war myself, monseigneur. No, Couronne
+is not for sale. She bears too heavy a stake for us to part.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bellegarde looked at me curiously on my speech, and I half repented of
+my last words; but he said no more, and a second or so later we were
+past the Magasins and approaching the main entrance to the Louvre.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sight before us was gay beyond description. All the good commons
+of Paris had thronged to see the court re-open, and to catch a
+glimpse, and perhaps a wave of the hand, from the King, whom they now
+loved with their whole hearts. They came all in their gayest, and as
+the cheerful crowd swayed backwards and forwards beyond the long line
+of guards that kept the entrance to the palace free, it was for all
+the world like a bank of flowers stirred by the wind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But it was not the commons alone that had gathered there. From within
+the palace itself we caught the continual flashes of silvered armour,
+the sheen of silk and satin, the waving of plumes and the glitter of
+jewels, and, far as the eye could stretch along the river-face, there
+was an apparently endless cavalcade approaching the Louvre. In that
+great heaving crowd, wherein all the strength of France was gathered,
+we saw, as the wind caught the banners and spread them to the
+sunlight, that there was hardly a house in France but was represented
+here, from the lordly seigneurs of Champagne and Guienne, with their
+splendid followings, to the poor knights of Gascony and Bearn, who had
+not a tower that was not in ruins amongst them, and could barely
+maintain the brace of starveling lackeys that rode at the heels of
+each of these lean-pursed but long-sworded gentlemen. Here one saw the
+white shield of Couci, the lilies of Conde, the griffins of Epernon,
+there the cross of Croye, the star of d'Andelot, the red hand
+of d'Auvergne, and the black wolves on the golden shield of La
+Roche-Guyon, the proudest lord of Burgundy, who traced his descent far
+back into the mists beyond the middle ages.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Absorbed as I was in my own troubles, I could not restrain a feeling
+of pride that rose within me at the scene. Down through that roaring
+crowd that cheered them again and again as they passed, it was as if
+all the old historic names of France had gathered to do honour to the
+day. And I felt, too, as I looked at the endless sea of heads, that
+this was no longer a France at murderous war with itself, but a united
+and powerful nation that was being led onwards to its destiny by the
+strong hand of a man who had quenched a fratricidal struggle; and for
+the moment I forgot how small he could be who was yet so great.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had yet to learn how great he could be; and here, as I write these
+lines in my study in the watch tower of Auriac, round which the
+sea-gulls circle and scream, my old eyes grow dim, and I lay down my
+pen and wonder for a moment at His will, which did not shield that
+brave heart from an assassin's blow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The throng was so thick that for a time we were unable to gain a
+passage, and were compelled to go at a walking pace, and Belin,
+reining in his fretting beast, exclaimed, 'Faith! 'tis the largest
+gathering I have ever seen.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'All France is here to-day,' said de Valryn. 'There go d'Ossat, and
+his Eminence fresh from the Quirinal.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I wonder d'Ossat did not win his red hat as well as Monseigneur of
+Evreux,' said de Vitry.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ah! he is so unlike the Cardinal,' replied de Valryn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How do you mean?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'In this way. His Eminence deceives but he never lies; the Bishop, on
+the other hand, lies, but he never deceives.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It would cost you your regiment if the King heard that, de Valryn.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'On the contrary, I am sure it will get to his ears, and then I could
+almost hope for the vacant baton, though 'tis said that is already in
+Ornano's hand&mdash;see, there is the Constable's banner!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And Bouillon too&mdash;the stormy petrel is back from Sedan&mdash;I almost
+sniff war in the air.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh, he has taken to himself a wife&mdash;See! He has quartered the arms of
+La Marck on his scutcheon.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Si dieu ne me vult, le diable me prye</i>,' said d'Aubusson, reading
+the scroll on the banner of Turenne; and then, the crowd giving way
+for a moment, we took the opportunity and passed through the gates of
+the Louvre. So full did we find the Petite Galerie on our entrance,
+that it was impossible to see or to observe who was there, and all
+that I was conscious of, as I slowly made my way forwards at the heels
+of de Belin, was the sound of music, the murmur of voices, and the
+rippling of gay laughter. In front of us was the noble stairway that
+led to the Galerie d'Apollon, and between the silent and statue-like
+figures of the King's House who lined the steps, and who still wore
+their violet sashes in token of mourning for the death of Gabrielle,
+there seemed an endless train of men and women advancing upwards.
+Amongst the jewelled clusters of fair and dainty dames, my eye sought
+in vain for the face of Madame; but my glance was, for the moment,
+arrested by the graceful figure of the celebrated La Noirmoutiers, as,
+with one arched and scarlet-shod foot resting on the white marble of
+the topmost step of the stairway, she turned to address some laughing
+remark to the cavalier who was her escort. I had not seen her since I
+was a boy of fifteen; but years had not changed her&mdash;her eyes were as
+lustrous, her cheeks as pink and dimpled as when she trailed the
+honour of Lorraine in the dust, and broke the heart of Joyeuse. I
+could not restrain a feeling of pity for the man upon whom she was now
+turning the light of her cruel beauty, for there was that in his
+honest eyes that showed he would do for her what Mornay, what Joyeuse,
+what Francis of Lorraine had done.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Who is the man?' I bent forward and whispered to de Belin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Poor de Réthelois, who held La Fère so well against us. I fear he
+will find holding his heart a harder task.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He has capitulated already, I think,' I answered, and then she rested
+one small gloved hand on her escort's arm and they passed out of
+sight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">By this time I had collected myself to some degree, and began to try
+and rapidly rehearse in my mind what I should say when I came face to
+face with the King, but I am not ashamed to confess that at each
+attempt I found myself getting more and more hopelessly confused, and
+finally, dropping the effort, determined to let the occasion find its
+own words. At last we were on the stairway, and in twenty steps had
+entered the great hall which Henry had built himself, and which was
+known as the Galerie d'Apollon. Except for the vacant space round the
+still empty throne, the full length of its seventy yards was almost as
+much crowded as the hall below; but here the music was much louder,
+though the laughter and talk was not less merry and incessant. There
+was not, of course, nearly so much movement, and the people were more
+or less gathered in little knots or groups, though there were many gay
+butterflies flitting from one of these to the other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Keep by me,' said de Belin, and almost as he spoke we came face to
+face with Tavannes, de Gie, and de Cosse-Brissac, all dressed in the
+extreme of fashion. Belin saluted coldly, but my heart warmed towards
+my old comrades in arms, and I stretched out my hand. This de Gie took
+limply, but Tavannes and de Cosse-Brissac contented themselves with
+bows of the politest ceremony. The Vicompte de Gie was, however,
+effusive in speech if chill in manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is not everyone who could tear a hole in the Edict as you have
+done, d'Auriac,' he said; and then added with a smile, 'but who made
+your cloak? 'Tis a trifle longer than we wear it here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is short enough for me to see the King in,' I answered a little
+crisply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The King!' exclaimed both Tavannes and Brissac, a marked interest in
+their tones.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My dear fellow,' said de Gie, interrupting my reply, 'I knew you
+would fall on your feet; see here,' and stepping right up to me, he
+threw open my cloak slightly with a turn of his wrist, 'wear it so,
+d'Auriac; it shows your cross of St. Denis now.' Then dropping his
+voice, 'friend or foe? Are you for the Marshal or the Master-General?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am here for a short time,' I replied. 'I have come to see the King.
+I neither understand nor care about your intrigues.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I understand perfectly, monsieur,' he said, falling back, a
+half-smile on his lips, and, bowing to each other, we passed on in
+different ways, they down, and I up the hall to join de Belin, who had
+gone a few paces ahead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The King is still in his cabinet,' he said, pointing to a closed
+door, before which a sentry stood on guard. 'I go in at once. When I
+come out let it be the signal for you to join me. I will then present
+you; and mind&mdash;speak freely.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I mean to,' I answered, and with a nod he passed up through the
+press. I leaned against the pillar near which I was standing and
+surveyed the crowd. Madame was nowhere there, or else I had missed
+her. Perhaps it was better so, for did I see her I might be unnerved;
+and here Bellegarde joined me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Do you see her?' he asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'See whom?' I answered, with a start and an eager look around.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>La belle</i> Henriette. See, there she stands! A little court around
+her, with the brightest eyes and the sharpest tongue in France. I
+wager a hundred pistoles she will rule us all some day.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As events showed, Bellegarde was right, though that concerns not this
+story. I followed his glance, and saw Mademoiselle d'Entragues
+surrounded by a group of admirers, with whom she was bandying jest and
+repartee. I saw before me a tall, slight woman, beautiful in a wicked,
+imperious way, her eyes as black as night, and her features exquisite,
+but marred in every line, to my mind, by their look of pride. I
+never saw her again but once, and that was at Bois Lancy, where the
+once-powerful Marquise de Verneuil had gone to hide her shame.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a pleasanter sight to turn from this girl, who was even then
+weighing the price of her honour, to the cluster of fair faces around
+the tabouret of Madame Catherine, the King's sister, now the Duchesse
+de Bar. Close to the Princess was Mary of Guise, and within a few feet
+of her were the wives and daughters of Rohan, de Pangeas, de Guiche,
+and d'Andelot. I did not, of course, know who they were, but
+Bellegarde pointed them out one by one, and then suddenly waved his
+hand in greeting to a man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ah, there is Pimental! one moment, chevalier,' and he left me to join
+his friend. I was again alone, and resigned myself to patience, when a
+voice seemed to whisper over my shoulder:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If M. le Chevalier will kindly survey the other side of the room,
+perhaps he will be equally interested.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I turned round sharply. There was no one whom I could recognise as the
+person who had addressed me. On the other hand, however, I blessed him
+in my heart, for not ten feet away was Madame, radiant and beautiful,
+with Palin by her side, and M. d'Ayen, with his arm in a silken
+sling, bowing before her. He was pressing the tips of her fingers to
+his lips when our eyes met, and, drawing away her hand, she made a
+half-movement towards me. I was by her side in a moment, and as we
+shook hands she said with a smile:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'So we have met again, chevalier! In the Louvre, above all places!
+'This with a slight rising of colour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I thought I had missed you. I was looking for you everywhere, and had
+given you up. I of course knew you were in Paris.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But the Rue Varenne was too distant a land to journey to? Come,'
+she added as I began to protest, 'give me your arm and take me
+there'&mdash;she indicated the upper end of the room&mdash;'the crush is not so
+great there. It is frightful here. M. d'Ayen will, I know, excuse me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here d'Ayen, who stood glaring at me and biting at the red feathers in
+his hat which he held in his hand, interposed:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I was in hopes that Madame would give me the pleasure,' he began.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Another day, perhaps, baron,' I cut in rudely enough. 'I trust,' I
+added in a kinder tone, 'that your arm does not incommode you?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It will heal soon,' he said in a thick voice, and turned away
+abruptly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He is very angry,' Madame said, following him with her eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That will heal too, I hope. This way is easiest, I think,' and I
+moved onwards with my charge, still, however, keeping an eye on the
+door of the cabinet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Do you know,' I said a moment or so later, 'I am indebted to an
+unknown friend for finding out you were here?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Indeed!' she replied seriously enough, though her eyes were smiling;
+'perhaps I ought not to tell you, but I saw you and told Coiffier to
+let you know I was here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Coiffier, the astrologer!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes&mdash;do you not see him there? He is a brother of Pantin, and devoted
+to my house; a strange man though, and at times I almost fear him.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I looked in the direction she indicated, and saw a tall man, dressed
+like any ordinary cavalier of the court, except for his cloak, which
+was of extreme length, and fell almost to his heels. He, however, wore
+no sword, but held in his hand a small rod of ebony, with a golden
+ball at the end. This was the celebrated astrologer Coiffier, who had
+foretold the death of Henry III., and who, it is said, never died, but
+was taken away bodily by the Evil One. How far this is true I know
+not, but it was common report when he disappeared for ever.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He is much unlike Pantin,' I remarked; 'no one would take them for
+brothers.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And yet they are&mdash;and Pantin always says he is the younger, too.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And now, as we made our way slowly towards the upper end of the room,
+I began to get tongue-tied, and Madame, too, said nothing. Finally, I
+blurted out, 'I am to see the King in a few minutes.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She looked down and half-whispered, 'God give you success.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Amen!' I echoed to her prayer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then, in a way that people have when their hearts are full of
+grave things, we began to talk of matters light as air.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The King is late to-day,' Madame said, glancing at the still closed
+door of the cabinet, near which a curious crowd had gathered; 'perhaps
+the cinque-pace will not come off,' she ran on, 'Monsieur de Guiche
+told me that the King was to open it with Mademoiselle d'Entragues. Do
+you not see her there? That lovely, black-eyed girl, talking to
+half-a-dozen people at once.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Is she so very beautiful?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What a question to ask! I do not see a woman in the room to compare
+with her.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'To my mind her profile is too hard.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Indeed!' Madame's face, with its soft though clear outlines, was half
+turned from me as she spoke. 'I suppose, then, you do not care for
+her&mdash;a man never thinks with a woman in the matter of beauty. But I
+did think you would admire Mademoiselle.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Why should I, even supposing she was beautiful? To my mind there are
+two kinds of beauty.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And here I was interrupted by the sound of cheering from the Petite
+Galerie, and the sudden hush that fell on the room. As we moved down
+to see for whom the crush was parting on either side, we discovered
+that it was the Marshal himself, and close at his heels were Lafin,
+with his sinister smile, and a dozen gentlemen, amongst whom I
+observed the grim figure of Adam de Gomeron. Madame saw the
+free-lance, too, and then turned her eyes to mine. She read the
+unspoken question in my look, her eyes met mine, and through her
+half-parted lips a low whisper came to me&mdash;'Never&mdash;never.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'They are coming straight towards us,' I said, 'we will stand here and
+let them pass,' and with her fingers still resting on my arm we moved
+a pace or so aside. As Biron came up there was almost a shout of
+welcome, and he bowed to the right and left of him as though he were
+the King himself. He was then the foremost subject in France, and in
+the heyday of his strength and power. In person he was of middle
+height, but carried himself with unexampled grace and dignity of
+manner. His short beard was cut to a peak, and from beneath his
+straight eyebrows, his keen and deep-set eyes, those eyes which Marie
+de Medici said hall-marked him for a traitor, <i>avec ses yeux noirs
+enfoncés</i>, seemed to turn their searchlights here, there, and
+everywhere at once. His dress, like all about the man, was full of
+display. He wore a suit of grey satin, a short black velvet cloak held
+by a splendid emerald and diamond clasp, and carried a hat plumed with
+white and black feathers. His sword hilt and the buckles on his shoes
+flashed with gems. As he came onwards, making straight for the door of
+the cabinet, Coiffier stepped out of the crowd and held him lightly by
+his cloak. The Marshal turned on him sharply: 'Let me go, I have no
+time for mummeries.' 'Very well, my lord, only I should advise
+Monseigneur never again to wear a suit such as he is attired in at
+present.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Biron stopped, and we all gathered closer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Why, Coiffier?' he asked, in a tone of affected gaiety, but with a
+nervous manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Because, monseigneur, I dreamed that I saw you early one morning
+standing, dressed as you are just now, by the block in the yard of the
+Bastille.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One or two of the women almost shrieked, and a murmur went up from
+those who heard the words. As for the Marshal, his face grew pale and
+then flushed darkly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are mad, my friend,' he said hoarsely, and then, with his head
+down, went straight to the door of the cabinet. It seemed to open of
+its own accord as he came up to it, and, leaving his suite behind, he
+passed in to the King.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Little did I think of the prophecy until that August dawn, when I
+stood by the side of the Lieutenant of Montigny and saw the head of
+Charles de Gontaut, Duc de Biron, and Marshal of France, held up to
+the shuddering spectators in the red hand of Monsieur of Paris.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It almost seems as if I shall not have my interview,' I said to
+Madame a minute or so later, when the commotion caused by Coiffier had
+ceased.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'When were you to go in?' she asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As soon as ever M. de Belin came out to summon me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then here he is,' and as she spoke I saw the door open, and Belin
+looked out. 'Go,' she said, and then our eyes met and I stepped up to
+the cabinet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Courage,' whispered Belin, and I was before the King. In the first
+two steps I took on entering the room, I perceived that there had been
+a scene; Sully was standing against the open window, his back to the
+light, and gravely stroking his beard. The Marshal was pacing
+backwards and forwards in an agitated manner, and the King himself was
+leaning against a high desk, beating a tattoo with his fingers on the
+veneer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As de Belin presented me, I bent to my knee, and there was a dead
+silence, broken only by Henry renewing the quick, impatient tapping of
+his fingers on the woodwork of the desk. He was, what was unusual with
+him when in Paris, in half armour, and perhaps in compliment to the
+King of Spain, for it was the anniversary of the treaty of Vervins,
+wore the scarlet and ermine-lined mantle of the <i>Toison d'Or</i>. In the
+silence my eyes unconsciously caught the glitter of the collar, and I
+could almost read the device, '<i>Pretium non vile laborum</i>,' on the
+pendant fleece.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You may rise, monsieur,' the King said at last coldly, and added,
+'and you may speak. It is because I understand that you broke the laws
+unwittingly that I have for the moment excused you&mdash;now what have you
+to say?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he spoke his piercing eyes met me full in the face, and for the
+moment I could not find words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ventre St. Gris!</i>' and Henry picked up a melocotin from a salver
+that was by him and played with it between his fingers; 'you could not
+have been born under the two cows on a field <i>or</i>, else you would have
+found tongue ere this, M. d'Auriac. You are not of the south, are
+you?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No, sire, though my father was Governor of Provence, and married into
+the Foix Candale.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If so, you should be a perfect Chrysostom. What have you to say?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had regained my courage by this and took the matter in both hands.
+'Your Majesty, I will speak&mdash;I charge the Marshal, Duc de Biron,
+with being a traitor to you and to France, I charge him with
+conspiring&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You liar!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was Biron's voice, furious and cracked with rage, that rang through
+the room; but Henry stopped him with a word, and then I went on
+repeating exactly what is known, and what I have described before.
+When it was over the King turned to the Marshal, who burst out in a
+passion of upbraiding, calling God and his own services to witness
+that his hands were clean, 'and is the word of this man to be
+believed?' he concluded, 'this man who was openly in arms against his
+King, who is known as a brawler in the streets, who is even now trying
+to win the hand of a royal ward with not a penny piece to line his
+doublet pockets, who is excluded from the King's Peace&mdash;is his oath to
+be taken before the word of a peer of France? Sire, my father died by
+your side&mdash;and I&mdash;I will say no more. Believe him if you will. Here is
+my sword! It has served you well,' and unbuckling his sword the
+Marshal flung himself on his knees before the King and presented him
+with the hilt of his blade.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Astonished and silenced by this audacious outburst, I could say
+nothing, but saw Sully and de Belin exchange a strange smile. The
+King, however, was much moved. Putting his hands on Biron's shoulders,
+he lifted him to his feet. 'Biron, my old friend,' he said, 'the oaths
+of this man and of a hundred such as he are but as a feather weight
+against your simple word. Messieurs, it is because I wished the
+Marshal to know that I would hear nothing behind a man's back that I
+would not repeat to his own face that I have allowed M. d'Auriac a
+free rein to his tongue. In fine, I believe no word of this incredible
+tale. M. d'Auriac,' and he turned to me, 'I give you twenty-four hours
+to quit France, and never cross my path again.' And here the reckless
+Biron interposed hotly, 'But I must have satisfaction, sire.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Is it not satisfaction enough to know that the King believes your
+word?' said Sully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That may do for the house of Béthune, but not for Biron.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The taunt told. It was the one tender point with the great minister.
+'The house of Béthune,' he began.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Was old with the Ark, duc&mdash;we all know that,' said Henry; 'but truly
+I know not what satisfaction the Marshal wants.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If not for me, sire, for my friends. There is M. de Gomeron who has
+been much wronged too.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I see, you are coming to the old point again. I tell you, Biron,
+plainly, and once for all, I will not have it&mdash;my word is given to
+d'Ayen. And now let us go.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When the King had warned me out of France, I had made a half-movement
+to bow and retire and then glanced round to Belin for a hint as to
+what I should do. I could not see him, and not knowing whether to
+leave the cabinet or not, I remained standing irresolutely where I
+was, and thus was a witness to the little passage described above. As
+Henry refused Biron's request he, however, at the same time linked his
+arm in that of the Marshal, and stepped towards the door of the
+cabinet. Sully followed immediately behind, and I brought up the rear.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In this manner we entered the Galerie d'Apollon, and as we passed in
+the King looked round and saw me. He stared hard for a moment, and
+then said in loud tones, 'Twenty-four hours is a short time to reach
+the frontier, M. d'Auriac,' and then he turned his back on me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Everyone heard the words, and I caught de Gie's mocking voice as he
+spoke to Mademoiselle d'Entragues, 'His cloak was short enough to see
+the King in, I observe,' and then there was a feminine titter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With my heart boiling with rage I made for the stairway. I did not
+dare to look for Madame. There was enough despair on my face to enable
+her to read it like a book were she to see me, and I had no doubt she
+had. I felt I had miserably failed. There was one chance, however, and
+that was to urge her to instant flight, and I determined to ride
+straight to the Rue Varenne and there await either Madame's or Palin's
+return and induce them to adopt this course.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At this moment someone came in my way, and, stepping aside to let him
+pass, I caught sight of Madame with both de Belin and the Huguenot at
+her side. She was not three feet from me, and held out her hand
+saying, 'Courage; I know all.' I held her small fingers for a moment,
+and then the ribbon by which her fan was slung to her wrist somehow
+slipped and the fan fell to the ground. I picked it up, and, on
+handing it to her, caught a whisper, 'Coiffier, to-night,' and then
+with a bow I went on. Ten steps more brought me to the head of the
+stairway, and Coiffier was standing there. 'Would you have your
+fortune told, monsieur?' he asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Will to-night suit you?' I answered, taking his humour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'To-night will be too late, monsieur le chevalier. Look in that as you
+ride home and you will see&mdash;and now go.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With a turn of his wrist he produced a small red ball of polished wood
+and placed it in my hands, and then moved backwards amongst the crowd.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It did not take me five minutes more to find Couronne, but as I turned
+her head on reaching the gates of the town towards the river face, I
+heard de Belin's quiet voice behind:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not that way, d'Auriac; you come with me.'</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_14"  href="#div1Ref_14">UNDER THE LIMES</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">It mattered little to me if I rode a portion of my way back with de
+Belin, and so I turned Couronne's head as he wished. Before setting
+off, however, he gave some rapid and whispered orders to Vallon,
+emphasising them with a loud 'Quick, mind you, and do not fail.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is not likely, monsieur,' answered Vallon, and then set off.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The crowd was as great as ever, and we were compelled to go slowly.
+Looking for a moment to my right as we went forwards, I saw Vallon
+making as much haste as he could in the delivery of his message, and I
+wished to myself that my own stout-hearted knave were with me. One
+blade such as his was worth a half-dozen hired swords.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was my intention to leave de Belin at his hotel and make my way as
+quickly as possible to my lodging, and thence, taking the risk of the
+King's warning, go straight to the Rue Varenne and urge Madame to
+instant flight. My house of cards had come down, a fluttering heap, as
+the first story was raised, and to my mind there was nothing for it
+but a sharp spur and a loose rein. I wished, too, for a moment of
+leisure to examine Coiffier's gift. I had little doubt that it
+conveyed a message or a warning, and the sooner I got at its contents
+the better.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the meantime Belin rode by my side, whistling a march to himself,
+whilst a couple of lackeys immediately behind us shouted themselves
+hoarse with an insistent 'Way, way for Monsieur le Compte!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This cry of theirs was being constantly echoed by a Capuchin, who,
+mounted on a mule, with his hood drawn over his face so as to show
+little but his eyes and a portion of a grey beard, kept alternately
+flinging an 'Ave!' and a 'Way! way!' to the crowd, the whiles he stuck
+close to our heels, having evidently made up his mind to follow the
+old saw&mdash;the stronger the company the freer the road.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I know not why it was, but the jingling notes of the tune my friend
+whistled irritated me beyond measure, and at last, at the corner of
+the Rue Perrault, I could stand it no longer, and, reining in, held
+out my hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I must say good-bye here, Belin. We will meet again, and meet in
+better times, I trust, for me. In the meanwhile let me thank you, my
+friend. The rest of my business lies in my own hand.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He laughed and said, 'Not yet good-bye; and as for your business,
+there is some of it in Coiffier's wooden ball. I would open that here
+before you decide to leave me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i> You all seem to be determined to speak to me in riddles.
+Why can you not say plainly what you mean? And, besides, this is no
+place to read.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is as good as any other. See here, d'Auriac! I slipped out of the
+King's cabinet as he spoke to you, and told Madame how your affair was
+progressing. She herself had something to communicate to you. The
+matter was pressing, and as things stood she could not tell you there.
+As for your being treated like a pawn, I give you my word it was
+beyond me to help that. But if you come with me you will learn many
+things within the hour. In the meantime open the ball, man! It was a
+lucky thing Coiffier was there.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Without any further hesitation I drew forth Coiffier's gift. It was,
+as I have said, a hollow, wooden globe, and was made in two parts,
+which could be joined together or separated by a turn of the wrist. I
+held it in my hands for a moment or so and then opened it, and had
+just pulled forth the paper it contained, when by ill chance, as it
+seemed, the Capuchin, who was urging his mule past us, brushed
+violently against my horse, with the result that the paper slipped
+from between my fingers and fluttered to earth. Couronne, after her
+first start, was steady enough, but the monk's ill-conditioned mule
+kicked and plunged, bringing him apparently heavily to the ground. He
+fell exactly over the paper and lay there for a moment, face
+downwards, resting on one elbow. I sprang down, as much to get the
+paper as to assist him, but as I did so, he scrambled to his feet with
+'A hundred pardons, monsieur, for my clumsiness,' and then hastily
+turned and hurried after his mule, which was already many yards ahead,
+behaving after its kind, and whose speed was not diminished by the
+sticks, stones, and oaths flung at him; and there was a roar of
+laughter&mdash;a mob will laugh or hiss at the merest trifles&mdash;as the lank
+figure of the Capuchin sped along in pursuit of his beast and vanished
+after him down a side street.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Belin himself joined in the merriment, and I picked up the paper,
+muddy and much soiled. Smoothening it out against the flap of my
+saddle, I made out the words, '<i>To-night, under the limes in the
+Tuileries&mdash;at compline</i>.' There was no doubt about the writing, and,
+thrusting the precious scrap into my breast-pocket, I remounted. As I
+did so de Belin said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Well, have you changed your plans?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Partly, but I think I shall go back to my lodging.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Do nothing of the kind as yet. I have asked Pantin to meet us at the
+Two Ecus, your own ordinary. Vallon has gone to call him. You can give
+him any orders there. You owe me as much as to yield to me in this.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It would have been ungracious not to have agreed, and I told Lisois I
+would go with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Hasten, then! The road is clearer now, thanks to the Capuchin, or
+rather to his mule. By the way, did you see the monk's face?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A pity! I tried to, but failed in the attempt. His voice was familiar
+to me, and he seemed wonderfully active for an old man.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are suspicion itself, Belin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have slept with the dogs and risen with the fleas. Harkee, Hubert!
+And you, Pierre! If you see that Capuchin again let me know at once;
+keep your eyes open. If you can persuade him to speak to me, it will
+be worth five crowns a-piece to you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur's wishes shall be obeyed,' said both men in a breath, and
+now finding the road free enough we set off at a canter, and kept the
+pace up until almost at the door of the Two Ecus.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As we pulled up at the ordinary and dismounted, Belin exclaimed: 'Now
+for our supper. I am of those who can only fight under a full belt,
+and I would advise you, d'Auriac&mdash;you who will have fighting to do
+very soon perhaps&mdash;to follow my advice, and make the best use you can
+of your knife.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I laughed out some reply, and then, turning to mine host, ordered
+refreshment for both man and beast, and directed that our supper
+should be served in a private room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And observe,' cut in Belin, 'if Maître Pantin arrives, let him be
+shown up to us at once.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Before we went in de Belin asked his men if they had seen any more of
+the monk, and received an answer in the negative. Bidding them
+remember his orders on the subject, he linked his arm in mine and we
+went within.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You seem in a way about the monk,' I said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My dear friend, I cannot get it out of my head that I have seen him
+before, and I don't like a riddle like that to be unsolved.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This comes of your court intrigues, de Belin. You were not wont to be
+so.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Other times, other manners,' he answered, a little grimly, and we sat
+at our table.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How well do I remember that small room in the Two Ecus, with the dark
+oak wainscoting, the furniture that age had polished, the open window
+showing the yellow sunset between the high-roofed and many-gabled
+houses, the red Frontignac sparkling like rubies in our long-necked
+glasses, and the deft service of Susette, the landlord's daughter,
+whose pretty lips pouted with disappointment, because no notice was
+taken of her good looks by the two cavaliers who supped together,
+whose faces were so grave, and whose speech was in tones so low as to
+be heard only by each other. At last we were left to ourselves, and
+Belin, who had been explaining many things to me that I knew not
+before, suddenly rose and began to pace the room, saying: 'You take
+the position now, d'Auriac. If not, let me put the points again before
+you briefly. There are men like Sully, Villeroi, Forget, and I myself,
+who understand and grasp the King's views, and know that if he has his
+way France will be the greatest country on earth. On the other hand,
+Henry is bound by ties of much service rendered to him by men like
+Sancy, who disgraces his name by plundering the state, and Zamet, who
+cannot disgrace himself by anything he does. These men, and such as
+they, exhaust our resources if they do nothing else, and serve the
+cause of the great nobles, such as Epernon, Turenne, Tremouille, and
+above all Biron, whose ambition knows no bounds, and who, I am
+certain, will never be still unless his head is on a crown-piece or
+else on the block.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But what has that to do with me?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Listen! Great as the King is, he has one failing&mdash;you know what it
+is; and it is on this the Sancys and Birons play. To carry out his own
+designs it is necessary that Henry should be saved from himself. The
+Italian embassy is with us, and whilst d'Ossat and the Cardinal
+performed the ostensible object of their mission, they affected
+another and secret object&mdash;and that was the arrangement of the King's
+marriage with Marie de Medici.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The King's marriage!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But the Queen still lives.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And long may she live; but not as Queen.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ah!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Exactly; you begin to see now. If we can make this move we get the
+support of the Quirinal, and, more, the help of the Florentine
+coffers. We will paralyse the great conspiracy which Biron
+heads&mdash;rather a league than a conspiracy. We can dispense with the
+expensive services of Sancy, of Ornano, and of Zamet, and then Henry
+will be free to carry out his great designs.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If, however, Biron is as strong as you say?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Permit me&mdash;we are providing for that. He has been kept close to the
+King. Sully, as Master-General of the ordnance, has ordered the guns
+at Dijon to be sent to Paris with a view of replacing them with new
+ones. None are going, and by the time that the King's betrothal is
+announced, Burgundy will be as much Henry's as it is the Marshal's
+now.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But he will believe nothing against Biron.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Other people have nursed vipers before, but the King is not himself
+now. He can think of nothing but one thing. See here, d'Auriac, I have
+helped you for two reasons: one, because I love France; and the other,
+because I love you. Henry has ordered the marriage of Madame de
+Bidache with d'Ayen to be celebrated to-morrow. He gave that order
+to-day, to put an end to the importunities of the Marshal in regard to
+de Gomeron. I know this, and Madame knows it too. In plain language
+you must play a bold stroke for the woman you love&mdash;take her away
+to-night.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That was partly arranged&mdash;we are to go to Switzerland.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You will never reach the frontier. Look&mdash;there is my castle of
+Mourmeton in Champagne. It is old and half in ruins. See, here is my
+signet. Take it, show it to Gringel, the old forester there&mdash;he will
+take you to a hiding place. Stay there until the affair blows over,
+and then to Switzerland or elsewhere, if you will; in the meantime I
+pledge you the faith of de Belin that no stone will be left unturned
+to effect your pardon.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took the ring he gave me and slipped it on, and then our hands met
+in a hearty clasp that expressed more than words. It was at this
+moment that Susette announced Pantin, and the little notary came in
+with his quick, short step.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am late, messieurs, I know,' he said, 'but I was not at home when
+Vallon arrived, or else I had been here sooner.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are in ample time for what we want, Pantin,' I said, 'though
+there is no time to waste. I am leaving Paris to-night, and will not
+return to the Rue des Deux Mondes, but start from here. My business
+concerns the safety and honour of Madame de la Bidache, and when I say
+that I know I can rely on you. Is it not so?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is, monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Well, then, should anyone ask for me, say I have gone you know not
+where. You do not know, as a matter of fact. If Jacques, my servant,
+returns, bid him go straight to M. le Compte. He will get orders from
+him.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I understand perfectly, monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is yet another thing. Hasten to Maître Palin and bid him await
+me now outside the Porte St. Denis with two spare horses; he will
+understand what I mean. And now, my friend, adieu. This will pay what
+I owe you,' and I thrust a half-dozen pistoles into his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But he resolutely refused. 'No, no, monsieur le chevalier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But dame Annette?' interposed Belin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Um!' said the notary, scratching his chin, 'that is another matter. I
+had for the moment forgotten I was a married man. Very well, monsieur,
+I will take the money&mdash;not that I need it, but for the sake of peace;
+and now there is little time to lose. I go to do all you have asked me
+to, and rest assured, messieurs, it will be faithfully done.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have no doubt of that, Pantin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We had better make a start, too,' I said, and Belin shouted for the
+horses. We stayed for a moment or so after the notary's departure,
+during which time Belin urged me to take Vallon and a couple of men
+with me to my tryst, but, fearing no complications, I refused, saying
+that this was a matter that were best done with one hand. Belin would
+have come himself but that, his friendship with me being known, it was
+necessary for him to avoid all suspicion of his being in the affair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I shall go to the Louvre,' he said, 'and engage d'Ayen at play.
+Pimental and others will be there, and, if I mistake not M. le Baron
+will have a sore head for his wedding,' and he chuckled here.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then I settled the score with mine host, and, mounting our horses, we
+rode back the way we came. It was at the Magasins that we wished each
+other good-bye, and, with a last grip of the hand and a last warning
+to hasten to Mourmeton, Belin turned towards the Louvre, whilst I went
+on towards the Tuileries, keeping the northern road, and not the more
+frequented street along the river face. I chose this way because,
+although it was a little longer, yet there was still a half-hour for
+my appointment, and it would not do for me to arrive too early, as by
+hanging about at the trysting-place I might attract attention, and,
+perhaps, ruin the game. As I rode on I caught myself wondering if I
+could play the same hand that Sully, Villeroi, and de Belin were
+throwing to. I knew they were honest men&mdash;their positions removed them
+from such temptations as might assail even a great noble, and that
+they were loyally trying to serve their country and their King. If
+such service, however good its object, meant, as it clearly did, that
+one must be up to the elbows in intrigue, then I thanked God that I
+belonged to no party, and inwardly resolved that, whether I won or
+lost my hazard, the court would see me no more; and as for the King!
+<i>Pardieu!</i> It is not good to know a hero too well.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a strong moon, and the night was as clear as crystal. One
+side of the street was in shadow, illumined here and there by the
+dim light of a few lanterns set high up in niches in the old and
+moss-grown walls of the buildings. The houses here were old even for
+this part of Paris, and, with their sloping roofs and many gables,
+rose in irregular outlines on either side&mdash;outlines, however, so
+softened by the moonlight, in which they seemed to quiver, that it was
+as if some fantastic creation of fairyland had been set down here&mdash;a
+phantom city that would melt into nothingness with the warm rays of
+the morning sun.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Away in the distance it still seemed as if I could hear the hum of the
+city behind me, but here all was quiet and still and the iron-shod
+hoofs of Couronne rang out with a strange clearness into the night.
+Occasionally I met a passer on the road, but he or she, whoever they
+were, took care to give me a wide berth, and once a woman who had
+opened her door to look out, for some reason or other, hurried in and
+shut it with a little cry of alarm as I passed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had now come to the gardens of the Tuileries, and, putting Couronne
+at the wall which was just being raised around them, found myself
+within a quarter-mile of our place of meeting. The turf was soft and
+level here, and I let Couronne go at a half-gallop, keeping in the
+chequered shade of the huge trees, which whispered strange things to
+each other in the breeze. At this moment it seemed as if I heard the
+smothered neigh of a horse. I knew the sound well, for often had my
+old Norman tried to serve me in this way through the scarf by which
+his jaws were bound together when we lay in ambuscade. With a touch of
+my hand I stayed my beast and stopped to listen. Beyond me stretched
+the avenue, at the end of which stood the great lime trees. I could
+see nothing but the ghostly line of trunks, lit up here by the moon,
+there standing out black against the night, or fading away into a
+lacework of leaves and branches. There was no sound except the tinkle
+of the leaves and the sullen creaking of the boughs overhead. 'It must
+be her horse or Palings,' I said aloud to myself; and then the
+compline came to me clear and sweet from the spire of St. Germain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I lifted my hat for an instant with a silent prayer to God for help,
+and then shook up Couronne. Ere the last notes of the bells had gone I
+was under the limes. At first I could see nothing; there was no one
+there; and my heart grew cold at the thought that some danger had
+overtaken my dear one.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Madame!' I called out. 'It is I&mdash;-d'Auriac'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then a figure in a grey mantle stepped out from the shadow of the
+trees, and I sprang from the saddle and held out my hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I knew it was you, chevalier,' she said, 'but I wanted to make
+certain and waited until you spoke.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I hope I have not kept you waiting?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Indeed no. I had but just come across from the Louvre when you
+arrived.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then you did not come riding?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How could I? I have been in the Louvre, and am expected to be at the
+<i>coucher</i> of Madame Catherine in a half-hour,' and she laughed
+slightly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The thought of that smothered neigh flashed through my mind like
+lightning.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We must trust ourselves to Couronne,' I said. 'Palin will be at the
+Porte St. Denis. There is no time to waste; come!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then it seemed that she hesitated, and, flinging back her hood, looked
+me full in the face. In the moonlight I saw her white as marble, and
+she suddenly put out both her hands, saying:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I trust you utterly, d'Auriac'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Man is not made of stone, and I loved this woman as my life. There was
+that in her voice, in the pitiful appeal of its tones, that broke down
+all my false pride. I cannot say how it happened, but in a moment my
+arm was round her waist, and I drew her towards me, she nothing
+resisting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Claude, I love you. Give me the right to protect you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What she said is for my ears alone; and then she lay still and passive
+in my arms, her head resting on my shoulder.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So for a time we stood in silence, and then I kissed her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come, dear,' I said, 'and with the morning we shall be safe.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Of her own accord she put her arms about my neck and pressed her lips
+to mine, and then I lifted my darling to Couronne's saddle bow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Had I but taken de Belin's offer! If Jacques were but with me then!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My foot was in the stirrup, my hand on the reins, when there was a
+sudden flash, a loud report, and my poor horse fell forward,
+floundering in the agony of death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I just managed to snatch Claude from the saddle, and staggered back,
+and then with a rush a half-dozen men were on us. They were masked to
+a man, and made their attack in a perfect silence; but as my sword
+flashed out of my scabbard I recognised the tall figure of the
+Capuchin, and thrust at him fiercely, with a curse at my folly in
+coming alone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Things like these take a short time in doing, and should take a
+shorter time in telling. I ran one man through the heart, and with a
+gasp he fell forwards and twisted himself like a snake round my blade.
+Then someone flung a cloak over my head&mdash;I was overborne by numbers
+and thrown. Two or three men held me down; there was an iron grip at
+my throat, and a man's knee pressed heavily on my chest. I made a
+frantic effort to free myself: the covering slipped from my face, and
+I saw it was the Capuchin kneeling over me, a dagger in his hand. His
+mask had fallen from him, and his face was the face of Ravaillac!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not call out, I was held too tight; and the villain lifted his
+poniard to strike, when a voice&mdash;the voice of de Gomeron&mdash;said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Hold! We will put him out another way.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This is the quickest and surest,' answered Ravaillac; but the reply
+was brief and stern.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Carry out my orders. Gag him and bring him with us.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'To Babette's?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'To Babette's. There is the oubliette. Quick, there is no time to
+lose.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh, ho!' laughed Ravaillac, 'that is good! M. le Chevalier will be
+able to drown his sorrows under the Seine; but he will take a long
+time to die!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You villain!' I gasped, but like lightning the gag was on me, and
+then I was blindfolded. I could see nothing of Madame, though I tried
+my utmost to get a glimpse of her. Then I was bound hand and foot, and
+lifted by a couple of men. After being carried a short space I was
+thrust into a litter, and as this was done I heard a faint cry from
+Claude; and I groaned in my heart, for I was powerless to help.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The litter went forward at a jolting pace, and from the echo of hoofs
+around it I gathered that there were at least a dozen mounted men
+about me. Sometimes I heard a brief order given by de Gomeron, and the
+sound of his voice made me certain that Madame was with us. If so,
+there might still be hope, and I lay still and tried to follow our
+route by the movement of the party, but I could see nothing; and after
+a time my brain began to get confused, for we turned this way and
+that, up side streets, down winding roads, until the thing became
+impossible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Once we were challenged by the watch, and my captor gave answer
+boldly:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'M. de Gomeron, of the Marshal's Guards, with prisoners for the
+Chatelet; let us pass in the King's name.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I heard the words and strove to call out, but the gag was too secure.
+At any rate, I had learned one thing&mdash;we were going in the direction
+of the Chatelet. Who, then, was Babette? I had heard the name once
+before, on the night that I lay wounded before La Fère, and an
+inspiration seemed to come on me, and I was certain that the night hag
+and de Gomeron's Babette were one and the same.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then we jolted on for about another half-hour&mdash;we must have passed the
+Chatelet by this&mdash;when suddenly the litter took a sharp turn to the
+right, and after going a little way was put to the ground.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Sacré nom d'un chien!</i>' exclaimed one of my carriers, 'he is heavy
+as lead.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He will be light enough in a week or so,' answered someone else; and
+then I heard the creaking of hinges, and the litter appeared to be
+borne within a yard and was left there. After a half-hour or so I was
+dragged out, and I heard a woman's voice:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This way, my lambs; the gentleman's room is below&mdash;very far below,
+out of all draughts;' and she laughed, with the same pitiless note in
+her voice that I had heard once before&mdash;and I knew it was the
+murderess.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Down a winding stair we went, and I remained passive, but mentally
+counted the steps and the turns. There were eighteen steps and three
+turns, at each of which there was apparently a door, and then we
+stopped. There was a jingling of keys, the harsh, grating noise of a
+bolt being drawn back, and Babette spoke again:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur's apartment is ready&mdash;'tis the safest room in the Toison
+d'Or.' Then I was flung in heavily as I was, and the door bolted
+behind me.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_15"  href="#div1Ref_15">THE HAND OF BABETTE</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
+Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could
+have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped
+like a wild cat. Now that I think of it, in the madness of those
+moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly
+helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits,
+as will be shown hereafter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible
+to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing
+anything. I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where
+I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the
+bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted
+by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more,
+and looked around me. For all I could see I might have been as
+before&mdash;I was in blank, absolute darkness. Into the void I peered, but
+could make out nothing, though I could hear my own laboured breathing,
+and the melancholy drip, drip of water as it oozed from above me and
+fell in sullen drops on the slime below.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I strained into the velvet black of the darkness, it came to
+me&mdash;some fiend must have whispered it&mdash;that I was blind. My mind
+almost ceased to work at the thought, and I remained in a kind of
+torpor, trying in a weak manner to mentally count the drops of water
+by the dull splashing sound they made in falling. Ages seemed to pass
+as I lay there, and the first sense of coming to myself was the
+thought of Claude, whom I had lost, and the quick agony of this made
+my other sufferings seem as nothing. There is a misery that words, at
+least such words as I am master of, cannot picture, and I will
+therefore say no more of this.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A little thing, however, now happened, and but for this I might have
+lain where I was until I died, so entirely impressed was I with the
+idea that I was sightless. In utter weariness I turned my head on one
+side and saw two small beads of fire twinkling about a yard or so from
+me. They were as small as the far-away stars, and they stared at me
+fixedly. 'This is some deception of the mind,' I thought to myself,
+when suddenly another pair of fiery eyes appeared; then there was a
+slight shuffling, and all was still. But it was the saving of me.
+Sight and hearing could not both deceive. I knew what they were, and I
+knew, too, that I was not blind. From that moment I began to regain
+possession of my faculties and to think of means of escape. In my vest
+pocket was a small clasp knife. If I could but get at that I could
+free myself from my bonds. That, at any rate, had to be the first
+step. I began to slowly move my arms up and down with a view to
+loosening the cords that bound me, but, after some time spent in this
+exercise, realised the fact that the ropes might cut through me, but
+that they would not loosen. Then it struck me, in my eagerness to be
+free, that I might get at the knots with my teeth, and by a mighty
+effort I raised myself to a sitting posture&mdash;only to remember that I
+was gagged, and that it was of no avail to think of this plan. There
+are those who will smile, perhaps, if their eyes meet this, and put me
+down in their estimation for a fool for my forgetfulness. That may or
+may not be, but I have written down exactly what happened.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although the new position I had attained did not in any way advance me
+towards freedom, yet it gave me a sense of personal relief. I was able
+to raise my knees a little, and sitting down thus, with my body thrown
+a little forward, to ease the strain of the cords, I began to think
+and go over in my mind the whole scene of the tragedy from the
+beginning to its bitter end. I had no doubt as to the personality of
+Babette. I was not likely to forget her voice. I had heard it under
+circumstances that ought to have stamped it on my memory for all time,
+and if I had the faintest doubts on the matter, they were set at rest
+by the fact that she was so well known to de Gomeron&mdash;she probably had
+been a camp-follower on our side&mdash;and also by the still more damning
+fact that her house was known as the Toison d'Or. The name had been
+distinctly mentioned by her, and its meaning was clear to me when I
+thought of the dreadful scene over de Leyva's body.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As for de Gomeron, I knew him well enough to understand his game. The
+whole affair, as far as he was concerned, was a sudden and rapid
+resolve&mdash;that was clear. I argued it out in this way to myself, and,
+as I went on thinking, it was almost as if someone was reading out a
+statement of the case to me. It was evident that the free-lance was to
+the last moment in hopes that the King would yield to Biron's
+intercession on his behalf. When that was refused he may have had some
+idea of gaining his end by force, but was compelled to hurry his
+<i>coup</i> by the knowledge that he had obtained from his confederate or
+spy, Ravaillac.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It had worked out well enough for him. My disappearance, my dead
+horse&mdash;poor Couronne!&mdash;all these would point to me as the author of
+the abduction, and give de Gomeron the time he wanted to perfect his
+plans. The man I had run through would never tell tales, and, so far,
+the game lay in the Camarguer's hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then about Madame. As I became calmer I saw that for his own sake
+de Gomeron would take care that her life was safe&mdash;at any rate for the
+present, and whilst there was this contingency there was hope for her,
+if none for me, as I felt sure that, what with the King and Madame's
+relatives of the Tremouille on one hand, and Sully and de Belin on the
+other, things would go hard, sooner or later, with de Gomeron,
+whatever happened to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">By the time my thoughts had reached this point I was myself again, and
+the certainty with which I was possessed that Claude was in no
+immediate danger of her life gave me strength to cast about for my own
+liberation as the first step towards freeing her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But my despair almost returned as I thought and thought, until my
+brain seemed on fire, without my efforts bringing me a ray of hope. I
+shuddered as I reflected that it was part of de Gomeron's scheme to
+let me die here. It could easily be done, and a few bricks against the
+wall would remove all traces of the living grave of d'Auriac. In my
+mental excitement I seemed to be able to project my soul outside my
+prison, and to see and hear all that my enemy was plotting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not for a moment say I was right in every detail, but events
+showed that I was not far wrong; and it is a wonder to me that the
+learned men of our day have not dealt with this question of the mind,
+though, to be sure, it savours no little of those secrets which the
+Almighty in His wisdom has concealed from us, an inquiry into which is
+perhaps a sin&mdash;perhaps in some future time these things may be
+disclosed to us! Whether I am right or wrong, I know not. I have,
+however, set down faithfully what passed through my mind in those
+hours of agony.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Was I never to see the light again? Never to hear another human voice?
+Was I to come to my death in a long-drawn-out agony? Dear God, then,
+in mercy, strike me dead! So I prayed in my utter desolation; but
+death did not come, though its mantle of darkness was around me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hour after hour passed. I shifted my position, and, strange to say,
+slept. How long I slept I know not; but I woke stinging with pain, and
+found this was due to my being bound as I was, and in a little the
+agony became almost insupportable; and I was on the verge of going
+into a delirium, only righting my failing senses by a mighty effort of
+will.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had lost all count of the time, but guessed it was advanced in the
+day by this; and my eyes had become so accustomed to the darkness that
+I could manage to see the faint outlines of the cell in which I was
+imprisoned. I tried to make out its extent with an idle and useless
+curiosity, and then, giving it up and utterly hopeless, leaned my head
+on my upraised knees, and sat thus waiting for the end.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I longed for death to come now&mdash;it would be a happy release from my
+pain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly there came a grating noise as the bolts outside were moved.
+Then the door of the cell swung open with a groaning, and there was a
+blinding flash of light that, for the time being, deprived me of the
+powers of sight, though, with a natural instinct, I shut my eyes to
+the flash as it came.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then I heard de Gomeron's voice saying, 'Remove the gag&mdash;I have
+something to ask Monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I felt two cold, hard hands fumbling with the knots of the gag, I
+managed to open my eyes, though the light still pained me, and saw the
+tall figure of the free-lance, his drawn sword in his hand, standing
+in the open doorway, and kneeling beside me was Babette. The hag
+caught the loathing in my glance, and laughed to herself as she
+wrenched at the knots, and de Gomeron, who was evidently in no mood to
+delay, hurried her efforts with a sharp 'Quick!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is done,' she answered, and rose to her feet, swinging the silken
+bands of the gag she held in her hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then have the goodness to step back whilst Monsieur d'Auriac and I
+discuss the position.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Babette did as she was bidden, muttering something, and de Gomeron,
+advancing a pace, addressed me&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, I have come to make you an offer, and I will not waste
+words. I am playing to win a desperate game, and I shall not hesitate
+to play any card to win. My offer is this. I ask you to sign a formal
+document, which I shall bring to you, holding me guiltless of any
+design against either you or Madame de la Bidache. In return I will
+set you free in ten days after you sign this paper. During that time
+you must consider yourself my prisoner; but you will be better lodged
+than now. Should you refuse to accept this offer, there is nothing
+left for me but to leave you here to die.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He spoke in slow, measured accents, and the vault of the roof above me
+gave back the man's words in a solemn echo. The light of the lantern
+stretched in a long yellow shaft up the spiral stairway beyond the
+door, and, half in this light and half in shadow, stood the witch-like
+figure of Babette, leaning a little forward as if striving to catch
+each word that was spoken.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the silence that followed the free-lance's speech I could almost
+hear the blood throbbing in my temples; and for the moment I was
+deprived of all power of words. It was not from fear, nor from any
+idea of accepting the offer, but a thought had come to my mind. I
+would oppose craft with craft, and meet the fox in the skin of a fox.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Give me twenty-four hours to decide,' I answered, 'and free me from
+these cords. I cannot think for the pain of them.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Pardieu!</i>' he laughed. 'The knots have been well tied; but
+twenty-four hours is a long time.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yet you are willing to accommodate me for ten days, better lodged.
+<i>Ventrebleu!</i> M. de Gomeron! Do you think I can scratch my way out of
+this?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He did not answer me, but stood for a while biting at the ends of his
+thick moustache. Then he suddenly called to Babette, 'Cut the cords.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She came forward and obeyed. Words cannot convey the sensation of
+relief as the cords fell from me, but for the time being so numbed was
+I that I was powerless to move.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You have your desire, monsieur,' said de Gomeron, 'and I await your
+decision. It will save me trouble if you inform Babette whether you
+agree or not. In the former event we shall have the pleasure of
+meeting again; in the latter case I take the opportunity of wishing
+you as happy a time as a man may have&mdash;in the future life. In the
+meantime I will see that some refreshments are sent to you. <i>Adieu!</i>'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned and stepped out of the cell and stood for a moment whilst
+Babette picked up the lantern and followed him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur will not want the light to aid him to think,' she laughed,
+and then the door was shut. I heard the sullen clank of the chain, the
+turning of the great keys, and I was alone and in darkness once more.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dark it may have been, but, thank God! I was no longer like a trussed
+fowl, and betook myself to rubbing my numbed limbs until finally the
+chilled blood was warmed and I was able to stand, and then, in a
+little, I gained strength to grope my way backwards and forwards in
+the cell as an exercise. No thought of ever agreeing to de Gomeron's
+terms ever crossed me. I had, however, resolved to make a dash for
+freedom when he came to me again. I should pretend to agree, and then
+win or lose all in the rush. Anyway, I would not die here like a rat
+in a trap. I almost chuckled to myself as I thought I was in a fair
+way to outwit the free-lance. He was a fool after all, though, at the
+same time, I could not but admit that his move to get me to admit his
+innocence was a skilful one. Still, it was a plot that might overreach
+itself. My captors had eased me of my belt, which was so well stuffed
+with pistoles. They had not, however, had time or opportunity to
+search me further, and had left my clasp-knife, which lay in my
+pocket, as I have said, together with a dozen or so of gold pieces I
+had kept there to be at hand. I pulled out the knife and, opening it,
+ran my fingers along the blade. It was three inches or so in length,
+but sharp as a razor, and with it one might inflict an ugly wound in a
+struggle. I mapped out my plan mentally. When de Gomeron came again I
+should fell him as he entered, arm myself, if possible, by snatching
+his sword, and then cut my way out or be cut down. I had no doubt that
+I might be able to effect the first part of the programme. In those
+days I was as strong as a bull, and there were few men, especially if
+they were unprepared, who could have stood a blow from me. It was in
+act two that I might come to grief. At any rate, it would be a final
+and quick ending to the business, not the long-drawn-out agony I would
+otherwise have to endure. Now that I think of it, it was a poor enough
+plan, and it was lucky that, under Providence, another way was shown
+to me. Such as it was, however, it was the only thing that occurred to
+me at that time, and it would not be for want of effort on my part
+that it would fail. The more I thought over it, then the more I was
+convinced that it was my sole chance, and I grew impatient for the
+moment when I should put my design into execution. Twenty-four hours
+was long to wait, and I raved at myself for having fixed such a time.
+<i>Morbleu!</i> I might have had the sense to make it five, or three, or
+two hours! I little guessed, as I paced the cell impatiently, how many
+hours had passed since de Gomeron left me, and that it was impossible
+to measure time in that loathsome dungeon. As I sat brooding, the
+profound silence was once more suddenly disturbed by the sudden
+jarring of a bolt. It was not, however, the door of my cell that was
+opened, but a little wicket about a foot square, and through this
+there flashed again a blinding light, and the face of Babette peered
+in. So malign was its aspect that I shuddered in spite of myself, and
+then, in a fury I could not control, shouted out:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Out of my presence, hag! Begone!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Oh! ho!' she laughed. 'A time will come when Monsieur will go on his
+two knees and pray to Babette&mdash;to good Babette&mdash;to kind Babette! In a
+day or so it will be thus,' and she laughed shrilly. 'But I go as you
+wish, to carry your refusal to the Captain.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She made a movement as if to go, but, cursing myself at very nearly
+having spoilt all, I burst out, 'Stay!' and she looked back.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur!' She grinned through the wicket.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'See here,' and in my eagerness my voice was hoarse and thick; 'five
+hundred crowns if you free me from this, and a thousand more if you
+will do the same for Madame.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Will Monsieur add a palace in the moon to this?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I give you the word of d'Auriac. Fifteen hundred crowns is a fortune.
+They will be yours in six hours from the time you free us. Think of
+it&mdash;fifteen hundred crowns!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Never have I seen avarice blaze so in a face as in hers. As I dropped
+out the last words, she shook her head from side to side with a
+swaying motion of a serpent. Her eyes glittered like those of an asp,
+and between her half-parted lips she hissed rather than spoke to
+herself:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Fif-teen hun-dred crowns! It is the price of a barony! I, who have
+taken life for a half-pistole!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You will save two lives for this,' I pleaded.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But the she-devil, though sorely tempted, was faithful. What de
+Gomeron's power over her was I know not. I could add nothing to my
+offer; I had laid my all on the hazard, and it was not to be done.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Pouf!</i>' she mocked, 'you do not go high enough. You do not promise
+the palace in the moon. But I waste my time. Is it &quot;Yes,&quot; or &quot;No,&quot; for
+the Captain?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was another chance, and I would risk that. I made a step nearer
+the opening.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Give me something to drink, and I will answer at once.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ah! ha! Monsieur requires some courage. Here is a flask of
+Frontignac, but it is expensive, and Monsieur, I am afraid, has left
+his belt outside his room. The Frontignac is five crowns.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You forgot my pockets,' I answered. 'Here are two pistoles; hand me
+the wine.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The money first,' and she stretched out her hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Like a flash I closed my fingers on her wrist, and drew in her hand to
+the full length of the arm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If you scream, if you utter a sound, I will tear your arm from its
+socket.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The answer was a shriek that might have been heard a half-mile away,
+and then a foul oath and a howl of pain. It was hardly a knightly
+deed, but there was too much at stake to mince matters; and on her
+scream I gave the prisoner arm I held a wrench strong enough to show
+that I could keep my word. As the shrill echoes of her cry died away,
+I could hear her breathing heavily on the opposite side of the door,
+and she struggled mutely and with surprising strength to free herself.
+There was no answer to her call for help. There must have been many a
+shriek for help that had rung through that terrible dungeon, and died
+away answerless but for the mocking echoes! And Babette knew this, for
+she ceased to utter a sound after that one long scream, and fought in
+silence like a she-wolf at bay. At last she leaned exhausted against
+the door, and I felt that half my game was won. It had been an
+unexpected thought, and I had jumped at the opportunity Providence had
+thrown in my way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Do you hear?' I said; 'open the door, or&mdash;' and I gave another
+half-turn to her arm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She who could inflict such suffering on others was of those who were
+unable to bear the slightest pain herself. She moaned in agony and
+called out:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Free me, and I promise&mdash;I promise anything.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I only laughed and repeated my order, relieving the strain on her arm,
+however, so that she could slip back a half-pace or so from the
+wicket. Then I heard the great lock open and the chain put down, and
+Babette's voice trembling with anger and pain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is open.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The door swung outwards, so that all I had to do was to fold my
+prisoner's arm from the elbow along its face as I pushed it open. It
+kept her perfectly secure, and enabled me to take a precaution that,
+it turned out, was needed, for as I pushed the door I drove the
+death-hunter back with it, and the moment it was sufficiently open to
+let me pass, I sprang out and seized her left arm. Quick as I was,
+however, I was not quite quick enough to avoid the blow of her dagger,
+and received a flesh wound, which, however, was after all but slight.
+Then there was another struggle, and affairs were adjusted between
+Babette and myself without any special harm being done to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Now listen to me,' I said. 'Whatever happens, I will kill you first
+if there is any treachery. Take me straight to Madame.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'She is not here,' was the sullen reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then I take you with me to the Hôtel de Ville. Come&mdash;to your senses.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She broke into the most terrible imprecations; but time was precious,
+and I quenched this readily enough, and at last it was clear she was
+utterly cowed. Again I repeat that no harm was done, and it was only
+dire necessity that compelled me to use the violence I did.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come,' and I shook her up. 'Where is Madame?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She looked from right to left with a quick, uneasy motion of her eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not know. She is not here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was compelled to believe her&mdash;or to accept her statement, which you
+will.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well, then I waste time no longer,' and suiting actions to my
+words, and exerting my strength to its utmost, I took her with me up
+the stairway, forcing her to open each of the doors that closed on it.
+At the last door I took the precaution of gagging Babette, and
+fastened her arms securely, but lightly, behind her back with her own
+girdle. Then holding her against the wall, I ran rapidly over the
+whole position. If Madame was in the house, which was uncertain, I
+could effect her rescue better from without than within. If, on the
+other hand, she was not there, I would be wasting most valuable time,
+and perhaps ruin all chance of saving her, by searching the rooms of
+the Toison d'Or, unarmed as I was. Once free, I could force de Gomeron
+to give up his victim. He would not, after the charges I should lay
+against him in an hour, dare to leave Paris, whatever else he might
+do. That would in itself be a confession of guilt. As for Babette, I
+felt it was impossible to drag her with me through the streets of
+Paris.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Look here!' and I gave my prisoner a shake. 'I fully believe that
+Madame is here, and if you wish to save yourself from the rack&mdash;it
+hurts more than what I have done to you&mdash;you will see that no harm
+comes to her. You follow?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was speechless, but her eyes were blazing with wrath as she made a
+sullen movement of her head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You had also better tell Monsieur de Gomeron, your master, that I
+refuse his terms. It will save him the trouble of knowing that I have
+escaped&mdash;you understand?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This time she nodded eagerly enough.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Now,' I went on, 'we will open the last door.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took the bunch of keys, and, after a try or two, succeeded in
+hitting on the right one. After this I pushed Babette before me into
+the small flagged yard, and saw to my surprise that it was night, and
+that the moon was out. Then I gave the fact no further thought beyond
+an inward 'Thank God!' for the uncertain moonlight that would cover my
+escape. As I pushed my captive along the shadow of the wall until we
+came to the entrance gate, I looked around and above me carefully, but
+there was nothing to indicate where Madame was. A hundred times was I
+tempted to turn back and risk all in searching the house for her, and
+it was only because I was convinced that the sole chance of saving her
+was to be free first myself that I did not give in to my desire. On
+reaching the gate I discovered that there was a wicket in it large
+enough to squeeze a man's body through, and that this was closed by a
+heavy pair of iron cross-bars, a secure enough defence from the
+outside. Holding Babette at arm's-length from me, I put down the bar
+and opened the wicket. Then, still keeping my hold on her, I freed her
+hands, and, bending slightly forwards and looking her straight in the
+face, said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Remember! And adieu, Madame de&mdash;Mau-ginot!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At these words, which brought back to her memory her crime on the
+battle-field of La Fère, she shrank back, her eyes seemed to sink into
+their sockets, and as I loosed my hold of her shoulder she fell in a
+huddled heap on the flags of the yard.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_16"  href="#div1Ref_16">A COUNCIL OF WAR</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">As I slipped through the wicket I cast a hurried glance around me, and
+then, acting on the impulse of the moment, ran forwards along the road
+for about fifty paces, with Babette's dagger clenched in my hand.
+There I was brought to a stand by a dead wall, studded with iron
+spikes at the top, which rose sheer above me for fully twenty feet and
+barred all further progress. It was evident that the Toison d'Or stood
+in a blind alley, and that I had taken the wrong turning. Not even an
+ape could have scaled the moss-grown and slippery surface of those
+stones, and, leaning against a buttress in the darkest corner of the
+wall, I stood for a moment or so and waited, determined to sell my
+life as dearly as possible should I be pursued. There was no sound,
+however; all was still as the grave. I ran my eye down the road, but
+the moon was not bright enough to penetrate the shadows, and I could
+make out nothing except the many-storied and gabled buildings that,
+packed closely to each other, beetled over the passage. The hanging
+turrets projecting from these houses were for all the world like
+gigantic wasps' nests, such as are seen clinging to the rocks of the
+upper Dordogne. Here and there a turret window showed a light
+glimmering behind it, and, had I time, I might have pictured to myself
+a resemblance between this 'beetle-browed' passage to that of some
+long, narrow, and sluggish mountain tarn, guarded on each side by an
+impassable barrier of frowning rocks. It was, however, not a moment to
+let oneself be impressed by scenery, and, eyes and ears on the
+stretch, I peered into the indistinct light to see the slightest
+movement, to catch the slightest sound. But the silence remained
+undisturbed. It was an eyrie of night-hawks, and they were hunting now
+far from their nests. So I stole forth from the shadow of the
+buttress, and, keeping the dagger ready to strike, retraced my steps
+past the Toison d'Or and along the winding and crooked passage,
+keeping as far away from the walls as possible to avoid any sudden
+attack, until at last I found myself in a cross street, down which I
+went, taking note of such landmarks as I could to guide me back, when
+I should return with vengeance in my right hand. The cross street led
+into other winding and twisting lanes, whose squalid inhabitants were
+either flitting up and down, or quarrelling amongst themselves, or
+else sitting in a sullen silence. I guessed I had got myself into one
+of the very worst parts of Paris, and as I had heard that it was more
+than dangerous to be recognised in such places as one not belonging to
+the noble order of cut-purses, I did not halt to make inquiries, but
+pursued my way steadily along the labyrinth of streets, feeling more
+lost at every step I took. Once or twice I passed a street stall, and,
+as the flare of the torches which lit up its gruesome contents fell
+on me, I was looked at curiously; but so soiled and wet was I, so
+torn my cloak and doublet in the struggle with de Gomeron's bravos,
+that at the most they took me for a night-hawk of superior feather,
+whose plumes had been ruffled by a meeting with the law. That I
+inspired this idea was evident, indeed, from the way in which one
+terrible-looking old man leaned forwards and, shaking his palsied
+finger at me, croaked out:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Run, captain; run, Messire de Montfaucon!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I hurried past as fast as I could, followed by the laughter of those
+who heard the remark, thinking to myself it was lucky it was no worse
+than a jibe that was flung at me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How long I wandered in that maze of streets I cannot say, but at last
+I came upon an open space, and, finding it more or less empty, stopped
+to take my bearings. My only chance to get back to my lodging that
+night&mdash;and it was all-important to do so&mdash;was to strike the Seine at
+some point or other; but in what direction the river lay, I could not,
+for the life of me, tell. At last I determined to steer by the moon,
+and, holding her track to the south-west of me, went on, keeping as a
+landmark on my left the tall spire of a church whose name I then did
+not know. So I must have plodded on for about an hour, until at last I
+was sensible that the street in which I was in was wider than the
+others I had passed through, and, finally, I saw before me a couple of
+lanterns, evidently slung on a rope that stretched across a street
+much broader still than the one I was in. That, and the sight of the
+lanterns, convinced me that I had gained one of the main arteries of
+the city, and it was with an inward 'Thank God!' that I stepped under
+the light and looked about me, uncertain which direction I should
+take, for if I kept the moon behind me, as I had done hitherto, I
+should have to cross over and leave the street, and I felt sure this
+would be a serious error that would only lead me into further
+difficulties. It was as yet not more than a half-hour or so beyond
+compline, so the street was full. And unwilling to attract the
+attention of the watch, which had a habit of confining its beat to
+places where it was least required, I began to stroll slowly down,
+determined to inquire the way of the first passer-by who looked in a
+mood amiable enough to exchange a word with so bedraggled a wretch as
+I was then.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had not long to wait, for in a short time I noticed one who was
+evidently a well-to-do citizen hurrying along, with a persuading staff
+in his right hand, and the muffled figure of a lady clinging on to his
+left arm. I could make out nothing of her; but the man himself was
+short and stout of figure, and I ran to the conclusion that he must be
+a cheery soul, for, as far as I could see by the light of the street
+lamps, he looked like one who enjoyed a good meal and a can to follow,
+and approaching, I addressed him&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Pardon, monsieur, but I have lost my way.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had hardly spoken so much, when, loosening his arm from the lady,
+the little man jumped back a yard, and began flourishing his stick.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw that in the next moment he would shout for the watch, and
+stopped him with a quick&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, I have been attacked and robbed&mdash;there,' and I pointed in
+the direction whence I had come. 'I have escaped but with my life, and
+I pray you tell me how to find my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais.' The
+lady, who had at first retreated with a little cry of alarm behind her
+companion, here stepped forward with a soft&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Poor man! are you much hurt?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not in the least, mademoiselle, thank you,' and I unconsciously moved
+a step forward.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Stand back!' called out the little man, dabbing his stick at me, 'and
+say Madame, sir&mdash;the lady is my wife.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Pardon my error, sir, but&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The lady, however, interposed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Be still. Mangel. So you wish to find the Rue de Bourdonnais, sir?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He had better find the watch,' interrupted Maître Mangel; 'they have
+gone that way, towards the Porte St. Martin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This, then, is the&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Rue St. Martin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A hundred thanks, mademoiselle.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Madame&mdash;<i>Madame</i> Mangel, monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Pardon, I now know where I am, and have only to follow my nose to get
+to where I want. I thank you once more, and good night.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Good night, monsieur,' answered Madame; but Maître Mangel, who was
+evidently of a jealous complexion, tucked his wife under his arm and
+hurried her off, muttering something under his breath.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I let my eye follow them for a moment or so, and ere they had gone
+many paces, Madame Mangel, who appeared to be of a frolicsome spirit,
+turned her head and glanced over her shoulder, but was immediately
+pulled back with a jerk by her husband, whose hand moved in much the
+same manner as that of a nervous rider when clawing at the reins of a
+restive horse. Then I, too, turned and went down in an opposite
+direction along the Rue St. Martin, smiling to myself at the little
+scene I had witnessed, and my spirits rising at every step I took, for
+I felt each moment was bringing me nearer the time when I should be
+able to effect Claude's freedom, and balance my account with Adam de
+Gomeron. At last I saw the spire of St. Jacques de la Boucherie to my
+right, and a few steps more brought me to the bridge of Notre Dame.
