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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4f3f8eb --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #67338 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67338) diff --git a/old/67338-0.txt b/old/67338-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 9317640..0000000 --- a/old/67338-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13148 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Two Dianas Volume 2 (of 03), by -Alexandre Dumas - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Two Dianas Volume 2 (of 03) - -Authors: Alexandre Dumas - Paul Meurice - -Illustrator: E. Van Meyden - -Release Date: February 6, 2022 [eBook #67338] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Laura Natal Rodrigues (Images generously made available by - Hathi Trust Digital Library.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TWO DIANAS VOLUME 2 (OF -03) *** - - -THE TWO DIANAS. - - - - -BY - -ALEXANDRE DUMAS. - - - - -IN THREE VOLUMES. - - -VOL. II. - - - - -LONDON: J. M. DENT & CO. - -BOSTON, LITTLE, BROWN, & CO. - -1894. - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - -PORTRAITS. - -Diane de Poitiers - -ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS - -DRAWN AND ETCHED BY E. VAN MUYDEN. - -Glimpses at Divers Men of the Sword - -Love Disdained - - - - -[Illustration: Diane de Poitiers.] - - - - -CONTENTS - -Chapter - -I. In which Divers Occurrences artfully fall -out Together - -II. How Arnauld du Thill caused Arnauld -du Thill to be hanged at Noyon - -III. Arnauld du Thill's Bucolic Dreams - -IV. The Arms of Pierre Peuquoy, the Hopes of -Jean Peuquoy, and the Tears of Babette Peuquoy - -V. Sequel to the Misfortunes of Martin-Guerre - -VI. In which Martin-Guerre's Character begins -to be Rehabilitated - -VII. A Philosopher and a Soldier - -VIII. Wherein Mary Stuart's Loveliness flits -across the Course of the Story with as -Transient a Gleam as it casts upon the -History of France - -IX. The Other Diane - -X. A Grand Scheme for a Great Man - -XI. Glimpses at Divers Men of the Sword - -XII. The Cleverness of Stupidity - -XIII. December 31, 1557 - -XIV. During the Bombardment - -XV. Within the Tent - -XVI. Small Craft sometimes save Large Men-of-War - -XVII. Obscuri sola sub Nocte - -XVIII. Between Two Chasms - -XIX. Arnauld du Thill, though Absent, continues -to exert a Fatal Influence on -the Destiny of Poor Martin-Guerre - -XX. Lord Wentworth at Bay - -XXI. Love disdained - -XXII. Love requited - -XXIII. Le Balafré - -XXIV. Partial Dénouement - -XXV. Happy Omens - -XXVI. A Quatrain - -XXVII. The Vicomte de Montgommery - -XXVIII. Joy and Anguish - -XXIX. Precautionary Measures - -XXX. The Secret Prisoner - -XXXI. The Comte de Montgommery - -XXXII. The Knight-Errant - -XXXIII. In which Arnauld du Thill appears once -more - -XXXIV. Justice in a Quandary - - - - -CHAPTER I - -IN WHICH DIVERS OCCURRENCES ARTFULLY FALL OUT -TOGETHER - - -Three weeks had elapsed. The last days of September were at hand; and no -change of moment had taken place in the respective situations of the -different characters represented in this tale. - -Jean Peuquoy had paid to Lord Wentworth the trifling sum at which he had -shrewdly had his ransom fixed. More than that, he had obtained leave to -settle at Calais. We ought to say, however, that he seemed to be in no -haste to commence operations. He seemed to be of a very inquisitive and -yet careless disposition; in fact, the honest burgher might be seen from -morning till night sauntering about on the walls, and talking with the -soldiers of the garrison, while apparently thinking no more about the -weaver's trade than if he were an abbé or a monk. - -Nevertheless, he had either not tried or not been able to induce his -cousin Pierre to be his companion in this life of idleness; and the -skilful armorer had never turned out more or more finely executed work. - -Gabriel's melancholy increased from day to day. He received nothing but -general news from Paris. France was beginning to breathe again. The -Spaniards and English had wasted too much precious time in besieging and -reducing places of no importance; thus the country had had an -opportunity to recover its balance, and it seemed as if both France and -the king would be saved. This news, to which the heroic defence of St. -Quentin had had no small share in imparting such a favorable character, -no doubt was cheering to Gabriel; yet he heard not a word of Henri II., -of Coligny, of his father, or of Diane! That reflection cast a shadow -upon his brow and made it impossible for him to respond, as he might -have done at another time, to Lord Wentworth's friendly overtures. - -The easy-going and unreserved governor seemed really to have taken a -great liking to his prisoner. His ennui, and a little feeling of chagrin -during the last few days, had no doubt had their share in arousing this -feeling. The society of a young and clever gentleman of the French court -was an invaluable distraction in stupid Calais. Thus it was that Lord -Wentworth never allowed two days in succession to go by without calling -upon Vicomte d'Exmès, and insisted upon his dining with him three times -a week at his own table. This excessive affection was rather oppressive -to Gabriel, all things considered; for the governor laughingly swore -that he would not release his hold upon his captive till the last -extremity; that he would never consent to let him go on parole; and that -until the last crown of Gabriel's ransom should be well and truly paid, -he would not yield to the cruel necessity of parting from so dear a -friend. - -After all, this might well be only a refined and courtly way of -expressing suspicion of him, so Gabriel did not dare to persist in his -excuses; besides, his delicacy led him to suffer uncomplainingly while -awaiting the convalescence of his squire, who, it will be remembered, -was to go to Paris to procure the sum of money agreed upon as the price -of Vicomte d'Exmès's liberty. - -But Martin-Guerre--we should say, his substitute Arnauld du Thill--was -very deliberate in his convalescence. After a few days, the surgeon who -had been called to look after the wound, which the scamp had sustained -in a scuffle, had ceased to visit him, announcing that his task was -done, and his patient entirely restored to health. A day or two of rest, -and the excellent nursing of pretty Babette, Pierre's sister, would be -quite sufficient to complete the cure, if indeed it were not already -completed. - -Upon receiving that assurance, Gabriel had informed his squire that he -must start for Paris on the next day but one without fail; but when the -morning of that day arrived, Arnauld complained of dizziness and -faintness, which made him likely to fall if he took but a few steps -without Babette's accustomed support. Thereupon two days' more of delay -were asked and granted. At the end of that time a sort of general -debility caused poor Arnauld's arms and legs to become perfectly -useless; and this new symptom, which was caused doubtless (so he said) -by the excessive pain he had suffered, had to be treated with hot baths -and a very rigid diet. But this last regimen gave rise to such utter -weakness that more delay was considered indispensable, to give the -faithful fellow time to build himself up once more with tonics and -generous draughts of wine. At least his nurse Babette declared to -Gabriel, with tears in her eyes, that if he required Martin-Guerre to -set out at once, he would expose him to the danger of dying of inanition -on the road. - -This extraordinary convalescence was thus prolonged to much greater -length than the illness itself, in spite of the tender care of -Babette,--a malicious person might say, thanks to that same tender -care,--until two weeks had elapsed since the surgeon had pronounced him -cured, and it was nearly a month since Gabriel's arrival at Calais. - -This could not be allowed to go on forever. Gabriel finally lost his -patience; and even Arnauld du Thill, who at first had sought and found -all manner of expedients with the best grace in the world, now -announced, with a very self-sufficient and triumphant air, to poor -broken-hearted Babette, that he could not afford to make his master -angry, and that, after all, his best course would be to start at once so -that he might the sooner return; but Babette's red eyes and downcast -look proved that she hardly understood that kind of reasoning. - -The evening before the day when, according to his formal announcement, -Arnauld proposed finally to take his departure for Paris, Gabriel took -supper with Lord Wentworth. - -The governor seemed to have even more melancholy than usual to shake -off, for he carried his gayety almost to the point of madness. - -When he left Gabriel after escorting him to the courtyard, lighted at -that hour only by a lamp which was already flickering, the young man, -just as he was wrapping himself in his cloak before going out, saw one -of the doors opening into the courtyard partly ajar. A woman, whom -Gabriel recognized as one of those employed in the house, glided up to -him, with a finger on her lips, and holding a paper toward him with the -other hand, said in a low voice,-- - -"For the French gentleman whom Lord Wentworth entertains so often." - -She handed him the folded paper; and before Gabriel had recovered -sufficiently from his stupefaction to question her, she was already -gone. - -The youth, in his perplexity, being naturally of an inquiring mind, and -perhaps a little rash, reflected that he had a quarter of an hour's walk -to take in the dark before he would be able to read the note at his ease -in his own room; and that seemed a long while to wait for the key to a -riddle which piqued his curiosity. So without more ado he determined to -ascertain at once if anything was required of him. He looked about, and -seeing that he was quite alone, drew near the smoking lamp, unfolded the -note, and read, not altogether unmoved, the following words:-- - - -"Monsieur, I do not know you, nor have I ever seen you; but one of the -women who wait upon me tells me that you are a Frenchman, and are, as I -am, a prisoner. This gives me courage to appeal to you in my distress. -You are doubtless held for ransom. You will probably soon return to -Paris. You can see there my friends, who have no idea what has become of -me. You might tell them where I am; that Lord Wentworth is holding me a -prisoner without allowing me to communicate with a living, soul, and -refusing to name any price for my liberty; and that, shamefully abusing -the cruel privilege which my unfortunate position gives him, he has the -effrontery every day to speak to me of a passion which I repulse with -horror, but which my very scorn and his certainty of impunity may excite -to the use of force. A gentleman, and above all, a fellow-countryman, -will surely come to my aid in this wretched extremity; but I still have -to tell you who I am for whom--" - - -The letter came to an end there, and was unsigned. Some unexpected -interruption or sudden accident had probably caused her to break off -thus abruptly, and yet she had chosen to send the letter, even though it -were unfinished, so that she might not lose any precious opportunity, -and because, although not complete, it still said everything that she -wished to say except the name of the lady who was being subjected to -such odious restraint. - -That name Gabriel did not know, nor could he recognize the trembling, -hurried handwriting; and yet a strange feeling of anxiety, an -extraordinary presentiment, crept into his heart. Pale with emotion, he -drew near the lamp again to read the letter once more, when another door -behind him opened, and Lord Wentworth himself came out, preceded by a -little page, and crossed the courtyard on his way to his sleeping -apartment. - -As he recognized Gabriel, to whom he had said good-night some time -before, the governor stayed his steps in surprise. - -"Are you still here, my friend?" he said, approaching him with his -customary friendly manner. "What has detained you? No mishap, I trust, -or sudden illness?" - -The straightforward young man, without replying, simply held out to Lord -Wentworth the letter that had been handed him. The Englishman cast his -eye upon it, and became even paler than Gabriel; but he succeeded in -maintaining his presence of mind, and while pretending to read it, was -really making up his mind how to deal with the matter. - -"What an old fool she is!" said he, crumpling the letter in his hand and -throwing it on the floor in well-feigned contempt. - -No words could have served to throw Gabriel off the scent more quickly -or completely, for he was continually absorbed in his own thoughts, and -had already begun to lose interest in the unknown. However, he did not -abandon his suspicions at once, but responded rather evasively,-- - -"You don't tell me who this prisoner is whom you are detaining here -against her will, my Lord?" - -"Against her will, indeed!" said Wentworth, in a perfectly unembarrassed -tone. "It is a kinswoman of my wife,--a little crack-brained, if any one -ever was,--whom her family wished to send away from England, and who -has, much to my disgust, been put in my charge in this place, where it -is easier to keep an eye on lunatics as well as on prisoners. However, -since you have penetrated this family secret, my dear fellow, I think I -might as well tell you the whole story on the spot. The particular mania -of Lady Howe, who has read too many of the poems of chivalry, is to -imagine, despite her fifty years and her gray hairs, that she is an -oppressed and persecuted heroine; and she tries to interest in her -behalf, by fables with more or less foundation in fact, every -good-looking young cavalier who comes within her reach. Upon my soul, -Gabriel, it seems to me as if my old aunt's romancing has enlisted your -sympathy for her. Come! confess that her _billet-doux_ did cause you a -little anxiety, my poor fellow?" - -"It's a strange story that you tell me, my Lord, you must agree," said -Gabriel, coldly; "you have never spoken to me of your kinswoman that I -remember." - -"No, to be sure I have not," rejoined Lord Wentworth; "for one does not -ordinarily care to admit strangers into one's confidence as to private -family matters." - -"But how does she come to say that she is French?" asked Gabriel. - -"Oh, to arouse your interest more successfully, in all probability," was -Wentworth's reply, with a smile which began to be rather forced. - -"And this passion which she claims that you inflict upon her, my Lord?" - -"The delusion of an old woman who mistakes ancient memories for new -hopes," rejoined Wentworth, who was beginning to grow restive. - -"Is it to avoid being laughed at, my Lord, that you keep her out of -everybody's sight?" - -"Ah, how many questions you ask!" exclaimed Lord Wentworth, frowning -darkly, but still without any outburst. "I had no idea you were of such -an inquiring mind, Gabriel. But it's quarter to nine, and I have your -agreement to be in your own quarters before the curfew sounds; for your -freedom as a prisoner on parole does not extend so far as to allow any -infringement of the police regulations of Calais. If Lady Howe interests -you so deeply, we can return to the subject to-morrow. Meanwhile, I beg -you will say nothing about these delicate family matters; and I have the -honor to wish you good-evening, Monsieur le Vicomte." - -Thereupon the governor saluted Gabriel, and re-entered the house. He -desired to retain his self-control to the end, and feared that he might -become too much excited if the conversation were to continue. - -Gabriel, after a moment's hesitation and thought, left the governor's -mansion to return to the humble abode of the armorer. But Lord Wentworth -had not remained so entirely master of himself to the last as to do away -with all suspicion in Gabriel's heart; and the young man's doubts, which -were added to by his secret instinct, assailed him anew on his way -through the streets. - -He determined to say nothing more on the subject to Lord Wentworth, who -was not likely to give him any information, but to watch and make -inquiries, and to find out if he could whether the fair unknown was -really a countrywoman of his own, and the Englishman's prisoner. - -"But, _mon Dieu_! even if that is proved to demonstration," thought -Gabriel, "what can I do then? Am I not myself a prisoner here? Are not -my hands bound, and has not Lord Wentworth a perfect right to call upon -me for my sword, which I wear only by his favor and at his pleasure? -There must be an end to this state of things; and I must be able to have -matters on a different footing, in case of need. Martin-Guerre must -absolutely and without more trifling be off to-morrow. I will tell him -so myself this very evening." - -So when the door had been opened to Gabriel by one of Pierre Peuquoy's -apprentices, he went up to the second floor, instead of stopping, as he -generally did, at his own room on the first floor. Probably everybody in -the house was asleep at that hour, Martin-Guerre no doubt like the -others. If so, Gabriel concluded to awaken him and make known to him his -firm determination. He noiselessly approached the room occupied by his -squire, so that he might disturb nobody's slumbers. - -The key was in the outer door, which Gabriel softly opened; but the -inner door was closed, and Gabriel could hear through the partition -bursts of laughter and the clinking of glasses. Thereupon he knocked -with some force, and announced himself in an imperious voice. The noise -ceased abruptly; and as Gabriel only called the louder, Arnauld du Thill -hurriedly opened the door to his master. In fact, he made too much -haste, and failed to allow sufficient time for a fluttering dress, which -was vanishing through an opposite door, to disappear completely before -Gabriel came in. - -He took it to be some little love-making with the housemaid; and as he -was not very prudish in his ideas, he could not refrain from smiling as -he reprimanded his squire. - -"Aha, Martin," said he, "I think you must be much better than you -pretend! A table all set, three bottles, and two covers! I seem to have -frightened away your companion at the banquet. Never mind! I have seen -now very decisive proofs of your recovery, and I am more than ever free -from hesitation about ordering you to start to-morrow." - -"That was my intention, you know, Monseigneur," said Arnauld, rather -abashed; "and I was just saying my adieus--" - -"To a friend? Oh, yes!" said Gabriel, "that shows your kind heart; but -friendship must not make us forget our duty, and I must insist that you -be on your way to Paris before I rise to-morrow. You have the governor's -safe-conduct; your outfit has been ready for some days: your horse is as -thoroughly rested as yourself; your purse is full, thanks to the -confidence of our good host, who has only one regret, worthy man, and -that is that he is unable to advance the whole of my ransom. You lack -nothing, Martin; and if you start early in the morning you ought to be -in Paris in three days. Do you remember what you are to do when you are -safely there?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur. I am to go at once to the house in the Rue des -Jardins de St. Paul, to inform your nurse of your safety; to ask her for -the ten thousand crowns required for your ransom, and three thousand -more for your expenses and debts here; and as tokens of my authority, I -am to show her this line from you, and your ring." - -"Useless precautions, Martin, for my good nurse knows you well, my -faithful fellow! but I have yielded to your scruples. Remember to see -that this money is got together as quickly as possible, do you -understand?" - -"Never fear, Monseigneur. When I have the money, and have handed your -letter to Monsieur l'Amiral, I am to come back even faster than I went -away." - -"No wretched quarrels on the way, above all things!" "There is no -danger, Monseigneur." - -"Well, then, adieu, Martin, and good luck to you!" - -"In ten days you will see me here again, Monseigneur, and at sunrise -to-morrow I shall be a long way from Calais." - -On this occasion Arnauld kept his promise. He allowed Babette to go with -him next morning to the city walls. He embraced her for the last time, -swearing solemnly that she should see him again very soon; then he drove -his spurs into his horse, and was off in high spirits like the rascal -that he was, and speedily disappeared at a bend in the road. - -The poor girl made haste to get back to the house before her terrible -brother should have arisen; but she had to send word down that she was -ill, so that she might indulge her grief alone in her chamber. - -Thereafter it would not be easy to say whether she or Gabriel awaited -the squire's return the more impatiently. They were both doomed to wait -a long while. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -HOW ARNAULD DU THILL CAUSED ARNAULD DU THILL TO -BE HANGED AT NOYON - - -During the first day Arnauld du Thill had no unfortunate encounter, and -pursued his journey with reasonable celerity. He met parties of the -enemy from time to time along the road,--German deserters, disbanded -Englishmen, and Spaniards insolent in the pride of conquest; for there -were more foreigners than Frenchmen at this time in our poor debased -France. But to all questioners Arnauld proudly exhibited Lord -Wentworth's safe-conduct; and all of them, not without some regretful -grumbling, thought best to respect the signature of the governor of -Calais. - -Nevertheless, on the second day, in the neighborhood of St. Quentin, a -detachment of Spaniards undertook to get the better of him by claiming -that his horse was not included in the safe-conduct, and that they might -conclude to confiscate him; but the false Martin-Guerre was firm as a -rock, and demanded to be taken to their commander, whereupon they -released the sharp fellow and his horse without more ado. - -However, the adventure served as a useful lesson to him, and he resolved -henceforward to avoid as far as possible all meetings with armed bands. -But it was a difficult matter; the enemy, although they had gained no -decisive advantage by the capture of St. Quentin, nevertheless occupied -all the surrounding country. Le Catelet, Ham, Noyon, and Chauny were in -their hands; and when Arnauld found himself before Noyon, on the evening -of the second day, he made up his mind that his best plan was to avoid -the town by a detour, and not put up for the night until he came to the -next settlement. - -In order to do this he had to leave the high-road. Arnauld, being but -little acquainted with the country, lost his way; as he was trying to -get back into the right road again, he suddenly found himself at a turn -in the path in the midst of a detachment of armed men, who likewise -seemed to be in search of something. - -It is easier to imagine than describe Arnauld's intense satisfaction -when he heard one of them cry out as soon as he caught sight of him,-- - -"Hallo! If here isn't that miserable Arnauld du Thill now!" - -"Arnauld du Thill on horseback?" said another of the party. - -"Great Heaven!" said the squire to himself, turning pale, "I seem to be -known hereabouts; and if I am really recognized, it's all over with me." - -It was too late, however, for him to turn about and make his escape, for -the soldiers were all around him. Fortunately it was already pretty -dark. - -"Who are you, and where are you going?" one of them asked him. - -"My name is Martin-Guerre," replied Arnauld, trembling with fear; "I am -the squire of Vicomte d'Exmès, now a prisoner at Calais, and I am on my -way to Paris to procure the money for his ransom. Here is a safe-conduct -signed by Lord Wentworth, governor of Calais." - -The leader of the troop called one of his men, who carried a torch, and -began with very serious mien to examine Arnauld's pass. - -"The seal is all right," said he; "and the pass seems to be genuine. You -have told the truth, my friend; and you may go on about your business." - -"Thanks," said Arnauld, breathing again. - -"One word more, my friend. You have not chanced to meet on your way a -man who had the appearance of a fugitive, a rascally gallows-bird, who -answers to the name of Arnauld du Thill?" - -"I don't know any such man as Arnauld du Thill," was Arnauld du Thill's -hasty reply. - -"Perhaps you don't know him, my friend; but you might have met him among -these by-paths. He is about your height, and as well as one can judge in -this darkness, of somewhat the same build. But he is by no means so well -dressed as you, I must admit. He wears a brown cape, round hat, and gray -leggings, and he should be in hiding somewhere in the direction that you -came from. The villain! Oh, if he but fall into our hands just once -more, that devilish scoundrel!" - -"What has he done, pray?" inquired Arnauld, hesitatingly. - -"What has he done? This is the third time that he has escaped from us. -He claims that we made his life too hard for him. I think he's right -too! When he ran away the first time he carried off his master's light -o' love. Surely that deserved punishment. Then he had nothing to pay for -his ransom. He has been sold over and over again, and has passed from -hand to hand, and was the property of anybody who wanted him. It was no -more than fair that since he could be of no value to us, he should -entertain us; but that made him proud, and he didn't choose to do it any -longer, so he ran away again. Now, this makes the third time that he has -done it, and if we catch the blackguard again!" - -"What will you do to him?" asked Arnauld, again. - -"The first time we beat him; the second time we half killed him; and the -third time we will hang him!" - -"Hang him!" echoed Arnauld, in alarm. - -"To the nearest tree, my good fellow; and without trial. He is ours. To -hang him will amuse us, and teach him a lesson. Look to your right, my -friend. Do you see that gallows? Well, we shall string up Arnauld du -Thill on that very gallows the moment we succeed in capturing him." - -"Oh, indeed!" said Arnauld, with rather constrained merriment. - -"It's just as I tell you, my friend! so if you meet the rascal, just -take him in hand, and bring him to us; we will not forget the service. -Until then, farewell." - -Thereupon they were leaving him, but he, feeling immensely relieved, -called them back. - -"Pardon me, masters, but one good turn deserves another! I am completely -astray, you see, and have not the slightest idea where I am; so just set -my compass right for me, will you?" - -"That's very easily done, my friend," said the trooper. "Those walls -behind you and the postern-gate that you can just distinguish in the -darkness are part of Noyon. You are looking too far to the right, toward -the gallows; look more to the left, where you see the pikes of our -comrades glistening, for our company is doing guard-duty to-night at -that postern. Now, turn about and you have in front of you the road from -Paris through the wood. About twenty paces from here the road forks. You -may turn to the right or left, as you think best. The roads are of equal -length, and come together at the ferry over the Oise about a fourth of a -league from here. Having crossed the ferry, bear always to the right. -The first village is Auvray, a league from the ferry. Now you know as -much as we do, my friend. A pleasant journey to you!" - -"Thanks, and good-evening," said Arnauld, putting his horse to a trot. - -The directions they had given him were very accurate. Twenty paces away -he came to the fork, and left the selection to his horse, who chose the -left-hand road. - -The night was very dark, and the forest doubly so. However, in about ten -minutes Arnauld arrived at a clearing in the woods; and the moon, -breaking through the clouds, cast a feeble and uncertain light upon the -road. - -At that moment the squire was thinking of the fright he had had, and of -the strange adventure which had put his _sang-froid_ to the test. Though -his mind was at ease as to the past, he could not contemplate the future -without misgiving. - -"This must be the real Martin-Guerre, whom they are hunting under my -name," he thought. "But the gallows-bird has got away! I shall find him -at Paris as soon as I get there myself, very likely, and a fine contest -I shall have on my hands in that case. I know that nothing but impudence -can carry me through; but it may be my destruction. Why need the -blackguard have escaped h He is getting to be a great nuisance -certainly; and it would be a great kindness to me if those brave fellows -would hang him. He is decidedly my evil genius." - -This edifying monologue was yet unfinished when Arnauld, who had a very -keen and practised sight, saw or thought he saw, a hundred paces or so -ahead of him, a man, or more properly speaking, a shadow, which, as he -drew near, suddenly disappeared in a ditch. - -"Hallo! another ill-timed meeting,--an ambush perhaps," thought the -prudent Arnauld. - -He tried to plunge into the woods, but the ditch was impassable for -horseman and horse. He waited a few moments, then ventured to look -around. The phantom, which had raised its head, disappeared as quickly -as before. - -"Can it be that he is as much afraid of me as I am of him?" said Arnauld -to himself. "Are we equally anxious to avoid each other? Well, I must do -something, since this infernal undergrowth prevents my going across -through the woods to the other road. Must I go back to the fork in the -road! That would be the surest way. May I not bravely put my horse on -the run and pass my man like a flash? That would be the shortest way to -do. He is on foot, and unless a shot from an arquebuse--but no, I won't -give him time for that." - -No sooner resolved than carried out. Arnauld drove both spurs into his -horse's sides, and went by the man in ambush or hiding like a streak of -lightning. - -The man did not stir. - -That rather lessened Arnauld's terror; he pulled up his horse, and even -went back a few steps, acting upon a thought that had suddenly occurred -to him. - -Still the man gave no sign of life. - -Thereupon all Arnauld's courage came back to him; and now, almost -certain that he was right in his conjecture, he rode straight up to the -ditch. - -But at this juncture, and before he had time even to utter an -exclamation, the man gave one leap, and releasing Arnauld' right foot -from the stirrup with a sudden movement, and throwing it roughly over -the saddle, he cast the squire from his horse, fell to the ground upon -him, and seized him by the throat with his knee on his chest. - -All this took place in less than twenty seconds. - -"Who are you? What do you want?" asked the victor of his fallen foe. - -"Let me get up, I beseech you!" said the almost strangled voice of -Arnauld, who felt that he had met his master. "I am a Frenchman; but I -have a safe-conduct from Lord Wentworth, governor of Calais." - -"If you are a Frenchman," said the man,--"and in truth you seem not to -have an accent like all these demons of foreigners,--I have no need of -your passport. But what made you approach me in such an extraordinary -way?" - -"I thought that I saw a man in the ditch," said Arnauld, as the pressure -on his chest was somewhat relaxed; "and I was coming to see if it wasn't -a wounded man, and if there wasn't something I could do for him." - -"Your purpose was good," said the man, withdrawing his hand and taking -away his knee. "Come, get up, comrade," he added, extending his hand to -Arnauld, who was soon on his feet. "I gave you rather a--rather a rough -welcome; but you must excuse me, because I have no mind just now to have -anybody interfering with my affairs. But you are a fellow-countryman, -which is a very different matter; and far from injuring me, you may do -me a great service. Let us get to know each other first. My name is -Martin-Guerre; and yours?" - -"Mine? Mine? It's Bertrand," said Arnauld, with a start; for being alone -with him at night, and in that dense forest, this man, whom he -ordinarily ruled completely by virtue of his cunning and shrewdness, now -quite as completely had him in his power by virtue of his strength and -courage. - -Fortunately for Arnauld, the darkness assured his remaining -unrecognized, and he did his best to disguise his voice. - -"Well, friend Bertrand," continued Martin-Guerre, "let me tell you that -I am an escaped prisoner, and that I got away this morning for the -second time (my captors say for the third) from these Spaniards and -English and Germans and Flemings; in short, from this whole catalogue of -foes who have settled down upon our poor land like a swarm of locusts. -For may I be hanged if France is not at this moment another Tower of -Babel! For the last month I have belonged, just as you see me now, to -twenty jabberers of different nationalities; and each patois was always -harsher and more outlandish to listen to than the last. I was tired to -death of being harried from village to village, which was done to me so -much that I began to think they were simply making sport of me, and -amusing themselves by tormenting me. They were forever blackguarding me -about some pretty little witch named Gudule, who was supposed to have -fallen in love with me so madly apparently as to have run away with me." - -"Aha!" ejaculated Arnauld. - -"I am just telling you what they told me. Well, their raillery tired me -so much that one fine morning I took to my heels, all alone, however. As -bad luck would have it, they caught me, and pounded me so that I had to -pity myself. But what was the good of it all? They threatened to hang me -if I did it again, but that only made me all the more anxious to attempt -it; and this morning, seizing a favorable opportunity while they were -arranging their quarters at Noyon, I gave my tyrants the slip again -finely. God knows how eagerly they have been hunting for me to hang me! -But as I am strongly opposed to that conclusion of the affair, I have -been perched up in a tall tree here in the woods all day, waiting for -night to come; and I couldn't help laughing, although rather feebly, to -see them pass right under my feet, cursing and swearing. When it became -dark, I left my observatory. Now, in the first place, I have lost myself -in the woods, having never been here before; and in the second place, I -am dying of hunger, not having had a morsel between my teeth for -twenty-four hours, except a few leaves and roots, which do not make a -bountiful meal. That is why I fell down from weakness, as you can easily -understand." - -"Phew!" said Arnauld. "I didn't understand it that way just now; on the -contrary, you seemed to me, I must confess, to be quite vigorous." - -"Oh, yes," said Martin, "because I pommelled you a little. However, -don't be angry about it. It was the fever of hunger that lent strength -to my arm. But now you are my Providence; for you, being a -fellow-countryman, surely will not let me fall into the hands of those -fellows again, will you?" - -"No, to be sure I will not, if I can help you in any way," replied -Arnauld du Thill, who was reflecting in his shrewd way upon what Martin -had said. - -He began to see light on the subject of regaining his advantage, which -had been put in some peril by the strong grasp of his double. - -"You can do a great deal for me," Martin-Guerre went on ingenuously. -"Are you not somewhat acquainted with this neighborhood?" - -"I belong in Auvray, a quarter of a league from here," said Arnauld. - -"Are you on your way there?" - -"No, I am just coming from there," replied the crafty knave, after a -moment's hesitation. - -"Does Auvray lie in that direction, then?" asked Martin, pointing toward -Noyon. - -"Exactly so," replied Arnauld; "it is the first village out of Noyon on -the road to Paris." - -"On the road to Paris!" cried Martin; "well, just see, then, how a man -may get turned around in the woods! I fancied that my back was turned to -Noyon, whereas I was really coming back to it; that I was going toward -Paris, whereas I was really getting farther away. The cursed country is -entirely strange to me, as I was just telling you. So it seems that I -must travel in the direction from which you came to avoid walking into -the wolfs jaws." - -"You are quite right, Master! I am going to Noyon; but walk with me a -few steps. We shall find at the ferry over the Oise, close by, another -road which will take you to Auvray more directly." - -"I am very much obliged, friend Bertrand," said Martin; "to be sure, I -want to be as sparing of my steps as possible, for I am very tired and -very weak, having, as I was telling you, about as little sustenance in -me as I well could have. You don't happen to have anything to eat about -you, friend Bertrand, do you? If you have, you will have saved me twice -over,--once from the English, and again from starvation, which is quite -as terrible as they." - -"Alas!" was Arnauld's reply, "I haven't a crumb in my haversack! But if -you care for a draught of good wine, why, my calash is quite full." - -In fact, Babette had taken care to fill her unfaithful swain's calash -with _vin de Chypre_,--a very potent wine of the period; and Arnauld up -to that time had indulged very sparingly, so as to retain his rather -easily upset reasoning powers amid the perils of the road. - -"I think I should be more than glad of a drink!" cried Martin-Guerre, -enthusiastically. "A draught of wine is sure to enliven me a bit." - -"Well, then, take it and drink away, my good fellow!" said Arnauld, -offering him his calash. - -"Thanks! And may God requite you!" said Martin, who set to work -unsuspiciously to drown his sorrows in the wine, which was as -treacherous as he who offered it, and whose fumes almost immediately -began to work upon his brain, which was easily affected on account of -his long abstinence from food. - -"Well, well," said he, hilariously, "this light wine of yours doesn't -lack fire!" - -"Oh, _mon Dieu_! it's quite harmless!" said Arnauld; "I drink two -bottles at every meal. But as the evening is very fine, let us sit here -on the grass awhile; and do you take a good rest, and drink at your -leisure. I have time enough; and I shall be all right if I reach Noyon -before ten o'clock, which is the hour for closing the gates. But you, -although Auvray still flies the standard of France, are nevertheless -likely to meet with troublesome patrolling parties if you follow the -high-road so early; while if you leave it, you will lose your way again. -The best course will be for us to stay here awhile, and quietly talk -matters over. Where were you made prisoner?" - -"I don't quite know," said Martin-Guerre, "for there are two -contradictory versions of that matter, just as there are of almost the -whole of my unfortunate life,--one which I believe myself, and another -which I hear from others. For instance, I am assured that it was at the -battle of St. Laurent that I surrendered at discretion; while my own -idea is that I was not present on that occasion, and that it was -somewhat later than that I fell into the hands of a party of the -enemy all by myself." - -"What do you mean?" asked Arnauld, feigning incredulity. "Have you two -histories, pray? Your adventures seem very interesting and instructive, -to say the least of them. I must confess that I am extravagantly fond of -such tales. Just take a good drink to freshen up your memory, and tell -me something of your life. You are not from Picardy?" - -"No," replied Martin, after a pause, which he occupied in drinking three -fourths of the contents of the calash; "no, I am from the -South,--Artigues." - -"A fine country, they say. Is your family there?" - -"My wife and children, my good friend," replied Martin, who had become -very expansive and confidential under the influence of the Chypre. - -Being stimulated partly by Arnauld's questions and partly by his -constant libations, he began to narrate with great volubility his whole -history, even to its least detail,--his youth, his love-affairs, and his -marriage; that his wife was a very charming woman, notwithstanding a -slight failing in regard to her hand, which was too quick and too heavy -at once. In truth, a blow from a woman was no dishonor to a man, -although it was rather tiresome in the long run. That was why -Martin-Guerre had left his too-emphatic wife. Then followed a -circumstantial account of the causes, details, and sequel of the rupture -between them. However, he loved her still at heart,--his dear Bertrande! -He still wore on his finger his iron marriage-ring, and over his heart -the two or three letters which Bertrande had written the first time they -ever were separated. As he told of this, the honest fellow wept. It was -decidedly tender-hearted wine. He would have liked to go on with the -details of everything that had happened to him since he entered the -service of Vicomte d'Exmès; that a demon had pursued him; that he, -Martin-Guerre, was double, and did not recognize himself at all in his -other existence. But this portion of his narrative seemed less -interesting to Arnauld du Thill, who kept luring him back to talk of his -childhood and his father's house, of his friends and kinsfolk at -Artigues, and of Bertrande's charms and failings. - -In less than two hours the treacherous Arnauld, by dint of skilful and -persistent questioning, knew all that he cared to know about the former -habits and the most private concerns of poor Martin-Guerre. - -At the end of two hours Martin, with his head on fire, rose, or rather -tried to rise; for as soon as he moved, he stumbled and fell heavily -back onto his seat. - -"Well, well, what's the matter?" said he, with a loud laugh which was a -long while dying out. "Upon my soul, your saucy wine has done its work! -Give me your hand, pray, my friend, so that I may be able to stand up." - -Arnauld courageously went about hoisting him up, and at last succeeded -in getting him on his legs, but not in a posture of classical -equilibrium. - -"Hallo, there! what a number of lanterns!" cried Martin. "Oh, what a -fool I am! I took the stars for lanterns." - -Then he began to sing at the top of his voice,-- - - -"Par ta foy, envoyras-tu pas -Au vin, pour fournir le repas -Du meilleur cabaret d'enfer -Le vieil ravasseur Lucifer?"[1] - - -"Don't make such an infernal noise!" cried Arnauld; "suppose some party -of the enemy should be passing near, and hear you?" - -"_Basta_! I'm not afraid of them," said Martin; "what could they do to -me? Hang me? It must be very fine to be hanged. You have made me drink -too much, comrade. I, who am commonly as sober as a judge, don't know -how to fight against drunkenness, and then, besides, I had been fasting, -and I was almost starved; now I am thirsty." - - -"'Par ta foy, envoyras-tu pas--'" - - -"Be still!" said Arnauld. "Come, try to walk. Don't you mean to put up -for the night at Auvray?" - -"Oh, yes, I want to put up for the night," said Martin, "but not at -Auvray; down here on the grass, beneath God's lanterns." - -"Yes," retorted Arnauld; "and to-morrow morning some Spanish patrol will -come along and discover you, and send you to take up your quarters with -the Devil." - -"With Lucifer, the old rake?" said Martin. "No, I prefer to pull myself -together a bit, and drag myself as far as Auvray. It's this way, isn't -it? Well, I'm off." - -But it was absurd for him to talk about pulling himself together: for he -described such marvellous zigzags that Arnauld saw clearly that without -some help from him, Martin would speedily lose his way again,--that is -to say, he would very likely be safe for the time; and that was just -what the villain did not want. - -"Come," said he to poor, drunken Martin; "I have a kind heart, and -Auvray is not so very far away. I will go there with you. Just let me -unhitch my horse; then I can lead him by the bridle, and give you my -arm." - -"_Ma foi_! I gladly accept," rejoined Martin; "I am not proud, and -between ourselves I confess that I believe I am a little tipsy. I am -still of the opinion that light wine of yours does not lack -strength. I am very happy, but just a little tipsy." - -"Well, let's be off; it's getting late," said Arnauld du Thill, starting -off on the road by which he had come, with his double leaning on his -arm, and heading straight for the postern gate of Noyon. "But to beguile -the time," he added, "are you not going to tell me another amusing story -about Artigues?" - -"Shall I tell you the story of Papotte?" said Martin-Guerre. "Ah, poor -Papotte!" - -The epic of Papotte was rather too incoherent for us to undertake to -reproduce here. It was almost finished when these two Dromios of the -sixteenth century arrived in rather indifferent trim before the Noyon -gate. - -"There!" said Arnauld; "I have no need to go any farther. Do you see -that gate h Well, that is the gate of Auvray. Knock there, and the -watchman will open for you; you tell him that you are a friend of mine, -and he will point out to you my house, only two steps from the gate. Go -there, and my brother will welcome you and give you a good supper and a -good bed. Now, comrade, let me shake your hand once more, and adieu!" - -"Adieu! and many thanks," said Martin. "I am only a poor devil, and in -no condition to realize all that you have done for me. But never fear, -the good Lord, who is a just God, will know how to requite you. Adieu, -my friend." - -Strangely enough, these drunken predictions made Arnauld shudder, though -superstition was not among his faults; and for a moment he thought of -calling Martin back. But he was already knocking lustily at the postern. - -"Poor devil, he is knocking at the door of his tomb!" thought Arnauld; -"but, bah! this is childishness." - -Meanwhile Martin, with no suspicion that his fellow-traveller was spying -him from a distance, was shouting at the top of his voice,-- - -"Hallo there, watchman! Hallo, Cerberus! open the gate, blockhead! It is -Bertrand, worthy Bertrand, who has sent me." - -"Who goes there?" demanded the sentinel from within. "It's too late to -come in. Who are you to be making such an uproar?" - -"Who am I? You drunkard, I am Martin-Guerre, or Arnauld du Thill, if you -please; or the friend of Bertrand, if you like that better. I am several -people all at once, especially when I am in liquor. I am twenty rakes or -so, who are going to give you a good sound drubbing if you don't open -the gate for me at once." - -"Arnauld du Thill! You are Arnauld du Thill?" asked the sentinel. - -"Yes, I am Arnauld du Thill, twenty thousand cartloads of devils!" said -Martin-Guerre, hammering away at the gate with feet as well as fists. - -Then there was a noise behind the gate as of troops assembling at the -call of the sentinel. - -A man with a lantern opened the gate; and Arnauld du Thill, crouching -behind the trees at a little distance, heard several voices crying out -together in surprise,-- - -"Upon my word, it's he! It's he indeed, upon my soul!" - -Poor Martin-Guerre, recognizing his tyrants, uttered a cry of despair, -which struck upon Arnauld's heart in his hiding-place like a -malediction. - -Then he judged from the trampling and yelling that brave Martin, seeing -that everything was lost, was making a stout fight for liberty; but he -had only two fists against twenty swords. The noise grew less, then died -gradually away until it ceased altogether. They had dragged Martin away, -blaspheming and cursing. - -"If he expects to smooth matters over with insults and blows--" said -Arnauld, rubbing his hands. - -When he could hear nothing more, he gave himself up to reflection for a -quarter of an hour; for he was a very deep rascal, this same Arnauld du -Thill. The result of his meditation was that he penetrated three or four -hundred paces into the woods, tied his horse to a tree, laid his saddle -and blanket upon the dead leaves, wrapped himself in his cloak, and in a -few minutes was sleeping the deep sleep which God makes much easier for, -the hardened villain than for the innocent. - -He slept eight hours without stirring. - -Nevertheless, when he awoke it was still dark; and he knew from the -position of the stars that it must be about four o'clock in the morning. -He rose and shook himself, and without disturbing his horse, crept -softly out toward the high-road. - -On the gallows which they had pointed out to him the night before, the -body of poor Martin-Guerre was swinging gently to and fro. - -A hideous smile flickered upon Arnauld's lips. - -He approached the body without a quiver; but it was hanging too high for -him to touch. Then he climbed up the gallows-post, sword in hand, and -when he had reached the necessary height, cut the cord with his sword. - -The body fell to the ground. - -Arnauld came down again, removed an iron ring hardly worth the taking -from the dead man's finger, searched in his breast and there found some -papers which he carefully put away, put his cloak on again, and coolly -walked away, without a look, without a prayer for the poor wretch whom -he had worried so during his life, and whom he thus robbed in death. - -He found his horse in the underbrush, saddled him, and started off at -full speed toward Aulnay. He was well satisfied, villain that he was, -for Martin no longer was an object of fear to him. - -A half-hour later, just as the first glimmer of day began to appear in -the east, a wood-cutter, chancing to pass that way, saw the gallows-cord -cut, and the body lying on the ground. He drew near, fearful and curious -at the same time, to the dead man, whose clothes were in disorder, and -the cord loose around his neck; he was wondering whether the weight of -the body had broken the cord, or if some friend had cut it, too late, no -doubt. He even ventured to touch the body to make sure that it was -really lifeless. - -To his unbounded alarm, the body moved its head and hands, and raised -itself upon its knees; and the terrified wood-cutter fled into the -woods, crossing himself over and over again, and commending his soul to -God and the saints. - - -[Footnote 1: "Old Lucifer, thou libertine, -Wilt thou not send some wine -From Acheron's best cabaret -To grace this feast of mine?"] - - - - -CHAPTER III - -ARNAULD DU THILL'S BUCOLIC DREAMS - - -The Constable de Montmorency, who had only returned to Paris the night -before, after paying a royal sum by way of ransom, had presented himself -at the Louvre to ascertain how the land lay; but Henri had received him -with forbidding coolness, and had indulged himself in the highest -encomiums upon the administration of the Duc de Guise, who had so -arranged matters, he said, as to diminish, if not altogether to amend, -the misfortunes of the kingdom. - -The constable, pale with anger and jealousy, thought that he might at -least hope to find some comfort from Diane de Poitiers. But the favorite -also received him very coldly; and when Montmorency complained of such -a reception, and gave voice to his fear that his absence had been a very -bad thing for him, and that some more fortunate man than he had -succeeded him in the good graces of the duchess, Madame de Poitiers -rejoined impertinently,-- - -"_Dame_! of course you know the new by-word of the Parisian populace?" - -"I arrived but now, Madame; and I do not know," the constable began -hesitatingly. - -"Oh, well! they say now, this scandal-loving populace, 'This is the -motto of St. Laurent: he who forsakes his post, loses it.'" - -The constable, with a blanched face, saluted the duchess, and left the -Louvre with death at his heart. - -When he reached his hotel and was alone in his own room, he cast his hat -violently on the floor. - -"Oh, these kings and these women!" he cried. "An ungrateful lot they -are! They care for nothing but success." - -"Monseigneur," said his valet, "there is a man asking leave to speak to -you." - -"Let him go to the devil!" retorted the constable. "I am in fine -condition to receive visitors! Send him to Monsieur de Guise." - -"Monseigneur, this man begged me to tell you his name, which he says is -Arnauld du Thill." - -"Arnauld du Thill!" exclaimed the constable, "that's a different matter. -Show him in." - -The valet bowed and withdrew. - -"This fellow Arnauld," the constable reflected, "is clever, cunning, and -avaricious,--more than that, he has no scruples and conscience. Oh, if -he could only help me to be revenged on all these people! To be -revenged, do I say? But what should I gain by that? He might possibly -help me to make my way back into favor! He knows many things. It has -already occurred to me to make use of my knowledge of this Montgommery -affair; but it would be much better if I might learn something from -Arnauld which would enable me to dispense with doing that." - -At this moment Arnauld du Thill was ushered into the room. - -Joy and impudence were struggling for the mastery in the rascal's -expression. He bowed to the ground before the constable. - -"I thought you were a prisoner," said Montmorency. - -"So I was, Monseigneur, just as you were." - -"But you seem to have got out of the difficulty," rejoined the -constable. - -"Yes, Monseigneur; I paid them in my money,--that is to say, I laughed -at them instead. You used your money and I used my wits; and here we are -both at liberty." - -"Ah, you are an impudent scoundrel," said the constable. - -"No, Monseigneur," rejoined Arnauld, "it was just my modest way of -saying that I am out of money, that's all." - -"Hum!" grumbled Montmorency; "what do you want of me?" - -"Money, since I have none, Monseigneur." - -"And why should I give you money?" - -"Why, to pay me, Monseigneur," replied the spy. - -"Pay you for what, pray?" - -"For the intelligence I bring you." - -"Tell me your news." - -"Let me see your crowns." - -"Villain! suppose I were to have you hanged?" - -"A most contemptible way that of loosening my tongue, Monseigneur, to -stretch my neck." - -"He is so very audacious," thought the constable, "that he must know -that I can't do without him." - -"Well, fellow," he said, aloud, "I have no objection to making some -slight further advance to you." - -"Monseigneur is very kind," said Arnauld; "and I will not fail to remind -him of his generous promise when he has settled up his outstanding debt -to me." - -"What debt?" asked the constable. - -"Here is my account, Monseigneur," said Arnauld, producing the famous -document which we have seen him at work on so often. - -Anne de Montmorency cast his eyes over it. - -"Yes," said he, "this paper contains, besides services which are -entirely fanciful and imaginary, others which might have been very -useful to me at the time when you rendered them, considering my -situation at that time, but which at present serve no purpose except to -make my regrets all the more poignant." - -"Bah, Monseigneur! it may be that you exaggerate the extent of your -disgrace," said Arnauld. - -"What's that?" said the constable. "Do you know, then, pray, does -everybody already know, that I am in disgrace?" - -"People suspect as much; and so do I, Monseigneur." - -"Very well, then, Arnauld," Montmorency rejoined bitterly; "you may very -well suspect too that it is of no use to me at present that Vicomte -d'Exmès and Diane de Castro were separated at St. Quentin, since in all -probability the king and the grande sénéchale are no longer willing to -give their daughter to my son." - -"_Mon Dieu_, Monseigneur!" was Arnauld's response. "I imagine that the -king would very gladly consent to give her to you if you could give her -back to him." - -"What do you mean?" - -"I say, Monseigneur, that our sire, Henri II., ought to be very sad at -heart at this moment, not only because of the loss of St. Quentin and -the battle of St. Laurent, but also because of the loss of his dearly -loved daughter Diane de Castro, who disappeared after the siege of St. -Quentin without leaving any traces by which it is possible to tell what -has become of her; for there have been twenty contradictory and -inconsistent reports about her disappearance. Having only returned -yesterday, of course you know nothing of all this, Monseigneur; I didn't -know it myself until this morning." - -"I had so many other things to think of," said the constable, "it was -quite natural that I should be thinking of my present disgrace rather -than of my past favor." - -"Very true!" said Arnauld; "but would not that favor how back in your -direction if you should say to the king something like this, for -instance: 'Sire, you are sorrowing for your daughter, and searching for -her everywhere, and asking news of her from every one you see; but I -alone know where she is, Sire?'" - -"Do you mean to say that you know, Arnauld?" asked Montmorency, eagerly. - -"My trade is to know things," said the spy. "I told you that I had news -to sell; and you see that my goods are not of poor quality. You should -reflect on that, Monseigneur." - -"I reflect," said the constable, "that kings have a way of remembering -the defeats of their servants, but not their merits. When I have -restored Henri's daughter to him, he will be beside himself with delight -at first; all the wealth and all the honors in his whole realm would not -be enough to requite me in the first flush of his gratitude. Then Diane -will weep, and say that she would rather die than give her hand to any -but her dear Vicomte d'Exmès; and the king, being entirely under her -control, and dominated by my bitter foes, will remember the battle that -I lost, and forget the child I have restored to him. So all my efforts -will be pushed out of sight to accomplish the happiness of Vicomte -d'Exmès." - -"In that case it will be necessary," said Arnauld, with a smile of -sinister meaning, "that Vicomte d'Exmès should disappear at the moment -that Madame de Castro reappears. Ah, that would be a fine game, eh?" - -"Yes; but I am reluctant to resort to such extreme measures," said the -constable. "I know that your hand is sure, and your tongue discreet; -but--" - -"Oh, Monseigneur entirely mistakes my intention!" cried Arnauld, -assuming an air of injured innocence. "Monseigneur does me great -injustice! Monseigneur believed that I wished to get rid of this youth -by a--violent process." (He made an expressive gesture.) "No, a thousand -times no! I have a much better plan than that." - -"What is it, pray?" asked the constable, with unfeigned interest. - -"Let us first arrange our own little matters, Monseigneur. Suppose that -I tell you the place where the lost damsel is to be found. I insure the -absence and silence of your son's dangerous rival, at least for the -length of time necessary to conclude his marriage. These are two notable -services, Monseigneur. Now, in return, what will you do for me?" - -"What do you ask?" - -"You are reasonable, and I will be the same," rejoined Arnauld. "In the -first place, you will settle, will you not, without haggling, the little -account for past services, which I had the honor to present to you just -now?" - -"Very well," replied the constable. - -"I knew that we should have no difficulty on this first point, -Monseigneur. The total is an insignificant sum, and the whole amount is -hardly enough to cover the expenses of my journey, and for certain gifts -which I expect to buy before I leave Paris. But then, money isn't the -only thing in the world." - -"What!" said the astonished and almost alarmed constable, "can it really -be Arnauld du Thill who says that money isn't the only thing in the -world?" - -"Even Arnauld du Thill, Monseigneur, but no longer the needy and -avaricious Arnauld du Thill whom you formerly knew. No; another Arnauld, -content with the moderate fortune he has--earned, and no longer -desirous, alas! of anything except to pass the rest of his life in peace -in the country where he was born, under his paternal roof-tree, and amid -the friends of his childhood, in the bosom of his family. That was -always my dream, Monseigneur; and I have ever looked forward to that as -the peaceful and delightful termination of my--troubled life." - -"Yes," said Montmorency, "if it is necessary to go through the tempest -in order to enjoy calm weather, you will surely be happy, Arnauld. But -have you made your fortune?" - -"Only a moderate one, Monseigneur,--only a moderate one. Ten thousand -crowns is a fortune for a poor devil like me, especially in my humble -village, and in the bosom of my modest family." - -"Your family! your village!" rejoined the constable; "you whom I -supposed to be without home or kinsfolk, and to be living on your wits -in a second-hand coat, and under an assumed name." - -"My real name is Martin-Guerre, Monseigneur, and Arnauld du Thill an -assumed one, in truth. I was born at the village of Artigues, near -Rieux, where my wife and children now live." - -"Your wife!" echoed old Montmorency, more and more bewildered. "Your -children!" - -"Yes, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld, in the most comically sentimental -tone imaginable; "and I ought to notify you, Monseigneur, not to count -upon any further services from me, and that these two suggestions which -I have just made will be the very last I can undertake to carry out. I -am going to withdraw from business, and lead an honest life henceforth, -surrounded by the affectionate regard of my people, and the esteem of my -fellow-citizens." - -"That's all very fine!" said the constable; "but if you have become so -modest and pastoral that you don't care to talk about money any more, -what price do you ask for these secrets which you say that you possess?" - -"I ask for something more, and yet less, than money, Monseigneur," -replied Arnauld, this time in his natural tone; "I ask for an -honor,--not for honors, of course, but just a little honor, of which I -am very much in need, I confess." - -"Explain yourself," said Montmorency, "for you are speaking in enigmas." - -"Well, then, Monseigneur, here it is: I have had a writing prepared -which attests that I, Martin-Guerre, have been in your service for so -many years as--as squire (we must draw on our imagination a bit); that -during all that time I have conducted myself as a trusty and faithful -and most devoted servant; and that this devotion, Monseigneur, you have -desired to repay by giving me a sufficient sum to enable me to pass the -rest of my life in comfort. Place your seal and your signature at the -foot of that document, Monseigneur, and we shall be quits." - -"Impossible!" was the constable's response. "I should render myself -liable to a charge of forgery--that is to say, to be branded as a forger -and a felon--if I signed such a mass of lies." - -"They are no lies, Monseigneur, for I have always served you faithfully, -according to my own lights; and I assure you that if I had saved all the -money I have obtained from you heretofore, it would amount now to more -than ten thousand crowns. So you do not expose yourself to any charge of -falsifying; and besides, do you think that I don't render myself liable -to very grave penalties in order to bring about the happy result of -which you have only to reap the fruits?" - -"Wretch! Such a comparison--" - -"Is perfectly fair, Monseigneur," Arnauld retorted. "Each of us is in -need of the other, and equality is the daughter of necessity. The spy -restores you your credit, so you must do as much for the spy. Come, no -one hears us, Monseigneur, so no false shame! Ratify the bargain; it is -a good one for me, but even better for you. Give and take, you know. -Sign, Monseigneur!" - -"No, not till afterward," rejoined Montmorency. "Give and take, as you -say. In the first place, I must know the means you propose to use to -arrive at this twofold result which you promise me. I must know what has -become of Diane de Castro, and what will become of Vicomte d'Exmès." - -"Very well! Except as to some minor details, I am ready to satisfy you -on these two points, Monseigneur; and you will be forced to agree that -chance and myself together have arranged things excellently well for -your interest." - -"Go on!" said the constable; "I am listening." - -"As far as Madame de Castro is concerned, she was neither slain nor -carried away, but simply made prisoner at St. Quentin, being included -among the fifty notable persons who were to be held to ransom. Now, why -has not the one into whose hands she has fallen made public his capture? -How is it that Madame de Castro herself has not sent any information of -her whereabouts? As to that, I am entirely in the dark. To tell the -truth, I thought she was already free, and expected to find her here in -Paris when I arrived. It was only this morning that I learned from the -public reports that nothing was known at court of her whereabouts, and -that this fact was by no means the least of Henri's causes of anxiety. -It may be that in these troublous times Madame Diane's messages may have -been misdirected or gone astray; or perhaps some other mystery may be -hidden under this delay. But at all events, I can put at rest all doubt, -and say positively where, and in whose hands, Madame de Castro is." - -"That information would indeed be very valuable," said the constable. -"Where is the place, and who is the man?" - -"Wait a moment, pray, Monseigneur!" said Arnauld. "Have you no wish to -be equally well informed as to Vicomte d'Exmès? For although it is a -good thing to know the whereabouts of our friends, it is even more -advantageous to be posted as to those of our enemies." - -"Oh, a truce to your proverbs!" said Montmorency. "Where is this -D'Exmès?" - -"Also a prisoner, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld. "Who is there who -hasn't been a prisoner more or less in these times? It has been quite -the fashion. Well, Vicomte d'Exmès has followed the fashion, and he is -a prisoner." - -"But he surely will be at no loss to let his whereabouts be known," was -the rejoinder of the constable. "He must have friends and plenty of -money; no doubt he will procure the wherewithal to pay his ransom, and -will be down upon us very soon." - -"You are quite right in your conjectures, Monseigneur. Yes, Vicomte -d'Exmès has money; and he is very impatient to be at liberty, and -proposes to pay his ransom at the earliest possible moment. In fact, he -has already sent a messenger to Paris to procure the price of his -freedom and hasten back to him with it." - -"What can we do, then?" asked Montmorency. - -"Fortunately for us, though unfortunately for him," Arnauld continued, -"the person whom he has sent to Paris in such hot haste is myself, -Monseigneur,--no other than myself, who am in Vicomte d'Exmès's service -as squire, under my real name of Martin-Guerre. You see that you can -call me a squire without falsehood." - -"And have you not executed your commission, you blackguard?" said the -constable. "Have you not your pretended master's ransom already in your -pocket?" - -"Indeed I have, Monseigneur, you may be quite sure, for one doesn't -leave such things on the ground. Consider, too, that not to take the -money would be to arouse suspicion. I took it to the last crown,--for -the good of the undertaking. But don't be alarmed! I shall put off -taking it to him for a long while, on one pretext or another. These ten -thousand crowns are just what I need to help me to pass the rest of my -life piously and honestly; and I should be supposed to owe them to your -generosity, Monseigneur, on the strength of the paper you are going to -sign." - -"I will not sign it, you villain!" cried Montmorency. "I will not -knowingly become the accomplice of a thief." - -"Oh, Monseigneur," said Arnauld, "what a harsh name that is to apply to -a stern necessity, which I submit to so that I may do you a service! -What! I allow my devotion to you to stifle the voice of my conscience, -and you recompense me thus for it? Oh, well, so be it! Let us send -Vicomte d'Exmès this sum of money, and he will be here as soon as -Madame Diane, if not before her. Whereas, if he should not receive it--" - -"Well, if he should not receive it?" said the constable. - -"We should gain so much time, Monseigneur. In the first place, Monsieur -d'Exmès will wait patiently a fortnight for my return. There is -naturally some delay about procuring ten thousand crowns; in fact, his -nurse didn't hand them to me till this morning." - -"Did that poor creature trust you, then?" - -"She trusted me, supported as I was by the viscount's ring and -handwriting, Monseigneur. Besides, she knew me perfectly well. Well, -then, we will say a fortnight of patient waiting, a week of anxious -waiting, and another week of hopeless waiting. It will be a month, or a -month and a half, before Vicomte d'Exmès will send another messenger in -search of the first. But the first will be hard to find; and if it is -not easy to get together ten thousand crowns, it will be almost -impossible to get ten thousand more. Thus you will have ample time to -marry your daughter twenty times over, Monseigneur; for Vicomte d'Exmès -will be as completely out of sight as if he were dead for more than two -months, and will not reappear, living and furious with rage, before the -beginning of the new year." - -"Yes, but he will come back!" said Montmorency; "and the very first day -he will set about finding out what has become of his good squire, -Martin-Guerre, will he not?" - -"Alas, Monseigneur," rejoined Arnauld, piteously, "the answer to be made -to him, I regret to inform you, will be that faithful Martin-Guerre, on -his way back to his master with the ransom which he had been sent after, -unluckily fell into the hands of a party of Spaniards, who, having -probably rifled his pockets and robbed him, cruelly hanged him at the -gates of Noyon to assure his silence." - -"What's that? Do you mean to be hanged, Arnauld?" - -"I have been, Monseigneur; see how zealous I am in your service. It will -only be as to the date of the execution that the various versions of the -story will differ somewhat. But can one believe plundering soldiers who -are interested in concealing the truth? Come, Monseigneur!" continued -the audacious fellow, gayly but with determination in his tone; "believe -that my precautions have been very carefully taken, and that with an -experienced blade like myself there is not the slightest danger that -your Excellency will ever be compromised. If prudence were banished from -earth, it would take refuge in the heart of a hanged man. Besides, I say -again, you will only be declaring what is true. I have served you for a -long while, as a number of your people can bear witness as well as -yourself; and you have given me quite ten thousand crowns in all, be -sure of that. Do you want me to give you a receipt for it?" added the -scamp, magnificently. - -The constable could not restrain a smile. - -"Yes," said he, "I do, varlet; if at the end of the account--" - -Arnauld interrupted. - -"Come, come, Monseigneur," said he; "you are only quibbling about the -form now, and what do superior minds like ours care for form? Just sign -without any more ado." - -He spread out upon the table before Montmorency the document which -needed only his signature. - -"But in the first place, the name of the city where Diane de Castro is -confined, and of the man whose prisoner she is?" - -"Name for name, Monseigneur; put yours at the foot of this paper, and -you shall have the others." - -"Very good," said Montmorency. - -He dashed off the bold scrawl which served him for a signature. - -"And the seal, Monseigneur?" - -"There it is; now are you satisfied?" - -"As thoroughly as if Monseigneur had given me the ten thousand crowns." - -"Well, then, where is Diane?" - -"In the hands of Lord Wentworth at Calais," replied Arnauld, trying to -grasp the document from the hand of the constable, who still held on to -it. - -"One moment," said he; "and Vicomte d'Exmès?" - -"At Calais, in the hands of Lord Wentworth." - -"Then he and Diane see each other?" - -"No, Monseigneur; he lives at the house of an armorer, one Pierre -Peuquoy, while she is an inmate of the governor's house. Vicomte -d'Exmès has no more idea than you, I am willing to swear, that she is -so near him." - -"I must hasten to the Louvre," said the constable, relaxing his hold on -the paper. - -"And I to Artigues," cried Arnauld, in triumph. "Good luck, Monseigneur! -Try not to be a constable who is laughed at again." - -"Good luck, blackguard! and try not to be hung for good." - -Thereupon each went his way. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE ARMS OF PIERRE PEUQUOY, THE ROPES OF JEAN PEUQUOY, -AND THE TEARS OF BABETTE PEUQUOY - - -Nearly a month elapsed at Calais without bringing about any change in -the situation of those whom we left there to their great regret. Pierre -Peuquoy was always working away diligently at his armor; Jean Peuquoy -had begun to weave again, and in his leisure moments finished some ropes -of extraordinary length; Babette Peuquoy was always weeping. - -Gabriel's waiting had gone through the various phases sketched by -Arnauld du Thill to the constable. He had waited patiently the first -fortnight, but had begun then to grow impatient. - -He now visited Lord Wentworth only on very rare occasions; and his calls -were always very brief. There had been coolness between them ever since -Gabriel had rashly interfered in the fictitious family affairs of the -governor. - -The latter too, we take great pleasure in saying, grew more and more -gloomy from day to day; but the cause of his uneasiness was not the -three messages which had been sent at short intervals since Arnauld's -departure, from the King of France. All three made, as may well be -imagined, the same demand,--the first politely, the second sharply, and -the third with threats: they demanded the liberty of Madame de Castro -for such ransom as the governor of Calais chose to name. But to all -three he had made the same reply,--that he proposed to keep Madame de -Castro as an hostage to be exchanged in case of need during the war for -some prisoner of importance, or to be returned to the king without -ransom when peace should be concluded. He was strictly within his -rights; and intrenched behind his strong walls, he defied Henri's anger. - -So it was not the royal anger which worried him, although he could but -ask himself how the king had learned of Diane's captivity; the real -source of his anxiety was the indifference, every day more contemptuous, -of his fair prisoner. Neither humility nor assiduous attention had -availed to lower the proud and disdainful spirit of Madame de Castro. -She was always the same--calm and sad and dignified--before the -passionate governor; and whenever he ventured to utter a word of his -love (although it must in justice be said that he never violated the -bounds which his title as a gentleman imposed upon him), an expression, -at once mournful and haughty, broke poor Lord Wentworth's heart and -wounded his pride. He did not dare to speak to Diane either of the -letter she had written to Gabriel or of the attempts made by the king to -procure his daughter's liberty, so much did he dread a bitter word or a -satirical reproof from those lovely but cruel lips. - -Diane had noticed that the servant who had dared to undertake to deliver -her billet was no longer to be seen about the house, and fully -understood that desperate chance had failed her. However, she did -not lose her courage, the pure and noble girl waited and prayed. She -trusted in God, and in death, in case of need. - -On the last day of October, which Gabriel had fixed on in his own mind -as the limit to his term of waiting for Martin-Guerre's return, he -determined to call upon Lord Wentworth and ask, as a favor, his leave to -send another messenger to Paris. - -About two o'clock he left the Peuquoy house, where Pierre was polishing -a sword, Jean weaving one of his enormous ropes, and w here for several -days past, Babette, with eyes red from weeping, had been wandering from -room to room, unable to speak, and betook himself straight to the -governor's mansion. - -Lord Wentworth was busy about something or other at the moment, and sent -word to Gabriel begging him to wait five minutes, when he would be -entirely at his service. - -The hall to which Gabriel had been shown looked out upon an interior -courtyard. Gabriel drew near the window to look out into the court, and -mechanically ran his fingers back and forth over the panes. Suddenly, -beneath his very fingers, his attention was attracted by letters drawn -upon the glass with a diamond ring. He looked at them more closely, and -was able to make out with perfect distinctness these words: _Diane de -Castro_. - -It was the signature which was missing at the end of the mysterious -letter he had received the month before. - -A film came over Gabriel's eyes, and he had to lean against the wall to -avoid falling. His presentiments had not lied, then! Diane! It was -indeed Diane, his _fiancée_ or his sister, whom this dissolute -Wentworth actually had in his power! It was to her, the pure and lovely -creature, that he dared to speak of his passion. - -With an involuntary gesture Gabriel carried his hand to the hilt of his -missing sword. - -At that moment Lord Wentworth came in. - -As he had done on the first occasion, Gabriel, without uttering a word, -led him to the window, and pointed out to him the accusing signature. - -At first Lord Wentworth turned pale; then asserting that mastery over -himself which he possessed in an eminent degree,-- - -"Well," said he, "what is it?" - -"Is that not the name of the mad kinswoman whom you are obliged to hold -under restraint here, my Lord?" said Gabriel. - -"It may be so; what then?" retorted Lord Wentworth, haughtily. - -"If it be the case, my Lord, I know this kinswoman of yours,--a very -distant relative, no doubt. I have seen her very often at the Louvre. I -am her devoted slave, as every French gentleman should be of a daughter -of the house of France." - -"And then?" said Lord Wentworth. - -"Then, my Lord, I demand of you an explanation of your reason for -retaining and treating as you do a prisoner of her station?" - -"And suppose I refuse, Monsieur, to oblige you with an explanation, as I -have already refused the King of France?" - -"Refused the King of France!" echoed Gabriel, in amazement. - -"To be sure," replied Lord Wentworth, with unfailing self-possession. -"An Englishman, it seems to me, owes no explanation of his actions to a -foreign monarch, especially when his own nation is at war with that -monarch. So, Monsieur d'Exmès, what if I decline to be called to -account by you as well?" - -"I should demand that you give me satisfaction, my Lord," cried Gabriel. - -"And you would hope to kill me, no doubt," replied the governor, "with -the sword which you only wear by my leave, and which I have the right to -demand of you at this moment." - -"Oh, my Lord! my Lord!" cried Gabriel, in a fury of passion, "you shall -pay me for this too." - -"So be it, Monsieur," replied Lord Wentworth; "and I will not deny my -debt when you have settled yours." - -"Powerless!" fairly shrieked Gabriel, wringing his hands,--"powerless at -the very moment when I should like the strength of ten thousand men!" - -"It is really pretty hard for you," Lord Wentworth continued, "that -propriety and law alike bind your hands; but you must confess that it -would be altogether too convenient a way for a prisoner of war and a -debtor to obtain his freedom and discharge his debt simply by cutting -the throat of his creditor and his foe." - -"My Lord," said Gabriel, struggling to recover his self-control, "you -know that I sent my squire to Paris a month since to procure the sum of -money which causes you so much anxiety. Can Martin-Guerre have been -wounded or slain on the road, in spite of your safe-conduct? Has he been -robbed of the money he was bringing me? That is what I cannot say. The -sad fact is that he does not return; and I had just come to beg you to -let me send another messenger to Paris, since you have no faith in the -word of a gentleman, and have never offered to let me go myself to -procure my ransom. Now, my Lord, you no longer have the right to refuse -me what I ask, or rather I have the right now to say that you fear to -have me at liberty and that you don't dare to give me back my sword." - -"To whom would you say that, pray," said Lord Wentworth, "in an English -city under my immediate authority, and where you should be looked upon -in no other light than as a prisoner and an enemy?" - -"I would cry it aloud, my Lord, to every man who has sense and feeling; -to every man who has a noble heart or a noble name; to your officers, -who understand affairs in which honor is involved; to your workmen even, -whom their instinct would enlighten. And all would agree with me against -you, my Lord, that in not granting me the means of leaving this place, -you have shown your unfitness to be the commander of gallant soldiers." - -"But you don't reflect, Monsieur," was Lord Wentworth's cold response, -"that rather than let you spread the spirit of mutiny among my men, I -have only to say the word, only to raise my hand, to have you cast into -a dungeon where you could accuse me only to the deaf and speechless -walls." - -"Alas! that is too true, ten thousand tempests!" muttered Gabriel, with -compressed lips and clinched fists. - -The man of sensibility and emotion was being shattered against the -impassibility of the man of iron and brass. - -But a single word changed the whole face of affairs, and at once put -Gabriel and Wentworth on an equal footing again. - -"Dear Diane! dear Diane!" said the younger man, in his anguish; "to be -able to do nothing for you in your hour of need!" - -"What did you say, Monsieur?" asked Lord Wentworth, trembling. "You -said, I think, 'dear Diane!' Did you say it, or did I misunderstand you? -Can it be that you too love Madame de Castro?" - -"Well, then, if I must say it, I do indeed love her!" cried Gabriel. -"You love her too, you say! But my love is as pure and devoted as yours -is base and cruel. Yes, before God and His angels I love her to -adoration." - -"What was all that you said, then, about the daughter of France, and the -protection that every French gentleman owed to such an one in -misfortune?" rejoined Lord Wentworth, quite beside himself. "Ah! you -love her, do you? And you are the man whom she loves, no doubt; and -whose memory she invokes when she wishes to torment me. You are the man -for love of whom she despises mine! the man without whom she might love -me perhaps! Ah! are you the man whom she loves?" - -Lord Wentworth, but a short time before so mocking and disdainful, now -regarded the man who was honored by Diane's affection with a sort of -respectful terror; while Gabriel, on hearing his rival's words, raised -his glad and triumphant face ever higher and higher. - -"Ah, indeed she does love me, then!" cried he; "she still thinks of me! -She calls for me, you say? Oh, well, if she calls for me, why, I will go -to her,--yes, help her and rescue her. Come, my Lord, take my sword, gag -me, bind me, imprison me, and I shall still find a way to help her and -save her, since she still loves me, my saintly Diane! Since she still -loves me, I dare you and defy you; and though you have arms in your -hands and I am unarmed, I am sure of overcoming you, with Diane's love -for my buckler." - -"True, true; I can well believe it," muttered Lord Wentworth, -overwhelmed. - -"Thus it would no longer be generous in me to challenge you to single -combat," said Gabriel; "so call your guards and tell them to confine me, -if you choose. To be in prison near her and at the same time would be of -itself a sort of happiness." - -A long silence ensued. - -At last Lord Wentworth said, with much apparent hesitation, "You asked -me, I believe, to allow a second messenger to set out for Paris to -procure your ransom?" - -"Such was my purpose, my Lord, when I called upon you." - -"In your discourse you seem to have reproached me," continued the -governor, "for not having had faith in your honor as a gentleman, and -for refusing to allow you to go yourself to procure your money, with -your word for my security?" - -"Very true, my Lord." - -"Well, Monsieur," said Wentworth, "you may set out to-day; the gates of -Calais will be opened to you; your request is granted." - -"I understand," said Gabriel, bitterly,--"you wish to separate me from -her. But suppose I refuse to leave Calais now?" - -"I am master here, Monsieur," was Lord Wentworth's reply; "and it is not -for you to refuse or to accept my commands, but to submit to them." - -"Very well, then," said Gabriel, "I will go, my Lord, but without any -especial gratitude for your generosity, I warn you." - -"Nor have I any need of your thanks, Monsieur." - -"I will go," said Gabriel; "but be sure that I shall not long remain -your debtor, and that I shall soon come back, my Lord, to pay all my -debts at once. Then I shall no longer be your prisoner, nor will you be -my creditor, and there will no longer be any reason why the sword which -I wear should not cross with yours." - -"I might refuse this combat, Monsieur," said Lord Wentworth, rather -gloomily; "for the chances between us would not be equal. If I should -kill you, she would hate me all the more bitterly; whereas if you should -kill me, the result would be to make her love you the more dearly. But -no matter, I must and do accept. But are you not afraid," he added -sombrely, "of driving me to extremities? When almost all the advantage -is with you, might I not be justified in making an unfair use of those -which I can still call my own?" - -"God on high and the nobility of every country on earth would be your -judges, my Lord," said Gabriel, shuddering, "if you should be such a -coward as to wreak your vengeance upon those whom you are unable to -vanquish, by oppressing those who are unable to defend themselves." - -After a pause, Lord Wentworth said,-- - -"It is three o'clock, Monsieur, and you have until seven--the hour when -the inner gates are closed--to make your preparations and leave the -town. I will meanwhile give my orders that you be allowed to pass free." - -"At seven o'clock, my Lord, I shall have left Calais." - -"And be sure," resumed Wentworth, "that you shall never re-enter it -again alive, and that even if you should succeed in slaying me in single -combat without the walls, my precautions will be taken, and well taken -(you may trust my jealousy for that), so that you shall never -possess--nay, you shall never even see Madame de Castro again." - -Gabriel had already taken some steps on his way from the room; he -stopped at the door on hearing these last words. - -"What you say is quite impossible, my Lord," he rejoined; "for it is -very necessary that I should see Diane again, sooner or later." - -"However, it shall not be, Monsieur, I swear to you, if the will of the -governor of a city or the last words of a dying man are to be -respected." - -"It _shall_ be, my Lord,--I know not how, but I am sure of it." - -"In that case, Monsieur," said Wentworth, with a scornful smile, "you -will have to take Calais by assault." - -Gabriel reflected a moment. - -"I will take Calais by assault, my Lord," said he. "_Au revoir_!" - -He saluted and left the room, leaving Lord Wentworth as if turned to -stone, and in doubt as to whether he ought to smile or be alarmed. - -Gabriel returned at once to the house of Pierre Peuquoy. - -He found Pierre polishing the hilt of his sword, Jean making knots in -his rope, and Babette sighing. - -He repeated to his friends the conversation he had had with the -governor, and announced his approaching departure. Not even did he -conceal from them the possibly reckless remark with which he had taken -leave of Lord Wentworth. - -Then he said,-- - -"Now I am going to my room to make my preparations, and I leave you to -your swords, Pierre; you, Jean, to your ropes; and you to your sighs, -Babette." - -He went, as he had said, to put everything in order for his departure in -all haste. Now that he was free, time seemed to creep along until he -could get to Paris to rescue his father, and return to Calais to rescue -Diane. - -When he left his room half an hour later, he found Babette on the -landing. - -"Are you going, Monsieur le Vicomte?" she asked. "Shall you no more ask -me why I weep so much?" - -"No, my child; for I hope that when I come back you will have ceased to -weep." - -"I hope so too, Monseigneur," said Babette, "You expect to come back, -then, do you, in spite of the governor's threats?" - -"I promise you that I will, Babette." - -"And your squire, Martin-Guerre, too, I suppose?" - -"Yes, to be sure." - -"Are you sure that you will find Martin-Guerre at Paris, however, -Monsieur d'Exmès?" rejoined the young girl. "He is not a dishonest man, -is he? Of course he hasn't appropriated your ransom? He is not capable -of an act of--infidelity?" - -"I would be willing to take my oath to his loyalty," said Gabriel, -rather surprised at these questions. "Martin has an uncertain -disposition, especially since a short time ago; and it is as if there -were two different men in his body,--one simple-minded, and very quiet -in his ways; the other crafty and noisy. But aside from this variable -character, he is a trusty and faithful servant." - -"And no more likely to betray a woman than to deceive his master, is -he?" - -"Oh, that is another matter," said Gabriel; "and I confess that I would -not answer for him there." - -"Well, then, Monseigneur," said poor Babette, turning pale, "will you be -kind enough to hand him this ring? He will know from whom it comes and -what it means." - -"I will give it to him, Babette," said Gabriel, recalling the last -evening before his squire's departure,--"I will give it to him; but the -person who sends it knows, I presume, that Martin-Guerre is married." - -"Married!" shrieked Babette. "Then, Monseigneur, keep the ring,--throw -it away, do anything with it, rather than give it to him." - -"But, Babette--" - -"Thanks, Monseigneur, and adieu!" whispered the poor child. - -She made her escape to the second floor, and had hardly got to her -chamber and fallen upon a chair when she fainted. - -Gabriel, grieved and anxious over the suspicion which then first crossed -his mind, descended the staircase of the old house, deep in thought. - -At the foot of the stairs he met Jean Peuquoy, who came up to him with a -very mysterious air. - -"Monsieur le Vicomte," said the burgher, in a low voice, "you are -continually asking me why I am making ropes of such length. I cannot -allow you to depart, after your admirably worded farewell to Lord -Wentworth, without imparting to you the key to the riddle. By joining -together with small transverse cords two long, strong ropes, as the one -I am making, Monseigneur, one obtains a ladder of great length and -strength. This ladder, when one is a member of the civic guard, as -Pierre has been for twenty years, and I for three days, can easily be -conveyed in sections and placed under the sentry-box on the platform of -the Octagonal Tower. Then, some dark morning in December or January, -just for curiosity's sake, we might when on sentry duty attach an end of -each rope firmly to these pieces of iron when they are cemented into the -battlements, and let the other ends drop into the sea, some three -hundred feet below, where some hardy boatman might chance to find -himself at that moment." - -"But, my dear Jean--" interrupted Gabriel. - -"Never mind that, Monsieur le Vicomte," rejoined the weaver. "But if you -will excuse me, I should like before you leave to give you something as -a souvenir of your devoted servant, Jean Peuquoy. Here is a sort of plan -of the walls and fortifications of Calais. I have made it for my own -amusement, during those everlasting walks that have surprised you so. -Hide it under your doublet, and when you are at Paris look at it now and -then for my sake, I beg you." - -Gabriel tried to interrupt again, but Jean gave him no time; pressing -the hand which the young man held out to him, he took his leave with -these words:-- - -"_Au revoir_, Monsieur d'Exmès. You will find Pierre waiting at the -door to pay his respects to you; they will supplement mine." - -Pierre was standing in front of his house, holding Gabriel's horse by -the bridle. - -"Thanks for your kind hospitality, Master," said the viscount. "I shall -very soon send you, even if I do not bring it myself, the money which -you have been polite enough to advance me. I will add to it, if you -please, a slight gratuity for your people. Meanwhile, be good enough to -offer your dear sister this little brilliant on my behalf." - -"I accept it for her," said the armorer, "on the condition that you will -accept in return something in my line,--this horn which I have hung to -your saddle-bow. I made it with my own hands; and I should recognize its -blast even over the roaring of the stormy ocean,--for instance, on any -of the mornings of the 5th of each month, when I am on guard from four -o'clock to six, on the Octagonal Tower, which faces the sea." - -"Thanks!" said Gabriel, pressing Pierre's hand in a way which showed -that he understood him. - -"As to these arms, which you have wondered to see me making in such -great quantities," continued Pierre, "I am inclined to be sorry that I -have such a large stock on hand; for if Calais should be besieged some -day, the faction among us which still sympathizes with France might get -possession of these arms, and make a dangerous diversion in the very -heart of the city." - -"Very true!" cried Gabriel, pressing the brave citizen's hand with still -greater warmth. - -"With this I wish you a pleasant journey and good luck, Monsieur -d'Exmès," said Pierre. "Adieu, and to our speedy meeting!" - -"To our speedy meeting!" said Gabriel. - -He turned and waved a last farewell to Pierre as he stood upon his -threshold; to Jean, who had his head out of a window on the first floor; -and to Babette too, who was watching his departure from behind a curtain -on the second floor. - -Then he put spurs to his horse, and was off at a gallop. - -Orders had been sent to the city gate by Lord Wentworth, and no -objection was made to the departure of the prisoner, who soon found -himself well on the road to Paris, alone with his anxiety and his hopes. - -Would he be able to effect his father's deliverance on his arrival at -Paris; or Diane de Castro's on his return to Calais? - - - - -CHAPTER V - -SEQUEL TO THE MISFORTUNES OF MARTIN-GUERRE - - -The roads of France were no safer for Gabriel than for his squire; and -he was obliged to exert all his wit and quickness of intellect to avoid -obstacles and delays. In fact, it was not till the fourth day after -leaving Calais, notwithstanding all his haste, that he finally reached -Paris. - -But the dangers of the journey caused Gabriel less anxiety, on the -whole, than his uneasiness with regard to its termination. Although he -was not naturally much addicted to dreaming, his lonely journey almost -forced him to think unceasingly of his father's captivity and Diane's, -of his means of rescuing those dear and cherished beings, of the king's -promise, and of what he must do if Henri failed to keep it. But no! It -was not to such an end that Henri II. was the first gentleman of -Christendom. The fulfilment of his oath was, no doubt, painful to him; -very likely he was awaiting Gabriel's return to remind him of it before -issuing his pardon to the old count; but surely he would pardon him. And -if he did not? - -Gabriel, whenever that desolating thought crossed his mind, felt as if a -sword were piercing his heart. He would drive his spurs into his horse, -and put his hand to his sword; and generally it was the sad and sweet -thought of Diane de Castro which would remove his anger and soothe his -troubled soul. - -It was with a mind harrowed by doubt and anguish that he at last reached -the gates of Paris on the morning of the fourth day. He had travelled -all night; and the pale light of dawn was just beginning to break as he -rode through the streets in the neighborhood of the Louvre. - -He drew rein before the royal mansion, still closed and silent, and -asked himself whether he should wait there or go on; but his impatience -made him loathe the thought of doing nothing. He determined to go at -once to his own house, Rue des Jardins St. Paul, where he might at least -hope to hear some tidings of what he feared at the same time that he -longed to know. - -His road thither took him by the frowning turrets of the Châtelet. - -He stopped for a moment before the sinister portal. A cold perspiration -bedewed his forehead. His past and his future lay hidden behind those -humid walls; but Gabriel was not the man to allow his feelings to -monopolize much time which he might usefully devote to action. He -therefore shook off his gloomy thoughts, and went on his way, saying -simply, "_Allons_!" - -When he reached his home, which he had not seen for so long a time, a -light was shining through the windows of the lower hall. The zealous -Aloyse was already astir. - -Gabriel knocked, uttering his name at the same time. Two minutes after -he was in the arms of the worthy soul who had been like a mother to him. - -"Ah! is it really you, Monseigneur? Is it really you, my own dear boy?" - -She could find strength to say no more than that. Gabriel, having -embraced her most affectionately, drew back a step or two, the better to -look at her. - -There was in his look an unspoken question clearer than words could make -it. - -Aloyse understood, and yet she hung her head, and made no reply. - -"Is there no news from the court, then!" the viscount asked at length, -as if not content with the answer implied by her silence. - -"Nothing, Monseigneur," replied the nurse. - -"Oh, I expected as much! If anything had occurred, good or bad, you -would not have failed to tell me at the first kiss. Do you know -nothing!" - -"Alas! no." - -"I see how it is," rejoined the young man, bitterly. "I was a -prisoner,--dead perhaps! One does not pay his indebtedness to a -prisoner, much less to a dead man. But I am here now, alive and free, -and there must be a reckoning with me: whether willingly or by force, it -must and shall be!" - -"Oh, be careful, Monseigneur!" cried Aloyse. - -"Have no fear, nurse. Is Monsieur l'Amiral at Paris!" - -"Yes, Monseigneur. He has called and sent here ten times to learn if you -had returned." - -"Good! And Monsieur de Guise?" - -"He also has returned. It is to him that the people are looking to -repair the misfortunes of France and the suffering of the citizens." - -"God grant," said Gabriel, "that he find no sufferings for which there -is no remedy!" - -"As to Madame de Castro, who was supposed to be dead," continued Aloyse, -hurriedly, "Monsieur le Connétable has discovered that she is a -prisoner at Calais; and they hope soon to effect her release." - -"I knew it, and, like them, I hope so," said Gabriel, meaningly. "But," -he resumed, "you say nothing of the reason why my captivity has been so -prolonged,--nothing of Martin-Guerre and his delayed return. What has -become of Martin, pray?" - -"He is here, Monseigneur, the sluggard, the dolt!" - -"What! Here? How long has he been here? What is he doing?" - -"He is upstairs, in bed and asleep," said Aloyse, who seemed to speak of -Martin with some bitterness. "He says that he is not very well, -pretending that he has been hanged!" - -"Hanged!" cried Gabriel. "For stealing the money for my ransom,--is that -it?" - -"The money for your ransom, Monseigneur? You just say a word to that -threefold idiot about the money for your ransom! You will see what -answer he will make. He will not know what you mean. Just imagine, -Monseigneur, he arrived here, very eager, and in great haste; and after -reading your letter, I counted out to him ten thousand beautiful crowns. -Away he went again, without losing a moment. A few days later whom -should I see coming back but Martin-Guerre, crestfallen and with a most -pitiful expression. He claimed that he had not received a sou from me. -Having been taken prisoner himself some time before the fall of St. -Quentin, he had no idea, he said, of your whereabouts for three months -past. You had intrusted no mission to him. He had been beaten and hung! -He had succeeded in making his escape, and had just returned to Paris -for the first time since the war. Such are the romances with which -Martin-Guerre entertains us from morning till night when your ransom is -mentioned." - -"Explain yourself, nurse," said Gabriel. "Martin-Guerre could not have -appropriated that money, I would take my oath. He surely is not a -dishonest man, and he is loyally devoted to me." - -"No, Monseigneur, he is not dishonest; but he is mad, I am afraid,--so -mad that he hasn't an idea or a memory; sufficiently insane to require -care, believe me. Although he may not be vicious yet, he is dangerous, -to say the least. I am not the only one who saw him here either, for all -your people overwhelm him with their testimony. He really received the -ten thousand crowns, which Master Elyot had some difficulty in getting -together for me at such short notice." - -"Nevertheless," said Gabriel, "Master Elyot must get together as much -more, and even more quickly; indeed, I must have a still larger sum. But -we need not worry about that at present. It is broad daylight at last. I -am going to the Louvre now to speak with the king." - -"What, Monseigneur! without a moment's rest?" said Aloyse. "Besides, you -forget that it is only seven o'clock and that you would find the doors -closed; they are barely opened at nine." - -"That's true," said Gabriel,--"two hours more to wait! Give me the -patience to wait two hours, O Lord, as I have already waited two months! -At all events, I shall be able to find Monsieur de Coligny and Monsieur -de Guise," he continued. - -"No, for in all likelihood they are at the Louvre," said Aloyse. -"Besides, the king doesn't receive before noon, and you cannot see him -earlier than that, I fear. So you will have three hours to converse with -Monsieur l'Amiral, and Monsieur le Lieutenant-Général of the -kingdom,--that, you know, is the new title with which the king at the -present grave crisis has clothed Monsieur de Guise. Meanwhile, Monsieur, -you surely will not refuse to eat something, and to receive your old and -faithful servants, who have so long wished in vain for your return." - -Just at this moment--as if to occupy the young man's mind and -effectually beguile his weary waiting--Martin-Guerre, apprised doubtless -of his master's arrival, burst into the room, paler even from joy than -from the suffering he had undergone. - -"What! Is it you? Is it really yourself, Monseigneur?" he cried. "Oh, -what happiness!" - -But Gabriel gave a very cold reception to the poor squire's transports -of delight. - -"If by good luck I am here at last, Martin," said he, "you must agree -that it is not by your efforts: for you did your very best to leave me a -prisoner forever." - -"What! you too, Monseigneur!" said Martin, in consternation. "You too, -instead of putting me right at the first word, as I hoped, accuse me of -having had those ten thousand crowns. Who knows what will come next? -Perhaps you will even go so far as to say that you commissioned me to -receive them and bring them to you?" - -"Of course I did," said Gabriel, quite stupefied with surprise. - -"So, then," rejoined the poor squire, in a dull voice, "you believe me, -Martin-Guerre, to be capable of basely appropriating money which did not -belong to me,--money designed to procure my master's liberty?" - -"No, Martin, no," replied Gabriel, earnestly, touched by the tone in -which his faithful servant spoke. "My suspicions have never, I swear, -led me to suspect your honesty; and Aloyse and I were just saying that -very thing. But the money was stolen from you or you lost it on the road -when you were coming back to me." - -"Coming back to you!" echoed Martin. "But where, Monseigneur? Since we -left St. Quentin together may God strike me dead if I know where you -have been! Where was I to come back to you?" - -"At Calais. Martin. However light and foolish your brain may be, you -surely can't have forgotten Calais!" - -"How in the world could I forget what I never knew?" said Martin-Guerre, -calmly. - -"Why, you miserable wretch, do you mean to perjure yourself in that -matter?" cried Gabriel. - -He said in a low voice a few words to the nurse, who thereupon left the -room. Then he approached Martin. - -"How about Babette, ingrate?" said he. - -"Babette! What Babette?" asked the wondering squire. - -"The one you ruined, villain." - -"Oh, yes!--Gudule!" said Martin. "You are wrong about the name. It is -Gudule, Monseigneur, not Babette. Oh, yes, poor girl! But I tell you -honestly that I did not lead her astray; she had fallen before. I swear -to that." - -"What! still another?" rejoined Gabriel. "But this last one I know -nothing about; and whoever she may be, she can have no such cause of -complaint as Babette Peuquoy." - -Martin-Guerre did not dare to lose his patience; but if he had been of -equal rank with the viscount, he would not have kept himself so well in -hand. - -"One moment, Monseigneur," said he. "They all say here that I am mad; -and by Saint Martin! I verily believe I shall go mad just from hearing -myself called so. However, I still have my reason and my memory, or the -deuce take me! And in case of need, Monseigneur, although I have had to -undergo harsh treatment and misery sufficient for two,--still, in case -of need, I will narrate to you faithfully from point to point everything -that has befallen me during the three months that have elapsed since I -parted from you. At least," he hastened to add, "so much of it as I -remember in my own person." - -"To tell the truth, I should be very glad to hear how you account for -your extraordinary conduct," said Gabriel. - -"Very well! Monseigneur, after we left St. Quentin together to join -Monsieur de Vaulpergues's relieving party, and after we had separated, -each to take a different road (as you must remember), events happened -just as you had foreseen. I fell into the hands of the enemy. I tried, -as you had enjoined upon me, to pay my way with impudence; but a most -extraordinary thing occurred,--the soldiers claimed to recognize me as -having been their prisoner before!" - -"Come, come!" said Gabriel, interrupting him; "see how you are wandering -already!" - -"Oh, Monseigneur," resumed Martin, "in the name of mercy, let me tell my -story as I know it! It is difficult for me to understand matters myself. -You may criticise when I am done. As soon as the enemy recognized me, -Monseigneur, I confess that I resigned myself to my fate; for I -knew--and in reality you yourself know as well as I, Monseigneur--that -there are two of me, and that very often, and without giving me any -warning whatever, my other self makes me do his pleasure. Perhaps I -should say, then, '_We_ accepted _our_ fate;' for hereafter I shall -speak of myself--of _us_, that is--in the plural. Gudule--a pretty -little Flemish girl, whom we had carried off--also recognized us, which -cost us, I may say parenthetically, a perfect hailstorm of blows. Truly, -we ourselves alone failed to recognize ourselves. To tell you all the -misery which followed, and into the hands of how many different masters, -all endowed with different dialects, your unfortunate squire fell, one -after the other, would take too long, Monseigneur." - -"Yes; pray shorten your self-condolence." - -"I pass over these and worse sufferings. My number two, I was informed, -had already escaped once; and they beat me almost to a jelly for his -fault. My number one--whose conscience I have in my keeping, and whose -martyrdom I am relating to you--succeeded in escaping once more, but was -foolish enough to allow himself to be caught, and was left for dead on -the spot, notwithstanding which I ran away a third time; but being -entrapped a third time, by the double treason of too much wine and a -chance acquaintance, I showed fight, and laid about me with all the fury -of despair and drunkenness. In short, after having mocked me and -tortured me most of the night in most barbarous fashion, my executioners -hanged me toward morning." - -"Hanged you!" exclaimed Gabriel, believing that the squire's mania was -surely becoming hopeless. "They hanged you, Martin! What do you mean by -that?" - -"I mean, Monseigneur, that they hoisted me up between earth and sky at -the end of a hempen cord, which was firmly attached to a gibbet, -otherwise called a gallows; and in all the tongues and patois with which -they have belabored my ears that is commonly called being hanged, -Monseigneur. Do I make myself clear?" - -"None too clear, Martin; for to tell the truth, for a man that has been -hanged--" - -"I am in pretty good condition now, Monseigneur,--that's a fact; but you -have not heard the end of the story yet. My suffering and my rage, when -I saw myself being hanged, almost made me lose my consciousness. When I -came to myself, I was stretched on the fresh grass, with the cord, which -had been cut, still about my neck. Had some soft-hearted passer-by, -moved by my plight, chosen to relieve the gallows of its human fruit? My -misanthropy actually forbade my thinking that. I am more inclined to -believe that some thief must have longed to plunder me, and cut the cord -so that he might go through my pockets at his ease. The fact that my -wedding-ring and my papers had been stolen justify me, I think, in -making that assertion without doing injustice to the human race. -However, I had been cut down in time; and despite a slight dislocation -of my neck, I succeeded in escaping a fourth time, through woods and -across the fields, hiding all day, and travelling with the greatest care -at night, living on roots and wild herbs,--a most unsatisfactory diet, -to which even the poor cattle must find great difficulty in getting -accustomed. At last, after losing my way a hundred times, I succeeded in -reaching Paris at the end of a fortnight, and in finding this house, -where I arrived twelve days since, and where I have received rather a -less hearty welcome than I expected, after such a rough experience. -There is my story, Monseigneur." - -"Well, now," said Gabriel, "as an offset to this story of yours, I can -tell you quite a different one (entirely different, in fact), the -details of which I have seen you perform with my own eyes." - -"Is it the story of my number two, Monseigneur?" asked Martin, coolly. -"Upon my word, if I may make so bold, and if you would be so kind as to -tell it to me in a few words, I should be only too glad to hear it." - -"Do you mock me, scoundrel?" said Gabriel. - -"Oh, Monseigneur knows my profound respect for him! But, strangely -enough, this double of mine has caused me a vast deal of trouble, has he -not? He has led me into some cruel plights. Well, in spite of all that, -I don't know why, but I am greatly interested in him. I believe, upon my -word of honor, that in the end I shall be weak enough to love the -blackguard!" - -"Blackguard indeed!" said Gabriel. - -The viscount may have been about to enter upon a catalogue of Arnauld du -Thill's misdeeds; but he was interrupted by his nurse, who returned to -the room, followed by a man in the garb of a peasant. - -"Well, what does _this_ mean?" said Aloyse. "Here is a man who claims -that he was sent here to announce your death, Martin-Guerre!" - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -IN WHICH MARTIN-GUERRE'S CHARACTER BEGINS TO BE -REHABILITATED - - -"My death!" ejaculated Martin, turning pale at Dame Aloyse's terrible -words. - -"Oh, God be merciful unto me!" cried the peasant, as soon as he cast his -eye upon the squire. - -"Can it be that my other self is dead? God be praised!" said Martin. "Am -I at last relieved from this continual changing back and forth? Bah! On -the whole, upon reflection, I should be a little sorry if it is so, but -still reasonably satisfied. Why don't you speak, friend? Speak!" he -added, addressing himself to the bewildered peasant. - -"Ah, Master," replied the latter, when he had looked closely at Martin -and touched him with his hands, "how does it happen that you are here -before me? I swear to you, Master, that I came as quickly as a man could -come to do your errand, and earn the ten crowns; and unless you came in -the saddle, Master, it is absolutely impossible for you to have passed -me on the road, and in that case I must have seen you." - -"To be sure; but, my good fellow, I never saw you before," said -Martin-Guerre; "and yet you talk as if you knew me!" - -"As if I knew you!" said the stupefied peasant. "Do you mean to say that -you didn't send me here to say that Martin-Guerre had been hanged and -was dead?" - -"What! Martin-Guerre! Why, I am Martin-Guerre." - -"You? Impossible! How could you have told of your own hanging?" rejoined -the peasant. - -"But why, where, and when did I tell you of such an atrocity?" asked -Martin. - -"Must I tell you the precise facts now?" said the peasant. - -"Yes, everything." - -"Notwithstanding the fact that you made up a story for me to tell." - -"Yes; never mind that now." - -"Well, then, since your memory is so short, I will tell you everything. -So much the worse for you if you force me to do it! Six days ago, in the -morning, I was at work hoeing my field--" - -"Before you go any further, where is your field?" asked Martin. - -"Do you want me to tell you the real truth, Master?" said the peasant. - -"Why, of course I do, you beast!" - -"Well, then, my field is behind Montargis! I was at work when you came -along the road, with a travelling-bag on your back." - -"'Well, well, my friend," said you, 'what are you doing? Come, why don't -you speak?' - -"'I am hoeing, Master. I am ready to answer your questions.' - -"'How much does this work of yours pay you?' - -"'Year in and year out, about four sous a day.' - -"'Would you like to earn twenty crowns in two weeks?' - -"'Oh, oh!' - -"'Say yes or no.' - -"'Yes, indeed, I should.' - -"'Well, you must go at once to Paris. By making good speed, you will -arrive in five or six days, at the latest. Ask your way to Rue des -Jardins St. Paul, and find the house of Vicomte d'Exmès. It is to that -house that I want you to go. The viscount will not be there; but you -will find a good old soul called Aloyse, his nurse; and this is what you -must say to her. Now, listen carefully! You will say: "I am from Noyon" -(Noyon, you understand, not Montargis),--"I am from Noyon, where one of -your acquaintances was hanged a fortnight since. His name was -Martin-Guerre." (Be sure to remember that name Martin-Guerre). -"Martin-Guerre has been hanged, after being robbed of the money he had -about him, so that he might not complain of the robbery. But before he -was taken to the gallows Martin-Guerre had time to beg me to come and -let you know of his ill-fortune, so that, as he said, you might provide -a new supply of money for his master's ransom. He promised me that you -would give me ten crowns for my trouble. I waited until he was hanged, -and then I came away." - -"'There, that is what you are to say to the good woman. Do you -understand?' you asked me. - -"'Yes, Master," I replied; 'only you said twenty crowns in the first -place, and now you only speak of ten.' - -"'Fool!' said you, 'here are the other ten in advance.' - -"'Very good,' I rejoined. 'But suppose this Aloyse asks me to describe -the appearance of Martin-Guerre, for I never saw him, and I ought to be -able to tell how he looks.' - -"'Look at me.' - -"I looked at you. - -"'Very well; now you can describe Martin-Guerre, as if it were myself.'" - -"How strange!" muttered Gabriel, who had been listening to this -narration with most profound attention. - -"Now," continued the peasant, "I am here, Master, ready to repeat the -lesson you taught me (for you said it to me twice, and I know it by -heart), and I find you here before me! It is very true that I loitered -on the road, and drank up your ten crowns in the roadside cabarets, -because I expected soon to have the other ten in my pocket; but at all -events I am within the time you fixed. You gave me six days, and it was -just six days ago that I left Montargis." - -"Six days!" said Martin-Guerre, sadly and thoughtfully. "I came through -Montargis six days ago! I was on the road to my own province six days -ago! Your story is extremely probable, my friend," he continued, "and I -believe it implicitly." - -"But no!" Aloyse eagerly interposed, "this man is evidently a liar, when -he claims to have talked with you at Montargis six days ago, for you -have not been out of these doors for twelve days." - -"Very true," said Martin; "but my number two--" - -"Then again," continued the nurse, "he says that it is only a fortnight -since you were hanged at Noyon; while according to your own words it was -a month ago." - -"Yes, it certainly was," said the squire; "I was thinking when I woke -this morning that it was just a month to-day. However, my other self--" - -"Oh, nonsense!" cried the nurse. - -"It seems to me," Gabriel interposed, "that this man has finally put us -upon the right track." - -"Oh, indeed you are not mistaken, kind sir," said the peasant. "Shall I -receive my ten crowns?" - -"Yes," said Gabriel; "but you must leave your name and address with us. -We may have need of your testimony some day. I begin to detect some very -evil doings, although my suspicions are not yet clearly defined." - -"But, Monseigneur--" Martin began to remonstrate. Gabriel interrupted -him sharply. "Enough of that!" said he. "Do you see to it, good Aloyse, -that this man goes his way content. This matter shall be attended to in -due time. But, do you know," he added, lowering his voice, "that I may -perhaps have to take my revenge for treachery to the master before I -deal with the treachery to the squire." - -"Alas!" muttered Aloyse. - -"It is now eight o'clock," continued Gabriel. "I shall not see my good -people until my return; for I must be at the doors of the Louvre when -they are opened. Even though I may not be able to obtain an audience of -the king until noon, I can at least have some conversation with the -admiral and Monsieur de Guise." - -"And when you have seen the king, you will return here at once, will you -not?" asked Aloyse. - -"At once; don't you be anxious about me, my good nurse. Something seems -to tell me that I shall come out victoriously from all these dark plots -which intrigue and impudence are weaving around me." - -"Indeed you will, if God heeds my earnest prayer," said Aloyse. - -"I go," rejoined Gabriel. "You remain here, Martin, for I must go alone. -Come, come, my good fellow, we shall justify you and deliver you from -your other self in good time; but you see I have another justification -and another deliverance to accomplish first of all. To our speedy -meeting, Martin! _au revoir_, nurse!" - -Each kissed the hand which the young man extended. Then he left the -house, alone and on foot, wrapped in a great cloak, and with a grave and -haughty mien directed his steps toward the Louvre. - -"Alas!" thought the nurse, "even so I once saw his father depart, and he -never returned." - -Just as Gabriel, after crossing the Pont au Change, was walking through -the Place de Grève, he noticed a man, enveloped like himself in a -cloak, which was however of coarser material, and more carefully held in -place than his own. More than that, this man was evidently trying to -conceal his features beneath the broad brim of his hat. - -Gabriel, although he thought at first that he recognized the figure and -carriage of a friend, nevertheless pursued his way; but the unknown, as -soon as he saw Vicomte d'Exmès, gave a sudden start, and after seeming -to hesitate for a moment, stopped suddenly and said very cautiously, -"Gabriel, my friend!" - -At the same time he half disclosed his face, and Gabriel saw that he had -not been mistaken. - -"Monsieur de Coligny!" he exclaimed, without however raising his voice. -"You here! and at this hour!" - -"Hush!" said the admiral. "I confess that just at this moment I have no -desire to be recognized and spied upon and followed. But when I saw you, -my dear friend, after so long a separation, and so much anxiety on your -account, I could not resist the temptation to accost you and grasp your -hand. How long have you been in Paris?" - -"Only since this morning," said Gabriel; "and I was on my way to see you -at the Louvre first of all." - -"Oh, well," said the admiral, "if you are not in too great haste, just -walk a few steps with me. You must tell me what you have been about -during your long absence." - -"I will tell you all that I can tell the most loyal and devoted of -friends," Gabriel responded. "But first, Monsieur l'Amiral, I know you -will allow me to ask you a question on a subject which is of more -interest to me than anything else in the world." - -"I can imagine what that question will be," said the admiral. "But ought -you not to be quite as well able to forecast my reply to it, my dear -friend? You propose to ask me, do you not, whether I kept my promise to -you,--whether I told the king of the glorious and indispensable part -which you had in the defence of St. Quentin?" - -"No, Monsieur l'Amiral," Gabriel replied; "really that is not what I was -about to ask you; for I know, and have learned to trust in your word, -and I am perfectly certain that your first thought on your return to -Paris was to fulfil your promise, and to declare generously to the king, -and to the king alone, that my efforts counted for something in St. -Quentin's long resistance. In fact, I have no doubt that you exaggerated -my small services in your narration to his Majesty. Yes, Monsieur, I -know all that without asking. But what I do not know, and what it is of -the greatest moment that I should know, is the reply of Henri II. to -your kind words." - -"Alas! Gabriel," said the admiral, "Henri made no other reply than to -ask me what had become of you. I was very much puzzled what to tell him. -The letter you left for me on your departure from St. Quentin was very -far from explicit, and only reminded me of my promise. I told the king -that I knew you had not fallen, but that you had been made prisoner in -all probability, and from a feeling of delicacy had not wanted to inform -me of it." - -"And to that the king--?" asked Gabriel, eagerly. - -"The king said, my dear friend: 'That is well!' and a smile of -satisfaction hovered upon his lips. Then, when I was enlarging upon the -magnificence of your feats of arms, and upon the obligations which you -had laid upon France and her king, 'Enough of that!' Henri interposed, -and haughtily changing the subject of conversation, compelled me to -speak of something else." - -"Yes, that is just as I supposed it would be," said Gabriel, with bitter -irony. - -"Courage, my friend!" rejoined the admiral. "Do you not remember that at -St. Quentin I warned you that it was not safe to rely upon the gratitude -of the great ones of the world?" - -"Oh, yes!" said Gabriel, threateningly; "it was all very well for the -king to choose to forget when he hoped that I was dead or in prison; but -when I remind him of my rights, as I propose to do very soon, he will -find that he has got to remember." - -"And suppose his memory persists in being defective?" asked Monsieur de -Coligny. - -"Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel, "when one has undergone an insult, -one applies to the king to see justice done. When the king himself -offers the insult, one has no resource but to apply to God for -vengeance." - -"I imagine, too," the admiral rejoined, "that if it should be necessary, -you would constitute yourself the instrument of the divine vengeance." - -"You have said it, Monsieur." - -"In that case," Coligny resumed, "there is no better place nor time than -the present to remind you of a conversation we once had on the subject -of the persecuted religion, when I spoke to you of a sure means of -punishing kings, while serving the cause of truth at the same time." - -"Oh, yes! our conversation was just in my mind," said Gabriel. "My -memory does not fail me, you see. I may at some time resort to your -means, Monsieur,--against Henri's successors perhaps, if not against -himself, since your remedy is equally efficacious against all kings." - -"That being so," the admiral continued, "can you give me an hour of your -time now?" - -"The king does not receive till noon; my time belongs to you until that -hour." - -"Come with me where I am going, then," said the admiral. "You are of -gentle birth, and I have seen your character put to the proof, so I will -demand no oath from you. Promise me simply that you will preserve -absolute silence as to the people you are about to see, and the things -that you hear." - -"I promise not to lisp a word," said Gabriel. - -"Follow me, then," said the admiral, "and if you meet with injustice at -the Louvre, you will at least have your revenge in your own hands in -advance; follow me." - -Coligny and Gabriel crossed the Pont au Change and the Cité, and were -swallowed up in the labyrinth of lanes and alleys which then existed in -the neighborhood of Rue St. Jacques. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -A PHILOSOPHER AND A SOLDIER - - -Coligny stopped at the beginning of Rue St. Jacques, before the low door -of a house of mean exterior. He knocked: first a wicket in the door was -opened, and then the door itself, when the invisible sentinel had -recognized the admiral. - -Gabriel, following in the steps of his noble guide, passed through a -long dark passage-way, and ascended three flights of worm-eaten stairs. -When they were almost under the roof, Coligny knocked three times with -his foot at the door of the highest and most wretched-looking apartment -in the whole house. The door opened, and they went in. - -They found themselves in a room of considerable size, but gloomy, and -quite bare. Two narrow windows--one looking upon Rue St. Jacques, and -the other upon a back alley--admitted only a very uncertain light. There -was no furniture save four stools and an oak table with twisted legs. - -At the admiral's entrance, two men, who seemed to be expecting him, rose -to greet him; a third remained discreetly apart, standing at the front -window, and merely bowed low to Coligny from that distance. - -"Theodore," said the admiral to the two men who had welcomed him, "and -you, Captain, I have brought with me to present to you a friend, who is -at all events to be your friend--our friend--hereafter, if he cannot yet -be so called." - -The two strangers bowed silently to Vicomte d'Exmès. Then the younger, -he who was called Theodore, began to talk with Coligny in a low tone, -and with much animation. Gabriel walked away a few steps to leave them -more at liberty, and was thus able to scrutinize at his leisure the men -to whom the admiral had presented him, but whose names even he did not -know. - -The captain had the strongly marked features and determined bearing of a -man of resolution and action. He was tall and dark and sinewy. One -needed not to be a keen observer to read audacity in his expression; -eager, burning zeal, in the fire of his eyes; and an energetic, forceful -will, in his sternly compressed lips. - -The companion of this haughty adventurer was rather more like a -courtier; he was a graceful cavalier with a well-formed and jolly face, -a keen glance, and refined and easy bearing. His dress, which was -strictly in accord with the latest fashion, was in strong contrast with -the garb of the captain, which was simple almost to the point of -austerity. - -As for the third individual, who had remained standing at some distance -from the others, his striking countenance could but attract notice -despite his attitude of reserve; his broad forehead and the piercing -keenness of his eye were enough to indicate to the least observant the -man of thought, and, let us say at once, the man of genius. - -Coligny, having exchanged a few words with his friend, drew near -Gabriel. - -"I beg your pardon," said he; "but I am not the only master here, and I -had to consult my associates before disclosing to you where and in whose -company you are." - -"Am I to know now!" asked Gabriel. - -"If you wish, my friend." - -"Where am I, pray?" - -"In the poor chamber where the son of the cooper of Noyon, Jean Calvin, -held the first secret meetings of those of the Reformed religion, and -whence he almost had to march to the stake. But to-day he is at Geneva, -triumphant and almost omnipotent; the crowned heads of the world have to -reckon with him; and the memory of him alone is enough to make the damp -walls of this wretched hole more glorious than the golden arabesques of -the Louvre." - -At the mention of the great name of Calvin, Gabriel bared his head. -Although the impetuous youth had hardly concerned himself hitherto about -matters of religion or morals, yet he would have been far behind his age -if the austere and toilsome life, the sublime and awe-inspiring -character, the bold and imperious doctrines of the law-maker of the -Reformed religion had not more than once engrossed his thoughts. - -However, he rejoined calmly,-- - -"And who are these whom I see around me in the venerated master's -chamber?" - -"His disciples," was the admiral's reply,--"Theodore de Bèze, his pen; -La Renaudie, his sword." - -Gabriel saluted the charming writer who was to be the historian of the -Reformed Church, and the adventurous soldier who was to be the abettor -of the Tumulte d'Amboise. - -Theodore de Bèze returned Gabriel's salutation with the courteous grace -which was natural to him, and said with a pleasant smile,-- - -"Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès, although your introduction here has been -accompanied with so many precautions, pray do not look upon us as very -dark and dangerous conspirators. I hasten to assure you that if the -leaders of our sect meet secretly here three times a week, it is only to -exchange information as to the religion, and to receive, it may be, a -neophyte, who, as he believes in our principles, asks to share our -perils; or some man whom on account of his personal qualities we are -anxious to win over to our cause. We are obliged to the admiral for -bringing you hither, Monsieur le Vicomte, for you are surely one of the -latter class." - -"And I, gentlemen, am of the former," said the stranger, who had thus -far stood aloof; and as he spoke, he came forward rather shyly and -modestly. "I am one of those humble dreamers upon whom the light of your -principles has fallen in his darkness, and who longs for a closer view -of them." - -"But it will not be long, Ambroise, ere you will be numbered among the -most illustrious of our brotherhood," said La Renaudie, speaking for the -first time. "Yes, gentlemen," he continued, turning to Coligny and De -Bèze, "he whom I now present to you, still an humble practitioner, it -is true, and still young, as you see, will nevertheless be in due time, -I will answer for it, one of the bright and shining lights of the -religion, for he is a great worker and a profound thinker; and we may -well exult that he has sought us out of his own will, for we shall point -with pride to the name on our rolls of the surgeon Ambroise Paré." - -"Oh, Monsieur le Capitaine!" exclaimed Ambroise. - -"By whom has Master Ambroise Paré been instructed in our principles?" -asked Théodore de Bèze. - -"By Chaudieu the minister, who introduced me to Monsieur de la -Renaudie," Ambroise replied. - -"And have you already made the solemn abjuration?" - -"Not yet," replied the surgeon. "I desire to be entirely sincere, and -not to take any vows except upon thorough acquaintance with the matter. -I confess that I still have some doubts; and certain points are still -too obscure forme to be able to join you irrevocably and without -reservation. It is to have these cleared away that I have longed to meet -the leading men of the religion, and have made up my mind to go, if -necessary, to Calvin himself; for truth and liberty are the ruling -passions of my life." - -"Well said!" cried the admiral; "and be assured, Master, that no one of -us could ever wish to strike a blow at your rare and proud independence -of thought." - -"What did I tell you?" rejoined La Renaudie, triumphantly. "Will he not -be an invaluable conquest for our faith? I have seen Ambroise Paré in -his library; I have seen him at the bedside of the sick (yes, I have -seen him too on the battlefield); and everywhere, whether combating -error and prejudice, or caring for the wounds and sufferings of his -fellow-creatures, he is always thus,--calm, cool, superior to the -vicissitudes of fortune, always master of others and of himself." - -Gabriel here interposed, much moved by what he saw and heard. - -"May I be allowed one word? I know now where I am; and I can imagine -what motive induced my generous friend, Monsieur de Coligny, to bring me -to this house, where are met those whom King Henri calls his heretics, -and looks upon as his mortal enemies. But I have certainly more need to -be educated in the faith than has Master Ambroise Paré. Like him, I -have been a man of action; but, alas! I have done but little thinking, -and he would be doing a great service to a new inquirer into all these -new ideas, if he would consent to enlighten me as to the reasons or -motives which have inclined his noble intellect to the Reformed sect." - -"No interested motive at all," replied Ambroise Paré; "for to succeed -in my profession it would be for my interest to conform to the belief of -the court and the princes. So it is not interested motives, but the -force of reason, Monsieur le Vicomte, as you suggest: and if the -illustrious persons before whom I am now speaking authorize me so to do, -I will try to set forth my reasons in a few words." - -"Go on! go on!" cried Coligny, La Renaudie, and Theodore de Bèze at -once. - -"I will be brief," rejoined Ambroise, "for my time does not belong to -me. In the first place, I tried to disentangle the leading idea of the -Reform from all theories and formulas. The brushwood once cut away, -these are the principles which I laid bare, for which I would most -assuredly submit to persecution in every form." - -Gabriel was listening with admiration which he made no attempt to -conceal, to this disinterested expounder of the truth. - -Ambroise Paré continued. - -"Religious and political domination, the Church and royalty, have -hitherto substituted their regulations and their laws for the will and -reasoning of the individual. The priest says to every man, 'Believe -this;' and the prince, 'Do thus and so.' Now, matters have gone on in -this way so long that men's minds remained as the minds of babes, and -had perforce to lean upon this double discipline to make their way -through life. But now we _feel_ that we are strong, and hence we _are_. -Nevertheless the prince and the priest, the Church and the king, are -unwilling to lay down one jot of the authority which has become a -principle of existence with them. It is against this anachronism of -iniquity that the Reformed religion _protests_, in my view. Hereafter -let every soul examine carefully its belief, and reason out its -submission to this domination; and then I believe we shall see the -regeneration to which our efforts are devoted. Am I wrong, gentlemen?" - -"No, but you go too far and too fast," said Theodore de Bèze; "in this -bold way of mingling politics and moral questions--" - -"Ah! it is that very boldness which attracts me," Gabriel interrupted. - -"But it is not boldness; it is logic!" rejoined Ambroise Paré. "How can -that which is fair and just in the Church not be equally so in the -State? How can you disavow as a rule of action that which you admit as a -rule of thought?" - -"There is the spirit of revolution in the bold words you have uttered, -Master," cried Coligny, thoughtfully. - -"Of revolution?" Ambroise coolly rejoined. "Why, I am talking about -revolution." - -The three leaders looked at one another in surprise. Their looks seemed -to say, "This man is much stronger even than we supposed." - -Gabriel did not forget for a moment the engrossing anxiety of his whole -life; but he was now applying to it what he had just heard, and was lost -in thought. - -Theodore de Bèze said most earnestly to the outspoken surgeon,-- - -"It is absolutely necessary that you should join us. What do you ask?" - -"Nothing more than the privilege of conversing with you now and then, -and of submitting to your intelligence and knowledge such difficulties -as I still encounter." - -"You shall have more than that," said Theodore de Bèze; "you shall -correspond directly with Calvin." - -"Such an honor for me!" cried Ambroise Paré, flushing with delight. - -"Yes, it is essential that you should know him, and he you," rejoined -the admiral. "Such a disciple as you are deserves a master like him. You -hand your letters to your friend La Renaudie, and we will see that they -reach Geneva. We will also hand you his replies. They will not be long -in coming. You have heard of Calvin's extraordinary powers of -application; and you will be satisfied." - -"Ah," said Ambroise Paré, "you give me my reward before I have done -anything to merit it. How have I deserved so great a favor?" - -"By being what you are, my friend," said La Renaudie. "I knew that you -would win their hearts at the first stroke." - -"Oh, thank you, thank you a thousand times!" Ambroise responded. "But," -he added, "I regret to say that I must leave you, there are so many -patients awaiting me." - -"Go, go!" said Théodore de Bèze; "your reasons are too sacred for us -to try to keep you. Go! Do what is right as you believe what is true." - -"But as you leave us," Coligny interposed, "rest assured that you leave -none behind you but friends, or, as we say of those of our religion, -'brothers.'" - -Thus they took leave of him heartily and cordially; and Gabriel, warmly -pressing his hand, was not behindhand in this friendly parting. - -Ambroise Paré went his way, with joy and pride in his heart. - -"Truly one of the elect!" cried Théodore de Bèze. - -"What scorn for the commonplace!" said La Renaudie. - -"What uncalculating, unreserved devotion to the cause of humanity!" said -Coligny. - -"Alas!" rejoined Gabriel, "how paltry must my selfishness appear beside -such self-abnegation, Monsieur l'Amiral! I do not, like Ambroise Paré, -subordinate facts and persons to ideas and principles; but on the -contrary, ideas and principles to facts and persons. The Reformed -religion will be for me, as you know too well, not an end, but a means. -In your noble, unselfish struggle I should take part to serve my own -purposes. I feel that my motives are too personal and selfish for me to -dare to defend so pure and holy a cause, and you would do very well at -this moment to spurn me from your ranks as unworthy to serve therein." - -"Surely you traduce yourself, Monsieur d'Exmès," said Theodore de -Bèze. "Even though you should obey less exalted impulses than those of -Ambroise Paré, still the ways of the Lord are many, and one does not -find the truth by travelling on one road to the exclusion of all -others." - -"Yes," said La Renaudie, "we very seldom listen to such professions of -faith as that you have just heard, when we address to those whom we -wish to enlist in our cause the question, 'What do you ask?'" - -"Oh, well," Gabriel responded with a sad smile; "to that question -Ambroise Paré answered: 'I ask whether justice and right are really on -your side.' Do you know what my reply would be?" - -"No," Théodore de Bèze replied; "but we are ready to answer you on -every point." - -"I should ask," Gabriel rejoined, "'Are you sure that you have on your -side sufficient material power and sufficient members to make a good -fight, even if not to conquer?'" - -Once more the three enthusiasts exchanged looks of wonder. But their -wonder had not the same meaning as before. - -Gabriel looked at them in gloomy silence. Theodore de Bèze, after a -pause, replied,-- - -"Whatever may be the feeling that prompts that inquiry, Monsieur -d'Exmès, I agreed in advance to answer you on every point, and I will -keep my promise. We have with us not only common-sense, but strength as -well, thank God! The progress of our principles has been rapid and -undeniable. Three years ago a Reformed church was founded at Paris; and -the great cities of the kingdom--Blois, Tours, Poitiers, Marseilles, and -Rouen--all have churches of their own. You can see for yourself, -Monsieur d'Exmès, the enormous crowds which are attracted by our -meetings at the Pré-aux-Clercs. People, nobility, and courtiers give up -their pleasure-making to come and sing with us Clement Marot's French -hymns. We intend next year to determine our numbers by a public -procession; but at the present time, I venture to say that we have a -fifth of the population with us. We may therefore without presumption -call ourselves a party, and may reckon, I think, upon inspiring our -friends with confidence, our enemies with dismay." - -"That being so," said Gabriel, coolly, "I may very possibly before long -enrol myself among the former and assist you to combat the latter." - -"But suppose you had found us not so strong?" asked La Renaudie. - -"Then I confess that I should have sought other allies," replied -Gabriel, still firmly and calmly. - -La Renaudie and Theodore de Bèze both made a movement of astonishment. - -"Ah!" cried Coligny, "do not judge him, my friends, too hastily or too -harshly. I have seen him at work at the siege of St. Quentin; and when -one puts his life in peril, as he did there, it bespeaks no ordinary -soul. But I know that he has a holy and terrible duty to perform, which -leaves no part of his devotion at his own disposal." - -"And in default of my devotion, I would like to offer you at least my -sincerest aid," said Gabriel. "But in very truth I cannot give myself up -to your service absolutely and without consideration; for I am devoted -to a necessary and formidable task, which has been imposed upon me by -the wrath of God and the wickedness of man, and while that task remains -unfinished, I beg you to pardon me, for I am not the arbiter of my own -fate. The destiny of another takes precedence of mine at all times, and -wherever I may be." - -"One may devote oneself to a man as well as to an idea," said Theodore -de Bèze. - -"And in such a case," added Coligny, "we shall be happy, my friend, to -serve you, just as we shall be proud to avail ourselves of your -services." - -"Our good wishes will go with you; and we will stand ready to assist you -in case of need," said La Renaudie. - -"Ah! you are heroes and saints as well," cried Gabriel. - -"But take care, young man," said the stern La Renaudie, in his familiar -and yet noble language,--"take care, when once we have called you our -brother, to be worthy of the name. We may admit a private devotion into -our ranks; but the heart sometimes deceives itself. Are you perfectly -certain, young man, that when you believe yourself to be entirely -devoted to thoughts of another, no personal consideration whatever has -its influence on your actions? In the object which you are striving to -accomplish, are you absolutely and truly disinterested? Are you, in -short, urged on by no passion of your own, though it may be the most -generous and worthy of passions?" - -"Yes," added Theodore de Bèze, "we do not ask for your secrets; but -search your heart, and tell us that if you were justified in revealing -to us all its feelings and all its plans, you would not feel the least -embarrassment in so doing, and we will believe your word." - -"In speaking thus, my dear friend," said the admiral, in his turn, "it -is to impress upon you that a pure cause must be upheld with clean -hands; otherwise one would only bring misfortune upon his cause and -himself." - -Gabriel listened to and looked at the three men one after another, who -were as stern to others as to themselves, and who, standing around with -keen, serious mien, were questioning him as friends and judges at once. - -At their words he turned pale and red by turns. - -He questioned his own conscience. Being a man of impulse and action, he -was doubtless too little accustomed to reflect and inquire into his own -motives. At this moment he asked himself in alarm, whether in his filial -devotion his love for Madame de Castro was not an element of very great -weight; whether he was not at heart as anxious to learn the secret of -Diane's birth as to procure the old count's liberty; whether, in short, -in this matter of life or death he was really as unselfish as he must be -according to Coligny to deserve God's favor. - -Fearful doubt!--whether by some selfish mental reservation he might not -compromise his father's welfare in the sight of God. - -He shuddered in anxious uncertainty. A circumstance, seemingly -unimportant, awoke his nature to action once more. - -Eleven o'clock struck from the church of St. Severin. - -In an hour he would be in the king's presence. - -With a firm voice he said to the leaders of the Reformed sect:-- - -"You are men of the Golden Age; and those who are most irreproachable in -their own sight find their self-esteem debased and saddened when they -compare themselves with your ideal. Yet it is not possible that all of -your party should be such as you are. That you, who are the head and the -heart of the religion, should keep a close and strict watch upon your -purposes and your acts is necessary and beneficial; but if I throw -myself into your cause, it will not be as a leader, but as a common -soldier simply. Stains upon the soul only are indelible; those upon the -hand may be washed away. I will be your hand,--that's all. I venture to -ask, Have you the right to refuse the aid of this bold and daring hand?" - -"No," said Coligny; "and we accept it here and now, my friend." - -"And I will stake my life that it will rest upon the hilt of your sword -as pure and unstained as it is valiant," added Theodore de Bèze. - -"The very hesitation," said La Renaudie, "which our rather rough and -exacting words caused in your scrupulous heart is our sufficient -guarantee. We know how to judge men's characters." - -"Thanks, gentlemen," said Gabriel,--"thanks from my heart for not -depriving me of the confidence of which I am so much in need in the hard -task which I have before me; thanks to you especially, Monsieur -l'Amiral, who have thus, as you promised, furnished me in advance with -the means of punishing a breach of faith, even if committed by an -anointed king. Now I am obliged to leave you, gentlemen, and I will say, -not adieu, but _au revoir_. Although I may be of those who obey the -course of events rather than abstract ideas, I believe, nevertheless, -that the seeds you have sown to-day will bear fruit hereafter." - -"We hope so, for our own sakes," said Theodore de Bèze. - -"I must not hope so for my sake," rejoined Gabriel; "for, as I have -avowed, it will be only bitter misfortune which will drive me to adopt -your cause. Adieu once more, gentlemen; I must now go to the Louvre." - -"I will go with you," said Coligny. "I must repeat to Henri II. in your -presence what I have already told him once in your absence. Kings have -but short memories; and we must not allow this one to forget or to deny. -I will go with you." - -"I should not have ventured to ask this favor of you, Monsieur -l'Amiral," cried Gabriel; "but I accept your offer most gratefully." - -"Let us go, then," said Coligny. - -As soon as they had left Calvin's chamber, Theodore took his tablets, -and wrote these names:-- - -Ambroise Paré, - -Gabriel, Vicomte d'Exmès. - -"It seems to me," said La Renaudie, "that you are a little hasty in -enrolling these two men among us. They have made no promises whatever." - -"They are ours," replied De Bèze. "One is in search of the truth, and -the other fleeing from injustice. I tell you they are ours, and I shall -write Calvin to that effect." - -"This will have been a great day for the religion, then." - -"Indeed it will," said Theodore; "we shall have made the conquest of a -profound philosopher and a valiant soldier,--a mighty brain and a strong -arm, a winner of battles and a sower of ideas. You are right; it is -really a great day." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -WHEREIN MARY STUART'S LOVELINESS FLITS ACROSS THE -COURSE OF THE STORY WITH AS TRANSIENT A GLEAM -AS IT CASTS UPON THE HISTORY OF FRANCE - - -When Gabriel, accompanied by Coligny, reached the portals of the Louvre, -he was overwhelmed by the first words that reached his ears. - -The king did not receive that day! - -The admiral, notwithstanding he held that high rank and was the nephew -of Montmorency, was too gravely suspected of heresy to have much credit -at court. As for Gabriel d'Exmès, the captain of the Guards, the ushers -of the royal suite had had ample time to forget his face and his name. -The two friends were rewarded for their trouble only by being permitted -to pass beyond the outer doors. - -Within it was still worse. They wasted more than an hour in parleying -and bribing and threatening. As rapidly as they succeeded in inducing -one halberdier to allow them to pass, another barred their way. All the -varieties of dragon, more or less formidable, which watch over the -safety of kings seemed to be multiplied tenfold to impede their passage. - -But when by sheer persistence they had succeeded in penetrating as far -as the great gallery which led to the king's closet, they found it -impossible to go farther; the orders were too strict. The king, closeted -with the constable and Madame de Poitiers, had given express -instructions that he was not to be disturbed on any pretext. - -It was necessary that Gabriel should wait till evening if he wished for -an audience. - -Waiting, weary waiting, when he believed that he was about to reach the -goal which he had been striving for through so much difficulty and -suffering! The few hours still to be passed seemed to Gabriel more -terrible and more to be dreaded than all the perils which he had -hitherto defied and overcome. - -Without listening to the kind words with which the admiral sought to -console him, and to urge patience upon him, he stood at the window -looking gloomily at the rain which had begun to fall from the sombre -sky, a prey to anger and anguish, restlessly feeling the point of his -sword. - -How to overturn and pass by the stupid guards who prevented him from -making his way to the king's apartment, and perhaps to his father's -liberty? Such thoughts filled his brain, when suddenly the curtain -before the door of the royal antechamber was lifted, and a fair and -blooming figure seemed to the saddened youth to light up the gray, rainy -atmosphere. - -The little queen-dauphine, Mary Stuart, was passing through the gallery. - -Gabriel, as if by instinct, uttered a cry, and stretched out his arms -toward her. - -"Oh, Madame!" he said, hardly conscious of what he was doing. - -Mary Stuart turned, recognized Gabriel and the admiral, and came up to -them with her ever-ready smile. - -"So you have returned at last, Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès," said she. -"I am very glad to see you again; I have heard much talk about you of -late. But what are you doing at the Louvre at this early hour, and what -is your wish?" - -"To speak to the king! to speak to the king, Madame!" Gabriel replied in -a stifled voice. - -"Monsieur d'Exmès," it was the admiral who spoke, "has really much need -to speak to the king without delay. It is a very serious matter for him, -and for the king as well; but all these guards prevent his entering, and -attempt to put him off till this evening." - -"As if I could wait till evening!" cried Gabriel. - -"I believe," said Mary Stuart, "that his Majesty is just finishing some -important despatches. Monsieur le Connétable de Montmorency is still -with the king, and really I am afraid--" - -A piteous glance from Gabriel prevented Mary from finishing her -sentence. - -"Well, we will see," she resumed. "I will take the risk." - -She made a sign with her little hand. The guards respectfully fell back, -and Gabriel and the admiral were at liberty to pass. - -"Oh, thanks, Madame!" said the eager youth. "Thank you, who, in every -respect like an angel, always appear to comfort or to aid me in my -suffering." - -"The way is clear," responded Mary Stuart, smiling. "If his Majesty is -very angry, do not betray the angel's share in your entrance, except at -the last extremity, I beg of you." - -She inclined her head graciously to Gabriel and his companion, and was -gone. - -Gabriel was already at the door of the king's cabinet. There was in the -last antechamber one more usher who undertook to oppose their entrance. -But just then the door opened; and Henri himself appeared on the -threshold, just giving some last instructions to the constable. - -The king's distinguishing characteristic was not resolution. At the -sudden appearance of Vicomte d'Exmès, he recoiled, and even forgot to -be angry. - -Gabriel's great virtue was firmness. He bowed low before the king in the -first place. - -"Sire," said he, "deign to accept my most respectful homage." - -Then turning to Monsieur de Coligny, who was following him, and whom he -wished to relieve from the embarrassment of speaking first,-- - -"Come, Monsieur l'Amiral," said he, "and in accordance with the kind -promise you made me, be kind enough to remind his Majesty of the part -that I took in the defence of St. Quentin." - -"What is all this, Monsieur?" cried Henri, beginning to recover his -self-control. "How is it that you intrude yourself thus upon us, without -authorization or announcement? How do you dare to call upon Monsieur -l'Amiral in our presence?" - -Gabriel, who was as bold at such momentous crises as he was before the -enemy, and who well understood that it was no time to lose his courage, -replied in a perfectly respectful but determined tone,-- - -"I thought, Sire, that your Majesty was always ready when justice was to -be done, even to the meanest of your subjects." - -He had taken advantage of the king's backward movement to walk boldly -into the cabinet, where Diane de Poitiers, pale as death, and half -reclining upon her couch of carved oak, watched the actions and words of -the audacious young man, without power to speak a word, so great was her -anger and surprise. - -Coligny had entered also upon the heels of his impetuous friend, and -Montmorency, as much stupefied as the others, had followed his example. - -There was a moment of silence. Henri turned to his mistress with an -inquiring look; but before he had resolved upon any course for himself -or she had had time to suggest one to him, Gabriel, who knew well that -at that moment he held a very advantageous position, said again to -Coligny with an imploring and at the same time dignified accent,-- - -"I beseech you to speak, Monsieur l'Amiral!" Montmorency quickly shook -his head at his nephew, but brave Gaspard took no note of it. - -"Indeed I will speak," said he, "for both my duty and my promise require -me to do so. - -"Sire," he resumed, addressing the king, "I here repeat to you, in -brief, and in presence of Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès, what I thought -it my duty to tell you in greater detail before his return. It is to -him, and to him alone, that we owe the prolonged defence of St. Quentin, -even beyond the time fixed by your Majesty." - -The constable made a meaning movement. But Coligny, looking steadily at -him, nevertheless went calmly on,-- - -"Yes, Sire, three times and more Monsieur d'Exmès saved the town, and -had it not been for his courage and energy, France, beyond a doubt, -would not have been at this hour on the road to safety, in which we may -hope that she may henceforth be able to maintain herself." - -"Come, come! you are too modest or too obliging, my nephew!" cried -Monsieur de Montmorency, utterly unable to restrain his impatience any -longer. - -"No, Monsieur, I am just and truthful," said Coligny, "nothing more. I -contributed my own share and with all my strength to the defence of the -town which was intrusted to me. But Vicomte d'Exmès rekindled the -courage of the people, which I looked upon as already dead beyond -redemption; he succeeded in throwing into the town reinforcements which -I had no idea were in the neighborhood; last of all, he frustrated a -surprise attempted by the enemy, which I had not foreseen. I say nothing -of the way in which he bore himself in the mêlée; we all did our best. -But what he did with his own hand and brain, the enormous share of glory -that he won for himself on that occasion, may well lessen or even render -vain and illusory all of mine,--that I proclaim aloud." - -Turning to Gabriel, the brave admiral added,-- - -"Is it thus that I ought to speak, my friend? Have I carried out my -agreement to your satisfaction? Are you content with me?" - -"Oh, I thank and bless you from the bottom of my heart, Monsieur -l'Amiral, for your loyalty and virtue," said Gabriel, deeply touched, -and pressing Coligny's hands. "I expected no less of you. But look upon -me, I beg, as bound to you forever. Yes, from this hour, your creditor -has become your debtor, and will remember his debt, I swear to you." - -Meanwhile the king, frowning and with downcast eyes, was beating his -foot impatiently on the floor, and seemed deeply vexed. - -The constable gradually approached Madame de Poitiers, and exchanged a -few words with her in an undertone. - -They seemed to have come to some decision, for Diane began to smile; and -her diabolical and feminine grimace made Gabriel shudder, as he happened -to be looking at the beautiful duchess at that moment. - -However, Gabriel found strength to add,-- - -"I will keep you no longer, Monsieur l'Amiral. You have done more than -your duty toward me; and if his Majesty will deign now to grant, as my -first reward, the favor of a private interview--" - -"Later, Monsieur, later; I do not say no," said Henri, quickly, "but -just now it is impossible." - -"Impossible!" cried Gabriel, sorrowfully. - -"Why impossible, Sire?" Diane interrupted pleasantly, to Gabriel's great -surprise, and the king's as well. - -"What! do you think, Madame--?" stammered Henri. - -"I think, Sire, that a king's most pressing duty is to render to each -one of his subjects that which is his due. Now, your debt to Monsieur -d'Exmès is one of the most well-founded and sacred of all debts in my -opinion." - -"No doubt, no doubt!" said Henri, who began to read the signals in the -favorite's eyes; "and I wish--" - -"To hear at once what Monsieur d'Exmès has to say," Diane finished his -sentence. "That is right, Sire, and no more than justice." - -"But his Majesty knows," said Gabriel, more and more lost in amazement, -"that it is essential that I should speak with him alone?" - -"Monsieur de Montmorency was just about to retire as you came in, -Monsieur," rejoined Madame de Poitiers; "and you have yourself taken the -trouble to tell Monsieur l'Amiral that you would detain him no longer. -As for myself, as I was a witness of the contract the king made with -you, and can even, if need be, remind his Majesty of its exact terms, -perhaps you will allow me to remain." - -"Most assuredly, Madame; I ask you to do so," murmured Gabriel. - -"My nephew and myself will take our leave, then, of his Majesty and of -you, Madame," said Montmorency. - -He made a sign of encouragement, as he passed, to Diane, of which she -seemed in no need, however. - -For his part Coligny ventured to press Gabriel's hand; then he followed -his uncle from the room. - -The king and the favorite remained alone with Gabriel, who was in a -state of alarm at the unexpected and mysterious protection accorded to -him by Diane de Castro's mother. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -THE OTHER DIANE - - -In spite of his marvellous self-control, Gabriel could not prevent the -blood from leaving his cheeks nor his voice from quivering when after a -moment's pause he said to the king,-- - -"Sire, it is in fear and trembling, and yet with implicit confidence in -your kingly word, that I venture, having only yesterday escaped from -captivity, to recall to your Majesty's mind the solemn engagement that -you deigned to enter into with me. The Comte de Montgommery still lives, -Sire; otherwise you would long ago have stayed my voice." - -He stopped with a terrible oppression at his heart. The king remained -motionless and mute. Gabriel resumed: - -"Well, then, Sire, since the Comte de Montgommery still lives, and since -according to Monsieur l'Amiral's testimony, I did prolong the resistance -of St. Quentin beyond the limit fixed by your Majesty, I have more than -kept my promise; now I beg you to keep yours. Sire, give me back my -father!" - -"Monsieur!" said Henri, hesitatingly. - -He looked anxiously at Diane de Poitiers, whose tranquillity and -self-possession seemed to be quite undisturbed. - -Nevertheless, it was a difficult position for the king. Henri had grown -used to thinking of Gabriel as dead or in captivity, and had not -prepared himself with a reply to his terrible demand. - -In the face of this hesitation Gabriel's heart was torn with anguish. - -"Sire," he continued, in an almost despairing tone, "it is impossible -that your Majesty has forgotten! Your Majesty must remember our solemn -interview; what I undertook to do in the prisoner's behalf, and your -Majesty's reciprocal undertaking with me." - -The king was touched in spite of himself at the grief and alarm of the -noble youth; the generous instincts in him awoke. - -"I remember it all," he said to Gabriel. - -"Ah, Sire, thanks!" cried Gabriel, with eyes shining with delight. - -But Madame de Poitiers at this moment calmly interposed,-- - -"Doubtless the king remembers it all, Monsieur d'Exmès; but you -yourself seem to have forgotten." - -A flash of lightning from a cloudless sky could not have terrified -Gabriel more than these words. - -"What have I forgotten, Madame, pray?" the young man murmured. - -"One half of your task, Monsieur," Diane replied. "You said to his -Majesty,--and if these are not your exact words, I at least give their -sense,--'Sire, to purchase the freedom of the Comte de Montgommery, I -will arrest the enemy in his triumphal march toward the heart of -France.'" - -"Well, did I not do it?" asked the bewildered Gabriel. - -"Oh, yes!" replied Diane, "but you added: 'And even, if it be necessary, -the assailed shall become the aggressor, and I will seize one of the -towns of which the enemy is in possession.' That is what you said, -Monsieur. Therefore it seems to me that you have done but half of what -you agreed to do. What answer have you to that? You held St. Quentin for -a certain number of days; it was well done, I do not deny. You have -shown us the town defended as you promised; but where is the town -taken?" - -"Oh, _mon Dieu_, _mon Dieu_!" It was all Gabriel in his utter despair -could find strength to say. - -"You see," Diane resumed with the same _sang-froid_, "that my memory is -even better and more at my command than yours. Yet I venture to hope -that now you remember." - -"Yes, it is true, I do remember now!" cried Gabriel, in bitterness of -spirit. "But when I said that, I meant simply to say that in case of -need I would accomplish the impossible; for is it possible at this time -to take any town from the hands of the Spaniards or the English? Is it, -Sire? Your Majesty, by allowing me to go, tacitly accepted the first of -my offers, without giving me to understand that after such an heroic -effort and a long term of captivity I should be called upon to carry out -the second. Sire, it is to you--to you--that I appeal; one town for the -freedom of one man,--is not that enough? Will you not be content with -such a ransom; and must it be that on account of a mere foolish word -which escaped me in the exaltation of my spirit, you will impose upon -me, a weak human Hercules, another task a hundred times harder than the -first,--yes, Sire, even impossible, and understood to be so?" - -The king made a motion of his lips, as if to speak, but the grande -sénéchale made haste to forestall him. - -"Is it, pray, any easier and more practicable, is there any less of -danger or of madness, despite your promises, in setting free a dangerous -prisoner, who was guilty of the crime of _lèse-majesté_? You offered -to do the impossible in order to obtain the impossible, Monsieur -d'Exmès; and it is not fair that you should demand the fulfilment of -the king's word when you have not kept your own promise in full. The -duties of a sovereign are no less weighty than those of a son; enormous, -nay, superhuman services rendered the State can alone produce such a -condition of things as would justify his Majesty in nullifying the laws -of the State. You have a father to save,--very well; but the king has -France to protect." - -And with a look which was a fit commentary to her words, Diane reminded -Henri of the great danger of allowing the old Comte de Montgommery and -his secret to rise from the tomb. - -But Gabriel, making a last effort, stretched out his hands to the king, -and cried,-- - -"Sire, it is to you--to your sense of right, to your kind heart--that I -appeal. Sire, hereafter, aided by time and circumstance, I bind myself -to win back a town for my country, or to die in the attempt. But -meanwhile, Sire, for very pity's sake, let me see my father!" - -Henri, taking counsel from the penetrating gaze of Diane and her whole -demeanor, responded, steadying his voice,-- - -"Keep your promise to the end, Monsieur; and I swear before God that -then, and then only, will I fulfil mine. My word is worth as much as -yours." - -"That is your last word, Sire?" asked Gabriel. - -"That is my last word." - -Gabriel bent his head for a moment, overwhelmed and vanquished, and -altogether beside himself from his fearful repulse. - -In one moment he revolved in his mind a whole world of thoughts. - -He would be revenged upon the ungrateful king and his perfidious -favorite; he would throw in his lot with those of the Reformed religion; -he would accomplish the destiny of the Montgommeries; he would strike -Henri a mortal blow, even as Henri had struck the old count; he would -cause Diane de Poitiers to be banished from court in disgrace, and -bereft of all her honors. Henceforth that should be the one aim of his -will and his life; and far removed and impossible as its accomplishment -might seem to be for a simple gentleman, he would find a way to -accomplish it. - -And yet his father meanwhile might die twenty times over. The avenger -was very well; but the savior was better. In his position, it was hardly -more difficult to capture a town than to punish a king; but the former -end was holy and glorious, the other criminal and impious: in the one -case he would lose Diane de Castro forever; in the other who could say -that he might not win her? - -Everything that had happened since the fall of St. Quentin passed before -Gabriel's eyes like a flash. - -In one tenth of the time that it takes us to write all this the gallant -and ever-ready heart of the young man had begun to throw off its -depression. He had made a resolution, formed his plan, and thought that -he could see in the distance a favorable result. - -The king and his mistress marvelled, and were almost afraid, as they saw -him raise once more his pallid but tranquil face. - -"So be it," was all he said. - -"You are resigned, are you?" asked Henri. - -"I have made my decision," Gabriel replied. - -"How? Explain yourself," said the king. - -"Listen to me, Sire. Any attempt that I should make to put into your -hands a town to pay for the one which the Spaniards have taken from you -would seem to you hopeless, impossible, the act of a madman, would it -not? Be frank with me, Sire, and you too, Madame,--is not this really -your opinion?" - -"It is true," Henri replied. - -"I fear so," added Diane. - -"In all probability this attempt will cost me my life, and produce no -other result than to cause me to be looked upon as an absurd fool," -Gabriel continued. - -"It was not I who proposed it to you," said the king. - -"Doubtless, your wisest course would be to give it up," Diane rejoined. - -"I have told you, however, that I have resolved upon it," said Gabriel. - -Neither Henri nor Diane could restrain an admiring exclamation. - -"Oh, be careful!" cried the king. - -"Of what?--of my life?" retorted Gabriel, laughing aloud. "I sacrificed -that long, long ago. But, Sire, there must be no misunderstanding and no -subterfuges this time. The terms of the bargain we are making together -before God are now clear and precise. I, Gabriel, Vicomte d'Exmès, -Vicomte de Montgommery, will bear myself in such fashion that by my -means some town which is to-day in the power of the Spaniards or the -English shall fall into your hands. This town shall be no paltry village -or hamlet, but a strong place, of as much importance as you can desire. -There is no ambiguity there, I think." - -"No, truly not," said the king, uneasily. - -"And you," Gabriel resumed, "Henri II., King of France, do also on your -part bind yourself to open the doors of my father's dungeon, at my first -demand, and to give up to me the Comte de Montgommery. Do you so bind -yourself? Is it done?" - -The king noticed Diane's incredulous smile, and said,-- - -"I give you my word." - -"Thanks, your Majesty. This is not all, however. You can well afford to -give one guarantee more to this poor maniac, who is hurling himself into -the abyss before your very eyes. You must be indulgent to those who are -about to die. I ask of you no signed writing, which might compromise -you,--doubtless, you would refuse it; but here is a Bible, Sire; place -your royal hand upon it, and take this oath: 'In exchange for a town of -the first class, the recovery of which I shall owe to Gabriel de -Montgommery alone, I pledge myself upon the holy gospels to restore -Vicomte d'Exmès's father to liberty; and I declare in advance that if I -prove false to this oath, said viscount is freed from all allegiance to -me and mine. I say that whatever he may do to punish me for my false -swearing will be well done, and absolve him before God and man for any -crime against my person.' Take that oath, Sire." - -"By what right do you ask it of me?" said Henri. - -"I told you, Sire, by the right of one who is soon to die." - -The king still hesitated; but the duchess with her disdainful smile made -a sign to him that he might take the required oath without fear. - -She really believed that for the moment Gabriel had lost his reason; and -she shrugged her shoulders in pity. - -"Very well; I consent," said Henri, with a fatal impulse. - -With his hand on the gospel, he repeated the words of the oath which -Gabriel dictated. - -"At least," said the young man, when the king had done, "this will -suffice to spare your remorse. Madame Diane is not the only witness to -our new contract, for God also has witnessed it. Now, I have no more -time to lose. Adieu, Sire. In two months from now I shall be no longer -among the living, or my father will be in my arms." - -He bowed low before the king and the duchess, and left the room in -haste. - -Henri, in spite of himself, remained for a moment thoughtful and grave; -but Diane laughed merrily. - -"Come, why don't you laugh, Sire?" said she. "Surely you see that this -madman is lost, and that his father will die in prison. You may safely -laugh, Sire." - -"I am laughing," said the king, suiting the action to the word. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -A GRAND SCHEME FOR A GREAT MAN - - -The Duc de Guise, since he had borne the title of Lieutenant-General of -the kingdom, occupied apartments in the Louvre itself. The ambitious -chief of the house of Lorraine thus slept, or rather lay awake, every -night in the royal dwelling of the kings of France. - -What waking dreams did he have beneath that chimera-haunted roof? His -dreams had taken a great stride forward since the day when he confided -to Gabriel, in his tent before Civitella, his designs upon the throne of -Naples. Would he be content now? Being a guest in the royal palace, -would he not say to himself that before long he might well become its -master? Did he not already feel vaguely the pressure of a crown about -his temples? Did he not with a complacent smile contemplate the good -sword which, more powerful than the magician's wand, might transform his -hopes to reality? - -We may imagine that even as early as this, François de Lorraine did -harbor such thoughts; for consider! Did not the king himself, by calling -him to his assistance in his distress, justify his wildest ambition? To -intrust to him the welfare of France at such a time was to recognize him -as the first captain of his age! François I. would not have been so -modest! No, he would have girded on the sword of Marignan. But Henri -II., although of great personal courage, lacked the will to command and -the force to execute. - -The Duc de Guise said all this to himself; but he also told himself that -it was not enough to be able to justify his rash hopes in his own eyes, -but that he must justify them in the eyes of France; that he must by -glorious services and signal success purchase his right and carve out -his own destiny. - -The fortunate general who had had the opportunity to arrest the second -invasion of Charles V. at Metz knew very well that he had not yet -accomplished so much that he could venture to try for the whole. Even -when at this time he had driven back to the frontier the Spanish and the -English, still it was not enough. In order that France might throw -herself into his hands, or allow him to take her to himself, he must not -only repair her losses, but must make conquests for her. - -Such were the-reflections which had preoccupied the great mind of the -Duc de Guise since his return from Italy. - -He was going over them again on this very day when Gabriel de -Montgommery was concluding his new, apparently insane, yet sublime -agreement with Henri II. - -Alone in his room, François de Guise, standing at the window, was -looking into the courtyard with eyes that saw not, and mechanically -thrumming upon the glass with his fingers. - -One of his people knocked softly at the door, and upon receiving the -duke's permission to enter, announced Vicomte d'Exmès. - -"Vicomte d'Exmès!" said the Duc de Guise, who had a memory like -Cæsar's, and who also had the best of reasons for remembering Gabriel. -"Vicomte d'Exmès! My young companion in arms of Metz and Renty and -Valenza! Show him in, Thibault; show him in at once!" - -The valet; bowed and left the room to introduce Gabriel. - -Our hero (we surely have the right to give him that name) had not -hesitated. With the instinct which illuminates the brain at critical -moments, and which if it shines throughout the ordinary extent of one's -life is called genius, Gabriel, on leaving the king, as if he had -foreseen the secret thoughts which the Duc de Guise was fondling in his -mind at that moment, betook himself at once to the apartments of the -lieutenant-general. - -He was perhaps the only living man who could understand and assist him. - -Gabriel might well have been touched by the reception which he met with -from his former commander. - -The Duc de Guise went quite to the door to meet him, and folded him in -his arms. - -"Ah, you are here at last, my hero!" he said effusively. "Whence have -you come h What has become of you since St. Quentin? Ah, how often I -have thought of you and spoken of you, Gabriel!" - -"Have I really kept any place in your memory, Monseigneur?" - -"_Pardieu_! he has the assurance to ask me such a question!" cried the -duke. "As if you hadn't ways of your own of making yourself remembered -by people. Coligny, who is worth more alone than all the rest of the -Montmorencys together, has told me (but in very ambiguous terms, for -some unknown reason) a part of your exploits at St. Quentin; -nevertheless, from what he did say, I should judge that he said nothing -regarding the greater portion of them." - -"Yet I did too little!" said Gabriel, with a sad smile. - -"Ambitious boy!" said the duke. - -"Indeed I am ambitious!" was Gabriel's response, with a mournful shake -of the head. - -"But, thank God, you have returned!" rejoined the Duc de Guise. "Once -more we are together, my friend; you remember what plans we made -together in Italy! Ah, poor Gabriel, France needs your valor more than -ever now. To what dire extremity have they reduced our country!" - -"All that I am, and all that I have," said Gabriel, "is consecrated to -her support; I only await your signal, Monseigneur." - -"Thanks, my friend," the duke responded; "be sure that I will avail -myself of your offer, and you will not have long to wait for my signal." - -"Then it will be for me to thank you, Monseigneur," cried Gabriel. - -"To tell the truth, however," the duke continued, "the more I look -around me, the more embarrassing and serious do I find the situation. I -had to hasten at first to the point where the greatest urgency existed, -to organize effective means of resistance in the neighborhood of Paris, -and to present a formidable defensive front to the enemy,--to stop his -progress, in short. But all that amounts to nothing. He has St. Quentin; -he has the North! I ought to be at work, and I long to be. But in what -direction?" - -He stopped, as if to consult Gabriel. He knew the young man's breadth of -view, and he had on more than one occasion found his advice worth -following; but now Vicomte d'Exmès spoke not a word, carefully watching -the duke, and letting him approach the subject in his own way, so to -speak. - -François de Lorraine thereupon continued:-- - -"Do not reprove me for my sloth, my dear friend. I am not one of those -who hesitate, as you know; but I am of those who reflect. You will not -blame me for it; for you are like me,--determined and cautious at the -same time. The pensiveness of your young face," the duke added, "seems -to me of a severer cast than formerly. I hardly dare to ask you about -yourself. You had stern duties to perform, I remember, and formidable -foes to discover. Have you other misfortunes to deplore than those of -your country? I fear so; for when I last saw you, you were only serious, -and now I find you sad." - -"Let us not speak of myself, Monseigneur, I beg," said Gabriel. "Let us -speak of France, and then we shall be speaking of my hopes." - -"So be it," rejoined the duke. "I will tell you with perfect frankness -my thoughts and my anxiety. It seems to me that the most essential thing -at this moment is to raise the spirits of our people, and restore our -former glorious reputation by some striking blow; to change our -defensive attitude to an offensive one; and, finally, not to content -ourselves with repairing our defeats, but to atone for them by some -glorious success." - -"That is precisely my opinion, Monseigneur," cried Gabriel, eagerly, -surprised and delighted at a coincidence so in line with his own -schemes. - -"That being your opinion," resumed the Duc de Guise, "doubtless, you -have thought more than once of our country's peril and of the means of -extricating her from it?" - -"Indeed, I have often thought of it," said Gabriel. - -"Well, then," continued François de Lorraine, "have you, my friend, -gone any further than I? Have you looked this serious difficulty in the -face? Where, when, and how to attempt so brilliant a stroke, which we -both deem so essential?" - -"Monseigneur, I think I know." - -"Can it be?" cried the duke. "Oh, speak, speak, my friend!" - -"_Mon Dieu_! perhaps I have spoken too soon, after all," said Gabriel. -"The proposition I have to make is one of those which will certainly -require long preparation. You are very powerful, Monseigneur; but the -project I have to suggest may seem impracticable even to you." - -"I am not generally subject to vertigo," said the duke, smiling. - -"Never mind, Monseigneur," rejoined Gabriel. "At first sight, my plan -will--I fear, and I forewarn you--seem extraordinary, insensate, nay, -even impossible; really, however, it is only difficult and dangerous." - -"But that only makes it more attractive," said François de Lorraine. - -"Well, Monseigneur, it is agreed, then, that you will not, in the first -place, be horrified. I say again, there will be great risks to be run; -but the means of success are in my power, and when I have unfolded them, -you yourself will agree with me." - -"If that be so, I beg you to speak, Gabriel," said the duke. "But who -comes to interrupt us now?" he added impatiently. "Is that you knocking, -Thibault?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur," said the valet, entering the room. "Monseigneur -ordered me to let him know when the hour for the council to assemble had -arrived, and it is now striking two. Monsieur de Saint-Remy and the -other gentlemen will call for Monseigneur directly." - -"True, true," rejoined the duke; "there is a council-meeting to be held -now, and an important one too. It is indispensable that I should be -present. Very well, Thibault. Leave us; show the gentlemen in when they -arrive. You see, Gabriel, that my duty calls me to the king's side. This -evening you can unfold your plan to me at your leisure,--and it must be -a noble one, since it comes from your brain; meanwhile I beseech you to -satisfy my curiosity and my impatience in a few words. What do you mean -to do, Gabriel?" - -"In two words, Monseigneur, _take Calais_," said Gabriel, calmly. - -"Take Calais!" almost shouted the Duc de Guise, falling back in -surprise. - -"You forget, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, with the same tranquil air, -"that you promised me not to be horrified at the first impression." - -"Oh, but have you considered this carefully?" said the duke. "Take -Calais, defended by a strong garrison, by impregnable fortifications, -and by the sea!--Calais, which has been in the power of England more -than two centuries! Calais, guarded as carefully as the very key of -France! I love an audacious scheme; but will this not be a rash one?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur," Gabriel replied; "but it is just because it is such -a rash undertaking that no one would ever dream of it or suspect it that -it has a better chance of success." - -"In truth, that is very possible," said the duke, thoughtfully. - -"When you have listened to me, Monseigneur, you will say, 'It is -certain!' The rule of conduct to be observed is clearly marked out for -us in advance,--to keep it in most absolute secrecy, to throw the enemy -off the scent by some false manœuvre, and to appear before the town -unexpectedly. In a fortnight Calais will be ours." - -"But," the duke rejoined earnestly, "these general indications are not -sufficient. Your plan, Gabriel,--you have a plan?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur; it is simple, but sure--" - -Gabriel had not time to conclude, for at that moment the door opened and -the Comte de Saint-Remy entered, attended by a number of nobles attached -to the Guise party. - -"His Majesty awaits the lieutenant-general of the kingdom at the -council-board," said Saint-Remy. - -"I am at your service, gentlemen," rejoined the duke, saluting the -new-comers. - -Then turning quickly to Gabriel, he said in a low voice,-- - -"I must leave you now, my friend, as you see; but the unspeakably -magnificent scheme which you have thrown into my brain will not leave me -the whole day, I promise you. If you really think such a project can be -executed, I believe I am capable of understanding you. Can you return -here this evening at eight? We shall have the whole night to ourselves -without fear of interruption." - -"I will be prompt to the hour," said Gabriel, "and I will make good use -of my time meanwhile." - -"I make bold to remind Monseigneur that it is now after two," said the -Comte de Saint-Remy. - -"I am here; I am quite ready!" the duke responded. - -He took a few steps toward the door, then turned and looked at Gabriel, -and approaching him once more, as if to be sure that he had understood -him aright,-- - -"Take Calais?" he said again in a low voice, and with a sort of -questioning inflection. - -And Gabriel, bowing his head affirmatively, replied with his sweet, calm -smile,-- - -"Yes, take Calais." - -The Duc de Guise went to attend the council, and Gabriel followed him -from the room and left the Louvre. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -GLIMPSES AT DIVERS MEN OF THE SWORD - - -Aloyse was standing at the lower window of the house anxiously awaiting -Gabriel's return. When she finally espied him, she raised to heaven her -eyes filled with tears; but tears of happiness and gratitude they were -this time. - -She ran and opened the door with her own hands to her beloved master. - -"God be praised that I see you once more, Monseigneur!" she cried. "Do -you come from the Louvre? Have you seen the king?" - -"Yes, I have seen him," Gabriel replied. - -"Well?" - -"Well, my good nurse, once more I have to wait." - -"More waiting!" Aloyse exclaimed, wringing her hands. "Holy Virgin! it -is very hard and very sad to wait." - -"It would be impossible," said Gabriel, "if I had not work to do -meanwhile. But I will work with a will, and thank God, I can beguile the -tedium of the journey by thinking steadfastly of the goal." - -He entered the parlor, and threw his mantle over the back of a couch. - -He did not see Martin-Guerre, who was sitting in a corner plunged in -deep reflections. - -"Come, come, Martin, you sluggard, what are you about?" cried Dame -Aloyse to the squire. "Can't you even help Monseigneur to take off his -cloak?" - -"Oh, pardon! pardon!" Martin exclaimed, rousing himself from his revery, -and leaping from his seat. - -"All right, Martin, don't disturb yourself," said Gabriel. "Aloyse, I -wish you would not trouble poor Martin; his zeal and devotion are more -necessary to me than ever at this moment, and I have some very serious -matters to talk over with him." - -Vicomte d'Exmès's slightest wish was sacred to Aloyse. She favored the -squire with her sweetest smile, now that he was restored to grace, and -discreetly left the room, to leave Gabriel more at liberty to say what -was in his mind. - -"Martin," said he, when they were alone, "what were you doing there? -What were you thinking about so deeply?" - -"Monseigneur," Martin-Guerre replied, "I was cudgelling my brain to -solve in some degree the enigma of our friend this morning." - -"Well, how have you succeeded?" asked Gabriel, smiling. - -"Very indifferently, alas! Monseigneur. If I must confess it, I have -been able to see nothing but darkness, however widely I have opened my -eyes." - -"But I told you, Martin, that I thought I could see something better -than that." - -"What is it, Monseigneur? I am almost dead trying to find out." - -"The time has not come to tell you," said Gabriel. - -"You are still devoted to me, Martin?" - -"Does Monseigneur put that as a question?" - -"No, Martin, I say it by way of commendation. Now I appeal to this -devotion of which I speak. You must for a time forget yourself, forget -the shadow which darkens your life, and which we will drive away -hereafter. I promise you. But at present I need you, Martin." - -"So much the better! so much the better! so much the better!" cried -Martin-Guerre. - -"But let us have no misunderstanding," said Gabriel. "I have need of -your whole being, of your whole life, and all your manhood; are you -willing to place yourself in my hands, to postpone your private -troubles, and devote yourself solely to my fortunes?" - -"Am I willing!" cried Martin; "why, Monseigneur, it is not only my duty -to do so, but will be my greatest pleasure. By Saint Martin! I have been -separated from you only too long, and I long to make up for lost time! -Though there be a legion of Martin-Guerres inside my clothes, never -fear, Monseigneur, I will laugh at them all. So long as you are standing -there in front of me, I will see nobody but you in the world." - -"Brave heart!" said Gabriel. "But you must consider, Martin, that the -enterprise in which I ask you to engage is full of danger and pitfalls." - -"_Basta_! I will leap over them!" said Martin, snapping his fingers -carelessly. - -"We shall hazard our lives a hundred times over, Martin." - -"The higher the stake, the better the sport, Monseigneur." - -"But this terrible game, once we engage in it, my friend, cannot be laid -aside until it is finished." - -"Then none but a fine player should take part in it," rejoined the -squire, proudly. - -"Not so fast!" said Gabriel; "despite all your resolution, you do not -appreciate the formidable and extraordinary peril which may attend the -almost superhuman conflict into which you and I are about to plunge; and -after all, our efforts may be unrewarded,--remember that! Martin, -consider all this carefully; the plan which I must carry out almost -makes me afraid myself, when I examine it." - -"Very good! Danger and I are old acquaintances," said Martin, with a -very self-sufficient air; "and when one has had the honor of being -hanged--" - -"Martin," Gabriel interrupted, "we must defy the elements, exult in the -tempest, laugh at the impossible!" - -"Indeed we will!" said Martin-Guerre. "To tell the truth, Monseigneur, -since my hanging, the days which have passed over my head have seemed to -me like days of grace; and I am not inclined to find fault with the good -Lord for that portion of the surplus which He has seen fit to allot to -me. Whatever the merchant lets you have over and above the bargain, -there is no need to account for; if you do, you are either an ingrate or -a fool." - -"Well, then, Martin, it's agreed, is it?" said Vicomte d'Exmès; "you -will go with me and share my lot?" - -"To hell itself, Monseigneur! so long as you don't ask me to set Satan -at defiance, for I am a good Catholic." - -"Have no fear on that score," said Gabriel. "By going with me you may -perhaps endanger your welfare in this world, but not in the next." - -"That is all that I care to know," rejoined Martin. "But is there -nothing else than my life, Monseigneur, that you ask of me?" - -"Yes," said Gabriel, smiling at the heroic ingenuousness of that -question; "yes, indeed, Martin-Guerre, there is another great service -that you must render me." - -"What is it, Monseigneur?" - -"I want you, as soon as possible,--this very day, if you can,--to find -me a dozen or so companions of your mettle, daring and strong and -resolute, who fear neither fire nor sword, who can endure hunger and -thirst, heat and cold, who will obey like angels, and fight like devils. -Can you do it?" - -"That depends. Will they be well paid?" asked Martin. - -"A piece of gold for every drop of their blood," said Gabriel. "My -fortune causes me the least concern, alas! in the holy but perilous task -which I must carry through to the end." - -"At that price, Monseigneur," said the squire, "I will get together in -two hours that number of dare-devils, who will not complain of their -wounds, I assure you. In France, and in Paris especially, the supply of -that sort of blackguard never fails. But in whose service are they to -be?" - -"In my own," said Vicomte d'Exmès. "I am going to make the campaign -which I now have in mind as a volunteer, and not as captain of the -Guards; so I need to have retainers of my own." - -"Oh! if that is so, Monseigneur," said Martin, "I have right at my call, -and ready at any moment, five or six of my old comrades in the Lorraine -war. They are pining away, poor devils, since you dismissed them. How -glad they will be to be under fire again with you for their leader! And -so it is for yourself that I am to enlist recruits? Oh, well, then, I -will present the full complement to you this evening." - -"Very good," said Gabriel. "You must make it an essential condition of -their employment that they be ready to leave Paris immediately, and to -follow me wherever I go, without question or comment, and without even -looking to see whether we are marching north or south." - -"They will march toward glory and wealth, Monseigneur, with bandaged -eyes." - -"Well, then, I will reckon upon them and upon you, Martin. As for -yourself, I will give you--" - -"Let us not speak of that, Monseigneur," Martin interposed. - -"On the contrary, we will speak of it. If we survive the fray, my brave -fellow, I bind myself solemnly, here and now, to do for you what you -will then have done for me, and in my turn to assist you against your -enemies, never fear. Meanwhile, your hand, my faithful friend." - -"Oh, Monseigneur!" Martin-Guerre exclaimed, respectfully kissing his -master's extended hand. - -"Come, now, Martin," continued Gabriel, "set about your quest at once. -Discretion and courage! Now I must be alone for a time." - -"Pardon! but will Monseigneur remain in the house?" asked Martin. - -"Yes, until seven o'clock. I am not to go to the Louvre until eight." - -"In that case," rejoined the squire, "I hope to be able to show you, -before you leave, some specimens of the make up of your troop." - -He saluted and left the room, as proud as a peacock, and already -absorbed in his important commission. - -Gabriel remained alone the rest of the day, studying the plan which Jean -Peuquoy had handed him, making notes, and pacing thoughtfully up and -down his apartment. - -It was essential that he should be able to answer satisfactorily every -objection that the Duc de Guise might raise. - -He only broke the silence from time to time by repeating, with a firm -voice and eager heart,-- - -"I will save you, dear father! My own Diane, I will save you!" - -About six o'clock, Gabriel, yielding to the insistence of Aloyse, was -just taking a little food, when Martin-Guerre entered, very serious and -stately. - -"Monseigneur," said he, "will it please you to receive six or seven of -those who aspire to the honor of serving France and the king under your -orders?" - -"What! six or seven already?" cried Gabriel. - -"Yes, six or seven who are strangers to you. Our old Metz companions -will make up the twelve. They are all delighted to risk their necks for -such a master as you, and accept any conditions that you choose to -impose upon them." - -"Upon my word, you have lost no time," said Vicomte d'Exmès. "Well, let -me see the men; show them in." - -"One at a time, shall I not?" rejoined Martin. "Monseigneur can form a -better opinion of them then." - -"Very well, one at a time," said Gabriel. - -"One word more," added the squire. "I need not tell Monsieur le Vicomte -that all these men are known to me either personally or through reliable -information. Their dispositions and their peculiarities are varied; but -they have one characteristic in common,--namely, a well-proved courage. -I can answer to Monseigneur for that essential quality, if he will only -be indulgent toward some little peccadilloes of no consequence." - -After this preliminary discourse, Martin-Guerre left the room a moment, -and returned almost immediately, followed by a tall fellow with a -swarthy complexion, a reckless, clever face, and very quick of movement. - -"Ambrosio," said Martin, introducing him. - -"Ambrosio! that's a foreign name. Is he not a Frenchman?" asked Gabriel. - -"Who knows?" said Ambrosio. "I was a foundling; and since I grew up, I -have lived in the Pyrenees, one foot in France and the other in Spain; -and, upon my word! I have, with a good heart, taken advantage of my -double bar-sinister, without any ill feeling either against God or my -mother." - -"And how have you lived?" Gabriel asked. - -"Well, it's just like this," said Ambrosio. "Being entirely impartial as -between my two countries, I have always tried, to the best of my poor -ability, to break down the barriers between them, and to open to each -the advantages of the other, and by this free exchange of the gifts -which each of them owes to Providence, to contribute, like a pious son, -with all my power to their mutual prosperity." - -"In a word," put in Martin-Guerre, "Ambrosio does a little smuggling." - -"But," Ambrosio continued, "being a marked man by the Spanish as well as -the French authorities, and unappreciated and hunted by my -fellow-citizens on both sides of the Pyrenees at once, I concluded to -evacuate the neighborhood, and come to Paris, the city which is -overflowing with means of livelihood for brave men." - -"Where Ambrosio will be happy," interjected Martin, "to place at the -disposal of Vicomte d'Exmès his daring, his address, and his long -experience of fatigue and danger." - -"Ambrosio the smuggler, accepted!" said Gabriel. "Another!" - -Ambrosio took his leave in great delight, giving place to a man of -ascetic appearance and reserved manners, clad in a long dark cape, and -with a rosary of great beads around his neck. - -Martin-Guerre introduced him under the name of Lactance. - -"Lactance," he added, "has already served under the orders of Monsieur -de Coligny, who was sorry to lose him, and will give Monseigneur a very -favorable account of him. But Lactance is a devout Catholic, and was -very averse to serving under a commander who is tainted with heresy." - -Lactance, without a word, signified his assent by motions of his head -and hands to what Martin had said, who thereupon continued:-- - -"This pious veteran will, as his duty requires, put forth his best -efforts to give satisfaction to Vicomte d'Exmès; but he asks that -every facility may be granted him for the unrestricted and rigorous -practice of those religious observances which his eternal welfare -demands. Being compelled by the profession of arms which he has adopted -and by his natural inclination to fight against his brothers in Jesus -Christ, and to slay as many of them as possible, Lactance wisely -considers it essential to atone for these unavoidable deeds of blood by -stern self-chastisement. The more ferocious Lactance is in battle the -more devout is he at Mass; and he despairs of counting the number of -fasts and penances which have been imposed upon him for the dead and -wounded whom he has sent before their time to the foot of the Lord's -throne." - -"Lactance the devotee, accepted!" said Gabriel, with a smile. - -Lactance, still silent, bowed low, and went out, mumbling a grateful -prayer to the Most High for having granted him the favor of being -employed by so valiant a warrior. - -After Lactance, Martin-Guerre brought forward, under the name of -Yvonnet, a young man of medium height, of refined and distinguished -features, and with small, well-cared-for hands. From his ruffles to his -boots, his attire was not only scrupulously clean and neat, but even -rather jaunty. He made a most courteous salutation to Gabriel, and stood -before him in a position as graceful as it was elegant, lightly brushing -off with his hand a few grains of dust from his right sleeve. - -"This, Monseigneur, is the most determined fellow of them all," said -Martin-Guerre. "Yvonnet, in a hand-to-hand contest, is like an unchained -lion, whose course nothing can arrest; he will cut and thrust in a sort -of frenzy. But he shines especially in an assault; he must always be the -first to put his foot on the first ladder, and plant the first French -banner on the enemy's walls." - -"Why, he is a real hero, then!" said Gabriel. - -"I do my best," rejoined Yvonnet, modestly; "and Monsieur Martin-Guerre, -doubtless, rates my feeble efforts somewhat above their real worth." - -"No; I only do you justice," said Martin, "and I will prove it by -calling attention to your faults, now that I have praised your virtues. -Yvonnet, Monseigneur, is the fearless devil that I have described only -on the battlefield. To arouse his courage he must hear drums beating, -arrows whistling, and cannon thundering; without those stimulants and in -every-day life Yvonnet is retiring, easily moved, and nervous as a young -girl. His sensitiveness demands the greatest delicacy; he doesn't like -to remain alone in the darkness, he has a horror of mice and spiders, -and frequently swoons for a mere scratch. His bellicose ardor, in fact, -shows itself only when the smell of powder and the sight of blood -intoxicate him." - -"Never mind," said Gabriel; "as we propose to escort him to scenes of -carnage, and not to a ball, Yvonnet the scrupulous is accepted." - -Yvonnet saluted Vicomte d'Exmès according to all the rules of -good-breeding, and took his leave, smiling and twirling the ends of his -fine black mustache with his white hand. - -Two huge blonds succeeded him, of quiet demeanor, and stiff as ramrods. -One appeared to be about forty; the other could scarcely have passed his -twenty-fifth year. - -"Heinrich Scharfenstein, and Frantz Scharfenstein, his nephew," -Martin-Guerre announced. - -"The deuce! Who are these?" said Gabriel, in amazement. "Who are you, my -good fellows?" - -"Wir versteen nur ein wenig das franzosich" ("We only understand French -a little"), said the elder of the giants. - -"What?" asked Gabriel. - -"We understand French poorly," the younger Colossus replied. - -"They are German _reîtres_," said Martin-Guerre,--"in Italian, -_condottieri_; in French, _soldats_. They sell their arms to the highest -bidder, and hold their courage at a fair price. They have already served -the Spaniards and the English; but the Spaniard didn't pay promptly -enough, and the Briton haggled too much. Buy them, Monseigneur, and you -will find you have made a great acquisition. They will never discuss an -order, and will march up to the mouth of a cannon with unalterable -_sang-froid_. Courage is with them a matter of bargain and sale; and -provided that they receive their wages promptly, they will submit -without a word of complaint to the dangerous, it may be fatal, chances -of their kind of business." - -"Well, I will retain these mechanics of glory," said Gabriel; "and for -greater security I will pay them a month's wages in advance. But time -presses; let me see the others." - - -[Illustration: Glimpses at Divers Men of the Sword.] - - -The two German Goliaths, carrying their hands to their hats in soldierly -style and as if mechanically, withdrew together, keeping step with -perfect precision. - -"The next is named Pilletrousse," said Martin; "here he is." - -A sort of brigand, with a wild look about him and torn clothes, came in, -swaying from side to side in an embarrassed way, eying Gabriel as if he -were his judge. - -"What makes you look so ashamed, Pilletrousse?" asked Martin, -encouragingly. "Monseigneur here asked me to find some men of brave -heart for him. You are a little more pronounced than the others; but -really you have nothing to blush for." - -Then he continued, addressing his master, in a serious tone:-- - -"Pilletrousse, Monseigneur, is what we call a _routier_. In the general -war against the Spaniards and English he has up to this time fought on -his own account. Pilletrousse haunts the high-roads, which are crowded -nowadays with foreign robbers, and, in brief, he robs the robbers. As -for his fellow-countrymen, he not only respects but protects them. Then, -too, Pilletrousse fights and wins; he does not steal,--he lives on -prize-money, not by theft. Nevertheless he has felt the necessity of -confining his roving profession within more definite limits, and of -harrying the enemies of France in less arbitrary fashion. Therefore he -has eagerly accepted my suggestion that he should enrol himself under -the banner of Vicomte d'Exmès." - -"And I," said Gabriel, "will receive him on your statement, -Martin-Guerre, on condition that he will no longer make the high-roads -and by-ways the scene of his exploits, but will transfer it to fortified -towns and the battle-field." - -"Thank Monseigneur, blackguard! you are one of us," said Martin-Guerre -to the _routier_, for whom, scamp though he was, he seemed to have a -sort of weakness. - -"Oh, yes, thank you, Monseigneur," said Pilletrousse, effusively. "I -promise never again to fight single-handed against two or three, but -always not less than ten." - -"Very well," said Gabriel. - -He who came after Pilletrousse was a pale fellow, of sad and careworn -appearance, who seemed to look upon things in general with melancholy -and discouragement. The finishing touch was put to the gloomy cast of -his face by the seams and scars with which it was abundantly ornamented. - -Martin-Guerre brought forward this the seventh and last of his recruits -under the name of Malemort. - -"Monseigneur le Vicomte d'Exmès," said he, "will be truly culpable if -he rejects poor Malemort. He is, in truth, the victim of a sincere and -profound passion for Bellona, to speak in mythological phrase. But this -passion has heretofore been very unlucky. The poor fellow has a very -pronounced and well-educated taste for war; he takes no pleasure except -in fighting, and is only happy in the midst of great slaughter; but so -far, alas! he has tasted happiness only with his lips. He has a way of -plunging so blindly and madly into the thickest of the fray that he is -always sure to receive some cut or slash at the first leap, which puts -him _hors de combat_, and sends him to the hospital, where he lies -during the remainder of the battle, groaning more over his enforced -absence than from the pain of his wound. His body is one great scar; but -he is vigorous yet, thank God!--he always gets well promptly. But he has -to wait then for another opportunity. His long unsatisfied desire wears -more upon him than the loss of all the blood he has so gloriously shed. -Monseigneur, you must see that you ought not to deprive this melancholy -warrior of a pleasure which may be productive of mutual benefit." - -"Well, I accept Malemort very gladly, my dear Martin," said Gabriel. - -A smile of satisfaction passed across Malemort's pale face. Hope caused -his dull eyes to glisten; and he hastened to join his comrades with a -much quicker step than when he entered the room. - -"Are these all whom you have to present?" Gabriel asked his squire. - -"Yes, Monseigneur; I have no others to offer at this moment. I hardly -dared to hope that Monseigneur would accept them all." - -"I should have been hard to suit indeed, had I not," said Gabriel; "your -judgment is good and sure, Martin. Accept my congratulations upon your -excellent selections." - -"Well," said Martin-Guerre, modestly, "I do like to think that Malemort, -Pilletrousse, the two Scharfensteins, Lactance, Yvonnet, and Ambrosio -are not just the sort of fellows to be looked upon with contempt." - -"I should think not!" said Gabriel. "What rough diamonds they are!" - -"If Monseigneur," Martin continued, "should be willing to add to their -number Landry, Chesnel, Aubriot, Contamine, and Balu, veterans of the -war in Lorraine, I rather think that with Monseigneur at our head, and -four or five of our people from here to wait upon us, we should have a -pretty fine party to show to our friends, and better still, to our -enemies." - -"Yes, to be sure," said Gabriel; "arms and heads of iron! You must arm -and equip these fine fellows with the least possible delay, Martin. But -you have done enough for to-day. You have made good use of your time, my -friend, and I thank you for it. My day, although it has been an active -and painful one, is not yet ended." - -"Where is Monseigneur going this evening?" asked Martin-Guerre. - -"To the Louvre, to wait upon Monsieur de Guise, who expects me at eight -o'clock," said Gabriel, rising. "But thanks to your prompt zeal, Martin, -I hope that some of the difficulties which might have arisen in my -interview with the duke are removed beforehand." - -"Oh, I am very happy to know it, Monseigneur!" - -"And so am I, Martin. You can't dream how necessary it is that I should -succeed! Oh, I will succeed!" - -The noble youth repeated in his heart as he walked to the door to take -his way to the Louvre,-- - -"Yes, I will save you, dear father; my own Diane, I will save you!" - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -THE CLEVERNESS OF STUPIDITY - - -Let us in imagination pass over sixty leagues of space and two weeks of -time, and return to Calais toward the close of November, 1557. - -Twenty-five days had not elapsed since Vicomte d'Exmès's departure when -a messenger from him presented himself at the gates of the English city. - -This man asked to be taken to the governor, Lord Wentworth, that he -might place in his hands the ransom of his former prisoner. - -This messenger seemed to be extremely awkward, and very imprudent; for -it was of no use to show him which way to go. Twenty times he passed -without entering the great gate which they almost split their throats in -their endeavors to point out to him, and he stupidly persisted in -knocking at disused posterns and gates; so that the idiot actually made -almost the complete circuit of the exterior fortifications of the place. - -At last, by dint of directions, each more exact than the last, he -consented to allow himself to be put upon the right course; and so great -was the power, even in those far-off days, of the magic words, "I have -ten thorn sand crowns for the governor," that as soon as rigorous -precautions had been observed, and the man had been searched, and Lord -Wentworth's orders taken, the bearer of so considerable a sum was -readily allowed to enter the city. - -Decidedly the Golden Age is the only one in history that was not an age -of money! - -This stupid envoy of Gabriel lost his way again more than once in the -streets of Calais before he succeeded in finding the governor's mansion, -which was pointed out to him, however, every hundred paces by some -compassionate soul. He seemed to have an idea that he ought to ask every -party of guards that he met where he could find Lord Wentworth, and then -he would hasten in the direction indicated. - -After wasting an hour in traversing a space which should have occupied -ten minutes at most, he succeeded at last in reaching the governor's -residence. - -He was ushered almost immediately into the presence of Lord Wentworth, -who received him with his air of accustomed gravity, which seemed almost -to be positively gloomy on this occasion. - -When he had explained the purpose of his mission and had placed a bag -filled with gold upon the table, the Englishman asked,-- - -"Did Vicomte d'Exmès simply instruct you to hand me this money, and add -no message for me?" - -Pierre (so the messenger was called) looked at Lord Wentworth with an -open-mouthed astonishment which did little credit to his natural -talents. - -"My Lord," said he at last, "I have no commission to execute with you -except to hand you the ransom. At least my master gave me no further -instructions; and I do not understand--" - -"Oh, it's all right!" Lord Wentworth interposed with a disdainful smile. -"I see that Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès has become more reasonable -since I last saw him. I congratulate him that such is the case. The air -of the court of France induces forgetfulness! so much the better for -those who breathe it!" - -He muttered beneath his breath as if speaking to himself,-- - -"Indeed, the power to forget is often the better half of happiness!" - -"Has my Lord any message to send to my master?" rejoined the messenger, -who seemed to listen with a very careless and stupid air to these -melancholy asides of the Briton. - -"I have nothing to say to Monsieur d'Exmès, since he sends no word to -me," retorted Lord Wentworth, dryly. "You may say to him, however, if -you choose, that for another month--that is, until January 1, do you -understand-I shall be at his service in both my capacities, as a -gentleman and as governor of Calais. He will understand." - -"Until January 1?" Pierre repeated. "I will tell him, my Lord." - -"Very good! here is your receipt, my friend, and a trifle besides, as a -slight recompense for the tedium of your long journey. Take it, pray!" - -The man, who seemed at first to have some scruples, thought better of -them, and accepted the purse that Lord Wentworth offered him. - -"Thanks, my Lord," said he. "Will my Lord grant me still another favor?" - -"What is that?" asked the governor. - -"Vicomte d'Exmès contracted another debt during his stay here, to one -of the citizens of the town, named--what was his name?--Pierre Peuquoy, -whose guest he was." - -"Well?" said Lord Wentworth. - -"Will my Lord allow me to seek out this Pierre Peuquoy presently, to -repay the amount he advanced?" - -"To be sure," said the governor. "I will send some one to show you his -house. Here is your passport to leave Calais. I should be glad to allow -you to remain here a few days; but the regulations strictly forbid our -entertaining a stranger, especially a Frenchman. Adieu, then, my friend, -and a pleasant journey to you!" - -"Adieu, my Lord, with many thanks." - -On leaving the governor's house, the messenger, not without going astray -a dozen times, made his way to Rue du Martroi, where our readers may -remember that Pierre Peuquoy the armorer dwelt. - -Gabriel's envoy found Pierre Peuquoy in his workshop more cast down even -than Lord Wentworth in his palace. He was received with marked -indifference by the armorer, who mistook him at first for a mechanic. - -But when the new-comer announced himself as having come on behalf of -Vicomte d'Exmès, the good burgher's face suddenly brightened up. - -"From Vicomte d'Exmès!" he cried. - -Then turning to one of his apprentices, who was within hearing, putting -things to rights in the shop, he said carelessly,-- - -"Quentin, leave us and tell my cousin Jean that a messenger from Vicomte -d'Exmès has arrived." - -The discomfited apprentice left the room to obey his master's orders. - -"Now you can speak, my friend," rejoined Pierre Peuquoy, eagerly. "Oh, -we were sure that the noble lord would not forget us! Speak at once, I -beg! What do you bring us from him?" - -"His compliments and gratitude, this purse of gold, and these words, -'Remember the 5th!' which he said you would understand." - -"Is that all?" asked Pierre Peuquoy. - -"Everything, Master. They are very exacting in this neighborhood," -thought the messenger. "They scarcely seem to care for good golden -crowns; but they have some mysterious secrets which the Devil himself -could not understand." - -"There are three of us in this house," continued the armorer; "my cousin -Jean and my sister Babette as well as myself. You have executed your -commission so far as I am concerned; but have you no other for Babette -or Jean?" - -Jean Peuquoy the weaver entered the shop just in time to hear Gabriel's -messenger reply,-- - -"I have nothing to say to anybody but you, Master Pierre Peuquoy, and to -you I have said all that I was commanded to say." - -"Very well! You see, brother," said Pierre, turning to Jean, "Monsieur -le Vicomte d'Exmès is grateful to us; he returns our money with all due -promptitude. Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès sends this message to us, -'Remember!' but he himself does not remember!" - -"Alas!" sighed a weak, piteous voice behind the curtain. - -It was poor Babette, who had heard all. - -"One moment," rejoined Jean, who persisted in hoping against hope. "My -friend," he continued, addressing the messenger, "if you are of Monsieur -d'Exmès's household, you must know one of his retainers and your -fellow-servant named Martin-Guerre?" - -"Martin-Guerre? Yes, to be sure, Martin-Guerre, the squire. Yes, I know -him, Master." - -"Is he still in Monsieur d'Exmès's service?" - -"He is." - -"Did he know that you were coming to Calais?" - -"He did know it," the man replied. "He was present, I remember, when I -left Monsieur d'Exmès's house. He accompanied me with his--with our -master as far as the city-gate, and saw me well on my way." - -"And did he give you no message for me, or for any one in this house?" - -"Nothing at all, I tell you again." - -"Now don't lose your patience, Pierre," continued Jean. "My friend, -perhaps Martin-Guerre enjoined upon you to deliver your message -privately? But you may as well understand that all precautions are of no -avail. We know the truth now. The suffering of--the person to whom -Martin-Guerre owes reparation has opened our eyes to everything; so you -may speak freely before us. And yet if you still have some doubts upon -this point, we will withdraw; and the person to whom I alluded, and whom -Martin-Guerre indicated to you, will come and talk with you privately at -once." - -"By my faith!" said the messenger, "I swear to you that I don't -understand one word of all your talk." - -"That is enough, and you may as well be content, Jean," cried Pierre -Peuquoy, whose eyes were inflamed with anger. "By the memory of my -father, Jean! I cannot conceive what pleasure you can take in dwelling -upon the insult which has been put upon us." - -Jean sadly bowed his head without speaking, for there was only too much -reason in what his cousin said. - -"Will you be kind enough to count this money?" asked the messenger, who -was rather ill at ease in the part he was playing. - -"It is not worth the trouble," said Jean, who was more composed, though -no less depressed than Pierre. "Take this for yourself, my friend. I -will bring you food and drink as well." - -"Thanks for the money," returned the envoy, who seemed, nevertheless, -decidedly loath to take it. "As for eating and drinking, I am neither -hungry nor thirsty, for I breakfasted at Nieullay. I must take my leave -at once, for your governor has forbidden my making a long stay in the -city." - -"We will not detain you, then, my friend," said Jean. "Adieu! Say to -Martin-Guerre--but no! we have nought to say to him. Say to Monsieur -d'Exmès that we are grateful to him, and that we will remember the 5th. -But we hope that he, as well, will remember." - -"Listen to me a moment," added Pierre Peuquoy, emerging for the time -from his gloomy meditation. "You may also say to your master that we -will continue to await him for another month. In that space of time you -will be able to return to Paris, and he to send some one hither; but if -the present year comes to an end without our hearing from him, we shall -believe that his heart has ceased to remember, and we shall be as sorry -for him as for ourselves. An upright and honorable gentleman, who is so -sure in his memory of money loaned, ought to remember still more -tenaciously secrets intrusted to him. With that, my friend, adieu." - -"May God keep you!" said Gabriel's messenger, as he rose to depart. "All -your questions and all your messages shall be faithfully reported to my -master." - -Jean Peuquoy accompanied the man to the door, while Pierre remained -despondently in his corner. - -The lounging messenger, after making many a détour, and losing his way -many more times in this perplexing city of Calais, where he had so much -difficulty in finding his way about, at last reached the principal gate, -showed his passport, and was allowed to pass through after being -carefully searched. - -He walked for three quarters of an hour at a quick pace without a halt, -and did not slacken his gait until he was fully a league from the city. - -Then he permitted himself a short rest, and sitting on a patch of turf, -seemed to be lost in thought, while a satisfied smile shone in his eyes -and lurked about his lips. - -"I don't know what there is in that city of Calais," he mused, "to make -each man more melancholy than his neighbor, and more mysterious. -Wentworth seemed to have an account to settle with Monsieur d'Exmès, -and the Peuquoys surely have some grudge against Martin-Guerre. But what -have I to do with that? I am not sad, by any means! I have what I want -and what I need! Not a stroke of the pen, and not a scrap of paper, it -is true; but everything is impressed upon my memory, and with the aid of -Monsieur d'Exmès's plan I can easily reproduce the whole place, which -has such a depressing effect upon others, but the memory of which makes -me equally light-hearted." - -In his imagination he ran over all the streets and boulevards and -fortified positions, to which his affected stupidity had led him so -conveniently. - -"It is all there," said he, "as plain and clear as though I had it -before my eyes at this moment. The Duc de Guise will be well pleased. -Thanks to this little expedition, and to the invaluable suggestions of -the captain of his Majesty's Guards, we may bring our dear Vicomte -d'Exmès, also his squire, and with a strong force at their back, to the -rendezvous appointed by Lord Wentworth and Pierre Peuquoy for a month -hence. In six weeks, with the help of God, and favorable circumstances, -we shall be masters of Calais, or I will lose my name there!" - -And our readers will agree that the latter alternative would indeed have -been calamitous, when they learn that this name was that of Maréchal -Pierre Strozzi, one of the most celebrated and skilful engineers of the -sixteenth century. - -After a few moments' rest, Pierre Strozzi resumed his journey, as if he -were in great haste to be back at Paris. He thought much about Calais, -but very little about its inhabitants. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -DECEMBER 31, 1557 - - -Our readers doubtless have divined why Pierre Strozzi had found Lord -Wentworth in such bitter and angry mood, and why the governor of Calais -spoke so haughtily and ironically of Vicomte d'Exmès. - -It was because Madame de Castro's detestation of him seemed to increase -from day to day. - -When he would send to ask her leave to call upon her, she would always -try to find an excuse for putting him off. But if she were sometimes -compelled to submit to the infliction of his presence, her cold and -formal reception betrayed only too plainly her feeling toward him, and -left him more despairing on each successive occasion. - -However, he had not yet grown weary in his love for her. With nothing to -hope for, he still did not despair. He desired, at least, to comport -himself toward Diane as became the perfect gentleman who had left behind -at the court of Mary of England a reputation for most exquisite -refinement and courtesy. He overwhelmed his fair captive with his -attentions. She was waited upon with the utmost consideration and regal -luxury. He had given her a French page, and had engaged for her one of -those Italian musicians who were in such high repute at the period of -the Renaissance. Sometimes Diane would find in her apartments dresses -and ornaments of enormous value, which Lord Wentworth had caused to be -sent from London for her; but she never noticed them. - -On one occasion he gave a great fête in her honor at which he assembled -all the notable English there were in Calais or in France. His -invitations even crossed the channel; but Madame de Castro obstinately -refused to appear. - -Lord Wentworth, being repulsed with such coldness and disdain, said to -himself day after day that it would surely be much better for his peace -of mind to accept the princely ransom which Henri II. offered, and give -Diane her freedom. - -But by doing so he would give her up to the welcome embraces of Gabriel -d'Exmès, and the Briton could never find in his heart sufficient -strength and courage to make so great a sacrifice possible. - -"No! no!" he would say to himself, "if she will not be mine, at all -events she shall belong to nobody else!" - -While he was thus irresolute and suffering, the days and weeks rolled -away. - -On the 31st of December, 1557, Lord Wentworth had succeeded in making -his way into Madame de Castro's apartments. We have said before that he -could scarcely breathe elsewhere, although he always left her more -melancholy and more in love than ever; but to see Diane, stern though -her glance might be, and to hear her voice, however ironical its tones, -had become the most imperious necessity for him. - -He remained standing while they talked, and she sat before the high -chimney-piece. - -They talked upon the one harrowing subject which united them and kept -them asunder at the same time. - -"Suppose, Madame," said the passionate governor, "that at last, beside -myself on account of your cruelty, and enraged by your contempt, I -should forget that I am a gentleman and your host?" - -"You would dishonor yourself, my Lord, but would cast no stain upon me," -Diane replied firmly. - -"We shall be dishonored together," Lord Wentworth retorted. "You are in -my power! Where will you find shelter?" - -"_Mon Dieu_! in death," she calmly replied. - -Lord Wentworth turned pale and shuddered. That he should cause the death -of such as Diane! - -"Such obstinacy is not natural," he added, shaking his head. "In reality -you would be afraid to drive me to extremities, if you did not still -cling to some insane hope, Madame. You are always dwelling upon the -happening of some impossible event. Come, tell me, from whom can you be -expecting succor at this hour?" - -"From God, from the king--" Diane replied. - -There was a sort of rising inflection in her voice and in her thought as -well,--a hesitation which Lord Wentworth knew only too well how to -interpret. - -"She is doubtless thinking of that d'Exmès," he said to himself. - -But it was a dangerous memory which he did not dare to touch upon or to -arouse. - -He contented himself with the bitter rejoinder,-- - -"Yes, count upon the king and upon God! But if God had thought fit to -help you, Madame. He would have come to your rescue the very first day, -I should think! and here a year has passed away, ending to-day, during -which you have not felt the benefit of His protection." - -"Then I will rest my hopes on the year which begins to-morrow," replied -Diane, raising her lovely eyes to heaven, as if imploring aid from on -high. - -"As for the King of France, your father," Lord Wentworth continued, "I -imagine that he has on hand matters of sufficient moment to occupy all -his power and engross the whole of his thoughts. France is in even -greater peril than his daughter." - -"Ah, it is you who say that!" Diane retorted in a tone of doubt. - -"Lord Wentworth does not lie, Madame. Do you know in what condition -your august father's affairs are?" - -"How can I know in this prison?" Diane replied, who nevertheless could -not forbear a movement which betokened interest. - -"You have only to ask me," Lord Wentworth rejoined, delighted to be -listened to willingly for a moment, even as the bearer of evil tidings. -"Well, then, you must know that the return of the Duc de Guise to Paris -has in no way ameliorated the situation of France as yet. Some troops -have been recruited, and a few places reinforced,--nothing more. At the -present moment there is hesitation and uncertainty everywhere. Their -full military strength, concentrated on the northern frontier, has -succeeded in stopping the triumphant progress of the Spaniards; but the -French generals are undertaking nothing on their own account. Will they -attack Luxembourg? Will they make a descent on Picardy? Nobody knows. -Will they try to retake St. Quentin, or Ham--?" - -"Or Calais," Diane interposed, fixing her eyes keenly upon the governor, -to note the effect upon his features of this chance shot. - -But Lord Wentworth did not even frown; he said with a proud smile,-- - -"Oh, Madame, allow me to lay that question aside without considering it. -One who has any idea at all of warfare will not admit for a moment such -an insane supposition; and Monsieur le Duc de Guise has had too much -experience to expose himself by such an extraordinary and impracticable -undertaking to the ridicule of every man in Europe who wears a sword." - -At that moment there was some confusion at the door, and an archer -rushed in without ceremony. - -Lord Wentworth went to meet him, much irritated. - -"What is the meaning of your daring to interrupt me thus?" he demanded. - -"Pardon me, my Lord," the archer replied. "Lord Derby sent me to you in -all haste." - -"And for what pressing reason? Come, explain yourself!" - -"Information has been received by Lord Derby that an advance-guard of -two thousand French arquebusiers was seen yesterday two leagues from -Calais, and his Lordship sent me to notify my Lord at once." - -"Aha!" cried Diane, who made no attempt to conceal her satisfaction. - -But Lord Wentworth coolly said to the archer,-- - -"And was it for this only that you have had the impudence to follow me -here, villain?" - -"My Lord," said the poor devil, in his stupefaction, "Lord Derby--" - -"Lord Derby," the governor interposed, "is a short-sighted individual, -who takes mounds of earth for mountains. Go and tell him so from me." - -"How about the guards, my Lord, which Lord Derby ordered doubled as -quickly as possible?" - -"Let them remain as they are, and bother me no more with these -ridiculous phantoms!" - -The archer bowed respectfully and left the room. - -"Nevertheless, my Lord," said Diane de Castro, "you see that in the -opinion of one of your ablest lieutenants, my insane prevision is -capable of being realized to the full." - -"I feel more than ever constrained to undeceive you upon this point," -Lord Wentworth responded with imperturbable coolness. "I can give you -the explanation of this false alarm in two words, nor can I conceive how -Lord Derby allowed himself to be deceived by it." - -"Let us see," said Madame de Castro, intensely eager for light upon a -subject upon which her whole life seemed to be concentrated. - -"Very well, Madame," continued Lord Wentworth; "one of two things has -happened: either Messieurs de Guise and de Nevers, who are, I admit, -skilful and prudent commanders, mean to revictual Ardres and Boulogne, -and are on their way thither with the troops whose presence has been -announced, or else they are making a feint against Calais for the -purpose of calming the fears of Ham and St. Quentin, and mean to try to -take one of those towns by surprise, by suddenly retracing their steps." - -"But how do you know, Monsieur," rejoined Madame de Castro, with more -rashness than discretion,--"how do you know, pray, that their feint has -not been made against Ham or St. Quentin, in order to surprise Calais -more effectually?" - -Fortunately she had to deal with an immovable conviction, rooted upon -national and personal pride as well. - -"I have already had the honor of assuring you, Madame," said Lord -Wentworth, disdainfully, "that Calais is one of those places that cannot -possibly be surprised or taken; before it can even be approached, Fort -Ste. Agathe must be carried, and the fort of Nieullay as well. To carry -all these posts would take a fortnight at least of unvarying success; -and during those fifteen days England would be warned of the danger, and -would have ample time--yes, fifteen times what would be necessary--to -pour forth all her might to rescue her precious city. Take Calais! Ah, I -cannot help laughing at the bare idea!" - -Madame de Castro, wounded to the quick, bitterly retorted,-- - -"The source of my sorrow is to you a source of delight. How can you -suppose that our souls could ever understand each other?" - -"But, Madame," cried Lord Wentworth, growing pale, "I only wished to -destroy those delusive imaginings of yours which keep us asunder. I -wished to prove to you as clearly as the sun shines that you are feeding -upon chimeras, and that the French court must have gone mad before such -an attempt as you are dreaming of could ever be imagined there." - -"There is such a thing as heroic madness, my Lord," said Diane, proudly; -"and I am sure that there are great-souled men too, whose love of -glory--nay, whose simple devotion would prevent them from drawing back -from such sublime extravagance." - -"Oh, yes!--Monsieur d'Exmès, for example!" cried Wentworth, carried -away by jealous fury which he could no longer restrain. - -"Who told you of that name?" asked Madame de Castro, in amazement. - -"Confess, Madame," the governor rejoined, "that you have had that name -upon your lips ever since the beginning of this interview, and that in -your inmost heart when you were invoking the aid of God and your father -you were also thinking of this third liberator." - -"Am I obliged to render an account of my thoughts to you?" said Diane. - -"You need render no account to me, for I know all," replied the -governor. "I know some things of which you have no idea, Madame, and -which it suits my pleasure to tell you to-day, to show you how little -you can build upon the ecstatic passion of these romantic lovers. -Notably, I know that Vicomte d'Exmès was made a prisoner at St. Quentin -when you were, and was brought here to Calais at the same time with -you." - -"Can it be?" cried Diane, astounded beyond measure. - -"Oh, there is more than that, Madame! Otherwise I should have told you -nothing. For two months Monsieur d'Exmès has been at liberty." - -"And I never knew that a friend was suffering with me, and so near me!" -said Diane. - -"You did not know it, but he did, Madame," said the governor. "I must -confess that when he first learned the fact he exhausted himself in -terrible threats against me. Not only did he challenge me to single -combat, but--as you foresaw, with a charming sympathy--carrying his love -to the point of madness, he declared to my face his determination to -take Calais." - -"My hopes are greater than ever, then," said Diane. - -"Don't hope for too much, Madame," said Lord Wentworth; "for once more I -tell you, since Monsieur d'Exmès addressed his appalling farewell to me -six months have passed. To be sure, I have had news from my aggressor in -that time. At the end of November he sent me, with scrupulous -promptness, the amount of his ransom; but not a word of his haughty -defiance." - -"Wait, my Lord," Diane retorted. "Monsieur d'Exmès will find a way to -pay his debts of every description." - -"I doubt it, Madame, for the day of maturity will soon be past." - -"What do you mean?" asked Madame de Castro. - -"I sent word, Madame, to Vicomte d'Exmès, by the messenger who came to -me from him, that I would await the fulfilment of his double challenge -until the 1st of January, 1558. It is now Dec. 31, 1557." - -"Well, then," Diane interrupted him, "he has twelve hours still." - -"True, Madame," responded Wentworth; "but if I hear nothing from him by -to-morrow at this hour--" - -He did not finish his sentence. Lord Derby at this moment burst into the -room in terror. - -"My Lord," he cried, "I was right! It was the French, and they are -marching upon Calais!" - -"Nonsense!" rejoined Wentworth, changing color in spite of -himself,--"nonsense! It is impossible! Who says it is so? More rumors -and gossip and fanciful alarms?" - -"Alas! no, but facts, unfortunately," Lord Derby replied. - -"Not so loud, Derby; don't speak so loud," said the governor, -approaching his lieutenant. "Come, come, be cool! What do you mean by -your facts?" - -Lord Derby replied in a low voice, in accordance with the request of his -superior officer, who did not choose to show any signs of weakness -before Diane. - -"The French attacked Fort Ste. Agathe unexpectedly. Nothing was in -readiness to resist their assault,--neither walls nor men; and I am much -afraid that they are by this time masters of the first line of -fortifications of Calais." - -"They will still be a long way off from us," said Lord Wentworth, -eagerly. - -"Yes," rejoined Lord Derby; "but they will meet with no obstacle after -that until they reach the bridge of Nieullay; and the bridge of Nieullay -is two miles from this place." - -"Have you sent reinforcements to our outposts, Derby?" - -"Yes, my Lord, pardon me, without your orders,--nay, in spite of your -orders." - -"You have done well," said Lord Wentworth. - -"Bub the reinforcements will have arrived too late." - -"Who knows? Let us not be alarmed. You must go with me at once to -Nieullay. We will make these rash rascals pay dear for their audacity; -and if they already hold Ste. Agathe, why, we shall be free to drive -them out of it." - -"God grant it!" said Lord Derby; "but they have begun the game -manfully." - -"We will have our revenge!" replied Wentworth. "Who commands them, do -you know?" - -"It is not known,--probably Monsieur de Guise, or Monsieur de Nevers, at -least. The ensign who rode here at full speed to bring the almost -incredible news of their sudden appearance told me only that he -recognized at a distance, in the front rank, your former prisoner, you -remember, Vicomte d'Exmès--" - -"Damnation!" cried the governor, clinching his fists. "Come, Derby, come -quickly!" - -Madame de Castro, with her senses sharpened, as they are apt to be at -important crises, had heard almost all of Lord Derby's report, although -made in a low voice. - -When Lord Wentworth took leave of her, he said-- - -"You will excuse me, Madame; I must leave you, as business of -importance--" - -"Go, my Lord," she interrupted, not without a tinge of malice in her -tone; "go, and try to re-establish your supremacy, which is cruelly -threatened. But remember, meanwhile, two things: first, that the -greatest delusions are just the ones that are not doubtful; and in the -second place, that you can always rely upon the word of a French -gentleman. It is not yet the 1st of January, my Lord." - -Lord Wentworth, in a fury of rage, left the room without replying. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -DURING THE BOMBARDMENT - - -Lord Derby was quite right in his conjectures. This is what had -happened:-- - -The troops of Monsieur de Nevers, having made a rapid junction during -the night with those of the Duc de Guise, had arrived unexpectedly by -forced marches before Fort Ste. Agathe. Three thousand arquebusiers, -supported by twenty-five or thirty horsemen, had carried the fort in -less than an hour. - -Lord Wentworth and Lord Derby reached the fort of Nieullay only in time -to see their forces fleeing across the bridge to seek shelter behind the -second, stronger line of fortifications of Calais. - -But when the first moment of bewilderment had passed, we must admit that -Lord Wentworth bore himself valiantly and well. After all, his was a -noble soul, in which the pride for which his race was noted had -implanted marvellous vigor. - -"These Frenchmen must indeed be mad!" he said in perfect seriousness to -Lord Derby. "But we will make them pay dear for their madness. Two -centuries ago Calais held out a year against the English, and in their -hands maintained a siege of ten years. However, we shall have no need to -put forth such endurance as that. Before the end of the week, Derby, you -will see the enemy beating an inglorious retreat. He has taken -everything that he can carry by surprise. Now we are on our guard. So be -reassured, and laugh with me at this blunder on the part of Monsieur de -Guise." - -"Do you mean to send to England for reinforcements?" asked Lord Derby. - -"What need is there of doing so?" was the governor's proud reply. "If -our reckless foes persist in their rash undertaking, in less than three -days, and while Nieullay still holds them in check, all the Spanish and -English forces in France will come to our assistance of their own -motion. And if these haughty invaders seem to be hopelessly obstinate, -why, a message sent to Dover will bring us ten thousand men in -twenty-four hours. But until then let us not do them too much honor by -showing too much alarm. Our nine hundred soldiers and our strong walls -will give them all the work they want. They will not penetrate beyond -the bridge of Nieullay!" - -Nevertheless, on the following day, January 1, 1558, the French were -already masters of that bridge which Lord Wentworth had designated as -the utmost limit of their advance. They had opened trenches during the -night, and before noon they were battering the bridge to pieces. - -It was to the terrible and regular accompaniment of the double -cannonading that a solemn and gloomy family drama was being enacted in -the old Peuquoy dwelling. - -As the urgent questions addressed by Pierre Peuquoy to Gabriel's -messenger have doubtless given the reader to understand, Babette had not -been able long to hide from her brother and her cousin her tears and -their moving cause. - -Misery did not indeed come to her by halves, poor child! The reparation -which the false Martin-Guerre owed her was due not to herself alone, but -to her child as well; for Babette was about to become a mother. - -However, when she confessed her fault and its bitter consequences, she -did not dare to tell Pierre and Jean that her future was without hope -because Martin-Guerre was married. - -She hardly admitted it even to her own heart. She would say to herself -that it was impossible; that Monsieur d'Exmès must have been mistaken; -and that God, who is kind and merciful, would not thus overwhelm and -leave without resource a poor, wretched creature whose only fault had -been that she had loved too well! She would artlessly repeat this -childish reasoning to herself day after day, and would thus still retain -some hope. She relied on Martin-Guerre; she relied on Vicomte d'Exmès. -Why? Alas! she knew not; but still she hoped on. - -Nevertheless, the absolute silence of both master and servant during -those never-ending two months had been a fearful blow to her. - -She waited with restless impatience, not unmixed with terror, for the -1st of January, which was the extreme limit of time allowed to Vicomte -d'Exmès by Pierre Peuquoy. - -So it was that the report, vague at first, and afterward indubitable, -which spread through the city on December 31, that the French were -marching upon Calais, caused her heart to leap with joy unspeakable. - -She heard her brother and her cousin say that Vicomte d'Exmès would -surely be among the assailants. Then of course Martin-Guerre would be -there too; so Babette was justified in her hopes. - -Nevertheless, she received with anguish at her heart Pierre Peuquoy's -request, on the 1st of January, to come down into the parlor on the -first floor, to have some conversation with Jean and himself as to what -was best to be done under existing circumstances. - -She made her appearance, pale and trembling, before this domestic -tribunal, so to speak, which was, however, constituted of only those two -men, who had an almost paternal fondness for her. - -"My dear cousin, dear brother," she said with faltering voice, "here I -am at your commands." - -"Be seated, Babette," said Pierre, pointing to a chair which he had -placed for her near his own. - -Then he continued gently but very gravely,-- - -"At the beginning of our trouble, Babette, when our urgent questions and -our alarm induced you to confess the sad truth to us, I am ashamed to -remember that I had not sufficient control of myself to restrain my -first impulse of anger and sorrow: I insulted you, I even threatened -you; but fortunately for us both, Jean interposed." - -"May God bless him for his kindness and his indulgence!" said Babette, -turning to her cousin, with her eyes swimming in tears. - -"Say no more about it, Babette; say no more about it," rejoined Jean, -more moved than he cared to show. "I did very little indeed; and after -all, the way to remedy your suffering was not to give you new cause for -grief." - -"So I finally realized," said Pierre. "Your repentance and your tears -touched me too, Babette; my rage melted into pity, and my pity into -tenderness; and I forgave you for staining our hitherto stainless name." - -"Jesus will be merciful to you as you have been to me, my brother." - -"Then, too," continued Pierre, "Jean reminded me that your misery might -perhaps not be irreparable, and that he who had led you into error was -bound legally and morally to extricate you from it." - -Babette held her crimson face still lower. Singularly enough, when -another than herself seemed to believe in the possibility of reparation, -she herself lost all hope. - -Pierre continued,-- - -"Despite that hope, which I welcomed with delight, of seeing your honor -and ours re-established, Martin-Guerre has said never a word, and the -messenger sent to Calais by Monsieur d'Exmès a month since brought no -news of your seducer. But now the French are before our walls, I presume -Vicomte d'Exmès and his squire are among them." - -"You may be perfectly sure of that, Pierre," interposed Jean. - -"I shall not contradict you, Jean. Let us assume that Monsieur d'Exmès -and his squire are at this moment separated from us only by the walls -and moats which protect us, or which protect the English, I should say. -In that event, if we do see them again, Babette, how do you think that -we ought to receive them,--as friends or foes?" - -"Whatever you do will be well done, my brother," said Babette, in great -alarm at the turn the conversation was taking. - -"But, Babette," said her brother, "can you form no idea as to their -intentions?" - -"Indeed I cannot, God help me! I am simply waiting,--that's all." - -"So, then, you don't know whether they are coming to save our honor, or -to abandon us to our shame; whether the cannon which are playing an -accompaniment to my words announce to us the approach of benefactors -whom we ought to bless in our hearts, or treacherous villains who must -be punished? Can you not tell me that, Babette?" - -"Alas!" said Babette, "why do you ask such questions of me, poor -wretched girl that I am, who know nothing except that I must pray and -resign myself to my fate?" - -"Why do I ask you that question, Babette? You remember what sentiments -with regard to France and the French nation were instilled into us by -our father. We have never looked upon the English as our -fellow-countrymen, but as oppressors; and three months since, no music -would have sounded more sweetly in my ears than that which fills them at -this moment." - -"Ah!" cried Jean, "to me it still sounds like the voice of my country -calling me." - -"Jean," rejoined Pierre, "the fatherland is nothing more than home on a -grand scale; it is an enlargement of the family, an extension of the -ties of blood. Ought we to sacrifice to it the lesser ties, the lesser -family, the lesser home?" - -"_Mon Dieu_! Pierre, what do you mean?" asked Babette. - -"I mean this," Pierre replied: "in the rough plebeian work-stained hands -of your brother, Babette, the fate of the city of Calais rests at this -moment in all probability. Yes, these poor hands, blackened by my daily -toil, have it in their power to deliver the key of France to her king." - -"And can they hesitate?" cried Babette, who had imbibed with her -mother's milk bitter hatred of the foreign yoke. - -"Ah, my noble girl," said Jean, "truly you are deserving of our -confidence!" - -"Neither my heart nor my hands would hesitate for one moment," Pierre -rejoined, "if I had it in my power to restore this fair city to King -Henri's own hands, or to his representative, Monsieur le Duc de Guise. -But the circumstances are such that we shall be compelled to use -Monsieur d'Exmès as intermediary." - -"Well, why not?" asked Babette, amazed at receiving such a reason for -hesitation. - -"Well," said Pierre, "however proud and happy I might be to be -associated in so grand an achievement with him who was once our guest, -it would be quite as distasteful to me to share the honor with a -gentleman lacking bowels of compassion, who has helped to tarnish the -honor of our name." - -"What! you don't mean Monsieur d'Exmès, who is so kind-hearted and so -loyal?" - -"It is nevertheless true," said Pierre, "that your confidence in -Monsieur d'Exmès, and Martin-Guerre's lack of conscience, have brought -about your ruin; and yet you see that they both keep silent." - -"But what _could_ Monsieur d'Exmès do or say?" asked Babette. - -"He could have sent Martin-Guerre here as soon as he returned to Paris, -my sister, and have ordered him to bestow his name upon you! He could -have sent his squire here instead of that stranger, and thus have paid -the debt due your heart and the money owed to me at the same time." - -"No, no; he could not have done that," said honest Babette, sadly -shaking her head. - -"What! he was not at liberty to give an order to his own servant?" - -"What good would have been done by that order?" said Babette. - -"What good?" cried Pierre. "Is there no good in atoning fora crime, or -in saving a fair name from shame? Are you losing your wits, Babette?" - -"Alas! no, unfortunately!" said the poor girl, weeping bitterly. "Those -who lose their wits forget." - -"Well, then," continued Pierre, "how, if you are in full possession of -your reason, can you say that Monsieur d'Exmès has done right in not -using his authority to compel your seducer to marry you?" - -"To marry me! to marry me! Oh, how could he do so?" said Babette, in -despair. - -"What is to prevent him, pray?" exclaimed Jean and Pierre, with one -voice. - -Both had risen by an irresistible impulse. Babette fell upon her knees. - -"Oh," she cried in her despair, "forgive me once more, dear brother! I -wanted to conceal it from you. I concealed it even from my own heart! -But now that you speak of our blighted honor, of France, and Monsieur -d'Exmès, and unworthy Martin-Guerre, what can I do? Oh, my brain is in -a whirl! You ask me if I am losing my wits. Truly I believe that I am. -Come, you, who are calmer than I, tell me if I am mistaken, tell me if I -was dreaming, or if what Monsieur d'Exmès told me was really true!" - -"What Monsieur d'Exmès told you!" echoed Pierre, in alarm. - -"Yes, in his room, the day of his departure, when I asked him to return -the ring to Martin. I did not dare confess my fault to him, being a -stranger. And yet he ought to have understood me; and if he did -understand, how could he have told me?" - -"What--what did he tell you? Go on!" cried Pierre. - -"Alas! that Martin-Guerre was already married!" said Babette. - -"Miserable wretch!" ejaculated Pierre Peuquoy, beside himself, and -springing at his sister with uplifted hand. - -"Ah! it is true, then!" said the poor child, in a faint voice; "I feel -now that it is true." - -She fell fainting upon the floor. - -Jean had had time to seize Pierre around the waist and hold him back. - -"What are you doing, Pierre?" said he, sternly. "It is not the -unfortunate victim that you should strike, but the villain who caused -her ruin." - -"You are right," Pierre responded, already ashamed of his blind rage. - -He stepped apart, stern and gloomy, while Jean, leaning over Babette, -tried to resuscitate her. There was a long silence. - -At last Babette opened her eyes, and seemed to be trying to remember. - -"What has happened?" she asked. - -She looked up with a wandering expression into the kind face of Jean -Peuquoy bending over her. - -Strangely enough, Jean seemed not to be very melancholy. There even was -to be seen upon his pleasant face, mingled with deep pity, a sort of -secret satisfaction. - -"My good cousin!" said Babette, giving him her hand. - -Jean Peuquoy's first words to the beloved sufferer were,-- - -"Don't give up hope, Babette; don't give up hope!" - -But Babette's eyes fell at this moment upon the sombre and desolate -figure of her brother, and she gave a convulsive start, for everything -came back to her memory at once. - -"Oh, Pierre, forgive me!" she cried. - -As Jean made him an appealing gesture to urge him to be pitiful, Pierre -advanced to his sister, raised her from the floor, and led her to a -seat. - -"Don't be alarmed," said he. "I have no ill-will against you. You have -suffered too much. Don't be alarmed. I will say to you as Jean did, -don't give up hope." - -"Ah, what have I to hope for now?" she said. - -"No reparation, to be sure, but vengeance, at all events," Pierre -replied, frowning. - -"And I," whispered Jean,--"I say to you, vengeance and reparation at the -same time." - -She looked at him in amazement. But before she could question him, -Pierre resumed,-- - -"Once more, my poor sister, I forgive you. Your fault is surely no -greater because a cowardly villain has deceived you twice. I love you, -Babette, as I have always loved you." - -Babette, happy even in her grief, threw herself into her brother's arms. - -"However," continued Pierre, when he had embraced her, "my anger is by -no means burned out; it is only shifted to other shoulders than yours. I -repeat, I would like now to have under my foot that villanous perjurer -and scoundrel Martin-Guerre!" - -"Dear brother!" Babette interposed piteously. - -"No! no pity for him!" cried the stern burgher. "But I owe an apology to -his master, Monsieur d'Exmès; frankly, I must admit that." - -"I told you so. Pierre," rejoined Jean. - -"Yes, Jean, you were right, as you always are, and I was very unjust to -a loyal gentleman. Now everything is explained. Nay, more, his very -silence shows his delicate tact. Why should he have cruelly reminded us -of an irreparable misfortune? I was wrong! And to think that I was -almost on the point of allowing myself, through a grievous mistake, to -give the lie to all the convictions and instincts of my whole life, and -to make my beloved country, which is so dear to my heart, pay the -penalty for an offence which never existed!" - -"On what slight contingencies do the great events of the world turn!" -was Jean Peuquoy's philosophical comment. "However, no harm has been -done," he added; "and thanks to what Babette has told us, we know now -that Vicomte d'Exmès has done nothing to make him unworthy of our -friendship. Oh, I knew his noble heart; for I have never seen aught in -him that did not compel my admiration, except his first hesitation when -we broached the subject of taking our revenge for the capture of St. -Quentin. But that very hesitation, in my opinion, he is endeavoring at -this very moment to make amends for in most brilliant fashion." - -The brave weaver raised his hand to call their attention to the loud -booming of the cannon, which seemed to sound nearer every moment. - -"Jean," said Pierre, "do you know what that bombardment is saying to -us?" - -"It tells us that Monsieur d'Exmès is there," Jean replied. - -"Yes; but," he added in his cousin's ear, "it also tells us to 'remember -the 5th!'" - -"And we will remember it, Pierre, will we not?" - -These whispered confidences alarmed Babette, who, with her mind still -engrossed with the one thought, murmured,-- - -"What are they plotting together? Holy Virgin! If Monsieur d'Exmès is -there, may God grant that Martin-Guerre be not with him!" - -"Martin-Guerre?" Jean rejoined, having overheard her. "Oh, Monsieur -d'Exmès must have dismissed the miserable scamp in disgrace! And he -will have done well, even from the blackguard's own standpoint; for we -would have challenged him and slain him the moment he set foot in -Calais, would we not, Pierre?" - -"I shall do that in any case," the brother replied in a tone of -inflexible determination; "if not at Calais, then at Paris! I certainly -shall kill him!" - -"Oh," cried Babette, "this retaliation is just what I dreaded! Not for -him whom I no longer love, nay, whom I despise, but for you, Pierre, and -you, Jean, both so fraternally kind and so devoted to me!" - -"So, Babette," said Jean Peuquoy, with emotion, "in a contest between -him and me, your prayers would be offered up for me and not for him?" - -"Ah," Babette replied, "that one question, Jean, is the most cruel -punishment for my fault that you could inflict upon me. How could I -hesitate for one instant to-day between you, who are so kind and -indulgent to me, and him, so treacherous and so vile?" - -"Thanks!" cried Jean. "It does me good to have you say so to me, -Babette, and be sure that God will reward you for it." - -"For my own part," Pierre rejoined, "I am sure that God will punish the -culprit. But let us think no more about him, my cousin," he said to -Jean; "for we have much else to do now, and only three days in which to -make our preparations. We must go about, notify our friends, get our -arms together--" - -In a low voice he said once more,-- - -"Jean, we must remember the 5th!" - -A quarter of an hour later, while Babette, in the solitude of her own -chamber, was offering her thanks to God, without a clear idea of her -reasons for doing so, the armorer and weaver were going about the city, -intent upon the business they had in hand. - -They seemed to have forgotten Martin-Guerre, who at that moment, we may -say in passing, was in utter ignorance of the warm reception which -awaited him in the good city of Calais, where he had never before set -foot. - -Meanwhile the cannon were thundering away incessantly; as Rabutin says, -"charging and discharging, with fury inconceivable, their tempest of -artillery." - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -WITHIN THE TENT - - -Three days after the scene we have just described, on the 4th of -January, in the evening, the French, despite Lord Wentworth's confident -predictions, had made a great advance. - -They had passed not only the bridge of Nieullay, but also the fort of -the same name, of which they had been in possession since the morning, -as well as of all the arms and stores which it contained. - -From that strong position they could effectually bar the way against any -Spanish or English reinforcements coming by land. - -Such important results were surely well worth the three days of furious -and mortal combat which they had cost. - -"Is this a dream?" cried the haughty governor of Calais, when he saw his -troops fleeing in disorder toward the city, despite his brave struggle -to induce them to return to their posts. - -To put the finishing touch to his humiliation, he had to follow them; -for his duty required him to be the last to withdraw. - -"Fortunately," remarked Lord Derby to him when they were safely within -the walls,--"fortunately, Calais and the Old Château will be able to -hold out two or three days longer, even with the few troops still at our -disposal. The Risbank fort and the harbor are still open, and England is -not far a way." - -Lord Wentworth's council were unanimously of the opinion that their -safety lay in that direction, and it was no longer time to heed the -voice of pride. An express must be despatched at once to Dover. On the -following day, at the latest, strong reinforcements would arrive, and -Calais would be saved. - -Lord Wentworth realized the situation, and decided to adopt this course. -A vessel set sail at once, carrying an urgent message to the governor of -Dover. - -Then the council took measures to concentrate all their energies upon -the defence of the Old Château, which was the vulnerable side of -Calais, inasmuch as the sea, the sand-dunes, and a handful of the civic -guard would be more than sufficient to protect the Risbank fort. - - -While the besieged were thus preparing to make a brave resistance at the -probable points of attack, let us glance for a moment at the camp of the -besieging army outside the city, and see particularly how Vicomte -d'Exmès, Martin-Guerre, and their gallant recruits were employing -themselves on this evening of January 4. - -Being soldiers, not sappers and miners, and having no duties in -connection with the digging of trenches or siege works, but serving only -when there was fighting to be done or an assault to be made, they were -now taking their well-earned rest. We need only draw aside the door of a -tent pitched a little apart on the right of the camp to find Gabriel and -his troop of volunteers. The tableau thus presented to view was -picturesque and varied. - -Gabriel, with bowed head, was sitting in a corner upon the only stool -which the establishment could boast, apparently plunged in profound -abstraction. - -At his feet Martin-Guerre was fitting the buckle of a sword-belt. He -looked anxiously at his master from time to time, but did not presume to -interrupt the silent meditation in which he was absorbed. - -Not far from them, on a sort of couch made of cloaks, a wounded man lay -moaning. Alas! the sufferer was no other than the ill-fated Malemort. - -At the other end of the tent the pious Lactance was telling his beads -with great animation and fervency. Lactance had been unfortunate enough -at the storming of Fort Nieullay that morning to knock on the head three -of his brothers in Jesus Christ; for that he owed his conscience three -hundred _Paters_ and as many _Aves_. That was the ordinary penance which -his confessor had laid upon him for those he killed; wounded men counted -only for half. - -Near him, Yvonnet, after having carefully cleaned and brushed his -clothes, which were stained with mud and powder, was looking about to -find some corner where the ground was not too damp, so that he might -stretch himself and take a little rest, for the prolonged watching and -toil were not well suited to his delicate constitution. - -Two paces from Yvonnet, the two Scharfensteins, uncle and nephew, were -making complicated calculations on their enormous fingers. They were -figuring out the probable value of their morning's booty. The nephew had -been fortunate enough to lay his hand upon a valuable suit of armor; and -the worthy Teutons, with beaming countenances, were dividing in advance -the money which they expected to receive for their rich prize. - -The veterans, in a group in the centre of the tent, were playing at -dice; and the players and bystanders alike were following with much -interest the varying chances of the game. - -A huge smoking torch fixed in the earth lighted up the pleased or -disappointed faces, and cast an uncertain, flickering light upon the -features of the others, with their contrasted expressions, which we have -tried to describe and sketch in the half-darkness. - -Gabriel raised his head, as poor Malemort uttered a more dolorous groan -than usual, and said to his squire,-- - -"Martin-Guerre, what time is it now?" - -"Monseigneur, I can't tell very accurately," Martin replied, for this -stormy night has put out all the stars; "but I imagine that it is not -far from six o'clock, for it has been dark more than an hour." - -"The surgeon promised to come at six o'clock, did he not?" - -"At six precisely, Monseigneur. See, some one raises the curtain; yes, -there he is." - -Vicomte d'Exmès cast his eyes upon the new arrival, and recognized him -at the first glance. He had seen him but once before; but the surgeon's -face was one of those which when once seen are never forgotten. - -"Master Ambroise Paré!" cried Gabriel, rising. - -"Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès!" said Paré, with a low bow. - -"Ah, Master, I had no idea you were in camp, and so near us!" said -Gabriel. - -"I try always to be where I can be of the most service," the surgeon -responded. - -"Oh, I recognize your noble heart in that! and I am doubly glad that you -are here to-day, for I need to avail myself of your knowledge and -skill." - -"Not for yourself, I trust," said Ambroise Paré. "Of whom do you -speak?" - -"It is one of my people," said Gabriel. "This morning, while charging in -a sort of frenzy upon the retreating English, he received a lance-thrust -in the shoulder from one of them." - -"In the shoulder? It may not be a very serious matter, then," said the -surgeon. - -"I am afraid it is, however," said Gabriel, in a lower tone; "for one of -the wounded man's comrades, Scharfenstein there, tried in such a rough -and awkward fashion to pull out the lance-head that he broke it off, and -the iron remained in the wound." - -Ambroise Paré's face for a moment assumed an expression which augured -ill for the sufferer. - -"Let me see him," he said, with his accustomed calmness. - -He was conducted to the patient's bed. All the veterans had risen and -surrounded the surgeon, each one abandoning his game or his reckoning or -whatever he was engaged in. Lactance alone continued to mumble his beads -in his corner; for when doing penance for his doughty deeds he never -allowed himself to be interrupted except to perform others. - -Ambroise Paré removed the bandages in which Malemort's shoulder was -enveloped, and examined the wound very carefully. He shook his head -doubtfully, as if in dissatisfaction, but said aloud,-- - -"This is nothing." - -"Ho, ho!" grumbled Malemort. "If it is nothing, can I go and fight again -to-morrow?" - -"I don't think so," said Ambroise Paré, probing the wound. - -"Ah! you hurt me a bit, did you know it?" said Malemort. - -"Yes, I suppose I do," was the surgeon's reply; "but courage, my -friend!" - -"Oh, I am brave enough," said Malemort. "After all, this has been -tolerable so far. Will it be much worse when you have to extract that -infernal piece of iron?" - -"No, for here it is," said Ambroise Paré, triumphant, holding up, so -that Malemort could see, the lance-head he had succeeded in removing. - -"I am very much obliged, Monsieur le Chirurgien," said Malemort, -courteously. - -A murmur of admiring wonder welcomed the masterly skill of Ambroise -Paré. - -"What! is it all over?" said Gabriel. "Why, it's perfectly marvellous." - -"We must agree too," rejoined Ambroise, smiling, "that the wounded man -was not afraid of pain." - -"Nor the operator unskilful, by the Mass!" cried a new-comer behind the -soldiers, whose entrance nobody had noticed amid the general anxiety. - -But at the well-known voice all stood aside respectfully. - -"Monsieur le Duc de Guise!" said Paré, recognizing the features of the -commander-in-chief. - -"Yes, Master," rejoined the new-comer, "Monsieur de Guise; and I am -amazed and delighted with your superb skill. By my patron, Saint -François, I have just been watching at the hospital some downright -blockheads of doctors, who have done more harm to our soldiers with -their instruments, I swear, than the English with their weapons. But you -extracted this iron stake, upon my word, as easily and gently as if it -had been a gray hair. And I do not know you! What is your name, Master?" - -"Ambroise Paré, Monseigneur," said the surgeon. - -"Well, Master Ambroise Paré," said the duke, "I promise you that your -fortune is made,--on one condition, however." - -"And may I know what the condition is, Monseigneur?" - -"That if I get wounded or bruised, which is very possible, especially in -these days, you will take charge of me and treat me with as little -ceremony as you showed this poor devil." - -"Monseigneur, I will do it," said Ambroise, bowing. "All men are equal -in suffering." - -"Hum!" rejoined François de Lorraine, "you will try, in the case I have -mentioned to you, that they may be equal also in the matter of being -cured." - -"Will Monseigneur permit me now," said the surgeon, "to close and -bandage this man's wound? There are many other wounded men who are in -need of my services to-day." - -"Do so, Master Ambroise Paré," the duke replied. "Go on without paying -any more heed to me. I am in haste to see you on your way to deliver as -many patients as possible from the hands of our cursed bunglers. -Besides, I must speak with Monsieur d'Exmès." - -Ambroise Paré at once set about dressing Malemort's wound. - -"Monsieur le Chirurgien, I thank you again," said the patient; "but if -you will excuse me, I have still another favor to ask of you." - -"What is that, my fine fellow?" asked Ambroise. - -"Well, it's like this, Monsieur le Chirurgien," said Malemort. "Now that -I can no longer feel that horrible stump in my flesh, it seems to me as -if I were almost well." - -"Yes, almost," said Ambroise, pressing the ligatures together. - -"Well, then," said Malemort, in a modest but unembarrassed tone, "will -you be kind enough to say to my master, Monsieur d'Exmès, that if there -is any fighting to-morrow, I am in perfectly fit condition to take part -in it!" - -"You fight to-morrow!" cried Ambroise Paré. "Ah! you must not think of -it!" - -"Oh, I beg your pardon, but I can't help thinking of it," rejoined -Malemort, sadly. - -"My poor fellow," said the surgeon, "just remember that I order a week -of perfect rest,--at least a week in bed, and a week of light diet!" - -"Light diet, so far as food is concerned, if you please," said Malemort, -"but not abstinence from battle, I beg you." - -"You are insane!" resumed Ambroise Paré; "if you but raise your head, -the fever will seize you, and you will be a dead man. I said a week, and -I will not take off an hour." - -"Oh!" roared Malemort, "in a week the siege will be at an end. I shall -never get my fill of fighting." - -"What a blood-thirsty fellow he is!" said the Duc de Guise, who had been -listening to this singular dialogue. - -"That is Malemort all over," said Gabriel, smiling; "and I beg you, -Monseigneur, to give orders to have him taken to the hospital, and -carefully watched there; for if he hears the noise of a mêlée, he is -quite capable of trying to get out of bed, in spite of everything." - -"Oh, well, that's a very simple matter," said the Duc de Guise. "Give -orders yourself to his comrades to carry him there." - -"But, Monseigneur," Gabriel rejoined with some embarrassment, "it is -quite possible that I shall have work for my brave fellows to do -to-night." - -"Oho!" said the duke, looking in surprise at Vicomte d'Exmès. - -"If Monsieur d'Exmès wishes," said Ambroise Paré, who had drawn near -them after he had dressed the wound, "I will send two of my assistants -with a litter to take this wounded fire-eater away." - -"I am very much obliged to you, and gladly accept your offer; I commend -him to your most watchful care," said Gabriel. - -Malemort gave vent to another despairing roar. - -Ambroise Paré withdrew, having taken leave of the Duc de Guise. At a -sign from Martin-Guerre, all but Monsieur d'Exmès retired to the -farther end of the tent, and Gabriel was left tête-a-tête with the -general directing the siege. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -SMALL CRAFT SOMETIMES SAVE LARGE MEN-OF-WAR - - -When Vicomte d'Exmès was left alone with the Duc de Guise, he began the -conversation thus,-- - -"Well, Monseigneur, are you content?" - -"Yes, my friend," François de Lorraine replied,--"yes, I am content -with the results so far attained, but I confess I am very anxious as to -the future. It was this anxiety which drove me out of my tent to-night -to wander about the camp, and come to you for encouragement and advice." - -"But what is there new?" asked Gabriel. "I should imagine that the -result so far has surpassed all your anticipations, has it not? In four -days you have made yourself master of two of the outworks of Calais; -besides, the defenders of the city itself and the Old Château cannot -hold out more than forty-eight hours longer." - -"Very true," said the duke; "but they can hold out that length of time, -and that will be quite long enough to foil all our plans, and save -themselves." - -"Oh, Monseigneur must allow me to express my doubts of that," said -Gabriel. - -"No, my friend, my long experience does not mislead me," rejoined the -Duc de Guise; "except for some unexpected piece of good fortune, or some -occurrence beyond human foresight, our undertaking has failed. Believe -me when I say this." - -"But why?" asked Gabriel, with a smile, which contrasted strangely with -the gloomy prognostications of the duke. - -"I will tell you in two words, upon the basis of your own plan. Listen -carefully to what I say." - -"I am all attention," said Gabriel. - -"The extraordinarily hazardous experiment into which your youthful -enthusiasm seduced my more cautious ambition," continued the duke, "had -no possible chance of success except in the isolation and complete -surprise of the English garrison. Calais was impregnable, we were -agreed, but might be taken by surprise. We reasoned out our insane -enterprise along that line, did we not?" - -"And up to the present moment," was Gabriel's reply, "the facts have -borne us out in our reasoning." - -"They have indeed," said the duke; "and you have demonstrated, Gabriel, -that your judgment of men is as keen and far-seeing as your perception -of facts; and that you had studied the disposition and character of the -governor of Calais as carefully as the interior plan of his seat of -government. Lord Wentworth has not belied a single one of your -conjectures. He believed that his nine hundred men and his formidable -outposts would suffice to make us repent of our reckless freak. He -despised us too much to be alarmed, and did not deign to call a single -company to his assistance, either from any other part of the continent -or from England." - -"I did indeed succeed in conjecturing how his arrogant pride would -comport itself under such circumstances." - -"Thanks to his overweening self-conceit," resumed the Duc de Guise, "we -carried Fort Ste. Agathe almost without striking a blow, and the -Nieullay fort after three days of successful fighting." - -"So that at this moment," said Gabriel, cheerfully, "any bodies of -English or Spaniards, coming by land to the rescue of their countrymen -or their allies, will find the batteries of the Duc de Guise ready to -exterminate them, instead of Lord Wentworth's cannon to second their -assault." - -"They will be on their guard, and will not approach very near," said the -duke, smiling; for the young man's buoyant hopefulness was beginning to -infect him. - -"Well, then, have we not gained an important point?" said Gabriel. - -"No doubt, no doubt," replied the duke; "but unfortunately it is not -all, nor is it even the most important part. We have closed one of the -roads by which outside reinforcements might enter Calais, and one of the -gates of the city. But another gate and another road are still open." - -"What one, pray, Monseigneur?" asked Gabriel, pretending to be in doubt. - -"Cast your eye upon this map, drawn by Maréchal Strozzi, from the plan -you furnished him," said the commander-in-chief. "Calais may be relieved -at these two opposite points,--by the Nieullay fort, which covers the -approaches on the landward side--" - -"But which covers them for our benefit now," Gabriel interrupted. - -"Very true," rejoined the duke; "but here on the ocean side, protected -by the sea itself, by the marshes and sand-dunes, is the Risbank fort, -do you see?