+The passage was, however, closed, and, turning to the west, I kept
+along the river face and made for the Pont du Change, hoping that this
+bridge would be open, else I should perforce be compelled to swim the
+Seine once more, as no boats were allowed to ply during the night.
+Here, however, I was not disappointed, and threading my way through
+the crowd that still lingered round the money-changers' stalls, I soon
+found myself in the Barillierie, and hastening past Sainte Chapelle to
+the Rue des Deux Mondes. I had determined in the first instance to
+seek out de Belin, but thought better of that as I went along the Rue
+St. Martin, when I considered how unlikely I was to find my friend at
+home, whereas, on the other hand, the notary and his wife were sure to
+be in their house; and it moreover struck me as being the safest plan
+to go straight there until I could communicate with de Belin. For if I
+should be suspected of making away with Madame, no one would think me
+fool enough to come back to my lodging, which was well known, no
+doubt, and where I could be trapped at once.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last I was once again in the Rue des Deux Mondes, very footsore and
+weary, but kept up by the thought of what I had before me, and ready
+to drop dead before I should yield to fatigue. There was no one in the
+street, and, seizing the huge knocker, I hammered at the door in a
+manner loud enough to waken the dead. It had the effect of arousing
+one or two of the inhabitants of the adjoining houses, who opened
+their windows and peered out into the night, and then shut them again
+hastily, for the wind blew chill across the Passeur aux Vaches. There
+was no answer to my knock, and then I again beat furiously at the
+door, with a little sinking of my heart as it came to me that perhaps
+some harm had befallen these good people. This time, however, I heard
+a noise within, and presently Pantin's voice, inquiring in angry
+accents who it was that disturbed the rest of honest people at so late
+an hour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Open, Pantin,' I shouted; 'it is I&mdash;do you not know me?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then I heard another voice, and a sudden joy went through me, for it
+was that of my trusty Jacques.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Grand Dieu!</i> It is the Chevalier! Open the door quick, man!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was done in a trice, and as I stepped in Pantin closed it again
+rapidly, whilst Jacques seized my hand in his, and then, letting it
+go, gambolled about like a great dog that had just found its master.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I noticed, however, at the first glance I took round, that both Pantin
+and Jacques were fully dressed, late as it was, and that the notary
+was very pale, and the hand in which he held a lantern was visibly
+trembling.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur,' he began, and then stopped; but I understood the question
+in his voice, and answered at once&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Pantin, I have come back to free her&mdash;come back almost from the
+dead.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then, monsieur, there are those here who can help you still. I had
+thought you brought the worst news,' and he looked at me where I
+stood, soiled and wet. 'This way, monsieur le chevalier,' he
+continued.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'In a moment, Pantin,' cut in dame Annette's voice, and the good woman
+came up to me with a flagon of warmed wine in her hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Take this first, chevalier, 'tis Maître Pantin's nightcap; but I do
+not think he will need it this night. God be thanked you have come
+back safe.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I wrung her hand, and drained the wine at a draught, and then, with
+Pantin ahead holding his lantern aloft, we ascended the stair that led
+to my apartments. As we went up I asked Jacques&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Did you manage the business?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes, monsieur, and Marie and her father are both safe at Auriac. I
+rode back almost without drawing rein, and reached here but this
+afternoon; and then, monsieur, I heard what had happened, and gave you
+up for lost.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At this juncture we reached the small landing near the sitting-room I
+had occupied, and Pantin without further ceremony flung open the door,
+and announced me by name. I stepped in with some surprise, the others
+crowding after me, and at the first glance recognised, to my
+astonishment, de Belin, who had half risen from his seat, his hand on
+his sword-hilt, as the door was flung open; and in the other figure,
+seated in an armchair, and staring moodily into the fire, saw Palin,
+who, however, made no movement beyond turning his head and looking
+coldly at me. Not so Belin, for he sprang forwards to meet me in his
+impulsive way, calling out&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Arnidieu!</i> You are back! Palin, take heart, man! He would never have
+come back alone.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The last words hit me like a blow, and my confusion was increased by
+the demeanour of Palin, who gave no sign of recognition; and there I
+stood in the midst of them, fumbling with the hilt of my sword, and
+facing the still, motionless figure before me, the light of the
+candles falling on the stern, drawn features of the Huguenot.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My forehead grew hot with shame and anger, as I looked from one to
+another, and then, like a criminal before a judge, I faced the old man
+and told him exactly what had happened&mdash;all except one thing; that I
+kept back. At the mention of Ravaillac's name, and of his identity
+with the Capuchin, the Vicompte de Belin swore bitterly under his
+moustache; and but for that exclamation my story was heard in
+stillness to its bitter end. For a moment one might have heard a pin
+fall, and then Palin said, 'And you left her&mdash;there!' The dry
+contempt of his manner stung me; but I could say nothing, save
+mutter&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I did what I could.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The one ewe-lamb of the fold&mdash;the last and the best beloved,' he
+said, as if speaking to himself; and then in a sudden fury he sprang
+to his feet. 'But why do we stand prating here? There are five of us,
+and we know where she is&mdash;come.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Belin put his hand on his shoulder. 'Patience, Maître
+Palin&mdash;patience.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have had enough of patience and enough of trusting others,' and the
+Huguenot shook off his hand and looked at me with a scowl. 'Come,
+Monsieur d'Auriac; if you would make amends, lead me to this Toison
+d'Or and we will see what an old arm can do.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am ready,' I answered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Belin again interfered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Messieurs, this is madness. From what I have gathered d'Auriac
+will prove but a blind guide back. We are not, moreover, sure that
+Madame is there. Sit still here, you Palin; neither you nor d'Auriac
+are fit to think. Fore Gad! it was lucky I thought of this for our
+meeting-place tonight, Palin. Sit still and let me think.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I can think well enough,' I cut in, 'and I have my plan; but I should
+like to ask a question or two before I speak.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And these questions are?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I presume I am suspected of this abduction?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And of more. <i>Nom de dieu!</i> Man! your mare was found dead, and beside
+her one of the Marshal's guards, run through the heart,' answered de
+Belin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then of course if I am seen I am in danger?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A miracle only could save you. The King is enraged beyond measure,
+and swears he will let the Edict go in its full force against you. The
+Camarguer has made a fine story of it, saying how he tried to stop the
+abduction, but failed in the attempt.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'In short, then, it would ruin all chances if we adopt Maître Palin's
+suggestion?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You are saving me the trouble of thinking.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Again,' I went on, 'it is not certain if Madame is still at the
+Toison d'Or, and apart from that I doubt if I could find my way back
+there to-night, unless anyone could guide me,' and I looked at the
+Pantins, who shook their heads sorrowfully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This settles our going out to-night,' I went on; 'there is but one
+thing to do to-morrow&mdash;to find the house. It will be easy to discover
+if Madame is within. After that I propose a rescue by the ordinary
+means of the law.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Would it not be as simple to have recourse to Villeroi the first
+thing to-morrow?' asked Belin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Simple enough; but the law has its delays, and if once the house is
+raided and Madame is not there we may whistle for our prize.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But the wheel?' put in Pantin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Will break Babette, who will not know. M. de Gomeron is no fool to
+trust her more than the length of his hand. No&mdash;I will leave nothing
+to chance. I propose then to seek out the house tomorrow, with
+Pantin's help, if he will give it.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Most willingly,' put in the notary.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Thanks, my good friend. That we will find it I am certain, and then
+we can act. In the meantime I must ask you by all means in your power
+to get the search of the law after me delayed.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then M. de Villeroi must hear some certain news to-morrow,' said
+Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There speaks a woman's wit,' exclaimed Belin; 'well, after all,
+perhaps your plan is the best.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And in this search of to-morrow I will share,' Palin suddenly
+exclaimed. But my heart was sore against him for what he had said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Pardon me, Maître Palin; this is my right&mdash;I do this alone.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Your right,' he sneered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes, Maître Palin, my right; I go to rescue my promised wife.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And besides, Monsieur le Chevalier will want no help, for I am here,'
+Jacques must needs thrust in; 'and when Monsieur is married,' he
+blundered on, 'we will rebuild Auriac, mount a brace of bombards on
+the keep, and erect a new gallows for ill-doers.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Silence, sir!' I thundered, half beside myself at the idiot's folly,
+for I saw the gleam in the eyes of Pantin and his wife, and despite
+the gravity of the occasion de Belin had hard to do to repress an open
+laugh.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As for Palin, he said nothing for a moment, his features twitching
+nervously. At last he turned to me, 'It is what I have hoped and
+prayed for,' he said, holding out his hand; 'forgive me&mdash;I take back
+the words so hastily spoken&mdash;it is an old man who seeks your pardon.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took his hand in all frankness, and he embraced me as a son, and
+then in a while Belin said&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We must be up and doing early to-morrow, and d'Auriac is in need of
+rest. He will share my bed here to-night; and harkee, Pantin! rouse us
+with the dawn.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We then parted, the Pantins showing the Huguenot to his chamber, and
+Jacques but waiting for a moment or so to help me off with my dripping
+things. My valises were still lying in the room, and I was thus
+enabled to get the change of apparel I so much needed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When at last we were abed I found it impossible to sleep, and Belin
+was at first equally wakeful. For this I was thankful, as I began to
+grow despondent, and felt that after all I had lost the game utterly.
+But the Vicompte's courage never faltered, and in spite of myself I
+began to be cheered by his hopefulness. He explained to me fully how
+it came that he was at the Rue des Deux Mondes. He wished to discuss
+with Palin some means for discovering me, and as the Huguenot, fearing
+to return to the Rue Varenne after what had happened, and yet was
+unwilling to leave Paris, had sought Pantin's home, de Belin had
+determined to pass the night here to consult with him, giving out to
+his people that he had gone on a business to Monceaux.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I will see Sully the first thing to-morrow,' he said, as we discussed
+our plans, 'and if I mistake not it is more than Madame we will find
+at the Toison d'Or. Be of good cheer, d'Auriac, your lady will come to
+no harm. The Camarguer is playing too great a game to kill a goose
+that is likely to lay him golden eggs. I'm afraid though he has spoilt
+a greater game for his master.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How do you mean?' I asked, interested in spite of myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Only this, that unless you are extremely unfortunate I regard the
+rescue of Madame de Bidache as certain. I am as certain that this will
+lead to the arrest of de Gomeron and his confederates. They will taste
+the wheel, and that makes loose tongues, and it may lead to details
+concerning M. de Biron that we sadly need.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It seems to me that the wheel is perilously near to me as well.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is the Edict, of course,' said de Belin, 'but Madame's evidence
+will absolve you, and we can arrange that you are not put to the
+question at once.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The cool way in which he said this would have moved me to furious
+anger against him did I not know him to be so true a friend. As it was
+I said sharply&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Thank you, I will take care that the wheel does not touch me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well,' he answered; 'and now I shall sleep; good night.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned on his side and seemed to drop off at once, and as I lay
+through the weary hours of that night I sometimes used to turn to the
+still figure at my side with envy at the peace of his slumber.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_17"  href="#div1Ref_17">MAÎTRE PANTIN SELLS CABBAGES</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">At last, just as my patience was worn to its last shred, I saw the
+glaze in the window begin to whiten, and almost immediately after
+heard footsteps on the landing. This was enough for me, and, unable to
+be still longer, I sprang out of bed and hastened to open the door
+myself. It admitted Jacques, and a figure in whom I should never have
+recognised the notary had I not known that it could be no other than
+Pantin. Jacques bore a tray loaded with refreshments, and Pantin held
+a lantern, for it was still dark, in one hand, and something that
+looked like the folds of a long cloak hung in the loop of his arm. The
+noise of their entrance awoke de Belin. With a muttered exclamation I
+did not catch, he roused himself, and, the candles being lit, we
+proceeded to make a hasty toilet. As I drew on my boots I saw they
+were yet wet and muddy, and was about to rate Jacques when Pantin
+anticipated, 'I told him to let them be so, monsieur,&mdash;you have a part
+to play; put this over your left eye.' And with these words he handed
+me a huge patch. Then, in place of my own hat, I found I had to wear a
+frayed cap of a dark sage-green velvet, with a scarecrow-looking white
+feather sticking from it. Lastly, Pantin flung over my shoulders a
+long cloak of the same colour as the cap, and seemingly as old. It
+fell almost down to my heels, and was fastened at the throat by a pair
+of leather straps in lieu of a clasp.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Faith!' exclaimed the Vicompte, as he stood a little to one side and
+surveyed me, 'if you play up to your dress you are more likely to
+adorn, than raise the gallows Jacques spoke of.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I cut short his gibing with an impatient command to Pantin to
+start. The little man, however, demurred&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You must eat something first, monsieur&mdash;not a step will I budge till
+you have done that.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I forced myself to swallow a little, during which time our plans of
+overnight were hastily run over; Palin, who had joined us, declared he
+would go to the Princess Catherine, and seek her aid. We knew that was
+useless, but not desiring to thwart the old man let him have his will.
+It was decided, however, in case I had anything to communicate, that I
+should hasten to the Rue de Bourdonnais, and that in the meantime the
+Vicompte would see the Master-General at once and try what could be
+done. This being settled, and having ordered Jacques, who protested
+loudly, to stay behind, Pantin and I started off on our search for the
+Toison d'Or.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he closed the entrance door behind him carefully, and Jacques
+turned the key, I looked up and down the Rue des Deux Mondes, but
+there was not a soul stirring.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">''Tis the cold hour, monsieur,' said Pantin, shivering as he drew the
+remnant of a cloak he wore closer over his shoulders, 'and we are safe
+from all eyes,' and then I noticed for the first time that his feet
+were bare, and that he carried a pair of old shoes in one hand and an
+empty basket in the other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But you are not going like that, man!' I said; 'you will catch a
+fever.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We are going to the Faubourg St. Martin, monsieur, and there is no
+danger of the plague now.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Though I could not but feel more than grateful for the way in which
+the good fellow was labouring for me, I said nothing, but followed him
+as he entered the mist that rose from the river and clung heavily to
+its banks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was, as Pantin had said, the cold hour, and all Paris was asleep.
+Above us the sky still swarmed with stars, though a pale band of light
+was girdling the horizon. Here and there in the heaving mist on the
+river we saw the feeble glimmer of a lanthorn that had survived
+through the night and still served to mark the spot where a boat was
+moored. All around us the outlines of the city rose in a brown
+silhouette; but the golden cross on the spire of Notre Dame had
+already caught the dawn and blazed like a beacon against the grey of
+the sky overhead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As the Pont au Change was the latest of the bridges to close, it was
+the earliest to open; but when we came there we had to cool our heels
+for half an hour or so before we could pass through; and by that time
+the city was already beginning to awake. I could not repress a slight
+shudder as we passed the dreary walls of the Chatelet, just as the
+guard was being changed at the gate, and thought by how lucky a chance
+I had escaped being a guest of M. de Breze.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Once past the Chatelet we pushed on briskly, and by the time we had
+reached St. Jacques we were warm enough, despite the chillness of the
+morning. At a stall near the church, and hard by the Pont Notre Dame,
+Pantin purchased a quantity of vegetables, bidding me to keep a little
+ahead of him in future and guide him in this manner as far as I knew.
+Whilst he was filling his basket I turned up the Rue St. Martin,
+wondering what the notary's object could be in transforming himself
+into a street hawker. I went slowly, stopping every now and again to
+see if Pantin was following, and observed that he kept on the side of
+the road opposite to me, and ever and again kept calling out his wares
+in a monotonous sing-song tone. Thus far and for a space further I
+knew the road, and, observing that Pantin was able to keep me well in
+view, increased my pace until at last we came to the cross street near
+which I had met the jealous Mangel and his wife. Up the cross street I
+turned without hesitation, now almost facing the tall spire that had
+been my landmark, and I began to think I would be able to trace my way
+to the Toison d'Or without difficulty when I suddenly came to a
+standstill and faltered. For here there were half a dozen lanes that
+ran this way and that, and for the life of me I could not tell which
+was the one I had taken but a few hours before, so different did they
+look now to what they had appeared by moonlight. As I halted in a
+doubting manner Pantin hurried up, and, there being one or two near
+me, began to urge me to buy his cabbages. I made a pretence of putting
+him off, and then, the strangers having passed, I explained I had lost
+my bearings. 'I see a wine shop open across the road, chevalier&mdash;go in
+and call for a flask and await me,' he answered rapidly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I nodded, and bidding him begone in a loud tone, swaggered across
+the street, and entering the den&mdash;it could be called by no other
+name&mdash;shouted for a litre of Beaugency, and flung myself down on a
+rough stool with a clatter of my sword and a great showing of the
+pistol butts that stuck out from my belt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The cabaret had just opened, but early as I was I was not the first
+customer, for a man was sitting half-asleep and half-drunk on one of
+the foul-looking benches, and as I called for my wine, he rose up,
+muttering, 'Beaugency! He wants Beaugency&mdash;there is none here,' he
+went on in a maudlin manner, turning to me. 'At the Toison d'Or&mdash;&mdash;'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I almost started at the words; but the landlord, whose face appeared
+from behind a cask at my shout, and whose countenance now showed the
+utmost anger at his old client's speech, suddenly seized him by the
+neck and hustled him from the room&mdash;'The drunken knave!' he said with
+a great oath, 'to say that I kept no Beaugency&mdash;here, captain,' and he
+handed me a litre, with a much-stained glass, 'here is Beaugency that
+comes from More's own cellars,' and he looked knowingly at me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not wishing to hold converse with the fellow, I filled the glass, and
+then, flinging him a crown, bade him drink the rest of the bottle for
+good luck. The scoundrel drank it there and then, and as soon as he
+had done so returned to the charge.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is good wine&mdash;eh, captain?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is,' I answered drily; but he was not to be denied.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur is out early, I see.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur is out late, you mean,' I made answer, playing my part, and
+longing for Pantin to return.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ho! ho!' he roared; 'a good joke&mdash;captain, I do not know you, but
+tell me your name, and, curse me, if I do not drink your health in
+Arbois the day you ride to Montfaucon.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You will know my name soon enough,' I answered, humouring the fellow,
+'and I promise to send you the Arbois the day I ride there. I may tell
+you that it was to the Toison d'Or I was recommended by my friends;
+but your Beaugency and your company are so good <i>compère</i> that I shall
+make this my house of call during my stay in the Faubourg St. Martin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Damn the Toison d'Or,' he exclaimed, 'and you are a good fellow. Let
+me warn you in turn that the Toison d'Or is no longer safe.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What do you mean?' I asked, leaning forwards.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'For you, and for me, monsieur.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ah&mdash;my luck is good as your wine,' and at that moment I caught sight
+of Pantin. 'There is another crown to drink to our friendship, and
+mind you keep as good a flask for me against my return at noon&mdash;<i>au
+revoir!</i> I have a business at my lodging.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The wretch overwhelmed me with thanks and stood at the door watching
+me as I crossed over the street, with a warning glance to Pantin, and
+strolled slowly onwards. A little further on I turned to my left,
+keeping well in the middle of the road to avoid the filth and refuse
+thrown carelessly on each side, and as I turned I saw that my man had
+gone in. I was certain of one thing, that the Toison d'Or was not far
+off, and whilst I picked my way slowly along Pantin came up to me with
+his sing-song whine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Have you found it?' I asked in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'No,' he sang out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At this moment a figure rose up from the steps of a house where I had
+noticed it crouching, a few feet from me, and swung forwards.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Hola! 'Tis Monsieur le Capitaine! Has your excellency tasted the
+Beaugency&mdash;the dog-poison. I tell your excellency there is but one
+house in the Faubourg where they sell it&mdash;the Toison d'Or.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Go and drink some there, then,' and I tossed him a piece of silver.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He picked it up from the road where it had fallen like a dog snatching
+at a bone, and then stood surveying the coin, which he held in the
+open palm of his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>You</i> might,' he said; 'they would not serve me,' and then with a
+drunken familiarity he came close to my elbow. 'I'll show you the
+Toison d'Or. It is there&mdash;the second turn to the left and then
+straight before you. As for me, I go back to taste Grigot's
+Beaugency&mdash;his dog-poison,' he repeated with the spiteful insistence
+of a man in his cups.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The fool in his folly speaketh wisdom!' Pantin muttered under his
+breath, and then the man, staggering from me, attempted to go back
+whence he had been flung, but either the morning air was too strong
+for him, or else he was taken with a seizure of some kind, for ere he
+had gone ten paces he fell forwards on his face, and lay there in the
+slime of the street.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At any other time I would have stopped to assist the man, but now I
+could only look upon his condition as a direct interposition of
+Providence and I let him lay where he had fallen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come, Pantin,' I cried, 'we have found the spot.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Following the directions given by our guide we found he had not
+deceived us, and in a few minutes I was standing at the entrance of
+the blind passage, at one end of which was the Toison d'Or.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The wasps' nest was not yet awake, but as I stood for a moment
+discussing with Pantin what we should do next, a couple of men well
+muffled in cloaks passed down the lane on the opposite side, and it
+was all I could do to preserve an expression of unconcern on my face,
+for in one of the two I recognised Lafin. He, too, stooped for a
+moment, as if to fasten a point that had come undone, and, whilst
+doing so, fixed his eyes full on me. I met his gaze as one might look
+at a perfect stranger, but seeing he continued it, put my hand to the
+hilt of my sword with a scowl. The doubt on his face cleared on the
+instant to a look of relief, and I saw his thin lips curve into a
+slight smile of contempt as he rose and walked quietly after his
+companion. That swaggering movement of my hand to my sword-hilt had
+convinced him that I was one of the swashbucklers of the Faubourg St.
+Martin, and as such unworthy even of the contempt of the heir of the
+Vidame.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Who is it?' asked Pantin, who had been observing me closely.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Lafin.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Are you sure, monsieur?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I nodded, and he went on, 'Then, monsieur, if I mistake not, M. le
+Vicompte is right, and we hunt the boar as well as the wolf. I will
+give word of this at the Arsenal before three hours are over.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We then went slowly towards the Toison d'Or in the same order on which
+we had come up the Rue St. Martin, my heart full of strange misgivings
+at Lafin's presence in the street. The sun had already whitened the
+gables of the houses, but so narrow was the passage that it seemed as
+if it must always be in shadow. There were a few people stirring&mdash;one
+or two street urchins, who flung gibes at Pantin, but gave me a wide
+berth; half a dozen women, in whose faces sin and want had set their
+seals, and a man or two of the worst class. Beyond the high, dead wall
+which closed in the passage I could now see the tops of some trees,
+and judged from this that we were almost upon the walls of Paris, and
+in this, as it turned out, I was right. At last I came opposite the
+Toison d'Or. The gate leading into the little court was shut, and so
+was every window facing the street. The signboard was swinging sadly
+over the closed door, and at the first glance it looked as if the
+house was deserted. For a moment the thought struck me to knock boldly
+at the door, and when it was opened to force my way in and trust to
+luck for the rest, but I was cooled on the instant when I thought what
+failure meant. I would trust as little to chance as possible. I passed
+slowly on, and found that the Toison d'Or joined on to another, but
+much smaller, house which had its bound set to it by the wall that
+crossed the street. The sash of a window on the top story of this
+house was up, and as I came up to it the front door swung open and a
+man stood on the steps and looked me full in the face. As my glance
+passed him, I saw that the door opened into a room that was used
+apparently as a shop for all kinds of miscellaneous articles, and the
+man himself would have stood well for the picture of a thieves' fence,
+which, indeed, he was.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A good morning, captain,' he said. 'Will you buy&mdash;or have you come to
+sell?' he asked, dropping his voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he spoke, Pantin came up and began to importune the man from a safe
+distance to purchase his wares, but beyond a curse had no further
+attention paid to him, and with a disappointed air he went slowly back
+towards the Toison d'Or. It flashed upon me that something had fallen
+my way. 'I have come to buy <i>compère</i>,' I answered, and, stepping into
+the shop, began to examine a few cast-off doublets, and flung them
+aside, demanding one on which the gold lace was good. A woman joined
+the man at this time, and whilst they were rummaging amongst their
+stores I hastily ran over in my mind the plan I had formed. If I could
+get a lodging here I would be in a position to watch who came and went
+from the house and strike my blow with deliberation and certainty. So
+at last when the doublet was shown to me, though the price was
+exorbitant I paid it without demur, and on the man asking if it should
+be sent to my lodging, I pretended to hesitate for a moment, and then
+explaining that as I had just come to Paris, and was in search of a
+lodging, I would take the doublet with me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur must have scaled the city walls last night, then?' the man
+said with a sly look.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Exactly,' I answered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The woman, however, here cut in and explained that if it was a lodging
+I needed they could accommodate me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'All the more if you buy as well as you do now, captain,' said the
+man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I will sell you as cheap as you want besides,' I answered, 'but let
+me see the rooms.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is but one room, monsieur,' answered the woman, 'but it is
+large and furnished,' and then she led me up the stairway. The room
+was certainly large beyond the ordinary, but I was disappointed beyond
+measure at finding that it was at the back of the house and would
+prevent me from watching who came in and out of the Toison d'Or. I
+objected to the situation, saying that I wanted a room overlooking the
+street.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'There is none,' she answered shortly, 'but if monsieur desires to
+look on the street he may do so from the window at the end of this
+passage.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She pointed to a narrow passage that led from the door of the room to
+a small hanging turret, and from the arched windows of this I saw that
+I could see all I wanted without being seen myself. The woman seemed
+to be of the same kidney as her husband, and drove a close bargain,
+and after much pretended haggling I closed with her terms, and
+arranged also for her to bring me my meals, explaining that for the
+next week or so I would stay indoors as my health was not good.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I understand, monsieur,' she said, showing her teeth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then it is settled, and I will step down and bring up the doublet
+which I left in the shop.' With these words I counted out the rent and
+the money for my board, coin by coin, into her hand, as if each piece
+I disgorged was my last, and then stepping down, found, as I expected,
+Pantin at the door.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The man was for ordering him away, but his wife insisted on making a
+purchase, in which I joined, and the fence going upstairs at that
+time, we three were left together. It was all important to get rid of
+the woman for a moment or so, and Pantin, seeing this, sold his whole
+basket load at a price so small that it raised even her astonishment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have sold it for luck,' he said, 'but if madame wishes, I will sell
+her daily at the same rate.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Could you bring me fruit at the same price?' I asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Why not?' he answered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Then bring me some to-morrow.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Certainly, captain. Where shall I put these, madame?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But she bore them away herself, and this gave me the opportunity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Pantin,' I said, 'I have taken a room here&mdash;you understand?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And I,' he answered, 'have sold a cabbage to Babette. If you hear
+nothing more, meet me at dusk in the square behind St. Martin's.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no time to say more, for we heard the fence coming back.
+Pantin went off down the street, and I, after a word or two with the
+man, and an order to his wife regarding my meals, went slowly up to my
+room.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_18"  href="#div1Ref_18">THE SKYLIGHT IN THE TOISON D'OR</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">Once back in my room, I flung off my cloak and took a survey of my new
+quarters. The room was long and low, and situated in the topmost story
+of the house. In one corner was a settle covered with a faded brocade,
+whilst on the other side there was a wardrobe and a few necessaries.
+The bed was placed at the extreme end of the room, and close to the
+window which overlooked the back of the house, and through which, from
+where I stood, the blue sky alone was visible, there was a table and a
+couple of chairs. Between the table and the bed intervened a clear
+space, about ten feet by six, covered with a coarse carpeting. If I am
+thus precise in my description, I would say I have done so in order to
+explain clearly what follows.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So far things were satisfactory enough, and beyond what I had a right
+to expect in such a locality. The one drawback was that I would be
+compelled to use the turret at the end of the passage for my watch,
+and thus run the risk of being observed from the other houses. In the
+meantime I determined to see exactly what could be effected from the
+window, and pushing the table aside, so as to get a better view,
+looked out. I then saw that the house I was in as well as the Toison
+d'Or were both built against the remains of the old walls of Paris.
+Below me there was a sheer drop of fifty or sixty feet, right into the
+bed of the abandoned fosse, which was covered by a thick undergrowth
+and full of <i>débris</i>, A little beyond the fosse was a portion of what
+was known as the new wall. This was perhaps in a more ruinous
+condition than the fortification it was supposed to have replaced. The
+brushwood grew thick and high against it, and I could see the gap
+where a breach had been effected, probably during the last siege, when
+the Sixteen and Madame de Montpensier held Paris against the two
+kings. Beyond that stretched the open country, where, had I a mind to
+linger on the view, I might have made out the windings of the river,
+the houses of Corneuve, and the woods of Dugny and Gonesse. But it was
+not of these I was thinking, for in that survey I had grasped the fact
+that de Gomeron could not have chosen a spot better suited for his
+purposes than the Toison d'Or. It was a part of Paris as secure as if
+it had been cut off from the city and set in some unknown island, such
+as those who sail to the New World describe. I thought at first of
+stopping any further concern with the window, but as I was turning
+away I looked rather particularly at the wall below me, and saw that a
+ledge ran along it about three feet below the window. Following its
+track with my eyes, I observed that it was carried along the face of
+the Toison d'Or, and in doing this I became aware that there was a
+window open at the back of Babette's house, and that this was situated
+on the same level as my room, but just about the middle instead of the
+extreme end, as mine was. When I considered the position of this
+window, and that its look-out was on a place where never a soul seemed
+to come, I could not but think that if Madame were in the Toison d'Or,
+that in all probability her room was there, and I swore bitterly to
+myself at the thought of how impossible it would be to reach her. I
+then craned out and looked upwards, and saw that my house was a
+half-story lower than the Toison d'Or, and that, whilst the latter had
+a high sloping roof, the portion of the building in which I was
+appeared to be a long and narrow terrace with a low machicolated
+parapet running along the edge. Thus if there were a door or window in
+the Toison d'Or that opened on to my roof, it would be possible to
+step out thereon; and then I drew back, my blood burning. If it was
+possible to step out from the Toison d'Or on to the roof of the house
+I occupied, it might be equally easy to get thence into the Toison
+d'Or. Taking my sword, I measured the distance of the ledge from the
+window-sill, and then, holding on to the mullions by one hand,
+stretched out as far as I could, and found I could just touch the top
+of the parapet with the point of my blade. In short, the position was
+this: that so hard and smooth was the outside of the wall, it was
+impossible for anything save a lizard to get along it to the window
+behind which I supposed Madame was prisoned; yet it was feasible, with
+the aid of a rope thrown over the grinning head of the gargoyle a
+little above me, or else over the low battlement of the parapet, to
+reach the roof, and the odds were in favour of there being some sort
+of a door or window that would give ingress thence into the Toison
+d'Or. I began after this to be a little more satisfied with my
+quarters, and determined to set about my explorations about the dinner
+hour, when most people would be within, and the chance of discovery
+reduced to a minimum. I did not feel justified in putting the matter
+off until nightfall, as I have often observed that there was no time
+so good as the one I had chosen for affairs which depended much for
+their results upon a surprise. I now stepped out of my room, and,
+walking along the passage, looked out from the little turret along the
+face of the street. It was more alive than I had ever seen it before,
+but the occupants were principally women and children, with a man or
+so here and there. I saw that whilst the sunlight fell in patchwork
+and long narrow stretches on the street, it was bright enough where I
+was, and I perceived I had a good excuse for spending such time as I
+intended to behind the embrasures of the turret. And this excuse I had
+to bring into play at once, for as I stood there I heard a footstep on
+the passage, and, turning, observed the woman of the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I see,' she began, 'you are already in your turret.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I like the sun, my good woman, and have had a long journey.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Something in my tone made her look at me oddly, and I began to wish I
+were well away from the keen scrutiny of her eyes. She dropped the
+<i>tutoyer</i> and asked:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If monsieur is tired he would probably like his dinner earlier.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i> The very thing, madame, and as long a bottle of Beaugency
+as you can get with it.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It shall be done, monsieur,' and she turned to go.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It struck me as a little odd that she should have come up in this
+aimless manner; but reflecting that perhaps, after all, it was due to
+nothing more than a desire to gratify feminine curiosity by spying
+what I was about, I dismissed the matter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After allowing a little time to elapse I descended to the shop and
+began carelessly running my eyes over the miscellaneous collection of
+articles therein. The fence followed me about, now recommending this
+thing and now that. At last I saw what looked to be a ball of rope
+lying in a corner and covered with dust.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What is that?' I inquired, touching it with the point of my sword.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The man stooped without a word and, picking it up, dusted it
+carefully, then he unrolled a ladder of silken cord, about twelve or
+fifteen feet in length.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This, captain,' he said, swinging it backwards and forwards,
+'belonged, not so long ago, to M. de Bellievre, though you may not
+believe me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have no doubt you are speaking the truth, but it seems rather
+weak.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'On the contrary, monsieur, will you test it and see?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We managed to do this, by means of two hooks that were slung from a
+beam above us, in a manner to satisfy me that the ladder was
+sufficient to bear double my weight, and then, as if content with
+this, I flung it aside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Will not monsieur take it?' asked the man; 'it is cheap.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is good enough,' I answered, 'if I had a business on hand, but at
+present I am waiting.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If monsieur has leisure I might be able to give him a hint that would
+be worth something in crowns.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am lazy when in luck, <i>compère</i>. No, I will not take the ladder.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It may come in useful, though, and will occupy but a small space in
+monsieur's room'&mdash;and seeing that I appeared to waver&mdash;'shall I take
+it up, I will let it go for ten crowns?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Five crowns or nothing,' I said firmly. 'But it is of the finest
+silk!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not want to buy&mdash;you can take my price or leave it.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well then, monsieur, thanks, and I will take it up myself.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You need not trouble, I am going up and will take it with me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With these words I took the ladder, folded in long loops, in my hand
+and went back to the turret. There I spent a good hour or so in
+re-examining it, and splicing one or two parts that seemed a trifle
+weak, at the same time keeping a wary eye on who passed and repassed
+the street, without, however, discovering anything to attract
+attention. Finally, the woman brought up my dinner, and I managed to
+eat, after a fashion, but made more play with the Beaugency, which was
+mild and of a good vintage. When the table was cleared, I sat still
+for about half an hour or so, playing with my glass, and then rising,
+saw that my door was securely fastened in such a manner that no one
+could effect an entrance, except by bursting the lock. This being done
+I removed my boots and unslung my sword, keeping my pistols, however,
+in my belt, and after a good look round, to see that no one was
+observing me, managed to loop the ladder round the gargoyle, and then
+tested it once more with a long pull. The silk held well enough, but
+the stonework of the gargoyle gave and fell with a heavy crash into
+the fosse below. It was a narrow business, and it was well I had tried
+the strength of the cord again. I looked out from the window
+cautiously to see if the noise had attracted any attention, and found
+to my satisfaction that it had not. After allowing a little time to
+elapse, so as to be on the safe side, I attempted to throw the looped
+end I had made to the ladder so that it might fall over the parapet,
+between two embrasures, but discovered, after half a dozen casts, that
+this was not feasible from where I stood. Then I bethought me of my
+boyhood's training amongst the cliffs that overhung the bay of Auriac,
+and, stepping out on to the ledge of the window, managed with an
+effort to hold on to the stump of the gargoyle with one hand, and,
+balancing myself carefully, for a slip meant instant death, flung the
+loop once more, and had the satisfaction of seeing it fall as I
+desired. Without any further hesitation I put my foot on the rungs,
+and in a minute more was lying on my face behind the parapet, and
+thanking God I had made the effort, for before me was a large
+skylight, half open, from which I could command a view of the interior
+of one room at least of the Toison d'Or, and by which it might be
+possible to effect an easy entrance. Before going any further,
+however, I glanced round me to see how the land lay, and was delighted
+to find that I could not be observed from the opposite side of the
+street, as the portion of the house I was on was concealed from view
+by the gabled roof that rose about ten feet from me, leaving me in a
+sort of long balcony. Now that I think of it, this roof must have been
+an after-thought on the part of the builders; then I was but too
+thankful to find it existed, and had no time for reflections. By
+turning my head I could see, too, that the high wall that shut in the
+mouth of the passage was evidently raised as a barrier between the
+street and the fosse, which took a bend and ran immediately below the
+wall. After lying perfectly still for a little, I slowly pushed myself
+forwards until at last I was beneath the skylight, and then, raising
+myself cautiously, peeped in. I saw a room of moderate size, and well
+but plainly furnished. In the centre was an oblong table covered with
+a dark cloth, and round about it were set a number of chairs. The
+skylight alone admitted light, and from this to the floor of the room
+was a matter of twelve feet or so. The chamber was empty, and I had
+more than half a mind to risk the descent, when the door was opened
+and Babette stepped in. I shrank back as low as possible, and observed
+that she was making arrangements for some one, for she placed a couple
+of decanters with glasses on the table, arranged the chairs, and then,
+after taking a look round, went out once more. I made up my mind to
+wait, and, settling myself under the skylight, began to exercise my
+patience. After an hour or so had passed I heard the door opened
+again, and then the sound of voices. Presently some one called out,
+'We had better shut the skylight,' and then another voice, this time
+Lafin's, said, 'No, it is no use, and we will want light to see.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Once more I raised myself and leaned against the edge of the opening,
+eyes and ears intent. There were three men in the room&mdash;Lafin, de
+Gomeron, and another whom I did not know, but whom I judged to be an
+Italian from his manner of pronouncing our language. They were all
+three seated round the table, poring over a number of documents and
+conversing in low tones. After a time it appeared to me that Lafin was
+urging something on de Gomeron, and the free-lance, who was short of
+temper, brought his clenched hand on the table in a manner to make the
+glasses ring, whilst he said with an oath&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I will not&mdash;I have risked too much. I have told you before that I did
+not come into this for the good of my health. My prize is my own. It
+has nothing to do with your affair, of which I am sick.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The other man then cut in&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I do not see, M. de Lafin, why we should drag this matter into our
+discussion. If M. de Gomeron wants a wife, well&mdash;many a fair dame has
+had a rougher wooing than the lady you speak of. But I&mdash;I have cause
+for complaint. I come here expecting to meet the Marshal&mdash;and I meet
+you and monsieur here. I mean no offence, but I must tell you plainly
+my master's instructions are that I should hear M. de Biron's promises
+and take his demands from his own lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And what about Epernon, Bouillon, and Tremouille, count?' asked de
+Gomeron.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The dark eyes of the stranger flashed on him for a moment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My master, the Duke of Savoy, knows their views.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Personally?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Italian waved his hand with a laugh. 'Gentlemen, I have given you
+my terms&mdash;it is for you to choose. As for my part, I would that my
+master dropped this business and trusted the day to his sword.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'That is not wont to be M. de Savoye's way,' sneered Lafin, and the
+Italian rose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well, messieurs. I will then consider the issue is closed.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It matters not a rush to me,' exclaimed de Gomeron; but Lafin, who
+was moodily plucking at his moustache, spoke again, and the tones of
+his voice were full of chagrin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'As you wish&mdash;I undertake that the Marshal sees you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Where and when? My time is precious.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Here, at ten o'clock to-night.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Maledetto!</i> This is not a place to come at that hour.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is safe&mdash;and it would be safer still if you stayed here till then.
+The spies of the Master-General&mdash;curse him&mdash;are everywhere, and M. de
+Gomeron will guarantee your protection here.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I am deeply grateful,' the count bowed slightly, a faint tone of
+irony in his voice. 'Then you agree?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This being so, perhaps you had better go over these notes that you
+may be in a position to exactly understand what we can do. Our terms
+of course are as before, but we will require money, and that at once.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But large advances have already been made,' objected the Italian.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'They are gone,' said Lafin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'How? Nothing has been done; and both Velasco and Savoy are unwilling
+to throw more money into the business unless some action is taken. How
+has the money gone?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is gone, and there is an end of it,' exclaimed Lafin sullenly. 'As
+for the action you wish taken&mdash;you have asked to see the Marshal, and
+he will inform you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well! Until then, monsieur, we will not discuss this point
+further.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The voices dropped again after this, and they began to pore over the
+papers and a map that the free-lance had spread before him, making an
+occasional remark which I did not follow. But I had heard enough to be
+convinced that the plot of Anet was still in full life. It was all
+important for me now to communicate what I knew at once to the
+Master-General. With a little ordinary care the conspirators could be
+trapped to a man, and if by one stroke I could effect this, as well as
+free Madame, anything was possible. Without further hesitation I
+therefore crept slowly back, and descended to my chamber as softly as
+a cat. Leaving the ladder swinging where it was&mdash;for I could not undo
+the knot&mdash;I drew on my boots, and went to the turret to reconnoitre
+before venturing out into the street. Imagine my chagrin and
+disappointment to see that three men were at the gate of the Toison
+d'Or, evidently on the watch, and in one of them I made out Ravaillac.
+I might have passed the others without discovery, but it would be
+impossible to escape the lynx eyes of this villain, who, though young
+in years, had all the craft of age, and who later on was to raise
+himself to an eminence so bad that I know not whom to place beside
+him, except perhaps those who were his aiders and abettors. I did not
+fear to run the gauntlet&mdash;that was an easy matter; but merely doing so
+would make my birds take to wing, and I found myself compelled once
+more to hold patience by the tail until the coast was clear.</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_19"  href="#div1Ref_19">'PLAIN HENRI DE BOURBON'</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">Imagine what it was to me, to whom every moment was worth its weight
+in gold, to see the group, and, above all, Ravaillac, standing at the
+door of the Toison d'Or. Was there ever such cross-grained luck? If I
+could but pass down that narrow street without the hawk's eye of the
+Flagellant falling on me I might in an hour do all and more than I had
+ever hoped for. I could&mdash;&mdash; But <i>tonne dieu!</i> What was the use of
+prating about what might be. Through the embrasure of the turret I
+covered Ravaillac with my pistol, and twice half pressed the trigger
+and twice restrained myself. Even if he fell the shot would ruin all.
+It could not be risked, and I thrust the long, black barrel back into
+my belt with a curse, and began to walk restlessly to and fro in the
+passage. It was impossible for me to keep still, my nerves were so
+strung. In a little I began to cool and sought my room, determined to
+occasionally take a turn to the turret and see if the guard was gone,
+but not to harass myself by watching them continually. In about an
+hour or so I wearied of sitting and looked out of my window again in
+the direction of Madame's room, as I called it to myself. At the
+moment of my doing so the shutter that was open towards my side
+suddenly closed. I could just make out a flash of white fingers on the
+dark woodwork, and then the face I longed to see looked out from the
+half of the window still open and drew back again almost on the
+instant. Feeling sure that she would look out once more, I leaned
+forwards. Madame did as I expected, and I could see the astonishment
+on her face and hear her cry of joy. She tried to converse with me by
+signals on her fingers, and for the first time I had occasion to bless
+what I had up to now considered a foolish accomplishment that I picked
+up as a boy when I was with Monseigneur de Joyeuse. Enough that Madame
+made me understand that she was well treated, and I let my dear know
+that there were those at work who would soon free her, and perhaps
+there was a word or so besides on a subject which concerned us two
+alone. It was in the midst of this part of our converse that she drew
+back all at once with a warning finger on her lips, and though I
+waited again for a full hour, forgetting the watchers below in the
+fresh fears that began to assail me, I did not see her again. At the
+end of that time, however, a white kerchief waved twice from the
+window and was then withdrawn. I turned back into my room, and now
+that I was certain she was there my impatience at being penned up as I
+was became almost insupportable, and heaven alone knows how I held
+myself in from making a dash for it and risking all on the venture. To
+cut the matter short, it wanted but a few minutes to sundown when, to
+my relief, I saw a cloaked figure I could not recognise step out of
+the Toison d'Or, and, after giving a few orders to the guards, pass
+briskly down the street. They in their turn went into the house, and
+at last the road was clear. I hesitated no further and hurried down
+the stairs. At the door I was stopped by my host, who inquired whither
+I was hastening.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I have just seen a friend,' I answered, and the next moment was in
+the street. As I pressed forwards I had two minds about keeping my
+appointment with Pantin in the square behind St. Martin's, but as I
+went on I reflected that I had to pass that way, and as I might need
+the notary's aid I would wait there a few minutes, and if he did not
+come, go straight to de Belin with my news.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although I was not in a frame of mind to observe what was going on
+around me, I soon became conscious that one of those sudden fogs which
+extend over the city at this period of the year had arisen, as it
+were, out of nothing, and in the course of a few minutes I was
+compelled to slacken pace and pick my way slowly, and with the
+greatest caution in regard to landmarks, for I could not risk losing
+my way again. The fog was not a thick one, but it was sufficient,
+united with the coming evening, to almost blur out the streets and
+houses and make the figures of passers-by loom out like large and
+indistinct shadows. Carefully as I had tried to impress the way on my
+memory, I hesitated more than once as to the route I should take, and
+it was with something that was like a sigh of relief that I found
+myself at last behind St. Martin's, whose spire towered above me, a
+tall, grey phantom. Here I halted for a moment to see if one of the
+few shadows that flickered now and then through the haze might give
+some signal by which I might recognise Pantin. It was in vain, and,
+determining to wait no longer, I set off at a round pace, when I was
+suddenly arrested by hearing the rich tones of a voice singing:</p>
+<div class="poem2">
+<p class="t0">
+Frère Jacques, dormez-vous?<br>
+
+Dormez-vous, dormez-vous?</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">The clear notes rang out through the fog, bringing with them a hundred
+recollections of the time when I had last heard the chorus. And the
+voice? That was not to be mistaken. It was de Belin, or else his
+ghost. Without a moment's hesitation I sang back the lines, advancing
+at the same time in the direction in which I had heard the voice. I
+had not gone fifty paces when I saw two tall shadows approaching me,
+and at the same time heard the verse again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Lisois!' I called out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It is he,' I heard de Belin say.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then the shadows stopped for a moment, and another and slighter figure
+joined them. Finally, one came forwards, and, when within a yard or so
+of me, spoke:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'D'Auriac, is it you?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes. I was hastening to you. Man, I have discovered all!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Morbleu!</i>' exclaimed the Compte; 'the <i>chanson</i> was a happy thought,
+else we had missed you in this fog.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Is Pantin here? We have not a moment to lose.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'He is. It was he who guided us here. I have brought a friend with me.
+Do not ask his name; but speak freely before him, and tell us exactly
+what you have discovered.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With these words he took me by the arm and led me up to the two. In
+the shorter there was no difficulty in recognising Pantin. What with
+the mist, the mask on his face, and the roquelaure that enveloped him
+to the ears, I could make out nothing of the stranger, who did not
+even answer my salutation except by a slight inclination of his head.
+I need not say I wasted no time, but laid the matter before them, and
+wound up with:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And now, gentlemen, we are three swords; let Pantin hasten and bring
+half a dozen of the Compte's people, and I guarantee that we not only
+free Madame, but take the whole brood of vipers.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'These cards won't win,' said de Belin. 'We must have more witnesses
+than ourselves, who are known to be enemies of the Marshal. The King
+plays at More's this evening. He is like to be there now, or else very
+soon, for he is bound on a frolic to-night. We will go straight there.
+Villeroi and Sully are both to be in attendance, and also the
+Marshal.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The Marshal will not be there,' I interrupted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If SO I wager the King asks for him, and I will take it on my head to
+explain. In half an hour we could be back with Sully and Villeroi, and
+then the game is ours. Do you not agree, monseigneur?' and he turned
+to the stranger. All the answer was another grave inclination of the
+head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come,' went on de Belin, slipping his arm into mine. 'Put yourself in
+my hands, d'Auriac, and I pledge you success. My God!' he broke off
+suddenly, 'to think we should win so completely.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was so much in what he said that I agreed without demur, and
+Belin hurried me onwards, the stranger and Pantin following a few
+steps behind. As we went on Belin whispered:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ask no questions, d'Auriac; say nothing until you see Sully, and ten
+minutes after I promise you twenty swords.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If I do not get them in an hour,' I said grimly, 'I will go back
+myself and try what my own sword can do.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And I will go back with you, too&mdash;there, is that not enough? Come,
+man!' and we hurried along through the mist as fast as we could walk,
+keeping on the left side of the road.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As we came up to St. Merri, de Belin stopped and blew sharply on a
+whistle. There was an answering call, and from under the Flamboyant
+portico of the church the figure of a man, with a led horse, slipped
+out into the fog, now yellow with the light of the street lamps.
+Without a word the stranger mounted, and the two passed us at a trot.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What the devil does that mean!' I exclaimed. 'Your Monseigneur has
+left us!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'To return again,' answered the Compte drily. And then added, 'It will
+be a gay party at More's to-night, and it is time we were there.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I made no answer, but, as we went on, could not help feeling uneasy in
+my mind at the thought of being recognised at More's; for after what
+de Belin had said of the King's temper towards me, I made sure that I
+would have scant mercy were I once arrested. And again, I would say
+that it was not for myself I was in dread, but for the probable
+consequence to Madame did any harm happen to me at this juncture.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I had put my foot in the stirrup, and was bound to ride now; and
+then there was de Belin's word. At last we reached More's, and as we
+entered the hall I could not help wondering if the good Parisians knew
+that their King was playing at primero in an ordinary of the city, and
+would be later on, perhaps, pursued by the watch. More, whom I had not
+seen since my affair with d'Ayen, was in the hall, and at a word from
+de Belin conducted us himself up the stairway, though looking askance
+at me. We at length gained a long corridor, at the beginning of which
+Pantin was left. We stopped before the closed doors of a private
+dining-room from within which we could hear shouts of laughter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'His Majesty and M. de Vitry arrived scarce a half-hour ago,'
+whispered More as we approached the door.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We will not trouble you further,' replied the Compte; 'it is the rule
+at these little parties to enter unannounced.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With these words he put his hand to the door and went in, I following
+at his heels. There were at least ten or a dozen men in the room
+standing round a table, at which sat the King engaged at play with M.
+de Bassompierre. Neither the King nor Bassompierre, who seemed
+absorbed in the game, took the least notice of our entrance, nor did
+they seem in the least disturbed by the constant laughter and converse
+that went on. The others, however, stopped, and then burst out in
+joyous greetings of de Belin and very haughty glances at me. M. le
+Grand, indeed, bent forward from his great height, and whispered
+audibly to the Compte:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'What scarecrow have you brought here, de Belin!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Our captain for to-night, duc&mdash;see, there is the Grand-Master looking
+as if each crown the King loses was the last drop of blood in the
+veins of Béthune.' And as he said this, Sully and he glanced at each
+other, and a light, like that in an opal, flamed in the great
+minister's eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">M. le Grand, however, seemed to be inclined for converse with me, and,
+stepping up, asked, 'And where do you lead us to-night, monsieur?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was about to make some answer when de Vitry interposed, 'My dear
+duc, there is plenty of time to ask that. I wager you fifty pistoles
+that d'Ayen there throws higher than you five times out of six.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Done,' replied Bellegarde&mdash;and then those who were not round the King
+and Bassompierre, gathered to watch Bellegarde and d'Ayen, whose
+cheeks were flushed with excitement as he threw with his left hand,
+the right being still in a sling.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the meantime the King played on, taking no notice of anyone, his
+beaked nose dropping lower towards his chin as he lost one rouleau
+after another to Bassompierre.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ventre St. Gris!</i>' he exclaimed at last, 'was ever such luck; at
+this rate I shall not have a shirt to my back in half an hour.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If the Marshal were only here,' said Sully, 'we could start off at
+once. Sire, instead of risking any more. I see de Belin has brought
+our guide.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes; where is Biron? I am sick of this;' and the King, who was a bad
+loser, rose from his seat impatiently, at the same time forgetting to
+hand over the last rouleau of pistoles he had lost to Bassompierre,
+and thrusting them back into his pocket with an absent gesture.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As if in answer to his question the door opened, admitting the slight
+figure and handsome face of de Gie.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Where is the Marshal? Where is Biron?' asked ten voices in a breath.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes, M. de Gie,' put in the King; 'where is Biron?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Sire, the Marshal is indisposed. He has begged me to present his
+excuses and to say he is too ill to come to-night;' and as he spoke I
+saw de Gie's jewelled fingers trembling, and his cheek had lost all
+colour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'This is sorry news to spoil a gay evening,' said the King; and the
+Master-General, pulling a comfit box from his vest pocket, toyed with
+it in his hand as he followed, 'Biron must be ill, indeed, to stay
+away. Sire. What does your Majesty think? Shall we begin our rambles
+by calling on Monseigneur?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The very thing, Grand-Master; we will start at once.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'But, Sire, the Marshal is too ill to see anyone&mdash;even your Majesty,'
+said de Gie desperately, and with whitening lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I thought I heard de Vitry mutter 'Traitor' under his thick moustache,
+but the Guardsman parried my glance with an unconcerned look. There
+was a silence of a half-minute at de Gie's speech, and the King
+reddened to the forehead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If it is as you say, M. le Vicompte, I know the Marshal too well
+not to feel sure that there are two persons whom he would see
+were he dying&mdash;which God forbid&mdash;and one of these two is his King.
+Grand-Master, we will go, but&mdash;and his voice took a tone of sharp
+command, and his eyes rested first on de Gie, and then on the figure
+of a tall cavalier, at whose throat flashed the jewel of the St.
+Esprit&mdash;'but I must first ask M. de Vitry to do his duty.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As for me I was dumb with astonishment, and half the faces around me
+were filled with amaze. Then de Vitry's voice broke the stillness:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'My lord of Epernon, your sword&mdash;and you too, M. le Vicompte.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The duke slipped off his rapier with a sarcastic smile and handed the
+weapon to the Captain of the Guard; but we could hear the clicking of
+the buckles as de Gie's trembling fingers tried in vain to unclasp his
+belt. So agitated was he that de Vitry had to assist him in his task
+before it was accomplished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The King spoke again in the same grating tones:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'M. de Bassompierre and you, de Luynes, I leave the prisoners in your
+charge. In the meantime, messieurs, we will slightly change our plans.
+I shall not go myself to the Marshal's house; but I depute you,
+Grand-Master, and these gentlemen here, all except de Vitry, who comes
+with me, to repair there in my name. Should M. de Biron not be able to
+see you, you will come to me&mdash;the Grand-Master knows where.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You will be careful, Sire,' said Sully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Mordieu!</i> Yes&mdash;go, gentlemen.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was about to follow the others, but Belin caught me by the arm as he
+passed out. 'Stay where you are,' he whispered, and then we waited
+until the footsteps died away along the corridor, the King standing
+with his brows bent and muttering to himself:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'If it were not true&mdash;if it were not true.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly he roused himself. 'Come, de Vitry&mdash;my mask and cloak; and
+you, too, sir,' he said, turning on me with a harsh glance. He put on
+his mask, drew the collar of his roquelaure up to his ears, and in a
+moment I recognised the silent stranger who had ridden off so abruptly
+from under the portico of St. Merri. I could not repress my start of
+surprise, and I thought I caught a strange glance in de Vitry's eyes;
+but the King's face was impassive as stone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We go out by the private stair, Sire; d'Aubusson is there with the
+horses.' With these words he lifted the tapestry of the wall and
+touched a door. It swung back of its own accord, and the King stepped
+forward, the Captain of the Guard and myself on his heels. When we
+gained the little street at the back of More's, we saw there three
+mounted men with three led horses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">De Vitry adjusted the King's stirrup, who sprang into the saddle in
+silence, and then, motioning me to do likewise, mounted himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur,' said the King to me, reining in his restive horse, 'you
+will lead us straight to your lodging, next to the Toison d'Or.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Sire,' I made answer, 'but it will be necessary to leave the horses
+by St. Martin's, as their presence near the Toison d'Or might arouse
+curiosity and suspicion.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I understand, monsieur; have the goodness to lead on.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I rode at the head of the small troop, nosing my way through the fog
+with my mind full of feelings it was impossible to describe, but with
+my heart beating with joy. Neither d'Aubusson nor de Vitry gave a sign
+that they knew me, and, but for an occasional direction that I gave to
+turn to the right or left, we rode in silence through the mist, now
+beginning to clear, and through which the moon shone with the light of
+a faint night lamp behind lace curtains. At St. Martin's we
+dismounted. There was a whispered word between the lieutenant and de
+Vitry, and then the King, de Vitry, and myself pressed forwards on
+foot, leaving d'Aubusson and the troopers with the horses. It would
+take too long, if indeed I have the power, to describe the tumult in
+my mind as we wound in and out of the cross streets and bye lanes
+towards the Toison d'Or. At last we came to the jaws of the blind
+passage, and I whispered to de Vitry that we were there. Henry turned
+to de Vitry and asked:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Are you sure the signals are understood, de Vitry?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes, Sire.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no other word spoken, and keeping on the off side of the
+road, to avoid passing immediately before the door of the Toison d'Or,
+where it was possible a guard might be set, we went onward towards my
+lodging. Favoured by the mist, which still hung over the passage, we
+got through without accident; but I perceived that not a light
+glimmered from the face of Babette's house, though I could hear the
+bolts of the entrance-door being drawn, as if some one had entered a
+moment or so before we came up. My own lodging was, however,
+different, and through the glaze of the window we could see the sickly
+glare of the light in the shop, where Monsieur and Madame were no
+doubt discussing the business of the day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We must quiet my landlord and his wife,' I whispered to Vitry as we
+came up to the door.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Very well,' he said, and then I knocked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The fence, who was alone, himself opened the door. 'Ah, captain,' he
+exclaimed, 'we thought you were lost; but I see you have friends.' He
+said no more, for I seized his throat with a grip of iron, whilst de
+Vitry laced him up with his own belt. An improvised gag put a stop to
+all outcry, and in a thrice he was lying like a log amongst his own
+stolen wares.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Madame is doubtless in bed,' I said to him, and a sharp scream
+interrupted my words, for the woman, doubtless hearing the scuffle,
+had rushed into the room. M. de Vitry was, however, equal to the
+occasion, and she, too, was deposited beside her husband.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The King, who had taken no part in these proceedings, now said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I trust that woman's cry will not raise an alarm&mdash;<i>Ventre St. Gris</i>
+if it does!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Have no fear. Sire,' I said in a low tone; 'the cries of women in
+this part of your capital are too frequent to attract the least
+notice. They will but think that there has been a little conjugal
+difference.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'So far, so good. De Vitry, you will stay here. At the first sound of
+the Grand-Master's whistle you will answer it, and they will know what
+to do. I have something to say to M. d'Auriac. Take me to your room,
+sir.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I bowed, and, lighting a taper that stood in a holder of moulded
+brass&mdash;a prize that had doubtless come to my landlord through one of
+his clients&mdash;led the way up the rickety stairs, and stopping at the
+door of my chamber, opened it to let the King pass. For an instant he
+hesitated, fixing his keen and searching eyes on me&mdash;eyes that flashed
+and sparkled beneath the mask that covered half his features, and then
+spoke:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'M. d'Auriac, are you still an enemy of your King?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could make no answer; I did not know what to say, and stood, candle
+in hand, in silence. Then Henry laughed shortly and stepped into the
+room. I shut the door as I followed, and turned up the lamp on my
+table. Then, facing the King, I said, 'Sire, I await your orders.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had flung off his cloak and mask, and was leaning against the
+wardrobe, one hand on the hilt of his sword, and at my words he spoke
+slowly: 'I desire to see this room in the Toison d'Or, and to look
+upon the assembly that has met there with my own eyes.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Now, Sire?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes, now.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Your Majesty, it is not now possible!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ventre St. Gris!</i>&mdash;not possible!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Permit me, Sire&mdash;the only way is by this window. If your Majesty will
+step here, you will see the risk of it. I will go and see if they have
+met; but I conjure you not to make the attempt. The slightest accident
+would be fatal.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Do you think I have never scaled a rock before?' he said, craning out
+of the window. 'Am I a child, M. d'Auriac, or <i>mille tonnerres!</i>
+because my beard is grey, am I in my dotage? I will go, sir, and thank
+God that for this moment I can drop the King and be a simple knight.
+You can stay behind, monsieur, if you like. I go to test the truth of
+your words.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Your Majesty might save yourself the trouble. I again entreat you;
+your life belongs to France.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I know that,' he interrupted haughtily. 'No more prating, please.
+Will you go first, or shall I?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no answer to this. It flashed on me to call to de Vitry for
+aid to stop the King, but one look at those resolute features before
+me convinced me that such a course would be useless. I lowered the
+light, and then testing the ends of the ladder again and again, made
+the ascent as before. Leaning through the embrasure, I saw the dark
+figure of the King already holding on to the ladder, and he followed
+me, as agile as a cat. Making a long arm, I seized him by the
+shoulder, and with this assistance he clambered noiselessly over the
+parapet and lay beside me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Cahors over again,' he whispered; 'and that is the skylight. They
+burn bright lamps.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'The easier for us to see, Sire. Creep forward softly and look.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One by one we stole up to the skylight, and the King, raising himself,
+glanced in, my eyes following over his shoulders. For full five
+minutes we were there, hearing every word, seeing every soul, and then
+the King bent down softly, and, laying a hand on my shoulder, motioned
+me back. It was not until we reached the parapet that he said
+anything, and it was as if he were muttering a prayer to himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we got back I helped him to dress. He did not, however, resume
+his roquelaure or hat, but stood playing with the hilt of his sword,
+letting his eye run backward and forward over the vacant space in my
+room. At last he turned to me:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, you have not answered the question I put you a moment
+before.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Sire,' I answered boldly, 'is it my fault?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He began to pull at his moustache, keeping his eyes to the ground and
+saying to himself, 'Sully will not be here for a little; there is
+time.' As for me, I took my courage in both hands and waited. So a
+half-minute must have passed before he spoke again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur, if a gentleman has wronged another, there is only one
+course open. There is room enough here&mdash;take your sword and your
+place.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I&mdash;I&mdash;&mdash;,' I stammered. 'Your Majesty, I do not understand.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I never heard that monsieur le chevalier was dense in these matters.
+Come, sir, time presses&mdash;your place.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'May my hand wither if I do,' I burst out 'I will never stand so
+before the King.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Not before the King, monsieur, but before a man who considers himself
+a little wronged, too. What! is d'Auriac so high that he cannot stoop
+to cross a blade with plain Henri de Bourbon?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then it was as if God Himself took the scales from my eyes, and I
+fell on my knees before my King.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He raised me gently. 'Monsieur, I thank you. Had I for one moment led
+a soul to suspect that I believed in you from the first, this nest of
+traitors had never been found. St. Gris&mdash;even Sully was blinded. So
+far so good. It is much for a King to have gained a friend, and hark!
+if I am not mistaken, here is de Vitry.'</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1_20"  href="#div1Ref_20">AT THE SIGN OF 'THE TOISON D'OR'</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+
+<p class="normal">Turning, we beheld de Vitry at the open door, the small and narrow
+figure of Pantin at his elbow, and, close behind, the stern features
+of the Grand-Master, the anxiety on whose face cleared as he saw the
+King before him. He was about to speak, but Henry burst in rapidly:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I know all, my lord. It is time to act, not talk. <i>Arnidieu!</i> But I
+shall long remember this frolic!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'It would seem that God has given us a great deliverance. Sire. All is
+ready. I came but to see that your Majesty was safe and unharmed, and
+to leave Du Praslin with a sufficient guard for your person whilst we
+took our prisoners.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Sully spoke the King threw his roquelaure over his arm and answered
+coldly, 'Monsieur, you are very good. When I want a guard I shall ask
+for one. I have yet to learn that Henri de Bourbon is to lurk in a
+corner whilst blows are going, and I shall lead the assault myself!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And the first shot from a window, fired by some <i>croquemort</i>, might
+leave France at the feet of Spain, I cut in bluntly, whilst de Vitry
+stamped his foot with vexation, and the forehead of the Grand-Master
+wrinkled and furrowed, though he gave me an approving look from under
+his shaggy brows.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a moment it was as if my words would have stayed the King. He
+looked at me fixedly and stabbed at the carpet with the point of his
+blade, repeating to himself, 'At the feet of Spain&mdash;Spain! Never!' he
+added, recovering himself and looking highly around. 'Never!
+Messieurs, we shall all yet see the lilies flaunting over the
+Escorial.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Amen!' exclaimed a voice from the darkness of the stairway, and I
+heard the grinding of a spurred heel on the woodwork of the floor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come,' said the King, 'we have no time to lose, and if we delay
+longer that hot-head de Belin, will strike the first blow.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'With your Majesty's permission, I will make an assault on the rear,'
+I said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'On the rear!' exclaimed de Vitry, whilst the Grand-Master said, 'It
+is impossible!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I only pointed to the window, and Henry laughed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'<i>Ventrebleu!</i> I understand&mdash;a great idea! But, monsieur, take care
+how you give away a secret. I shall have no peace if Monseigneur the
+Grand-Master hears what has happened.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was young enough still to feel my face grow hot at the approval in
+the King's voice, and then, without another word, they passed out,
+<i>tramp</i>, <i>tramp</i>, down the stairs, all except Sully, who stayed behind
+for a moment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Monsieur,' he asked, 'what has happened between you and the King?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'His Majesty has pardoned me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A child might see that. What else? Be quick!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And has given me orders to meet you as you enter the Toison d'Or.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The frown on his face cleared. 'Well answered, chevalier. The King, I
+see, has won a faithful and discreet friend. Make your attack when you
+hear the petard.' Then he, too, turned his broad shoulders on me and
+followed the rest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As the sound of the heavy footfalls ceased I gave a last look at my
+pistols, drew in my sword-belt by a hole, and, all booted as I was,
+essayed the ladder again. The practice I had with it made the ascent
+easy now, and perhaps it was this that rendered me careless, for, as I
+was climbing, my foot slipped with a grating noise, and as I stopped
+for a moment, with one leg over the parapet and the other trailing
+over the drop behind, I heard a quick 'What is that?' through the open
+skylight. The voice was the Marshal's, and I almost felt that I could
+see his nervous start and rapid upward glance as the scrabbling noise
+reached his ears. Then came Lafin's answer, in those cool tones that
+can penetrate so far:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'A cat&mdash;only a cat, monseigneur!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All was still again, and I crept softly to the opening. I did not dare
+look in, but crouched beneath the skylight, waiting for the signal. I
+had already observed that the skylight was but a light, wooden
+framework, with a glazing between, and would need no great effort to
+break down&mdash;one strong push and the way was clear before me. So I
+stayed for a minute of breathless silence, then from far below came a
+sharp, shrill whistle, hurried exclamations from the plotters, and now
+the explosion of the petard, that made the house rock to and fro like
+a tree in the wind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had no need to force open the skylight. The effect of the explosion
+did that most effectually for me and blew out the lamps in the room
+below as well, reducing it on a sudden to absolute darkness. There was
+a yell of terror from the room, and, without a moment's hesitation, I
+swung through the window and dropped down amongst the conspirators.