--or if you choose to call it so, the Octagonal Tower,--a -fort which commands the whole harbor, and makes it impossible for -attacking vessels to enter. Let an express be sent to Dover, and in a -few hours the English ships will transport hither enough troops and -supplies to enable the place to hold out for years. Thus the Risbank -fort protects the city, and the sea protects the Risbank fort. Now, -Gabriel, do you know what Lord Wentworth has done since his last -misfortune?" - -"Perfectly well," rejoined Vicomte d'Exmès, calmly. "Lord Wentworth, -acting upon the unanimous opinion of his council, has sent an express in -hot haste to Dover, to make up for his culpable delay, and expects to -receive by this time to-morrow the reinforcements of which he has at -last admitted the need." - -"Well, you have not finished?" said Monsieur de Guise. - -"I confess, Monseigneur, that I cannot look ahead much further," replied -Gabriel. "I have not the prescience of God." - -"No more than human prescience is needed here," said François de -Lorraine; "but since yours stops halfway, I will finish for you." - -"I should be glad if Monseigneur would condescend to tell me what will -ensue, in his opinion," said Gabriel, bowing respectfully. - -"It is very simple," said Monsieur de Guise. "The besieged, reinforced, -if need be, by all England, will be enabled after to-morrow to face us -at the Old Château with a superior force, if not an absolutely -invincible one. If, notwithstanding, we still maintain our position, -every Spaniard and Englishman in France will come down upon us here in -the suburbs of Calais like the winter's snow from Ardres and Ham and St. -Quentin; and when they decide that their numbers are sufficient, they -will take their turn at besieging us. I agree that they will not be able -to take the Nieullay fort without some difficulty; but they will easily -repossess themselves of Fort Ste. Agathe, and then they will have us at -their mercy between two fires." - -"Such a catastrophe would indeed be terrible," said Gabriel, coolly. - -"Yet it is only too likely to happen," rejoined the duke, passing his -hand despondently over his brow. - -"But surely, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, "you have not failed to -consider the means of preventing such a disaster?" - -"I am thinking of nothing else, upon my soul!" said the Duc de Guise. - -"Well?" asked Gabriel, carelessly. - -"Well, our only chance,--and a very precarious and hopeless chance it -is, alas!--is, in my opinion, to make a desperate assault upon the Old -Château to-morrow, under any circumstances. Nothing will be in -readiness, I am aware, even though we were to pass the whole night in -most assiduous and unremitting labor. But there is no other course for -us to take; and it is less foolhardy than it would be for us to await -the arrival of reinforcements from England. The 'French fury,' as they -call it in Italy, may possibly succeed, by dint of its extraordinary -impetuosity, in storming these inaccessible walls." - -"No, it will be helplessly shattered against them," rejoined Gabriel, -coldly. "Pardon me, Monseigneur, but it seems to me that at this moment -the French army is neither sufficiently strong nor sufficiently weak -thus to attempt the impossible. A fearful responsibility rests upon you, -Monseigneur. It is probable that we should be finally beaten back after -we had lost half of our force. What does the Duc de Guise mean to do in -that event?" - -"Not to expose himself to total ruin, to a complete overthrow, at all -events," said François de Lorraine, gloomily; "but to withdraw from -before these cursed walls with such troops as I have left, and save them -until better days dawn for our king and country." - -"What, the victor of Metz and Renty retreat!" cried Gabriel. - -"That is certainly much better than not knowing when one is beaten, as -was the case with the constable on the day of St. Laurent," said the Duc -de Guise. - -"And yet," continued Gabriel, "it would be a disastrous blow to the -glory of France, as well as to Monseigneur's reputation." - -"Alas! who knows that so well as I?" exclaimed the duke. "See upon what -slender threads depend success and fortune! If I had succeeded, I should -have been a hero, a transcendent genius, a demigod; I fail, and I shall -be henceforth only a vain and presumptuous fool, who well deserved the -disgrace of his fall. The self-same undertaking which would have been -called magnificent and marvellous, had it turned out happily, will draw -upon me the ridicule of all Europe, and postpone if it does not destroy -in the germ all my plans and hopes. To what do the paltry ambitions of -this world lead!" - -The duke ceased to speak, apparently a prey to bitter chagrin. There was -a long silence, which Gabriel was very careful not to break. - -He desired to give Monsieur de Guise ample opportunity to gauge the -terrible difficulties of the crisis with his experienced eye. - -When he considered that the duke must have probed them to the bottom, he -said,-- - -"I see, Monseigneur, that you are at present involved in one of those -periods of doubt and anxiety which come to the greatest of men in the -midst of their greatest works. One word, however: Surely no such lofty -genius, no such consummate general, as he to whom I have the honor of -speaking, could have lightly engaged in so momentous an enterprise as -this, unless the smallest details, the most unlikely contingencies, had -all been discussed at the Louvre. You must have worked out in advance -favorable results for all possible sudden changes of fortune, and -remedies for all possible ills. How does it happen, then, that you are -hesitating and seeking anew for them now?" - -"_Mon Dieu_!" said the Duc de Guise, "your youthful enthusiasm and -confidence fascinated and blinded me, I believe, Gabriel." - -"Monseigneur!" said Gabriel, reproachfully. - -"Oh, don't feel wounded, I beg, for I bear you no ill-will for it, my -friend! I still admire your design, which was both a grand and a -patriotic one. But stern reality is very fond of destroying our fairest -dreams. Nevertheless, I remember distinctly that I laid before you -certain objections, founded upon the possibility of this very extremity -to which we are now reduced, and that you removed my scruples." - -"And how, Monseigneur, please?" - -"You promised me," said the Duc de Guise, "that if we succeeded in a few -days in gaining possession of the two forts of Ste. Agathe and Nieullay, -the secret arrangement that you had with persons in the town would place -the Risbank fort in our hands, and thus Calais might be shut off from -all hope of reinforcement by sea or land. Yes, Gabriel, I remember, and -you must remember yourself, that you gave me that assurance." - -"Very well!" said Gabriel, without the least symptom of anxiety or -embarrassment. - -"Well," rejoined the duke, "your hopes deceived you, did they not? Your -friends in Calais have failed to keep their word, as was to be expected. -They are evidently not yet certain of our success, and are timid; -consequently they will not show themselves until it is too late to do us -any good." - -"Pardon me, Monseigneur, but who told you that?" asked Gabriel. - -"Why, your very silence, my dear fellow. The time has come when our -secret allies ought to come to our assistance, in which event they might -perhaps save us. They give no sign, and your lips are sealed; therefore -I conclude that you no longer rely upon them, and that we must renounce -all hope of succor from that quarter." - -"If you knew me better, Monseigneur," was Gabriel's response, "you would -know that I never like to talk when I can act." - -"What's that? Do you still have hopes?" asked the Duc de Guise. - -"Yes, Monseigneur, since I am still living," Gabriel replied, in a grave -and melancholy tone. - -"And the Risbank fort?" - -"Shall be in your hands when necessary, unless I am dead." - -"But, Gabriel, it will be necessary to-morrow,--to-morrow morning!" - -"Then we shall have it to-morrow morning!" replied Gabriel, -calmly,--"that is, I say again, unless I fall; but in that event you -cannot reproach one who has given his life in the attempt for his -failure to keep his word." - -"Gabriel," said the Duc de Guise, "what is it that you have in mind to -do? Is it to face some mortal peril or to hazard some insane chance? I -do not wish it; I do not wish it! France is only too much in need of -such men as you." - -"Be not at all alarmed, Monseigneur," rejoined Gabriel. "Though the -danger be great, the end to be attained is even greater, and the -enterprise is well worth the risk which attends it. You need only think -how to profit by the result, and leave the means to me. I am only -responsible for myself; but you are responsible for every man in the -army." - -"At least tell me what I can do to second your plan?" said the duke. -"What part have you assigned to me?" - -"Monseigneur," Gabriel replied, "if you had not done me the honor to -come to my tent this evening, it was my intention to seek you in your -own quarters, and to make a request." - -"Go on,--speak!" said the duke, earnestly. - -"To-morrow, the 5th of the month, at daybreak, Monseigneur,--that is to -say, about eight o'clock, the nights being very long in January,--I ask -you to station a look-out with keen sight on the promontory from which -the Risbank fort can be seen. If the English flag is still waving there -at that time, take the chances of the desperate assault you have -resolved upon, for I shall have failed; in other words, I shall be -dead." - -"Dead!" cried the duke. "You see, Gabriel, that you are fearing your own -destruction." - -"In that event, waste no time in vain regrets for me, Monseigneur," said -the youth; "only let everything be in readiness, and devote all your -energy to your last effort; and I pray God to give you means of success! -Let every man share in the attack! The reinforcements from England -cannot possibly arrive before noon; therefore you will have jour hours -of heroism before you in which to prove, ere you beat the retreat, that -the French are as fearless as they are prudent." - -"But, Gabriel, assure me again that you have some chance of success." - -"Yes, indeed I have; be sure of that, Monseigneur. Therefore wait calmly -and patiently, like the strong man that you are. Do not give the word -too quickly for a headlong assault; I beg of you not to stake all upon -that cast until it is actually necessary. Last of all, you need only -keep Maréchal Strozzi and the miners quietly at work on the siege -lines; and let your soldiers and artillerymen await the favorable moment -for an assault, if at eight o'clock you are informed that the standard -of France is flying over the Risbank fort." - -"The standard of France over the Risbank fort!" cried the duke. - -"A glance at it in such position," rejoined Gabriel, "will cause the -ships on their way from England to retrace their steps without loss of -time." - -"I agree with you there," said Monsieur de Guise. "But, my dear friend, -how will you do it?" - -"Let me keep my secret, I implore you, Monseigneur," said Gabriel. "If -you knew my extraordinary design, you might perhaps try to dissuade me -from it. But it is no longer time to reflect and hesitate. Moreover, in -all this I neither compromise the army nor yourself. These men here, the -only ones whom I propose to employ, are all my own volunteers, and you -agreed to leave me free to do as I would with them. I propose to -accomplish my purpose unaided, or to die in the attempt." - -"But why this pride?" asked the duke. - -"It is not pride, Monseigneur; but I wish to requite as well as I can -the priceless favor which you were good enough to promise me at Paris, -and which I trust you remember." - -"What priceless favor are you talking about, Gabriel?" said the duke. "I -am supposed to have a good memory, especially where my friends are -concerned; but I am ashamed to confess that in this instance I do not -remember." - -"Alas! Monseigneur," Gabriel rejoined, "it is a very important matter -for me, however! This is what I asked of you: if it should be proved to -your satisfaction that in the execution as well as the conception of the -project, the taking of Calais was due to me, and to me alone, I begged -you not to give me the credit in public, for that credit would belong to -you, as leader of the expedition, but simply to announce to King Henri -II. the share which I had had under your orders in the conquest. You -then graciously allowed me to hope that reward would be accorded -me." - -"What! Is that the invaluable favor to which you allude, Gabriel?" asked -the duke. "The deuce take me if I thought of that! But, my dear fellow, -that will be no reward whatever, but a simple act of justice; and in -secret or in public, as you choose, I shall be ever ready and willing to -recognize and bear witness as I ought to your services and your -deserts." - -"My ambition does not go beyond what I have asked, Monseigneur," said -Gabriel. "If the king be informed of my efforts, he has it in his power -to bestow upon me a reward which would be worth more to me than all the -honor and good fortune in the world." - -"The king shall know all that you may have done for him, Gabriel. But -can I do nothing more for you!" - -"Indeed, Monseigneur, I have one or two other demands to make upon your -good-will." - -"Tell me," said the duke. - -"In the first place," said Gabriel, "I must have the countersign, so -that I may be able to leave camp with my people at any hour of the night -I choose." - -"You have only to say 'Calais and Charles,' and the sentinels will allow -you to pass." - -"Then, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, "if I fall, and your assault -succeeds, I venture to remind you that Madame Diane de Castro, the -king's daughter, is Lord Wentworth's prisoner, and has an indisputable -claim upon your courteous protection." - -"I will remember my duty as a man and a gentleman," rejoined the duke. -"And then?" - -"Lastly, Monseigneur, I am about to contract to-night a considerable -debt to a fisherman of this coast, named Anselme. If Anselme dies with -me, I have written to Master Elyot, who has charge of my property, to -provide for the maintenance and well-being of his family, deprived as -they will be of his support. But for greater security, Monseigneur, I -would be deeply obliged if you would see that my orders are executed." - -"It shall be done," said the duke. "Is that all?" - -"It is, Monseigneur," Gabriel replied. "But if you never see me again, -think of me sometimes, I beg, with a little regret, and speak of me as -one for whom you had some esteem, whether it be to the king, who will -surely be glad to hear of my death, or to Madame de Castro, who may -perhaps be grieved. Now I will detain you no longer, but will bid you -hire well, Monseigneur." - -The Duc de Guise rose to go. - -"Pray banish your gloomy thoughts, my friend," said he. "I leave you, so -that you may be perfectly free to go on with your mysterious project; -but I confess that until eight o'clock to-morrow, I shall be very -anxious and shall find it hard to sleep. But it will be principally -because of the obscurity which hides your operations from me. Something -tells me that I shall see you again; therefore I will not say adieu." - -"Thanks for the augury, Monseigneur," said Gabriel; "for if you see me -again, it will be in Calais when it shall have become a French city." - -"And in that event," said the duke, "you can fairly boast of having -rescued the honor of France, and mine as well, from bitter peril." - -"Small craft, Monseigneur, sometimes save large men-of-war," said -Gabriel, bowing. - -The Duc de Guise, at the door of the tent, gave Gabriel's hand a cordial -grasp, and withdrew in deep thought to his headquarters. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -OBSCURI SOLA SUB NOCTE - - -When Gabriel returned to his seat after escorting Monsieur de Guise to -the door, he made a sign to Martin-Guerre, who at once left his -occupation and went out, seeming to need no further instructions. - -The squire came back after about fifteen minutes, accompanied by a pale, -emaciated individual, whose clothes were almost falling from his body. - -Martin approached his master, who was again absorbed in thought. The -other occupants of the tent were playing or sleeping, as their fancy -dictated. - -"Monseigneur," said Martin-Guerre, "this is our man." - -"Oh, yes!" said Gabriel; "so you are Anselme the fisherman, of whom -Martin-Guerre has spoken to me?" he added, turning to the new-comer. - -"Yes, Monseigneur, I am Anselme the fisherman," was the reply. - -"Do you know the service in which we desire your aid?" asked Vicomte -d'Exmès. - -"Your squire has told me, Monseigneur; and I am ready." - -"Martin-Guerre ought also to have told you," continued Gabriel, "that in -this expedition your life will be in danger as will our own." - -"Oh," rejoined the fisherman, "he had no need to tell me that; for I -knew it as well as he, or even better." - -"And still you came?" said Gabriel. - -"Here I am, at your service," Anselme replied. - -"Very good, my friend; it is the deed of a noble heart." - -"Or of a hopeless existence," was the response. - -"What do you mean by that?" asked Gabriel. - -"Why, by our Lady!" said Anselme. "Every day I take my life in my hand -for the sake of bringing home a few fish, and very often I come home -empty-handed. So there is very little merit in risking my tanned skin -for you to-day, when you promise, whether I live or die, to care for the -future welfare of my wife and my three children." - -"Very true," said Gabriel; "but the danger that you face every day is -uncertain, and hidden from you in a measure. You never go to sea during -a gale. But this time the risk is perceptible and unmistakable." - -"Indeed," replied the fisherman, "it is perfectly certain that one must -be a madman or a saint, to venture upon the water on such a night as -this. But that is your affair; and it is not for me to find fault, if -you choose to do it. You have paid me in advance for my boat and my -body. But you will owe the Holy Virgin a fine candle of pure wax if we -arrive safe and sound." - -"Even when we have arrived, Anselme," Gabriel resumed, "your labors are -not at an end. Having rowed us safely across, you will be called upon to -fight, and do a soldier's work after having done duty as a sailor. Don't -forget that you are about to incur dangers of two sorts." - -"It's all right," said Anselme; "but don't be too discouraging in what -you say. Your orders shall be obeyed. You guarantee the lives of those -who are dear to me, and I give you mine. The bargain is struck, and let -us say no more about it." - -"You are a brave fellow!" said Gabriel. "As to your wife and children, -let your mind be quite easy; for they shall want for nothing. I have -written to my agent Elyot my wishes on that point; and Monsieur le Duc -de Guise will himself see that they are carried out." - -"That is more than you were called upon to do," said the fisherman; "and -you are more generous than a king. I will play no tricks with you. You -need only have given me sufficient money to relieve me from -embarrassment during these hard times, and I would have expected nothing -further. But if I am satisfied with you, I hope that you will not be -disappointed in me." - -"Let us see," said Gabriel; "will your boat hold fourteen?" - -"She has held twenty, Monseigneur." - -"You will need strong arms to help you row, will you not?" - -"Yes, indeed," said Anselme; "for I shall have my hands full with the -helm and the sail, if we can carry sail." - -"We have three men," said Martin-Guerre,--"Ambrosio, Pilletrousse, and -Landry,--who can row as if they had never done anything else in their -lives, and I myself can swim with a pair of oars as easily as with my -arms." - -"Well, well," said Anselme, joyously, "I shall quite have the appearance -of a smart sea-captain with so many fine fellows in my crew! There is -one point on which Master Martin has thus far left me in ignorance, and -that is the precise spot where we are to land." - -"The Risbank fort," Gabriel replied. - -"The Risbank fort! Did you say the Risbank fort?" cried the stupefied -fisherman. - -"Certainly I did," said Gabriel; "what objection have you to offer to -that?" - -"Oh, nothing," rejoined Anselme, "except that it is hardly possible to -land at that point, and that I personally have never cast anchor there. -It's nothing but rocks." - -"Do you refuse to guide us?" asked Gabriel. - -"My faith! no; I will do my best, though I am but little acquainted with -that part of the coast. My father, who like myself was born a fisherman, -used to say; 'We must not try to lord it over fish or customers.' I will -take you to the Risbank fort if I can. A nice little trip we shall -have!" - -"At what hour must we be ready to start?" asked Gabriel. - -"You want to reach there at four, I believe?" returned Anselme. - -"Between four and five; no later." - -"Very well! from the point where we must embark so as not to be seen and -arouse suspicion, we must reckon upon two hours of sailing; the most -important thing is not to tire ourselves unnecessarily on the water. -From here to the creek is about an hour's march." - -"Then we should leave the camp about one hour after midnight?" said -Gabriel. - -"That will be about right," Anselme replied. - -"Well, then, I will go and tell my men," said Gabriel. "Do so, -Monseigneur," said the fisherman. "I will ask your leave to lie down -with them and sleep until one o'clock. I have said farewell at home; the -boat is already carefully hidden and safely moored, so that I have -nothing to call me away." - -"You are quite right, Anselme," said Gabriel; "lie down for awhile, for -you will have enough to tire you before this night is over. -Martin-Guerre, you may tell your companions now." - -"Ho, there, you fellows! You gamblers and sleepy heads!" cried -Martin-Guerre. - -"What is it? What's the matter?" they cried, rising and drawing near. - -"Thank Monseigneur; for there is a special expedition on foot for one -o'clock," said Martin. - -"Good! very good! splendid!" was the hearty chorus of the veterans. - -Even Malemort added his joyful shout to these unequivocal demonstrations -of satisfaction. - -But at that very moment four of Ambroise Paré's assistants appeared to -carry the wounded man to the hospital. - -Malemort was loud in his protestations. - -But notwithstanding his cries and struggles, they put him upon a litter -and held him there. In vain did he pour most bitter reproaches upon his -comrades, even calling them deserters and traitors, since they were -despicable enough to go into battle without him. No notice was taken of -his epithets; and he was carried off cursing and swearing. - -"How," said Martin-Guerre, "we must make our final arrangements, and -assign to every man the part he is to play and his position." - -"What sort of job have we on hand?" asked Pilletrousse. - -"Oh, a sort of assault," replied Martin. - -"Then I will be the first one to scale the wall!" cried Yvonnet. - -"Very well," said the squire. - -"No, that isn't fair!" exclaimed Ambrosio. "Yvonnet always monopolizes -the first place in times of danger. Really, it seems as if he thinks of -nobody but himself." - -"Let him have his way," said Gabriel, interposing. "In the hazardous -ascent that we are about to make, the foremost will be the least -exposed, I imagine. As a proof of my belief, I propose myself to be the -last to ascend." - -"Then Yvonnet will be cheated," cried Ambrosio, laughing. - -Martin-Guerre assigned to each man his place in the order of march, as -well as his number in the boat and in the assault. Ambrosio, -Pilletrousse, and Landry were notified that they would have to row. In -fact, everything that could be was arranged beforehand, so as to avoid -confusion and misunderstanding as far as possible. - -Lactance took Martin-Guerre aside for a moment. - -"Pardon me," said he; "but do you imagine there is any killing to be -done?" - -"I am not sure; but it is very possible," Martin replied. - -"Thanks," returned Lactance; "in that case I think I will say my prayers -and do penance in advance for three or four dead men and as many -wounded." - -When everything was settled, Gabriel advised his men to obtain an hour -or two of sleep. He undertook to awaken them himself when it was time. - -"Yes, I shall be glad to get a little sleep," said Yvonnet; "for my poor -nerves are terribly excited this evening, and I need above all things to -be cool and fresh when I am fighting." - -In a few moments not a sound was to be heard within the tent save the -regular breathing of the veterans and the monotonous _Pater nosters_ of -Lactance. - -Soon the last-mentioned noise also ceased, for drowsiness had at last -overcome Lactance, and he too was asleep. - -Gabriel alone was awake and deep in thought. - -Toward one o'clock he awoke his men one by one. They all rose and -equipped themselves in silence. Then they went softly from the tent and -left the camp. - -At the words, 'Calais and Charles,' uttered in a low voice by Gabriel, -the sentinels allowed them to pass unquestioned. - -The little band, under the guidance of Anselme the fisherman, took its -way through the fields, along the shore. Not a word was uttered. Nothing -was to be heard save the moaning of the wind, and the melancholy voice -of the sea in the distance. - -It was a dark and stormy night. Not a soul was to be seen along the road -traversed by our adventurers. Even if they had met any one, it was more -than probable that they would have passed unnoticed; but had they been -seen, they would certainly have been mistaken for phantoms at that hour -and in such darkness. - -Within the city, there was also one man who at that hour was still -awake. - -It was Lord Wentworth, the governor, although, relying upon the -reinforcements for which he had sent to Dover as being sure to arrive on -the morrow, he had retired to his own house, hoping to obtain some rest. - -He had not slept, in truth, for three days, exposing himself -continually, it must be said, at the points of greatest danger with -untiring gallantry, and was always to be found wherever his presence was -required. - -On the evening of January 4 he had paid a visit to the breach of the Old -Château, had personally posted the sentinels, and had reviewed the -civic militia, who were intrusted with the simple duty of defending the -Risbank fort. - -But notwithstanding his intense weariness, and although everything was -secure and quiet, he could not sleep. - -A vague dread, absurd but not to be driven away, kept his eyes wide open -as he lay on his bed. - -Yet all his precautions were well taken; the enemy could not possibly -venture upon a night attack, relying upon so trifling a breach as that -in the Old Château. As for the other points, they would protect -themselves with the aid of the swamp and the ocean. - -Lord Wentworth said all this to himself a thousand times, and yet he -could not sleep. - -He seemed to feel something floating in the night air about the city -which told him of a terrible danger from an invisible foe. - -In his disordered fancy that enemy was not Maréchal Strozzi, nor the -Duc de Nevers; it was not even the great François do Guise. - -What! Could it be that it was his former prisoner, whom his bitter -enmity had enabled him to recognize several times in the distance from -the summit of the fortifications? Was it really that madman. Vicomte -d'Exmès, Madame de Castro's lover? - -What a ridiculous adversary for the governor of Calais in his strong -city, still so impregnably guarded! - -However, Lord Wentworth, whatever the reason may have been, could -neither overcome this indefinable dread nor explain it. - -But he felt its presence, and he could not sleep. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -BETWEEN TWO CHASMS - - -The Risbank fort, which on account of its eight faces was also called -the Octagonal Tower, was built, as we have said, at the entrance of -Calais Harbor, in front of the sand-dunes; and its black and frowning -mass of granite towered aloft upon another mass, as forbidding and quite -as colossal, of solid cliff. - -The sea, when the tide was high, broke against the cliff, but never -touched the lowest courses of the stone walls of the fort. - -Now, the sea was running very high and very threateningly on the night -of the 4th of January, 1558, and toward four o'clock in the morning of -the 5th it gave forth that resounding but mournful moaning which makes -it resemble an ever restless and despairing soul. - -Suddenly, a short time after the sentinel who was stationed upon the -platform of the tower from two o'clock to four had been relieved by him -whose tour of duty ran from four to six, a sound like a human cry, as if -uttered by lungs of brass, made itself distinctly heard amid the -tempest, over the moaning of the sea. - -Then the newly arrived sentry might have been seen to start, listen -attentively, and lean his cross-bow against the wall, after he had made -sure of the source of this strange sound. Next, when he had satisfied -himself that no eye was upon him, he lifted, with a mighty arm, his -sentry-box from the rock, and drew from beneath it a pile of rope which -assumed the shape of a long knotted ladder, which he securely fastened -to the pieces of iron fixed in the battlements. - -Finally he attached the various pieces of rope firmly together, and -lowered them over the walls, when two heavy pieces of lead quickly -carried the ends down upon the rock on which the fort was built. - -The ladder was two hundred and twelve feet long, and the fort two -hundred and fifteen feet high. - -Scarcely had he completed his mysterious operation when the night patrol -appeared at the top of the steps leading to the platform. As the -sentinel was standing near his box, the patrol asked and received the -countersign, and passed on without noticing anything out of the regular -course. - -The sentinel, much relieved in his mind, anxiously awaited what was to -follow. It was already quarter past four. - -At the foot of the cliff was a boat manned by fourteen men, who, after -more than two hours of hard and almost superhuman labor, had succeeded -in reaching the Risbank fort. A wooden ladder was placed against the -cliff. It reached up to a sort of excavation in the rock, were five or -six men might stand at once. - -One by one, and in absolute silence, the bold adventurers mounted the -ladder from the boat, and without stopping at the excavation, continued -clambering up the cliff, using both their feet and hands, and taking -advantage of every inequality in the face of the rock. - -Their purpose was to reach the foot of the tower. But the darkness was -intense, and the rock slippery; their fingers were torn and bleeding, -and one of them lost his footing, and rolled helplessly down until he -fell into the sea. - -Luckily the last of the fourteen men was still in the boat, trying -vainly to make her fast before trusting himself to the ladder. - -The man who had fallen, and who had had the forethought and courage not -to utter a cry as he fell, swam vigorously toward the boat. The other -lent him a hand, and despite the pitching of the boat under his feet, -had the satisfaction of rescuing him safe and sound. - -"What! is it you, Martin-Guerre?" said he, thinking that he recognized -him in the darkness. - -"It is myself, I admit, Monseigneur," said the squire. - -"How came you to slip, bungler?" asked Gabriel. - -"It was much better that it should have happened to me than to another," -said Martin. - -"Why?" - -"Because anybody else would have made an outcry," replied Martin. - -"Well, since you are here," said Gabriel, "help me pass this rope around -that great root. I very foolishly sent Anselme ahead with the others." - -"The root will not hold, Monseigneur," said Martin: "the least shock -will pull it up, and the boat will be destroyed and we shall be carried -away with it." - -"There is nothing else to be done," rejoined Gabriel; "so let us set -about it without more ado." - -When they had made the boat fast as well as they could, Gabriel said to -his squire,-- - -"Come, up with you!" - -"After you, Monseigneur; otherwise who will hold the ladder?" - -"Go up, I tell you!" repeated Gabriel, stamping his foot impatiently. - -The time was not propitious for argument or formality. Martin-Guerre -mounted as far as the excavation in the cliff, and from that elevation -held the uprights of the ladder with all his strength while Gabriel -ascended in his turn. - -His foot was on the topmost round when a powerful wave struck the boat, -broke the rope, and carried ladder and skiff out to sea. - -Gabriel would have been lost save for Martin, who, at the risk of dying -with him, leaned over the abyss with a motion quicker than thought, and -seized his master by the collar of his doublet; then, with all the -energy of despair, the brave fellow drew Gabriel up to where he was -standing on the rock, as unharmed as himself. - -"Now you have saved my life, my gallant Martin," said Gabriel. - -"Yes; but the boat has gone," returned the squire. - -"Bah! As Anselme says, it is paid for," said Gabriel, with a -carelessness assumed to hide his anxiety. - -"That's very well!" said the cautious Martin-Guerre, shaking his head; -"but if your friend doesn't happen to be doing his turn of duty up -there, or if the ladder isn't hanging from the tower, or if it breaks -under our weight, or if the platform is occupied by a force stronger -than ours,--why, then all chance of retreat, all hope of safety, has -gone from us with that cursed boat." - -"Well, so much the better," said Gabriel; "for now we must succeed or -die." - -"So be it!" said Martin, with heroic simplicity. - -"Come!" Gabriel rejoined; "our companions ought already to be at the -foot of the tower, for I can no longer hear them. Be careful about your -footing this time, Martin, and never let go with one hand until you have -a firm hold with the other." - -"Never fear; I will do my best," said Martin. - -They began the perilous ascent; and after the lapse of ten minutes, -during which they had overcome innumerable difficulties and dangers, -they rejoined their twelve companions, who were anxiously awaiting them, -grouped together on the cliff at the foot of the Risbank fort. - -The third quarter past four had come and gone. Gabriel, with -inexpressible joy, spied the rope ladder hanging against the wall. - -"Do you see that, my friends?" he said, in a whisper, to his little -party. "We are expected up there. Thank God for it, for we can no longer -look behind; the sea has carried away our boat. So, forward, my brave -fellows; and may God protect us!" - -"Amen!" said Lactance, solemnly. - -Indeed it was necessary that these should be determined and resolute men -who stood around Gabriel at this crisis; for the enterprise, which had -been rash enough up to that point, seemed to become almost insane, and -yet not a man stirred at the terrible news that all hope of retreat had -been cut off. - -Gabriel, in the gloomy light which falls even from the darkest sky, -scanned their hardy features, and found them quite devoid of emotion. - -They all repeated after him,-- - -"Forward!" - -"You remember the order agreed upon," said Gabriel: "you are to go -first, Yvonnet; then Martin-Guerre; then each one in his proper order -until it comes my turn; and I shall be the last to mount the ladder. The -ropes and knots are firmly fastened, I trust!" - -"The ropes are as strong as iron, Monseigneur," said Ambrosio; "we have -tried them, and they will bear thirty as safely as fourteen." - -"Go on, then, brave Yvonnet!" continued Gabriel; "you have by no means -the least dangerous part of the enterprise. Off you go, and be of good -heart!" - -"My courage never fails, Monseigneur," said Yvonnet, "especially when -the drums are beating and the guns roaring; but I confess that I am no -better accustomed to noiseless assaults than to swaying cordage; -therefore I am very glad to go first, so as to have the others behind -me." - -"A very modest reason for making sure of the post of honor!" said -Gabriel, who did not choose to enter upon a dangerous discussion. "Come, -no more excuses! Although the wind and sea drown our words, we must act -and not talk. Forward, Yvonnet! and remember that you must not stop to -rest until you reach the one hundred and fiftieth round. Are you -ready,--musket on your back and sword between your teeth? Look up, not -down; and think of God, and not of the danger. Forward!" - -Yvonnet put his foot upon the first round. - -Five o'clock struck; a second night patrol passed the sentinel on the -platform as he made his rounds. - -Then, slowly and silently, the fourteen gallant men ventured one after -the other upon that frail ladder shaking in the wind. - -It was nothing so long as Gabriel, who was the last in the procession, -remained within a few steps of the ground; but as they went on, and the -living cluster shook from side to side more and more, the danger assumed -unspeakable proportions. - -It must have been a magnificent yet appalling sight to witness in the -darkness and storm these fourteen apparently dumb creatures, like so -many demons, scaling the black wall, at whose summit was possible death, -while sure destruction awaited them at its base. - -At the one hundred and fiftieth round Yvonnet stopped, and all the -others did the same. It was agreed beforehand that they should halt at -that point long enough for each to say two _Paters_ and two _Aves_. - -When Martin-Guerre had finished his devotions, he was amazed to see that -Yvonnet did not stir. He thought he must have missed his count, and -reproving himself for his haste, he began conscientiously a third -_Pater_ and a third _Ave_. - -But still Yvonnet remained motionless. Then--although they were only -about a hundred feet from the platform, and it was dangerous to -speak--Martin-Guerre struck Yvonnet's legs, and said to him,-- - -"Go on, pray." - -"No, I cannot," said Yvonnet, in a stifled voice. - -"You can't, villain! Why not?" asked Martin, shuddering. - -"I am dizzy," said Yvonnet. - -A cold perspiration broke out in beads on Martin's forehead. - -It was a moment before he could make up his mind what to do. If Yvonnet -should have the vertigo and fall, they would all be carried down with -him; to descend was no less hazardous. Martin felt himself to be -incapable of assuming any responsibility whatever at such a terrible -crisis. He leaned over to Anselme, who was next behind him, and said,-- - -"Yvonnet is dizzy." - -Anselme shuddered as Martin had done, and repeated the same words to his -neighbor, Scharfenstein; and so the word was passed down the ladder, -each one in turn removing his sword from between his teeth long enough -to say to the man next below,-- - -"Yvonnet is dizzy." - -At last the dreadful intelligence reached the ears of Gabriel, who -turned pale and trembled as the others had done when he heard it. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -ARNAULD DU THILL, THOUGH ABSENT, CONTINUES TO EXERT -A FATAL INFLUENCE ON THE DESTINY OF POOR MARTIN-GUERRE - - -It was a moment of fearful suffering,--a supreme crisis. Gabriel saw -that he was threatened by three distinct dangers. Beneath his feet, the -roaring sea seemed to be calling to its prey with its mighty voice. -Before him twelve terrified men, unable to move either forward or back, -barred the road to the third source of danger,--the English pikes and -arquebuses which were perhaps waiting for them to show their heads above -the battlements. - -On all sides, terror and death seemed to threaten the poor beings upon -that vibrating ladder. - -Fortunately, Gabriel was not the man to waste precious time in -hesitating even between two formidable perils, and he made up his mind -in an instant. - -He never stopped to wonder whether his grasp might not fail, and his -brains be dashed out on the rocks below. Clinging closely to the rope -that formed one side of the ladder, he raised himself by his hands -alone, and passed by the twelve men in front of him one after another. - -Thanks to his enormous strength of muscle, as well as of soul, he -reached Yvonnet without accident, and was at last able to place his feet -beside those of Martin-Guerre. - -"Will you go on or not?" said he to Yvonnet, in sharp and commanding -tones. - -"I am--dizzy," replied the poor wretch, whose teeth were chattering and -his hair standing on end. - -"Will you go on?" repeated Gabriel. - -"Impossible!" said Yvonnet. "I feel as if my feet and hands were leaving -the rounds to which they are clinging. I am going to fall." - -"We will see," said Gabriel. - -He pulled himself up as far as Yvonnet's waist, and pricked him in the -back with the point of his sword. - -"Can you feel the point of my sword?" he asked. - -"Yes, Monseigneur! Oh, mercy! I am afraid. Mercy!" - -"The blade is sharp and keen," continued Gabriel, with marvellous -_sang-froid_. "At the least backward movement on your part it will bury -itself in your body. Now listen, Yvonnet; Martin-Guerre will pass in -front of you and I shall remain behind. If you do not follow -Martin-Guerre,--mark well what I say: if you show one symptom of -flinching, I swear by God above that you shall not fall and drag others -down with you, for I will nail you to the wall with my sword, and hold -you there until they have all passed over your body." - -"Oh, mercy, Monseigneur! I will obey!" cried Yvonnet, cured of one -fright by a greater one. - -"Martin," said Vicomte d'Exmès, "you heard what I said. Pass him and go -on." - -Martin-Guerre in his turn executed the evolution which he had seen his -master perform, and assumed the first place. - -"Forward!" said Gabriel. - -Martin went bravely up, and Yvonnet, menaced by Gabriel, who carried his -sword in his right hand and used only his left to assist his feet in the -ascent, forgot his vertigo, and followed the squire. - -Thus the fourteen men ascended the last one hundred and fifty rounds of -the ladder. "_Parbleu_!" thought Martin-Guerre, whose good humor came -back to him as he saw the space which separated him from the summit of -the tower growing ever less. "_Parbleu_! Monseigneur discovered a -sovereign cure for the vertigo." - -He had just finished that pleasant reflection, when his head reached the -level of the edge of the platform. - -"Is it you?" asked a voice unknown to Martin. - -"_Parbleu_!" the squire replied in an unembarrassed tone. - -"It is quite time," rejoined the sentinel, "In less than five minutes -the patrol will be making their third round." - -"Good! we will be ready for them," said Martin-Guerre. - -As he spoke he triumphantly placed one knee upon the ledge of stone. - -"Ah!" cried the sentinel, suddenly, trying to get a better view of him -in the darkness; "what is your name?" - -"Why! Martin-Guerre--" - -He did not finish what he was saying, for Pierre Peuquoy (it was no -other than he) gave him no time to put the other knee beside its fellow, -but giving him a violent push with both hands, hurled him headlong into -the abyss. - -"Holy Jesus!" was all that poor Martin-Guerre said. - -Then he fell without a sound, concentrating all his energies in a -sublime effort to change the course of his fall so as not to endanger -the safety of his companions and his master. - -Yvonnet, who followed him, and who recovered all his courage and -boldness as soon as he felt the solid rock beneath his feet, leaped upon -the platform, followed by Gabriel and all the others. - -Pierre Peuquoy made no further opposition. He remained standing as if -turned to stone, and unconscious of what was passing. - -"Wretch!" cried Gabriel, seizing him by the arm, and shaking him; what -insane fury has taken possession of you "What has Martin-Guerre done to -you?" - -"To me, nothing," replied the armorer in a dull voice. "But to Babette, -my sister!" - -"Ah, I had forgotten!" cried Gabriel in alarm. "Poor Martin! But it was -not he! May he not be saved even yet?" - -"Be saved after a fall of more than two hundred and fifty feet upon a -rock!" exclaimed Pierre Peuquoy with a harsh laugh. "Come, Monsieur le -Vicomte, you would be better employed just now in thinking about taking -measures to save yourself and your companions." - -"My companions, yes, and my father and Diane," said the young man to -himself, recalled by these words to the duties and the risks of his -situation; "but still," he continued aloud, "my poor Martin!" - -"This is no time to bemoan the villain's fate," Pierre Peuquoy -interposed. - -"Villain! he was innocent, I tell you, and I will prove it to you. But -this is not the time; you are right. Are you still inclined to aid us?" -Gabriel asked the armorer, rather bluntly. - -"I am devoted to France and to you," replied Pierre. "Very well," said -Gabriel. "What remains for us to do now?" - -"The night patrol will soon pass," replied the burgher; "we must choke -and gag the four men who compose it. But," he added hurriedly, "it is -too late to surprise them. Here they are!" - -Just as Pierre spoke, the urban patrol actually came out upon the -platform by an interior staircase. If they gave the alarm, all might be -lost. - -Luckily the two Scharfensteins, uncle and nephew, who were of a very -inquisitive and prying nature, were prowling around on that side. The -men of the patrol had no time to utter a sound. An enormous hand closing -the mouth of each one of them from behind, threw them violently upon -their backs as well. - -Pilletrousse and two others ran to them, and the four bewildered -militiamen were easily gagged and disarmed. - -"Well done!" said Pierre Peuquoy. "Now, Monseigneur, we must make sure -of the other sentinels, and then make a bold descent upon the -guard-house. We have two posts to carry. But have no fear of being -overborne by numbers. More than half of the city militia, having been -influenced by Jean and myself, are for the French cause heart and soul, -and only await the proper moment to show their devotion. I will go down -first to notify our friends of your success; meanwhile you can look -after the sentinels. When I return, my words will already have -accomplished three fourths of the task." - -"Ah, I would thank you, Peuquoy," said Gabriel, "if Martin-Guerre's -death,--and yet from your standpoint you did only what was just." - -"Once more, Monsieur d'Exmès, I beg you to leave that to God and my -conscience," replied the stern burgher. "I acquit you of blame. Now act -your part while I fulfil mine." - -Everything happened almost precisely as Pierre had foreseen. The -sentinels belonged to the French faction in a large majority of -instances. One who undertook to resist was soon bound and rendered -incapable of doing any harm. When the armorer returned, accompanied by -Jean Peuquoy and a few sure friends, the whole summit of the Risbank -fort was already in Vicomte d'Exmès hands. - -It remained now to overthrow the _corps-de-garde_ with the reinforcement -brought by the Peuquoys. Gabriel did not hesitate to go down at once. - -Advantage was skilfully taken of the first moment of surprise and -uncertainty. - -At that early hour, most of those who remained firm in the cause of -England, either by birth or interest, were still asleep in perfect -security upon their camp beds. Before they were fairly awake, so to -speak, hands were at their throats. - -The tumult, for it was not a battle, lasted only a few moments. The -friends of Peuquoy shouted, "Vive la France! Vive Henri II.!" The -non-combatants, and those who were indifferent, lost no time in arraying -themselves, as they always do, under the successful banner. Those who -made a show of resistance were soon compelled to yield to superior -numbers. There were, in all, only two men killed and five wounded, and -only three shots were fired. The devout Lactance was unfortunate enough -to have two of the wounded and one of the slain to his credit. Luckily -he had time to spare! - -It was not six o'clock when every part of the Risbank fort was in the -power of the French. The disaffected and the suspected were securely -confined, and all the rest of the city guard surrounded Gabriel and -hailed him as a liberator. - -Thus was carried, almost without a blow, and in less than an hour, by an -extraordinary and superhuman achievement, this fort which the English -had never dreamed of fortifying, because the sea alone seemed to be such -an impregnable defence to it,--a fort, which was nevertheless the key to -the harbor of Calais, yes, to Calais itself. - -The whole transaction was accomplished so quickly and quietly that the -entire fort was taken, and new sentinels stationed by Gabriel, and a new -countersign given out, before anything of it was known in the city. - -"However, so long as Calais itself has not surrendered," said Pierre -Peuquoy to Gabriel, "I do not consider that our task is done. So, -Monsieur d'Exmès. I am of opinion that you had best keep Jean and half -of our men here to make good the fort, and leave me and the other half -to go into the city. We may do the French better service there than -here, in case of need, by some useful diversion. After Jean's ropes, it -will be well to make use of Pierre's arms." - -"Are you not afraid," said Gabriel, "that Lord Wentworth, in his rage, -may do you an ill turn?" - -"Never fear," replied Pierre; "I will resort to a little artifice, which -will be justifiable warfare with those who have been our oppressors for -two centuries. If necessary, I will accuse Jean of having betrayed us. -We were surprised by a superior force, and compelled, in spite of our -resistance, to surrender at discretion. Those of us who refused to -recognize your victory were driven out of the fort. Lord Wentworth's -affairs are at so serious a pass that he must at least pretend to -believe us, and be grateful to us." - -"So be it! Go down into Calais," rejoined Gabriel, "for I see that you -are as clever as you are brave. And it is certain that you can assist -me, if I should decide to make a sortie." - -"Oh, don't risk that, I beg you!" said Pierre, "you are not in -sufficient numbers, and you have little to gain and everything to lose -by a sortie. Here in your tower, behind these good walls, you occupy an -impregnable position. Pray remain here. If you take the offensive, Lord -Wentworth may very possibly retake the fort; and after having -accomplished so much it would be a great shame to lose its manifest -advantages." - -"But do you propose," rejoined Gabriel, "that I should remain idle here -with my sword in its scabbard while Monsieur de Guise and all our troops -are fighting and risking their lives?" - -"Their lives are their own, Monseigneur, but the Risbank fort belongs to -France," replied the prudent burgher. "But listen; when I consider that -the favorable moment has arrived, and that only one last decisive blow -is needed to tear Calais from the hands of the English, I will cause -those whom I have with me, and all the inhabitants who share my -opinions, to rise as one man. Then, when everything is ripe for victory, -you may make a sortie, to give the finishing blow and open the city to -the Duc de Guise." - -"But who will let me know when I may venture?" asked Gabriel. - -"Give me the horn which I presented to you," said Pierre, "whose note -served to make your coming known to me. When you hear its sound once -more, go forth without fear, and share in the triumph you have so nobly -prepared." - -Gabriel thanked Pierre heartily, helped him select the men who were to -go with him into the city to assist the French troops in case of need, -and graciously accompanied them as far as the gate of the fort, out of -which they were to pretend they had been driven in disgrace. - -By the time this was done it was half past seven, and the first streaks -of dawn were visible in the sky. - -Gabriel desired to make sure personally that the French standards which -were to bring peace to the mind of Monsieur de Guise and strike terror -to the English men-of-war were hoisted over the fort. Consequently he -ascended to the platform which had been the scene of the main events of -that glorious but fateful morning. - -With pallid cheeks he drew near the spot at which the rope ladder had -been attached, and whence poor Martin-Guerre had been hurled, the victim -of a fatal mistake. - -Shudderingly he leaned over the abyss, expecting to see the mutilated -corpse of his faithful squire on the rocks below. - -At first he failed to espy him, and his eye glanced hither and thither -in surprise, mingled with a faint hope. - -A leaden spout, by which the rain-water from the tower was carried off, -had stopped the body midway in its terrible fall; and there Gabriel saw -it hanging, motionless and doubled up over the spout. - -At first sight he thought that life was extinct, but he desired to pay -the last tokens of respect in any event. - -Pilletrousse, whom Martin-Guerre had always been fond of, was looking on -weeping, and his devotion to his friend seconded his master's pious -reflections. He fastened himself securely to the rope ladder, and -ventured down into the abyss. - -When he reascended, bringing with him, after much labor, the body of his -friend, they saw that Martin was still breathing. - -A surgeon who was at hand announced that life was not extinct; in fact, -Martin regained consciousness to some extent. - -But he came back to greater suffering, for he was in a sad plight. He -had a broken arm and a crushed thigh. - -The surgeon could set the arm without difficulty, but he judged it -necessary to amputate the leg, and did not dare to undertake so -difficult an operation alone. - -More than ever Gabriel deplored that though a victor, he was confined to -the Risbank fort. The delay, which had been trying enough before, now -became almost intolerable. - -If only he could get word to expert Ambroise Paré, Martin-Guerre might -be saved. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -LORD WENTWORTH AT BAY - - -The Duc de Guise, upon reflection, could not bring himself to believe in -the success of so foolhardy an enterprise; nevertheless, he determined -to see with his own eyes whether Vicomte d'Exmès had or had not -achieved his end. In such straits as those to which he was reduced, one -can but hope even for the impossible. - -So, before eight o'clock, with but very few attendants, he was already -on the cliff Gabriel had pointed out to him, from which the Risbank fort -could be seen with a telescope. - -At the first glance that he cast in the direction of the fort he uttered -a triumphant cry. - -He could not be mistaken; he clearly recognized the standard of France. -His companions agreed that it was no delusion, and shared his delight. - -"My brave Gabriel!" he cried. "He has really been successful in his -prodigious undertaking. Has he not shown himself to be a greater man -than I, who doubted its practicability? Now, thanks to him, we can -prepare for the capture of Calais, and make sure of it at our leisure. -Let the reinforcements come from England, and Gabriel will take it upon -himself to give them a hearty welcome." - -"Monseigneur, it is as if your words had summoned them," said one of the -duke's aids, who turned the glass seaward at this moment. "Look, -Monseigneur, are not those English sail on the horizon?" - -The duke took the glass, and carefully scanned the wide expanse of the -channel. - -"Yes; our English friends are really there," he said. "The deuce take -me! they have not lost any time; I hardly expected them so soon. Do you -know that if we had made our contemplated attack upon the Old Château -at this time, the sudden arrival of these reinforcements would have been -an extremely bad thing for us? So much the more cause have we for -gratitude to Monsieur d'Exmès. Not only does he put victory within our -power, but he has saved us from the disgrace of defeat as well. However, -we have no need to hurry now; so let us see how the new-comers will act, -and, on the other hand, how the young governor of the Risbank fort will -behave toward them." - -It was broad daylight by the time the English ships arrived within range -of the fort. - -The French flag burst upon their sight in the first rays of dawn like a -menacing apparition; and as if to impress the unexpected sight the more -forcibly upon them, Gabriel saluted them with three or four cannon -balls. - -That removed every shadow of doubt. It was really the standard of France -which was floating over the English fort. Of course, then, the city as -well as the tower must be in the power of the besiegers; and the -reinforcements, though despatched in all haste, had arrived too late. - -After a few moments of surprised irresolution, the English ships were -seen to be standing off toward Dover again. - -They had on board a sufficient force to relieve Calais, but not to -recapture the city. - -"Thank God!" cried the Duc de Guise, in an ecstasy of delight. "Think of -this Gabriel! He knows how to maintain his conquests as well as to -conquer; he has put Calais in our grasp, and it only remains for us to -close our hands upon the fair city." - -He leaped upon his horse, and galloped joyfully back to camp to urge on -the siege-operations. - -Human events have almost invariably two sides; and the very same -occurrences which bring laughter and delight to the hearts of some, make -others weep. At the moment when the Duc de Guise was thus clapping his -hands for joy, Lord Wentworth was tearing his hair. - -After a sleepless night, as we have seen, and excited by presentiments -of evil, Lord Wentworth had finally fallen asleep toward morning, and -was just leaving his bed-chamber when the pretended fugitives from the -Risbank fort were bringing the fatal news into the city, Pierre Peuquoy -at their head. - -The governor was almost the last person to hear it. - -In his pain and indignation he could not believe his ears, and ordered -that the leader of the fugitives should be brought before him. - -Pierre Peuquoy was at once escorted into the governor's presence; he -came in looking decidedly chopfallen, and with a bearing well suited to -the occasion. - -The cunning burgher, as if still under the influence of the fright he -had had, told of the night assault, and described the _three hundred_ -savage adventurers who had scaled the Risbank fort, assisted, no doubt, -by treachery within the walls, which he, Pierre Peuquoy, had not had -time to unearth. - -"Who commanded these three hundred men?" asked Lord Wentworth. - -"_Mon Dieu_! Your late prisoner, Monsieur d'Exmès," was the armorer's -ingenuous reply. - -"Oh, my dreams have come true!" cried the governor. - -Then, with a threatening frown, suddenly remembering what he was not -likely to forget,-- - -"Why, this Monsieur d'Exmès," said he to Pierre, "was your guest, if I -mistake not, during his stay in Calais?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur," replied Pierre, without embarrassment. "In fact I -have reason to believe--why should I conceal it?--that my cousin Jean, -the weaver, has had a larger share in this business than he ought to -have had." - -Lord Wentworth fixed a piercing glance upon the sturdy burgher; but he -looked Lord Wentworth fearlessly in the eye. - -As Pierre had imagined would be the case, the governor was too sensible -of his own weakness, and too well aware of Peuquoy's influence in the -city, to allow his suspicions to appear. - -After having put some few questions to him, the governor dismissed him -with gloomy but friendly words. - -Left alone, Lord Wentworth gave way to overwhelming despondency. - -What could he do? The city, defended only by its weak garrison, -henceforth shut off from all hope of succor by land or sea, and hemmed -in between the Nieullay fort on one side and the Risbank fort on the -other, both of which threatened instead of defending it,--the city could -hold out but very few days longer; in fact, it might be only a few -hours. - -A terrible state of affairs, indeed, for the haughty pride of Lord -Wentworth! - -"No matter!" he said beneath his breath, still pale with astonishment -and rage,--"no matter! I will make them pay dear for their triumph. -Calais is theirs now only too inevitably; but I will at all events hold -out to the bitter end, and will sell them their priceless conquest at -the price of as many dead bodies as possible. And as for the lover of -beauteous Diane de Castro--" - -He checked himself, while a hellish thought caused his sombre features -to light up with a joyous gleam. - -"As for the lover of the fair Diane," he resumed, with a sort of -satisfaction, "if I bury myself, as I ought and will, under the ruins of -Calais, we will try and see to it, at least, that he has not any reason -to rejoice too heartily at our death; his suffering and vanquished rival -has in store for him a fearful surprise, and let him beware!" - -Thereupon he rushed from the house to encourage his troops and make his -dispositions. - -Soothed and hardened at once in a measure by reflecting on some evil -project, he exhibited such imperturbable _sang-froid_ that his very -despair inspired hope in more than one doubting heart. - -It is no part of the plan of this book to relate the story of the siege -of Calais in all its details. François de Rabutin, in his "Guerres de -Belgique," gives them in all their prolixity. - -The days of the 5th and 6th of January were passed in equally energetic -efforts on the one side and the other. Miners and soldiers on both sides -did their duty with like courage and heroic obstinacy. - -But the superb resistance of Lord Wentworth was rendered hopeless by the -great superiority of the force opposed to him; Maréchal Strozzi, who -had charge of the operations, seemed to divine all the means of defence -and every movement of the English as if the ramparts of Calais had been -transparent. - -"The enemy must have a plan of the city in their possession," thought -Lord Wentworth. - -We know who had furnished the Duc de Guise with that plan. - -Thus it was that Vicomte d'Exmès, though he was absent, though he was -unemployed at the moment, was still useful to his associates; and as -Monsieur de Guise remarked in his just gratitude, his beneficial -influence had its due effect even from afar. - -Nevertheless, the inactive and helpless part that he was forced to play -weighed heavily upon the fiery youth. Practically imprisoned in the -stronghold he had conquered, he had to occupy his energy in the duty of -keeping watch, which was altogether too simple a matter and too easily -performed for him. - -When he had made the rounds every hour with the watchful vigilance which -he had learned during the defence of St. Quentin, he would generally -take his place by Martin-Guerre's bedside to comfort and encourage him. - -The brave squire endured his suffering with marvellous patience and -steadfastness, but he could not get over his surprise and sorrowful -indignation at the wicked treatment which Pierre Peuquoy had felt called -upon to inflict upon him. - -The perfect candor of his anger and his surprise when he talked upon -that obscure subject, was in itself sufficient to have scattered any -suspicions that Gabriel might still have retained as to Martin's good -faith. - -Thereupon he decided to tell Martin-Guerre his own story, according to -what he presumed to be the true state of the case, judging from -appearances and from his conjectures. It was now very evident to him -that some villain had availed himself of a marvellous resemblance to -Martin, to commit in his name all sorts of scandalous and infamous -deeds, of which he was not anxious to accept the consequences, and also, -doubtless, to reap the full benefit of all the advantages and privileges -which he had been able to divert from his double to himself. - -This revelation Gabriel took care to make in presence of Jean Peuquoy. -Jean was grieved and terrified in his honest heart at the consequences -of the fatal error. But he was especially disturbed as to the person who -was guilty of all these crimes. Who was the miserable wretch? Was he -married also? Where was he hiding himself? - -Martin-Guerre, for his part, was terribly alarmed at the mere idea of -such an entanglement. While he was more than overjoyed to have his -conscience relieved of such a load of misdeeds of which he had borne the -blame so long, he was in despair at the thought that his name had been -assumed, and his good fame dragged in the mire by such a villain. And -then who could tell to what lengths the scoundrel might still be going -under cover of that name, even at the very moment when Martin was lying -helpless on his bed of suffering! - -The episode of Babette Peuquoy especially caused poor Martin's heart to -overflow with sorrow and compassion. Oh, indeed, now he could find -excuses for Pierre's seeming brutality! He not only forgave him, but -applauded him for what he did. Certainly, it was very well of him thus -to avenge his honor so basely outraged! It was Martin-Guerre's turn now -to console and reassure poor bewildered Jean Peuquoy. - -The good squire, in his applause of Babette's brother, forgot only one -thing,--that it was he who was suffering instead of the real culprit. -When Gabriel smilingly reminded him of that, "Oh, well, never mind!" -said Martin-Guerre. "I am still thankful for my accident; for if I -survive, my poor lame leg, or better still, its stump, will serve to -distinguish me from the impostor and traitor." - -But alas! this doubtful consolation with which Martin buoyed up his -hopes was very problematical; for would he survive? The surgeon of the -city guard would not promise it; speedy assistance from a master hand -was of the utmost importance, and two days would soon have passed, -during which poor Martin-Guerre's alarming state had been relieved only -by inadequate dressing. - -This was by no means the least of Gabriel's reasons for impatience; and -many a time, both night and day, he rose and listened intently for that -blast of the horn which was at last to relieve him from his enforced -idleness. - -It was not till the evening of January 6th that Gabriel, who had already -been in possession of the Risbank fort for thirty-six hours, thought -that he could distinguish a greater uproar than usual in the direction -of the city, and unaccustomed shrieks of triumph or distress. - -The French, after a most bitter struggle, had made their way -victoriously into the Old Château. - -Calais could not now hold out more than twenty-four hours. - -Nevertheless, the whole of the seventh was passed in superhuman efforts -on the part of the English to retake so vital a position, and to -maintain themselves in the last posts which they still possessed. - -But Monsieur de Guise, far from allowing the enemy to regain an inch of -ground, was gaining slowly but surely upon him; so that it soon became -clear that the morrow would see Calais no longer under English rule. - -It was three in the afternoon. Lord Wentworth, who had taken no heed to -himself for seven days, and who had been always in the front rank, -dealing out death and defying it, considered that the physical strength -and moral courage of his men would hardly hold out two hours longer. - -Then he summoned Lord Derby. - -"How long do you think," he asked, "that we can still hold out?" - -"Not more than three hours, I fear," said Lord Derby, sadly. - -"But you can promise that it will be two, can you not?" rejoined the -governor. - -"Except for some unforeseen occurrence, I can," said Lord Derby, -measuring with his eye the distance still to be passed by the French. - -"Very well, my friend," said Lord Wentworth, "I place the command in -your hands and withdraw. If the English, two hours hence,--but not a -moment sooner, you understand,--if, two hours hence, our people have no -longer any possible hope, as is only too probable, then I allow you, -nay, I command you, the better to relieve you from responsibility, to -sound the retreat and capitulate." - -"In two hours; very well, my Lord," said Lord Derby. - -Lord Wentworth then advised his lieutenant as to the terms he might -demand, which would doubtless be granted by the Duc de Guise. - -"But," said Lord Derby, "you have forgotten yourself in these -conditions, my Lord. Shall I not also ask Monsieur de Guise to hold you -to ransom?" - -A dull light shone on Lord Wentworth's gloomy features. - -"No, no," he replied, with a peculiar smile; "do not worry about me, my -friend. I have assured myself of all that I need,--yes, of all that I -desire even." - -"But--" Lord Derby was beginning to remonstrate. - -"Enough!" said the governor, authoritatively. "Do only what I tell you, -nothing more. Adieu. You will bear witness for me in England that I did -all that human mind and hand could do to defend my city, and yielded -only to fate? And now it is for you to hold out till the last moment, -but be sparing of English honor and English blood, Derby. This is my -last word. Adieu." - -Without staying to say or hear more, Lord Wentworth, having grasped Lord -Derby's hand, left the field of battle, and withdrew alone to his own -deserted house, giving the most strict and explicit orders that no one -should be allowed to follow him on any pretext. - -He was sure that he had at least two hours before him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -LOVE DISDAINED - - -Lord Wentworth believed himself to be sure of two things: in the first -place, that two full hours would elapse before Calais would capitulate, -and that Lord Derby would demand at least five hours before delivering -up the city; in the second place, he was confident that he should find -his house entirely unoccupied, for he had taken the precaution to send -off all his people to the breach in the morning. André, Madame de -Castro's French page, had been imprisoned by his orders; so that Diane -must be alone in the mansion, except for one or two of her women. - -In truth he did find everything deserted as the abode of the dead, as he -went into the house; while Calais, like a body from which the life-blood -is ebbing away, was gathering all her force for a final struggle at the -spot where fighting was in progress. - -Lord Wentworth, gloomy, savage, and in a measure drunken with despair, -went directly to the apartments occupied by Madame de Castro. - -He did not send in his name, as his custom had been, but entered -brusquely, like a master, the room where she was sitting with one of the -maids who had been furnished her. - -Without any salutation to the wondering Diane, he said imperiously to -the maid,-- - -"Leave the room at once! The French will be in the city this evening, -and I have neither the time nor the power to protect you. Go and find -your father; your place is with him. Go at once, and tell the two or -three women who are left in the house that I wish them to do the same -without loss of time." - -"But, my Lord--" the maid remonstrated. - -"Ah!" returned the governor, stamping his foot angrily; "did you not -hear what I said? I wish it!" - -"But, my Lord--" Diane began. - -"I have said, 'I wish it!' Madame," replied Lord Wentworth, with a -gesture of inflexible determination. The maid left the room in terror. - -"Truly, I should not have known you, my Lord," said Diane, after an -agonizing silence. - -"It is because you have never before seen me in the guise of a -vanquished man, Madame," rejoined Lord Wentworth, with a bitter smile. -"You have been a farseeing prophet of ruin and disaster for me; and I -was in truth an insensate fool not to believe you. I am beaten, -absolutely beaten, beyond resource and beyond hope. So you may rejoice." - -"Is the success of the French at this point really beyond question?" -asked Diane, who could with difficulty conceal her pleasure. - -"How can it be otherwise, Madame? The Nieullay and Risbank forts and the -Old Château are in their power. They have the city between three fires, -and Calais is theirs beyond cavil. So you may rejoice." - -"Oh!" Diane rejoined, "with such a foe as you, my Lord, victory is never -certain; and in spite of myself,--yes, I confess, and you will -understand me,--in spite of myself I still am incredulous." - -"But Madame," cried Lord Wentworth, "do you not see that I have left the -field; that after having taken part in the battle to the very last, I -could not make up my mind to witness the final catastrophe, and that is -why I am here? Lord Derby will surrender in an hour and a half. In that -time, Madame, the French will enter Calais in triumph, and Vicomte -d'Exmès with them. So you may rejoice." - -"You say that in such a strange way, my Lord, that I do not know whether -I ought to believe you or not," said Diane, who was beginning to hope -nevertheless; so that her expression and her involuntary smile were -illumined by the thought of deliverance. - -"In order to persuade you, then, Madame," rejoined Lord Wentworth,--"for -I mean to persuade you,--I will adopt another manner of speaking, and I -will say to you: Madame, in an hour and a half the French will enter the -city in triumph, and Vicomte d'Exmès with them. Tremble!" - -"What do you mean?" cried Diane, as the color fled from her cheeks. - -"What! Am I not sufficiently explicit?" said Lord Wentworth, approaching -Diane with a laugh of sinister meaning. "I say to you: In an hour and a -half, Madame, our rôles will be changed,--you will be free, and I a -prisoner; Vicomte d'Exmès will come to restore you to liberty and love -and happiness, and to cast me into a dungeon. Tremble!" - -"Why, pray, should I tremble?" Diane responded, retreating as far as the -walls would allow from the sombre yet burning gaze of this man. - -"_Mon Dieu_! it is very easy to understand," said Lord Wentworth. "At -this moment I am master; but in an hour and a half I shall be a -slave,--in an hour and a quarter rather, for the minutes are flying. In -an hour and a quarter I shall be in your power; now you are in mine. In -an hour Vicomte d'Exmès will be here; but now I am here. So rejoice and -tremble, Madame!" - -"My Lord, my Lord!" cried poor Diane, repulsing Lord Wentworth, with -rapidly beating heart. "What do you want of me?" - -"What do I want of you!--of you!" said the governor in a hollow voice. - -"Don't come near me, or I will cry out; I will call for help, and -dishonor you, villain!" exclaimed Diane, in an ecstasy of terror. - -"Cry out and call for help as much as you choose; it's all the same to -me," Lord Wentworth rejoined with ominous tranquillity. "The house is -deserted, and so are the streets; no one will answer your cries for at -least an hour. Look! I have not even taken the trouble to close the -doors and windows, so sure am I that no one will come in less than an -hour." - -"But they will at the end of that time," Diane retorted; "and then I -will accuse and denounce you, and my deliverers will kill you." - -"No," said Lord Wentworth, coldly, "for it is I who will kill myself. Do -you imagine that I have any desire to survive the fall of Calais? In an -hour I shall kill myself; I have made up my mind beyond recall. But -before that I choose to give full play to my passion, and to satisfy my -vengeance and my love in this last supreme hour. Come, my fair one, your -resistance and your contempt are out of season now,--for I no longer -beg, but command; I no longer implore, but demand." - -"And I die!" cried Diane, drawing a knife from her bosom. - -Before she had time to strike, Lord Wentworth sprang toward her, seized -her weak little hands in his powerful ones, tore the knife from her -grasp, and threw it far away. - -"Not yet!" he cried, with a smile of terrible import; "I do not choose, -Madame, that you should turn your hand against yourself yet. Afterward -you may do as you choose; and if you prefer to die with me rather than -live with him, you will be quite at liberty to do so. But this last -hour,--for there is only an hour left now,--this last hour of your life -belongs to me; I have but this hour in which to make amends to myself -for the eternity of hell to come hereafter; so be very sure that I will -not renounce my right." - -He attempted to lay hold of her. Thereupon fainting, and feeling that -her strength was forsaking her, she threw herself at his feet. - -"Mercy, my Lord!" she cried, "mercy, I ask mercy and forgiveness on my -knees! By the memory of your mother, remember that you are a gentleman." - -"A gentleman!" retorted Lord Wentworth, shaking his head; "yes, I was a -gentleman, and I so bore myself, I think, so long as I triumphed and -hoped,--yes, so long as I lived. But now I am no longer a gentleman; I -am simply a man,--a man who is about to die, and proposes first to be -revenged." - -He raised Madame de Castro, kneeling at his feet, and held her close in -a passionate embrace. She tried to pray, or to cry out, but she could -not. - -At this moment a great uproar was heard in the street. - -"Ah!" Diane succeeded in ejaculating, her eye kindling once more with a -ray of hope. - -"Good!" said Wentworth, with a demoniac laugh; "it seems that the people -are beginning to plunder on their own account while waiting for the -enemy. So be it! They are doing quite right, upon my word! It is for the -governor to set the example." - -"Mercy!" she managed to say once more. - -"No, no!" was Lord Wentworth's response. "You are too beautiful." - -She swooned. - -But the governor had not even had time to kiss Diane's colorless lips, -when the uproar came nearer. - -Vicomte d'Exmès, the two Peuquoys, and three or four French archers -burst violently through the doorway and appeared upon the threshold. - -Gabriel fairly leaped upon Lord Wentworth, sword in hand, with a -terrible cry. - -"Villain!" - -Lord Wentworth, with clenched teeth, also seized his sword which was -lying upon a chair. - -"Stand back!" said Gabriel to his companions, who were about to -intervene. "It is my pleasure to punish the infamous scoundrel with my -own hand." - -Without another sound the two adversaries furiously crossed weapons. - -Pierre and Jean Peuquoy and their companions took up positions so as to -give them ample space, and remained silent but by no means indifferent -spectators of this deadly combat. - -Diane was still lying unconscious upon the couch. - -Let us tell in a few words how this providential succor had come to the -defenceless prisoner so much sooner than Lord Wentworth had anticipated. - -Pierre Peuquoy, during the two preceding days, had, as he had promised -Gabriel, aroused and armed all those who were in secret devoted to the -French cause. The ultimate victory being no longer doubtful, this class -had naturally become much more numerous. They were for the most part -circumspect and cautious burghers, who were unanimous in thinking that -since they no longer had any means of offering resistance, the best -course was to arrange for capitulation on the most favorable terms that -could be obtained. - -The armorer, who did not want to strike the final blow until it was -perfectly safe to do so, waited until his strength was sufficiently -great, and the siege far enough advanced, to run no risk of uselessly -exposing the lives of those who relied on him. As soon as the Old -Château was taken, he determined to act. But it took him some time to -assemble his fellow-conspirators, who were scattered all over the city; -and it was just as Lord Wentworth left the breach, that the movement -within the city made itself felt. - -But it was the more irresistible in proportion as it had been slow of -development. - -In the first place, the penetrating blast of Pierre Peuquoy's horn had -brought, as if by magic, Vicomte d'Exmès, Jean, and half of their men, -rushing out of the Risbank fort. The feeble detachment which kept the -walls at that point was speedily disarmed, and the gate opened to the -French. - -Thereupon the whole Peuquoy faction, increased by this reinforcement, -and emboldened by their first easily won success, hastened to the -breach, where Lord Derby was trying to make as gallant a struggle as -possible. - -When this sort of revolt thus left Lord Wentworth's lieutenant between -two fires, what was there for him to do? The French flag had already -been brought into Calais by Vicomte d'Exmès. The city militia had -risen, and were threatening to open the gates to the besiegers. Lord -Derby preferred to yield at once. It was only to anticipate the -governor's orders by a few moments, and to avoid another hour and a half -of profitless resistance, even if this resistance should not become -impossible, which would make the defeat no less complete, and might lead -to more cruel reprisals. - -Lord Derby sent a flag of truce to the Duc de Guise. - -That was all that Gabriel and the Peuquoys asked for the nonce. They -remarked the absence of Lord Wentworth, and were alarmed at it. So they -left, where a few dropping shots were still to be heard, and spurred on -by a presentiment of evil, they hastened to the governor's residence, -with two or three trusty soldiers. - -All the doors were open, and they found no difficulty in making their -way to Madame de Castro's apartments, whither Gabriel hurried them on. - -It was full time; and the sword of Diane's lover came most opportunely -to protect the daughter of Henri II. from a most base and cowardly -assault. - -The duel between Gabriel and the governor was of short duration. The two -combatants seemed to be equally expert swordsmen. Both showed equal -coolness in a like state of fury. Their blades were entwined together -like two serpents, and crossed and recrossed with the rapidity of -lightning. - -However, after two minutes fencing, Lord Wentworth's sword was struck -from his hand by a vigorous counter on Gabriel's part. - -In crouching to avoid the stroke, Lord Wentworth slipped upon the floor -and fell. - -Anger, scorn, hatred, and all the violent emotions which were struggling -in Gabriel's heart left no room for generosity. There was no quarter for -such a foe. In an instant he was upon him, with his sword at his breast. - -There was not one of those who were present at the scene, inflamed as -they were with indignation so lately aroused, who would have cared to -stay the avenging hand. - -But Diane de Castro while the fight was in progress had had time to -recover from her swoon. - -As she raised her heavy eyelids she saw and understood all, and rushed -between Gabriel and Lord Wentworth. - - -[Illustration: Love Disdained.] - - -By an extraordinary coincidence, the last word she had uttered as she -fainted was the first upon her lips when she regained consciousness. - -"Mercy!" - -She prayed for mercy for the very man to whom she had herself prayed in -vain. - -Gabriel, at the sight of his idolized Diane, and the sound of her -omnipotent voice, no longer was sensible of anything except her -gentleness and his love for her. In his heart rage at once gave way to -clemency. - -"Do you wish him to live, Diane?" he asked his beloved. - -"I beg it of you, Gabriel," said she; "for ought we not to give him time -to repent?" - -"So be it!" said the young man; "let the angel save the demon's -life,--it is her proper role." - -And still keeping Lord Wentworth, boiling with rage, under his knee, he -said quietly to the Peuquoys and the archers,-- - -"Come here and bind this man while I hold him; then you can imprison him -in his own dwelling until Monsieur de Guise determines his fate." - -"No! kill me, kill me!" cried Lord Wentworth, struggling furiously. - -"Do as I say!" said Gabriel, without loosing his hold. "I begin to think -that life will be a greater burden to him than death." - -Gabriel's orders were obeyed; and Lord Wentworth struggled and fumed and -threatened in vain, for he was gagged and bound in an instant. Then two -or three of the men took the ex-governor of Calais in their arms and -carried him off, without ceremony. - -Gabriel then turned to Jean Peuquoy, and said to him in his cousin's -hearing,-- - -"My friend, I have already told Martin-Guerre the extraordinary story of -his impersonation in your presence. You then deplored the cruel error -which led to the punishment of an innocent man; and you asked for -nothing better, I know, than to relieve as speedily as possible the -terrible suffering he is at this moment undergoing for another. Do me a -favor then--" - -"I can guess what it is," brave Jean interrupted. "You desire me, do you -not, to seek one Ambroise Paré, who may be able to save your poor -squire? I fly to do it; and that he may be the better cared for, I will -have him taken at once to our house, if it can be done without -endangering his life." - -Pierre Peuquoy, in a sort of stupefaction, listened to Gabriel and his -cousin, and looked from one to the other, as if he was dreaming. - -"Come, Pierre," said Jean, "you will help me in this. Oh! of course you -are astonished, and do not understand; but I will explain everything to -you as we go along, and I shall have no difficulty in making you see the -matter as I now do; and then you will be the very first one--for I know -you well--to wish to repair the wrong which you have unwittingly -committed." - -Thereupon, after saluting Diane and Gabriel, Jean left the room with -Pierre, who had already begun to ask questions. - -When Madame de Castro was left alone with Gabriel, she fell on her knees -in the first impulse of pious gratitude, and raising her eyes and her -hands toward heaven and to him who had been the instrument of her -salvation,-- - -"I thank Thee, O God!" said she; "thrice over I thank Thee, for having -saved me, and for having saved me by his hand!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -LOVE REQUITED - - -Then Diane threw herself into Gabriel's arms,--"And you, too, Gabriel," -said she, "you, too, I must thank and bless. With my last conscious -thought, I invoked my guardian angel, and you came to me. Thanks! oh, -thanks!" - -"Oh, Diane," he replied, "how I have suffered, and what a weary time it -has been since I saw you last!" - -"And I too have suffered, and have found the waiting weary," she cried. - -They then began--at too great length to be dramatic, it must be -confessed--to tell what each had endured and felt during their unhappy -separation. - -Calais, the Duc de Guise, vanquished and victors,--all were forgotten. -All the strife and all the deadly passion which was rife about the two -lovers did not reach them. Lost in their world of love and ecstasy, they -no longer saw or heard the sights or sounds of the sad world around -them. - -When one has undergone so much grief and terror, the heart is enfeebled -and softened to a certain extent by suffering, and though brave to -overcome disaster, can no longer resist happiness. In this balmy -atmosphere of chaste emotion, Diane and Gabriel gave themselves up -without restraint to the sweet influences of peace and joy, to which -they had so long been strangers. - -To the scene of insane passion which we have described succeeded another -similar, and yet widely different at the same time. - -"How good it seems to be with you, my friend," said Diane. "Instead of -the presence of that impious wretch whom I hated so, and whose love made -me shudder, what ecstasy to have you near me, so reassuring, and so -precious!" - -"And I," rejoined Gabriel, "since our childhood, when we were happy -without knowing it, do not remember, Diane, that I have ever known in my -poor lonely, troubled life a single moment to be compared to this." - -For a while they were silent, gazing in rapt enjoyment at each other. - -Diane resumed:-- - -"Come and sit by me, Gabriel. Can you believe it, dear, this moment, -which has united us once more in so unhoped-for a manner, I have -nevertheless dreamed of and foreseen, even in my apparently hopeless -captivity? I have always felt sure that my deliverance would come -through you, and that in my supreme peril God would send you, my own -knight, to rescue me." - -"For my part, Diane," said Gabriel, "the thought of you has always led -me on as a lover and guided my steps like a ray of light. Shall I make a -confession to you and to my own conscience? Although many other potent -motives might have urged me on, I never should have conceived the idea -of taking Calais, Diane, which is mine alone, nor should I ever have had -the courage to carry it out by resorting to such reckless expedients, -had it not been that you were a prisoner here, and that my prophetic -instinct of the danger which beset you encouraged and stimulated me. -Except for my hope of rescuing you and the other holy purpose for which -I live, Calais would still be in English hands. May God, in His mercy, -not chastise me for having wished to do and having done what was right -for selfish reasons only!" - -Gabriel thought at that moment of the scene in the Rue St. Jacques, of -the self-abnegation of Ambroise Paré, and the stern belief of the -admiral that Heaven demands unstained hands to sustain a pure cause. - -But Diane's beloved voice restored his confidence somewhat as she -exclaimed,-- - -"God chastise you, Gabriel! God chastise you for being noble and -generous!" - -"Who knows?" said he, casting upward a look heavy with sad foreboding, -as if he were asking the question of Heaven. - -"_I_ know," replied Diane, with a lovely smile. - -She was so bewitching as she said it that Gabriel, in admiration of her -beauty, and lost to every other thought, could not restrain the -exclamation,-- - -"Oh, Diane, you are as beautiful as an angel!" - -"And you as valiant as a hero, Gabriel," said Diane. They were seated -side by side; their hands touched by accident and met in a fervent -clasp. Darkness was beginning to fall. - -Diane, with blushing cheeks, rose and walked away a few steps. - -"Are you going, Diane? You are flying from me!" said the youth, sadly. - -"Oh, no indeed!" said she eagerly, drawing near again. "With you it is -very different; and I have no fear, dearest." - -Diane was wrong; it was a different sort of danger that threatened her -now, but danger nevertheless; and it might be that the friend was as -much to be feared as the foe. - -"That is right, Diane!" said Gabriel, taking the little hand, white and -soft, which she surrendered to him once more; "that is as it should be. -Let us enjoy a little happiness after all we have gone through. Let us -give free play to our hearts to revel in their confidence and joy." - -"Yes, indeed; it is so good to be near you, Gabriel!" Diane replied. -"Let us forget the world and the uproar around us for a moment; let us -enjoy to the full the unaccustomed sweetness of this hour. God, I think, -will allow us to do so without anxiety or dread. You are right; else why -have we suffered so?" - -With a graceful movement which was common with her when she was a child, -she laid her lovely head upon Gabriel's shoulder; her great velvety eyes -slowly closed, and her hair brushed the lips of the ardent youth. - -It was he then who rose, shuddering and bewildered. - -"Well, what is it?" said Diane, opening her drooping eyes in wonder. - -He fell on his knees before her, pale as a ghost, and threw his arms -about her. - -"Oh, Diane, Diane! I love you!" he cried from the bottom of his heart. - -"And I love you, too, Gabriel," Diane replied, fearlessly, and as if in -obedience to an irresistible impulse of her heart. - -How their faces came nearer together; how their lips met; how in that -long, sweet kiss, their very souls were blended, God only knows; certain -it is that they did not know themselves. - -But suddenly Gabriel, who felt his reason trembling in the vertigo of -happiness, tore himself away from Diane. - -"Diane, leave me!" he almost shrieked, with a note of horror in his -voice, "let me fly!" - -"Fly! and why, pray?" she asked wonderingly. - -"Oh, Diane, Diane! if you should turn out to be my sister!" replied -Gabriel, beside himself. - -"Your sister!" echoed Diane, overwhelmed, paralyzed. Gabriel checked -himself, dismayed and like one stunned by his own words; drawing his -hand across his burning brow, he asked in a loud voice,-- - -"What did I say?" - -"What did you say, really?" said Diane. "Must I believe it to be -literally true, that fearful word? What is the key to this terrible -mystery? Can I really be your sister? Oh, _mon Dieu_!" - -"My sister? Did I tell you that you were my sister?" said Gabriel. - -"Ah, it is true, then!" cried Diane, gasping for breath. - -"No; it is not, cannot be true! I do not know it, and who can know it? -Besides, I ought not to have said a word of all this to you. It is a -secret involving life and death which I have sworn to keep. Ah, Heaven -have pity upon me! I have preserved my self-control and my reason amid -suffering and misfortune; must it be that the first drop of happiness -which passes my lips should intoxicate me even to insanity and -forgetfulness of my oath!" - -"Gabriel," rejoined Madame de Castro, gravely, "God knows that it is no -vain and purposeless curiosity which moves my words; but you have said -either too much or too little for my peace of mind. Now you must -finish." - -"Impossible, impossible!" cried Gabriel in terror. - -"And why impossible?" said Diane. "Something in my heart assures me that -these dread secrets concern me quite as nearly as yourself, and that you -have no right to conceal them from me." - -"That is very true," Gabriel rejoined, "and you have certainly as much -right as I to this suffering. But since the burden bears upon me alone, -ask me not to share it with you." - -"But I do ask it, and desire, nay, I demand my rightful share of your -burdens," Diane returned; "and to go still further, Gabriel, I implore -you! Will you refuse me?" - -"But I have sworn to the king!" exclaimed Gabriel anxiously. - -"You have sworn?" rejoined Diane. "Very well, keep your oath loyally to -strangers or to indifferent persons, nay, even to your friends, and it -will be well done of you. But with me, who, as you admit, have as deep -an interest as yourself in this mystery, can you, ought you, to preserve -this baleful silence? No, Gabriel, not if you have any pity for me. My -doubts and anxiety on this subject have already torn my heart enough. In -this matter, if not, alas! in the other events of your life, I am, in a -measure, your second self. Do you perjure yourself, pray, when you muse -upon your secret in the solitude of your own conscience? Do you think -that my loyal and sincere heart, tried by so many bitter tests, will not -be as steadfast as yours to retain and hold in trust the secret of joy -or sorrow confided to it, and which belongs to it as much as to you?" - -The soft and soothing tones of Diane's voice flowed on, moving the young -man's inmost soul, as if it were an instrument obedient to her words. - -"And then, Gabriel, since fate forbids our being bound together by the -ties of happy love, how can you have the heart to deny me the only -communion of feeling which is permissible for us,--that of sorrow? Shall -we not suffer less if we suffer together? Is it not, then, very sad to -think that the only bond which can unite us still keeps us apart?" - -Feeling that Gabriel, though half convinced, was still in doubt, she -resumed,-- - -"Besides, you must beware! If you persist in your silence, why should I -not adopt the same language with you which caused you so much terror and -anguish just now,--why, I know not,--but which you yourself, after all, -long ago taught my lips and my heart? Surely your betrothed has the -right to tell you over and over again that she loves you, and none but -you. Your promised wife in God's sight may surely, with a chaste caress, -put her head upon your shoulder and her lips to your forehead thus--" - -But Gabriel, with a sinking heart, again put Diane aside, with a -shudder. - -"No!" he cried, "have pity on my reason, Diane, I implore you. So you -really wish to know the terrible secret in all its details? Well, in the -face of a possible crime, I allow it to pass my lips. Yes, Diane, you -must take in their literal meaning the words which I let bill in my -agony a moment ago. Diane, it is possible that you are the daughter of -the Comte de Montgommery, my father; it is possible that you are my -sister." - -"Holy Virgin!" murmured Madame de Castro, overwhelmed by this -revelation. "But how can it be?" she added. - -"I should have preferred," said Gabriel, "that your pure and peaceful -life should never have come to know aught of this mystery, so full of -terror and crime. But I am confident, alas! that in the end my strength -alone would not have been sufficient to prevail against my love. So you -must assist me against yourself, Diane, and I will tell you all." - -"I listen, Gabriel, in terrible dread, but with attention," said Diane. - -Gabriel then narrated everything to her: how his father had loved Madame -de Poitiers, and in the eyes of all the court had seemed to be favored -by her; how the dauphin, the present king, had become his rival; how the -Comte de Montgommery had disappeared one day, and how Aloyse had come to -know, and had revealed to his son what had taken place. But that was the -extent of the nurse's information; and since Madame de Poitiers -obstinately refused to speak, the Comte de Montgommery alone, if he were -still living, could tell the secret of Diane's birth. - -When Gabriel had finished the lugubrious history, Diane cried,-- - -"This is indeed frightful! But whatever be the issue, my friend, there -is misery in store for us. If I am the Comte de Montgommery's daughter, -you are my brother Gabriel; if I am the king's daughter, you are the -rightfully outraged enemy of my father. So that in either event we must -be parted." - -"No, Diane," Gabriel replied, "our wretchedness, thank God, is not -altogether hopeless. Since I have begun to tell you the whole story, I -will go on to the end. I feel, too, that you were in the right; it has -encouraged me to confide in you; and my secret, after all, has only left -my heart to be shared by yours." - -Gabriel then told Madame de Castro of the strange and perilous bargain -he had made with Henri II., and the king's solemn promise to restore the -Comte de Montgommery to freedom if the Vicomte de Montgommery, after -having defended St. Quentin against the Spaniards, should wrest Calais -from the English. - -Now Calais had been for an hour a French city, and Gabriel thought that -he might say with all modesty that he had had a large share in bringing -about that glorious result. - -As he continued, the light of hope began to chase away the gloom from -Diane's face as the light of dawn dissipates the darkness. - -When Gabriel had finished, she remained silent for a moment in deep -thought; then she said firmly, holding out her hand to him,-- - -"Poor Gabriel! doubtless we have as much to think about and suffer in -the future as we have had in the past. But let us not stop there, my -friend. We must not allow ourselves to become weak and timid. For my -part, I will do my best to be strong and brave like you and with you. -The important thing now is to set to work and unravel our fate one way -or the other. Our agony is drawing to a close, I believe. You have now -kept and more than kept your promise to the king, and he, I trust, will -redeem his to you. It is upon that expectation that we must henceforth -base all our thoughts and hopes. What do you mean to do now?" - -"Monsieur le Duc de Guise," replied Gabriel, "was my illustrious -confidant, and was accessory to all that I undertook to do here. I know -that, except for him, I could have done nothing; but he knows as well -that he could have done nothing without me. He, only, can and ought to -bear witness to the king of the part I have taken in this new conquest. -I have so much the more reason to expect this act of justice from him -because he promised me solemnly, for the second time, within a few days, -to give that testimony. Now I am going at once to remind Monsieur de -Guise of his undertaking, also to request from him a letter to his -Majesty, and since my presence here is no longer essential, to start at -once for Paris--" - -Gabriel was still speaking eagerly, and Diane listening with her eyes -beaming with hope, when the door opened, and Jean Peuquoy appeared, -discomposed, and in apparent consternation. - -"Well, what is it?" asked Gabriel, anxiously. "Is Martin-Guerre worse?" - -"No, Monsieur le Vicomte," replied Jean. "Martin-Guerre has been taken -to our house by my efforts, and Master Ambroise Paré has already seen -him. Although amputation of the leg was deemed necessary, Master Paré -thinks that we may be sure that your gallant squire will survive the -operation." - -"Splendid news!" said Gabriel. "Ambroise Paré is doubtless with him -still?" - -"Monseigneur," replied the burgher, sadly, "he was obliged to leave him -to attend another wounded man, more illustrious and more hopeless." - -"Who is it, pray?" asked Gabriel, changing color. "Maréchal Strozzi, -Monsieur de Nevers--?" - -"Monsieur le Duc de Guise, who lies dying at this moment," said Jean. - -Gabriel and Diane simultaneously uttered a cry of grief. - -"And I was just saying that we were nearing the end of our agony," said -Madame de Castro, after a moment's silence. "Oh, _Mon Dieu_! _mon -Dieu_!" - -"Call not upon God, Madame," said Gabriel, with a sad smile. "God is -just, and justly chastises my selfishness. I took Calais only for my -father's sake and yours. It is God's will that I should have taken it -for the good of France." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -LE BALAFRÉ - - -Nevertheless, hope was not yet dead for Gabriel and Diane, since the Duc -de Guise was breathing still. The unhappy creatures seized eagerly at -the least chance, as the drowning man clutches at a straw. - -Vicomte d'Exmès left Diane's side to go and ascertain for himself the -extent of this catastrophe which had befallen them just when continued -ill-fortune had seemed to be relaxing its rigorous severity. - -Jean Peuquoy, who accompanied him, related to him on the way what had -happened. - -Lord Derby, being summoned by the mutinous citizens to capitulate before -the time fixed by Lord Wentworth, had sent a flag of truce to the Duc de -Guise to arrange the preliminaries. - -Nevertheless, fighting still continued at several points, and was made -still more desperate during these final struggles, by the wrath of the -vanquished and the impatience of the victors. - -François de Lorraine, who was as daring a soldier as he was a skilful -general, appeared in person at the spot where the affray seemed to be -hottest and most dangerous. - -It was at a breach already half carried on the other side of a ditch, -which was completely filled with débris. - -The Duc de Guise on horseback, and a shining mark for the missiles which -were aimed at him from all sides, calmly urged on his men by his words -and his example. - -Suddenly he saw above the breach the white flag of truce. - -A haughty smile spread over his noble features; for it was the -definitive assurance of his victory that he saw approaching. - -"Hold!" he cried in the midst of the mêlée to those who surrounded -him. "Calais surrenders! Down with your arms!" - -He raised the visor of his helmet, and putting spurs to his horse, rode -forward a few paces with his eyes fixed on the white flag, the symbol of -his triumph and of peace. - -Darkness, moreover, was beginning to fall, and the uproar had not -ceased. - -An English man-at-arms, who probably had not seen the flag of truce nor -heard amid the din the Duc de Guise's order to his men, sprang at his -horse's rein, and threw him back upon his haunches; and as the absorbed -duke, without so much as noticing the obstacle which thus arrested his -progress, drove the spurs in again, the trooper struck him in the face -with his lance. - -"I was not able to learn," continued Jean, "what part of Monsieur de -Guise's face was struck; but it is certain that it is a terrible wound. -The handle of the lance broke off, and the iron remained in the wound. -The duke, without a word, fell forward upon the pommel of his saddle. It -seems that the Englishman who dealt the fatal blow was torn to pieces by -the furious French soldiers; but alas! that could not help Monsieur de -Guise. He was carried from the field like one dead. Since then he has -not regained consciousness." - -"So that Calais is not ours?" asked Gabriel. - -"Oh, indeed it is!" replied Jean. "Monsieur le Duc de Nevers received -the flag of truce, and imposed most advantageous conditions, like a -conqueror. But the gain of such a city will hardly compensate France for -the loss of such a hero." - -"_Mon Dieu_! Do you look upon him as already beyond help, then?" said -Gabriel, shuddering. - -"Alas! alas!" was the weaver's only reply, with a sorrowful shake of the -head. - -"Whither are you leading me at this pace?" continued Gabriel. "Do you -know where they have taken him?" - -"To the guard-house of the Château-Neuf, so Master Ambroise Paré was -told by the man who brought him the terrible news. Master Paré was -anxious to go to him at once, so Pierre went to show him the way, and I -came to tell you. I foresaw that it would be a very important matter for -you, and that under the circumstances there would doubtless be something -for you to do." - -"I have only to grieve like the others,--yes, even more than the -others," said Gabriel. "But," added he, "as well as I can distinguish -objects in the darkness, I should say we were near our destination." - -"This is the Château-Neuf," said Jean. - -Citizens and soldiers, an enormous, excited crowd eager and muttering, -filled all the approaches to the guard-house whither the Duc de Guise -had been carried. Questions, conjectures, and remarks of all sorts were -passing from mouth to mouth among the restless groups, like the rustling -wind among the echoing shades of a forest. - -Gabriel and Jean Peuquoy had great difficulty in making their way -through this closely packed crowd as far as the steps of the -guard-house, the entrance to which was guarded by a strong party of -pikemen and halberdiers. Some of them held lighted torches, which cast -their lurid rays upon the moving mass of people. - -Gabriel started as he saw by the flickering light of the torches -Ambroise Paré standing at the foot of the steps, motionless, with -contracted brows, and convulsively pressing his folded arms against his -heaving chest. Tears of grief and rage were glistening in his handsome -eyes. - -Behind him stood Pierre Peuquoy, as gloomy and cast down as he. - -"You here, Master Paré!" cried Gabriel. "What are you doing here, pray? -If Monsieur le Duc de Guise has still a breath of life in his body, your -place is at his side." - -"Ah! you must not say so to me, Monsieur d'Exmès," retorted the -surgeon, quickly, when raising his eyes he recognized Gabriel. "Tell me -if you have any authority over these stupid guards." - -"What! Do they refuse to let you pass?" asked Gabriel. - -"They will not listen to a word," rejoined Ambroise Paré. "Oh, to think -that God should make so precious an existence depend upon such paltry -distinctions!" - -"But you must go in," said Gabriel. "Your presence is indispensable -there." - -"We begged at first," said Peuquoy, interposing, "and then we -threatened. They replied to our prayers with laughter, and to our -threats with blows. Master Paré tried to force his way in, but was -forcibly repulsed, and wounded by the handle of a halberd, I think." - -"It's easily understood," said Ambroise Paré, bitterly. "I have no gold -collar or spurs; I have nothing but a keen glance and a sure hand." - -"Wait," said Gabriel, "I will soon make them admit you." - -He walked toward the steps of the guard-house, but a pikeman bowing -respectfully as he saw him, barred his way. - -"Pardon me," said he with deference, "but we have received orders to -allow no one whatever to go in." - -"Blackguard!" said Gabriel, still keeping command over himself, however; -"do your orders apply to Vicomte d'Exmès, captain of his Majesty's -Guards, and Monsieur de Guise's friend? Where is your leader that I may -speak to him?" - -"Monseigneur, he is on guard at the inner door," replied the pikeman, -still more humbly. - -"I will go to him, then," rejoined Gabriel, haughtily; "Come, Master -Paré, follow me." - -"Monseigneur, you may pass, since you demand it," said the soldier; "but -this man cannot pass." - -"Why so?" asked Gabriel. "Why cannot the surgeon be admitted to the -wounded man?" - -"All the surgeons, doctors, and quacks," replied the pikeman, "all those -at least who are recognized and licensed, have already been summoned to -Monseigneur's bedside. Not one is missing, so we are informed." - -"Ah, that is just what alarms me!" said Ambroise Paré, with -contemptuous irony. - -"This man has no license in his pocket," the soldier continued. "I know -him well. He has saved more than one poor fellow's life in the camp, it -is true; but he is not the man for dukes." - -"Less talk!" cried Gabriel, stamping his foot angrily. "It is my desire -that Master Paré should go in with me." - -"Impossible, Monsieur le Vicomte." - -"I have said that it is my desire, blackguard!" - -"Pray remember," the soldier replied, "that my orders compel me to -disobey you." - -"Ah," cried Ambroise, sadly, "the duke may be dying while this absurd -discussion is going on!" - -This cry would have scattered all Gabriel's hesitation to the winds, -even if the impetuous youth had found it possible to hesitate longer at -such a crisis. - -"So you really wish that I should treat you as if you were Englishmen!" -he cried to the halberdiers. "So much the worse for you, then! Monsieur -de Guise's life is worth twenty such lives as yours, after all. We will -see if your pikes will dare to cross with my sword." - -The blade flashed from the scabbard like a ray of light, and drawing -Ambroise Paré after him, he ascended the steps of the guard-house. - -There was so much of menace in his whole look and bearing; there was so -much force in the physician's calm and determined demeanor; and the mere -personality, to say nothing of the expressed will of a man of gentle -birth, had so much prestige at that epoch,--that the guards were -subdued, and stood aside with their weapons lowered, less in deference -to the viscount's sword than to his name. - -"Let him pass!" cried a voice among the populace. "They have the -appearance of having been sent by God to save the Duc de Guise." - -Gabriel and Ambroise Paré reached the door of the guard-house without -further hindrance. - -In the narrow porch through which they had to pass to reach the main -hall, the lieutenant in command of the men outside was stationed, with -three or four soldiers. - -Vicomte d'Exmès, without stopping, said to him briefly and in a tone -which called for no reply,-- - -"I am bringing another surgeon to see Monseigneur." - -The lieutenant bowed, and allowed him to pass without the least -objection. - -Gabriel and Paré entered the hall. - -The attention of all present was too deeply absorbed in the sad business -in hand to notice their arrival. - -It was truly a harrowing and fearful sight which was presented to their -gaze. - -In the centre of the hall, oil a camp bed, lay the Duc de Guise, -motionless and unconscious, the blood streaming from his head. - -His face was pierced from side to side; the iron head of the lance, -having entered the cheek beneath the right eye, had passed through his -head to that portion of the neck immediately below the left ear, and the -broken fragment projected half a foot from the gaping wound, which was -frightful to look upon. - -Around the bed were grouped some ten or twelve physicians and surgeons, -utterly bewildered amid the general despair. - -They were doing nothing whatever beyond looking on and talking. - -Just as Gabriel came in with Ambroise Paré, one of them was saying -aloud,-- - -"Thus, having consulted together, we are under the painful necessity of -announcing our unanimous opinion that Monsieur le Duc de Guise is -mortally wounded, beyond hope of recovery: for in order to afford any -chance of saving his life, the fragment of the lance must be withdrawn -from the wound, and to extract it would be to kill Monseigneur beyond -peradventure." - -"So, then, you prefer to let him die!" rang out the determined voice of -Ambroise Paré from behind the foremost lookers-on. He had from that -distance seen with a glance the really almost hopeless condition of the -illustrious patient. - -The surgeon who had spoken raised his head to discover his bold critic, -and failing to do so, he resumed,-- - -"Who would be so rash as to venture to lay his impious hands upon that -august face, and run the risk, without chance of success, of causing the -death of such a sufferer?" - -"I!" said Ambroise Paré, stepping forward with head erect into the -group of surgeons. - -And without paying any further attention to those who surrounded him, or -to the exclamations of surprise elicited by his word, he leaned over the -duke to get a nearer view of the wound. - -"Ah! It is Master Ambroise Paré," said the surgeon-in-chief, -contemptuously, as he recognized the madman who dared to utter an -opinion different from his. "Master Ambroise Paré forgets," he added, -"that he has not the honor of being numbered among the surgeons of the -Duc de Guise." - -"Say rather," retorted Ambroise, "that I am his only surgeon, since his -regular attendants all abandon him. Besides, the Duc de Guise, a few -days since, after an operation which I performed successfully under his -eyes, chose to say to me, and very seriously if not officially, that -hereafter he should avail himself of my services in case of need. -Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès, who was present, can bear me out in what I -say." - -"I declare that what he says is true," said Gabriel. - -Ambroise Paré had already turned his attention once more to the -seemingly lifeless body of the duke, and was carefully examining the -wound. - -"Well," asked the surgeon-in-chief, with an ironical smile, "after your -examination do you still persist in your desire to extract the iron from -the wound?" - -"Most certainly I do," said Ambroise Paré, resolutely. - -"What wonderful instrument do you propose to use?" - -"My hands, to be sure," replied Ambroise. - -"I protest with all my force," cried the infuriated surgeon, "against -any such profanation of Monseigneur's last hours." - -"And we join in your protest," shouted all his associates. - -"Have you any means of saving the prince's life to propose?" asked -Ambroise Paré. - -"No, it is impossible," was the unanimous chorus. - -"He is mine, then," said Ambroise, extending his hands over the body as -if to take formal possession of it. - -"We withdraw, then," said the surgeon-in-chief, and he and his -associates made a movement toward the door. - -"What do you propose to do?" was the question put to Ambroise on all -sides. - -"The Duc de Guise is dead to all that transpires," he replied, "and I -propose to act as if he were really dead." - -With these words, he removed his doublet, and rolled up his sleeves. - -"The idea of performing such experiments on Monseigneur, _tanquam in -anima vili_," said an old physician, shocked at these preparations, and -clasping his hands in horror. - -"Yes," replied Ambroise, without raising his eyes from the sufferer. "I -am going to treat him, not as a man, not even as a beast of the field, -but as an inanimate thing. See!" - -He placed his foot boldly upon the duke's chest. - -A subdued sound of commingled terror, doubt, and menace ran through the -assemblage. - -"Take care, Master!" said Monsieur de Nevers, touching Ambroise Paré on -the shoulder; "take care! If you fail I will not answer for the anger of -the duke's friends and servants." - -"Ah!" said Ambroise, with a sad smile, as he turned toward the speaker. - -"Your head is in danger," said another. - -Ambroise Paré looked up to Heaven as if for strength; then he rejoined -with melancholy gravity,-- - -"So be it! I will endanger my own head in an attempt to save this one. -But you can at least," he added, looking proudly around, "leave me to -work in peace." - -All stepped aside with a sort of respectful deference to the power of -genius. - -In the solemn silence no further sound was heard except the stertorous -breathing of the wounded man. - -Ambroise Paré placed his left knee upon the duke's chest; then, leaning -over, he took the wooden part of the lance in his hands, as he had said, -and moved it to and fro, gently at first, afterwards with more force. - -The duke started as if in terrible pain. - -The faces of all who were present were pallid with horror. - -Ambroise himself stopped for a moment, as if afraid to proceed. The -sweat of anguish moistened his forehead; but he set to work again almost -immediately. - -After a minute, which seemed more than an hour long, the iron at last -came from the wound. - -Ambroise Paré cast it away with a shudder, and quickly stooped over the -yawning orifice. - -When he rose, his features were illuminated with a joyous light. But in -a moment his serious mood returned, and falling on his knees, he raised -his hands to God, while a tear of happiness rolled down his cheek. - -It was a sublime moment. Without a word from the great surgeon, every -one understood that once more there was hope. The duke's attendants wept -hot tears of joy, and some even kissed the skirt of Ambroise Paré's -coat. - -But no one spoke, waiting for him to say the first word. - -He spoke at last, his grave voice trembling with emotion,-- - -"I will answer now for the life of Monseigneur de Guise." - -In an hour, in truth, the duke had recovered consciousness, and even the -power of speech. - -Ambroise Paré finished dressing the wound; and Gabriel was standing -beside the bed to which the surgeon had caused his august patient to be -removed. - -"So, Gabriel," said the duke, "I owe to you not only the taking of -Calais, but my life as well; for it seems that you brought Master Paré -to my bedside almost by force." - -"Yes, Monseigneur," Ambroise interposed; "save for Monsieur d'Exmès's -intervention, they would not have allowed me to come near you." - -"God bless my two saviors!" said François de Lorraine. - -"I implore you not to talk so much, Monseigneur," said the surgeon. - -"Well, I will hold my peace; but just one word,--one question." - -"What may it be, Monseigneur?" - -"Do you think, Master Paré," asked the duke, "that the results of this -horrible wound will be to affect my health or my reason?" - -"I am sure not, Monseigneur," said Ambroise; "but I fear that a cicatrix -will remain,--a scar (_balafré_)--" - -"A scar!" cried the duke; "oh, that is nothing! It is an adornment to a -warrior's features; and the sobriquet of _Balafré_ is one that I should -not object to in the least." - -It is well known that his contemporaries and posterity were of the Duc -de Guise's opinion, who from that time (as well as his son after him) -was surnamed _Le Balafré_ by his generation and by history. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -PARTIAL DÉNOUEMENT - - -We go forward to the 8th of January,--the day succeeding that on which -Gabriel d'Exmès had finally restored to the King of France Calais, his -fairest city, which had been lost to him for so many years, and the Duc -de Guise, his greatest captain, who had been in imminent danger of -death. - -But we have no longer to deal with questions involving the future fate -of nations; we are at present to occupy ourselves with matters of -private and domestic import. From the breach in the walls of Calais and -the sick bed of François de Lorraine we pass to the living-room in the -dwelling of the Peuquoys. - -It was in that room on the lower floor of the house that Jean had -decided to lodge Martin, in order to avoid the fatigue of ascending the -stairs; and it was there that Ambroise Paré had, the evening before, -with his usual skill and success, performed upon the brave squire the -amputation that he deemed necessary. - -So that certainty had taken the place of what had before been only hope. -Martin-Guerre was still in a state of great exhaustion, it is true; but -his life was saved. - -It would be impossible to describe the regret of Pierre Peuquoy--his -remorse, rather--when he learned the truth from Jean. His stern but -honest and loyal soul could not obtain its own forgiveness for such a -bitter mistake. The honest armorer was constantly urging upon -Martin-Guerre to ask or to accept all that he possessed,--his heart and -his strong arm, his property and his life. - -But we know already that Martin-Guerre had pardoned Pierre -Peuquoy,--nay, more, had approved what he had done,--without waiting for -him to express his sorrow therefor. - -Thus they were on the best of terms; and we must not be surprised to -find a sort of domestic council--similar to the one at which we have -already been present during the bombardment--in progress at the bedside -of Martin-Guerre, who was as one of the family thenceforth. - -Vicomte d'Exmès, who was to start for Paris that same evening, was -admitted to their deliberations, which were, all things considered, of a -less painful nature to the gallant allies of the Risbank fort than on -the previous occasion. - -In truth, the reparation which was due to the honor of the Peuquoy name -was not now beyond the bounds of possibility. The real Martin-Guerre was -married; but there was nothing to indicate that Babette's seducer was, -and it only remained to find the villain. - -Thus it happened that Pierre's expression was calmer and more kindly, -but Jean's was very sorrowful, while Babette seemed to be in the deepest -dejection. - -Gabriel looked from one to another in silence; and Martin-Guerre, -stretched upon his bed of pain, was in despair at the thought that he -could do nothing for his new-found friends, except furnish them with -vague and unsatisfactory information as to the personal appearance of -his double. - -Pierre and Jean had just returned from the bedside of Monsieur de Guise; -for the duke had refused to delay any longer the expression of his -gratitude to the brave, patriotic burghers for the effective and -glorious part they had taken in the surrender of the city; and Gabriel -had introduced them to him at his urgent request. - -Pierre was proudly and joyously describing to Babette the details of the -presentation. - -"Yes, my dear sister," he was saying, "when Monsieur d'Exmès had told -the Duc de Guise of our co-operation in all this, in terms which were -certainly too flattering and highly colored, the great man deigned to -express his satisfaction to Jean and myself with a gracious -consideration which I, for my part, shall never forget, though I should -live for more than a hundred years. But he gladdened and touched my -heart above all by adding that he was anxious to serve us in some way, -and asking me in what way he could do so. Not that I was interested for -myself, Babette,--you know me too well for that; but do you know what -favor I mean to ask of him?" - -"No, indeed I do not, my brother," murmured Babette. - -"Well, dear sister," continued Pierre, "as soon as we have found the -wretch who so basely betrayed you,--and we shall find him, never -fear!--I will ask Monsieur de Guise to assist me with his influence in -making him save your good name. We have ourselves neither power nor -riches, and some such support as his may be necessary to help us to -obtain justice." - -"Suppose that you fail of obtaining justice, even with his support, -cousin?" asked Jean. - -"Thanks to my good right arm," Pierre replied energetically, "vengeance -at least will not fail me. And yet," he added in a lower voice, and -glancing timidly at Martin-Guerre, "I must confess that violence has -been productive of but little good thus far." - -For a moment he said no more, but was lost in thought. When he shook off -his absorption, he was surprised to see that Babette was weeping. - -"What makes you weep, pray, my sister?" he asked. - -"Ah, I am very unhappy!" cried Babette, sobbing as if her heart would -break. - -"Unhappy, and why? I believe that in the future the clouds will break -away, and--" - -"No, they will grow even darker," she said. - -"No, no, everything will come all right; make your mind easy," said -Pierre. "There can be no hesitation between a reparation which brings -nothing but pleasure in its train, and a terrible vengeance. Your lover -will come back to you; you will be his wife--" - -"But suppose I refuse to marry him?" cried Babette. Jean Peuquoy could -not forbear a joyous movement, which did not escape Gabriel's notice. - -"Refuse to marry him!" exclaimed Pierre, surprised beyond measure. "Why, -you loved him!" - -"Yes, I did love him," said Babette; "for he was suffering; besides he -seemed to love me, and showed respect and tenderness for me. But the man -who deceived me, who lied to me and abandoned me, who appropriated the -language, the name, and perhaps the very clothes of another, to lay -siege to and surprise a poor, trusting heart--ah, that man I hate and I -despise!" - -"But if he were willing to marry you?" said Pierre. "It would only be -because he was driven to do it, or because he hoped for favors from the -Duc de Guise. He would bestow his name upon me either from fear or -avarice. No, no, I pray I may never see him again!" - -"Babette," replied Pierre, sternly; "you have no right to say, 'I pray I -may never see him again.'" - -"My dear brother, for mercy's sake! for pity's sake!" cried Babette, -weeping piteously, "do not force me to marry a man whom you have -yourself called a villain and a coward." - -"Babette, think of your dishonored name!" - -"I prefer to blush a moment for my misplaced love rather than to blush -for my husband all my life." - -"Babette, think of your fatherless child!" - -"It would be far better for him, I think, to be without a father who -would detest him, than to lose his mother who will adore him; and his -mother, if she marries that man, will surely die of shame and chagrin." - -"So, Babette, you turn a deaf ear to all my remonstrances and -entreaties?" - -"I implore your affection and your pity, my brother." - -"Very well, then," said Pierre, "my affection and my pity will reply to -your words, sorrowfully but firmly. As it is necessary above all things, -Babette, that you should possess the esteem of others and retain your -good name, and as I prefer your unhappiness to your dishonor, since -being dishonored your unhappiness will be twofold,--I, your elder -brother, the head of your family, wish you to understand that you should -marry, if he agrees, the man who betrayed you, and who alone has the -power to-day to give you back the honor he has stolen. The law and our -religion endow me with an authority over you, which I forewarn you I -must use in case of need, to compel you to take a step which, to my -mind, is required by your duty toward God, your family, your unborn -child, and yourself." - -"You condemn me to death, brother," replied Babette, in an altered -voice. "It is well; and I bow to your will, since it is my fate and my -punishment, and not a soul intercedes for me." - -As she spoke, she looked at Gabriel and Jean Peuquoy, who were both -silent,--the latter because he was suffering keenly, the other because -he wished to see what course events would take. - -But at Babette's direct appeal, Jean could no longer restrain himself; -and addressing his words to her, but turning to Pierre, he rejoined with -a bitter irony, which was hardly in accord with his character,-- - -"Why do you wish that any one should intercede for you, Babette? Is it -because this thing that your brother demands of you is not altogether -just and wise? His way of looking at the affair is indeed admirable. He -has deeply at heart your honor and that of his family; and to maintain -that honor intact, what does he do? He forces you to marry a forger. -Truly it is marvellous! To be sure, this scoundrel when once he is taken -into the family will probably bring everlasting dishonor upon it by his -conduct. It is certain that Monsieur d'Exmès, now present, will not -fail to demand from him, in the name of Martin-Guerre, a bitter -reckoning for his basely false impersonation, and that this will -probably lead to your having to go before the judges, Babette, as the -wife of this low-lived appropriator of a name. But what does it matter? -You will none the less belong to him by a valid title, and your child -will none the less be the recognized and acknowledged son of the false -Martin-Guerre. You will die perhaps of the disgrace of being his wife, -but your maiden reputation will remain unsullied in everybody's eyes." - -Jean Peuquoy uttered these sentiments with a degree of indignant warmth -which surprised Babette herself. - -"I should hardly have known you, Jean," exclaimed Pierre in amazement. -"Is it really you, who speak thus?--you, who are generally so moderate -and calm." - -"It is just because of my moderation and calmness," replied Jean, "that -I am able to view more dispassionately the situation into which you are -inconsiderately plunging us to-day." - -"Do you believe, pray," rejoined Pierre, "that I would accept with any -better grace the infamy of my brother-in-law than my sister's shame? No; -if we find Babette's betrayer, I am in hopes that, after all, his fraud -may have done no harm except to ourselves and Martin-Guerre; and in that -event I rely upon good Martin's friendship for us to cause him to desist -from making a complaint, the result of which would fall upon the -innocent equally with the guilty." - -"Oh," said Martin-Guerre from his bed, "there is no vindictiveness in my -nature, and I have no desire for the death of the sinner. If he but pays -his debt to you, I will discharge him from any claim I have against -him." - -"All that is very fine so far as the past is concerned," retorted Jean, -who seemed only moderately delighted over the squire's forgiving -disposition. "But the future,--who will answer for the future?" - -"I will be always on the watch," replied Pierre. "Babette's husband -shall never be out of my sight, and it will be best for him to remain an -honest man and walk in the straight path, or else--" - -"You will inflict justice upon him yourself, will you not?" Jean -interposed. "It will be full time. Babette, meanwhile, will have been -sacrificed all the same." - -"Very well; but you must remember, Jean," retorted Pierre, rather out of -patience, "that if it is a difficult position, I simply am meeting it. I -did not bring it about. Have you, who talk so finely, been able to -devise any other plan than that which I suggest?" - -"Yes, of course there is another resource," said Jean. - -"What is it?" asked Pierre and Babette in one breath,--Pierre, it must -be said, quite as eagerly as his sister. - -Vicomte d'Exmès said not a word, but listened with redoubled -intentness. - -"Oh, well," said Jean, "may it not be possible to find some honest man, -who, more moved than alarmed by Babette's ill-fortune, would agree to -give her his name?" - -Pierre shook his head incredulously,-- - -"We must not hope for that," said he. "Any one who would close his eyes -to such a thing must be either in love or a coward. In either event, we -should be obliged to admit strangers or indifferent friends into our sad -secret; and although Monsieur d'Exmès and Martin are no doubt our most -loyal friends, still I deeply regret that circumstances have made them -acquainted with facts which ought never to have been known outside of -the family." - -Jean Peuquoy replied with an emotion which he tried in vain to hide,-- - -"I would not suggest a coward to Babette for her husband; but as to your -other supposition, Pierre, may we not consider that, too? Suppose that -some one were in love with my cousin; suppose that he, also, had been -made acquainted by circumstances with her fault, but had learned of her -repentance at the same time, and had resolved to assure himself a -peaceful and happy future, to forget the past, which Babette surely -would like well to efface by her virtue and goodness hereafter,--suppose -all this were true; what would you say, Pierre; and you, Babette?" - -"Oh, that cannot be! It is a dream!" cried Babette, whose eyes, -nevertheless, were illumined with a ray of hope. - -"Do you know such a man, Jean?" asked Pierre, in a matter-of-fact way; -"or is it not a mere supposition on your part,--as Babette says, a -dream?" - -Jean Peuquoy, at this straightforward question, hesitated and stammered, -and was very ill at ease. - -He did not notice the silent, but deep and attentive interest with which -Gabriel was following his every motion; he was entirely absorbed in -observing Babette, who, breathing fast, and with eyes cast down, seemed -to be battling with an emotion which the honest weaver, little skilled -in such matters, knew not how to interpret. - -He did not draw from it any deduction favorable to his hopes, for it was -in a piteous sort of voice that he answered his cousin's direct -interrogatory,-- - -"Alas, Pierre, it is only too probable! I confess that all that I have -said is only a dream. In truth, it would not be sufficient for the -fulfilment of my dream that Babette should be dearly loved; there must -be a little love on her side as well, otherwise she would still be -wretched. Now, the man who would be willing thus to buy his own -happiness from Babette at the price of forgetfulness would doubtless -have to make excuses for some disadvantages on his own side; he would -probably not be young nor handsome,--in a word, not lovable. Thus there -is no likelihood that Babette would consent to become his wife, and that -is why all that I have said is, I fear, nought but idle dreaming." - -"Yes, it was a dream," said Babette, sadly, "but not for the reasons -that you give, my cousin. The man who would be generous enough to come -to my rescue by such devotion, though he should be the most withered and -ugly of his sex, ought to be young and beautiful in my sight; for his -very act would show a freshness of soul which is not always to be found -in the youth of twenty; nor can such kind and generous thoughts fail to -leave the imprint of nobleness upon the features. I should find him -worthy of my love, too, for he would have given me the greatest proof of -his affection that woman could receive. My duty and my pleasure would be -to love him all my life and with all my heart, and so that would be very -easy. But the impossible and improbable part of your dream, my cousin, -would be to find any one capable of such self-abnegation for a poor -girl, without charm, and dishonored as I am. There may be men noble -enough and kind-hearted enough to entertain for an instant the idea of -such a sacrifice, and that is a great deal; but upon reflection, even -they would hesitate, and withdraw at the last moment, and I should fall -once more from hope to despair. Such, my good Jean, are the real reasons -why what you said was nought but a dream." - -"And what if it were the truth after all?" said Gabriel suddenly rising -from his chair. - -"What, what do you say?" cried Babette, completely bewildered. - -"I say, Babette, that this devoted, generous heart does exist," replied -Gabriel. - -"Do you know the man?" asked Pierre, deeply moved. - -"I do know him," replied the young man, smiling. "He loves you indeed, -Babette, but with the affection of a father as well as of a lover,--an -affection which longs to cherish and forgive you. Thus you may accept -without reservation this sacrifice of his, in which is no possibility of -error, and which is induced only by most tender compassion and most -sincere devotion. Besides, you will give as much as you receive, -Babette: you will receive honor, but you will bestow happiness; for he -who loves you stands alone in the world, joyless, with no interests to -make life sweet to him and nothing to hope for in the future. But you -will bring him all these things; and if you consent, you will make him -as happy to-day as he will make you some day hereafter. Do I not speak -the truth, Jean Peuquoy?" - -"But, Monsieur le Vicomte, I am ignorant," stammered Jean, trembling -like a leaf. - -"Very true, Jean," continued Gabriel, still smiling; "there is really -one thing that you don't perhaps know; that is, that Babette feels for -him by whom she is beloved, not only profound esteem and deep-seated -gratitude, but a holy affection. Babette, although she has not guessed -it, has felt a vague presentiment of this love of which she is the -object, and was at first relieved in her own heart, then touched by it, -and finally made happy by the thought of it. Her violent aversion for -the villain who deceived her dates from that time. That is why she went -on her knees to her brother a moment ago to implore him not to insist on -her union with that wretch, whom she only thought that she loved, in the -mistaken innocence of her pure, young heart, and whom she loathes to-day -with all the force with which she loves him who holds out a hand to -rescue her from shame. Am I wrong, Babette?" - -"Really, Monseigneur, I don't know," said Babette, with a face as white -as the driven snow. - -"One doesn't know, and the other is ignorant," resumed Gabriel. "What, -Babette, and you, Jean, do you know nothing of your own inmost hearts? -Are you ignorant of your own dearest thoughts? Come, come, that isn't -possible! I am not the first to make it clear to you, Babette, that Jean -loves you. Surely, Jean, you suspected before I spoke, that you were -beloved by Babette?" - -"Oh, can it be so?" cried Pierre Peuquoy, in a perfect ecstasy of -delight; "oh, no, it would be too much happiness!" - -"But just look at them!" said Gabriel to him. - -Babette and Jean were gazing at each other, still irresolute and half -incredulous. - -Then, Jean read in the eyes of Babette such fervent gratitude, and -Babette so moving an appeal in those of Jean, that both were convinced -and persuaded at the same moment. - -Without knowing how it came about, they were locked in each other's -arms. - -Pierre Peuquoy was so entirely overcome that he could not utter a word; -but he pressed Jean's hand with a fervor more eloquent than all the -words of all the languages in the world. - -As for Martin-Guerre, he sat up in bed, despite the risk, and with eyes -swimming in tears of joy, clapped his hands with a will at this -unexpected dénouement. - -When the first transport of joy had somewhat subsided, Gabriel said,-- - -"Now we will arrange matters thus. Jean Peuquoy must marry Babette as -soon as possible; but before finally taking up their abode with their -brother, I insist that they pass a few months in my house at Paris. In -that way Babette's secret, the sad cause of this happy marriage, will be -buried forever in the five faithful hearts of those who are here -present. There is a sixth, to be sure, who might betray the secret; but -he, if he ever learns Babette's fate, which is not likely, will not have -it in his power to annoy them for long--that I will answer for. So, my -dear kind friends, you may live henceforth in perfect content and peace, -and have no fear of the future." - -"Ah, my noble, high-souled guest!" said Pierre, kissing Gabriel's hand. - -"To you, and you alone," said Jean, "do we owe our happiness, even as -the king owes Calais to you." - -"And every morning and evening," added Babette, "we will pray fervently -to God for the welfare of our savior." - -"Yes, Babette," Gabriel replied, deeply moved, "yes, I thank you for -that thought: pray God that your savior may now have the power to save -himself." - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -HAPPY OMENS - - -"Why?" Babette Peuquoy replied to the melancholy and doubting tone of -Gabriel's last words, "are you not successful in everything you -undertake?--in the defence of St. Quentin and the capture of Calais as -well as in arranging a happy marriage for poor Babette?" - -"Yes, it is true," said Gabriel, with a sad smile; "God seems to have -decreed that the most insuperable and most alarming obstacles in my path -should vanish like magic at my approach; but, alas! that is no proof, my -dear child, that I shall finally attain the end which I so earnestly -desire." - -"Ah," said Jean Peuquoy, "you have made too many others happy, not to be -happy yourself at last." - -"I accept the omen, Jean," replied Gabriel, "and there could be no more -favorable augury of my own success than to leave my friends in Calais -peaceful and happy. But you know that it is necessary that I should -leave you now, perhaps to become immersed in sorrow and in tears--who -can tell? Let us at all events leave no regrets behind, and let us -arrange everything in which we are interested." - -So they fixed a day for the wedding, which Gabriel, to his great regret, -was not able to attend, and then agreed upon the day upon which Jean and -Babette were to start for Paris. - -"It may be," said Gabriel, sadly, "that you will not find me at home to -welcome you. I hope that will not be the case, but I may perhaps be -obliged to be absent from Paris and the court for a time. But let that -make no difference about your coming. Aloyse, my good old nurse, will -entertain you in my behalf as well as I myself could do. You and she -must, however, give a thought now and then to your absent host." - -Martin-Guerre had to remain at Calais, notwithstanding all his -remonstrances and entreaties. Ambroise Paré declared that his -convalescence would be very slow and tedious, and meanwhile he would -require the most constant care and watchfulness. Therefore his choler -was of no avail, and he was obliged to yield. - -"But as soon as you are entirely well, my faithful fellow," said Vicomte -d'Exmès, "come to Paris; and whatever may befall, I will fulfil my -promise to you, never fear, and deliver you from your strange -persecutor. Now I am doubly bound to do it." - -"Oh, Monseigneur, think of yourself, not of me," said Martin-Guerre. - -"Every obligation will be met," Gabriel resumed; "but I must say -'adieu,' my good friends, for it is time for me to return to Monsieur de -Guise. I have asked certain favors of him in your presence, which he -will accord me, I think, in consideration of the services I have been -fortunate enough to render during these recent occurrences." - -But the Peuquoys refused to take leave of Gabriel thus. They insisted -upon meeting him at the Paris gate at three o'clock, to see him once -more and say farewell to him there. - -Martin-Guerre was the only one who had to say his last words to his -master at this moment, and they were not uttered without regret and -sorrow. But Gabriel comforted him somewhat with a few of the kind -expressions which came so naturally to his lips. - -A quarter of an hour later Vicomte d'Exmès was ushered into the -presence of the Duc de Guise. - -"Oh, there you are, my ambitious young friend!" said the duke, as he saw -him come in. - -"My only ambition has been to do my best to second your efforts, -Monseigneur," said Gabriel. - -"Oh, from that point of view you have shown no ambition at all," -rejoined Le Balafré (we may henceforth give the duke that name, or, -more properly speaking, that title). "I call you ambitious, Gabriel," he -continued playfully, "because of the innumerable extravagant requests -you have made upon me; and upon my word I am not sure that I can satisfy -you." - -"I based them rather upon what I knew of your benevolence than upon my -own poor merits," said Gabriel. - -"You have a very high opinion of my benevolence, then," said the Duc de -Guise, with mild raillery. "I leave it to you, Monsieur de Vaudemont," -he continued, turning to a gentleman seated beside his bed, who had just -come to visit him,--"I leave it to you to say if any one should be -allowed to present such paltry requests to a prince." - -"Consider that I erred in what I said, then, Monseigneur," Gabriel -responded, "and that I based my requests upon my own merits and not upon -your benevolence." - -"Another blunder!" cried the duke; "for your gallantry is a hundred -times beyond my power to recompense. Now just listen for a moment, -Monsieur de Vaudemont, and let me tell you of the unprecedented favors -which Monsieur d'Exmès asks at my hands." - -"I venture to predict, Monseigneur," said the Marquis de Vaudemont, -"that they are sure to be absurdly small, both in proportion to his -merit and your power. However, let me hear them." - -"In the first place," continued the duke, "Monsieur d'Exmès asks me to -take back to Paris with me the little band of volunteers whom he -enlisted at his own expense and for his own purpose, but meanwhile to -make such use as I please of them. He reserves only four men to serve as -his own suite on his journey to Paris. And these brave fellows, whom he -thus lends to me under pretense of recommending them to me, are no -others, Monsieur de Vaudemont, than the incarnate fiends who accompanied -him in that marvellous escalading expedition which ended in the capture -of the impregnable Risbank fort. Well, which of us renders the other a -service in this transaction, Monsieur d'Exmès or myself?" - -"I must confess that Monsieur d'Exmès does," said the Marquis de -Vaudemont. - -"And by my faith, I accept this new obligation," resumed the duke, -gayly. "I shall not allow your eight fellows to spoil in idleness, -Gabriel. As soon as I can leave my bed I will take them with me on my -expedition against Ham; for I do not propose to leave the English one -foot of earth in our dear France. Malemort himself, the everlastingly -wounded man, will be on hand, too; for Master Pare has promised that he -shall be cured as soon I am." - -"He will be very fortunate, Monseigneur," said Gabriel. - -"So, then, there is your first request granted, and with no great effort -on my part. In the second place, Monsieur d'Exmès reminds me that -Madame Diane de Castro, the king's daughter, whom you know, Monsieur de -Vaudemont, is here at Calais, where she has been held prisoner by the -English. Vicomte d'Exmès, realizing how deeply I am engrossed with -other matters, has very opportunely reminded me to assure this lady of -the royal blood of the protection and respect which are her due. Does, -or does not Monsieur d'Exmès render me a service in this matter also?" - -"Without the slightest doubt," replied the Marquis de Vaudemont. - -"The second point is settled, then," said the duke. "My orders are -already given; and whilst I am reputed to be an indifferent courtier, I -am altogether too sensible of my duty as a gentleman, to forget at this -time the consideration which is due to the person and exalted rank of -Madame de Castro; therefore, a suitable escort will be ready to -accompany her to Paris, when and how she chooses." - -Gabriel expressed his gratitude only by a deep inclination, fearing that -he might betray the interest and importance which that promise had for -him. - -"In the third place," resumed the Duc de Guise, "Lord Wentworth, the -English governor of this city, was taken prisoner by Monsieur d'Exmès. -In the terms of capitulation granted to Lord Derby, we bound ourselves -to admit him to ransom; but Monsieur d'Exmès, to whom both prisoner and -ransom belong, permits us to show ourselves still more liberal. In fact, -he asks for our authority to send Lord Wentworth to England without -requiring him to pay any price for his freedom. Will not this action -give great éclat to our courtesy, even beyond these narrow limits; and -does not Monsieur d'Exmès thereby render us once more a service of real -value?" - -"Undoubtedly, as is demonstrated by Monseigneur's noble appreciation of -it," said Monsieur de Vaudemont. - -"Make your mind easy, Gabriel," said the duke; "Monsieur de Thermes has -gone, on your behalf and mine, to set Lord Wentworth at liberty and -return his sword to him. He may leave the city as soon as he desires." - -"I thank you, Monseigneur," said Gabriel; "but do not give me credit for -too much magnanimity. I am only requiting Lord Wentworth for various -courtesies he extended to me when I was myself his prisoner, and giving -him at the same time a lesson in fair dealing and probity; I doubt not -he will understand the allusion and the implied reproof." - -"You have more reason than any one else to deal sternly with him upon -such questions," said the duke in all seriousness. - -"Now, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, much disturbed to find the principal -object of his solicitude ignored by the Duc de Guise, "allow me to -remind you of the promise you were good enough to make me in my tent on -the eve of the capture of the Risbank fort." - -"Wait one moment, I beg, O most impatient youth!" said Le Balafré. "In -consideration of these three eminent services which I have rendered you, -which Monsieur de Vaudemont has verified, I have well earned the right -to demand a favor at your hands. I ask you then, as you are about to -start so soon for Paris, to take with you and present to the king the -keys of the city of Calais--" - -"Oh, Monseigneur!" Gabriel interrupted, in an outburst of gratitude. - -"You will not find that a very burdensome duty, I fancy," said the duke. -"Besides, you are used to commissions of this sort, for you know I -intrusted to your care the flags captured in our Italian campaign." - -"Ah, how well you understand the art of doubling the force of your kind -deeds by your manner of performing them!" cried the enraptured Gabriel. - -"Further than that," continued the duke, "you will hand to his Majesty -at the same time a copy of the capitulation, and this letter, which I -wrote this morning from beginning to end with my own hand despite the -orders of Master Ambroise Paré. But you see," he added significantly, -"no one could possibly have done you justice, Gabriel, or asked that -justice be done you by others, with so much assurance as myself. Now I -trust you will be satisfied with me, and that the result of what I have -done will be that you will have nothing with which to reproach the king. -Here, my friend, are the keys and the letter. I have no need to charge -you to take care of them." - -"And I, Monseigneur, have no need to say that I am yours in life and -death," said Gabriel, in a voice choked with emotion. - -He took the little box of carved wood and the sealed letter which the -duke handed him. They were the priceless talismans which might perhaps -be the means of procuring for him his father's freedom and his own -happiness. - -"Now I will not detain you longer," said the Duc de Guise. "You are -probably in haste to be on your way; and I, less fortunate than you, -find myself, after this morning of excitement, in a state of weariness, -which enjoins rest upon me even more imperiously than Master Ambroise -Paré." - -"Adieu, then; and once more, Monseigneur, accept my heartfelt thanks," -said Vicomte d'Exmès. - -At this moment Monsieur de Thermes, whom the Duc de Guise had sent to -Lord Wentworth, hurried into the room in a state of great excitement. - -"Ah," said the duke to Gabriel, "our ambassador to the victor need not -set out without an interview with our ambassador to the vanquished. But -how's this," he added, "what's the matter, De Thermes? You seem to be -greatly distressed." - -"So I am, indeed, Monseigneur," said Monsieur de Thermes. - -"Why, what has happened?" asked Le Balafré. "Has Lord Wentworth--" - -"Lord Wentworth, to whom, Monseigneur, in accordance with your commands, -I announced his release and returned his sword, accepted the act of -grace coldly and without a word. I was just leaving him in amazement at -such discourteous behavior, when I heard a loud cry, which made me -hasten back. The first use he had made of his freedom was to run himself -through the body with the sword he had just received at my hands. He had -killed himself instantly, and I found only his dead body." - -"Ah," cried the Duc de Guise, "it must have been the despair caused by -his defeat which drove him to that extremity. Do you not think so, -Gabriel? It is a real misfortune!" - -"No, Monseigneur," replied Gabriel, with sorrowful gravity; "no, Lord -Wentworth did not die because he had been beaten." - -"How's that! what was the reason, then?" asked Le Balafré. - -"I beg you to allow me to say nothing as to the real reason," replied -Gabriel. "I would have kept the secret if Lord Wentworth had lived, and -I must guard it even more carefully now he is no more. However," -continued Gabriel, lowering his voice, "in view of this proud act of -his, I may confide to you, Monseigneur, that in his place I would have -done just as he has. Yes, Lord Wentworth did well; for even if he had -had no cause to blush before me, still the conscience of a true -gentleman is a sufficiently troublesome creditor to induce one to impose -silence upon it at any cost; and when one has the honor to belong to the -nobility of a noble country, there are irreparable faults the effects of -which can only be avoided by falling-dead as he has done." - -"I understand you, Gabriel," said the Duc de Guise. "It only remains for -us to pay Lord Wentworth the last honors." - -"He is worthy of them," returned Gabriel; "and while I deeply deplore -this necessary end of his career, I am glad, nevertheless, that I can -still think with esteem and regret, as Intake leave of him on earth, of -the man whose guest I was in this city." - -When he said farewell to the Duc de Guise a few moments later with -renewed acknowledgments, Gabriel went at once to the governor's former -residence, where Madame de Castro was still living. - -He had not seen Diane since the evening before; but she had quickly -learned, in common with all Calais, of Ambroise Paré's fortunate -intervention and the safety of the Duc de Guise; so Gabriel found her -calm and reassured. - -Lovers are always superstitious, and the peace of mind of his -well-beloved had a cheering effect upon him. - -Diane was naturally still better pleased when Gabriel told her what had -taken place between the Duc de Guise and himself, and showed her the -letter and the box which had been intrusted to him because of his -unremitting labor and his defiance of so many dangers. - -But even amid so many causes for gratulation she felt the regret of a -Christian at Lord Wentworth's sad end; for though he had, to be sure, -abused and insulted her for an hour or two, he had protected and treated -her with all due respect for three months. - -"May God pardon him as I do!" she said. - -Gabriel went on to speak of Martin-Guerre and the Peuquoys, and of the -escort which Monsieur de Guise had promised her, Diane, and referred to -all her surroundings. - -Indeed, he would have been only too glad to find a thousand other -subjects of conversation to afford him an excuse for remaining; and yet -the engrossing idea which called him to Paris still absorbed his -thoughts to a great degree. He longed both to go and to stay; he was at -once happy and anxious. - -At last, as the hours passed by, Gabriel was obliged to say that he -could only postpone his departure for a few moments longer. - -"Are you going, Gabrieli Well, it is much better that you should for -many reasons," said Diane. "I have not had the courage to speak to you -of your departure; and yet by not deferring it you will give me the -greatest proof of your affection that it would be possible for me to -receive. Yes, my friend, go, so that I may have a shorter time to wait -and suffer. Go, so that our fate may be decided as speedily as -possible." - -"May God bless you for your brave words, which go so far to sustain my -courage!" said Gabriel. - -"At this very moment," said Diane, "I feel while I am listening to you, -as I know you must while speaking to me, an indefinable anxiety. We have -been talking of a hundred things, and yet we have not dared to touch -upon the matter which really lies nearest to our hearts and our lives. -But since you are going in a very few moments, we may now revert without -fear to the only subject in which we are really interested." - -"Ah, you read my own heart and yours at a single glance!" said Gabriel. - -"Listen a moment," said Diane. "Besides the letter you are to deliver to -the king from the Duc de Guise, you will give his Majesty this other one -from me which I wrote last night. In it I have told him how you saved me -and set me free. Thus it will be made clear to him and to all others -that you have restored his city to the king, and his daughter to the -father. I speak thus; for I fervently trust that Henri II.'s affection -for me is not deceptive, and that I have a right to call him my father." - -"Dear Diane, God grant that you augur truly!" cried Gabriel. - -"I envy you, Gabriel," continued Diane, "because you will lift the veil, -and learn our destiny before I shall. However, I shall soon follow you, -dear. Since Monsieur de Guise is so kindly disposed towards me, I will -ask for an escort to-morrow; and although I shall be forced to travel -more leisurely than you, I shall be at Paris a very few days after you." - -"Oh, yes, do come soon!" said Gabriel, "for it seems to me as if your -presence would bring me good fortune." - -"In any event," Diane replied, "I do not want to be entirely separated -from you; but I desire that there should be some one to remind you of me -from time to time. Since you will be obliged to leave your faithful -squire, Martin-Guerre, here, take with you the French page whom Lord -Wentworth gave me. André is only a child, scarcely sixteen, and perhaps -still younger in disposition than in years; but he is devoted and loyal, -and will do you good service. Accept him from me. Amidst the less -congenial companions of your suite, he will be a pleasanter and more -agreeable attendant for you, and I shall be glad to know that he is -always at your side." - -"Oh, thanks for such thoughtful consideration," said Gabriel; "but you -know that I must depart in a very few moments--" - -"André knows my purpose," said Diane. "Oh, if you knew how proud he is -to be in your service. He must be all ready now, and I have only a few -last instructions to give him. If you go now and take your leave of the -good Peuquoys, André will be with you before you quit Calais." - -"I will take him with very great pleasure," said Gabriel; "I shall at -least have some one with whom I can sometimes converse about you." - -"I thought of that," said Madame de Castro, with a slight blush. "But -now, adieu," she said earnestly; "we must say adieu." - -"Oh, not 'adieu,'" replied Gabriel; "not that sad word which means a -long separation; not 'adieu,' but _au revoir_!" - -"Alas!" said Diane, "when and under what circumstances shall we meet -again! If the riddle of our destiny be solved contrary to our wishes, -will it not be better that we should never see each other more?" - -"Oh, don't say so, Diane!" cried Gabriel; "don't say so! Besides, who -but myself can inform you of the result, whether it be disastrous or -happy?" - -"Ah, _Dieu_!" Diane replied with a shudder, "it seems to me as if, -whether it were happy or disastrous, I should die of joy or grief simply -upon hearing your lips speak the words." - -"But how shall I let you know?" asked Gabriel. - -"Wait one moment," replied Diane. - -She drew a gold ring from her huger, and took from a chest the nun's -veil which she had worn at the Benedictine convent at St. Quentin. - -"Listen, Gabriel," said she, in a tone of deep solemnity as she gave -them to him; "as it is probable that everything will be settled before I -reach Paris, send André to meet me. If God declares himself for us, he -will bring back this wedding-ring to the Vicomtesse de Montgommery; but -if our hopes are blighted, let him bring this nun's veil to Sister -Bénie." - -"Oh, let me fall at your feet and adore you as one of the angels from -heaven!" cried the young man, touched to the very soul by this affecting -proof of her great love. - -"No, Gabriel, no, rise from your knees," Diane replied; "let us be -steadfast and dignified in God's sight. Press upon my lips a pure -brotherly kiss, as I will a sisterly one upon yours, thereby endowing -you with faith and strength, so far as my power can go." - -In silence they exchanged a sacred, sorrowful kiss. - -"And now, my dear," continued Diane, "let us part, for it is time; not -saying adieu, since you dread the word, but _au revoir_, to meet again -in this world or the next!" - -"_Au revoir_, _au revoir_!" murmured Gabriel. - -He clasped Diane to his breast in a close embrace, and fastened a long, -yearning gaze upon her, as if to draw from her lovely eyes the strength -of which he was so much in need. - -At last, upon a sorrowful but expressive motion which she made to him, -he released her; and placing the ring on his finger and the veil in his -bosom, he said once more in a stifled voice,-- - -"_Au revoir_, Diane!" - -"Gabriel, _au revoir_!" Diane replied, with a hopeful gesture. - -Gabriel fled as if he were a madman. - -Half an hour later, with renewed tranquillity, he left behind him the -fair city of Calais, which it had been his good fortune to restore to -the kingdom of France. - -He was on horseback, accompanied by the young page André, who had -overtaken him, and by four of his volunteers. - -One of these last was Ambrosio, who was very glad to find an opportunity -of taking back to Paris with him certain English small wares, which he -expected to dispose of to advantage to the habitués of the court. - -Another was Pilletrousse, who, in a conquered city, where he was one of -the masters and victors, was afraid that he might yield to temptation -and recur to his former habits. - -Yvonnet was also among them: he had not been able to find in provincial -Calais a single tailor worthy his patronage; and his costume had been -too seriously injured by the hard usage it had experienced to be -presentable,--it could not be replaced suitably except at Paris. - -Lactance was the last of the four; he had asked leave to accompany his -master so that he might receive his confessor's assurance that his -exploits had not exceeded his penances, and that his assets in the shape -of self-inflicted austerities would suffice to meet the liabilities he -had incurred by his feats of arms. - -Pierre and Jean Peuquoy, with Babette, accompanied the five horsemen on -foot as far as what was called the Paris gate. - -There they were compelled to part. Gabriel said a last farewell to his -kind friends, and gave them a warm clasp of his hand; while they, with -tears in their eyes, wished him all happiness and showered benedictions -upon him. - -But the Peuquoys soon lost sight of the little band, who set off at a -trot, and disappeared at a turn in the road. The good burghers returned -with sad hearts to Martin-Guerre. - -Gabriel felt grave and preoccupied, but not sorrowful. - -He was hopeful! - -Once before Gabriel had left Calais to seek at Paris the solution of the -mystery surrounding his destiny. But on that occasion circumstances wore -a much less favorable appearance. He was concerned about Martin-Guerre, -Babette, and the Peuquoys, and anxious, about Diane, whom he had left -behind, a prisoner in the hands of Lord Wentworth, who was in love with -her. Then, too, his vague presentiments of the future were but slightly -tinged with hope; for he had, after all, done nothing more than prolong -the resistance of a town, which was in the end obliged to surrender. -Surely, that was hardly an achievement great enough to deserve so great -a reward. - -But to-day he left behind him no cause for gloomy thoughts. The two -wounded men, both so dear to him, his general and his squire, were both -saved, and Ambroise Paré guaranteed their recovery; Babette Peuquoy was -to marry a man whom she loved, and by whom she was beloved, her honor as -well as her future happiness being assured; Madame de Castro was free, -and treated like a queen in a French city, and no later than the next -day would follow him to Paris. - -Last of all, our hero had struggled so long with Fortune that he might -well hope that he had at last tired her out; the undertaking which he -had carried through triumphantly to its close--conceiving the idea of -taking Calais, as well as furnishing the means to accomplish it--was not -one of those the value of which admits of discussion or haggling. The -key of France restored to the possession of the King of France! Such an -exploit most certainly justified the most lofty ambition; and the -Vicomte d'Exmès's ambition was no more than a just and holy one. - -He was hopeful. The persuasive encouragement and soothing promises of -Diane were still ringing in his ears with the last good wishes of the -Peuquoys. Gabriel saw about him André--whose presence reminded him of -his beloved--and the gallant and devoted soldiers of his escort; before -his eyes, firmly attached to the pommel of his saddle, he saw the box -which contained the keys of Calais; in his doublet he could feel the -precious copy of the capitulation and the still more precious letters of -the Duc de Guise and Madame de Castro; Diane's gold ring shone upon his -finger,--ever present and eloquent pledges of good fortune. - -The very sky, beautifully blue and cloudless, seemed to speak of hope; -the pure and bracing air made the blood run warm in his veins; the -thousand sounds to be heard in the country in the twilight were eloquent -of peace and tranquillity; and the sun, which was setting in a glory of -purple and gold on Gabriel's left hand, was a most comforting sight to -his eyes and his heart. - -It was impossible to set out toward a coveted goal under happier -auspices. - -We shall see in due time what came of it. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -A QUATRAIN - - -On the evening of Jan. 12, 1558, Queen Catherine de Médicis was holding -at the Louvre one of the periodical receptions of which we have -previously spoken, at which all the princes and nobles of the realm were -wont to assemble. - -This particular occasion was an exceptionally brilliant and lively one, -although a large part of the nobility were absent at the seat of war, in -the north, with the Duc de Guise's army. - -Among the ladies present besides Catherine, the queen _de jure_, were -Madame Diane de Poitiers, the queen _de facto_, the young -queen-dauphine, Mary Stuart, and the melancholy Élisabeth, afterward -Queen of Spain, whose very beauty, already so admired, was fated to -cause her so much misery. - -The distinguished assembly included the man who was at that time the -head of the House of Bourbon, Antoine, the titular king of Navarre,--a -weak and vacillating prince, who had been sent to the French court by -his virile-hearted wife, Jeanne d'Albret, to try and obtain by the -intervention of Henri II. the restitution of his kingdom of Navarre, -which had been confiscated by Spain. - -But Antoine de Navarre was already inclining to the Calvinistic -doctrines, and was not looked upon with a very favorable eye at a court -which was in the habit of burning heretics at the stake. - -His brother, Louis de Bourbon, Prince de Condé, was likewise present. -His was a character to inspire more respect if not more affection. He -was, however, a more pronounced Calvinist than the King of Navarre, and -was generally considered to be the secret leader of the rebellious -spirits. He possessed the power to make himself a great favorite with -the people, being not only a bold rider but very skilful with the sword -and dagger, although in stature he was quite short, and had decidedly -disproportionate shoulders. Besides, he was a great gallant, very -clever, and passionately devoted to the ladies. A popular chanson of the -day spoke thus of him:-- - - - "Ce petit homme tant joli, - Toujours cause et toujours rit, - Et toujours baise sa mignonne. - Dieu gard' de mal le petit homme."[2] - - -The gentlemen who, openly or secretly, advocated the principles of the -Reformed religion were naturally grouped around the King of Navarre and -the Prince de Condé,--among them being Admiral de Coligny, La Renaudie, -and the Baron de Castelnau, who, having but recently arrived from -Touraine, his native province, had been presented at court that day for -the first time. - -The assemblage, despite the absence of many great seigneurs, was -numerous and distinguished; but amid all the confusion, excitement, and -enjoyment, two men remained absorbed by grave and apparently unpleasant -reflections. - -These two men, whose abstraction was caused by widely different reasons, -were the king and the Constable de Montmorency. - -Henri II. was at the Louvre corporeally, but his thoughts were all at -Calais. - -During the three weeks since the departure of the Duc de Guise, he had -been thinking unceasingly, night and day, of that perilous expedition, -the object of which was to drive the English out of the kingdom forever, -but which was quite as likely to seriously endanger the welfare of -France. - -Henri had more than once blamed himself for having allowed Monsieur de -Guise to attempt so hazardous a stroke. - -If the undertaking should prove abortive, what a disgrace for France in -the eyes of all Europe! what superhuman efforts must be made to repair -such a failure! The disastrous day of St. Laurent would be a mere -bagatelle beside that. The constable had undergone defeat, but François -de Lorraine had actually gone in search of it. - -The king, who had had no intelligence from the besieging army for three -days, was preoccupied with gloomy forebodings, and paid but little heed -to the encouraging assurances of the Cardinal de Lorraine, who, standing -near the king's couch, was vainly trying to restore his courage. - -Diane de Poitiers was quick to remark the gloomy humor of her royal -lover; but as she observed Monsieur de Montmorency in another part of -the room, apparently in quite as great dejection as the king, she -directed her steps toward him. - -It was the siege of Calais which was the cause of his downheartedness, -but, as we have said, for a very different reason. - -The king was afraid of failure, while the constable dreaded success much -more. - -For success in that enterprise would definitely establish the Duc de -Guise in the first rank, and relegate him to the second. The salvation -of France would be the ruin of the poor constable, and we must confess -that his selfishness had always taken precedence of his patriotism. - -So he was very uncourteous to the beautiful favorite who advanced -smilingly toward him. - -Our readers will remember the inexplicable and depraved passion which -the mistress of the most courtly and gallant king in Christendom -entertained for this brutal veteran. - -"What is the trouble with my old soldier to-day?" she asked in her most -winning tones. - -"Ah, so you mock me too, do you, Madame?" said Montmorency, sharply. - -"I mock you, my friend! You don't realize what you are saying." - -"I was thinking of what you said yourself," rejoined the constable, with -a muttered curse. "You called me your old soldier. Old? yes, that is -true; I am no longer a beau of twenty years. Soldier? no. You can see -plainly that I am no longer considered good for anything except to show -myself with my parade sword in the halls of the Louvre." - -"Do not speak so," said the favorite, with an affectionate smile. "Are -you not still the _constable_?" - -"What does a constable amount to, when there is a lieutenant-general of -the kingdom?" - -"The latter title expires with the circumstances which called it into -existence, while yours, being attached, with no power of revocation, to -the highest military dignity in the kingdom, will last as long as your -life." - -"But I am already dead and buried," said the constable, with a bitter -laugh. - -"Why do you say that, my friend?" replied Madame de Poitiers. "You have -not ceased to be as powerful and as formidable to the nation's enemies -without as to your personal enemies within." - -"Let us talk seriously, Diane, and not try to flatter or deceive each -other with empty words." - -"If I deceive you, it is only because I myself am deceived," Diane -rejoined. "Give me proofs that I am wrong, and I will not only -acknowledge my error on the spot, but I will do all I can to rectify -it." - -"Very well," said the constable; "in the first place, you speak of the -enemies without trembling before me. Those are very comforting words; -but, in reality, who is sent against these enemies?--a general who is -younger and doubtless more fortunate than myself, but who may some day -turn this good fortune of his to his own private advantage." - -"What makes you think that the Duc de Guise will succeed?" asked Diane, -with most subtle flattery. - -"His failure," replied the constable, hypocritically, "would be a -terrible misfortune for France, which I should bitterly deplore for my -country's sake; but his success would perhaps be an even more terrible -misfortune, which I should dread for the sake of my sovereign." - -"Do you believe then," said Diane, "that the ambition of Monsieur de -Guise--" - -"I have probed it, and it is very deep," replied the jealous courtier. -"If by any chance there should be a change of reign, have you considered -what that ambition, assisted by the influence of Mary Stuart, might be -able to effect upon the mind of a young and inexperienced king! My -devotion to your interests has completely alienated Queen Catherine from -me. The Guises will be more sovereign than the sovereign himself." - -"Such a catastrophe is, thank God, very improbable and very far -distant," returned Diane, who could not avoid the reflection that her -friend of sixty years was rather free with his conjectures as to the -prospects of the early demise of a king who was but forty. - -"There are other chances against us much nearer at hand and almost as -terrible," said Montmorency, shaking his head very gravely. - -"What are they, my friend?" - -"Have you lost your memory, Diane, or do you only pretend to forget who -went to Calais with the Duc de Guise; who, apparently, was the one who -first breathed a suggestion of this foolhardy enterprise into his ear, -and who will return in triumph with him, if he does triumph, and will no -doubt succeed in receiving credit for some share in the victory?" - -"Are you speaking of Vicomte d'Exmès?" asked Diane. - -"Of whom else, Madame? Even though you may have forgotten his -extravagant undertaking, he will remember it, never fear! And more than -that, fortune is so capricious that he is quite capable of having kept -his promise, and of loudly calling upon the king to redeem his." - -"Impossible!" exclaimed Diane. - -"What is it that seems impossible to you, Madame,--that Monsieur -d'Exmès should keep his word, or that the king should be true to his?" - -"Either supposition is absurd and insane, and the second even more so -than the first." - -"If, however, the first should be realized, it may very well be that the -second will follow; for the king is very weak on these questions of -honor, and he would be quite capable, Madame, of priding himself upon -his chivalrous loyalty, and of disclosing his secret and ours to a -common foe." - -"Once more I say it is a wild, impossible dream," cried Diane, turning -pale, nevertheless. - -"But, Diane, suppose you were to see this dream with your eyes, and -touch it with your hands, what would you do!" - -"Indeed I do not know, my good constable," said Madame de Valentinois; -"we should have to consult and look around, and then act. Anything -rather than that extremity! If the king abandons us, why, then, we must -get along without him; and confidently anticipating that he will never -dare to disavow what we have done after the event, we must exercise our -own power and our personal influence and credit to the utmost." - -"Ah, that is just what I expected you would say!" said the constable. -"Our power! our personal influence! Speak of your own, Madame; but as -for mine, it has sunk so low that in truth I look upon it as dead and -gone. My enemies within, for whom just now you expressed so much pity, -might have very pretty sport with me at this time. There is no gentleman -at this court who hasn't more power than this pitiful constable. You -can see yourself how I am avoided. It is very simple; for who would care -to pay his court to a fallen star! It will be much safer, therefore, -Madame, for you not to rely hereafter upon the support of a discredited, -disgraced old servant, friendless and without influence, yes, even -penniless." - -"Penniless!" Diane echoed incredulously. - -"Why yes, Madame,--penniless, by the Mass!" said the constable a second -time, and angrily. "That is perhaps the most grievous part of it, at my -age, and after all the services I have rendered. The last war ruined me; -for my ransom and those of several of my people exhausted my last -pecuniary resources. Those who abandon me know it very well. I shall be -reduced one of these days to going about the streets asking for alms, -like Belisarius, the Carthaginian general, I think it was, whom I have -heard my nephew, the admiral, speak of." - -"What! have your friends all left you, my constable?" asked Diane, -smiling at her old lover's erudition, as well as at his covetousness. - -"Yes," said the constable: "I have no friends, I tell you." He added, -most pathetically,--"The unfortunate never have friends." - -"I propose to prove you in the wrong," said Diane. "I can clearly see -now the source of this sullen humor which has gained control of you. But -why did you not tell me in the first place? Do you lack confidence in -me, pray? It is sad, indeed, if you do. But no matter! I only intend to -be revenged in a friendly way. Tell me, did not the king impose a new -tax last week?" - -"Yes, dear Diane," replied the constable, who had grown much calmer -under the influence of Diane's words; "a very just tax, too, and heavy -enough to defray all the expenses of the war." - -"That will do very well," said Diane; "and I will show you that even a -woman may be able to do more than repair fortune's cruel blows to such -men as you. Henri seems to me to be in a very ill-humor to-day. But -never mind! I will speak with him forthwith; and you will soon be forced -to agree that I am a kind friend and faithful ally." - -"Ah, Diane, you are as kind and good as you are beautiful! That I will -always maintain," said Montmorency, gallantly. - -"But when I have replenished the springs from which your influence and -your favor flow, you will not abandon me, will you, my old lion? And you -will not talk any more to your devoted friend of your powerlessness -against her enemies and yours?" - -"Why, my dear Diane, are not all that I am and all that I have at your -service?" said the constable; "and if I sometimes grieve at the loss of -my influence, is it not because I fear thereby to be less powerful to -serve my beautiful sovereign mistress?" - -"Very good!" said Diane, with her most seductive smile. She gave her -lovely white hand to her superannuated lover, who imprinted upon it a -tender kiss with his bearded lips; then, with a last encouraging glance, -she moved away from him toward the king. - -The Cardinal de Lorraine was still at Henri's side, watching over the -interests of his absent brother, and doing his utmost to remove the -king's fears as to the issue of the ill-considered expedition against -Calais. - -But Henri was paying more attention to his unquiet thoughts than to the -cardinal's consoling words. - -It was at this moment that Madame Diane approached them. - -"I'll undertake to say, Messire," she began, addressing the cardinal -with much warmth, "that your Eminence is saying to the king something -unkind about poor Monsieur de Montmorency." - -"Oh, Madame," retorted Charles de Lorraine, bewildered by this -unexpected attack, "I venture to ask his Majesty to bear me witness that -the name of Monsieur le Connétable has not been once uttered during our -interview." - -"That is true," said the king, carelessly. - -"That is merely another way of doing him a disservice." - -"But if I can neither speak nor keep silent about him, what am I to do, -Madame, I beg?" - -"You should say pleasant things about him," replied Diane. - -"Very well, then," retorted the wily cardinal; "if I must do that, I -will say (for the commands of beauty have never found me lacking in -dutiful submission) that Monsieur de Montmorency is a great commander; -that he won the battle of St. Laurent, and retrieved the fortunes of -France; and that just at this time, to put the finishing touch to his -work, he has assumed the offensive against our enemies, and is now -engaged in attempting a memorable and glorious achievement under the -walls of Calais." - -"Calais! Calais!--ah, who will bring me news of Calais?" murmured the -king, who had heard only that name in this war of words between the -minister and the favorite. - -"You have an admirable and Christian-like manner of awarding praise, -Monsieur le Cardinal," Diane rejoined; "and I congratulate you upon your -mastery of ironical compliment." - -"Well, Madame," said Charles de Lorraine, "in truth, I do not see how -else I could award praise to this poor Monsieur de Montmorency, as you -called him just now." - -"You are not honest in your search, Messire," replied Diane. "Might you -not, for instance, do more justice to the zeal with which the constable -organized means of defence at Paris, and brought the few troops who were -left here to a state of efficiency, while others were jeopardizing and -compromising the vital forces of the kingdom in rash and foolhardy -enterprises?" - -"Oh-ho!" exclaimed the cardinal. - -"Alas!" sighed the king, who heard nothing except what bore directly -upon the subject of his solicitude. - -"Might we not say, further," added Diane, "that although chance has not -been friendly to Monsieur de Montmorency's magnificent efforts, and -fortune has declared against him, he is at least entirely without -personal ambition; he recognizes no other interest save that of his -country, in whose cause he has sacrificed everything,--his life, which -he was among the first to put in jeopardy; his liberty, of which he was -so long deprived; and his property, which is all gone." - -"Indeed!" said Charles de Lorraine, with an air of amazement. - -"Yes, your Eminence," Diane repeated; "there is no doubt about -that,--Monsieur de Montmorency is ruined." - -"Ruined! Do you mean it?" said the cardinal. - -"He is so entirely without means," continued the unblushing favorite, -"that I was just on the point of appealing to his Majesty to aid this -loyal servant in his distress." - -The king made no reply, so absorbed was he. - -"Yes, Sire," Diane said, addressing him directly in order to attract his -attention, "I most earnestly beg you to come to the assistance of your -faithful constable, whose pecuniary resources have been exhausted to the -last sou by the price of his ransom and the great expense of the war -contracted in your Majesty's service. Sire, are you listening to me?" - -"Excuse me, Madame," said Henri; "I seem hardly able this evening to fix -my attention upon any subject. The thought of a possible disaster at -Calais occupies my mind entirely, as you can well understand." - -"That is just the reason," Diane replied, "why your Majesty, in my -opinion, ought to treat gently and befriend the man who has done his -best beforehand to minimize the effects of this calamity, if it must -befall." - -"But we are as much in need of money ourselves as the constable," said -the king. - -"How about this new tax which has been levied?" asked Diane. - -"The funds produced by that," said the cardinal, "are to be appropriated -to the payment and maintenance of the troops." - -"In that event," was Diane's rejoinder, "the better part of them should -go to the leader of the troops." - -"Very well, the leader is at Calais?" replied the cardinal. - -"No, indeed, he is here in Paris, at the Louvre," retorted Diane. - -"Pray, Madame, do you desire that failure and defeat should be -rewarded?" - -"That would be much better, Monsieur le Cardinal, than that mad -recklessness should be encouraged." - -"Enough of this!" the king interposed; "do you not see that your -quarrelling tires and annoys me? Do you know, Madame, and Monsieur de -Lorraine, the quatrain which I came across recently in my book of -Hours?" - -"A quatrain?" Diane and Charles de Lorraine repeated with one breath. - -"If my memory serves me," said Henri, "it was this:--" - - - "Sire, si vous laissez, comme Charles desire, - Comme Diane fait, par trop vous gouverner, - Fondre, pétrir, mollir, refondre et retourner, - Sire, vous n'êtes plus, vous n'êtes plus que cire.'"[3] - - -Diane did not lose her self-possession in the least. - -"A pretty piece of foolery," said she; "but it credits me with much more -influence over his Majesty's mind than I possess, alas!" - -"Ah, Madame," rejoined the king, "you ought not to make a bad use of -that influence just because you know that you possess it." - -"But do I really possess it, Sire?" said Diane, in her most winning -tones. "If it be so, your Majesty will grant what I ask in behalf of the -constable." - -"Very well," said the king, impatiently; "now I trust you will leave me -to my gloomy forebodings and my anxiety." - -The cardinal, in the face of such weakness, could only raise his eyes -imploringly to heaven. Diane darted a triumphant glance at him. - -"Thanks, your Majesty," she said to the king. "I obey you and withdraw; -but pray dismiss your anxiety and dread, Sire, for victory loves the -generous-hearted, and I firmly believe that you will be victorious." - -"Ah, I accept the augury, Diane," replied Henri. "With what transports -of joy would I receive information to that effect! For a long time I -have not slept; I have hardly existed. _Mon Dieu_, how slight after all -is the power of kings! To think that I have at this moment no means of -knowing what is transpiring at Calais! You may well say, Monsieur le -Cardinal, that your brother's silence is most alarming. Ah, for news -from Calais! Who will bring it to me? In God's name, who?" - -An usher entered, and bowing low before the king as the last word fell -from his lips, announced in a loud voice,-- - -"A messenger from Monsieur de Guise has arrived from Calais, and -solicits the honor of an audience of his Majesty." - -"A messenger from Calais!" echoed the king, rising to his feet, with -gleaming eye, and almost beside himself. - -"At last!" said the cardinal, trembling between joy and fear. - -"Introduce Monsieur de Guise's messenger; introduce him at once," added -the king, eagerly. - -It need not be said that every voice was hushed, every heart beating -high, and that all eyes were turned toward the door. - -Gabriel entered amid a profound silence. - - -[Footnote 2: "He's such a bewitching little man. -And he's talking and laughing the livelong day, -And kissing his sweetheart whene'er he can. -God keep little Louis from all harm's way!"] - -[Footnote 3: "Oh, Sire, be careful; for if you allow, -As Charles ever longs to, and Diane does now, -The one or the other, or both, to derange you, -To shape you and work you, remodel and change you, -By yielding too freely to all their demands, -Soon you'll be like the softest of wax in their hands."] - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -THE VICOMTE DE MONTGOMMERY - - -Gabriel was attended as he had been on his return from Italy by four of -his people,--Ambroise, Lactance, Yvonnet, and Pilletrousse,--who bore -the English flags; but they came no farther than the threshold. - -The youth himself held in both hands a velvet cushion, upon which were -two letters and the keys of the city. - -At this sight Henri's countenance assumed an expression of joy and fear -curiously blended. - -He thought that he understood the welcome message, but the stern -messenger made him anxious. - -"Vicomte d'Exmès!" he muttered, as he saw Gabriel slowly approaching -him. - -Madame de Poitiers and the constable, exchanging looks of consternation, -also faltered beneath their breath. - -"Vicomte d'Exmès!" - -Gabriel, meanwhile, with a grave and solemn mien, kneeled before the -king, and said with a firm, clear voice,-- - -"Sire, here are the keys of the city of Calais, which was surrendered to -Monsieur de Guise by the English, after a siege of seven days and three -fierce assaults, and which Monsieur has made haste to deliver to your -Majesty." - -"Calais is ours?" asked the king, although he had heard and understood -perfectly. - -"Calais is yours, Sire," Gabriel repeated. - -"_Vive le roi_!" with one accord cried all who were present, with the -possible exception of the Constable de Montmorency. - -Henri II., who could think of nothing now but his vanished fears and the -glorious triumph of his arms, saluted the excited assemblage with -radiant face. - -"Thanks, Messieurs, thanks!" said he; "I accept your congratulations in -the name of France. But they should not be addressed to me alone; it is -but fair that the better part of them should be reserved for the gallant -leader of the undertaking,--my noble cousin, Monsieur de Guise." - -Murmurs of approbation were heard throughout the assemblage; but the -time had not yet arrived when any one dared to cry, "Vive le Duc de -Guise," in the king's presence. - -"In our dear cousin's absence," continued Henri, "we are happy in being -able to address our thanks and congratulations to you who represent him -here, Monsieur le Cardinal de Lorraine, and to you, Monsieur le Vicomte -d'Exmès, whom he has intrusted with this glorious and honorable -commission." - -"Sire," said Gabriel, respectfully but firmly, as he inclined his head -in acknowledgment of the king's words, "Sire, your pardon, but I am no -longer called Vicomte d'Exmès." - -"What!" exclaimed Henri, with a frown. - -"Sire," Gabriel continued, "since the day that Calais fell, I have felt -justified in assuming my real name and my true title,--Vicomte de -Montgommery." - -At that name, which for so many years had not been pronounced at court -save in whispers, there was a veritable explosion of surprise among the -bystanders. This youth styled himself Vicomte de Montgommery; then the -Comte de Montgommery, his father, doubtless must still be alive! What -was the significance of the revival of that name, once so renowned, -after so long a disappearance? - -The king did not hear these comments, which were quite inaudible, but he -had no difficulty in divining their import; he had become paler than his -Italian strawberries, and his lips were trembling with impatience and -indignation. - -Madame de Poitiers was also in a tremor; and the constable in his corner -had emerged from his gloomy impassiveness, and his roving look had -become fixed. - -"What do you mean, Monsieur?" returned the king, in a tone which he -found great difficulty in keeping within bounds. "What is this name -which you venture to assume, and whence do you derive so much -imprudence?" - -"The name is mine, Sire," said Gabriel, calmly; "and what your Majesty -regards as imprudence is only confidence." - -It was evident that Gabriel had determined to enter boldly upon the -course he had adopted, to risk all that he might gain all, and to make -all hesitation or avoidance of the issue impossible for the king as well -as for himself. - -Henri understood his words in that sense; but he dreaded the -consequences of his own wrath, and so he replied, in order to postpone -the outburst which he feared,-- - -"Your personal affairs may be attended to later, Monsieur; but at -present be good enough to remember that you are the messenger of -Monsieur de Guise. I think you have not yet fully executed your -commission." - -"That is true," said Gabriel, with a low bow. "I have still to present -to your Majesty the flags conquered from the English. Behold them, Sire! -Furthermore, Monsieur le Duc de Guise sends this letter to the king." - -He presented Le Balafré's letter upon the cushion. The king took it, -broke the seal, tore open the envelope, and said to the cardinal as he -passed the letter to him,-- - -"To you, Monsieur le Cardinal, rightly belongs the pleasure of reading -aloud your brother's letter. It is not addressed to the king, but to -France." - -"What, Sire!" said the cardinal, "does your Majesty really wish--" - -"It is my desire, Monsieur le Cardinal, that you should accept the honor -which is your due." - -Charles de Lorraine bowed, and took the letter respectfully from the -king's hands, unfolded it, and amid profound silence read what -follows:-- - - -"SIRE,--Calais is in our power; we have wrested in one week from the -English a city which cost them a year's siege two centuries ago. - -"Guines and Ham, the last two posts which are still in their possession -in France, can now hold out but a short time; and I venture to promise -your Majesty that within a fortnight our hereditary enemies will have -been definitely expelled from the kingdom. - -"I thought it my duty to be generous to the conquered. They gave up -their artillery and their supplies; but the terms of capitulation to -which I gave my assent allowed all such inhabitants of Calais as might -so desire to withdraw", with their property, to England. Indeed, perhaps -it would have been hazardous to leave so potent an element of discord in -a newly-captured city. - -"The number of dead and wounded is very small, thanks to the rapidity -with which the place was carried. - -"Time and leisure fail me, Sire, to furnish your Majesty with more ample -details to-day. Being myself seriously wounded--" - - -At this point the cardinal turned pale, and ceased to read. - -"What, our cousin wounded!" cried the king, feigning anxiety. - -"Your Majesty and your Eminence may be reassured," said Gabriel. -"Monsieur le Duc de Guise's wound will have no serious results, thank -God! At present there remains of its effects nought but a noble scar -upon his face and the glorious surname of _Le Balafré_." - -The cardinal had meanwhile read a few lines in advance, and convinced -himself that what Gabriel said was true, and with renewed calmness -resumed his reading as follows:-- - - -"Being myself seriously wounded the very day of our entry into Calais, I -was saved by the prompt assistance and marvellous skill of a young -surgeon, Master Ambroise Paré; but I am still very weak, and -consequently obliged to forego the pleasure of writing more at length to -your Majesty. - -"You will be able to learn further details from him who brings to you -with this letter the keys of the city, along with the English flags, and -of whom I must say a word to your Majesty before I close. - -"For it is not to me, Sire, by any means, that all the honor of this -marvellous capture of Calais belongs. I have striven to contribute to it -with all my power with the aid of our gallant troops; but we owe the -first conception of it, as well as the means of execution and its final -success, to the bearer of this letter, Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès--" - - -"It would appear, Monsieur," the king interposed, addressing Gabriel, -"that our cousin does not yet know you under your new name." - -"Sire," replied Gabriel, "I should not have presumed to assume it for -the first time except in your Majesty's presence." - -At a sign from the king, the cardinal continued,-- - - -"In fact, I must admit that I had never dreamed of this hold stroke when -Monsieur d'Exmès sought me out at the Louvre, laid bare to me his -sublime project, answered my objections and did away with my doubts, and -finally induced me to undertake this unprecedented exploit, which would -be sufficient of itself, Sire, to make a reign glorious. - -"But that is not all. The risks of such a momentous undertaking were not -to be lightly incurred; it was essential that the counsel of long -experience should give its sanction to the dream of ardent courage. -Monsieur d'Exmès provided the means of introducing Monsieur le -Maréchal Strozzi into Calais in disguise, and thus of obtaining -accurate information as to the opportunities of attack and means of -defence. Beyond that, he gave us an exact detailed plan of the ramparts -and fortified positions, so that we made our approaches to Calais with -as much confidence as if the walls had been of glass. - -"Before the walls of the city, and in all the assaults, at the Nieullay -fort and the Old Château,--everywhere, in fact, Vicomte d'Exmès, at -the head of a small band, raised at his own expense, performed prodigies -of valor. But on those occasions he was only on a level with many of our -gallant captains, who cannot, in my humble opinion, be surpassed. -Therefore I touch but lightly upon the proofs of gallantry which he -afforded on every occasion, to confine myself to those deeds in which he -stands alone, and without a compeer. - -"Thus, the Risbank fort, which at once protected from attack and -afforded free entrance to Calais on the ocean side, would have made it -possible for strong reinforcements from England to be thrown into the -city. In that event we should have been lost,--nay, exterminated; our -gigantic enterprise would have proved a failure, and made us the -laughing-stock of all Europe. The question then was how, without ships, -we could carry a fort which was defended by the ocean? Very well! -Vicomte d'Exmès performed that miracle. In the night-time, alone with -his volunteers upon a little boat, aided by a secret understanding with -certain parties within the walls, he succeeded, after a hazardous voyage -and an escalading feat terrible to think of, in planting the French flag -upon that impregnable fort." - - -At this point, notwithstanding the king's presence, the reading was -interrupted for a moment by a murmur of admiration which nothing could -restrain, and which burst from that assemblage of illustrious and -valiant men as if it were the irresistible expression of the feeling of -all hearts. - -Gabriel's bearing, as he stood with lowered eyes, calm and dignified and -modest, two or three paces from the king, added to the favorable -impression caused by the narration of his exploit, and attracted the -admiration of the young women and the old soldiers at once. - -The king, too, was touched; and the glance which he gave the hero of -this glorious adventure showed signs of a softer feeling for him. Madame -de Poitiers alone bit her colorless lips, while Monsieur de Montmorency -knit his thick eyebrows savagely. - -The cardinal, after this brief interruption, resumed the reading of his -brother's letter. - - -"The Risbank fort once won, the city was ours. The English men-of-war -did not dare to risk a hopeless attack. Three days after, we entered -Calais in triumph, sustained even then by a well-planned diversion by -Monsieur d'Exmès's allies in the city, and by a vigorous sortie which -he himself led. - -"It was in this final struggle, Sire, that I received the terrible wound -which almost cost me my life; and if I may be allowed to call attention -to a service personal to myself amid so many public services, I will add -that Monsieur d'Exmès, almost by force, brought to what nearly proved -to be my death-bed Master Paré, the surgeon who saved my life." - - -"Oh, Monsieur, let me thank you in my turn," said Charles de Lorraine, -interrupting himself, with deep emotion. - -Then he resumed with even more warmth and vigor of expression, as if it -were his brother himself who was speaking. - - -"Sire, the honor and credit of such brilliant success is commonly -awarded to the one under whose leadership it has been achieved. Monsieur -d'Exmès, first of all, as modest as he is great, would freely consent -that his name should be lost to sight in favor of mine. Nevertheless, I -have deemed it proper to apprise your Majesty that the youth who hands -you this letter has in fact been both the head and the arm of our -enterprise, and that, except for him, Calais, where I am at this moment -writing, would still be an English city. Monsieur d'Exmès has requested -me to make this declaration, if I were willing, to the king's ear -alone,--but to be sure to make it to him. It is that which I now do, in -a voice loud with gratitude and joy. - -"It was no more than my duty to give Monsieur d'Exmès this honorable -certificate. The rest is for you, Sire. It is a right which I envy you, -but which I cannot usurp, nor do I wish to do so. It seems to me that -the gift of a reconquered city and the assurance of the integrity of a -kingdom can hardly be paid for with presents. - -"It would appear, however, from what Monsieur d'Exmès has told me, that -your Majesty has in your hands a prize worthy of his achievement. I can -well believe it, Sire; but none but a king--yea, none but a great king -like your Majesty--can bestow upon such a kingly exploit any reward -approximate to its value. - -"With this, Sire, I pray God to grant you a long life and a happy reign. - -"And I am your Majesty's - - "Most humble and obedient servant and subject, - - "FRANÇOIS DE LORRAINE. - -"_Given at Calais, this 8th January_, 1558." - - -When Charles de Lorraine had finished his reading and restored the -letter to the king's hands, the movement of approbation, which expressed -the restrained congratulation of the whole court, manifested itself -anew, and once more made Gabriel's heart leap with joy, mightily moved -as he was despite his apparent calmness. If respect for the king's -presence had not imposed bounds upon their enthusiasm, the young -conqueror would doubtless have been welcomed most warmly and with -unstinted applause. - -The king instinctively felt this general impulse; moreover, he partook -of it to some extent, and he could not refrain from saying to Gabriel, -as if he had been the interpreter of the unexpressed feeling of all,-- - -"It is well, Monsieur! You have done exceedingly well! I earnestly hope -that, as Monsieur de Guise gives me to understand, it may really be in -our power to recompense you in a manner worthy of yourself and of me." - -"Sire," replied Gabriel, "I have but one ambition, and your Majesty well -knows what that--" - -But as Henri made an expressive gesture, he hastened to add,-- - -"Pardon me, Sire, but my commissions are not yet fully executed." - -"What remains for you to do?" asked the king. - -"Sire, a letter from Madame de Castro for your Majesty." - -"From Madame de Castro?" repeated Henri, eagerly. - -With a quick and impulsive movement, he rose from his seat, and -descended the steps which led to the royal platform, took Diane's letter -with his own hands, and said in a low tone to Gabriel,-- - -"It is true, Monsieur, you not only restore a daughter to the king, but -a child to her father. I am doubly indebted to you. But let me read the -letter." - -As the courtiers, still motionless and mute, were respectfully awaiting -the king's commands, Henri, feeling annoyed by this observant silence, -added aloud,-- - -"Let me not restrain the expression of your gratification, Messieurs. I -have no further news to give you; what remains is a private matter -between myself and the messenger of our cousin De Guise. So you have -only to discuss the glad intelligence, and congratulate yourselves upon -it; and you are quite free now to do so, Messieurs." - -The royal permission was quickly accepted; the party separated into -groups and began to converse, and soon nothing was to be heard but the -indistinct and confused buzzing which is always the combined result of a -hundred different conversations in the same room. - -Madame de Poitiers and the constable still thought of nothing but -keeping watch upon the king and Gabriel. - -With an interchange of speaking glances, they had communicated their -mutual dread to one another; and Diane, by a slight and almost -imperceptible movement, had drawn near her royal lover. - -Henri did not notice the jealous couple, being entirely absorbed by his -daughter's letter. - -"Dear Diane! Poor dear Diane!" he was whispering, deeply moved. - -When he had read the letter to the end, carried away by his kingly -nature, whose first, spontaneous impulse was certainly liberal and just, -he said to Gabriel, almost aloud, "Madame de Castro also commends her -liberator to me, and it is just that she should. She tells me, Monsieur, -that you not only rescued her from captivity, but that you have also -saved her honor." - -"Oh, I but did my duty, Sire!" said Gabriel. - -"Then must I not fail in mine," returned Henri, warmly. "It is for you -to speak now, Monsieur. Tell me what you desire at our hands, _Monsieur -le Vicomte de Montgommery_!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -JOY AND ANGUISH - - -Monsieur le Vicomte de Montgommery! At that name which, when pronounced -by the king, seemed to promise all that he wanted, Gabriel's heart -fairly leaped for joy. - -Henri clearly intended to pardon his father. - -"See! he gives way," said Madame de Poitiers, beneath her breath to the -constable, who had come to her side. - -"Let us wait our opportunity," said Monsieur de Montmorency, without -losing his self-possession. - -"Sire," Gabriel was saying to the king, more easily moved as his custom -was by hope than by fear, "Sire, it cannot be necessary for me to repeat -to your Majesty what favor it is that I venture to ask of your kindness, -your benevolence,--I may say, of your sense of justice. Having, I trust, -accomplished what your Majesty asked of me, may I hope that your Majesty -will condescend to grant my request! Have you forgotten your promise, or -do you choose to redeem it?" - -"Yes, Monsieur, I will redeem it, upon the condition that silence is to -be maintained as we agreed," Henri replied, without hesitation. - -"That condition, Sire, shall be exactly and rigorously observed; to that -I pledge my honor anew," said Gabriel. - -"Come hither, then, Monsieur," said the king. - -Gabriel approached him. The Cardinal de Lorraine discreetly stepped -aside; but Madame de Poitiers, who was seated by Henri's side, did not -stir, and was doubtless able to hear what was said, although the king -lowered his voice so that it might reach Gabriel's ear alone. - -However, this watchful surveillance did not disturb the king's -determination, it must be confessed; for he continued firmly,-- - -"Monsieur le Vicomte de Montgommery, you are a valiant subject whom I -esteem and honor. Even when you are in possession of what you crave and -have so nobly earned, we shall still be far from having discharged our -indebtedness to you. However, take this ring, and present it to the -governor of the Châtelet at eight o'clock to-morrow morning. He will be -advised of your coming, and will deliver to you on the spot the object -of your sublime and holy quest." - -Gabriel, who felt as if his knees were tottering from excess of joy, -could restrain himself no longer, but fell at the king's feet. - -"Ah, Sire!" said he, his breast heaving with emotion and his eyes wet -with tears of happiness, "all the force and energy of which I may claim -to have given proof I hereby devote to your Majesty's service for the -rest of my life, as I would have devoted them to the service of my -hatred if you had said 'no.'" - -"Really?" said the king, smiling good-humoredly. - -"Yes, Sire, I confess it; and you ought to understand me, since you have -pardoned my father. Yes, I believe I would have haunted your Majesty and -your Majesty's children, as I will now defend and protect you and love -you in them. Before God, who punishes all false swearing sooner or -later, I will keep my oath of fidelity just as I would have kept my oath -of vengeance." - -"Well, we shall see! Rise, Monsieur," said the king, still smiling. -"Calm yourself; and to restore your self-control, tell me some details -of this unhoped-for success at Calais, of which it seems to me I shall -never tire of hearing and speaking." - -By this means Henri retained Gabriel by his side more than an hour, -asking questions and listening, and making him repeat everything, even -to the most minute details, a hundred times without seeming to grow -weary. - -Then he handed the young hero over to the tender mercies of the ladies, -who were eager to have their turn at questioning him. - -But in the first place the Cardinal de Lorraine, who was quite without -information as to Gabriel's antecedents, and saw in him only his -brother's friend and protégé, insisted upon presenting him to the -queen. - -Catherine de Médicis, in the presence of the whole court, was obliged -to extend her thanks and congratulations to the man who had won so -glorious a victory for the king. But she did it with noticeable coldness -and reserve; and the stern and contemptuous glance of her gray eyes gave -the lie in a great measure to the words which fell from her lips, but -which did not express the sentiments of her heart. - -Gabriel, while thanking Catherine in respectful terms, was conscious of -a freezing sensation at his heart when he heard her lying compliments, -beneath which he seemed to discern, as he recalled the past, an ironical -and hidden threat. - -As he turned to withdraw after paying his respects to Catherine de -Médicis, he saw a sight which was quite sufficient to justify his -presentiment of evil. - -He chanced to look toward the king, and saw with terror that Diane de -Poitiers was conversing in whispers with him, with her wicked, sardonic -smile. The more Henri II. seemed to remonstrate, the more persistent she -seemed to become. - -Finally, she called the constable, who also talked with the king with -much earnestness for a long time. - -Gabriel saw all this from a distance. Not one of his enemies' movements -escaped him, and he suffered the torments of the damned. - -But just when his heart was being thus torn by conflicting emotions, the -young queen-dauphine, Mary Stuart, approached him gayly, and overwhelmed -him with compliments and questions. - -Gabriel, despite his anxiety, exerted all his powers to reply to her. - -"Why, it's magnificent!" said Mary, enthusiastically, "is it not, my -dear Dauphin?" she added, addressing François, her youthful husband, -who joined cordially in his wife's friendly words. - -"What would one not do to deserve such kind words?" said Gabriel, whose -distraught eyes never left the group composed of the king, Diane, and -the constable. - -"When I felt attracted to you by a strangely sympathetic feeling some -time ago," continued Mary Stuart, with the charming grace that was -peculiar to her, "it was doubtless because my heart foresaw that you -would contribute this marvellous achievement to the glory of my dear -uncle De Guise. Ah, I would that I, like the king, had the power of -rewarding you! But a woman, alas! has neither titles nor honors at her -disposal." - -"Oh, but I really have all that I could ask for in the world!" said -Gabriel. At the same time he was thinking to himself, "The king no -longer replies, he listens simply." - -"Well, then," rejoined Mary Stuart, "if I had the power, I would create -desires in you so that I might gratify them. But at this moment, see, I -have nothing but this bunch of violets which the gardener at the -Tournelles just sent me as a great rarity after the late frost. With the -permission of Monseigneur le Dauphin, I will give you these flowers as a -memento of the day. Will you accept them?" - -"Oh, Madame!" cried Gabriel, kissing respectfully the fair hand that -offered them. - -"Flowers," continued Mary Stuart, dreamily, "offer us their sweet odor -when we are glad, and comfort us in times of sorrow. I may be very -unhappy some day, but I shall never be altogether so as long as I am -allowed to have flowers near me. It is understood of course, Monsieur -d'Exmès, that to you, in this hour of good fortune and triumph, I offer -them only for their perfume." - -"Who knows," said Gabriel, shaking his head sadly,--"who knows if I, -triumphant and fortunate as you say, do not need them rather to comfort -and console me?" - -His gaze, even while he was speaking, was still fastened upon the king, -who for the moment seemed to be thinking deeply, and yielding to the -arguments always more and more earnest of Madame de Poitiers and the -constable. - -Gabriel could but tremble at the thought that the favorite must have -overheard the king's promise, and that his father and himself were -undoubtedly the subject of their conversation. - -The young queen-dauphine left him, with some gentle raillery upon his -preoccupation. - -At this moment Admiral de Coligny came up to him, and, in his turn, -offered his hearty felicitations upon his success in maintaining and -surpassing at Calais the renown he had won at St. Quentin. - -The poor fellow had never seemed to be so petted by fate or more worthy -of envy than when he was enduring such tortures as he had never before -imagined. - -"You are quite as successful," said the admiral, "in gaining victories -as in minimizing the effects of defeat. I am more than proud to have -foreseen your extraordinary merit, and my only regret is that I was not -present to share with you the dangers of this noble feat of arms, so -fortunate for you and so glorious for France." - -"Other occasions will not be lacking, Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel. - -"I am much inclined to doubt it," said Coligny, with some sadness. "May -God grant that if we do ever meet again upon a battle-field, it may not -be on opposing sides!" - -"May Heaven forefend, indeed!" exclaimed Gabriel, earnestly; "what mean -you by those words, Monsieur l'Amiral?" - -"Four adherents of the Religion have been burned alive during the last -month," replied Coligny. "The Reformers, who are growing every day in -numbers and in power, will eventually grow weary of this hateful and -iniquitous persecution. Even now two armies might be formed, I fear, -from the two parties into which France is divided." - -"'Well?" said Gabriel, inquiringly. - -"Well, Monsieur d'Exmès, despite the walk which we took together to the -Rue St. Jacques, you retained your freedom of action, and only bound -yourself at your own discretion. But now you seem to me to be too high -in favor at court, and justly so, not to be enrolled in the king's army, -as against the heresy, as it is called." - -"I think that you are mistaken, Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel, whose -eyes never left the king. "I have every reason to think, on the other -hand, that I shall very soon have the right to march in the ranks of the -oppressed against the oppressors." - -"What! What do you mean?" asked the admiral. "You are pale, Gabriel, and -your voice falters. Pray, what is the matter?" - -"Oh, nothing, nothing, Monsieur l'Amiral! But I must leave you. _Au -revoir_! We shall soon meet again." - -Gabriel had observed an acquiescent gesture made by the king; whereupon -Monsieur de Montmorency had left the room at once, darting a triumphant -glance at Diane as he went. - -However, the reception came to an end a few moments later; and Gabriel, -as he was bowing to the king on taking his leave, ventured to say,-- - -"Sire, until to-morrow." - -"Until to-morrow, Monsieur," the king replied. - -But as he spoke Henri avoided Gabriel's eye; he even turned away, nor -did he smile any longer, while Madame de Poitiers's face was beaming. - -Gabriel, whom every one thought to see radiant with joy and hope, -withdrew with grief and terror at his heart. - -All the evening he haunted the neighborhood of the Châtelet. - -He regained his courage to some slight extent when time passed without -his seeing Monsieur de Montmorency leave the prison. - -Then he felt the royal signet on his finger, and recalled the solemn -words of Henri II., which left no chance for doubt, and which could not -conceal a deception,--"The object of your sublime and holy ambition -shall be restored to you." - -Courage! The night which still separated Gabriel from the decisive -moment seemed more than a year long. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES - - -What Gabriel thought and what he suffered during those mortal hours God -only knows; for when he returned to his own house he said nothing to his -retainers, nor even to his nurse. From that moment began an absorbed and -concentrated dumb life, so to speak,--a life all action, and very -sparing of words, to which he devoted himself strictly from this time -on, as if he had tacitly taken vows of silence. - -Consequently, the disappointed hopes, energetic resolutions, projects of -love or vengeance,--everything, in short, that Gabriel thought or -dreamed, or vowed in his own heart that night remained a secret between -his noble heart and his God. - -Not till eight o'clock could he present himself at the Châtelet, with -the ring given him by the king,--the talisman which was to open all the -doors, not to him alone, but to his father. - -Until six in the morning Gabriel remained alone in his room, and refused -to speak with any person. - -At that hour he descended to the first floor, all clad and equipped as -if for a long journey. He had asked the nurse the night before to give -him all the money she could get together. - -The people of his household were most earnest in offering their services -to him. The four volunteers who had come in his suite from Calais were -foremost in placing themselves at his disposal; but he thanked them most -heartily, and dismissed them, retaining only the page André, the latest -comer, and his nurse Aloyse. - -"My good Aloyse," he began, "I am expecting from day to day the arrival -of two guests, friends of mine, from Calais,--Jean Peuquoy and his wife -Babette. It may be, Aloyse, that I shall not be here to receive them; -but even in my absence,--nay, especially in my absence,--I beg you, -Aloyse, to make them welcome, and treat them as if they were my brother -and sister. Babette already knows you well from having heard me speak of -you a hundred times. She will trust in you as a daughter in her mother; -so I entreat you, in the name of your affection for me, to show her a -mother's tenderness and indulgence." - -"I promise you I will, Monseigneur," said the kind-hearted nurse, simply; -"and you know that from me those words are sufficient. Have no anxiety -about your guests, for they shall want for nothing in the way of bodily -comfort." - -"Thanks, Aloyse," said Gabriel, pressing her hand. "Now for you, -André!" said he to the page whom Madame Diane de Castro had given him. -"I have certain last commissions of grave importance which I must -confide to a trusty hand, and I have selected you, André, to execute -them, because you take the place of my faithful Martin-Guerre." - -"I am at your command, Monseigneur," said André. - -"Listen carefully to what I say," continued Gabriel. "In an hour I shall -leave this house alone; if I return in a short time, you will have -nothing to do,--or rather, I shall have different orders to give you. -But it is possible that I may not return,--not to-day, that is, nor -to-morrow, nor for a long time to come--" - -The nurse, in despair, raised her clasped hands heavenward imploringly. -André interrupted his master. - -"Pardon, Monseigneur! you say that you may not return here for a long -time?" - -"Yes, André." - -"And am I not to accompany you?--and perhaps not to see you again for a -long while?" added André, who seemed both sorrowful and embarrassed at -this information. - -"That may well be, no doubt," said Gabriel. - -"But Madame de Castro," rejoined the page, "before I quitted her -intrusted to my care a message, a letter for Monseigneur--" - -"And you have never yet given it to me, André?" said Gabriel, warmly. - -"Pardon me, Monseigneur," André replied; "I was instructed not to -deliver it unless you were to return from the Louvre either very -sorrowful or in a state of angry excitement. Only in such case Madame -Diane told me to give Monsieur d'Exmès the letter, which contained what -might be a warning to him and perhaps a consolation." - -"Give it me, quickly, give it me!" cried Gabriel. "Advice and -consolation could not arrive more opportunely, I fear." - -André drew from his doublet a letter very carefully wrapped up, and -handed it to his new master; Gabriel hurriedly broke the seal, and -withdrew to a window recess to read it. - -This is what he read:-- - - -MY FRIEND,--Amid all the anguish and all the dreams of this last night, -which separates me from you, perhaps forever, the most terrible thought -which has torn my heart is this:-- - -It may be that, in carrying out the momentous and formidable duty which -you are about to undertake with such brave heart, you may come in -contact, nay, even in conflict, with the king. It may be that the -unforeseen issue of your struggle will force you to hate the king, or -even incite you to visit your wrath upon him. - -Gabriel, I do not yet know if he is my father, but I do know that he has -until now cherished me as his child. The mere dread of your vengeance -makes me shudder while I write, and its accomplishment would be my -death-blow. - -And yet the duty which depends upon my own birth may perhaps compel me -to think as you do; perhaps I, like you, may have to avenge him whom I -shall hereafter know as my father upon him who has hitherto been a -father to me,--frightful thought! - -But while doubt and darkness still hide the solution of this terrible -enigma from my sight, while I am still ignorant on which side my hatred -belongs and on which my love, Gabriel, I implore you,--and if you have -loved me, you will obey me, Gabriel,--respect the person of the king. - -I can reason now, without passion at least, if not without emotion; and -I feel, yes, I am sure, that it is not for man to punish man, but for -God. - -So, dear friend, whatever happens, do not try to take from the hands of -God the prerogative of chastisement, even to strike a criminal. - -If he whom I have until now called my father is guilty, and being only -human, he may be, do not be his judge, far less his executioner. Have no -fear; the Lord will judge him, and the Lord will avenge you more -terribly than you could do yourself. Leave your cause fearlessly to His -justice. - -Unless God makes you the involuntary and, in some sort, fatal instrument -of His pitiless justice; unless He makes use of your hand in your own -despite; unless you strike the blow unwillingly and without wishing -it,--Gabriel, do not constitute yourself his judge, and above all things -do not with your own hand carry out the sentence. - -Do this for love of me, my friend. In mercy's name I ask it; and it is -the last prayer and the last despairing cry to your heart from - - DIANE DE CASTRO. - - -Gabriel read the letter twice from beginning to end; but meanwhile, -André and the nurse could detect no sign of emotion on his pale face -save the mournful smile which had become so familiar there. - -When he had refolded Diane's letter and hidden it in his breast, he -remained silent for a time, with bent head and in deep thought. - -Then, as if awaking from a dream,-- - -"It is well," he said aloud. "The orders I have to give you, André, are -not changed; and if, as I was saying, I do not soon return, whether you -learn anything about me, or whether you do not hear my name mentioned, -whatever happens or does not happen, remember my words,--this is what -you are to do." - -"I am listening, Monseigneur," said André, "and I will obey you in -every detail; for I love you, and am your devoted servant." - -"Madame de Castro," said Gabriel, "will be at Paris within a few days. -Make arrangements to be informed of her arrival as soon as possible." - -"It will be very easy to do that, Monseigneur." - -"Go to her at once if you can," continued Gabriel, "and deliver this -sealed package from me. Take especial care not to lose it, André, -although it contains nothing of value to any one else,--a lady's veil, -nothing more. But no matter! Do you yourself deliver this veil to her in -person, and say to her--" - -"What shall I say, Monseigneur?" asked André, seeing that his master -was hesitating. - -"No, say nothing to her," Gabriel resumed, "except that she is free, and -that I give back to her all her promises, even that of which this veil -is the pledge." - -"Is that all, Monseigneur?" asked the page. - -"That is all," said Gabriel. "But, André, if nothing has been heard of -me, and you see that Madame de Castro is a little anxious, you may -add--But for what good? No, add nothing, André. Ask her, if you choose, -to take you back into her service. Otherwise, come back here and await -my return." - -"That is to say, Monseigneur, that you will surely come back?" asked the -nurse, with tears in her eyes. "But when you said that perhaps we should -not hear any more of you--" - -"Perhaps that would be best, dear Mother," said Gabriel, "that you -should hear nothing of me. In any event, hope for the best, and await my -return." - -"Hope, when you have disappeared from all eyes, even from those of your -poor nurse! Ah, it is very hard to hope!" replied Aloyse. - -"But who said that I should disappear?" returned Gabriel. "Ought I not -to provide for every contingency? For my own part, never fear; whatever -precautions I may take I rely upon embracing you again very soon, -Aloyse, with all the gratitude of my heart. That is most probable; for -Providence is a kind and loving mother to him who implores her -protection. Did I not begin, too, by saying to André that all my -injunctions to him would probably be useless and void in the almost -certain event of my return to-day?" - -"May God bless you for those dear words, Monseigneur!" cried poor -Aloyse, moved beyond expression. - -"Have you no other orders to give, Monseigneur, to be executed during -your absence?--which may God make of brief duration!" asked André. - -"Wait a moment," said Gabriel, as a thought seemed suddenly to occur to -him. Seating himself at a table, he wrote the following letter to -Coligny:-- - - -MONSIEUR L'AMIRAL,--I propose to instruct myself in the principles of -your religion, and you may count me as one of you after to-day. - -Whatever may be the instrument of my conversion, whether your persuasive -words or some other motive, I, nevertheless, devote irrevocably to your -cause and that of the oppressed religion my heart, my life, and my -sword. - -Your very humble companion and good friend, - - GABRIEL DE MONTGOMMERY. - - -"Deliver this as well, if I fail to return," said Gabriel, handing the -letter sealed to André. "And now, my dear friends, I must say adieu, -and leave you. The time has come." - -Half an hour later Gabriel knocked with trembling hand at the great door -of the Châtelet. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -THE SECRET PRISONER - - -Monsieur de Salvoison, the governor of the Châtelet who had received -Gabriel at his first visit, had recently died, and the new governor was -Monsieur de Sazerac. - -It was to him that the young man was escorted. Anxiety, with its iron -hand, had seized poor Gabriel's throat so tightly that he could not -utter a single word; but he silently presented the ring which the king -had given him to the governor. - -Monsieur de Sazerac bowed gravely. - -"I was expecting you, Monsieur," he said; "I received an hour ago the -order in which you are interested. My instructions are, upon -presentation of this ring, and without asking any other explanation from -you, to deliver to you the nameless prisoner who has been detained for -many years in the Châtelet under the designation of Number 21. Am I -right, Monsieur?" - -"Yes, yes, Monsieur," replied Gabriel, eagerly; for hope returning had -restored his voice. "And this order, Monsieur le Gouverneur?" - -"I am ready to execute, Monsieur." - -"Oh, oh! Can it really be?" said Gabriel, shaking from head to foot. - -"It surely is so," replied Monsieur de Sazerac, with an accent in which -an indifferent person might have detected a shade of sadness and -bitterness. - -But Gabriel was too distracted and excited by his joy. "Ah, it is true, -then!" cried he. "I do not dream. My eyes are open. My insane terrors -were dreams; and you are really going to deliver this prisoner to me, -Monsieur? Oh, I thank thee, my God! And thanks to thee, Sire! But come, -let us go quickly, Monsieur, I beseech you." - -He took two or three steps as if to lead the way before Monsieur de -Sazerac; but his strength, so vigorous and inexhaustible in the face of -suffering and danger, failed him in the excess of his joy. He was -obliged to stop for a moment, for his heart was beating so violently and -so fast that he thought he should suffocate. - -Poor human nature was too weak to undergo such a tumult of conflicting -emotions. - -The almost despaired-of realization of such far-off hopes and the end -and aim of his whole life,--the goal of his superhuman efforts suddenly -attained; gratitude to the loyal king and the just God; filial love at -last to be satisfied; another passion, still more ardent, to be at last -decided for better or worse,--such a multitude of feelings, all aroused -and excited at the same moment, made poor Gabriel's heart overflow. - -But amid this inexpressible whirl of emotions and almost insane -happiness, his least confused thoughts framed themselves into something -like a hymn of thanksgiving to Henri II., to whom he owed this delirium -of joy. - -Gabriel repeated over and over again in his grateful heart his oath to -devote his whole life to this truehearted king and his children. How, in -God's name, could he for one moment have doubted so noble and excellent -a monarch! - -But at last, shaking off his ecstatic mood, he said to the governor, who -had stopped beside him,-- - -"Pardon, Monsieur! Pardon this weakness which overcame me for a moment. -Joy, you see, is sometimes too heavy a load to carry." - -"Oh, do not apologize, Monsieur, I beg!" replied the governor, in a deep -voice. - -This time Gabriel noticed the tone in which he spoke, and fixed his eyes -upon him. - -Nowhere could a more kindly, open, and honest face be found. Everything -about this prison-governor indicated sincerity and kindness of heart. - -Strangely enough, the emotion which at that moment was depicted upon the -good man's features, while he observed Gabriel's exuberant happiness, -was heartfelt compassion. - -Gabriel caught the singular expression, and every vestige of color fled -from his cheeks as a presentiment of evil laid hold upon his heart. - -But such was his nature that this ill-defined dread, suddenly intruding -upon his happiness, served only to impart renewed energy to his valiant -soul y and standing proudly erect, he said to the governor,-- - -"Come, Monsieur, let us go. I am strong again now, and quite ready." - -Gabriel and Monsieur de Sazerac thereupon went down into the prison, -preceded by a valet carrying a torch. - -Gabriel found gloomy souvenirs at every step, and recognized at the -windings of the corridors and on the staircases the dark walls which he -had seen before, and the sombre impressions which he had experienced on -his former visit without being able to explain them. - -When they reached the iron door of the dungeon in which he had, with so -strange a feeling at his heart, visited the haggard, dumb prisoner, he -stopped abruptly. - -"He is there," said he, with beating heart. - -But Monsieur de Sazerac sorrowfully shook his head. - -"No," he replied, "he is no longer there." - -"What!" ejaculated Gabriel. "No longer there! Are you mocking me, -Monsieur?" - -"Oh, Monsieur!" said the governor, in mild reproach. - -A cold sweat moistened Gabriel's brow. - -"Pardon, pardon," he murmured. "But what do your words imply? Oh, tell -me; speak quickly!" - -"I am very much grieved to inform you, Monsieur, that last evening the -secret prisoner confined here was transferred to a floor below this." - -"Ah!" said Gabriel, bewildered. "Why was that, pray?" - -"He had been warned, Monsieur, as I think you know, that if he should so -much as make an attempt to speak to any person whatsoever, if he uttered -the slightest exclamation, and muttered a name, even in response to a -question, he would be immediately transferred to a deeper and more -terrible and deadly dungeon than his own." - -"I know all that," muttered Gabriel, in so low a tone that it did not -reach the governor's ear. - -"Once before, Monsieur," continued Monsieur de Sazerac, "the prisoner -had ventured to disobey that order, and it was then that he was -transferred to this dungeon which is before us, and which you have -seen,--harsh and cruel enough, God knows. It seems, Monsieur, or so I -have been told, that you were informed when you visited the prison -before of the doom of eternal silence which he was compelled to undergo, -even though alive." - -"Yes, yes," said Gabriel, almost insane with impatient dread. "Well, -Monsieur?" - -"Yesterday evening," continued Monsieur de Sazerac, with sorrow and -commiseration in his tones, "just before the outer doors were closed for -the night, a man came to the Châtelet,--a man of eminence, whose name I -cannot mention." - -"No matter; go on!" exclaimed Gabriel. - -"This man," pursued the governor, "gave orders that he should be taken -to the cell of Number 21. I accompanied him alone. He spoke to the -prisoner without at first obtaining a reply, and I hoped that the old -man would come out triumphantly from this ordeal; for full half an hour -he maintained an immovable silence in the face of all the importunities -and provocations that were showered upon him." - -Gabriel breathed a deep sigh, and raised his eyes to heaven, but said -not a word to interrupt the governor's dolorous recital. - -"Unfortunately, the prisoner at last, upon something which was whispered -in his ear, rose to a sitting posture, tears gushed from his stony eyes, -and he spoke, Monsieur. I was instructed to narrate all these -particulars to you, so that you might the more readily believe my word -as a gentleman when I add, 'The prisoner spoke.' I declare to you, with -sorrow, but upon my honor, that I myself heard him." - -"And then?" asked Gabriel, brokenly. - -"Thereupon," replied Monsieur de Sazerac, "I was required, in spite of -my earnest remonstrances and my entreaties, to fulfil the inhuman duty -which my office imposed upon me,--to obey a power higher than mine, and -which would have been at no loss to find more willing instruments had I -refused,--and to cause the prisoner to be transferred by his dumb jailer -to the dungeon beneath this." - -"The dungeon beneath this!" cried Gabriel. "Ah, let us go quickly, for I -am bringing him deliverance at last!" - -The governor sadly shook his head; but Gabriel saw not the motion, for -he was already rushing down the slippery and dilapidated steps which led -to the lowest depths of the gloomy prison. - -Monsieur de Sazerac took the torch from the hands of the attendant, whom -he dismissed with a motion, of his hand, and followed Gabriel, with his -handkerchief over his mouth. - -At every step the air grew fouler and more suffocating. When they -reached the foot of the staircase they were fairly gasping for breath, -and the feeling was instinctive that nothing could live more than a few -moments in that atmosphere, save the unclean creatures they were -crushing beneath their feet. - -But Gabriel never thought of that. He took from the governor's trembling -hands the rusty key that he handed him, and opening the heavy, -worm-eaten door, rushed headlong into the dungeon. - -By the light of the torch a form could be distinguished in a corner -stretched upon a heap of foul straw. - -Gabriel threw himself upon the body, drew it from the corner, and tried -to restore it to life, crying,-- - -"Father, father!" - -Monsieur de Sazerac fairly shook with horror at that cry. - -The arms and the head of the old man fell back inert and lifeless under -Gabriel's caressing hands. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -THE COMTE DE MONTGOMMERY - - -Gabriel, still kneeling beside the lifeless mass, raised his pale, -bewildered countenance, and cast a glance of ominous tranquillity around -him. He seemed to be questioning himself and pondering deeply; and his -almost unnatural calm touched and alarmed Monsieur de Sazerac more than -all the outcry and sobbing in the world would have done. - -Suddenly, as if the idea that life might not be extinct had just -occurred to him, he hurriedly placed his hand over the heart of the -corpse. - -For a moment or two he felt and listened eagerly. - -"Nothing!" he then said in a firm but gentle voice, which was terrible -for those very qualities; "nothing!--the heart no longer beats, but the -flesh is still warm." - -"What a marvellously strong constitution!" the governor muttered; "he -might have lived for a long time to come." - -All this time the eyes had remained open. Gabriel leaned over and closed -them with reverent touch. Then he imprinted a respectful and loving -kiss, the first and the last, upon the poor wasted lids, which had been -wet with so many bitter tears. - -"Monsieur," observed Monsieur de Sazerac, hoping to divert Gabriel from -his terrifying contemplation of the inert body before him, "if the -deceased was dear to you--" - -"Dear to me, Monsieur!" Gabriel interrupted; "why, yes,--he was my -father." - -"Very well, Monsieur, if you desire to pay the last sad honors to his -memory, I am directed to allow you to remove the body from this place." - -"Ah, indeed!" replied Gabriel, with the same terrible calmness. "He is -strictly just with me, then, and is keeping his word to me with great -exactitude, I must confess. You must know, Monsieur le Gouverneur, that -he swore to restore my father to me. He is restored to me: behold him! I -recognize the fact that there was no undertaking to restore him to me -alive." - -He laughed a harsh, unpleasant laugh. - -"Come, courage!" rejoined Monsieur de Sazerac. "It is time now to say -adieu to him for whom you weep." - -"I am doing so, as you see, Monsieur." - -"Yes, but I mean that you really must leave this place at once. The air -that we breathe here is not fit for human lungs, and a longer stay in -this poisonous miasma might be very dangerous." - -"Here is a proof of it before our eyes," said Gabriel, pointing to the -body of his father. - -"Come, come, we must be going!" replied the governor, taking the poor -fellow's arm to force him away. - -"Yes, yes, I will follow you," said Gabriel; "but for God's sake, leave -me here a few moments longer!" - -Monsieur de Sazerac made a sign of assent, and withdrew as far as the -door, where the air was less noxious and heavy. - -Gabriel, on his knees by the side of the dead man, and with head bent -and hands hanging at his side, remained mute and motionless for some -moments, praying or dreaming. - -What said he to his dead father? Did he ask those lips, which Death's -pitiless finger had closed too soon, for the solution of the enigma he -was trying to unravel? Did he swear to the sainted victim that he would -avenge him in this world, independently of God's vengeance in the world -to come? Did he scan those already decomposing features, to conjecture -what sort of man had been this father of his whom he now saw for the -second time, and to dream of the peaceful and happy life that might have -been in store for him under his watchful care? Did his thoughts dwell -upon the past or the future; upon the affairs of this world, or the -divine power of the Lord; upon vengeance or forgiveness? - -The subject of this sombre communion between a dead father and his son -remained forever a secret between Gabriel and his God. - -Four or five minutes had passed; and breathing had become a painful and -laborious task to these two men who had descended to these pestilential -depths,--one in the performance of a holy duty, and the other led by an -instinct of humanity. - -"Again, I beg you to come away," said the kind-hearted governor to -Gabriel. "It is full time that we should go up into the air." - -"I am coming," said Gabriel, "I am coming." - -He took his father's icy hand in his, and kissed it tenderly; he leaned -over his damp and decomposing forehead, and left a kiss there, too. - -All this passed without a tear. Alas! he could not weep. - -"_Au revoir_!" said he; "_au revoir_!" - -He rose with the same wonderfully calm and steadfast bearing and -expression, whatever passions and emotions may have been rending his -heart and soul. - -He cast a last look at his father, and wafted a last caress to him, then -followed Monsieur de Sazerac with slow and measured step. - -On their way to the upper regions he asked to be shown the dark, cold -cell where the prisoner had passed so many years of sorrow and despair, -and which he, Gabriel, had once entered without embracing his father. - -He spent a few moments there of silent meditation, and eager, though -hopeless, interest. - -When he and the governor had ascended to light and life once more, -Monsieur de Sazerac could not repress a shudder of horror and pity as -the daylight fell upon the features of the young man, whom he invited to -his own room; for his chestnut locks had become silvery white. - -After a short interval he said to him, in a voice trembling with -emotion,-- - -"Is there nothing I can do for you now, Monsieur? You have but to ask, -and I shall be more than happy to gratify any wish of yours with which -my duties do not conflict." - -"Monsieur," replied Gabriel, "you told me that I should be allowed to -render the last honors to the dead. This evening I shall send some -bearers here; and if you will kindly have the body placed in a coffin, -and allow them to take it away, they will see that the prisoner is -interred in the tomb of his ancestors." - -"It shall be done, Monsieur," replied Monsieur de Sazerac; "but I must -warn you that one condition was imposed upon the granting of this -privilege." - -"What was that, Monsieur?" asked Gabriel, coldly. - -"That you should, in accordance with your agreement, cause no scandal or -disturbance." - -"I will keep that promise, too," said Gabriel. "The men will come by -night, and without any knowledge as to the burden they are carrying will -transport the body to the Rue des Jardins St. Paul, to the funeral vault -of the counts of--" - -"Pardon, Monsieur!" the governor interposed hurriedly; "I do not know -the prisoner's name, nor is it my wish or my duty to know it. I have -been compelled by the obligations of my office and the word I have given -to maintain silence with you upon many matters; and you should be quite -as reserved with me." - -"But I for my part have nothing to conceal," replied Gabriel, proudly. -"It is only the guilty who wish to cover their tracks." - -"While you are only one of the unfortunates," said the governor. "After -all, that is not much better, is it?" - -"Besides," continued Gabriel, "I have already surmised the matters about -which you have kept silence; indeed, I could tell you myself. For -instance, this powerful individual who came here last evening, and who -wished to talk with the prisoner so that he might make him speak--well, -I could tell you almost the exact words of the talisman which finally -induced my father to break silence,--the silence whereon depended the -feeble remnant of his life, for which he had up to that time struggled -bravely with his murderers." - -"What! you say that you know?" said Monsieur de Sazerac, in amazement. - -"I am sure of it," was Gabriel's reply. "The individual in question said -to the poor old man, 'Your son lives!' or, perhaps, 'Your son has -covered himself with renown!' or, again, 'Your son is coming to set you -free!' He spoke to him of his son, at all events--the villain!" - -The governor let fall an exclamation of astonishment. - -"And at the mention of his son," continued Gabriel, "the wretched -father, who had up to that time succeeded in restraining himself even -before his most implacable foe, could not overcome a joyful impulse, and -though he had remained dumb under all the provocation of his hatred, -cried for joy when his love was awakened. Tell me, Monsieur, do I say -truly?" - -The governor bent his head without replying. - -"It must be true, since you deny it not," Gabriel continued. "You can -see how fruitless was your endeavor to conceal from me what this -influential man said to the wretched captive. And as for the name of -this all-powerful person, it was in vain also for you to pass that over -in silence. Do you wish that I should name him to you?" - -"Oh, Monsieur, Monsieur!" cried Monsieur de Sazerac, earnestly. "We are -alone, it is true, but be careful. Are you not afraid?" - -"I have already told you," said Gabriel, "that I have nothing to fear. -Well, then, Monsieur, this man's name was Monsieur le Connétable, Duc -de Montmorency. The executioner's mask has fallen off, you see." - -"Oh, Monsieur!" ejaculated the governor, looking fearfully around. - -"As to the prisoner's name and mine," pursued Gabriel, calmly, "those -you do not know. But there is no reason why I should not tell them to -you. Moreover, you may have already met me, and may meet me again during -your life; then, too, you have been kind and considerate in this supreme -moment of my existence; and when you hear my name in men's mouths, as -may very well be the case within a few months, it will be well that you -should know that he of whom they are talking is the same whom you have -made your debtor to-day." - -"I shall be most happy," said Monsieur de Sazerac, "to learn that fate -has not continued to be so relentless toward you." - -"Oh, such questions have no more interest for me!" said Gabriel, -gravely. "But, in any event, let me tell you that since my father's -death last night in this prison I am the Comte de Montgommery." - -The governor of the Châtelet stood as if turned to stone, and could -find no word to say. - -"And now, adieu, Monsieur," added Gabriel; "adieu. Accept my warmest -thanks; may God protect you!" - -He saluted Monsieur de Sazerac, and left the gloomy precincts of the -prison with a firm step. - -But when the fresh air and the bright light of day recalled him to -himself, he stayed his steps a moment, dizzy and tottering. The -actuality of life came too suddenly upon him as he emerged from that -hell. - -However, as the passers-by began to look askance at him, he asserted his -will, and walked away from the deathly spot. - -In the first place he bent his steps to a lonely corner of the Place de -Grève. There he took out his tablets, and wrote these words to his -nurse:-- - - -MY GOOD ALOYSE,--Do not expect me, for I shall not return to-day. I must -be alone for a time, to move about, and think, and wait. But have no -anxiety about me; I shall surely see you again. - -This evening arrange matters so that everything will be quiet in the -house at an early hour. You alone must sit up, and open the door to four -men who will knock at the great door a little before midnight, when the -street is deserted. - -I ask you personally to conduct these men, laden as they will be with a -sorrowful but priceless burden, to the family burial-vault; point out to -them the open tomb in which they must place him whom they will have in -charge, and watch carefully the preparations for the interment; then, -when they are at an end, give each of the men four golden crowns, guide -them back to the door without noise, and return at once to the tomb to -kneel and pray as you would for your master and your father. - -I will pray also at the same hour, but far away from the spot. It must -be so. I feel that the sight of that tomb might excite me to reckless -and violent deeds, and I must ask counsel rather from God in solitude. - -_Au revoir_, dear Aloyse, _au revoir_. Remind André of his commission -to Madame de Castro, and do not yourself forget my guests, Jean and -Babette Peuquoy. _Au revoir_, and God be with you! - - GABRIEL DE M. - - -Having written this letter, Gabriel sought and found four men of the -people,--laborers, that is to say. - -He gave each of them four crowns in advance, and promised them as many -more. In order to earn their wages, one of them was to take a letter to -its address immediately; then, all four were to present themselves at -the Châtelet a little before ten that same evening, to receive at the -governor's hands a coffin, and convey it secretly and silently to the -Rue des Jardins St. Paul, to the same house to which the letter was -addressed. - -The poor workmen overwhelmed Gabriel with their gratitude, and as they -left him, in high glee over the windfall, they promised to fulfil his -orders to the letter. - -"Well, I have at least made four honest fellows happy," said Gabriel, -with sorrowful pleasure, if we may be allowed the expression. - -Then he pursued a course which led him out of the city, and on his way -he passed the Louvre. Wrapped in his cloak, and with arms folded upon -his breast, he stood for some moments gazing at the royal abode. - -"Now it is for us two to settle our account," he muttered, with a glance -of defiance. He resumed his journey, and as he went along there recurred -to his memory the horoscope which Master Nostradamus had written long -ago for the Comte de Montgommery, and which, in the master's own words, -he had found by a remarkable coincidence to be exactly appropriate for -his son, according to the laws of astrology,-- - - - "En joûte, en amour, cettuy touchera - Le front du roy, - Et cornes ou bien trou sanglant mettra - Au front du roy. - Mais le veuille ou non, toujours blessera - Le front du roy. - Enfin, l'aimera, puis, las! le tuera - Dame du roy." - - -Gabriel reflected that curious prediction had already been -fulfilled from point to point in his father's case; for the Comte de -Montgommery in his youth had wounded King François I. in the face with -a burning brand, and had afterward been King Henri's rival in love, and -had been slain only the evening before by that very "lady of the king," -who had loved him. - -Up to that time Gabriel also had been loved by a queen,--Catherine de -Médicis. - -Would his destiny too be realized to the end? Would his vengeance or his -fate decree that he should overthrow and wound the king "in the -tilting-field?" - -If that should happen, it would be a matter of indifference to Gabriel -whether the king's lady who had loved him should slay him sooner or -later. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII - -THE KNIGHT-ERRANT - - -Poor Aloyse, whose life for many years had been passed in waiting, in -solitude, and in suffering, again sat two or three endless hours at the -window, to see if she could not catch a glimpse of her beloved young -master. - -When the laborer to whom Gabriel had intrusted the letter knocked at the -door, Aloyse rushed to open it. "News at last!" she thought. - -News at last, indeed, and terrible news! Aloyse, after the first few -lines, felt a mist coming before her eyes, and to conceal her emotion -hastened to return to her own room, where she finished with much -difficulty the perusal of the fatal missive, the tears streaming from -her eyes the while. - -However, hers was a stout heart and a valiant soul; so she collected her -energies, wiped away her tears, and left her room to say to the -messenger,-- - -"It is well! Until this evening, when I shall expect you and your -companions." - -André the page questioned her anxiously, but she bade him wait till the -following day for answers to his questions. Until then she had enough to -think of and to do. - -When evening had fallen, she sent the people of the household to bed in -good season. - -"The master will surely not return to-night," she told them. - -But when she was left alone she thought,-- - -"Ah! the master will return; but, alas! it will be the old master, not -the young one,--it will be the dead, and not the living. For what body -would he command me to see entombed in the vault of the counts of -Montgommery, unless it were that of the Comte de Montgommery himself? -Oh, my noble lord, for whom my poor Perrot died, have you at last gone -to join your faithful servant? But have you carried your secret with you -to the tomb? Oh, mystery of mysteries!--mystery and terror everywhere! -But no matter! Though I know and understand nothing, though I hope not, -still will I obey; it is my duty, and I will do it. Oh, my God!" - -Aloyse's sorrowful revery ended in a fervent prayer. It is the habit of -the human soul, when the burden of life becomes too heavy to bear, to -seek help and shelter in God's bosom. - -About eleven o'clock, the streets being then entirely deserted, a loud -knocking was heard at the great door. Aloyse started and turned pale, -but summoning all her fortitude, she took a torch in her hand, and -descended to admit the men who bore the sad burden. She received with a -deep and respectful salute the master who thus returned to his own house -after such a long absence. Then she said to the bearers, "Follow me with -as little noise as possible. I will show you the way." Going in advance -with her light, she led them to the funeral vault. - -When they had reached the spot, the bearers placed the coffin in one of -the open tombs, and put the cover of black marble in place; then the -poor fellows, who had been taught by suffering to look with holy awe -upon death, removed their caps, and falling on their knees, offered a -short prayer for the soul of the unknown dead. - -When they had risen, the nurse led them back in silence, and on the -threshold slipped into the hand of one of them the sum Gabriel had -promised; whereupon they vanished like dumb spectres, without having -uttered a single word. - -Aloyse returned to the tomb, and passed the rest of the night on her -knees, praying and weeping. - -The next morning André found her pale but calm; she said to him -simply,-- - -"My child, we must never lose hope; but it is useless for us to expect -Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès any longer. So you must set about executing -the commissions with which he charged you in case he did not return at -once." - -"Very well," said the page, sorrowfully. "I will start at once then to -go and meet Madame de Castro." - -"In the name of your absent master, I thank you for your zeal, André," -said Aloyse. - -The boy did as he promised, and set out the same day. He inquired for -the noble traveller he was seeking at every halting-place on the road, -but did not meet her until he reached Amiens. - -Diane de Castro had but just arrived at that city, with the escort with -which the Duc de Guise had furnished her as the daughter of Henri II. -She had stopped to rest a few hours at the house of Monsieur de Thuré, -the governor of the place. - -As soon as Diane espied the page, she changed color; but controlling -herself with an effort, she made a sign to him to follow her into the -next room. When they were alone, she asked him,-- - -"Well, André, what have you for me?" - -"Nothing but this, Madame," the page replied, handing her the package -containing the veil. - -"Ah, it is not the ring!" cried Diane. - -That was as far as her observation went at first; but she soon collected -herself somewhat, and a prey to that insatiable curiosity which makes -the unfortunate eager to anticipate the extremity of their sorrow, she -eagerly interrogated André. - -"Did Monsieur d'Exmès intrust you, besides this, with no writing for -me?" - -"No, Madame." - -"But surely you must have some verbal message to give me?" - -"Alas!" the page replied, shaking his head, "Monsieur d'Exmès said only -that he gave you back all your promises, Madame, even to that of which -this veil is the pledge; he added nothing to that." - -"But under what circumstances did he send you to me? Had you given him -my letter? What said he after reading it? When he put this package in -your hands, what did he say? Speak, André! You are devoted and -faithful, I know, and my whole future depends on your answers; the very -least word may serve as a guide and consolation to me in the darkness -which surrounds me." - -"Madame," said André, "I will tell you all that I know; but that all is -very little." - -"Oh, go on, speak, pray speak!" cried Madame de Castro. - -André thereupon told her faithfully--omitting nothing, for Gabriel had -not enjoined secrecy upon him--all that his master before his departure -had charged Aloyse and himself to do, in the event that his absence were -prolonged. He told of the young man's hesitation and his bitter -suffering; that after reading Diane's letter he had seemed at first to -be on the point of speaking, but had ended by saying nothing except a -few vague and indefinite words. In fact, André kept his promise, and -forgot nothing,--not a gesture, or a half-uttered word, or a failure to -speak. But he had said truly that he knew scarcely anything, and his -story only contributed to Diane's doubt and uncertainty. - -She looked mournfully at the black veil, the lone messenger from her -lover, and the true symbol of her destiny. It seemed as if she were -questioning its sombre folds, and seeking help and counsel from them. - -"One of two things must have happened," she said to herself. "Either -Gabriel has learned that he is really my brother, or he has lost all -hope of ever penetrating the fatal mystery. I have only to choose -between these two calamities. Yes, it must be so, and I have no more -illusions on which I can feed my hope. But ought not Gabriel to have -spared me this cruel uncertainty? He gives me back my word; but why? Oh, -why does he not confide to me what is going to become of him, and what -he means to do? Ah, this silence terrifies me more than all the anger -and all the threats in the world!" - -Diane questioned her very soul to know whether she would do better to -follow her first plan, and enter some convent in Paris or the Provinces, -never to leave its walls again; or whether it was not her duty to return -to court, try to see Gabriel once more, and beg him to tell her the -truth as to what had occurred and as to his future plans, and whatever -happened, to watch over the life of the king, her father, which might -perhaps be in danger. - -Of her father? But was Henri II. her father? Might she not prove herself -to be the impious and guilty daughter of her real father in trying to -impede the righteous vengeance which strove to punish or even to slay -the king? A frightful alternative! - -But Diane was a woman, and an affectionate and noble-hearted woman. She -said to herself that in any event there might be repentance for anger, -but that no one could repent of having forgiven; and so, carried away by -her naturally kindly disposition, she determined to return to Paris, and -until she should have reassuring news of Gabriel and his designs, to -remain by the king's side to safeguard and defend him. Even Gabriel -himself might have need of her intervention, who could say? When she -should have saved the two beings who were dearest of all on earth to -her, it would be time to take refuge in God's bosom. - -Having determined upon this course, Diane, the brave-hearted, hesitated -no longer, but continued her journey to Paris. - -She reached her destination three days later, and went at once to the -Louvre, where she was welcomed by Henri with unfeigned delight and a -wealth of affection truly paternal. - -But, in spite of all her endeavors, she could not force herself to adopt -any except a sorrowful and cold demeanor in receiving these proofs of -fondness; and the king himself, remembering Diane's affection for -Gabriel, oftentimes felt embarrassed and moved in his daughter's -presence. She reminded him of certain matters which he would have much -preferred to forget. - -Thus he no longer dared to mention her alliance to François de -Montmorency, which had been formerly projected, and so Madame de -Castro's mind was at rest upon that point at least. - -She had, however, many other subjects of anxiety. Neither at the -Montgommery mansion, nor at the Louvre, nor in fact anywhere, was any -definite news of Gabriel to be had. - -The young man had in a certain sense disappeared. - -Days and weeks and whole months rolled by, and Diane in vain made -inquiries directly and indirectly; no one could say what had become of -Gabriel. - -Some persons thought that they had met him, always sombre and gloomy. -But no one had spoken to him; the suffering soul which they had taken -for Gabriel had always shunned them, and vanished at their first attempt -to approach him. Moreover, no two agreed as to the locality where they -had encountered Vicomte d'Exmès. Some said at St. Germain, some at -Fontainebleau, others at Vincennes, and some even located him in Paris. -What reliance could be placed upon such contradictory reports? - -Yet many of them were right. For Gabriel, spurred on by a terrible -remembrance and by still more terrible thoughts, could not remain two -days in the same place. A never-ending need of action and movement drove -him from a locality as soon as he arrived there. On foot or in the -saddle, in town or country, he must always be in motion, pale and -forbidding in appearance, and like Orestes of old haunted by the Furies. - -His wanderings, too, kept him always out-of-doors; and he never entered -within the walls of a house except when driven by absolute necessity. - -On one occasion, however, Master Ambroise Paré, who had come back to -Paris, his patients being all cured, and hostilities somewhat relaxed in -the North, was surprised by a visit at his own house from his old -acquaintance Vicomte d'Exmès. He received him with the deference due to -one of gentle birth and the cordiality with which one welcomes a friend. - -Gabriel, like a man newly returned from foreign lands, interrogated the -surgeon upon matters which everybody knew all about. - -Having in the first place asked him about Martin-Guerre, who, thoroughly -cured, was probably on his way to Paris at that time, he questioned him -about the Duc de Guise and the army. In that quarter matters had -progressed marvellously. Le Balafré was before Thionville; Maréchal de -Thermes had taken Dunkirk; Gaspard de Tavannes had taken possession of -Guines and the province of Oie. In fact, the English no longer held one -foot of ground in the whole kingdom, as François de Lorraine had sworn -should be the case. - -Gabriel listened with grave face, and apparently with little interest, -to this good news. - -"I am obliged to you, Master," he said to Ambroise Paré; "I rejoice to -learn that our enterprise at Calais will not be without enduring results -for France, at all events. Nevertheless it was not curiosity to hear of -these matters which was my principal reason for coming to you. Master, -long before I came to admire you for your great skill at the bedside of -the wounded, I remember that certain words I heard you speak moved me -deeply; it was one day last year in the little house on the Rue St. -Jacques. Master, I have come to talk with you about these matters of -religion, which your keen insight has penetrated so to the core. You -have definitively embraced the cause of the Reformed religion, I -suppose?" - -"Yes, Monsieur d'Exmès," said Ambroise Paré, firmly. "The -correspondence which the great Calvin was kind enough to enter into with -me has removed my last doubts and my last scruples. I am now the most -thoroughly devoted reformer of them all." - -"Well, then, Master," said Gabriel, "will you not share your knowledge -with a neophyte of the best intentions? I speak of myself. Will you not -strengthen my doubting faith, as you would put in place a broken limb?" - -"It is my duty to comfort and relieve the souls of my fellow-creatures -as well as their bodies, when I can do so," said Ambroise Paré. "I am -quite at your service, Monsieur d'Exmès." - -For more than two hours they talked together, Ambroise ardent and -eloquent, Gabriel calm and sorrowful, but a docile pupil. - -At the end of that time Gabriel rose, and said to him, as he warmly -pressed his hand,-- - -"Thanks! This conversation has done me much good. Unfortunately The time -has not yet come when I can openly declare myself one of your number. It -is necessary that I should wait yet a little while, even in the best -interests of the Religion itself. Otherwise my conversion might well -expose your holy cause to persecution some day, or to calumny at least. -I know what I am saying. But now I understand, thanks to you, Master, -that you and your fellows are really marching in the right path, and -from this moment, believe that I am with you in heart, if not bodily. -Adieu! Master Ambroise, adieu! We shall soon meet again." - -Gabriel, without further elucidation of his words, took his leave of the -surgeon-philosopher, and left the house. - -In the early days of the following month,--May, 1558,--he appeared for -the first time since his mysterious departure at his own home in the Rue -des Jardins St. Paul. - -There were new-comers there. Martin-Guerre had returned a fortnight -previously, and Jean Peuquoy and his wife Babette had been living there -for three months. - -But God had not decreed that Jean's devotion should be put to the final -test, nor perhaps that Babette's fault should go wholly unpunished. A -few days before, she had been prematurely delivered of a dead child. - -The poor mother had wept bitterly, but had bowed her head in humble -acceptance of a grief which seemed like an expiation to her repentant -heart; and as Jean Peuquoy had generously offered his sacrifice to her, -so she in her turn for his sake resigned herself to the hand of God. - -Moreover, the comforting affection of her husband and Aloyse's motherly -encouragement did not fail the sweet child in her affliction. - -Martin-Guerre, with his wonted good-humor, did his best to console her. - -One day, as the four were sitting in friendly converse together, the -door opened, and to their great amazement and still greater joy the -master of the house, Vicomte d'Exmès himself, suddenly appeared, -walking slowly and with a grave and sober face. - -Four exclamations were heard as one; and Gabriel was quickly surrounded -by his two guests, his squire, and his nurse. - -When their first transports of delight had subsided, Aloyse began -eagerly to question him whom in words she called her lord and master, -but who was always her child in the language of her faithful heart. - -What had become of him during his long absence? What did he mean to do -now? Did he not intend at last to remain among those who loved him so -dearly? - -Gabriel laid a finger on his lips, and with a mournful but firm glance, -imposed silence upon Aloyse's loving anxiety. - -It was clear that he did not choose to explain his movements in the past -or in the future, or that he could not. - -But he took his turn at asking questions of Jean and Babette about their -own affairs. Had they wanted for anything? Had they any recent -intelligence of their good brother Pierre at Calais? - -He tenderly expressed his sympathy for Babette, and tried to comfort her -so far as it is possible to comfort a mother who is weeping for her -child. - -Thus Gabriel passed the remainder of the day amid his friends and his -retainers, always kind and affectionate toward them, but never for an -instant shaking, off the melancholy which overshadowed him like a black -pall. - -As for Martin-Guerre, who never once took his eyes off his dear master, -found again at last, Gabriel spoke with him and inquired about his -health with much interest. But throughout the whole day he never -breathed a word of the promise he had made him months before, and seemed -to have forgotten the engagement he had entered into to punish the -wretch who had stolen his name and his honor, and had persecuted poor -Martin with impunity for so long. - -Martin himself was too respectful and too unselfish to direct his -master's mind to the subject. - -But when it was evening Gabriel rose, and said in a tone which admitted -neither contradiction nor remonstrance, "I am obliged to leave you now." - -Then turning to Martin-Guerre, he added,-- - -"My good Martin, I have been busy in your behalf during my travels, and -unknown as I was, I have inquired and investigated; and I believe that I -have at last found traces of the real truth of the matter in which you -are interested; for I have not forgotten my engagement with you, -Martin." - -"Oh, Monseigneur!" cried the squire, overjoyed and embarrassed at the -same time. - -Gabriel continued, "I say again, I have collected sufficient proofs to -justify me in believing that I am on the right track. But now I must -have your assistance, my friend. At the end of this week, start for your -own province, but do not go directly there. Be at Lyons one month from -to-day. I will meet you there at that time, and we will take measures -for acting together." - -"I will do as you say, Monseigneur," said Martin-Guerre; "but shall I -not see you again, meanwhile?" - -"No, no, I must be alone henceforth," Gabriel replied, vigorously. "I -am going away again now; and do not try to hinder me, for it would -simply cause me needless pain. Adieu, my dear friends. Martin, -remember,--at Lyons, a month hence." - -"I will await you there, Monseigneur," said the squire. - -Gabriel took leave with great warmth of Jean Peuquoy and his wife, -pressed Aloyse's hands in his, and without seeming to notice the good -soul's grief, set out once more to resume that wandering life to which -he seemed to have condemned himself. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII - -IN WHICH ARNAULD DU THILL APPEARS ONCE MORE - - -Six weeks later than the events last described, on the 15th of June, -1558, the green vine which clung to the brown walls of the finest house -in the village of Artigues, near Rieux, served as a background for a -picture of rural domesticity which while somewhat homely in character -was not entirely without significance. - -A man who, to judge from his dusty boots, had been walking quite a -considerable distance, was sitting upon a wooden bench, carelessly -holding his feet toward a woman who was on her knees before him busily -unlacing his boots. - -The man was frowning, the woman smiling. - -"Haven't you finished yet, Bertrande?" said he, crossly. "You are so -clumsy and slow that you almost drive me out of my wits." - -"There, it's all done, Martin," said the woman, softly. - -"There, it's all done, is it?" growled the pretended Martin. "Now where -are my other boots? I'll wager that you didn't even think to bring them -to me, you fool. So I shall have to go barefoot until you fetch them." - -Bertrande disappeared within the house, and in less than a second -returned with another pair of boots, which she hastened with her own -hands to draw on her lord and master's feet. - -Doubtless these individuals have been recognized as Arnauld du Thill, -still masquerading under the name of Martin-Guerre, and now as always -domineering and brutal, and Bertrande de Rolles, infinitely softened and -brought to her senses by bitter experience. - -"Where is my glass of beer?" asked Martin, in the same surly tone. - -"It is all ready, dear," said Bertrande, timidly, "and I am just going -to get it for you." - -"I always have to wait," said the other, stamping with impatience. -"Come, be quick about it, or I'll--" - -An expressive gesture completed his sentence. Bertrande went and came -again with the swiftness of light. Martin took from her hands a brimming -glass of beer, which he swallowed in one draught with evident -satisfaction. "That's good," he condescended to say as he handed the -empty glass to his wife. - -"My poor love, are you warm?" she ventured to ask, wiping her -rough-spoken spouse's forehead with her handkerchief. "Here, put on your -hat, for fear of the draught. You are very tired, aren't you?" - -"What!" growled Martin; "don't I have to fall in with the customs of -this idiotic neighborhood, and on every anniversary of our wedding go -round among all the villages hereabout to ask a pack of accursed -relatives to dinner? Upon my word, I had forgotten this absurd custom, -if you had not reminded me of it yesterday, Bertrande! However, I have -made the rounds, and in two hours the whole tribe of hungry kinsfolk -will be upon us." - -"Thanks, dear," said Bertrande. "You are quite right; it is an absurd -custom, but a peremptory one, to which we must submit, if we would not -be looked upon as arrogant and scornful." - -"Well reasoned," replied Martin, ironically. "And have you done your -part, sluggard? Is the table laid in the orchard?" - -"Yes, Martin, as you ordered." - -"Have you been to invite the judge also?" asked the affectionate spouse. - -"Yes, Martin; and he said that he would do his best to be present at the -feast." - -"Do his best!" cried Martin, angrily. "That isn't enough; he _must_ -come! You must have given the invitation wrong. I count upon gaining -some influence over this judge, as you know perfectly well; but you -always try to displease me. His presence was the only thing which -reconciled me in the least to this tedious custom and the useless -expense of this ridiculous anniversary." - -"Ridiculous to celebrate the anniversary of our wedding!" rejoined -Bertrande, while her eyes filled with tears. "Ah, Martin, to be sure, -you are a learned man now; you have travelled much, and seen many -things, and can afford to despise the old usages of the province; but no -matter. This anniversary reminds me of a time when you were less harsh -and more loving to your poor wife." - -"Yes," said Martin, with a sardonic smile; "and when my wife was less -loving and more of a termagant to me; when she even forgot herself so -far sometimes as to--" - -"Oh, Martin, Martin!" cried Bertrande, "do not recall those times; for -they make me blush, and I find it hard now to explain my own actions." - -"And so do I. When I think that I could ever have been such an ass as to -put up with--Ah, ah! let us leave the subject! My disposition is much -changed, and yours as well,--I am glad to do you that justice. As you -say, Bertrande, I have seen a good deal since those days. Your -unbearable temper, which drove me out into the world to get rid of you, -also compelled me to gain experience; and when I returned here last -year, I succeeded in rearranging matters in their proper order. To -effect that result, I had only to bring with me another Martin, called -'Martin Club.' So now everything goes along to my satisfaction, and we -certainly have a most united household." - -"That is true, thank God!" said Bertrande. - -"Bertrande!" - -"Martin!" - -"Go at once," said he, with the tone of an absolute master,--"go back at -once to the judge of Artigues, renew your invitation, and obtain his -formal promise to be present at our feast; if he does not come, remember -that I will wreak my disappointment on you alone." - -"I will go at once," said Bertrande, suiting the action to the word. - -Arnauld du Thill followed her retreating form for a moment with a -satisfied expression; then, being left alone, he stretched himself -lazily on the bench, drinking in the fresh air, and blinking with the -selfish and disdainful comfort of a man happy in having nothing to fear -and nothing to wish for. - -He did not notice a man, apparently a traveller, who with the aid of a -cane was walking laboriously along the road,--which was quite deserted, -that being the hottest hour of the day. As the traveller saw Arnauld, he -stopped in front of him. - -"Pardon me, my friend," said the stranger. "Is there not, pray, in this -village of yours an inn where I may rest and dine?" - -"No, there is not," replied Arnauld, without moving; "you will have to -go to Rieux, two leagues from here, before you will come across an -innkeeper's signpost." - -"Two leagues more!" exclaimed the wayfarer; "and I am quite exhausted -now. I would willingly give a pistole for a chance to lie down, and for -something to eat at this moment." - -"A pistole!" said Arnauld, ever on the alert, as of old, when money was -to be had. "Well, my good fellow, we can give you, if you wish, a bed in -a corner here; and as for dinner,--why, we are going to have an -anniversary feast to-day, and one guest more will make no difference. -How does that suit you?" - -"Perfectly," replied the stranger; "for, as I told you, I am almost -fainting with fatigue and hunger." - -"Very well; it's a bargain, then," said Arnauld; "you may remain here -for a pistole." - -"I will pay in advance," said the traveller. - -Arnauld du Thill sat up to take the money, and at the same time raised -his hat, which had concealed his eyes and his face. - -The stranger was then able to see his features; and at the first glance -he cried, recoiling in amazement,-- - -"My nephew, Arnauld du Thill!" - -Arnauld looked carefully at him, and turned pale; but he soon collected -himself. - -"Your nephew?" said he. "Why, I don't know you! Who are you?" - -"You don't know me, Arnauld?" exclaimed the stranger; "you don't know -your old uncle, your mother's own brother, Carbon Barreau, to whom you -have been the source of so much trouble,--as indeed you have been to the -whole family?" - -"By my faith, no!" said Arnauld, with an insolent laugh. - -"What! do you deny me and yourself as well?" rejoined Carbon Barreau. -"Tell me, do you mean to say that you did not cause your mother, who was -my sister, to die of grief,--a poor, lone widow, whom you abandoned at -Sagias ten years ago? Ah! you may not recognize me, hard heart; but I -know you well." - -"I have no idea what you mean," replied Arnauld, brazenly, entirely cool -and collected. "My name is not Arnauld, but Martin-Guerre; and I am not -from Sagias, but belong in Artigues. The old men in the neighborhood -have known me from my birth, and will swear to my identity; and if you -want to be laughed at, you have only to repeat your statement before my -wife, Bertrande de Rolles, and all my kinsfolk." - -"Your wife! your kinsfolk!" said Carbon Barreau, in bewilderment. -"Pardon! Is it possible that I am mistaken? No; it cannot be! Such a -resemblance--" - -"At the end of ten years it is hard to verify," Arnauld interrupted. -"Come, your sight is growing dim, my good friend! My real uncles and -relatives you can see and talk with yourself very soon." - -"Oh, very well! In that case," replied Carbon Barreau, who began to be -convinced, "you may well boast of your resemblance to my nephew, Arnauld -du Thill." - -"I never heard of him except from you," said Arnauld, sneeringly, "and I -never have boasted of it yet." - -"Ah, when I said that you might boast of it," returned the good man, "I -did not mean that there was any cause for pride in resembling such a -rascal, far from it! I am in a position to say, since I am one of the -family, that my nephew was the most infernal blackguard imaginable. And -indeed when I reflect, it seems very improbable that he should still be -alive, for the villain must have been hung long before this." - -"Do you think so?" retorted Arnauld, not without bitterness. - -"I am sure of it, Monsieur Martin-Guerre," said Carbon Barreau, with an -air of conviction. "However, it doesn't offend you, does it, to have me -speak in such terms of the scoundrel, since you are not he, my good -host?" - -"Not in the least," said Arnauld, decidedly ill at ease, however. - -"Ah, Monsieur," continued the uncle, who was rather inclined to chatter, -"how many times have I congratulated myself, in speaking to his poor -weeping mother, on having remained unmarried, and having had no children -to dishonor my name and ruin my life, as that vile good-for-nothing did -for her." - -"Let me see; that is true," said Arnauld to himself. "Uncle Carbon had -no children,--no heirs, that is to say." - -"What are you thinking, Master Martin?" asked the stranger. - -"I was thinking," Arnauld replied in his sweetest tones, "that in spite -of your assertions to the contrary, Messire Carbon Barreau, you would be -very happy to-day if you had a son, or even, in default of a son, this -same evil-disposed nephew, whom you seem to regret so little, but who -would at least be something for you to love, and somebody to whom you -could hand down your property when you die." - -"My property?" said Carbon Barreau. - -"Yes, to be sure, your property," replied Arnauld. "You who scatter -pistoles around with so lavish a hand cannot be poor; and this Arnauld, -whom I resemble, would be your heir, I suppose. _Pardieu_! I am inclined -to regret to a certain extent that I am not he." - -"Arnauld du Thill, if he is not hung, would really be my heir," returned -Carbon Barreau, gravely. "But he will derive no great advantage from -that fact, for I am not rich. I offer a pistole for the privilege of -resting a while and for a little refreshment, because I am overborne -with weariness and hunger; but that does not prevent my purse from being -light,--too light, alas!" - -"Hum!" said Arnauld, incredulously. - -"Don't you believe me, Master Martin-Guerre? As you please. It is no -less true that I am now on my way to Lyons, to see the President of the -Parliament, where I acted as usher for twenty years, who offers me -shelter and sustenance for the rest of my days. He sent me twenty-five -pistoles to pay my few small debts, and the expenses of the journey, -large-hearted man that he is! But what I have left of that sum is all -that I own in the world. Therefore my heritage is too trifling a matter -for Arnauld du Thill, even were he alive, to take the trouble to claim -it. That is why--" - -"Enough of this, dotard!" Arnauld du Thill rudely interrupted him, in -high ill-humor. "Do you suppose I have time to listen forever to your -twaddle? Just give me your pistole and go into the house, if you choose. -You shall dine in an hour's time, and can sleep after that, and then we -shall be quits. That does not require so much talk." - -"But it was you who questioned me," said Carbon Barreau. - -"Come, come! Do you propose to go in, fellows or not? See, some of my -guests are already arriving, and with your leave I will quit you to -receive them. Go in. I treat you without ceremony, and do not escort -you." - -"So I see," said Carbon Barreau, as he entered the house, grumbling at -his host's sudden changes of humor. - -Three hours later the company was still at the table under the elms. The -number of the guests was complete, and the judge of Artigues, whose -favor Arnauld meant to win, had the place of honor. - -Good wine and pleasant talk were circulating. The younger people talked -of the future and the graybeards of the past, while Uncle Carbon Barreau -had been able to make sure that his host was really called -Martin-Guerre, and was recognized and treated by all the inhabitants of -Artigues as one of themselves. - -"Do you remember, Martin-Guerre," said one of them, "the Augustinian -monk, Brother Chrysostom, who taught us both to read?" - -"Yes, I remember him," said Arnauld. - -"Do you remember, Cousin Martin," asked another, "that it was on your -wedding-day that cannon were first fired at a merry-making in the -province?" - -"Yes, I remember," replied Arnauld. - -And, as if to refresh his memory, he embraced his wife, who was sitting -at his side, the picture of happy pride. - -"Since your memory is so exceedingly good, my good Master," suddenly -exclaimed a clear, firm voice behind the guests, addressing Arnauld du -Thill, "since you remember so many things, perhaps you may remember me, -as well!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV - -JUSTICE IN A QUANDARY - - -He who spoke thus, in a commanding tone, cast aside the dark cloak of -ample dimensions which hid his person; and Arnauld du Thill's guests, -who had turned at the sound of his voice, could see a young cavalier of -haughty bearing and richly dressed. - -At a little distance a servant was holding by their bridles the two -horses on which he and his master had ridden. - -All rose respectfully, greatly surprised and very curious. - -Arnauld du Thill turned as white as a dead man, - -"Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès," he muttered in his fright. - -"Well," continued Gabriel, in a voice of thunder, addressing -him,--"well! you recognize me, do you?" - -Arnauld, after hesitating a moment, had quickly reckoned up his chances, -and decided upon the course he should take. - -"To be sure," said he, in a trembling voice which he struggled to -control,--"to be sure I recognize Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès, from -having sometimes seen him at the Louvre when I was in the service of -Monsieur de Montmorency; but I cannot believe that Monseigneur would -recognize me, the poor and obscure servant of the constable." - -"You forget," said Gabriel, "that you have been my servant as well." - -"What, I?" cried Arnauld, feigning the most extreme amazement. "Oh, -pardon, Monseigneur is surely mistaken!" - -"I am so certain that I am not mistaken," retorted Gabriel, calmly, -"that I without hesitation call upon the judge of Artigues, here -present, to cause your immediate arrest and imprisonment. Is that -sufficiently clear?" - -There was a movement of affright among the guests. The wondering judge -drew near. Arnauld alone retained his appearance of tranquillity. - -"May I not at least know of what crime I am accused?" he asked. - -"I accuse you," replied Gabriel, firmly, "of having wickedly substituted -yourself for my squire, Martin-Guerre, and of having basely and -treacherously stolen his name, his house, and his wife, by means of a -resemblance so exact that it passes understanding." - -Upon hearing this concisely stated accusation, the guests exchanged -looks of stupefied bewilderment. - -"What does this mean?" they whispered. "Martin-Guerre not Martin-Guerre? -What diabolical sorcery is at the bottom of all this?" - -Several of the good people crossed themselves, and repeated beneath -their breath certain words designed to exorcise evil spirits. The -majority began to look upon their host with something like terror. - -Arnauld du Thill saw that it was time for him to strike some decisive -blow to win back these timid and yielding creatures to his side; so -turning to her whom he called his wife, he cried,-- - -"Bertrande, speak, I conjure you! Am I or am I not your husband?" - -Poor Bertrande, terrified and gasping, thus far had simply, without -uttering a word, watched first her husband and then Gabriel, with her -great eyes open to their fullest extent. - -But at Arnauld du Thill's imperious gesture and his threatening tone, -she hesitated no longer, but threw herself into his arms with effusion. - -"Dear Martin-Guerre!" she cried. - -At these words the charm was broken, and the offensive murmurs were -turned against Gabriel. - -"Monsieur," said Arnauld du Thill, triumphantly, "in the face of my -wife's testimony and that of all my friends and kinsmen, do you still -persist in your strange accusation?" - -"I do indeed," was Gabriel's reply. - -"One moment!" cried Master Carbon Barreau, interposing. "I know very -well, my host, that I am not losing my eyesight. If there is somewhere a -person who resembles this man, feature for feature, then I declare that -one of the two is my nephew, Arnauld du Thill, like myself a native of -Sagias." - -"Ah, what a fortunate reinforcement just at the right moment!" said -Gabriel. "Master," he added, addressing the old man, "do you recognize -this man as your nephew?" - -"In truth," said Carbon Barreau, "I don't know how to tell whether it is -he or the other one; but I would be willing to take my oath in advance -that if there is any imposture, my nephew is the impostor, for he was -always much addicted to that sort of thing." - -"You hear, Monsieur le Juge," said Gabriel to the magistrate; "whichever -be the culprit, there can no longer be any doubt about the crime." - -"But where is this fellow who, to cheat me, claims to have been cheated -himself?" cried Arnauld du Thill, boldly. "Am I not to be confronted -with him! Is he in hiding? Let him come forward, and submit to judgment -himself." - -"Martin-Guerre, my squire," said Gabriel, "has already surrendered -himself to the authorities at Rieux, in accordance with my command. -Monsieur le Juge, I am the Comte de Montgommery, formerly captain of his -Majesty's Guards. The accused himself recognizes me. I call upon you to -order him to be arrested and confined, as his accuser has been. When -they are both in the hands of justice I hope that I shall be able easily -to prove on which side is the truth, and on which the imposture." - -"That is very clear, Monseigneur," said the confused judge to Gabriel. -"Let Martin-Guerre be taken to prison." - -"I give myself up," said Arnauld, "strong as I am in my innocence. My -dear, kind friends," he added, addressing the throng, whom he judged it -prudent to keep in his interest, "I rely upon your loyal testimony to -aid me in this extremity. All of you who have known me heretofore -recognize me, do you not?" - -"Yes, yes, never fear, Martin!" replied all the friends and kinsfolk, -touched by his appeal to them. - -As for Bertrande, she had taken occasion to swoon. - -Eight days later the hearing of the cause began before the court at -Rieux. - -Surely it was a curious case, and one difficult to decide. It certainly -deserved to be handed down as a cause célèbre to our own days, three -hundred years later, as it has been. - -If Gabriel de Montgommery had not been somewhat involved in it, it is -quite probable that the good judges of Rieux, to whom the cause was -submitted, would never have been able to decide it. - -What Gabriel was most earnest in asking was that the two adversaries -should not be allowed to meet under any pretext until otherwise ordered. -They were interrogated and confronted with the witnesses separately, and -Martin, as well as Arnauld du Thill, was kept in most rigorous -seclusion. - -Martin-Guerre, wrapped in a heavy cloak, was confronted one by one with -his wife and all his neighbors and friends, all of whom recognized him. -It was his face and his figure, and they could not be mistaken. - -But all of them were equally positive in their recognition of Arnauld du -Thill when he was shown to them. - -Carbon Barreau, on the other hand, was equally positive in his -recognition of each of them as his nephew, Arnauld du Thill. - -They were all excited and terrified, and there seemed to be not the -slightest guide by which the truth might be made to appear. - -How was it possible to distinguish between two who were such exact -counterparts as Arnauld du Thill and Martin-Guerre? - -"The Evil One himself would be at his wit's end," said Carbon Barreau, -in his confusion between his two nephews. - -But in unravelling this unprecedented and extraordinary freak of Nature, -the most reliable guides for Gabriel and the judges, failing material -differences, would be contradictions in matters of fact and divergent -characteristics. - -In the story of their early years, Martin and Arnauld du Thill, each in -his turn, told exactly the same facts, remembered the same dates, and -mentioned the same names, with remarkable unanimity. - -In support of his statements, Arnauld produced Bertrande's letters, the -family papers, and the ring which was blessed on his wedding day. - -But Martin explained it by telling how Arnauld, after having given him -up to be hung at Noyon, had had an opportunity to steal all the papers -and his wedding-ring. - -Thus nothing removed the perplexity of the judges, and their uncertainty -never grew less. The appearances and indications were as strong and -convincing on one side as on the other; and the allegations of the two -accused seemed equally sincere. - -Fresh proofs and additional testimony were needed to untie so -complicated a knot. Gabriel undertook to find and produce them. - -In the first place, the presiding judge propounded this question anew to -Martin and to Arnauld du Thill, separately as before. - -"Where did you pass your time between your twelfth and your sixteenth -year?" - -The immediate answer of each of the accused was,-- - -"At St. Sébastien, in Biscaye, with my cousin Sanxi." - -Sanxi was present, summoned as a witness, and testified to the truth of -the fact. - -Gabriel approached him, and whispered a word in his ear. - -Sanxi laughed, and began to address Arnauld in the Basque tongue. -Arnauld turned pale, and said not a word. - -"What!" said Gabriel, "you passed four years at St. Sébastien, and yet -do not understand the dialect of the province?" - -"I have forgotten it," stammered Arnauld. - -Martin-Guerre, when submitted to this test in his turn, chattered away -in Basque for a quarter of an hour, to the great delight of Cousin Sanxi -and the edification of the spectators and judges. - -This first indication to throw light upon the truth was soon followed by -another, which although similar to an experience of Ulysses was no less -significant. - -The inhabitants of Artigues who were contemporaries of Martin-Guerre -still remembered with admiration not unmixed with envy his skill at -tennis; but since his return the false Martin had always declined to -play when it was suggested, on the plea of a wound in his right hand. - -The true Martin-Guerre, on the other hand, took great delight in holding -his own against the most expert tennis-players in the presence of the -judges. - -He played sitting down even, and always wrapped in his cloak. His -partner did nothing but bring him the balls, which he hit with really -marvellous dexterity. - -From that moment public sympathy, so potent a factor on such occasions, -was on Martin's side,--that is to say, as very seldom happens, on the -side of right. - -One more curious fact put the finishing touch to Arnauld du Thill's -chances with the judges. - -The two accused men were of precisely the same height; but Gabriel, -always on the watch for the least sign, thought that he had discovered -that his brave squire's foot, his only foot, alas! was much smaller than -Arnauld du Thill's. - -The old cobbler of Artigues appeared before the court with his old and -new measurements. - -"Yes," said the old fellow, "it is certain that Martin-Guerre used to -wear nines, and I was greatly surprised when he returned to find that he -wore twelves; but I took it to be the effect of his long journeys." - -The true Martin-Guerre then proudly held out to the cobbler the only -foot which Providence had left him, to aid doubtless in the grander -triumph of the truth. The simple-minded old man, having taken its -measure, recognized it, and declared it to be the identical foot he had -shod in former days, and which had remained almost the same in spite of -its long travels and the double service it had had to do. - -After that decisive testimony everybody was unanimous for Martin's -innocence and the guilt of Arnauld du Thill. - -But these material proofs were not enough, and Gabriel desired to adduce -moral certainty in addition. - -He produced the peasant to whom Arnauld du Thill had intrusted the -strange commission to announce Martin-Guerre's death by hanging at -Noyon. The good man ingenuously told of his amazement at finding in the -Rue des Jardins St. Paul the very man whom he had seen take the Lyons -road. This was the circumstance which had aroused Gabriel's first -suspicion of the real truth. - -Then Bertrande de Rolles was examined anew. - -Poor Bertrande, in spite of the general change of opinion, was still for -him who aroused her fear. - -Being asked if she had not noticed a change in her husband's disposition -since his return, she replied,-- - -"Oh, yes, indeed! he came back much changed; but for the better, -Messieurs," she hastened to add. - -Being pressed to explain herself more clearly, she said naïvely, -"Formerly, Martin was weaker and more good-natured than a sheep, and let -me lead him about and cuff him till I was ashamed of him. But he came -back a man, a master. He proved to me beyond a doubt that I was very -wrong before, and that it is my duty as his wife to obey his word and -his stick. Now he commands, and I wait upon him; he lifts his hand, and -I kiss his feet. He brought back this air of authority from his travels, -and since his return our relations have become what they should be. We -are going in the right direction now, and I am very glad of it." - -Others of the Artigues people testified that the old Martin-Guerre had -always been as inoffensive and pious and kind as the new one was -quarrelsome and blasphemous and niggardly. - -Like the cobbler and Bertrande they had attributed these changes to his -travels. - -At last Comte Gabriel de Montgommery deigned to give evidence, amid the -respectful silence of judges and spectators. - -He told of the strange circumstances attending his having in his service -the two Martin-Guerres, one after the other; how he had puzzled for a -long while over the singular variations in the disposition and character -of his double squire, and of the events which had finally led him to -suspect the truth. - -In short, Gabriel told everything that we have told -heretofore,--Martin's frights and Arnauld du Thill's treason, the -virtues of the one and the crimes of the other; he made the whole -obscure and confused history as clear as day, and ended by demanding -punishment of the culprit and restitution of his rights for the innocent -man. - -The justice of that day was less obliging and convenient for accused -persons than that of the present time. Thus it was that Arnauld du Thill -was still ignorant of the overwhelming evidence adduced against him. He -had seen with much anxiety the tests of knowledge of the Basque patois -and skill in the game of tennis result to his disadvantage; but he -believed that he had, after all, given sufficiently plausible excuses. -As for the episode of the old cobbler, he had understood nothing of it. -Last of all, he did not know whether Martin-Guerre, who was persistently -kept out of his sight, had come out any better than he himself had from -the various examinations and ordeals. - -Gabriel, moved by a just and generous feeling, had insisted that Arnauld -du Thill should be allowed to be present when the speech summing up the -charges should be made, and to reply to it if necessary. Martin was -under no such necessity, and remained in his prison. But Arnauld was -brought before the tribunal so that judgment might be passed after -hearing both sides; and he lost not a word of Gabriel's forcible and -convincing statement. - -However, when Gabriel had finished, Arnauld du Thill, without yielding -an inch to fear or discouragement, calmly rose and asked leave to speak -in his own defence. The court would have refused; but Gabriel seconded -his request, and he was allowed to speak. - -He spoke admirably; the cunning blackguard was really eloquent by -nature, and had a shrewd and clever mind. - -Gabriel's principal endeavor had been to apply the evidence to -dispelling the obscurity which hung about the adventures of the two -Martins. Arnauld, on the other hand, devoted himself to twisting all the -threads together again and to bringing the minds of the judges a second -time into that state of confusion in which lay his only hope. He avowed -that he himself could in nowise comprehend all the entanglements arising -from these two existences, which were continually being mistaken for -each other. It was not his affair to explain all the blunders for which -they tried to hold him responsible. All he had to do was to answer for -his own life and justify his own actions; and that he was ready to do. - -He then repeated the logically arranged and compact story of his own -acts and movements from his cradle down to that day. He spoke to his -friends and kinsfolk, reminding them of circumstances which they had -themselves forgotten, laughing at certain memories, and weeping at -others. - -He could not speak Basque, it is true, nor play tennis; but everybody -had not the faculty of remembering languages, and he showed the scar on -his hand. Even if his adversary had satisfied the court on those two -points, nothing was easier when occasion demanded than to learn a patois -and attain skill at a game by practice. - -The Comte de Montgommery, certainly led astray by some mischief-maker, -accused him of having stolen from his squire the papers which -established his name and his identity; but there was no proof of that -fact. - -As for the peasant, who could say that he was not an accomplice of the -_soi-disant_ Martin? - -Regarding the money for the Comte de Montgommery's ransom, which he. -Martin-Guerre, was accused of having stolen, he could only say that he -had returned to Artigues with a certain sum larger than that lost by the -count; but he accounted for it by exhibiting the certificate of the very -eminent and powerful nobleman, the Connétable Duc de Montmorency. - -In his peroration, Arnauld with infinite address rung the changes upon -the constable's mighty name in the ears of the bewildered judges. He -insisted that they should send to make inquiries concerning him of his -illustrious master, and he was confident that the result of such -inquiries would be his speedy and decisive justification. - -In short, the crafty rascal's speech was so clever and insidious, he -expressed himself with so much warmth, and impudence sometimes so -closely resembles innocence, that Gabriel saw that the judges were -undecided and wavering once more. - -It was necessary then to strike a decisive blow; and Gabriel, although -it was much against his wish, determined to do it. - -He spoke a single word in the president's ear; whereupon the latter -ordered Arnauld du Thill to be remanded to prison and Martin-Guerre to -be produced. - - - - -END OF VOL. 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text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i8 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i9 {display: block; margin-left: 4.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i10 {display: block; margin-left: 5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i11 {display: block; margin-left: 5.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i12 {display: block; margin-left: 6em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Two Dianas Volume 2 (of 03), by Alexandre Dumas</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Two Dianas Volume 2 (of 03)</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Authors: Alexandre Dumas</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em;'>Paul Meurice</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: E. Van Meyden</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February 6, 2022 [eBook #67338]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Laura Natal Rodrigues (Images generously made available by Hathi Trust Digital Library.)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TWO DIANAS VOLUME 2 (OF 03) ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/dianas02_cover.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<h1>THE TWO DIANAS.</h1> - -<p><br /></p> - -<h4>BY</h4> - -<h2>ALEXANDRE DUMAS.</h2> - -<p><br /></p> - -<h3>IN THREE VOLUMES.</h3> - - -<h4>VOL. II.</h4> - -<p><br /></p> - -<h4>LONDON: J. M. DENT & CO.</h4> - -<h4>BOSTON, LITTLE, BROWN, & CO.</h4> - -<h5>1894.</h5> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="frontispiece"></a> -<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> -<p class="center">Diane de Poitiers.</p> -</div></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>ILLUSTRATIONS</h4> - -<h4>PORTRAITS.</h4> - -<p class="nind"><a href="#frontispiece">Diane de Poitiers</a></p> - -<h4>ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS</h4> - -<h4>DRAWN AND ETCHED BY E. VAN MUYDEN.</h4> - -<p class="nind"><a href="#figure01">Glimpses at Divers Men of the Sword</a></p> - -<p class="nind"><a href="#figure02">Love Disdained</a></p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>CONTENTS</h4> - -<p class="nind">Chapter -<br /> -<a href="#chap01">I. In which Divers Occurrences artfully fall<br /> -out Together</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap02">II. How Arnauld du Thill caused Arnauld<br /> -du Thill to be hanged at Noyon</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap03">III. Arnauld du Thill's Bucolic Dreams</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap04">IV. The Arms of Pierre Peuquoy, the Hopes of<br /> -Jean Peuquoy, and the Tears of Babette Peuquoy</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap05">V. Sequel to the Misfortunes of Martin-Guerre</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap06">VI. In which Martin-Guerre's Character begins<br /> -to be Rehabilitated</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap07">VII. A Philosopher and a Soldier</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap08">VIII. Wherein Mary Stuart's Loveliness flits<br /> -across the Course of the Story with as<br /> -Transient a Gleam as it casts upon the<br /> -History of France</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap09">IX. The Other Diane.</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap10">X. A Grand Scheme for a Great Man</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap11">XI. Glimpses at Divers Men of the Sword</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap12">XII. The Cleverness of Stupidity</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap13">XIII. December 31, 1557</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap14">XIV. During the Bombardment</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap15">XV. Within the Tent</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap16">XVI. Small Craft sometimes save Large Men-of-War</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap17">XVII. Obscuri sola sub Nocte</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap18">XVIII. Between Two Chasms</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap19">XIX. Arnauld du Thill, though Absent, continues<br /> -to exert a Fatal Influence on<br /> -the Destiny of Poor Martin-Guerre</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap20">XX. Lord Wentworth at Bay</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap21">XXI. Love disdained</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap22">XXII. Love requited</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap23">XXIII. Le Balafré</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap24">XXIV. Partial Dénouement</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap25">XXV. Happy Omens</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap26">XXVI. A Quatrain</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap27">XXVII. The Vicomte de Montgommery</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap28">XXVIII. Joy and Anguish</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap29">XXIX. Precautionary Measures</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap30">XXX. The Secret Prisoner</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap31">XXXI. The Comte de Montgommery</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap32">XXXII. The Knight-Errant</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap33">XXXIII. In which Arnauld du Thill appears once<br /> -more</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap34">XXXIV. Justice in a Quandary</a></p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>THE TWO DIANAS</h4> - -<p><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap01"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER I -<br /><br /> -IN WHICH DIVERS OCCURRENCES ARTFULLY FALL OUT<br /> -TOGETHER</h4> - -<p> -Three weeks had elapsed. The last days of September were at hand; and no -change of moment had taken place in the respective situations of the -different characters represented in this tale. -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy had paid to Lord Wentworth the trifling sum at which he had -shrewdly had his ransom fixed. More than that, he had obtained leave to -settle at Calais. We ought to say, however, that he seemed to be in no -haste to commence operations. He seemed to be of a very inquisitive and -yet careless disposition; in fact, the honest burgher might be seen from -morning till night sauntering about on the walls, and talking with the -soldiers of the garrison, while apparently thinking no more about the -weaver's trade than if he were an abbé or a monk. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, he had either not tried or not been able to induce his -cousin Pierre to be his companion in this life of idleness; and the -skilful armorer had never turned out more or more finely executed work. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel's melancholy increased from day to day. He received nothing but -general news from Paris. France was beginning to breathe again. The -Spaniards and English had wasted too much precious time in besieging and -reducing places of no importance; thus the country had had an -opportunity to recover its balance, and it seemed as if both France and -the king would be saved. This news, to which the heroic defence of St. -Quentin had had no small share in imparting such a favorable character, -no doubt was cheering to Gabriel; yet he heard not a word of Henri II., -of Coligny, of his father, or of Diane! That reflection cast a shadow -upon his brow and made it impossible for him to respond, as he might -have done at another time, to Lord Wentworth's friendly overtures. -</p> - -<p> -The easy-going and unreserved governor seemed really to have taken a -great liking to his prisoner. His ennui, and a little feeling of chagrin -during the last few days, had no doubt had their share in arousing this -feeling. The society of a young and clever gentleman of the French court -was an invaluable distraction in stupid Calais. Thus it was that Lord -Wentworth never allowed two days in succession to go by without calling -upon Vicomte d'Exmès, and insisted upon his dining with him three times -a week at his own table. This excessive affection was rather oppressive -to Gabriel, all things considered; for the governor laughingly swore -that he would not release his hold upon his captive till the last -extremity; that he would never consent to let him go on parole; and that -until the last crown of Gabriel's ransom should be well and truly paid, -he would not yield to the cruel necessity of parting from so dear a -friend. -</p> - -<p> -After all, this might well be only a refined and courtly way of -expressing suspicion of him, so Gabriel did not dare to persist in his -excuses; besides, his delicacy led him to suffer uncomplainingly while -awaiting the convalescence of his squire, who, it will be remembered, -was to go to Paris to procure the sum of money agreed upon as the price -of Vicomte d'Exmès's liberty. -</p> - -<p> -But Martin-Guerre—we should say, his substitute Arnauld du -Thill—was very deliberate in his convalescence. After a few days, -the surgeon who had been called to look after the wound, which the scamp -had sustained in a scuffle, had ceased to visit him, announcing that his -task was done, and his patient entirely restored to health. A day or two -of rest, and the excellent nursing of pretty Babette, Pierre's sister, -would be quite sufficient to complete the cure, if indeed it were not -already completed. -</p> - -<p> -Upon receiving that assurance, Gabriel had informed his squire that he -must start for Paris on the next day but one without fail; but when the -morning of that day arrived, Arnauld complained of dizziness and -faintness, which made him likely to fall if he took but a few steps -without Babette's accustomed support. Thereupon two days' more of delay -were asked and granted. At the end of that time a sort of general -debility caused poor Arnauld's arms and legs to become perfectly -useless; and this new symptom, which was caused doubtless (so he said) -by the excessive pain he had suffered, had to be treated with hot baths -and a very rigid diet. But this last regimen gave rise to such utter -weakness that more delay was considered indispensable, to give the -faithful fellow time to build himself up once more with tonics and -generous draughts of wine. At least his nurse Babette declared to -Gabriel, with tears in her eyes, that if he required Martin-Guerre to -set out at once, he would expose him to the danger of dying of inanition -on the road. -</p> - -<p> -This extraordinary convalescence was thus prolonged to much greater -length than the illness itself, in spite of the tender care of -Babette,—a malicious person might say, thanks to that same tender -care,—until two weeks had elapsed since the surgeon had pronounced -him cured, and it was nearly a month since Gabriel's arrival at Calais. -</p> - -<p> -This could not be allowed to go on forever. Gabriel finally lost his -patience; and even Arnauld du Thill, who at first had sought and found -all manner of expedients with the best grace in the world, now -announced, with a very self-sufficient and triumphant air, to poor -broken-hearted Babette, that he could not afford to make his master -angry, and that, after all, his best course would be to start at once so -that he might the sooner return; but Babette's red eyes and downcast -look proved that she hardly understood that kind of reasoning. -</p> - -<p> -The evening before the day when, according to his formal announcement, -Arnauld proposed finally to take his departure for Paris, Gabriel took -supper with Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -The governor seemed to have even more melancholy than usual to shake -off, for he carried his gayety almost to the point of madness. -</p> - -<p> -When he left Gabriel after escorting him to the courtyard, lighted at -that hour only by a lamp which was already flickering, the young man, -just as he was wrapping himself in his cloak before going out, saw one -of the doors opening into the courtyard partly ajar. A woman, whom -Gabriel recognized as one of those employed in the house, glided up to -him, with a finger on her lips, and holding a paper toward him with the -other hand, said in a low voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"For the French gentleman whom Lord Wentworth entertains so often." -</p> - -<p> -She handed him the folded paper; and before Gabriel had recovered -sufficiently from his stupefaction to question her, she was already -gone. -</p> - -<p> -The youth, in his perplexity, being naturally of an inquiring mind, and -perhaps a little rash, reflected that he had a quarter of an hour's walk -to take in the dark before he would be able to read the note at his ease -in his own room; and that seemed a long while to wait for the key to a -riddle which piqued his curiosity. So without more ado he determined to -ascertain at once if anything was required of him. He looked about, and -seeing that he was quite alone, drew near the smoking lamp, unfolded the -note, and read, not altogether unmoved, the following words:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"Monsieur, I do not know you, nor have I ever seen you; but one of the -women who wait upon me tells me that you are a Frenchman, and are, as I -am, a prisoner. This gives me courage to appeal to you in my distress. -You are doubtless held for ransom. You will probably soon return to -Paris. You can see there my friends, who have no idea what has become of -me. You might tell them where I am; that Lord Wentworth is holding me a -prisoner without allowing me to communicate with a living, soul, and -refusing to name any price for my liberty; and that, shamefully abusing -the cruel privilege which my unfortunate position gives him, he has the -effrontery every day to speak to me of a passion which I repulse with -horror, but which my very scorn and his certainty of impunity may excite -to the use of force. A gentleman, and above all, a fellow-countryman, -will surely come to my aid in this wretched extremity; but I still have -to tell you who I am for whom—" -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -The letter came to an end there, and was unsigned. Some unexpected -interruption or sudden accident had probably caused her to break off -thus abruptly, and yet she had chosen to send the letter, even though it -were unfinished, so that she might not lose any precious opportunity, -and because, although not complete, it still said everything that she -wished to say except the name of the lady who was being subjected to -such odious restraint. -</p> - -<p> -That name Gabriel did not know, nor could he recognize the trembling, -hurried handwriting; and yet a strange feeling of anxiety, an -extraordinary presentiment, crept into his heart. Pale with emotion, he -drew near the lamp again to read the letter once more, when another door -behind him opened, and Lord Wentworth himself came out, preceded by a -little page, and crossed the courtyard on his way to his sleeping -apartment. -</p> - -<p> -As he recognized Gabriel, to whom he had said good-night some time -before, the governor stayed his steps in surprise. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you still here, my friend?" he said, approaching him with his -customary friendly manner. "What has detained you? No mishap, I trust, -or sudden illness?" -</p> - -<p> -The straightforward young man, without replying, simply held out to Lord -Wentworth the letter that had been handed him. The Englishman cast his -eye upon it, and became even paler than Gabriel; but he succeeded in -maintaining his presence of mind, and while pretending to read it, was -really making up his mind how to deal with the matter. -</p> - -<p> -"What an old fool she is!" said he, crumpling the letter in his hand and -throwing it on the floor in well-feigned contempt. -</p> - -<p> -No words could have served to throw Gabriel off the scent more quickly -or completely, for he was continually absorbed in his own thoughts, and -had already begun to lose interest in the unknown. However, he did not -abandon his suspicions at once, but responded rather evasively,— -</p> - -<p> -"You don't tell me who this prisoner is whom you are detaining here -against her will, my Lord?" -</p> - -<p> -"Against her will, indeed!" said Wentworth, in a perfectly unembarrassed -tone. "It is a kinswoman of my wife,—a little crack-brained, if any -one ever was,—whom her family wished to send away from England, and -who has, much to my disgust, been put in my charge in this place, where it -is easier to keep an eye on lunatics as well as on prisoners. However, -since you have penetrated this family secret, my dear fellow, I think I -might as well tell you the whole story on the spot. The particular mania -of Lady Howe, who has read too many of the poems of chivalry, is to -imagine, despite her fifty years and her gray hairs, that she is an -oppressed and persecuted heroine; and she tries to interest in her -behalf, by fables with more or less foundation in fact, every -good-looking young cavalier who comes within her reach. Upon my soul, -Gabriel, it seems to me as if my old aunt's romancing has enlisted your -sympathy for her. Come! confess that her <i>billet-doux</i> did cause you a -little anxiety, my poor fellow?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's a strange story that you tell me, my Lord, you must agree," said -Gabriel, coldly; "you have never spoken to me of your kinswoman that I -remember." -</p> - -<p> -"No, to be sure I have not," rejoined Lord Wentworth; "for one does not -ordinarily care to admit strangers into one's confidence as to private -family matters." -</p> - -<p> -"But how does she come to say that she is French?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, to arouse your interest more successfully, in all probability," was -Wentworth's reply, with a smile which began to be rather forced. -</p> - -<p> -"And this passion which she claims that you inflict upon her, my Lord?" -</p> - -<p> -"The delusion of an old woman who mistakes ancient memories for new -hopes," rejoined Wentworth, who was beginning to grow restive. -</p> - -<p> -"Is it to avoid being laughed at, my Lord, that you keep her out of -everybody's sight?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, how many questions you ask!" exclaimed Lord Wentworth, frowning -darkly, but still without any outburst. "I had no idea you were of such -an inquiring mind, Gabriel. But it's quarter to nine, and I have your -agreement to be in your own quarters before the curfew sounds; for your -freedom as a prisoner on parole does not extend so far as to allow any -infringement of the police regulations of Calais. If Lady Howe interests -you so deeply, we can return to the subject to-morrow. Meanwhile, I beg -you will say nothing about these delicate family matters; and I have the -honor to wish you good-evening, Monsieur le Vicomte." -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon the governor saluted Gabriel, and re-entered the house. He -desired to retain his self-control to the end, and feared that he might -become too much excited if the conversation were to continue. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, after a moment's hesitation and thought, left the governor's -mansion to return to the humble abode of the armorer. But Lord Wentworth -had not remained so entirely master of himself to the last as to do away -with all suspicion in Gabriel's heart; and the young man's doubts, which -were added to by his secret instinct, assailed him anew on his way -through the streets. -</p> - -<p> -He determined to say nothing more on the subject to Lord Wentworth, who -was not likely to give him any information, but to watch and make -inquiries, and to find out if he could whether the fair unknown was -really a countrywoman of his own, and the Englishman's prisoner. -</p> - -<p> -"But, <i>mon Dieu</i>! even if that is proved to demonstration," thought -Gabriel, "what can I do then? Am I not myself a prisoner here? Are not -my hands bound, and has not Lord Wentworth a perfect right to call upon -me for my sword, which I wear only by his favor and at his pleasure? -There must be an end to this state of things; and I must be able to have -matters on a different footing, in case of need. Martin-Guerre must -absolutely and without more trifling be off to-morrow. I will tell him -so myself this very evening." -</p> - -<p> -So when the door had been opened to Gabriel by one of Pierre Peuquoy's -apprentices, he went up to the second floor, instead of stopping, as he -generally did, at his own room on the first floor. Probably everybody in -the house was asleep at that hour, Martin-Guerre no doubt like the -others. If so, Gabriel concluded to awaken him and make known to him his -firm determination. He noiselessly approached the room occupied by his -squire, so that he might disturb nobody's slumbers. -</p> - -<p> -The key was in the outer door, which Gabriel softly opened; but the -inner door was closed, and Gabriel could hear through the partition -bursts of laughter and the clinking of glasses. Thereupon he knocked -with some force, and announced himself in an imperious voice. The noise -ceased abruptly; and as Gabriel only called the louder, Arnauld du Thill -hurriedly opened the door to his master. In fact, he made too much -haste, and failed to allow sufficient time for a fluttering dress, which -was vanishing through an opposite door, to disappear completely before -Gabriel came in. -</p> - -<p> -He took it to be some little love-making with the housemaid; and as he -was not very prudish in his ideas, he could not refrain from smiling as -he reprimanded his squire. -</p> - -<p> -"Aha, Martin," said he, "I think you must be much better than you -pretend! A table all set, three bottles, and two covers! I seem to have -frightened away your companion at the banquet. Never mind! I have seen -now very decisive proofs of your recovery, and I am more than ever free -from hesitation about ordering you to start to-morrow." -</p> - -<p> -"That was my intention, you know, Monseigneur," said Arnauld, rather -abashed; "and I was just saying my adieus—" -</p> - -<p> -"To a friend? Oh, yes!" said Gabriel, "that shows your kind heart; but -friendship must not make us forget our duty, and I must insist that you -be on your way to Paris before I rise to-morrow. You have the governor's -safe-conduct; your outfit has been ready for some days: your horse is as -thoroughly rested as yourself; your purse is full, thanks to the -confidence of our good host, who has only one regret, worthy man, and -that is that he is unable to advance the whole of my ransom. You lack -nothing, Martin; and if you start early in the morning you ought to be -in Paris in three days. Do you remember what you are to do when you are -safely there?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur. I am to go at once to the house in the Rue des -Jardins de St. Paul, to inform your nurse of your safety; to ask her for -the ten thousand crowns required for your ransom, and three thousand -more for your expenses and debts here; and as tokens of my authority, I -am to show her this line from you, and your ring." -</p> - -<p> -"Useless precautions, Martin, for my good nurse knows you well, my -faithful fellow! but I have yielded to your scruples. Remember to see -that this money is got together as quickly as possible, do you -understand?" -</p> - -<p> -"Never fear, Monseigneur. When I have the money, and have handed your -letter to Monsieur l'Amiral, I am to come back even faster than I went -away." -</p> - -<p> -"No wretched quarrels on the way, above all things!" "There is no -danger, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, adieu, Martin, and good luck to you!" -</p> - -<p> -"In ten days you will see me here again, Monseigneur, and at sunrise -to-morrow I shall be a long way from Calais." -</p> - -<p> -On this occasion Arnauld kept his promise. He allowed Babette to go with -him next morning to the city walls. He embraced her for the last time, -swearing solemnly that she should see him again very soon; then he drove -his spurs into his horse, and was off in high spirits like the rascal -that he was, and speedily disappeared at a bend in the road. -</p> - -<p> -The poor girl made haste to get back to the house before her terrible -brother should have arisen; but she had to send word down that she was -ill, so that she might indulge her grief alone in her chamber. -</p> - -<p> -Thereafter it would not be easy to say whether she or Gabriel awaited -the squire's return the more impatiently. They were both doomed to wait -a long while. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap02"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER II -<br /><br /> -HOW ARNAULD DU THILL CAUSED ARNAULD DU THILL TO<br /> -BE HANGED AT NOYON</h4> - -<p> -During the first day Arnauld du Thill had no unfortunate encounter, and -pursued his journey with reasonable celerity. He met parties of the -enemy from time to time along the road,—German deserters, disbanded -Englishmen, and Spaniards insolent in the pride of conquest; for there -were more foreigners than Frenchmen at this time in our poor debased -France. But to all questioners Arnauld proudly exhibited Lord -Wentworth's safe-conduct; and all of them, not without some regretful -grumbling, thought best to respect the signature of the governor of -Calais. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, on the second day, in the neighborhood of St. Quentin, a -detachment of Spaniards undertook to get the better of him by claiming -that his horse was not included in the safe-conduct, and that they might -conclude to confiscate him; but the false Martin-Guerre was firm as a -rock, and demanded to be taken to their commander, whereupon they -released the sharp fellow and his horse without more ado. -</p> - -<p> -However, the adventure served as a useful lesson to him, and he resolved -henceforward to avoid as far as possible all meetings with armed bands. -But it was a difficult matter; the enemy, although they had gained no -decisive advantage by the capture of St. Quentin, nevertheless occupied -all the surrounding country. Le Catelet, Ham, Noyon, and Chauny were in -their hands; and when Arnauld found himself before Noyon, on the evening -of the second day, he made up his mind that his best plan was to avoid -the town by a detour, and not put up for the night until he came to the -next settlement. -</p> - -<p> -In order to do this he had to leave the high-road. Arnauld, being but -little acquainted with the country, lost his way; as he was trying to -get back into the right road again, he suddenly found himself at a turn -in the path in the midst of a detachment of armed men, who likewise -seemed to be in search of something. -</p> - -<p> -It is easier to imagine than describe Arnauld's intense satisfaction -when he heard one of them cry out as soon as he caught sight of him,— -</p> - -<p> -"Hallo! If here isn't that miserable Arnauld du Thill now!" -</p> - -<p> -"Arnauld du Thill on horseback?" said another of the party. -</p> - -<p> -"Great Heaven!" said the squire to himself, turning pale, "I seem to be -known hereabouts; and if I am really recognized, it's all over with me." -</p> - -<p> -It was too late, however, for him to turn about and make his escape, for -the soldiers were all around him. Fortunately it was already pretty -dark. -</p> - -<p> -"Who are you, and where are you going?" one of them asked him. -</p> - -<p> -"My name is Martin-Guerre," replied Arnauld, trembling with fear; "I am -the squire of Vicomte d'Exmès, now a prisoner at Calais, and I am on my -way to Paris to procure the money for his ransom. Here is a safe-conduct -signed by Lord Wentworth, governor of Calais." -</p> - -<p> -The leader of the troop called one of his men, who carried a torch, and -began with very serious mien to examine Arnauld's pass. -</p> - -<p> -"The seal is all right," said he; "and the pass seems to be genuine. You -have told the truth, my friend; and you may go on about your business." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks," said Arnauld, breathing again. -</p> - -<p> -"One word more, my friend. You have not chanced to meet on your way a -man who had the appearance of a fugitive, a rascally gallows-bird, who -answers to the name of Arnauld du Thill?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know any such man as Arnauld du Thill," was Arnauld du Thill's -hasty reply. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps you don't know him, my friend; but you might have met him among -these by-paths. He is about your height, and as well as one can judge in -this darkness, of somewhat the same build. But he is by no means so well -dressed as you, I must admit. He wears a brown cape, round hat, and gray -leggings, and he should be in hiding somewhere in the direction that you -came from. The villain! Oh, if he but fall into our hands just once -more, that devilish scoundrel!" -</p> - -<p> -"What has he done, pray?" inquired Arnauld, hesitatingly. -</p> - -<p> -"What has he done? This is the third time that he has escaped from us. -He claims that we made his life too hard for him. I think he's right -too! When he ran away the first time he carried off his master's light -o' love. Surely that deserved punishment. Then he had nothing to pay for -his ransom. He has been sold over and over again, and has passed from -hand to hand, and was the property of anybody who wanted him. It was no -more than fair that since he could be of no value to us, he should -entertain us; but that made him proud, and he didn't choose to do it any -longer, so he ran away again. Now, this makes the third time that he has -done it, and if we catch the blackguard again!" -</p> - -<p> -"What will you do to him?" asked Arnauld, again. -</p> - -<p> -"The first time we beat him; the second time we half killed him; and the -third time we will hang him!" -</p> - -<p> -"Hang him!" echoed Arnauld, in alarm. -</p> - -<p> -"To the nearest tree, my good fellow; and without trial. He is ours. To -hang him will amuse us, and teach him a lesson. Look to your right, my -friend. Do you see that gallows? Well, we shall string up Arnauld du -Thill on that very gallows the moment we succeed in capturing him." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, indeed!" said Arnauld, with rather constrained merriment. -</p> - -<p> -"It's just as I tell you, my friend! so if you meet the rascal, just -take him in hand, and bring him to us; we will not forget the service. -Until then, farewell." -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon they were leaving him, but he, feeling immensely relieved, -called them back. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me, masters, but one good turn deserves another! I am completely -astray, you see, and have not the slightest idea where I am; so just set -my compass right for me, will you?" -</p> - -<p> -"That's very easily done, my friend," said the trooper. "Those walls -behind you and the postern-gate that you can just distinguish in the -darkness are part of Noyon. You are looking too far to the right, toward -the gallows; look more to the left, where you see the pikes of our -comrades glistening, for our company is doing guard-duty to-night at -that postern. Now, turn about and you have in front of you the road from -Paris through the wood. About twenty paces from here the road forks. You -may turn to the right or left, as you think best. The roads are of equal -length, and come together at the ferry over the Oise about a fourth of a -league from here. Having crossed the ferry, bear always to the right. -The first village is Auvray, a league from the ferry. Now you know as -much as we do, my friend. A pleasant journey to you!" -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, and good-evening," said Arnauld, putting his horse to a trot. -</p> - -<p> -The directions they had given him were very accurate. Twenty paces away -he came to the fork, and left the selection to his horse, who chose the -left-hand road. -</p> - -<p> -The night was very dark, and the forest doubly so. However, in about ten -minutes Arnauld arrived at a clearing in the woods; and the moon, -breaking through the clouds, cast a feeble and uncertain light upon the -road. -</p> - -<p> -At that moment the squire was thinking of the fright he had had, and of -the strange adventure which had put his <i>sang-froid</i> to the test. -Though his mind was at ease as to the past, he could not contemplate the -future without misgiving. -</p> - -<p> -"This must be the real Martin-Guerre, whom they are hunting under my -name," he thought. "But the gallows-bird has got away! I shall find him -at Paris as soon as I get there myself, very likely, and a fine contest -I shall have on my hands in that case. I know that nothing but impudence -can carry me through; but it may be my destruction. Why need the -blackguard have escaped h He is getting to be a great nuisance -certainly; and it would be a great kindness to me if those brave fellows -would hang him. He is decidedly my evil genius." -</p> - -<p> -This edifying monologue was yet unfinished when Arnauld, who had a very -keen and practised sight, saw or thought he saw, a hundred paces or so -ahead of him, a man, or more properly speaking, a shadow, which, as he -drew near, suddenly disappeared in a ditch. -</p> - -<p> -"Hallo! another ill-timed meeting,—an ambush perhaps," thought the -prudent Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -He tried to plunge into the woods, but the ditch was impassable for -horseman and horse. He waited a few moments, then ventured to look -around. The phantom, which had raised its head, disappeared as quickly -as before. -</p> - -<p> -"Can it be that he is as much afraid of me as I am of him?" said Arnauld -to himself. "Are we equally anxious to avoid each other? Well, I must do -something, since this infernal undergrowth prevents my going across -through the woods to the other road. Must I go back to the fork in the -road! That would be the surest way. May I not bravely put my horse on -the run and pass my man like a flash? That would be the shortest way to -do. He is on foot, and unless a shot from an arquebuse—but no, I -won't give him time for that." -</p> - -<p> -No sooner resolved than carried out. Arnauld drove both spurs into his -horse's sides, and went by the man in ambush or hiding like a streak of -lightning. -</p> - -<p> -The man did not stir. -</p> - -<p> -That rather lessened Arnauld's terror; he pulled up his horse, and even -went back a few steps, acting upon a thought that had suddenly occurred -to him. -</p> - -<p> -Still the man gave no sign of life. -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon all Arnauld's courage came back to him; and now, almost -certain that he was right in his conjecture, he rode straight up to the -ditch. -</p> - -<p> -But at this juncture, and before he had time even to utter an -exclamation, the man gave one leap, and releasing Arnauld' right foot -from the stirrup with a sudden movement, and throwing it roughly over -the saddle, he cast the squire from his horse, fell to the ground upon -him, and seized him by the throat with his knee on his chest. -</p> - -<p> -All this took place in less than twenty seconds. -</p> - -<p> -"Who are you? What do you want?" asked the victor of his fallen foe. -</p> - -<p> -"Let me get up, I beseech you!" said the almost strangled voice of -Arnauld, who felt that he had met his master. "I am a Frenchman; but I -have a safe-conduct from Lord Wentworth, governor of Calais." -</p> - -<p> -"If you are a Frenchman," said the man,—"and in truth you seem not to -have an accent like all these demons of foreigners,—I have no need of -your passport. But what made you approach me in such an extraordinary -way?" -</p> - -<p> -"I thought that I saw a man in the ditch," said Arnauld, as the pressure -on his chest was somewhat relaxed; "and I was coming to see if it wasn't -a wounded man, and if there wasn't something I could do for him." -</p> - -<p> -"Your purpose was good," said the man, withdrawing his hand and taking -away his knee. "Come, get up, comrade," he added, extending his hand to -Arnauld, who was soon on his feet. "I gave you rather a—rather a -rough welcome; but you must excuse me, because I have no mind just now to -have anybody interfering with my affairs. But you are a fellow-countryman, -which is a very different matter; and far from injuring me, you may do -me a great service. Let us get to know each other first. My name is -Martin-Guerre; and yours?" -</p> - -<p> -"Mine? Mine? It's Bertrand," said Arnauld, with a start; for being alone -with him at night, and in that dense forest, this man, whom he -ordinarily ruled completely by virtue of his cunning and shrewdness, now -quite as completely had him in his power by virtue of his strength and -courage. -</p> - -<p> -Fortunately for Arnauld, the darkness assured his remaining -unrecognized, and he did his best to disguise his voice. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, friend Bertrand," continued Martin-Guerre, "let me tell you that -I am an escaped prisoner, and that I got away this morning for the -second time (my captors say for the third) from these Spaniards and -English and Germans and Flemings; in short, from this whole catalogue of -foes who have settled down upon our poor land like a swarm of locusts. -For may I be hanged if France is not at this moment another Tower of -Babel! For the last month I have belonged, just as you see me now, to -twenty jabberers of different nationalities; and each patois was always -harsher and more outlandish to listen to than the last. I was tired to -death of being harried from village to village, which was done to me so -much that I began to think they were simply making sport of me, and -amusing themselves by tormenting me. They were forever blackguarding me -about some pretty little witch named Gudule, who was supposed to have -fallen in love with me so madly apparently as to have run away with me." -</p> - -<p> -"Aha!" ejaculated Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -"I am just telling you what they told me. Well, their raillery tired me -so much that one fine morning I took to my heels, all alone, however. As -bad luck would have it, they caught me, and pounded me so that I had to -pity myself. But what was the good of it all? They threatened to hang me -if I did it again, but that only made me all the more anxious to attempt -it; and this morning, seizing a favorable opportunity while they were -arranging their quarters at Noyon, I gave my tyrants the slip again -finely. God knows how eagerly they have been hunting for me to hang me! -But as I am strongly opposed to that conclusion of the affair, I have -been perched up in a tall tree here in the woods all day, waiting for -night to come; and I couldn't help laughing, although rather feebly, to -see them pass right under my feet, cursing and swearing. When it became -dark, I left my observatory. Now, in the first place, I have lost myself -in the woods, having never been here before; and in the second place, I -am dying of hunger, not having had a morsel between my teeth for -twenty-four hours, except a few leaves and roots, which do not make a -bountiful meal. That is why I fell down from weakness, as you can easily -understand." -</p> - -<p> -"Phew!" said Arnauld. "I didn't understand it that way just now; on the -contrary, you seemed to me, I must confess, to be quite vigorous." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes," said Martin, "because I pommelled you a little. However, -don't be angry about it. It was the fever of hunger that lent strength -to my arm. But now you are my Providence; for you, being a -fellow-countryman, surely will not let me fall into the hands of those -fellows again, will you?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, to be sure I will not, if I can help you in any way," replied -Arnauld du Thill, who was reflecting in his shrewd way upon what Martin -had said. -</p> - -<p> -He began to see light on the subject of regaining his advantage, which -had been put in some peril by the strong grasp of his double. -</p> - -<p> -"You can do a great deal for me," Martin-Guerre went on ingenuously. -"Are you not somewhat acquainted with this neighborhood?" -</p> - -<p> -"I belong in Auvray, a quarter of a league from here," said Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you on your way there?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, I am just coming from there," replied the crafty knave, after a -moment's hesitation. -</p> - -<p> -"Does Auvray lie in that direction, then?" asked Martin, pointing toward -Noyon. -</p> - -<p> -"Exactly so," replied Arnauld; "it is the first village out of Noyon on -the road to Paris." -</p> - -<p> -"On the road to Paris!" cried Martin; "well, just see, then, how a man -may get turned around in the woods! I fancied that my back was turned to -Noyon, whereas I was really coming back to it; that I was going toward -Paris, whereas I was really getting farther away. The cursed country is -entirely strange to me, as I was just telling you. So it seems that I -must travel in the direction from which you came to avoid walking into -the wolfs jaws." -</p> - -<p> -"You are quite right, Master! I am going to Noyon; but walk with me a -few steps. We shall find at the ferry over the Oise, close by, another -road which will take you to Auvray more directly." -</p> - -<p> -"I am very much obliged, friend Bertrand," said Martin; "to be sure, I -want to be as sparing of my steps as possible, for I am very tired and -very weak, having, as I was telling you, about as little sustenance in -me as I well could have. You don't happen to have anything to eat about -you, friend Bertrand, do you? If you have, you will have saved me twice -over,—once from the English, and again from starvation, which is -quite as terrible as they." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" was Arnauld's reply, "I haven't a crumb in my haversack! But if -you care for a draught of good wine, why, my calash is quite full." -</p> - -<p> -In fact, Babette had taken care to fill her unfaithful swain's calash with -<i>vin de Chypre</i>,—a very potent wine of the period; and Arnauld -up to that time had indulged very sparingly, so as to retain his rather -easily upset reasoning powers amid the perils of the road. -</p> - -<p> -"I think I should be more than glad of a drink!" cried Martin-Guerre, -enthusiastically. "A draught of wine is sure to enliven me a bit." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, take it and drink away, my good fellow!" said Arnauld, -offering him his calash. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks! And may God requite you!" said Martin, who set to work -unsuspiciously to drown his sorrows in the wine, which was as -treacherous as he who offered it, and whose fumes almost immediately -began to work upon his brain, which was easily affected on account of -his long abstinence from food. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, well," said he, hilariously, "this light wine of yours doesn't -lack fire!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>! it's quite harmless!" said Arnauld; "I drink two -bottles at every meal. But as the evening is very fine, let us sit here -on the grass awhile; and do you take a good rest, and drink at your -leisure. I have time enough; and I shall be all right if I reach Noyon -before ten o'clock, which is the hour for closing the gates. But you, -although Auvray still flies the standard of France, are nevertheless -likely to meet with troublesome patrolling parties if you follow the -high-road so early; while if you leave it, you will lose your way again. -The best course will be for us to stay here awhile, and quietly talk -matters over. Where were you made prisoner?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't quite know," said Martin-Guerre, "for there are two -contradictory versions of that matter, just as there are of almost the -whole of my unfortunate life,—one which I believe myself, and another -which I hear from others. For instance, I am assured that it was at the -battle of St. Laurent that I surrendered at discretion; while my own -idea is that I was not present on that occasion, and that it was -somewhat later than that I fell into the hands of a party of the -enemy all by myself." -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean?" asked Arnauld, feigning incredulity. "Have you two -histories, pray? Your adventures seem very interesting and instructive, -to say the least of them. I must confess that I am extravagantly fond of -such tales. Just take a good drink to freshen up your memory, and tell -me something of your life. You are not from Picardy?" -</p> - -<p> -"No," replied Martin, after a pause, which he occupied in drinking three -fourths of the contents of the calash; "no, I am from the -South,—Artigues." -</p> - -<p> -"A fine country, they say. Is your family there?" -</p> - -<p> -"My wife and children, my good friend," replied Martin, who had become -very expansive and confidential under the influence of the Chypre. -</p> - -<p> -Being stimulated partly by Arnauld's questions and partly by his -constant libations, he began to narrate with great volubility his whole -history, even to its least detail,—his youth, his love-affairs, and -his marriage; that his wife was a very charming woman, notwithstanding a -slight failing in regard to her hand, which was too quick and too heavy -at once. In truth, a blow from a woman was no dishonor to a man, -although it was rather tiresome in the long run. That was why -Martin-Guerre had left his too-emphatic wife. Then followed a -circumstantial account of the causes, details, and sequel of the rupture -between them. However, he loved her still at heart,—his dear -Bertrande! He still wore on his finger his iron marriage-ring, and over his -heart the two or three letters which Bertrande had written the first time -they ever were separated. As he told of this, the honest fellow wept. It -was decidedly tender-hearted wine. He would have liked to go on with the -details of everything that had happened to him since he entered the -service of Vicomte d'Exmès; that a demon had pursued him; that he, -Martin-Guerre, was double, and did not recognize himself at all in his -other existence. But this portion of his narrative seemed less -interesting to Arnauld du Thill, who kept luring him back to talk of his -childhood and his father's house, of his friends and kinsfolk at -Artigues, and of Bertrande's charms and failings. -</p> - -<p> -In less than two hours the treacherous Arnauld, by dint of skilful and -persistent questioning, knew all that he cared to know about the former -habits and the most private concerns of poor Martin-Guerre. -</p> - -<p> -At the end of two hours Martin, with his head on fire, rose, or rather -tried to rise; for as soon as he moved, he stumbled and fell heavily -back onto his seat. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, well, what's the matter?" said he, with a loud laugh which was a -long while dying out. "Upon my soul, your saucy wine has done its work! -Give me your hand, pray, my friend, so that I may be able to stand up." -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld courageously went about hoisting him up, and at last succeeded -in getting him on his legs, but not in a posture of classical -equilibrium. -</p> - -<p> -"Hallo, there! what a number of lanterns!" cried Martin. "Oh, what a -fool I am! I took the stars for lanterns." -</p> - -<p> -Then he began to sing at the top of his voice,— -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">"Par ta foy, envoyras-tu pas</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Au vin, pour fournir le repas</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Du meilleur cabaret d'enfer</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Le vieil ravasseur Lucifer?"<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></span> -</div></div> - -<p> -"Don't make such an infernal noise!" cried Arnauld; "suppose some party -of the enemy should be passing near, and hear you?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Basta</i>! I'm not afraid of them," said Martin; "what could they do to -me? Hang me? It must be very fine to be hanged. You have made me drink -too much, comrade. I, who am commonly as sober as a judge, don't know -how to fight against drunkenness, and then, besides, I had been fasting, -and I was almost starved; now I am thirsty." -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">"'Par ta foy, envoyras-tu pas—'"</span> -</div></div> - -<p> -"Be still!" said Arnauld. "Come, try to walk. Don't you mean to put up -for the night at Auvray?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, I want to put up for the night," said Martin, "but not at -Auvray; down here on the grass, beneath God's lanterns." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," retorted Arnauld; "and to-morrow morning some Spanish patrol will -come along and discover you, and send you to take up your quarters with -the Devil." -</p> - -<p> -"With Lucifer, the old rake?" said Martin. "No, I prefer to pull myself -together a bit, and drag myself as far as Auvray. It's this way, isn't -it? Well, I'm off." -</p> - -<p> -But it was absurd for him to talk about pulling himself together: for he -described such marvellous zigzags that Arnauld saw clearly that without -some help from him, Martin would speedily lose his way again,—that is -to say, he would very likely be safe for the time; and that was just -what the villain did not want. -</p> - -<p> -"Come," said he to poor, drunken Martin; "I have a kind heart, and -Auvray is not so very far away. I will go there with you. Just let me -unhitch my horse; then I can lead him by the bridle, and give you my -arm." -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Ma foi</i>! I gladly accept," rejoined Martin; "I am not proud, and -between ourselves I confess that I believe I am a little tipsy. I am -still of the opinion that light wine of yours does not lack -strength. I am very happy, but just a little tipsy." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, let's be off; it's getting late," said Arnauld du Thill, starting -off on the road by which he had come, with his double leaning on his -arm, and heading straight for the postern gate of Noyon. "But to beguile -the time," he added, "are you not going to tell me another amusing story -about Artigues?" -</p> - -<p> -"Shall I tell you the story of Papotte?" said Martin-Guerre. "Ah, poor -Papotte!" -</p> - -<p> -The epic of Papotte was rather too incoherent for us to undertake to -reproduce here. It was almost finished when these two Dromios of the -sixteenth century arrived in rather indifferent trim before the Noyon -gate. -</p> - -<p> -"There!" said Arnauld; "I have no need to go any farther. Do you see -that gate h Well, that is the gate of Auvray. Knock there, and the -watchman will open for you; you tell him that you are a friend of mine, -and he will point out to you my house, only two steps from the gate. Go -there, and my brother will welcome you and give you a good supper and a -good bed. Now, comrade, let me shake your hand once more, and adieu!" -</p> - -<p> -"Adieu! and many thanks," said Martin. "I am only a poor devil, and in -no condition to realize all that you have done for me. But never fear, -the good Lord, who is a just God, will know how to requite you. Adieu, -my friend." -</p> - -<p> -Strangely enough, these drunken predictions made Arnauld shudder, though -superstition was not among his faults; and for a moment he thought of -calling Martin back. But he was already knocking lustily at the postern. -</p> - -<p> -"Poor devil, he is knocking at the door of his tomb!" thought Arnauld; -"but, bah! this is childishness." -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile Martin, with no suspicion that his fellow-traveller was spying -him from a distance, was shouting at the top of his voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"Hallo there, watchman! Hallo, Cerberus! open the gate, blockhead! It is -Bertrand, worthy Bertrand, who has sent me." -</p> - -<p> -"Who goes there?" demanded the sentinel from within. "It's too late to -come in. Who are you to be making such an uproar?" -</p> - -<p> -"Who am I? You drunkard, I am Martin-Guerre, or Arnauld du Thill, if you -please; or the friend of Bertrand, if you like that better. I am several -people all at once, especially when I am in liquor. I am twenty rakes or -so, who are going to give you a good sound drubbing if you don't open -the gate for me at once." -</p> - -<p> -"Arnauld du Thill! You are Arnauld du Thill?" asked the sentinel. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I am Arnauld du Thill, twenty thousand cartloads of devils!" said -Martin-Guerre, hammering away at the gate with feet as well as fists. -</p> - -<p> -Then there was a noise behind the gate as of troops assembling at the -call of the sentinel. -</p> - -<p> -A man with a lantern opened the gate; and Arnauld du Thill, crouching -behind the trees at a little distance, heard several voices crying out -together in surprise,— -</p> - -<p> -"Upon my word, it's he! It's he indeed, upon my soul!" -</p> - -<p> -Poor Martin-Guerre, recognizing his tyrants, uttered a cry of despair, -which struck upon Arnauld's heart in his hiding-place like a -malediction. -</p> - -<p> -Then he judged from the trampling and yelling that brave Martin, seeing -that everything was lost, was making a stout fight for liberty; but he -had only two fists against twenty swords. The noise grew less, then died -gradually away until it ceased altogether. They had dragged Martin away, -blaspheming and cursing. -</p> - -<p> -"If he expects to smooth matters over with insults and blows—" said -Arnauld, rubbing his hands. -</p> - -<p> -When he could hear nothing more, he gave himself up to reflection for a -quarter of an hour; for he was a very deep rascal, this same Arnauld du -Thill. The result of his meditation was that he penetrated three or four -hundred paces into the woods, tied his horse to a tree, laid his saddle -and blanket upon the dead leaves, wrapped himself in his cloak, and in a -few minutes was sleeping the deep sleep which God makes much easier for, -the hardened villain than for the innocent. -</p> - -<p> -He slept eight hours without stirring. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, when he awoke it was still dark; and he knew from the -position of the stars that it must be about four o'clock in the morning. -He rose and shook himself, and without disturbing his horse, crept -softly out toward the high-road. -</p> - -<p> -On the gallows which they had pointed out to him the night before, the -body of poor Martin-Guerre was swinging gently to and fro. -</p> - -<p> -A hideous smile flickered upon Arnauld's lips. -</p> - -<p> -He approached the body without a quiver; but it was hanging too high for -him to touch. Then he climbed up the gallows-post, sword in hand, and -when he had reached the necessary height, cut the cord with his sword. -</p> - -<p> -The body fell to the ground. -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld came down again, removed an iron ring hardly worth the taking -from the dead man's finger, searched in his breast and there found some -papers which he carefully put away, put his cloak on again, and coolly -walked away, without a look, without a prayer for the poor wretch whom -he had worried so during his life, and whom he thus robbed in death. -</p> - -<p> -He found his horse in the underbrush, saddled him, and started off at -full speed toward Aulnay. He was well satisfied, villain that he was, -for Martin no longer was an object of fear to him. -</p> - -<p> -A half-hour later, just as the first glimmer of day began to appear in -the east, a wood-cutter, chancing to pass that way, saw the gallows-cord -cut, and the body lying on the ground. He drew near, fearful and curious -at the same time, to the dead man, whose clothes were in disorder, and -the cord loose around his neck; he was wondering whether the weight of -the body had broken the cord, or if some friend had cut it, too late, no -doubt. He even ventured to touch the body to make sure that it was -really lifeless. -</p> - -<p> -To his unbounded alarm, the body moved its head and hands, and raised -itself upon its knees; and the terrified wood-cutter fled into the -woods, crossing himself over and over again, and commending his soul to -God and the saints. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Old Lucifer, thou libertine,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Wilt thou not send some wine</span><br /> -<span class="i0">From Acheron's best cabaret</span><br /> -<span class="i0">To grace this feast of mine?"</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap03"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER III -<br /><br /> -ARNAULD DU THILL'S BUCOLIC DREAMS</h4> - -<p> -The Constable de Montmorency, who had only returned to Paris the night -before, after paying a royal sum by way of ransom, had presented himself -at the Louvre to ascertain how the land lay; but Henri had received him -with forbidding coolness, and had indulged himself in the highest -encomiums upon the administration of the Duc de Guise, who had so -arranged matters, he said, as to diminish, if not altogether to amend, -the misfortunes of the kingdom. -</p> - -<p> -The constable, pale with anger and jealousy, thought that he might at -least hope to find some comfort from Diane de Poitiers. But the favorite -also received him very coldly; and when Montmorency complained of such -a reception, and gave voice to his fear that his absence had been a very -bad thing for him, and that some more fortunate man than he had -succeeded him in the good graces of the duchess, Madame de Poitiers -rejoined impertinently,— -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Dame</i>! of course you know the new by-word of the Parisian populace?" -</p> - -<p> -"I arrived but now, Madame; and I do not know," the constable began -hesitatingly. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well! they say now, this scandal-loving populace, 'This is the -motto of St. Laurent: he who forsakes his post, loses it.'" -</p> - -<p> -The constable, with a blanched face, saluted the duchess, and left the -Louvre with death at his heart. -</p> - -<p> -When he reached his hotel and was alone in his own room, he cast his hat -violently on the floor. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, these kings and these women!" he cried. "An ungrateful lot they -are! They care for nothing but success." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur," said his valet, "there is a man asking leave to speak to -you." -</p> - -<p> -"Let him go to the devil!" retorted the constable. "I am in fine -condition to receive visitors! Send him to Monsieur de Guise." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, this man begged me to tell you his name, which he says is -Arnauld du Thill." -</p> - -<p> -"Arnauld du Thill!" exclaimed the constable, "that's a different matter. -Show him in." -</p> - -<p> -The valet bowed and withdrew. -</p> - -<p> -"This fellow Arnauld," the constable reflected, "is clever, cunning, and -avaricious,—more than that, he has no scruples and conscience. Oh, if -he could only help me to be revenged on all these people! To be -revenged, do I say? But what should I gain by that? He might possibly -help me to make my way back into favor! He knows many things. It has -already occurred to me to make use of my knowledge of this Montgommery -affair; but it would be much better if I might learn something from -Arnauld which would enable me to dispense with doing that." -</p> - -<p> -At this moment Arnauld du Thill was ushered into the room. -</p> - -<p> -Joy and impudence were struggling for the mastery in the rascal's -expression. He bowed to the ground before the constable. -</p> - -<p> -"I thought you were a prisoner," said Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -"So I was, Monseigneur, just as you were." -</p> - -<p> -"But you seem to have got out of the difficulty," rejoined the -constable. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur; I paid them in my money,—that is to say, I laughed -at them instead. You used your money and I used my wits; and here we are -both at liberty." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, you are an impudent scoundrel," said the constable. -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monseigneur," rejoined Arnauld, "it was just my modest way of -saying that I am out of money, that's all." -</p> - -<p> -"Hum!" grumbled Montmorency; "what do you want of me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Money, since I have none, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"And why should I give you money?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, to pay me, Monseigneur," replied the spy. -</p> - -<p> -"Pay you for what, pray?" -</p> - -<p> -"For the intelligence I bring you." -</p> - -<p> -"Tell me your news." -</p> - -<p> -"Let me see your crowns." -</p> - -<p> -"Villain! suppose I were to have you hanged?" -</p> - -<p> -"A most contemptible way that of loosening my tongue, Monseigneur, to -stretch my neck." -</p> - -<p> -"He is so very audacious," thought the constable, "that he must know -that I can't do without him." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, fellow," he said, aloud, "I have no objection to making some -slight further advance to you." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur is very kind," said Arnauld; "and I will not fail to remind -him of his generous promise when he has settled up his outstanding debt -to me." -</p> - -<p> -"What debt?" asked the constable. -</p> - -<p> -"Here is my account, Monseigneur," said Arnauld, producing the famous -document which we have seen him at work on so often. -</p> - -<p> -Anne de Montmorency cast his eyes over it. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said he, "this paper contains, besides services which are -entirely fanciful and imaginary, others which might have been very -useful to me at the time when you rendered them, considering my -situation at that time, but which at present serve no purpose except to -make my regrets all the more poignant." -</p> - -<p> -"Bah, Monseigneur! it may be that you exaggerate the extent of your -disgrace," said Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -"What's that?" said the constable. "Do you know, then, pray, does -everybody already know, that I am in disgrace?" -</p> - -<p> -"People suspect as much; and so do I, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, then, Arnauld," Montmorency rejoined bitterly; "you may very -well suspect too that it is of no use to me at present that Vicomte -d'Exmès and Diane de Castro were separated at St. Quentin, since in all -probability the king and the grande sénéchale are no longer willing to -give their daughter to my son." -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>, Monseigneur!" was Arnauld's response. "I imagine that the -king would very gladly consent to give her to you if you could give her -back to him." -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean?" -</p> - -<p> -"I say, Monseigneur, that our sire, Henri II., ought to be very sad at -heart at this moment, not only because of the loss of St. Quentin and -the battle of St. Laurent, but also because of the loss of his dearly -loved daughter Diane de Castro, who disappeared after the siege of St. -Quentin without leaving any traces by which it is possible to tell what -has become of her; for there have been twenty contradictory and -inconsistent reports about her disappearance. Having only returned -yesterday, of course you know nothing of all this, Monseigneur; I didn't -know it myself until this morning." -</p> - -<p> -"I had so many other things to think of," said the constable, "it was -quite natural that I should be thinking of my present disgrace rather -than of my past favor." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true!" said Arnauld; "but would not that favor how back in your -direction if you should say to the king something like this, for -instance: 'Sire, you are sorrowing for your daughter, and searching for -her everywhere, and asking news of her from every one you see; but I -alone know where she is, Sire?'" -</p> - -<p> -"Do you mean to say that you know, Arnauld?" asked Montmorency, eagerly. -</p> - -<p> -"My trade is to know things," said the spy. "I told you that I had news -to sell; and you see that my goods are not of poor quality. You should -reflect on that, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"I reflect," said the constable, "that kings have a way of remembering -the defeats of their servants, but not their merits. When I have -restored Henri's daughter to him, he will be beside himself with delight -at first; all the wealth and all the honors in his whole realm would not -be enough to requite me in the first flush of his gratitude. Then Diane -will weep, and say that she would rather die than give her hand to any -but her dear Vicomte d'Exmès; and the king, being entirely under her -control, and dominated by my bitter foes, will remember the battle that -I lost, and forget the child I have restored to him. So all my efforts -will be pushed out of sight to accomplish the happiness of Vicomte -d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -"In that case it will be necessary," said Arnauld, with a smile of -sinister meaning, "that Vicomte d'Exmès should disappear at the moment -that Madame de Castro reappears. Ah, that would be a fine game, eh?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes; but I am reluctant to resort to such extreme measures," said the -constable. "I know that your hand is sure, and your tongue discreet; -but—" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur entirely mistakes my intention!" cried Arnauld, -assuming an air of injured innocence. "Monseigneur does me great -injustice! Monseigneur believed that I wished to get rid of this youth -by a—violent process." (He made an expressive gesture.) "No, a -thousand times no! I have a much better plan than that." -</p> - -<p> -"What is it, pray?" asked the constable, with unfeigned interest. -</p> - -<p> -"Let us first arrange our own little matters, Monseigneur. Suppose that -I tell you the place where the lost damsel is to be found. I insure the -absence and silence of your son's dangerous rival, at least for the -length of time necessary to conclude his marriage. These are two notable -services, Monseigneur. Now, in return, what will you do for me?" -</p> - -<p> -"What do you ask?" -</p> - -<p> -"You are reasonable, and I will be the same," rejoined Arnauld. "In the -first place, you will settle, will you not, without haggling, the little -account for past services, which I had the honor to present to you just -now?" -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," replied the constable. -</p> - -<p> -"I knew that we should have no difficulty on this first point, -Monseigneur. The total is an insignificant sum, and the whole amount is -hardly enough to cover the expenses of my journey, and for certain gifts -which I expect to buy before I leave Paris. But then, money isn't the -only thing in the world." -</p> - -<p> -"What!" said the astonished and almost alarmed constable, "can it really -be Arnauld du Thill who says that money isn't the only thing in the -world?" -</p> - -<p> -"Even Arnauld du Thill, Monseigneur, but no longer the needy and -avaricious Arnauld du Thill whom you formerly knew. No; another Arnauld, -content with the moderate fortune he has—earned, and no longer -desirous, alas! of anything except to pass the rest of his life in peace -in the country where he was born, under his paternal roof-tree, and amid -the friends of his childhood, in the bosom of his family. That was -always my dream, Monseigneur; and I have ever looked forward to that as -the peaceful and delightful termination of my—troubled life." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said Montmorency, "if it is necessary to go through the tempest -in order to enjoy calm weather, you will surely be happy, Arnauld. But -have you made your fortune?" -</p> - -<p> -"Only a moderate one, Monseigneur,—only a moderate one. Ten thousand -crowns is a fortune for a poor devil like me, especially in my humble -village, and in the bosom of my modest family." -</p> - -<p> -"Your family! your village!" rejoined the constable; "you whom I -supposed to be without home or kinsfolk, and to be living on your wits -in a second-hand coat, and under an assumed name." -</p> - -<p> -"My real name is Martin-Guerre, Monseigneur, and Arnauld du Thill an -assumed one, in truth. I was born at the village of Artigues, near -Rieux, where my wife and children now live." -</p> - -<p> -"Your wife!" echoed old Montmorency, more and more bewildered. "Your -children!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld, in the most comically sentimental -tone imaginable; "and I ought to notify you, Monseigneur, not to count -upon any further services from me, and that these two suggestions which -I have just made will be the very last I can undertake to carry out. I -am going to withdraw from business, and lead an honest life henceforth, -surrounded by the affectionate regard of my people, and the esteem of my -fellow-citizens." -</p> - -<p> -"That's all very fine!" said the constable; "but if you have become so -modest and pastoral that you don't care to talk about money any more, -what price do you ask for these secrets which you say that you possess?" -</p> - -<p> -"I ask for something more, and yet less, than money, Monseigneur," -replied Arnauld, this time in his natural tone; "I ask for an -honor,—not for honors, of course, but just a little honor, of which I -am very much in need, I confess." -</p> - -<p> -"Explain yourself," said Montmorency, "for you are speaking in enigmas." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, Monseigneur, here it is: I have had a writing prepared -which attests that I, Martin-Guerre, have been in your service for so -many years as—as squire (we must draw on our imagination a bit); that -during all that time I have conducted myself as a trusty and faithful -and most devoted servant; and that this devotion, Monseigneur, you have -desired to repay by giving me a sufficient sum to enable me to pass the -rest of my life in comfort. Place your seal and your signature at the -foot of that document, Monseigneur, and we shall be quits." -</p> - -<p> -"Impossible!" was the constable's response. "I should render myself -liable to a charge of forgery—that is to say, to be branded as a -forger and a felon—if I signed such a mass of lies." -</p> - -<p> -"They are no lies, Monseigneur, for I have always served you faithfully, -according to my own lights; and I assure you that if I had saved all the -money I have obtained from you heretofore, it would amount now to more -than ten thousand crowns. So you do not expose yourself to any charge of -falsifying; and besides, do you think that I don't render myself liable -to very grave penalties in order to bring about the happy result of -which you have only to reap the fruits?" -</p> - -<p> -"Wretch! Such a comparison—" -</p> - -<p> -"Is perfectly fair, Monseigneur," Arnauld retorted. "Each of us is in -need of the other, and equality is the daughter of necessity. The spy -restores you your credit, so you must do as much for the spy. Come, no -one hears us, Monseigneur, so no false shame! Ratify the bargain; it is -a good one for me, but even better for you. Give and take, you know. -Sign, Monseigneur!" -</p> - -<p> -"No, not till afterward," rejoined Montmorency. "Give and take, as you -say. In the first place, I must know the means you propose to use to -arrive at this twofold result which you promise me. I must know what has -become of Diane de Castro, and what will become of Vicomte d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well! Except as to some minor details, I am ready to satisfy you -on these two points, Monseigneur; and you will be forced to agree that -chance and myself together have arranged things excellently well for -your interest." -</p> - -<p> -"Go on!" said the constable; "I am listening." -</p> - -<p> -"As far as Madame de Castro is concerned, she was neither slain nor -carried away, but simply made prisoner at St. Quentin, being included -among the fifty notable persons who were to be held to ransom. Now, why -has not the one into whose hands she has fallen made public his capture? -How is it that Madame de Castro herself has not sent any information of -her whereabouts? As to that, I am entirely in the dark. To tell the -truth, I thought she was already free, and expected to find her here in -Paris when I arrived. It was only this morning that I learned from the -public reports that nothing was known at court of her whereabouts, and -that this fact was by no means the least of Henri's causes of anxiety. -It may be that in these troublous times Madame Diane's messages may have -been misdirected or gone astray; or perhaps some other mystery may be -hidden under this delay. But at all events, I can put at rest all doubt, -and say positively where, and in whose hands, Madame de Castro is." -</p> - -<p> -"That information would indeed be very valuable," said the constable. -"Where is the place, and who is the man?" -</p> - -<p> -"Wait a moment, pray, Monseigneur!" said Arnauld. "Have you no wish to -be equally well informed as to Vicomte d'Exmès? For although it is a -good thing to know the whereabouts of our friends, it is even more -advantageous to be posted as to those of our enemies." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, a truce to your proverbs!" said Montmorency. "Where is this -D'Exmès?" -</p> - -<p> -"Also a prisoner, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld. "Who is there who -hasn't been a prisoner more or less in these times? It has been quite -the fashion. Well, Vicomte d'Exmès has followed the fashion, and he is -a prisoner." -</p> - -<p> -"But he surely will be at no loss to let his whereabouts be known," was -the rejoinder of the constable. "He must have friends and plenty of -money; no doubt he will procure the wherewithal to pay his ransom, and -will be down upon us very soon." -</p> - -<p> -"You are quite right in your conjectures, Monseigneur. Yes, Vicomte -d'Exmès has money; and he is very impatient to be at liberty, and -proposes to pay his ransom at the earliest possible moment. In fact, he -has already sent a messenger to Paris to procure the price of his -freedom and hasten back to him with it." -</p> - -<p> -"What can we do, then?" asked Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -"Fortunately for us, though unfortunately for him," Arnauld continued, -"the person whom he has sent to Paris in such hot haste is myself, -Monseigneur,—no other than myself, who am in Vicomte d'Exmès's -service as squire, under my real name of Martin-Guerre. You see that you -can call me a squire without falsehood." -</p> - -<p> -"And have you not executed your commission, you blackguard?" said the -constable. "Have you not your pretended master's ransom already in your -pocket?" -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed I have, Monseigneur, you may be quite sure, for one doesn't -leave such things on the ground. Consider, too, that not to take the -money would be to arouse suspicion. I took it to the last crown,—for -the good of the undertaking. But don't be alarmed! I shall put off -taking it to him for a long while, on one pretext or another. These ten -thousand crowns are just what I need to help me to pass the rest of my -life piously and honestly; and I should be supposed to owe them to your -generosity, Monseigneur, on the strength of the paper you are going to -sign." -</p> - -<p> -"I will not sign it, you villain!" cried Montmorency. "I will not -knowingly become the accomplice of a thief." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur," said Arnauld, "what a harsh name that is to apply to -a stern necessity, which I submit to so that I may do you a service! -What! I allow my devotion to you to stifle the voice of my conscience, -and you recompense me thus for it? Oh, well, so be it! Let us send -Vicomte d'Exmès this sum of money, and he will be here as soon as -Madame Diane, if not before her. Whereas, if he should not receive -it—" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, if he should not receive it?" said the constable. -</p> - -<p> -"We should gain so much time, Monseigneur. In the first place, Monsieur -d'Exmès will wait patiently a fortnight for my return. There is -naturally some delay about procuring ten thousand crowns; in fact, his -nurse didn't hand them to me till this morning." -</p> - -<p> -"Did that poor creature trust you, then?" -</p> - -<p> -"She trusted me, supported as I was by the viscount's ring and -handwriting, Monseigneur. Besides, she knew me perfectly well. Well, -then, we will say a fortnight of patient waiting, a week of anxious -waiting, and another week of hopeless waiting. It will be a month, or a -month and a half, before Vicomte d'Exmès will send another messenger in -search of the first. But the first will be hard to find; and if it is -not easy to get together ten thousand crowns, it will be almost -impossible to get ten thousand more. Thus you will have ample time to -marry your daughter twenty times over, Monseigneur; for Vicomte d'Exmès -will be as completely out of sight as if he were dead for more than two -months, and will not reappear, living and furious with rage, before the -beginning of the new year." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, but he will come back!" said Montmorency; "and the very first day -he will set about finding out what has become of his good squire, -Martin-Guerre, will he not?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas, Monseigneur," rejoined Arnauld, piteously, "the answer to be made -to him, I regret to inform you, will be that faithful Martin-Guerre, on -his way back to his master with the ransom which he had been sent after, -unluckily fell into the hands of a party of Spaniards, who, having -probably rifled his pockets and robbed him, cruelly hanged him at the -gates of Noyon to assure his silence." -</p> - -<p> -"What's that? Do you mean to be hanged, Arnauld?" -</p> - -<p> -"I have been, Monseigneur; see how zealous I am in your service. It will -only be as to the date of the execution that the various versions of the -story will differ somewhat. But can one believe plundering soldiers who -are interested in concealing the truth? Come, Monseigneur!" continued -the audacious fellow, gayly but with determination in his tone; "believe -that my precautions have been very carefully taken, and that with an -experienced blade like myself there is not the slightest danger that -your Excellency will ever be compromised. If prudence were banished from -earth, it would take refuge in the heart of a hanged man. Besides, I say -again, you will only be declaring what is true. I have served you for a -long while, as a number of your people can bear witness as well as -yourself; and you have given me quite ten thousand crowns in all, be -sure of that. Do you want me to give you a receipt for it?" added the -scamp, magnificently. -</p> - -<p> -The constable could not restrain a smile. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said he, "I do, varlet; if at the end of the account—" -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld interrupted. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, come, Monseigneur," said he; "you are only quibbling about the -form now, and what do superior minds like ours care for form? Just sign -without any more ado." -</p> - -<p> -He spread out upon the table before Montmorency the document which -needed only his signature. -</p> - -<p> -"But in the first place, the name of the city where Diane de Castro is -confined, and of the man whose prisoner she is?" -</p> - -<p> -"Name for name, Monseigneur; put yours at the foot of this paper, and -you shall have the others." -</p> - -<p> -"Very good," said Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -He dashed off the bold scrawl which served him for a signature. -</p> - -<p> -"And the seal, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"There it is; now are you satisfied?" -</p> - -<p> -"As thoroughly as if Monseigneur had given me the ten thousand crowns." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, where is Diane?" -</p> - -<p> -"In the hands of Lord Wentworth at Calais," replied Arnauld, trying to -grasp the document from the hand of the constable, who still held on to -it. -</p> - -<p> -"One moment," said he; "and Vicomte d'Exmès?" -</p> - -<p> -"At Calais, in the hands of Lord Wentworth." -</p> - -<p> -"Then he and Diane see each other?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monseigneur; he lives at the house of an armorer, one Pierre -Peuquoy, while she is an inmate of the governor's house. Vicomte -d'Exmès has no more idea than you, I am willing to swear, that she is -so near him." -</p> - -<p> -"I must hasten to the Louvre," said the constable, relaxing his hold on -the paper. -</p> - -<p> -"And I to Artigues," cried Arnauld, in triumph. "Good luck, Monseigneur! -Try not to be a constable who is laughed at again." -</p> - -<p> -"Good luck, blackguard! and try not to be hung for good." -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon each went his way. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap04"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER IV -<br /><br /> -THE ARMS OF PIERRE PEUQUOY, THE ROPES OF JEAN PEUQUOY,<br /> -AND THE TEARS OF BABETTE PEUQUOY</h4> - -<p> -Nearly a month elapsed at Calais without bringing about any change in -the situation of those whom we left there to their great regret. Pierre -Peuquoy was always working away diligently at his armor; Jean Peuquoy -had begun to weave again, and in his leisure moments finished some ropes -of extraordinary length; Babette Peuquoy was always weeping. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel's waiting had gone through the various phases sketched by -Arnauld du Thill to the constable. He had waited patiently the first -fortnight, but had begun then to grow impatient. -</p> - -<p> -He now visited Lord Wentworth only on very rare occasions; and his calls -were always very brief. There had been coolness between them ever since -Gabriel had rashly interfered in the fictitious family affairs of the -governor. -</p> - -<p> -The latter too, we take great pleasure in saying, grew more and more -gloomy from day to day; but the cause of his uneasiness was not the -three messages which had been sent at short intervals since Arnauld's -departure, from the King of France. All three made, as may well be -imagined, the same demand,—the first politely, the second sharply, -and the third with threats: they demanded the liberty of Madame de Castro -for such ransom as the governor of Calais chose to name. But to all -three he had made the same reply,—that he proposed to keep Madame de -Castro as an hostage to be exchanged in case of need during the war for -some prisoner of importance, or to be returned to the king without -ransom when peace should be concluded. He was strictly within his -rights; and intrenched behind his strong walls, he defied Henri's anger. -</p> - -<p> -So it was not the royal anger which worried him, although he could but -ask himself how the king had learned of Diane's captivity; the real -source of his anxiety was the indifference, every day more contemptuous, -of his fair prisoner. Neither humility nor assiduous attention had -availed to lower the proud and disdainful spirit of Madame de Castro. -She was always the same—calm and sad and dignified—before the -passionate governor; and whenever he ventured to utter a word of his -love (although it must in justice be said that he never violated the -bounds which his title as a gentleman imposed upon him), an expression, -at once mournful and haughty, broke poor Lord Wentworth's heart and -wounded his pride. He did not dare to speak to Diane either of the -letter she had written to Gabriel or of the attempts made by the king to -procure his daughter's liberty, so much did he dread a bitter word or a -satirical reproof from those lovely but cruel lips. -</p> - -<p> -Diane had noticed that the servant who had dared to undertake to deliver -her billet was no longer to be seen about the house, and fully -understood that desperate chance had failed her. However, she did -not lose her courage, the pure and noble girl waited and prayed. She -trusted in God, and in death, in case of need. -</p> - -<p> -On the last day of October, which Gabriel had fixed on in his own mind -as the limit to his term of waiting for Martin-Guerre's return, he -determined to call upon Lord Wentworth and ask, as a favor, his leave to -send another messenger to Paris. -</p> - -<p> -About two o'clock he left the Peuquoy house, where Pierre was polishing -a sword, Jean weaving one of his enormous ropes, and w here for several -days past, Babette, with eyes red from weeping, had been wandering from -room to room, unable to speak, and betook himself straight to the -governor's mansion. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth was busy about something or other at the moment, and sent -word to Gabriel begging him to wait five minutes, when he would be -entirely at his service. -</p> - -<p> -The hall to which Gabriel had been shown looked out upon an interior -courtyard. Gabriel drew near the window to look out into the court, and -mechanically ran his fingers back and forth over the panes. Suddenly, -beneath his very fingers, his attention was attracted by letters drawn -upon the glass with a diamond ring. He looked at them more closely, and -was able to make out with perfect distinctness these words: <i>Diane de -Castro</i>. -</p> - -<p> -It was the signature which was missing at the end of the mysterious -letter he had received the month before. -</p> - -<p> -A film came over Gabriel's eyes, and he had to lean against the wall to -avoid falling. His presentiments had not lied, then! Diane! It was -indeed Diane, his <i>fiancée</i> or his sister, whom this dissolute -Wentworth actually had in his power! It was to her, the pure and lovely -creature, that he dared to speak of his passion. -</p> - -<p> -With an involuntary gesture Gabriel carried his hand to the hilt of his -missing sword. -</p> - -<p> -At that moment Lord Wentworth came in. -</p> - -<p> -As he had done on the first occasion, Gabriel, without uttering a word, -led him to the window, and pointed out to him the accusing signature. -</p> - -<p> -At first Lord Wentworth turned pale; then asserting that mastery over -himself which he possessed in an eminent degree,— -</p> - -<p> -"Well," said he, "what is it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Is that not the name of the mad kinswoman whom you are obliged to hold -under restraint here, my Lord?" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"It may be so; what then?" retorted Lord Wentworth, haughtily. -</p> - -<p> -"If it be the case, my Lord, I know this kinswoman of yours,—a very -distant relative, no doubt. I have seen her very often at the Louvre. I -am her devoted slave, as every French gentleman should be of a daughter -of the house of France." -</p> - -<p> -"And then?" said Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -"Then, my Lord, I demand of you an explanation of your reason for -retaining and treating as you do a prisoner of her station?" -</p> - -<p> -"And suppose I refuse, Monsieur, to oblige you with an explanation, as I -have already refused the King of France?" -</p> - -<p> -"Refused the King of France!" echoed Gabriel, in amazement. -</p> - -<p> -"To be sure," replied Lord Wentworth, with unfailing self-possession. -"An Englishman, it seems to me, owes no explanation of his actions to a -foreign monarch, especially when his own nation is at war with that -monarch. So, Monsieur d'Exmès, what if I decline to be called to -account by you as well?" -</p> - -<p> -"I should demand that you give me satisfaction, my Lord," cried Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"And you would hope to kill me, no doubt," replied the governor, "with -the sword which you only wear by my leave, and which I have the right to -demand of you at this moment." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, my Lord! my Lord!" cried Gabriel, in a fury of passion, "you shall -pay me for this too." -</p> - -<p> -"So be it, Monsieur," replied Lord Wentworth; "and I will not deny my -debt when you have settled yours." -</p> - -<p> -"Powerless!" fairly shrieked Gabriel, wringing his hands,—"powerless -at the very moment when I should like the strength of ten thousand men!" -</p> - -<p> -"It is really pretty hard for you," Lord Wentworth continued, "that -propriety and law alike bind your hands; but you must confess that it -would be altogether too convenient a way for a prisoner of war and a -debtor to obtain his freedom and discharge his debt simply by cutting -the throat of his creditor and his foe." -</p> - -<p> -"My Lord," said Gabriel, struggling to recover his self-control, "you -know that I sent my squire to Paris a month since to procure the sum of -money which causes you so much anxiety. Can Martin-Guerre have been -wounded or slain on the road, in spite of your safe-conduct? Has he been -robbed of the money he was bringing me? That is what I cannot say. The -sad fact is that he does not return; and I had just come to beg you to -let me send another messenger to Paris, since you have no faith in the -word of a gentleman, and have never offered to let me go myself to -procure my ransom. Now, my Lord, you no longer have the right to refuse -me what I ask, or rather I have the right now to say that you fear to -have me at liberty and that you don't dare to give me back my sword." -</p> - -<p> -"To whom would you say that, pray," said Lord Wentworth, "in an English -city under my immediate authority, and where you should be looked upon -in no other light than as a prisoner and an enemy?" -</p> - -<p> -"I would cry it aloud, my Lord, to every man who has sense and feeling; -to every man who has a noble heart or a noble name; to your officers, -who understand affairs in which honor is involved; to your workmen even, -whom their instinct would enlighten. And all would agree with me against -you, my Lord, that in not granting me the means of leaving this place, -you have shown your unfitness to be the commander of gallant soldiers." -</p> - -<p> -"But you don't reflect, Monsieur," was Lord Wentworth's cold response, -"that rather than let you spread the spirit of mutiny among my men, I -have only to say the word, only to raise my hand, to have you cast into -a dungeon where you could accuse me only to the deaf and speechless -walls." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! that is too true, ten thousand tempests!" muttered Gabriel, with -compressed lips and clinched fists. -</p> - -<p> -The man of sensibility and emotion was being shattered against the -impassibility of the man of iron and brass. -</p> - -<p> -But a single word changed the whole face of affairs, and at once put -Gabriel and Wentworth on an equal footing again. -</p> - -<p> -"Dear Diane! dear Diane!" said the younger man, in his anguish; "to be -able to do nothing for you in your hour of need!" -</p> - -<p> -"What did you say, Monsieur?" asked Lord Wentworth, trembling. "You -said, I think, 'dear Diane!' Did you say it, or did I misunderstand you? -Can it be that you too love Madame de Castro?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, if I must say it, I do indeed love her!" cried Gabriel. -"You love her too, you say! But my love is as pure and devoted as yours -is base and cruel. Yes, before God and His angels I love her to -adoration." -</p> - -<p> -"What was all that you said, then, about the daughter of France, and the -protection that every French gentleman owed to such an one in -misfortune?" rejoined Lord Wentworth, quite beside himself. "Ah! you -love her, do you? And you are the man whom she loves, no doubt; and -whose memory she invokes when she wishes to torment me. You are the man -for love of whom she despises mine! the man without whom she might love -me perhaps! Ah! are you the man whom she loves?" -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth, but a short time before so mocking and disdainful, now -regarded the man who was honored by Diane's affection with a sort of -respectful terror; while Gabriel, on hearing his rival's words, raised -his glad and triumphant face ever higher and higher. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, indeed she does love me, then!" cried he; "she still thinks of me! -She calls for me, you say? Oh, well, if she calls for me, why, I will go -to her,—yes, help her and rescue her. Come, my Lord, take my sword, -gag me, bind me, imprison me, and I shall still find a way to help her and -save her, since she still loves me, my saintly Diane! Since she still -loves me, I dare you and defy you; and though you have arms in your -hands and I am unarmed, I am sure of overcoming you, with Diane's love -for my buckler." -</p> - -<p> -"True, true; I can well believe it," muttered Lord Wentworth, -overwhelmed. -</p> - -<p> -"Thus it would no longer be generous in me to challenge you to single -combat," said Gabriel; "so call your guards and tell them to confine me, -if you choose. To be in prison near her and at the same time would be of -itself a sort of happiness." -</p> - -<p> -A long silence ensued. -</p> - -<p> -At last Lord Wentworth said, with much apparent hesitation, "You asked -me, I believe, to allow a second messenger to set out for Paris to -procure your ransom?" -</p> - -<p> -"Such was my purpose, my Lord, when I called upon you." -</p> - -<p> -"In your discourse you seem to have reproached me," continued the -governor, "for not having had faith in your honor as a gentleman, and -for refusing to allow you to go yourself to procure your money, with -your word for my security?" -</p> - -<p> -"Very true, my Lord." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Monsieur," said Wentworth, "you may set out to-day; the gates of -Calais will be opened to you; your request is granted." -</p> - -<p> -"I understand," said Gabriel, bitterly,—"you wish to separate me from -her. But suppose I refuse to leave Calais now?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am master here, Monsieur," was Lord Wentworth's reply; "and it is not -for you to refuse or to accept my commands, but to submit to them." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, then," said Gabriel, "I will go, my Lord, but without any -especial gratitude for your generosity, I warn you." -</p> - -<p> -"Nor have I any need of your thanks, Monsieur." -</p> - -<p> -"I will go," said Gabriel; "but be sure that I shall not long remain -your debtor, and that I shall soon come back, my Lord, to pay all my -debts at once. Then I shall no longer be your prisoner, nor will you be -my creditor, and there will no longer be any reason why the sword which -I wear should not cross with yours." -</p> - -<p> -"I might refuse this combat, Monsieur," said Lord Wentworth, rather -gloomily; "for the chances between us would not be equal. If I should -kill you, she would hate me all the more bitterly; whereas if you should -kill me, the result would be to make her love you the more dearly. But -no matter, I must and do accept. But are you not afraid," he added -sombrely, "of driving me to extremities? When almost all the advantage -is with you, might I not be justified in making an unfair use of those -which I can still call my own?" -</p> - -<p> -"God on high and the nobility of every country on earth would be your -judges, my Lord," said Gabriel, shuddering, "if you should be such a -coward as to wreak your vengeance upon those whom you are unable to -vanquish, by oppressing those who are unable to defend themselves." -</p> - -<p> -After a pause, Lord Wentworth said,— -</p> - -<p> -"It is three o'clock, Monsieur, and you have until seven—the hour -when the inner gates are closed—to make your preparations and leave -the town. I will meanwhile give my orders that you be allowed to pass -free." -</p> - -<p> -"At seven o'clock, my Lord, I shall have left Calais." -</p> - -<p> -"And be sure," resumed Wentworth, "that you shall never re-enter it -again alive, and that even if you should succeed in slaying me in single -combat without the walls, my precautions will be taken, and well taken -(you may trust my jealousy for that), so that you shall never -possess—nay, you shall never even see Madame de Castro again." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel had already taken some steps on his way from the room; he -stopped at the door on hearing these last words. -</p> - -<p> -"What you say is quite impossible, my Lord," he rejoined; "for it is -very necessary that I should see Diane again, sooner or later." -</p> - -<p> -"However, it shall not be, Monsieur, I swear to you, if the will of the -governor of a city or the last words of a dying man are to be -respected." -</p> - -<p> -"It <i>shall</i> be, my Lord,—I know not how, but I am sure of it." -</p> - -<p> -"In that case, Monsieur," said Wentworth, with a scornful smile, "you -will have to take Calais by assault." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel reflected a moment. -</p> - -<p> -"I will take Calais by assault, my Lord," said he. "<i>Au revoir</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -He saluted and left the room, leaving Lord Wentworth as if turned to -stone, and in doubt as to whether he ought to smile or be alarmed. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel returned at once to the house of Pierre Peuquoy. -</p> - -<p> -He found Pierre polishing the hilt of his sword, Jean making knots in -his rope, and Babette sighing. -</p> - -<p> -He repeated to his friends the conversation he had had with the -governor, and announced his approaching departure. Not even did he -conceal from them the possibly reckless remark with which he had taken -leave of Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -Then he said,— -</p> - -<p> -"Now I am going to my room to make my preparations, and I leave you to -your swords, Pierre; you, Jean, to your ropes; and you to your sighs, -Babette." -</p> - -<p> -He went, as he had said, to put everything in order for his departure in -all haste. Now that he was free, time seemed to creep along until he -could get to Paris to rescue his father, and return to Calais to rescue -Diane. -</p> - -<p> -When he left his room half an hour later, he found Babette on the -landing. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you going, Monsieur le Vicomte?" she asked. "Shall you no more ask -me why I weep so much?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, my child; for I hope that when I come back you will have ceased to -weep." -</p> - -<p> -"I hope so too, Monseigneur," said Babette, "You expect to come back, -then, do you, in spite of the governor's threats?" -</p> - -<p> -"I promise you that I will, Babette." -</p> - -<p> -"And your squire, Martin-Guerre, too, I suppose?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, to be sure." -</p> - -<p> -"Are you sure that you will find Martin-Guerre at Paris, however, -Monsieur d'Exmès?" rejoined the young girl. "He is not a dishonest man, -is he? Of course he hasn't appropriated your ransom? He is not capable -of an act of—infidelity?" -</p> - -<p> -"I would be willing to take my oath to his loyalty," said Gabriel, -rather surprised at these questions. "Martin has an uncertain -disposition, especially since a short time ago; and it is as if there -were two different men in his body,—one simple-minded, and very quiet -in his ways; the other crafty and noisy. But aside from this variable -character, he is a trusty and faithful servant." -</p> - -<p> -"And no more likely to betray a woman than to deceive his master, is -he?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, that is another matter," said Gabriel; "and I confess that I would -not answer for him there." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, Monseigneur," said poor Babette, turning pale, "will you be -kind enough to hand him this ring? He will know from whom it comes and -what it means." -</p> - -<p> -"I will give it to him, Babette," said Gabriel, recalling the last -evening before his squire's departure,—"I will give it to him; but -the person who sends it knows, I presume, that Martin-Guerre is married." -</p> - -<p> -"Married!" shrieked Babette. "Then, Monseigneur, keep the ring,—throw -it away, do anything with it, rather than give it to him." -</p> - -<p> -"But, Babette—" -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Monseigneur, and adieu!" whispered the poor child. -</p> - -<p> -She made her escape to the second floor, and had hardly got to her -chamber and fallen upon a chair when she fainted. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, grieved and anxious over the suspicion which then first crossed -his mind, descended the staircase of the old house, deep in thought. -</p> - -<p> -At the foot of the stairs he met Jean Peuquoy, who came up to him with a -very mysterious air. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Vicomte," said the burgher, in a low voice, "you are -continually asking me why I am making ropes of such length. I cannot -allow you to depart, after your admirably worded farewell to Lord -Wentworth, without imparting to you the key to the riddle. By joining -together with small transverse cords two long, strong ropes, as the one -I am making, Monseigneur, one obtains a ladder of great length and -strength. This ladder, when one is a member of the civic guard, as -Pierre has been for twenty years, and I for three days, can easily be -conveyed in sections and placed under the sentry-box on the platform of -the Octagonal Tower. Then, some dark morning in December or January, -just for curiosity's sake, we might when on sentry duty attach an end of -each rope firmly to these pieces of iron when they are cemented into the -battlements, and let the other ends drop into the sea, some three -hundred feet below, where some hardy boatman might chance to find -himself at that moment." -</p> - -<p> -"But, my dear Jean—" interrupted Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Never mind that, Monsieur le Vicomte," rejoined the weaver. "But if you -will excuse me, I should like before you leave to give you something as -a souvenir of your devoted servant, Jean Peuquoy. Here is a sort of plan -of the walls and fortifications of Calais. I have made it for my own -amusement, during those everlasting walks that have surprised you so. -Hide it under your doublet, and when you are at Paris look at it now and -then for my sake, I beg you." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel tried to interrupt again, but Jean gave him no time; pressing -the hand which the young man held out to him, he took his leave with -these words:— -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Au revoir</i>, Monsieur d'Exmès. You will find Pierre waiting at the -door to pay his respects to you; they will supplement mine." -</p> - -<p> -Pierre was standing in front of his house, holding Gabriel's horse by -the bridle. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks for your kind hospitality, Master," said the viscount. "I shall -very soon send you, even if I do not bring it myself, the money which -you have been polite enough to advance me. I will add to it, if you -please, a slight gratuity for your people. Meanwhile, be good enough to -offer your dear sister this little brilliant on my behalf." -</p> - -<p> -"I accept it for her," said the armorer, "on the condition that you will -accept in return something in my line,—this horn which I have hung to -your saddle-bow. I made it with my own hands; and I should recognize its -blast even over the roaring of the stormy ocean,—for instance, on any -of the mornings of the 5th of each month, when I am on guard from four -o'clock to six, on the Octagonal Tower, which faces the sea." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks!" said Gabriel, pressing Pierre's hand in a way which showed -that he understood him. -</p> - -<p> -"As to these arms, which you have wondered to see me making in such -great quantities," continued Pierre, "I am inclined to be sorry that I -have such a large stock on hand; for if Calais should be besieged some -day, the faction among us which still sympathizes with France might get -possession of these arms, and make a dangerous diversion in the very -heart of the city." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true!" cried Gabriel, pressing the brave citizen's hand with still -greater warmth. -</p> - -<p> -"With this I wish you a pleasant journey and good luck, Monsieur -d'Exmès," said Pierre. "Adieu, and to our speedy meeting!" -</p> - -<p> -"To our speedy meeting!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -He turned and waved a last farewell to Pierre as he stood upon his -threshold; to Jean, who had his head out of a window on the first floor; -and to Babette too, who was watching his departure from behind a curtain -on the second floor. -</p> - -<p> -Then he put spurs to his horse, and was off at a gallop. -</p> - -<p> -Orders had been sent to the city gate by Lord Wentworth, and no -objection was made to the departure of the prisoner, who soon found -himself well on the road to Paris, alone with his anxiety and his hopes. -</p> - -<p> -Would he be able to effect his father's deliverance on his arrival at -Paris; or Diane de Castro's on his return to Calais? -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap05"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER V -<br /><br /> -SEQUEL TO THE MISFORTUNES OF MARTIN-GUERRE</h4> - -<p> -The roads of France were no safer for Gabriel than for his squire; and -he was obliged to exert all his wit and quickness of intellect to avoid -obstacles and delays. In fact, it was not till the fourth day after -leaving Calais, notwithstanding all his haste, that he finally reached -Paris. -</p> - -<p> -But the dangers of the journey caused Gabriel less anxiety, on the -whole, than his uneasiness with regard to its termination. Although he -was not naturally much addicted to dreaming, his lonely journey almost -forced him to think unceasingly of his father's captivity and Diane's, -of his means of rescuing those dear and cherished beings, of the king's -promise, and of what he must do if Henri failed to keep it. But no! It -was not to such an end that Henri II. was the first gentleman of -Christendom. The fulfilment of his oath was, no doubt, painful to him; -very likely he was awaiting Gabriel's return to remind him of it before -issuing his pardon to the old count; but surely he would pardon him. And -if he did not? -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, whenever that desolating thought crossed his mind, felt as if a -sword were piercing his heart. He would drive his spurs into his horse, -and put his hand to his sword; and generally it was the sad and sweet -thought of Diane de Castro which would remove his anger and soothe his -troubled soul. -</p> - -<p> -It was with a mind harrowed by doubt and anguish that he at last reached -the gates of Paris on the morning of the fourth day. He had travelled -all night; and the pale light of dawn was just beginning to break as he -rode through the streets in the neighborhood of the Louvre. -</p> - -<p> -He drew rein before the royal mansion, still closed and silent, and -asked himself whether he should wait there or go on; but his impatience -made him loathe the thought of doing nothing. He determined to go at -once to his own house, Rue des Jardins St. Paul, where he might at least -hope to hear some tidings of what he feared at the same time that he -longed to know. -</p> - -<p> -His road thither took him by the frowning turrets of the Châtelet. -</p> - -<p> -He stopped for a moment before the sinister portal. A cold perspiration -bedewed his forehead. His past and his future lay hidden behind those -humid walls; but Gabriel was not the man to allow his feelings to -monopolize much time which he might usefully devote to action. He -therefore shook off his gloomy thoughts, and went on his way, saying -simply, "<i>Allons</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -When he reached his home, which he had not seen for so long a time, a -light was shining through the windows of the lower hall. The zealous -Aloyse was already astir. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel knocked, uttering his name at the same time. Two minutes after -he was in the arms of the worthy soul who had been like a mother to him. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! is it really you, Monseigneur? Is it really you, my own dear boy?" -</p> - -<p> -She could find strength to say no more than that. Gabriel, having -embraced her most affectionately, drew back a step or two, the better to -look at her. -</p> - -<p> -There was in his look an unspoken question clearer than words could make -it. -</p> - -<p> -Aloyse understood, and yet she hung her head, and made no reply. -</p> - -<p> -"Is there no news from the court, then!" the viscount asked at length, -as if not content with the answer implied by her silence. -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing, Monseigneur," replied the nurse. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I expected as much! If anything had occurred, good or bad, you -would not have failed to tell me at the first kiss. Do you know -nothing!" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! no." -</p> - -<p> -"I see how it is," rejoined the young man, bitterly. "I was a -prisoner,—dead perhaps! One does not pay his indebtedness to a -prisoner, much less to a dead man. But I am here now, alive and free, -and there must be a reckoning with me: whether willingly or by force, it -must and shall be!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, be careful, Monseigneur!" cried Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"Have no fear, nurse. Is Monsieur l'Amiral at Paris!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur. He has called and sent here ten times to learn if you -had returned." -</p> - -<p> -"Good! And Monsieur de Guise?" -</p> - -<p> -"He also has returned. It is to him that the people are looking to -repair the misfortunes of France and the suffering of the citizens." -</p> - -<p> -"God grant," said Gabriel, "that he find no sufferings for which there -is no remedy!" -</p> - -<p> -"As to Madame de Castro, who was supposed to be dead," continued Aloyse, -hurriedly, "Monsieur le Connétable has discovered that she is a -prisoner at Calais; and they hope soon to effect her release." -</p> - -<p> -"I knew it, and, like them, I hope so," said Gabriel, meaningly. "But," -he resumed, "you say nothing of the reason why my captivity has been so -prolonged,—nothing of Martin-Guerre and his delayed return. What has -become of Martin, pray?" -</p> - -<p> -"He is here, Monseigneur, the sluggard, the dolt!" -</p> - -<p> -"What! Here? How long has he been here? What is he doing?" -</p> - -<p> -"He is upstairs, in bed and asleep," said Aloyse, who seemed to speak of -Martin with some bitterness. "He says that he is not very well, -pretending that he has been hanged!" -</p> - -<p> -"Hanged!" cried Gabriel. "For stealing the money for my ransom,—is -that it?" -</p> - -<p> -"The money for your ransom, Monseigneur? You just say a word to that -threefold idiot about the money for your ransom! You will see what -answer he will make. He will not know what you mean. Just imagine, -Monseigneur, he arrived here, very eager, and in great haste; and after -reading your letter, I counted out to him ten thousand beautiful crowns. -Away he went again, without losing a moment. A few days later whom -should I see coming back but Martin-Guerre, crestfallen and with a most -pitiful expression. He claimed that he had not received a sou from me. -Having been taken prisoner himself some time before the fall of St. -Quentin, he had no idea, he said, of your whereabouts for three months -past. You had intrusted no mission to him. He had been beaten and hung! -He had succeeded in making his escape, and had just returned to Paris -for the first time since the war. Such are the romances with which -Martin-Guerre entertains us from morning till night when your ransom is -mentioned." -</p> - -<p> -"Explain yourself, nurse," said Gabriel. "Martin-Guerre could not have -appropriated that money, I would take my oath. He surely is not a -dishonest man, and he is loyally devoted to me." -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monseigneur, he is not dishonest; but he is mad, I am afraid,—so -mad that he hasn't an idea or a memory; sufficiently insane to require -care, believe me. Although he may not be vicious yet, he is dangerous, -to say the least. I am not the only one who saw him here either, for all -your people overwhelm him with their testimony. He really received the -ten thousand crowns, which Master Elyot had some difficulty in getting -together for me at such short notice." -</p> - -<p> -"Nevertheless," said Gabriel, "Master Elyot must get together as much -more, and even more quickly; indeed, I must have a still larger sum. But -we need not worry about that at present. It is broad daylight at last. I -am going to the Louvre now to speak with the king." -</p> - -<p> -"What, Monseigneur! without a moment's rest?" said Aloyse. "Besides, you -forget that it is only seven o'clock and that you would find the doors -closed; they are barely opened at nine." -</p> - -<p> -"That's true," said Gabriel,—"two hours more to wait! Give me the -patience to wait two hours, O Lord, as I have already waited two months! -At all events, I shall be able to find Monsieur de Coligny and Monsieur -de Guise," he continued. -</p> - -<p> -"No, for in all likelihood they are at the Louvre," said Aloyse. -"Besides, the king doesn't receive before noon, and you cannot see him -earlier than that, I fear. So you will have three hours to converse with -Monsieur l'Amiral, and Monsieur le Lieutenant-Général of the -kingdom,—that, you know, is the new title with which the king at the -present grave crisis has clothed Monsieur de Guise. Meanwhile, Monsieur, -you surely will not refuse to eat something, and to receive your old and -faithful servants, who have so long wished in vain for your return." -</p> - -<p> -Just at this moment—as if to occupy the young man's mind and -effectually beguile his weary waiting—Martin-Guerre, apprised -doubtless of his master's arrival, burst into the room, paler even from -joy than from the suffering he had undergone. -</p> - -<p> -"What! Is it you? Is it really yourself, Monseigneur?" he cried. "Oh, -what happiness!" -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel gave a very cold reception to the poor squire's transports -of delight. -</p> - -<p> -"If by good luck I am here at last, Martin," said he, "you must agree -that it is not by your efforts: for you did your very best to leave me a -prisoner forever." -</p> - -<p> -"What! you too, Monseigneur!" said Martin, in consternation. "You too, -instead of putting me right at the first word, as I hoped, accuse me of -having had those ten thousand crowns. Who knows what will come next? -Perhaps you will even go so far as to say that you commissioned me to -receive them and bring them to you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Of course I did," said Gabriel, quite stupefied with surprise. -</p> - -<p> -"So, then," rejoined the poor squire, in a dull voice, "you believe me, -Martin-Guerre, to be capable of basely appropriating money which did not -belong to me,—money designed to procure my master's liberty?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Martin, no," replied Gabriel, earnestly, touched by the tone in -which his faithful servant spoke. "My suspicions have never, I swear, -led me to suspect your honesty; and Aloyse and I were just saying that -very thing. But the money was stolen from you or you lost it on the road -when you were coming back to me." -</p> - -<p> -"Coming back to you!" echoed Martin. "But where, Monseigneur? Since we -left St. Quentin together may God strike me dead if I know where you -have been! Where was I to come back to you?" -</p> - -<p> -"At Calais. Martin. However light and foolish your brain may be, you -surely can't have forgotten Calais!" -</p> - -<p> -"How in the world could I forget what I never knew?" said Martin-Guerre, -calmly. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, you miserable wretch, do you mean to perjure yourself in that -matter?" cried Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -He said in a low voice a few words to the nurse, who thereupon left the -room. Then he approached Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"How about Babette, ingrate?" said he. -</p> - -<p> -"Babette! What Babette?" asked the wondering squire. -</p> - -<p> -"The one you ruined, villain." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes!—Gudule!" said Martin. "You are wrong about the name. It is -Gudule, Monseigneur, not Babette. Oh, yes, poor girl! But I tell you -honestly that I did not lead her astray; she had fallen before. I swear -to that." -</p> - -<p> -"What! still another?" rejoined Gabriel. "But this last one I know -nothing about; and whoever she may be, she can have no such cause of -complaint as Babette Peuquoy." -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre did not dare to lose his patience; but if he had been of -equal rank with the viscount, he would not have kept himself so well in -hand. -</p> - -<p> -"One moment, Monseigneur," said he. "They all say here that I am mad; -and by Saint Martin! I verily believe I shall go mad just from hearing -myself called so. However, I still have my reason and my memory, or the -deuce take me! And in case of need, Monseigneur, although I have had to -undergo harsh treatment and misery sufficient for two,—still, in case -of need, I will narrate to you faithfully from point to point everything -that has befallen me during the three months that have elapsed since I -parted from you. At least," he hastened to add, "so much of it as I -remember in my own person." -</p> - -<p> -"To tell the truth, I should be very glad to hear how you account for -your extraordinary conduct," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well! Monseigneur, after we left St. Quentin together to join -Monsieur de Vaulpergues's relieving party, and after we had separated, -each to take a different road (as you must remember), events happened -just as you had foreseen. I fell into the hands of the enemy. I tried, -as you had enjoined upon me, to pay my way with impudence; but a most -extraordinary thing occurred,—the soldiers claimed to recognize me as -having been their prisoner before!" -</p> - -<p> -"Come, come!" said Gabriel, interrupting him; "see how you are wandering -already!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur," resumed Martin, "in the name of mercy, let me tell my -story as I know it! It is difficult for me to understand matters myself. -You may criticise when I am done. As soon as the enemy recognized me, -Monseigneur, I confess that I resigned myself to my fate; for I -knew—and in reality you yourself know as well as I, -Monseigneur—that there are two of me, and that very often, and -without giving me any warning whatever, my other self makes me do his -pleasure. Perhaps I should say, then, '<i>We</i> accepted <i>our</i> -fate;' for hereafter I shall speak of myself—of <i>us</i>, that -is—in the plural. Gudule—a pretty little Flemish girl, whom -we had carried off—also recognized us, which cost us, I may say -parenthetically, a perfect hailstorm of blows. Truly, we ourselves alone -failed to recognize ourselves. To tell you all the misery which -followed, and into the hands of how many different masters, all endowed -with different dialects, your unfortunate squire fell, one after the -other, would take too long, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes; pray shorten your self-condolence." -</p> - -<p> -"I pass over these and worse sufferings. My number two, I was informed, -had already escaped once; and they beat me almost to a jelly for his -fault. My number one—whose conscience I have in my keeping, and whose -martyrdom I am relating to you—succeeded in escaping once more, but -was foolish enough to allow himself to be caught, and was left for dead on -the spot, notwithstanding which I ran away a third time; but being -entrapped a third time, by the double treason of too much wine and a -chance acquaintance, I showed fight, and laid about me with all the fury -of despair and drunkenness. In short, after having mocked me and -tortured me most of the night in most barbarous fashion, my executioners -hanged me toward morning." -</p> - -<p> -"Hanged you!" exclaimed Gabriel, believing that the squire's mania was -surely becoming hopeless. "They hanged you, Martin! What do you mean by -that?" -</p> - -<p> -"I mean, Monseigneur, that they hoisted me up between earth and sky at -the end of a hempen cord, which was firmly attached to a gibbet, -otherwise called a gallows; and in all the tongues and patois with which -they have belabored my ears that is commonly called being hanged, -Monseigneur. Do I make myself clear?" -</p> - -<p> -"None too clear, Martin; for to tell the truth, for a man that has been -hanged—" -</p> - -<p> -"I am in pretty good condition now, Monseigneur,—that's a fact; but -you have not heard the end of the story yet. My suffering and my rage, when -I saw myself being hanged, almost made me lose my consciousness. When I -came to myself, I was stretched on the fresh grass, with the cord, which -had been cut, still about my neck. Had some soft-hearted passer-by, -moved by my plight, chosen to relieve the gallows of its human fruit? My -misanthropy actually forbade my thinking that. I am more inclined to -believe that some thief must have longed to plunder me, and cut the cord -so that he might go through my pockets at his ease. The fact that my -wedding-ring and my papers had been stolen justify me, I think, in -making that assertion without doing injustice to the human race. -However, I had been cut down in time; and despite a slight dislocation -of my neck, I succeeded in escaping a fourth time, through woods and -across the fields, hiding all day, and travelling with the greatest care -at night, living on roots and wild herbs,—a most unsatisfactory diet, -to which even the poor cattle must find great difficulty in getting -accustomed. At last, after losing my way a hundred times, I succeeded in -reaching Paris at the end of a fortnight, and in finding this house, -where I arrived twelve days since, and where I have received rather a -less hearty welcome than I expected, after such a rough experience. -There is my story, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, now," said Gabriel, "as an offset to this story of yours, I can -tell you quite a different one (entirely different, in fact), the -details of which I have seen you perform with my own eyes." -</p> - -<p> -"Is it the story of my number two, Monseigneur?" asked Martin, coolly. -"Upon my word, if I may make so bold, and if you would be so kind as to -tell it to me in a few words, I should be only too glad to hear it." -</p> - -<p> -"Do you mock me, scoundrel?" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur knows my profound respect for him! But, strangely -enough, this double of mine has caused me a vast deal of trouble, has he -not? He has led me into some cruel plights. Well, in spite of all that, -I don't know why, but I am greatly interested in him. I believe, upon my -word of honor, that in the end I shall be weak enough to love the -blackguard!" -</p> - -<p> -"Blackguard indeed!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -The viscount may have been about to enter upon a catalogue of Arnauld du -Thill's misdeeds; but he was interrupted by his nurse, who returned to -the room, followed by a man in the garb of a peasant. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, what does <i>this</i> mean?" said Aloyse. "Here is a man who claims -that he was sent here to announce your death, Martin-Guerre!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap06"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER VI -<br /><br /> -IN WHICH MARTIN-GUERRE'S CHARACTER BEGINS TO BE<br /> -REHABILITATED</h4> - -<p> -"My death!" ejaculated Martin, turning pale at Dame Aloyse's terrible -words. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, God be merciful unto me!" cried the peasant, as soon as he cast his -eye upon the squire. -</p> - -<p> -"Can it be that my other self is dead? God be praised!" said Martin. "Am -I at last relieved from this continual changing back and forth? Bah! On -the whole, upon reflection, I should be a little sorry if it is so, but -still reasonably satisfied. Why don't you speak, friend? Speak!" he -added, addressing himself to the bewildered peasant. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Master," replied the latter, when he had looked closely at Martin -and touched him with his hands, "how does it happen that you are here -before me? I swear to you, Master, that I came as quickly as a man could -come to do your errand, and earn the ten crowns; and unless you came in -the saddle, Master, it is absolutely impossible for you to have passed -me on the road, and in that case I must have seen you." -</p> - -<p> -"To be sure; but, my good fellow, I never saw you before," said -Martin-Guerre; "and yet you talk as if you knew me!" -</p> - -<p> -"As if I knew you!" said the stupefied peasant. "Do you mean to say that -you didn't send me here to say that Martin-Guerre had been hanged and -was dead?" -</p> - -<p> -"What! Martin-Guerre! Why, I am Martin-Guerre." -</p> - -<p> -"You? Impossible! How could you have told of your own hanging?" rejoined -the peasant. -</p> - -<p> -"But why, where, and when did I tell you of such an atrocity?" asked -Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"Must I tell you the precise facts now?" said the peasant. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, everything." -</p> - -<p> -"Notwithstanding the fact that you made up a story for me to tell." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes; never mind that now." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, since your memory is so short, I will tell you everything. -So much the worse for you if you force me to do it! Six days ago, in the -morning, I was at work hoeing my field—" -</p> - -<p> -"Before you go any further, where is your field?" asked Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you want me to tell you the real truth, Master?" said the peasant. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, of course I do, you beast!" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, my field is behind Montargis! I was at work when you came -along the road, with a travelling-bag on your back." -</p> - -<p> -"'Well, well, my friend," said you, 'what are you doing? Come, why don't -you speak?' -</p> - -<p> -"'I am hoeing, Master. I am ready to answer your questions.' -</p> - -<p> -"'How much does this work of yours pay you?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Year in and year out, about four sous a day.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Would you like to earn twenty crowns in two weeks?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Oh, oh!' -</p> - -<p> -"'Say yes or no.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Yes, indeed, I should.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Well, you must go at once to Paris. By making good speed, you will -arrive in five or six days, at the latest. Ask your way to Rue des -Jardins St. Paul, and find the house of Vicomte d'Exmès. It is to that -house that I want you to go. The viscount will not be there; but you -will find a good old soul called Aloyse, his nurse; and this is what you -must say to her. Now, listen carefully! You will say: "I am from Noyon" -(Noyon, you understand, not Montargis),—"I am from Noyon, where one -of your acquaintances was hanged a fortnight since. His name was -Martin-Guerre." (Be sure to remember that name Martin-Guerre). -"Martin-Guerre has been hanged, after being robbed of the money he had -about him, so that he might not complain of the robbery. But before he -was taken to the gallows Martin-Guerre had time to beg me to come and -let you know of his ill-fortune, so that, as he said, you might provide -a new supply of money for his master's ransom. He promised me that you -would give me ten crowns for my trouble. I waited until he was hanged, -and then I came away." -</p> - -<p> -"'There, that is what you are to say to the good woman. Do you -understand?' you asked me. -</p> - -<p> -"'Yes, Master," I replied; 'only you said twenty crowns in the first -place, and now you only speak of ten.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Fool!' said you, 'here are the other ten in advance.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Very good,' I rejoined. 'But suppose this Aloyse asks me to describe -the appearance of Martin-Guerre, for I never saw him, and I ought to be -able to tell how he looks.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Look at me.' -</p> - -<p> -"I looked at you. -</p> - -<p> -"'Very well; now you can describe Martin-Guerre, as if it were myself.'" -</p> - -<p> -"How strange!" muttered Gabriel, who had been listening to this -narration with most profound attention. -</p> - -<p> -"Now," continued the peasant, "I am here, Master, ready to repeat the -lesson you taught me (for you said it to me twice, and I know it by -heart), and I find you here before me! It is very true that I loitered -on the road, and drank up your ten crowns in the roadside cabarets, -because I expected soon to have the other ten in my pocket; but at all -events I am within the time you fixed. You gave me six days, and it was -just six days ago that I left Montargis." -</p> - -<p> -"Six days!" said Martin-Guerre, sadly and thoughtfully. "I came through -Montargis six days ago! I was on the road to my own province six days -ago! Your story is extremely probable, my friend," he continued, "and I -believe it implicitly." -</p> - -<p> -"But no!" Aloyse eagerly interposed, "this man is evidently a liar, when -he claims to have talked with you at Montargis six days ago, for you -have not been out of these doors for twelve days." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true," said Martin; "but my number two—" -</p> - -<p> -"Then again," continued the nurse, "he says that it is only a fortnight -since you were hanged at Noyon; while according to your own words it was -a month ago." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, it certainly was," said the squire; "I was thinking when I woke -this morning that it was just a month to-day. However, my other -self—" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, nonsense!" cried the nurse. -</p> - -<p> -"It seems to me," Gabriel interposed, "that this man has finally put us -upon the right track." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, indeed you are not mistaken, kind sir," said the peasant. "Shall I -receive my ten crowns?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said Gabriel; "but you must leave your name and address with us. -We may have need of your testimony some day. I begin to detect some very -evil doings, although my suspicions are not yet clearly defined." -</p> - -<p> -"But, Monseigneur—" Martin began to remonstrate. Gabriel interrupted -him sharply. "Enough of that!" said he. "Do you see to it, good Aloyse, -that this man goes his way content. This matter shall be attended to in -due time. But, do you know," he added, lowering his voice, "that I may -perhaps have to take my revenge for treachery to the master before I -deal with the treachery to the squire." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" muttered Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"It is now eight o'clock," continued Gabriel. "I shall not see my good -people until my return; for I must be at the doors of the Louvre when -they are opened. Even though I may not be able to obtain an audience of -the king until noon, I can at least have some conversation with the -admiral and Monsieur de Guise." -</p> - -<p> -"And when you have seen the king, you will return here at once, will you -not?" asked Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"At once; don't you be anxious about me, my good nurse. Something seems -to tell me that I shall come out victoriously from all these dark plots -which intrigue and impudence are weaving around me." -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed you will, if God heeds my earnest prayer," said Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"I go," rejoined Gabriel. "You remain here, Martin, for I must go alone. -Come, come, my good fellow, we shall justify you and deliver you from -your other self in good time; but you see I have another justification -and another deliverance to accomplish first of all. To our speedy -meeting, Martin! <i>au revoir</i>, nurse!" -</p> - -<p> -Each kissed the hand which the young man extended. Then he left the -house, alone and on foot, wrapped in a great cloak, and with a grave and -haughty mien directed his steps toward the Louvre. -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" thought the nurse, "even so I once saw his father depart, and he -never returned." -</p> - -<p> -Just as Gabriel, after crossing the Pont au Change, was walking through -the Place de Grève, he noticed a man, enveloped like himself in a -cloak, which was however of coarser material, and more carefully held in -place than his own. More than that, this man was evidently trying to -conceal his features beneath the broad brim of his hat. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, although he thought at first that he recognized the figure and -carriage of a friend, nevertheless pursued his way; but the unknown, as -soon as he saw Vicomte d'Exmès, gave a sudden start, and after seeming -to hesitate for a moment, stopped suddenly and said very cautiously, -"Gabriel, my friend!" -</p> - -<p> -At the same time he half disclosed his face, and Gabriel saw that he had -not been mistaken. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur de Coligny!" he exclaimed, without however raising his voice. -"You here! and at this hour!" -</p> - -<p> -"Hush!" said the admiral. "I confess that just at this moment I have no -desire to be recognized and spied upon and followed. But when I saw you, -my dear friend, after so long a separation, and so much anxiety on your -account, I could not resist the temptation to accost you and grasp your -hand. How long have you been in Paris?" -</p> - -<p> -"Only since this morning," said Gabriel; "and I was on my way to see you -at the Louvre first of all." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well," said the admiral, "if you are not in too great haste, just -walk a few steps with me. You must tell me what you have been about -during your long absence." -</p> - -<p> -"I will tell you all that I can tell the most loyal and devoted of -friends," Gabriel responded. "But first, Monsieur l'Amiral, I know you -will allow me to ask you a question on a subject which is of more -interest to me than anything else in the world." -</p> - -<p> -"I can imagine what that question will be," said the admiral. "But ought -you not to be quite as well able to forecast my reply to it, my dear -friend? You propose to ask me, do you not, whether I kept my promise to -you,—whether I told the king of the glorious and indispensable part -which you had in the defence of St. Quentin?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monsieur l'Amiral," Gabriel replied; "really that is not what I was -about to ask you; for I know, and have learned to trust in your word, -and I am perfectly certain that your first thought on your return to -Paris was to fulfil your promise, and to declare generously to the king, -and to the king alone, that my efforts counted for something in St. -Quentin's long resistance. In fact, I have no doubt that you exaggerated -my small services in your narration to his Majesty. Yes, Monsieur, I -know all that without asking. But what I do not know, and what it is of -the greatest moment that I should know, is the reply of Henri II. to -your kind words." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! Gabriel," said the admiral, "Henri made no other reply than to -ask me what had become of you. I was very much puzzled what to tell him. -The letter you left for me on your departure from St. Quentin was very -far from explicit, and only reminded me of my promise. I told the king -that I knew you had not fallen, but that you had been made prisoner in -all probability, and from a feeling of delicacy had not wanted to inform -me of it." -</p> - -<p> -"And to that the king—?" asked Gabriel, eagerly. -</p> - -<p> -"The king said, my dear friend: 'That is well!' and a smile of -satisfaction hovered upon his lips. Then, when I was enlarging upon the -magnificence of your feats of arms, and upon the obligations which you -had laid upon France and her king, 'Enough of that!' Henri interposed, -and haughtily changing the subject of conversation, compelled me to -speak of something else." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, that is just as I supposed it would be," said Gabriel, with bitter -irony. -</p> - -<p> -"Courage, my friend!" rejoined the admiral. "Do you not remember that at -St. Quentin I warned you that it was not safe to rely upon the gratitude -of the great ones of the world?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes!" said Gabriel, threateningly; "it was all very well for the -king to choose to forget when he hoped that I was dead or in prison; but -when I remind him of my rights, as I propose to do very soon, he will -find that he has got to remember." -</p> - -<p> -"And suppose his memory persists in being defective?" asked Monsieur de -Coligny. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel, "when one has undergone an insult, -one applies to the king to see justice done. When the king himself -offers the insult, one has no resource but to apply to God for -vengeance." -</p> - -<p> -"I imagine, too," the admiral rejoined, "that if it should be necessary, -you would constitute yourself the instrument of the divine vengeance." -</p> - -<p> -"You have said it, Monsieur." -</p> - -<p> -"In that case," Coligny resumed, "there is no better place nor time than -the present to remind you of a conversation we once had on the subject -of the persecuted religion, when I spoke to you of a sure means of -punishing kings, while serving the cause of truth at the same time." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes! our conversation was just in my mind," said Gabriel. "My -memory does not fail me, you see. I may at some time resort to your -means, Monsieur,—against Henri's successors perhaps, if not against -himself, since your remedy is equally efficacious against all kings." -</p> - -<p> -"That being so," the admiral continued, "can you give me an hour of your -time now?" -</p> - -<p> -"The king does not receive till noon; my time belongs to you until that -hour." -</p> - -<p> -"Come with me where I am going, then," said the admiral. "You are of -gentle birth, and I have seen your character put to the proof, so I will -demand no oath from you. Promise me simply that you will preserve -absolute silence as to the people you are about to see, and the things -that you hear." -</p> - -<p> -"I promise not to lisp a word," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Follow me, then," said the admiral, "and if you meet with injustice at -the Louvre, you will at least have your revenge in your own hands in -advance; follow me." -</p> - -<p> -Coligny and Gabriel crossed the Pont au Change and the Cité, and were -swallowed up in the labyrinth of lanes and alleys which then existed in -the neighborhood of Rue St. Jacques. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap07"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER VII -<br /><br /> -A PHILOSOPHER AND A SOLDIER</h4> - -<p> -Coligny stopped at the beginning of Rue St. Jacques, before the low door -of a house of mean exterior. He knocked: first a wicket in the door was -opened, and then the door itself, when the invisible sentinel had -recognized the admiral. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, following in the steps of his noble guide, passed through a -long dark passage-way, and ascended three flights of worm-eaten stairs. -When they were almost under the roof, Coligny knocked three times with -his foot at the door of the highest and most wretched-looking apartment -in the whole house. The door opened, and they went in. -</p> - -<p> -They found themselves in a room of considerable size, but gloomy, and -quite bare. Two narrow windows—one looking upon Rue St. Jacques, and -the other upon a back alley—admitted only a very uncertain light. -There was no furniture save four stools and an oak table with twisted legs. -</p> - -<p> -At the admiral's entrance, two men, who seemed to be expecting him, rose -to greet him; a third remained discreetly apart, standing at the front -window, and merely bowed low to Coligny from that distance. -</p> - -<p> -"Theodore," said the admiral to the two men who had welcomed him, "and -you, Captain, I have brought with me to present to you a friend, who is -at all events to be your friend—our friend—hereafter, if he -cannot yet be so called." -</p> - -<p> -The two strangers bowed silently to Vicomte d'Exmès. Then the younger, -he who was called Theodore, began to talk with Coligny in a low tone, -and with much animation. Gabriel walked away a few steps to leave them -more at liberty, and was thus able to scrutinize at his leisure the men -to whom the admiral had presented him, but whose names even he did not -know. -</p> - -<p> -The captain had the strongly marked features and determined bearing of a -man of resolution and action. He was tall and dark and sinewy. One -needed not to be a keen observer to read audacity in his expression; -eager, burning zeal, in the fire of his eyes; and an energetic, forceful -will, in his sternly compressed lips. -</p> - -<p> -The companion of this haughty adventurer was rather more like a -courtier; he was a graceful cavalier with a well-formed and jolly face, -a keen glance, and refined and easy bearing. His dress, which was -strictly in accord with the latest fashion, was in strong contrast with -the garb of the captain, which was simple almost to the point of -austerity. -</p> - -<p> -As for the third individual, who had remained standing at some distance -from the others, his striking countenance could but attract notice -despite his attitude of reserve; his broad forehead and the piercing -keenness of his eye were enough to indicate to the least observant the -man of thought, and, let us say at once, the man of genius. -</p> - -<p> -Coligny, having exchanged a few words with his friend, drew near -Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"I beg your pardon," said he; "but I am not the only master here, and I -had to consult my associates before disclosing to you where and in whose -company you are." -</p> - -<p> -"Am I to know now!" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"If you wish, my friend." -</p> - -<p> -"Where am I, pray?" -</p> - -<p> -"In the poor chamber where the son of the cooper of Noyon, Jean Calvin, -held the first secret meetings of those of the Reformed religion, and -whence he almost had to march to the stake. But to-day he is at Geneva, -triumphant and almost omnipotent; the crowned heads of the world have to -reckon with him; and the memory of him alone is enough to make the damp -walls of this wretched hole more glorious than the golden arabesques of -the Louvre." -</p> - -<p> -At the mention of the great name of Calvin, Gabriel bared his head. -Although the impetuous youth had hardly concerned himself hitherto about -matters of religion or morals, yet he would have been far behind his age -if the austere and toilsome life, the sublime and awe-inspiring -character, the bold and imperious doctrines of the law-maker of the -Reformed religion had not more than once engrossed his thoughts. -</p> - -<p> -However, he rejoined calmly,— -</p> - -<p> -"And who are these whom I see around me in the venerated master's -chamber?" -</p> - -<p> -"His disciples," was the admiral's reply,—"Theodore de Bèze, his pen; -La Renaudie, his sword." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel saluted the charming writer who was to be the historian of the -Reformed Church, and the adventurous soldier who was to be the abettor -of the Tumulte d'Amboise. -</p> - -<p> -Theodore de Bèze returned Gabriel's salutation with the courteous grace -which was natural to him, and said with a pleasant smile,— -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès, although your introduction here has been -accompanied with so many precautions, pray do not look upon us as very -dark and dangerous conspirators. I hasten to assure you that if the -leaders of our sect meet secretly here three times a week, it is only to -exchange information as to the religion, and to receive, it may be, a -neophyte, who, as he believes in our principles, asks to share our -perils; or some man whom on account of his personal qualities we are -anxious to win over to our cause. We are obliged to the admiral for -bringing you hither, Monsieur le Vicomte, for you are surely one of the -latter class." -</p> - -<p> -"And I, gentlemen, am of the former," said the stranger, who had thus -far stood aloof; and as he spoke, he came forward rather shyly and -modestly. "I am one of those humble dreamers upon whom the light of your -principles has fallen in his darkness, and who longs for a closer view -of them." -</p> - -<p> -"But it will not be long, Ambroise, ere you will be numbered among the -most illustrious of our brotherhood," said La Renaudie, speaking for the -first time. "Yes, gentlemen," he continued, turning to Coligny and De -Bèze, "he whom I now present to you, still an humble practitioner, it -is true, and still young, as you see, will nevertheless be in due time, -I will answer for it, one of the bright and shining lights of the -religion, for he is a great worker and a profound thinker; and we may -well exult that he has sought us out of his own will, for we shall point -with pride to the name on our rolls of the surgeon Ambroise Paré." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monsieur le Capitaine!" exclaimed Ambroise. -</p> - -<p> -"By whom has Master Ambroise Paré been instructed in our principles?" -asked Théodore de Bèze. -</p> - -<p> -"By Chaudieu the minister, who introduced me to Monsieur de la -Renaudie," Ambroise replied. -</p> - -<p> -"And have you already made the solemn abjuration?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not yet," replied the surgeon. "I desire to be entirely sincere, and -not to take any vows except upon thorough acquaintance with the matter. -I confess that I still have some doubts; and certain points are still -too obscure forme to be able to join you irrevocably and without -reservation. It is to have these cleared away that I have longed to meet -the leading men of the religion, and have made up my mind to go, if -necessary, to Calvin himself; for truth and liberty are the ruling -passions of my life." -</p> - -<p> -"Well said!" cried the admiral; "and be assured, Master, that no one of -us could ever wish to strike a blow at your rare and proud independence -of thought." -</p> - -<p> -"What did I tell you?" rejoined La Renaudie, triumphantly. "Will he not -be an invaluable conquest for our faith? I have seen Ambroise Paré in -his library; I have seen him at the bedside of the sick (yes, I have -seen him too on the battlefield); and everywhere, whether combating -error and prejudice, or caring for the wounds and sufferings of his -fellow-creatures, he is always thus,—calm, cool, superior to the -vicissitudes of fortune, always master of others and of himself." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel here interposed, much moved by what he saw and heard. -</p> - -<p> -"May I be allowed one word? I know now where I am; and I can imagine -what motive induced my generous friend, Monsieur de Coligny, to bring me -to this house, where are met those whom King Henri calls his heretics, -and looks upon as his mortal enemies. But I have certainly more need to -be educated in the faith than has Master Ambroise Paré. Like him, I -have been a man of action; but, alas! I have done but little thinking, -and he would be doing a great service to a new inquirer into all these -new ideas, if he would consent to enlighten me as to the reasons or -motives which have inclined his noble intellect to the Reformed sect." -</p> - -<p> -"No interested motive at all," replied Ambroise Paré; "for to succeed -in my profession it would be for my interest to conform to the belief of -the court and the princes. So it is not interested motives, but the -force of reason, Monsieur le Vicomte, as you suggest: and if the -illustrious persons before whom I am now speaking authorize me so to do, -I will try to set forth my reasons in a few words." -</p> - -<p> -"Go on! go on!" cried Coligny, La Renaudie, and Theodore de Bèze at -once. -</p> - -<p> -"I will be brief," rejoined Ambroise, "for my time does not belong to -me. In the first place, I tried to disentangle the leading idea of the -Reform from all theories and formulas. The brushwood once cut away, -these are the principles which I laid bare, for which I would most -assuredly submit to persecution in every form." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel was listening with admiration which he made no attempt to -conceal, to this disinterested expounder of the truth. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré continued. -</p> - -<p> -"Religious and political domination, the Church and royalty, have -hitherto substituted their regulations and their laws for the will and -reasoning of the individual. The priest says to every man, 'Believe -this;' and the prince, 'Do thus and so.' Now, matters have gone on in -this way so long that men's minds remained as the minds of babes, and -had perforce to lean upon this double discipline to make their way -through life. But now we <i>feel</i> that we are strong, and hence we -<i>are</i>. Nevertheless the prince and the priest, the Church and the -king, are unwilling to lay down one jot of the authority which has -become a principle of existence with them. It is against this -anachronism of iniquity that the Reformed religion <i>protests</i>, in -my view. Hereafter let every soul examine carefully its belief, and -reason out its submission to this domination; and then I believe we -shall see the regeneration to which our efforts are devoted. Am I wrong, -gentlemen?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, but you go too far and too fast," said Theodore de Bèze; "in this -bold way of mingling politics and moral questions—" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! it is that very boldness which attracts me," Gabriel interrupted. -</p> - -<p> -"But it is not boldness; it is logic!" rejoined Ambroise Paré. "How can -that which is fair and just in the Church not be equally so in the -State? How can you disavow as a rule of action that which you admit as a -rule of thought?" -</p> - -<p> -"There is the spirit of revolution in the bold words you have uttered, -Master," cried Coligny, thoughtfully. -</p> - -<p> -"Of revolution?" Ambroise coolly rejoined. "Why, I am talking about -revolution." -</p> - -<p> -The three leaders looked at one another in surprise. Their looks seemed -to say, "This man is much stronger even than we supposed." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel did not forget for a moment the engrossing anxiety of his whole -life; but he was now applying to it what he had just heard, and was lost -in thought. -</p> - -<p> -Theodore de Bèze said most earnestly to the outspoken surgeon,— -</p> - -<p> -"It is absolutely necessary that you should join us. What do you ask?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing more than the privilege of conversing with you now and then, -and of submitting to your intelligence and knowledge such difficulties -as I still encounter." -</p> - -<p> -"You shall have more than that," said Theodore de Bèze; "you shall -correspond directly with Calvin." -</p> - -<p> -"Such an honor for me!" cried Ambroise Paré, flushing with delight. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, it is essential that you should know him, and he you," rejoined -the admiral. "Such a disciple as you are deserves a master like him. You -hand your letters to your friend La Renaudie, and we will see that they -reach Geneva. We will also hand you his replies. They will not be long -in coming. You have heard of Calvin's extraordinary powers of -application; and you will be satisfied." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah," said Ambroise Paré, "you give me my reward before I have done -anything to merit it. How have I deserved so great a favor?" -</p> - -<p> -"By being what you are, my friend," said La Renaudie. "I knew that you -would win their hearts at the first stroke." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, thank you, thank you a thousand times!" Ambroise responded. "But," -he added, "I regret to say that I must leave you, there are so many -patients awaiting me." -</p> - -<p> -"Go, go!" said Théodore de Bèze; "your reasons are too sacred for us -to try to keep you. Go! Do what is right as you believe what is true." -</p> - -<p> -"But as you leave us," Coligny interposed, "rest assured that you leave -none behind you but friends, or, as we say of those of our religion, -'brothers.'" -</p> - -<p> -Thus they took leave of him heartily and cordially; and Gabriel, warmly -pressing his hand, was not behindhand in this friendly parting. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré went his way, with joy and pride in his heart. -</p> - -<p> -"Truly one of the elect!" cried Théodore de Bèze. -</p> - -<p> -"What scorn for the commonplace!" said La Renaudie. -</p> - -<p> -"What uncalculating, unreserved devotion to the cause of humanity!" said -Coligny. -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" rejoined Gabriel, "how paltry must my selfishness appear beside -such self-abnegation, Monsieur l'Amiral! I do not, like Ambroise Paré, -subordinate facts and persons to ideas and principles; but on the -contrary, ideas and principles to facts and persons. The Reformed -religion will be for me, as you know too well, not an end, but a means. -In your noble, unselfish struggle I should take part to serve my own -purposes. I feel that my motives are too personal and selfish for me to -dare to defend so pure and holy a cause, and you would do very well at -this moment to spurn me from your ranks as unworthy to serve therein." -</p> - -<p> -"Surely you traduce yourself, Monsieur d'Exmès," said Theodore de -Bèze. "Even though you should obey less exalted impulses than those of -Ambroise Paré, still the ways of the Lord are many, and one does not -find the truth by travelling on one road to the exclusion of all -others." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said La Renaudie, "we very seldom listen to such professions of -faith as that you have just heard, when we address to those whom we -wish to enlist in our cause the question, 'What do you ask?'" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well," Gabriel responded with a sad smile; "to that question -Ambroise Paré answered: 'I ask whether justice and right are really on -your side.' Do you know what my reply would be?" -</p> - -<p> -"No," Théodore de Bèze replied; "but we are ready to answer you on -every point." -</p> - -<p> -"I should ask," Gabriel rejoined, "'Are you sure that you have on your -side sufficient material power and sufficient members to make a good -fight, even if not to conquer?'" -</p> - -<p> -Once more the three enthusiasts exchanged looks of wonder. But their -wonder had not the same meaning as before. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel looked at them in gloomy silence. Theodore de Bèze, after a -pause, replied,— -</p> - -<p> -"Whatever may be the feeling that prompts that inquiry, Monsieur -d'Exmès, I agreed in advance to answer you on every point, and I will -keep my promise. We have with us not only common-sense, but strength as -well, thank God! The progress of our principles has been rapid and -undeniable. Three years ago a Reformed church was founded at Paris; and -the great cities of the kingdom—Blois, Tours, Poitiers, Marseilles, -and Rouen—all have churches of their own. You can see for yourself, -Monsieur d'Exmès, the enormous crowds which are attracted by our -meetings at the Pré-aux-Clercs. People, nobility, and courtiers give up -their pleasure-making to come and sing with us Clement Marot's French -hymns. We intend next year to determine our numbers by a public -procession; but at the present time, I venture to say that we have a -fifth of the population with us. We may therefore without presumption -call ourselves a party, and may reckon, I think, upon inspiring our -friends with confidence, our enemies with dismay." -</p> - -<p> -"That being so," said Gabriel, coolly, "I may very possibly before long -enrol myself among the former and assist you to combat the latter." -</p> - -<p> -"But suppose you had found us not so strong?" asked La Renaudie. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I confess that I should have sought other allies," replied -Gabriel, still firmly and calmly. -</p> - -<p> -La Renaudie and Theodore de Bèze both made a movement of astonishment. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" cried Coligny, "do not judge him, my friends, too hastily or too -harshly. I have seen him at work at the siege of St. Quentin; and when -one puts his life in peril, as he did there, it bespeaks no ordinary -soul. But I know that he has a holy and terrible duty to perform, which -leaves no part of his devotion at his own disposal." -</p> - -<p> -"And in default of my devotion, I would like to offer you at least my -sincerest aid," said Gabriel. "But in very truth I cannot give myself up -to your service absolutely and without consideration; for I am devoted -to a necessary and formidable task, which has been imposed upon me by -the wrath of God and the wickedness of man, and while that task remains -unfinished, I beg you to pardon me, for I am not the arbiter of my own -fate. The destiny of another takes precedence of mine at all times, and -wherever I may be." -</p> - -<p> -"One may devote oneself to a man as well as to an idea," said Theodore -de Bèze. -</p> - -<p> -"And in such a case," added Coligny, "we shall be happy, my friend, to -serve you, just as we shall be proud to avail ourselves of your -services." -</p> - -<p> -"Our good wishes will go with you; and we will stand ready to assist you -in case of need," said La Renaudie. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! you are heroes and saints as well," cried Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"But take care, young man," said the stern La Renaudie, in his familiar -and yet noble language,—"take care, when once we have called you our -brother, to be worthy of the name. We may admit a private devotion into -our ranks; but the heart sometimes deceives itself. Are you perfectly -certain, young man, that when you believe yourself to be entirely -devoted to thoughts of another, no personal consideration whatever has -its influence on your actions? In the object which you are striving to -accomplish, are you absolutely and truly disinterested? Are you, in -short, urged on by no passion of your own, though it may be the most -generous and worthy of passions?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," added Theodore de Bèze, "we do not ask for your secrets; but -search your heart, and tell us that if you were justified in revealing -to us all its feelings and all its plans, you would not feel the least -embarrassment in so doing, and we will believe your word." -</p> - -<p> -"In speaking thus, my dear friend," said the admiral, in his turn, "it -is to impress upon you that a pure cause must be upheld with clean -hands; otherwise one would only bring misfortune upon his cause and -himself." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel listened to and looked at the three men one after another, who -were as stern to others as to themselves, and who, standing around with -keen, serious mien, were questioning him as friends and judges at once. -</p> - -<p> -At their words he turned pale and red by turns. -</p> - -<p> -He questioned his own conscience. Being a man of impulse and action, he -was doubtless too little accustomed to reflect and inquire into his own -motives. At this moment he asked himself in alarm, whether in his filial -devotion his love for Madame de Castro was not an element of very great -weight; whether he was not at heart as anxious to learn the secret of -Diane's birth as to procure the old count's liberty; whether, in short, -in this matter of life or death he was really as unselfish as he must be -according to Coligny to deserve God's favor. -</p> - -<p> -Fearful doubt!—whether by some selfish mental reservation he might -not compromise his father's welfare in the sight of God. -</p> - -<p> -He shuddered in anxious uncertainty. A circumstance, seemingly -unimportant, awoke his nature to action once more. -</p> - -<p> -Eleven o'clock struck from the church of St. Severin. -</p> - -<p> -In an hour he would be in the king's presence. -</p> - -<p> -With a firm voice he said to the leaders of the Reformed sect:— -</p> - -<p> -"You are men of the Golden Age; and those who are most irreproachable in -their own sight find their self-esteem debased and saddened when they -compare themselves with your ideal. Yet it is not possible that all of -your party should be such as you are. That you, who are the head and the -heart of the religion, should keep a close and strict watch upon your -purposes and your acts is necessary and beneficial; but if I throw -myself into your cause, it will not be as a leader, but as a common -soldier simply. Stains upon the soul only are indelible; those upon the -hand may be washed away. I will be your hand,—that's all. I venture -to ask, Have you the right to refuse the aid of this bold and daring hand?" -</p> - -<p> -"No," said Coligny; "and we accept it here and now, my friend." -</p> - -<p> -"And I will stake my life that it will rest upon the hilt of your sword -as pure and unstained as it is valiant," added Theodore de Bèze. -</p> - -<p> -"The very hesitation," said La Renaudie, "which our rather rough and -exacting words caused in your scrupulous heart is our sufficient -guarantee. We know how to judge men's characters." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, gentlemen," said Gabriel,—"thanks from my heart for not -depriving me of the confidence of which I am so much in need in the hard -task which I have before me; thanks to you especially, Monsieur -l'Amiral, who have thus, as you promised, furnished me in advance with -the means of punishing a breach of faith, even if committed by an -anointed king. Now I am obliged to leave you, gentlemen, and I will say, -not adieu, but <i>au revoir</i>. Although I may be of those who obey the -course of events rather than abstract ideas, I believe, nevertheless, -that the seeds you have sown to-day will bear fruit hereafter." -</p> - -<p> -"We hope so, for our own sakes," said Theodore de Bèze. -</p> - -<p> -"I must not hope so for my sake," rejoined Gabriel; "for, as I have -avowed, it will be only bitter misfortune which will drive me to adopt -your cause. Adieu once more, gentlemen; I must now go to the Louvre." -</p> - -<p> -"I will go with you," said Coligny. "I must repeat to Henri II. in your -presence what I have already told him once in your absence. Kings have -but short memories; and we must not allow this one to forget or to deny. -I will go with you." -</p> - -<p> -"I should not have ventured to ask this favor of you, Monsieur -l'Amiral," cried Gabriel; "but I accept your offer most gratefully." -</p> - -<p> -"Let us go, then," said Coligny. -</p> - -<p> -As soon as they had left Calvin's chamber, Theodore took his tablets, -and wrote these names:— -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré, -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, Vicomte d'Exmès. -</p> - -<p> -"It seems to me," said La Renaudie, "that you are a little hasty in -enrolling these two men among us. They have made no promises whatever." -</p> - -<p> -"They are ours," replied De Bèze. "One is in search of the truth, and -the other fleeing from injustice. I tell you they are ours, and I shall -write Calvin to that effect." -</p> - -<p> -"This will have been a great day for the religion, then." -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed it will," said Theodore; "we shall have made the conquest of a -profound philosopher and a valiant soldier,—a mighty brain and a -strong arm, a winner of battles and a sower of ideas. You are right; it is -really a great day." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap08"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER VIII -<br /><br /> -WHEREIN MARY STUART'S LOVELINESS FLITS ACROSS THE<br /> -COURSE OF THE STORY WITH AS TRANSIENT A GLEAM<br /> -AS IT CASTS UPON THE HISTORY OF FRANCE</h4> - -<p> -When Gabriel, accompanied by Coligny, reached the portals of the Louvre, -he was overwhelmed by the first words that reached his ears. -</p> - -<p> -The king did not receive that day! -</p> - -<p> -The admiral, notwithstanding he held that high rank and was the nephew -of Montmorency, was too gravely suspected of heresy to have much credit -at court. As for Gabriel d'Exmès, the captain of the Guards, the ushers -of the royal suite had had ample time to forget his face and his name. -The two friends were rewarded for their trouble only by being permitted -to pass beyond the outer doors. -</p> - -<p> -Within it was still worse. They wasted more than an hour in parleying -and bribing and threatening. As rapidly as they succeeded in inducing -one halberdier to allow them to pass, another barred their way. All the -varieties of dragon, more or less formidable, which watch over the -safety of kings seemed to be multiplied tenfold to impede their passage. -</p> - -<p> -But when by sheer persistence they had succeeded in penetrating as far -as the great gallery which led to the king's closet, they found it -impossible to go farther; the orders were too strict. The king, closeted -with the constable and Madame de Poitiers, had given express -instructions that he was not to be disturbed on any pretext. -</p> - -<p> -It was necessary that Gabriel should wait till evening if he wished for -an audience. -</p> - -<p> -Waiting, weary waiting, when he believed that he was about to reach the -goal which he had been striving for through so much difficulty and -suffering! The few hours still to be passed seemed to Gabriel more -terrible and more to be dreaded than all the perils which he had -hitherto defied and overcome. -</p> - -<p> -Without listening to the kind words with which the admiral sought to -console him, and to urge patience upon him, he stood at the window -looking gloomily at the rain which had begun to fall from the sombre -sky, a prey to anger and anguish, restlessly feeling the point of his -sword. -</p> - -<p> -How to overturn and pass by the stupid guards who prevented him from -making his way to the king's apartment, and perhaps to his father's -liberty? Such thoughts filled his brain, when suddenly the curtain -before the door of the royal antechamber was lifted, and a fair and -blooming figure seemed to the saddened youth to light up the gray, rainy -atmosphere. -</p> - -<p> -The little queen-dauphine, Mary Stuart, was passing through the gallery. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, as if by instinct, uttered a cry, and stretched out his arms -toward her. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Madame!" he said, hardly conscious of what he was doing. -</p> - -<p> -Mary Stuart turned, recognized Gabriel and the admiral, and came up to -them with her ever-ready smile. -</p> - -<p> -"So you have returned at last, Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès," said she. -"I am very glad to see you again; I have heard much talk about you of -late. But what are you doing at the Louvre at this early hour, and what -is your wish?" -</p> - -<p> -"To speak to the king! to speak to the king, Madame!" Gabriel replied in -a stifled voice. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur d'Exmès," it was the admiral who spoke, "has really much need -to speak to the king without delay. It is a very serious matter for him, -and for the king as well; but all these guards prevent his entering, and -attempt to put him off till this evening." -</p> - -<p> -"As if I could wait till evening!" cried Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"I believe," said Mary Stuart, "that his Majesty is just finishing some -important despatches. Monsieur le Connétable de Montmorency is still -with the king, and really I am afraid—" -</p> - -<p> -A piteous glance from Gabriel prevented Mary from finishing her -sentence. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, we will see," she resumed. "I will take the risk." -</p> - -<p> -She made a sign with her little hand. The guards respectfully fell back, -and Gabriel and the admiral were at liberty to pass. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, thanks, Madame!" said the eager youth. "Thank you, who, in every -respect like an angel, always appear to comfort or to aid me in my -suffering." -</p> - -<p> -"The way is clear," responded Mary Stuart, smiling. "If his Majesty is -very angry, do not betray the angel's share in your entrance, except at -the last extremity, I beg of you." -</p> - -<p> -She inclined her head graciously to Gabriel and his companion, and was -gone. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel was already at the door of the king's cabinet. There was in the -last antechamber one more usher who undertook to oppose their entrance. -But just then the door opened; and Henri himself appeared on the -threshold, just giving some last instructions to the constable. -</p> - -<p> -The king's distinguishing characteristic was not resolution. At the -sudden appearance of Vicomte d'Exmès, he recoiled, and even forgot to -be angry. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel's great virtue was firmness. He bowed low before the king in the -first place. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," said he, "deign to accept my most respectful homage." -</p> - -<p> -Then turning to Monsieur de Coligny, who was following him, and whom he -wished to relieve from the embarrassment of speaking first,— -</p> - -<p> -"Come, Monsieur l'Amiral," said he, "and in accordance with the kind -promise you made me, be kind enough to remind his Majesty of the part -that I took in the defence of St. Quentin." -</p> - -<p> -"What is all this, Monsieur?" cried Henri, beginning to recover his -self-control. "How is it that you intrude yourself thus upon us, without -authorization or announcement? How do you dare to call upon Monsieur -l'Amiral in our presence?" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, who was as bold at such momentous crises as he was before the -enemy, and who well understood that it was no time to lose his courage, -replied in a perfectly respectful but determined tone,— -</p> - -<p> -"I thought, Sire, that your Majesty was always ready when justice was to -be done, even to the meanest of your subjects." -</p> - -<p> -He had taken advantage of the king's backward movement to walk boldly -into the cabinet, where Diane de Poitiers, pale as death, and half -reclining upon her couch of carved oak, watched the actions and words of -the audacious young man, without power to speak a word, so great was her -anger and surprise. -</p> - -<p> -Coligny had entered also upon the heels of his impetuous friend, and -Montmorency, as much stupefied as the others, had followed his example. -</p> - -<p> -There was a moment of silence. Henri turned to his mistress with an -inquiring look; but before he had resolved upon any course for himself -or she had had time to suggest one to him, Gabriel, who knew well that -at that moment he held a very advantageous position, said again to -Coligny with an imploring and at the same time dignified accent,— -</p> - -<p> -"I beseech you to speak, Monsieur l'Amiral!" Montmorency quickly shook -his head at his nephew, but brave Gaspard took no note of it. -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed I will speak," said he, "for both my duty and my promise require -me to do so. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," he resumed, addressing the king, "I here repeat to you, in -brief, and in presence of Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès, what I thought -it my duty to tell you in greater detail before his return. It is to -him, and to him alone, that we owe the prolonged defence of St. Quentin, -even beyond the time fixed by your Majesty." -</p> - -<p> -The constable made a meaning movement. But Coligny, looking steadily at -him, nevertheless went calmly on,— -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Sire, three times and more Monsieur d'Exmès saved the town, and -had it not been for his courage and energy, France, beyond a doubt, -would not have been at this hour on the road to safety, in which we may -hope that she may henceforth be able to maintain herself." -</p> - -<p> -"Come, come! you are too modest or too obliging, my nephew!" cried -Monsieur de Montmorency, utterly unable to restrain his impatience any -longer. -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monsieur, I am just and truthful," said Coligny, "nothing more. I -contributed my own share and with all my strength to the defence of the -town which was intrusted to me. But Vicomte d'Exmès rekindled the -courage of the people, which I looked upon as already dead beyond -redemption; he succeeded in throwing into the town reinforcements which -I had no idea were in the neighborhood; last of all, he frustrated a -surprise attempted by the enemy, which I had not foreseen. I say nothing -of the way in which he bore himself in the mêlée; we all did our best. -But what he did with his own hand and brain, the enormous share of glory -that he won for himself on that occasion, may well lessen or even render -vain and illusory all of mine,—that I proclaim aloud." -</p> - -<p> -Turning to Gabriel, the brave admiral added,— -</p> - -<p> -"Is it thus that I ought to speak, my friend? Have I carried out my -agreement to your satisfaction? Are you content with me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I thank and bless you from the bottom of my heart, Monsieur -l'Amiral, for your loyalty and virtue," said Gabriel, deeply touched, -and pressing Coligny's hands. "I expected no less of you. But look upon -me, I beg, as bound to you forever. Yes, from this hour, your creditor -has become your debtor, and will remember his debt, I swear to you." -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile the king, frowning and with downcast eyes, was beating his -foot impatiently on the floor, and seemed deeply vexed. -</p> - -<p> -The constable gradually approached Madame de Poitiers, and exchanged a -few words with her in an undertone. -</p> - -<p> -They seemed to have come to some decision, for Diane began to smile; and -her diabolical and feminine grimace made Gabriel shudder, as he happened -to be looking at the beautiful duchess at that moment. -</p> - -<p> -However, Gabriel found strength to add,— -</p> - -<p> -"I will keep you no longer, Monsieur l'Amiral. You have done more than -your duty toward me; and if his Majesty will deign now to grant, as my -first reward, the favor of a private interview—" -</p> - -<p> -"Later, Monsieur, later; I do not say no," said Henri, quickly, "but -just now it is impossible." -</p> - -<p> -"Impossible!" cried Gabriel, sorrowfully. -</p> - -<p> -"Why impossible, Sire?" Diane interrupted pleasantly, to Gabriel's great -surprise, and the king's as well. -</p> - -<p> -"What! do you think, Madame—?" stammered Henri. -</p> - -<p> -"I think, Sire, that a king's most pressing duty is to render to each -one of his subjects that which is his due. Now, your debt to Monsieur -d'Exmès is one of the most well-founded and sacred of all debts in my -opinion." -</p> - -<p> -"No doubt, no doubt!" said Henri, who began to read the signals in the -favorite's eyes; "and I wish—" -</p> - -<p> -"To hear at once what Monsieur d'Exmès has to say," Diane finished his -sentence. "That is right, Sire, and no more than justice." -</p> - -<p> -"But his Majesty knows," said Gabriel, more and more lost in amazement, -"that it is essential that I should speak with him alone?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur de Montmorency was just about to retire as you came in, -Monsieur," rejoined Madame de Poitiers; "and you have yourself taken the -trouble to tell Monsieur l'Amiral that you would detain him no longer. -As for myself, as I was a witness of the contract the king made with -you, and can even, if need be, remind his Majesty of its exact terms, -perhaps you will allow me to remain." -</p> - -<p> -"Most assuredly, Madame; I ask you to do so," murmured Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"My nephew and myself will take our leave, then, of his Majesty and of -you, Madame," said Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -He made a sign of encouragement, as he passed, to Diane, of which she -seemed in no need, however. -</p> - -<p> -For his part Coligny ventured to press Gabriel's hand; then he followed -his uncle from the room. -</p> - -<p> -The king and the favorite remained alone with Gabriel, who was in a -state of alarm at the unexpected and mysterious protection accorded to -him by Diane de Castro's mother. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap09"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER IX -<br /><br /> -THE OTHER DIANE</h4> - -<p> -In spite of his marvellous self-control, Gabriel could not prevent the -blood from leaving his cheeks nor his voice from quivering when after a -moment's pause he said to the king,— -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, it is in fear and trembling, and yet with implicit confidence in -your kingly word, that I venture, having only yesterday escaped from -captivity, to recall to your Majesty's mind the solemn engagement that -you deigned to enter into with me. The Comte de Montgommery still lives, -Sire; otherwise you would long ago have stayed my voice." -</p> - -<p> -He stopped with a terrible oppression at his heart. The king remained -motionless and mute. Gabriel resumed: -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, Sire, since the Comte de Montgommery still lives, and since -according to Monsieur l'Amiral's testimony, I did prolong the resistance -of St. Quentin beyond the limit fixed by your Majesty, I have more than -kept my promise; now I beg you to keep yours. Sire, give me back my -father!" -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur!" said Henri, hesitatingly. -</p> - -<p> -He looked anxiously at Diane de Poitiers, whose tranquillity and -self-possession seemed to be quite undisturbed. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, it was a difficult position for the king. Henri had grown -used to thinking of Gabriel as dead or in captivity, and had not -prepared himself with a reply to his terrible demand. -</p> - -<p> -In the face of this hesitation Gabriel's heart was torn with anguish. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," he continued, in an almost despairing tone, "it is impossible -that your Majesty has forgotten! Your Majesty must remember our solemn -interview; what I undertook to do in the prisoner's behalf, and your -Majesty's reciprocal undertaking with me." -</p> - -<p> -The king was touched in spite of himself at the grief and alarm of the -noble youth; the generous instincts in him awoke. -</p> - -<p> -"I remember it all," he said to Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Sire, thanks!" cried Gabriel, with eyes shining with delight. -</p> - -<p> -But Madame de Poitiers at this moment calmly interposed,— -</p> - -<p> -"Doubtless the king remembers it all, Monsieur d'Exmès; but you -yourself seem to have forgotten." -</p> - -<p> -A flash of lightning from a cloudless sky could not have terrified -Gabriel more than these words. -</p> - -<p> -"What have I forgotten, Madame, pray?" the young man murmured. -</p> - -<p> -"One half of your task, Monsieur," Diane replied. "You said to his -Majesty,—and if these are not your exact words, I at least give their -sense,—'Sire, to purchase the freedom of the Comte de Montgommery, I -will arrest the enemy in his triumphal march toward the heart of -France.'" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, did I not do it?" asked the bewildered Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes!" replied Diane, "but you added: 'And even, if it be necessary, -the assailed shall become the aggressor, and I will seize one of the -towns of which the enemy is in possession.' That is what you said, -Monsieur. Therefore it seems to me that you have done but half of what -you agreed to do. What answer have you to that? You held St. Quentin for -a certain number of days; it was well done, I do not deny. You have -shown us the town defended as you promised; but where is the town -taken?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>, <i>mon Dieu</i>!" It was all Gabriel in his utter -despair could find strength to say. -</p> - -<p> -"You see," Diane resumed with the same <i>sang-froid</i>, "that my memory -is even better and more at my command than yours. Yet I venture to hope -that now you remember." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, it is true, I do remember now!" cried Gabriel, in bitterness of -spirit. "But when I said that, I meant simply to say that in case of -need I would accomplish the impossible; for is it possible at this time -to take any town from the hands of the Spaniards or the English? Is it, -Sire? Your Majesty, by allowing me to go, tacitly accepted the first of -my offers, without giving me to understand that after such an heroic -effort and a long term of captivity I should be called upon to carry out -the second. Sire, it is to you—to you—that I appeal; one town -for the freedom of one man,—is not that enough? Will you not be -content with such a ransom; and must it be that on account of a mere -foolish word which escaped me in the exaltation of my spirit, you will -impose upon me, a weak human Hercules, another task a hundred times harder -than the first,—yes, Sire, even impossible, and understood to be so?" -</p> - -<p> -The king made a motion of his lips, as if to speak, but the grande -sénéchale made haste to forestall him. -</p> - -<p> -"Is it, pray, any easier and more practicable, is there any less of -danger or of madness, despite your promises, in setting free a dangerous -prisoner, who was guilty of the crime of <i>lèse-majesté</i>? You offered -to do the impossible in order to obtain the impossible, Monsieur -d'Exmès; and it is not fair that you should demand the fulfilment of -the king's word when you have not kept your own promise in full. The -duties of a sovereign are no less weighty than those of a son; enormous, -nay, superhuman services rendered the State can alone produce such a -condition of things as would justify his Majesty in nullifying the laws -of the State. You have a father to save,—very well; but the king has -France to protect." -</p> - -<p> -And with a look which was a fit commentary to her words, Diane reminded -Henri of the great danger of allowing the old Comte de Montgommery and -his secret to rise from the tomb. -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel, making a last effort, stretched out his hands to the king, -and cried,— -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, it is to you—to your sense of right, to your kind -heart—that I appeal. Sire, hereafter, aided by time and -circumstance, I bind myself to win back a town for my country, or to die -in the attempt. But meanwhile, Sire, for very pity's sake, let me see my -father!" -</p> - -<p> -Henri, taking counsel from the penetrating gaze of Diane and her whole -demeanor, responded, steadying his voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"Keep your promise to the end, Monsieur; and I swear before God that -then, and then only, will I fulfil mine. My word is worth as much as -yours." -</p> - -<p> -"That is your last word, Sire?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"That is my last word." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel bent his head for a moment, overwhelmed and vanquished, and -altogether beside himself from his fearful repulse. -</p> - -<p> -In one moment he revolved in his mind a whole world of thoughts. -</p> - -<p> -He would be revenged upon the ungrateful king and his perfidious -favorite; he would throw in his lot with those of the Reformed religion; -he would accomplish the destiny of the Montgommeries; he would strike -Henri a mortal blow, even as Henri had struck the old count; he would -cause Diane de Poitiers to be banished from court in disgrace, and -bereft of all her honors. Henceforth that should be the one aim of his -will and his life; and far removed and impossible as its accomplishment -might seem to be for a simple gentleman, he would find a way to -accomplish it. -</p> - -<p> -And yet his father meanwhile might die twenty times over. The avenger -was very well; but the savior was better. In his position, it was hardly -more difficult to capture a town than to punish a king; but the former -end was holy and glorious, the other criminal and impious: in the one -case he would lose Diane de Castro forever; in the other who could say -that he might not win her? -</p> - -<p> -Everything that had happened since the fall of St. Quentin passed before -Gabriel's eyes like a flash. -</p> - -<p> -In one tenth of the time that it takes us to write all this the gallant -and ever-ready heart of the young man had begun to throw off its -depression. He had made a resolution, formed his plan, and thought that -he could see in the distance a favorable result. -</p> - -<p> -The king and his mistress marvelled, and were almost afraid, as they saw -him raise once more his pallid but tranquil face. -</p> - -<p> -"So be it," was all he said. -</p> - -<p> -"You are resigned, are you?" asked Henri. -</p> - -<p> -"I have made my decision," Gabriel replied. -</p> - -<p> -"How? Explain yourself," said the king. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen to me, Sire. Any attempt that I should make to put into your -hands a town to pay for the one which the Spaniards have taken from you -would seem to you hopeless, impossible, the act of a madman, would it -not? Be frank with me, Sire, and you too, Madame,—is not this really -your opinion?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is true," Henri replied. -</p> - -<p> -"I fear so," added Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"In all probability this attempt will cost me my life, and produce no -other result than to cause me to be looked upon as an absurd fool," -Gabriel continued. -</p> - -<p> -"It was not I who proposed it to you," said the king. -</p> - -<p> -"Doubtless, your wisest course would be to give it up," Diane rejoined. -</p> - -<p> -"I have told you, however, that I have resolved upon it," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -Neither Henri nor Diane could restrain an admiring exclamation. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, be careful!" cried the king. -</p> - -<p> -"Of what?—of my life?" retorted Gabriel, laughing aloud. "I -sacrificed that long, long ago. But, Sire, there must be no -misunderstanding and no subterfuges this time. The terms of the bargain -we are making together before God are now clear and precise. I, Gabriel, -Vicomte d'Exmès, Vicomte de Montgommery, will bear myself in such -fashion that by my means some town which is to-day in the power of the -Spaniards or the English shall fall into your hands. This town shall be -no paltry village or hamlet, but a strong place, of as much importance -as you can desire. There is no ambiguity there, I think." -</p> - -<p> -"No, truly not," said the king, uneasily. -</p> - -<p> -"And you," Gabriel resumed, "Henri II., King of France, do also on your -part bind yourself to open the doors of my father's dungeon, at my first -demand, and to give up to me the Comte de Montgommery. Do you so bind -yourself? Is it done?" -</p> - -<p> -The king noticed Diane's incredulous smile, and said,— -</p> - -<p> -"I give you my word." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, your Majesty. This is not all, however. You can well afford to -give one guarantee more to this poor maniac, who is hurling himself into -the abyss before your very eyes. You must be indulgent to those who are -about to die. I ask of you no signed writing, which might compromise -you,—doubtless, you would refuse it; but here is a Bible, Sire; place -your royal hand upon it, and take this oath: 'In exchange for a town of -the first class, the recovery of which I shall owe to Gabriel de -Montgommery alone, I pledge myself upon the holy gospels to restore -Vicomte d'Exmès's father to liberty; and I declare in advance that if I -prove false to this oath, said viscount is freed from all allegiance to -me and mine. I say that whatever he may do to punish me for my false -swearing will be well done, and absolve him before God and man for any -crime against my person.' Take that oath, Sire." -</p> - -<p> -"By what right do you ask it of me?" said Henri. -</p> - -<p> -"I told you, Sire, by the right of one who is soon to die." -</p> - -<p> -The king still hesitated; but the duchess with her disdainful smile made -a sign to him that he might take the required oath without fear. -</p> - -<p> -She really believed that for the moment Gabriel had lost his reason; and -she shrugged her shoulders in pity. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well; I consent," said Henri, with a fatal impulse. -</p> - -<p> -With his hand on the gospel, he repeated the words of the oath which -Gabriel dictated. -</p> - -<p> -"At least," said the young man, when the king had done, "this will -suffice to spare your remorse. Madame Diane is not the only witness to -our new contract, for God also has witnessed it. Now, I have no more -time to lose. Adieu, Sire. In two months from now I shall be no longer -among the living, or my father will be in my arms." -</p> - -<p> -He bowed low before the king and the duchess, and left the room in -haste. -</p> - -<p> -Henri, in spite of himself, remained for a moment thoughtful and grave; -but Diane laughed merrily. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, why don't you laugh, Sire?" said she. "Surely you see that this -madman is lost, and that his father will die in prison. You may safely -laugh, Sire." -</p> - -<p> -"I am laughing," said the king, suiting the action to the word. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap10"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER X -<br /><br /> -A GRAND SCHEME FOR A GREAT MAN</h4> - -<p> -The Duc de Guise, since he had borne the title of Lieutenant-General of -the kingdom, occupied apartments in the Louvre itself. The ambitious -chief of the house of Lorraine thus slept, or rather lay awake, every -night in the royal dwelling of the kings of France. -</p> - -<p> -What waking dreams did he have beneath that chimera-haunted roof? His -dreams had taken a great stride forward since the day when he confided -to Gabriel, in his tent before Civitella, his designs upon the throne of -Naples. Would he be content now? Being a guest in the royal palace, -would he not say to himself that before long he might well become its -master? Did he not already feel vaguely the pressure of a crown about -his temples? Did he not with a complacent smile contemplate the good -sword which, more powerful than the magician's wand, might transform his -hopes to reality? -</p> - -<p> -We may imagine that even as early as this, François de Lorraine did -harbor such thoughts; for consider! Did not the king himself, by calling -him to his assistance in his distress, justify his wildest ambition? To -intrust to him the welfare of France at such a time was to recognize him -as the first captain of his age! François I. would not have been so -modest! No, he would have girded on the sword of Marignan. But Henri -II., although of great personal courage, lacked the will to command and -the force to execute. -</p> - -<p> -The Duc de Guise said all this to himself; but he also told himself that -it was not enough to be able to justify his rash hopes in his own eyes, -but that he must justify them in the eyes of France; that he must by -glorious services and signal success purchase his right and carve out -his own destiny. -</p> - -<p> -The fortunate general who had had the opportunity to arrest the second -invasion of Charles V. at Metz knew very well that he had not yet -accomplished so much that he could venture to try for the whole. Even -when at this time he had driven back to the frontier the Spanish and the -English, still it was not enough. In order that France might throw -herself into his hands, or allow him to take her to himself, he must not -only repair her losses, but must make conquests for her. -</p> - -<p> -Such were the-reflections which had preoccupied the great mind of the -Duc de Guise since his return from Italy. -</p> - -<p> -He was going over them again on this very day when Gabriel de -Montgommery was concluding his new, apparently insane, yet sublime -agreement with Henri II. -</p> - -<p> -Alone in his room, François de Guise, standing at the window, was -looking into the courtyard with eyes that saw not, and mechanically -thrumming upon the glass with his fingers. -</p> - -<p> -One of his people knocked softly at the door, and upon receiving the -duke's permission to enter, announced Vicomte d'Exmès. -</p> - -<p> -"Vicomte d'Exmès!" said the Duc de Guise, who had a memory like -Cæsar's, and who also had the best of reasons for remembering Gabriel. -"Vicomte d'Exmès! My young companion in arms of Metz and Renty and -Valenza! Show him in, Thibault; show him in at once!" -</p> - -<p> -The valet; bowed and left the room to introduce Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -Our hero (we surely have the right to give him that name) had not -hesitated. With the instinct which illuminates the brain at critical -moments, and which if it shines throughout the ordinary extent of one's -life is called genius, Gabriel, on leaving the king, as if he had -foreseen the secret thoughts which the Duc de Guise was fondling in his -mind at that moment, betook himself at once to the apartments of the -lieutenant-general. -</p> - -<p> -He was perhaps the only living man who could understand and assist him. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel might well have been touched by the reception which he met with -from his former commander. -</p> - -<p> -The Duc de Guise went quite to the door to meet him, and folded him in -his arms. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, you are here at last, my hero!" he said effusively. "Whence have -you come h What has become of you since St. Quentin? Ah, how often I -have thought of you and spoken of you, Gabriel!" -</p> - -<p> -"Have I really kept any place in your memory, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Pardieu</i>! he has the assurance to ask me such a question!" cried the -duke. "As if you hadn't ways of your own of making yourself remembered -by people. Coligny, who is worth more alone than all the rest of the -Montmorencys together, has told me (but in very ambiguous terms, for -some unknown reason) a part of your exploits at St. Quentin; -nevertheless, from what he did say, I should judge that he said nothing -regarding the greater portion of them." -</p> - -<p> -"Yet I did too little!" said Gabriel, with a sad smile. -</p> - -<p> -"Ambitious boy!" said the duke. -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed I am ambitious!" was Gabriel's response, with a mournful shake -of the head. -</p> - -<p> -"But, thank God, you have returned!" rejoined the Duc de Guise. "Once -more we are together, my friend; you remember what plans we made -together in Italy! Ah, poor Gabriel, France needs your valor more than -ever now. To what dire extremity have they reduced our country!" -</p> - -<p> -"All that I am, and all that I have," said Gabriel, "is consecrated to -her support; I only await your signal, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, my friend," the duke responded; "be sure that I will avail -myself of your offer, and you will not have long to wait for my signal." -</p> - -<p> -"Then it will be for me to thank you, Monseigneur," cried Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"To tell the truth, however," the duke continued, "the more I look -around me, the more embarrassing and serious do I find the situation. I -had to hasten at first to the point where the greatest urgency existed, -to organize effective means of resistance in the neighborhood of Paris, -and to present a formidable defensive front to the enemy,—to stop his -progress, in short. But all that amounts to nothing. He has St. Quentin; -he has the North! I ought to be at work, and I long to be. But in what -direction?" -</p> - -<p> -He stopped, as if to consult Gabriel. He knew the young man's breadth of -view, and he had on more than one occasion found his advice worth -following; but now Vicomte d'Exmès spoke not a word, carefully watching -the duke, and letting him approach the subject in his own way, so to -speak. -</p> - -<p> -François de Lorraine thereupon continued:— -</p> - -<p> -"Do not reprove me for my sloth, my dear friend. I am not one of those -who hesitate, as you know; but I am of those who reflect. You will not -blame me for it; for you are like me,—determined and cautious at the -same time. The pensiveness of your young face," the duke added, "seems -to me of a severer cast than formerly. I hardly dare to ask you about -yourself. You had stern duties to perform, I remember, and formidable -foes to discover. Have you other misfortunes to deplore than those of -your country? I fear so; for when I last saw you, you were only serious, -and now I find you sad." -</p> - -<p> -"Let us not speak of myself, Monseigneur, I beg," said Gabriel. "Let us -speak of France, and then we shall be speaking of my hopes." -</p> - -<p> -"So be it," rejoined the duke. "I will tell you with perfect frankness -my thoughts and my anxiety. It seems to me that the most essential thing -at this moment is to raise the spirits of our people, and restore our -former glorious reputation by some striking blow; to change our -defensive attitude to an offensive one; and, finally, not to content -ourselves with repairing our defeats, but to atone for them by some -glorious success." -</p> - -<p> -"That is precisely my opinion, Monseigneur," cried Gabriel, eagerly, -surprised and delighted at a coincidence so in line with his own -schemes. -</p> - -<p> -"That being your opinion," resumed the Duc de Guise, "doubtless, you -have thought more than once of our country's peril and of the means of -extricating her from it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed, I have often thought of it," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then," continued François de Lorraine, "have you, my friend, -gone any further than I? Have you looked this serious difficulty in the -face? Where, when, and how to attempt so brilliant a stroke, which we -both deem so essential?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, I think I know." -</p> - -<p> -"Can it be?" cried the duke. "Oh, speak, speak, my friend!" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>! perhaps I have spoken too soon, after all," said Gabriel. -"The proposition I have to make is one of those which will certainly -require long preparation. You are very powerful, Monseigneur; but the -project I have to suggest may seem impracticable even to you." -</p> - -<p> -"I am not generally subject to vertigo," said the duke, smiling. -</p> - -<p> -"Never mind, Monseigneur," rejoined Gabriel. "At first sight, my plan -will—I fear, and I forewarn you—seem extraordinary, insensate, -nay, even impossible; really, however, it is only difficult and dangerous." -</p> - -<p> -"But that only makes it more attractive," said François de Lorraine. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Monseigneur, it is agreed, then, that you will not, in the first -place, be horrified. I say again, there will be great risks to be run; -but the means of success are in my power, and when I have unfolded them, -you yourself will agree with me." -</p> - -<p> -"If that be so, I beg you to speak, Gabriel," said the duke. "But who -comes to interrupt us now?" he added impatiently. "Is that you knocking, -Thibault?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur," said the valet, entering the room. "Monseigneur -ordered me to let him know when the hour for the council to assemble had -arrived, and it is now striking two. Monsieur de Saint-Remy and the -other gentlemen will call for Monseigneur directly." -</p> - -<p> -"True, true," rejoined the duke; "there is a council-meeting to be held -now, and an important one too. It is indispensable that I should be -present. Very well, Thibault. Leave us; show the gentlemen in when they -arrive. You see, Gabriel, that my duty calls me to the king's side. This -evening you can unfold your plan to me at your leisure,—and it must -be a noble one, since it comes from your brain; meanwhile I beseech you to -satisfy my curiosity and my impatience in a few words. What do you mean -to do, Gabriel?" -</p> - -<p> -"In two words, Monseigneur, <i>take Calais</i>," said Gabriel, calmly. -</p> - -<p> -"Take Calais!" almost shouted the Duc de Guise, falling back in -surprise. -</p> - -<p> -"You forget, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, with the same tranquil air, -"that you promised me not to be horrified at the first impression." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, but have you considered this carefully?" said the duke. "Take -Calais, defended by a strong garrison, by impregnable fortifications, -and by the sea!—Calais, which has been in the power of England more -than two centuries! Calais, guarded as carefully as the very key of -France! I love an audacious scheme; but will this not be a rash one?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur," Gabriel replied; "but it is just because it is such -a rash undertaking that no one would ever dream of it or suspect it that -it has a better chance of success." -</p> - -<p> -"In truth, that is very possible," said the duke, thoughtfully. -</p> - -<p> -"When you have listened to me, Monseigneur, you will say, 'It is -certain!' The rule of conduct to be observed is clearly marked out for -us in advance,—to keep it in most absolute secrecy, to throw the -enemy off the scent by some false manœuvre, and to appear before the town -unexpectedly. In a fortnight Calais will be ours." -</p> - -<p> -"But," the duke rejoined earnestly, "these general indications are not -sufficient. Your plan, Gabriel,—you have a plan?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur; it is simple, but sure—" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel had not time to conclude, for at that moment the door opened and -the Comte de Saint-Remy entered, attended by a number of nobles attached -to the Guise party. -</p> - -<p> -"His Majesty awaits the lieutenant-general of the kingdom at the -council-board," said Saint-Remy. -</p> - -<p> -"I am at your service, gentlemen," rejoined the duke, saluting the -new-comers. -</p> - -<p> -Then turning quickly to Gabriel, he said in a low voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"I must leave you now, my friend, as you see; but the unspeakably -magnificent scheme which you have thrown into my brain will not leave me -the whole day, I promise you. If you really think such a project can be -executed, I believe I am capable of understanding you. Can you return -here this evening at eight? We shall have the whole night to ourselves -without fear of interruption." -</p> - -<p> -"I will be prompt to the hour," said Gabriel, "and I will make good use -of my time meanwhile." -</p> - -<p> -"I make bold to remind Monseigneur that it is now after two," said the -Comte de Saint-Remy. -</p> - -<p> -"I am here; I am quite ready!" the duke responded. -</p> - -<p> -He took a few steps toward the door, then turned and looked at Gabriel, -and approaching him once more, as if to be sure that he had understood -him aright,— -</p> - -<p> -"Take Calais?" he said again in a low voice, and with a sort of -questioning inflection. -</p> - -<p> -And Gabriel, bowing his head affirmatively, replied with his sweet, calm -smile,— -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, take Calais." -</p> - -<p> -The Duc de Guise went to attend the council, and Gabriel followed him -from the room and left the Louvre. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap11"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XI -<br /><br /> -GLIMPSES AT DIVERS MEN OF THE SWORD</h4> - -<p> -Aloyse was standing at the lower window of the house anxiously awaiting -Gabriel's return. When she finally espied him, she raised to heaven her -eyes filled with tears; but tears of happiness and gratitude they were -this time. -</p> - -<p> -She ran and opened the door with her own hands to her beloved master. -</p> - -<p> -"God be praised that I see you once more, Monseigneur!" she cried. "Do -you come from the Louvre? Have you seen the king?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I have seen him," Gabriel replied. -</p> - -<p> -"Well?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, my good nurse, once more I have to wait." -</p> - -<p> -"More waiting!" Aloyse exclaimed, wringing her hands. "Holy Virgin! it -is very hard and very sad to wait." -</p> - -<p> -"It would be impossible," said Gabriel, "if I had not work to do -meanwhile. But I will work with a will, and thank God, I can beguile the -tedium of the journey by thinking steadfastly of the goal." -</p> - -<p> -He entered the parlor, and threw his mantle over the back of a couch. -</p> - -<p> -He did not see Martin-Guerre, who was sitting in a corner plunged in -deep reflections. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, come, Martin, you sluggard, what are you about?" cried Dame -Aloyse to the squire. "Can't you even help Monseigneur to take off his -cloak?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, pardon! pardon!" Martin exclaimed, rousing himself from his revery, -and leaping from his seat. -</p> - -<p> -"All right, Martin, don't disturb yourself," said Gabriel. "Aloyse, I -wish you would not trouble poor Martin; his zeal and devotion are more -necessary to me than ever at this moment, and I have some very serious -matters to talk over with him." -</p> - -<p> -Vicomte d'Exmès's slightest wish was sacred to Aloyse. She favored the -squire with her sweetest smile, now that he was restored to grace, and -discreetly left the room, to leave Gabriel more at liberty to say what -was in his mind. -</p> - -<p> -"Martin," said he, when they were alone, "what were you doing there? -What were you thinking about so deeply?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur," Martin-Guerre replied, "I was cudgelling my brain to -solve in some degree the enigma of our friend this morning." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, how have you succeeded?" asked Gabriel, smiling. -</p> - -<p> -"Very indifferently, alas! Monseigneur. If I must confess it, I have -been able to see nothing but darkness, however widely I have opened my -eyes." -</p> - -<p> -"But I told you, Martin, that I thought I could see something better -than that." -</p> - -<p> -"What is it, Monseigneur? I am almost dead trying to find out." -</p> - -<p> -"The time has not come to tell you," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"You are still devoted to me, Martin?" -</p> - -<p> -"Does Monseigneur put that as a question?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Martin, I say it by way of commendation. Now I appeal to this -devotion of which I speak. You must for a time forget yourself, forget -the shadow which darkens your life, and which we will drive away -hereafter. I promise you. But at present I need you, Martin." -</p> - -<p> -"So much the better! so much the better! so much the better!" cried -Martin-Guerre. -</p> - -<p> -"But let us have no misunderstanding," said Gabriel. "I have need of -your whole being, of your whole life, and all your manhood; are you -willing to place yourself in my hands, to postpone your private -troubles, and devote yourself solely to my fortunes?" -</p> - -<p> -"Am I willing!" cried Martin; "why, Monseigneur, it is not only my duty -to do so, but will be my greatest pleasure. By Saint Martin! I have been -separated from you only too long, and I long to make up for lost time! -Though there be a legion of Martin-Guerres inside my clothes, never -fear, Monseigneur, I will laugh at them all. So long as you are standing -there in front of me, I will see nobody but you in the world." -</p> - -<p> -"Brave heart!" said Gabriel. "But you must consider, Martin, that the -enterprise in which I ask you to engage is full of danger and pitfalls." -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Basta</i>! I will leap over them!" said Martin, snapping his fingers -carelessly. -</p> - -<p> -"We shall hazard our lives a hundred times over, Martin." -</p> - -<p> -"The higher the stake, the better the sport, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"But this terrible game, once we engage in it, my friend, cannot be laid -aside until it is finished." -</p> - -<p> -"Then none but a fine player should take part in it," rejoined the -squire, proudly. -</p> - -<p> -"Not so fast!" said Gabriel; "despite all your resolution, you do not -appreciate the formidable and extraordinary peril which may attend the -almost superhuman conflict into which you and I are about to plunge; and -after all, our efforts may be unrewarded,—remember that! Martin, -consider all this carefully; the plan which I must carry out almost -makes me afraid myself, when I examine it." -</p> - -<p> -"Very good! Danger and I are old acquaintances," said Martin, with a -very self-sufficient air; "and when one has had the honor of being -hanged—" -</p> - -<p> -"Martin," Gabriel interrupted, "we must defy the elements, exult in the -tempest, laugh at the impossible!" -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed we will!" said Martin-Guerre. "To tell the truth, Monseigneur, -since my hanging, the days which have passed over my head have seemed to -me like days of grace; and I am not inclined to find fault with the good -Lord for that portion of the surplus which He has seen fit to allot to -me. Whatever the merchant lets you have over and above the bargain, -there is no need to account for; if you do, you are either an ingrate or -a fool." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, Martin, it's agreed, is it?" said Vicomte d'Exmès; "you -will go with me and share my lot?" -</p> - -<p> -"To hell itself, Monseigneur! so long as you don't ask me to set Satan -at defiance, for I am a good Catholic." -</p> - -<p> -"Have no fear on that score," said Gabriel. "By going with me you may -perhaps endanger your welfare in this world, but not in the next." -</p> - -<p> -"That is all that I care to know," rejoined Martin. "But is there -nothing else than my life, Monseigneur, that you ask of me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said Gabriel, smiling at the heroic ingenuousness of that -question; "yes, indeed, Martin-Guerre, there is another great service -that you must render me." -</p> - -<p> -"What is it, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"I want you, as soon as possible,—this very day, if you can,—to -find me a dozen or so companions of your mettle, daring and strong and -resolute, who fear neither fire nor sword, who can endure hunger and -thirst, heat and cold, who will obey like angels, and fight like devils. -Can you do it?" -</p> - -<p> -"That depends. Will they be well paid?" asked Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"A piece of gold for every drop of their blood," said Gabriel. "My -fortune causes me the least concern, alas! in the holy but perilous task -which I must carry through to the end." -</p> - -<p> -"At that price, Monseigneur," said the squire, "I will get together in -two hours that number of dare-devils, who will not complain of their -wounds, I assure you. In France, and in Paris especially, the supply of -that sort of blackguard never fails. But in whose service are they to -be?" -</p> - -<p> -"In my own," said Vicomte d'Exmès. "I am going to make the campaign -which I now have in mind as a volunteer, and not as captain of the -Guards; so I need to have retainers of my own." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh! if that is so, Monseigneur," said Martin, "I have right at my call, -and ready at any moment, five or six of my old comrades in the Lorraine -war. They are pining away, poor devils, since you dismissed them. How -glad they will be to be under fire again with you for their leader! And -so it is for yourself that I am to enlist recruits? Oh, well, then, I -will present the full complement to you this evening." -</p> - -<p> -"Very good," said Gabriel. "You must make it an essential condition of -their employment that they be ready to leave Paris immediately, and to -follow me wherever I go, without question or comment, and without even -looking to see whether we are marching north or south." -</p> - -<p> -"They will march toward glory and wealth, Monseigneur, with bandaged -eyes." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, I will reckon upon them and upon you, Martin. As for -yourself, I will give you—" -</p> - -<p> -"Let us not speak of that, Monseigneur," Martin interposed. -</p> - -<p> -"On the contrary, we will speak of it. If we survive the fray, my brave -fellow, I bind myself solemnly, here and now, to do for you what you -will then have done for me, and in my turn to assist you against your -enemies, never fear. Meanwhile, your hand, my faithful friend." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur!" Martin-Guerre exclaimed, respectfully kissing his -master's extended hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, now, Martin," continued Gabriel, "set about your quest at once. -Discretion and courage! Now I must be alone for a time." -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon! but will Monseigneur remain in the house?" asked Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, until seven o'clock. I am not to go to the Louvre until eight." -</p> - -<p> -"In that case," rejoined the squire, "I hope to be able to show you, -before you leave, some specimens of the make up of your troop." -</p> - -<p> -He saluted and left the room, as proud as a peacock, and already -absorbed in his important commission. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel remained alone the rest of the day, studying the plan which Jean -Peuquoy had handed him, making notes, and pacing thoughtfully up and -down his apartment. -</p> - -<p> -It was essential that he should be able to answer satisfactorily every -objection that the Duc de Guise might raise. -</p> - -<p> -He only broke the silence from time to time by repeating, with a firm -voice and eager heart,— -</p> - -<p> -"I will save you, dear father! My own Diane, I will save you!" -</p> - -<p> -About six o'clock, Gabriel, yielding to the insistence of Aloyse, was -just taking a little food, when Martin-Guerre entered, very serious and -stately. -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur," said he, "will it please you to receive six or seven of -those who aspire to the honor of serving France and the king under your -orders?" -</p> - -<p> -"What! six or seven already?" cried Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, six or seven who are strangers to you. Our old Metz companions -will make up the twelve. They are all delighted to risk their necks for -such a master as you, and accept any conditions that you choose to -impose upon them." -</p> - -<p> -"Upon my word, you have lost no time," said Vicomte d'Exmès. "Well, let -me see the men; show them in." -</p> - -<p> -"One at a time, shall I not?" rejoined Martin. "Monseigneur can form a -better opinion of them then." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, one at a time," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"One word more," added the squire. "I need not tell Monsieur le Vicomte -that all these men are known to me either personally or through reliable -information. Their dispositions and their peculiarities are varied; but -they have one characteristic in common,—namely, a well-proved -courage. I can answer to Monseigneur for that essential quality, if he will -only be indulgent toward some little peccadilloes of no consequence." -</p> - -<p> -After this preliminary discourse, Martin-Guerre left the room a moment, -and returned almost immediately, followed by a tall fellow with a -swarthy complexion, a reckless, clever face, and very quick of movement. -</p> - -<p> -"Ambrosio," said Martin, introducing him. -</p> - -<p> -"Ambrosio! that's a foreign name. Is he not a Frenchman?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Who knows?" said Ambrosio. "I was a foundling; and since I grew up, I -have lived in the Pyrenees, one foot in France and the other in Spain; -and, upon my word! I have, with a good heart, taken advantage of my -double bar-sinister, without any ill feeling either against God or my -mother." -</p> - -<p> -"And how have you lived?" Gabriel asked. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, it's just like this," said Ambrosio. "Being entirely impartial as -between my two countries, I have always tried, to the best of my poor -ability, to break down the barriers between them, and to open to each -the advantages of the other, and by this free exchange of the gifts -which each of them owes to Providence, to contribute, like a pious son, -with all my power to their mutual prosperity." -</p> - -<p> -"In a word," put in Martin-Guerre, "Ambrosio does a little smuggling." -</p> - -<p> -"But," Ambrosio continued, "being a marked man by the Spanish as well as -the French authorities, and unappreciated and hunted by my -fellow-citizens on both sides of the Pyrenees at once, I concluded to -evacuate the neighborhood, and come to Paris, the city which is -overflowing with means of livelihood for brave men." -</p> - -<p> -"Where Ambrosio will be happy," interjected Martin, "to place at the -disposal of Vicomte d'Exmès his daring, his address, and his long -experience of fatigue and danger." -</p> - -<p> -"Ambrosio the smuggler, accepted!" said Gabriel. "Another!" -</p> - -<p> -Ambrosio took his leave in great delight, giving place to a man of -ascetic appearance and reserved manners, clad in a long dark cape, and -with a rosary of great beads around his neck. -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre introduced him under the name of Lactance. -</p> - -<p> -"Lactance," he added, "has already served under the orders of Monsieur -de Coligny, who was sorry to lose him, and will give Monseigneur a very -favorable account of him. But Lactance is a devout Catholic, and was -very averse to serving under a commander who is tainted with heresy." -</p> - -<p> -Lactance, without a word, signified his assent by motions of his head -and hands to what Martin had said, who thereupon continued:— -</p> - -<p> -"This pious veteran will, as his duty requires, put forth his best -efforts to give satisfaction to Vicomte d'Exmès; but he asks that -every facility may be granted him for the unrestricted and rigorous -practice of those religious observances which his eternal welfare -demands. Being compelled by the profession of arms which he has adopted -and by his natural inclination to fight against his brothers in Jesus -Christ, and to slay as many of them as possible, Lactance wisely -considers it essential to atone for these unavoidable deeds of blood by -stern self-chastisement. The more ferocious Lactance is in battle the -more devout is he at Mass; and he despairs of counting the number of -fasts and penances which have been imposed upon him for the dead and -wounded whom he has sent before their time to the foot of the Lord's -throne." -</p> - -<p> -"Lactance the devotee, accepted!" said Gabriel, with a smile. -</p> - -<p> -Lactance, still silent, bowed low, and went out, mumbling a grateful -prayer to the Most High for having granted him the favor of being -employed by so valiant a warrior. -</p> - -<p> -After Lactance, Martin-Guerre brought forward, under the name of -Yvonnet, a young man of medium height, of refined and distinguished -features, and with small, well-cared-for hands. From his ruffles to his -boots, his attire was not only scrupulously clean and neat, but even -rather jaunty. He made a most courteous salutation to Gabriel, and stood -before him in a position as graceful as it was elegant, lightly brushing -off with his hand a few grains of dust from his right sleeve. -</p> - -<p> -"This, Monseigneur, is the most determined fellow of them all," said -Martin-Guerre. "Yvonnet, in a hand-to-hand contest, is like an unchained -lion, whose course nothing can arrest; he will cut and thrust in a sort -of frenzy. But he shines especially in an assault; he must always be the -first to put his foot on the first ladder, and plant the first French -banner on the enemy's walls." -</p> - -<p> -"Why, he is a real hero, then!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"I do my best," rejoined Yvonnet, modestly; "and Monsieur Martin-Guerre, -doubtless, rates my feeble efforts somewhat above their real worth." -</p> - -<p> -"No; I only do you justice," said Martin, "and I will prove it by -calling attention to your faults, now that I have praised your virtues. -Yvonnet, Monseigneur, is the fearless devil that I have described only -on the battlefield. To arouse his courage he must hear drums beating, -arrows whistling, and cannon thundering; without those stimulants and in -every-day life Yvonnet is retiring, easily moved, and nervous as a young -girl. His sensitiveness demands the greatest delicacy; he doesn't like -to remain alone in the darkness, he has a horror of mice and spiders, -and frequently swoons for a mere scratch. His bellicose ardor, in fact, -shows itself only when the smell of powder and the sight of blood -intoxicate him." -</p> - -<p> -"Never mind," said Gabriel; "as we propose to escort him to scenes of -carnage, and not to a ball, Yvonnet the scrupulous is accepted." -</p> - -<p> -Yvonnet saluted Vicomte d'Exmès according to all the rules of -good-breeding, and took his leave, smiling and twirling the ends of his -fine black mustache with his white hand. -</p> - -<p> -Two huge blonds succeeded him, of quiet demeanor, and stiff as ramrods. -One appeared to be about forty; the other could scarcely have passed his -twenty-fifth year. -</p> - -<p> -"Heinrich Scharfenstein, and Frantz Scharfenstein, his nephew," -Martin-Guerre announced. -</p> - -<p> -"The deuce! Who are these?" said Gabriel, in amazement. "Who are you, my -good fellows?" -</p> - -<p> -"Wir versteen nur ein wenig das franzosich" ("We only understand French -a little"), said the elder of the giants. -</p> - -<p> -"What?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"We understand French poorly," the younger Colossus replied. -</p> - -<p> -"They are German <i>reîtres</i>," said Martin-Guerre,—"in Italian, -<i>condottieri</i>; in French, <i>soldats</i>. They sell their arms to the -highest bidder, and hold their courage at a fair price. They have already -served the Spaniards and the English; but the Spaniard didn't pay promptly -enough, and the Briton haggled too much. Buy them, Monseigneur, and you -will find you have made a great acquisition. They will never discuss an -order, and will march up to the mouth of a cannon with unalterable -<i>sang-froid</i>. Courage is with them a matter of bargain and sale; and -provided that they receive their wages promptly, they will submit -without a word of complaint to the dangerous, it may be fatal, chances -of their kind of business." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I will retain these mechanics of glory," said Gabriel; "and for -greater security I will pay them a month's wages in advance. But time -presses; let me see the others." -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="figure01"></a> -<img src="images/figure01.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> -<p class="center">Glimpses at Divers Men of the Sword.</p> -</div></div> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -The two German Goliaths, carrying their hands to their hats in soldierly -style and as if mechanically, withdrew together, keeping step with -perfect precision. -</p> - -<p> -"The next is named Pilletrousse," said Martin; "here he is." -</p> - -<p> -A sort of brigand, with a wild look about him and torn clothes, came in, -swaying from side to side in an embarrassed way, eying Gabriel as if he -were his judge. -</p> - -<p> -"What makes you look so ashamed, Pilletrousse?" asked Martin, -encouragingly. "Monseigneur here asked me to find some men of brave -heart for him. You are a little more pronounced than the others; but -really you have nothing to blush for." -</p> - -<p> -Then he continued, addressing his master, in a serious tone:— -</p> - -<p> -"Pilletrousse, Monseigneur, is what we call a <i>routier</i>. In the -general war against the Spaniards and English he has up to this time -fought on his own account. Pilletrousse haunts the high-roads, which are -crowded nowadays with foreign robbers, and, in brief, he robs the -robbers. As for his fellow-countrymen, he not only respects but protects -them. Then, too, Pilletrousse fights and wins; he does not -steal,—he lives on prize-money, not by theft. Nevertheless he has -felt the necessity of confining his roving profession within more -definite limits, and of harrying the enemies of France in less arbitrary -fashion. Therefore he has eagerly accepted my suggestion that he should -enrol himself under the banner of Vicomte d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -"And I," said Gabriel, "will receive him on your statement, -Martin-Guerre, on condition that he will no longer make the high-roads -and by-ways the scene of his exploits, but will transfer it to fortified -towns and the battle-field." -</p> - -<p> -"Thank Monseigneur, blackguard! you are one of us," said Martin-Guerre -to the <i>routier</i>, for whom, scamp though he was, he seemed to have a -sort of weakness. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, thank you, Monseigneur," said Pilletrousse, effusively. "I -promise never again to fight single-handed against two or three, but -always not less than ten." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -He who came after Pilletrousse was a pale fellow, of sad and careworn -appearance, who seemed to look upon things in general with melancholy -and discouragement. The finishing touch was put to the gloomy cast of -his face by the seams and scars with which it was abundantly ornamented. -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre brought forward this the seventh and last of his recruits -under the name of Malemort. -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur le Vicomte d'Exmès," said he, "will be truly culpable if -he rejects poor Malemort. He is, in truth, the victim of a sincere and -profound passion for Bellona, to speak in mythological phrase. But this -passion has heretofore been very unlucky. The poor fellow has a very -pronounced and well-educated taste for war; he takes no pleasure except -in fighting, and is only happy in the midst of great slaughter; but so -far, alas! he has tasted happiness only with his lips. He has a way of -plunging so blindly and madly into the thickest of the fray that he is -always sure to receive some cut or slash at the first leap, which puts -him <i>hors de combat</i>, and sends him to the hospital, where he lies -during the remainder of the battle, groaning more over his enforced -absence than from the pain of his wound. His body is one great scar; but -he is vigorous yet, thank God!—he always gets well promptly. But he -has to wait then for another opportunity. His long unsatisfied desire wears -more upon him than the loss of all the blood he has so gloriously shed. -Monseigneur, you must see that you ought not to deprive this melancholy -warrior of a pleasure which may be productive of mutual benefit." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I accept Malemort very gladly, my dear Martin," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -A smile of satisfaction passed across Malemort's pale face. Hope caused -his dull eyes to glisten; and he hastened to join his comrades with a -much quicker step than when he entered the room. -</p> - -<p> -"Are these all whom you have to present?" Gabriel asked his squire. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur; I have no others to offer at this moment. I hardly -dared to hope that Monseigneur would accept them all." -</p> - -<p> -"I should have been hard to suit indeed, had I not," said Gabriel; "your -judgment is good and sure, Martin. Accept my congratulations upon your -excellent selections." -</p> - -<p> -"Well," said Martin-Guerre, modestly, "I do like to think that Malemort, -Pilletrousse, the two Scharfensteins, Lactance, Yvonnet, and Ambrosio -are not just the sort of fellows to be looked upon with contempt." -</p> - -<p> -"I should think not!" said Gabriel. "What rough diamonds they are!" -</p> - -<p> -"If Monseigneur," Martin continued, "should be willing to add to their -number Landry, Chesnel, Aubriot, Contamine, and Balu, veterans of the -war in Lorraine, I rather think that with Monseigneur at our head, and -four or five of our people from here to wait upon us, we should have a -pretty fine party to show to our friends, and better still, to our -enemies." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, to be sure," said Gabriel; "arms and heads of iron! You must arm -and equip these fine fellows with the least possible delay, Martin. But -you have done enough for to-day. You have made good use of your time, my -friend, and I thank you for it. My day, although it has been an active -and painful one, is not yet ended." -</p> - -<p> -"Where is Monseigneur going this evening?" asked Martin-Guerre. -</p> - -<p> -"To the Louvre, to wait upon Monsieur de Guise, who expects me at eight -o'clock," said Gabriel, rising. "But thanks to your prompt zeal, Martin, -I hope that some of the difficulties which might have arisen in my -interview with the duke are removed beforehand." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I am very happy to know it, Monseigneur!" -</p> - -<p> -"And so am I, Martin. You can't dream how necessary it is that I should -succeed! Oh, I will succeed!" -</p> - -<p> -The noble youth repeated in his heart as he walked to the door to take -his way to the Louvre,— -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I will save you, dear father; my own Diane, I will save you!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap12"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XII -<br /><br /> -THE CLEVERNESS OF STUPIDITY</h4> - -<p> -Let us in imagination pass over sixty leagues of space and two weeks of -time, and return to Calais toward the close of November, 1557. -</p> - -<p> -Twenty-five days had not elapsed since Vicomte d'Exmès's departure when -a messenger from him presented himself at the gates of the English city. -</p> - -<p> -This man asked to be taken to the governor, Lord Wentworth, that he -might place in his hands the ransom of his former prisoner. -</p> - -<p> -This messenger seemed to be extremely awkward, and very imprudent; for -it was of no use to show him which way to go. Twenty times he passed -without entering the great gate which they almost split their throats in -their endeavors to point out to him, and he stupidly persisted in -knocking at disused posterns and gates; so that the idiot actually made -almost the complete circuit of the exterior fortifications of the place. -</p> - -<p> -At last, by dint of directions, each more exact than the last, he -consented to allow himself to be put upon the right course; and so great -was the power, even in those far-off days, of the magic words, "I have -ten thorn sand crowns for the governor," that as soon as rigorous -precautions had been observed, and the man had been searched, and Lord -Wentworth's orders taken, the bearer of so considerable a sum was -readily allowed to enter the city. -</p> - -<p> -Decidedly the Golden Age is the only one in history that was not an age -of money! -</p> - -<p> -This stupid envoy of Gabriel lost his way again more than once in the -streets of Calais before he succeeded in finding the governor's mansion, -which was pointed out to him, however, every hundred paces by some -compassionate soul. He seemed to have an idea that he ought to ask every -party of guards that he met where he could find Lord Wentworth, and then -he would hasten in the direction indicated. -</p> - -<p> -After wasting an hour in traversing a space which should have occupied -ten minutes at most, he succeeded at last in reaching the governor's -residence. -</p> - -<p> -He was ushered almost immediately into the presence of Lord Wentworth, -who received him with his air of accustomed gravity, which seemed almost -to be positively gloomy on this occasion. -</p> - -<p> -When he had explained the purpose of his mission and had placed a bag -filled with gold upon the table, the Englishman asked,— -</p> - -<p> -"Did Vicomte d'Exmès simply instruct you to hand me this money, and add -no message for me?" -</p> - -<p> -Pierre (so the messenger was called) looked at Lord Wentworth with an -open-mouthed astonishment which did little credit to his natural -talents. -</p> - -<p> -"My Lord," said he at last, "I have no commission to execute with you -except to hand you the ransom. At least my master gave me no further -instructions; and I do not understand—" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, it's all right!" Lord Wentworth interposed with a disdainful smile. -"I see that Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès has become more reasonable -since I last saw him. I congratulate him that such is the case. The air -of the court of France induces forgetfulness! so much the better for -those who breathe it!" -</p> - -<p> -He muttered beneath his breath as if speaking to himself,— -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed, the power to forget is often the better half of happiness!" -</p> - -<p> -"Has my Lord any message to send to my master?" rejoined the messenger, -who seemed to listen with a very careless and stupid air to these -melancholy asides of the Briton. -</p> - -<p> -"I have nothing to say to Monsieur d'Exmès, since he sends no word to -me," retorted Lord Wentworth, dryly. "You may say to him, however, if -you choose, that for another month—that is, until January 1, do you -understand-I shall be at his service in both my capacities, as a -gentleman and as governor of Calais. He will understand." -</p> - -<p> -"Until January 1?" Pierre repeated. "I will tell him, my Lord." -</p> - -<p> -"Very good! here is your receipt, my friend, and a trifle besides, as a -slight recompense for the tedium of your long journey. Take it, pray!" -</p> - -<p> -The man, who seemed at first to have some scruples, thought better of -them, and accepted the purse that Lord Wentworth offered him. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, my Lord," said he. "Will my Lord grant me still another favor?" -</p> - -<p> -"What is that?" asked the governor. -</p> - -<p> -"Vicomte d'Exmès contracted another debt during his stay here, to one -of the citizens of the town, named—what was his name?—Pierre -Peuquoy, whose guest he was." -</p> - -<p> -"Well?" said Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -"Will my Lord allow me to seek out this Pierre Peuquoy presently, to -repay the amount he advanced?" -</p> - -<p> -"To be sure," said the governor. "I will send some one to show you his -house. Here is your passport to leave Calais. I should be glad to allow -you to remain here a few days; but the regulations strictly forbid our -entertaining a stranger, especially a Frenchman. Adieu, then, my friend, -and a pleasant journey to you!" -</p> - -<p> -"Adieu, my Lord, with many thanks." -</p> - -<p> -On leaving the governor's house, the messenger, not without going astray -a dozen times, made his way to Rue du Martroi, where our readers may -remember that Pierre Peuquoy the armorer dwelt. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel's envoy found Pierre Peuquoy in his workshop more cast down even -than Lord Wentworth in his palace. He was received with marked -indifference by the armorer, who mistook him at first for a mechanic. -</p> - -<p> -But when the new-comer announced himself as having come on behalf of -Vicomte d'Exmès, the good burgher's face suddenly brightened up. -</p> - -<p> -"From Vicomte d'Exmès!" he cried. -</p> - -<p> -Then turning to one of his apprentices, who was within hearing, putting -things to rights in the shop, he said carelessly,— -</p> - -<p> -"Quentin, leave us and tell my cousin Jean that a messenger from Vicomte -d'Exmès has arrived." -</p> - -<p> -The discomfited apprentice left the room to obey his master's orders. -</p> - -<p> -"Now you can speak, my friend," rejoined Pierre Peuquoy, eagerly. "Oh, -we were sure that the noble lord would not forget us! Speak at once, I -beg! What do you bring us from him?" -</p> - -<p> -"His compliments and gratitude, this purse of gold, and these words, -'Remember the 5th!' which he said you would understand." -</p> - -<p> -"Is that all?" asked Pierre Peuquoy. -</p> - -<p> -"Everything, Master. They are very exacting in this neighborhood," -thought the messenger. "They scarcely seem to care for good golden -crowns; but they have some mysterious secrets which the Devil himself -could not understand." -</p> - -<p> -"There are three of us in this house," continued the armorer; "my cousin -Jean and my sister Babette as well as myself. You have executed your -commission so far as I am concerned; but have you no other for Babette -or Jean?" -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy the weaver entered the shop just in time to hear Gabriel's -messenger reply,— -</p> - -<p> -"I have nothing to say to anybody but you, Master Pierre Peuquoy, and to -you I have said all that I was commanded to say." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well! You see, brother," said Pierre, turning to Jean, "Monsieur -le Vicomte d'Exmès is grateful to us; he returns our money with all due -promptitude. Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès sends this message to us, -'Remember!' but he himself does not remember!" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" sighed a weak, piteous voice behind the curtain. -</p> - -<p> -It was poor Babette, who had heard all. -</p> - -<p> -"One moment," rejoined Jean, who persisted in hoping against hope. "My -friend," he continued, addressing the messenger, "if you are of Monsieur -d'Exmès's household, you must know one of his retainers and your -fellow-servant named Martin-Guerre?" -</p> - -<p> -"Martin-Guerre? Yes, to be sure, Martin-Guerre, the squire. Yes, I know -him, Master." -</p> - -<p> -"Is he still in Monsieur d'Exmès's service?" -</p> - -<p> -"He is." -</p> - -<p> -"Did he know that you were coming to Calais?" -</p> - -<p> -"He did know it," the man replied. "He was present, I remember, when I -left Monsieur d'Exmès's house. He accompanied me with his—with our -master as far as the city-gate, and saw me well on my way." -</p> - -<p> -"And did he give you no message for me, or for any one in this house?