+They were to a man crowding to the door, and not one took any note of
+my entrance, so great was their confusion. I followed the rush of
+hurrying figures as they passed through the door into a passage in dim
+light from a fire that burned in a small grate. One end of this
+passage was full of smoke, against which the bright flashes of drawn
+swords were as darts of lightning. Beyond the smoke and below we could
+hear the clash of steel, cries of pain, and savage oaths, where men
+were fighting and dying hard. As I dashed down the passage, sword in
+hand, my only thought to reach the prisoner's room, one of the
+retreating figures turned and called out, 'Quick, monseigneur! follow
+me&mdash;the secret stair!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was Lafin. In the confusion and semi-gloom he had mistaken me for
+his chief. I made no answer, but, as I rushed forwards, struck him on
+the face with the hilt of my sword, and he rolled over like a log.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now I was right in amongst the scared plotters, cheek by jowl with M.
+de Savoye's envoy, and I could have dropped him then and there, but
+that my whole heart was in Madame's room, and I knew that there were
+others who could and would deal with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I elbowed my way through the press, vainly endeavouring to find the
+way to my dear's prison, we reached a landing from which a long stair
+led straight up, and here I heard the Marshal's voice, cracked with
+rage and fear.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Lafin! de Gomeron! To me&mdash;here! here!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Ladies first. Marshal. I must look to my bride.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then through the smoke I saw de Gomeron's tall figure mounting the
+stair, and I rushed forward to follow him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was at this juncture that a portion of our own party forced their
+way to the landing, and one of them, whose sword was broken, flung
+himself upon me, dagger in hand, shouting, 'Death to traitors.' I
+had just time to seize his wrist. He tripped sideways over something
+that lay very quiet at our feet, and, dragging me down, we rolled over
+and over, with the clash of blades over us. 'It is I&mdash;fool&mdash;I,
+d'Auriac&mdash;let go,' I shouted, as he tried to stab at me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Let go you,' sputtered d'Aubusson's voice, and we loosed each other.
+I had no time for another word, and grasping my sword, which was
+hanging to my wrist by the knot, I sprang up, and the next moment was
+hot foot after de Gomeron.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I managed somehow to force my way through the crowd, but the stairway
+was half-full of men, and at the head of it stood the free-lance, with
+a red sword in his hand, and two or three huddled objects that lay in
+shapeless masses around him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Some one, with a reckless indifference to his own life&mdash;it was, I
+afterwards found out, Pantin&mdash;held up a torch, and as the flare of it
+shot up the stairway de Gomeron threw back his head and laughed at us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Twenty to one&mdash;come, gentlemen&mdash;or must I come to you?' He took a
+couple of steps down the stairs, and the crowd, that had made as if it
+would rush him, wavered and fell back, bearing me, hoarse with
+shouting for way, with them to the landing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For the moment, penned up and utterly unable to get forward, I was a
+mere spectator to what followed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The free-lance took one more downward step, and then a slight figure,
+with one arm in a sling, slid out from the press and flew at him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was d'Ayen, and I felt a sudden warming of the heart to the man who
+was going to his death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You&mdash;you traitor,' he gasped, as, using his sword with his left hand,
+his sword ripped the free-lance's ruff.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Stand back, old fool&mdash;stand back&mdash;or&mdash;there! Take it,' and, with a
+sharp scream, d'Ayen fell backwards, the crowd splitting for a moment,
+so that he rolled to the foot of the stairs and came up at my feet.
+God rest his soul! He died at the last like a gallant man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They were backing in confusion now, and above the din I could hear the
+mocking of de Gomeron.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come, gentlemen, do not delay, time presses.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One rush through at that time might have saved him, but he stood there
+playing with death. With an effort I pushed d'Ayen, who was still
+breathing, against the side of the wall, to let the poor wretch die in
+such comfort as could be, and, seeing my chance at last, made my way
+to the front.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">De Gomeron was half-way down the stairs by this, and when our swords
+met he did not for the moment recognise me. But at the second pass he
+realised, and the torchlight showed him pale to the forehead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'You!' he said between his teeth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Yes&mdash;I&mdash;from under the Seine,' and I had run him through the throat
+but for our position, where the advantage was all his, and my reach
+too short. He had backed a step up as I spoke. Whether it was my
+sudden appearance or what, I know not, but from this moment his
+bravado left him, and he now fought doggedly and for dear life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a hush behind me, and the light became brighter as more
+torches were brought, and I could now see the Camarguer white as a
+sheet, with two red spots on his cheeks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Do you like fighting a dead man, monsieur?' I asked as I parried a
+thrust in tierce.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He half groaned, and the red spot on his cheek grew bigger, but he
+made no answer, and step by step I forced him upwards.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had been touched more than once, and there was a stain on his white
+satin doublet that was broadening each moment, whilst thrust and parry
+grew weaker, and something, I know not what, told me he was my man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Messieurs, you who may read this, those at least of you who have stood
+sword in hand and face to face with a bitter foe, where the fight is
+to the last, will know that there are moments when it is as if God
+Himself nerves the arm and steels the wrist. And so it was then with
+me. I swear it that I forestalled each movement of the twinkling blade
+before me, that each artifice and trick the skilful swordsman who was
+fighting for his life employed was felt by something that guided my
+sword, now high, now low, and ever and again wet its point against the
+broad breast of the Camarguer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So, too, with him&mdash;he was lost, and he knew it. But he was a brave
+man, if ever there was one, and he pulled himself together as we
+reached the upper landing for one last turn with the death that dogged
+him. So fierce was the attack he now made, that had he done so but a
+moment before, when the advantage of position was his, I know not what
+had happened. But now it was different. He was my man. I was carried
+away by the fire within me, or else in pity I might have spared him;
+but there is no need to speak of this more. He thrust too high. I
+parried and returned, so that the cross hilt of my rapier struck dully
+over his heart, and he died where he fell.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But one word escaped him, some long-lost memory, some secret of that
+iron heart came up at the last.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Denise!' he gasped, and was gone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I stood over him for a moment, a drumming in my ears, and then I heard
+the ringing of cheers and the rush of feet. Then a half-dozen strong
+shoulders were at the door before me, and as it fell back with a crash
+I sprang in and took a tall, slim, white-robed figure in my arms, and
+kissed her dear face again and again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One by one those in the room stepped out and left us together, and for
+once a brave heart gave way and she sobbed like a child on my
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I said nothing, but held her to me, and so we might have been for a
+half-hour, when I heard de Belin's voice at the broken door:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'D'Auriac! Come, man!&mdash;the King waits! And bring your prisoner!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a laugh in his voice and a light on his face as he spoke,
+and my dear lifted her swimming eyes to my face, and I kissed her
+again, saying:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Come&mdash;my prisoner!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As we passed out I kept between Claude and the grim figure still lying
+stark on the landing, and held her to me so that she could not see.
+So, with Lisois before us, we passed down the passage, filled now with
+men-at-arms, and halted before a room, the door of which was closed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'We must wait here a moment,' said de Belin; and merely to say
+something, I asked:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'I suppose we have the whole nest?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'All who were not killed. Stay! One escaped&mdash;that rascal Ravaillac. I
+could have run him through, but did not care to soil my sword with
+such <i>canaille</i>, so his skin is safe.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'And Babette?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He gave me an expressive look and muttered something about Montfauçon.
+Then the door was flung open and a stream of light poured forth. We
+entered, and saw the King standing surrounded by his friends, and a
+little on one side was the dejected group of conspirators.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Marshal, now abject, mean, and cringing, was kneeling before
+Henry, who raised him as we entered, saying:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Biron, and you, Tremouille, and you all who called yourselves my
+friends, and lay in wait to destroy me and destroy your country&mdash;I
+cannot forget that we were old comrades, and for old friendships' sake
+I have already told you that I forgive; and God give you all as clean
+a conscience as I have over the blood that has been spilt to-day.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He ran his eye over the group, and they stood before him abashed and
+ashamed, and yet overcome with joy at escape when death seemed so
+certain; and he, their leader, the man who hoped to see his head on a
+crown-piece, broke into unmanly sobbing, and was led away vowing
+repentance&mdash;vows that he broke again, to find then that the mercy of
+the King was already strained to breaking-point.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Lafin, with a white and bleeding face, led his master away, Henry's
+eye fell on me, and he beckoned me to advance. I did so, leading
+Claude by the hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Chevalier,' he said, 'it is saying little when I say that it is
+through you that these misguided gentlemen have realised their
+wrong-doing. There is one recompense you would not let me make you for
+the wrongs you have suffered. There is, however, a reward for your
+services which perhaps you will accept from me. I see before me a
+Royal Ward who has defied her guardian&mdash;<i>Ventre St. Gris!</i> My beard is
+getting over grey to look after such dainties. I surrender my Ward to
+your care.' As he said this he took Claude's hand and placed it in
+mine. 'I see, madame,' he added, 'that this time you have no
+objections to the King's choice. There&mdash;quite right. Kiss her, man!'</p>
+
+
+<hr class="W20">
+
+
+<p class="normal">It is all over at last&mdash;that golden summer that was so long,
+and yet
+seems but a day. It is ten years ago that those shining eyes, that
+never met mine but with the love-light in them, were closed for ever;
+and the gift that God gave me that did He take back.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am old, and grey, and worn. My son, the Vicompte de Bidache, is in
+Paris with the Cardinal, whilst I wait at Auriac for the message that
+will call me to her. When she went, Bidache, where we lived, became
+unbearable to me, and I came back here to wait till I too am
+called&mdash;to wait and watch the uneasy sea, to hear the scream of the
+gulls, and feel the keen salt air.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have come to the last of the fair white sheets of paper the <i>Curé</i>
+brought for me from Havre this autumn, and it grows strangely dark
+even for my eyes. I will write no more, but sit out on the terrace and
+wait for the sunset. Perhaps she may call me to-day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">'Jacques, my hat and cloak!'</p>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h3>THE END.</h3>
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Chevalier d'Auriac, by S. (Sidney) Levett-Yeats
+
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diff --git a/38323.txt b/38323.txt
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+Project Gutenberg's The Chevalier d'Auriac, by S. (Sidney) Levett-Yeats
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Chevalier d'Auriac
+
+Author: S. (Sidney) Levett-Yeats
+
+Release Date: December 17, 2011 [EBook #38323]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHEVALIER D'AURIAC ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's notes:
+
+   1. Page scan source:
+      http://www.archive.org/details/chevalierdauriac00leverich
+
+   2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                                 The
+
+                          CHEVALIER D'AURIAC
+
+
+
+
+                                  BY
+
+
+                           S. LEVETT YEATS
+
+                  AUTHOR OF "THE HONOUR OF SAVELLI"
+                                 ETC.
+
+
+
+
+                               NEW YORK
+
+                       LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.
+
+                          LONDON AND BOMBAY
+
+                                 1897
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                       Copyright, 1896 and 1897
+                          By S. LEVETT YEATS
+                              *   *   *
+                        _All rights reserved_.
+
+
+
+
+                      FIRST EDITION, MARCH, 1897
+                REPRINTED, AUGUST, AND SEPTEMBER, 1897
+
+
+
+
+                            TROW DIRECTORY
+                   PRINTING AND BOOKBINDING COMPANY
+                               NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                        THE CHEVALIER D'AURIAC
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                                TO THE
+
+                        CHUMMERY OF THE PALMS
+
+                I DEDICATE THIS, IN MEMORY OF CERTAIN
+
+                             RED-HOT DAYS
+
+                                                        S. L. Y.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                               PREFACE
+
+
+This story, like its predecessor, has been written in those rare
+moments of leisure that an Indian official can afford. Bits of time
+were snatched here and there, and much, perhaps too much, reliance has
+had to be placed on memory, for books there were few or none to refer
+to. Occasionally, too, inspiration was somewhat rudely interrupted.
+Notably in one instance, in the Traveller's Bungalow at Hassan Abdal
+(Moore's Lalla Rookh was buried hard by), when a bat, after making an
+ineffectual swoop at a cockroach, fell into the very hungry author's
+soup and put an end to dinner and to fancy. There is an anachronism in
+the tale, in which the writer finds he has sinned with M. C. de
+Remusat in "Le Saint-Barthelemy." The only excuse the writer has for
+not making the correction is that his object is simply to enable a
+reader to pass away a dull hour.
+
+   Umballa Cantonments,
+      March 16, 1896.
+
+
+
+
+                               CONTENTS
+
+
+                              CHAPTER I.
+
+The Justice of M. de Rone.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER II.
+
+M. de Rone Cannot Read a Cypher.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER III.
+
+The Red Cornfield.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER IV.
+
+The Chateau de la Bidache.
+
+
+                              CHAPTER V.
+
+A Good Deed Comes Home to Roost.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VI.
+
+'Green as a Jade Cup.'
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VII.
+
+Poor Nicholas!
+
+
+                            CHAPTER VIII.
+
+Monsieur de Preaulx.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER IX.
+
+The Master-General.
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+
+An Old Friend.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XI.
+
+A Swim in the Seine.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XII.
+
+Monsieur Ravaillac does not Suit.
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XIII.
+
+The Louvre.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Under the Limes.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XV.
+
+The Hand of Babette.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVI.
+
+A Council of War.
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XVII.
+
+Maitre Pantin Sells Cabbages.
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+The Skylight in the Toison d'Or.
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIX.
+
+'Plain Henri de Bourbon.'
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XX.
+
+At the Sign of 'The Toison d'Or.'
+
+
+
+
+                               PRELUDE
+
+
+                                  I.
+
+   In no secret shrine doth my Lady sleep,
+     But is ever before mine eyes;
+   By well or ill, by wrong or right--
+   By the burning sun, or the moon's pale light--
+     Where the tropics fire or the fulmar flies,
+   In rest or stormful fight.
+
+
+                                 II.
+
+   Good hap with the strong fierce winds that blow;
+     Man holdeth the world in fee.
+   By the light of her face, by my Lady's grace,
+     Spread we our sails to the sea.
+   With God above and our hearts below,
+   Fight we the fight for weal or woe.
+
+
+                                 III.
+
+   Good hap with the strong fierce winds that blow,
+     God rest their souls who die!
+   By my Lady's grace, by her pure, pale face
+   My pennon flies in its pride of place;
+     Where my pennon flies am I.
+
+
+                                 IV.
+
+   Nor wind nor storm may turn me back,
+     For I see the beacon fire.
+   And time shall yield a hard fought field,
+   And, with God's help, an unstained shield
+     I win my heart's desire.
+
+                                                 S. L. Y.
+
+                                                 (_Vanity Fair_.)
+
+
+
+
+                        THE CHEVALIER D'AURIAC
+
+                              CHAPTER I
+
+                      THE JUSTICE OF M. DE RONE
+
+
+'_Mille diables!_ Lost again! The devil runs in those dice!' and de
+Gomeron, with an impatient sweep of his hand, scattered the little
+spotted cubes on to the floor of the deserted and half-ruined hut,
+wherein we were beguiling the weariness of our picket duty before La
+Fere, with a shake of our elbows, and a few flagons of wine, captured
+from Monsieur the King of Navarre, as we, in our folly, called him
+still.
+
+A few days before we had cut out a convoy which the Bearnais was
+sending into the beleaguered town. Some of the good things the convoy
+bore found their way to the outposts; and on the night I speak of we
+had made such play with our goblets that it was as if a swarm of bees
+buzzed in my head. As for de Gomeron, he was in no better case, and
+his sun-tanned face was burning a purple red with anger at his losses
+and the strength of the d'Arbois, both of which combined to give a
+more than usually sinister look to his grim and lowering features. In
+short, we were each of us in a condition ripe for any mischief: I hot
+with wine and the fire of five-and-twenty years, and de Gomeron
+sullenly drunk, a restrained fury smouldering in his eyes.
+
+We had been playing by the light of a horn lantern, and as the flame
+of it flickered to and fro in the wind, which bustled in unchecked
+through a wide gap in the wall of the hut, where the remains of a door
+clung to a bent and twisted hinge, the shadow of de Gomeron on the
+wall behind him moved its huge outlines uneasily, although the man
+himself sat silent and still, and there was no word spoken between us.
+Hideous and distorted, this phantom on the wall may have been the soul
+of de Gomeron, stolen out of the man's body and now hovering behind
+him, instinct with evil; and this conceit of mine began to appear a
+reality, when I turned my glance at the still figure of my companion,
+showing no sign of life, except in the sombre glitter of the eyes that
+gazed at me steadily.
+
+I knew little of de Gomeron, except that he was of the Camargue, and
+had followed the fortunes of d'Aumale from Arques to Ivry, from Ivry
+to the Exile in the Low Countries, and that he held a commission from
+the duke as captain in his guards. He carried a 'de' before his name,
+but none of us could say where his lands lay, or of what family he
+came; and it was shrewdly suspected that he was one of those weeds
+tossed up by the storms of the times from the deep where they should
+have rotted for ever. There were many such as he, _canaille_ who had
+risen from the ranks; but none who bore de Gomeron's reputation for
+intrepid courage and pitiless cruelty, and even the hardened veterans
+of Velasco spoke with lower tones when they told of his deeds at the
+sack of Dourlens and the pillage of Ham. Of our personal relations it
+is enough to say that we hated each other, and would have crossed
+swords ere now but for the iron discipline maintained by de Rone--a
+discipline the bouquet of which I had already scented, having escaped
+by the skin of my teeth after my affair with de Gonnor, who trod on my
+toe at the General's levee, and was run through the ribs at sunrise
+the next morning, near the pollard elms, hard by the Red Mill on the
+left bank of the Serre.
+
+Up to the time this occurred I had been attached to de Rone's staff,
+with ten or twelve other young gentlemen whose pedigrees were as long
+as their swords; but after the accident to de Gonnor--my foot slipped
+and I thrust a half inch too low--I was sent with the stormers to
+Laon, and then banished to the outposts, thinking myself lucky to
+escape with that.
+
+At any rate, the outpost was under my command. Imagine, therefore, my
+disgust when I found that de Gomeron had been detached to examine into
+and report upon my charge. He did this moreover in so offensive a
+manner, hectoring here and hectoring there, that I could barely
+restrain myself from parading him on the stretch of turf behind the
+thorn hedge that fenced in the enclosure to the hovel. The very sight
+of that turf used to tempt me. It was so soft and springy, so level
+and true, with no cross shadows of tree trunks or mottled reflections
+of foliage to spoil a thrust in tierce.
+
+Our feelings towards each other being as they were, it would seem odd
+that we should have diced and drunk together; but the situation was
+one of armed peace; and, besides, time had to be killed, as for the
+past week M. de Rethelois, formerly as lively as a cricket, had kept
+himself close as a nun of Port Royal behind the walls of La Fere, and
+affairs were ineffably dull. I was certain, however, that we should
+soon break into open quarrel, and on this night, whether it was de
+Gomeron's manner of losing or whether it was the d'Arbois I cannot
+tell, but I felt a mad anger against the man as he sat staring at me,
+and it was all I could do to restrain myself from flinging the lees of
+the wine in my glass in his face and abiding the result. I held myself
+in with an effort, drumming with my fingers on the table the while,
+and at last he spoke in an abrupt and jarring voice:
+
+'What says the score?'
+
+I looked at the once blank card on which I had jotted down the points
+and passed it to him with the answer: 'One hundred and twenty livres
+of Paris, M. Gomeron.'
+
+'_De_ Gomeron, if you please, M. d'Auriac. Here is your money, see it
+is not Tournois,' and he slid a rouleau across the table towards me. I
+made no effort to take it; but, looking at the man with a sneer, gave
+answer: 'I was not aware that they used the _de_ in the Camargue,
+monsieur.'
+
+'Young fool!' I heard him mutter between his teeth, and then aloud,
+'Your education needs extension, Chevalier.'
+
+'There is space enough without.' I answered hotly, laying my hand on
+my sword, 'and no time like the present; the moon is at her full and
+stands perfectly.' We sprang to our feet at these words and stood
+facing each other. All thought of de Rone had flown from my mind, my
+one desire was to be face to face with the man on that patch of turf.
+_Peste!_ I had much to learn in those days!
+
+We stood thus for a second, and then a short mirthless 'Ha! ha!' burst
+from de Gomeron, and he made a turn to the corner of the room where
+his rapier leaned against the wall. It was at the moment of this
+action that we heard the quick challenge of the sentry outside, the
+password as sharply answered, and the tramp of feet.
+
+The same idea flashed through both our minds--it must be the General,
+and de Gomeron gave expression to the thought.
+
+'_Corbleu!_ de Rone perhaps--the old bat on the wing. We must defer
+the lesson, Chevalier.'
+
+I bowed and bit my lips in silence; there followed a shuffling of
+feet, and before a man could count two, Nicholas, the sergeant of our
+picket, with a file of men entered the hut, thrusting a couple of
+prisoners, a man and a woman, before them.
+
+'Two birds from La Fere, my captain,' and Nicholas with a salute to de
+Gomeron pointed to his prize. 'We took them,' he ran on, 'at the ford
+near the Red Mill, and but for the moon they would have gone free;
+spies no doubt. The old one is M. le Mouchard, I swear. There is fox
+in every line of his face; and as for Madame there--so the old
+gentleman calls her--in time I warrant she will learn to love the camp
+of the Holy League,' and the sergeant pushed the lantern so that it
+shone full on the lady's face. A curious light came into de Gomeron's
+eyes as he looked at her, and she shrank back at the sergeant's words
+and action, whilst the old man strained at the cords that bound his
+wrists till the lines of the blue veins stood high out on his
+forehead. The soldiers had shown Madame this kindness, that she was
+unbound; but her hood had fallen back, loosening in its fall a mass of
+chestnut hair, and from this framework her eyes glanced from one to
+another of us, half in fear and half in anger.
+
+'Messieurs!' There was a tremble in the sweet voice, and there was
+light enough to see her colour come and go. 'Messieurs! That man,' she
+made a little gesture of infinite disdain towards Nicholas, 'is lying.
+We are no spies. It is true we are from La Fere, but all that we did
+was to try and escape thence----'
+
+'To the camp of the Bearnais--eh, madame?' interrupted de Gomeron.
+
+'To the camp of the King of France,' she flashed back at him, a red
+spot rising on each cheek. 'Messieurs!' she went on, 'you are
+gentlemen, are you not? You will let us go. Surely the Holy League
+wars not with women and old men?'
+
+The mention of the League stirred her companion and he gave tongue:
+
+'The Holy League!' he exclaimed with a savage scorn. 'Madame, though
+we stand delivered unto these sons of Belial, I must speak, for my
+heart is full. Yea! Shall my lips be sealed before the enemies of the
+Lord! The Holy League! Ha! ha! There is no Holy League. It died at
+Ivry. There did the Lord God break it clean, as of old. He shattered
+the Amorites of the mountains. Lo! Even now His own champion is at
+hand, and ere the morrow's sun sets he shall smite these men of sin
+hip and thigh, as when the Chosen slew His enemies in Gibeon.'
+
+'_Corps du diable!_ A rope for the old Huguenot!' exclaimed Nicholas.
+
+'Thou swearest rightly, villain,' and the fanatic glared at the
+sergeant with fierce eyes. 'Swear ever so by thy master, for thou art
+in truth a limb of the body of Sin.'
+
+'Thou shalt roast like a chestnut over a log fire for this,' roared
+Nicholas, shaking his halberd at his adversary. 'And thou in Hell,'
+was the undaunted reply; 'and the smell of thy burning will be as the
+scent of a savoury bakemeat to the Lord my God.'
+
+So savagely prophetic was his tone; so fierce a glance did the bound
+Huguenot cast at Nicholas that it burnt to cinders any reply he might
+have had ready and reduced him to a speechless fury.
+
+Madame shivered slightly; but meeting my eyes and the repressed laugh
+in them, a faint smile parted her lips. This was for an instant only,
+and her face was grave enough as she turned to her companion, speaking
+with a quiet dignity, 'There is a time for everything, _mon pere_--at
+present your speech is a trifle out of place.'
+
+The beetle brows of the Huguenot met together as he gave reply--
+
+'There is no place which is out of place to testify----' but here de
+Gomeron cut in with his quick stern voice, 'Be silent, sir! or else a
+gag will stop your tongue,' and then with a bow, 'Madame, it goes to
+my heart to detain you; but war is war, and we have no option. Will
+you not be seated? All that this poor hut affords is yours,' and he
+bent low again, perhaps to hide the expression in his eyes.
+
+She made no effort to take the chair he offered, but burst out
+passionately:
+
+'Monsieur, I see you command here, and it is to you to whom I must
+appeal. Monsieur, I give you my word of honour we are no spies. The
+rules of war allow the ransom of prisoners, and anything you name will
+be paid. Monsieur, I pray you let us go.'
+
+Whilst she spoke my glance rested on de Gomeron's face, and I saw that
+his eyes were drinking in her beauty greedily, and there was a look in
+them that recalled to my mind the stories of the sack of Ham.
+
+As she finished her appeal Madame turned towards the captain with a
+gesture of entreaty; but in this movement she too saw that in his
+voice and manner which paled her cheek to marble, and she made a
+half-irresolute step towards her companion as if for protection. De
+Gomeron observed this, and laughed under his heavy black moustache,
+and I felt that the strong wine and his evil heart were moving him to
+an atrocious deed.
+
+'_Vertu de Dieu!_ Madame, but there are some things which have no
+price! And there is no ransom you could name which would tempt Adam de
+Gomeron to part with his prisoners--with _one_ of them at any rate.
+You are no spy, I know: such eyes as yours were never made to count
+the strength of battalions. As for your friend there, we have means to
+make him tell us all about himself to-morrow; and you, _ma mignonne_,
+must not bruise your tender feet by walking through the night to the
+camp of Monsieur--the King of France. In a day or so, perhaps,' he
+went on with a horrible smile, 'but not to-night. Come! and he stepped
+up to her. Come, taste the d'Arbois--it is from your friends--and
+learn to love the poor soldiers of the Holy League.'
+
+Saying this he attempted to pass his arm round her waist, but slipping
+from his grasp, and her cheeks aflame, Madame struck him across the
+face with the back of her hand, such a stroke as the wing of an angry
+dove might give.
+
+The rest was done in a flash, and de Gomeron reeled back with bleeding
+lips, staggered back to the very end of the room, where he would have
+fallen but for the support of the wall. It was in me to follow up my
+blow by passing my sword through the man, so mad was I in my fury; but
+luckily for him Nicholas hung on my arm and saved the villain's life.
+He righted himself at once, and passing his hand across his mouth,
+spoke to me quite coolly and collectedly, but with livid features.
+
+'We finish this outside, sir; follow me,' and picking up his rapier,
+which lay on the table, where he had thrown it on the entrance of the
+prisoners, de Gomeron stepped out of the door. In the excitement of
+the moment the men poured after him, and I was the last to follow. It
+came to me like lightning that the prisoners were unguarded, and
+slipping my dagger from its sheath, I thrust its haft into Madame's
+hand, and I saw that she understood from the thanks in her eyes. As I
+went out I heard the voice of the Huguenot: 'They shall die as they
+have lived--by the edge of the sword; and the Lord shall confound His
+enemies.'
+
+It was but a stone-throw to the stretch of green, which extended as
+level as a tennis-court for a hundred paces or so, and then sloped
+gently downward towards the junction of the Serre and the Oise. Beyond
+rose the walls of La Fere, whose grey outlines, lit up here and there
+by the flare of a lamp or fire, were clearly visible in the bright
+moonlight. So clear was this light, that I could distinctly make out
+the blue flowers of the patch of borage, which lay between the hut and
+the thorn hedge, beyond which de Gomeron was awaiting me. When I came
+up I found him standing with his back to the moon. He had thrown off
+his doublet, and was in his shirt sleeves, which were rolled up to his
+elbows, and Nicholas and the men stood a little on one side, utterly
+forgetful of the prisoners, and eager as bloodhounds to witness the
+coming fight. It took but a half minute to make myself ready, and
+borrowing a poniard from Nicholas to help me to parry, for de Gomeron
+held one in his left hand, and I was determined to give him no further
+advantage--he already had the light--I took my position. Then there
+was an angry little clash and our blades met, looking for all the
+world like two thin streaks of fire in the moonlight. I began the
+attack at once in the lower lines, but soon found that my adversary
+was a master of his weapon, and his defence was complete. We were both
+sober enough now, besides being in deadly earnest, and de Gomeron
+began to change his tactics and attack in his turn. He was more than
+cunning of fence, thrusting high at my throat to get as much of the
+reflection of the moon as possible on his blade, and so dazzle my
+eyes; but this was a game I had played before, and seeing this he
+disengaged, and making a beautiful feint, thrust low in tierce. The
+parry was just in time, but the point of his blade ripped me exactly
+over the heart, and dyed my shirt red with the blood of a flesh wound.
+The discipline of Nicholas and his men went to shreds at the sight of
+this, and there was a shout: '_Croix Dieu!_ He is lost!'
+
+But a man's knowledge is not to be counted by his years, and Maitre
+Touchet had himself placed a foil in my hand ere I was seven. The hair
+that stood between me and death as de Gomeron's point touched me
+cooled me to ice, and knowing that in a long-continued contest youth
+must tell, I began to feign retreat, and give back slowly, meaning to
+wind my opponent, and work him round to get a little of the moon in
+his eyes. De Gomeron took the bait and pressed his attack, with the
+result that he shifted his position of vantage, and in a while began
+to breathe heavily. At this point a cloud obscured the moonlight, and
+my opponent, springing back, called out: 'Hold! hold till the cloud
+passes! We cannot see.'
+
+'But I can, messieurs,' answered a deep voice to our right. 'What
+means this fool's work?' and a tall figure, the white line of a drawn
+sword shining in its hand, stepped between us, coming, as it were,
+from nowhere. The cloud passed, and the moon was again brilliant and
+clear. The light fell on the commanding form before us, showing the
+high aquiline features and grizzled hair of de Rone himself. Nicholas
+and his men melted into thin air at the sight, and de Gomeron and I
+stood speechless. The wind caught the black plumes in the General's
+hat, waving them silently in the air, and brought to us the faint
+clink of a chain-bit--de Rone had evidently stolen upon us on foot,
+leaving his horse at a distance.
+
+'So this is how my outposts are kept?' he said. 'M. de Gomeron, you
+are the senior officer here, and I await your explanation. _Mordieu!_
+It is something that I do this.'
+
+'I command the guards of the Duc d'Aumale,' began de Gomeron sullenly,
+but de Rone interrupted him in the same deep measured voice.
+
+'I know that. Your explanation, or,' and in fierce anger, 'by God! you
+will hang like a common thief by sunrise.'
+
+'A gentleman must defend his honour. Orders or no orders. General,
+there are times when one must fight. There was a matter in connection
+with some prisoners, and I was struck by M. d'Auriac. I have nothing
+further to say.'
+
+'Now, M. d'Auriac, what have you to say?'
+
+'The prisoners will, perhaps, explain to your Excellency why I struck
+this man.'
+
+'Take me to them.'
+
+We gathered up our belongings, and, hastily dressing, led the way back
+to the hut. What de Gomeron's thoughts were I know not, but my own
+reflections were none of the most cheerful. We all knew de Rone, and
+knew that, his mind once made up, nothing could turn him. De Gomeron
+had some chance of escape, as of a certainty I was the open aggressor;
+but for myself, I saw poor de Gonnor lying under the elm trees, taking
+his last look at the sunlight, and my heart became like lead. But we
+had no great time for thought, as a few steps brought us to the door
+of the hut, where Nicholas and his men stood at the salute with scared
+faces. Another step took us in, and de Rone, with a curling lip, cast
+a glance around the room, at the emptied wine flasks and the dice,
+which latter one of the men had doubtless picked up, and placed in a
+small heap beside the rouleau I had won. But chairs, table, wine
+flasks, and dice were all the room contained, and there was reason
+enough for the extra length of visage that master Nicholas and his
+knaves had pulled.
+
+'I do not see the prisoners,' said de Rone quietly.
+
+It was not likely, I thought to myself. They were gone--not a doubt of
+that. On the floor, near my feet, were some cut cords, and, lying on
+them, a knot of black and white ribbon, that had fallen there as if by
+chance. I had seen it last at the shoulder of Madame's dress, and
+something told me it was not there by accident. There was, at any
+rate, no hope for me from the prisoners, but a sudden impulse I could
+not understand, nor, indeed, did I try to, urged me to get the knot of
+ribbon, so, stooping low, I picked up the bow and the cut cords, and,
+with a careless movement, flung the latter on the table, saying
+quietly, 'They have escaped, your Excellency.'
+
+'And with them your explanation, M. d'Auriac, eh? _Corbleu!_ But the
+camp-marshal will have his hands full to-morrow;' and Nicholas'
+halberd all but fell from his hands as the General's eye rested on
+him. I had nothing to say; and de Rone went on. 'M. de Gomeron, you
+have given me a reason for your conduct that will hold good this once.
+Further orders will reach you at daylight about your neglect of your
+prisoners. As for you,' and he turned on me with the sharp command,
+'Follow me. You--knaves! fetch me my horse--he is tethered to the
+clump of elms to the right there.'
+
+Two men vanished from the door to do his bidding, and I adjusted my
+attire as well as I might, taking the opportunity to secrete the knot
+of ribbon. In a minute or so we heard the sound of horses' hoofs, and
+as we went out, I saw there were two beasts at the door, and, from the
+whinny of welcome that came to me, that one was mine, and Nicholas was
+at his head.
+
+As I sprang into the saddle the good fellow leaned forward and
+whispered, 'Make a dash for it. Chevalier, and change the flag.'
+
+I shook my head and followed de Rone, who had already moved a few
+paces onwards. And yet, as I rode on, Nicholas' words came back to me
+with an insistent force. It was not possible for me to expect any
+other issue than the worst, after what had happened. My big Norman
+horse was fleet and strong; but a turn of my wrist, a touch of my
+spur, and we should be a hundred yards away before de Rone could
+realise what had happened; and then the road was clear to the banks of
+the Lelle, where the King was himself; yes, the King. He was that to
+me, in my heart, although loyalty to my family and its chiefs had made
+me throw in my lot with the little band of exiles who remained true to
+the dead legend of the League, and preferred to eat the bread of Spain
+rather than accept the great Frenchman who had fought his way to his
+birthright. Even now, whispers were stirring the air that the end was
+coming; that the Archduke was sick of the war; that d'Aumale pined for
+his stately park of Anet; that Mayenne had practically submitted, and
+the Guisard was himself unsteady. If so, why should not I, Alban de
+Breuil, whose crow's nest of Auriac was half in ruins, and who
+reckoned an income of a bare two hundred pistoles, see the error of my
+ways as well? Behind me was safety. In front, between the nodding ears
+of my horse, there dangled a vision of a rope with a noose at the end
+of it; and I a noble!
+
+It was now midnight, and we distinctly heard the bells of Ste.
+Genevieve ringing the Sexts. They came to me with a refrain of 'Turn
+and ride, Turn and ride.' _Mordieu!_ but I was sorely tempted.
+
+'Gallop!'
+
+De Rone's sharp command broke the thread of my thoughts, and ended all
+chance of escape. We set spurs to our horses and splashed through the
+ford of the Oise, a half mile from the outpost. On the other bank a
+picket challenged, and, giving them the word, we rode in the direction
+of the even white line of the camp. A few strides more and we reined
+in at the door of the General's tent. The guard presented arms and I
+received a brief order to dismount and follow de Rone.
+
+I entered the tent, and stood patiently whilst he walked backwards and
+forwards for a little time. Suddenly he stopped and, facing me, said,
+
+'Well, M. d'Auriac?'
+
+'It could not be helped, your Excellency,' I stammered.
+
+'You said that of de Gonnor, and promised it should never occur
+again----'
+
+'But there were circumstances----'
+
+'Pshaw!' he exclaimed, 'I guess them all--wine--dice--women. One of
+the prisoners was a woman. I saw you pick up that knot of ribbon.
+There is no excuse--_Croix Dieu!_ None.'
+
+'I had the honour to be the first man behind your Excellency at the
+storm of Laon,' I said, with a happy recollection.
+
+'And saved my life, you were going to say,' he cut in. I bowed, and de
+Rone began again to pace up and down, tugging at his short pointed
+beard. I was determined to seize the three hairs occasion offered, and
+continued:
+
+'And that was after M. de Gonnor's unfortunate accident.'
+
+'Accident!' he laughed shortly. 'And that accident having been
+condoned, you want to set off saving my life against breaking the
+orders of the General?'
+
+'It will not occur again.'
+
+'_Croix Dieu!_ I will take care of that. It will not occur again with
+you, M. d'Auriac. See here, I will pay my debt; but first ask if I
+have your parole not to attempt escape. If you do not give it--'and he
+laid his hand on a call-bell, with an inquiring look towards me.
+
+'I will not attempt escape.'
+
+'Then you will not have to complain of the justice of de Rone.
+To-morrow some things will happen, and amongst them will be the
+lamented death of the Sieur d'Auriac. This much I will tell you.
+To-morrow the King and I meet once more--you must die on the field.
+Win or lose, if I catch you alive at the close of the day, I will hang
+you as high as Haman; and now go.'
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II
+
+                   M. DE RONE CANNOT READ A CYPHER
+
+
+My first thought on leaving de Rone was to make my way direct to the
+quarters of the staff, where I felt sure of welcome and accommodation
+for the rest of the night. These lay a hundred toises or so from the
+General's pavilion, facing from me; but as I came near to them I saw a
+pennon of light streaming from the partly open door of the largest
+tent, and from within burst a chorus of voices singing an old
+_chanson_ of Guienne.
+
+
+       Frere Jacques, dormez-vous?
+       Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
+       Sonnez les matines, sonnez les matines--
+       Bim! Baum! Baum!
+
+
+Bim! Baum! Baum! The last line was repeated amidst peals of laughter,
+followed by the crashing of glass. It was enough for me. I was in no
+mood for any further folly, or any more d'Arbois, and resolved to make
+the best of it in the open, as at this hour it was worse than useless
+to attempt to find my lackey Jacques, whom I had left behind in the
+camp with my belongings when I went on to the outposts. This man, I
+may note, was a faithful servant of our house, rough of manner,
+perhaps, but one who could be trusted to the end of his sword; and it
+was annoying to know that any search for him would be useless, as I
+had a message or so to send to Auriac, in the event of the worst
+happening. But resigning myself to what could not be helped I found a
+spot under some peach trees, which was convenient enough for my
+purpose. Tethering my horse to a stump, I removed the saddle, which I
+made shift to use as a cushion, and, leaning my back against it, was
+soon as comfortable as circumstances would permit. Enough had happened
+to drive from my head any of the fumes of the d'Arbois that may have
+been lurking there. In short, I was as sober as MM. of the High Court
+of Paris, and as wide awake as a cat on the look out for a mouse. Do
+what I could, sleep would not come, and I began, for want of a better
+thing, to reflect on my position. To act on Nicholas' advice and
+desert was out of the question; my private honour was not to be
+smirched, and the few hours I had yet to live were not to be spent in
+the breaking of my faith. A few hours to live! Involuntarily I
+stretched out my arm and drew it back, feeling the muscle rise at the
+movement. Good Lord! It was cruel! When one is five-and-twenty, and
+strong as a bull, it is hard to die. One death, that on the field, I
+could face with an equal mind; but if the chances of to-morrow were
+not kind, then there was the other matter, and the last of the
+d'Auriacs would swing like a _croquemort_ from the branch of a tree.
+_Morbleu!_ It was not to be borne, and I swore that my own hand should
+free my soul, rather than it should choke its way out to eternity at
+the end of a greased rope. The slight flesh wound I had received from
+de Gomeron beginning to sting at this moment, I thrust my hand into my
+pocket, and pulling out my kerchief, placed it over the spot. With the
+kerchief I drew out the knot of ribbon, and the sight of this, as I
+picked it up and held it between my fingers, changed the current of my
+thoughts. Almost in spite of myself I began to think of Madame, as I
+called her, by the only name I knew. It was a strangely formal title
+for one so young! Who was she? Some great lady of the court, perhaps.
+The wife--the thought jarred on me, and I put it aside, and then grew
+cold all over at the recollection of the danger she had escaped. At
+any rate, it was my hand that had rescued her from her peril. If we
+met again, it must surely be as friends, and it was pleasant to dwell
+on that. As my mind ran on in this way, I noticed a pin attached to
+the dainty bow, and at first I had a mind to fasten the token to the
+side of my hat, saying half aloud to myself, '_Par Dieu!_ But I will
+bear this favour to the King to-morrow,' and then I felt I had no
+right to wear the ribbon, and, changing my intention to do so, thrust
+it back with a half smile at my folly.
+
+Gradually the moonlight faded into a shimmering mist, through which
+purple shadows came and went; gradually the mist grew darker and
+darker, and I fell asleep. My sleep could not have lasted much more
+than an hour; but so profound was it that ages seemed to have passed
+when I awoke with a start, and the consciousness of movement around
+me. The moon was on the wane; but I saw that the camp was astir, and
+that the men were being mustered as silently as possible.
+
+'So things are about to happen,' I said to myself, recalling de Rone's
+words, and hastily saddling my horse, sprang on his back, and moved
+towards the General's tent. All around me was the muffled tramp of
+feet, the jingle of chain-bits and steel scabbards, the plunging of
+impatient horses, and a subdued hum of voices, above which rose now
+and again a hoarse word of command, as regiment after regiment wheeled
+into position on the level stretch before us. Three long black lines
+were moving noiselessly and rapidly towards the Oise. I knew they were
+de Leyva's brigade of Spanish infantry, veterans of the war of
+Flanders. To my right the occasional flash of a lance-head through the
+thick haze that was coming up, but which the morning sun would
+dissipate, showed me where the cuirassiers of Aumale were, and I
+thought of de Gomeron with regret that I had not finished him before
+de Rone's inopportune arrival. I had to die, and it might have been
+some consolation, in such mood was I, to have sent Adam de Gomeron on
+the dark way before me.
+
+When I reached the General's pavilion de Rone was just mounting his
+horse, a lackey standing near with a sputtering torch, and his staff
+in a little clump, a few yards away. I saluted, and he gave me a keen
+look, saying:
+
+'So you have come, M. d'Auriac--take your place with the staff. I will
+give you your work later on--and remember.'
+
+'I am not likely to forget, M. le Marquis,' and I moved off in the
+direction indicated.
+
+'Is that you, d'Auriac?' 'Why have you left the outposts?'
+'_Sangdieu!_ but why did you not come to us last night?' 'How is M. de
+Rethelois, and have you seen the abbess of Ste. Genevieve?'
+
+These and suchlike greetings met me as I was recognised and welcomed
+by de Belin, the young Tavannes, de Cosse-Brissac, and others of my
+acquaintance. I replied as best I might, but there was no time for
+much talk, as the General was moving onwards at a rapid pace, and we
+were compelled to follow at once. I dropped a little to the rear, to
+husband the strength of my horse as far as possible, and was joined by
+another rider.
+
+^Is that you, Belin?'
+
+'_Ma foi!_ Yes. It is the devil being hustled up so early in the
+morning--I am yet but half awake.'
+
+'I was surprised to find you here. I thought you were with the
+Archduke and de Mayenne.'
+
+'What! have you not heard?'
+
+'What in the devil's name could I hear on those cursed outposts?'
+
+'Then in your ear--the Remois have gone from us, and de Mayenne and
+the Guisard have passed over to the King. My news is certain, and the
+Archduke has sent a cypher to de Rone bidding him retreat at once on
+Amiens.'
+
+'But this does not look like a retreat.'
+
+'No; de Rone has lost the key of the cypher.'
+
+We both laughed, and Belin went on: 'It was droll. I saw him receive
+the message, which the old fox must have read at a glance. But he
+turned it this way and that, and looking at Egmont, said as calmly as
+possible, "Ride back to Amiens and fetch me the key. I have lost mine
+and cannot follow the cypher"--but hark!' and Belin interrupted
+himself, 'there is de Rethelois' good morning.'
+
+Even as he spoke three bright flashes came from the citadel of La
+Fere, and the big guns from the bastion of Ste. Genevieve boomed
+sullenly into the morning. Then a long streak of fire ran across the
+grey mist, followed by the angry crackle of the petronels, above which
+the reports of the bombards of the trench-masters, as they replied to
+de Rethelois' artillery, sounded like strokes on a war drum.
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_ The Spaniards have drawn first blood, Belin.'
+
+'M. d'Auriac!'
+
+De Rone's voice stopped any further talk, and I spurred to his side.
+
+'My compliments to the Conde de Leyva and ask him not to waste time
+spitting at de Rethelois--tell him to leave a sufficient force to
+hold the garrison in check, and move across the river towards St.
+Gobains--report yourself to me at the ford.'
+
+I galloped off, and when I reached the Spaniard, whom I found with
+some difficulty, I discovered that he had already anticipated de
+Rone's orders, and had besides almost cut off a sortie from the city.
+There was nothing for it, therefore, but to wish de Leyva a pleasant
+day and to go on to the ford.
+
+And now a pale band of orange stretched across the east, and daylight
+rapidly came. A fair breeze sprang up with the sun, blowing the vapour
+into long feathery clouds that rolled slowly to the west. So heavy was
+the fire de Rethelois kept up from the citadel that its square keep
+was entirely hidden by the smoke; but as I rode towards the ford down
+the long slope that ended in the Red Mill, I saw on my right the whole
+of de Rone's army, advancing to the river in long even columns, and on
+my left, where they appeared to have sprung up by magic, two strong
+bodies of cavalry, whilst behind them, marching as rapidly as our own
+troops, and in as perfect order, came the men of Arques and Ivry, of
+Fontaine Francaise, and all the hundred fights of Henry of Navarre.
+
+By this time I had come to the outpost, and found the thatched roof of
+the cottage in flames, the result of a stray shell that had dropped
+through it, and blown down half of the remaining walls. It was clearly
+empty, but as I trotted past the thorn hedge I saw, about fifty paces
+or so to my right, a single horseman under a tree. His hands were tied
+behind him, and a cord, which hung from a branch overhead, ended in a
+noose secured lightly but firmly round his neck. His position was such
+that if the horse moved away from beneath him he would hang, and the
+poor wretch was absorbed in coaxing the animal to remain steady; but
+the trooper he bestrode had already scented the coming battle. His
+ears were cocked, his tail held out in an arch, and he was pawing at
+the ground with his forefoot. I could not hear what the man was
+saying, but his lips were moving, I doubt not with mingled prayers and
+curses, and I could see that he was trying to restrain the animal by
+the pressure of his knees. Another look showed me it was Nicholas, the
+sergeant, and knowing there was little leisure to lose if the knave
+was to be saved, I put spurs to my beast and headed towards him. I was
+just in time, for as I started the old trooper gave a loud neigh,
+flourished his heels in the air, and galloped off towards the enemy,
+with his mane and tail streaming in the wind. A touch of my sword
+freed Nicholas, but it was a narrow affair, and he lay gasping on the
+ground, and as he lay there I noticed that his ears had been cropped
+close to his head, and that the wounds were quite fresh. He recovered
+himself in about a minute, for the dog was tough as leather, and was
+about to pour forth his thanks and tell me how he came in such plight,
+but, sincerely sorry as I was, I had to cut him short.
+
+'Keep the story for another day, Nicholas,' I said, 'and follow the
+example of your horse, who I see is a loyal subject, and has gone
+straight back to the King.'
+
+With these words I spurred onwards, leaving Nicholas to follow my
+advice or not, as he listed. I had gathered enough, however, to find
+out that he was a victim to M. de Gomeron's ingenious humour. Little
+did I think, however, when I saved this poor fellow how amply I would
+be re-quited hereafter.
+
+I reached the ford just before the General, and saw that our right
+flank had already crossed the river in the far distance. Opposite us
+the Royalists appeared to be in some confusion; but in a moment they
+were restored to order, and moved steadily on.
+
+'The King is there,' burst out Belin, and a grim smile passed over de
+Rone's features as he nodded his head slightly in token of assent. As
+Belin spoke a group of about half a dozen riders galloped from the
+enemy's van, and, coming straight towards us, halted a bare hundred
+paces or so from the river bank. The leading horseman was mounted on a
+bay charger, and it needed not a second glance, nor a look at the
+white plumes in his helmet, to tell that it was Henry himself. Close
+beside him was a short, dark, thick-set man, with the jewel of the
+Order of France at his neck. He managed the grey he rode with infinite
+skill, and with his drawn sword pointed towards us, seemed to be
+urging something on the King.
+
+'Who is that?' I asked.
+
+'The King's viper,' answered Belin, 'who will sting him some day: do
+you not know Biron? _Mordieu!_' he added, turning to de Rone, 'shall
+we end the war, General; we could do it with a bit of lead that
+wouldn't cost the tenth part of a tester?'
+
+De Rone's brown cheek paled at the words, and for an instant he seemed
+to hesitate, and I could well understand his temptation.
+
+'No,' he replied--'_drop that_,' he thundered to a musketeer who was
+poising his piece, and the man fell back with a disappointed air.
+
+'_Peste!_' grumbled Belin, 'we might have all been in Paris within the
+week, whereas now it will take a fortnight at the least.'
+
+'Or a month, or a year, or never--eh, Belin,' gibed de Tavannes.
+
+'Do you think the fair Angelique will be constant?' asked another.
+
+Belin glanced at the laced favour in his hat with a smile, and
+answered: 'God bless our ladies! They know how to be constant--see
+there, messieurs,' and he pointed to a single figure, mounted on a
+barb, that rode out of the French lines and galloped forward, alone
+and unattended, to the side of the King. We saw as the barb approached
+that the figure was that of a woman, and, moreover, that of a very
+beautiful woman. She was dressed in a hunting habit of dark green,
+with a black hat and black feathers, under which we could see the
+light of her fair hair. As she reined up beside the King, Henry turned
+to her, as if expostulating, but she bent forward suddenly and kissed
+his hand, and then with charming courtesy took out her kerchief and
+waved it at us in dainty greeting.
+
+''Tis Gabrielle, the Duchesse de Beaufort herself!' exclaimed de
+Tavannes, and then gave tongue in a ringing cheer, which was taken up
+by us all, and rolled down the long line of battle, till its echoes
+reached us from even the furthest wings.
+
+De Rone lifted his plumed hat in response to Madame d'Estrees'
+greeting, and the King, bowing slightly to us from his saddle, put his
+hand on the barb's reins, and turning the horse's head, galloped his
+mistress to a place of safety. As they reached the mound whereon the
+royal guidon was displayed, we heard the opening bars of the Pont
+d'Audemer march, and as they ceased a red tongue of flame licked out
+from behind a cornfield and a masked battery opened on us.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER III
+
+                          THE RED CORNFIELD
+
+
+'M. le Marquis, the Conde de Leyva begs for help urgently.'
+
+'Tell him I have none to give,' de Rone made answer from his big black
+charger Couronne. '_Sangdieu!_' he added under his breath, 'had we
+been but three hours earlier the Bearnais was lost.'
+
+The words were hardly out of his mouth when the cavalier to whom they
+were addressed threw up his arms with a scream, and falling forward
+from his horse, began to beat at the earth convulsively with his
+hands, whilst he gasped out his life. As the death glaze was covering
+his eyes, his empty saddle was filled by a figure that rose up like a
+sprite through the dim smoke, and Belin's even voice was heard.
+
+'Poor Garabay! But my horse was shot under me an hour ago, and this
+one will do me excellently. Shall I carry your message, General?'
+
+'I claim the honour. Marquis; do not deny me, Belin. I have been idle
+too long,' and I pressed forward as I spoke.
+
+'Oh, I yield to you, d'Auriac! there is work enough for me at the
+other end; the bear of Aumale is dancing to a fine tune there,' and
+Belin reined back, whilst de Rone nodded assent, with a meaning in his
+look that I alone understood.
+
+I needed no second bidding, but turning my Norman's rein, galloped
+down the blazing line of battle. If I escaped through the day, which
+to my mind was already lost, I knew full well that de Rone, smarting
+under disappointment and chagrin at defeat, would be in no temper for
+mercy, and would certainly keep his word to me.
+
+There was not a doubt of it, but that the issue of the day was at a
+crisis. On our extreme right d'Aumale and the exiles of France were
+pitted against the Huguenot battalions, who went into battle with a
+hymn on their lips, and had sworn by the faith for which so many of
+them had died never to quit the field alive. Be sure they strove
+bitterly there, for the hatreds of sixty years had met face to face on
+their last field, and no quarter was asked or given. In the centre
+Bouillon, the Turenne of other days, and Biron--men whose very names
+were victory--led the attack, which was slowly but surely driving us
+back into the river. At one time indeed the fiery marshal, with the
+exception of the King perhaps the most brilliant cavalry leader of the
+age, had all but laid hands on our standard, and so close was he to me
+that I might have counted the jewels of the Order at his neck, and
+clearly heard his deep '_Mordieu!_' as he slowly gave way before the
+desperate rally that for the moment retrieved the day. But it was on
+our left that the greatest danger lay. Henry's rapid movement during
+the night had forestalled de Rone's plans, and had practically shut in
+the left wing of the Leaguer general between two fires. For although
+de Rethelois was penned into La Fere, yet his artillery had a long
+reach and galled us in the rear, whilst the King, fully grasping the
+situation, opened a heavy fire on our front, and that terrible battery
+from the cornfield never ceased launching forth its messages of death.
+These guns, no longer hidden by the tall corn-stalks, now beaten and
+trampled down, and as red as the poppies that once starred them, were
+in reality deciding the fortune of the day. Twice had de Leyva in
+person brought the veteran regiments of Almagro and Algarve up to
+their very muzzles, until the men could have touched them with their
+Biscay pikes, and twice had they been flung back, but made good their
+retreat, beating off the charge of Schomberg's reiters in so savage a
+manner that the free commander was unable to rally his men for the
+rest of the day.
+
+I let my beast go with a loose head, and there was no need of the spur
+to urge him to his utmost effort as he bore me to de Leyva. I found
+him bare-headed and on foot, his face black with smoke and bleeding
+from wounds. His _toison d'or_ had been shot away, though its jewelled
+collar still clasped his neck, and his left arm hung useless by his
+side. He stared at me when I gave him de Rone's answer, to which I
+added the news that Garabay was dead. Then he laughed through his
+cracked lips--a laugh that seemed to stick in the knot of his throat,
+and making me no further reply, waved his sword in the air with a cry
+on his men for yet another effort, and a forlorn hope at the guns. And
+they who had never known defeat before answered to his call and came
+up again--a line of men for whom the bitterness of death was passed. I
+ought to have gone back to de Rone, but the lust of battle was on me,
+and for me there was nothing in the world but the black guns behind
+the continuous flashes, lightening through the thick smoke which the
+wind was blowing in our faces. My brave horse was killed by a round
+shot, and as I scrambled up and took my place by de Leyva's side, his
+features relaxed and he said with a thin smile:
+
+'I have had both my horses killed, Chevalier, or would offer you a
+mount.'
+
+'We will replace them from Schomberg's reiters,' and the bugles,
+sounding the attack, cut short all further talk. It was win or lose
+now--all was staked upon this hazard, and it was well for us that
+Schomberg was broken, for to protect the men as far as possible from
+the guns, de Leyva advanced in open files. There was to be no firing.
+The work was to be all cold steel, and Bayonne knife and Biscay pike
+were to make a last effort against the long, black, snarling guns,
+behind which d'Aussonville's ordnance men yelped and danced with glee
+as each discharge brought down its tale of the mangled and dead. But
+up the long slope, never flinching, never swerving, one man stepping
+where another fell, the veteran regiments marched, with their gallant
+chief at their head. When about fifty paces away, the drift was so
+thick that we could see nothing save the incessant flashes of light,
+which possessed but power enough to show themselves. At this moment
+the bugles rang out shrilly, the ranks closed up like magic, there was
+one tremendous roar of artillery, and the half of us that were left
+were in the battery. Here, on the red and slippery corn-stalks, the
+devilry went on, and men fought more like beasts than human beings. As
+the heaving mass swayed backwards and forwards, the strong breeze
+lifted the smoke from the now speechless guns and showed that they
+were won, but it also showed us another sight, and that was de Rone's
+broken centre doubling back upon us in utter rout, and behind them a
+silver line of shining helmets as the King's House charged, led by
+Henry himself.
+
+On they came, a dancing line of light, a gleam of shining swords, with
+the white plume of the bravest of them full three lengths in front.
+
+'_Vive le Roi!_' The breeze flung us the deep-mouthed cheer as they
+broke through the mailed ranks of de Rone's own cuirassiers, and drove
+horse and foot, knight and knave, in a huddled mob before them.
+
+It may have been fancy, but I thought I saw in the press a dark figure
+that suddenly turned the reins of a huge, black charger and flew at
+the King. For an instant two bright sword blades crossed in the air,
+and then the black horse plunged riderless into the grey spate of
+smoke that the wind was bearing westwards, and a groan as of despair
+fell on my ears.
+
+'_Vive le Roi!_' Once again came the full-throated cry, and the bay
+horse was galloping towards us, followed by the line of swords, no
+longer shining, but dulled and red with the slaughter they had made.
+
+From a heap of dead and dying that lay about two yards off me, a
+figure, so hideous with wounds that it seemed barely human, rose to a
+sitting posture, and then staggering to its feet, swayed backwards and
+forwards, with the fragment of a sword still clutched in its hand.
+With a supreme effort it steadied itself, and as the poor, mad eyes,
+alive with pain, caught sight of the enemy, they lit again with the
+fire of battle, and de Leyva's voice rang out strong and clear as of
+old:
+
+'The guns--the guns--turn them on the King!'
+
+'They are spiked,' someone gave answer, with a grim, hopeless laugh.
+
+As he heard this reply, de Leyva slipped sideways, and would have
+fallen had I not sprang forward and supported him with my arm. He
+leaned his smitten frame against me for a moment, and something that
+was like a sob burst from him. But he recovered himself on the
+instant, and with the strength so often given to those who are about
+to die, pushed me aside with an oath, and shaking his broken blade in
+the face of the advancing line, fell forwards in a huddled mass, a
+dead man.
+
+The next moment the enemy were on us. We met them with a row of pikes;
+but what could we do, for we were few in number, weary with the long
+struggle, and weak with wounds? The issue was never in doubt, and they
+broke us at once. I have a vague memory of fighting for dear life
+amidst a thunder of hoofs, and the hissing sweep of swords, but was
+ridden down by some one, and all became dark around me.
+
+
+                          *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+When my mind came back, it was with the consciousness of rain that was
+falling softly, and the cool drops plashed on my burning head with a
+sensation of relief that I cannot describe. I suffered from an
+intolerable thirst, and strove to rise that I might find means to
+quench it; but found I was powerless to move, and writhed in my agony
+in the rut amidst the corn-stalks wherein I had fallen. The rain was
+but a passing shower, and when it ceased a light but cool breeze
+sprang up. It was night, and a fitful moon shone through the uneasy
+clouds that hurried to and fro overhead in the uncertain breeze, which
+shifted its quarter as often as a child might change its mind. I
+seemed to be alive only in the head, and began to wonder to myself how
+long I was to lie there until death came, and with it the end of all
+things. I began to wish it would come quickly, and there was a secret
+whispering in my soul to pray--to pray to the God of whom I had never
+thought since childhood--to entreat that Invisible Being, at whose
+existence I had so often laughed, to stoop from above the stars and
+end my pain, and I cursed myself for a white-livered cur that forgot
+the Godhead in my strength, and in my weakness could almost have
+shrieked to him for help. I pulled my fainting courage up, as I
+thought that if there was no God, it was useless wasting my breath in
+calling on him, whilst if, on the other hand, there was one, no prayer
+of mine could go higher than my sword's point, were I to hold the
+blade out at arm's length above me--and now that the end was coming, I
+was not going to cringe and whimper. So my sinful pride caught me by
+the heel as I lay there in my dolour.
+
+A half-hour or so may have passed thus, and the moon was now almost
+entirely obscured. Occasionally I could hear through the darkness
+around me the moaning of some poor wounded wretch, and now and again
+rose the shrill discordant shriek of a maimed horse, an awful cry of
+pain, the effect of which those only who may have heard it can
+understand. Soon a number of twinkling lights began to hover over the
+plain. Sometimes they moved forward rapidly, sometimes they were
+raised and lowered, and at other times stationary. Gradually two of
+these lanthorns came closer to me, stopping about ten paces off, and
+when I saw who bore them I knew at once they were death-hunters, and
+that in a few moments the knife of one of these ghouls might end my
+suffering. There were two of these fiends, a man and a woman, and as
+they halted the man stooped: there was a choking cry for mercy, the
+blow of a dagger, and a groan. The robber busied himself in searching
+the dead man's person, and, in the silence that followed, the woman
+with him threw up her head and laughed a horrid shrill laugh. It
+pealed out with so eerie a sound that the death-hunter sprang to his
+feet; but finding who it was, burst into the foulest language.
+
+'_Sangdieu!_ Be still, fool,' he snarled, 'or you'll laugh another way
+if I tickle you with my knife.'
+
+'Oh, ho! The brave Mauginot,' answered the she-devil, 'you will tickle
+me with your butcher knife--will you? I, too, can make you skip,' and
+she shook a bright dagger in her long lean arm, but suddenly changing
+her tone, 'Pouf!' she said, 'there is no use in squabbling, partner.
+This is the sixth we have helped to hell to-night, and not a broad
+piece amongst them. Holy Virgin! This is a field of paupers--let us
+begone!' and to my joy she made as if to go.
+
+'Stay Babette! what shines there?' and Mauginot ran forward a couple
+of paces, and bending low wrenched something from a body, and then
+stood up, holding it to the light.
+
+I saw his face clearly, and saw also his prize. It was poor de Leyva's
+collar of the Golden Fleece, and the blood-stained hand of the
+_croquemort_ held it up to the lantern, and clinked the jewelled
+links, whilst he feasted his eyes on the gold and gems. Over his
+shoulders peered the pitiless features of his partner, and in her eyes
+blazed all the bad light of avarice and murder. I almost held my
+breath as I watched the eyes of the woman leave the jewel and turn on
+the man with death in their look. As for him, he was unconscious of
+the knife quivering in the nervous fingers behind him, and he chuckled
+over his find.
+
+'That is the collar of the _Toison d'Or_, Babette. _Sacre chien!_ But
+I will wed you, and we will buy an estate and settle down, and you
+will be Madame de Mauginot--hey! That carrion there must have been a
+great prince--a field of paupers--bah! Give me more paupers like this.
+I am sorry he is dead, Babette, I would like to have--Ah, _mon
+Dieu!_--you devil! you devil!' for as he babbled on, his words were
+cut short by Babette's knife, which was buried to the hilt between his
+shoulder-blades, and he fell on his knees and then lurched on his face
+stone dead. The murderess made a snatch at the jewel, which I saw her
+conceal, and then with a mocking 'Adieu, M. _de_ Mauginot!' to her
+victim, stepped over my body and moved out of sight, swinging her
+lantern, and laughing low to herself.
+
+As I watched this hideous scene, I for the moment forgot the pain of
+my hurts; but they soon began to assert themselves in such a manner
+that I longed for the relief that unconsciousness would afford, nor
+indeed would I have been sorry if the night-hag, Babette, had come
+back and put an end to me. My senses half failed me again, and I felt
+myself tottering on the brink of delirium. I caught myself shouting
+and speaking out aloud in a mad manner; but I had no power of stopping
+myself. So the long hours of the night passed, and at last it was dawn
+once more, and morning came.
+
+Lying with my ear against the ground, I heard the dull beat of horses'
+hoofs, growing louder and more distinct as they approached, and in a
+little time the party, whoever they were, rode into the cornfield. For
+a second my eyes were dazzled by the reflection of the sun on the
+silver-plate of their armour; but I recovered myself with an effort,
+and watched eagerly, intending to cry out for help as they passed me,
+for my voice was too weak to reach where they were. There were two
+ladies amongst them, and all appeared to be looking with much concern
+and anxiety for some one. As they came closer I saw it was the King
+himself, with Madame Gabrielle and another lady, doubtless of the
+court, and a numerous retinue. Henry was mounted on his famous bay
+charger; and, as he lifted his hat and looked silently around him, I
+had good opportunity of observing the man who was without doubt the
+most heroic figure of the age, and who united in himself the most
+opposite extremes of character. I saw before me a spare figure, the
+head covered with short black hair, a long hooked nose that fell over
+the upper lip, and a sharp protruding chin, half hidden in a beard
+tinged with grey. His long curled moustaches were white as snow, and
+the story went that they had become so on the night when the Edicts of
+Pacification were revoked by the last of the Valois. Under his bushy
+eyebrows his keen restless eyes glittered like two beads, but for the
+moment they seemed dilated with a soft light, and there was an
+infinite sadness in them as he looked round the bloody field.
+
+'I am afraid we search in vain, madame,' and a tall cavalier mounted
+on a big bay addressed Madame de Beaufort. She nodded her head to him
+sadly, and turned to the King.
+
+'It is useless, sire, and I can bear this no longer--it is too
+horrible--let us go.'
+
+'_Mignonne_, you are right--this is no place for you. Roquelaure will
+see you and your little friend there back, and I will come to you
+soon--but now I have a letter to write--just a few lines to Bearn.'
+The King spoke with a strong southern accent, and as he spoke leaned
+forward and caressed Madame Gabrielle's hand. She, however, declined
+to go. 'I will wait, sire, but it shall be with my eyes shut,' and the
+King's mistress, whose cheeks were very pale, put her hand to her eyes
+as if to shut out the sight around her. The lady with Madame de
+Beaufort coming nearer at this time, I recognised my unknown Madame of
+the outposts, who had evidently found her way back to her friends. But
+it was with a bitter disappointment that I saw her in the company of
+the duchess, and evidently in attendance on her. Madame was nothing to
+me I thought, but I could not associate her with the fallen woman who
+was the mistress of the King. I was learning the lesson that love
+comes on a man like a thief in the night, and, unconsciously to
+myself, Madame had climbed on a pinnacle in my heart, and the thought
+that I had deceived myself in my estimate of her moved me to sudden
+anger, and stilled the cry for help that was rising to my lips--I
+would have no help from her and her friends.
+
+In the meantime the King was busily engaged in writing his despatch on
+a small tablet, which he rested on the pommel of his saddle, and as he
+wrote he repeated the words aloud, and the purport of the note, which
+was to de la Force at Pau, was to send him a dozen young peach-trees,
+carefully packed in mould, each in a tin case one foot long, these to
+be planted in his gardens of St. Germain.
+
+As he was thus engaged, a little shrivelled old man pushed his horse
+beside Madame de Beaufort, and said in mincing tones as hard as steel.
+'Come, madame, your brother has met a soldier's death, and no
+Frenchman can hope for a better--or he is safe and well somewhere. Dry
+your tears, and rejoice at the glorious victory we have won.' The
+duchess made some answer in a broken voice, and the King, hearing her,
+stopped writing and put his tablet away.
+
+'_M'amye!_ D'Ayen speaks rightly, though he speaks from the head. God
+keep us from more scenes like this. As for your brother, de
+C[oe]uvres, I will not rest till there is news of him; but now we can
+do no more. Come, then--open your pretty eyes and we will go--there is
+much on hand.'
+
+I was a hot-headed fool and furious in those days, and I set my teeth
+together grimly as they made ready to start, swearing I would rather
+die than make the slightest signal for aid. They rode past quite close
+to me--Gabrielle weeping at the King's bridle hand, and his Majesty
+sucking at a nectarine he had pulled from his holster. Madame was
+immediately behind, and as she came up to me, our eyes met with an
+instant recognition. In a moment her cheek had crimsoned and paled,
+and she reined in with a cry:
+
+'Stop--halt!'
+
+'It is Louis--Louis--O God, no!' exclaimed Madame de Beaufort,
+swinging round, the glad note in her voice breaking as she saw I was
+not her brother, de C[oe]uvres; but Madame had already dismounted and
+was holding my head up, and gently passing a handkerchief over my
+face.
+
+They had all surrounded me now, and I heard quick orders given.
+
+'He is past mending,' said d'Ayen, bending over me from his saddle, 'a
+gentleman, too, it seems. Let him lie there--he will die very soon,
+poor devil!'
+
+'_Mon Dieu!_ No!' broke in the duchess, and Madame looked at the
+speaker with a cold contempt.
+
+'He is the only man living here,' and the strong accent of the
+Bearnais came as from a distance; '_Ventre-saint-Gris!_ But they
+fought like paladins, and Frenchman or foreigner, he shall be saved if
+it can be done.'
+
+'Sire,' said a soft voice, 'you are the true King of the brave.'
+
+Then two men-at-arms raised me with a rough gentleness on their
+crossed spears, and inflicted on me in their kindness the most
+infinite torture. The King himself pressed a flask of wine to my lips,
+and, as I drank greedily, two cool hands held up my head. Then we
+moved on slowly, Madame refusing to ride, but walking by my side, and
+supporting my burning head.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV
+
+                      THE CHATEAU DE LA BIDACHE
+
+
+Months had passed since I shook hands with death in the cornfield by
+the banks of the Oise, and the grass was tall and green on the mounds
+around La Fere which marked the graves of those who had fought and
+died there, in reality for the hand of Spain, in spirit for the League
+that was dead. It was autumn now, and as I, well and strong again,
+walked down the long avenue of beeches that led to the park gates of
+Bidache, I let my memory run back to the days in the hospital of Ste.
+Genevieve, whither I was borne from the field; to the soft-voiced,
+gentle-handed sisters of mercy; to the physician Marescot, the King's
+own leech, with his acid face and kind heart, who doctored me; and
+above all to the tall, slight, black-robed figure that came to see me
+daily, and for whose coming I used to long, in the dreary hours of my
+pain, with an infinite desire. I argued with myself on the absurdity
+of the thing--here was I, hardened by ten years of campaigning which
+ought to have taught me the world, conquered out of hand by the glance
+of a pair of bright eyes, and the tones of a sweet voice. As the days
+wore on, I cursed myself for the unworthy suspicions that had come to
+me and tied my tongue when I lay wounded, and was rescued by chance,
+and her charity. Who or what she was I cared not, and recklessly
+abandoned myself to the feelings that were aroused in my heart.
+
+I shall not forget what happened one afternoon. A long gallery in the
+convent of Ste. Genevieve had been turned into a ward, and here the
+wounded lay on pallets with a walking space between. Owing to Madame's
+kindness I was comfortably quartered at the end of the gallery, and a
+screen had been set between me and the other patients. I was gaining
+strength daily, and, at the moment I speak of, was in a state between
+sleeping and waking, when I heard a laugh and the sound of footsteps,
+and saw through the partly open wing of the screen that my lady had
+come to make her daily rounds, not attended as usual only by her
+women, but by a gaily-dressed cavalier as well, and it was his laugh
+that I had heard. In this person, dressed in the extreme of fashion, I
+made out M. d'Ayen, the same who had so kindly suggested that I should
+be left to die in the field. He pattered along, holding a kerchief
+edged with gold lace to his nose, and ever and again waving it in the
+air, whilst he spoke in a loud tone, regardless of the looks cast at
+him by the sisters in attendance on the wounded. They came slowly
+towards me, for Madame stayed constantly to speak to some maimed
+wretch, and I saw her slip money into the hands of some, and there
+were kind words for all. I felt a strange pleasure in watching her,
+whilst at the same time I thought of my past, and how unfit I was even
+to nurse such a dream as my love for her. When within a yard or so of
+the screen, Madame bent over a sufferer, and d'Ayen exclaimed in his
+biting voice--
+
+'_Morbleu!_ Madame! But you are the Princess of Charity. Let us hasten
+to your interesting patient, however. His Majesty is most anxious to
+hear of him.'
+
+'His Majesty has never done me the honour to inquire,' she answered
+coldly.
+
+'You could hardly expect that, madame. But it came about in this way.
+We were at flux, and as usual I held a bad cascade----'
+
+But Madame, to whom his presence was unwelcome, waited to hear no
+more, and passing the screen, came to my side, and would have spoken;
+d'Ayen, however, cut in with a rudeness for which I could have run him
+through.
+
+'My compliments, M. d'Auriac. You are a lucky man. The King takes so
+great an interest in you that he has charged me with a message to you.
+His Majesty bids me say,' and his bead-like eyes twinkled down on me
+from his painted cheeks, and then turned slily towards Madame.
+
+I waited for him to continue, and he went on, talking as if his words
+were meant for Madame as well.
+
+'His Majesty trusts you will soon be recovered, and relieve Madame de
+la Bidache from the strain of watching you, and begs me to add that he
+is of a temper that can brook no rival in war--or love. Let me say, on
+my own account, that it would be well if M. le Chevalier would take a
+change of air.'
+
+I looked from one to another in blank amaze--at the little ape with
+his cruel eyes, and at Madame, who was still as a stone. Then she
+coloured to her eyelids, her hands fell clenched to her side, and she
+turned on d'Ayen.
+
+'Such a message, monsieur, should not have been delivered before me. I
+will take care that M. d'Auriac has a change of air; and, monsieur,
+your presence oppresses me. I beg you will not trouble to escort me
+farther.'
+
+Then she turned from us and passed down the ward, but d'Ayen remained.
+
+'I will kill you for this,' I gasped.
+
+He looked at me with a shrug of his lean shoulders.
+
+'Perhaps--I am old. But you would do well to take my advice,
+monsieur,' and with a bow he too turned and went.
+
+I was left lost in wonder, utterly in the dark as to what this all
+meant, but determined to find out and bring d'Ayen to book at the
+first chance. I made up my mind to ask the next day. The next day
+came; but Madame did not, and then another and yet another day of
+dreariness passed. At last someone, I forget who, told me she had gone
+with the court to Nantes, and that I would see her no more. Later on,
+when Marescot came to me, I begged the favour of his getting me the
+knot of ribbon he would find in the lefthand breast pocket of the
+doublet I wore on the day I was brought into the hospital.
+
+'You are getting well,' he said, and turned away, but came back in a
+little with a wrinkled smile on his lips, 'I cannot find the cordial
+you want, Chevalier.'
+
+I had half raised my head in expectancy as he returned, but sank back
+again at his words, and Marescot went on in his low voice that sounded
+like the humming of a bee. 'M. le Chevalier, that bow of ribbon has
+gone away, so high up that a taller man than you could not reach it.
+Forget it. But I have news for you, which the clumsy fool who told you
+of Madame's departure should have given you: you are to go to Bidache
+shortly, and stay there until you are well again. It will not be for
+long. After that, try the tonic of the Italian war. France will be all
+ploughshares now that the King is king.'
+
+I caught him by the sleeve of his soutane. 'Tell me,' I said weakly,
+'who is Madame, where is Bidache?'
+
+'Madame, as we all call her, is Claude de Rochemars, widow of Antoine
+de la Tremouille, and heiress of Bidache, Pelouse, and a quarter of
+the Cevennes. Bidache, where you go, is her chateau in Normandy.
+Madame,' he went on with a ghost of a smile on his thin lips, 'is
+kindness itself. Now no more talk for to-day.' Then he went, and I lay
+back, as sore in mind as in body.
+
+In a day or so Madame's steward of Bidache arrived, bearing a letter
+from her, in which, as a poor return for the service I had done
+her--so she put it--she placed her Norman chateau at my disposal until
+I was well again. I had a mind to refuse; but in my state could summon
+up no such resolution, and, muttering my thanks to the steward, said
+they could do what they listed with me. They moved me here by easy
+stages, carrying me in a litter as I was too weak to ride, and when I
+came to Bidache, and was borne to my apartments, imagine my joy and
+surprise at seeing there my knave Jacques, whom I thought to be either
+dead or home again at Auriac; and not only Jacques, but hanging on the
+wall my own sword, and the sight of it was like meeting a tried
+friend. Later on, Jacques informed me that after the rout he had made
+the best of his way back to the old rock, and stayed there, hoping for
+news of me. At last it came, with orders for him to hurry to Bidache,
+and he did so, bearing with him such things as he thought I needed, as
+well as a hundred pistoles of rents, the same being half the sum due
+to me for my rights over the fish in the bay of Auriac. As for the
+sword, it had been given to him on his arrival by Madame's orders to
+keep for me. I had come to a low ebb by this, and the money was trebly
+welcome, as it would furnish me with a couple of horses, and leave a
+round sum besides when I left Bidache, which I meant to do as soon as
+ever I was fit to travel. And now the time had come for me to depart,
+and I was to start that evening. For forty crowns Jacques had picked
+up a couple of stout cobs at Evreux, and we meant to leave an hour or
+so before sundown and make for Paris, where, if the King would accept
+an old leaguer's sword, we would stay; if not, the world was wide. I
+was as far as ever from understanding the strange message that M.
+d'Ayen had delivered to me, and felt myself safe in going to Paris, as
+a general amnesty covered all our sins of rebellion--so they were
+called now.
+
+So absorbed was I in these thoughts, that I did not mark the rapid
+approach of a horseman, nor indeed was I aware of his presence until,
+when within a few yards of me, he reigned in his plunging beast, whose
+bit and neck were white with foam, and lifting his hat respectfully,
+inquired if I was the Chevalier d'Auriac and on my reply exclaimed,
+'Madame will be overjoyed. We heard that you had already left Bidache,
+and my lady arrives within the hour from Evreux. Pardon, monsieur--I
+go to give the news to the household,' and, saluting again, the lackey
+dashed onwards towards the chateau.
+
+So I would meet her within the hour. Half unconsciously I glanced down
+to see if my doublet sat aright and my points were tied. Then I
+thought I would go back to the house and meet her there, and, as I did
+this, I looked at the fall of the plumes in my hat, and, finally,
+laughing at myself for a coxcomb, took my heart in both hands, and
+marched onwards towards the gates. The porter had already been warned,
+and on my coming I found him there with a crowd of yokels, all in a
+state of high excitement.
+
+'It is three years since Madame was here, monsieur,' the honest fellow
+exclaimed to me as I came up, 'three years, and now she comes without
+a word of warning--_hola!_ There they are, and there is Madame on the
+jennet she purchased from M. le duc de Sully--he was but the Sieur de
+Rosny then--_hola_! _hola!_'
+
+The crowd joined with him in his cheers, although as yet the party was
+far off--not so far, however, that I could not easily make out the
+graceful figure on the jennet, and in the two riders who accompanied
+Madame, apart from the half-dozen servants behind, I recognised to my
+surprise d'Ayen, and guessed that the grey-beard in the tall-crowned,
+broad-brimmed hat, with the sad-coloured cloak over his shoulders, was
+no other than the old Huguenot, whose zeal had outrun his discretion
+on the night when I saved Madame from a great peril.
+
+This guess of mine I hazarded aloud to the gate-keeper, who replied:
+
+'Yes, M. le Chevalier, that is Maitre Palin, Madame's chaplain, and he
+was also chaplain to M. le Compte before he died.'
+
+'When was it that M. le Compte died?'
+
+'Let me see, monsieur--ah, yes--four years ago in Paris, at the time
+of the Plague. He was a great lord, as you may know, and brother of
+the duke, who they say has quarrelled with the King because of his
+conversion, and of Madame Charlotte, the Princess of Conde, who lives
+in the Rue Grenelle, and whom the King kept for long a close prisoner
+in the tower of St. Jean d'Angely--no one knows why; but it is buzzed
+that Monseigneur, the Prince of Conde, the King's cousin, died of a
+flask of wine, and that the Princess--but _hola_! _hola_! welcome to
+your own house, madame,' and he dropped on his knees as the cavalcade
+rode up, and presented the keys of the chateau gates slung on a silver
+chain to their mistress. She bent from the saddle and touched them
+with her hand, and the peasantry surrounded her with hearty greeting,
+hedging her in with cheerful red faces and broad smiles, so that she
+could not move. Meanwhile, I stood apart, tugging at my moustache,
+wondering by what right d'Ayen rode at her bridle hand, and feeling
+how true Marescot's words were, that the bow of ribbon was hung too
+high for me. Not that it was a question of birth--de Breuil of Auriac
+was a name that was old when Tremouille was unknown; but--there were
+other things which made all the difference, and men and women of the
+world will understand what I mean when I say this.
+
+As Madame lifted her head our eyes met, and, raising my hat, I
+advanced towards her, the people giving way respectfully. My ears were
+buzzing, and I was as shy and nervous as a schoolboy as I bowed over
+her gloved hand, and touched it with my lips.
+
+'Let me welcome you back to health, Chevalier,' she said, 'and say how
+glad I am to be able, even for a short while, to do the honours of my
+poor house in person to you. News came to us that you had already left
+Bidache--without even a word to me;' her voice dropped a little as she
+said this, but the tone was cool and friendly, nothing more.
+
+'I go to-night, madame.'
+
+'So soon; but I understand why, and will not press you to stay--here
+is one who, like myself, has longed for an opportunity to thank you in
+person. _Mon pere_,' and she turned to the Huguenot priest, 'this is
+our friend to whom we owe so much.'
+
+'In the service of the Lord one would willingly lay down life,' said
+Palin, as he shook me warmly by the hand, 'nevertheless, a few hours
+more of the world for an old man is a grace not to be despised, and I
+thank the instrument that has bestowed this benefit upon me.'
+
+D'Ayen, between whom and myself there had passed no greeting, now
+spoke in a voice that fairly trembled with anger.
+
+'I was not aware that I should have the pleasure of meeting you here,
+M. le Chevalier. It will surprise the King,' he added, in a lower tone
+to Madame.
+
+I made no answer; but the memory of his warning and my determination
+to settle with him came up in full force. Madame, however, spoke.
+
+'M. d'Ayen, when, by the order of the King, you were directed to
+escort me to Bidache, there was nothing said about your right to
+dictate to me who shall be my guests. Remember, monsieur, that your
+company is forced upon me, and let me add that you are a trifle too
+paternal.'
+
+D'Ayen paled under his rouge, and, muttering something, reined back a
+pace, whilst Palin, looking him full in the eyes, said:
+
+'Will you swallow that, too, M. d'Ayen? At your age one would have
+thought digestion hard.'
+
+And there was no answer.
+
+Madame had in the meantime signalled a lackey to dismount and offer me
+his beast.
+
+'I cannot allow you to walk, and we will reach the house quicker in
+this way, besides, I want to hear all your news. My friends,' and she
+turned to the people, 'come to Bidache: it is long since we have met,
+and I would have you to make merry as of old--come, Chevalier.'
+
+In the cheers which followed, she touched her horse lightly on the
+shoulder with her whip, and galloped on, Palin and I on either hand,
+and the suite behind. In a little while she slackened pace, saying
+with a laugh, 'We are going too fast to talk, Chevalier, and I am a
+woman, you know, and must hear my own voice, if nothing else--so you
+are quite well and strong again?'
+
+'I am, madame, thanks to your kindness, which Alban de Breuil can
+never forget.'
+
+Her colour deepened slightly. 'It is the other way, Chevalier, the
+debt is on my side.'
+
+'I have done nothing--and the repayment was too much.'
+
+'I am sorry you think so,' looking straight between her horse's ears.
+
+'I did not mean that--I have already said I can never requite your
+kindness, and if Madame ever needs a stout arm and a good sword, it is
+my hope she will call on that of Auriac.'
+
+'Perhaps I may--some day,' she answered, 'for the blood of my fathers
+runs strong in me, but I think Maitre Palin here will tell you that I
+am wrong, and that the sword is accursed.'
+
+'Unless it be drawn in the service of God, madame,' put in the
+Huguenot gravely.
+
+'_Mon pere_ Palin has been a man-at-arms in his day,' said Madame,
+'and has fought at Jarnac and Moncontour. He is therefore of the
+church militant, as you see.'
+
+'I am proud to meet so brave a soldier as I doubt not you were, Maitre
+Palin. We took different sides; but all that is passed now, and
+Huguenot and Leaguer are merged in the common name of Frenchman.'
+
+'Long live the King!' said Madame gaily; but Palin answered sadly:
+
+'Would it were so. But to my eyes there are still dark clouds ahead.
+We have no longer Henry of Navarre, but Henry of France; no longer a
+prince of the true faith, but a pervert.'
+
+'His Majesty will be delighted to hear that,' put in d'Ayen; but
+Madame took no more notice of him than of a fly.
+
+'Hush! _mon pere_,' and she raised a warning hand, 'I will have no
+word against the King. M. le Chevalier is right, we are all one again,
+as France should ever be.'
+
+'Amen!' answered Palin; 'but too much blood has been shed for this
+compromise to be accepted. The way is dark--but I will say no more,'
+and the old croaker dropped a half length behind.
+
+A turn in the avenue at this moment brought us in full view of the
+grey walls of Bidache, and on the wide stone staircase that led to the
+great hall we saw the servants of the household assembled. Madame
+waved her hand in greeting, and the cheer which broke from them was
+drowned in the boom of the bombard from the keep. As the blue wreaths
+of smoke curled upwards a little ball ran to the top of the flagstaff
+on the keep, and the next moment the banner of Tremouille, with the
+arms of Rochemars of Bidache quartered thereon, spread out its folds
+to the morning, and Madame was come home once more.
+
+We dined an hour or so later than usual, Madame, d'Ayen, Palin, and
+myself at the high table, and the rest of the household with all
+Bidache at the next. Madame, who seemed in nowise fatigued by her long
+ride, was in the gayest of spirits and rippled with talk. As if
+thinking she had punished d'Ayen enough, she directed all her
+conversation towards him, and the old beau was in his element in
+discussing the intrigues of court life, and, let me add, interesting,
+for his memory went far back. Madame spoke of the Edict, but for which
+they would never have been at Bidache; of the surrender of Mercoeur,
+and of the betrothal of his daughter Francoise de Lorraine, the
+greatest heiress in France, to _Cesar Monsieur_, the little Duc de
+Vendome; of the Constable and his disappointment thereat; of the
+squabbles between M. de Bar and his wife, the King's sister; of court
+gossip and court scandal, until Palin's face grew sour, and I felt a
+disappointment within me, as she prattled on like some Paris beauty,
+whose sole thoughts were of masques at the Louvre and hunting parties
+at Vincennes. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled as she
+discussed with d'Ayen whether the ruff or the collar drooped in the
+Italian manner was the more becoming, and whether the _cinque pace_
+dance was more enjoyable than the minuet. _Pardieu!_ Their speech was
+all frill and furbelows. But for a word thrown in here and there, I
+sipped my Romanee in silence, wondering at this flow of talk, and
+wondering, too, at this change of front, and if I was wrong in my
+estimate of Madame. As she talked, my head for a moment overcame my
+heart, and I began to judge her in that way, showing, in doing so, my
+ignorance of that complex thing--a woman.
+
+At last the dinner came to a close, and Palin, rising, opened his lips
+with a long thanksgiving, to which all, Madame included, listened
+devoutly. Our hostess then retired, and we three were left together in
+an absolute silence. Had it been any other place I would have felt
+bound to call d'Ayen to account, and ask him to name a proxy if he was
+unable to meet me by reason of his age. But as it was this was
+impossible, and I contented myself with a frigid reserve, in which I
+was joined by the Huguenot. He looked from one to the other of us with
+a satirical smile on his thin lips, and then rising made a slight bow
+and left us to ourselves. As we returned to our seats from our
+response to his greeting, I blurted out the questions:
+
+'Who is M. d'Ayen? Why is he here?'
+
+'Who is he? It is enough to say he is one of those men who live on the
+follies of kings. And it is enough to say that his company is forced
+upon us.'
+
+'I have heard that before; but Madame seemed to like him well enough
+at dinner.' I felt I was wrong as I said this, but the words came out.
+
+'He is here by the King's orders, by the orders of Henry the Great,'
+said Palin with bitterness. 'Monsieur, you seem a man of honour, what
+do you think of a king who would force a marriage on a woman to----'
+and he whispered words in my ear which struck me speechless.
+
+I could not believe him. It was incredible. Was this the hero king,
+the gallant soldier, the father of his people? It could not be true.
+
+Palin saw the doubt on my face.
+
+'Even you,' he said; 'well, go to Paris and see.'
+
+'I shall go, I am going to-day.'
+
+'It will be at the risk of your life.'
+
+'Maitre Palin, there is the King's Peace, and even if it were not so I
+will go.'
+
+He looked at me long and attentively: 'Let it be so,' he muttered to
+himself, and then loudly, 'Well, Chevalier, I have warned you; if you
+go you will want a safe lodging--seek out Pantin in the Rue des Deux
+Mondes, and mention my name. The house faces the Pont Neuf, you can't
+miss it.'
+
+'Thank you, I will do so.'
+
+Then after a few minutes more of talk we wished each other good-bye
+and parted.
+
+As for myself, I was on the cross with what I had heard. My mind was
+racked with doubt, and at last in despair I sought my own room to
+think over the matter. I could make nothing of it, turn it which way I
+would. To me Palin's story was incredible. But yet it explained and
+made clear so much! It was not to offer my sword only to the King that
+I would now go to Paris, it would be to save the woman I loved if
+possible. How I was to do this I had no definite idea, the one thing
+at present in my mind was Paris, Paris. I therefore gave the necessary
+orders to Jacques to make ready to start at once, and, descending the
+winding staircase of the tower wherein my room lay, sought the great
+hall with the view of either finding Madame there, or of sending some
+one with the request to permit my waiting on her to say good-bye. The
+staircase ended in a long dark corridor, hung on each side with
+trophies of the chase, old armour, and frayed and tattered banners. At
+the end of this was an arched doorway hidden by a heavy curtain, and
+above the arch was a half-length portrait of a man. The painter had
+not flattered his subject; the long pointed face with its grey beard
+was bent forward slightly, there was a cynical curve to the lips, and
+the eyes looked down on me as if with a laugh in them. I had passed
+this picture fifty times before, but had never stayed to examine it.
+Somehow I did so on this occasion, and as I read the inscription
+'Antoine de la Tremouille' on the frame, the thin lips appeared to
+lengthen out into a grin. For a moment a chill fell on me, and then,
+laughing at myself for a fool, I lifted the curtain and passed into
+the great hall. At first I thought it was empty, but a second glance
+showed me Madame, seated at a small table, in the recess of the bow
+window that overlooked the park. Her face, leaning on her hand, was
+half averted from me, and I caught, a glimpse of a small foot resting
+on one of the lions' heads in which the legs of the table finished.
+The foot was beating up and down as if in unison with the impatience
+of Madame's thoughts, but I could see nothing of her face beyond its
+contour. She was, as usual, robed in black, wearing no jewels except a
+gold collar round her neck. For a moment I stood in silence, looking
+at her, half thinking that here was a chance to speak out what was in
+my heart, and then stilling the words by the thought of how impossible
+it was for a poor man to woo a rich woman.
+
+Through the open window I could see the woods, ruddy in their autumn
+foliage, and ever and again came the sound of cheerful voices, marking
+where the good people of Bidache were holding revelry in honour of
+their mistress' return.
+
+As I stood, hat in hand, Madame suddenly turned with a little start,
+and hastily concealed something as she caught sight of me. I went up
+at once, and she rose to meet me.
+
+'I have come to say farewell, madame,' and I held out my hand.
+
+'So soon,' she said, as she took it for a moment, her eyes not meeting
+mine.
+
+'Yes--Paris is far--and it will be well for me to be there as quickly
+as possible.'
+
+'Paris! You are surely not--' and she stopped.
+
+'Why not, madame?'
+
+'Oh! I don't know,' and hastily, 'one sometimes says things that
+don't exactly convey one's meaning. But I can imagine why you go to
+Paris--you are tired of Bidache, and pine for the great city.'
+
+'It is not that; but,' and I pointed to the rolling woods and wide
+lands that spread before us, 'I have no responsibilities like
+these--and Auriac, which stands by the sea, takes care of
+itself--besides, I have my way to make as yet.'
+
+'You have friends?'
+
+'One at any rate, and that was restored to me by you,' and I glanced
+to the hilt of my sword.
+
+'Man does not want a better; but you have another--here at Bidache,
+and I shall be in Paris soon, too, and--this place is dull. It kills
+me.'
+
+'And yet you have not been here for three years--madame, are all the
+masques at the Louvre so attractive that you can desert your home,
+where your name is honoured as that of the King, for the follies of
+the court?'
+
+I spoke with some bitterness, for I was sore at what I had heard at
+dinner, and she glanced up at me in a slight surprise. Then her lips
+parted in a half smile. 'Chevalier, will you answer me a question or
+so?'
+
+'Why not?'
+
+'You like gaiety, cheerfulness, light, do you not?'
+
+'Assuredly.'
+
+'You sometimes amuse yourself by gaming, do you not--and losing more
+than you can afford?'
+
+I bowed in simple wonder.
+
+'That friend of yours at your side has not been drawn only in battle,
+has it?'
+
+De Gonnor's white face rose up before me, and I felt my forehead burn.
+I could make no answer. Madame looked at me for a moment, and then
+dropped a stately little courtesy. 'Monsieur, you are very good to
+advise me, and I take your reproof. But surely what is sauce for the
+gander is sauce for the goose. Is not the Chevalier d'Auriac a little
+hasty? How is it that he is not at home at Auriac, instead of
+hastening to Paris as fast as he can--to the masques at the Louvre,
+and the salons of Zamet?'
+
+'It is different,' I stammered.
+
+'Ah, yes, it is different,' with a superb scorn; 'I saw you pull a
+half league of face as I talked at dinner. Monsieur can go here.
+Monsieur can go there. He may dance at a revel from curfew till
+cockcrow, he may stake his estates on a throw of the dice, he may run
+his friend through for a word spoken in jest--it is all _comme il
+faut_. But, Madame--she must sit at home with her distaff, her only
+relaxation a _preche_, her amusement and joy to await Monsieur's
+return--is not that your idea, Chevalier?' She was laughing, but it
+was with a red spot on each cheek.
+
+'Madame,' I replied, 'when I was but fifteen I joined the Cardinal de
+Joyeuse, and from that time to now my life has been passed in the
+field; I am therefore but a soldier, rough of speech, unused to
+argument, apt to say what is in my mind bluntly. I was wrong to make
+the remark I did, and ask your pardon; but, madame, brush away the
+idea that in this case the sauce for the gander is sauce for the
+goose--I use your own words--think what it would be if all womankind
+acted on what you have preached--think what would happen if the
+illusions that surround you, and which are now your strength, are
+dispelled. The worst of men have some memory of a home made happy by a
+woman, sister, mother, or wife, and the return to which was like a
+glimpse into heaven--the thought of which often made them better
+men--do not destroy this. And, madame, there is yet another thing--man
+is a fighting animal, and the final issues of an affair come to the
+sword--where would a struggle between this hand and mine end?--'in my
+eagerness I took her small white fingers in mine as I spoke, and shut
+them within my palm--'Madame,' I continued, 'rest assured that the
+glory and strength of a woman is in her weakness, and when she puts
+aside that armour she is lost. Think not that you have no mission--it
+is at a mother's knee that empires have been lost and won, that
+generations have, and will be, cursed or blessed.'
+
+I stood over her as I spoke; I was a tall man then and strong, and
+whether it was my speech or what I know not, but I felt the hand I
+held tremble in mine, and her eyes were turned from me.
+
+'Let me say good-bye now,' I continued, 'and thank you again for what
+you have done.'
+
+She shook her head in deprecation.
+
+'Very well, then, I will not recall it to you; but I can never
+forget--life is sweet of savour, and you gave it back to me. We will
+meet again in Paris--till then good-bye.'
+
+'At the Louvre?' As she glanced up at me, trying to smile, I saw her
+eyes were moist with tears, and then--but the wide lands of Bidache
+were before me, and I held myself in somehow.
+
+'Good-bye.'
+
+'Good-bye.'
+
+I turned, and without another look passed out of the hall. As I went
+down the stairway I saw on the terrace to my right the figure of
+d'Ayen. He had changed his costume to the slashed and puffed dress
+which earned for the gay gentlemen of Henry's court the nickname of
+'Bigarrets,' from M. de Savoye's caustic tongue, and his wizened face
+stood out of his snowy ruff in all the glow of its fresh paint. With
+one foot resting on the parapet, he was engaged in throwing crumbs to
+the peacocks that basked on the turf beneath him. I would have passed,
+but he called out.
+
+'M. le Chevalier--a word.'
+
+'A word then only, sir, I am in haste.'
+
+'A bad thing, haste,' he said, staring at me from head to foot; 'these
+woods would fetch a good price, would they not?' and he waved his hand
+towards the wide-stretching forest.
+
+'You mistake, M. d'Ayen, I am not a timber merchant.'
+
+'Oh! a good price,' he went on, not heeding my reply. 'M. le
+Chevalier, I was going to say I will have them down when I am master
+here. They obstruct the view.'
+
+I could have flung him from the terrace, but held myself in and turned
+on my heel.
+
+'Adieu! Chevalier,' he called out after me, 'and remember what I have
+said.'
+
+I took no notice. The man was old, and his gibing tongue his only
+weapon. I ran down the steps to where Jacques was, ready for me with
+the horses. Springing into the saddle, I put spurs to the beast, and
+we dashed down the avenue, but as I did so I yielded to an impulse,
+and glanced up to the window--it was empty.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER V
+
+                   A GOOD DEED COMES HOME TO ROOST
+
+
+We dashed through the streets of Bidache, arousing the village dogs
+asleep in the yellow-sunlight to a chorus of disapprobation. About a
+dozen sought to revenge their disturbed slumbers, and, following the
+horses, snapped viciously at their heels; but we soon distanced them,
+and flinging a curse or so after us, in dog language, they gave up the
+pursuit, and returned to blink away the afternoon. It was my intention
+to keep to the right of Ivry, and after crossing the Eure, head
+straight for Paris, which I would enter either by way of Versailles or
+St. Germains; it mattered little what road, and there was plenty of
+time to decide.
+
+I have, however, to confess here to a weakness, and that was my
+disappointment that Madame had not stayed to see the last of me.
+Looking back upon it, I am perfectly aware that I had no right to have
+any feeling in the matter whatsoever; but let any one who has been
+placed similarly to myself be asked to lay bare his heart--I would
+stake my peregrine, Etoile, to a hedge crow on the result.
+
+Madame knew I loved her. She must have seen the hunger in my eyes, as
+I watched her come and go, in the days when I lay at Ste. Genevieve,
+wounded to death. She must have felt the words I crushed down, I know
+not how, when we parted. She knew it all. Every woman knows how a man
+stands towards her. I was going away. I might never see her again. It
+was little to have waved me Godspeed as I rode on my way, and yet that
+little was not given.
+
+In this manner, like the fool I was, I rasped and fretted, easing my
+unhappy temper by letting the horse feel the rowels, and swearing at
+myself for a whining infant that wept for a slice of the moon.
+
+For a league or so we galloped along the undulating ground which
+sloped towards the ford near Ezy; but as we began to approach the
+river, the country, studded with apple orchards, and trim with
+hedgerows of holly and hawthorn, broke into a wild and rugged
+moorland, intersected by ravines, whose depths were concealed by a
+tall undergrowth of Christ's Thorn and hornbeam, whilst beyond this,
+in russet, in sombre greens, and greys that faded into absolute blue,
+stretched the forests and woods of Anet and Croth-Sorel.
+
+In the flood of the mellow sunlight the countless bells of heather
+enamelling the roadside were clothed in royal purple, and the brown
+tips of the bracken glistened like shafts of beaten gold. At times the
+track took its course over the edge of a steep bank, and here we
+slackened pace, picking our way over the crumbling earth, covered with
+grass, whose growth was choked by a network of twining cranesbill, gay
+with its crimson flowers, and listening to the dreamy humming of the
+restless bees, and the cheerful, if insistent, skirl of the grass
+crickets, from their snug retreats amidst the yarrow and sweet-scented
+thyme.
+
+As we slid rather than rode down one of these banks, my horse cast a
+shoe, and this put a stop to any further hard riding until the mishap
+could be repaired.
+
+'There is a smith at Ezy, monsieur,' said Jacques, 'where we can get
+what we want done, and then push on to Rouvres, where there is good
+accommodation at the _Grand Cerf_.'
+
+'I suppose Ezy can give us nothing in that way?'
+
+'I doubt much, monsieur, for the place sank to nothing when
+Monseigneur the Duc d'Aumale was exiled, and the King, as monsieur is
+aware, has given the castle to Madame Gabrielle, for her son, little
+_Cesar Monsieur_--the Duc de Vendome.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ It is well that Madame de Beaufort has not set eyes on
+Auriac--eh, Jacques?' and I laughed as I saw the huge grey outlines of
+Anet rising in the foreground, and thought how secure my barren,
+stormbeaten rock was from the rapacity of the King's mistress.
+
+Jacques came of a rugged race, and my words roused him.
+
+'But M. le Chevalier would never let Auriac fall into the hands of the
+King or his Madame? We could man the tower with a hundred stout hearts
+and----'
+
+'Swing on the gibbet at the castle gates in two weeks, Jacques. But
+remember, we are loyal subjects now, and are going to Paris to serve
+the King.'
+
+'As for me,' answered Jacques, obstinately, 'I serve my master, the
+Chevalier de Breuil d'Auriac, and none besides.'
+
+In this manner we jogged along, making but slow progress, and the sun
+was setting when we came in view of the willow-lined banks of the
+Eure, and entered the walnut groves of the outlying forest in which
+Ezy lay. As we approached we saw that the village was three parts
+deserted, and the ruined orchards and smokeless chimneys told their
+own tale. Turning a bend of the grass-grown road we came upon a few
+children shaking walnuts from a tree, about two hundred paces from us,
+whilst a man and a woman stood hard by observing them. At the sight of
+us the woman turned to the man with an alarmed gesture, and he half
+drew a sword--we saw the white flash, and then, changing his mind, ran
+off into the forest. The children followed suit, sliding down the
+trunk of the tree, and fleeing into the brushwood, looking for all the
+world like little brown rabbits as they dashed into the gaps in the
+thorn.
+
+As for the woman, she turned slowly and began to walk towards the
+village.
+
+'They are very bashful here, Jacques,' I said, quickening my pace.
+
+'Except the lady, monsieur,' and then we trotted up alongside her.
+
+Reining in, I asked if she could direct me to the blacksmith's, for
+there seemed no sign of a forge about. She made no answer but stopped
+and stared at us through her hair, which fell in thick masses over her
+forehead and neck. As she did this I saw that she appeared to be of
+the superior peasant class, but evidently sunk in poverty. She was
+young, and her features so correct that with circumstances a little
+altered she would have been more than ordinarily good-looking. At
+present, however, the face was wan with privation, and there was a
+frightened look in her eyes. I repeated my question in as gentle a
+tone as I could command, and she found tongue.
+
+'There is none here, monsieur; but at Anet you will find everything.
+That is the way, see!' and she pointed down a winding glade, lit up
+here and there with bars of sunlight until it faded into a dark tunnel
+of over-arching trees. I felt convinced from her tone and manner that
+she was trying to put us off, and Jacques burst in.
+
+'Nonsense, my girl, I know there is a smith at Ezy, for but two days
+back one of Madame of Bidache's horses was shod here. You don't know
+your own village--try and think.'
+
+'There is none,' she said shortly.
+
+'Very well,' said Jacques, 'we won't trouble you further, and we will
+find out for ourselves. It will not be difficult.'
+
+We went on a pace or so, when she called out after us.
+
+'Monsieur!'
+
+'What is it?'
+
+She stood twisting the ends of her apron between her fingers and then,
+suddenly,
+
+'Monsieur, pardon, I will guide you.'
+
+'Oh! that is all very well,' began Jacques; but I interrupted him,
+wondering a little to myself what this meant.
+
+'Very well and thanks.'
+
+She dropped a courtesy, and then asked with a timid eagerness,
+
+'Monsieur does not come from the Blaisois?'
+
+'_Ma foi!_ No! This is hardly the way from the Orleannois; but lead
+on, please, it grows late.'
+
+She glanced up again, a suspicion in her eyes, and then without
+another word went on before us. We followed her down the winding
+grass-grown lane, past a few straggling cottages where not a soul was
+visible, and up through the narrow street, where the sight of us drove
+the few wretched inhabitants into their tumble-down houses, as if we
+had the plague itself at our saddle bows. Finally we stopped before a
+cottage of some pretensions to size; but decayed and worn, as all else
+was in this village, which seemed but half alive. Over the entrance to
+the cottage hung a faded signboard, marking that it was the local
+hostelry, and to the right was a small shed, apparently used as a
+workshop; and here the smith was, seated on a rough bench, gazing into
+space.
+
+He rose at our approach and made as if he would be off; but his
+daughter, as the young woman turned out to be, gave him a sign to
+stay, and he halted, muttering something I could not catch; and as I
+looked at the gloomy figure of the man, and the musty inn, I said out
+aloud, '_Morbleu!_ But it is well we have time to mend our trouble and
+make Rouvres; thanks, my girl, you might have told us at once instead
+of making all this fuss,' and bending from the saddle I offered our
+guide a coin. She fairly snatched at it, and then, colouring up,
+turned and ran into the inn. I threw another coin to the smith and
+bade him set about shoeing the horse.
+
+He shuffled this way and that, and then answered dully that he would
+do the job willingly, but it would take time--two hours.
+
+'But it will be night by then,' I expostulated, 'and I have to go on;
+I cannot stay here.'
+
+'As monsieur chooses,' answered the clod; 'but, you see, I have
+nothing ready, and I am slow now; I cannot help it.'
+
+'This is a devil of a place,' I exclaimed, resigning myself to
+circumstances, and, dismounting, handed the reins to Jacques. As I did
+so I heard voices from the inn, one apparently that of the girl, and
+the other that of a man, and it would seem that she was urging
+something; but what it was I could not catch, nor was I curious as to
+the point of discussion; but it struck me that as we had to wait here
+two hours it would be well to inquire if I could get some refreshment
+for ourselves and a feed for the beasts. For answer to my question I
+got a gruff 'Go and ask my daughter,' from the smith, who turned as he
+spoke and began to fumble with his tools. I felt my temper rising
+hotly, but stayed my arm, and bidding Jacques keep an eye on the
+horses, stepped towards the door of the inn. As I put my hand on it to
+press it open some one from within made an effort to keep it shut; but
+I was in no mood to be trifled with further, and, pushing back the
+door without further ceremony, stepped in. In doing so I thrust some
+one back a yard or so, and found that it was the girl who was trying
+to bar me out. Ashamed of the violence I had shown, I began to
+apologise, whilst she stood before me rubbing her elbow, and her face
+flushed and red. The room was bare and drear beyond description. There
+were a couple of rough tables, a chair or so, an iron pot simmering
+over a fire of green wood whose pungent odour filled the chamber. In a
+corner a man lay apparently asleep, a tattered cloak drawn over his
+features so as to entirely conceal them. I felt in a moment that this
+was the stranger who had fled on our approach, and that he was playing
+fox. Guessing there was more behind this than appeared, but not
+showing any suspicions in the least, I addressed the girl.
+
+'I am truly sorry, and hope you are not hurt; had I known it was you I
+should have been gentler. I have but come to ask if I can get some
+wine for ourselves and food for the horses.'
+
+'It is nothing,' she stammered, 'I am not hurt. There is but a little
+soup here, and for the horses--the grass that grows outside.'
+
+'There is some wine there at any rate,' and I rested my eye on a horn
+cup, down whose side a red drop was trickling, and then let it fall on
+the still figure in the corner of the room. 'There is no fear,' I
+continued, 'you will be paid. I do not look like a gentleman of the
+road, I trust?'
+
+She shrank back at my words, and it appeared as if a hand moved
+suddenly under the cloak of the man who lay feigning sleep in the
+room, and the quick movement was as if he had clutched the haft of a
+dagger. I was never a brawler or blusterer, and least of all did I
+wish to worry these poor people; but the times were such that a man's
+safety lay chiefly in himself, for the writ of the King ran weak in
+the outlying districts. The whole business, too, was so strange that I
+was determined to fathom it; and, unbuckling my sword, I placed it on
+a table so as to be ready on the instant, and then, seating myself on
+a stool beside it, said somewhat sharply,
+
+'Enough, my girl; get me some wine and take out some to my servant.
+This will pay for it,' and I rang a fat crown piece on the table.
+'Hurry your father if you can, and I will be gone the moment my horse
+is shod.'
+
+My tone was one not to be denied, and taking up the money she turned
+to a cupboard and with shaking fingers drew a bottle therefrom and
+placed it before me. Filling a cup I asked her to bear it out to
+Jacques, and then leaning back against the wall took a pull at my own
+goblet, and judge of my surprise when I found I was tasting nothing
+short of d'Arbois of the '92 vintage!
+
+As I sipped my wine, and speculated how it came there, the girl came
+back, and seeing that matters were as before began to attend to her
+cooking. Whatever she had said to the smith apparently had the effect
+of rousing him to greater activity, for through the open door I heard
+the puffing of his bellows, and very soon came the clang, clang of his
+hammer as he beat out a shoe.
+
+It was getting dark now within the room, over which the flames of the
+fire occasionally blazed up and cast a fitful and uncertain light.
+Outside, however, there was a moon; and, in a few minutes at the most,
+my horse would be shod and I would have to continue my journey without
+having discovered what this little mystery meant. I could not help
+being a little amused at the manner in which my bashful friend, whose
+face was so well covered up, kept himself a prisoner in his corner.
+But at this moment the girl's cooking was finished, and the savoury
+odour of it was apparently more than he could endure, for he suddenly
+sprang to his feet exclaiming,
+
+'_Nom du diable!_ I am sick of this, and hungry as a wolf. Give me my
+supper, Marie, and if he wants to take me let him do so if he can; he
+will have to fight an old soldier first.'
+
+As he spoke I distinctly saw his hand indicate me, and with an alarmed
+cry the girl sprang between us. It flashed upon me that my gentleman
+was, after all, only some one who was wanted, and that he regarded me
+with as much apprehension as I had regarded him with caution.
+
+'Tush!' I said, 'you good people make a great fuss over nothing. I
+certainly do not want to take you, my man, and neither you nor your
+little sweetheart here need be in the least alarmed.'
+
+I had hardly finished speaking when he rushed forward.
+
+'It is the Chevalier! It is Monsieur d'Auriac! Idiot, turkey, pig that
+I am to have kept my eyes shut and not recognised you. Monsieur, do
+you not know me--Nicholas--your sergeant, whom you saved from the
+rope?'
+
+'Where you appear likely to go again, Nicholas; but what are you
+skulking about here for?' The wood in the fireplace blazed up as I
+spoke, and I saw Nicholas shift uneasily and look at the girl, who had
+moved to his side, and stood with her hands holding on to his cloak.
+
+'This place was my home once, monsieur,' he said bitterly, 'and I have
+come back to it.'
+
+'I see you have, sergeant; but why in this way?'
+
+'Monsieur, I was driven to straits and did a thing. Then they hunted
+me from Dreux to Rouvres, from Rouvres to Anet----'
+
+'Where you appear to have made free with the duke's cellar, eh?'
+
+'It is not so, monsieur,' burst in the girl; 'neither he nor we have
+done that. The wine you have drunk was a gift from madame the
+duchess.'
+
+There was truth in every line of her features, in the fierce little
+gesture with which she turned upon me in defence of her lover. I was
+sorry to let my tongue bite so hard, and said so, and went on with my
+inquiries.
+
+'And from Anet you came here?'
+
+'It is but a stone-throw,' Nicholas answered, 'and I had a business in
+hand. After which we were going away.'
+
+Whilst he was speaking Marie lit a lantern, and I saw that my
+ex-sergeant was evidently in the lowest water. He had been a smart
+soldier, but was now unkempt and dirty, and his eye had the shifty
+look of a hunted animal. He wore a rusty corselet and a rustier chain
+cap on his head, drawn over a bandage that covered his ears. As my eye
+fell on the bandage I called to mind the mutilation that had been
+inflicted on him, a brand that had cast him out of the pale of all
+honest men. Nicholas watched my glance, and ground his teeth with
+rage.
+
+'I will kill him,' he hissed, 'kill him like the dog he is. Monsieur,
+that was my business!'
+
+'Then de Gomeron----'
+
+'Is but an hour's ride away, monsieur--at Anet.'
+
+'At Anet! What does he do there?'
+
+'Monsieur,' he answered hoarsely, taking me by the sleeve of my
+doublet, 'I know not; but a fortnight ago he came here with a score of
+lances at his back and the King's commission in his pocket, and he
+lords it as if he were the duke himself. Yesterday a great noble came
+up from the Blaisois, and another whose name I know not has come from
+Paris; and they hatch treason against the King. Monsieur, I can prove
+this. You saved my life once, and, beast as I am now, I am still
+grateful. Come with me. I will settle my score with him; and to-morrow
+you can bear news to the court that will make you a great man.'
+
+It was one of those moments that require instant decision. I was
+certainly not going to assist Nicholas in committing a murder. Any
+such plan of his could be easily stopped, but if what the man said was
+true, then he had given me information that might be of the greatest
+value to me. If it was false--well then, I should have a fool's errand
+for my pains, but be otherwise none the worse off. There was no time
+to question him in detail; for a second I was silent, and Marie looked
+from one to another of us with wide-open eyes.
+
+'You have a horse?' I asked.
+
+'Yes, monsieur. It is hidden in the forest not three hundred toises
+from here.'
+
+'We are ready. Monsieur le Chevalier,' and Jacques' voice broke in
+upon us, Jacques himself standing in the doorway. My mind was made up
+that instant, and I decided to take the chance.
+
+'Jacques,' I said, 'I have business here to-night, which must be done
+alone. Ride on therefore yourself to Rouvres and await me at the
+_Grand Cerf_. If anyone tries to hinder you, say that you ride for
+your master in the King's name. If I am not at Rouvres by morning,
+make your way to Septeuil. If I do not arrive in two days, go home
+and do the best you can for yourself. You follow?
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'Adieu, then; and Marie, here is something as a wedding portion for
+you,' and I thrust a handful of gold pieces into her palm, and, being
+moved by many things, added: 'When this is over, you and Nicholas go
+to Auriac. I will arrange for you there.'
+
+The girl stared blankly at me for a moment, then suddenly caught my
+hand and kissed it, and then with a rapid movement flung herself into
+her lover's arms.
+
+'No,' she said, 'no; take back your gift, monsieur. He will not go.'
+
+'Nonsense, Marie,' and Nicholas gently released her arms. 'I have come
+back to you to mend my ways, and must begin by paying my debts. Come,
+monsieur.'
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI
+
+                        'GREEN AS A JADE CUP'
+
+
+We passed the lacework of trees that bordered the skirts of the
+forest, Nicholas and I. On our left we could hear the drumming of a
+horse's hoofs growing fainter and more faint, as Jacques rode through
+the night to Rouvres. Marie's wailing came to us from behind, and
+Nicholas, who was walking doggedly along by the neck of my horse,
+stopped short suddenly and looked back. Turning in my saddle I looked
+back too, and there she was, in shadowy outline, at the ruined gates
+of the inn, and again her sobbing cry came to us.
+
+'_Morbleu!_' I muttered to myself as I saw Nicholas' face twitch in
+the moonlight; 'I must end this at once,' and then sharply to my
+companion, 'What stays you? Pick your heart up, man! One would think
+you go into the bottomless pit, you walk with so tender a foot!'
+
+'I don't know what is in the bottomless pit, monsieur, and, like other
+fools, would probably go there on the run; but I do know the mercy of
+M. de Gomeron, and--I am not wont to be so, but my heart is as heavy
+as lead.'
+
+'Very well; then let us go back. It is like to be a fool's errand with
+such a guide.'
+
+My words, and the tone they were uttered in, touched him on the raw,
+and he swung round.
+
+'I will go, monsieur; this way--to the right.'
+
+We turned sharply behind the silently waving arms of a hedge of
+hornbeam, and it was a relief to find that this cut away all further
+chance of seeing the pitiful figure at the gates of the inn. Nicholas
+drew the folds of his frayed cloak over his head, as if to shut out
+all sound, and hurried onwards--a tall figure, lank and dark, that
+flitted before me within the shadow of the hedgerow. My horse's knees
+were hidden by the undergrowth on either side of the winding track,
+that twined and twisted like a snake under the tangle of grass and
+weed. This waste over which we passed, grey-green in the moonlight,
+and swaying in the wind, rolled like a heaving, sighing sea to where
+it was brought up abruptly by the dark mass of the forest, standing up
+solidly against the sky as though it were a high coast line. As we
+forced our way onwards, the swish of the grass was as the churning of
+water at the bows of a boat, and one could well imagine that the long,
+shaking plashes of white, mottling the moving surface before us, was
+caused by the breaking of uneasy water into foam. Of a truth these
+white plashes were but marguerites.
+
+From the warm, dark depths at our feet myriads of grasshoppers
+shrilled to each other to be of good cheer, and ever and again we
+heard the sudden plunge and bustle of a startled hare, as it scuttered
+away in a mad fear at nothing.
+
+'You count your toises long here, Nicholas,' I remarked, for something
+to say, as we spattered in and out of a shallow pool; and the gnats,
+asleep on its surface, rose in a brown cloud, and hummed their anger
+about our ears.
+
+'They are as we reckon them, monsieur. But a few steps further and we
+will get my horse; and after that there is no difficulty, for I know
+each track and byepath of these woods.'
+
+'And I wager that many a fat buck has dropped here to your arquebus on
+moonlight nights such as this.'
+
+'One does not learn the forest for nothing, M. le Chevalier; but the
+bucks fell lawfully enough. My grandfather came here as huntsman to
+Madame Diane; my father succeeded him, and I had followed my father;
+but for the war----'
+
+'And a smart soldier you made. I remember that when I cut you down
+from a nasty position I had not time then to hear how you came in such
+plight. How was it? Tell me the truth.'
+
+'I have almost forgotten how to do so. I will try, however, and make
+it short. When M. le Marquis bore you off after the duel and the
+escape of the prisoners, the Captain de Gomeron turned on me, and,
+damning me from head to toe, swore he would flay me to ribbons.
+Feeling sure he would do so, and careless of the consequences, I
+answered back--with the result you know. Marked as I was, it was
+useless to seek employment anywhere, and then I became what I am, and
+will end on the wheel.'
+
+'I don't think so,' I said; but he interrupted,
+
+'At any rate not before I have paid my debt, and the bill presses.'
+
+I had purposely worked up to this.
+
+'See here, sergeant,' I said, 'no nonsense. Brush off that bee you
+have on your head. You are here to-day to attend to my business, not
+your own. You say you are sick of your present life. Well, I have
+means to give you another chance, and I will do so; but I repeat again
+"no nonsense." You understand?'
+
+He stood silently for a moment, looking this way and that. We were
+within a yard or so of the forest, and its shadow covered him, all but
+his face, which was turned to me, drawn and white. He was struggling
+against old habits of absolute obedience, and they won.
+
+'I understand, M. le Chevalier.'
+
+'Very well, then, go on, and remember what I have said.'
+
+He turned and stepped forwards; 'This way, and mind the branches
+overhead,' and we entered the forest, my horse leaping a shallow ditch
+that separated it from the grass land. We took a soft turf-covered
+path, overhung by branches, and went on for about fifty paces before
+coming to a halt, which we did in a small irregular patch of trees
+that lay in the full flood of the moonlight. In the darkness beyond I
+heard the gentle murmur of a small spring, and then the distinct
+movement of a heavy body and the clink of iron. My hand reached to my
+holster in a flash, but Nicholas saw the gesture, and said, 'It is the
+horse. A moment, monsieur,' and lifting up the curtain of leaves
+beside him, from which, as he did so, the dew fell in a soft shower,
+he dived into the thicket, to reappear again leading the long black
+length of his horse. It struck me at once that the beast was of
+uncommon size, and this, and the white star on its forehead, brought
+to my mind the recollection of de Rone's great English charger,
+Couronne.
+
+'_Harnibleu!_' I burst out; 'you seem to be in the lowest water, and
+here you have a horse worth a hundred pistoles at the least!'
+
+'Did you see her by daylight, monsieur, you would know that twice a
+hundred pistoles would not purchase her. Do you not know her, M. le
+Chevalier? This is Couronne, M. de Rone's charger!'
+
+'Couronne! I thought so. And how the devil do you come by her?'
+
+'Her reins were in the wind when I caught her; a fair prize of war,
+and M. de Rone will never need her more. Since I got her she has saved
+me twice, and if I can help it we shall never part.'
+
+He stroked the mare's sleek neck, wet and glistening with the dew,
+and, quickly mounting, swung her round to the bit and laid her beside
+me. It was not the time for talk, and we drew out of the clearing in
+single file, and, after forcing our way through the wet and shining
+leaves around us, found a bridle path. Along this my guide went at a
+trot. On either side of us the silent tree trunks stretched to an
+infinite distance in gloomy colonnades. Overhead, the boughs swayed
+and shook sadly; below, the dry leaves hissed and crackled. Once, when
+we had slackened pace for a moment, the sullen groaning of an old and
+very savage boar came to us, and we heard him grinding his tusks in
+his lair of juniper. At another time we surprised a number of deer in
+an open glade, and, startled by our sudden appearance, they dashed off
+with a wild rush into the forest, and then all was still. Beyond the
+glade the roadway widened, so that two might keep abreast, and down
+this we went at a gallop, to find ourselves once more in the endless
+aisles of the forest, passing through a ghostly light that barely
+enabled the horses to pick their way in and out amongst the huge
+moss-grown trees standing in measureless numbers around us, and where
+each pace took them fetlock-deep into the carpet of wet and withered
+leaves. Amidst the creaking of the boughs overhead, and the churn of
+the leaves at our feet, we rode on, nose to tail, Nicholas leading the
+way with unerring certainty. What his thoughts were, I knew not; but
+as I looked at the square outlines of the figure before me I could not
+but feel pity for this man, reduced to such a condition. True, the
+life of a common soldier was not such as to make a man squeamish about
+many things, but the ex-sergeant had always struck me as being a man
+of a different stamp to the generality of his fellows, and it was a
+thousand pities to see him forced to be a rogue; de Gomeron had truly
+much to answer for. But if I could I would mend this matter.
+
+I had done too little good in the world to neglect the opportunity
+that seemed to present itself to me, so as we went on I weaved a
+little plan to give the man another start in life. I had already a
+rough idea when I parted with those gold pieces to Marie, but pulled
+all the threads together as we rode along, fully resolving to give my
+plan effect as soon as the business I had in hand was done. And of
+this business I could not hope much. We were going straight into the
+lion's mouth, as it were, for, whether de Gomeron held the King's
+commission or not, he had twenty lances at his back at Anet; and who
+on earth would question him if a crop-eared thief and his companion
+were slain. Besides, even if we were not discovered, I could see no
+way of laying hold of the tail of the conspiracy by floundering
+through a measureless forest at night, and finally skulking round the
+castle like a homeless cat. I half began to repent me of the whole
+affair, and to wish that I had tossed the venture up and down a trifle
+more in my mind before I embarked upon it. At the worst, however,
+perhaps it meant nothing more than a night in the forest, and, the
+next day, a tired horse and man. On the other hand, there was, or
+rather is, such a thing as luck in the world, and did I make a
+discovery of any consequence my hand would be much stronger.
+Perchance, indeed, I might be assured of success, and then--other
+things might happen. Whilst I was thus ruminating, Nicholas suddenly
+pulled up, and held out a warning hand.
+
+'What is it?' I asked in a low tone.
+
+'_Hist!_' he said, and then in a rapid whisper, 'another fifty yards
+and we come to the open. Anet lies before us, and the rest of the way
+must be done on foot.'
+
+'And the horses?'
+
+'Fasten them here. You have a picketing rope?'
+
+'Yes--round the neck of the horse.'
+
+'Good; I had not noticed it before, and was half afraid you had none,
+monsieur.'
+
+The horses were soon securely fastened, and, when this was done,
+Nicholas spoke low and earnestly: 'Should we be discovered, monsieur,
+there is no use making a standing fight. The odds are too many. When
+we come to the open I will show you a withered oak. This is exactly
+opposite where the horses are--in this direction. If we are pursued,
+make for the forest, and lie down. The chances are they will pass us
+by. Then to the horses and follow me. If I go down--ride northwards
+for your life.'
+
+'How the devil am I to find my way through the trees?'
+
+Nicholas shrugged his shoulders as if to say 'That was my affair.'
+
+We had gone too far to go back, however, and placing my pistols in my
+belt, and loosening my sword in its sheath, I followed Nicholas with
+cautious footsteps. As he said, in about fifty yards we came to the
+open, and halted close to a huge oak, bald of all leaves, with its
+gnarled trunk riven and scarred by lightning. Before us a level
+stretch of turf sloped gently down towards what was once an ornamental
+lake, but now overgrown with the rankest weeds. In the centre of the
+lake was a small island, on which was set a summerhouse, fashioned
+like a Moorish kiosque, and beyond this arose, huge and square, the
+enormous facade of the chateau. It was in darkness except for an oriel
+window above a long terrace on the east wing, which was bright with
+light, and in the courtyard below there was evidently a fire. Men were
+singing around it, and a lilting chorus came to our ears.
+
+Nicholas pointed to the window, then looked at the priming of his
+wheel lock pistol and whispered hoarsely, 'We must keep in the shadow,
+monsieur. Stay--this is the tree; you cannot mistake it, and now come
+on. Be careful not to trip or stumble, and, above all, do not cough.'
+
+No worse warning than the latter could have been given to me, and I
+all but choked myself in my efforts to restrain an almost
+uncontrollable desire either to sneeze or cough. Luckily, I managed to
+hold myself in. Inch by inch we crept onwards, keeping well in the
+shadow, and edging our way round the frills of the forest. I could
+hear Nicholas breathing hard, and from time to time he stopped to
+rest; but I was a glad man to find I was not winded, and that
+therefore I must be truly as strong again as ever I was. At last, by
+dint of creeping, crawling, and wriggling along, we worked our way to
+within twenty paces of the terrace, above which the stained glass of
+the oriel window glowed with light. Here we came to a stop and
+watched. Sometimes we saw a shadow moving backwards and forwards in
+the light of the window, then the shadow was joined by another, and
+both stopped, as if the two men to whom they belonged were in earnest
+converse. The merriment from the courtyard was unceasing, and whatever
+may have been the dark plots weaving upstairs, below there was nothing
+but the can and the catch.
+
+'We must get to the window,' I whispered with an inquiring look.
+
+'By the terrace,' said Nicholas in answer, and as he spoke there came
+to us the faint but distinct sound of a horn, apparently from the very
+depths of the forest, and the notes roused a brace of hounds in the
+courtyard, who bayed into the night. Nicholas gripped my arm, and I
+turned to him in surprise. His face was pale, he was shaking all over
+like an aspen, and his black eyes were dilated with fear.
+
+'Did you hear that, monsieur?' he said thickly.
+
+'_Diable!_ What? I hear three different things--dogs, men, and someone
+blowing a horn.'
+
+'Then you did hear it--the horn?'
+
+'Yes. What of it? No doubt a post on its way to Anet.'
+
+'No post ever rang that blast, monsieur. That is the Wild Huntsman,
+and the blast means death.'
+
+As he spoke it came again, wild and shrill with an eerie flourish, the
+like of which I had never heard before. The dogs seemed to go mad with
+the sound, there was a hubbub in the courtyard, and someone in the
+chamber above the terrace threw open the sash and peered out into the
+night. I thought at first it was de Gomeron; but the voice was not
+his, for, after looking for a moment, he gave a quick order to the men
+below and stepped in again. As for Nicholas, he seemed beside himself,
+and I had to hold him by main force by my side, or he would have
+broken and fled.
+
+'_Diable!_' I said, 'sit still, fool--see, there are a couple of
+horsemen gone in search of your Wild Huntsman, who has been so nearly
+spoiling our soup. They will occupy him at any rate--sit still.'
+
+The men rode by us slowly, one of them carrying a torch, and, turning
+to the right, trotted off into the forest, cursing the orders they had
+received to go forth after the horn-winder. As they passed, I began to
+breathe more freely, for had they gone to the left it was an even
+chance that they would have discovered our horses, owing to one of the
+beasts neighing, a danger always to be guarded against in an
+ambuscade. In a minute or so Nicholas, too, began to get more
+composed, and seeing this I determined to prick him into anger, for
+then he would fear nothing.
+
+'Pull up, man,' I said; 'your ears lie beyond that pane of glass. Do
+you not want them back?'
+
+He put his hand up to the side of his head with a muttered curse, to
+which de Gomeron's name was linked, and I saw that he was better.
+
+'Now,' I whispered, 'for the window.'
+
+'We must get to the terrace,' he answered. 'From there it might be
+done.' And with a hurried look behind him, at which I began to laugh
+in a low tone of mockery, he crawled forward rapidly. I followed with
+equal speed and caution, and in a half minute we had gained the shadow
+of the terrace, and, working along its ivy-covered wall, got to the
+main building. Here we cast about for some means to get up. It was not
+possible to do this by holding on to the ivy, as if it came away there
+would be a fall and all our fat would be in the fire. The ascent had
+to be made noiselessly, and, as I looked at the high wall before us, I
+began to think it was impossible. Running my eye on the lichen-grey
+face of the main building, however, I noticed something that looked
+like a series of huge monograms, with a crescent above each, cut in
+high relief on the stones, beginning about ten feet from the ground.
+
+'We might get up that way,' I whispered.
+
+Nicholas nodded, with a pale face. In his excitement he had forgotten
+the Wild Huntsman, much to my satisfaction.
+
+'Bend then, and I will ascend from your back.'
+
+He leaned forwards against the wall, and climbing on to his shoulders,
+I found that I might possibly raise myself by the monograms, which I
+discovered to be the letters H. D. interlaced in one another, the
+initials of the second Henry and Diane de Poitiers; and the crescent
+was, as is well-known, Madame Diane's crest. Taking a long breath, I
+lifted myself slowly--there was but an inch or so to hold on to--and
+at last found a crevice in which I could just put the point of my
+boot. This was enough for me to change my hold to the next higher
+monogram, and finally I came to a level with the parapet of the
+terrace. Here there was a difficulty. Every time I stretched my hand
+out to grasp the parapet I found that I could not reach over, and that
+my fingers slipped off from the slime and moss on the stones. Three
+times I made the attempt, and swung back three times, until I began to
+feel that the effort was beyond me. There was, however, one chance,
+and quietly thrusting my boot forward, I began to feel amidst the ivy
+for a possible foothold, and, to my delight, found it rest at once on
+a small projecting ledge that ran round the terrace. The remainder of
+my task was easy, and the next moment I found myself lying flat on my
+face beneath the oriel window.
+
+Here I paused to recover myself, peering down at Nicholas, who was
+making an attempt to raise himself by his hands to reach the monograms
+and climb to me. 'Steady,' I whispered, 'and catch this.' Rapidly
+unwinding a silken sash I wore round my waist, in the fashion I had
+learned when serving in Spain, I dropped one end towards him, and
+after an effort or two he managed to seize it. Then I looped a fold of
+the silk round a buttress of the parapet, and, holding on to the other
+end, told Nicholas to climb, and as the sash tightened suddenly, I
+cast up a prayer that it might not break. It was, however, of Eastern
+make, and one may have hung a bombard to it with safety. I heard
+Nicholas breathing hard, and once or twice the ivy rustled more than
+it ought to have, but at last his head appeared over the parapet and
+he too was beside me. A moment after we saw the flash of a torch in
+the forest and heard the voices of the men who had gone forth
+returning, and then three instead of two horsemen appeared, riding
+towards the main entrance.
+
+'There, Nicholas, is your Wild Huntsman. Are you satisfied now?'
+
+And he hung his head like a great dog that has been detected in
+something wrong.
+
+'Now for the window,' I said. 'I will rise slowly and find out what I
+can. You keep your pistol ready and your eyes open. Do not rise, and
+remember my orders.'
+
+'There is a broken pane to the left; it is half-hidden by the curtain.
+You can hear and see from there.'
+
+As he said this I rose softly to my feet, and finding the broken pane
+without any difficulty, peered in.
+
+The room was bright with the light of candles, and at a table covered
+with papers were seated two men, whilst a third was standing and
+pointing with his fingers at a scroll. In the man with his back to me
+I had no difficulty in recognising de Gomeron. The one looking towards
+me was assuredly Biron, for his was a face that once seen could never
+be forgotten. As for the man who was standing beside him, I knew him
+not, though subsequently--but I anticipate.
+
+Biron was evidently in a high state of excitement. He was biting at
+the end of his dark moustache, and the fingers of his hand were
+playing nervously with the star on his breast, whilst his shifty,
+treacherous eyes were turning now on de Gomeron, now on the figure
+standing at his elbow. He seemed to be hesitating, and I heard de
+Gomeron say:
+
+'This is my price--not money, not land, not a title, but only a few
+words. You have each one, my lord, your share of the spoils, set down
+in writing. I do not want so much even. All I ask is your word of
+honour to favour my suit with the King. For me the word of Biron is
+enough, and I know his Majesty can refuse you nothing.'
+
+'My God!' exclaimed Biron, and writhed in his chair.
+
+'The Marshal might give me the promise I seek, Lafin,' and de Gomeron
+turned to the man who was standing at Biron's elbow. 'The word will
+give me a wife--not much of a reward.'
+
+'And the lands of Bidache and Pelouse, eh?'
+
+I almost fell forwards in my eagerness to hear, and only checked
+myself in time.
+
+'Exactly,' sneered de Gomeron. 'Do you think I have risked my life for
+the good of my health? See here, Chevalier,' and he bent forward and
+whispered a word or so that made the other pale, and then de Gomeron
+leaned back in his chair and smiled. Biron did not apparently see or
+hear. His forehead was resting on his clasped hand, and he seemed to
+be revolving the hazard of some great step. As for me, I thought I
+caught the words, 'your instant help,' followed by 'lances' and
+'power,' and guessed--I was not wrong--that the captain had forced
+Lafin's hand.
+
+'My dear de Gomeron,' he said, 'the Marshal is willing enough, but you
+know the common talk, that the King has other views for Madame, and
+that M. d'Ayen----' But Biron interposed:
+
+'M. de Gomeron, you ask too much. Madame de la Bidache is of the first
+nobility. Tremouille was my friend. It is too much.'
+
+'And I give Monseigneur a crown.'
+
+'_Peste!_ My lord, after all M. de Gomeron has deserved his price, and
+a good sword and a better head must not be thrown away. Remember,
+monseigneur, an open hand makes faithful hearts,' said Lafin.
+
+'But the King would never consent,' began Biron.
+
+'Give me your word to help me, monseigneur. I will do the rest for
+myself.'
+
+'Give it, my lord.'
+
+Biron hesitated for a moment, and then suddenly threw up his hands.
+'Very well, let it be as you wish. I promise, M. de Gomeron.'
+
+'Enough, my lord; I thank you. The Chevalier Lafin has laid before you
+in detail all our resources. Let me now show you this.' He unrolled a
+parchment that was before him, and handed it to the Marshal. 'Here,'
+he added, 'are the signatures of all. It only needs that of Biron; now
+sign.'
+
+I could hear the beating of my heart in the silence that followed, and
+then Biron said hoarsely, 'No! no! I will never put my name to paper.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ Marshal,' burst out Lafin, 'This is no time for nibbling
+at a cherry. Tremouille and Epernon have signed. Put your seal to the
+scroll, and the day it reaches M. de Savoye, thirty thousand troops
+are across the frontier, and you will change the cabbage gardens of
+Biron for the coronet of Burgundy and La Breese.'
+
+'And see your head on a crown piece, Marshal,' added de Gomeron.
+
+'But we have not heard, Lafin--' began the Marshal.
+
+'We will hear to-night, monseigneur--that horn meant news, and Zamet
+never fails. Curse the low-bred Italian! _Pardieu!_ he is here,' and
+as he spoke, I heard what seemed to be three distinct knocks at a
+carved door, and, Lafin opening it, a man booted and spurred entered
+the room. He was splashed with mud as one who had ridden fast and far.
+
+'Zamet!' exclaimed the Marshal and de Gomeron, both rising, and the
+face of the former was pale as death.
+
+'Good evening, gentlemen! _Maledetto!_ But I have had a devil of a
+ride, and some fool kept winding a will-o'-the-wisp kind of horn that
+led me a fine dance. It was lucky I met your men.'
+
+'Then that blast we heard was not yours?'
+
+'_Corpo di Bacco!_ No, Chevalier.'
+
+I was a glad man to think that Nicholas, who was crouching at my feet,
+did not hear this, or there might have been a catastrophe, but that
+indeed was not long delayed.
+
+'Well, friends, you all seem to have pale faces--would you not like to
+hear the news? I have ridden post to tell you.'
+
+There was no answer, and the Italian continued: 'I suppose I must give
+it, make your minds easy. It is all over--she died last night. We are
+free at any rate from the enmity of Gabrielle--she knew too much.'
+
+'Did it hurt her?' asked Biron nervously.
+
+'I don't know,' answered Zamet brutally, 'I have never tasted the
+Borgia citron myself.'
+
+'_Mon Dieu!_' exclaimed the Marshal, springing to his feet, 'this is
+too terrible,' and he began to pace up and down, whilst the other
+three remained in whispered converse, their eyes now and again turning
+to Biron, who walked the room like a caged beast. Nicholas had risen
+slowly to his feet despite my orders, and was looking over my
+shoulders with a white face and blazing eyes. I dared not tell him to
+go back; but, with a warning look at him, strained my ears to catch
+what was being said, but could hear nothing, until at length Zamet
+raised his voice: 'Have done with it, Marshal, and sign. After all,
+Madame de Beaufort was no more than a----,' and he used a foul word.
+'The King is prostrate now; but in a week Gabrielle will be forgotten,
+and then anything might happen. He is beginning to recover. He already
+writes verses on the lost one,' he went on with a grin, '_charmante_
+Gabrielle--_diavolo!_ but you should have seen her as she lay
+dead--she was green as a jade cup.'
+
+'Be still, dog,' and Biron turned fiercely on him. The Italian stepped
+back, his hand on his dagger; but in a moment he recovered himself.
+His black eyebrows lifted, and his upper lip drew back over his teeth
+in a sneer.
+
+'I did not know Monseigneur would be so affected; but time presses and
+we need the name of Biron to that scroll. Hand the Marshal the pen,
+Lafin.'
+
+'It is here,' and de Gomeron, dipping a pen in a silver ink-stand,
+held it out in his hand.
+
+Biron made a half step forward to take it, when a thing happened. I
+felt myself suddenly thrust aside, and there was a blinding flash, a
+loud report, and a shout from Nicholas, 'Missed, by God!'
+
+There was absolutely no time to do anything but make for the horses.
+Nicholas had fired at de Gomeron in his mad thirst for revenge, and
+had practically given our lives away. In the uproar and din that
+followed we slid down the sash like apes, and dashed towards the
+horses. Some one shouted 'Traitor--traitor,' and let fly at us twice
+as we ran across the open space. From the courtyard we could hear the
+hurry and bustle of men suddenly aroused, and as we reached the oak we
+heard the bay of the bloodhounds, and the thunder of hoofs in pursuit.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VII
+
+                            POOR NICHOLAS!
+
+
+From the oak to the spot where our horses were tethered was close upon
+fifty paces, and never, I think, was ground covered at a speedier rate
+by men running for their lives. I was bursting with anger, and know
+not what restrained me from pistolling Nicholas, so furious was I at
+the blind folly of the man. As we reached the horses, we could hear
+the dogs splashing through the spill-water at the edge of the lake,
+and someone fired a third shot at us from horseback--a shot in the
+dark which whistled through the branches overhead.
+
+'Quick! quick, monsieur! 'gasped Nicholas, and with a turn of his hand
+he freed Couronne, and sprang to her back--the great mare standing
+steady as a rock.
+
+'Quick!' he called out again more loudly, and I made a vain effort to
+loosen my beast, which, startled by the shots, the baying of the dogs,
+and our haste and hurry, plunged and kicked as though it were
+demented.
+
+'Damn you!' I hissed, half at the horse, half at the crop-eared idiot
+who had caused this disaster, and, managing somehow to scramble to the
+saddle, cut the halter with a draw of my dagger. At this moment the
+dogs reached us; a dark object sprang up from the ground, and,
+fastening on the jaws of my horse, brought him to his knees, whilst
+the other beast flew at my companion. Nicholas' pistol rang out to no
+purpose, the report was echoed by a chorus of shouts from the troopers
+following us, and Couronne, swinging round, lashed out with her heels
+at the hound that was baying her. Leaning forward with one arm half
+round the neck of my snorting horse, I thrust twice at the hound
+hanging to him, the first time sliding off his metal collar, but at
+the second blow my blade slipped to the hilt into something soft, it
+seemed of its own accord, and as the dead dog fell suddenly back,
+bearing my poniard with it, my freed horse rose to its feet, and mad
+with pain dashed forwards into the teeth of our pursuers. I let him
+go--one might as well have tried to stop the rush of a mad bull. By a
+miracle I escaped being torn off by the overhanging branches, and as
+we raced into the open, Nicholas at my heels shouting 'To the north!
+to the north!' we were not twenty paces away from the troopers. My
+frantic horse went straight at them, and, driving my spurs home, I
+made him leap at the foremost horseman. His animal swerved off--a
+piece of good luck for both of us. Then my pistol missed fire, and I
+was in the midst of them. The quarters were so close, and the
+confusion so great, that at first only those on the outside could use
+their weapons, and in their hurry to do so some of these perhaps
+struck at each other. One man, however, shortened his sword, and would
+have run me through had I not luckily seen the flash of the blade and
+given him the heavy iron-bound butt of my pistol on the forehead. He
+was probably much hurt, but although he lurched backwards senseless,
+so close was the press that he was held in his saddle. The butt of the
+pistol was broken off by the blow, and for the moment I was disarmed.
+I dared not call out to Nicholas for fear of being recognised; but at
+this juncture horse and man on my right seemed to be dashed to earth,
+and Nicholas was at my elbow, striking right and left with the heavy
+hilt of his sword. Profiting by the relief, I drew out my second
+pistol and shot the man before me. Pressing against his mount with my
+brave little nag, who was now in hand again, I got clear, and, with a
+shout to Nicholas to follow, dashed off towards the north. It was at
+this moment that three other riders galloped up, and I heard de
+Gomeron call out, '_Sangdieu!_ They are off. After them, dogs,' and
+clapping spurs to his beast he rode after us. We had, however, gained
+a full twenty yards' start, which was more than trebled by the few
+seconds' delay before the troopers could recover themselves and
+follow. My horse was going at racing pace; but Couronne kept by his
+side with a long and effortless stride. De Gomeron was at our heels,
+and with a sudden rush ranged alongside of Nicholas. The sergeant
+possibly did not recognise his assailant, and managed somehow to parry
+the cut aimed at him, and the next moment de Gomeron's horse stumbled
+and went down; but the man himself, who was a rare horseman, fell on
+his feet like a cat. It was, however, a moment more of respite, and
+Nicholas, with a wild cheer, dashed into the forest, riding recklessly
+through the trees. We both leaned forward to the necks of our horses,
+and as far as I was concerned I made no attempt to guide my beast, but
+let him follow Couronne, who, surefooted as a stag, turned and twisted
+amongst the trees with almost human forethought. The single hound that
+was left strained bravely behind us; but, mindful probably of the fate
+that had overtaken his brother, made no direct attack. As we dashed
+into the wood the troopers attempted to follow; but it was with a
+relaxed speed, and every moment we were distancing them, and their
+cries, shouts, and curses became fainter and more faint. I began to
+think if we could but be rid of the sleuthhound, we would get off with
+whole skins. The beast was, however, not to be shaken off, and,
+avoiding the heels of the horses, came with a _lop_, _lop_, through
+the leaves alongside my nag, just out of reach of the point of my
+sword, which I had managed to draw. As he snapped and growled, my
+horse, already once wounded, and still smarting with pain, shied off
+from him, bruising my leg against a tree trunk, in the bark of which
+my spur remained, and all but unseating me. Another shy amongst the
+trees would have finished my business, for the pain of the bruise at
+the moment was exquisite; but, leaping a fallen log, Nicholas burst
+through a juniper bush, and my horse following him, we came on to an
+open stretch which sloped down to the river.
+
+'_Ouf!_ Out of it at last!' I gasped out to Nicholas.
+
+'It's a mile yet to the river, monsieur,' he answered, slackening pace
+slightly to allow me to get alongside of him.
+
+The dog, however, was not yet shaken off, and kept steadily beside my
+horse. In the bright moon I could see him running freely and easily;
+and, much as I cursed his presence there, I could not help but admire
+the gallant beast. He seemed to know perfectly the danger that lay in
+the long shining sword, that thrust out at him like a snake's tongue
+whenever he came too near.
+
+I, however, owed him one for the bruise, and it was not a time to
+waste in admiring things. So I called to Nicholas.
+
+'Slacken pace a little more. I want to be rid of the dog.'
+
+'We can kill him in the river,' answered the sergeant.
+
+'Better stop him here,' and Nicholas obeyed.
+
+Seeing us slacken, the hound tried to head the horses. This was
+exactly what I wanted; and shortening the reins, I pulled round my nag
+suddenly, right upon the dog, and, stooping low, gave him a couple of
+inches in the quarters as he attempted to double. It was not a wound
+that would kill. I had no intention, unless forced to, of doing that;
+but it had the desired effect, and he fled back howling with pain.
+
+'Adieu, monsieur!' I cried out after him with a laugh, and joining the
+sergeant we cantered on through the clearing towards the river.
+
+The ill-will I felt towards Nicholas had gone by this time. He had
+borne himself like a brave man, as he was; and, after all, if I had
+been in his position I would perhaps have done the same, and let drive
+at de Gomeron at sight. My little nag, however, at this time began to
+show signs of distress, and I turned my attention from the sergeant to
+husbanding the poor beast's strength--patting him on his foam-covered
+neck to encourage him, and speaking to him in the manner that horses
+love. _Pardieu!_ If men only knew it, there are moments when a touch
+of the hand and a kind word are better than four-inch spurs.
+
+We came to a narrow patch now, and rode down this, the river being in
+sight, winding like a silver ribbon thrown carelessly down. On the
+opposite bank it was overhung with willows, whose drooping boughs
+swung low to the very surface of the water. Here and there the stump
+of a felled tree stood up like a sentinel. In the distance, behind us,
+we could hear one or two of the troopers, who had by this time managed
+to get through the wood, yelling and shouting as they urged their
+horses towards the river. Doubtless more would soon follow, and I
+cursed them loudly and heartily. Nicholas looked back.
+
+'But fifteen yards of a swim, monsieur, and we are safe.'
+
+'Not exactly. See there?'
+
+The sergeant followed my outstretched blade, and swore too. Right
+before us two men galloped out of a strip of coppice that stretched to
+the water's edge and cut us off from the stream.
+
+'_Sacrebleu!_ How did they know that cut? Have at them, monsieur.'
+
+And we did.
+
+It had to be a matter of moments only. The troopers behind were coming
+on, and, if once they reached us, we could not well hope to escape
+again; the odds were too many. I did not, therefore, waste time, but
+went straight for my man, and, to do him justice, he seemed nothing
+loath to meet me. He cut over the shoulder, and, receiving this on my
+forte, I gave him the point in the centre of his breastplate, making
+it ring like a bell. Only a Milanese corselet could have saved him as
+it did. My nag went on, but turned on its haunches to the reins, and
+before he could well recover himself I was at him again, and
+discovered that he wore a demi-mask on his face.
+
+'Monsieur, shall I prick your mask off before killing you?' I mocked,
+suiting the words to a thrust that all but effected the object, and
+ripped him on the cheek.
+
+He was a good swordsman, but this made him beside himself with
+passion, and this frantic state, and the sound of his voice as he kept
+cursing me, told me that my opponent was none other than Biron
+himself. Now came a serious difficulty, which I had to consider like
+lightning. Did I kill him, and he was an infant in my hands, there
+could be no hope for me--he was too great--too highly placed for me to
+have any chance if I compassed his death. Therefore, as I pressed him,
+I called out loud enough for him to hear, 'Marshal, you are mad--go
+back--you are known to me.'
+
+He thrust at me for answer; but I could stand no more nonsense, and,
+getting within his guard, struck him off his horse with a blow from
+the hilt of my sword, and, wasting not a second more on him, turned to
+the assistance of Nicholas.
+
+It was much needed, for the sergeant's opponent was none other than de
+Gomeron himself, who had remounted after his fall, and, by cutting off
+a corner, intercepted us, almost with complete success. How Nicholas
+held his own against this finished swordsman for even so long a period
+as a half-minute I am unable to say. It was doubtless due to the
+strength of his bitter hatred, and his fury for revenge. Even as it
+was, I was too late. As I dashed towards him, Nicholas fairly screamed
+out:
+
+'Leave him to me--he is--a--ah!'
+
+He never finished, for de Gomeron saw his chance and passed his sword
+through the sergeant's throat, and he fell limply from Couronne a dead
+man.
+
+Before, however, the free-lance could recover himself I was on him,
+and, standing in my stirrups, cut at him with the full swing of my
+sword. He parried like lightning, but the force of the blow beat down
+his guard, and although my blade fell flat upon his steel cap, he went
+down like an ox.
+
+Poor Nicholas was gone! I knew that thrust, and once received there
+was nothing for it but masses for the soul. A half-dozen troopers were
+not two hundred yards away, and life lay on the other side of the
+Eure. I went straight on, and jumped my horse into the stream. It was
+running high and deep, and as I fell into the water with a splash and
+hiss of white foam around me, I heard another heavy plunge close to my
+shoulder, and, in the glance I cast towards the sound, saw that it was
+the now riderless Couronne, who had followed her companion of the
+night. To ease the horse, I slipped from the saddle, and, hanging on
+to the pommel, was towed along by him as the good beast breasted the
+stream bravely. _Pardieu!_ How the yellow water grumbled and foamed
+and bubbled around us. The current set towards the opposite bank, and
+the force of it carried us down, it seemed in a moment, fully fifty
+yards from the spot where we had plunged in, to within a few feet of
+the opposite shore. Here, however, the river ran strong and swiftly,
+the bank was high, and the horses could make no headway, but kept
+drifting down. By this time the troopers had reached the scene of the
+fight, and I could hear them howling with anger as they gathered
+around their fallen leaders, and, without a head to guide them,
+hesitated what to do, each moment of delay giving me precious time,
+and bringing me closer to a shelving bank a few yards to the left. Not
+one of the troopers dared the stream, and they had apparently emptied
+their arquebuses after us in pursuit, for none fired, although they
+called to each other, 'Shoot him down--shoot him down!'
+
+A couple of men galloped down stream a little below me, and,
+dismounting, began to load hurriedly, it being evidently their
+intention to pick me off as I drifted past. For the moment I gave
+myself up for lost; but, determining to make a last effort to save
+myself, made a snatch at the willows that overhung the bank and
+brushed us with their wet and dripping leaves as we struggled
+underneath. As I did this, I loosed my hold of the saddle, and the
+horses slid past me, and I was dragged by the current right into the
+bank. The willows were tough, and I held on to them like a leech, and
+the troopers, who had seen what I was about, began to laugh at me, and
+adjure me to hold on tight as they would be ready to shoot in a
+moment. The fools! They gave me the moment's time I wanted, and,
+digging my boot into the soft bank, I laid hold of the stem of a
+willow and with an effort reached the shore. I rolled over at full
+length, and then lay flat on my face, whilst the troopers with many
+curses ran forward a few feet and let off their arquebuses, on the off
+chance of bringing me down. They aimed truly enough, and had I not
+lain to earth as I did, I should infallibly have been killed, for the
+bullets whizzed past, it seemed, but a few inches above me. I let out
+a yell as if I was mortally hurt, and then rising, ran down stream
+behind the willows as fast as my bruised leg would allow me, to see if
+I could not get back one or both the horses. My stratagem had the
+desired effect, for on my cry of 'I am dead--I am dead,' two others of
+the men who had run up let off their pieces where I was supposed to
+be, and they all shouted, 'We have him; he is down.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ Not yet,' I could hardly refrain from chuckling to myself,
+as I hobbled along the bank, and to my joy saw them in a little bay,
+about a hundred paces from me, moving slowly in the shallow water. One
+behind the other, towards the land. A spur had been thrown out here,
+evidently with the object of protecting the bank, and it had cast the
+main stream on the opposite shore, and given the beasts a chance of
+landing.
+
+I felt my leg at each step I took; but went on at a round pace
+somehow, and came up to Couronne just as she was stepping out of the
+water. Catching her by the bridle, I mounted, although with some
+difficulty, and slipping my hands through the reins of my own nag,
+trotted off under cover of the trees, leaving M. de Gomeron, who had
+doubtless recovered by this time, and his men to make a target of the
+darkness. I had come through somehow, but I was sick and sore at
+heart, as I urged Couronne from a trot to a gallop, when I thought of
+poor Nicholas lying dead by the banks of the Eure.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII
+
+                         MONSIEUR DE PREAULX
+
+
+I kept off the road as far as possible to avoid being tracked. Even if
+no further attempt to follow me was made to-night, which was
+uncertain, as de Gomeron was not the man to let the barest chance slip
+through his fingers, yet there was no doubt as to what would happen on
+the morrow. I congratulated myself on having crippled the last of the
+sleuthhounds, as my gentlemen would be placed thereby in a difficulty
+in regard to my route, and if they scoured the country in twos and
+threes, I felt confident of being able, with Jacques' aid, to give a
+good account of myself did we meet, despite my bruised leg, which
+reminded me of itself unpleasantly.
+
+As I patted Couronne's neck I thought of Nicholas, and with the memory
+of him the face of Marie came up. I felt myself in a measure
+responsible for his death, and was resolved to weigh out in full to
+Marie the payment I had promised them both. It was a debt I would
+discharge to the end of the measure.
+
+A sense of relief came to my mind with this resolve, and, as Rouvres
+could not be far distant, I slackened pace to let the horses breathe a
+trifle, and began to hastily plan my future course of action on
+reaching Paris. I had not only discovered what was evidently a deep
+and widely-spread plot, but had also stumbled on the dreadful secret
+of the death of the woman who was to be Queen of France in name, as
+she was in reality. It was certain that she had been foully murdered.
+It was certain that the King's most trusted captain and many of his
+greatest nobles were hilt-deep in treachery--so much I knew. I had
+seen with mine own eyes, and heard with mine own ears, but beyond this
+I had no proofs--and what would my word weigh against theirs! Besides
+this there was my own trouble. D'Ayen's mocking warning was explicit
+enough when read with Palin's confidence, and any doubt I may have had
+on that point was almost set at rest by what I had overheard. In
+short, I was the rival of the King, and felt my head very loose upon
+my neck.
+
+What was I to do? It was no easy matter to decide; but I came to the
+conclusion that my best course was to seek out the all-powerful Sully,
+tell him what I knew, and beg the help of that great man. I did not
+know him, except by repute; but my case was strong and my cause good.
+I would delay not a moment about this on reaching Paris; but it was
+Rouvres I had to come to first, and many a league lay for reflection
+between me and the Louvre.
+
+So I jogged on, not quite certain of my way, and every now and again
+making a cast to find the road, for by riding parallel with it I knew
+I must reach my destination. Once, however, I lost myself for about an
+hour, and, on finding the road again, resolved to keep to it for the
+remainder of my journey, as the moon was rapidly waning, and that
+darkness which touches the edge of the morning was at hand.
+
+At last I heard the Lauds chime solemnly out into the night, and in a
+few minutes pulled up the weary beasts before the gates of Rouvres.
+Here I found a difficulty I might have anticipated. The gates were
+shut, and the unpleasant prospect of a dreary wait of some hours lay
+before me. This was not to be borne, and I raised a clamour that might
+have awakened the dead. It had the desired effect of rousing the watch
+at the gate; a wicket was opened, the light of a lanthorn flashed
+through, and a gruff voice bade me begone.
+
+'Open,' I roared, 'open in the King's name.'
+
+'_Pardieu!_ Monsieur, the gates are kept shut in the King's name, and
+his Majesty does not like his subjects' rest being disturbed,'
+answered another voice, and from its tone and inflection I guessed it
+was that of an officer.
+
+'In that case, monsieur,' I said, 'let me in so that we may both go to
+our beds, and a thousand apologies for disturbing you. My servant is
+already at the _Grand Cerf_, and one man cannot take Rouvres.'
+
+'Then you are that M. de Preaulx of the Anjoumois, whose lackey
+Jacques Bisson arrived last night--for it is morning now?'
+
+'You keep good watch, monsieur--who else should I be?' I said, with an
+inward 'thank heaven' at the accident that had discovered to me my new
+name.
+
+There was no reply for a moment, though I heard some one laughing, and
+the rays of the light were cast to the right and to the left of me to
+see that I was really alone. Finally orders were given for my
+admission. The gates went open with a creaking, and I was within
+Rouvres.
+
+As I rode in I stopped to thank the officer for his courtesy, and the
+light being very clear, he observed my condition, and exclaimed,
+'_Diable!_ But you have ridden far, monsieur, and with a led horse
+too!'
+
+'I ride in the King's name, monsieur,' I replied a little coldly, and,
+thanking him once more, was seized with an inspiration, and begged the
+favour of his company at dinner at the _Grand Cerf_.
+
+'With pleasure, monsieur. Permit me to introduce myself. I am the
+Chevalier d'Aubusson, lieutenant of M. de Sancy's company of
+ordonnance.'
+
+I raised my hat in response; 'His Majesty has no braver word than M.
+de Sancy. At twelve then, monsieur, I shall have the pleasure of
+meeting you again; good night, or rather good morning!'
+
+'Adieu!' he answered, 'I will be punctual. The _Grand Cerf_ is but a
+couple of hundred toises to your right.'
+
+As I rode up the narrow and ill-paved street I heard d'Aubusson
+whistling a catch as he turned into the guard-room, and congratulated
+myself on my stratagem and the luck that had befriended it. I knew
+enough of court intrigue to be aware that de Sancy and the Marshal
+were at each other's throats, and that I could therefore always get
+protection here by declaring myself against Biron. Then came a short
+turn to the right, and Monsieur de Preaulx of the Anjoumois was at the
+door of the _Grand Cerf_. It opened to my knock, and Jacques, faithful
+knave, was in waiting. After this there followed the usual little
+delay and bustle consequent on a new arrival.
+
+As I dismounted Jacques whispered in my ear, 'You are M. de Preaulx of
+Saumur in the Anjoumois, monsieur.'
+
+'So M. d'Aubusson tells me,' I replied in the same tone, and then
+louder, 'but you might have made a mess of it, Jacques--however, you
+meant well, and I owe you five crowns for your good intentions. Now
+call mine host, and tell him to show me to my rooms whilst you see to
+the horses.'
+
+Mine host was already there, in slippered feet, with a long candle in
+one hand and a cup of warmed Romanee in the other. He led the way with
+many bows, and I limped after him to a room which was large and
+comfortable enough.
+
+'Here is some mulled Romanee for monsieur le baron,' he said, as he
+handed me the goblet; 'his lordship the count will observe that the
+best room has been kept for him, and later on I will have the pleasure
+of setting the finest dinner in France before the most noble marquis;
+good night, monseigneur, good night and good dreams,' and he tottered
+off, leaving me to drink the mulled wine, which was superb, and to
+sleep the sleep of the utterly weary.
+
+It was late when I awoke and found Jacques in my room, attending to my
+things. The rest had done my leg good, although it was still stiff,
+and the wearing of a long boot painful. As I finished my toilet I
+asked my man,
+
+'Horses ready?'
+
+'They will be by the time Monsieur has dined. I shall put the valises
+on the nag we got at Evreux for you.'
+
+'Right. _Morbleu!_ I hear M. d'Aubusson below. It is very late.'
+
+'It has just gone the dinner hour.'
+
+I hurried downstairs, leaving Jacques to pack, and was only just in
+time to receive my guest.
+
+'A hundred pardons, monsieur; but I overslept myself.'
+
+''Tis a sleepy place,' he answered, 'there is nothing to do but to
+sleep.'
+
+'Surely there is something to love.'
+
+'Not a decent ankle under a petticoat.'
+
+'At any rate we can eat. Come, sit you down. My ride has made me
+hungry as a wolf, and I have far to go.'
+
+The dinner was excellent, the Armagnac of the finest vintage, and
+d'Aubusson to all appearances a gay frank-hearted fellow, and we
+became very friendly as the wine cup passed.
+
+'Tell me what induced M. de Sancy to quarter his company here?' I
+asked towards the close of the meal, as the lieutenant was cursing his
+luck at being stationed at Rouvres.
+
+He burst out laughing; 'Oh! M. de Sancy has a government and five
+thousand livres a year to maintain his company, and being a pious soul
+has enlisted all the saints, and keeps them as far as possible from
+the temptations of Paris.'
+
+'Enlisted the saints!'
+
+'Yes--this Armagnac is excellent--yes, the saints. Our gentlemen are
+all from heaven--there is St. Andre, St. Vincent, St. Martin, St.
+Blaise, St. Loy, St. Pol, and half the calendar besides!'
+
+'Ha! ha! the heavenly host.'
+
+'Oh! I am proud, I assure you. I command the company from Paradise.'
+
+'Or the gendarmes of the Kyrielle.'
+
+'_Noel_! _Noel!_' he called out gaily, and as he did so we heard a
+clatter of hoofs in the courtyard, and a few moments afterwards the
+landlord ushered in two gentlemen. It took me but a glance to
+recognise in one the Italian Zamet, and in the other the Chevalier
+Lafin. It cost me an effort to compose myself, so much was I startled;
+but I comforted myself with the assurance that I was unknown to them,
+and that an arrest would be no easy matter with Sancy's company at
+hand. Beyond bowing to us, however, as they passed, they took no
+further notice of me for the present, and contented themselves with
+ordering some wine, and conversing in low tones at the table at which
+they sat.
+
+Nevertheless, it was a piece of ill luck. These men were evidently
+back on their way to Paris, and by coming through Rouvres had stumbled
+upon me in such a manner as to hold me at serious disadvantage. My one
+consolation was that Zamet did not look like a fighting man, and as
+for the other, there was an equal chance for each of us; but I had no
+idea what their force might be outside. It turned out that it was very
+small, and it was owing to this that the incident I am about to
+describe ended so peacefully. A look or two in our direction appeared
+to indicate that the new arrivals were discussing us, and my doubts
+were soon set at rest by a lackey entering and holding a brief
+whispered talk with Zamet. He dismissed the man quietly, and then
+bending forward said something to Lafin, and both, rising, approached
+us.
+
+'Monsieur will pardon me,' said Zamet, addressing me with his lisping
+Italian accent, 'but I understand that you entered Rouvres late last
+night.'
+
+'Yes,' I answered, whilst d'Aubusson raised his eyebrows and leaned
+back in his chair, twirling his moustache.
+
+'Then would you be so kind as to inform me, if you came by the road
+from Anet, whether you met a wounded horseman riding this way?'
+
+'Before I answer any questions, will you be good enough to tell me who
+you are, gentlemen?'
+
+'I am Zamet, Comptroller of the King's household,' replied the
+Italian.
+
+'And I the Chevalier de Lafin, nephew and heir to the Vidame de
+Chartres.'
+
+'I see no reason to reply to your question, messieurs, even if you are
+the persons you name.'
+
+Zamet smiled slightly, with a meaning look towards Lafin, who burst
+out:
+
+'Have a care, monsieur, remember I follow the Marshal duc de Biron.'
+
+'Of Burgundy and La Bresse,' I added with a sneer, rising from my
+seat, my hand on my sword hilt.
+
+'It is he,' exclaimed the Italian, and Lafin, who saw my movement,
+stepped back half a pace, not from fear, but to gain room to draw his
+weapon.
+
+'My dear lieutenant,' and I turned to d'Aubusson, 'you complain that
+this is a dull place. We shall now have some relaxation. These
+gentlemen want a question answered, and I say certainly--I suggest the
+garden as a suitable place for our conference. Will you do me the
+favour to look on?'
+
+'That will be slower than ever for me. If you will allow me to join
+you?'
+
+'Delighted. You are my guest, and it will make us exactly two to two.
+Now, gentlemen,' I will answer your question on the lawn.' Whilst we
+were speaking, some hurried words passed between Lafin and Zamet, and
+as I turned to them with my invitation the Italian answered:
+
+'There was no offence meant, monsieur. We had business with the man
+from Anet,' he looked hard at me as he spoke, 'and at present we have
+not leisure to attend to you. We will, therefore, not intrude on you
+further. We but stay for a glass of wine, and then press onwards.'
+
+'Hum!' exclaimed d'Aubusson, surveying him from head to bootheel, and
+then turning an equally contemptuous look at Lafin, 'you are very
+disobliging gentlemen.'
+
+'This is not to be borne,' burst out Lafin. 'Come, sir----'
+
+But Zamet again interposed.
+
+'_Diavolo!_ Chevalier, your courage is known. We will settle with
+these gentlemen another day--you forget. Will you risk all now? 'His
+companion put back his half-drawn sword with a curse and a snap, and,
+turning on his heel, went to the other end of the room, followed by
+Zamet. There they drank their wine and departed, and an hour later I
+also started. D'Aubusson insisted on accompanying me part of the way
+with a couple of his saints, and, as we approached the Paris gate, we
+observed a man riding slowly, a little ahead of us. 'I recognise the
+grey,' said Jacques, coming to my side. 'Monsieur, that is one of the
+three servants the two gentlemen who have gone before had with them.'
+
+This small force accounted, as I have said, for the moderation Zamet
+had shown; but it flashed upon me that the lackey had been left behind
+for no other purpose than that of observing our route. Even if I was
+wrong in this surmise it was well to be prudent, and turning to
+d'Aubusson I said:
+
+'Monsieur, I wish to be frank with you. It is true that I am bearing
+news to Paris which will be of the greatest service to the King; but
+my name is not de Preaulx.'
+
+'I know that,' he said quietly, 'I am of the Anjoumois, and there is
+no such name there.'
+
+'And you did not arrest me?'
+
+'Why the devil should I? The land is at peace, and I have been
+Monsieur "I-Don't-Know-What" before now myself. Besides, you were in
+my hands at the _Grand Cerf_. You are in my hands now. But I wanted to
+know more, and when I saw that you were an object of M. Zamet's
+attentions I knew you were on our side.'
+
+'Exactly so, and I owe you much for this. There is another favour I
+would ask.'
+
+'And it is?'
+
+'That you stop the man riding ahead of us until this evening.'
+
+'As it will annoy Zamet, I shall do so with pleasure. I had half a
+mind to stop the shoemaker himself.'
+
+With this allusion to Zamet's ignoble origin he turned and gave a
+short order to his men. As we came up to the gate the man before us
+slackened pace so as to let us pass, with the obvious intention, so I
+thought, of following me at his convenience. He had hardly pulled rein
+when the two saints closed in, one on each side of him, and in a trice
+he was in their hands. He protested violently, as might have been
+expected, but in vain, and we waited until he was well out of sight on
+his way to the guard-room.
+
+At the gate we asked which way Zamet and his party had gone.
+
+'By Tacoignieres, messieurs,' answered the sentinel.
+
+'Then my way is by Septeuil,' I said. 'I owe you a long debt, M.
+d'Aubusson, and will repay. We shall meet again.'
+
+'_Pardieu!_ I hope so--and you dine with me at More's.'
+
+'Or where you will--adieu.'
+
+'A good journey.'
+
+And with a parting wave of my hand I turned Couronne's head, and
+galloped off, followed by Jacques.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX
+
+                          THE MASTER-GENERAL
+
+
+In the labyrinth of narrow streets, crooked roads, and blind alleys
+behind the Palais de Justice, where the houses are so crowded, that
+they seem to climb one over the other in their efforts to reach higher
+and higher in their search for air, is a small street called the Rue
+des Deux Mondes. It had this advantage--that it was wider than most of
+the other roads in that part of Paris, and opened out abruptly on to
+the river face, very nearly opposite the upper portion of the Pont
+Neuf, then under course of construction but not to be finished for
+some years later. At the corner of the street and overlooking the
+river, the Pont Neuf, the Passeur aux Vaches, with a glimpse of the
+Quai Malaquais and the mansions of the Faubourg St. Germain, was a
+house of moderate size kept and owned by a Maitre Pantin, who was
+engaged nominally, in some legal business in the courts of the city. I
+say nominally, because he was in reality an agent of the Huguenot
+party, who, having contributed so largely to help the King to his own,
+were in reward restricted from the public exercise of their religion
+to a radius of thirty miles beyond Paris. This restriction did not,
+however, apply to Madame Catherine, the King's sister, now the Duchess
+de Bar, and a few of the great nobles such as Bouillon, de Guiche, de
+Pangeas, and one or two others, who had declined to follow the King's
+example and see the error of their religious ways, and who when in the
+capital were allowed to attend the princess' daily _preche_ in the
+Louvre, a thing which exasperated all Paris, and induced Monseigneur
+the Archbishop de Gondy to make public protest to the King, and to
+come back very downcast with a carrot for his cabbage.
+
+It was this house of Maitre Pantin, it will be remembered, that had
+been recommended to me as a lodging by Palin, who told me of the
+owner's occupation, and when I demurred on account of my religious
+convictions, the Huguenot pointed out that I had to do things in Paris
+which required a safe retreat, and that he could vouch for the honesty
+and discretion of Pantin. I admitted that his arguments were
+reasonable, and resolved to take advantage of his recommendation.
+
+We rode into Paris by the St. Germain's gate, and I was immediately
+struck by the aspect of gloom that the city wore. Most of the shops
+were indeed open, but there appeared to be no business doing, and
+instead of men hurrying backwards and forwards, the streets were
+filled with groups of people evidently engaged in discussing some
+affair of the utmost moment. Every third or fourth man wore a black
+scarf over his right arm, and the bells of the churches were tolling
+dismally for the dead. From St. Germain des Pres, from St. Severin,
+from the airy spire of Ste. Chapelle, they called out mournfully, and
+above them all, drowning the distant voices of St. Germain
+l'Auxerrois, St. Jacques de la Boucherie, St. Antoine, and others less
+known to fame, pealed out the solemn notes of the Bourdon of Notre
+Dame.
+
+Near the Pre-aux-clercs, hundreds of long-robed students were
+assembled, and the windows of many of the great houses, including the
+Logis de Nevers, were hung with black. It was strange to see Paris,
+always so bright and gay, with this solemn air upon it. No notice was
+taken of us as we rode on, the knots of people merely moving aside to
+let us pass, and answering Jacques' cheerful 'good-day 'with a silent
+inclination of the head or a chill indifference.
+
+'_Pardieu_, monsieur,' exclaimed Jacques, as we turned up the Rue de
+la Harpe, hard by the Hotel de Cluny, 'one would think the King
+himself were dead, these gentry pull such long faces.' My servant's
+chance observation sent a sudden shock through me. What if Henry was
+dead! What if I had got only one thread of the plot that was weaving
+at Anet? I did not answer Jacques; but observing a Capuchin priest
+advancing in my direction, I reined in Couronne, and giving him the
+day, asked what it was that had befallen the city. He looked up at me
+in a slight surprise, and then, observing my travel-stained
+appearance, replied:
+
+'I see you are a stranger, sir; but have you not heard the news--it
+should have gone far by this?'
+
+'I have not, as you see--but what is it? Surely the King is not dead?'
+
+'God forbid,' he answered, 'no, not the King; but she who in a few
+weeks would have been Queen of France.'
+
+'The Duchesse de Beaufort?'
+
+'Exactly.'
+
+'I knew that; but you don't mean to say that the city is in mourning
+for the mistress of the King?'
+
+He looked at me straight in the face, and stroked his white beard
+thoughtfully. He was a tall, a very tall, thin man, and his eyes, of
+the clearest blue, seemed to lighten with a strange light.
+
+'No, my son, not for the mistress of the King, as you call her, but
+for the open hand and the generous heart, for the kindly soul that
+never turned from suffering or from sorrow, for Magdalen bountiful,
+and, let us hope, Magdalen repentant.'
+
+'But----'
+
+'Adieu, my son--think of what I have said. Is your own heart so pure
+that you can afford to cast a stone at the dead?' And without waiting
+for a further answer he went onwards. I turned and watched the tall,
+slim figure as it moved through the crowd, the people making way for
+him on every side as if he were a prince of the church.
+
+But though he was slowly passing out of sight, he had left words
+behind him that were at their work. This was the woman whom I had
+openly-reviled as fallen and beyond the pale--had I any right to cast
+stones? For a moment I was lost in myself, when Jacques' voice cut
+into my thoughts.
+
+'That must have been a cardinal at least, monsieur, though he does not
+look like the Cardinal du Perron, whom we heard preach at Rheims--I
+will ask,' and he inquired who the Capuchin was, of a man who had just
+come up.
+
+'That is the _pere_ Ange, monsieur,' was the answer, and the man went
+on, leaving Jacques' thanks in the air.
+
+The _pere_ Ange. The name brought back a host of recollections to me
+as I shook up Couronne's reins and headed her towards the Pont St.
+Michel. I saw myself a boy again in the suite of Joyeuse, and
+remembered with what awe I used to gaze on the brilliant de Bouchage,
+his brother, who was a frequent visitor at Orleans. His splendid
+attire, his courtly air, the great deeds he had done were in all men's
+mouths. We youngsters, who saw him at a respectful distance, aped the
+cut of his cloak, the tilt of his sword, the cock of his plumed hat.
+If we only knew how he made love, we would have tried to do so in like
+manner; but for this each one of us had to find out a way of his own.
+
+All at once it was rumoured that the chevalier had vanished,
+disappeared mysteriously, and that every trace of him was lost. There
+were men who whispered of the Chatelet, or, worse still, the Bastille;
+others who said the Seine was very deep near the mills by the Pont aux
+Meunniers; others who put together the sudden retreat from the court
+of the brilliant but infamous Madame de Sauves, the Rose of Guise,
+with the disappearance of de Bouchage, and shook their heads and
+winked knowingly. They were all wrong. Gradually the truth came out,
+and it became known that the polished courtier, the great soldier, and
+the splendid cavalier had thrown away the world as one would fling
+aside an old cloak, and buried himself in a cloister.
+
+It was a ten days' wonder; then other things happened, and perhaps not
+one in ten thousand remembered, in the saintly _pere_ Ange, the once
+fiery prince of the house of Joyeuse.
+
+I have mentioned this because of his reproof to me. Day by day my
+education was progressing, and I began to recognise that my virtue was
+pitiless, that I was too ready to judge harshly of others. _Pere_
+Ange's reproof was a lesson I meant to profit by; and now--to the
+abode of Maitre Pantin.
+
+Palin's directions were clear, and after crossing the Pont St. Michel,
+a wooden bridge, we kept to the south of Ste. Chapelle, and then,
+after many a twist and turn, found ourselves in the Rue des Deux
+Mondes, before the doors of Pantin's house.
+
+The master himself answered my knock and stood in the doorway, a
+small, wizened figure, looking at us cautiously from grey eyes,
+shadowed by bushy white brows.
+
+'Good-day, monsieur--what is it I can do for you?'
+
+'You are Maitre Pantin?'
+
+'At your service.'
+
+'And I am the Chevalier d'Auriac. I have come to Paris from Bidache on
+business, and need a lodging. Maitre Palin has recommended me to you.'
+
+'Enough, monsieur le chevalier. My friend Palin's name is sufficient,
+and I have need of clients, for the house is empty. If Monsieur's
+servant will lead the horses through that lane there, he will find an
+entrance to the stables--and will Monsieur step in and take a seat
+while I summon my wife--Annette! Annette!'
+
+I limped in and sat down, escorted by expressions of compassion from
+Pantin, who mingled these with shouts for Annette. In a little time
+Madame Pantin appeared, and never have I seen so great a resemblance
+between husband and wife as between these two. There was the same
+small, shrivelled figure, the same clear-cut features, the same white
+eyebrows standing prominently out over the same grey eyes--their
+height, walk, and tone of voice even, was almost the same. Madame,
+however, had an eye to business, which her husband, although I
+understood him to be a notary, had not discovered to me, and whilst he
+went off to see, as he said, to the arrangements for the horses,
+Madame Annette struck a bargain with me for my lodging, which I closed
+with at once, as I was in sufficient funds to be a little extravagant.
+This matter being arranged by my instant agreement to her terms, she
+showed me to my rooms, which were on the second floor, and commanded a
+good view of the river face; and, pocketing a week's rental in
+advance, the old lady retired, after recommending me to an ordinary
+where the food was excellent and the Frontignac old.
+
+I spent the remainder of the day doing nothing, going forth but to sup
+quietly at the Two Ecus, which I found fully upheld the good name
+Madame Pantin had given it, and returning early to my rooms.
+
+Sitting in an easy chair at a window overlooking the Seine, I lost
+myself for a while in a dreamland of reverie. Let it be remembered
+that I was a man of action, who had been awakened by the love he bore
+for a woman to a sense of his own unfitness, and it will be realised
+how difficult it was for me to look into myself. I tried to tick off
+my failings in my mind, and found they were hydra-headed. There were
+some that I alone could not combat, and I hated myself for my want of
+moral strength. I had groped towards religion for aid, to the faith of
+my fathers; but there were doctrines and canons there that I could not
+reconcile with my inward conscience. I could not believe all I was
+asked to take on trust, and I felt I was insensibly turning towards
+the simpler faith of the Huguenot. But here, again, I was in troublous
+waters. I had got over the sinful pride that prevented me from
+approaching my God in humbleness, but I found that prayer, though it
+gave momentary relief, did not give permanent strength to resist, and
+a sort of spiritual despair fell upon me. Along with this was an
+unalterable longing to be near the woman I loved, to feel her presence
+about me, to know that she loved me as I loved her, and, in short, I
+would rather go ten times up to a battery of guns than feel over again
+the desolation and agony of spirit that was on me then. So I spent an
+hour or so in a state of hopeless mental confusion, and at last I cut
+it short by pulling myself up abruptly. Win or lose, I would follow
+the dictates of my conscience. If I could, I would win the woman I
+loved, and with God's help and her aid lead such a life as would bring
+us both to Him when we died. It was a quick, unspoken prayer that went
+up from me, and it brought back in a moment its comfort.
+
+Jacques' coming into the room at this juncture was a relief. He lit
+the tall candles that stood in the grotesque bronze holders that
+projected from the wall, and then, drawing the curtains, inquired if I
+needed his services further that night.
+
+'I don't think so, Jacques--but stay!'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'How do we stand?'
+
+'Oh, well enough, monsieur. Better really than for a long time. We
+have three horses and their equipment--although one of Monsieur's
+pistols is broken--and a full hundred and fifty crowns.'
+
+'A perfect fortune--are you sure of the crowns?'
+
+'As I am of being here, monsieur.'
+
+'Well, then, there is something I want you to do, and attend with both
+ears.'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'I want you to take the two horses we got at Evreux and fifty crowns,
+and go back to Ezy. Keep ten crowns for yourself and give forty to the
+smith and his daughter, and take them with you to Auriac. The
+forester's lodge is vacant--let them live there, or, if they like,
+there is room enough in the chateau. I will give you a letter to
+Bozon. He wants help, and these people will be of service to him.
+After you have done this, sell one of the horses--you may keep the
+proceeds, and come back to me. If I am not here you will get certain
+news of me, and can easily find me out--you follow?'
+
+'Exactly.'
+
+'Then when will you be prepared to start?'
+
+'As soon as Monsieur le Chevalier is suited with another man as
+faithful as I.'
+
+'Eh!'
+
+'_Sangdieu!_ monsieur, I shall never forget what _pere_ Michel and the
+old steward Bozon said when I came home last without you. I believe if
+I were to do so again the good cure would excommunicate me, and Maitre
+Bozon would have me flung into the bay to follow. If I were to go back
+and leave you alone in Paris anything might happen. No! no! My fathers
+have served Auriac for two hundred years, and it shall never be
+said that Jacques Bisson left the last of the old race to die
+alone--never!'
+
+'My friend, you are mad--who the devil talks of dying?'
+
+'Monsieur, I am not such a fool as perhaps I look. Do I not understand
+that Monsieur has an affair in hand which has more to do with a rapier
+than a ribbon? If not, why the night ride, why the broken pistol, and
+the blood-stained saddle of Couronne? If Monsieur had come to Paris in
+the ordinary way, we would have been at court, fluttering it as gaily
+as the rest, and cocking our bonnets with the best of them--instead of
+hiding here like a fox in his lair.'
+
+'You are complimentary; but it is to help me I want you to do this.'
+
+'The best help Monsieur can have is a true sword at his
+elbow--Monsieur will excuse me, but I will not go,' and, angry as his
+tone was, there were tears in the honest fellow's eyes. Of course I
+could have dismissed the man; but I knew him too well not to know that
+nothing short of killing him would rid me of him. Again I was more
+than touched by his fidelity. Nevertheless, I was determined to carry
+out my project of making up to Marie in some way for the death of
+Nicholas, and resolved to temporise with Jacques. There was no one
+else to send, and it would have to be my stout-hearted knave; but the
+business was to get him to go.
+
+'Very well, Jacques; but remember, if I get other temporary help that
+you approve of you will have to go.'
+
+'In that case, monsieur, it is different.'
+
+'Then it must be your business to see to this, and now good night.'
+
+'Good night, monsieur,' and he took himself off.
+
+I had made up my mind to lay my information before Sully. That he was
+in Paris I knew, having obtained the information from Pantin, and it
+was my intention to repair the next day to the Hotel de Bethune, and
+tell the minister all. The night was one of those in which sleep would
+not come, not because the place was a strange one--I was too old a
+campaigner to lose rest because the same feather pillow was not under
+my head every night--but because my thoughts kept me awake. What these
+were I have already described, and they were in force sufficient to
+banish all sleep until the small hours were well on, and I at last
+dropped off, with the solemn notes of the Bourdon ringing in my ears.
+
+It was about ten o'clock the next morning that I mounted Couronne,
+and, followed by Jacques, well armed, took my way towards the Hotel de
+Bethune. We found the Barillierie thronged with people on their way to
+St. Denis to witness the burial of Madame de Beaufort, and the Pont au
+Change was so crowded that we had to wait there for a full half-hour.
+At last we got across the bridge, on which in their eagerness for gain
+the money-changers had fixed their stalls, and pushed and struggled
+and fought over their business on each side of the narrow track they
+left for the public. Finally, we passed the grey walls of the Grand
+Chatelet, and turning to our right, past St. Jacques, the Place de
+Greve, and the Hotel de Ville, got into the Rue St. Antoine by a side
+street that ran from St. Gervais to the Baudets. Here we found the
+main street almost deserted, all Paris having crowded to the funeral,
+and a quarter-mile or so brought us to the gates of the Hotel de
+Bethune.
+
+Sully had just received the Master-Generalship of the Ordnance, and at
+his door was a guard of the regiment of La Ferte. I knew the blue
+uniforms with the white sashes well, and they had fought like fiends
+at Fontaine Francaise and Ham. The officer on guard very civilly told
+me that the minister did not receive that day, but on my insisting and
+pointing out that my business was of the utmost importance, he gave
+way with a shrug of his shoulders. 'Go on, monsieur le chevalier, but
+I can tell you it is of no use; however, that is a business you must
+settle with Ivoy, the duke's secretary.'
+
+I thanked him, and, dismounting and flinging the reins to Jacques,
+passed up the courtyard and up the stone steps to the entrance door.
+Here I was met by the same statement, that Sully was unable to receive
+to-day; but, on my insisting, the secretary Ivoy appeared and asked me
+my name and business.
+
+'I have given my name twice already, monsieur,' I answered. 'I am the
+Chevalier d'Auriac, and as for my business it is of vital import, and
+is for Monseigneur's ear alone--you will, therefore, excuse me if I
+decline to mention it to you.'
+
+Ivoy bowed. 'It will come to me in its own good time, monsieur. Will
+you be seated? I will deliver your message to the duke; but I am
+afraid it will be of little use.'
+
+'I take the risk. Monsieur d'Ivoy.'
+
+'But not the rating, chevalier,' and the secretary, with a half-smile
+on his face, went out and left me to myself. In a few minutes he
+returned.
+
+'The duke will see you, monsieur--this way, please.'
+
+'_Pardieu!_' I muttered to myself as I followed Ivoy, 'he keeps as
+much state as if he were the chancellor himself. However, I have a
+relish for Monseigneur's soup.'
+
+Ivoy led the way up a winding staircase of oak, so old that it was
+black as ebony, and polished as glass. At the end of this was a
+landing, where a couple of lackeys were lounging on a bench before a
+closed door. They sprang up at our approach, and Ivoy tapped gently at
+the door.
+
+'Come in,' was the answer, given in a cold voice, and the next moment
+we were in the room.
+
+'Monsieur le Chevalier d'Auriac,' and Ivoy had presented me.
+
+Sully inclined his head frigidly to my bow, and then motioned to Ivoy
+to retire. When we were alone, he turned to me with a brief 'Well?'
+
+'I have information of the utmost importance which I wish to lay
+before you.'
+
+'I hear that ten times a day from people. Will your story take long to
+tell?'
+
+'That depends.'
+
+'Then be seated for a moment, whilst I write a note.'
+
+I took the chair he pointed out, and he began to write rapidly. Whilst
+he was doing this I had a glance round the room. It was evidently the
+duke's working cabinet, and it bore everywhere the marks of the prim
+exactness of its master's character. There was no litter of papers on
+the table. The huge piles of correspondence on it were arranged
+neatly, one file above the other. All the books in the long shelves
+that lined the walls were numbered, the curtains were drawn back at
+exact angles to the curtain poles, the chairs were set squarely, there
+was not a thing out of place, not a speck of dust, not a blot on the
+brown leather writing-pad, on the polished walnut of the table before
+which Sully sat. On the wall opposite to him was a portrait of Madame
+de Sully. It was the only ornament in the room. The portrait itself
+showed a sprightly-looking woman with a laughing eye, and she looked
+down on her lord and master from the painted canvas with a merry smile
+on her slightly parted lips. As for the man himself, he sat squarely
+at his desk, writing rapidly with an even motion of his pen. He was
+plainly but richly dressed, without arms of any kind. His collar was
+ruffed in the English fashion, but worn with a droop, over which his
+long beard, now streaked with grey, fell almost to the middle of his
+breast. He was bald, and on each side of his high, wrinkled forehead
+there was a thin wisp of hair, brushed neatly back. His clear eyes
+looked out coldly, but not unkindly, from under the dark, arched
+eyebrows, and his short moustaches were carefully trimmed and twisted
+into two points that stuck out one on each side of his long straight
+nose. The mouth itself was small, and the lips were drawn together
+tightly, not, it seemed, naturally, but by a constant habit that had
+become second nature. It was as if there were two spirits in this man.
+One a genial influence that was held in bonds by the other, a cold,
+calculating, intellectual essence. Such was Maximilian de Bethune,
+Marquis de Rosny and Duc de Sully. He was not yet nominally chief
+minister. But it was well known that he was in the King's inmost
+secrets, and that there was no man who held more real power in the
+State than the Master-General of the Ordnance. As I finished my survey
+of him, he finished his despatch, and after folding and addressing it
+he turned it upside down and said to me:
+
+'Now for your important news, monsieur. It must be very important to
+have brought _you_ here.'
+
+'I do not understand?'
+
+He looked at me, a keen inquiry in his glance. 'You do not
+understand?' he said.
+
+'Indeed, no, monseigneur.'
+
+'Hum! You are either deeper than I take you to be, or a born fool.
+Look, you, are you not Alban de Breuil, Sieur d'Auriac, who was lately
+in arms in the service of Spain against France as a rebel and a
+traitor?'
+
+'I was on the side of the League.'
+
+'Monsieur, the League died at Ivry----'
+
+'But not for us.'
+
+He made an impatient gesture. 'We won't discuss that. Are you not the
+man I refer to? Say yes or no.'
+
+'I am d'Auriac--there is no other of my name--but no more a rebel or
+traitor than Messieurs de Guise, de Mayenne, and others. The King's
+Peace has pardoned us all. Why should I fear to come to you? I have
+come to do you a service, or rather the King a service.'
+
+'Thank you. May I ask if you did not receive a warning at La Fere, and
+another at Bidache?'
+
+'From M. d'Ayen--yes. Monseigneur, I refuse to believe what I heard.'
+
+'And yet your name heads a list of half a dozen whom the King's Peace
+does not touch. One of my reasons for receiving you was to have you
+arrested.'
+
+'It is a high honour, all this bother about a poor gentleman of
+Normandy, when Guise, de Mayenne, Epernon, and others keep their skins
+whole.'
+
+'You have flown your hawk at too high a quarry, monsieur.'
+
+'Then that painted ape, d'Ayen, told a true tale,' I burst out in
+uncontrollable anger. 'Monseigneur, do what you will to me. Remember
+that you help to the eternal dishonour of the King.'
+
+The words hit him, and the blood flushed darkly under the pale olive
+of the man's cheek.
+
+'Monsieur, you forget yourself.'
+
+'It is not I, but you who do so--you who forget that your name is
+Bethune. Yes, touch that bell. I make no resistance. I presume it will
+be the Chatelet?'
+
+His hand, half stretched towards the button of the call-bell before
+him, suddenly stayed itself.
+
+'Were my temper as hasty as your tongue, monsieur, it would have been
+the Chatelet in half an hour.'
+
+'Better that----' I began, but he interrupted me with a quick wave of
+his hand.
+
+'Monsieur d'Auriac, a time will come when you will have reason to
+regret the words you have used towards me. I do not mean regret them
+in the place you have mentioned, but in your heart. In this business
+the honour of Bethune as well as the honour of the King is at stake.
+Do you think I am likely to throw my hazard like an infant?'
+
+I was silent, but a dim ray of hope flickered up in my heart as I
+looked at the man before me, and felt, I know not why, in the glance
+of his eye, in the tone of the voice, in his very gestures, that here
+was one who had conquered himself, and who knew how to rule.
+
+'Now, sir,' he went on, the animation in his tone dropping to a cold
+and frigid note, 'proceed with your tale.'
+
+It was a thing easier ordered than done, but I managed it somehow,
+trying to be as brief as possible, without missing a point. Sully
+listened without a movement of his stern features, only his eyes
+seemed to harden like crystal as I spoke of Biron and Zamet. When I
+told what I heard of the death of Madame de Beaufort, he turned his
+head to the open window and kept it thus until I ended. When he looked
+back again at me, however, there was not a trace of emotion in his
+features, and his voice was as cold and measured as ever as he asked:
+
+'And your reward for this news, chevalier?'
+
+'Is not to be measured in pistoles, monseigneur.'
+
+'I see; and is this all?'
+
+His tone chilled me. 'It is all--no,' and with a sudden thought, 'give
+me twenty men, and in a week I put the traitors in your hands.'
+
+He fairly laughed out. '_Corb[oe]uf!_ Monsieur le chevalier, do you
+want to set France ablaze?'
+
+'It seems, monseigneur, that the torch is held at Anet,' I answered a
+little sulkily.
+
+'But not lighted yet; leave the dealing with that to me. And,
+monsieur, the King is at Fontainebleau, and for a month nothing can be
+done. And see here, monsieur, I can do nothing for you; you follow. At
+the end of a month go and see the King. Tell him your story, and, if
+he believes you, claim your reward. I will go so far as to promise
+that you will be received.'
+
+All the little hope I had begun to gather fluttered away at these
+words like a scrap of paper cast in the wind. 'Monseigneur,' I said,
+and my voice sounded strangely even to my own ears, 'in a month it
+will be too late.'
+
+'Leave that to me,' he answered. 'I have a reminder always before my
+eyes,' and he pointed through the open window in the direction of a
+house that towered above the others surrounding it.
+
+'I do not follow,' I stammered.
+
+'That is the Hotel de Zamet,' he said grimly, and I thought I
+understood why he had turned to the window when I spoke of Madame de
+Beaufort's death.
+
+I rose with a sigh I could barely repress: 'Then there is nothing for
+me to do but to wait?'
+
+'You will not lose by doing so.'
+
+'I thank you, monseigneur; but there is one little favour I ask.'
+
+'And that is?'
+
+'The King's Peace until I see the King.'
+
+'You will be safer in the Chatelet, I assure you, but as you
+wish--stay, there is one thing. Not a word of your interview with me,
+even to the King.'
+
+My hopes rose again. 'On my faith as a gentleman, I will not mention
+it.'
+
+As I finished he struck his bell sharply twice, and Ivoy entered.
+
+'Ivoy, do me the favour to conduct Monsieur d'Auriac to the gates
+yourself, and impress upon him the necessity of keeping to his
+lodging. The air of Paris out-of-doors is unhealthy at present.
+Good-day, monsieur.'
+
+Ivoy bowed, with a slight upraising of his eyebrows, and we passed
+out. Going down the stairway, he said to me with a smile: 'I see you
+dine at home to-day, chevalier.'
+
+'At the Two Ecus,' I answered, pretending not to understand his
+allusion, and he chuckled low to himself. At the gates I observed that
+the guards were doubled, and a whispered word passed between Ivoy and
+the officer in command. But of this also I took no notice, and,
+wishing them the day, rode back as I came.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X
+
+                            AN OLD FRIEND
+
+
+I was not the man to neglect Sully's warning, and, besides, there was
+an added reason for being careful of dark corners, as both Zamet and
+Lafin knew me, and were unlikely to lose any opportunity of doing me
+harm that might come their way. I could do nothing but wait and
+exercise patience until the month was over, and it was a hard enough
+task. Beyond my daily visits to my ordinary, I went nowhere and saw no
+one. I occasionally, of course, met my landlord and his wife, but few
+words passed between us, and Jacques had become marvellously taciturn,
+so that I was alone as if I were in a desert in that vast city, where
+the roar of the day's traffic and the hum of voices seemed to vibrate
+through, and possess the stillest hours of the night. Doubtless there
+were men of my acquaintance in Paris, but I did not seek them, for the
+reasons already stated, and I lived as secluded a life as though I had
+taken the vows of a hermit.
+
+In the meantime I was more than anxious that Jacques should execute my
+plan in regard to Marie. That I felt was a debt of honour to myself;
+but though I tried the threat of dismissal, he refused to go point
+blank, and I was weak enough to allow him his way. It was one of the
+many instances in which my firmness of temper failed, but it is not
+possible for a man always to keep his heart in a Milan corselet. I
+could not make out Sully's reasons for his action. It seemed to me
+that he had got all my information out of me without pledging himself
+to anything in return, and that he held me as safely as a cat does a
+wounded mouse. To save my own skin by quitting Paris was a thought I
+can honestly aver that never came to me. It could not, with the
+all-pervading presence of my love for Madame. It was for her sake I
+was here, and for her sake I would go cheerfully to the block if it
+need be; but it would not be without a try to save her, and if the
+worst came to the worst I should let all France know the infamy of her
+King. The hero-worship I had in my heart for him had given place to a
+bitter hatred for the man who was using his power to drive a woman to
+ruin, and inflict upon me the most bitter sorrow. All this may sound
+foolish, but such was my frame of mind, and I was yet to know how
+great the man was whom I hated--but of that on another day. In the
+meantime there was no news from Bidache, and I was kept on the cross
+with anxiety lest some danger had befallen my dear one there. Anet was
+not three hours' ride away, and at Anet was de Gomeron, unless indeed
+the conspirators had scattered, as was not at all unlikely, after the
+manner in which they had been discovered. My doubts in regard to
+Madame's safety were set at rest about three weeks after my interview
+with Sully. One evening Pantin knocked at my door, and, on my bidding
+him enter, came in with many apologies for disturbing me.
+
+'But, chevalier,' he added, 'I have news that Monsieur will no doubt
+be glad to hear.'
+
+'Then let me have it, Maitre Pantin, for good news has been a stranger
+to me for long.'
+
+'It is this. Our friend Palin arrives in Paris to-morrow or the day
+after.'
+
+'And stays here?'
+
+'No, for he comes in attendance on Madame de la Bidache, and will
+doubtless live at the Rue Varenne.'
+
+I half turned for a moment to the window to hide the expression of joy
+on my face I could not conceal otherwise. Were it daylight I might
+have been able to see the trees in the gardens of the Rue Varenne; but
+it was night, and the stars showed nothing beyond the white spectral
+outline of the Tour de Nesle beyond the Malaquais.
+
+'Indeed, I am glad to hear this,' I said as I looked round once more;
+'though Paris will be dull for Madame.'
+
+'Not so, monsieur, for the King comes back tomorrow, and the gossips
+say that before another fortnight is out there will be another
+_maitresse en titre_ at the Louvre. _Ciel!_ How many of them there
+have been, from poor La Fosseuse to the D'Estrees.'
+
+'Maitre Pantin, I forgot myself--will you help yourself to the
+Frontignac?'
+
+'A hundred thanks, monsieur le chevalier. Is there any message for
+Palin? _Pouf!_ But I forget. What has a handsome young spark like you
+got in common with an old greybeard? You will be at court in a week;
+and they will all be there--bright-eyed D'Entragues, Mary of Guise,
+Charlotte de Givry, and----'
+
+'Maitre Pantin, these details of the court do not interest me. Tell
+Palin I would see him as soon as he arrives. Ask him as a favour to
+come here. He said you were discreet----'
+
+'And I know that Monsieur le Chevalier is likewise.' With a quick
+movement of the hand the short grey goatee that Pantin wore vanished
+from his chin, and there was before me not the face of the notary, but
+that of Annette. She laughed out at the amaze in my look, but quickly
+changed her tone.
+
+'Maitre Palin said you were to be trusted utterly, monsieur, and you
+see I have done so. Your message will be safely delivered, and I
+promise he will see you. But have you no other?'
+
+'None,' I answered, a little bitterly.
+
+'I have, however, and it is this,' and she placed in my hand a little
+packet. 'Monsieur may open that at his leisure,' and she turned as if
+to go.
+
+'One moment--I do not understand. What is the meaning of this
+masquerade?'
+
+'Only this, that my husband will appear to have been at the same time
+at the Quartier du Marais as well as the Faubourg St. Germain. I would
+add that Monsieur would be wise to keep indoors as he is doing. We
+have found out that the house is being watched. Good-night, monsieur,'
+and, with a nod of her wrinkled face, this strange woman vanished.
+
+I appeared in truth to be the sport of mystery, and it seemed as if
+one of those sudden gusts of anger to which I was subject was coming
+on me. I controlled myself with an effort, and with a turn of my
+fingers tore open the packet, and in it lay my lost knot of ribbon.
+For a moment the room swam round me, and I became as cold as ice. Then
+came the revulsion, and with trembling fingers I raised the token to
+my lips and kissed it a hundred times. There were no written words
+with it; there was nothing but this little worn bow! but it told a
+whole story to me. It had come down to me, that ribbon that Marescot
+said was hung too high for de Breuil of Auriac; and God alone knows
+how I swore to guard it, and how my heart thanked him for his goodness
+to me. For ten long minutes I was in fairyland, and then I saw myself
+as I was, proscribed and poor, almost in the hands of powerful
+enemies, striving to fight an almost hopeless cause with nothing on my
+side and everything against me. Even were it otherwise, the rock of
+Auriac was too bare to link with the broad lands of Pelouse and
+Bidache, and, love her as I did, I could never hang my sword in my
+wife's halls. It was impossible, utterly impossible. So I was tossed
+now one way, now another, until my mental agony was almost
+insupportable.
+
+The next day nothing would content me but that I must repair to the
+Rue Varenne, and, if possible, get a glimpse of Madame as she arrived.
+I left instructions that Palin should be asked to wait for me if he
+came during my absence; for my impatience was too great to admit of my
+staying in for him. I was not, however, in so great a hurry as to
+entirely neglect the warnings I had received, and dressed myself as
+simply as possible, removing the plumes from my hat, and wearing a
+stout buff coat under my long cloak. Thus altered I might be mistaken
+for a Huguenot, but hardly anyone would look for a former cavalier of
+the League in the solemnly-dressed man who was strolling to the end of
+the Malaquais. There I took a boat and went by river the short
+distance that lay between me and the jetty at the Rue de Bac. At the
+jetty I disembarked, and went leisurely towards the Rue Varenne. As I
+was crossing the Rue Grenelle, hard by the Logis de Conde, a
+half-dozen gentlemen came trotting by and took up the road. I stopped
+to let them pass, and saw to my surprise that amongst them were my old
+comrades in arms, de Cosse-Brissac, Tavannes, and de Gie. I was about
+to wave my hand in greeting, when I recognised amongst them the
+sinister face of Lafin riding on the far side of me. Quick as thought
+I pretended to have dropped something, and bent down as if to search
+for it. The pace they were going at prevented anyone of them, not even
+excepting Lafin, with his hawk's eye, from recognising me; but it did
+not prevent Tavannes from turning in his saddle and flinging me a
+piece of silver with the gibe, 'Go on all fours for that, maitre
+Huguenot.' I kept my head low, and made a rush for the silver, whilst
+they rode off laughing, a laugh in which I joined myself, though with
+different reasons. On reaching the Rue Varenne I had no difficulty in
+finding the house I sought; the arms on the entrance gate gave me this
+information; and I saw that Madame had only just arrived, and had I
+been but a half-hour earlier I might have seen and even spoken with
+her. I hung about for some minutes on the chance of getting a glimpse
+of her, with no success; then finding that my lounging backwards and
+forwards outside the gates was beginning to attract attention from the
+windows of a house opposite, I took myself off, feeling a little
+foolish at what I had done.
+
+I came back the way I went, and as I walked down the Malaquais met
+master Jacques taking an airing with two companions. In one of them I
+recognised Vallon, my old friend de Belin's man; the other I did not
+know, though he wore the _sang-de-b[oe]uf_ livery of the Compte de
+Belin. Having no particular interest in lackeys I paid him no further
+attention, though, could I but have seen into the future, it would
+have been a good deed to have killed him where he stood.
+
+On seeing me Vallon and Jacques both stopped, and I signalled to them
+to cross over the road to me, as I was anxious to hear news of Belin,
+who was an intimate friend. This they did, and on my inquiry Vallon
+informed me that Belin was at his hotel in the Rue de Bourdonnais, and
+the good fellow urged me to come there at once, saying that his master
+would never forgive him were he not to insist on my coming. I was
+truly glad to hear Belin was in Paris. He was a tried friend, whose
+assistance I could rely on in any emergency; and, telling Vallon I
+would be at the Rue de Bourdonnais shortly, I went on to my lodging,
+followed by Jacques, leaving Vallon to go onwards with his companion.
+
+On coming home I found, as might be expected, that there was no sign
+of Palin, and, after waiting for him until the dinner hour, gave him
+up for the present and rode off to the Two Ecus; and when my dinner, a
+very simple one, was finished, took my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais,
+this time mounted on Couronne, with Jacques, well armed, on the
+sorrel.
+
+The hotel of the Compte de Belin lay at the west end of the Rue de
+Bourdonnais, close to the small house wherein lived Madame de
+Montpensier of dreadful memory; and on reaching it I found that it
+more than justified the description Belin had given of it to me, one
+day whilst we were idling in the trenches before Dourlens. It stood
+some way back from the road, and the entrance to the courtyard was
+through a wonderfully worked iron gateway, a counterpart, though on a
+smaller scale, of the one at Anet. At each corner of the square
+building was a hanging turret, and from the look of the windows of one
+of these I guessed that my friend had taken up his quarters there.
+
+I was met by Vallon, who said he had informed his master of my coming;
+and, telling a servant to hold my horse, he ushered me in, talking of
+a hundred things at once. I had not gone ten steps up the great
+stairway when Belin himself appeared, running down to meet me. '_Croix
+Dieu!_' he burst out as we embraced. 'I thought you were with the
+saints, and that de Rone, you and a hundred others were free from all
+earthly troubles.'
+
+'Not yet, de Belin. I trust that time will be far distant.'
+
+'Amen! But you as good as buried yourself alive, at any rate.'
+
+'How so?'
+
+'Vallon tells me you have been a month in Paris, and you have never
+once been to the Rue de Bourdonnais until now. You might have known,
+man, that this house is as much yours as mine.'
+
+'My dear friend, there were reasons.'
+
+He put a hand on each of my shoulders, looked at me in the face with
+kind eyes, and then laughed out.
+
+'Reasons! _Pardieu!_ I can hardly make you out. You have a face a
+half-toise in length, never a plume in your hat, and a general look of
+those hard-praying and, I will say, hard-fighting gentry who gave the
+King his own again.'
+
+'How loyal you have become.'
+
+'We were all wrong--the lot of us--and I own my mistake; but you--you
+have not turned Huguenot, have you?'
+
+'Not yet,' I smiled; 'and is Madame de Belin in Paris?'
+
+'_Diable!_ and he made a wry face. 'Come up to my den, and I'll tell
+you everything. Vallon, you grinning ape, fetch a flask of our old
+Chambertin--I will show M. le Chevalier up myself.'
+
+And linking me by the arm, he led me up the stairway, and along a
+noble corridor hung on each side with the richest tapestry, until we
+reached a carved door that opened into the rooms in the turret.
+
+'Here we are,' Belin said, as we entered. 'I find that when Madame is
+away these rooms are enough for me. _Tiens!_ How a woman's presence
+can fill a house. Sit down there! And here comes Vallon. Set the wine
+down there, Vallon, and leave us.'
+
+He poured out a full measure for me, then one for himself, and
+stretched himself out in an armchair, facing me. I always liked the
+man, with his gay cynicism--if I may use the phrase--his kind heart
+and his reckless life; and I knew enough to tell that if Madame la
+Comptesse had been a little more forbearing she might have moulded her
+husband as she willed.
+
+'Belin,' I said,' I am so old a friend, I know you will forgive me for
+asking why, if you miss Madame's presence, you do not have her here?'
+
+'Oh, she has got one of her fits, and has gone to grow pears at Belin.
+It was all through that fool Vallon.'
+
+'Vallon!'
+
+'Yes. Bassompierre, de Vitry, myself, and one or two others, had
+arranged a little supper, with cards to follow, at More's. You don't
+know More's, but I'll take you there. Well, to continue: I had gone
+through about three weeks of my own fireside before this arrangement
+was made, and longed to stretch my legs a little. To tell Sophie would
+only cause a discussion. It is as much as I can do to get her to the
+Louvre accompanied by myself. So when the evening arrived I pleaded
+urgent business over my steward's accounts, and, giving orders that I
+was not to be disturbed under any circumstances, came here to my
+study, a duplicate key to the door of which Sophie keeps. I put Vallon
+in that chair there before the writing-table, after having made him
+throw on my _robe-de-chambre_, and gave him instructions to wave his
+hand in token that he was not to be disturbed if Madame la Comptesse
+came in, and, after thoroughly drilling the rascal, vanished by the
+private stair--the entrance to that is just behind my wife's portrait
+there.'
+
+'And then?'
+
+'Well, we had as pleasant an evening as might be expected. I won five
+hundred pistoles and came home straight to my study, and on entering
+it imagine my feelings on seeing Sophie there--and you can guess the
+rest.'
+
+'Poor devil,' I laughed, 'so your little plan failed utterly.'
+
+'Vallon failed utterly. It appears that Sophie came up about ten, and,
+being waved off, went away. She returned, however, about an hour later
+to find Monsieur Vallon, who had got tired of his position, asleep
+with his mouth open in the chair in which you are sitting. She refused
+to believe it was only a card party--though I said I would call the
+Marshal and de Vitry to witness--burst into tears, and in fine, my
+friend, I had a bad quarter of an hour, and Sophie has gone off to
+Belin.'
+
+'And the pistoles?' I asked slily.
+
+He looked at me, and we both laughed.
+
+'She took them,' he answered.
+
+'Belin,' I said after a moment, 'will you ever change?'
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_ As the King swears. Why should I? After all,
+Sophie will come round again. I really am very happy. I have many
+things to be thankful for. I can always help a friend----'
+
+'I know that,' I interrupted, 'and I want your help.'
+
+'How much is it? Or is it a second?'
+
+'Neither, thanks. Though in either case I would come to you without
+hesitation. The fact is--' and I explained to him my difficulty in
+providing for Marie, without, however, going into other matters, or
+giving him any account of my troubles.
+
+When I ended, Belin said. 'What you want, then, is a trustworthy
+fellow.'
+
+'At least that is what Jacques wants. I can get on well enough.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ It is more than I could; but, as it happens, I have the
+very thing for you. Pull that bell-rope behind you, will you? and
+oblige a lazy man.'
+
+I did so, and in a minute or so Vallon appeared, wiping his mouth
+suspiciously with the back of his hand.
+
+'Vallon,' said de Belin, 'does Ravaillac continue to work
+satisfactorily?'
+
+'As ever, monsieur le compte.'
+
+'Well, I am going to lend him to the Chevalier, who has need of his
+services.'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'Send him up here, and Bisson, too.'
+
+Vallon bowed and vanished, as I said,
+
+'I do not know how to thank you, Belin.'
+
+'_Pouf!_ A mere bagatelle. I thought we were going to have a little
+amusement in the gardens of the Tuileries. I know of a perfect spot
+for a meeting--_ca_! _ca!_' and he lunged twice in quarte at an
+imaginary adversary. As he came back from the second thrust, he said,
+'By the way, I must tell you--but here they are,' and Ravaillac came
+in, followed by Jacques, Vallon bringing up the rear.
+
+As they entered I recognised in Ravaillac the man who was with Jacques
+and Vallon on the Malaquais, and Belin, turning to Jacques, said
+quietly: 'Bisson, I am going to lend Ravaillac here to your master, to
+take your place whilst you go away to Ezy. I pledge you my word that
+he is a good sword.'
+
+'True enough, monsieur le compte; we were amusing ourselves with a
+pass or two below, and he touched me twice to my once, and, as your
+lordship answers for him, I am content.'
+
+'That is well, most excellent Bisson! Ravaillac, you understand? Here
+is the Chevalier d'Auriac, your new master, who will remain such until
+he sends you back to me.'
+
+Ravaillac bowed without reply. He was quite young, barely twenty, and
+very tall and thin; yet there was great breadth of shoulder, and I
+noticed that he had the framework of a powerful man: his appearance
+was much beyond that of his class, but there was a sullen ferocity in
+his pale face--the eyes were set too close together, and the mouth too
+large and straightly cut to please me. Nevertheless, I was practically
+bound to accept Belin's recommendation, and after a few orders were
+given, the men were dismissed.
+
+'What was I about to say before these men came in?' asked Belin.
+
+'I'm afraid I cannot help.'
+
+'Of course not--oh, yes! I recollect. I was about to tell you how I
+got Ravaillac's service. I lay you five crowns to a tester you would
+never guess.'
+
+'You have already told me with your wager. You must have won him.'
+
+'Exactly. You've hit it, and it was in this way. About three months
+ago I was returning to Paris attended but by Vallon, and with only a
+small sum with me. At an inn at Neuilly I met an acquaintance, a Baron
+d'Ayen, one of the last of the _mignons_, and a confirmed gambler.'
+
+'I know him,' I said, my heart beginning to beat faster at the very
+thought of d'Ayen.
+
+'Then it makes the story more interesting. We dined together, and then
+had a turn at the dice, with the result that d'Ayen won every ecu that
+I had.
+
+'"It would be a pity to stop now," he said, as I rose, declaring
+myself broken. "Suppose we play for your horse, compte?'"
+
+'"No, thanks," I replied; "luck is against me, and I have no mind to
+foot it to my hotel. But I'll tell you what, I have rather taken a
+fancy to your man, since I once saw him handle a rapier. I'll lay
+Vallon against him; what do you call him?"
+
+'"Ravaillac. He is of Anjouleme, and has been a Flagellant. Will he
+suit you?"
+
+'"I shall have to find that out. Do you accept the stakes?"
+
+'"_Mon ami_, I would play for my soul in this cursed inn."
+
+'"Very well, then--throw."
+
+'The upshot of it was that I won, and from that moment the blind
+goddess smiled on me, and after another hour's play I left d'Ayen with
+nothing but the clothes he stood in. What he regretted most was the
+loss of his valise, in which lay some cosmetiques he valued beyond
+price: he got them from Coiffier. I earned his undying friendship by
+giving him back his valise, lent him his horse, which I had won, and
+came off with fifty pistoles and a new man. Of course, you know that
+d'Ayen has fallen on his feet?'
+
+'I do not.'
+
+'I'll tell you. Where the devil have you been burying yourself all
+these months? You must know that the King is looking forward for
+another Liancourt for a lady whom he destines for a very high place,
+and d'Ayen is to be the happy man. It is an honour he fully
+appreciates, and he has been kind enough to ask me to stand as one of
+his sponsors at the wedding, which by the King's orders comes off in a
+fortnight.'
+
+'And you have promised?'
+
+'Yes, it was a little amusement. They say, however, that Madame is
+furious, and that her temper is worse than that of Mademoiselle
+d'Entragues--who, by the way, literally flung herself at the King,
+without avail. Her time will come soon enough, no doubt--but, good
+gracious, man! what is the matter? You are white as a sheet.'
+
+'It is nothing, Belin--yes, it is more than I can bear. Belin, old
+friend, is there nothing that can save this lady?'
+
+He looked at me and whistled low to himself. 'Sets the wind that way?
+I did not know you had even heard of the lily of Bidache. Are you hard
+hit, d'Auriac?' And he rose from his seat and put a kind hand on my
+shoulder.
+
+I jumped up furiously. 'Belin, I tell you I will stop this infamy if I
+die for it! I swear before God that I will kill that man, king though
+he be, like a mad dog----'
+
+'Be still,' he said. 'What bee has stung you? You and I, d'Auriac,
+come of houses too old to play the assassin. _Croix Dieu_, man! Will
+you sully your shield with murder? There, drink that wine and sit down
+again. That's right. You do not know what you say. I have fought
+against the King, and I serve him now, and I tell you, d'Auriac, he is
+the greatest of Frenchmen. And there is yet hope. Remember, a
+fortnight is a fortnight.'
+
+I ground my teeth in silent agony.
+
+'Wait a moment,' he continued; 'a chamberlain of the court knows most
+of its secrets, and I can tell you that it is not such plain sailing
+as you think for d'Ayen. The death of that unhappy Gabrielle has
+affected the King much. He is but now beginning to recover, and Biron,
+who was hurrying to his government of Burgundy, has been ordered to
+remain in close attendance on the King. Whether Biron knew of the
+King's intentions or not, I do not know; but he has strongly urged the
+suit of one of his gentlemen for the hand of Madame--it is that
+_croquemort_ de Gomeron, with all his faults a stout soldier. It is
+said that the Marshal has even pressed de Gomeron's suit with Madame,
+and that rather than marry d'Ayen, and clinging to any chance for
+escape, she has agreed to fall in with his views. This I heard from
+the Vidame and the Chevalier de Lafin--good enough authority.'
+
+'One alternative is as bad as the other.'
+
+'There is no satisfying some people. Why, man! don't you see it would
+be the best thing in the world for you if it was settled in favour of
+our friend from the Camargue.'
+
+'That low-born scoundrel?'
+
+'_Mon ami_, we don't know anything about that. Give the devil his due;
+he is a better man than d'Ayen. I know there is ill blood between you,
+and wonder that some has not been spilt before now.'
+
+'There will be, by God! before this is ended!'
+
+'_Tenez!_ Let but the King agree to de Gomeron's suit--and he is hard
+pressed, I tell you, for Sully even is on Biron's side in this matter,
+and after that----'
+
+'What?'
+
+'Henry's mind will have turned another way. There are many who would
+like to play queen, and few like Mesdames de Guercheville and
+Bidache.'
+
+'But in any case, Belin, I lose the game.'
+
+'You have become very clever in your retreat, my friend. You win your
+game if de Gomeron is accepted; and then----'
+
+'And then, my wise adviser?'
+
+'She need not marry the Camarguer. You can run him through under the
+limes in the Tuileries, wed Madame, and grow cabbages at Auriac ever
+after. _Pouf!_ The matter is simple!'
+
+Miserable as I was, I fairly laughed out at Belin's plot.
+Nevertheless, the hopefulness of the man, his cheery tone and happy
+spirit, had their effect upon me, and if it turned out that the King
+was wavering, there was more than a straw of hope floating down-stream
+to me. My courage grew also when I put together Sully's words with
+Belin's news that Biron was detained by the side of the King. It
+surely meant that this was done to prevent the Marshal doing mischief
+elsewhere. If so, I was nevertheless on the horns of a dilemma, for by
+telling of the plot I would, if my story were believed, make matters
+hopeless, and advance d'Ayen's cause, to the misery of the woman I
+loved.
+
+On the other hand, by keeping silent I was in an equally hard
+position. My pledge to Sully prevented me from taking Belin fully into
+my confidence, and, hardly knowing what I was doing, I poured myself
+out another full goblet of the Chambertin, and drained it at a
+draught.
+
+'Excellent,' said Belin. 'There is nothing like Burgundy to steady the
+mind; in another moment you will be yourself again, and think as I do
+in this matter. Courage, man! Pick your heart up! A fortnight is a
+devil of a long time, and----'
+
+'Monsieur le Baron d'Ayen,' and Vallon threw open the door, and at its
+entrance stood the coldblooded instrument of the King. He looked older
+and more shrivelled than ever, but the paint was bright upon his
+cheeks, his satin surcoat and puffed breeches were fresh from the
+tailor's, and his hat, which he carried in his left hand, was plumed
+with three long crimson marabout feathers, held in a jewelled clasp.
+
+'My dear de Belin,' he said, bowing low, 'I trust my visit is not
+inopportune? I had no idea you were engaged.'
+
+'Never more welcome, baron. I think Monsieur le Chevalier is known to
+you; sit down and help yourself to the Chambertin.'
+
+D'Ayen bowed slightly to me, but I took no notice, and rose to depart.
+
+'I will say good day, Belin, and many thanks for what you have done.'
+
+'Do not retire on my account, monsieur le chevalier,' said d'Ayen in
+his mocking voice. 'I come to give news to my friend here, which will
+doubtless interest you. The fact is, his Majesty insists on my
+marriage taking place as soon as possible, and has given instructions
+for the chapel in the Louvre to be prepared for the ceremony. You
+still hold good to your promise of being one of my sponsors, de
+Belin?'
+
+'If the wedding comes off--certainly.'
+
+'Ha! ha! If it comes off! I would ask you too, monsieur,' and he
+turned to me, 'but I know you have pressing business elsewhere.'
+
+'Whatever my business may be, monsieur, there is one thing I must
+attend to first, and I must request the pleasure of your company to
+discuss it.'
+
+'Ah!' he said, stroking the marabout feathers in his hat, 'that
+difference of opinion we had about the woods of Bidache, eh? I see
+from your face it is so. I had almost forgotten it.'
+
+'Monsieur's memory is convenient.'
+
+He bowed with a grin; 'I am old, but shall take care not to forget
+this time----'
+
+'Come, gentlemen,' and Belin interposed, 'the day is too young to
+begin to quarrel, and if this must come to a meeting allow your
+seconds to arrange the time and place. One moment, baron,' and taking
+me by the arm he led me to the door. '_Malheureux!_' he whispered,
+'will you upset the kettle! See me to-morrow, and adieu!' He pressed
+my hand and I went out, preceded by Vallon, who must have caught
+Belin's words, but whose face was as impassive as stone.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI
+
+                         A SWIM IN THE SEINE
+
+
+Swearing he would be back again in a week, Jacques set out for Ezy
+within an hour of our return to the Rue des Deux Mondes, and his going
+had removed one weight from my mind. I knew full well that, unless
+something beyond his control happened, my business would be faithfully
+discharged, though I felt I was losing a tower of strength when I
+needed support most, as I watched him riding along the Malaquais,
+mounted on the sorrel and leading the grey.
+
+He went out of sight at last, and, now that the momentary bustle
+caused by his departure had ceased, I had leisure to think of what I
+had heard from de Belin; and those who have read the preceding pages,
+and have formed their judgment as to what was my character at that
+time, can well imagine that I was mentally on the rack.
+
+The trouble with d'Ayen was bad enough, but united to that was Belin's
+statement, that she--she was prepared, no matter what the consequences
+were, to give her hand to de Gomeron! Had I been in her place death
+would have been preferable to me rather than this alternative; and
+then I thought of the token she had sent back to me--felt that I was
+being trifled with, and gave full rein to my jealous and bitter
+temper.
+
+To all intents and purposes I was alone in my chamber, and yet I could
+swear that there was an invisible presence at my ear that whispered,
+'Fooled! Tricked! She is but as other women are, and you have played
+the quintain for her practice.'
+
+By heaven! If it was so, I would end it all at once, and not waste
+another moment of my life on a heartless coquette! It must be so. It
+was so. By this time I had got beyond power of reason, and jumped to
+my conclusions like the thrice blind fool I was. Snatching forth the
+bow from its resting place over my heart, I tore the ribbons asunder,
+and flung them on the floor before me, with a curse at the vanity of
+womankind that could make a plaything of a heart. I would be gone that
+moment. I would leave this country of intrigue and dishonour. In an
+hour I could catch Jacques up, and in ten days we would be on the
+seas, and in that New World, which had not yet time to grow wicked,
+make for myself a fresh life. By God! I would do it! My hand was on
+the bell-rope, when there came a sharp tap at the door, and the next
+moment Ravaillac announced in his low voice:
+
+'Maitre Palin to wait on Monsieur le Chevalier.'
+
+I pulled myself together with an effort, and advanced to meet my old
+friend as he came in.
+
+'At last! I have been expecting you hourly for some time.'
+
+'I could not come, chevalier. I will explain in a moment.'
+
+'First sit down. Take that chair there near the window; it commands a
+good view.'
+
+'Monsieur does not need this?'
+
+It was Ravaillac's voice that broke in upon us, and he himself stood
+before me, holding out on a salver the ribbons of the torn bow. Civil
+as the question was, there was something in his tone that made me look
+at him sharply. It seemed to me, as I looked up, that a faint smile
+vanished between his bloodless lips like a spider slipping back into a
+crevice.
+
+I could, however, see no trace of impertinence in the long sallow
+face, and the whole attitude of my new follower was one of submissive
+respect. I fancied, therefore, that I had made a mistake, and put it
+down to the state of mental agitation I was in at the time.
+
+'No,' I answered him; 'you can fling it away. And in future you need
+not ask me about such trifles.'
+
+'Very well, monsieur, I will remember,' and with a bow he moved
+towards the door, the salver in his hand.
+
+'Ravaillac,' I called out after him.
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+'On second thoughts do not throw that away. I did not--I mean, please
+leave it there on the table.'
+
+'Monsieur,' and, laying down the salver, he stepped out of the room.
+
+'I see you have changed your livery with your old servant, chevalier,'
+said Palin, sipping at his wine, as the man went out, closing the door
+carefully and softly behind him.
+
+'Not so. Jacques has merely gone away temporarily on some business of
+importance. In fact he left to-day, shortly before you came, and this
+man, or rather youth, has been lent to me by a friend.'
+
+'And his name is Ravaillac?'
+
+'Yes.'
+
+'An uncommon name for a man of his class.'
+
+'Perhaps--but these men assume all kinds of names. He is, however,
+better educated than the usual run of people in his position, and
+bears an excellent character, although he has been a Flagellant, from
+which complaint he has recovered.'
+
+'Most of them do. And now, my good friend, let us dismiss Ravaillac
+and tell me how you progress.'
+
+For a moment it was in me to tell him all, to say that I had abandoned
+a worthless cause, and that I could do no more as I was leaving France
+at once. Mechanically I stretched out my hand towards the tags of
+ribbon on the table, and my fingers closed over them. What was I to
+say? I could not answer Palin. Through the now darkening room I could
+see his earnest features turned towards me for reply, and behind it
+there moved in the shadow the dim outline of a fair face set in a mass
+of chestnut hair, and the violet light from its eyes seemed to burn
+through my veins. My tongue was stilled, and I could say nothing. At
+length he spoke again.
+
+'Do I gather from your silence that you have failed?'
+
+'No--not so--but little or nothing could be done, as the King has only
+just come, and then----' I stopped.
+
+'And then--what?'
+
+'It seems that Madame has changed her mind.'
+
+'I do not follow you. Do you know what you are saying?' His tone was
+coldly stern.
+
+My temper began to rise at this. I put down the ribbons and said:
+'Yes, I think I do--or else why has Madame come to Paris, and what is
+this story I hear about a Monsieur de Gomeron? If that is true it ends
+the matter.'
+
+I got up as I spoke, and began to pace the room in my excitement.
+
+'Had I been twenty years younger. Monsieur d'Auriac, I would have
+paraded you for what you have said; but my cloth and my age forbid it.
+My age, not because it has weakened my arm, but because it has taught
+me to think. My young friend, you are a fool.'
+
+'I know I have been,' I said bitterly, 'but I shall be so no longer.'
+
+'And, in saying so, confirm yourself in your folly. Are you so beside
+yourself that you condemn unheard! Sit down, man, and hear what I have
+to say. It will not keep you long. You can leave Paris five minutes
+after, if you like.'
+
+I came back to my seat, and Palin continued: 'You appear to be
+offended at Madame de la Bidache's coming to Paris?'
+
+'I am not offended--I have no right to be.'
+
+'Well, it will interest you to hear that her coming to Paris was
+forced. That practically we are prisoners.'
+
+'You mean to say that he--the King--has gone as far as that!'
+
+'I mean what I say--Madame cannot leave her hotel, except to go to the
+Louvre, without his permission.'
+
+'But this is infamous!'
+
+'In an almost similar case this was what the daughter of de C[oe]uvres
+said, and yet she died Duchesse de Beaufort. But are you satisfied
+now?'
+
+'I am,' I said in a low tone, and then, with an effort, 'but there is
+still the other matter.'
+
+'You are exacting--are you sure you have a right to ask that?'
+
+Luckily, it was too dark for Palin to see my eyes turn to the tangle
+of crushed ribbons on the table. How much did the Huguenot know? I
+could not tell, and after all I had no right to ask the question I
+had, and said so.
+
+'I have no right, but, if it is true, it means that the affair is at
+an end.'
+
+'If it is true?'
+
+'Then it is not?' My heart began to beat faster.
+
+'I did not say so. Remember that the alternative is Monsieur le Baron
+d'Ayen.'
+
+'There is another.'
+
+'And that is?'
+
+'Death.'
+
+'We are Huguenots,' he answered coldly, 'and believe in the word of
+God. We do not kill our souls.'
+
+'Great heavens! man! Tell me if it is true or not? Do not draw this
+out. In so many words, is Madame de la Bidache pledged to de Gomeron?'
+
+'Most certainly not, but Biron and her nearest relative, Tremouille,
+have urged it on her as a means of escape. She has, however, given no
+answer.'
+
+'Then de Belin was wrong?'
+
+'If you mean that the Compte de Belin said so, then he had no
+authority for the statement.'
+
+I took back the ribbons from the table and thrust them into their old
+resting-place, my face hot with shame at my unworthy suspicions.
+
+'Palin,' I said, 'you were right. I am a fool.'
+
+'You are,' he answered, 'exactly what your father was before you at
+your age.'
+
+'My father--you knew him?'
+
+'Yes--Raoul de Breuil, Sieur d'Auriac, and Governor of Provence. We
+were friends in the old days, and I owed him my life once, as did also
+Henry the Great, our King and master--in the days of his youth.'
+
+'And you never told me this?'
+
+'I have told you now. I owe the house of Auriac my life twice over,
+and I recognise in this, as in all things, the hand of God. Young man,
+I have watched you, and you are worthy--be of good courage.' He
+stretched out his hand, and I grasped it in silence.
+
+'See here,' he continued, 'I have come to you like a thief in the
+twilight, because I have that to say which is for you alone. It is
+useless to appeal to the King. Our only chance is flight, and we have
+no one to rely on but you. Will you help us--help Madame?'
+
+'Why need to ask? Have I not already said so? Am I not ready to die,
+if need be, to save her?'
+
+'You are now,' he said, 'but I will not press that point. Then we, or
+rather I, can count on you?'
+
+'To the end of my sword; but does not Madame know of this?'
+
+'Not yet. Should it fall through, there would be only another bitter
+disappointment for her. It is, moreover, an idea that has but shaped
+itself with me to-day.'
+
+'Where do you propose going?'
+
+'To Switzerland. There we would be safe, and there they are of our
+faith.'
+
+'Remember, Maitre Palin, that I am not'
+
+'Look into your own heart and tell me that again at another time. Can
+you count on a sword or two?'
+
+'If Jacques were only here!' I exclaimed.
+
+And then, remembering my new man's reputation, 'They say Ravaillac is
+good, and I have a friend'--I bethought me of Belin--'upon whom I
+think I could rely.'
+
+'Better one blade of steel than two of soft iron, chevalier. We must
+do what we can with what we have.'
+
+'When do you propose starting?'
+
+'On the night of the fete at the Louvre.'
+
+'And we meet?'
+
+'Under the three limes in the Tuileries at compline.'
+
+'I have but one horse at present--we must have more.'
+
+'That is not hard--I will settle that with Pantin. He knows the spot
+exactly, and will have horses in readiness and guide you there, if
+need be.'
+
+'I know it too, and will not fail you. God grant us success.'
+
+'Amen!'
+
+There was a silence of a moment, and then Palin arose. 'It grows
+darker and darker,' he said; 'I must go now--adieu!'--and he held out
+his hand.
+
+'Not yet good-bye,' I said. 'I will accompany you to the end of the
+Malaquais at any rate. Ho! Ravaillac! My hat and cloak!'
+
+There was no answer; but it seemed as if there was the sound of a
+stumble on the stairs outside the closed door, and then all was still.
+
+'_Diable!_ That sounds odd,' I exclaimed; 'and 'tis so dark here I can
+hardly lay hands on anything. Oh! Here they are--now come along.'
+
+As I opened the door to lead the way out I saw a flash of light on the
+staircase, and Madame Pan-tin appeared, bearing a lighted candle in
+her hand.
+
+'I was coming to light your room, monsieur,' she said.
+
+'It is good of you; but what is my new knave doing?'
+
+'If Monsieur will step towards the loft, near Couronne's stall, he
+will see that Ravaillac is absorbed in his devotions--perhaps Maitre
+Palin would care to see also?'
+
+'Not I,' said Palin.
+
+'But, at any rate, his devotions should not interfere with his
+duties,' I burst out; 'it will take but a minute to bring him to his
+senses. Excuse me for a moment, Palin--Madame will see you as far as
+the door, and I will join you there.'
+
+And without waiting for a reply I ran down towards the stables, and on
+coming there heard the voice of some one groaning and sobbing. Peering
+up into the darkness of the loft above me, I could see nothing, but
+heard Ravaillac distinctly, as he writhed in a mental agony and called
+on God to save him from the fires of hell. The first thought that
+struck me was that the youth was ill, and, clambering up the ladder
+that led to the loft, I found him there in the dim light, kneeling
+before a crucifix, beating at his heart, and calling on himself as the
+most miserable of sinners.
+
+'Ravaillac!'--and I put my hand on his shoulder--'what ails you, man?
+Are you ill?' He turned his face up towards me; it was paler than
+ever, and he screamed out, 'My hour is come--leave me--leave me! Our
+Lady of Sorrows intercede for me, for I know not how to pray,' and
+with a half-smothered howl he fell forwards on his face before the
+crucifix, and, clasping it with both hands, began to sob out his
+entreaties to God anew. I saw that it was useless wasting further time
+on him, and that he had been taken with one of those frenzy fits that
+had before driven him to the Flagellants. I left him, therefore, to
+come to himself, and muttering that Belin might have told me of this
+foible, came backwards down the ladder to find that Palin and Madame
+Pantin had followed me, and were but a few yards away.
+
+'Did you hear?' I asked, as I joined them; 'is it not strange?'
+
+'He is wrestling with the enemy,' said Palin. 'Let him be.'
+
+'He is a traitor,' burst out Annette. 'Monsieur le chevalier, I would
+send him packing tonight.'
+
+'I can hardly do that,' I said, 'and, besides, agony such as that
+young man is passing through does not mark a traitor.'
+
+'As Monsieur pleases,' she answered, and then rapidly in my ear, 'Were
+it not for someone else's sake I would let you go your own way. Beware
+of him, I say.'
+
+'_Corbleu!_ dame Annette! why not speak plainly? We are all friends
+here.'
+
+But she only laughed mirthlessly, and led the way towards the door.
+
+I accompanied Palin to the end of the Malaquais, speaking of many
+things on the way, and finally left him, as he insisted on my coming
+no further. So much had happened during the day, however, that I
+determined to cool my brain with a walk, and my intention was to cross
+the river and return to my lodging by the Pont aux Meunniers.
+
+I hailed a boat, therefore, and was soon on the other side of the
+Seine, and, flinging my cloak over my arm, set off at a round pace,
+Annette's warning about Ravaillac buzzing in my head with the
+insistence of a fly. As I passed the Louvre I saw that the windows
+were bright with lights, and heard the strains of music from within.
+They were as merry within as I was sad without, and I did not linger
+there long. Keeping to the right of St. Germain l'Auxerrois, I passed
+by the Magasins de Louvre, and then, slackening my pace, strolled idly
+down the Rue de St. Antoine. Down this great street it seemed as if
+the coming of the King had awakened the good citizens to life again,
+for there were lights at nearly all the windows, though the street
+itself was in darkness, except at the spots where a lantern or two
+swung on ropes stretched across the road, and lit up a few yards dimly
+around them. A few steps further brought me almost opposite a large
+house, over the entrance to which was a transparent signboard with a
+row of lamps behind it, and I saw I had stumbled across More's, the
+eating and gaming house kept by the most celebrated _traiteur_ in
+Paris. I had a mind to step in, more out of curiosity than anything
+else, when, just as I halted in hesitation before the door, two or
+three masked cavaliers came out singing and laughing, and in the
+foremost of them I had no difficulty in recognising the old reprobate,
+d'Ayen. Much as I would have avoided a quarrel, it could not be
+helped, for I had the door, and it was certainly my right to enter.
+They, however, ranged themselves arm-in-arm before me, and, being in
+wine, began to laugh and jeer at my sombre attire.
+
+'Does Monsieur le Huguenot think there is a _preche_ here?' said
+d'Ayen, bowing to me in mockery as he lifted his plumed hat.
+
+I determined to show in my answer that I knew them.
+
+'Let me pass. Monsieur d'Ayen,' I said coldly. 'We have too much
+between us to quarrel here.'
+
+He knew me well enough, but pretended surprise.
+
+'_Corb[oe]uf!_ Monsieur le chevalier, and so it is you! Gentlemen,
+allow me to present to you Monsieur le Chevalier d'Auriac, with whom I
+have an argument that we never could bring to a conclusion. We
+disagreed on the subject of landscape gardening.'
+
+It was a hard pill to swallow, but I had made up my mind to retreat.
+The Edict was fresh; a conflict there would have meant complete
+disaster; and there would be no chance for escape, as the passage was
+getting crowded.
+
+'I remember perfectly,' I said, carrying on d'Ayen's feint, 'but I am
+not prepared to discuss the matter now. I must go back to take some
+notes to refresh my memory.'
+
+The man was blown with wine. He thought I feared him, and my words,
+which roused his companions to scornful laughter, made him do a
+foolish thing.
+
+'At least take a reminder with you,' and he flung his soft,
+musk-scented glove in my face.
+
+'A ring! a ring!' roared twenty voices, and, before I knew where I
+was, I was in the centre of a circle in the passage, the slight figure
+of d'Ayen before me, and the point of his rapier glinting like a
+diamond--now in quarte, now in tierce.
+
+He was of the old school of Dominic, and came at me with a _ca_!
+_ca!_' and a flourish, springing back like a cat to avoid the return.
+Had I been taught the use of the small sword by any less master than
+Touchet it would have gone hard with me, but, as it was, the third
+pass showed me the game was mine. The din around us was beyond
+description, for whilst More and his men were struggling to get close
+enough to separate us, the onlookers kept thrusting the hotel people
+back, and oaths, shrieks, wagers, screams for the watch, and
+half-a-hundred different exclamations and challenges were shouted out
+at once. I had no time to look around me, for, old as he was, my
+opponent displayed uncommon activity, and I could not but admire his
+courage. Coxcomb and fool, dishonoured though he was, under his
+flowered vest was no craven heart, and I spared him once for his age
+and twice for his spirit. But now came the warning cry of 'Watch! the
+watch!' behind me. D'Ayen thrust low in tierce; the parry was simple
+and I pinked him through the shoulder-joint--I could have hit him
+where I liked at that moment. He dropped his sword with a curse, and
+I found myself the next moment in a general _melee_, for the watch
+were using no mild measures to force an entrance, and there was a
+fine to-do in consequence.
+
+Someone--I know not who--at this juncture cut the silken cord by which
+a huge ornamental lantern was hung above our heads. It fell with a
+crash, and in a moment we were in semi-darkness. I took the
+opportunity to dash forwards, flatten myself against the wall, and, by
+dint of a little management and more good luck, succeeded in getting
+within a yard or so of the door. Here, taking my occasion, I made a
+sudden spring forwards, upsetting a man in front of me, and dashed off
+down the street. Unfortunately, I was not so quick but that I was seen
+and instantly pursued by a portion of the watch on guard outside.
+
+There was nothing for it but to run. Fast as I went, however, there
+were good men behind me, and I could not shake them off, though the
+streets were in gloom. The worst of the matter, however, was that the
+watch was being constantly reinforced by amateur guardians of the
+peace. Everyone who happened to be passing, or heard the noise, seemed
+to think it his duty to join in the chase, and it was with a fine
+following that I headed towards the river. Heaven knows how I cursed
+my folly at having put my nose into More's, and I redoubled my pace as
+I heard, from the shouts to the right and to the left of me, that I
+was practically hemmed in, and that my only chance was to take to the
+river. They were close up to me when I reached the bank a few yards
+below the Pont aux Meunniers, and without further hesitation I plunged
+in, and the bubbling and seething of the water brought the yell of
+disappointment from the bank faintly to my ears. The set of the stream
+was towards the opposite shore, and in five seconds I was in pitch
+darkness, though, looking back over my shoulder as I struck out, I
+could see, by the lanterns that some carried, the watch and the
+volunteer brigade dancing with anger at my escape, but none of them
+dared to follow.
+
+I had to swim with a will, for the current was swift; but at length I
+reached my own side of the river--drenched, it is true, but safe for
+the present. When I reached my lodging Pantin opened the door to me.
+
+'_Ciel!_' he exclaimed, as he saw me wet and dripping. 'What has
+happened?'
+
+'I have had a swim in the Seine, Pantin; say nothing about it.'
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XII
+
+                   MONSIEUR RAVAILLAC DOES NOT SUIT
+
+
+In the excitement attendant in my scuffle with d'Ayen and the
+subsequent events, ending in my escape from the clutches of the watch,
+I had for the moment clean forgot Ravaillac's fit of frenzy. I slept
+profoundly, and towards morning was half awakened by an uneasy feeling
+that there was someone in the room. This passed away; but a short time
+after I awoke with a start, and looking around saw Ravaillac bending
+over some of my things which were lying in a corner of the room. As I
+looked at him the full recollection of his strange behaviour came back
+to me, and, a slight movement on my part attracting his attention, he
+bade me a civil good-morning. He made no mention, however, of his
+illness, nor did he excuse himself in any way, but set about his
+duties in a quiet, cat-like manner.
+
+Whilst he moved softly about, I began to piece together the noise of
+the stumble I had heard outside my door when about to set out with
+Palin, with Madame Pantin's warning and the scene in the loft. It
+struck me that his seizure might after all be a blind, and I
+determined to question the man, and, by watching the play of his
+features and noting his manner of reply, try and discover if there was
+anything to show that my idea was correct.
+
+Pretending, therefore, to be unaware of what had passed, I asked:
+
+'How was it you were not in to receive me last night, Ravaillac?'
+
+There was a quick up-and-down movement of the long grey eyes, and he
+answered:
+
+'I was ill, monsieur; I trust Monsieur le Chevalier is not hurt?'
+
+'Hurt! Why should I be?'
+
+'Monsieur will pardon me, but I thought it possible.'
+
+'How so?'
+
+'Monsieur's clothes were dripping wet when I first came in, and his
+rapier stained full six inches from the point when I drew it out of
+its sheath to clean it this morning. It looked like an arm-thrust, and
+I thought----'
+
+'Never mind what you thought. I had a slight affair last night, but
+was not hurt.' It was clear to me that he was trying to carry the war
+into my country, as it were, by counter-questions to mine. I therefore
+cut him short, and added:
+
+'Your illness came and went very suddenly. Are you often taken that
+way?'
+
+'Then Monsieur knows----'
+
+'A great many things, perhaps; but kindly answer my question.'
+
+It may have been fancy or not; but it seemed to me that, as once
+before, I saw the wraith of a smile flit stealthily along his thin
+lips. He was standing in front of me, holding my rapier, and his eyes
+were bent down on the polished steel hilt as I spoke.
+
+At first he made no answer, and I repeated my question. This time he
+looked me full in the face, and the whole expression of the man
+changed--his cheeks paled, his eyes dilated, his voice took a shrill
+pitch.
+
+'I cannot tell, monsieur. It comes and goes like the wind. There is a
+Fear that falls on me--a Fear and something, I know not what, beside;
+but all before my eyes is red--red as if it rained blood--and then a
+myriad of devils are whispering in my ears, and there is no safety for
+me but the cross and prayer. It has passed now--God be thanked! Will
+Monsieur not take his sword?'
+
+His voice dropped again to its low, soft note as he ended, and handed
+me my rapier. I buckled it on, thinking to myself, 'My friend, you are
+either a lunatic at large or a finished actor. In either case you
+won't do for me.' I said no more, however, but when he gave me my hat
+he asked:
+
+'Will Monsieur require me in attendance?'
+
+'Yes. I go to the Hotel de Belin, and I trust this will be the last of
+your attacks whilst you are with me. The Compte told me you had been a
+Flagellant, but had recovered.'
+
+'I have been well for a long time, monsieur,' he answered, taking my
+humour--'I will try and get ill no more.'
+
+'I am glad of that. Saddle Couronne. I go out at once--you can follow
+on foot.'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+The next moment he was gone, and I heard him running down the stairs.
+It would take a few minutes to get Couronne ready, but I followed him
+down at once, as I had an inquiry to make from Madame Pantin. I heard
+someone moving below in the kitchen, and, thinking it was dame
+Annette, called down the winding stair:
+
+'Madame--Madame Pantin!'
+
+'Madame is out; but is there anything I can do for Monsieur?' And the
+notary appeared below, a dim outline, clad in his dressing-gown, with
+a woollen cap on his head.
+
+I went down to him and asked:
+
+'Pantin, do you know if Ravaillac was out last night?'
+
+'I would have told Monsieur there and then when he came in from his
+swim in the Seine. No, for I watched and saw him sleeping in the loft.'
+
+'Are you sure?'
+
+'As I am of being here.'
+
+'Thanks! Madame is out early?'
+
+'She has gone to the Rue Varenne; but, monsieur, be careful of that
+Ravaillac.'
+
+I nodded my head, and then, raising my voice: 'I dine at the Two Ecus
+as usual--good day!'
+
+'Good day, monsieur!'
+
+Couronne was at the door, Ravaillac at her head, and, mounting, I went
+at a walking pace towards the Pont au Change, my servant a yard or so
+behind. It was my intention to see de Belin, to ask him to find out if
+I was in any danger owing to last night's folly or misadventure--call
+it what you will--and to beg his advice on the course I was to pursue.
+
+I had been recognised by d'Ayen. My name was known to those with him,
+and any trouble with the Hotel de Ville meant hopeless disaster. I had
+almost made up my mind to conceal myself somewhere until the day of
+flight; but, before taking any action, thought it advisable to consult
+my friend, and to return Ravaillac to his service.
+
+On my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais, however, I began to turn the
+matter of Ravaillac over again in my mind, and found myself between
+the hedge and the ditch. If I got rid of him, the man, if he was a
+spy, could watch me in secret; if I kept him with me, the same thing
+happened. After all, whilst with me he had greater opportunities, and
+the less of the two evils was to be rid of him--yes, it would be
+better so.
+
+Imagine my disappointment when reaching his hotel to find that Belin
+was out! Vallon begged me to wait, explaining that his master had been
+absent for so long a time that his return would be but a matter of
+minutes. He had supped out the night before with de Vitry, the Captain
+of the Scots Guards, and M. le Grand, had come back late, and gone
+forth very early in the morning, and it was now full time he was back.
+
+I determined therefore to wait, though every moment was of importance
+to me, and, after a half-hour of patience in an easy chair, rose and
+walked towards the window, to while away the time by watching what was
+going on below. One of the heavy brocade curtains was half drawn, and
+without thinking of it I came up towards that side, and looked out
+from behind its cover. It struck me as strange that my horse was
+without the gate, instead of being within the courtyard, and
+Ravaillac, with the reins thrown over his shoulder, was engaged in
+converse with a cavalier whose back was turned to me, and whose head
+was entirely concealed by his broad-brimmed hat and long plumes.
+
+But the tall, straight figure, with its stretch of shoulder, could not
+be mistaken. It was de Gomeron to a certainty, and my doubts on the
+point were soon at rest. Keeping as far as possible within the shadow
+of the curtain, I watched them for full five minutes whilst they
+conversed together earnestly, and then something changed hands between
+them. Finally, the cavalier left Ravaillac with a nod to his salute,
+and crossed over to the other side of the road, where a mounted lackey
+was holding his horse. As he gained the saddle, he turned his face
+towards me for an instant. There was no shadow of doubt left. It
+was de Gomeron, and it was clear that there was more between the
+free-lance and Ravaillac than there should be, and also I was
+convinced, I know not how, that what had passed between them touched
+me, and was not for my good. What object the man had to play traitor I
+cannot say; but I do know that there are some natures to whom double
+dealing is as their skin, and whom nothing can turn from falsehood and
+chicane.
+
+Be this as it may, I knew at any rate the grass where one viper lay,
+and made up my mind to blunt his fangs without any further delay. I
+gave de Belin another half-hour, and then, calling Vallon, left a
+message with him, begging my friend to see me at my lodging on a
+matter of the utmost moment. As soon as I was in the saddle, I bent
+forwards, and, looking Ravaillac full in the face, said: 'My friend,
+you have too many acquaintances for my service; I return you from this
+moment to Monsieur le Compte.'
+
+'I do not understand, monsieur,' he began to stammer; but I cut him
+short.
+
+'I spoke clearly enough. I do not require your services further. You
+are discharged. Take this,' and flinging him a couple of gold pieces,
+which the scoundrel swooped at like a hawk, I turned the mare's head
+and trotted off.
+
+I made a short cut down a side street, and, in so doing, had an
+opportunity of taking a last look at my man. He was standing talking
+to Vallon, and moving his hands in my direction.
+
+'Reeling out lies by the dozen,' I muttered to myself. 'If I mistake
+not, there will be another place lost to you by sundown.'
+
+I let myself in by the stable entrance, and, after attending to
+Couronne, entered the house. There was apparently not a soul within. I
+sought the lower apartments in the hope of finding either the notary
+or his wife, to explain to them my action in regard to Ravaillac; but
+neither of them was visible. There was no answer to my call. There
+could not be a soul in the house.
+
+I determined, therefore, to go up to my room and await de Belin's
+coming, and on my opening the door of my sitting-room saw, to my
+surprise, a man apparently dozing in my armchair. The noise of my
+entrance awoke him. He jumped up, and I recognised my friend.
+
+'Belin! what good wind has blown you here? But how did you come in?
+There is no one in the house?'
+
+'There was when I came in, my friend. Do you know'--and he looked me
+in the face--'You have made a mess of things.'
+
+'You know already! Belin, I have just been to see you about it. The
+whole affair was forced on me.'
+
+'Partly. It was lucky I was there, and sober enough to think of
+cutting the cord of the lamp. You vanished, as I thought you would,
+and I have been attending to your affairs since then; any other man
+would have been laid by the heels ere this, but the stars fought for
+you.'
+
+'Any other man who had not a friend like you, Lisois. But do you
+really mean that I am safe from arrest?'
+
+'I think so, from any count under the Edict of Blois; but I had a
+devil of a dance. First of all, the catchpoles insisted upon turning
+their attentions towards me, and I only got off on the testimony of M.
+le Baron, who after all is but scratched, though spoiling for revenge.
+Then I rushed off to de Villeroi; but he, full of his new office as
+governor of the Hotel, hummed and hawed--would hear of nothing, he
+said, until you were provided with a lodging in Fort l'Eveque, and
+talked big of the law and its course. However, I had an argument to
+persuade him: little birds twitter odd things into the ears of a
+chamberlain, sometimes, and he agreed to hold over the matter for a
+few hours until I had seen the King.'
+
+'The King!'
+
+'Why not, _mon ami?_ With the first streak of light I went to see a
+friend who shall be nameless, but is a power in the land. An hour
+later I was at the Louvre and at his Majesty's bedside. Henry was in
+high good humour. He had won nine thousand crowns last night from the
+invincible Portuguese, de Pimental. Almost as great a victory as
+Arques, he said. I related the whole of the circumstances without
+mentioning your name, and, pledging my word that d'Ayen would be about
+by this afternoon, begged for a pardon.'
+
+'But the King of course asked for my name.'
+
+'Of course he did, and, in reply, I said I would bring you in person
+to the Louvre this afternoon: then by good chance Sully himself came
+in. His lands of Muret march with mine, and Monseigneur is my very
+good friend. The King began to put him the case, to which Sully
+listened without a movement, except an occasional glance at a roll of
+documents in his hand, and when Henry finished said, with a smile--
+
+"'A trifle, sire, that may well be left to M. de Villeroi; perhaps,
+however, sire, your Majesty might agree to de Belin's petition. There
+is a spice of mystery about it, which even interests me. I have,
+however, brought these papers on the Gabelle."
+
+"'_Diable!_ Salty, but hardly a relish--let it be as you wish, Belin;
+and now for my salt without any soup." I took the hint, as may be
+imagined, and went straight back to Villeroi, and the matter being now
+in the hands of the King, he will of course take no action.'
+
+'You have been goodness itself.'
+
+'My dear fellow, let that rest! All that you have to do now is to come
+with me this afternoon, put your case to the King, and I lay a hundred
+crowns to a tester you hear no more--of the little affair of last
+night.'
+
+As he said this, looking me full in the face, with a peculiar stress
+on the last words of his speech, a sudden light came upon me. Sully's
+lands marched with those of de Belin. They were friends. Sully did
+not, for reasons of his own, wish it known that he took an interest in
+my mission, and the rest was easy to guess.
+
+'_Pardieu!_ That little thrust through the sword arm of M. le Baron
+is, after all, not so unlucky--eh! Belin? At least, for our very good
+lord of Muret and Villebon.'
+
+But Lisois only laughed in reply, as he said: 'Add a cat falling on
+its feet from a church steeple to your scutcheon, d'Auriac. Shall I
+get Rouge Croix to prick the new coat of arms?'
+
+'As you will; you have made my heart, which was heavy as lead, light
+once more--I feel now that I am not playing a hopeless game.'
+
+'The proper feeling to have, whatever the hazard be. With all your
+northern blood, d'Auriac, you should not have so many nerves.'
+
+'You forget my mother was of the south.'
+
+'True, of the Foix Candale. You will die a Huguenot. But I must be
+going. Meet me at the Rue de Bourdonnais at one, exactly, and I will
+take you to the Louvre, and now good-bye!' He rose and gave me his
+hand.
+
+'But, surely, there is no need for you to go now? Dine with me at my
+ordinary; I have much to tell you.'
+
+_Tap_! _tap_! _tap!_ It was dame Annette's little knock at my door,
+and I knew it was something of import that had brought her to my room.
+
+'One moment, Belin!' and, opening the door, I saw Madame Pantin
+standing there in breathless agitation.
+
+'What is it, madame? Come in, and speak freely; there is only my
+friend the Compte de Belin here.'
+
+'It is nothing, monsieur,' she said loudly, and then, dropping her
+voice to a whisper, 'Ravaillac was out last night. Pantin was
+deceived. I have come up to tell you so at once: be rid of him. I am
+asked to tell you this by a friend.'
+
+'A hundred thanks! I have parted with him, and he will not trouble us
+more. But who is this friend who takes so great an interest in me?'
+
+'You have company, monsieur,' she answered, with a bobbing courtesy,
+'I will not intrude longer.' And, without another word, she turned and
+went away.
+
+When I looked back, Belin was smoothing the plumes in his hat and
+laughing. 'I heard every word, d'Auriac. So Ravaillac is a mouchard,
+is he? And you have sent him back to me.'
+
+'I have,' I answered, and then I told my friend what had happened.
+
+His face was grave enough when I ended.
+
+'So that explains one thing,' he muttered to himself, tapping the
+point of his boot with the end of his sheathed rapier, and then,
+looking up, said slowly, 'You were right, and he shall sleep in Fort
+l'Eveque to-night. No, I cannot stay. Be punctual--and see here.' He
+came close up to me, and rested his hand on my shoulder.
+
+'Though you do not know it, your game forms part of a bigger game
+played for higher stakes. There are those who love France, and would
+have no more madness such as that over poor Gabrielle--we are helping
+you with heart and soul. Be punctual--and adieu. No, I can go out by
+myself; do not trouble to come down.'
+
+He was gone, and I paced up and down for a quarter of an hour, feeling
+like a pawn that some unseen hand was moving hither and thither on the
+chessboard of intrigue. And then I went to my solitary dinner at the
+Two Ecus.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII
+
+                              THE LOUVRE
+
+
+It wanted full ten minutes to the hour when I rode through the gates
+of the Hotel de Belin, and a moment or so after was with my friend. He
+was standing in the great hall as I entered, in the midst of a small
+but brilliantly dressed group of cavaliers. On my being announced,
+however, he came forward to meet me with outstretched arms.
+
+'_Pardieu!_' he exclaimed, stepping back a half-pace after our
+greeting, 'so you have dropped the Huguenot? We poor devils will have
+but a bad time of it if you turn courtier.'
+
+'Is that likely?' I asked, a little bitterly, and then, in a low tone,
+'have you made Ravaillac safe?'
+
+'He has made himself safe,' he whispered, 'he is gone.'
+
+'Gone?'
+
+'Yes--vanished. It is, perhaps, best so. We will discuss him later,'
+and, raising his voice, 'come, let me present you to my friends,' and
+he led me up to his companions, who, gathered in a little knot near
+the huge fireplace, stood surveying us with a well-bred curiosity.
+
+'Gentlemen, permit me to introduce my old comrade, the Chevalier
+d'Auriac--the Duc de Bellegarde, whom we all call M. le Grand, the
+Vicompte de Vitry, the Seigneur de Valryn, and the Chevalier
+d'Aubusson, who, like you, d'Auriac, is new to the court.'
+
+'And who is delighted to meet with an old acquaintance, and trusts
+that M. de Preaulx is in as good a way.'
+
+'As the company from Paradise--eh, chevalier?' I put in.
+
+'Fairly hit,' exclaimed the lieutenant, and then he must needs tell
+the story of our little adventure, at which there was much laughter,
+and it was easy to see that the Marshal and Zamet had no friends in
+the Rue de Bourdonnais.
+
+'Come, gentlemen,' said de Belin, 'if we delay longer we shall miss
+the cinque-pace--one health round, and let us start.'
+
+As he spoke, a number of long-necked glasses filled with the wine of
+Champagne were brought to us. Holding his glass high above his head,
+de Belin called out:
+
+'Gentlemen--the King.'
+
+The toast was drunk with a cheer in which my voice alone was still;
+but I joined with the others in shivering my glass to fragments on the
+white marble of the floor, and then, a gay, laughing crowd, we took
+horse for the Louvre.
+
+As we trotted along, I could not help wondering to myself at my own
+outward gaiety, and whether the same bright mask covered thoughts as
+dark as mine in my companions' hearts. Who, on looking at de Belin and
+hearing the frivol of his talk, or on casting a glance at the red and
+honest face of de Vitry, would imagine that these men were hilt-deep
+in the intrigues of the court? Perhaps the stately Bellegarde, the
+cynical lord of Valryn, the Thersites of his day, whose ribald tongue
+had silenced even de Sancy, and that devil-may-care d'Aubusson, were
+up to the elbows in the same pie!
+
+Absorbed for a moment or so in these reflections I became silent, and
+was only aroused by Bellegarde riding up alongside of me and calling
+out--
+
+'A tester for your thoughts, chevalier, and three hundred pistoles for
+your nag.'
+
+'My thoughts would be expensive at that price, duc, and the pistoles
+will not buy Couronne.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ Then name your own price. 'Tis just such a horse as that I
+have dreamed of to lead the King's House against M. de Savoye.'
+
+'I may need her for the Italian war myself, monseigneur. No, Couronne
+is not for sale. She bears too heavy a stake for us to part.'
+
+Bellegarde looked at me curiously on my speech, and I half repented of
+my last words; but he said no more, and a second or so later we were
+past the Magasins and approaching the main entrance to the Louvre.
+
+The sight before us was gay beyond description. All the good commons
+of Paris had thronged to see the court re-open, and to catch a
+glimpse, and perhaps a wave of the hand, from the King, whom they now
+loved with their whole hearts. They came all in their gayest, and as
+the cheerful crowd swayed backwards and forwards beyond the long line
+of guards that kept the entrance to the palace free, it was for all
+the world like a bank of flowers stirred by the wind.
+
+But it was not the commons alone that had gathered there. From within
+the palace itself we caught the continual flashes of silvered armour,
+the sheen of silk and satin, the waving of plumes and the glitter of
+jewels, and, far as the eye could stretch along the river-face, there
+was an apparently endless cavalcade approaching the Louvre. In that
+great heaving crowd, wherein all the strength of France was gathered,
+we saw, as the wind caught the banners and spread them to the
+sunlight, that there was hardly a house in France but was represented
+here, from the lordly seigneurs of Champagne and Guienne, with their
+splendid followings, to the poor knights of Gascony and Bearn, who had
+not a tower that was not in ruins amongst them, and could barely
+maintain the brace of starveling lackeys that rode at the heels of
+each of these lean-pursed but long-sworded gentlemen. Here one saw the
+white shield of Couci, the lilies of Conde, the griffins of Epernon,
+there the cross of Croye, the star of d'Andelot, the red hand
+of d'Auvergne, and the black wolves on the golden shield of La
+Roche-Guyon, the proudest lord of Burgundy, who traced his descent far
+back into the mists beyond the middle ages.
+
+Absorbed as I was in my own troubles, I could not restrain a feeling
+of pride that rose within me at the scene. Down through that roaring
+crowd that cheered them again and again as they passed, it was as if
+all the old historic names of France had gathered to do honour to the
+day. And I felt, too, as I looked at the endless sea of heads, that
+this was no longer a France at murderous war with itself, but a united
+and powerful nation that was being led onwards to its destiny by the
+strong hand of a man who had quenched a fratricidal struggle; and for
+the moment I forgot how small he could be who was yet so great.
+
+I had yet to learn how great he could be; and here, as I write these
+lines in my study in the watch tower of Auriac, round which the
+sea-gulls circle and scream, my old eyes grow dim, and I lay down my
+pen and wonder for a moment at His will, which did not shield that
+brave heart from an assassin's blow.
+
+The throng was so thick that for a time we were unable to gain a
+passage, and were compelled to go at a walking pace, and Belin,
+reining in his fretting beast, exclaimed, 'Faith! 'tis the largest
+gathering I have ever seen.'
+
+'All France is here to-day,' said de Valryn. 'There go d'Ossat, and
+his Eminence fresh from the Quirinal.'
+
+'I wonder d'Ossat did not win his red hat as well as Monseigneur of
+Evreux,' said de Vitry.
+
+'Ah! he is so unlike the Cardinal,' replied de Valryn.
+
+'How do you mean?'
+
+'In this way. His Eminence deceives but he never lies; the Bishop, on
+the other hand, lies, but he never deceives.'
+
+'It would cost you your regiment if the King heard that, de Valryn.'
+
+'On the contrary, I am sure it will get to his ears, and then I could
+almost hope for the vacant baton, though 'tis said that is already in
+Ornano's hand--see, there is the Constable's banner!'
+
+'And Bouillon too--the stormy petrel is back from Sedan--I almost
+sniff war in the air.'
+
+'Oh, he has taken to himself a wife--See! He has quartered the arms of
+La Marck on his scutcheon.'
+
+'_Si dieu ne me vult, le diable me prye_,' said d'Aubusson, reading
+the scroll on the banner of Turenne; and then, the crowd giving way
+for a moment, we took the opportunity and passed through the gates of
+the Louvre. So full did we find the Petite Galerie on our entrance,
+that it was impossible to see or to observe who was there, and all
+that I was conscious of, as I slowly made my way forwards at the heels
+of de Belin, was the sound of music, the murmur of voices, and the
+rippling of gay laughter. In front of us was the noble stairway that
+led to the Galerie d'Apollon, and between the silent and statue-like
+figures of the King's House who lined the steps, and who still wore
+their violet sashes in token of mourning for the death of Gabrielle,
+there seemed an endless train of men and women advancing upwards.
+Amongst the jewelled clusters of fair and dainty dames, my eye sought
+in vain for the face of Madame; but my glance was, for the moment,
+arrested by the graceful figure of the celebrated La Noirmoutiers, as,
+with one arched and scarlet-shod foot resting on the white marble of
+the topmost step of the stairway, she turned to address some laughing
+remark to the cavalier who was her escort. I had not seen her since I
+was a boy of fifteen; but years had not changed her--her eyes were as
+lustrous, her cheeks as pink and dimpled as when she trailed the
+honour of Lorraine in the dust, and broke the heart of Joyeuse. I
+could not restrain a feeling of pity for the man upon whom she was now
+turning the light of her cruel beauty, for there was that in his
+honest eyes that showed he would do for her what Mornay, what Joyeuse,
+what Francis of Lorraine had done.
+
+'Who is the man?' I bent forward and whispered to de Belin.
+
+'Poor de Rethelois, who held La Fere so well against us. I fear he
+will find holding his heart a harder task.'
+
+'He has capitulated already, I think,' I answered, and then she rested
+one small gloved hand on her escort's arm and they passed out of
+sight.
+
+By this time I had collected myself to some degree, and began to try
+and rapidly rehearse in my mind what I should say when I came face to
+face with the King, but I am not ashamed to confess that at each
+attempt I found myself getting more and more hopelessly confused, and
+finally, dropping the effort, determined to let the occasion find its
+own words. At last we were on the stairway, and in twenty steps had
+entered the great hall which Henry had built himself, and which was
+known as the Galerie d'Apollon. Except for the vacant space round the
+still empty throne, the full length of its seventy yards was almost as
+much crowded as the hall below; but here the music was much louder,
+though the laughter and talk was not less merry and incessant. There
+was not, of course, nearly so much movement, and the people were more
+or less gathered in little knots or groups, though there were many gay
+butterflies flitting from one of these to the other.
+
+'Keep by me,' said de Belin, and almost as he spoke we came face to
+face with Tavannes, de Gie, and de Cosse-Brissac, all dressed in the
+extreme of fashion. Belin saluted coldly, but my heart warmed towards
+my old comrades in arms, and I stretched out my hand. This de Gie took
+limply, but Tavannes and de Cosse-Brissac contented themselves with
+bows of the politest ceremony. The Vicompte de Gie was, however,
+effusive in speech if chill in manner.
+
+'It is not everyone who could tear a hole in the Edict as you have
+done, d'Auriac,' he said; and then added with a smile, 'but who made
+your cloak? 'Tis a trifle longer than we wear it here.'
+
+'It is short enough for me to see the King in,' I answered a little
+crisply.
+
+'The King!' exclaimed both Tavannes and Brissac, a marked interest in
+their tones.
+
+'My dear fellow,' said de Gie, interrupting my reply, 'I knew you
+would fall on your feet; see here,' and stepping right up to me, he
+threw open my cloak slightly with a turn of his wrist, 'wear it so,
+d'Auriac; it shows your cross of St. Denis now.' Then dropping his
+voice, 'friend or foe? Are you for the Marshal or the Master-General?'
+
+'I am here for a short time,' I replied. 'I have come to see the King.
+I neither understand nor care about your intrigues.'
+
+'I understand perfectly, monsieur,' he said, falling back, a
+half-smile on his lips, and, bowing to each other, we passed on in
+different ways, they down, and I up the hall to join de Belin, who had
+gone a few paces ahead.
+
+'The King is still in his cabinet,' he said, pointing to a closed
+door, before which a sentry stood on guard. 'I go in at once. When I
+come out let it be the signal for you to join me. I will then present
+you; and mind--speak freely.'
+
+'I mean to,' I answered, and with a nod he passed up through the
+press. I leaned against the pillar near which I was standing and
+surveyed the crowd. Madame was nowhere there, or else I had missed
+her. Perhaps it was better so, for did I see her I might be unnerved;
+and here Bellegarde joined me.
+
+'Do you see her?' he asked.
+
+'See whom?' I answered, with a start and an eager look around.
+
+'_La belle_ Henriette. See, there she stands! A little court around
+her, with the brightest eyes and the sharpest tongue in France. I
+wager a hundred pistoles she will rule us all some day.'
+
+As events showed, Bellegarde was right, though that concerns not this
+story. I followed his glance, and saw Mademoiselle d'Entragues
+surrounded by a group of admirers, with whom she was bandying jest and
+repartee. I saw before me a tall, slight woman, beautiful in a wicked,
+imperious way, her eyes as black as night, and her features exquisite,
+but marred in every line, to my mind, by their look of pride. I
+never saw her again but once, and that was at Bois Lancy, where the
+once-powerful Marquise de Verneuil had gone to hide her shame.
+
+It was a pleasanter sight to turn from this girl, who was even then
+weighing the price of her honour, to the cluster of fair faces around
+the tabouret of Madame Catherine, the King's sister, now the Duchesse
+de Bar. Close to the Princess was Mary of Guise, and within a few feet
+of her were the wives and daughters of Rohan, de Pangeas, de Guiche,
+and d'Andelot. I did not, of course, know who they were, but
+Bellegarde pointed them out one by one, and then suddenly waved his
+hand in greeting to a man.
+
+'Ah, there is Pimental! one moment, chevalier,' and he left me to join
+his friend. I was again alone, and resigned myself to patience, when a
+voice seemed to whisper over my shoulder:
+
+'If M. le Chevalier will kindly survey the other side of the room,
+perhaps he will be equally interested.'
+
+I turned round sharply. There was no one whom I could recognise as the
+person who had addressed me. On the other hand, however, I blessed him
+in my heart, for not ten feet away was Madame, radiant and beautiful,
+with Palin by her side, and M. d'Ayen, with his arm in a silken
+sling, bowing before her. He was pressing the tips of her fingers to
+his lips when our eyes met, and, drawing away her hand, she made a
+half-movement towards me. I was by her side in a moment, and as we
+shook hands she said with a smile:
+
+'So we have met again, chevalier! In the Louvre, above all places!
+'This with a slight rising of colour.
+
+'I thought I had missed you. I was looking for you everywhere, and had
+given you up. I of course knew you were in Paris.'
+
+'But the Rue Varenne was too distant a land to journey to? Come,'
+she added as I began to protest, 'give me your arm and take me
+there'--she indicated the upper end of the room--'the crush is not so
+great there. It is frightful here. M. d'Ayen will, I know, excuse me.'
+
+Here d'Ayen, who stood glaring at me and biting at the red feathers in
+his hat which he held in his hand, interposed:
+
+'I was in hopes that Madame would give me the pleasure,' he began.
+
+'Another day, perhaps, baron,' I cut in rudely enough. 'I trust,' I
+added in a kinder tone, 'that your arm does not incommode you?'
+
+'It will heal soon,' he said in a thick voice, and turned away
+abruptly.
+
+'He is very angry,' Madame said, following him with her eyes.
+
+'That will heal too, I hope. This way is easiest, I think,' and I
+moved onwards with my charge, still, however, keeping an eye on the
+door of the cabinet.
+
+'Do you know,' I said a moment or so later, 'I am indebted to an
+unknown friend for finding out you were here?'
+
+'Indeed!' she replied seriously enough, though her eyes were smiling;
+'perhaps I ought not to tell you, but I saw you and told Coiffier to
+let you know I was here.'
+
+'Coiffier, the astrologer!'
+
+'Yes--do you not see him there? He is a brother of Pantin, and devoted
+to my house; a strange man though, and at times I almost fear him.'
+
+I looked in the direction she indicated, and saw a tall man, dressed
+like any ordinary cavalier of the court, except for his cloak, which
+was of extreme length, and fell almost to his heels. He, however, wore
+no sword, but held in his hand a small rod of ebony, with a golden
+ball at the end. This was the celebrated astrologer Coiffier, who had
+foretold the death of Henry III., and who, it is said, never died, but
+was taken away bodily by the Evil One. How far this is true I know
+not, but it was common report when he disappeared for ever.
+
+'He is much unlike Pantin,' I remarked; 'no one would take them for
+brothers.'
+
+'And yet they are--and Pantin always says he is the younger, too.'
+
+And now, as we made our way slowly towards the upper end of the room,
+I began to get tongue-tied, and Madame, too, said nothing. Finally, I
+blurted out, 'I am to see the King in a few minutes.'
+
+She looked down and half-whispered, 'God give you success.'
+
+'Amen!' I echoed to her prayer.
+
+And then, in a way that people have when their hearts are full of
+grave things, we began to talk of matters light as air.
+
+'The King is late to-day,' Madame said, glancing at the still closed
+door of the cabinet, near which a curious crowd had gathered; 'perhaps
+the cinque-pace will not come off,' she ran on, 'Monsieur de Guiche
+told me that the King was to open it with Mademoiselle d'Entragues. Do
+you not see her there? That lovely, black-eyed girl, talking to
+half-a-dozen people at once.'
+
+'Is she so very beautiful?'
+
+'What a question to ask! I do not see a woman in the room to compare
+with her.'
+
+'To my mind her profile is too hard.'
+
+'Indeed!' Madame's face, with its soft though clear outlines, was half
+turned from me as she spoke. 'I suppose, then, you do not care for
+her--a man never thinks with a woman in the matter of beauty. But I
+did think you would admire Mademoiselle.'
+
+'Why should I, even supposing she was beautiful? To my mind there are
+two kinds of beauty.'
+
+And here I was interrupted by the sound of cheering from the Petite
+Galerie, and the sudden hush that fell on the room. As we moved down
+to see for whom the crush was parting on either side, we discovered
+that it was the Marshal himself, and close at his heels were Lafin,
+with his sinister smile, and a dozen gentlemen, amongst whom I
+observed the grim figure of Adam de Gomeron. Madame saw the
+free-lance, too, and then turned her eyes to mine. She read the
+unspoken question in my look, her eyes met mine, and through her
+half-parted lips a low whisper came to me--'Never--never.'
+
+'They are coming straight towards us,' I said, 'we will stand here and
+let them pass,' and with her fingers still resting on my arm we moved
+a pace or so aside. As Biron came up there was almost a shout of
+welcome, and he bowed to the right and left of him as though he were
+the King himself. He was then the foremost subject in France, and in
+the heyday of his strength and power. In person he was of middle
+height, but carried himself with unexampled grace and dignity of
+manner. His short beard was cut to a peak, and from beneath his
+straight eyebrows, his keen and deep-set eyes, those eyes which Marie
+de Medici said hall-marked him for a traitor, _avec ses yeux noirs
+enfonces_, seemed to turn their searchlights here, there, and
+everywhere at once. His dress, like all about the man, was full of
+display. He wore a suit of grey satin, a short black velvet cloak held
+by a splendid emerald and diamond clasp, and carried a hat plumed with
+white and black feathers. His sword hilt and the buckles on his shoes
+flashed with gems. As he came onwards, making straight for the door of
+the cabinet, Coiffier stepped out of the crowd and held him lightly by
+his cloak. The Marshal turned on him sharply: 'Let me go, I have no
+time for mummeries.' 'Very well, my lord, only I should advise
+Monseigneur never again to wear a suit such as he is attired in at
+present.'
+
+Biron stopped, and we all gathered closer.
+
+'Why, Coiffier?' he asked, in a tone of affected gaiety, but with a
+nervous manner.
+
+'Because, monseigneur, I dreamed that I saw you early one morning
+standing, dressed as you are just now, by the block in the yard of the
+Bastille.'
+
+One or two of the women almost shrieked, and a murmur went up from
+those who heard the words. As for the Marshal, his face grew pale and
+then flushed darkly.
+
+'You are mad, my friend,' he said hoarsely, and then, with his head
+down, went straight to the door of the cabinet. It seemed to open of
+its own accord as he came up to it, and, leaving his suite behind, he
+passed in to the King.
+
+Little did I think of the prophecy until that August dawn, when I
+stood by the side of the Lieutenant of Montigny and saw the head of
+Charles de Gontaut, Duc de Biron, and Marshal of France, held up to
+the shuddering spectators in the red hand of Monsieur of Paris.
+
+'It almost seems as if I shall not have my interview,' I said to
+Madame a minute or so later, when the commotion caused by Coiffier had
+ceased.
+
+'When were you to go in?' she asked.
+
+'As soon as ever M. de Belin came out to summon me.'
+
+'Then here he is,' and as she spoke I saw the door open, and Belin
+looked out. 'Go,' she said, and then our eyes met and I stepped up to
+the cabinet.
+
+'Courage,' whispered Belin, and I was before the King. In the first
+two steps I took on entering the room, I perceived that there had been
+a scene; Sully was standing against the open window, his back to the
+light, and gravely stroking his beard. The Marshal was pacing
+backwards and forwards in an agitated manner, and the King himself was
+leaning against a high desk, beating a tattoo with his fingers on the
+veneer.
+
+As de Belin presented me, I bent to my knee, and there was a dead
+silence, broken only by Henry renewing the quick, impatient tapping of
+his fingers on the woodwork of the desk. He was, what was unusual with
+him when in Paris, in half armour, and perhaps in compliment to the
+King of Spain, for it was the anniversary of the treaty of Vervins,
+wore the scarlet and ermine-lined mantle of the _Toison d'Or_. In the
+silence my eyes unconsciously caught the glitter of the collar, and I
+could almost read the device, '_Pretium non vile laborum_,' on the
+pendant fleece.
+
+'You may rise, monsieur,' the King said at last coldly, and added,
+'and you may speak. It is because I understand that you broke the laws
+unwittingly that I have for the moment excused you--now what have you
+to say?'
+
+As he spoke his piercing eyes met me full in the face, and for the
+moment I could not find words.
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_' and Henry picked up a melocotin from a salver
+that was by him and played with it between his fingers; 'you could not
+have been born under the two cows on a field _or_, else you would have
+found tongue ere this, M. d'Auriac. You are not of the south, are
+you?'
+
+'No, sire, though my father was Governor of Provence, and married into
+the Foix Candale.'
+
+'If so, you should be a perfect Chrysostom. What have you to say?'
+
+I had regained my courage by this and took the matter in both hands.
+'Your Majesty, I will speak--I charge the Marshal, Duc de Biron,
+with being a traitor to you and to France, I charge him with
+conspiring----'
+
+'You liar!'
+
+It was Biron's voice, furious and cracked with rage, that rang through
+the room; but Henry stopped him with a word, and then I went on
+repeating exactly what is known, and what I have described before.
+When it was over the King turned to the Marshal, who burst out in a
+passion of upbraiding, calling God and his own services to witness
+that his hands were clean, 'and is the word of this man to be
+believed?' he concluded, 'this man who was openly in arms against his
+King, who is known as a brawler in the streets, who is even now trying
+to win the hand of a royal ward with not a penny piece to line his
+doublet pockets, who is excluded from the King's Peace--is his oath to
+be taken before the word of a peer of France? Sire, my father died by
+your side--and I--I will say no more. Believe him if you will. Here is
+my sword! It has served you well,' and unbuckling his sword the
+Marshal flung himself on his knees before the King and presented him
+with the hilt of his blade.
+
+Astonished and silenced by this audacious outburst, I could say
+nothing, but saw Sully and de Belin exchange a strange smile. The
+King, however, was much moved. Putting his hands on Biron's shoulders,
+he lifted him to his feet. 'Biron, my old friend,' he said, 'the oaths
+of this man and of a hundred such as he are but as a feather weight
+against your simple word. Messieurs, it is because I wished the
+Marshal to know that I would hear nothing behind a man's back that I
+would not repeat to his own face that I have allowed M. d'Auriac a
+free rein to his tongue. In fine, I believe no word of this incredible
+tale. M. d'Auriac,' and he turned to me, 'I give you twenty-four hours
+to quit France, and never cross my path again.' And here the reckless
+Biron interposed hotly, 'But I must have satisfaction, sire.'
+
+'Is it not satisfaction enough to know that the King believes your
+word?' said Sully.
+
+'That may do for the house of Bethune, but not for Biron.'
+
+The taunt told. It was the one tender point with the great minister.
+'The house of Bethune,' he began.
+
+'Was old with the Ark, duc--we all know that,' said Henry; 'but truly
+I know not what satisfaction the Marshal wants.'
+
+'If not for me, sire, for my friends. There is M. de Gomeron who has
+been much wronged too.'
+
+'I see, you are coming to the old point again. I tell you, Biron,
+plainly, and once for all, I will not have it--my word is given to
+d'Ayen. And now let us go.'
+
+When the King had warned me out of France, I had made a half-movement
+to bow and retire and then glanced round to Belin for a hint as to
+what I should do. I could not see him, and not knowing whether to
+leave the cabinet or not, I remained standing irresolutely where I
+was, and thus was a witness to the little passage described above. As
+Henry refused Biron's request he, however, at the same time linked his
+arm in that of the Marshal, and stepped towards the door of the
+cabinet. Sully followed immediately behind, and I brought up the rear.
+
+In this manner we entered the Galerie d'Apollon, and as we passed in
+the King looked round and saw me. He stared hard for a moment, and
+then said in loud tones, 'Twenty-four hours is a short time to reach
+the frontier, M. d'Auriac,' and then he turned his back on me.
+
+Everyone heard the words, and I caught de Gie's mocking voice as he
+spoke to Mademoiselle d'Entragues, 'His cloak was short enough to see
+the King in, I observe,' and then there was a feminine titter.
+
+With my heart boiling with rage I made for the stairway. I did not
+dare to look for Madame. There was enough despair on my face to enable
+her to read it like a book were she to see me, and I had no doubt she
+had. I felt I had miserably failed. There was one chance, however, and
+that was to urge her to instant flight, and I determined to ride
+straight to the Rue Varenne and there await either Madame's or Palin's
+return and induce them to adopt this course.
+
+At this moment someone came in my way, and, stepping aside to let him
+pass, I caught sight of Madame with both de Belin and the Huguenot at
+her side. She was not three feet from me, and held out her hand
+saying, 'Courage; I know all.' I held her small fingers for a moment,
+and then the ribbon by which her fan was slung to her wrist somehow
+slipped and the fan fell to the ground. I picked it up, and, on
+handing it to her, caught a whisper, 'Coiffier, to-night,' and then
+with a bow I went on. Ten steps more brought me to the head of the
+stairway, and Coiffier was standing there. 'Would you have your
+fortune told, monsieur?' he asked.
+
+'Will to-night suit you?' I answered, taking his humour.
+
+'To-night will be too late, monsieur le chevalier. Look in that as you
+ride home and you will see--and now go.'
+
+With a turn of his wrist he produced a small red ball of polished wood
+and placed it in my hands, and then moved backwards amongst the crowd.
+
+It did not take me five minutes more to find Couronne, but as I turned
+her head on reaching the gates of the town towards the river face, I
+heard de Belin's quiet voice behind:
+
+'Not that way, d'Auriac; you come with me.'
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIV
+
+                           UNDER THE LIMES
+
+
+It mattered little to me if I rode a portion of my way back with de
+Belin, and so I turned Couronne's head as he wished. Before setting
+off, however, he gave some rapid and whispered orders to Vallon,
+emphasising them with a loud 'Quick, mind you, and do not fail.'
+
+'It is not likely, monsieur,' answered Vallon, and then set off.
+
+The crowd was as great as ever, and we were compelled to go slowly.
+Looking for a moment to my right as we went forwards, I saw Vallon
+making as much haste as he could in the delivery of his message, and I
+wished to myself that my own stout-hearted knave were with me. One
+blade such as his was worth a half-dozen hired swords.
+
+It was my intention to leave de Belin at his hotel and make my way as
+quickly as possible to my lodging, and thence, taking the risk of the
+King's warning, go straight to the Rue Varenne and urge Madame to
+instant flight. My house of cards had come down, a fluttering heap, as
+the first story was raised, and to my mind there was nothing for it
+but a sharp spur and a loose rein. I wished, too, for a moment of
+leisure to examine Coiffier's gift. I had little doubt that it
+conveyed a message or a warning, and the sooner I got at its contents
+the better.
+
+In the meantime Belin rode by my side, whistling a march to himself,
+whilst a couple of lackeys immediately behind us shouted themselves
+hoarse with an insistent 'Way, way for Monsieur le Compte!'
+
+This cry of theirs was being constantly echoed by a Capuchin, who,
+mounted on a mule, with his hood drawn over his face so as to show
+little but his eyes and a portion of a grey beard, kept alternately
+flinging an 'Ave!' and a 'Way! way!' to the crowd, the whiles he stuck
+close to our heels, having evidently made up his mind to follow the
+old saw--the stronger the company the freer the road.
+
+I know not why it was, but the jingling notes of the tune my friend
+whistled irritated me beyond measure, and at last, at the corner of
+the Rue Perrault, I could stand it no longer, and, reining in, held
+out my hand.
+
+'I must say good-bye here, Belin. We will meet again, and meet in
+better times, I trust, for me. In the meanwhile let me thank you, my
+friend. The rest of my business lies in my own hand.'
+
+He laughed and said, 'Not yet good-bye; and as for your business,
+there is some of it in Coiffier's wooden ball. I would open that here
+before you decide to leave me.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ You all seem to be determined to speak to me in riddles.
+Why can you not say plainly what you mean? And, besides, this is no
+place to read.'
+
+'It is as good as any other. See here, d'Auriac! I slipped out of the
+King's cabinet as he spoke to you, and told Madame how your affair was
+progressing. She herself had something to communicate to you. The
+matter was pressing, and as things stood she could not tell you there.
+As for your being treated like a pawn, I give you my word it was
+beyond me to help that. But if you come with me you will learn many
+things within the hour. In the meantime open the ball, man! It was a
+lucky thing Coiffier was there.'
+
+Without any further hesitation I drew forth Coiffier's gift. It was,
+as I have said, a hollow, wooden globe, and was made in two parts,
+which could be joined together or separated by a turn of the wrist. I
+held it in my hands for a moment or so and then opened it, and had
+just pulled forth the paper it contained, when by ill chance, as it
+seemed, the Capuchin, who was urging his mule past us, brushed
+violently against my horse, with the result that the paper slipped
+from between my fingers and fluttered to earth. Couronne, after her
+first start, was steady enough, but the monk's ill-conditioned mule
+kicked and plunged, bringing him apparently heavily to the ground. He
+fell exactly over the paper and lay there for a moment, face
+downwards, resting on one elbow. I sprang down, as much to get the
+paper as to assist him, but as I did so, he scrambled to his feet with
+'A hundred pardons, monsieur, for my clumsiness,' and then hastily
+turned and hurried after his mule, which was already many yards ahead,
+behaving after its kind, and whose speed was not diminished by the
+sticks, stones, and oaths flung at him; and there was a roar of
+laughter--a mob will laugh or hiss at the merest trifles--as the lank
+figure of the Capuchin sped along in pursuit of his beast and vanished
+after him down a side street.
+
+Belin himself joined in the merriment, and I picked up the paper,
+muddy and much soiled. Smoothening it out against the flap of my
+saddle, I made out the words, '_To-night, under the limes in the
+Tuileries--at compline_.' There was no doubt about the writing, and,
+thrusting the precious scrap into my breast-pocket, I remounted. As I
+did so de Belin said:
+
+'Well, have you changed your plans?'
+
+'Partly, but I think I shall go back to my lodging.'
+
+'Do nothing of the kind as yet. I have asked Pantin to meet us at the
+Two Ecus, your own ordinary. Vallon has gone to call him. You can give
+him any orders there. You owe me as much as to yield to me in this.'
+
+It would have been ungracious not to have agreed, and I told Lisois I
+would go with him.
+
+'Hasten, then! The road is clearer now, thanks to the Capuchin, or
+rather to his mule. By the way, did you see the monk's face?'
+
+'No!'
+
+'A pity! I tried to, but failed in the attempt. His voice was familiar
+to me, and he seemed wonderfully active for an old man.'
+
+'You are suspicion itself, Belin.'
+
+'I have slept with the dogs and risen with the fleas. Harkee, Hubert!
+And you, Pierre! If you see that Capuchin again let me know at once;
+keep your eyes open. If you can persuade him to speak to me, it will
+be worth five crowns a-piece to you.'
+
+'Monsieur's wishes shall be obeyed,' said both men in a breath, and
+now finding the road free enough we set off at a canter, and kept the
+pace up until almost at the door of the Two Ecus.
+
+As we pulled up at the ordinary and dismounted, Belin exclaimed: 'Now
+for our supper. I am of those who can only fight under a full belt,
+and I would advise you, d'Auriac--you who will have fighting to do
+very soon perhaps--to follow my advice, and make the best use you can
+of your knife.'
+
+I laughed out some reply, and then, turning to mine host, ordered
+refreshment for both man and beast, and directed that our supper
+should be served in a private room.
+
+'And observe,' cut in Belin, 'if Maitre Pantin arrives, let him be
+shown up to us at once.'
+
+'Monsieur.'
+
+Before we went in de Belin asked his men if they had seen any more of
+the monk, and received an answer in the negative. Bidding them
+remember his orders on the subject, he linked his arm in mine and we
+went within.
+
+'You seem in a way about the monk,' I said.
+
+'My dear friend, I cannot get it out of my head that I have seen him
+before, and I don't like a riddle like that to be unsolved.'
+
+'This comes of your court intrigues, de Belin. You were not wont to be
+so.'
+
+'Other times, other manners,' he answered, a little grimly, and we sat
+at our table.
+
+How well do I remember that small room in the Two Ecus, with the dark
+oak wainscoting, the furniture that age had polished, the open window
+showing the yellow sunset between the high-roofed and many-gabled
+houses, the red Frontignac sparkling like rubies in our long-necked
+glasses, and the deft service of Susette, the landlord's daughter,
+whose pretty lips pouted with disappointment, because no notice was
+taken of her good looks by the two cavaliers who supped together,
+whose faces were so grave, and whose speech was in tones so low as to
+be heard only by each other. At last we were left to ourselves, and
+Belin, who had been explaining many things to me that I knew not
+before, suddenly rose and began to pace the room, saying: 'You take
+the position now, d'Auriac. If not, let me put the points again before
+you briefly. There are men like Sully, Villeroi, Forget, and I myself,
+who understand and grasp the King's views, and know that if he has his
+way France will be the greatest country on earth. On the other hand,
+Henry is bound by ties of much service rendered to him by men like
+Sancy, who disgraces his name by plundering the state, and Zamet, who
+cannot disgrace himself by anything he does. These men, and such as
+they, exhaust our resources if they do nothing else, and serve the
+cause of the great nobles, such as Epernon, Turenne, Tremouille, and
+above all Biron, whose ambition knows no bounds, and who, I am
+certain, will never be still unless his head is on a crown-piece or
+else on the block.'
+
+'But what has that to do with me?'
+
+'Listen! Great as the King is, he has one failing--you know what it
+is; and it is on this the Sancys and Birons play. To carry out his own
+designs it is necessary that Henry should be saved from himself. The
+Italian embassy is with us, and whilst d'Ossat and the Cardinal
+performed the ostensible object of their mission, they affected
+another and secret object--and that was the arrangement of the King's
+marriage with Marie de Medici.'
+
+'The King's marriage!'
+
+'Yes.'
+
+'But the Queen still lives.'
+
+'And long may she live; but not as Queen.'
+
+'Ah!'
+
+'Exactly; you begin to see now. If we can make this move we get the
+support of the Quirinal, and, more, the help of the Florentine
+coffers. We will paralyse the great conspiracy which Biron
+heads--rather a league than a conspiracy. We can dispense with the
+expensive services of Sancy, of Ornano, and of Zamet, and then Henry
+will be free to carry out his great designs.'
+
+'If, however, Biron is as strong as you say?'
+
+'Permit me--we are providing for that. He has been kept close to the
+King. Sully, as Master-General of the ordnance, has ordered the guns
+at Dijon to be sent to Paris with a view of replacing them with new
+ones. None are going, and by the time that the King's betrothal is
+announced, Burgundy will be as much Henry's as it is the Marshal's
+now.'
+
+'But he will believe nothing against Biron.'
+
+'Other people have nursed vipers before, but the King is not himself
+now. He can think of nothing but one thing. See here, d'Auriac, I have
+helped you for two reasons: one, because I love France; and the other,
+because I love you. Henry has ordered the marriage of Madame de
+Bidache with d'Ayen to be celebrated to-morrow. He gave that order
+to-day, to put an end to the importunities of the Marshal in regard to
+de Gomeron. I know this, and Madame knows it too. In plain language
+you must play a bold stroke for the woman you love--take her away
+to-night.'
+
+'That was partly arranged--we are to go to Switzerland.'
+
+'You will never reach the frontier. Look--there is my castle of
+Mourmeton in Champagne. It is old and half in ruins. See, here is my
+signet. Take it, show it to Gringel, the old forester there--he will
+take you to a hiding place. Stay there until the affair blows over,
+and then to Switzerland or elsewhere, if you will; in the meantime I
+pledge you the faith of de Belin that no stone will be left unturned
+to effect your pardon.'
+
+I took the ring he gave me and slipped it on, and then our hands met
+in a hearty clasp that expressed more than words. It was at this
+moment that Susette announced Pantin, and the little notary came in
+with his quick, short step.
+
+'I am late, messieurs, I know,' he said, 'but I was not at home when
+Vallon arrived, or else I had been here sooner.'
+
+'You are in ample time for what we want, Pantin,' I said, 'though
+there is no time to waste. I am leaving Paris to-night, and will not
+return to the Rue des Deux Mondes, but start from here. My business
+concerns the safety and honour of Madame de la Bidache, and when I say
+that I know I can rely on you. Is it not so?'
+
+'It is, monsieur.'
+
+'Well, then, should anyone ask for me, say I have gone you know not
+where. You do not know, as a matter of fact. If Jacques, my servant,
+returns, bid him go straight to M. le Compte. He will get orders from
+him.'
+
+'I understand perfectly, monsieur.'
+
+'There is yet another thing. Hasten to Maitre Palin and bid him await
+me now outside the Porte St. Denis with two spare horses; he will
+understand what I mean. And now, my friend, adieu. This will pay what
+I owe you,' and I thrust a half-dozen pistoles into his hand.
+
+But he resolutely refused. 'No, no, monsieur le chevalier.'
+
+'But dame Annette?' interposed Belin.
+
+'Um!' said the notary, scratching his chin, 'that is another matter. I
+had for the moment forgotten I was a married man. Very well, monsieur,
+I will take the money--not that I need it, but for the sake of peace;
+and now there is little time to lose. I go to do all you have asked me
+to, and rest assured, messieurs, it will be faithfully done.'
+
+'I have no doubt of that, Pantin.'
+
+'We had better make a start, too,' I said, and Belin shouted for the
+horses. We stayed for a moment or so after the notary's departure,
+during which time Belin urged me to take Vallon and a couple of men
+with me to my tryst, but, fearing no complications, I refused, saying
+that this was a matter that were best done with one hand. Belin would
+have come himself but that, his friendship with me being known, it was
+necessary for him to avoid all suspicion of his being in the affair.
+
+'I shall go to the Louvre,' he said, 'and engage d'Ayen at play.
+Pimental and others will be there, and, if I mistake not M. le Baron
+will have a sore head for his wedding,' and he chuckled here.
+
+Then I settled the score with mine host, and, mounting our horses, we
+rode back the way we came. It was at the Magasins that we wished each
+other good-bye, and, with a last grip of the hand and a last warning
+to hasten to Mourmeton, Belin turned towards the Louvre, whilst I went
+on towards the Tuileries, keeping the northern road, and not the more
+frequented street along the river face. I chose this way because,
+although it was a little longer, yet there was still a half-hour for
+my appointment, and it would not do for me to arrive too early, as by
+hanging about at the trysting-place I might attract attention, and,
+perhaps, ruin the game. As I rode on I caught myself wondering if I
+could play the same hand that Sully, Villeroi, and de Belin were
+throwing to. I knew they were honest men--their positions removed them
+from such temptations as might assail even a great noble, and that
+they were loyally trying to serve their country and their King. If
+such service, however good its object, meant, as it clearly did, that
+one must be up to the elbows in intrigue, then I thanked God that I
+belonged to no party, and inwardly resolved that, whether I won or
+lost my hazard, the court would see me no more; and as for the King!
+_Pardieu!_ It is not good to know a hero too well.
+
+There was a strong moon, and the night was as clear as crystal. One
+side of the street was in shadow, illumined here and there by the
+dim light of a few lanterns set high up in niches in the old and
+moss-grown walls of the buildings. The houses here were old even for
+this part of Paris, and, with their sloping roofs and many gables,
+rose in irregular outlines on either side--outlines, however, so
+softened by the moonlight, in which they seemed to quiver, that it was
+as if some fantastic creation of fairyland had been set down here--a
+phantom city that would melt into nothingness with the warm rays of
+the morning sun.
+
+Away in the distance it still seemed as if I could hear the hum of the
+city behind me, but here all was quiet and still and the iron-shod
+hoofs of Couronne rang out with a strange clearness into the night.
+Occasionally I met a passer on the road, but he or she, whoever they
+were, took care to give me a wide berth, and once a woman who had
+opened her door to look out, for some reason or other, hurried in and
+shut it with a little cry of alarm as I passed.
+
+I had now come to the gardens of the Tuileries, and, putting Couronne
+at the wall which was just being raised around them, found myself
+within a quarter-mile of our place of meeting. The turf was soft and
+level here, and I let Couronne go at a half-gallop, keeping in the
+chequered shade of the huge trees, which whispered strange things to
+each other in the breeze. At this moment it seemed as if I heard the
+smothered neigh of a horse. I knew the sound well, for often had my
+old Norman tried to serve me in this way through the scarf by which
+his jaws were bound together when we lay in ambuscade. With a touch of
+my hand I stayed my beast and stopped to listen. Beyond me stretched
+the avenue, at the end of which stood the great lime trees. I could
+see nothing but the ghostly line of trunks, lit up here by the moon,
+there standing out black against the night, or fading away into a
+lacework of leaves and branches. There was no sound except the tinkle
+of the leaves and the sullen creaking of the boughs overhead. 'It must
+be her horse or Palings,' I said aloud to myself; and then the
+compline came to me clear and sweet from the spire of St. Germain.
+
+I lifted my hat for an instant with a silent prayer to God for help,
+and then shook up Couronne. Ere the last notes of the bells had gone I
+was under the limes. At first I could see nothing; there was no one
+there; and my heart grew cold at the thought that some danger had
+overtaken my dear one.
+
+'Madame!' I called out. 'It is I---d'Auriac'
+
+Then a figure in a grey mantle stepped out from the shadow of the
+trees, and I sprang from the saddle and held out my hand.
+
+'I knew it was you, chevalier,' she said, 'but I wanted to make
+certain and waited until you spoke.'
+
+'I hope I have not kept you waiting?'
+
+'Indeed no. I had but just come across from the Louvre when you
+arrived.'
+
+'Then you did not come riding?'
+
+'How could I? I have been in the Louvre, and am expected to be at the
+_coucher_ of Madame Catherine in a half-hour,' and she laughed
+slightly.
+
+The thought of that smothered neigh flashed through my mind like
+lightning.
+
+'We must trust ourselves to Couronne,' I said. 'Palin will be at the
+Porte St. Denis. There is no time to waste; come!'
+
+Then it seemed that she hesitated, and, flinging back her hood, looked
+me full in the face. In the moonlight I saw her white as marble, and
+she suddenly put out both her hands, saying:
+
+'I trust you utterly, d'Auriac'
+
+Man is not made of stone, and I loved this woman as my life. There was
+that in her voice, in the pitiful appeal of its tones, that broke down
+all my false pride. I cannot say how it happened, but in a moment my
+arm was round her waist, and I drew her towards me, she nothing
+resisting.
+
+'Claude, I love you. Give me the right to protect you.'
+
+What she said is for my ears alone; and then she lay still and passive
+in my arms, her head resting on my shoulder.
+
+So for a time we stood in silence, and then I kissed her.
+
+'Come, dear,' I said, 'and with the morning we shall be safe.'
+
+Of her own accord she put her arms about my neck and pressed her lips
+to mine, and then I lifted my darling to Couronne's saddle bow.
+
+Had I but taken de Belin's offer! If Jacques were but with me then!
+
+My foot was in the stirrup, my hand on the reins, when there was a
+sudden flash, a loud report, and my poor horse fell forward,
+floundering in the agony of death.
+
+I just managed to snatch Claude from the saddle, and staggered back,
+and then with a rush a half-dozen men were on us. They were masked to
+a man, and made their attack in a perfect silence; but as my sword
+flashed out of my scabbard I recognised the tall figure of the
+Capuchin, and thrust at him fiercely, with a curse at my folly in
+coming alone.
+
+Things like these take a short time in doing, and should take a
+shorter time in telling. I ran one man through the heart, and with a
+gasp he fell forwards and twisted himself like a snake round my blade.
+Then someone flung a cloak over my head--I was overborne by numbers
+and thrown. Two or three men held me down; there was an iron grip at
+my throat, and a man's knee pressed heavily on my chest. I made a
+frantic effort to free myself: the covering slipped from my face, and
+I saw it was the Capuchin kneeling over me, a dagger in his hand. His
+mask had fallen from him, and his face was the face of Ravaillac!
+
+I could not call out, I was held too tight; and the villain lifted his
+poniard to strike, when a voice--the voice of de Gomeron--said:
+
+'Hold! We will put him out another way.'
+
+'This is the quickest and surest,' answered Ravaillac; but the reply
+was brief and stern.
+
+'Carry out my orders. Gag him and bring him with us.'
+
+'To Babette's?'
+
+'To Babette's. There is the oubliette. Quick, there is no time to
+lose.'
+
+'Oh, ho!' laughed Ravaillac, 'that is good! M. le Chevalier will be
+able to drown his sorrows under the Seine; but he will take a long
+time to die!'
+
+'You villain!' I gasped, but like lightning the gag was on me, and
+then I was blindfolded. I could see nothing of Madame, though I tried
+my utmost to get a glimpse of her. Then I was bound hand and foot, and
+lifted by a couple of men. After being carried a short space I was
+thrust into a litter, and as this was done I heard a faint cry from
+Claude; and I groaned in my heart, for I was powerless to help.
+
+The litter went forward at a jolting pace, and from the echo of hoofs
+around it I gathered that there were at least a dozen mounted men
+about me. Sometimes I heard a brief order given by de Gomeron, and the
+sound of his voice made me certain that Madame was with us. If so,
+there might still be hope, and I lay still and tried to follow our
+route by the movement of the party, but I could see nothing; and after
+a time my brain began to get confused, for we turned this way and
+that, up side streets, down winding roads, until the thing became
+impossible.
+
+Once we were challenged by the watch, and my captor gave answer
+boldly:
+
+'M. de Gomeron, of the Marshal's Guards, with prisoners for the
+Chatelet; let us pass in the King's name.'
+
+I heard the words and strove to call out, but the gag was too secure.
+At any rate, I had learned one thing--we were going in the direction
+of the Chatelet. Who, then, was Babette? I had heard the name once
+before, on the night that I lay wounded before La Fere, and an
+inspiration seemed to come on me, and I was certain that the night hag
+and de Gomeron's Babette were one and the same.
+
+Then we jolted on for about another half-hour--we must have passed the
+Chatelet by this--when suddenly the litter took a sharp turn to the
+right, and after going a little way was put to the ground.
+
+'_Sacre nom d'un chien!_' exclaimed one of my carriers, 'he is heavy
+as lead.'
+
+'He will be light enough in a week or so,' answered someone else; and
+then I heard the creaking of hinges, and the litter appeared to be
+borne within a yard and was left there. After a half-hour or so I was
+dragged out, and I heard a woman's voice:
+
+'This way, my lambs; the gentleman's room is below--very far below,
+out of all draughts;' and she laughed, with the same pitiless note in
+her voice that I had heard once before--and I knew it was the
+murderess.
+
+Down a winding stair we went, and I remained passive, but mentally
+counted the steps and the turns. There were eighteen steps and three
+turns, at each of which there was apparently a door, and then we
+stopped. There was a jingling of keys, the harsh, grating noise of a
+bolt being drawn back, and Babette spoke again:
+
+'Monsieur's apartment is ready--'tis the safest room in the Toison
+d'Or.' Then I was flung in heavily as I was, and the door bolted
+behind me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV
+
+                         THE HAND OF BABETTE
+
+
+I lay for a time where I had been flung, overwhelmed by the disaster.
+Then a frenzy came on me, and, but for the gag in my mouth, I could
+have screamed out curses on my folly in allowing myself to be trapped
+like a wild cat. Now that I think of it, in the madness of those
+moments I did not pray to the God who had so often and so repeatedly
+helped me; yet in His mercy and goodness I was freed from my straits,
+as will be shown hereafter.
+
+In the meantime I was so securely bound that it was all but impossible
+to move, and the bandage over my eyes prevented me from seeing
+anything. I writhed and twisted like a serpent on the wet flags where
+I lay, and in the violence of my struggles gradually moved the
+bandages, so that my eyes were at last set free, and then, exhausted
+by my efforts and half-choked by the gag, I became still once more,
+and looked around me. For all I could see I might have been as
+before--I was in blank, absolute darkness. Into the void I peered, but
+could make out nothing, though I could hear my own laboured breathing,
+and the melancholy drip, drip of water as it oozed from above me and
+fell in sullen drops on the slime below.
+
+As I strained into the velvet black of the darkness, it came to
+me--some fiend must have whispered it--that I was blind. My mind
+almost ceased to work at the thought, and I remained in a kind of
+torpor, trying in a weak manner to mentally count the drops of water
+by the dull splashing sound they made in falling. Ages seemed to pass
+as I lay there, and the first sense of coming to myself was the
+thought of Claude, whom I had lost, and the quick agony of this made
+my other sufferings seem as nothing. There is a misery that words, at
+least such words as I am master of, cannot picture, and I will
+therefore say no more of this.
+
+A little thing, however, now happened, and but for this I might have
+lain where I was until I died, so entirely impressed was I with the
+idea that I was sightless. In utter weariness I turned my head on one
+side and saw two small beads of fire twinkling about a yard or so from
+me. They were as small as the far-away stars, and they stared at me
+fixedly. 'This is some deception of the mind,' I thought to myself,
+when suddenly another pair of fiery eyes appeared; then there was a
+slight shuffling, and all was still. But it was the saving of me.
+Sight and hearing could not both deceive. I knew what they were, and I
+knew, too, that I was not blind. From that moment I began to regain
+possession of my faculties and to think of means of escape. In my vest
+pocket was a small clasp knife. If I could but get at that I could
+free myself from my bonds. That, at any rate, had to be the first
+step. I began to slowly move my arms up and down with a view to
+loosening the cords that bound me, but, after some time spent in this
+exercise, realised the fact that the ropes might cut through me, but
+that they would not loosen. Then it struck me, in my eagerness to be
+free, that I might get at the knots with my teeth, and by a mighty
+effort I raised myself to a sitting posture--only to remember that I
+was gagged, and that it was of no avail to think of this plan. There
+are those who will smile, perhaps, if their eyes meet this, and put me
+down in their estimation for a fool for my forgetfulness. That may or
+may not be, but I have written down exactly what happened.
+
+Although the new position I had attained did not in any way advance me
+towards freedom, yet it gave me a sense of personal relief. I was able
+to raise my knees a little, and sitting down thus, with my body thrown
+a little forward, to ease the strain of the cords, I began to think
+and go over in my mind the whole scene of the tragedy from the
+beginning to its bitter end. I had no doubt as to the personality of
+Babette. I was not likely to forget her voice. I had heard it under
+circumstances that ought to have stamped it on my memory for all time,
+and if I had the faintest doubts on the matter, they were set at rest
+by the fact that she was so well known to de Gomeron--she probably had
+been a camp-follower on our side--and also by the still more damning
+fact that her house was known as the Toison d'Or. The name had been
+distinctly mentioned by her, and its meaning was clear to me when I
+thought of the dreadful scene over de Leyva's body.
+
+As for de Gomeron, I knew him well enough to understand his game. The
+whole affair, as far as he was concerned, was a sudden and rapid
+resolve--that was clear. I argued it out in this way to myself, and,
+as I went on thinking, it was almost as if someone was reading out a
+statement of the case to me. It was evident that the free-lance was to
+the last moment in hopes that the King would yield to Biron's
+intercession on his behalf. When that was refused he may have had some
+idea of gaining his end by force, but was compelled to hurry his
+_coup_ by the knowledge that he had obtained from his confederate or
+spy, Ravaillac.
+
+It had worked out well enough for him. My disappearance, my dead
+horse--poor Couronne!--all these would point to me as the author of
+the abduction, and give de Gomeron the time he wanted to perfect his
+plans. The man I had run through would never tell tales, and, so far,
+the game lay in the Camarguer's hands.
+
+And then about Madame. As I became calmer I saw that for his own sake
+de Gomeron would take care that her life was safe--at any rate for the
+present, and whilst there was this contingency there was hope for her,
+if none for me, as I felt sure that, what with the King and Madame's
+relatives of the Tremouille on one hand, and Sully and de Belin on the
+other, things would go hard, sooner or later, with de Gomeron,
+whatever happened to me.
+
+By the time my thoughts had reached this point I was myself again, and
+the certainty with which I was possessed that Claude was in no
+immediate danger of her life gave me strength to cast about for my own
+liberation as the first step towards freeing her.
+
+But my despair almost returned as I thought and thought, until my
+brain seemed on fire, without my efforts bringing me a ray of hope. I
+shuddered as I reflected that it was part of de Gomeron's scheme to
+let me die here. It could easily be done, and a few bricks against the
+wall would remove all traces of the living grave of d'Auriac. In my
+mental excitement I seemed to be able to project my soul outside my
+prison, and to see and hear all that my enemy was plotting.
+
+I do not for a moment say I was right in every detail, but events
+showed that I was not far wrong; and it is a wonder to me that the
+learned men of our day have not dealt with this question of the mind,
+though, to be sure, it savours no little of those secrets which the
+Almighty in His wisdom has concealed from us, an inquiry into which is
+perhaps a sin--perhaps in some future time these things may be
+disclosed to us! Whether I am right or wrong, I know not. I have,
+however, set down faithfully what passed through my mind in those
+hours of agony.
+
+Was I never to see the light again? Never to hear another human voice?
+Was I to come to my death in a long-drawn-out agony? Dear God, then,
+in mercy, strike me dead! So I prayed in my utter desolation; but
+death did not come, though its mantle of darkness was around me.
+
+Hour after hour passed. I shifted my position, and, strange to say,
+slept. How long I slept I know not; but I woke stinging with pain, and
+found this was due to my being bound as I was, and in a little the
+agony became almost insupportable; and I was on the verge of going
+into a delirium, only righting my failing senses by a mighty effort of
+will.
+
+I had lost all count of the time, but guessed it was advanced in the
+day by this; and my eyes had become so accustomed to the darkness that
+I could manage to see the faint outlines of the cell in which I was
+imprisoned. I tried to make out its extent with an idle and useless
+curiosity, and then, giving it up and utterly hopeless, leaned my head
+on my upraised knees, and sat thus waiting for the end.
+
+I longed for death to come now--it would be a happy release from my
+pain.
+
+Suddenly there came a grating noise as the bolts outside were moved.
+Then the door of the cell swung open with a groaning, and there was a
+blinding flash of light that, for the time being, deprived me of the
+powers of sight, though, with a natural instinct, I shut my eyes to
+the flash as it came.
+
+Then I heard de Gomeron's voice saying, 'Remove the gag--I have
+something to ask Monsieur.'
+
+As I felt two cold, hard hands fumbling with the knots of the gag, I
+managed to open my eyes, though the light still pained me, and saw the
+tall figure of the free-lance, his drawn sword in his hand, standing
+in the open doorway, and kneeling beside me was Babette. The hag
+caught the loathing in my glance, and laughed to herself as she
+wrenched at the knots, and de Gomeron, who was evidently in no mood to
+delay, hurried her efforts with a sharp 'Quick!'
+
+'It is done,' she answered, and rose to her feet, swinging the silken
+bands of the gag she held in her hand.
+
+'Then have the goodness to step back whilst Monsieur d'Auriac and I
+discuss the position.'
+
+Babette did as she was bidden, muttering something, and de Gomeron,
+advancing a pace, addressed me--
+
+'Monsieur, I have come to make you an offer, and I will not waste
+words. I am playing to win a desperate game, and I shall not hesitate
+to play any card to win. My offer is this. I ask you to sign a formal
+document, which I shall bring to you, holding me guiltless of any
+design against either you or Madame de la Bidache. In return I will
+set you free in ten days after you sign this paper. During that time
+you must consider yourself my prisoner; but you will be better lodged
+than now. Should you refuse to accept this offer, there is nothing
+left for me but to leave you here to die.'
+
+He spoke in slow, measured accents, and the vault of the roof above me
+gave back the man's words in a solemn echo. The light of the lantern
+stretched in a long yellow shaft up the spiral stairway beyond the
+door, and, half in this light and half in shadow, stood the witch-like
+figure of Babette, leaning a little forward as if striving to catch
+each word that was spoken.
+
+In the silence that followed the free-lance's speech I could almost
+hear the blood throbbing in my temples; and for the moment I was
+deprived of all power of words. It was not from fear, nor from any
+idea of accepting the offer, but a thought had come to my mind. I
+would oppose craft with craft, and meet the fox in the skin of a fox.
+
+'Give me twenty-four hours to decide,' I answered, 'and free me from
+these cords. I cannot think for the pain of them.'
+
+'_Pardieu!_' he laughed. 'The knots have been well tied; but
+twenty-four hours is a long time.'
+
+'Yet you are willing to accommodate me for ten days, better lodged.
+_Ventrebleu!_ M. de Gomeron! Do you think I can scratch my way out of
+this?'
+
+He did not answer me, but stood for a while biting at the ends of his
+thick moustache. Then he suddenly called to Babette, 'Cut the cords.'
+
+She came forward and obeyed. Words cannot convey the sensation of
+relief as the cords fell from me, but for the time being so numbed was
+I that I was powerless to move.
+
+'You have your desire, monsieur,' said de Gomeron, 'and I await your
+decision. It will save me trouble if you inform Babette whether you
+agree or not. In the former event we shall have the pleasure of
+meeting again; in the latter case I take the opportunity of wishing
+you as happy a time as a man may have--in the future life. In the
+meantime I will see that some refreshments are sent to you. _Adieu!_'
+
+He turned and stepped out of the cell and stood for a moment whilst
+Babette picked up the lantern and followed him.
+
+'Monsieur will not want the light to aid him to think,' she laughed,
+and then the door was shut. I heard the sullen clank of the chain, the
+turning of the great keys, and I was alone and in darkness once more.
+
+Dark it may have been, but, thank God! I was no longer like a trussed
+fowl, and betook myself to rubbing my numbed limbs until finally the
+chilled blood was warmed and I was able to stand, and then, in a
+little, I gained strength to grope my way backwards and forwards in
+the cell as an exercise. No thought of ever agreeing to de Gomeron's
+terms ever crossed me. I had, however, resolved to make a dash for
+freedom when he came to me again. I should pretend to agree, and then
+win or lose all in the rush. Anyway, I would not die here like a rat
+in a trap. I almost chuckled to myself as I thought I was in a fair
+way to outwit the free-lance. He was a fool after all, though, at the
+same time, I could not but admit that his move to get me to admit his
+innocence was a skilful one. Still, it was a plot that might overreach
+itself. My captors had eased me of my belt, which was so well stuffed
+with pistoles. They had not, however, had time or opportunity to
+search me further, and had left my clasp-knife, which lay in my
+pocket, as I have said, together with a dozen or so of gold pieces I
+had kept there to be at hand. I pulled out the knife and, opening it,
+ran my fingers along the blade. It was three inches or so in length,
+but sharp as a razor, and with it one might inflict an ugly wound in a
+struggle. I mapped out my plan mentally. When de Gomeron came again I
+should fell him as he entered, arm myself, if possible, by snatching
+his sword, and then cut my way out or be cut down. I had no doubt that
+I might be able to effect the first part of the programme. In those
+days I was as strong as a bull, and there were few men, especially if
+they were unprepared, who could have stood a blow from me. It was in
+act two that I might come to grief. At any rate, it would be a final
+and quick ending to the business, not the long-drawn-out agony I would
+otherwise have to endure. Now that I think of it, it was a poor enough
+plan, and it was lucky that, under Providence, another way was shown
+to me. Such as it was, however, it was the only thing that occurred to
+me at that time, and it would not be for want of effort on my part
+that it would fail. The more I thought over it, then the more I was
+convinced that it was my sole chance, and I grew impatient for the
+moment when I should put my design into execution. Twenty-four hours
+was long to wait, and I raved at myself for having fixed such a time.
+_Morbleu!_ I might have had the sense to make it five, or three, or
+two hours! I little guessed, as I paced the cell impatiently, how many
+hours had passed since de Gomeron left me, and that it was impossible
+to measure time in that loathsome dungeon. As I sat brooding, the
+profound silence was once more suddenly disturbed by the sudden
+jarring of a bolt. It was not, however, the door of my cell that was
+opened, but a little wicket about a foot square, and through this
+there flashed again a blinding light, and the face of Babette peered
+in. So malign was its aspect that I shuddered in spite of myself, and
+then, in a fury I could not control, shouted out:
+
+'Out of my presence, hag! Begone!'
+
+'Oh! ho!' she laughed. 'A time will come when Monsieur will go on his
+two knees and pray to Babette--to good Babette--to kind Babette! In a
+day or so it will be thus,' and she laughed shrilly. 'But I go as you
+wish, to carry your refusal to the Captain.'
+
+She made a movement as if to go, but, cursing myself at very nearly
+having spoilt all, I burst out, 'Stay!' and she looked back.
+
+'Monsieur!' She grinned through the wicket.
+
+'See here,' and in my eagerness my voice was hoarse and thick; 'five
+hundred crowns if you free me from this, and a thousand more if you
+will do the same for Madame.'
+
+'Will Monsieur add a palace in the moon to this?'
+
+'I give you the word of d'Auriac. Fifteen hundred crowns is a fortune.
+They will be yours in six hours from the time you free us. Think of
+it--fifteen hundred crowns!'
+
+Never have I seen avarice blaze so in a face as in hers. As I dropped
+out the last words, she shook her head from side to side with a
+swaying motion of a serpent. Her eyes glittered like those of an asp,
+and between her half-parted lips she hissed rather than spoke to
+herself:
+
+'Fif-teen hun-dred crowns! It is the price of a barony! I, who have
+taken life for a half-pistole!'
+
+'You will save two lives for this,' I pleaded.
+
+But the she-devil, though sorely tempted, was faithful. What de
+Gomeron's power over her was I know not. I could add nothing to my
+offer; I had laid my all on the hazard, and it was not to be done.
+
+'_Pouf!_' she mocked, 'you do not go high enough. You do not promise
+the palace in the moon. But I waste my time. Is it "Yes," or "No," for
+the Captain?'
+
+There was another chance, and I would risk that. I made a step nearer
+the opening.
+
+'Give me something to drink, and I will answer at once.'
+
+'Ah! ha! Monsieur requires some courage. Here is a flask of
+Frontignac, but it is expensive, and Monsieur, I am afraid, has left
+his belt outside his room. The Frontignac is five crowns.'
+
+'You forgot my pockets,' I answered. 'Here are two pistoles; hand me
+the wine.'
+
+'The money first,' and she stretched out her hand.
+
+Like a flash I closed my fingers on her wrist, and drew in her hand to
+the full length of the arm.
+
+'If you scream, if you utter a sound, I will tear your arm from its
+socket.'
+
+The answer was a shriek that might have been heard a half-mile away,
+and then a foul oath and a howl of pain. It was hardly a knightly
+deed, but there was too much at stake to mince matters; and on her
+scream I gave the prisoner arm I held a wrench strong enough to show
+that I could keep my word. As the shrill echoes of her cry died away,
+I could hear her breathing heavily on the opposite side of the door,
+and she struggled mutely and with surprising strength to free herself.
+There was no answer to her call for help. There must have been many a
+shriek for help that had rung through that terrible dungeon, and died
+away answerless but for the mocking echoes! And Babette knew this, for
+she ceased to utter a sound after that one long scream, and fought in
+silence like a she-wolf at bay. At last she leaned exhausted against
+the door, and I felt that half my game was won. It had been an
+unexpected thought, and I had jumped at the opportunity Providence had
+thrown in my way.
+
+'Do you hear?' I said; 'open the door, or--' and I gave another
+half-turn to her arm.
+
+She who could inflict such suffering on others was of those who were
+unable to bear the slightest pain herself. She moaned in agony and
+called out:
+
+'Free me, and I promise--I promise anything.'
+
+I only laughed and repeated my order, relieving the strain on her arm,
+however, so that she could slip back a half-pace or so from the
+wicket. Then I heard the great lock open and the chain put down, and
+Babette's voice trembling with anger and pain.
+
+'It is open.'
+
+The door swung outwards, so that all I had to do was to fold my
+prisoner's arm from the elbow along its face as I pushed it open. It
+kept her perfectly secure, and enabled me to take a precaution that,
+it turned out, was needed, for as I pushed the door I drove the
+death-hunter back with it, and the moment it was sufficiently open to
+let me pass, I sprang out and seized her left arm. Quick as I was,
+however, I was not quite quick enough to avoid the blow of her dagger,
+and received a flesh wound, which, however, was after all but slight.
+Then there was another struggle, and affairs were adjusted between
+Babette and myself without any special harm being done to her.
+
+'Now listen to me,' I said. 'Whatever happens, I will kill you first
+if there is any treachery. Take me straight to Madame.'
+
+'She is not here,' was the sullen reply.
+
+'Then I take you with me to the Hotel de Ville. Come--to your senses.'
+
+She broke into the most terrible imprecations; but time was precious,
+and I quenched this readily enough, and at last it was clear she was
+utterly cowed. Again I repeat that no harm was done, and it was only
+dire necessity that compelled me to use the violence I did.
+
+'Come,' and I shook her up. 'Where is Madame?'
+
+She looked from right to left with a quick, uneasy motion of her eyes.
+
+'I do not know. She is not here.'
+
+I was compelled to believe her--or to accept her statement, which you
+will.
+
+'Very well, then I waste time no longer,' and suiting actions to my
+words, and exerting my strength to its utmost, I took her with me up
+the stairway, forcing her to open each of the doors that closed on it.
+At the last door I took the precaution of gagging Babette, and
+fastened her arms securely, but lightly, behind her back with her own
+girdle. Then holding her against the wall, I ran rapidly over the
+whole position. If Madame was in the house, which was uncertain, I
+could effect her rescue better from without than within. If, on the
+other hand, she was not there, I would be wasting most valuable time,
+and perhaps ruin all chance of saving her, by searching the rooms of
+the Toison d'Or, unarmed as I was. Once free, I could force de Gomeron
+to give up his victim. He would not, after the charges I should lay
+against him in an hour, dare to leave Paris, whatever else he might
+do. That would in itself be a confession of guilt. As for Babette, I
+felt it was impossible to drag her with me through the streets of
+Paris.
+
+'Look here!' and I gave my prisoner a shake. 'I fully believe that
+Madame is here, and if you wish to save yourself from the rack--it
+hurts more than what I have done to you--you will see that no harm
+comes to her. You follow?'
+
+She was speechless, but her eyes were blazing with wrath as she made a
+sullen movement of her head.
+
+'You had also better tell Monsieur de Gomeron, your master, that I
+refuse his terms. It will save him the trouble of knowing that I have
+escaped--you understand?'
+
+This time she nodded eagerly enough.
+
+'Now,' I went on, 'we will open the last door.'
+
+I took the bunch of keys, and, after a try or two, succeeded in
+hitting on the right one. After this I pushed Babette before me into
+the small flagged yard, and saw to my surprise that it was night, and
+that the moon was out. Then I gave the fact no further thought beyond
+an inward 'Thank God!' for the uncertain moonlight that would cover my
+escape. As I pushed my captive along the shadow of the wall until we
+came to the entrance gate, I looked around and above me carefully, but
+there was nothing to indicate where Madame was. A hundred times was I
+tempted to turn back and risk all in searching the house for her, and
+it was only because I was convinced that the sole chance of saving her
+was to be free first myself that I did not give in to my desire. On
+reaching the gate I discovered that there was a wicket in it large
+enough to squeeze a man's body through, and that this was closed by a
+heavy pair of iron cross-bars, a secure enough defence from the
+outside. Holding Babette at arm's-length from me, I put down the bar
+and opened the wicket. Then, still keeping my hold on her, I freed her
+hands, and, bending slightly forwards and looking her straight in the
+face, said:
+
+'Remember! And adieu, Madame de--Mau-ginot!'
+
+At these words, which brought back to her memory her crime on the
+battle-field of La Fere, she shrank back, her eyes seemed to sink into
+their sockets, and as I loosed my hold of her shoulder she fell in a
+huddled heap on the flags of the yard.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVI
+
+                           A COUNCIL OF WAR
+
+
+As I slipped through the wicket I cast a hurried glance around me, and
+then, acting on the impulse of the moment, ran forwards along the road
+for about fifty paces, with Babette's dagger clenched in my hand.
+There I was brought to a stand by a dead wall, studded with iron
+spikes at the top, which rose sheer above me for fully twenty feet and
+barred all further progress. It was evident that the Toison d'Or stood
+in a blind alley, and that I had taken the wrong turning. Not even an
+ape could have scaled the moss-grown and slippery surface of those
+stones, and, leaning against a buttress in the darkest corner of the
+wall, I stood for a moment or so and waited, determined to sell my
+life as dearly as possible should I be pursued. There was no sound,
+however; all was still as the grave. I ran my eye down the road, but
+the moon was not bright enough to penetrate the shadows, and I could
+make out nothing except the many-storied and gabled buildings that,
+packed closely to each other, beetled over the passage. The hanging
+turrets projecting from these houses were for all the world like
+gigantic wasps' nests, such as are seen clinging to the rocks of the
+upper Dordogne. Here and there a turret window showed a light
+glimmering behind it, and, had I time, I might have pictured to myself
+a resemblance between this 'beetle-browed' passage to that of some
+long, narrow, and sluggish mountain tarn, guarded on each side by an
+impassable barrier of frowning rocks. It was, however, not a moment to
+let oneself be impressed by scenery, and, eyes and ears on the
+stretch, I peered into the indistinct light to see the slightest
+movement, to catch the slightest sound. But the silence remained
+undisturbed. It was an eyrie of night-hawks, and they were hunting now
+far from their nests. So I stole forth from the shadow of the
+buttress, and, keeping the dagger ready to strike, retraced my steps
+past the Toison d'Or and along the winding and crooked passage,
+keeping as far away from the walls as possible to avoid any sudden
+attack, until at last I found myself in a cross street, down which I
+went, taking note of such landmarks as I could to guide me back, when
+I should return with vengeance in my right hand. The cross street led
+into other winding and twisting lanes, whose squalid inhabitants were
+either flitting up and down, or quarrelling amongst themselves, or
+else sitting in a sullen silence. I guessed I had got myself into one
+of the very worst parts of Paris, and as I had heard that it was more
+than dangerous to be recognised in such places as one not belonging to
+the noble order of cut-purses, I did not halt to make inquiries, but
+pursued my way steadily along the labyrinth of streets, feeling more
+lost at every step I took. Once or twice I passed a street stall, and,
+as the flare of the torches which lit up its gruesome contents fell
+on me, I was looked at curiously; but so soiled and wet was I, so
+torn my cloak and doublet in the struggle with de Gomeron's bravos,
+that at the most they took me for a night-hawk of superior feather,
+whose plumes had been ruffled by a meeting with the law. That I
+inspired this idea was evident, indeed, from the way in which one
+terrible-looking old man leaned forwards and, shaking his palsied
+finger at me, croaked out:
+
+'Run, captain; run, Messire de Montfaucon!'
+
+I hurried past as fast as I could, followed by the laughter of those
+who heard the remark, thinking to myself it was lucky it was no worse
+than a jibe that was flung at me.
+
+How long I wandered in that maze of streets I cannot say, but at last
+I came upon an open space, and, finding it more or less empty, stopped
+to take my bearings. My only chance to get back to my lodging that
+night--and it was all-important to do so--was to strike the Seine at
+some point or other; but in what direction the river lay, I could not,
+for the life of me, tell. At last I determined to steer by the moon,
+and, holding her track to the south-west of me, went on, keeping as a
+landmark on my left the tall spire of a church whose name I then did
+not know. So I must have plodded on for about an hour, until at last I
+was sensible that the street in which I was in was wider than the
+others I had passed through, and, finally, I saw before me a couple of
+lanterns, evidently slung on a rope that stretched across a street
+much broader still than the one I was in. That, and the sight of the
+lanterns, convinced me that I had gained one of the main arteries of
+the city, and it was with an inward 'Thank God!' that I stepped under
+the light and looked about me, uncertain which direction I should
+take, for if I kept the moon behind me, as I had done hitherto, I
+should have to cross over and leave the street, and I felt sure this
+would be a serious error that would only lead me into further
+difficulties. It was as yet not more than a half-hour or so beyond
+compline, so the street was full. And unwilling to attract the
+attention of the watch, which had a habit of confining its beat to
+places where it was least required, I began to stroll slowly down,
+determined to inquire the way of the first passer-by who looked in a
+mood amiable enough to exchange a word with so bedraggled a wretch as
+I was then.
+
+I had not long to wait, for in a short time I noticed one who was
+evidently a well-to-do citizen hurrying along, with a persuading staff
+in his right hand, and the muffled figure of a lady clinging on to his
+left arm. I could make out nothing of her; but the man himself was
+short and stout of figure, and I ran to the conclusion that he must be
+a cheery soul, for, as far as I could see by the light of the street
+lamps, he looked like one who enjoyed a good meal and a can to follow,
+and approaching, I addressed him--
+
+'Pardon, monsieur, but I have lost my way.'
+
+I had hardly spoken so much, when, loosening his arm from the lady,
+the little man jumped back a yard, and began flourishing his stick.
+
+I saw that in the next moment he would shout for the watch, and
+stopped him with a quick--
+
+'Monsieur, I have been attacked and robbed--there,' and I pointed in
+the direction whence I had come. 'I have escaped but with my life, and
+I pray you tell me how to find my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais.' The
+lady, who had at first retreated with a little cry of alarm behind her
+companion, here stepped forward with a soft--
+
+'Poor man! are you much hurt?'
+
+'Not in the least, mademoiselle, thank you,' and I unconsciously moved
+a step forward.
+
+'Stand back!' called out the little man, dabbing his stick at me, 'and
+say Madame, sir--the lady is my wife.'
+
+'Pardon my error, sir, but----'
+
+The lady, however, interposed--
+
+'Be still. Mangel. So you wish to find the Rue de Bourdonnais, sir?'
+
+'He had better find the watch,' interrupted Maitre Mangel; 'they have
+gone that way, towards the Porte St. Martin.'
+
+'This, then, is the----'
+
+'Rue St. Martin.'
+
+'A hundred thanks, mademoiselle.'
+
+'Madame--_Madame_ Mangel, monsieur.'
+
+'Pardon, I now know where I am, and have only to follow my nose to get
+to where I want. I thank you once more, and good night.'
+
+'Good night, monsieur,' answered Madame; but Maitre Mangel, who was
+evidently of a jealous complexion, tucked his wife under his arm and
+hurried her off, muttering something under his breath.
+
+I let my eye follow them for a moment or so, and ere they had gone
+many paces, Madame Mangel, who appeared to be of a frolicsome spirit,
+turned her head and glanced over her shoulder, but was immediately
+pulled back with a jerk by her husband, whose hand moved in much the
+same manner as that of a nervous rider when clawing at the reins of a
+restive horse. Then I, too, turned and went down in an opposite
+direction along the Rue St. Martin, smiling to myself at the little
+scene I had witnessed, and my spirits rising at every step I took, for
+I felt each moment was bringing me nearer the time when I should be
+able to effect Claude's freedom, and balance my account with Adam de
+Gomeron. At last I saw the spire of St. Jacques de la Boucherie to my
+right, and a few steps more brought me to the bridge of Notre Dame.
+The passage was, however, closed, and, turning to the west, I kept
+along the river face and made for the Pont du Change, hoping that this
+bridge would be open, else I should perforce be compelled to swim the
+Seine once more, as no boats were allowed to ply during the night.
+Here, however, I was not disappointed, and threading my way through
+the crowd that still lingered round the money-changers' stalls, I soon
+found myself in the Barillierie, and hastening past Sainte Chapelle to
+the Rue des Deux Mondes. I had determined in the first instance to
+seek out de Belin, but thought better of that as I went along the Rue
+St. Martin, when I considered how unlikely I was to find my friend at
+home, whereas, on the other hand, the notary and his wife were sure to
+be in their house; and it moreover struck me as being the safest plan
+to go straight there until I could communicate with de Belin. For if I
+should be suspected of making away with Madame, no one would think me
+fool enough to come back to my lodging, which was well known, no
+doubt, and where I could be trapped at once.
+
+At last I was once again in the Rue des Deux Mondes, very footsore and
+weary, but kept up by the thought of what I had before me, and ready
+to drop dead before I should yield to fatigue. There was no one in the
+street, and, seizing the huge knocker, I hammered at the door in a
+manner loud enough to waken the dead. It had the effect of arousing
+one or two of the inhabitants of the adjoining houses, who opened
+their windows and peered out into the night, and then shut them again
+hastily, for the wind blew chill across the Passeur aux Vaches. There
+was no answer to my knock, and then I again beat furiously at the
+door, with a little sinking of my heart as it came to me that perhaps
+some harm had befallen these good people. This time, however, I heard
+a noise within, and presently Pantin's voice, inquiring in angry
+accents who it was that disturbed the rest of honest people at so late
+an hour.
+
+'Open, Pantin,' I shouted; 'it is I--do you not know me?'
+
+Then I heard another voice, and a sudden joy went through me, for it
+was that of my trusty Jacques.
+
+'_Grand Dieu!_ It is the Chevalier! Open the door quick, man!'
+
+It was done in a trice, and as I stepped in Pantin closed it again
+rapidly, whilst Jacques seized my hand in his, and then, letting it
+go, gambolled about like a great dog that had just found its master.
+
+I noticed, however, at the first glance I took round, that both Pantin
+and Jacques were fully dressed, late as it was, and that the notary
+was very pale, and the hand in which he held a lantern was visibly
+trembling.
+
+'Monsieur,' he began, and then stopped; but I understood the question
+in his voice, and answered at once--
+
+'Pantin, I have come back to free her--come back almost from the
+dead.'
+
+'Then, monsieur, there are those here who can help you still. I had
+thought you brought the worst news,' and he looked at me where I
+stood, soiled and wet. 'This way, monsieur le chevalier,' he
+continued.
+
+'In a moment, Pantin,' cut in dame Annette's voice, and the good woman
+came up to me with a flagon of warmed wine in her hand.
+
+'Take this first, chevalier, 'tis Maitre Pantin's nightcap; but I do
+not think he will need it this night. God be thanked you have come
+back safe.'
+
+I wrung her hand, and drained the wine at a draught, and then, with
+Pantin ahead holding his lantern aloft, we ascended the stair that led
+to my apartments. As we went up I asked Jacques--
+
+'Did you manage the business?'
+
+'Yes, monsieur, and Marie and her father are both safe at Auriac. I
+rode back almost without drawing rein, and reached here but this
+afternoon; and then, monsieur, I heard what had happened, and gave you
+up for lost.'
+
+At this juncture we reached the small landing near the sitting-room I
+had occupied, and Pantin without further ceremony flung open the door,
+and announced me by name. I stepped in with some surprise, the others
+crowding after me, and at the first glance recognised, to my
+astonishment, de Belin, who had half risen from his seat, his hand on
+his sword-hilt, as the door was flung open; and in the other figure,
+seated in an armchair, and staring moodily into the fire, saw Palin,
+who, however, made no movement beyond turning his head and looking
+coldly at me. Not so Belin, for he sprang forwards to meet me in his
+impulsive way, calling out--
+
+'_Arnidieu!_ You are back! Palin, take heart, man! He would never have
+come back alone.'
+
+The last words hit me like a blow, and my confusion was increased by
+the demeanour of Palin, who gave no sign of recognition; and there I
+stood in the midst of them, fumbling with the hilt of my sword, and
+facing the still, motionless figure before me, the light of the
+candles falling on the stern, drawn features of the Huguenot.
+
+My forehead grew hot with shame and anger, as I looked from one to
+another, and then, like a criminal before a judge, I faced the old man
+and told him exactly what had happened--all except one thing; that I
+kept back. At the mention of Ravaillac's name, and of his identity
+with the Capuchin, the Vicompte de Belin swore bitterly under his
+moustache; and but for that exclamation my story was heard in
+stillness to its bitter end. For a moment one might have heard a pin
+fall, and then Palin said, 'And you left her--there!' The dry
+contempt of his manner stung me; but I could say nothing, save
+mutter--
+
+'I did what I could.'
+
+'The one ewe-lamb of the fold--the last and the best beloved,' he
+said, as if speaking to himself; and then in a sudden fury he sprang
+to his feet. 'But why do we stand prating here? There are five of us,
+and we know where she is--come.'
+
+But Belin put his hand on his shoulder. 'Patience, Maitre
+Palin--patience.'
+
+'I have had enough of patience and enough of trusting others,' and the
+Huguenot shook off his hand and looked at me with a scowl. 'Come,
+Monsieur d'Auriac; if you would make amends, lead me to this Toison
+d'Or and we will see what an old arm can do.'
+
+'I am ready,' I answered.
+
+But Belin again interfered.
+
+'Messieurs, this is madness. From what I have gathered d'Auriac
+will prove but a blind guide back. We are not, moreover, sure that
+Madame is there. Sit still here, you Palin; neither you nor d'Auriac
+are fit to think. Fore Gad! it was lucky I thought of this for our
+meeting-place tonight, Palin. Sit still and let me think.'
+
+'I can think well enough,' I cut in, 'and I have my plan; but I should
+like to ask a question or two before I speak.'
+
+'And these questions are?'
+
+'I presume I am suspected of this abduction?'
+
+'And of more. _Nom de dieu!_ Man! your mare was found dead, and beside
+her one of the Marshal's guards, run through the heart,' answered de
+Belin.
+
+'Then of course if I am seen I am in danger?'
+
+'A miracle only could save you. The King is enraged beyond measure,
+and swears he will let the Edict go in its full force against you. The
+Camarguer has made a fine story of it, saying how he tried to stop the
+abduction, but failed in the attempt.'
+
+'In short, then, it would ruin all chances if we adopt Maitre Palin's
+suggestion?'
+
+'You are saving me the trouble of thinking.'
+
+'Again,' I went on, 'it is not certain if Madame is still at the
+Toison d'Or, and apart from that I doubt if I could find my way back
+there to-night, unless anyone could guide me,' and I looked at the
+Pantins, who shook their heads sorrowfully.
+
+'This settles our going out to-night,' I went on; 'there is but one
+thing to do to-morrow--to find the house. It will be easy to discover
+if Madame is within. After that I propose a rescue by the ordinary
+means of the law.'
+
+'Would it not be as simple to have recourse to Villeroi the first
+thing to-morrow?' asked Belin.
+
+'Simple enough; but the law has its delays, and if once the house is
+raided and Madame is not there we may whistle for our prize.'
+
+'But the wheel?' put in Pantin.
+
+'Will break Babette, who will not know. M. de Gomeron is no fool to
+trust her more than the length of his hand. No--I will leave nothing
+to chance. I propose then to seek out the house tomorrow, with
+Pantin's help, if he will give it.'
+
+'Most willingly,' put in the notary.
+
+'Thanks, my good friend. That we will find it I am certain, and then
+we can act. In the meantime I must ask you by all means in your power
+to get the search of the law after me delayed.'
+
+'Then M. de Villeroi must hear some certain news to-morrow,' said
+Annette.
+
+'There speaks a woman's wit,' exclaimed Belin; 'well, after all,
+perhaps your plan is the best.'
+
+'And in this search of to-morrow I will share,' Palin suddenly
+exclaimed. But my heart was sore against him for what he had said.
+
+'Pardon me, Maitre Palin; this is my right--I do this alone.'
+
+'Your right,' he sneered.
+
+'Yes, Maitre Palin, my right; I go to rescue my promised wife.'
+
+'And besides, Monsieur le Chevalier will want no help, for I am here,'
+Jacques must needs thrust in; 'and when Monsieur is married,' he
+blundered on, 'we will rebuild Auriac, mount a brace of bombards on
+the keep, and erect a new gallows for ill-doers.'
+
+'Silence, sir!' I thundered, half beside myself at the idiot's folly,
+for I saw the gleam in the eyes of Pantin and his wife, and despite
+the gravity of the occasion de Belin had hard to do to repress an open
+laugh.
+
+As for Palin, he said nothing for a moment, his features twitching
+nervously. At last he turned to me, 'It is what I have hoped and
+prayed for,' he said, holding out his hand; 'forgive me--I take back
+the words so hastily spoken--it is an old man who seeks your pardon.'
+
+I took his hand in all frankness, and he embraced me as a son, and
+then in a while Belin said--
+
+'We must be up and doing early to-morrow, and d'Auriac is in need of
+rest. He will share my bed here to-night; and harkee, Pantin! rouse us
+with the dawn.'
+
+We then parted, the Pantins showing the Huguenot to his chamber, and
+Jacques but waiting for a moment or so to help me off with my dripping
+things. My valises were still lying in the room, and I was thus
+enabled to get the change of apparel I so much needed.
+
+When at last we were abed I found it impossible to sleep, and Belin
+was at first equally wakeful. For this I was thankful, as I began to
+grow despondent, and felt that after all I had lost the game utterly.
+But the Vicompte's courage never faltered, and in spite of myself I
+began to be cheered by his hopefulness. He explained to me fully how
+it came that he was at the Rue des Deux Mondes. He wished to discuss
+with Palin some means for discovering me, and as the Huguenot, fearing
+to return to the Rue Varenne after what had happened, and yet was
+unwilling to leave Paris, had sought Pantin's home, de Belin had
+determined to pass the night here to consult with him, giving out to
+his people that he had gone on a business to Monceaux.
+
+'I will see Sully the first thing to-morrow,' he said, as we discussed
+our plans, 'and if I mistake not it is more than Madame we will find
+at the Toison d'Or. Be of good cheer, d'Auriac, your lady will come to
+no harm. The Camarguer is playing too great a game to kill a goose
+that is likely to lay him golden eggs. I'm afraid though he has spoilt
+a greater game for his master.'
+
+'How do you mean?' I asked, interested in spite of myself.
+
+'Only this, that unless you are extremely unfortunate I regard the
+rescue of Madame de Bidache as certain. I am as certain that this will
+lead to the arrest of de Gomeron and his confederates. They will taste
+the wheel, and that makes loose tongues, and it may lead to details
+concerning M. de Biron that we sadly need.'
+
+'It seems to me that the wheel is perilously near to me as well.'
+
+'There is the Edict, of course,' said de Belin, 'but Madame's evidence
+will absolve you, and we can arrange that you are not put to the
+question at once.'
+
+The cool way in which he said this would have moved me to furious
+anger against him did I not know him to be so true a friend. As it was
+I said sharply--
+
+'Thank you, I will take care that the wheel does not touch me.'
+
+'Very well,' he answered; 'and now I shall sleep; good night.'
+
+He turned on his side and seemed to drop off at once, and as I lay
+through the weary hours of that night I sometimes used to turn to the
+still figure at my side with envy at the peace of his slumber.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVII
+
+                     MAITRE PANTIN SELLS CABBAGES
+
+
+At last, just as my patience was worn to its last shred, I saw the
+glaze in the window begin to whiten, and almost immediately after
+heard footsteps on the landing. This was enough for me, and, unable to
+be still longer, I sprang out of bed and hastened to open the door
+myself. It admitted Jacques, and a figure in whom I should never have
+recognised the notary had I not known that it could be no other than
+Pantin. Jacques bore a tray loaded with refreshments, and Pantin held
+a lantern, for it was still dark, in one hand, and something that
+looked like the folds of a long cloak hung in the loop of his arm. The
+noise of their entrance awoke de Belin. With a muttered exclamation I
+did not catch, he roused himself, and, the candles being lit, we
+proceeded to make a hasty toilet. As I drew on my boots I saw they
+were yet wet and muddy, and was about to rate Jacques when Pantin
+anticipated, 'I told him to let them be so, monsieur,--you have a part
+to play; put this over your left eye.' And with these words he handed
+me a huge patch. Then, in place of my own hat, I found I had to wear a
+frayed cap of a dark sage-green velvet, with a scarecrow-looking white
+feather sticking from it. Lastly, Pantin flung over my shoulders a
+long cloak of the same colour as the cap, and seemingly as old. It
+fell almost down to my heels, and was fastened at the throat by a pair
+of leather straps in lieu of a clasp.
+
+'Faith!' exclaimed the Vicompte, as he stood a little to one side and
+surveyed me, 'if you play up to your dress you are more likely to
+adorn, than raise the gallows Jacques spoke of.'
+
+But I cut short his gibing with an impatient command to Pantin to
+start. The little man, however, demurred--
+
+'You must eat something first, monsieur--not a step will I budge till
+you have done that.'
+
+I forced myself to swallow a little, during which time our plans of
+overnight were hastily run over; Palin, who had joined us, declared he
+would go to the Princess Catherine, and seek her aid. We knew that was
+useless, but not desiring to thwart the old man let him have his will.
+It was decided, however, in case I had anything to communicate, that I
+should hasten to the Rue de Bourdonnais, and that in the meantime the
+Vicompte would see the Master-General at once and try what could be
+done. This being settled, and having ordered Jacques, who protested
+loudly, to stay behind, Pantin and I started off on our search for the
+Toison d'Or.
+
+As he closed the entrance door behind him carefully, and Jacques
+turned the key, I looked up and down the Rue des Deux Mondes, but
+there was not a soul stirring.
+
+''Tis the cold hour, monsieur,' said Pantin, shivering as he drew the
+remnant of a cloak he wore closer over his shoulders, 'and we are safe
+from all eyes,' and then I noticed for the first time that his feet
+were bare, and that he carried a pair of old shoes in one hand and an
+empty basket in the other.
+
+'But you are not going like that, man!' I said; 'you will catch a
+fever.'
+
+'We are going to the Faubourg St. Martin, monsieur, and there is no
+danger of the plague now.'
+
+Though I could not but feel more than grateful for the way in which
+the good fellow was labouring for me, I said nothing, but followed him
+as he entered the mist that rose from the river and clung heavily to
+its banks.
+
+It was, as Pantin had said, the cold hour, and all Paris was asleep.
+Above us the sky still swarmed with stars, though a pale band of light
+was girdling the horizon. Here and there in the heaving mist on the
+river we saw the feeble glimmer of a lanthorn that had survived
+through the night and still served to mark the spot where a boat was
+moored. All around us the outlines of the city rose in a brown
+silhouette; but the golden cross on the spire of Notre Dame had
+already caught the dawn and blazed like a beacon against the grey of
+the sky overhead.
+
+As the Pont au Change was the latest of the bridges to close, it was
+the earliest to open; but when we came there we had to cool our heels
+for half an hour or so before we could pass through; and by that time
+the city was already beginning to awake. I could not repress a slight
+shudder as we passed the dreary walls of the Chatelet, just as the
+guard was being changed at the gate, and thought by how lucky a chance
+I had escaped being a guest of M. de Breze.
+
+Once past the Chatelet we pushed on briskly, and by the time we had
+reached St. Jacques we were warm enough, despite the chillness of the
+morning. At a stall near the church, and hard by the Pont Notre Dame,
+Pantin purchased a quantity of vegetables, bidding me to keep a little
+ahead of him in future and guide him in this manner as far as I knew.
+Whilst he was filling his basket I turned up the Rue St. Martin,
+wondering what the notary's object could be in transforming himself
+into a street hawker. I went slowly, stopping every now and again to
+see if Pantin was following, and observed that he kept on the side of
+the road opposite to me, and ever and again kept calling out his wares
+in a monotonous sing-song tone. Thus far and for a space further I
+knew the road, and, observing that Pantin was able to keep me well in
+view, increased my pace until at last we came to the cross street near
+which I had met the jealous Mangel and his wife. Up the cross street I
+turned without hesitation, now almost facing the tall spire that had
+been my landmark, and I began to think I would be able to trace my way
+to the Toison d'Or without difficulty when I suddenly came to a
+standstill and faltered. For here there were half a dozen lanes that
+ran this way and that, and for the life of me I could not tell which
+was the one I had taken but a few hours before, so different did they
+look now to what they had appeared by moonlight. As I halted in a
+doubting manner Pantin hurried up, and, there being one or two near
+me, began to urge me to buy his cabbages. I made a pretence of putting
+him off, and then, the strangers having passed, I explained I had lost
+my bearings. 'I see a wine shop open across the road, chevalier--go in
+and call for a flask and await me,' he answered rapidly.
+
+I nodded, and bidding him begone in a loud tone, swaggered across
+the street, and entering the den--it could be called by no other
+name--shouted for a litre of Beaugency, and flung myself down on a
+rough stool with a clatter of my sword and a great showing of the
+pistol butts that stuck out from my belt.
+
+The cabaret had just opened, but early as I was I was not the first
+customer, for a man was sitting half-asleep and half-drunk on one of
+the foul-looking benches, and as I called for my wine, he rose up,
+muttering, 'Beaugency! He wants Beaugency--there is none here,' he
+went on in a maudlin manner, turning to me. 'At the Toison d'Or----'
+
+I almost started at the words; but the landlord, whose face appeared
+from behind a cask at my shout, and whose countenance now showed the
+utmost anger at his old client's speech, suddenly seized him by the
+neck and hustled him from the room--'The drunken knave!' he said with
+a great oath, 'to say that I kept no Beaugency--here, captain,' and he
+handed me a litre, with a much-stained glass, 'here is Beaugency that
+comes from More's own cellars,' and he looked knowingly at me.
+
+Not wishing to hold converse with the fellow, I filled the glass, and
+then, flinging him a crown, bade him drink the rest of the bottle for
+good luck. The scoundrel drank it there and then, and as soon as he
+had done so returned to the charge.
+
+'It is good wine--eh, captain?'
+
+'It is,' I answered drily; but he was not to be denied.
+
+'Monsieur is out early, I see.'
+
+'Monsieur is out late, you mean,' I made answer, playing my part, and
+longing for Pantin to return.
+
+'Ho! ho!' he roared; 'a good joke--captain, I do not know you, but
+tell me your name, and, curse me, if I do not drink your health in
+Arbois the day you ride to Montfaucon.'
+
+'You will know my name soon enough,' I answered, humouring the fellow,
+'and I promise to send you the Arbois the day I ride there. I may tell
+you that it was to the Toison d'Or I was recommended by my friends;
+but your Beaugency and your company are so good _compere_ that I shall
+make this my house of call during my stay in the Faubourg St. Martin.'
+
+'Damn the Toison d'Or,' he exclaimed, 'and you are a good fellow. Let
+me warn you in turn that the Toison d'Or is no longer safe.'
+
+'What do you mean?' I asked, leaning forwards.
+
+'For you, and for me, monsieur.'
+
+'Ah--my luck is good as your wine,' and at that moment I caught sight
+of Pantin. 'There is another crown to drink to our friendship, and
+mind you keep as good a flask for me against my return at noon--_au
+revoir!_ I have a business at my lodging.'
+
+The wretch overwhelmed me with thanks and stood at the door watching
+me as I crossed over the street, with a warning glance to Pantin, and
+strolled slowly onwards. A little further on I turned to my left,
+keeping well in the middle of the road to avoid the filth and refuse
+thrown carelessly on each side, and as I turned I saw that my man had
+gone in. I was certain of one thing, that the Toison d'Or was not far
+off, and whilst I picked my way slowly along Pantin came up to me with
+his sing-song whine.
+
+'Have you found it?' I asked in a low tone.
+
+'No,' he sang out.
+
+At this moment a figure rose up from the steps of a house where I had
+noticed it crouching, a few feet from me, and swung forwards.
+
+'Hola! 'Tis Monsieur le Capitaine! Has your excellency tasted the
+Beaugency--the dog-poison. I tell your excellency there is but one
+house in the Faubourg where they sell it--the Toison d'Or.'
+
+'Go and drink some there, then,' and I tossed him a piece of silver.
+
+He picked it up from the road where it had fallen like a dog snatching
+at a bone, and then stood surveying the coin, which he held in the
+open palm of his hand.
+
+'_You_ might,' he said; 'they would not serve me,' and then with a
+drunken familiarity he came close to my elbow. 'I'll show you the
+Toison d'Or. It is there--the second turn to the left and then
+straight before you. As for me, I go back to taste Grigot's
+Beaugency--his dog-poison,' he repeated with the spiteful insistence
+of a man in his cups.
+
+'The fool in his folly speaketh wisdom!' Pantin muttered under his
+breath, and then the man, staggering from me, attempted to go back
+whence he had been flung, but either the morning air was too strong
+for him, or else he was taken with a seizure of some kind, for ere he
+had gone ten paces he fell forwards on his face, and lay there in the
+slime of the street.
+
+At any other time I would have stopped to assist the man, but now I
+could only look upon his condition as a direct interposition of
+Providence and I let him lay where he had fallen.
+
+'Come, Pantin,' I cried, 'we have found the spot.'
+
+Following the directions given by our guide we found he had not
+deceived us, and in a few minutes I was standing at the entrance of
+the blind passage, at one end of which was the Toison d'Or.
+
+The wasps' nest was not yet awake, but as I stood for a moment
+discussing with Pantin what we should do next, a couple of men well
+muffled in cloaks passed down the lane on the opposite side, and it
+was all I could do to preserve an expression of unconcern on my face,
+for in one of the two I recognised Lafin. He, too, stooped for a
+moment, as if to fasten a point that had come undone, and, whilst
+doing so, fixed his eyes full on me. I met his gaze as one might look
+at a perfect stranger, but seeing he continued it, put my hand to the
+hilt of my sword with a scowl. The doubt on his face cleared on the
+instant to a look of relief, and I saw his thin lips curve into a
+slight smile of contempt as he rose and walked quietly after his
+companion. That swaggering movement of my hand to my sword-hilt had
+convinced him that I was one of the swashbucklers of the Faubourg St.
+Martin, and as such unworthy even of the contempt of the heir of the
+Vidame.
+
+'Who is it?' asked Pantin, who had been observing me closely.
+
+'Lafin.'
+
+'Are you sure, monsieur?'
+
+I nodded, and he went on, 'Then, monsieur, if I mistake not, M. le
+Vicompte is right, and we hunt the boar as well as the wolf. I will
+give word of this at the Arsenal before three hours are over.'
+
+We then went slowly towards the Toison d'Or in the same order on which
+we had come up the Rue St. Martin, my heart full of strange misgivings
+at Lafin's presence in the street. The sun had already whitened the
+gables of the houses, but so narrow was the passage that it seemed as
+if it must always be in shadow. There were a few people stirring--one
+or two street urchins, who flung gibes at Pantin, but gave me a wide
+berth; half a dozen women, in whose faces sin and want had set their
+seals, and a man or two of the worst class. Beyond the high, dead wall
+which closed in the passage I could now see the tops of some trees,
+and judged from this that we were almost upon the walls of Paris, and
+in this, as it turned out, I was right. At last I came opposite the
+Toison d'Or. The gate leading into the little court was shut, and so
+was every window facing the street. The signboard was swinging sadly
+over the closed door, and at the first glance it looked as if the
+house was deserted. For a moment the thought struck me to knock boldly
+at the door, and when it was opened to force my way in and trust to
+luck for the rest, but I was cooled on the instant when I thought what
+failure meant. I would trust as little to chance as possible. I passed
+slowly on, and found that the Toison d'Or joined on to another, but
+much smaller, house which had its bound set to it by the wall that
+crossed the street. The sash of a window on the top story of this
+house was up, and as I came up to it the front door swung open and a
+man stood on the steps and looked me full in the face. As my glance
+passed him, I saw that the door opened into a room that was used
+apparently as a shop for all kinds of miscellaneous articles, and the
+man himself would have stood well for the picture of a thieves' fence,
+which, indeed, he was.
+
+'A good morning, captain,' he said. 'Will you buy--or have you come to
+sell?' he asked, dropping his voice.
+
+As he spoke, Pantin came up and began to importune the man from a safe
+distance to purchase his wares, but beyond a curse had no further
+attention paid to him, and with a disappointed air he went slowly back
+towards the Toison d'Or. It flashed upon me that something had fallen
+my way. 'I have come to buy _compere_,' I answered, and, stepping into
+the shop, began to examine a few cast-off doublets, and flung them
+aside, demanding one on which the gold lace was good. A woman joined
+the man at this time, and whilst they were rummaging amongst their
+stores I hastily ran over in my mind the plan I had formed. If I could
+get a lodging here I would be in a position to watch who came and went
+from the house and strike my blow with deliberation and certainty. So
+at last when the doublet was shown to me, though the price was
+exorbitant I paid it without demur, and on the man asking if it should
+be sent to my lodging, I pretended to hesitate for a moment, and then
+explaining that as I had just come to Paris, and was in search of a
+lodging, I would take the doublet with me.
+
+'Monsieur must have scaled the city walls last night, then?' the man
+said with a sly look.
+
+'Exactly,' I answered.
+
+The woman, however, here cut in and explained that if it was a lodging
+I needed they could accommodate me.
+
+'All the more if you buy as well as you do now, captain,' said the
+man.
+
+'I will sell you as cheap as you want besides,' I answered, 'but let
+me see the rooms.'
+
+'There is but one room, monsieur,' answered the woman, 'but it is
+large and furnished,' and then she led me up the stairway. The room
+was certainly large beyond the ordinary, but I was disappointed beyond
+measure at finding that it was at the back of the house and would
+prevent me from watching who came in and out of the Toison d'Or. I
+objected to the situation, saying that I wanted a room overlooking the
+street.
+
+'There is none,' she answered shortly, 'but if monsieur desires to
+look on the street he may do so from the window at the end of this
+passage.'
+
+She pointed to a narrow passage that led from the door of the room to
+a small hanging turret, and from the arched windows of this I saw that
+I could see all I wanted without being seen myself. The woman seemed
+to be of the same kidney as her husband, and drove a close bargain,
+and after much pretended haggling I closed with her terms, and
+arranged also for her to bring me my meals, explaining that for the
+next week or so I would stay indoors as my health was not good.
+
+'I understand, monsieur,' she said, showing her teeth.
+
+'Then it is settled, and I will step down and bring up the doublet
+which I left in the shop.' With these words I counted out the rent and
+the money for my board, coin by coin, into her hand, as if each piece
+I disgorged was my last, and then stepping down, found, as I expected,
+Pantin at the door.
+
+The man was for ordering him away, but his wife insisted on making a
+purchase, in which I joined, and the fence going upstairs at that
+time, we three were left together. It was all important to get rid of
+the woman for a moment or so, and Pantin, seeing this, sold his whole
+basket load at a price so small that it raised even her astonishment.
+
+'I have sold it for luck,' he said, 'but if madame wishes, I will sell
+her daily at the same rate.'
+
+'Could you bring me fruit at the same price?' I asked.
+
+'Why not?' he answered.
+
+'Then bring me some to-morrow.'
+
+'Certainly, captain. Where shall I put these, madame?'
+
+But she bore them away herself, and this gave me the opportunity.
+
+'Pantin,' I said, 'I have taken a room here--you understand?'
+
+'And I,' he answered, 'have sold a cabbage to Babette. If you hear
+nothing more, meet me at dusk in the square behind St. Martin's.'
+
+There was no time to say more, for we heard the fence coming back.
+Pantin went off down the street, and I, after a word or two with the
+man, and an order to his wife regarding my meals, went slowly up to my
+room.
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER XVIII
+
+                   THE SKYLIGHT IN THE TOISON D'OR
+
+
+Once back in my room, I flung off my cloak and took a survey of my new
+quarters. The room was long and low, and situated in the topmost story
+of the house. In one corner was a settle covered with a faded brocade,
+whilst on the other side there was a wardrobe and a few necessaries.
+The bed was placed at the extreme end of the room, and close to the
+window which overlooked the back of the house, and through which, from
+where I stood, the blue sky alone was visible, there was a table and a
+couple of chairs. Between the table and the bed intervened a clear
+space, about ten feet by six, covered with a coarse carpeting. If I am
+thus precise in my description, I would say I have done so in order to
+explain clearly what follows.
+
+So far things were satisfactory enough, and beyond what I had a right
+to expect in such a locality. The one drawback was that I would be
+compelled to use the turret at the end of the passage for my watch,
+and thus run the risk of being observed from the other houses. In the
+meantime I determined to see exactly what could be effected from the
+window, and pushing the table aside, so as to get a better view,
+looked out. I then saw that the house I was in as well as the Toison
+d'Or were both built against the remains of the old walls of Paris.
+Below me there was a sheer drop of fifty or sixty feet, right into the
+bed of the abandoned fosse, which was covered by a thick undergrowth
+and full of _debris_, A little beyond the fosse was a portion of what
+was known as the new wall. This was perhaps in a more ruinous
+condition than the fortification it was supposed to have replaced. The
+brushwood grew thick and high against it, and I could see the gap
+where a breach had been effected, probably during the last siege, when
+the Sixteen and Madame de Montpensier held Paris against the two
+kings. Beyond that stretched the open country, where, had I a mind to
+linger on the view, I might have made out the windings of the river,
+the houses of Corneuve, and the woods of Dugny and Gonesse. But it was
+not of these I was thinking, for in that survey I had grasped the fact
+that de Gomeron could not have chosen a spot better suited for his
+purposes than the Toison d'Or. It was a part of Paris as secure as if
+it had been cut off from the city and set in some unknown island, such
+as those who sail to the New World describe. I thought at first of
+stopping any further concern with the window, but as I was turning
+away I looked rather particularly at the wall below me, and saw that a
+ledge ran along it about three feet below the window. Following its
+track with my eyes, I observed that it was carried along the face of
+the Toison d'Or, and in doing this I became aware that there was a
+window open at the back of Babette's house, and that this was situated
+on the same level as my room, but just about the middle instead of the
+extreme end, as mine was. When I considered the position of this
+window, and that its look-out was on a place where never a soul seemed
+to come, I could not but think that if Madame were in the Toison d'Or,
+that in all probability her room was there, and I swore bitterly to
+myself at the thought of how impossible it would be to reach her. I
+then craned out and looked upwards, and saw that my house was a
+half-story lower than the Toison d'Or, and that, whilst the latter had
+a high sloping roof, the portion of the building in which I was
+appeared to be a long and narrow terrace with a low machicolated
+parapet running along the edge. Thus if there were a door or window in
+the Toison d'Or that opened on to my roof, it would be possible to
+step out thereon; and then I drew back, my blood burning. If it was
+possible to step out from the Toison d'Or on to the roof of the house
+I occupied, it might be equally easy to get thence into the Toison
+d'Or. Taking my sword, I measured the distance of the ledge from the
+window-sill, and then, holding on to the mullions by one hand,
+stretched out as far as I could, and found I could just touch the top
+of the parapet with the point of my blade. In short, the position was
+this: that so hard and smooth was the outside of the wall, it was
+impossible for anything save a lizard to get along it to the window
+behind which I supposed Madame was prisoned; yet it was feasible, with
+the aid of a rope thrown over the grinning head of the gargoyle a
+little above me, or else over the low battlement of the parapet, to
+reach the roof, and the odds were in favour of there being some sort
+of a door or window that would give ingress thence into the Toison
+d'Or. I began after this to be a little more satisfied with my
+quarters, and determined to set about my explorations about the dinner
+hour, when most people would be within, and the chance of discovery
+reduced to a minimum. I did not feel justified in putting the matter
+off until nightfall, as I have often observed that there was no time
+so good as the one I had chosen for affairs which depended much for
+their results upon a surprise. I now stepped out of my room, and,
+walking along the passage, looked out from the little turret along the
+face of the street. It was more alive than I had ever seen it before,
+but the occupants were principally women and children, with a man or
+so here and there. I saw that whilst the sunlight fell in patchwork
+and long narrow stretches on the street, it was bright enough where I
+was, and I perceived I had a good excuse for spending such time as I
+intended to behind the embrasures of the turret. And this excuse I had
+to bring into play at once, for as I stood there I heard a footstep on
+the passage, and, turning, observed the woman of the house.
+
+'I see,' she began, 'you are already in your turret.'
+
+'I like the sun, my good woman, and have had a long journey.'
+
+Something in my tone made her look at me oddly, and I began to wish I
+were well away from the keen scrutiny of her eyes. She dropped the
+_tutoyer_ and asked:
+
+'If monsieur is tired he would probably like his dinner earlier.'
+
+'_Morbleu!_ The very thing, madame, and as long a bottle of Beaugency
+as you can get with it.'
+
+'It shall be done, monsieur,' and she turned to go.
+
+It struck me as a little odd that she should have come up in this
+aimless manner; but reflecting that perhaps, after all, it was due to
+nothing more than a desire to gratify feminine curiosity by spying
+what I was about, I dismissed the matter.
+
+After allowing a little time to elapse I descended to the shop and
+began carelessly running my eyes over the miscellaneous collection of
+articles therein. The fence followed me about, now recommending this
+thing and now that. At last I saw what looked to be a ball of rope
+lying in a corner and covered with dust.
+
+'What is that?' I inquired, touching it with the point of my sword.
+
+The man stooped without a word and, picking it up, dusted it
+carefully, then he unrolled a ladder of silken cord, about twelve or
+fifteen feet in length.
+
+'This, captain,' he said, swinging it backwards and forwards,
+'belonged, not so long ago, to M. de Bellievre, though you may not
+believe me.'
+
+'I have no doubt you are speaking the truth, but it seems rather
+weak.'
+
+'On the contrary, monsieur, will you test it and see?'
+
+We managed to do this, by means of two hooks that were slung from a
+beam above us, in a manner to satisfy me that the ladder was
+sufficient to bear double my weight, and then, as if content with
+this, I flung it aside.
+
+'Will not monsieur take it?' asked the man; 'it is cheap.'
+
+'It is good enough,' I answered, 'if I had a business on hand, but at
+present I am waiting.'
+
+'If monsieur has leisure I might be able to give him a hint that would
+be worth something in crowns.'
+
+'I am lazy when in luck, _compere_. No, I will not take the ladder.'
+
+'It may come in useful, though, and will occupy but a small space in
+monsieur's room'--and seeing that I appeared to waver--'shall I take
+it up, I will let it go for ten crowns?'
+
+'Five crowns or nothing,' I said firmly. 'But it is of the finest
+silk!'
+
+'I do not want to buy--you can take my price or leave it.'
+
+'Very well then, monsieur, thanks, and I will take it up myself.'
+
+'You need not trouble, I am going up and will take it with me.'
+
+With these words I took the ladder, folded in long loops, in my hand
+and went back to the turret. There I spent a good hour or so in
+re-examining it, and splicing one or two parts that seemed a trifle
+weak, at the same time keeping a wary eye on who passed and repassed
+the street, without, however, discovering anything to attract
+attention. Finally, the woman brought up my dinner, and I managed to
+eat, after a fashion, but made more play with the Beaugency, which was
+mild and of a good vintage. When the table was cleared, I sat still
+for about half an hour or so, playing with my glass, and then rising,
+saw that my door was securely fastened in such a manner that no one
+could effect an entrance, except by bursting the lock. This being done
+I removed my boots and unslung my sword, keeping my pistols, however,
+in my belt, and after a good look round, to see that no one was
+observing me, managed to loop the ladder round the gargoyle, and then
+tested it once more with a long pull. The silk held well enough, but
+the stonework of the gargoyle gave and fell with a heavy crash into
+the fosse below. It was a narrow business, and it was well I had tried
+the strength of the cord again. I looked out from the window
+cautiously to see if the noise had attracted any attention, and found
+to my satisfaction that it had not. After allowing a little time to
+elapse, so as to be on the safe side, I attempted to throw the looped
+end I had made to the ladder so that it might fall over the parapet,
+between two embrasures, but discovered, after half a dozen casts, that
+this was not feasible from where I stood. Then I bethought me of my
+boyhood's training amongst the cliffs that overhung the bay of Auriac,
+and, stepping out on to the ledge of the window, managed with an
+effort to hold on to the stump of the gargoyle with one hand, and,
+balancing myself carefully, for a slip meant instant death, flung the
+loop once more, and had the satisfaction of seeing it fall as I
+desired. Without any further hesitation I put my foot on the rungs,
+and in a minute more was lying on my face behind the parapet, and
+thanking God I had made the effort, for before me was a large
+skylight, half open, from which I could command a view of the interior
+of one room at least of the Toison d'Or, and by which it might be
+possible to effect an easy entrance. Before going any further,
+however, I glanced round me to see how the land lay, and was delighted
+to find that I could not be observed from the opposite side of the
+street, as the portion of the house I was on was concealed from view
+by the gabled roof that rose about ten feet from me, leaving me in a
+sort of long balcony. Now that I think of it, this roof must have been
+an after-thought on the part of the builders; then I was but too
+thankful to find it existed, and had no time for reflections. By
+turning my head I could see, too, that the high wall that shut in the
+mouth of the passage was evidently raised as a barrier between the
+street and the fosse, which took a bend and ran immediately below the
+wall. After lying perfectly still for a little, I slowly pushed myself
+forwards until at last I was beneath the skylight, and then, raising
+myself cautiously, peeped in. I saw a room of moderate size, and well
+but plainly furnished. In the centre was an oblong table covered with
+a dark cloth, and round about it were set a number of chairs. The
+skylight alone admitted light, and from this to the floor of the room
+was a matter of twelve feet or so. The chamber was empty, and I had
+more than half a mind to risk the descent, when the door was opened
+and Babette stepped in. I shrank back as low as possible, and observed
+that she was making arrangements for some one, for she placed a couple
+of decanters with glasses on the table, arranged the chairs, and then,
+after taking a look round, went out once more. I made up my mind to
+wait, and, settling myself under the skylight, began to exercise my
+patience. After an hour or so had passed I heard the door opened
+again, and then the sound of voices. Presently some one called out,
+'We had better shut the skylight,' and then another voice, this time
+Lafin's, said, 'No, it is no use, and we will want light to see.'
+
+Once more I raised myself and leaned against the edge of the opening,
+eyes and ears intent. There were three men in the room--Lafin, de
+Gomeron, and another whom I did not know, but whom I judged to be an
+Italian from his manner of pronouncing our language. They were all
+three seated round the table, poring over a number of documents and
+conversing in low tones. After a time it appeared to me that Lafin was
+urging something on de Gomeron, and the free-lance, who was short of
+temper, brought his clenched hand on the table in a manner to make the
+glasses ring, whilst he said with an oath--
+
+'I will not--I have risked too much. I have told you before that I did
+not come into this for the good of my health. My prize is my own. It
+has nothing to do with your affair, of which I am sick.'
+
+The other man then cut in--
+
+'I do not see, M. de Lafin, why we should drag this matter into our
+discussion. If M. de Gomeron wants a wife, well--many a fair dame has
+had a rougher wooing than the lady you speak of. But I--I have cause
+for complaint. I come here expecting to meet the Marshal--and I meet
+you and monsieur here. I mean no offence, but I must tell you plainly
+my master's instructions are that I should hear M. de Biron's promises
+and take his demands from his own lips.
+
+'And what about Epernon, Bouillon, and Tremouille, count?' asked de
+Gomeron.
+
+The dark eyes of the stranger flashed on him for a moment.
+
+'My master, the Duke of Savoy, knows their views.'
+
+'Personally?'
+
+The Italian waved his hand with a laugh. 'Gentlemen, I have given you
+my terms--it is for you to choose. As for my part, I would that my
+master dropped this business and trusted the day to his sword.'
+
+'That is not wont to be M. de Savoye's way,' sneered Lafin, and the
+Italian rose.
+
+'Very well, messieurs. I will then consider the issue is closed.'
+
+'It matters not a rush to me,' exclaimed de Gomeron; but Lafin, who
+was moodily plucking at his moustache, spoke again, and the tones of
+his voice were full of chagrin.
+
+'As you wish--I undertake that the Marshal sees you.'
+
+'Where and when? My time is precious.'
+
+'Here, at ten o'clock to-night.'
+
+'_Maledetto!_ This is not a place to come at that hour.'
+
+'It is safe--and it would be safer still if you stayed here till then.
+The spies of the Master-General--curse him--are everywhere, and M. de
+Gomeron will guarantee your protection here.'
+
+'I am deeply grateful,' the count bowed slightly, a faint tone of
+irony in his voice. 'Then you agree?'
+
+'Yes.'
+
+'This being so, perhaps you had better go over these notes that you
+may be in a position to exactly understand what we can do. Our terms
+of course are as before, but we will require money, and that at once.'
+
+'But large advances have already been made,' objected the Italian.
+
+'They are gone,' said Lafin.
+
+'How? Nothing has been done; and both Velasco and Savoy are unwilling
+to throw more money into the business unless some action is taken. How
+has the money gone?'
+
+'It is gone, and there is an end of it,' exclaimed Lafin sullenly. 'As
+for the action you wish taken--you have asked to see the Marshal, and
+he will inform you.'
+
+'Very well! Until then, monsieur, we will not discuss this point
+further.'
+
+The voices dropped again after this, and they began to pore over the
+papers and a map that the free-lance had spread before him, making an
+occasional remark which I did not follow. But I had heard enough to be
+convinced that the plot of Anet was still in full life. It was all
+important for me now to communicate what I knew at once to the
+Master-General. With a little ordinary care the conspirators could be
+trapped to a man, and if by one stroke I could effect this, as well as
+free Madame, anything was possible. Without further hesitation I
+therefore crept slowly back, and descended to my chamber as softly as
+a cat. Leaving the ladder swinging where it was--for I could not undo
+the knot--I drew on my boots, and went to the turret to reconnoitre
+before venturing out into the street. Imagine my chagrin and
+disappointment to see that three men were at the gate of the Toison
+d'Or, evidently on the watch, and in one of them I made out Ravaillac.
+I might have passed the others without discovery, but it would be
+impossible to escape the lynx eyes of this villain, who, though young
+in years, had all the craft of age, and who later on was to raise
+himself to an eminence so bad that I know not whom to place beside
+him, except perhaps those who were his aiders and abettors. I did not
+fear to run the gauntlet--that was an easy matter; but merely doing so
+would make my birds take to wing, and I found myself compelled once
+more to hold patience by the tail until the coast was clear.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIX
+
+                       'PLAIN HENRI DE BOURBON'
+
+
+Imagine what it was to me, to whom every moment was worth its weight
+in gold, to see the group, and, above all, Ravaillac, standing at the
+door of the Toison d'Or. Was there ever such cross-grained luck? If I
+could but pass down that narrow street without the hawk's eye of the
+Flagellant falling on me I might in an hour do all and more than I had
+ever hoped for. I could---- But _tonne dieu!_ What was the use of
+prating about what might be. Through the embrasure of the turret I
+covered Ravaillac with my pistol, and twice half pressed the trigger
+and twice restrained myself. Even if he fell the shot would ruin all.
+It could not be risked, and I thrust the long, black barrel back into
+my belt with a curse, and began to walk restlessly to and fro in the
+passage. It was impossible for me to keep still, my nerves were so
+strung. In a little I began to cool and sought my room, determined to
+occasionally take a turn to the turret and see if the guard was gone,
+but not to harass myself by watching them continually. In about an
+hour or so I wearied of sitting and looked out of my window again in
+the direction of Madame's room, as I called it to myself. At the
+moment of my doing so the shutter that was open towards my side
+suddenly closed. I could just make out a flash of white fingers on the
+dark woodwork, and then the face I longed to see looked out from the
+half of the window still open and drew back again almost on the
+instant. Feeling sure that she would look out once more, I leaned
+forwards. Madame did as I expected, and I could see the astonishment
+on her face and hear her cry of joy. She tried to converse with me by
+signals on her fingers, and for the first time I had occasion to bless
+what I had up to now considered a foolish accomplishment that I picked
+up as a boy when I was with Monseigneur de Joyeuse. Enough that Madame
+made me understand that she was well treated, and I let my dear know
+that there were those at work who would soon free her, and perhaps
+there was a word or so besides on a subject which concerned us two
+alone. It was in the midst of this part of our converse that she drew
+back all at once with a warning finger on her lips, and though I
+waited again for a full hour, forgetting the watchers below in the
+fresh fears that began to assail me, I did not see her again. At the
+end of that time, however, a white kerchief waved twice from the
+window and was then withdrawn. I turned back into my room, and now
+that I was certain she was there my impatience at being penned up as I
+was became almost insupportable, and heaven alone knows how I held
+myself in from making a dash for it and risking all on the venture. To
+cut the matter short, it wanted but a few minutes to sundown when, to
+my relief, I saw a cloaked figure I could not recognise step out of
+the Toison d'Or, and, after giving a few orders to the guards, pass
+briskly down the street. They in their turn went into the house, and
+at last the road was clear. I hesitated no further and hurried down
+the stairs. At the door I was stopped by my host, who inquired whither
+I was hastening.
+
+'I have just seen a friend,' I answered, and the next moment was in
+the street. As I pressed forwards I had two minds about keeping my
+appointment with Pantin in the square behind St. Martin's, but as I
+went on I reflected that I had to pass that way, and as I might need
+the notary's aid I would wait there a few minutes, and if he did not
+come, go straight to de Belin with my news.
+
+Although I was not in a frame of mind to observe what was going on
+around me, I soon became conscious that one of those sudden fogs which
+extend over the city at this period of the year had arisen, as it
+were, out of nothing, and in the course of a few minutes I was
+compelled to slacken pace and pick my way slowly, and with the
+greatest caution in regard to landmarks, for I could not risk losing
+my way again. The fog was not a thick one, but it was sufficient,
+united with the coming evening, to almost blur out the streets and
+houses and make the figures of passers-by loom out like large and
+indistinct shadows. Carefully as I had tried to impress the way on my
+memory, I hesitated more than once as to the route I should take, and
+it was with something that was like a sigh of relief that I found
+myself at last behind St. Martin's, whose spire towered above me, a
+tall, grey phantom. Here I halted for a moment to see if one of the
+few shadows that flickered now and then through the haze might give
+some signal by which I might recognise Pantin. It was in vain, and,
+determining to wait no longer, I set off at a round pace, when I was
+suddenly arrested by hearing the rich tones of a voice singing:
+
+
+              Frere Jacques, dormez-vous?
+              Dormez-vous, dormez-vous?
+
+
+The clear notes rang out through the fog, bringing with them a hundred
+recollections of the time when I had last heard the chorus. And the
+voice? That was not to be mistaken. It was de Belin, or else his
+ghost. Without a moment's hesitation I sang back the lines, advancing
+at the same time in the direction in which I had heard the voice. I
+had not gone fifty paces when I saw two tall shadows approaching me,
+and at the same time heard the verse again.
+
+'Lisois!' I called out.
+
+'It is he,' I heard de Belin say.
+
+Then the shadows stopped for a moment, and another and slighter figure
+joined them. Finally, one came forwards, and, when within a yard or so
+of me, spoke:
+
+'D'Auriac, is it you?'
+
+'Yes. I was hastening to you. Man, I have discovered all!'
+
+'_Morbleu!_' exclaimed the Compte; 'the _chanson_ was a happy thought,
+else we had missed you in this fog.'
+
+'Is Pantin here? We have not a moment to lose.'
+
+'He is. It was he who guided us here. I have brought a friend with me.
+Do not ask his name; but speak freely before him, and tell us exactly
+what you have discovered.'
+
+With these words he took me by the arm and led me up to the two. In
+the shorter there was no difficulty in recognising Pantin. What with
+the mist, the mask on his face, and the roquelaure that enveloped him
+to the ears, I could make out nothing of the stranger, who did not
+even answer my salutation except by a slight inclination of his head.
+I need not say I wasted no time, but laid the matter before them, and
+wound up with:
+
+'And now, gentlemen, we are three swords; let Pantin hasten and bring
+half a dozen of the Compte's people, and I guarantee that we not only
+free Madame, but take the whole brood of vipers.'
+
+'These cards won't win,' said de Belin. 'We must have more witnesses
+than ourselves, who are known to be enemies of the Marshal. The King
+plays at More's this evening. He is like to be there now, or else very
+soon, for he is bound on a frolic to-night. We will go straight there.
+Villeroi and Sully are both to be in attendance, and also the
+Marshal.'
+
+'The Marshal will not be there,' I interrupted.
+
+'If SO I wager the King asks for him, and I will take it on my head to
+explain. In half an hour we could be back with Sully and Villeroi, and
+then the game is ours. Do you not agree, monseigneur?' and he turned
+to the stranger. All the answer was another grave inclination of the
+head.
+
+'Come,' went on de Belin, slipping his arm into mine. 'Put yourself in
+my hands, d'Auriac, and I pledge you success. My God!' he broke off
+suddenly, 'to think we should win so completely.'
+
+There was so much in what he said that I agreed without demur, and
+Belin hurried me onwards, the stranger and Pantin following a few
+steps behind. As we went on Belin whispered:
+
+'Ask no questions, d'Auriac; say nothing until you see Sully, and ten
+minutes after I promise you twenty swords.'
+
+'If I do not get them in an hour,' I said grimly, 'I will go back
+myself and try what my own sword can do.'
+
+'And I will go back with you, too--there, is that not enough? Come,
+man!' and we hurried along through the mist as fast as we could walk,
+keeping on the left side of the road.
+
+As we came up to St. Merri, de Belin stopped and blew sharply on a
+whistle. There was an answering call, and from under the Flamboyant
+portico of the church the figure of a man, with a led horse, slipped
+out into the fog, now yellow with the light of the street lamps.
+Without a word the stranger mounted, and the two passed us at a trot.
+
+'What the devil does that mean!' I exclaimed. 'Your Monseigneur has
+left us!'
+
+'To return again,' answered the Compte drily. And then added, 'It will
+be a gay party at More's to-night, and it is time we were there.'
+
+I made no answer, but, as we went on, could not help feeling uneasy in
+my mind at the thought of being recognised at More's; for after what
+de Belin had said of the King's temper towards me, I made sure that I
+would have scant mercy were I once arrested. And again, I would say
+that it was not for myself I was in dread, but for the probable
+consequence to Madame did any harm happen to me at this juncture.
+
+But I had put my foot in the stirrup, and was bound to ride now; and
+then there was de Belin's word. At last we reached More's, and as we
+entered the hall I could not help wondering if the good Parisians knew
+that their King was playing at primero in an ordinary of the city, and
+would be later on, perhaps, pursued by the watch. More, whom I had not
+seen since my affair with d'Ayen, was in the hall, and at a word from
+de Belin conducted us himself up the stairway, though looking askance
+at me. We at length gained a long corridor, at the beginning of which
+Pantin was left. We stopped before the closed doors of a private
+dining-room from within which we could hear shouts of laughter.
+
+'His Majesty and M. de Vitry arrived scarce a half-hour ago,'
+whispered More as we approached the door.
+
+'We will not trouble you further,' replied the Compte; 'it is the rule
+at these little parties to enter unannounced.'
+
+With these words he put his hand to the door and went in, I following
+at his heels. There were at least ten or a dozen men in the room
+standing round a table, at which sat the King engaged at play with M.
+de Bassompierre. Neither the King nor Bassompierre, who seemed
+absorbed in the game, took the least notice of our entrance, nor did
+they seem in the least disturbed by the constant laughter and converse
+that went on. The others, however, stopped, and then burst out in
+joyous greetings of de Belin and very haughty glances at me. M. le
+Grand, indeed, bent forward from his great height, and whispered
+audibly to the Compte:
+
+'What scarecrow have you brought here, de Belin!'
+
+'Our captain for to-night, duc--see, there is the Grand-Master looking
+as if each crown the King loses was the last drop of blood in the
+veins of Bethune.' And as he said this, Sully and he glanced at each
+other, and a light, like that in an opal, flamed in the great
+minister's eyes.
+
+M. le Grand, however, seemed to be inclined for converse with me, and,
+stepping up, asked, 'And where do you lead us to-night, monsieur?'
+
+I was about to make some answer when de Vitry interposed, 'My dear
+duc, there is plenty of time to ask that. I wager you fifty pistoles
+that d'Ayen there throws higher than you five times out of six.'
+
+'Done,' replied Bellegarde--and then those who were not round the King
+and Bassompierre, gathered to watch Bellegarde and d'Ayen, whose
+cheeks were flushed with excitement as he threw with his left hand,
+the right being still in a sling.
+
+In the meantime the King played on, taking no notice of anyone, his
+beaked nose dropping lower towards his chin as he lost one rouleau
+after another to Bassompierre.
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_' he exclaimed at last, 'was ever such luck; at
+this rate I shall not have a shirt to my back in half an hour.'
+
+'If the Marshal were only here,' said Sully, 'we could start off at
+once. Sire, instead of risking any more. I see de Belin has brought
+our guide.'
+
+'Yes; where is Biron? I am sick of this;' and the King, who was a bad
+loser, rose from his seat impatiently, at the same time forgetting to
+hand over the last rouleau of pistoles he had lost to Bassompierre,
+and thrusting them back into his pocket with an absent gesture.
+
+As if in answer to his question the door opened, admitting the slight
+figure and handsome face of de Gie.
+
+'Where is the Marshal? Where is Biron?' asked ten voices in a breath.
+
+'Yes, M. de Gie,' put in the King; 'where is Biron?'
+
+'Sire, the Marshal is indisposed. He has begged me to present his
+excuses and to say he is too ill to come to-night;' and as he spoke I
+saw de Gie's jewelled fingers trembling, and his cheek had lost all
+colour.
+
+'This is sorry news to spoil a gay evening,' said the King; and the
+Master-General, pulling a comfit box from his vest pocket, toyed with
+it in his hand as he followed, 'Biron must be ill, indeed, to stay
+away. Sire. What does your Majesty think? Shall we begin our rambles
+by calling on Monseigneur?'
+
+'The very thing, Grand-Master; we will start at once.'
+
+'But, Sire, the Marshal is too ill to see anyone--even your Majesty,'
+said de Gie desperately, and with whitening lips.
+
+I thought I heard de Vitry mutter 'Traitor' under his thick moustache,
+but the Guardsman parried my glance with an unconcerned look. There
+was a silence of a half-minute at de Gie's speech, and the King
+reddened to the forehead.
+
+'If it is as you say, M. le Vicompte, I know the Marshal too well
+not to feel sure that there are two persons whom he would see
+were he dying--which God forbid--and one of these two is his King.
+Grand-Master, we will go, but--and his voice took a tone of sharp
+command, and his eyes rested first on de Gie, and then on the figure
+of a tall cavalier, at whose throat flashed the jewel of the St.
+Esprit--'but I must first ask M. de Vitry to do his duty.'
+
+As for me I was dumb with astonishment, and half the faces around me
+were filled with amaze. Then de Vitry's voice broke the stillness:
+
+'My lord of Epernon, your sword--and you too, M. le Vicompte.'
+
+The duke slipped off his rapier with a sarcastic smile and handed the
+weapon to the Captain of the Guard; but we could hear the clicking of
+the buckles as de Gie's trembling fingers tried in vain to unclasp his
+belt. So agitated was he that de Vitry had to assist him in his task
+before it was accomplished.
+
+The King spoke again in the same grating tones:
+
+'M. de Bassompierre and you, de Luynes, I leave the prisoners in your
+charge. In the meantime, messieurs, we will slightly change our plans.
+I shall not go myself to the Marshal's house; but I depute you,
+Grand-Master, and these gentlemen here, all except de Vitry, who comes
+with me, to repair there in my name. Should M. de Biron not be able to
+see you, you will come to me--the Grand-Master knows where.'
+
+'You will be careful, Sire,' said Sully.
+
+'_Mordieu!_ Yes--go, gentlemen.'
+
+I was about to follow the others, but Belin caught me by the arm as he
+passed out. 'Stay where you are,' he whispered, and then we waited
+until the footsteps died away along the corridor, the King standing
+with his brows bent and muttering to himself:
+
+'If it were not true--if it were not true.'
+
+Suddenly he roused himself. 'Come, de Vitry--my mask and cloak; and
+you, too, sir,' he said, turning on me with a harsh glance. He put on
+his mask, drew the collar of his roquelaure up to his ears, and in a
+moment I recognised the silent stranger who had ridden off so abruptly
+from under the portico of St. Merri. I could not repress my start of
+surprise, and I thought I caught a strange glance in de Vitry's eyes;
+but the King's face was impassive as stone.
+
+'We go out by the private stair, Sire; d'Aubusson is there with the
+horses.' With these words he lifted the tapestry of the wall and
+touched a door. It swung back of its own accord, and the King stepped
+forward, the Captain of the Guard and myself on his heels. When we
+gained the little street at the back of More's, we saw there three
+mounted men with three led horses.
+
+De Vitry adjusted the King's stirrup, who sprang into the saddle in
+silence, and then, motioning me to do likewise, mounted himself.
+
+'Monsieur,' said the King to me, reining in his restive horse, 'you
+will lead us straight to your lodging, next to the Toison d'Or.'
+
+'Sire,' I made answer, 'but it will be necessary to leave the horses
+by St. Martin's, as their presence near the Toison d'Or might arouse
+curiosity and suspicion.'
+
+'I understand, monsieur; have the goodness to lead on.'
+
+I rode at the head of the small troop, nosing my way through the fog
+with my mind full of feelings it was impossible to describe, but with
+my heart beating with joy. Neither d'Aubusson nor de Vitry gave a sign
+that they knew me, and, but for an occasional direction that I gave to
+turn to the right or left, we rode in silence through the mist, now
+beginning to clear, and through which the moon shone with the light of
+a faint night lamp behind lace curtains. At St. Martin's we
+dismounted. There was a whispered word between the lieutenant and de
+Vitry, and then the King, de Vitry, and myself pressed forwards on
+foot, leaving d'Aubusson and the troopers with the horses. It would
+take too long, if indeed I have the power, to describe the tumult in
+my mind as we wound in and out of the cross streets and bye lanes
+towards the Toison d'Or. At last we came to the jaws of the blind
+passage, and I whispered to de Vitry that we were there. Henry turned
+to de Vitry and asked:
+
+'Are you sure the signals are understood, de Vitry?'
+
+'Yes, Sire.'
+
+There was no other word spoken, and keeping on the off side of the
+road, to avoid passing immediately before the door of the Toison d'Or,
+where it was possible a guard might be set, we went onward towards my
+lodging. Favoured by the mist, which still hung over the passage, we
+got through without accident; but I perceived that not a light
+glimmered from the face of Babette's house, though I could hear the
+bolts of the entrance-door being drawn, as if some one had entered a
+moment or so before we came up. My own lodging was, however,
+different, and through the glaze of the window we could see the sickly
+glare of the light in the shop, where Monsieur and Madame were no
+doubt discussing the business of the day.
+
+'We must quiet my landlord and his wife,' I whispered to Vitry as we
+came up to the door.
+
+'Very well,' he said, and then I knocked.
+
+The fence, who was alone, himself opened the door. 'Ah, captain,' he
+exclaimed, 'we thought you were lost; but I see you have friends.' He
+said no more, for I seized his throat with a grip of iron, whilst de
+Vitry laced him up with his own belt. An improvised gag put a stop to
+all outcry, and in a thrice he was lying like a log amongst his own
+stolen wares.
+
+'Madame is doubtless in bed,' I said to him, and a sharp scream
+interrupted my words, for the woman, doubtless hearing the scuffle,
+had rushed into the room. M. de Vitry was, however, equal to the
+occasion, and she, too, was deposited beside her husband.
+
+The King, who had taken no part in these proceedings, now said:
+
+'I trust that woman's cry will not raise an alarm--_Ventre St. Gris_
+if it does!'
+
+'Have no fear. Sire,' I said in a low tone; 'the cries of women in
+this part of your capital are too frequent to attract the least
+notice. They will but think that there has been a little conjugal
+difference.'
+
+'So far, so good. De Vitry, you will stay here. At the first sound of
+the Grand-Master's whistle you will answer it, and they will know what
+to do. I have something to say to M. d'Auriac. Take me to your room,
+sir.'
+
+I bowed, and, lighting a taper that stood in a holder of moulded
+brass--a prize that had doubtless come to my landlord through one of
+his clients--led the way up the rickety stairs, and stopping at the
+door of my chamber, opened it to let the King pass. For an instant he
+hesitated, fixing his keen and searching eyes on me--eyes that flashed
+and sparkled beneath the mask that covered half his features, and then
+spoke:
+
+'M. d'Auriac, are you still an enemy of your King?'
+
+I could make no answer; I did not know what to say, and stood, candle
+in hand, in silence. Then Henry laughed shortly and stepped into the
+room. I shut the door as I followed, and turned up the lamp on my
+table. Then, facing the King, I said, 'Sire, I await your orders.'
+
+He had flung off his cloak and mask, and was leaning against the
+wardrobe, one hand on the hilt of his sword, and at my words he spoke
+slowly: 'I desire to see this room in the Toison d'Or, and to look
+upon the assembly that has met there with my own eyes.'
+
+'Now, Sire?'
+
+'Yes, now.'
+
+'Your Majesty, it is not now possible!'
+
+'_Ventre St. Gris!_--not possible!'
+
+'Permit me, Sire--the only way is by this window. If your Majesty will
+step here, you will see the risk of it. I will go and see if they have
+met; but I conjure you not to make the attempt. The slightest accident
+would be fatal.'
+
+'Do you think I have never scaled a rock before?' he said, craning out
+of the window. 'Am I a child, M. d'Auriac, or _mille tonnerres!_
+because my beard is grey, am I in my dotage? I will go, sir, and thank
+God that for this moment I can drop the King and be a simple knight.
+You can stay behind, monsieur, if you like. I go to test the truth of
+your words.'
+
+'Your Majesty might save yourself the trouble. I again entreat you;
+your life belongs to France.'
+
+'I know that,' he interrupted haughtily. 'No more prating, please.
+Will you go first, or shall I?'
+
+There was no answer to this. It flashed on me to call to de Vitry for
+aid to stop the King, but one look at those resolute features before
+me convinced me that such a course would be useless. I lowered the
+light, and then testing the ends of the ladder again and again, made
+the ascent as before. Leaning through the embrasure, I saw the dark
+figure of the King already holding on to the ladder, and he followed
+me, as agile as a cat. Making a long arm, I seized him by the
+shoulder, and with this assistance he clambered noiselessly over the
+parapet and lay beside me.
+
+'Cahors over again,' he whispered; 'and that is the skylight. They
+burn bright lamps.'
+
+'The easier for us to see, Sire. Creep forward softly and look.'
+
+One by one we stole up to the skylight, and the King, raising himself,
+glanced in, my eyes following over his shoulders. For full five
+minutes we were there, hearing every word, seeing every soul, and then
+the King bent down softly, and, laying a hand on my shoulder, motioned
+me back. It was not until we reached the parapet that he said
+anything, and it was as if he were muttering a prayer to himself.
+
+When we got back I helped him to dress. He did not, however, resume
+his roquelaure or hat, but stood playing with the hilt of his sword,
+letting his eye run backward and forward over the vacant space in my
+room. At last he turned to me:
+
+'Monsieur, you have not answered the question I put you a moment
+before.'
+
+'Sire,' I answered boldly, 'is it my fault?'
+
+He began to pull at his moustache, keeping his eyes to the ground and
+saying to himself, 'Sully will not be here for a little; there is
+time.' As for me, I took my courage in both hands and waited. So a
+half-minute must have passed before he spoke again.
+
+'Monsieur, if a gentleman has wronged another, there is only one
+course open. There is room enough here--take your sword and your
+place.'
+
+'I--I----,' I stammered. 'Your Majesty, I do not understand.'
+
+'I never heard that monsieur le chevalier was dense in these matters.
+Come, sir, time presses--your place.'
+
+'May my hand wither if I do,' I burst out 'I will never stand so
+before the King.'
+
+'Not before the King, monsieur, but before a man who considers himself
+a little wronged, too. What! is d'Auriac so high that he cannot stoop
+to cross a blade with plain Henri de Bourbon?'
+
+And then it was as if God Himself took the scales from my eyes, and I
+fell on my knees before my King.
+
+He raised me gently. 'Monsieur, I thank you. Had I for one moment led
+a soul to suspect that I believed in you from the first, this nest of
+traitors had never been found. St. Gris--even Sully was blinded. So
+far so good. It is much for a King to have gained a friend, and hark!
+if I am not mistaken, here is de Vitry.'
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX
+
+                   AT THE SIGN OF 'THE TOISON D'OR'
+
+
+Turning, we beheld de Vitry at the open door, the small and narrow
+figure of Pantin at his elbow, and, close behind, the stern features
+of the Grand-Master, the anxiety on whose face cleared as he saw the
+King before him. He was about to speak, but Henry burst in rapidly:
+
+'I know all, my lord. It is time to act, not talk. _Arnidieu!_ But I
+shall long remember this frolic!'
+
+'It would seem that God has given us a great deliverance. Sire. All is
+ready. I came but to see that your Majesty was safe and unharmed, and
+to leave Du Praslin with a sufficient guard for your person whilst we
+took our prisoners.'
+
+As Sully spoke the King threw his roquelaure over his arm and answered
+coldly, 'Monsieur, you are very good. When I want a guard I shall ask
+for one. I have yet to learn that Henri de Bourbon is to lurk in a
+corner whilst blows are going, and I shall lead the assault myself!'
+
+'And the first shot from a window, fired by some _croquemort_, might
+leave France at the feet of Spain, I cut in bluntly, whilst de Vitry
+stamped his foot with vexation, and the forehead of the Grand-Master
+wrinkled and furrowed, though he gave me an approving look from under
+his shaggy brows.
+
+For a moment it was as if my words would have stayed the King. He
+looked at me fixedly and stabbed at the carpet with the point of his
+blade, repeating to himself, 'At the feet of Spain--Spain! Never!' he
+added, recovering himself and looking highly around. 'Never!
+Messieurs, we shall all yet see the lilies flaunting over the
+Escorial.'
+
+'Amen!' exclaimed a voice from the darkness of the stairway, and I
+heard the grinding of a spurred heel on the woodwork of the floor.
+
+'Come,' said the King, 'we have no time to lose, and if we delay
+longer that hot-head de Belin, will strike the first blow.'
+
+'With your Majesty's permission, I will make an assault on the rear,'
+I said.
+
+'On the rear!' exclaimed de Vitry, whilst the Grand-Master said, 'It
+is impossible!'
+
+But I only pointed to the window, and Henry laughed.
+
+'_Ventrebleu!_ I understand--a great idea! But, monsieur, take care
+how you give away a secret. I shall have no peace if Monseigneur the
+Grand-Master hears what has happened.'
+
+I was young enough still to feel my face grow hot at the approval in
+the King's voice, and then, without another word, they passed out,
+_tramp_, _tramp_, down the stairs, all except Sully, who stayed behind
+for a moment.
+
+'Monsieur,' he asked, 'what has happened between you and the King?'
+
+'His Majesty has pardoned me.'
+
+'A child might see that. What else? Be quick!'
+
+'And has given me orders to meet you as you enter the Toison d'Or.'
+
+The frown on his face cleared. 'Well answered, chevalier. The King, I
+see, has won a faithful and discreet friend. Make your attack when you
+hear the petard.' Then he, too, turned his broad shoulders on me and
+followed the rest.
+
+As the sound of the heavy footfalls ceased I gave a last look at my
+pistols, drew in my sword-belt by a hole, and, all booted as I was,
+essayed the ladder again. The practice I had with it made the ascent
+easy now, and perhaps it was this that rendered me careless, for, as I
+was climbing, my foot slipped with a grating noise, and as I stopped
+for a moment, with one leg over the parapet and the other trailing
+over the drop behind, I heard a quick 'What is that?' through the open
+skylight. The voice was the Marshal's, and I almost felt that I could
+see his nervous start and rapid upward glance as the scrabbling noise
+reached his ears. Then came Lafin's answer, in those cool tones that
+can penetrate so far:
+
+'A cat--only a cat, monseigneur!'
+
+All was still again, and I crept softly to the opening. I did not dare
+look in, but crouched beneath the skylight, waiting for the signal. I
+had already observed that the skylight was but a light, wooden
+framework, with a glazing between, and would need no great effort to
+break down--one strong push and the way was clear before me. So I
+stayed for a minute of breathless silence, then from far below came a
+sharp, shrill whistle, hurried exclamations from the plotters, and now
+the explosion of the petard, that made the house rock to and fro like
+a tree in the wind.
+
+I had no need to force open the skylight. The effect of the explosion
+did that most effectually for me and blew out the lamps in the room
+below as well, reducing it on a sudden to absolute darkness. There was
+a yell of terror from the room, and, without a moment's hesitation, I
+swung through the window and dropped down amongst the conspirators.
+They were to a man crowding to the door, and not one took any note of
+my entrance, so great was their confusion. I followed the rush of
+hurrying figures as they passed through the door into a passage in dim
+light from a fire that burned in a small grate. One end of this
+passage was full of smoke, against which the bright flashes of drawn
+swords were as darts of lightning. Beyond the smoke and below we could
+hear the clash of steel, cries of pain, and savage oaths, where men
+were fighting and dying hard. As I dashed down the passage, sword in
+hand, my only thought to reach the prisoner's room, one of the
+retreating figures turned and called out, 'Quick, monseigneur! follow
+me--the secret stair!'
+
+It was Lafin. In the confusion and semi-gloom he had mistaken me for
+his chief. I made no answer, but, as I rushed forwards, struck him on
+the face with the hilt of my sword, and he rolled over like a log.
+
+Now I was right in amongst the scared plotters, cheek by jowl with M.
+de Savoye's envoy, and I could have dropped him then and there, but
+that my whole heart was in Madame's room, and I knew that there were
+others who could and would deal with him.
+
+As I elbowed my way through the press, vainly endeavouring to find the
+way to my dear's prison, we reached a landing from which a long stair
+led straight up, and here I heard the Marshal's voice, cracked with
+rage and fear.
+
+'Lafin! de Gomeron! To me--here! here!'
+
+'Ladies first. Marshal. I must look to my bride.'
+
+Then through the smoke I saw de Gomeron's tall figure mounting the
+stair, and I rushed forward to follow him.
+
+It was at this juncture that a portion of our own party forced their
+way to the landing, and one of them, whose sword was broken, flung
+himself upon me, dagger in hand, shouting, 'Death to traitors.' I
+had just time to seize his wrist. He tripped sideways over something
+that lay very quiet at our feet, and, dragging me down, we rolled over
+and over, with the clash of blades over us. 'It is I--fool--I,
+d'Auriac--let go,' I shouted, as he tried to stab at me.
+
+'Let go you,' sputtered d'Aubusson's voice, and we loosed each other.
+I had no time for another word, and grasping my sword, which was
+hanging to my wrist by the knot, I sprang up, and the next moment was
+hot foot after de Gomeron.
+
+I managed somehow to force my way through the crowd, but the stairway
+was half-full of men, and at the head of it stood the free-lance, with
+a red sword in his hand, and two or three huddled objects that lay in
+shapeless masses around him.
+
+Some one, with a reckless indifference to his own life--it was, I
+afterwards found out, Pantin--held up a torch, and as the flare of it
+shot up the stairway de Gomeron threw back his head and laughed at us.
+
+'Twenty to one--come, gentlemen--or must I come to you?' He took a
+couple of steps down the stairs, and the crowd, that had made as if it
+would rush him, wavered and fell back, bearing me, hoarse with
+shouting for way, with them to the landing.
+
+For the moment, penned up and utterly unable to get forward, I was a
+mere spectator to what followed.
+
+The free-lance took one more downward step, and then a slight figure,
+with one arm in a sling, slid out from the press and flew at him.
+
+It was d'Ayen, and I felt a sudden warming of the heart to the man who
+was going to his death.
+
+'You--you traitor,' he gasped, as, using his sword with his left hand,
+his sword ripped the free-lance's ruff.
+
+'Stand back, old fool--stand back--or--there! Take it,' and, with a
+sharp scream, d'Ayen fell backwards, the crowd splitting for a moment,
+so that he rolled to the foot of the stairs and came up at my feet.
+God rest his soul! He died at the last like a gallant man.
+
+They were backing in confusion now, and above the din I could hear the
+mocking of de Gomeron.
+
+'Come, gentlemen, do not delay, time presses.'
+
+One rush through at that time might have saved him, but he stood there
+playing with death. With an effort I pushed d'Ayen, who was still
+breathing, against the side of the wall, to let the poor wretch die in
+such comfort as could be, and, seeing my chance at last, made my way
+to the front.
+
+De Gomeron was half-way down the stairs by this, and when our swords
+met he did not for the moment recognise me. But at the second pass he
+realised, and the torchlight showed him pale to the forehead.
+
+'You!' he said between his teeth.
+
+'Yes--I--from under the Seine,' and I had run him through the throat
+but for our position, where the advantage was all his, and my reach
+too short. He had backed a step up as I spoke. Whether it was my
+sudden appearance or what, I know not, but from this moment his
+bravado left him, and he now fought doggedly and for dear life.
+
+There was a hush behind me, and the light became brighter as more
+torches were brought, and I could now see the Camarguer white as a
+sheet, with two red spots on his cheeks.
+
+'Do you like fighting a dead man, monsieur?' I asked as I parried a
+thrust in tierce.
+
+He half groaned, and the red spot on his cheek grew bigger, but he
+made no answer, and step by step I forced him upwards.
+
+He had been touched more than once, and there was a stain on his white
+satin doublet that was broadening each moment, whilst thrust and parry
+grew weaker, and something, I know not what, told me he was my man.
+
+Messieurs, you who may read this, those at least of you who have stood
+sword in hand and face to face with a bitter foe, where the fight is
+to the last, will know that there are moments when it is as if God
+Himself nerves the arm and steels the wrist. And so it was then with
+me. I swear it that I forestalled each movement of the twinkling blade
+before me, that each artifice and trick the skilful swordsman who was
+fighting for his life employed was felt by something that guided my
+sword, now high, now low, and ever and again wet its point against the
+broad breast of the Camarguer.
+
+So, too, with him--he was lost, and he knew it. But he was a brave
+man, if ever there was one, and he pulled himself together as we
+reached the upper landing for one last turn with the death that dogged
+him. So fierce was the attack he now made, that had he done so but a
+moment before, when the advantage of position was his, I know not what
+had happened. But now it was different. He was my man. I was carried
+away by the fire within me, or else in pity I might have spared him;
+but there is no need to speak of this more. He thrust too high. I
+parried and returned, so that the cross hilt of my rapier struck dully
+over his heart, and he died where he fell.
+
+But one word escaped him, some long-lost memory, some secret of that
+iron heart came up at the last.
+
+'Denise!' he gasped, and was gone.
+
+I stood over him for a moment, a drumming in my ears, and then I heard
+the ringing of cheers and the rush of feet. Then a half-dozen strong
+shoulders were at the door before me, and as it fell back with a crash
+I sprang in and took a tall, slim, white-robed figure in my arms, and
+kissed her dear face again and again.
+
+One by one those in the room stepped out and left us together, and for
+once a brave heart gave way and she sobbed like a child on my
+shoulder.
+
+I said nothing, but held her to me, and so we might have been for a
+half-hour, when I heard de Belin's voice at the broken door:
+
+'D'Auriac! Come, man!--the King waits! And bring your prisoner!'
+
+There was a laugh in his voice and a light on his face as he spoke,
+and my dear lifted her swimming eyes to my face, and I kissed her
+again, saying:
+
+'Come--my prisoner!'
+
+As we passed out I kept between Claude and the grim figure still lying
+stark on the landing, and held her to me so that she could not see.
+So, with Lisois before us, we passed down the passage, filled now with
+men-at-arms, and halted before a room, the door of which was closed.
+
+'We must wait here a moment,' said de Belin; and merely to say
+something, I asked:
+
+'I suppose we have the whole nest?'
+
+'All who were not killed. Stay! One escaped--that rascal Ravaillac. I
+could have run him through, but did not care to soil my sword with
+such _canaille_, so his skin is safe.'
+
+'And Babette?'
+
+He gave me an expressive look and muttered something about Montfaucon.
+Then the door was flung open and a stream of light poured forth. We
+entered, and saw the King standing surrounded by his friends, and a
+little on one side was the dejected group of conspirators.
+
+The Marshal, now abject, mean, and cringing, was kneeling before
+Henry, who raised him as we entered, saying:
+
+'Biron, and you, Tremouille, and you all who called yourselves my
+friends, and lay in wait to destroy me and destroy your country--I
+cannot forget that we were old comrades, and for old friendships' sake
+I have already told you that I forgive; and God give you all as clean
+a conscience as I have over the blood that has been spilt to-day.'
+
+He ran his eye over the group, and they stood before him abashed and
+ashamed, and yet overcome with joy at escape when death seemed so
+certain; and he, their leader, the man who hoped to see his head on a
+crown-piece, broke into unmanly sobbing, and was led away vowing
+repentance--vows that he broke again, to find then that the mercy of
+the King was already strained to breaking-point.
+
+As Lafin, with a white and bleeding face, led his master away, Henry's
+eye fell on me, and he beckoned me to advance. I did so, leading
+Claude by the hand.
+
+'Chevalier,' he said, 'it is saying little when I say that it is
+through you that these misguided gentlemen have realised their
+wrong-doing. There is one recompense you would not let me make you for
+the wrongs you have suffered. There is, however, a reward for your
+services which perhaps you will accept from me. I see before me a
+Royal Ward who has defied her guardian--_Ventre St. Gris!_ My beard is
+getting over grey to look after such dainties. I surrender my Ward to
+your care.' As he said this he took Claude's hand and placed it in
+mine. 'I see, madame,' he added, 'that this time you have no
+objections to the King's choice. There--quite right. Kiss her, man!'
+
+
+                          *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+It is all over at last--that golden summer that was so long, and yet
+seems but a day. It is ten years ago that those shining eyes, that
+never met mine but with the love-light in them, were closed for ever;
+and the gift that God gave me that did He take back.
+
+I am old, and grey, and worn. My son, the Vicompte de Bidache, is in
+Paris with the Cardinal, whilst I wait at Auriac for the message that
+will call me to her. When she went, Bidache, where we lived, became
+unbearable to me, and I came back here to wait till I too am
+called--to wait and watch the uneasy sea, to hear the scream of the
+gulls, and feel the keen salt air.
+
+I have come to the last of the fair white sheets of paper the _Cure_
+brought for me from Havre this autumn, and it grows strangely dark
+even for my eyes. I will write no more, but sit out on the terrace and
+wait for the sunset. Perhaps she may call me to-day.
+
+'Jacques, my hat and cloak!'
+
+
+
+                               THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Chevalier d'Auriac, by S. (Sidney) Levett-Yeats
+
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