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing at all, I tell you again." -</p> - -<p> -"Now don't lose your patience, Pierre," continued Jean. "My friend, -perhaps Martin-Guerre enjoined upon you to deliver your message -privately? But you may as well understand that all precautions are of no -avail. We know the truth now. The suffering of—the person to whom -Martin-Guerre owes reparation has opened our eyes to everything; so you -may speak freely before us. And yet if you still have some doubts upon -this point, we will withdraw; and the person to whom I alluded, and whom -Martin-Guerre indicated to you, will come and talk with you privately at -once." -</p> - -<p> -"By my faith!" said the messenger, "I swear to you that I don't -understand one word of all your talk." -</p> - -<p> -"That is enough, and you may as well be content, Jean," cried Pierre -Peuquoy, whose eyes were inflamed with anger. "By the memory of my -father, Jean! I cannot conceive what pleasure you can take in dwelling -upon the insult which has been put upon us." -</p> - -<p> -Jean sadly bowed his head without speaking, for there was only too much -reason in what his cousin said. -</p> - -<p> -"Will you be kind enough to count this money?" asked the messenger, who -was rather ill at ease in the part he was playing. -</p> - -<p> -"It is not worth the trouble," said Jean, who was more composed, though -no less depressed than Pierre. "Take this for yourself, my friend. I -will bring you food and drink as well." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks for the money," returned the envoy, who seemed, nevertheless, -decidedly loath to take it. "As for eating and drinking, I am neither -hungry nor thirsty, for I breakfasted at Nieullay. I must take my leave -at once, for your governor has forbidden my making a long stay in the -city." -</p> - -<p> -"We will not detain you, then, my friend," said Jean. "Adieu! Say to -Martin-Guerre—but no! we have nought to say to him. Say to Monsieur -d'Exmès that we are grateful to him, and that we will remember the 5th. -But we hope that he, as well, will remember." -</p> - -<p> -"Listen to me a moment," added Pierre Peuquoy, emerging for the time -from his gloomy meditation. "You may also say to your master that we -will continue to await him for another month. In that space of time you -will be able to return to Paris, and he to send some one hither; but if -the present year comes to an end without our hearing from him, we shall -believe that his heart has ceased to remember, and we shall be as sorry -for him as for ourselves. An upright and honorable gentleman, who is so -sure in his memory of money loaned, ought to remember still more -tenaciously secrets intrusted to him. With that, my friend, adieu." -</p> - -<p> -"May God keep you!" said Gabriel's messenger, as he rose to depart. "All -your questions and all your messages shall be faithfully reported to my -master." -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy accompanied the man to the door, while Pierre remained -despondently in his corner. -</p> - -<p> -The lounging messenger, after making many a détour, and losing his way -many more times in this perplexing city of Calais, where he had so much -difficulty in finding his way about, at last reached the principal gate, -showed his passport, and was allowed to pass through after being -carefully searched. -</p> - -<p> -He walked for three quarters of an hour at a quick pace without a halt, -and did not slacken his gait until he was fully a league from the city. -</p> - -<p> -Then he permitted himself a short rest, and sitting on a patch of turf, -seemed to be lost in thought, while a satisfied smile shone in his eyes -and lurked about his lips. -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know what there is in that city of Calais," he mused, "to make -each man more melancholy than his neighbor, and more mysterious. -Wentworth seemed to have an account to settle with Monsieur d'Exmès, -and the Peuquoys surely have some grudge against Martin-Guerre. But what -have I to do with that? I am not sad, by any means! I have what I want -and what I need! Not a stroke of the pen, and not a scrap of paper, it -is true; but everything is impressed upon my memory, and with the aid of -Monsieur d'Exmès's plan I can easily reproduce the whole place, which -has such a depressing effect upon others, but the memory of which makes -me equally light-hearted." -</p> - -<p> -In his imagination he ran over all the streets and boulevards and -fortified positions, to which his affected stupidity had led him so -conveniently. -</p> - -<p> -"It is all there," said he, "as plain and clear as though I had it -before my eyes at this moment. The Duc de Guise will be well pleased. -Thanks to this little expedition, and to the invaluable suggestions of -the captain of his Majesty's Guards, we may bring our dear Vicomte -d'Exmès, also his squire, and with a strong force at their back, to the -rendezvous appointed by Lord Wentworth and Pierre Peuquoy for a month -hence. In six weeks, with the help of God, and favorable circumstances, -we shall be masters of Calais, or I will lose my name there!" -</p> - -<p> -And our readers will agree that the latter alternative would indeed have -been calamitous, when they learn that this name was that of Maréchal -Pierre Strozzi, one of the most celebrated and skilful engineers of the -sixteenth century. -</p> - -<p> -After a few moments' rest, Pierre Strozzi resumed his journey, as if he -were in great haste to be back at Paris. He thought much about Calais, -but very little about its inhabitants. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap13"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XIII -<br /><br /> -DECEMBER 31, 1557</h4> - -<p> -Our readers doubtless have divined why Pierre Strozzi had found Lord -Wentworth in such bitter and angry mood, and why the governor of Calais -spoke so haughtily and ironically of Vicomte d'Exmès. -</p> - -<p> -It was because Madame de Castro's detestation of him seemed to increase -from day to day. -</p> - -<p> -When he would send to ask her leave to call upon her, she would always -try to find an excuse for putting him off. But if she were sometimes -compelled to submit to the infliction of his presence, her cold and -formal reception betrayed only too plainly her feeling toward him, and -left him more despairing on each successive occasion. -</p> - -<p> -However, he had not yet grown weary in his love for her. With nothing to -hope for, he still did not despair. He desired, at least, to comport -himself toward Diane as became the perfect gentleman who had left behind -at the court of Mary of England a reputation for most exquisite -refinement and courtesy. He overwhelmed his fair captive with his -attentions. She was waited upon with the utmost consideration and regal -luxury. He had given her a French page, and had engaged for her one of -those Italian musicians who were in such high repute at the period of -the Renaissance. Sometimes Diane would find in her apartments dresses -and ornaments of enormous value, which Lord Wentworth had caused to be -sent from London for her; but she never noticed them. -</p> - -<p> -On one occasion he gave a great fête in her honor at which he assembled -all the notable English there were in Calais or in France. His -invitations even crossed the channel; but Madame de Castro obstinately -refused to appear. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth, being repulsed with such coldness and disdain, said to -himself day after day that it would surely be much better for his peace -of mind to accept the princely ransom which Henri II. offered, and give -Diane her freedom. -</p> - -<p> -But by doing so he would give her up to the welcome embraces of Gabriel -d'Exmès, and the Briton could never find in his heart sufficient -strength and courage to make so great a sacrifice possible. -</p> - -<p> -"No! no!" he would say to himself, "if she will not be mine, at all -events she shall belong to nobody else!" -</p> - -<p> -While he was thus irresolute and suffering, the days and weeks rolled -away. -</p> - -<p> -On the 31st of December, 1557, Lord Wentworth had succeeded in making -his way into Madame de Castro's apartments. We have said before that he -could scarcely breathe elsewhere, although he always left her more -melancholy and more in love than ever; but to see Diane, stern though -her glance might be, and to hear her voice, however ironical its tones, -had become the most imperious necessity for him. -</p> - -<p> -He remained standing while they talked, and she sat before the high -chimney-piece. -</p> - -<p> -They talked upon the one harrowing subject which united them and kept -them asunder at the same time. -</p> - -<p> -"Suppose, Madame," said the passionate governor, "that at last, beside -myself on account of your cruelty, and enraged by your contempt, I -should forget that I am a gentleman and your host?" -</p> - -<p> -"You would dishonor yourself, my Lord, but would cast no stain upon me," -Diane replied firmly. -</p> - -<p> -"We shall be dishonored together," Lord Wentworth retorted. "You are in -my power! Where will you find shelter?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>! in death," she calmly replied. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth turned pale and shuddered. That he should cause the death -of such as Diane! -</p> - -<p> -"Such obstinacy is not natural," he added, shaking his head. "In reality -you would be afraid to drive me to extremities, if you did not still -cling to some insane hope, Madame. You are always dwelling upon the -happening of some impossible event. Come, tell me, from whom can you be -expecting succor at this hour?" -</p> - -<p> -"From God, from the king—" Diane replied. -</p> - -<p> -There was a sort of rising inflection in her voice and in her thought as -well,—a hesitation which Lord Wentworth knew only too well how to -interpret. -</p> - -<p> -"She is doubtless thinking of that d'Exmès," he said to himself. -</p> - -<p> -But it was a dangerous memory which he did not dare to touch upon or to -arouse. -</p> - -<p> -He contented himself with the bitter rejoinder,— -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, count upon the king and upon God! But if God had thought fit to -help you, Madame. He would have come to your rescue the very first day, -I should think! and here a year has passed away, ending to-day, during -which you have not felt the benefit of His protection." -</p> - -<p> -"Then I will rest my hopes on the year which begins to-morrow," replied -Diane, raising her lovely eyes to heaven, as if imploring aid from on -high. -</p> - -<p> -"As for the King of France, your father," Lord Wentworth continued, "I -imagine that he has on hand matters of sufficient moment to occupy all -his power and engross the whole of his thoughts. France is in even -greater peril than his daughter." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, it is you who say that!" Diane retorted in a tone of doubt. -</p> - -<p> -"Lord Wentworth does not lie, Madame. Do you know in what condition -your august father's affairs are?" -</p> - -<p> -"How can I know in this prison?" Diane replied, who nevertheless could -not forbear a movement which betokened interest. -</p> - -<p> -"You have only to ask me," Lord Wentworth rejoined, delighted to be -listened to willingly for a moment, even as the bearer of evil tidings. -"Well, then, you must know that the return of the Duc de Guise to Paris -has in no way ameliorated the situation of France as yet. Some troops -have been recruited, and a few places reinforced,—nothing more. At -the present moment there is hesitation and uncertainty everywhere. Their -full military strength, concentrated on the northern frontier, has -succeeded in stopping the triumphant progress of the Spaniards; but the -French generals are undertaking nothing on their own account. Will they -attack Luxembourg? Will they make a descent on Picardy? Nobody knows. -Will they try to retake St. Quentin, or Ham—?" -</p> - -<p> -"Or Calais," Diane interposed, fixing her eyes keenly upon the governor, -to note the effect upon his features of this chance shot. -</p> - -<p> -But Lord Wentworth did not even frown; he said with a proud smile,— -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Madame, allow me to lay that question aside without considering it. -One who has any idea at all of warfare will not admit for a moment such -an insane supposition; and Monsieur le Duc de Guise has had too much -experience to expose himself by such an extraordinary and impracticable -undertaking to the ridicule of every man in Europe who wears a sword." -</p> - -<p> -At that moment there was some confusion at the door, and an archer -rushed in without ceremony. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth went to meet him, much irritated. -</p> - -<p> -"What is the meaning of your daring to interrupt me thus?" he demanded. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me, my Lord," the archer replied. "Lord Derby sent me to you in -all haste." -</p> - -<p> -"And for what pressing reason? Come, explain yourself!" -</p> - -<p> -"Information has been received by Lord Derby that an advance-guard of -two thousand French arquebusiers was seen yesterday two leagues from -Calais, and his Lordship sent me to notify my Lord at once." -</p> - -<p> -"Aha!" cried Diane, who made no attempt to conceal her satisfaction. -</p> - -<p> -But Lord Wentworth coolly said to the archer,— -</p> - -<p> -"And was it for this only that you have had the impudence to follow me -here, villain?" -</p> - -<p> -"My Lord," said the poor devil, in his stupefaction, "Lord Derby—" -</p> - -<p> -"Lord Derby," the governor interposed, "is a short-sighted individual, -who takes mounds of earth for mountains. Go and tell him so from me." -</p> - -<p> -"How about the guards, my Lord, which Lord Derby ordered doubled as -quickly as possible?" -</p> - -<p> -"Let them remain as they are, and bother me no more with these -ridiculous phantoms!" -</p> - -<p> -The archer bowed respectfully and left the room. -</p> - -<p> -"Nevertheless, my Lord," said Diane de Castro, "you see that in the -opinion of one of your ablest lieutenants, my insane prevision is -capable of being realized to the full." -</p> - -<p> -"I feel more than ever constrained to undeceive you upon this point," -Lord Wentworth responded with imperturbable coolness. "I can give you -the explanation of this false alarm in two words, nor can I conceive how -Lord Derby allowed himself to be deceived by it." -</p> - -<p> -"Let us see," said Madame de Castro, intensely eager for light upon a -subject upon which her whole life seemed to be concentrated. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, Madame," continued Lord Wentworth; "one of two things has -happened: either Messieurs de Guise and de Nevers, who are, I admit, -skilful and prudent commanders, mean to revictual Ardres and Boulogne, -and are on their way thither with the troops whose presence has been -announced, or else they are making a feint against Calais for the -purpose of calming the fears of Ham and St. Quentin, and mean to try to -take one of those towns by surprise, by suddenly retracing their steps." -</p> - -<p> -"But how do you know, Monsieur," rejoined Madame de Castro, with more -rashness than discretion,—"how do you know, pray, that their feint -has not been made against Ham or St. Quentin, in order to surprise Calais -more effectually?" -</p> - -<p> -Fortunately she had to deal with an immovable conviction, rooted upon -national and personal pride as well. -</p> - -<p> -"I have already had the honor of assuring you, Madame," said Lord -Wentworth, disdainfully, "that Calais is one of those places that cannot -possibly be surprised or taken; before it can even be approached, Fort -Ste. Agathe must be carried, and the fort of Nieullay as well. To carry -all these posts would take a fortnight at least of unvarying success; -and during those fifteen days England would be warned of the danger, and -would have ample time—yes, fifteen times what would be -necessary—to pour forth all her might to rescue her precious city. -Take Calais! Ah, I cannot help laughing at the bare idea!" -</p> - -<p> -Madame de Castro, wounded to the quick, bitterly retorted,— -</p> - -<p> -"The source of my sorrow is to you a source of delight. How can you -suppose that our souls could ever understand each other?" -</p> - -<p> -"But, Madame," cried Lord Wentworth, growing pale, "I only wished to -destroy those delusive imaginings of yours which keep us asunder. I -wished to prove to you as clearly as the sun shines that you are feeding -upon chimeras, and that the French court must have gone mad before such -an attempt as you are dreaming of could ever be imagined there." -</p> - -<p> -"There is such a thing as heroic madness, my Lord," said Diane, proudly; -"and I am sure that there are great-souled men too, whose love of -glory—nay, whose simple devotion would prevent them from drawing back -from such sublime extravagance." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes!—Monsieur d'Exmès, for example!" cried Wentworth, carried -away by jealous fury which he could no longer restrain. -</p> - -<p> -"Who told you of that name?" asked Madame de Castro, in amazement. -</p> - -<p> -"Confess, Madame," the governor rejoined, "that you have had that name -upon your lips ever since the beginning of this interview, and that in -your inmost heart when you were invoking the aid of God and your father -you were also thinking of this third liberator." -</p> - -<p> -"Am I obliged to render an account of my thoughts to you?" said Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"You need render no account to me, for I know all," replied the -governor. "I know some things of which you have no idea, Madame, and -which it suits my pleasure to tell you to-day, to show you how little -you can build upon the ecstatic passion of these romantic lovers. -Notably, I know that Vicomte d'Exmès was made a prisoner at St. Quentin -when you were, and was brought here to Calais at the same time with -you." -</p> - -<p> -"Can it be?" cried Diane, astounded beyond measure. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, there is more than that, Madame! Otherwise I should have told you -nothing. For two months Monsieur d'Exmès has been at liberty." -</p> - -<p> -"And I never knew that a friend was suffering with me, and so near me!" -said Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"You did not know it, but he did, Madame," said the governor. "I must -confess that when he first learned the fact he exhausted himself in -terrible threats against me. Not only did he challenge me to single -combat, but—as you foresaw, with a charming sympathy—carrying -his love to the point of madness, he declared to my face his determination -to take Calais." -</p> - -<p> -"My hopes are greater than ever, then," said Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't hope for too much, Madame," said Lord Wentworth; "for once more I -tell you, since Monsieur d'Exmès addressed his appalling farewell to me -six months have passed. To be sure, I have had news from my aggressor in -that time. At the end of November he sent me, with scrupulous -promptness, the amount of his ransom; but not a word of his haughty -defiance." -</p> - -<p> -"Wait, my Lord," Diane retorted. "Monsieur d'Exmès will find a way to -pay his debts of every description." -</p> - -<p> -"I doubt it, Madame, for the day of maturity will soon be past." -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean?" asked Madame de Castro. -</p> - -<p> -"I sent word, Madame, to Vicomte d'Exmès, by the messenger who came to -me from him, that I would await the fulfilment of his double challenge -until the 1st of January, 1558. It is now Dec. 31, 1557." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then," Diane interrupted him, "he has twelve hours still." -</p> - -<p> -"True, Madame," responded Wentworth; "but if I hear nothing from him by -to-morrow at this hour—" -</p> - -<p> -He did not finish his sentence. Lord Derby at this moment burst into the -room in terror. -</p> - -<p> -"My Lord," he cried, "I was right! It was the French, and they are -marching upon Calais!" -</p> - -<p> -"Nonsense!" rejoined Wentworth, changing color in spite of -himself,—"nonsense! It is impossible! Who says it is so? More rumors -and gossip and fanciful alarms?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! no, but facts, unfortunately," Lord Derby replied. -</p> - -<p> -"Not so loud, Derby; don't speak so loud," said the governor, -approaching his lieutenant. "Come, come, be cool! What do you mean by -your facts?" -</p> - -<p> -Lord Derby replied in a low voice, in accordance with the request of his -superior officer, who did not choose to show any signs of weakness -before Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"The French attacked Fort Ste. Agathe unexpectedly. Nothing was in -readiness to resist their assault,—neither walls nor men; and I am -much afraid that they are by this time masters of the first line of -fortifications of Calais." -</p> - -<p> -"They will still be a long way off from us," said Lord Wentworth, -eagerly. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," rejoined Lord Derby; "but they will meet with no obstacle after -that until they reach the bridge of Nieullay; and the bridge of Nieullay -is two miles from this place." -</p> - -<p> -"Have you sent reinforcements to our outposts, Derby?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, my Lord, pardon me, without your orders,—nay, in spite of your -orders." -</p> - -<p> -"You have done well," said Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -"Bub the reinforcements will have arrived too late." -</p> - -<p> -"Who knows? Let us not be alarmed. You must go with me at once to -Nieullay. We will make these rash rascals pay dear for their audacity; -and if they already hold Ste. Agathe, why, we shall be free to drive -them out of it." -</p> - -<p> -"God grant it!" said Lord Derby; "but they have begun the game -manfully." -</p> - -<p> -"We will have our revenge!" replied Wentworth. "Who commands them, do -you know?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is not known,—probably Monsieur de Guise, or Monsieur de Nevers, -at least. The ensign who rode here at full speed to bring the almost -incredible news of their sudden appearance told me only that he -recognized at a distance, in the front rank, your former prisoner, you -remember, Vicomte d'Exmès—" -</p> - -<p> -"Damnation!" cried the governor, clinching his fists. "Come, Derby, come -quickly!" -</p> - -<p> -Madame de Castro, with her senses sharpened, as they are apt to be at -important crises, had heard almost all of Lord Derby's report, although -made in a low voice. -</p> - -<p> -When Lord Wentworth took leave of her, he said— -</p> - -<p> -"You will excuse me, Madame; I must leave you, as business of -importance—" -</p> - -<p> -"Go, my Lord," she interrupted, not without a tinge of malice in her -tone; "go, and try to re-establish your supremacy, which is cruelly -threatened. But remember, meanwhile, two things: first, that the -greatest delusions are just the ones that are not doubtful; and in the -second place, that you can always rely upon the word of a French -gentleman. It is not yet the 1st of January, my Lord." -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth, in a fury of rage, left the room without replying. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap14"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XIV -<br /><br /> -DURING THE BOMBARDMENT</h4> - -<p> -Lord Derby was quite right in his conjectures. This is what had -happened:— -</p> - -<p> -The troops of Monsieur de Nevers, having made a rapid junction during -the night with those of the Duc de Guise, had arrived unexpectedly by -forced marches before Fort Ste. Agathe. Three thousand arquebusiers, -supported by twenty-five or thirty horsemen, had carried the fort in -less than an hour. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth and Lord Derby reached the fort of Nieullay only in time -to see their forces fleeing across the bridge to seek shelter behind the -second, stronger line of fortifications of Calais. -</p> - -<p> -But when the first moment of bewilderment had passed, we must admit that -Lord Wentworth bore himself valiantly and well. After all, his was a -noble soul, in which the pride for which his race was noted had -implanted marvellous vigor. -</p> - -<p> -"These Frenchmen must indeed be mad!" he said in perfect seriousness to -Lord Derby. "But we will make them pay dear for their madness. Two -centuries ago Calais held out a year against the English, and in their -hands maintained a siege of ten years. However, we shall have no need to -put forth such endurance as that. Before the end of the week, Derby, you -will see the enemy beating an inglorious retreat. He has taken -everything that he can carry by surprise. Now we are on our guard. So be -reassured, and laugh with me at this blunder on the part of Monsieur de -Guise." -</p> - -<p> -"Do you mean to send to England for reinforcements?" asked Lord Derby. -</p> - -<p> -"What need is there of doing so?" was the governor's proud reply. "If -our reckless foes persist in their rash undertaking, in less than three -days, and while Nieullay still holds them in check, all the Spanish and -English forces in France will come to our assistance of their own -motion. And if these haughty invaders seem to be hopelessly obstinate, -why, a message sent to Dover will bring us ten thousand men in -twenty-four hours. But until then let us not do them too much honor by -showing too much alarm. Our nine hundred soldiers and our strong walls -will give them all the work they want. They will not penetrate beyond -the bridge of Nieullay!" -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, on the following day, January 1, 1558, the French were -already masters of that bridge which Lord Wentworth had designated as -the utmost limit of their advance. They had opened trenches during the -night, and before noon they were battering the bridge to pieces. -</p> - -<p> -It was to the terrible and regular accompaniment of the double -cannonading that a solemn and gloomy family drama was being enacted in -the old Peuquoy dwelling. -</p> - -<p> -As the urgent questions addressed by Pierre Peuquoy to Gabriel's -messenger have doubtless given the reader to understand, Babette had not -been able long to hide from her brother and her cousin her tears and -their moving cause. -</p> - -<p> -Misery did not indeed come to her by halves, poor child! The reparation -which the false Martin-Guerre owed her was due not to herself alone, but -to her child as well; for Babette was about to become a mother. -</p> - -<p> -However, when she confessed her fault and its bitter consequences, she -did not dare to tell Pierre and Jean that her future was without hope -because Martin-Guerre was married. -</p> - -<p> -She hardly admitted it even to her own heart. She would say to herself -that it was impossible; that Monsieur d'Exmès must have been mistaken; -and that God, who is kind and merciful, would not thus overwhelm and -leave without resource a poor, wretched creature whose only fault had -been that she had loved too well! She would artlessly repeat this -childish reasoning to herself day after day, and would thus still retain -some hope. She relied on Martin-Guerre; she relied on Vicomte d'Exmès. -Why? Alas! she knew not; but still she hoped on. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, the absolute silence of both master and servant during -those never-ending two months had been a fearful blow to her. -</p> - -<p> -She waited with restless impatience, not unmixed with terror, for the -1st of January, which was the extreme limit of time allowed to Vicomte -d'Exmès by Pierre Peuquoy. -</p> - -<p> -So it was that the report, vague at first, and afterward indubitable, -which spread through the city on December 31, that the French were -marching upon Calais, caused her heart to leap with joy unspeakable. -</p> - -<p> -She heard her brother and her cousin say that Vicomte d'Exmès would -surely be among the assailants. Then of course Martin-Guerre would be -there too; so Babette was justified in her hopes. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, she received with anguish at her heart Pierre Peuquoy's -request, on the 1st of January, to come down into the parlor on the -first floor, to have some conversation with Jean and himself as to what -was best to be done under existing circumstances. -</p> - -<p> -She made her appearance, pale and trembling, before this domestic -tribunal, so to speak, which was, however, constituted of only those two -men, who had an almost paternal fondness for her. -</p> - -<p> -"My dear cousin, dear brother," she said with faltering voice, "here I -am at your commands." -</p> - -<p> -"Be seated, Babette," said Pierre, pointing to a chair which he had -placed for her near his own. -</p> - -<p> -Then he continued gently but very gravely,— -</p> - -<p> -"At the beginning of our trouble, Babette, when our urgent questions and -our alarm induced you to confess the sad truth to us, I am ashamed to -remember that I had not sufficient control of myself to restrain my -first impulse of anger and sorrow: I insulted you, I even threatened -you; but fortunately for us both, Jean interposed." -</p> - -<p> -"May God bless him for his kindness and his indulgence!" said Babette, -turning to her cousin, with her eyes swimming in tears. -</p> - -<p> -"Say no more about it, Babette; say no more about it," rejoined Jean, -more moved than he cared to show. "I did very little indeed; and after -all, the way to remedy your suffering was not to give you new cause for -grief." -</p> - -<p> -"So I finally realized," said Pierre. "Your repentance and your tears -touched me too, Babette; my rage melted into pity, and my pity into -tenderness; and I forgave you for staining our hitherto stainless name." -</p> - -<p> -"Jesus will be merciful to you as you have been to me, my brother." -</p> - -<p> -"Then, too," continued Pierre, "Jean reminded me that your misery might -perhaps not be irreparable, and that he who had led you into error was -bound legally and morally to extricate you from it." -</p> - -<p> -Babette held her crimson face still lower. Singularly enough, when -another than herself seemed to believe in the possibility of reparation, -she herself lost all hope. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre continued,— -</p> - -<p> -"Despite that hope, which I welcomed with delight, of seeing your honor -and ours re-established, Martin-Guerre has said never a word, and the -messenger sent to Calais by Monsieur d'Exmès a month since brought no -news of your seducer. But now the French are before our walls, I presume -Vicomte d'Exmès and his squire are among them." -</p> - -<p> -"You may be perfectly sure of that, Pierre," interposed Jean. -</p> - -<p> -"I shall not contradict you, Jean. Let us assume that Monsieur d'Exmès -and his squire are at this moment separated from us only by the walls -and moats which protect us, or which protect the English, I should say. -In that event, if we do see them again, Babette, how do you think that -we ought to receive them,—as friends or foes?" -</p> - -<p> -"Whatever you do will be well done, my brother," said Babette, in great -alarm at the turn the conversation was taking. -</p> - -<p> -"But, Babette," said her brother, "can you form no idea as to their -intentions?" -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed I cannot, God help me! I am simply waiting,—that's all." -</p> - -<p> -"So, then, you don't know whether they are coming to save our honor, or -to abandon us to our shame; whether the cannon which are playing an -accompaniment to my words announce to us the approach of benefactors -whom we ought to bless in our hearts, or treacherous villains who must -be punished? Can you not tell me that, Babette?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" said Babette, "why do you ask such questions of me, poor -wretched girl that I am, who know nothing except that I must pray and -resign myself to my fate?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why do I ask you that question, Babette? You remember what sentiments -with regard to France and the French nation were instilled into us by -our father. We have never looked upon the English as our -fellow-countrymen, but as oppressors; and three months since, no music -would have sounded more sweetly in my ears than that which fills them at -this moment." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" cried Jean, "to me it still sounds like the voice of my country -calling me." -</p> - -<p> -"Jean," rejoined Pierre, "the fatherland is nothing more than home on a -grand scale; it is an enlargement of the family, an extension of the -ties of blood. Ought we to sacrifice to it the lesser ties, the lesser -family, the lesser home?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>! Pierre, what do you mean?" asked Babette. -</p> - -<p> -"I mean this," Pierre replied: "in the rough plebeian work-stained hands -of your brother, Babette, the fate of the city of Calais rests at this -moment in all probability. Yes, these poor hands, blackened by my daily -toil, have it in their power to deliver the key of France to her king." -</p> - -<p> -"And can they hesitate?" cried Babette, who had imbibed with her -mother's milk bitter hatred of the foreign yoke. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, my noble girl," said Jean, "truly you are deserving of our -confidence!" -</p> - -<p> -"Neither my heart nor my hands would hesitate for one moment," Pierre -rejoined, "if I had it in my power to restore this fair city to King -Henri's own hands, or to his representative, Monsieur le Duc de Guise. -But the circumstances are such that we shall be compelled to use -Monsieur d'Exmès as intermediary." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, why not?" asked Babette, amazed at receiving such a reason for -hesitation. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," said Pierre, "however proud and happy I might be to be -associated in so grand an achievement with him who was once our guest, -it would be quite as distasteful to me to share the honor with a -gentleman lacking bowels of compassion, who has helped to tarnish the -honor of our name." -</p> - -<p> -"What! you don't mean Monsieur d'Exmès, who is so kind-hearted and so -loyal?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is nevertheless true," said Pierre, "that your confidence in -Monsieur d'Exmès, and Martin-Guerre's lack of conscience, have brought -about your ruin; and yet you see that they both keep silent." -</p> - -<p> -"But what <i>could</i> Monsieur d'Exmès do or say?" asked Babette. -</p> - -<p> -"He could have sent Martin-Guerre here as soon as he returned to Paris, -my sister, and have ordered him to bestow his name upon you! He could -have sent his squire here instead of that stranger, and thus have paid -the debt due your heart and the money owed to me at the same time." -</p> - -<p> -"No, no; he could not have done that," said honest Babette, sadly -shaking her head. -</p> - -<p> -"What! he was not at liberty to give an order to his own servant?" -</p> - -<p> -"What good would have been done by that order?" said Babette. -</p> - -<p> -"What good?" cried Pierre. "Is there no good in atoning fora crime, or -in saving a fair name from shame? Are you losing your wits, Babette?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! no, unfortunately!" said the poor girl, weeping bitterly. "Those -who lose their wits forget." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then," continued Pierre, "how, if you are in full possession of -your reason, can you say that Monsieur d'Exmès has done right in not -using his authority to compel your seducer to marry you?" -</p> - -<p> -"To marry me! to marry me! Oh, how could he do so?" said Babette, in -despair. -</p> - -<p> -"What is to prevent him, pray?" exclaimed Jean and Pierre, with one -voice. -</p> - -<p> -Both had risen by an irresistible impulse. Babette fell upon her knees. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," she cried in her despair, "forgive me once more, dear brother! I -wanted to conceal it from you. I concealed it even from my own heart! -But now that you speak of our blighted honor, of France, and Monsieur -d'Exmès, and unworthy Martin-Guerre, what can I do? Oh, my brain is in -a whirl! You ask me if I am losing my wits. Truly I believe that I am. -Come, you, who are calmer than I, tell me if I am mistaken, tell me if I -was dreaming, or if what Monsieur d'Exmès told me was really true!" -</p> - -<p> -"What Monsieur d'Exmès told you!" echoed Pierre, in alarm. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, in his room, the day of his departure, when I asked him to return -the ring to Martin. I did not dare confess my fault to him, being a -stranger. And yet he ought to have understood me; and if he did -understand, how could he have told me?" -</p> - -<p> -"What—what did he tell you? Go on!" cried Pierre. -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! that Martin-Guerre was already married!" said Babette. -</p> - -<p> -"Miserable wretch!" ejaculated Pierre Peuquoy, beside himself, and -springing at his sister with uplifted hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! it is true, then!" said the poor child, in a faint voice; "I feel -now that it is true." -</p> - -<p> -She fell fainting upon the floor. -</p> - -<p> -Jean had had time to seize Pierre around the waist and hold him back. -</p> - -<p> -"What are you doing, Pierre?" said he, sternly. "It is not the -unfortunate victim that you should strike, but the villain who caused -her ruin." -</p> - -<p> -"You are right," Pierre responded, already ashamed of his blind rage. -</p> - -<p> -He stepped apart, stern and gloomy, while Jean, leaning over Babette, -tried to resuscitate her. There was a long silence. -</p> - -<p> -At last Babette opened her eyes, and seemed to be trying to remember. -</p> - -<p> -"What has happened?" she asked. -</p> - -<p> -She looked up with a wandering expression into the kind face of Jean -Peuquoy bending over her. -</p> - -<p> -Strangely enough, Jean seemed not to be very melancholy. There even was -to be seen upon his pleasant face, mingled with deep pity, a sort of -secret satisfaction. -</p> - -<p> -"My good cousin!" said Babette, giving him her hand. -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy's first words to the beloved sufferer were,— -</p> - -<p> -"Don't give up hope, Babette; don't give up hope!" -</p> - -<p> -But Babette's eyes fell at this moment upon the sombre and desolate -figure of her brother, and she gave a convulsive start, for everything -came back to her memory at once. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Pierre, forgive me!" she cried. -</p> - -<p> -As Jean made him an appealing gesture to urge him to be pitiful, Pierre -advanced to his sister, raised her from the floor, and led her to a -seat. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't be alarmed," said he. "I have no ill-will against you. You have -suffered too much. Don't be alarmed. I will say to you as Jean did, -don't give up hope." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, what have I to hope for now?" she said. -</p> - -<p> -"No reparation, to be sure, but vengeance, at all events," Pierre -replied, frowning. -</p> - -<p> -"And I," whispered Jean,—"I say to you, vengeance and reparation at -the same time." -</p> - -<p> -She looked at him in amazement. But before she could question him, -Pierre resumed,— -</p> - -<p> -"Once more, my poor sister, I forgive you. Your fault is surely no -greater because a cowardly villain has deceived you twice. I love you, -Babette, as I have always loved you." -</p> - -<p> -Babette, happy even in her grief, threw herself into her brother's arms. -</p> - -<p> -"However," continued Pierre, when he had embraced her, "my anger is by -no means burned out; it is only shifted to other shoulders than yours. I -repeat, I would like now to have under my foot that villanous perjurer -and scoundrel Martin-Guerre!" -</p> - -<p> -"Dear brother!" Babette interposed piteously. -</p> - -<p> -"No! no pity for him!" cried the stern burgher. "But I owe an apology to -his master, Monsieur d'Exmès; frankly, I must admit that." -</p> - -<p> -"I told you so. Pierre," rejoined Jean. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Jean, you were right, as you always are, and I was very unjust to -a loyal gentleman. Now everything is explained. Nay, more, his very -silence shows his delicate tact. Why should he have cruelly reminded us -of an irreparable misfortune? I was wrong! And to think that I was -almost on the point of allowing myself, through a grievous mistake, to -give the lie to all the convictions and instincts of my whole life, and -to make my beloved country, which is so dear to my heart, pay the -penalty for an offence which never existed!" -</p> - -<p> -"On what slight contingencies do the great events of the world turn!" -was Jean Peuquoy's philosophical comment. "However, no harm has been -done," he added; "and thanks to what Babette has told us, we know now -that Vicomte d'Exmès has done nothing to make him unworthy of our -friendship. Oh, I knew his noble heart; for I have never seen aught in -him that did not compel my admiration, except his first hesitation when -we broached the subject of taking our revenge for the capture of St. -Quentin. But that very hesitation, in my opinion, he is endeavoring at -this very moment to make amends for in most brilliant fashion." -</p> - -<p> -The brave weaver raised his hand to call their attention to the loud -booming of the cannon, which seemed to sound nearer every moment. -</p> - -<p> -"Jean," said Pierre, "do you know what that bombardment is saying to -us?" -</p> - -<p> -"It tells us that Monsieur d'Exmès is there," Jean replied. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes; but," he added in his cousin's ear, "it also tells us to 'remember -the 5th!'" -</p> - -<p> -"And we will remember it, Pierre, will we not?" -</p> - -<p> -These whispered confidences alarmed Babette, who, with her mind still -engrossed with the one thought, murmured,— -</p> - -<p> -"What are they plotting together? Holy Virgin! If Monsieur d'Exmès is -there, may God grant that Martin-Guerre be not with him!" -</p> - -<p> -"Martin-Guerre?" Jean rejoined, having overheard her. "Oh, Monsieur -d'Exmès must have dismissed the miserable scamp in disgrace! And he -will have done well, even from the blackguard's own standpoint; for we -would have challenged him and slain him the moment he set foot in -Calais, would we not, Pierre?" -</p> - -<p> -"I shall do that in any case," the brother replied in a tone of -inflexible determination; "if not at Calais, then at Paris! I certainly -shall kill him!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," cried Babette, "this retaliation is just what I dreaded! Not for -him whom I no longer love, nay, whom I despise, but for you, Pierre, and -you, Jean, both so fraternally kind and so devoted to me!" -</p> - -<p> -"So, Babette," said Jean Peuquoy, with emotion, "in a contest between -him and me, your prayers would be offered up for me and not for him?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah," Babette replied, "that one question, Jean, is the most cruel -punishment for my fault that you could inflict upon me. How could I -hesitate for one instant to-day between you, who are so kind and -indulgent to me, and him, so treacherous and so vile?" -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks!" cried Jean. "It does me good to have you say so to me, -Babette, and be sure that God will reward you for it." -</p> - -<p> -"For my own part," Pierre rejoined, "I am sure that God will punish the -culprit. But let us think no more about him, my cousin," he said to -Jean; "for we have much else to do now, and only three days in which to -make our preparations. We must go about, notify our friends, get our -arms together—" -</p> - -<p> -In a low voice he said once more,— -</p> - -<p> -"Jean, we must remember the 5th!" -</p> - -<p> -A quarter of an hour later, while Babette, in the solitude of her own -chamber, was offering her thanks to God, without a clear idea of her -reasons for doing so, the armorer and weaver were going about the city, -intent upon the business they had in hand. -</p> - -<p> -They seemed to have forgotten Martin-Guerre, who at that moment, we may -say in passing, was in utter ignorance of the warm reception which -awaited him in the good city of Calais, where he had never before set -foot. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile the cannon were thundering away incessantly; as Rabutin says, -"charging and discharging, with fury inconceivable, their tempest of -artillery." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap15"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XV -<br /><br /> -WITHIN THE TENT</h4> - -<p> -Three days after the scene we have just described, on the 4th of -January, in the evening, the French, despite Lord Wentworth's confident -predictions, had made a great advance. -</p> - -<p> -They had passed not only the bridge of Nieullay, but also the fort of -the same name, of which they had been in possession since the morning, -as well as of all the arms and stores which it contained. -</p> - -<p> -From that strong position they could effectually bar the way against any -Spanish or English reinforcements coming by land. -</p> - -<p> -Such important results were surely well worth the three days of furious -and mortal combat which they had cost. -</p> - -<p> -"Is this a dream?" cried the haughty governor of Calais, when he saw his -troops fleeing in disorder toward the city, despite his brave struggle -to induce them to return to their posts. -</p> - -<p> -To put the finishing touch to his humiliation, he had to follow them; -for his duty required him to be the last to withdraw. -</p> - -<p> -"Fortunately," remarked Lord Derby to him when they were safely within -the walls,—"fortunately, Calais and the Old Château will be able to -hold out two or three days longer, even with the few troops still at our -disposal. The Risbank fort and the harbor are still open, and England is -not far a way." -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth's council were unanimously of the opinion that their -safety lay in that direction, and it was no longer time to heed the -voice of pride. An express must be despatched at once to Dover. On the -following day, at the latest, strong reinforcements would arrive, and -Calais would be saved. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth realized the situation, and decided to adopt this course. -A vessel set sail at once, carrying an urgent message to the governor of -Dover. -</p> - -<p> -Then the council took measures to concentrate all their energies upon -the defence of the Old Château, which was the vulnerable side of -Calais, inasmuch as the sea, the sand-dunes, and a handful of the civic -guard would be more than sufficient to protect the Risbank fort. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -While the besieged were thus preparing to make a brave resistance at the -probable points of attack, let us glance for a moment at the camp of the -besieging army outside the city, and see particularly how Vicomte -d'Exmès, Martin-Guerre, and their gallant recruits were employing -themselves on this evening of January 4. -</p> - -<p> -Being soldiers, not sappers and miners, and having no duties in -connection with the digging of trenches or siege works, but serving only -when there was fighting to be done or an assault to be made, they were -now taking their well-earned rest. We need only draw aside the door of a -tent pitched a little apart on the right of the camp to find Gabriel and -his troop of volunteers. The tableau thus presented to view was -picturesque and varied. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, with bowed head, was sitting in a corner upon the only stool -which the establishment could boast, apparently plunged in profound -abstraction. -</p> - -<p> -At his feet Martin-Guerre was fitting the buckle of a sword-belt. He -looked anxiously at his master from time to time, but did not presume to -interrupt the silent meditation in which he was absorbed. -</p> - -<p> -Not far from them, on a sort of couch made of cloaks, a wounded man lay -moaning. Alas! the sufferer was no other than the ill-fated Malemort. -</p> - -<p> -At the other end of the tent the pious Lactance was telling his beads -with great animation and fervency. Lactance had been unfortunate enough -at the storming of Fort Nieullay that morning to knock on the head three -of his brothers in Jesus Christ; for that he owed his conscience three -hundred <i>Paters</i> and as many <i>Aves</i>. That was the ordinary -penance which his confessor had laid upon him for those he killed; wounded -men counted only for half. -</p> - -<p> -Near him, Yvonnet, after having carefully cleaned and brushed his -clothes, which were stained with mud and powder, was looking about to -find some corner where the ground was not too damp, so that he might -stretch himself and take a little rest, for the prolonged watching and -toil were not well suited to his delicate constitution. -</p> - -<p> -Two paces from Yvonnet, the two Scharfensteins, uncle and nephew, were -making complicated calculations on their enormous fingers. They were -figuring out the probable value of their morning's booty. The nephew had -been fortunate enough to lay his hand upon a valuable suit of armor; and -the worthy Teutons, with beaming countenances, were dividing in advance -the money which they expected to receive for their rich prize. -</p> - -<p> -The veterans, in a group in the centre of the tent, were playing at -dice; and the players and bystanders alike were following with much -interest the varying chances of the game. -</p> - -<p> -A huge smoking torch fixed in the earth lighted up the pleased or -disappointed faces, and cast an uncertain, flickering light upon the -features of the others, with their contrasted expressions, which we have -tried to describe and sketch in the half-darkness. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel raised his head, as poor Malemort uttered a more dolorous groan -than usual, and said to his squire,— -</p> - -<p> -"Martin-Guerre, what time is it now?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, I can't tell very accurately," Martin replied, for this -stormy night has put out all the stars; "but I imagine that it is not -far from six o'clock, for it has been dark more than an hour." -</p> - -<p> -"The surgeon promised to come at six o'clock, did he not?" -</p> - -<p> -"At six precisely, Monseigneur. See, some one raises the curtain; yes, -there he is." -</p> - -<p> -Vicomte d'Exmès cast his eyes upon the new arrival, and recognized him -at the first glance. He had seen him but once before; but the surgeon's -face was one of those which when once seen are never forgotten. -</p> - -<p> -"Master Ambroise Paré!" cried Gabriel, rising. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès!" said Paré, with a low bow. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Master, I had no idea you were in camp, and so near us!" said -Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"I try always to be where I can be of the most service," the surgeon -responded. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I recognize your noble heart in that! and I am doubly glad that you -are here to-day, for I need to avail myself of your knowledge and -skill." -</p> - -<p> -"Not for yourself, I trust," said Ambroise Paré. "Of whom do you -speak?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is one of my people," said Gabriel. "This morning, while charging in -a sort of frenzy upon the retreating English, he received a lance-thrust -in the shoulder from one of them." -</p> - -<p> -"In the shoulder? It may not be a very serious matter, then," said the -surgeon. -</p> - -<p> -"I am afraid it is, however," said Gabriel, in a lower tone; "for one of -the wounded man's comrades, Scharfenstein there, tried in such a rough -and awkward fashion to pull out the lance-head that he broke it off, and -the iron remained in the wound." -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré's face for a moment assumed an expression which augured -ill for the sufferer. -</p> - -<p> -"Let me see him," he said, with his accustomed calmness. -</p> - -<p> -He was conducted to the patient's bed. All the veterans had risen and -surrounded the surgeon, each one abandoning his game or his reckoning or -whatever he was engaged in. Lactance alone continued to mumble his beads -in his corner; for when doing penance for his doughty deeds he never -allowed himself to be interrupted except to perform others. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré removed the bandages in which Malemort's shoulder was -enveloped, and examined the wound very carefully. He shook his head -doubtfully, as if in dissatisfaction, but said aloud,— -</p> - -<p> -"This is nothing." -</p> - -<p> -"Ho, ho!" grumbled Malemort. "If it is nothing, can I go and fight again -to-morrow?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't think so," said Ambroise Paré, probing the wound. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! you hurt me a bit, did you know it?" said Malemort. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I suppose I do," was the surgeon's reply; "but courage, my -friend!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I am brave enough," said Malemort. "After all, this has been -tolerable so far. Will it be much worse when you have to extract that -infernal piece of iron?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, for here it is," said Ambroise Paré, triumphant, holding up, so -that Malemort could see, the lance-head he had succeeded in removing. -</p> - -<p> -"I am very much obliged, Monsieur le Chirurgien," said Malemort, -courteously. -</p> - -<p> -A murmur of admiring wonder welcomed the masterly skill of Ambroise -Paré. -</p> - -<p> -"What! is it all over?" said Gabriel. "Why, it's perfectly marvellous." -</p> - -<p> -"We must agree too," rejoined Ambroise, smiling, "that the wounded man -was not afraid of pain." -</p> - -<p> -"Nor the operator unskilful, by the Mass!" cried a new-comer behind the -soldiers, whose entrance nobody had noticed amid the general anxiety. -</p> - -<p> -But at the well-known voice all stood aside respectfully. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Duc de Guise!" said Paré, recognizing the features of the -commander-in-chief. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Master," rejoined the new-comer, "Monsieur de Guise; and I am -amazed and delighted with your superb skill. By my patron, Saint -François, I have just been watching at the hospital some downright -blockheads of doctors, who have done more harm to our soldiers with -their instruments, I swear, than the English with their weapons. But you -extracted this iron stake, upon my word, as easily and gently as if it -had been a gray hair. And I do not know you! What is your name, Master?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ambroise Paré, Monseigneur," said the surgeon. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Master Ambroise Paré," said the duke, "I promise you that your -fortune is made,—on one condition, however." -</p> - -<p> -"And may I know what the condition is, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"That if I get wounded or bruised, which is very possible, especially in -these days, you will take charge of me and treat me with as little -ceremony as you showed this poor devil." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, I will do it," said Ambroise, bowing. "All men are equal -in suffering." -</p> - -<p> -"Hum!" rejoined François de Lorraine, "you will try, in the case I have -mentioned to you, that they may be equal also in the matter of being -cured." -</p> - -<p> -"Will Monseigneur permit me now," said the surgeon, "to close and -bandage this man's wound? There are many other wounded men who are in -need of my services to-day." -</p> - -<p> -"Do so, Master Ambroise Paré," the duke replied. "Go on without paying -any more heed to me. I am in haste to see you on your way to deliver as -many patients as possible from the hands of our cursed bunglers. -Besides, I must speak with Monsieur d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré at once set about dressing Malemort's wound. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Chirurgien, I thank you again," said the patient; "but if -you will excuse me, I have still another favor to ask of you." -</p> - -<p> -"What is that, my fine fellow?" asked Ambroise. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, it's like this, Monsieur le Chirurgien," said Malemort. "Now that -I can no longer feel that horrible stump in my flesh, it seems to me as -if I were almost well." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, almost," said Ambroise, pressing the ligatures together. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then," said Malemort, in a modest but unembarrassed tone, "will -you be kind enough to say to my master, Monsieur d'Exmès, that if there -is any fighting to-morrow, I am in perfectly fit condition to take part -in it!" -</p> - -<p> -"You fight to-morrow!" cried Ambroise Paré. "Ah! you must not think of -it!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I beg your pardon, but I can't help thinking of it," rejoined -Malemort, sadly. -</p> - -<p> -"My poor fellow," said the surgeon, "just remember that I order a week -of perfect rest,—at least a week in bed, and a week of light diet!" -</p> - -<p> -"Light diet, so far as food is concerned, if you please," said Malemort, -"but not abstinence from battle, I beg you." -</p> - -<p> -"You are insane!" resumed Ambroise Paré; "if you but raise your head, -the fever will seize you, and you will be a dead man. I said a week, and -I will not take off an hour." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh!" roared Malemort, "in a week the siege will be at an end. I shall -never get my fill of fighting." -</p> - -<p> -"What a blood-thirsty fellow he is!" said the Duc de Guise, who had been -listening to this singular dialogue. -</p> - -<p> -"That is Malemort all over," said Gabriel, smiling; "and I beg you, -Monseigneur, to give orders to have him taken to the hospital, and -carefully watched there; for if he hears the noise of a mêlée, he is -quite capable of trying to get out of bed, in spite of everything." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well, that's a very simple matter," said the Duc de Guise. "Give -orders yourself to his comrades to carry him there." -</p> - -<p> -"But, Monseigneur," Gabriel rejoined with some embarrassment, "it is -quite possible that I shall have work for my brave fellows to do -to-night." -</p> - -<p> -"Oho!" said the duke, looking in surprise at Vicomte d'Exmès. -</p> - -<p> -"If Monsieur d'Exmès wishes," said Ambroise Paré, who had drawn near -them after he had dressed the wound, "I will send two of my assistants -with a litter to take this wounded fire-eater away." -</p> - -<p> -"I am very much obliged to you, and gladly accept your offer; I commend -him to your most watchful care," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -Malemort gave vent to another despairing roar. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré withdrew, having taken leave of the Duc de Guise. At a -sign from Martin-Guerre, all but Monsieur d'Exmès retired to the -farther end of the tent, and Gabriel was left tête-a-tête with the -general directing the siege. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap16"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XVI -<br /><br /> -SMALL CRAFT SOMETIMES SAVE LARGE MEN-OF-WAR</h4> - -<p> -When Vicomte d'Exmès was left alone with the Duc de Guise, he began the -conversation thus,— -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Monseigneur, are you content?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, my friend," François de Lorraine replied,—"yes, I am content -with the results so far attained, but I confess I am very anxious as to -the future. It was this anxiety which drove me out of my tent to-night -to wander about the camp, and come to you for encouragement and advice." -</p> - -<p> -"But what is there new?" asked Gabriel. "I should imagine that the -result so far has surpassed all your anticipations, has it not? In four -days you have made yourself master of two of the outworks of Calais; -besides, the defenders of the city itself and the Old Château cannot -hold out more than forty-eight hours longer." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true," said the duke; "but they can hold out that length of time, -and that will be quite long enough to foil all our plans, and save -themselves." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur must allow me to express my doubts of that," said -Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"No, my friend, my long experience does not mislead me," rejoined the -Duc de Guise; "except for some unexpected piece of good fortune, or some -occurrence beyond human foresight, our undertaking has failed. Believe -me when I say this." -</p> - -<p> -"But why?" asked Gabriel, with a smile, which contrasted strangely with -the gloomy prognostications of the duke. -</p> - -<p> -"I will tell you in two words, upon the basis of your own plan. Listen -carefully to what I say." -</p> - -<p> -"I am all attention," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"The extraordinarily hazardous experiment into which your youthful -enthusiasm seduced my more cautious ambition," continued the duke, "had -no possible chance of success except in the isolation and complete -surprise of the English garrison. Calais was impregnable, we were -agreed, but might be taken by surprise. We reasoned out our insane -enterprise along that line, did we not?" -</p> - -<p> -"And up to the present moment," was Gabriel's reply, "the facts have -borne us out in our reasoning." -</p> - -<p> -"They have indeed," said the duke; "and you have demonstrated, Gabriel, -that your judgment of men is as keen and far-seeing as your perception -of facts; and that you had studied the disposition and character of the -governor of Calais as carefully as the interior plan of his seat of -government. Lord Wentworth has not belied a single one of your -conjectures. He believed that his nine hundred men and his formidable -outposts would suffice to make us repent of our reckless freak. He -despised us too much to be alarmed, and did not deign to call a single -company to his assistance, either from any other part of the continent -or from England." -</p> - -<p> -"I did indeed succeed in conjecturing how his arrogant pride would -comport itself under such circumstances." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks to his overweening self-conceit," resumed the Duc de Guise, "we -carried Fort Ste. Agathe almost without striking a blow, and the -Nieullay fort after three days of successful fighting." -</p> - -<p> -"So that at this moment," said Gabriel, cheerfully, "any bodies of -English or Spaniards, coming by land to the rescue of their countrymen -or their allies, will find the batteries of the Duc de Guise ready to -exterminate them, instead of Lord Wentworth's cannon to second their -assault." -</p> - -<p> -"They will be on their guard, and will not approach very near," said the -duke, smiling; for the young man's buoyant hopefulness was beginning to -infect him. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, have we not gained an important point?" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"No doubt, no doubt," replied the duke; "but unfortunately it is not -all, nor is it even the most important part. We have closed one of the -roads by which outside reinforcements might enter Calais, and one of the -gates of the city. But another gate and another road are still open." -</p> - -<p> -"What one, pray, Monseigneur?" asked Gabriel, pretending to be in doubt. -</p> - -<p> -"Cast your eye upon this map, drawn by Maréchal Strozzi, from the plan -you furnished him," said the commander-in-chief. "Calais may be relieved -at these two opposite points,—by the Nieullay fort, which covers the -approaches on the landward side—" -</p> - -<p> -"But which covers them for our benefit now," Gabriel interrupted. -</p> - -<p> -"Very true," rejoined the duke; "but here on the ocean side, protected -by the sea itself, by the marshes and sand-dunes, is the Risbank fort, -do you see?—or if you choose to call it so, the Octagonal -Tower,—a fort which commands the whole harbor, and makes it -impossible for attacking vessels to enter. Let an express be sent to -Dover, and in a few hours the English ships will transport hither enough -troops and supplies to enable the place to hold out for years. Thus the -Risbank fort protects the city, and the sea protects the Risbank fort. -Now, Gabriel, do you know what Lord Wentworth has done since his last -misfortune?" -</p> - -<p> -"Perfectly well," rejoined Vicomte d'Exmès, calmly. "Lord Wentworth, -acting upon the unanimous opinion of his council, has sent an express in -hot haste to Dover, to make up for his culpable delay, and expects to -receive by this time to-morrow the reinforcements of which he has at -last admitted the need." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, you have not finished?" said Monsieur de Guise. -</p> - -<p> -"I confess, Monseigneur, that I cannot look ahead much further," replied -Gabriel. "I have not the prescience of God." -</p> - -<p> -"No more than human prescience is needed here," said François de -Lorraine; "but since yours stops halfway, I will finish for you." -</p> - -<p> -"I should be glad if Monseigneur would condescend to tell me what will -ensue, in his opinion," said Gabriel, bowing respectfully. -</p> - -<p> -"It is very simple," said Monsieur de Guise. "The besieged, reinforced, -if need be, by all England, will be enabled after to-morrow to face us -at the Old Château with a superior force, if not an absolutely -invincible one. If, notwithstanding, we still maintain our position, -every Spaniard and Englishman in France will come down upon us here in -the suburbs of Calais like the winter's snow from Ardres and Ham and St. -Quentin; and when they decide that their numbers are sufficient, they -will take their turn at besieging us. I agree that they will not be able -to take the Nieullay fort without some difficulty; but they will easily -repossess themselves of Fort Ste. Agathe, and then they will have us at -their mercy between two fires." -</p> - -<p> -"Such a catastrophe would indeed be terrible," said Gabriel, coolly. -</p> - -<p> -"Yet it is only too likely to happen," rejoined the duke, passing his -hand despondently over his brow. -</p> - -<p> -"But surely, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, "you have not failed to -consider the means of preventing such a disaster?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am thinking of nothing else, upon my soul!" said the Duc de Guise. -</p> - -<p> -"Well?" asked Gabriel, carelessly. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, our only chance,—and a very precarious and hopeless chance it -is, alas!—is, in my opinion, to make a desperate assault upon the Old -Château to-morrow, under any circumstances. Nothing will be in -readiness, I am aware, even though we were to pass the whole night in -most assiduous and unremitting labor. But there is no other course for -us to take; and it is less foolhardy than it would be for us to await -the arrival of reinforcements from England. The 'French fury,' as they -call it in Italy, may possibly succeed, by dint of its extraordinary -impetuosity, in storming these inaccessible walls." -</p> - -<p> -"No, it will be helplessly shattered against them," rejoined Gabriel, -coldly. "Pardon me, Monseigneur, but it seems to me that at this moment -the French army is neither sufficiently strong nor sufficiently weak -thus to attempt the impossible. A fearful responsibility rests upon you, -Monseigneur. It is probable that we should be finally beaten back after -we had lost half of our force. What does the Duc de Guise mean to do in -that event?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not to expose himself to total ruin, to a complete overthrow, at all -events," said François de Lorraine, gloomily; "but to withdraw from -before these cursed walls with such troops as I have left, and save them -until better days dawn for our king and country." -</p> - -<p> -"What, the victor of Metz and Renty retreat!" cried Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"That is certainly much better than not knowing when one is beaten, as -was the case with the constable on the day of St. Laurent," said the Duc -de Guise. -</p> - -<p> -"And yet," continued Gabriel, "it would be a disastrous blow to the -glory of France, as well as to Monseigneur's reputation." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! who knows that so well as I?" exclaimed the duke. "See upon what -slender threads depend success and fortune! If I had succeeded, I should -have been a hero, a transcendent genius, a demigod; I fail, and I shall -be henceforth only a vain and presumptuous fool, who well deserved the -disgrace of his fall. The self-same undertaking which would have been -called magnificent and marvellous, had it turned out happily, will draw -upon me the ridicule of all Europe, and postpone if it does not destroy -in the germ all my plans and hopes. To what do the paltry ambitions of -this world lead!" -</p> - -<p> -The duke ceased to speak, apparently a prey to bitter chagrin. There was -a long silence, which Gabriel was very careful not to break. -</p> - -<p> -He desired to give Monsieur de Guise ample opportunity to gauge the -terrible difficulties of the crisis with his experienced eye. -</p> - -<p> -When he considered that the duke must have probed them to the bottom, he -said,— -</p> - -<p> -"I see, Monseigneur, that you are at present involved in one of those -periods of doubt and anxiety which come to the greatest of men in the -midst of their greatest works. One word, however: Surely no such lofty -genius, no such consummate general, as he to whom I have the honor of -speaking, could have lightly engaged in so momentous an enterprise as -this, unless the smallest details, the most unlikely contingencies, had -all been discussed at the Louvre. You must have worked out in advance -favorable results for all possible sudden changes of fortune, and -remedies for all possible ills. How does it happen, then, that you are -hesitating and seeking anew for them now?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>!" said the Duc de Guise, "your youthful enthusiasm and -confidence fascinated and blinded me, I believe, Gabriel." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur!" said Gabriel, reproachfully. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, don't feel wounded, I beg, for I bear you no ill-will for it, my -friend! I still admire your design, which was both a grand and a -patriotic one. But stern reality is very fond of destroying our fairest -dreams. Nevertheless, I remember distinctly that I laid before you -certain objections, founded upon the possibility of this very extremity -to which we are now reduced, and that you removed my scruples." -</p> - -<p> -"And how, Monseigneur, please?" -</p> - -<p> -"You promised me," said the Duc de Guise, "that if we succeeded in a few -days in gaining possession of the two forts of Ste. Agathe and Nieullay, -the secret arrangement that you had with persons in the town would place -the Risbank fort in our hands, and thus Calais might be shut off from -all hope of reinforcement by sea or land. Yes, Gabriel, I remember, and -you must remember yourself, that you gave me that assurance." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well!" said Gabriel, without the least symptom of anxiety or -embarrassment. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," rejoined the duke, "your hopes deceived you, did they not? Your -friends in Calais have failed to keep their word, as was to be expected. -They are evidently not yet certain of our success, and are timid; -consequently they will not show themselves until it is too late to do us -any good." -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me, Monseigneur, but who told you that?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, your very silence, my dear fellow. The time has come when our -secret allies ought to come to our assistance, in which event they might -perhaps save us. They give no sign, and your lips are sealed; therefore -I conclude that you no longer rely upon them, and that we must renounce -all hope of succor from that quarter." -</p> - -<p> -"If you knew me better, Monseigneur," was Gabriel's response, "you would -know that I never like to talk when I can act." -</p> - -<p> -"What's that? Do you still have hopes?" asked the Duc de Guise. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur, since I am still living," Gabriel replied, in a grave -and melancholy tone. -</p> - -<p> -"And the Risbank fort?" -</p> - -<p> -"Shall be in your hands when necessary, unless I am dead." -</p> - -<p> -"But, Gabriel, it will be necessary to-morrow,—to-morrow morning!" -</p> - -<p> -"Then we shall have it to-morrow morning!" replied Gabriel, -calmly,—"that is, I say again, unless I fall; but in that event you -cannot reproach one who has given his life in the attempt for his -failure to keep his word." -</p> - -<p> -"Gabriel," said the Duc de Guise, "what is it that you have in mind to -do? Is it to face some mortal peril or to hazard some insane chance? I -do not wish it; I do not wish it! France is only too much in need of -such men as you." -</p> - -<p> -"Be not at all alarmed, Monseigneur," rejoined Gabriel. "Though the -danger be great, the end to be attained is even greater, and the -enterprise is well worth the risk which attends it. You need only think -how to profit by the result, and leave the means to me. I am only -responsible for myself; but you are responsible for every man in the -army." -</p> - -<p> -"At least tell me what I can do to second your plan?" said the duke. -"What part have you assigned to me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur," Gabriel replied, "if you had not done me the honor to -come to my tent this evening, it was my intention to seek you in your -own quarters, and to make a request." -</p> - -<p> -"Go on,—speak!" said the duke, earnestly. -</p> - -<p> -"To-morrow, the 5th of the month, at daybreak, Monseigneur,—that -is to say, about eight o'clock, the nights being very long in -January,—I ask you to station a look-out with keen sight on the -promontory from which the Risbank fort can be seen. If the English flag -is still waving there at that time, take the chances of the desperate -assault you have resolved upon, for I shall have failed; in other words, -I shall be dead." -</p> - -<p> -"Dead!" cried the duke. "You see, Gabriel, that you are fearing your own -destruction." -</p> - -<p> -"In that event, waste no time in vain regrets for me, Monseigneur," said -the youth; "only let everything be in readiness, and devote all your -energy to your last effort; and I pray God to give you means of success! -Let every man share in the attack! The reinforcements from England -cannot possibly arrive before noon; therefore you will have jour hours -of heroism before you in which to prove, ere you beat the retreat, that -the French are as fearless as they are prudent." -</p> - -<p> -"But, Gabriel, assure me again that you have some chance of success." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, indeed I have; be sure of that, Monseigneur. Therefore wait calmly -and patiently, like the strong man that you are. Do not give the word -too quickly for a headlong assault; I beg of you not to stake all upon -that cast until it is actually necessary. Last of all, you need only -keep Maréchal Strozzi and the miners quietly at work on the siege -lines; and let your soldiers and artillerymen await the favorable moment -for an assault, if at eight o'clock you are informed that the standard -of France is flying over the Risbank fort." -</p> - -<p> -"The standard of France over the Risbank fort!" cried the duke. -</p> - -<p> -"A glance at it in such position," rejoined Gabriel, "will cause the -ships on their way from England to retrace their steps without loss of -time." -</p> - -<p> -"I agree with you there," said Monsieur de Guise. "But, my dear friend, -how will you do it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Let me keep my secret, I implore you, Monseigneur," said Gabriel. "If -you knew my extraordinary design, you might perhaps try to dissuade me -from it. But it is no longer time to reflect and hesitate. Moreover, in -all this I neither compromise the army nor yourself. These men here, the -only ones whom I propose to employ, are all my own volunteers, and you -agreed to leave me free to do as I would with them. I propose to -accomplish my purpose unaided, or to die in the attempt." -</p> - -<p> -"But why this pride?" asked the duke. -</p> - -<p> -"It is not pride, Monseigneur; but I wish to requite as well as I can -the priceless favor which you were good enough to promise me at Paris, -and which I trust you remember." -</p> - -<p> -"What priceless favor are you talking about, Gabriel?" said the duke. "I -am supposed to have a good memory, especially where my friends are -concerned; but I am ashamed to confess that in this instance I do not -remember." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! Monseigneur," Gabriel rejoined, "it is a very important matter -for me, however! This is what I asked of you: if it should be proved to -your satisfaction that in the execution as well as the conception of the -project, the taking of Calais was due to me, and to me alone, I begged -you not to give me the credit in public, for that credit would belong to -you, as leader of the expedition, but simply to announce to King Henri -II. the share which I had had under your orders in the conquest. You -then graciously allowed me to hope that reward would be accorded -me." -</p> - -<p> -"What! Is that the invaluable favor to which you allude, Gabriel?" asked -the duke. "The deuce take me if I thought of that! But, my dear fellow, -that will be no reward whatever, but a simple act of justice; and in -secret or in public, as you choose, I shall be ever ready and willing to -recognize and bear witness as I ought to your services and your -deserts." -</p> - -<p> -"My ambition does not go beyond what I have asked, Monseigneur," said -Gabriel. "If the king be informed of my efforts, he has it in his power -to bestow upon me a reward which would be worth more to me than all the -honor and good fortune in the world." -</p> - -<p> -"The king shall know all that you may have done for him, Gabriel. But -can I do nothing more for you!" -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed, Monseigneur, I have one or two other demands to make upon your -good-will." -</p> - -<p> -"Tell me," said the duke. -</p> - -<p> -"In the first place," said Gabriel, "I must have the countersign, so -that I may be able to leave camp with my people at any hour of the night -I choose." -</p> - -<p> -"You have only to say 'Calais and Charles,' and the sentinels will allow -you to pass." -</p> - -<p> -"Then, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, "if I fall, and your assault -succeeds, I venture to remind you that Madame Diane de Castro, the -king's daughter, is Lord Wentworth's prisoner, and has an indisputable -claim upon your courteous protection." -</p> - -<p> -"I will remember my duty as a man and a gentleman," rejoined the duke. -"And then?" -</p> - -<p> -"Lastly, Monseigneur, I am about to contract to-night a considerable -debt to a fisherman of this coast, named Anselme. If Anselme dies with -me, I have written to Master Elyot, who has charge of my property, to -provide for the maintenance and well-being of his family, deprived as -they will be of his support. But for greater security, Monseigneur, I -would be deeply obliged if you would see that my orders are executed." -</p> - -<p> -"It shall be done," said the duke. "Is that all?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is, Monseigneur," Gabriel replied. "But if you never see me again, -think of me sometimes, I beg, with a little regret, and speak of me as -one for whom you had some esteem, whether it be to the king, who will -surely be glad to hear of my death, or to Madame de Castro, who may -perhaps be grieved. Now I will detain you no longer, but will bid you -hire well, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -The Duc de Guise rose to go. -</p> - -<p> -"Pray banish your gloomy thoughts, my friend," said he. "I leave you, so -that you may be perfectly free to go on with your mysterious project; -but I confess that until eight o'clock to-morrow, I shall be very -anxious and shall find it hard to sleep. But it will be principally -because of the obscurity which hides your operations from me. Something -tells me that I shall see you again; therefore I will not say adieu." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks for the augury, Monseigneur," said Gabriel; "for if you see me -again, it will be in Calais when it shall have become a French city." -</p> - -<p> -"And in that event," said the duke, "you can fairly boast of having -rescued the honor of France, and mine as well, from bitter peril." -</p> - -<p> -"Small craft, Monseigneur, sometimes save large men-of-war," said -Gabriel, bowing. -</p> - -<p> -The Duc de Guise, at the door of the tent, gave Gabriel's hand a cordial -grasp, and withdrew in deep thought to his headquarters. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap17"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XVII -<br /><br /> -OBSCURI SOLA SUB NOCTE</h4> - -<p> -When Gabriel returned to his seat after escorting Monsieur de Guise to -the door, he made a sign to Martin-Guerre, who at once left his -occupation and went out, seeming to need no further instructions. -</p> - -<p> -The squire came back after about fifteen minutes, accompanied by a pale, -emaciated individual, whose clothes were almost falling from his body. -</p> - -<p> -Martin approached his master, who was again absorbed in thought. The -other occupants of the tent were playing or sleeping, as their fancy -dictated. -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur," said Martin-Guerre, "this is our man." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes!" said Gabriel; "so you are Anselme the fisherman, of whom -Martin-Guerre has spoken to me?" he added, turning to the new-comer. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur, I am Anselme the fisherman," was the reply. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you know the service in which we desire your aid?" asked Vicomte -d'Exmès. -</p> - -<p> -"Your squire has told me, Monseigneur; and I am ready." -</p> - -<p> -"Martin-Guerre ought also to have told you," continued Gabriel, "that in -this expedition your life will be in danger as will our own." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," rejoined the fisherman, "he had no need to tell me that; for I -knew it as well as he, or even better." -</p> - -<p> -"And still you came?" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Here I am, at your service," Anselme replied. -</p> - -<p> -"Very good, my friend; it is the deed of a noble heart." -</p> - -<p> -"Or of a hopeless existence," was the response. -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean by that?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, by our Lady!" said Anselme. "Every day I take my life in my hand -for the sake of bringing home a few fish, and very often I come home -empty-handed. So there is very little merit in risking my tanned skin -for you to-day, when you promise, whether I live or die, to care for the -future welfare of my wife and my three children." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true," said Gabriel; "but the danger that you face every day is -uncertain, and hidden from you in a measure. You never go to sea during -a gale. But this time the risk is perceptible and unmistakable." -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed," replied the fisherman, "it is perfectly certain that one must -be a madman or a saint, to venture upon the water on such a night as -this. But that is your affair; and it is not for me to find fault, if -you choose to do it. You have paid me in advance for my boat and my -body. But you will owe the Holy Virgin a fine candle of pure wax if we -arrive safe and sound." -</p> - -<p> -"Even when we have arrived, Anselme," Gabriel resumed, "your labors are -not at an end. Having rowed us safely across, you will be called upon to -fight, and do a soldier's work after having done duty as a sailor. Don't -forget that you are about to incur dangers of two sorts." -</p> - -<p> -"It's all right," said Anselme; "but don't be too discouraging in what -you say. Your orders shall be obeyed. You guarantee the lives of those -who are dear to me, and I give you mine. The bargain is struck, and let -us say no more about it." -</p> - -<p> -"You are a brave fellow!" said Gabriel. "As to your wife and children, -let your mind be quite easy; for they shall want for nothing. I have -written to my agent Elyot my wishes on that point; and Monsieur le Duc -de Guise will himself see that they are carried out." -</p> - -<p> -"That is more than you were called upon to do," said the fisherman; "and -you are more generous than a king. I will play no tricks with you. You -need only have given me sufficient money to relieve me from -embarrassment during these hard times, and I would have expected nothing -further. But if I am satisfied with you, I hope that you will not be -disappointed in me." -</p> - -<p> -"Let us see," said Gabriel; "will your boat hold fourteen?" -</p> - -<p> -"She has held twenty, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"You will need strong arms to help you row, will you not?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, indeed," said Anselme; "for I shall have my hands full with the -helm and the sail, if we can carry sail." -</p> - -<p> -"We have three men," said Martin-Guerre,—"Ambrosio, Pilletrousse, and -Landry,—who can row as if they had never done anything else in their -lives, and I myself can swim with a pair of oars as easily as with my -arms." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, well," said Anselme, joyously, "I shall quite have the appearance -of a smart sea-captain with so many fine fellows in my crew! There is -one point on which Master Martin has thus far left me in ignorance, and -that is the precise spot where we are to land." -</p> - -<p> -"The Risbank fort," Gabriel replied. -</p> - -<p> -"The Risbank fort! Did you say the Risbank fort?" cried the stupefied -fisherman. -</p> - -<p> -"Certainly I did," said Gabriel; "what objection have you to offer to -that?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, nothing," rejoined Anselme, "except that it is hardly possible to -land at that point, and that I personally have never cast anchor there. -It's nothing but rocks." -</p> - -<p> -"Do you refuse to guide us?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"My faith! no; I will do my best, though I am but little acquainted with -that part of the coast. My father, who like myself was born a fisherman, -used to say; 'We must not try to lord it over fish or customers.' I will -take you to the Risbank fort if I can. A nice little trip we shall -have!" -</p> - -<p> -"At what hour must we be ready to start?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"You want to reach there at four, I believe?" returned Anselme. -</p> - -<p> -"Between four and five; no later." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well! from the point where we must embark so as not to be seen and -arouse suspicion, we must reckon upon two hours of sailing; the most -important thing is not to tire ourselves unnecessarily on the water. -From here to the creek is about an hour's march." -</p> - -<p> -"Then we should leave the camp about one hour after midnight?" said -Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"That will be about right," Anselme replied. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, I will go and tell my men," said Gabriel. "Do so, -Monseigneur," said the fisherman. "I will ask your leave to lie down -with them and sleep until one o'clock. I have said farewell at home; the -boat is already carefully hidden and safely moored, so that I have -nothing to call me away." -</p> - -<p> -"You are quite right, Anselme," said Gabriel; "lie down for awhile, for -you will have enough to tire you before this night is over. -Martin-Guerre, you may tell your companions now." -</p> - -<p> -"Ho, there, you fellows! You gamblers and sleepy heads!" cried -Martin-Guerre. -</p> - -<p> -"What is it? What's the matter?" they cried, rising and drawing near. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank Monseigneur; for there is a special expedition on foot for one -o'clock," said Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"Good! very good! splendid!" was the hearty chorus of the veterans. -</p> - -<p> -Even Malemort added his joyful shout to these unequivocal demonstrations -of satisfaction. -</p> - -<p> -But at that very moment four of Ambroise Paré's assistants appeared to -carry the wounded man to the hospital. -</p> - -<p> -Malemort was loud in his protestations. -</p> - -<p> -But notwithstanding his cries and struggles, they put him upon a litter -and held him there. In vain did he pour most bitter reproaches upon his -comrades, even calling them deserters and traitors, since they were -despicable enough to go into battle without him. No notice was taken of -his epithets; and he was carried off cursing and swearing. -</p> - -<p> -"How," said Martin-Guerre, "we must make our final arrangements, and -assign to every man the part he is to play and his position." -</p> - -<p> -"What sort of job have we on hand?" asked Pilletrousse. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, a sort of assault," replied Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"Then I will be the first one to scale the wall!" cried Yvonnet. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," said the squire. -</p> - -<p> -"No, that isn't fair!" exclaimed Ambrosio. "Yvonnet always monopolizes -the first place in times of danger. Really, it seems as if he thinks of -nobody but himself." -</p> - -<p> -"Let him have his way," said Gabriel, interposing. "In the hazardous -ascent that we are about to make, the foremost will be the least -exposed, I imagine. As a proof of my belief, I propose myself to be the -last to ascend." -</p> - -<p> -"Then Yvonnet will be cheated," cried Ambrosio, laughing. -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre assigned to each man his place in the order of march, as -well as his number in the boat and in the assault. Ambrosio, -Pilletrousse, and Landry were notified that they would have to row. In -fact, everything that could be was arranged beforehand, so as to avoid -confusion and misunderstanding as far as possible. -</p> - -<p> -Lactance took Martin-Guerre aside for a moment. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me," said he; "but do you imagine there is any killing to be -done?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am not sure; but it is very possible," Martin replied. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks," returned Lactance; "in that case I think I will say my prayers -and do penance in advance for three or four dead men and as many -wounded." -</p> - -<p> -When everything was settled, Gabriel advised his men to obtain an hour -or two of sleep. He undertook to awaken them himself when it was time. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I shall be glad to get a little sleep," said Yvonnet; "for my poor -nerves are terribly excited this evening, and I need above all things to -be cool and fresh when I am fighting." -</p> - -<p> -In a few moments not a sound was to be heard within the tent save the -regular breathing of the veterans and the monotonous <i>Pater nosters</i> -of Lactance. -</p> - -<p> -Soon the last-mentioned noise also ceased, for drowsiness had at last -overcome Lactance, and he too was asleep. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel alone was awake and deep in thought. -</p> - -<p> -Toward one o'clock he awoke his men one by one. They all rose and -equipped themselves in silence. Then they went softly from the tent and -left the camp. -</p> - -<p> -At the words, 'Calais and Charles,' uttered in a low voice by Gabriel, -the sentinels allowed them to pass unquestioned. -</p> - -<p> -The little band, under the guidance of Anselme the fisherman, took its -way through the fields, along the shore. Not a word was uttered. Nothing -was to be heard save the moaning of the wind, and the melancholy voice -of the sea in the distance. -</p> - -<p> -It was a dark and stormy night. Not a soul was to be seen along the road -traversed by our adventurers. Even if they had met any one, it was more -than probable that they would have passed unnoticed; but had they been -seen, they would certainly have been mistaken for phantoms at that hour -and in such darkness. -</p> - -<p> -Within the city, there was also one man who at that hour was still -awake. -</p> - -<p> -It was Lord Wentworth, the governor, although, relying upon the -reinforcements for which he had sent to Dover as being sure to arrive on -the morrow, he had retired to his own house, hoping to obtain some rest. -</p> - -<p> -He had not slept, in truth, for three days, exposing himself -continually, it must be said, at the points of greatest danger with -untiring gallantry, and was always to be found wherever his presence was -required. -</p> - -<p> -On the evening of January 4 he had paid a visit to the breach of the Old -Château, had personally posted the sentinels, and had reviewed the -civic militia, who were intrusted with the simple duty of defending the -Risbank fort. -</p> - -<p> -But notwithstanding his intense weariness, and although everything was -secure and quiet, he could not sleep. -</p> - -<p> -A vague dread, absurd but not to be driven away, kept his eyes wide open -as he lay on his bed. -</p> - -<p> -Yet all his precautions were well taken; the enemy could not possibly -venture upon a night attack, relying upon so trifling a breach as that -in the Old Château. As for the other points, they would protect -themselves with the aid of the swamp and the ocean. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth said all this to himself a thousand times, and yet he -could not sleep. -</p> - -<p> -He seemed to feel something floating in the night air about the city -which told him of a terrible danger from an invisible foe. -</p> - -<p> -In his disordered fancy that enemy was not Maréchal Strozzi, nor the -Duc de Nevers; it was not even the great François do Guise. -</p> - -<p> -What! Could it be that it was his former prisoner, whom his bitter -enmity had enabled him to recognize several times in the distance from -the summit of the fortifications? Was it really that madman. Vicomte -d'Exmès, Madame de Castro's lover? -</p> - -<p> -What a ridiculous adversary for the governor of Calais in his strong -city, still so impregnably guarded! -</p> - -<p> -However, Lord Wentworth, whatever the reason may have been, could -neither overcome this indefinable dread nor explain it. -</p> - -<p> -But he felt its presence, and he could not sleep. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap18"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTERXVIII -<br /><br /> -BETWEEN TWO CHASMS</h4> - -<p> -The Risbank fort, which on account of its eight faces was also called -the Octagonal Tower, was built, as we have said, at the entrance of -Calais Harbor, in front of the sand-dunes; and its black and frowning -mass of granite towered aloft upon another mass, as forbidding and quite -as colossal, of solid cliff. -</p> - -<p> -The sea, when the tide was high, broke against the cliff, but never -touched the lowest courses of the stone walls of the fort. -</p> - -<p> -Now, the sea was running very high and very threateningly on the night -of the 4th of January, 1558, and toward four o'clock in the morning of -the 5th it gave forth that resounding but mournful moaning which makes -it resemble an ever restless and despairing soul. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly, a short time after the sentinel who was stationed upon the -platform of the tower from two o'clock to four had been relieved by him -whose tour of duty ran from four to six, a sound like a human cry, as if -uttered by lungs of brass, made itself distinctly heard amid the -tempest, over the moaning of the sea. -</p> - -<p> -Then the newly arrived sentry might have been seen to start, listen -attentively, and lean his cross-bow against the wall, after he had made -sure of the source of this strange sound. Next, when he had satisfied -himself that no eye was upon him, he lifted, with a mighty arm, his -sentry-box from the rock, and drew from beneath it a pile of rope which -assumed the shape of a long knotted ladder, which he securely fastened -to the pieces of iron fixed in the battlements. -</p> - -<p> -Finally he attached the various pieces of rope firmly together, and -lowered them over the walls, when two heavy pieces of lead quickly -carried the ends down upon the rock on which the fort was built. -</p> - -<p> -The ladder was two hundred and twelve feet long, and the fort two -hundred and fifteen feet high. -</p> - -<p> -Scarcely had he completed his mysterious operation when the night patrol -appeared at the top of the steps leading to the platform. As the -sentinel was standing near his box, the patrol asked and received the -countersign, and passed on without noticing anything out of the regular -course. -</p> - -<p> -The sentinel, much relieved in his mind, anxiously awaited what was to -follow. It was already quarter past four. -</p> - -<p> -At the foot of the cliff was a boat manned by fourteen men, who, after -more than two hours of hard and almost superhuman labor, had succeeded -in reaching the Risbank fort. A wooden ladder was placed against the -cliff. It reached up to a sort of excavation in the rock, were five or -six men might stand at once. -</p> - -<p> -One by one, and in absolute silence, the bold adventurers mounted the -ladder from the boat, and without stopping at the excavation, continued -clambering up the cliff, using both their feet and hands, and taking -advantage of every inequality in the face of the rock. -</p> - -<p> -Their purpose was to reach the foot of the tower. But the darkness was -intense, and the rock slippery; their fingers were torn and bleeding, -and one of them lost his footing, and rolled helplessly down until he -fell into the sea. -</p> - -<p> -Luckily the last of the fourteen men was still in the boat, trying -vainly to make her fast before trusting himself to the ladder. -</p> - -<p> -The man who had fallen, and who had had the forethought and courage not -to utter a cry as he fell, swam vigorously toward the boat. The other -lent him a hand, and despite the pitching of the boat under his feet, -had the satisfaction of rescuing him safe and sound. -</p> - -<p> -"What! is it you, Martin-Guerre?" said he, thinking that he recognized -him in the darkness. -</p> - -<p> -"It is myself, I admit, Monseigneur," said the squire. -</p> - -<p> -"How came you to slip, bungler?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"It was much better that it should have happened to me than to another," -said Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"Why?" -</p> - -<p> -"Because anybody else would have made an outcry," replied Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, since you are here," said Gabriel, "help me pass this rope around -that great root. I very foolishly sent Anselme ahead with the others." -</p> - -<p> -"The root will not hold, Monseigneur," said Martin: "the least shock -will pull it up, and the boat will be destroyed and we shall be carried -away with it." -</p> - -<p> -"There is nothing else to be done," rejoined Gabriel; "so let us set -about it without more ado." -</p> - -<p> -When they had made the boat fast as well as they could, Gabriel said to -his squire,— -</p> - -<p> -"Come, up with you!" -</p> - -<p> -"After you, Monseigneur; otherwise who will hold the ladder?" -</p> - -<p> -"Go up, I tell you!" repeated Gabriel, stamping his foot impatiently. -</p> - -<p> -The time was not propitious for argument or formality. Martin-Guerre -mounted as far as the excavation in the cliff, and from that elevation -held the uprights of the ladder with all his strength while Gabriel -ascended in his turn. -</p> - -<p> -His foot was on the topmost round when a powerful wave struck the boat, -broke the rope, and carried ladder and skiff out to sea. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel would have been lost save for Martin, who, at the risk of dying -with him, leaned over the abyss with a motion quicker than thought, and -seized his master by the collar of his doublet; then, with all the -energy of despair, the brave fellow drew Gabriel up to where he was -standing on the rock, as unharmed as himself. -</p> - -<p> -"Now you have saved my life, my gallant Martin," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes; but the boat has gone," returned the squire. -</p> - -<p> -"Bah! As Anselme says, it is paid for," said Gabriel, with a -carelessness assumed to hide his anxiety. -</p> - -<p> -"That's very well!" said the cautious Martin-Guerre, shaking his head; -"but if your friend doesn't happen to be doing his turn of duty up -there, or if the ladder isn't hanging from the tower, or if it breaks -under our weight, or if the platform is occupied by a force stronger -than ours,—why, then all chance of retreat, all hope of safety, has -gone from us with that cursed boat." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, so much the better," said Gabriel; "for now we must succeed or -die." -</p> - -<p> -"So be it!" said Martin, with heroic simplicity. -</p> - -<p> -"Come!" Gabriel rejoined; "our companions ought already to be at the -foot of the tower, for I can no longer hear them. Be careful about your -footing this time, Martin, and never let go with one hand until you have -a firm hold with the other." -</p> - -<p> -"Never fear; I will do my best," said Martin. -</p> - -<p> -They began the perilous ascent; and after the lapse of ten minutes, -during which they had overcome innumerable difficulties and dangers, -they rejoined their twelve companions, who were anxiously awaiting them, -grouped together on the cliff at the foot of the Risbank fort. -</p> - -<p> -The third quarter past four had come and gone. Gabriel, with -inexpressible joy, spied the rope ladder hanging against the wall. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you see that, my friends?" he said, in a whisper, to his little -party. "We are expected up there. Thank God for it, for we can no longer -look behind; the sea has carried away our boat. So, forward, my brave -fellows; and may God protect us!" -</p> - -<p> -"Amen!" said Lactance, solemnly. -</p> - -<p> -Indeed it was necessary that these should be determined and resolute men -who stood around Gabriel at this crisis; for the enterprise, which had -been rash enough up to that point, seemed to become almost insane, and -yet not a man stirred at the terrible news that all hope of retreat had -been cut off. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, in the gloomy light which falls even from the darkest sky, -scanned their hardy features, and found them quite devoid of emotion. -</p> - -<p> -They all repeated after him,— -</p> - -<p> -"Forward!" -</p> - -<p> -"You remember the order agreed upon," said Gabriel: "you are to go -first, Yvonnet; then Martin-Guerre; then each one in his proper order -until it comes my turn; and I shall be the last to mount the ladder. The -ropes and knots are firmly fastened, I trust!" -</p> - -<p> -"The ropes are as strong as iron, Monseigneur," said Ambrosio; "we have -tried them, and they will bear thirty as safely as fourteen." -</p> - -<p> -"Go on, then, brave Yvonnet!" continued Gabriel; "you have by no means -the least dangerous part of the enterprise. Off you go, and be of good -heart!" -</p> - -<p> -"My courage never fails, Monseigneur," said Yvonnet, "especially when -the drums are beating and the guns roaring; but I confess that I am no -better accustomed to noiseless assaults than to swaying cordage; -therefore I am very glad to go first, so as to have the others behind -me." -</p> - -<p> -"A very modest reason for making sure of the post of honor!" said -Gabriel, who did not choose to enter upon a dangerous discussion. "Come, -no more excuses! Although the wind and sea drown our words, we must act -and not talk. Forward, Yvonnet! and remember that you must not stop to -rest until you reach the one hundred and fiftieth round. Are you -ready,—musket on your back and sword between your teeth? Look up, not -down; and think of God, and not of the danger. Forward!" -</p> - -<p> -Yvonnet put his foot upon the first round. -</p> - -<p> -Five o'clock struck; a second night patrol passed the sentinel on the -platform as he made his rounds. -</p> - -<p> -Then, slowly and silently, the fourteen gallant men ventured one after -the other upon that frail ladder shaking in the wind. -</p> - -<p> -It was nothing so long as Gabriel, who was the last in the procession, -remained within a few steps of the ground; but as they went on, and the -living cluster shook from side to side more and more, the danger assumed -unspeakable proportions. -</p> - -<p> -It must have been a magnificent yet appalling sight to witness in the -darkness and storm these fourteen apparently dumb creatures, like so -many demons, scaling the black wall, at whose summit was possible death, -while sure destruction awaited them at its base. -</p> - -<p> -At the one hundred and fiftieth round Yvonnet stopped, and all the -others did the same. It was agreed beforehand that they should halt at -that point long enough for each to say two <i>Paters</i> and two -<i>Aves</i>. -</p> - -<p> -When Martin-Guerre had finished his devotions, he was amazed to see that -Yvonnet did not stir. He thought he must have missed his count, and -reproving himself for his haste, he began conscientiously a third -<i>Pater</i> and a third <i>Ave</i>. -</p> - -<p> -But still Yvonnet remained motionless. Then—although they were only -about a hundred feet from the platform, and it was dangerous to -speak—Martin-Guerre struck Yvonnet's legs, and said to him,— -</p> - -<p> -"Go on, pray." -</p> - -<p> -"No, I cannot," said Yvonnet, in a stifled voice. -</p> - -<p> -"You can't, villain! Why not?" asked Martin, shuddering. -</p> - -<p> -"I am dizzy," said Yvonnet. -</p> - -<p> -A cold perspiration broke out in beads on Martin's forehead. -</p> - -<p> -It was a moment before he could make up his mind what to do. If Yvonnet -should have the vertigo and fall, they would all be carried down with -him; to descend was no less hazardous. Martin felt himself to be -incapable of assuming any responsibility whatever at such a terrible -crisis. He leaned over to Anselme, who was next behind him, and -said,— -</p> - -<p> -"Yvonnet is dizzy." -</p> - -<p> -Anselme shuddered as Martin had done, and repeated the same words to his -neighbor, Scharfenstein; and so the word was passed down the ladder, -each one in turn removing his sword from between his teeth long enough -to say to the man next below,— -</p> - -<p> -"Yvonnet is dizzy." -</p> - -<p> -At last the dreadful intelligence reached the ears of Gabriel, who -turned pale and trembled as the others had done when he heard it. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap19"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XIX -<br /><br /> -ARNAULD DU THILL, THOUGH ABSENT, CONTINUES TO EXERT<br /> -A FATAL INFLUENCE ON THE DESTINY OF POOR MARTIN-GUERRE</h4> - -<p> -It was a moment of fearful suffering,—a supreme crisis. Gabriel saw -that he was threatened by three distinct dangers. Beneath his feet, the -roaring sea seemed to be calling to its prey with its mighty voice. -Before him twelve terrified men, unable to move either forward or back, -barred the road to the third source of danger,—the English pikes and -arquebuses which were perhaps waiting for them to show their heads above -the battlements. -</p> - -<p> -On all sides, terror and death seemed to threaten the poor beings upon -that vibrating ladder. -</p> - -<p> -Fortunately, Gabriel was not the man to waste precious time in -hesitating even between two formidable perils, and he made up his mind -in an instant. -</p> - -<p> -He never stopped to wonder whether his grasp might not fail, and his -brains be dashed out on the rocks below. Clinging closely to the rope -that formed one side of the ladder, he raised himself by his hands -alone, and passed by the twelve men in front of him one after another. -</p> - -<p> -Thanks to his enormous strength of muscle, as well as of soul, he -reached Yvonnet without accident, and was at last able to place his feet -beside those of Martin-Guerre. -</p> - -<p> -"Will you go on or not?" said he to Yvonnet, in sharp and commanding -tones. -</p> - -<p> -"I am—dizzy," replied the poor wretch, whose teeth were chattering -and his hair standing on end. -</p> - -<p> -"Will you go on?" repeated Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Impossible!" said Yvonnet. "I feel as if my feet and hands were leaving -the rounds to which they are clinging. I am going to fall." -</p> - -<p> -"We will see," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -He pulled himself up as far as Yvonnet's waist, and pricked him in the -back with the point of his sword. -</p> - -<p> -"Can you feel the point of my sword?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur! Oh, mercy! I am afraid. Mercy!" -</p> - -<p> -"The blade is sharp and keen," continued Gabriel, with marvellous -<i>sang-froid</i>. "At the least backward movement on your part it will -bury itself in your body. Now listen, Yvonnet; Martin-Guerre will pass in -front of you and I shall remain behind. If you do not follow -Martin-Guerre,—mark well what I say: if you show one symptom of -flinching, I swear by God above that you shall not fall and drag others -down with you, for I will nail you to the wall with my sword, and hold -you there until they have all passed over your body." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, mercy, Monseigneur! I will obey!" cried Yvonnet, cured of one -fright by a greater one. -</p> - -<p> -"Martin," said Vicomte d'Exmès, "you heard what I said. Pass him and go -on." -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre in his turn executed the evolution which he had seen his -master perform, and assumed the first place. -</p> - -<p> -"Forward!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -Martin went bravely up, and Yvonnet, menaced by Gabriel, who carried his -sword in his right hand and used only his left to assist his feet in the -ascent, forgot his vertigo, and followed the squire. -</p> - -<p> -Thus the fourteen men ascended the last one hundred and fifty rounds of -the ladder. "<i>Parbleu</i>!" thought Martin-Guerre, whose good humor came -back to him as he saw the space which separated him from the summit of -the tower growing ever less. "<i>Parbleu</i>! Monseigneur discovered a -sovereign cure for the vertigo." -</p> - -<p> -He had just finished that pleasant reflection, when his head reached the -level of the edge of the platform. -</p> - -<p> -"Is it you?" asked a voice unknown to Martin. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Parbleu</i>!" the squire replied in an unembarrassed tone. -</p> - -<p> -"It is quite time," rejoined the sentinel, "In less than five minutes -the patrol will be making their third round." -</p> - -<p> -"Good! we will be ready for them," said Martin-Guerre. -</p> - -<p> -As he spoke he triumphantly placed one knee upon the ledge of stone. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" cried the sentinel, suddenly, trying to get a better view of him -in the darkness; "what is your name?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why! Martin-Guerre—" -</p> - -<p> -He did not finish what he was saying, for Pierre Peuquoy (it was no -other than he) gave him no time to put the other knee beside its fellow, -but giving him a violent push with both hands, hurled him headlong into -the abyss. -</p> - -<p> -"Holy Jesus!" was all that poor Martin-Guerre said. -</p> - -<p> -Then he fell without a sound, concentrating all his energies in a -sublime effort to change the course of his fall so as not to endanger -the safety of his companions and his master. -</p> - -<p> -Yvonnet, who followed him, and who recovered all his courage and -boldness as soon as he felt the solid rock beneath his feet, leaped upon -the platform, followed by Gabriel and all the others. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre Peuquoy made no further opposition. He remained standing as if -turned to stone, and unconscious of what was passing. -</p> - -<p> -"Wretch!" cried Gabriel, seizing him by the arm, and shaking him; what -insane fury has taken possession of you "What has Martin-Guerre done to -you?" -</p> - -<p> -"To me, nothing," replied the armorer in a dull voice. "But to Babette, -my sister!" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, I had forgotten!" cried Gabriel in alarm. "Poor Martin! But it was -not he! May he not be saved even yet?" -</p> - -<p> -"Be saved after a fall of more than two hundred and fifty feet upon a -rock!" exclaimed Pierre Peuquoy with a harsh laugh. "Come, Monsieur le -Vicomte, you would be better employed just now in thinking about taking -measures to save yourself and your companions." -</p> - -<p> -"My companions, yes, and my father and Diane," said the young man to -himself, recalled by these words to the duties and the risks of his -situation; "but still," he continued aloud, "my poor Martin!" -</p> - -<p> -"This is no time to bemoan the villain's fate," Pierre Peuquoy -interposed. -</p> - -<p> -"Villain! he was innocent, I tell you, and I will prove it to you. But -this is not the time; you are right. Are you still inclined to aid us?" -Gabriel asked the armorer, rather bluntly. -</p> - -<p> -"I am devoted to France and to you," replied Pierre. "Very well," said -Gabriel. "What remains for us to do now?" -</p> - -<p> -"The night patrol will soon pass," replied the burgher; "we must choke -and gag the four men who compose it. But," he added hurriedly, "it is -too late to surprise them. Here they are!" -</p> - -<p> -Just as Pierre spoke, the urban patrol actually came out upon the -platform by an interior staircase. If they gave the alarm, all might be -lost. -</p> - -<p> -Luckily the two Scharfensteins, uncle and nephew, who were of a very -inquisitive and prying nature, were prowling around on that side. The -men of the patrol had no time to utter a sound. An enormous hand closing -the mouth of each one of them from behind, threw them violently upon -their backs as well. -</p> - -<p> -Pilletrousse and two others ran to them, and the four bewildered -militiamen were easily gagged and disarmed. -</p> - -<p> -"Well done!" said Pierre Peuquoy. "Now, Monseigneur, we must make sure -of the other sentinels, and then make a bold descent upon the -guard-house. We have two posts to carry. But have no fear of being -overborne by numbers. More than half of the city militia, having been -influenced by Jean and myself, are for the French cause heart and soul, -and only await the proper moment to show their devotion. I will go down -first to notify our friends of your success; meanwhile you can look -after the sentinels. When I return, my words will already have -accomplished three fourths of the task." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, I would thank you, Peuquoy," said Gabriel, "if Martin-Guerre's -death,—and yet from your standpoint you did only what was just." -</p> - -<p> -"Once more, Monsieur d'Exmès, I beg you to leave that to God and my -conscience," replied the stern burgher. "I acquit you of blame. Now act -your part while I fulfil mine." -</p> - -<p> -Everything happened almost precisely as Pierre had foreseen. The -sentinels belonged to the French faction in a large majority of -instances. One who undertook to resist was soon bound and rendered -incapable of doing any harm. When the armorer returned, accompanied by -Jean Peuquoy and a few sure friends, the whole summit of the Risbank -fort was already in Vicomte d'Exmès hands. -</p> - -<p> -It remained now to overthrow the <i>corps-de-garde</i> with the -reinforcement brought by the Peuquoys. Gabriel did not hesitate to go -down at once. -</p> - -<p> -Advantage was skilfully taken of the first moment of surprise and -uncertainty. -</p> - -<p> -At that early hour, most of those who remained firm in the cause of -England, either by birth or interest, were still asleep in perfect -security upon their camp beds. Before they were fairly awake, so to -speak, hands were at their throats. -</p> - -<p> -The tumult, for it was not a battle, lasted only a few moments. The -friends of Peuquoy shouted, "Vive la France! Vive Henri II.!" The -non-combatants, and those who were indifferent, lost no time in arraying -themselves, as they always do, under the successful banner. Those who -made a show of resistance were soon compelled to yield to superior -numbers. There were, in all, only two men killed and five wounded, and -only three shots were fired. The devout Lactance was unfortunate enough -to have two of the wounded and one of the slain to his credit. Luckily -he had time to spare! -</p> - -<p> -It was not six o'clock when every part of the Risbank fort was in the -power of the French. The disaffected and the suspected were securely -confined, and all the rest of the city guard surrounded Gabriel and -hailed him as a liberator. -</p> - -<p> -Thus was carried, almost without a blow, and in less than an hour, by an -extraordinary and superhuman achievement, this fort which the English -had never dreamed of fortifying, because the sea alone seemed to be such -an impregnable defence to it,—a fort, which was nevertheless the key -to the harbor of Calais, yes, to Calais itself. -</p> - -<p> -The whole transaction was accomplished so quickly and quietly that the -entire fort was taken, and new sentinels stationed by Gabriel, and a new -countersign given out, before anything of it was known in the city. -</p> - -<p> -"However, so long as Calais itself has not surrendered," said Pierre -Peuquoy to Gabriel, "I do not consider that our task is done. So, -Monsieur d'Exmès. I am of opinion that you had best keep Jean and half -of our men here to make good the fort, and leave me and the other half -to go into the city. We may do the French better service there than -here, in case of need, by some useful diversion. After Jean's ropes, it -will be well to make use of Pierre's arms." -</p> - -<p> -"Are you not afraid," said Gabriel, "that Lord Wentworth, in his rage, -may do you an ill turn?" -</p> - -<p> -"Never fear," replied Pierre; "I will resort to a little artifice, which -will be justifiable warfare with those who have been our oppressors for -two centuries. If necessary, I will accuse Jean of having betrayed us. -We were surprised by a superior force, and compelled, in spite of our -resistance, to surrender at discretion. Those of us who refused to -recognize your victory were driven out of the fort. Lord Wentworth's -affairs are at so serious a pass that he must at least pretend to -believe us, and be grateful to us." -</p> - -<p> -"So be it! Go down into Calais," rejoined Gabriel, "for I see that you -are as clever as you are brave. And it is certain that you can assist -me, if I should decide to make a sortie." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, don't risk that, I beg you!" said Pierre, "you are not in -sufficient numbers, and you have little to gain and everything to lose -by a sortie. Here in your tower, behind these good walls, you occupy an -impregnable position. Pray remain here. If you take the offensive, Lord -Wentworth may very possibly retake the fort; and after having -accomplished so much it would be a great shame to lose its manifest -advantages." -</p> - -<p> -"But do you propose," rejoined Gabriel, "that I should remain idle here -with my sword in its scabbard while Monsieur de Guise and all our troops -are fighting and risking their lives?" -</p> - -<p> -"Their lives are their own, Monseigneur, but the Risbank fort belongs to -France," replied the prudent burgher. "But listen; when I consider that -the favorable moment has arrived, and that only one last decisive blow -is needed to tear Calais from the hands of the English, I will cause -those whom I have with me, and all the inhabitants who share my -opinions, to rise as one man. Then, when everything is ripe for victory, -you may make a sortie, to give the finishing blow and open the city to -the Duc de Guise." -</p> - -<p> -"But who will let me know when I may venture?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Give me the horn which I presented to you," said Pierre, "whose note -served to make your coming known to me. When you hear its sound once -more, go forth without fear, and share in the triumph you have so nobly -prepared." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel thanked Pierre heartily, helped him select the men who were to -go with him into the city to assist the French troops in case of need, -and graciously accompanied them as far as the gate of the fort, out of -which they were to pretend they had been driven in disgrace. -</p> - -<p> -By the time this was done it was half past seven, and the first streaks -of dawn were visible in the sky. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel desired to make sure personally that the French standards which -were to bring peace to the mind of Monsieur de Guise and strike terror -to the English men-of-war were hoisted over the fort. Consequently he -ascended to the platform which had been the scene of the main events of -that glorious but fateful morning. -</p> - -<p> -With pallid cheeks he drew near the spot at which the rope ladder had -been attached, and whence poor Martin-Guerre had been hurled, the victim -of a fatal mistake. -</p> - -<p> -Shudderingly he leaned over the abyss, expecting to see the mutilated -corpse of his faithful squire on the rocks below. -</p> - -<p> -At first he failed to espy him, and his eye glanced hither and thither -in surprise, mingled with a faint hope. -</p> - -<p> -A leaden spout, by which the rain-water from the tower was carried off, -had stopped the body midway in its terrible fall; and there Gabriel saw -it hanging, motionless and doubled up over the spout. -</p> - -<p> -At first sight he thought that life was extinct, but he desired to pay -the last tokens of respect in any event. -</p> - -<p> -Pilletrousse, whom Martin-Guerre had always been fond of, was looking on -weeping, and his devotion to his friend seconded his master's pious -reflections. He fastened himself securely to the rope ladder, and -ventured down into the abyss. -</p> - -<p> -When he reascended, bringing with him, after much labor, the body of his -friend, they saw that Martin was still breathing. -</p> - -<p> -A surgeon who was at hand announced that life was not extinct; in fact, -Martin regained consciousness to some extent. -</p> - -<p> -But he came back to greater suffering, for he was in a sad plight. He -had a broken arm and a crushed thigh. -</p> - -<p> -The surgeon could set the arm without difficulty, but he judged it -necessary to amputate the leg, and did not dare to undertake so -difficult an operation alone. -</p> - -<p> -More than ever Gabriel deplored that though a victor, he was confined to -the Risbank fort. The delay, which had been trying enough before, now -became almost intolerable. -</p> - -<p> -If only he could get word to expert Ambroise Paré, Martin-Guerre might -be saved. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap20"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XX -<br /><br /> -LORD WENTWORTH AT BAY</h4> - -<p> -The Duc de Guise, upon reflection, could not bring himself to believe in -the success of so foolhardy an enterprise; nevertheless, he determined -to see with his own eyes whether Vicomte d'Exmès had or had not -achieved his end. In such straits as those to which he was reduced, one -can but hope even for the impossible. -</p> - -<p> -So, before eight o'clock, with but very few attendants, he was already -on the cliff Gabriel had pointed out to him, from which the Risbank fort -could be seen with a telescope. -</p> - -<p> -At the first glance that he cast in the direction of the fort he uttered -a triumphant cry. -</p> - -<p> -He could not be mistaken; he clearly recognized the standard of France. -His companions agreed that it was no delusion, and shared his delight. -</p> - -<p> -"My brave Gabriel!" he cried. "He has really been successful in his -prodigious undertaking. Has he not shown himself to be a greater man -than I, who doubted its practicability? Now, thanks to him, we can -prepare for the capture of Calais, and make sure of it at our leisure. -Let the reinforcements come from England, and Gabriel will take it upon -himself to give them a hearty welcome." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, it is as if your words had summoned them," said one of the -duke's aids, who turned the glass seaward at this moment. "Look, -Monseigneur, are not those English sail on the horizon?" -</p> - -<p> -The duke took the glass, and carefully scanned the wide expanse of the -channel. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes; our English friends are really there," he said. "The deuce take -me! they have not lost any time; I hardly expected them so soon. Do you -know that if we had made our contemplated attack upon the Old Château -at this time, the sudden arrival of these reinforcements would have been -an extremely bad thing for us? So much the more cause have we for -gratitude to Monsieur d'Exmès. Not only does he put victory within our -power, but he has saved us from the disgrace of defeat as well. However, -we have no need to hurry now; so let us see how the new-comers will act, -and, on the other hand, how the young governor of the Risbank fort will -behave toward them." -</p> - -<p> -It was broad daylight by the time the English ships arrived within range -of the fort. -</p> - -<p> -The French flag burst upon their sight in the first rays of dawn like a -menacing apparition; and as if to impress the unexpected sight the more -forcibly upon them, Gabriel saluted them with three or four cannon -balls. -</p> - -<p> -That removed every shadow of doubt. It was really the standard of France -which was floating over the English fort. Of course, then, the city as -well as the tower must be in the power of the besiegers; and the -reinforcements, though despatched in all haste, had arrived too late. -</p> - -<p> -After a few moments of surprised irresolution, the English ships were -seen to be standing off toward Dover again. -</p> - -<p> -They had on board a sufficient force to relieve Calais, but not to -recapture the city. -</p> - -<p> -"Thank God!" cried the Duc de Guise, in an ecstasy of delight. "Think of -this Gabriel! He knows how to maintain his conquests as well as to -conquer; he has put Calais in our grasp, and it only remains for us to -close our hands upon the fair city." -</p> - -<p> -He leaped upon his horse, and galloped joyfully back to camp to urge on -the siege-operations. -</p> - -<p> -Human events have almost invariably two sides; and the very same -occurrences which bring laughter and delight to the hearts of some, make -others weep. At the moment when the Duc de Guise was thus clapping his -hands for joy, Lord Wentworth was tearing his hair. -</p> - -<p> -After a sleepless night, as we have seen, and excited by presentiments -of evil, Lord Wentworth had finally fallen asleep toward morning, and -was just leaving his bed-chamber when the pretended fugitives from the -Risbank fort were bringing the fatal news into the city, Pierre Peuquoy -at their head. -</p> - -<p> -The governor was almost the last person to hear it. -</p> - -<p> -In his pain and indignation he could not believe his ears, and ordered -that the leader of the fugitives should be brought before him. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre Peuquoy was at once escorted into the governor's presence; he -came in looking decidedly chopfallen, and with a bearing well suited to -the occasion. -</p> - -<p> -The cunning burgher, as if still under the influence of the fright he -had had, told of the night assault, and described the <i>three hundred</i> -savage adventurers who had scaled the Risbank fort, assisted, no doubt, -by treachery within the walls, which he, Pierre Peuquoy, had not had -time to unearth. -</p> - -<p> -"Who commanded these three hundred men?" asked Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>! Your late prisoner, Monsieur d'Exmès," was the armorer's -ingenuous reply. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, my dreams have come true!" cried the governor. -</p> - -<p> -Then, with a threatening frown, suddenly remembering what he was not -likely to forget,— -</p> - -<p> -"Why, this Monsieur d'Exmès," said he to Pierre, "was your guest, if I -mistake not, during his stay in Calais?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur," replied Pierre, without embarrassment. "In fact I -have reason to believe—why should I conceal it?—that my cousin -Jean, the weaver, has had a larger share in this business than he ought to -have had." -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth fixed a piercing glance upon the sturdy burgher; but he -looked Lord Wentworth fearlessly in the eye. -</p> - -<p> -As Pierre had imagined would be the case, the governor was too sensible -of his own weakness, and too well aware of Peuquoy's influence in the -city, to allow his suspicions to appear. -</p> - -<p> -After having put some few questions to him, the governor dismissed him -with gloomy but friendly words. -</p> - -<p> -Left alone, Lord Wentworth gave way to overwhelming despondency. -</p> - -<p> -What could he do? The city, defended only by its weak garrison, -henceforth shut off from all hope of succor by land or sea, and hemmed -in between the Nieullay fort on one side and the Risbank fort on the -other, both of which threatened instead of defending it,—the city -could hold out but very few days longer; in fact, it might be only a few -hours. -</p> - -<p> -A terrible state of affairs, indeed, for the haughty pride of Lord -Wentworth! -</p> - -<p> -"No matter!" he said beneath his breath, still pale with astonishment -and rage,—"no matter! I will make them pay dear for their triumph. -Calais is theirs now only too inevitably; but I will at all events hold -out to the bitter end, and will sell them their priceless conquest at -the price of as many dead bodies as possible. And as for the lover of -beauteous Diane de Castro—" -</p> - -<p> -He checked himself, while a hellish thought caused his sombre features -to light up with a joyous gleam. -</p> - -<p> -"As for the lover of the fair Diane," he resumed, with a sort of -satisfaction, "if I bury myself, as I ought and will, under the ruins of -Calais, we will try and see to it, at least, that he has not any reason -to rejoice too heartily at our death; his suffering and vanquished rival -has in store for him a fearful surprise, and let him beware!" -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon he rushed from the house to encourage his troops and make his -dispositions. -</p> - -<p> -Soothed and hardened at once in a measure by reflecting on some evil -project, he exhibited such imperturbable <i>sang-froid</i> that his very -despair inspired hope in more than one doubting heart. -</p> - -<p> -It is no part of the plan of this book to relate the story of the siege -of Calais in all its details. François de Rabutin, in his "Guerres de -Belgique," gives them in all their prolixity. -</p> - -<p> -The days of the 5th and 6th of January were passed in equally energetic -efforts on the one side and the other. Miners and soldiers on both sides -did their duty with like courage and heroic obstinacy. -</p> - -<p> -But the superb resistance of Lord Wentworth was rendered hopeless by the -great superiority of the force opposed to him; Maréchal Strozzi, who -had charge of the operations, seemed to divine all the means of defence -and every movement of the English as if the ramparts of Calais had been -transparent. -</p> - -<p> -"The enemy must have a plan of the city in their possession," thought -Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -We know who had furnished the Duc de Guise with that plan. -</p> - -<p> -Thus it was that Vicomte d'Exmès, though he was absent, though he was -unemployed at the moment, was still useful to his associates; and as -Monsieur de Guise remarked in his just gratitude, his beneficial -influence had its due effect even from afar. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, the inactive and helpless part that he was forced to play -weighed heavily upon the fiery youth. Practically imprisoned in the -stronghold he had conquered, he had to occupy his energy in the duty of -keeping watch, which was altogether too simple a matter and too easily -performed for him. -</p> - -<p> -When he had made the rounds every hour with the watchful vigilance which -he had learned during the defence of St. Quentin, he would generally -take his place by Martin-Guerre's bedside to comfort and encourage him. -</p> - -<p> -The brave squire endured his suffering with marvellous patience and -steadfastness, but he could not get over his surprise and sorrowful -indignation at the wicked treatment which Pierre Peuquoy had felt called -upon to inflict upon him. -</p> - -<p> -The perfect candor of his anger and his surprise when he talked upon -that obscure subject, was in itself sufficient to have scattered any -suspicions that Gabriel might still have retained as to Martin's good -faith. -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon he decided to tell Martin-Guerre his own story, according to -what he presumed to be the true state of the case, judging from -appearances and from his conjectures. It was now very evident to him -that some villain had availed himself of a marvellous resemblance to -Martin, to commit in his name all sorts of scandalous and infamous -deeds, of which he was not anxious to accept the consequences, and also, -doubtless, to reap the full benefit of all the advantages and privileges -which he had been able to divert from his double to himself. -</p> - -<p> -This revelation Gabriel took care to make in presence of Jean Peuquoy. -Jean was grieved and terrified in his honest heart at the consequences -of the fatal error. But he was especially disturbed as to the person who -was guilty of all these crimes. Who was the miserable wretch? Was he -married also? Where was he hiding himself? -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre, for his part, was terribly alarmed at the mere idea of -such an entanglement. While he was more than overjoyed to have his -conscience relieved of such a load of misdeeds of which he had borne the -blame so long, he was in despair at the thought that his name had been -assumed, and his good fame dragged in the mire by such a villain. And -then who could tell to what lengths the scoundrel might still be going -under cover of that name, even at the very moment when Martin was lying -helpless on his bed of suffering! -</p> - -<p> -The episode of Babette Peuquoy especially caused poor Martin's heart to -overflow with sorrow and compassion. Oh, indeed, now he could find -excuses for Pierre's seeming brutality! He not only forgave him, but -applauded him for what he did. Certainly, it was very well of him thus -to avenge his honor so basely outraged! It was Martin-Guerre's turn now -to console and reassure poor bewildered Jean Peuquoy. -</p> - -<p> -The good squire, in his applause of Babette's brother, forgot only one -thing,—that it was he who was suffering instead of the real culprit. -When Gabriel smilingly reminded him of that, "Oh, well, never mind!" -said Martin-Guerre. "I am still thankful for my accident; for if I -survive, my poor lame leg, or better still, its stump, will serve to -distinguish me from the impostor and traitor." -</p> - -<p> -But alas! this doubtful consolation with which Martin buoyed up his -hopes was very problematical; for would he survive? The surgeon of the -city guard would not promise it; speedy assistance from a master hand -was of the utmost importance, and two days would soon have passed, -during which poor Martin-Guerre's alarming state had been relieved only -by inadequate dressing. -</p> - -<p> -This was by no means the least of Gabriel's reasons for impatience; and -many a time, both night and day, he rose and listened intently for that -blast of the horn which was at last to relieve him from his enforced -idleness. -</p> - -<p> -It was not till the evening of January 6th that Gabriel, who had already -been in possession of the Risbank fort for thirty-six hours, thought -that he could distinguish a greater uproar than usual in the direction -of the city, and unaccustomed shrieks of triumph or distress. -</p> - -<p> -The French, after a most bitter struggle, had made their way -victoriously into the Old Château. -</p> - -<p> -Calais could not now hold out more than twenty-four hours. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, the whole of the seventh was passed in superhuman efforts -on the part of the English to retake so vital a position, and to -maintain themselves in the last posts which they still possessed. -</p> - -<p> -But Monsieur de Guise, far from allowing the enemy to regain an inch of -ground, was gaining slowly but surely upon him; so that it soon became -clear that the morrow would see Calais no longer under English rule. -</p> - -<p> -It was three in the afternoon. Lord Wentworth, who had taken no heed to -himself for seven days, and who had been always in the front rank, -dealing out death and defying it, considered that the physical strength -and moral courage of his men would hardly hold out two hours longer. -</p> - -<p> -Then he summoned Lord Derby. -</p> - -<p> -"How long do you think," he asked, "that we can still hold out?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not more than three hours, I fear," said Lord Derby, sadly. -</p> - -<p> -"But you can promise that it will be two, can you not?" rejoined the -governor. -</p> - -<p> -"Except for some unforeseen occurrence, I can," said Lord Derby, -measuring with his eye the distance still to be passed by the French. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, my friend," said Lord Wentworth, "I place the command in -your hands and withdraw. If the English, two hours hence,—but not a -moment sooner, you understand,—if, two hours hence, our people have -no longer any possible hope, as is only too probable, then I allow you, -nay, I command you, the better to relieve you from responsibility, to -sound the retreat and capitulate." -</p> - -<p> -"In two hours; very well, my Lord," said Lord Derby. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth then advised his lieutenant as to the terms he might -demand, which would doubtless be granted by the Duc de Guise. -</p> - -<p> -"But," said Lord Derby, "you have forgotten yourself in these -conditions, my Lord. Shall I not also ask Monsieur de Guise to hold you -to ransom?" -</p> - -<p> -A dull light shone on Lord Wentworth's gloomy features. -</p> - -<p> -"No, no," he replied, with a peculiar smile; "do not worry about me, my -friend. I have assured myself of all that I need,—yes, of all that I -desire even." -</p> - -<p> -"But—" Lord Derby was beginning to remonstrate. -</p> - -<p> -"Enough!" said the governor, authoritatively. "Do only what I tell you, -nothing more. Adieu. You will bear witness for me in England that I did -all that human mind and hand could do to defend my city, and yielded -only to fate? And now it is for you to hold out till the last moment, -but be sparing of English honor and English blood, Derby. This is my -last word. Adieu." -</p> - -<p> -Without staying to say or hear more, Lord Wentworth, having grasped Lord -Derby's hand, left the field of battle, and withdrew alone to his own -deserted house, giving the most strict and explicit orders that no one -should be allowed to follow him on any pretext. -</p> - -<p> -He was sure that he had at least two hours before him. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap21"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXI -<br /><br /> -LOVE DISDAINED</h4> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth believed himself to be sure of two things: in the first -place, that two full hours would elapse before Calais would capitulate, -and that Lord Derby would demand at least five hours before delivering -up the city; in the second place, he was confident that he should find -his house entirely unoccupied, for he had taken the precaution to send -off all his people to the breach in the morning. André, Madame de -Castro's French page, had been imprisoned by his orders; so that Diane -must be alone in the mansion, except for one or two of her women. -</p> - -<p> -In truth he did find everything deserted as the abode of the dead, as he -went into the house; while Calais, like a body from which the life-blood -is ebbing away, was gathering all her force for a final struggle at the -spot where fighting was in progress. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth, gloomy, savage, and in a measure drunken with despair, -went directly to the apartments occupied by Madame de Castro. -</p> - -<p> -He did not send in his name, as his custom had been, but entered -brusquely, like a master, the room where she was sitting with one of the -maids who had been furnished her. -</p> - -<p> -Without any salutation to the wondering Diane, he said imperiously to -the maid,— -</p> - -<p> -"Leave the room at once! The French will be in the city this evening, -and I have neither the time nor the power to protect you. Go and find -your father; your place is with him. Go at once, and tell the two or -three women who are left in the house that I wish them to do the same -without loss of time." -</p> - -<p> -"But, my Lord—" the maid remonstrated. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" returned the governor, stamping his foot angrily; "did you not -hear what I said? I wish it!" -</p> - -<p> -"But, my Lord—" Diane began. -</p> - -<p> -"I have said, 'I wish it!' Madame," replied Lord Wentworth, with a -gesture of inflexible determination. The maid left the room in terror. -</p> - -<p> -"Truly, I should not have known you, my Lord," said Diane, after an -agonizing silence. -</p> - -<p> -"It is because you have never before seen me in the guise of a -vanquished man, Madame," rejoined Lord Wentworth, with a bitter smile. -"You have been a farseeing prophet of ruin and disaster for me; and I -was in truth an insensate fool not to believe you. I am beaten, -absolutely beaten, beyond resource and beyond hope. So you may rejoice." -</p> - -<p> -"Is the success of the French at this point really beyond question?" -asked Diane, who could with difficulty conceal her pleasure. -</p> - -<p> -"How can it be otherwise, Madame? The Nieullay and Risbank forts and the -Old Château are in their power. They have the city between three fires, -and Calais is theirs beyond cavil. So you may rejoice." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh!" Diane rejoined, "with such a foe as you, my Lord, victory is never -certain; and in spite of myself,—yes, I confess, and you will -understand me,—in spite of myself I still am incredulous." -</p> - -<p> -"But Madame," cried Lord Wentworth, "do you not see that I have left the -field; that after having taken part in the battle to the very last, I -could not make up my mind to witness the final catastrophe, and that is -why I am here? Lord Derby will surrender in an hour and a half. In that -time, Madame, the French will enter Calais in triumph, and Vicomte -d'Exmès with them. So you may rejoice." -</p> - -<p> -"You say that in such a strange way, my Lord, that I do not know whether -I ought to believe you or not," said Diane, who was beginning to hope -nevertheless; so that her expression and her involuntary smile were -illumined by the thought of deliverance. -</p> - -<p> -"In order to persuade you, then, Madame," rejoined Lord -Wentworth,—"for I mean to persuade you,—I will adopt another -manner of speaking, and I will say to you: Madame, in an hour and a half -the French will enter the city in triumph, and Vicomte d'Exmès with -them. Tremble!" -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean?" cried Diane, as the color fled from her cheeks. -</p> - -<p> -"What! Am I not sufficiently explicit?" said Lord Wentworth, approaching -Diane with a laugh of sinister meaning. "I say to you: In an hour and a -half, Madame, our rôles will be changed,—you will be free, and I a -prisoner; Vicomte d'Exmès will come to restore you to liberty and love -and happiness, and to cast me into a dungeon. Tremble!" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, pray, should I tremble?" Diane responded, retreating as far as the -walls would allow from the sombre yet burning gaze of this man. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>! it is very easy to understand," said Lord Wentworth. "At -this moment I am master; but in an hour and a half I shall be a -slave,—in an hour and a quarter rather, for the minutes are flying. -In an hour and a quarter I shall be in your power; now you are in mine. In -an hour Vicomte d'Exmès will be here; but now I am here. So rejoice and -tremble, Madame!" -</p> - -<p> -"My Lord, my Lord!" cried poor Diane, repulsing Lord Wentworth, with -rapidly beating heart. "What do you want of me?" -</p> - -<p> -"What do I want of you!—of you!" said the governor in a hollow voice. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't come near me, or I will cry out; I will call for help, and -dishonor you, villain!" exclaimed Diane, in an ecstasy of terror. -</p> - -<p> -"Cry out and call for help as much as you choose; it's all the same to -me," Lord Wentworth rejoined with ominous tranquillity. "The house is -deserted, and so are the streets; no one will answer your cries for at -least an hour. Look! I have not even taken the trouble to close the -doors and windows, so sure am I that no one will come in less than an -hour." -</p> - -<p> -"But they will at the end of that time," Diane retorted; "and then I -will accuse and denounce you, and my deliverers will kill you." -</p> - -<p> -"No," said Lord Wentworth, coldly, "for it is I who will kill myself. Do -you imagine that I have any desire to survive the fall of Calais? In an -hour I shall kill myself; I have made up my mind beyond recall. But -before that I choose to give full play to my passion, and to satisfy my -vengeance and my love in this last supreme hour. Come, my fair one, your -resistance and your contempt are out of season now,—for I no longer -beg, but command; I no longer implore, but demand." -</p> - -<p> -"And I die!" cried Diane, drawing a knife from her bosom. -</p> - -<p> -Before she had time to strike, Lord Wentworth sprang toward her, seized -her weak little hands in his powerful ones, tore the knife from her -grasp, and threw it far away. -</p> - -<p> -"Not yet!" he cried, with a smile of terrible import; "I do not choose, -Madame, that you should turn your hand against yourself yet. Afterward -you may do as you choose; and if you prefer to die with me rather than -live with him, you will be quite at liberty to do so. But this last -hour,—for there is only an hour left now,—this last hour of -your life belongs to me; I have but this hour in which to make amends to -myself for the eternity of hell to come hereafter; so be very sure that I -will not renounce my right." -</p> - -<p> -He attempted to lay hold of her. Thereupon fainting, and feeling that -her strength was forsaking her, she threw herself at his feet. -</p> - -<p> -"Mercy, my Lord!" she cried, "mercy, I ask mercy and forgiveness on my -knees! By the memory of your mother, remember that you are a gentleman." -</p> - -<p> -"A gentleman!" retorted Lord Wentworth, shaking his head; "yes, I was a -gentleman, and I so bore myself, I think, so long as I triumphed and -hoped,—yes, so long as I lived. But now I am no longer a gentleman; I -am simply a man,—a man who is about to die, and proposes first to be -revenged." -</p> - -<p> -He raised Madame de Castro, kneeling at his feet, and held her close in -a passionate embrace. She tried to pray, or to cry out, but she could -not. -</p> - -<p> -At this moment a great uproar was heard in the street. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" Diane succeeded in ejaculating, her eye kindling once more with a -ray of hope. -</p> - -<p> -"Good!" said Wentworth, with a demoniac laugh; "it seems that the people -are beginning to plunder on their own account while waiting for the -enemy. So be it! They are doing quite right, upon my word! It is for the -governor to set the example." -</p> - -<p> -"Mercy!" she managed to say once more. -</p> - -<p> -"No, no!" was Lord Wentworth's response. "You are too beautiful." -</p> - -<p> -She swooned. -</p> - -<p> -But the governor had not even had time to kiss Diane's colorless lips, -when the uproar came nearer. -</p> - -<p> -Vicomte d'Exmès, the two Peuquoys, and three or four French archers -burst violently through the doorway and appeared upon the threshold. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel fairly leaped upon Lord Wentworth, sword in hand, with a -terrible cry. -</p> - -<p> -"Villain!" -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth, with clenched teeth, also seized his sword which was -lying upon a chair. -</p> - -<p> -"Stand back!" said Gabriel to his companions, who were about to -intervene. "It is my pleasure to punish the infamous scoundrel with my -own hand." -</p> - -<p> -Without another sound the two adversaries furiously crossed weapons. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre and Jean Peuquoy and their companions took up positions so as to -give them ample space, and remained silent but by no means indifferent -spectators of this deadly combat. -</p> - -<p> -Diane was still lying unconscious upon the couch. -</p> - -<p> -Let us tell in a few words how this providential succor had come to the -defenceless prisoner so much sooner than Lord Wentworth had anticipated. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre Peuquoy, during the two preceding days, had, as he had promised -Gabriel, aroused and armed all those who were in secret devoted to the -French cause. The ultimate victory being no longer doubtful, this class -had naturally become much more numerous. They were for the most part -circumspect and cautious burghers, who were unanimous in thinking that -since they no longer had any means of offering resistance, the best -course was to arrange for capitulation on the most favorable terms that -could be obtained. -</p> - -<p> -The armorer, who did not want to strike the final blow until it was -perfectly safe to do so, waited until his strength was sufficiently -great, and the siege far enough advanced, to run no risk of uselessly -exposing the lives of those who relied on him. As soon as the Old -Château was taken, he determined to act. But it took him some time to -assemble his fellow-conspirators, who were scattered all over the city; -and it was just as Lord Wentworth left the breach, that the movement -within the city made itself felt. -</p> - -<p> -But it was the more irresistible in proportion as it had been slow of -development. -</p> - -<p> -In the first place, the penetrating blast of Pierre Peuquoy's horn had -brought, as if by magic, Vicomte d'Exmès, Jean, and half of their men, -rushing out of the Risbank fort. The feeble detachment which kept the -walls at that point was speedily disarmed, and the gate opened to the -French. -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon the whole Peuquoy faction, increased by this reinforcement, -and emboldened by their first easily won success, hastened to the -breach, where Lord Derby was trying to make as gallant a struggle as -possible. -</p> - -<p> -When this sort of revolt thus left Lord Wentworth's lieutenant between -two fires, what was there for him to do? The French flag had already -been brought into Calais by Vicomte d'Exmès. The city militia had -risen, and were threatening to open the gates to the besiegers. Lord -Derby preferred to yield at once. It was only to anticipate the -governor's orders by a few moments, and to avoid another hour and a half -of profitless resistance, even if this resistance should not become -impossible, which would make the defeat no less complete, and might lead -to more cruel reprisals. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Derby sent a flag of truce to the Duc de Guise. -</p> - -<p> -That was all that Gabriel and the Peuquoys asked for the nonce. They -remarked the absence of Lord Wentworth, and were alarmed at it. So they -left, where a few dropping shots were still to be heard, and spurred on -by a presentiment of evil, they hastened to the governor's residence, -with two or three trusty soldiers. -</p> - -<p> -All the doors were open, and they found no difficulty in making their -way to Madame de Castro's apartments, whither Gabriel hurried them on. -</p> - -<p> -It was full time; and the sword of Diane's lover came most opportunely -to protect the daughter of Henri II. from a most base and cowardly -assault. -</p> - -<p> -The duel between Gabriel and the governor was of short duration. The two -combatants seemed to be equally expert swordsmen. Both showed equal -coolness in a like state of fury. Their blades were entwined together -like two serpents, and crossed and recrossed with the rapidity of -lightning. -</p> - -<p> -However, after two minutes fencing, Lord Wentworth's sword was struck -from his hand by a vigorous counter on Gabriel's part. -</p> - -<p> -In crouching to avoid the stroke, Lord Wentworth slipped upon the floor -and fell. -</p> - -<p> -Anger, scorn, hatred, and all the violent emotions which were struggling -in Gabriel's heart left no room for generosity. There was no quarter for -such a foe. In an instant he was upon him, with his sword at his breast. -</p> - -<p> -There was not one of those who were present at the scene, inflamed as -they were with indignation so lately aroused, who would have cared to -stay the avenging hand. -</p> - -<p> -But Diane de Castro while the fight was in progress had had time to -recover from her swoon. -</p> - -<p> -As she raised her heavy eyelids she saw and understood all, and rushed -between Gabriel and Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="figure02"></a> -<img src="images/figure02.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> -<p class="center">Love Disdained.</p> -</div></div> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -By an extraordinary coincidence, the last word she had uttered as she -fainted was the first upon her lips when she regained consciousness. -</p> - -<p> -"Mercy!" -</p> - -<p> -She prayed for mercy for the very man to whom she had herself prayed in -vain. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, at the sight of his idolized Diane, and the sound of her -omnipotent voice, no longer was sensible of anything except her -gentleness and his love for her. In his heart rage at once gave way to -clemency. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you wish him to live, Diane?" he asked his beloved. -</p> - -<p> -"I beg it of you, Gabriel," said she; "for ought we not to give him time -to repent?" -</p> - -<p> -"So be it!" said the young man; "let the angel save the demon's -life,—it is her proper role." -</p> - -<p> -And still keeping Lord Wentworth, boiling with rage, under his knee, he -said quietly to the Peuquoys and the archers,— -</p> - -<p> -"Come here and bind this man while I hold him; then you can imprison him -in his own dwelling until Monsieur de Guise determines his fate." -</p> - -<p> -"No! kill me, kill me!" cried Lord Wentworth, struggling furiously. -</p> - -<p> -"Do as I say!" said Gabriel, without loosing his hold. "I begin to think -that life will be a greater burden to him than death." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel's orders were obeyed; and Lord Wentworth struggled and fumed and -threatened in vain, for he was gagged and bound in an instant. Then two -or three of the men took the ex-governor of Calais in their arms and -carried him off, without ceremony. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel then turned to Jean Peuquoy, and said to him in his cousin's -hearing,— -</p> - -<p> -"My friend, I have already told Martin-Guerre the extraordinary story of -his impersonation in your presence. You then deplored the cruel error -which led to the punishment of an innocent man; and you asked for -nothing better, I know, than to relieve as speedily as possible the -terrible suffering he is at this moment undergoing for another. Do me a -favor then—" -</p> - -<p> -"I can guess what it is," brave Jean interrupted. "You desire me, do you -not, to seek one Ambroise Paré, who may be able to save your poor -squire? I fly to do it; and that he may be the better cared for, I will -have him taken at once to our house, if it can be done without -endangering his life." -</p> - -<p> -Pierre Peuquoy, in a sort of stupefaction, listened to Gabriel and his -cousin, and looked from one to the other, as if he was dreaming. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, Pierre," said Jean, "you will help me in this. Oh! of course you -are astonished, and do not understand; but I will explain everything to -you as we go along, and I shall have no difficulty in making you see the -matter as I now do; and then you will be the very first one—for I -know you well—to wish to repair the wrong which you have unwittingly -committed." -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon, after saluting Diane and Gabriel, Jean left the room with -Pierre, who had already begun to ask questions. -</p> - -<p> -When Madame de Castro was left alone with Gabriel, she fell on her knees -in the first impulse of pious gratitude, and raising her eyes and her -hands toward heaven and to him who had been the instrument of her -salvation,— -</p> - -<p> -"I thank Thee, O God!" said she; "thrice over I thank Thee, for having -saved me, and for having saved me by his hand!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap22"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXII -<br /><br /> -LOVE REQUITED</h4> - -<p> -Then Diane threw herself into Gabriel's arms,—"And you, too, -Gabriel," said she, "you, too, I must thank and bless. With my last -conscious thought, I invoked my guardian angel, and you came to me. -Thanks! oh, thanks!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Diane," he replied, "how I have suffered, and what a weary time it -has been since I saw you last!" -</p> - -<p> -"And I too have suffered, and have found the waiting weary," she cried. -</p> - -<p> -They then began—at too great length to be dramatic, it must be -confessed—to tell what each had endured and felt during their unhappy -separation. -</p> - -<p> -Calais, the Duc de Guise, vanquished and victors,—all were forgotten. -All the strife and all the deadly passion which was rife about the two -lovers did not reach them. Lost in their world of love and ecstasy, they -no longer saw or heard the sights or sounds of the sad world around -them. -</p> - -<p> -When one has undergone so much grief and terror, the heart is enfeebled -and softened to a certain extent by suffering, and though brave to -overcome disaster, can no longer resist happiness. In this balmy -atmosphere of chaste emotion, Diane and Gabriel gave themselves up -without restraint to the sweet influences of peace and joy, to which -they had so long been strangers. -</p> - -<p> -To the scene of insane passion which we have described succeeded another -similar, and yet widely different at the same time. -</p> - -<p> -"How good it seems to be with you, my friend," said Diane. "Instead of -the presence of that impious wretch whom I hated so, and whose love made -me shudder, what ecstasy to have you near me, so reassuring, and so -precious!" -</p> - -<p> -"And I," rejoined Gabriel, "since our childhood, when we were happy -without knowing it, do not remember, Diane, that I have ever known in my -poor lonely, troubled life a single moment to be compared to this." -</p> - -<p> -For a while they were silent, gazing in rapt enjoyment at each other. -</p> - -<p> -Diane resumed:— -</p> - -<p> -"Come and sit by me, Gabriel. Can you believe it, dear, this moment, -which has united us once more in so unhoped-for a manner, I have -nevertheless dreamed of and foreseen, even in my apparently hopeless -captivity? I have always felt sure that my deliverance would come -through you, and that in my supreme peril God would send you, my own -knight, to rescue me." -</p> - -<p> -"For my part, Diane," said Gabriel, "the thought of you has always led -me on as a lover and guided my steps like a ray of light. Shall I make a -confession to you and to my own conscience? Although many other potent -motives might have urged me on, I never should have conceived the idea -of taking Calais, Diane, which is mine alone, nor should I ever have had -the courage to carry it out by resorting to such reckless expedients, -had it not been that you were a prisoner here, and that my prophetic -instinct of the danger which beset you encouraged and stimulated me. -Except for my hope of rescuing you and the other holy purpose for which -I live, Calais would still be in English hands. May God, in His mercy, -not chastise me for having wished to do and having done what was right -for selfish reasons only!" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel thought at that moment of the scene in the Rue St. Jacques, of -the self-abnegation of Ambroise Paré, and the stern belief of the -admiral that Heaven demands unstained hands to sustain a pure cause. -</p> - -<p> -But Diane's beloved voice restored his confidence somewhat as she -exclaimed,— -</p> - -<p> -"God chastise you, Gabriel! God chastise you for being noble and -generous!" -</p> - -<p> -"Who knows?" said he, casting upward a look heavy with sad foreboding, -as if he were asking the question of Heaven. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>I</i> know," replied Diane, with a lovely smile. -</p> - -<p> -She was so bewitching as she said it that Gabriel, in admiration of her -beauty, and lost to every other thought, could not restrain the -exclamation,— -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Diane, you are as beautiful as an angel!" -</p> - -<p> -"And you as valiant as a hero, Gabriel," said Diane. They were seated -side by side; their hands touched by accident and met in a fervent -clasp. Darkness was beginning to fall. -</p> - -<p> -Diane, with blushing cheeks, rose and walked away a few steps. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you going, Diane? You are flying from me!" said the youth, sadly. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, no indeed!" said she eagerly, drawing near again. "With you it is -very different; and I have no fear, dearest." -</p> - -<p> -Diane was wrong; it was a different sort of danger that threatened her -now, but danger nevertheless; and it might be that the friend was as -much to be feared as the foe. -</p> - -<p> -"That is right, Diane!" said Gabriel, taking the little hand, white and -soft, which she surrendered to him once more; "that is as it should be. -Let us enjoy a little happiness after all we have gone through. Let us -give free play to our hearts to revel in their confidence and joy." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, indeed; it is so good to be near you, Gabriel!" Diane replied. -"Let us forget the world and the uproar around us for a moment; let us -enjoy to the full the unaccustomed sweetness of this hour. God, I think, -will allow us to do so without anxiety or dread. You are right; else why -have we suffered so?" -</p> - -<p> -With a graceful movement which was common with her when she was a child, -she laid her lovely head upon Gabriel's shoulder; her great velvety eyes -slowly closed, and her hair brushed the lips of the ardent youth. -</p> - -<p> -It was he then who rose, shuddering and bewildered. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, what is it?" said Diane, opening her drooping eyes in wonder. -</p> - -<p> -He fell on his knees before her, pale as a ghost, and threw his arms -about her. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Diane, Diane! I love you!" he cried from the bottom of his heart. -</p> - -<p> -"And I love you, too, Gabriel," Diane replied, fearlessly, and as if in -obedience to an irresistible impulse of her heart. -</p> - -<p> -How their faces came nearer together; how their lips met; how in that -long, sweet kiss, their very souls were blended, God only knows; certain -it is that they did not know themselves. -</p> - -<p> -But suddenly Gabriel, who felt his reason trembling in the vertigo of -happiness, tore himself away from Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Diane, leave me!" he almost shrieked, with a note of horror in his -voice, "let me fly!" -</p> - -<p> -"Fly! and why, pray?" she asked wonderingly. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Diane, Diane! if you should turn out to be my sister!" replied -Gabriel, beside himself. -</p> - -<p> -"Your sister!" echoed Diane, overwhelmed, paralyzed. Gabriel checked -himself, dismayed and like one stunned by his own words; drawing his -hand across his burning brow, he asked in a loud voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"What did I say?" -</p> - -<p> -"What did you say, really?" said Diane. "Must I believe it to be -literally true, that fearful word? What is the key to this terrible -mystery? Can I really be your sister? Oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -"My sister? Did I tell you that you were my sister?" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, it is true, then!" cried Diane, gasping for breath. -</p> - -<p> -"No; it is not, cannot be true! I do not know it, and who can know it? -Besides, I ought not to have said a word of all this to you. It is a -secret involving life and death which I have sworn to keep. Ah, Heaven -have pity upon me! I have preserved my self-control and my reason amid -suffering and misfortune; must it be that the first drop of happiness -which passes my lips should intoxicate me even to insanity and -forgetfulness of my oath!" -</p> - -<p> -"Gabriel," rejoined Madame de Castro, gravely, "God knows that it is no -vain and purposeless curiosity which moves my words; but you have said -either too much or too little for my peace of mind. Now you must -finish." -</p> - -<p> -"Impossible, impossible!" cried Gabriel in terror. -</p> - -<p> -"And why impossible?" said Diane. "Something in my heart assures me that -these dread secrets concern me quite as nearly as yourself, and that you -have no right to conceal them from me." -</p> - -<p> -"That is very true," Gabriel rejoined, "and you have certainly as much -right as I to this suffering. But since the burden bears upon me alone, -ask me not to share it with you." -</p> - -<p> -"But I do ask it, and desire, nay, I demand my rightful share of your -burdens," Diane returned; "and to go still further, Gabriel, I implore -you! Will you refuse me?" -</p> - -<p> -"But I have sworn to the king!" exclaimed Gabriel anxiously. -</p> - -<p> -"You have sworn?" rejoined Diane. "Very well, keep your oath loyally to -strangers or to indifferent persons, nay, even to your friends, and it -will be well done of you. But with me, who, as you admit, have as deep -an interest as yourself in this mystery, can you, ought you, to preserve -this baleful silence? No, Gabriel, not if you have any pity for me. My -doubts and anxiety on this subject have already torn my heart enough. In -this matter, if not, alas! in the other events of your life, I am, in a -measure, your second self. Do you perjure yourself, pray, when you muse -upon your secret in the solitude of your own conscience? Do you think -that my loyal and sincere heart, tried by so many bitter tests, will not -be as steadfast as yours to retain and hold in trust the secret of joy -or sorrow confided to it, and which belongs to it as much as to you?" -</p> - -<p> -The soft and soothing tones of Diane's voice flowed on, moving the young -man's inmost soul, as if it were an instrument obedient to her words. -</p> - -<p> -"And then, Gabriel, since fate forbids our being bound together by the -ties of happy love, how can you have the heart to deny me the only -communion of feeling which is permissible for us,—that of sorrow? -Shall we not suffer less if we suffer together? Is it not, then, very sad -to think that the only bond which can unite us still keeps us apart?" -</p> - -<p> -Feeling that Gabriel, though half convinced, was still in doubt, she -resumed,— -</p> - -<p> -"Besides, you must beware! If you persist in your silence, why should I -not adopt the same language with you which caused you so much terror and -anguish just now,—why, I know not,—but which you yourself, -after all, long ago taught my lips and my heart? Surely your betrothed has -the right to tell you over and over again that she loves you, and none but -you. Your promised wife in God's sight may surely, with a chaste caress, -put her head upon your shoulder and her lips to your forehead thus—" -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel, with a sinking heart, again put Diane aside, with a -shudder. -</p> - -<p> -"No!" he cried, "have pity on my reason, Diane, I implore you. So you -really wish to know the terrible secret in all its details? Well, in the -face of a possible crime, I allow it to pass my lips. Yes, Diane, you -must take in their literal meaning the words which I let bill in my -agony a moment ago. Diane, it is possible that you are the daughter of -the Comte de Montgommery, my father; it is possible that you are my -sister." -</p> - -<p> -"Holy Virgin!" murmured Madame de Castro, overwhelmed by this -revelation. "But how can it be?" she added. -</p> - -<p> -"I should have preferred," said Gabriel, "that your pure and peaceful -life should never have come to know aught of this mystery, so full of -terror and crime. But I am confident, alas! that in the end my strength -alone would not have been sufficient to prevail against my love. So you -must assist me against yourself, Diane, and I will tell you all." -</p> - -<p> -"I listen, Gabriel, in terrible dread, but with attention," said Diane. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel then narrated everything to her: how his father had loved Madame -de Poitiers, and in the eyes of all the court had seemed to be favored -by her; how the dauphin, the present king, had become his rival; how the -Comte de Montgommery had disappeared one day, and how Aloyse had come to -know, and had revealed to his son what had taken place. But that was the -extent of the nurse's information; and since Madame de Poitiers -obstinately refused to speak, the Comte de Montgommery alone, if he were -still living, could tell the secret of Diane's birth. -</p> - -<p> -When Gabriel had finished the lugubrious history, Diane cried,— -</p> - -<p> -"This is indeed frightful! But whatever be the issue, my friend, there -is misery in store for us. If I am the Comte de Montgommery's daughter, -you are my brother Gabriel; if I am the king's daughter, you are the -rightfully outraged enemy of my father. So that in either event we must -be parted." -</p> - -<p> -"No, Diane," Gabriel replied, "our wretchedness, thank God, is not -altogether hopeless. Since I have begun to tell you the whole story, I -will go on to the end. I feel, too, that you were in the right; it has -encouraged me to confide in you; and my secret, after all, has only left -my heart to be shared by yours." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel then told Madame de Castro of the strange and perilous bargain -he had made with Henri II., and the king's solemn promise to restore the -Comte de Montgommery to freedom if the Vicomte de Montgommery, after -having defended St. Quentin against the Spaniards, should wrest Calais -from the English. -</p> - -<p> -Now Calais had been for an hour a French city, and Gabriel thought that -he might say with all modesty that he had had a large share in bringing -about that glorious result. -</p> - -<p> -As he continued, the light of hope began to chase away the gloom from -Diane's face as the light of dawn dissipates the darkness. -</p> - -<p> -When Gabriel had finished, she remained silent for a moment in deep -thought; then she said firmly, holding out her hand to him,— -</p> - -<p> -"Poor Gabriel! doubtless we have as much to think about and suffer in -the future as we have had in the past. But let us not stop there, my -friend. We must not allow ourselves to become weak and timid. For my -part, I will do my best to be strong and brave like you and with you. -The important thing now is to set to work and unravel our fate one way -or the other. Our agony is drawing to a close, I believe. You have now -kept and more than kept your promise to the king, and he, I trust, will -redeem his to you. It is upon that expectation that we must henceforth -base all our thoughts and hopes. What do you mean to do now?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Duc de Guise," replied Gabriel, "was my illustrious -confidant, and was accessory to all that I undertook to do here. I know -that, except for him, I could have done nothing; but he knows as well -that he could have done nothing without me. He, only, can and ought to -bear witness to the king of the part I have taken in this new conquest. -I have so much the more reason to expect this act of justice from him -because he promised me solemnly, for the second time, within a few days, -to give that testimony. Now I am going at once to remind Monsieur de -Guise of his undertaking, also to request from him a letter to his -Majesty, and since my presence here is no longer essential, to start at -once for Paris—" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel was still speaking eagerly, and Diane listening with her eyes -beaming with hope, when the door opened, and Jean Peuquoy appeared, -discomposed, and in apparent consternation. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, what is it?" asked Gabriel, anxiously. "Is Martin-Guerre worse?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monsieur le Vicomte," replied Jean. "Martin-Guerre has been taken -to our house by my efforts, and Master Ambroise Paré has already seen -him. Although amputation of the leg was deemed necessary, Master Paré -thinks that we may be sure that your gallant squire will survive the -operation." -</p> - -<p> -"Splendid news!" said Gabriel. "Ambroise Paré is doubtless with him -still?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur," replied the burgher, sadly, "he was obliged to leave him -to attend another wounded man, more illustrious and more hopeless." -</p> - -<p> -"Who is it, pray?" asked Gabriel, changing color. "Maréchal Strozzi, -Monsieur de Nevers—?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Duc de Guise, who lies dying at this moment," said Jean. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel and Diane simultaneously uttered a cry of grief. -</p> - -<p> -"And I was just saying that we were nearing the end of our agony," said -Madame de Castro, after a moment's silence. "Oh, <i>Mon Dieu</i>! <i>mon -Dieu</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -"Call not upon God, Madame," said Gabriel, with a sad smile. "God is -just, and justly chastises my selfishness. I took Calais only for my -father's sake and yours. It is God's will that I should have taken it -for the good of France." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap23"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXIII -<br /><br /> -LE BALAFRÉ</h4> - -<p> -Nevertheless, hope was not yet dead for Gabriel and Diane, since the Duc -de Guise was breathing still. The unhappy creatures seized eagerly at -the least chance, as the drowning man clutches at a straw. -</p> - -<p> -Vicomte d'Exmès left Diane's side to go and ascertain for himself the -extent of this catastrophe which had befallen them just when continued -ill-fortune had seemed to be relaxing its rigorous severity. -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy, who accompanied him, related to him on the way what had -happened. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Derby, being summoned by the mutinous citizens to capitulate before -the time fixed by Lord Wentworth, had sent a flag of truce to the Duc de -Guise to arrange the preliminaries. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, fighting still continued at several points, and was made -still more desperate during these final struggles, by the wrath of the -vanquished and the impatience of the victors. -</p> - -<p> -François de Lorraine, who was as daring a soldier as he was a skilful -general, appeared in person at the spot where the affray seemed to be -hottest and most dangerous. -</p> - -<p> -It was at a breach already half carried on the other side of a ditch, -which was completely filled with débris. -</p> - -<p> -The Duc de Guise on horseback, and a shining mark for the missiles which -were aimed at him from all sides, calmly urged on his men by his words -and his example. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly he saw above the breach the white flag of truce. -</p> - -<p> -A haughty smile spread over his noble features; for it was the -definitive assurance of his victory that he saw approaching. -</p> - -<p> -"Hold!" he cried in the midst of the mêlée to those who surrounded -him. "Calais surrenders! Down with your arms!" -</p> - -<p> -He raised the visor of his helmet, and putting spurs to his horse, rode -forward a few paces with his eyes fixed on the white flag, the symbol of -his triumph and of peace. -</p> - -<p> -Darkness, moreover, was beginning to fall, and the uproar had not -ceased. -</p> - -<p> -An English man-at-arms, who probably had not seen the flag of truce nor -heard amid the din the Duc de Guise's order to his men, sprang at his -horse's rein, and threw him back upon his haunches; and as the absorbed -duke, without so much as noticing the obstacle which thus arrested his -progress, drove the spurs in again, the trooper struck him in the face -with his lance. -</p> - -<p> -"I was not able to learn," continued Jean, "what part of Monsieur de -Guise's face was struck; but it is certain that it is a terrible wound. -The handle of the lance broke off, and the iron remained in the wound. -The duke, without a word, fell forward upon the pommel of his saddle. It -seems that the Englishman who dealt the fatal blow was torn to pieces by -the furious French soldiers; but alas! that could not help Monsieur de -Guise. He was carried from the field like one dead. Since then he has -not regained consciousness." -</p> - -<p> -"So that Calais is not ours?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, indeed it is!" replied Jean. "Monsieur le Duc de Nevers received -the flag of truce, and imposed most advantageous conditions, like a -conqueror. But the gain of such a city will hardly compensate France for -the loss of such a hero." -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>! Do you look upon him as already beyond help, then?" said -Gabriel, shuddering. -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! alas!" was the weaver's only reply, with a sorrowful shake of the -head. -</p> - -<p> -"Whither are you leading me at this pace?" continued Gabriel. "Do you -know where they have taken him?" -</p> - -<p> -"To the guard-house of the Château-Neuf, so Master Ambroise Paré was -told by the man who brought him the terrible news. Master Paré was -anxious to go to him at once, so Pierre went to show him the way, and I -came to tell you. I foresaw that it would be a very important matter for -you, and that under the circumstances there would doubtless be something -for you to do." -</p> - -<p> -"I have only to grieve like the others,—yes, even more than the -others," said Gabriel. "But," added he, "as well as I can distinguish -objects in the darkness, I should say we were near our destination." -</p> - -<p> -"This is the Château-Neuf," said Jean. -</p> - -<p> -Citizens and soldiers, an enormous, excited crowd eager and muttering, -filled all the approaches to the guard-house whither the Duc de Guise -had been carried. Questions, conjectures, and remarks of all sorts were -passing from mouth to mouth among the restless groups, like the rustling -wind among the echoing shades of a forest. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel and Jean Peuquoy had great difficulty in making their way -through this closely packed crowd as far as the steps of the -guard-house, the entrance to which was guarded by a strong party of -pikemen and halberdiers. Some of them held lighted torches, which cast -their lurid rays upon the moving mass of people. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel started as he saw by the flickering light of the torches -Ambroise Paré standing at the foot of the steps, motionless, with -contracted brows, and convulsively pressing his folded arms against his -heaving chest. Tears of grief and rage were glistening in his handsome -eyes. -</p> - -<p> -Behind him stood Pierre Peuquoy, as gloomy and cast down as he. -</p> - -<p> -"You here, Master Paré!" cried Gabriel. "What are you doing here, pray? -If Monsieur le Duc de Guise has still a breath of life in his body, your -place is at his side." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! you must not say so to me, Monsieur d'Exmès," retorted the -surgeon, quickly, when raising his eyes he recognized Gabriel. "Tell me -if you have any authority over these stupid guards." -</p> - -<p> -"What! Do they refuse to let you pass?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"They will not listen to a word," rejoined Ambroise Paré. "Oh, to think -that God should make so precious an existence depend upon such paltry -distinctions!" -</p> - -<p> -"But you must go in," said Gabriel. "Your presence is indispensable -there." -</p> - -<p> -"We begged at first," said Peuquoy, interposing, "and then we -threatened. They replied to our prayers with laughter, and to our -threats with blows. Master Paré tried to force his way in, but was -forcibly repulsed, and wounded by the handle of a halberd, I think." -</p> - -<p> -"It's easily understood," said Ambroise Paré, bitterly. "I have no gold -collar or spurs; I have nothing but a keen glance and a sure hand." -</p> - -<p> -"Wait," said Gabriel, "I will soon make them admit you." -</p> - -<p> -He walked toward the steps of the guard-house, but a pikeman bowing -respectfully as he saw him, barred his way. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me," said he with deference, "but we have received orders to -allow no one whatever to go in." -</p> - -<p> -"Blackguard!" said Gabriel, still keeping command over himself, however; -"do your orders apply to Vicomte d'Exmès, captain of his Majesty's -Guards, and Monsieur de Guise's friend? Where is your leader that I may -speak to him?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, he is on guard at the inner door," replied the pikeman, -still more humbly. -</p> - -<p> -"I will go to him, then," rejoined Gabriel, haughtily; "Come, Master -Paré, follow me." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, you may pass, since you demand it," said the soldier; "but -this man cannot pass." -</p> - -<p> -"Why so?" asked Gabriel. "Why cannot the surgeon be admitted to the -wounded man?" -</p> - -<p> -"All the surgeons, doctors, and quacks," replied the pikeman, "all those -at least who are recognized and licensed, have already been summoned to -Monseigneur's bedside. Not one is missing, so we are informed." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, that is just what alarms me!" said Ambroise Paré, with -contemptuous irony. -</p> - -<p> -"This man has no license in his pocket," the soldier continued. "I know -him well. He has saved more than one poor fellow's life in the camp, it -is true; but he is not the man for dukes." -</p> - -<p> -"Less talk!" cried Gabriel, stamping his foot angrily. "It is my desire -that Master Paré should go in with me." -</p> - -<p> -"Impossible, Monsieur le Vicomte." -</p> - -<p> -"I have said that it is my desire, blackguard!" -</p> - -<p> -"Pray remember," the soldier replied, "that my orders compel me to -disobey you." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah," cried Ambroise, sadly, "the duke may be dying while this absurd -discussion is going on!" -</p> - -<p> -This cry would have scattered all Gabriel's hesitation to the winds, -even if the impetuous youth had found it possible to hesitate longer at -such a crisis. -</p> - -<p> -"So you really wish that I should treat you as if you were Englishmen!" -he cried to the halberdiers. "So much the worse for you, then! Monsieur -de Guise's life is worth twenty such lives as yours, after all. We will -see if your pikes will dare to cross with my sword." -</p> - -<p> -The blade flashed from the scabbard like a ray of light, and drawing -Ambroise Paré after him, he ascended the steps of the guard-house. -</p> - -<p> -There was so much of menace in his whole look and bearing; there was so -much force in the physician's calm and determined demeanor; and the mere -personality, to say nothing of the expressed will of a man of gentle -birth, had so much prestige at that epoch,—that the guards were -subdued, and stood aside with their weapons lowered, less in deference -to the viscount's sword than to his name. -</p> - -<p> -"Let him pass!" cried a voice among the populace. "They have the -appearance of having been sent by God to save the Duc de Guise." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel and Ambroise Paré reached the door of the guard-house without -further hindrance. -</p> - -<p> -In the narrow porch through which they had to pass to reach the main -hall, the lieutenant in command of the men outside was stationed, with -three or four soldiers. -</p> - -<p> -Vicomte d'Exmès, without stopping, said to him briefly and in a tone -which called for no reply,— -</p> - -<p> -"I am bringing another surgeon to see Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -The lieutenant bowed, and allowed him to pass without the least -objection. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel and Paré entered the hall. -</p> - -<p> -The attention of all present was too deeply absorbed in the sad business -in hand to notice their arrival. -</p> - -<p> -It was truly a harrowing and fearful sight which was presented to their -gaze. -</p> - -<p> -In the centre of the hall, oil a camp bed, lay the Duc de Guise, -motionless and unconscious, the blood streaming from his head. -</p> - -<p> -His face was pierced from side to side; the iron head of the lance, -having entered the cheek beneath the right eye, had passed through his -head to that portion of the neck immediately below the left ear, and the -broken fragment projected half a foot from the gaping wound, which was -frightful to look upon. -</p> - -<p> -Around the bed were grouped some ten or twelve physicians and surgeons, -utterly bewildered amid the general despair. -</p> - -<p> -They were doing nothing whatever beyond looking on and talking. -</p> - -<p> -Just as Gabriel came in with Ambroise Paré, one of them was saying -aloud,— -</p> - -<p> -"Thus, having consulted together, we are under the painful necessity of -announcing our unanimous opinion that Monsieur le Duc de Guise is -mortally wounded, beyond hope of recovery: for in order to afford any -chance of saving his life, the fragment of the lance must be withdrawn -from the wound, and to extract it would be to kill Monseigneur beyond -peradventure." -</p> - -<p> -"So, then, you prefer to let him die!" rang out the determined voice of -Ambroise Paré from behind the foremost lookers-on. He had from that -distance seen with a glance the really almost hopeless condition of the -illustrious patient. -</p> - -<p> -The surgeon who had spoken raised his head to discover his bold critic, -and failing to do so, he resumed,— -</p> - -<p> -"Who would be so rash as to venture to lay his impious hands upon that -august face, and run the risk, without chance of success, of causing the -death of such a sufferer?" -</p> - -<p> -"I!" said Ambroise Paré, stepping forward with head erect into the -group of surgeons. -</p> - -<p> -And without paying any further attention to those who surrounded him, or -to the exclamations of surprise elicited by his word, he leaned over the -duke to get a nearer view of the wound. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! It is Master Ambroise Paré," said the surgeon-in-chief, -contemptuously, as he recognized the madman who dared to utter an -opinion different from his. "Master Ambroise Paré forgets," he added, -"that he has not the honor of being numbered among the surgeons of the -Duc de Guise." -</p> - -<p> -"Say rather," retorted Ambroise, "that I am his only surgeon, since his -regular attendants all abandon him. Besides, the Duc de Guise, a few -days since, after an operation which I performed successfully under his -eyes, chose to say to me, and very seriously if not officially, that -hereafter he should avail himself of my services in case of need. -Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès, who was present, can bear me out in what I -say." -</p> - -<p> -"I declare that what he says is true," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré had already turned his attention once more to the -seemingly lifeless body of the duke, and was carefully examining the -wound. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," asked the surgeon-in-chief, with an ironical smile, "after your -examination do you still persist in your desire to extract the iron from -the wound?" -</p> - -<p> -"Most certainly I do," said Ambroise Paré, resolutely. -</p> - -<p> -"What wonderful instrument do you propose to use?" -</p> - -<p> -"My hands, to be sure," replied Ambroise. -</p> - -<p> -"I protest with all my force," cried the infuriated surgeon, "against -any such profanation of Monseigneur's last hours." -</p> - -<p> -"And we join in your protest," shouted all his associates. -</p> - -<p> -"Have you any means of saving the prince's life to propose?" asked -Ambroise Paré. -</p> - -<p> -"No, it is impossible," was the unanimous chorus. -</p> - -<p> -"He is mine, then," said Ambroise, extending his hands over the body as -if to take formal possession of it. -</p> - -<p> -"We withdraw, then," said the surgeon-in-chief, and he and his -associates made a movement toward the door. -</p> - -<p> -"What do you propose to do?" was the question put to Ambroise on all -sides. -</p> - -<p> -"The Duc de Guise is dead to all that transpires," he replied, "and I -propose to act as if he were really dead." -</p> - -<p> -With these words, he removed his doublet, and rolled up his sleeves. -</p> - -<p> -"The idea of performing such experiments on Monseigneur, <i>tanquam in -anima vili</i>," said an old physician, shocked at these preparations, and -clasping his hands in horror. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," replied Ambroise, without raising his eyes from the sufferer. "I -am going to treat him, not as a man, not even as a beast of the field, -but as an inanimate thing. See!" -</p> - -<p> -He placed his foot boldly upon the duke's chest. -</p> - -<p> -A subdued sound of commingled terror, doubt, and menace ran through the -assemblage. -</p> - -<p> -"Take care, Master!" said Monsieur de Nevers, touching Ambroise Paré on -the shoulder; "take care! If you fail I will not answer for the anger of -the duke's friends and servants." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" said Ambroise, with a sad smile, as he turned toward the speaker. -</p> - -<p> -"Your head is in danger," said another. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré looked up to Heaven as if for strength; then he rejoined -with melancholy gravity,— -</p> - -<p> -"So be it! I will endanger my own head in an attempt to save this one. -But you can at least," he added, looking proudly around, "leave me to -work in peace." -</p> - -<p> -All stepped aside with a sort of respectful deference to the power of -genius. -</p> - -<p> -In the solemn silence no further sound was heard except the stertorous -breathing of the wounded man. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré placed his left knee upon the duke's chest; then, leaning -over, he took the wooden part of the lance in his hands, as he had said, -and moved it to and fro, gently at first, afterwards with more force. -</p> - -<p> -The duke started as if in terrible pain. -</p> - -<p> -The faces of all who were present were pallid with horror. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise himself stopped for a moment, as if afraid to proceed. The -sweat of anguish moistened his forehead; but he set to work again almost -immediately. -</p> - -<p> -After a minute, which seemed more than an hour long, the iron at last -came from the wound. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré cast it away with a shudder, and quickly stooped over the -yawning orifice. -</p> - -<p> -When he rose, his features were illuminated with a joyous light. But in -a moment his serious mood returned, and falling on his knees, he raised -his hands to God, while a tear of happiness rolled down his cheek. -</p> - -<p> -It was a sublime moment. Without a word from the great surgeon, every -one understood that once more there was hope. The duke's attendants wept -hot tears of joy, and some even kissed the skirt of Ambroise Paré's -coat. -</p> - -<p> -But no one spoke, waiting for him to say the first word. -</p> - -<p> -He spoke at last, his grave voice trembling with emotion,— -</p> - -<p> -"I will answer now for the life of Monseigneur de Guise." -</p> - -<p> -In an hour, in truth, the duke had recovered consciousness, and even the -power of speech. -</p> - -<p> -Ambroise Paré finished dressing the wound; and Gabriel was standing -beside the bed to which the surgeon had caused his august patient to be -removed. -</p> - -<p> -"So, Gabriel," said the duke, "I owe to you not only the taking of -Calais, but my life as well; for it seems that you brought Master Paré -to my bedside almost by force." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur," Ambroise interposed; "save for Monsieur d'Exmès's -intervention, they would not have allowed me to come near you." -</p> - -<p> -"God bless my two saviors!" said François de Lorraine. -</p> - -<p> -"I implore you not to talk so much, Monseigneur," said the surgeon. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I will hold my peace; but just one word,—one question." -</p> - -<p> -"What may it be, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"Do you think, Master Paré," asked the duke, "that the results of this -horrible wound will be to affect my health or my reason?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am sure not, Monseigneur," said Ambroise; "but I fear that a cicatrix -will remain,—a scar (<i>balafré</i>)—" -</p> - -<p> -"A scar!" cried the duke; "oh, that is nothing! It is an adornment to a -warrior's features; and the sobriquet of <i>Balafré</i> is one that I -should not object to in the least." -</p> - -<p> -It is well known that his contemporaries and posterity were of the Duc -de Guise's opinion, who from that time (as well as his son after him) -was surnamed <i>Le Balafré</i> by his generation and by history. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap24"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXIV -<br /><br /> -PARTIAL DÉNOUEMENT</h4> - -<p> -We go forward to the 8th of January,—the day succeeding that on which -Gabriel d'Exmès had finally restored to the King of France Calais, his -fairest city, which had been lost to him for so many years, and the Duc -de Guise, his greatest captain, who had been in imminent danger of -death. -</p> - -<p> -But we have no longer to deal with questions involving the future fate -of nations; we are at present to occupy ourselves with matters of -private and domestic import. From the breach in the walls of Calais and -the sick bed of François de Lorraine we pass to the living-room in the -dwelling of the Peuquoys. -</p> - -<p> -It was in that room on the lower floor of the house that Jean had -decided to lodge Martin, in order to avoid the fatigue of ascending the -stairs; and it was there that Ambroise Paré had, the evening before, -with his usual skill and success, performed upon the brave squire the -amputation that he deemed necessary. -</p> - -<p> -So that certainty had taken the place of what had before been only hope. -Martin-Guerre was still in a state of great exhaustion, it is true; but -his life was saved. -</p> - -<p> -It would be impossible to describe the regret of Pierre Peuquoy—his -remorse, rather—when he learned the truth from Jean. His stern but -honest and loyal soul could not obtain its own forgiveness for such a -bitter mistake. The honest armorer was constantly urging upon -Martin-Guerre to ask or to accept all that he possessed,—his heart -and his strong arm, his property and his life. -</p> - -<p> -But we know already that Martin-Guerre had pardoned Pierre -Peuquoy,—nay, more, had approved what he had done,—without -waiting for him to express his sorrow therefor. -</p> - -<p> -Thus they were on the best of terms; and we must not be surprised to -find a sort of domestic council—similar to the one at which we have -already been present during the bombardment—in progress at the -bedside of Martin-Guerre, who was as one of the family thenceforth. -</p> - -<p> -Vicomte d'Exmès, who was to start for Paris that same evening, was -admitted to their deliberations, which were, all things considered, of a -less painful nature to the gallant allies of the Risbank fort than on -the previous occasion. -</p> - -<p> -In truth, the reparation which was due to the honor of the Peuquoy name -was not now beyond the bounds of possibility. The real Martin-Guerre was -married; but there was nothing to indicate that Babette's seducer was, -and it only remained to find the villain. -</p> - -<p> -Thus it happened that Pierre's expression was calmer and more kindly, -but Jean's was very sorrowful, while Babette seemed to be in the deepest -dejection. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel looked from one to another in silence; and Martin-Guerre, -stretched upon his bed of pain, was in despair at the thought that he -could do nothing for his new-found friends, except furnish them with -vague and unsatisfactory information as to the personal appearance of -his double. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre and Jean had just returned from the bedside of Monsieur de Guise; -for the duke had refused to delay any longer the expression of his -gratitude to the brave, patriotic burghers for the effective and -glorious part they had taken in the surrender of the city; and Gabriel -had introduced them to him at his urgent request. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre was proudly and joyously describing to Babette the details of the -presentation. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, my dear sister," he was saying, "when Monsieur d'Exmès had told -the Duc de Guise of our co-operation in all this, in terms which were -certainly too flattering and highly colored, the great man deigned to -express his satisfaction to Jean and myself with a gracious -consideration which I, for my part, shall never forget, though I should -live for more than a hundred years. But he gladdened and touched my -heart above all by adding that he was anxious to serve us in some way, -and asking me in what way he could do so. Not that I was interested for -myself, Babette,—you know me too well for that; but do you know what -favor I mean to ask of him?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, indeed I do not, my brother," murmured Babette. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, dear sister," continued Pierre, "as soon as we have found the -wretch who so basely betrayed you,—and we shall find him, never -fear!—I will ask Monsieur de Guise to assist me with his influence in -making him save your good name. We have ourselves neither power nor -riches, and some such support as his may be necessary to help us to -obtain justice." -</p> - -<p> -"Suppose that you fail of obtaining justice, even with his support, -cousin?" asked Jean. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks to my good right arm," Pierre replied energetically, "vengeance -at least will not fail me. And yet," he added in a lower voice, and -glancing timidly at Martin-Guerre, "I must confess that violence has -been productive of but little good thus far." -</p> - -<p> -For a moment he said no more, but was lost in thought. When he shook off -his absorption, he was surprised to see that Babette was weeping. -</p> - -<p> -"What makes you weep, pray, my sister?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, I am very unhappy!" cried Babette, sobbing as if her heart would -break. -</p> - -<p> -"Unhappy, and why? I believe that in the future the clouds will break -away, and—" -</p> - -<p> -"No, they will grow even darker," she said. -</p> - -<p> -"No, no, everything will come all right; make your mind easy," said -Pierre. "There can be no hesitation between a reparation which brings -nothing but pleasure in its train, and a terrible vengeance. Your lover -will come back to you; you will be his wife—" -</p> - -<p> -"But suppose I refuse to marry him?" cried Babette. Jean Peuquoy could -not forbear a joyous movement, which did not escape Gabriel's notice. -</p> - -<p> -"Refuse to marry him!" exclaimed Pierre, surprised beyond measure. "Why, -you loved him!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I did love him," said Babette; "for he was suffering; besides he -seemed to love me, and showed respect and tenderness for me. But the man -who deceived me, who lied to me and abandoned me, who appropriated the -language, the name, and perhaps the very clothes of another, to lay -siege to and surprise a poor, trusting heart—ah, that man I hate and -I despise!" -</p> - -<p> -"But if he were willing to marry you?" said Pierre. "It would only be -because he was driven to do it, or because he hoped for favors from the -Duc de Guise. He would bestow his name upon me either from fear or -avarice. No, no, I pray I may never see him again!" -</p> - -<p> -"Babette," replied Pierre, sternly; "you have no right to say, 'I pray I -may never see him again.'" -</p> - -<p> -"My dear brother, for mercy's sake! for pity's sake!" cried Babette, -weeping piteously, "do not force me to marry a man whom you have -yourself called a villain and a coward." -</p> - -<p> -"Babette, think of your dishonored name!" -</p> - -<p> -"I prefer to blush a moment for my misplaced love rather than to blush -for my husband all my life." -</p> - -<p> -"Babette, think of your fatherless child!" -</p> - -<p> -"It would be far better for him, I think, to be without a father who -would detest him, than to lose his mother who will adore him; and his -mother, if she marries that man, will surely die of shame and chagrin." -</p> - -<p> -"So, Babette, you turn a deaf ear to all my remonstrances and -entreaties?" -</p> - -<p> -"I implore your affection and your pity, my brother." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, then," said Pierre, "my affection and my pity will reply to -your words, sorrowfully but firmly. As it is necessary above all things, -Babette, that you should possess the esteem of others and retain your -good name, and as I prefer your unhappiness to your dishonor, since -being dishonored your unhappiness will be twofold,—I, your elder -brother, the head of your family, wish you to understand that you should -marry, if he agrees, the man who betrayed you, and who alone has the -power to-day to give you back the honor he has stolen. The law and our -religion endow me with an authority over you, which I forewarn you I -must use in case of need, to compel you to take a step which, to my -mind, is required by your duty toward God, your family, your unborn -child, and yourself." -</p> - -<p> -"You condemn me to death, brother," replied Babette, in an altered -voice. "It is well; and I bow to your will, since it is my fate and my -punishment, and not a soul intercedes for me." -</p> - -<p> -As she spoke, she looked at Gabriel and Jean Peuquoy, who were both -silent,—the latter because he was suffering keenly, the other because -he wished to see what course events would take. -</p> - -<p> -But at Babette's direct appeal, Jean could no longer restrain himself; -and addressing his words to her, but turning to Pierre, he rejoined with -a bitter irony, which was hardly in accord with his character,— -</p> - -<p> -"Why do you wish that any one should intercede for you, Babette? Is it -because this thing that your brother demands of you is not altogether -just and wise? His way of looking at the affair is indeed admirable. He -has deeply at heart your honor and that of his family; and to maintain -that honor intact, what does he do? He forces you to marry a forger. -Truly it is marvellous! To be sure, this scoundrel when once he is taken -into the family will probably bring everlasting dishonor upon it by his -conduct. It is certain that Monsieur d'Exmès, now present, will not -fail to demand from him, in the name of Martin-Guerre, a bitter -reckoning for his basely false impersonation, and that this will -probably lead to your having to go before the judges, Babette, as the -wife of this low-lived appropriator of a name. But what does it matter? -You will none the less belong to him by a valid title, and your child -will none the less be the recognized and acknowledged son of the false -Martin-Guerre. You will die perhaps of the disgrace of being his wife, -but your maiden reputation will remain unsullied in everybody's eyes." -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy uttered these sentiments with a degree of indignant warmth -which surprised Babette herself. -</p> - -<p> -"I should hardly have known you, Jean," exclaimed Pierre in amazement. -"Is it really you, who speak thus?—you, who are generally so moderate -and calm." -</p> - -<p> -"It is just because of my moderation and calmness," replied Jean, "that -I am able to view more dispassionately the situation into which you are -inconsiderately plunging us to-day." -</p> - -<p> -"Do you believe, pray," rejoined Pierre, "that I would accept with any -better grace the infamy of my brother-in-law than my sister's shame? No; -if we find Babette's betrayer, I am in hopes that, after all, his fraud -may have done no harm except to ourselves and Martin-Guerre; and in that -event I rely upon good Martin's friendship for us to cause him to desist -from making a complaint, the result of which would fall upon the -innocent equally with the guilty." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," said Martin-Guerre from his bed, "there is no vindictiveness in my -nature, and I have no desire for the death of the sinner. If he but pays -his debt to you, I will discharge him from any claim I have against -him." -</p> - -<p> -"All that is very fine so far as the past is concerned," retorted Jean, -who seemed only moderately delighted over the squire's forgiving -disposition. "But the future,—who will answer for the future?" -</p> - -<p> -"I will be always on the watch," replied Pierre. "Babette's husband -shall never be out of my sight, and it will be best for him to remain an -honest man and walk in the straight path, or else—" -</p> - -<p> -"You will inflict justice upon him yourself, will you not?" Jean -interposed. "It will be full time. Babette, meanwhile, will have been -sacrificed all the same." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well; but you must remember, Jean," retorted Pierre, rather out of -patience, "that if it is a difficult position, I simply am meeting it. I -did not bring it about. Have you, who talk so finely, been able to -devise any other plan than that which I suggest?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, of course there is another resource," said Jean. -</p> - -<p> -"What is it?" asked Pierre and Babette in one breath,—Pierre, it must -be said, quite as eagerly as his sister. -</p> - -<p> -Vicomte d'Exmès said not a word, but listened with redoubled -intentness. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well," said Jean, "may it not be possible to find some honest man, -who, more moved than alarmed by Babette's ill-fortune, would agree to -give her his name?" -</p> - -<p> -Pierre shook his head incredulously,— -</p> - -<p> -"We must not hope for that," said he. "Any one who would close his eyes -to such a thing must be either in love or a coward. In either event, we -should be obliged to admit strangers or indifferent friends into our sad -secret; and although Monsieur d'Exmès and Martin are no doubt our most -loyal friends, still I deeply regret that circumstances have made them -acquainted with facts which ought never to have been known outside of -the family." -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy replied with an emotion which he tried in vain to hide,— -</p> - -<p> -"I would not suggest a coward to Babette for her husband; but as to your -other supposition, Pierre, may we not consider that, too? Suppose that -some one were in love with my cousin; suppose that he, also, had been -made acquainted by circumstances with her fault, but had learned of her -repentance at the same time, and had resolved to assure himself a -peaceful and happy future, to forget the past, which Babette -surely would like well to efface by her virtue and goodness -hereafter,—suppose all this were true; what would you say, Pierre; -and you, Babette?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, that cannot be! It is a dream!" cried Babette, whose eyes, -nevertheless, were illumined with a ray of hope. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you know such a man, Jean?" asked Pierre, in a matter-of-fact way; -"or is it not a mere supposition on your part,—as Babette says, a -dream?" -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy, at this straightforward question, hesitated and stammered, -and was very ill at ease. -</p> - -<p> -He did not notice the silent, but deep and attentive interest with which -Gabriel was following his every motion; he was entirely absorbed in -observing Babette, who, breathing fast, and with eyes cast down, seemed -to be battling with an emotion which the honest weaver, little skilled -in such matters, knew not how to interpret. -</p> - -<p> -He did not draw from it any deduction favorable to his hopes, for it was -in a piteous sort of voice that he answered his cousin's direct -interrogatory,— -</p> - -<p> -"Alas, Pierre, it is only too probable! I confess that all that I have -said is only a dream. In truth, it would not be sufficient for the -fulfilment of my dream that Babette should be dearly loved; there must -be a little love on her side as well, otherwise she would still be -wretched. Now, the man who would be willing thus to buy his own -happiness from Babette at the price of forgetfulness would doubtless -have to make excuses for some disadvantages on his own side; he would -probably not be young nor handsome,—in a word, not lovable. Thus -there is no likelihood that Babette would consent to become his wife, and -that is why all that I have said is, I fear, nought but idle dreaming." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, it was a dream," said Babette, sadly, "but not for the reasons -that you give, my cousin. The man who would be generous enough to come -to my rescue by such devotion, though he should be the most withered and -ugly of his sex, ought to be young and beautiful in my sight; for his -very act would show a freshness of soul which is not always to be found -in the youth of twenty; nor can such kind and generous thoughts fail to -leave the imprint of nobleness upon the features. I should find him -worthy of my love, too, for he would have given me the greatest proof of -his affection that woman could receive. My duty and my pleasure would be -to love him all my life and with all my heart, and so that would be very -easy. But the impossible and improbable part of your dream, my cousin, -would be to find any one capable of such self-abnegation for a poor -girl, without charm, and dishonored as I am. There may be men noble -enough and kind-hearted enough to entertain for an instant the idea of -such a sacrifice, and that is a great deal; but upon reflection, even -they would hesitate, and withdraw at the last moment, and I should fall -once more from hope to despair. Such, my good Jean, are the real reasons -why what you said was nought but a dream." -</p> - -<p> -"And what if it were the truth after all?" said Gabriel suddenly rising -from his chair. -</p> - -<p> -"What, what do you say?" cried Babette, completely bewildered. -</p> - -<p> -"I say, Babette, that this devoted, generous heart does exist," replied -Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you know the man?" asked Pierre, deeply moved. -</p> - -<p> -"I do know him," replied the young man, smiling. "He loves you indeed, -Babette, but with the affection of a father as well as of a lover,—an -affection which longs to cherish and forgive you. Thus you may accept -without reservation this sacrifice of his, in which is no possibility of -error, and which is induced only by most tender compassion and most -sincere devotion. Besides, you will give as much as you receive, -Babette: you will receive honor, but you will bestow happiness; for he -who loves you stands alone in the world, joyless, with no interests to -make life sweet to him and nothing to hope for in the future. But you -will bring him all these things; and if you consent, you will make him -as happy to-day as he will make you some day hereafter. Do I not speak -the truth, Jean Peuquoy?" -</p> - -<p> -"But, Monsieur le Vicomte, I am ignorant," stammered Jean, trembling -like a leaf. -</p> - -<p> -"Very true, Jean," continued Gabriel, still smiling; "there is really -one thing that you don't perhaps know; that is, that Babette feels for -him by whom she is beloved, not only profound esteem and deep-seated -gratitude, but a holy affection. Babette, although she has not guessed -it, has felt a vague presentiment of this love of which she is the -object, and was at first relieved in her own heart, then touched by it, -and finally made happy by the thought of it. Her violent aversion for -the villain who deceived her dates from that time. That is why she went -on her knees to her brother a moment ago to implore him not to insist on -her union with that wretch, whom she only thought that she loved, in the -mistaken innocence of her pure, young heart, and whom she loathes to-day -with all the force with which she loves him who holds out a hand to -rescue her from shame. Am I wrong, Babette?" -</p> - -<p> -"Really, Monseigneur, I don't know," said Babette, with a face as white -as the driven snow. -</p> - -<p> -"One doesn't know, and the other is ignorant," resumed Gabriel. "What, -Babette, and you, Jean, do you know nothing of your own inmost hearts? -Are you ignorant of your own dearest thoughts? Come, come, that isn't -possible! I am not the first to make it clear to you, Babette, that Jean -loves you. Surely, Jean, you suspected before I spoke, that you were -beloved by Babette?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, can it be so?" cried Pierre Peuquoy, in a perfect ecstasy of -delight; "oh, no, it would be too much happiness!" -</p> - -<p> -"But just look at them!" said Gabriel to him. -</p> - -<p> -Babette and Jean were gazing at each other, still irresolute and half -incredulous. -</p> - -<p> -Then, Jean read in the eyes of Babette such fervent gratitude, and -Babette so moving an appeal in those of Jean, that both were convinced -and persuaded at the same moment. -</p> - -<p> -Without knowing how it came about, they were locked in each other's -arms. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre Peuquoy was so entirely overcome that he could not utter a word; -but he pressed Jean's hand with a fervor more eloquent than all the -words of all the languages in the world. -</p> - -<p> -As for Martin-Guerre, he sat up in bed, despite the risk, and with eyes -swimming in tears of joy, clapped his hands with a will at this -unexpected dénouement. -</p> - -<p> -When the first transport of joy had somewhat subsided, Gabriel said,— -</p> - -<p> -"Now we will arrange matters thus. Jean Peuquoy must marry Babette as -soon as possible; but before finally taking up their abode with their -brother, I insist that they pass a few months in my house at Paris. In -that way Babette's secret, the sad cause of this happy marriage, will be -buried forever in the five faithful hearts of those who are here -present. There is a sixth, to be sure, who might betray the secret; but -he, if he ever learns Babette's fate, which is not likely, will not have -it in his power to annoy them for long—that I will answer for. So, my -dear kind friends, you may live henceforth in perfect content and peace, -and have no fear of the future." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, my noble, high-souled guest!" said Pierre, kissing Gabriel's hand. -</p> - -<p> -"To you, and you alone," said Jean, "do we owe our happiness, even as -the king owes Calais to you." -</p> - -<p> -"And every morning and evening," added Babette, "we will pray fervently -to God for the welfare of our savior." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Babette," Gabriel replied, deeply moved, "yes, I thank you for -that thought: pray God that your savior may now have the power to save -himself." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap25"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXV -<br /><br /> -HAPPY OMENS</h4> - -<p> -"Why?" Babette Peuquoy replied to the melancholy and doubting tone of -Gabriel's last words, "are you not successful in everything you -undertake?—in the defence of St. Quentin and the capture of Calais as -well as in arranging a happy marriage for poor Babette?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, it is true," said Gabriel, with a sad smile; "God seems to have -decreed that the most insuperable and most alarming obstacles in my path -should vanish like magic at my approach; but, alas! that is no proof, my -dear child, that I shall finally attain the end which I so earnestly -desire." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah," said Jean Peuquoy, "you have made too many others happy, not to be -happy yourself at last." -</p> - -<p> -"I accept the omen, Jean," replied Gabriel, "and there could be no more -favorable augury of my own success than to leave my friends in Calais -peaceful and happy. But you know that it is necessary that I should -leave you now, perhaps to become immersed in sorrow and in tears—who -can tell? Let us at all events leave no regrets behind, and let us -arrange everything in which we are interested." -</p> - -<p> -So they fixed a day for the wedding, which Gabriel, to his great regret, -was not able to attend, and then agreed upon the day upon which Jean and -Babette were to start for Paris. -</p> - -<p> -"It may be," said Gabriel, sadly, "that you will not find me at home to -welcome you. I hope that will not be the case, but I may perhaps be -obliged to be absent from Paris and the court for a time. But let that -make no difference about your coming. Aloyse, my good old nurse, will -entertain you in my behalf as well as I myself could do. You and she -must, however, give a thought now and then to your absent host." -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre had to remain at Calais, notwithstanding all his -remonstrances and entreaties. Ambroise Paré declared that his -convalescence would be very slow and tedious, and meanwhile he would -require the most constant care and watchfulness. Therefore his choler -was of no avail, and he was obliged to yield. -</p> - -<p> -"But as soon as you are entirely well, my faithful fellow," said Vicomte -d'Exmès, "come to Paris; and whatever may befall, I will fulfil my -promise to you, never fear, and deliver you from your strange -persecutor. Now I am doubly bound to do it." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur, think of yourself, not of me," said Martin-Guerre. -</p> - -<p> -"Every obligation will be met," Gabriel resumed; "but I must say -'adieu,' my good friends, for it is time for me to return to Monsieur de -Guise. I have asked certain favors of him in your presence, which he -will accord me, I think, in consideration of the services I have been -fortunate enough to render during these recent occurrences." -</p> - -<p> -But the Peuquoys refused to take leave of Gabriel thus. They insisted -upon meeting him at the Paris gate at three o'clock, to see him once -more and say farewell to him there. -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre was the only one who had to say his last words to his -master at this moment, and they were not uttered without regret and -sorrow. But Gabriel comforted him somewhat with a few of the kind -expressions which came so naturally to his lips. -</p> - -<p> -A quarter of an hour later Vicomte d'Exmès was ushered into the -presence of the Duc de Guise. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, there you are, my ambitious young friend!" said the duke, as he saw -him come in. -</p> - -<p> -"My only ambition has been to do my best to second your efforts, -Monseigneur," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, from that point of view you have shown no ambition at all," -rejoined Le Balafré (we may henceforth give the duke that name, or, -more properly speaking, that title). "I call you ambitious, Gabriel," he -continued playfully, "because of the innumerable extravagant requests -you have made upon me; and upon my word I am not sure that I can satisfy -you." -</p> - -<p> -"I based them rather upon what I knew of your benevolence than upon my -own poor merits," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"You have a very high opinion of my benevolence, then," said the Duc de -Guise, with mild raillery. "I leave it to you, Monsieur de Vaudemont," -he continued, turning to a gentleman seated beside his bed, who had just -come to visit him,—"I leave it to you to say if any one should be -allowed to present such paltry requests to a prince." -</p> - -<p> -"Consider that I erred in what I said, then, Monseigneur," Gabriel -responded, "and that I based my requests upon my own merits and not upon -your benevolence." -</p> - -<p> -"Another blunder!" cried the duke; "for your gallantry is a hundred -times beyond my power to recompense. Now just listen for a moment, -Monsieur de Vaudemont, and let me tell you of the unprecedented favors -which Monsieur d'Exmès asks at my hands." -</p> - -<p> -"I venture to predict, Monseigneur," said the Marquis de Vaudemont, -"that they are sure to be absurdly small, both in proportion to his -merit and your power. However, let me hear them." -</p> - -<p> -"In the first place," continued the duke, "Monsieur d'Exmès asks me to -take back to Paris with me the little band of volunteers whom he -enlisted at his own expense and for his own purpose, but meanwhile to -make such use as I please of them. He reserves only four men to serve as -his own suite on his journey to Paris. And these brave fellows, whom he -thus lends to me under pretense of recommending them to me, are no -others, Monsieur de Vaudemont, than the incarnate fiends who accompanied -him in that marvellous escalading expedition which ended in the capture -of the impregnable Risbank fort. Well, which of us renders the other a -service in this transaction, Monsieur d'Exmès or myself?" -</p> - -<p> -"I must confess that Monsieur d'Exmès does," said the Marquis de -Vaudemont. -</p> - -<p> -"And by my faith, I accept this new obligation," resumed the duke, -gayly. "I shall not allow your eight fellows to spoil in idleness, -Gabriel. As soon as I can leave my bed I will take them with me on my -expedition against Ham; for I do not propose to leave the English one -foot of earth in our dear France. Malemort himself, the everlastingly -wounded man, will be on hand, too; for Master Pare has promised that he -shall be cured as soon I am." -</p> - -<p> -"He will be very fortunate, Monseigneur," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"So, then, there is your first request granted, and with no great effort -on my part. In the second place, Monsieur d'Exmès reminds me that -Madame Diane de Castro, the king's daughter, whom you know, Monsieur de -Vaudemont, is here at Calais, where she has been held prisoner by the -English. Vicomte d'Exmès, realizing how deeply I am engrossed with -other matters, has very opportunely reminded me to assure this lady of -the royal blood of the protection and respect which are her due. Does, -or does not Monsieur d'Exmès render me a service in this matter also?" -</p> - -<p> -"Without the slightest doubt," replied the Marquis de Vaudemont. -</p> - -<p> -"The second point is settled, then," said the duke. "My orders are -already given; and whilst I am reputed to be an indifferent courtier, I -am altogether too sensible of my duty as a gentleman, to forget at this -time the consideration which is due to the person and exalted rank of -Madame de Castro; therefore, a suitable escort will be ready to -accompany her to Paris, when and how she chooses." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel expressed his gratitude only by a deep inclination, fearing that -he might betray the interest and importance which that promise had for -him. -</p> - -<p> -"In the third place," resumed the Duc de Guise, "Lord Wentworth, the -English governor of this city, was taken prisoner by Monsieur d'Exmès. -In the terms of capitulation granted to Lord Derby, we bound ourselves -to admit him to ransom; but Monsieur d'Exmès, to whom both prisoner and -ransom belong, permits us to show ourselves still more liberal. In fact, -he asks for our authority to send Lord Wentworth to England without -requiring him to pay any price for his freedom. Will not this action -give great éclat to our courtesy, even beyond these narrow limits; and -does not Monsieur d'Exmès thereby render us once more a service of real -value?" -</p> - -<p> -"Undoubtedly, as is demonstrated by Monseigneur's noble appreciation of -it," said Monsieur de Vaudemont. -</p> - -<p> -"Make your mind easy, Gabriel," said the duke; "Monsieur de Thermes has -gone, on your behalf and mine, to set Lord Wentworth at liberty and -return his sword to him. He may leave the city as soon as he desires." -</p> - -<p> -"I thank you, Monseigneur," said Gabriel; "but do not give me credit for -too much magnanimity. I am only requiting Lord Wentworth for various -courtesies he extended to me when I was myself his prisoner, and giving -him at the same time a lesson in fair dealing and probity; I doubt not -he will understand the allusion and the implied reproof." -</p> - -<p> -"You have more reason than any one else to deal sternly with him upon -such questions," said the duke in all seriousness. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, much disturbed to find the principal -object of his solicitude ignored by the Duc de Guise, "allow me to -remind you of the promise you were good enough to make me in my tent on -the eve of the capture of the Risbank fort." -</p> - -<p> -"Wait one moment, I beg, O most impatient youth!" said Le Balafré. "In -consideration of these three eminent services which I have rendered you, -which Monsieur de Vaudemont has verified, I have well earned the right -to demand a favor at your hands. I ask you then, as you are about to -start so soon for Paris, to take with you and present to the king the -keys of the city of Calais—" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur!" Gabriel interrupted, in an outburst of gratitude. -</p> - -<p> -"You will not find that a very burdensome duty, I fancy," said the duke. -"Besides, you are used to commissions of this sort, for you know I -intrusted to your care the flags captured in our Italian campaign." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, how well you understand the art of doubling the force of your kind -deeds by your manner of performing them!" cried the enraptured Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Further than that," continued the duke, "you will hand to his Majesty -at the same time a copy of the capitulation, and this letter, which I -wrote this morning from beginning to end with my own hand despite the -orders of Master Ambroise Paré. But you see," he added significantly, -"no one could possibly have done you justice, Gabriel, or asked that -justice be done you by others, with so much assurance as myself. Now I -trust you will be satisfied with me, and that the result of what I have -done will be that you will have nothing with which to reproach the king. -Here, my friend, are the keys and the letter. I have no need to charge -you to take care of them." -</p> - -<p> -"And I, Monseigneur, have no need to say that I am yours in life and -death," said Gabriel, in a voice choked with emotion. -</p> - -<p> -He took the little box of carved wood and the sealed letter which the -duke handed him. They were the priceless talismans which might perhaps -be the means of procuring for him his father's freedom and his own -happiness. -</p> - -<p> -"Now I will not detain you longer," said the Duc de Guise. "You are -probably in haste to be on your way; and I, less fortunate than you, -find myself, after this morning of excitement, in a state of weariness, -which enjoins rest upon me even more imperiously than Master Ambroise -Paré." -</p> - -<p> -"Adieu, then; and once more, Monseigneur, accept my heartfelt thanks," -said Vicomte d'Exmès. -</p> - -<p> -At this moment Monsieur de Thermes, whom the Duc de Guise had sent to -Lord Wentworth, hurried into the room in a state of great excitement. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah," said the duke to Gabriel, "our ambassador to the victor need not -set out without an interview with our ambassador to the vanquished. But -how's this," he added, "what's the matter, De Thermes? You seem to be -greatly distressed." -</p> - -<p> -"So I am, indeed, Monseigneur," said Monsieur de Thermes. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, what has happened?" asked Le Balafré. "Has Lord Wentworth—" -</p> - -<p> -"Lord Wentworth, to whom, Monseigneur, in accordance with your commands, -I announced his release and returned his sword, accepted the act of -grace coldly and without a word. I was just leaving him in amazement at -such discourteous behavior, when I heard a loud cry, which made me -hasten back. The first use he had made of his freedom was to run himself -through the body with the sword he had just received at my hands. He had -killed himself instantly, and I found only his dead body." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah," cried the Duc de Guise, "it must have been the despair caused by -his defeat which drove him to that extremity. Do you not think so, -Gabriel? It is a real misfortune!" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monseigneur," replied Gabriel, with sorrowful gravity; "no, Lord -Wentworth did not die because he had been beaten." -</p> - -<p> -"How's that! what was the reason, then?" asked Le Balafré. -</p> - -<p> -"I beg you to allow me to say nothing as to the real reason," replied -Gabriel. "I would have kept the secret if Lord Wentworth had lived, and -I must guard it even more carefully now he is no more. However," -continued Gabriel, lowering his voice, "in view of this proud act of -his, I may confide to you, Monseigneur, that in his place I would have -done just as he has. Yes, Lord Wentworth did well; for even if he had -had no cause to blush before me, still the conscience of a true -gentleman is a sufficiently troublesome creditor to induce one to impose -silence upon it at any cost; and when one has the honor to belong to the -nobility of a noble country, there are irreparable faults the effects of -which can only be avoided by falling-dead as he has done." -</p> - -<p> -"I understand you, Gabriel," said the Duc de Guise. "It only remains for -us to pay Lord Wentworth the last honors." -</p> - -<p> -"He is worthy of them," returned Gabriel; "and while I deeply deplore -this necessary end of his career, I am glad, nevertheless, that I can -still think with esteem and regret, as Intake leave of him on earth, of -the man whose guest I was in this city." -</p> - -<p> -When he said farewell to the Duc de Guise a few moments later with -renewed acknowledgments, Gabriel went at once to the governor's former -residence, where Madame de Castro was still living. -</p> - -<p> -He had not seen Diane since the evening before; but she had quickly -learned, in common with all Calais, of Ambroise Paré's fortunate -intervention and the safety of the Duc de Guise; so Gabriel found her -calm and reassured. -</p> - -<p> -Lovers are always superstitious, and the peace of mind of his -well-beloved had a cheering effect upon him. -</p> - -<p> -Diane was naturally still better pleased when Gabriel told her what had -taken place between the Duc de Guise and himself, and showed her the -letter and the box which had been intrusted to him because of his -unremitting labor and his defiance of so many dangers. -</p> - -<p> -But even amid so many causes for gratulation she felt the regret of a -Christian at Lord Wentworth's sad end; for though he had, to be sure, -abused and insulted her for an hour or two, he had protected and treated -her with all due respect for three months. -</p> - -<p> -"May God pardon him as I do!" she said. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel went on to speak of Martin-Guerre and the Peuquoys, and of the -escort which Monsieur de Guise had promised her, Diane, and referred to -all her surroundings. -</p> - -<p> -Indeed, he would have been only too glad to find a thousand other -subjects of conversation to afford him an excuse for remaining; and yet -the engrossing idea which called him to Paris still absorbed his -thoughts to a great degree. He longed both to go and to stay; he was at -once happy and anxious. -</p> - -<p> -At last, as the hours passed by, Gabriel was obliged to say that he -could only postpone his departure for a few moments longer. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you going, Gabrieli Well, it is much better that you should for -many reasons," said Diane. "I have not had the courage to speak to you -of your departure; and yet by not deferring it you will give me the -greatest proof of your affection that it would be possible for me to -receive. Yes, my friend, go, so that I may have a shorter time to wait -and suffer. Go, so that our fate may be decided as speedily as -possible." -</p> - -<p> -"May God bless you for your brave words, which go so far to sustain my -courage!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"At this very moment," said Diane, "I feel while I am listening to you, -as I know you must while speaking to me, an indefinable anxiety. We have -been talking of a hundred things, and yet we have not dared to touch -upon the matter which really lies nearest to our hearts and our lives. -But since you are going in a very few moments, we may now revert without -fear to the only subject in which we are really interested." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, you read my own heart and yours at a single glance!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen a moment," said Diane. "Besides the letter you are to deliver to -the king from the Duc de Guise, you will give his Majesty this other one -from me which I wrote last night. In it I have told him how you saved me -and set me free. Thus it will be made clear to him and to all others -that you have restored his city to the king, and his daughter to the -father. I speak thus; for I fervently trust that Henri II.'s affection -for me is not deceptive, and that I have a right to call him my father." -</p> - -<p> -"Dear Diane, God grant that you augur truly!" cried Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"I envy you, Gabriel," continued Diane, "because you will lift the veil, -and learn our destiny before I shall. However, I shall soon follow you, -dear. Since Monsieur de Guise is so kindly disposed towards me, I will -ask for an escort to-morrow; and although I shall be forced to travel -more leisurely than you, I shall be at Paris a very few days after you." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, do come soon!" said Gabriel, "for it seems to me as if your -presence would bring me good fortune." -</p> - -<p> -"In any event," Diane replied, "I do not want to be entirely separated -from you; but I desire that there should be some one to remind you of me -from time to time. Since you will be obliged to leave your faithful -squire, Martin-Guerre, here, take with you the French page whom Lord -Wentworth gave me. André is only a child, scarcely sixteen, and perhaps -still younger in disposition than in years; but he is devoted and loyal, -and will do you good service. Accept him from me. Amidst the less -congenial companions of your suite, he will be a pleasanter and more -agreeable attendant for you, and I shall be glad to know that he is -always at your side." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, thanks for such thoughtful consideration," said Gabriel; "but you -know that I must depart in a very few moments—" -</p> - -<p> -"André knows my purpose," said Diane. "Oh, if you knew how proud he is -to be in your service. He must be all ready now, and I have only a few -last instructions to give him. If you go now and take your leave of the -good Peuquoys, André will be with you before you quit Calais." -</p> - -<p> -"I will take him with very great pleasure," said Gabriel; "I shall at -least have some one with whom I can sometimes converse about you." -</p> - -<p> -"I thought of that," said Madame de Castro, with a slight blush. "But -now, adieu," she said earnestly; "we must say adieu." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, not 'adieu,'" replied Gabriel; "not that sad word which means a -long separation; not 'adieu,' but <i>au revoir</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" said Diane, "when and under what circumstances shall we meet -again! If the riddle of our destiny be solved contrary to our wishes, -will it not be better that we should never see each other more?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, don't say so, Diane!" cried Gabriel; "don't say so! Besides, who -but myself can inform you of the result, whether it be disastrous or -happy?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, <i>Dieu</i>!" Diane replied with a shudder, "it seems to me as if, -whether it were happy or disastrous, I should die of joy or grief simply -upon hearing your lips speak the words." -</p> - -<p> -"But how shall I let you know?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Wait one moment," replied Diane. -</p> - -<p> -She drew a gold ring from her huger, and took from a chest the nun's -veil which she had worn at the Benedictine convent at St. Quentin. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen, Gabriel," said she, in a tone of deep solemnity as she gave -them to him; "as it is probable that everything will be settled before I -reach Paris, send André to meet me. If God declares himself for us, he -will bring back this wedding-ring to the Vicomtesse de Montgommery; but -if our hopes are blighted, let him bring this nun's veil to Sister -Bénie." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, let me fall at your feet and adore you as one of the angels from -heaven!" cried the young man, touched to the very soul by this affecting -proof of her great love. -</p> - -<p> -"No, Gabriel, no, rise from your knees," Diane replied; "let us be -steadfast and dignified in God's sight. Press upon my lips a pure -brotherly kiss, as I will a sisterly one upon yours, thereby endowing -you with faith and strength, so far as my power can go." -</p> - -<p> -In silence they exchanged a sacred, sorrowful kiss. -</p> - -<p> -"And now, my dear," continued Diane, "let us part, for it is time; not -saying adieu, since you dread the word, but <i>au revoir</i>, to meet again -in this world or the next!" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Au revoir</i>, <i>au revoir</i>!" murmured Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -He clasped Diane to his breast in a close embrace, and fastened a long, -yearning gaze upon her, as if to draw from her lovely eyes the strength -of which he was so much in need. -</p> - -<p> -At last, upon a sorrowful but expressive motion which she made to him, -he released her; and placing the ring on his finger and the veil in his -bosom, he said once more in a stifled voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Au revoir</i>, Diane!" -</p> - -<p> -"Gabriel, <i>au revoir</i>!" Diane replied, with a hopeful gesture. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel fled as if he were a madman. -</p> - -<p> -Half an hour later, with renewed tranquillity, he left behind him the -fair city of Calais, which it had been his good fortune to restore to -the kingdom of France. -</p> - -<p> -He was on horseback, accompanied by the young page André, who had -overtaken him, and by four of his volunteers. -</p> - -<p> -One of these last was Ambrosio, who was very glad to find an opportunity -of taking back to Paris with him certain English small wares, which he -expected to dispose of to advantage to the habitués of the court. -</p> - -<p> -Another was Pilletrousse, who, in a conquered city, where he was one of -the masters and victors, was afraid that he might yield to temptation -and recur to his former habits. -</p> - -<p> -Yvonnet was also among them: he had not been able to find in provincial -Calais a single tailor worthy his patronage; and his costume had been -too seriously injured by the hard usage it had experienced to be -presentable,—it could not be replaced suitably except at Paris. -</p> - -<p> -Lactance was the last of the four; he had asked leave to accompany his -master so that he might receive his confessor's assurance that his -exploits had not exceeded his penances, and that his assets in the shape -of self-inflicted austerities would suffice to meet the liabilities he -had incurred by his feats of arms. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre and Jean Peuquoy, with Babette, accompanied the five horsemen on -foot as far as what was called the Paris gate. -</p> - -<p> -There they were compelled to part. Gabriel said a last farewell to his -kind friends, and gave them a warm clasp of his hand; while they, with -tears in their eyes, wished him all happiness and showered benedictions -upon him. -</p> - -<p> -But the Peuquoys soon lost sight of the little band, who set off at a -trot, and disappeared at a turn in the road. The good burghers returned -with sad hearts to Martin-Guerre. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel felt grave and preoccupied, but not sorrowful. -</p> - -<p> -He was hopeful! -</p> - -<p> -Once before Gabriel had left Calais to seek at Paris the solution of the -mystery surrounding his destiny. But on that occasion circumstances wore -a much less favorable appearance. He was concerned about Martin-Guerre, -Babette, and the Peuquoys, and anxious, about Diane, whom he had left -behind, a prisoner in the hands of Lord Wentworth, who was in love with -her. Then, too, his vague presentiments of the future were but slightly -tinged with hope; for he had, after all, done nothing more than prolong -the resistance of a town, which was in the end obliged to surrender. -Surely, that was hardly an achievement great enough to deserve so great -a reward. -</p> - -<p> -But to-day he left behind him no cause for gloomy thoughts. The two -wounded men, both so dear to him, his general and his squire, were both -saved, and Ambroise Paré guaranteed their recovery; Babette Peuquoy was -to marry a man whom she loved, and by whom she was beloved, her honor as -well as her future happiness being assured; Madame de Castro was free, -and treated like a queen in a French city, and no later than the next -day would follow him to Paris. -</p> - -<p> -Last of all, our hero had struggled so long with Fortune that he might -well hope that he had at last tired her out; the undertaking which he -had carried through triumphantly to its close—conceiving the idea of -taking Calais, as well as furnishing the means to accomplish it—was -not one of those the value of which admits of discussion or haggling. The -key of France restored to the possession of the King of France! Such an -exploit most certainly justified the most lofty ambition; and the -Vicomte d'Exmès's ambition was no more than a just and holy one. -</p> - -<p> -He was hopeful. The persuasive encouragement and soothing promises of -Diane were still ringing in his ears with the last good wishes of the -Peuquoys. Gabriel saw about him André—whose presence reminded him of -his beloved—and the gallant and devoted soldiers of his escort; -before his eyes, firmly attached to the pommel of his saddle, he saw the -box which contained the keys of Calais; in his doublet he could feel the -precious copy of the capitulation and the still more precious letters of -the Duc de Guise and Madame de Castro; Diane's gold ring shone upon his -finger,—ever present and eloquent pledges of good fortune. -</p> - -<p> -The very sky, beautifully blue and cloudless, seemed to speak of hope; -the pure and bracing air made the blood run warm in his veins; the -thousand sounds to be heard in the country in the twilight were eloquent -of peace and tranquillity; and the sun, which was setting in a glory of -purple and gold on Gabriel's left hand, was a most comforting sight to -his eyes and his heart. -</p> - -<p> -It was impossible to set out toward a coveted goal under happier -auspices. -</p> - -<p> -We shall see in due time what came of it. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap26"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXVI -<br /><br /> -A QUATRAIN</h4> - -<p> -On the evening of Jan. 12, 1558, Queen Catherine de Médicis was holding -at the Louvre one of the periodical receptions of which we have -previously spoken, at which all the princes and nobles of the realm were -wont to assemble. -</p> - -<p> -This particular occasion was an exceptionally brilliant and lively one, -although a large part of the nobility were absent at the seat of war, in -the north, with the Duc de Guise's army. -</p> - -<p> -Among the ladies present besides Catherine, the queen <i>de jure</i>, were -Madame Diane de Poitiers, the queen <i>de facto</i>, the young -queen-dauphine, Mary Stuart, and the melancholy Élisabeth, afterward -Queen of Spain, whose very beauty, already so admired, was fated to -cause her so much misery. -</p> - -<p> -The distinguished assembly included the man who was at that time the -head of the House of Bourbon, Antoine, the titular king of Navarre,—a -weak and vacillating prince, who had been sent to the French court by -his virile-hearted wife, Jeanne d'Albret, to try and obtain by the -intervention of Henri II. the restitution of his kingdom of Navarre, -which had been confiscated by Spain. -</p> - -<p> -But Antoine de Navarre was already inclining to the Calvinistic -doctrines, and was not looked upon with a very favorable eye at a court -which was in the habit of burning heretics at the stake. -</p> - -<p> -His brother, Louis de Bourbon, Prince de Condé, was likewise present. -His was a character to inspire more respect if not more affection. He -was, however, a more pronounced Calvinist than the King of Navarre, and -was generally considered to be the secret leader of the rebellious -spirits. He possessed the power to make himself a great favorite with -the people, being not only a bold rider but very skilful with the sword -and dagger, although in stature he was quite short, and had decidedly -disproportionate shoulders. Besides, he was a great gallant, very -clever, and passionately devoted to the ladies. A popular chanson of the -day spoke thus of him:— -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">"Ce petit homme tant joli,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Toujours cause et toujours rit,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Et toujours baise sa mignonne.</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Dieu gard' de mal le petit homme."<a name="FNanchor_2_1" id="FNanchor_2_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_1" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></span> -</div></div> - -<p> -The gentlemen who, openly or secretly, advocated the principles of the -Reformed religion were naturally grouped around the King of Navarre and -the Prince de Condé,—among them being Admiral de Coligny, La -Renaudie, and the Baron de Castelnau, who, having but recently arrived from -Touraine, his native province, had been presented at court that day for -the first time. -</p> - -<p> -The assemblage, despite the absence of many great seigneurs, was -numerous and distinguished; but amid all the confusion, excitement, and -enjoyment, two men remained absorbed by grave and apparently unpleasant -reflections. -</p> - -<p> -These two men, whose abstraction was caused by widely different reasons, -were the king and the Constable de Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -Henri II. was at the Louvre corporeally, but his thoughts were all at -Calais. -</p> - -<p> -During the three weeks since the departure of the Duc de Guise, he had -been thinking unceasingly, night and day, of that perilous expedition, -the object of which was to drive the English out of the kingdom forever, -but which was quite as likely to seriously endanger the welfare of -France. -</p> - -<p> -Henri had more than once blamed himself for having allowed Monsieur de -Guise to attempt so hazardous a stroke. -</p> - -<p> -If the undertaking should prove abortive, what a disgrace for France in -the eyes of all Europe! what superhuman efforts must be made to repair -such a failure! The disastrous day of St. Laurent would be a mere -bagatelle beside that. The constable had undergone defeat, but François -de Lorraine had actually gone in search of it. -</p> - -<p> -The king, who had had no intelligence from the besieging army for three -days, was preoccupied with gloomy forebodings, and paid but little heed -to the encouraging assurances of the Cardinal de Lorraine, who, standing -near the king's couch, was vainly trying to restore his courage. -</p> - -<p> -Diane de Poitiers was quick to remark the gloomy humor of her royal -lover; but as she observed Monsieur de Montmorency in another part of -the room, apparently in quite as great dejection as the king, she -directed her steps toward him. -</p> - -<p> -It was the siege of Calais which was the cause of his downheartedness, -but, as we have said, for a very different reason. -</p> - -<p> -The king was afraid of failure, while the constable dreaded success much -more. -</p> - -<p> -For success in that enterprise would definitely establish the Duc de -Guise in the first rank, and relegate him to the second. The salvation -of France would be the ruin of the poor constable, and we must confess -that his selfishness had always taken precedence of his patriotism. -</p> - -<p> -So he was very uncourteous to the beautiful favorite who advanced -smilingly toward him. -</p> - -<p> -Our readers will remember the inexplicable and depraved passion which -the mistress of the most courtly and gallant king in Christendom -entertained for this brutal veteran. -</p> - -<p> -"What is the trouble with my old soldier to-day?" she asked in her most -winning tones. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, so you mock me too, do you, Madame?" said Montmorency, sharply. -</p> - -<p> -"I mock you, my friend! You don't realize what you are saying." -</p> - -<p> -"I was thinking of what you said yourself," rejoined the constable, with -a muttered curse. "You called me your old soldier. Old? yes, that is -true; I am no longer a beau of twenty years. Soldier? no. You can see -plainly that I am no longer considered good for anything except to show -myself with my parade sword in the halls of the Louvre." -</p> - -<p> -"Do not speak so," said the favorite, with an affectionate smile. "Are -you not still the <i>constable</i>?" -</p> - -<p> -"What does a constable amount to, when there is a lieutenant-general of -the kingdom?" -</p> - -<p> -"The latter title expires with the circumstances which called it into -existence, while yours, being attached, with no power of revocation, to -the highest military dignity in the kingdom, will last as long as your -life." -</p> - -<p> -"But I am already dead and buried," said the constable, with a bitter -laugh. -</p> - -<p> -"Why do you say that, my friend?" replied Madame de Poitiers. "You have -not ceased to be as powerful and as formidable to the nation's enemies -without as to your personal enemies within." -</p> - -<p> -"Let us talk seriously, Diane, and not try to flatter or deceive each -other with empty words." -</p> - -<p> -"If I deceive you, it is only because I myself am deceived," Diane -rejoined. "Give me proofs that I am wrong, and I will not only -acknowledge my error on the spot, but I will do all I can to rectify -it." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," said the constable; "in the first place, you speak of the -enemies without trembling before me. Those are very comforting words; -but, in reality, who is sent against these enemies?—a general who is -younger and doubtless more fortunate than myself, but who may some day -turn this good fortune of his to his own private advantage." -</p> - -<p> -"What makes you think that the Duc de Guise will succeed?" asked Diane, -with most subtle flattery. -</p> - -<p> -"His failure," replied the constable, hypocritically, "would be a -terrible misfortune for France, which I should bitterly deplore for my -country's sake; but his success would perhaps be an even more terrible -misfortune, which I should dread for the sake of my sovereign." -</p> - -<p> -"Do you believe then," said Diane, "that the ambition of Monsieur de -Guise—" -</p> - -<p> -"I have probed it, and it is very deep," replied the jealous courtier. -"If by any chance there should be a change of reign, have you considered -what that ambition, assisted by the influence of Mary Stuart, might be -able to effect upon the mind of a young and inexperienced king! My -devotion to your interests has completely alienated Queen Catherine from -me. The Guises will be more sovereign than the sovereign himself." -</p> - -<p> -"Such a catastrophe is, thank God, very improbable and very far -distant," returned Diane, who could not avoid the reflection that her -friend of sixty years was rather free with his conjectures as to the -prospects of the early demise of a king who was but forty. -</p> - -<p> -"There are other chances against us much nearer at hand and almost as -terrible," said Montmorency, shaking his head very gravely. -</p> - -<p> -"What are they, my friend?" -</p> - -<p> -"Have you lost your memory, Diane, or do you only pretend to forget who -went to Calais with the Duc de Guise; who, apparently, was the one who -first breathed a suggestion of this foolhardy enterprise into his ear, -and who will return in triumph with him, if he does triumph, and will no -doubt succeed in receiving credit for some share in the victory?" -</p> - -<p> -"Are you speaking of Vicomte d'Exmès?" asked Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Of whom else, Madame? Even though you may have forgotten his -extravagant undertaking, he will remember it, never fear! And more than -that, fortune is so capricious that he is quite capable of having kept -his promise, and of loudly calling upon the king to redeem his." -</p> - -<p> -"Impossible!" exclaimed Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"What is it that seems impossible to you, Madame,—that Monsieur -d'Exmès should keep his word, or that the king should be true to his?" -</p> - -<p> -"Either supposition is absurd and insane, and the second even more so -than the first." -</p> - -<p> -"If, however, the first should be realized, it may very well be that the -second will follow; for the king is very weak on these questions of -honor, and he would be quite capable, Madame, of priding himself upon -his chivalrous loyalty, and of disclosing his secret and ours to a -common foe." -</p> - -<p> -"Once more I say it is a wild, impossible dream," cried Diane, turning -pale, nevertheless. -</p> - -<p> -"But, Diane, suppose you were to see this dream with your eyes, and -touch it with your hands, what would you do!" -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed I do not know, my good constable," said Madame de Valentinois; -"we should have to consult and look around, and then act. Anything -rather than that extremity! If the king abandons us, why, then, we must -get along without him; and confidently anticipating that he will never -dare to disavow what we have done after the event, we must exercise our -own power and our personal influence and credit to the utmost." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, that is just what I expected you would say!" said the constable. -"Our power! our personal influence! Speak of your own, Madame; but as -for mine, it has sunk so low that in truth I look upon it as dead and -gone. My enemies within, for whom just now you expressed so much pity, -might have very pretty sport with me at this time. There is no gentleman -at this court who hasn't more power than this pitiful constable. You -can see yourself how I am avoided. It is very simple; for who would care -to pay his court to a fallen star! It will be much safer, therefore, -Madame, for you not to rely hereafter upon the support of a discredited, -disgraced old servant, friendless and without influence, yes, even -penniless." -</p> - -<p> -"Penniless!" Diane echoed incredulously. -</p> - -<p> -"Why yes, Madame,—penniless, by the Mass!" said the constable a -second time, and angrily. "That is perhaps the most grievous part of it, at -my age, and after all the services I have rendered. The last war ruined me; -for my ransom and those of several of my people exhausted my last -pecuniary resources. Those who abandon me know it very well. I shall be -reduced one of these days to going about the streets asking for alms, -like Belisarius, the Carthaginian general, I think it was, whom I have -heard my nephew, the admiral, speak of." -</p> - -<p> -"What! have your friends all left you, my constable?" asked Diane, -smiling at her old lover's erudition, as well as at his covetousness. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said the constable: "I have no friends, I tell you." He added, -most pathetically,—"The unfortunate never have friends." -</p> - -<p> -"I propose to prove you in the wrong," said Diane. "I can clearly see -now the source of this sullen humor which has gained control of you. But -why did you not tell me in the first place? Do you lack confidence in -me, pray? It is sad, indeed, if you do. But no matter! I only intend to -be revenged in a friendly way. Tell me, did not the king impose a new -tax last week?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, dear Diane," replied the constable, who had grown much calmer -under the influence of Diane's words; "a very just tax, too, and heavy -enough to defray all the expenses of the war." -</p> - -<p> -"That will do very well," said Diane; "and I will show you that even a -woman may be able to do more than repair fortune's cruel blows to such -men as you. Henri seems to me to be in a very ill-humor to-day. But -never mind! I will speak with him forthwith; and you will soon be forced -to agree that I am a kind friend and faithful ally." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Diane, you are as kind and good as you are beautiful! That I will -always maintain," said Montmorency, gallantly. -</p> - -<p> -"But when I have replenished the springs from which your influence and -your favor flow, you will not abandon me, will you, my old lion? And you -will not talk any more to your devoted friend of your powerlessness -against her enemies and yours?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, my dear Diane, are not all that I am and all that I have at your -service?" said the constable; "and if I sometimes grieve at the loss of -my influence, is it not because I fear thereby to be less powerful to -serve my beautiful sovereign mistress?" -</p> - -<p> -"Very good!" said Diane, with her most seductive smile. She gave her -lovely white hand to her superannuated lover, who imprinted upon it a -tender kiss with his bearded lips; then, with a last encouraging glance, -she moved away from him toward the king. -</p> - -<p> -The Cardinal de Lorraine was still at Henri's side, watching over the -interests of his absent brother, and doing his utmost to remove the -king's fears as to the issue of the ill-considered expedition against -Calais. -</p> - -<p> -But Henri was paying more attention to his unquiet thoughts than to the -cardinal's consoling words. -</p> - -<p> -It was at this moment that Madame Diane approached them. -</p> - -<p> -"I'll undertake to say, Messire," she began, addressing the cardinal -with much warmth, "that your Eminence is saying to the king something -unkind about poor Monsieur de Montmorency." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Madame," retorted Charles de Lorraine, bewildered by this -unexpected attack, "I venture to ask his Majesty to bear me witness that -the name of Monsieur le Connétable has not been once uttered during our -interview." -</p> - -<p> -"That is true," said the king, carelessly. -</p> - -<p> -"That is merely another way of doing him a disservice." -</p> - -<p> -"But if I can neither speak nor keep silent about him, what am I to do, -Madame, I beg?" -</p> - -<p> -"You should say pleasant things about him," replied Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, then," retorted the wily cardinal; "if I must do that, I -will say (for the commands of beauty have never found me lacking in -dutiful submission) that Monsieur de Montmorency is a great commander; -that he won the battle of St. Laurent, and retrieved the fortunes of -France; and that just at this time, to put the finishing touch to his -work, he has assumed the offensive against our enemies, and is now -engaged in attempting a memorable and glorious achievement under the -walls of Calais." -</p> - -<p> -"Calais! Calais!—ah, who will bring me news of Calais?" murmured the -king, who had heard only that name in this war of words between the -minister and the favorite. -</p> - -<p> -"You have an admirable and Christian-like manner of awarding praise, -Monsieur le Cardinal," Diane rejoined; "and I congratulate you upon your -mastery of ironical compliment." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Madame," said Charles de Lorraine, "in truth, I do not see how -else I could award praise to this poor Monsieur de Montmorency, as you -called him just now." -</p> - -<p> -"You are not honest in your search, Messire," replied Diane. "Might you -not, for instance, do more justice to the zeal with which the constable -organized means of defence at Paris, and brought the few troops who were -left here to a state of efficiency, while others were jeopardizing and -compromising the vital forces of the kingdom in rash and foolhardy -enterprises?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh-ho!" exclaimed the cardinal. -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" sighed the king, who heard nothing except what bore directly -upon the subject of his solicitude. -</p> - -<p> -"Might we not say, further," added Diane, "that although chance has not -been friendly to Monsieur de Montmorency's magnificent efforts, and -fortune has declared against him, he is at least entirely without -personal ambition; he recognizes no other interest save that of his -country, in whose cause he has sacrificed everything,—his life, which -he was among the first to put in jeopardy; his liberty, of which he was -so long deprived; and his property, which is all gone." -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed!" said Charles de Lorraine, with an air of amazement. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, your Eminence," Diane repeated; "there is no doubt about -that,—Monsieur de Montmorency is ruined." -</p> - -<p> -"Ruined! Do you mean it?" said the cardinal. -</p> - -<p> -"He is so entirely without means," continued the unblushing favorite, -"that I was just on the point of appealing to his Majesty to aid this -loyal servant in his distress." -</p> - -<p> -The king made no reply, so absorbed was he. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Sire," Diane said, addressing him directly in order to attract his -attention, "I most earnestly beg you to come to the assistance of your -faithful constable, whose pecuniary resources have been exhausted to the -last sou by the price of his ransom and the great expense of the war -contracted in your Majesty's service. Sire, are you listening to me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Excuse me, Madame," said Henri; "I seem hardly able this evening to fix -my attention upon any subject. The thought of a possible disaster at -Calais occupies my mind entirely, as you can well understand." -</p> - -<p> -"That is just the reason," Diane replied, "why your Majesty, in my -opinion, ought to treat gently and befriend the man who has done his -best beforehand to minimize the effects of this calamity, if it must -befall." -</p> - -<p> -"But we are as much in need of money ourselves as the constable," said -the king. -</p> - -<p> -"How about this new tax which has been levied?" asked Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"The funds produced by that," said the cardinal, "are to be appropriated -to the payment and maintenance of the troops." -</p> - -<p> -"In that event," was Diane's rejoinder, "the better part of them should -go to the leader of the troops." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, the leader is at Calais?" replied the cardinal. -</p> - -<p> -"No, indeed, he is here in Paris, at the Louvre," retorted Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Pray, Madame, do you desire that failure and defeat should be -rewarded?" -</p> - -<p> -"That would be much better, Monsieur le Cardinal, than that mad -recklessness should be encouraged." -</p> - -<p> -"Enough of this!" the king interposed; "do you not see that your -quarrelling tires and annoys me? Do you know, Madame, and Monsieur de -Lorraine, the quatrain which I came across recently in my book of -Hours?" -</p> - -<p> -"A quatrain?" Diane and Charles de Lorraine repeated with one breath. -</p> - -<p> -"If my memory serves me," said Henri, "it was this:—" -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">"Sire, si vous laissez, comme Charles desire,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Comme Diane fait, par trop vous gouverner,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Fondre, pétrir, mollir, refondre et retourner,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Sire, vous n'êtes plus, vous n'êtes plus que cire.'"<a name="FNanchor_3_1" id="FNanchor_3_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_1" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></span> -</div></div> - -<p> -Diane did not lose her self-possession in the least. -</p> - -<p> -"A pretty piece of foolery," said she; "but it credits me with much more -influence over his Majesty's mind than I possess, alas!" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Madame," rejoined the king, "you ought not to make a bad use of -that influence just because you know that you possess it." -</p> - -<p> -"But do I really possess it, Sire?" said Diane, in her most winning -tones. "If it be so, your Majesty will grant what I ask in behalf of the -constable." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," said the king, impatiently; "now I trust you will leave me -to my gloomy forebodings and my anxiety." -</p> - -<p> -The cardinal, in the face of such weakness, could only raise his eyes -imploringly to heaven. Diane darted a triumphant glance at him. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, your Majesty," she said to the king. "I obey you and withdraw; -but pray dismiss your anxiety and dread, Sire, for victory loves the -generous-hearted, and I firmly believe that you will be victorious." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, I accept the augury, Diane," replied Henri. "With what transports -of joy would I receive information to that effect! For a long time I have -not slept; I have hardly existed. <i>Mon Dieu</i>, how slight after all -is the power of kings! To think that I have at this moment no means of -knowing what is transpiring at Calais! You may well say, Monsieur le -Cardinal, that your brother's silence is most alarming. Ah, for news -from Calais! Who will bring it to me? In God's name, who?" -</p> - -<p> -An usher entered, and bowing low before the king as the last word fell -from his lips, announced in a loud voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"A messenger from Monsieur de Guise has arrived from Calais, and -solicits the honor of an audience of his Majesty." -</p> - -<p> -"A messenger from Calais!" echoed the king, rising to his feet, with -gleaming eye, and almost beside himself. -</p> - -<p> -"At last!" said the cardinal, trembling between joy and fear. -</p> - -<p> -"Introduce Monsieur de Guise's messenger; introduce him at once," added -the king, eagerly. -</p> - -<p> -It need not be said that every voice was hushed, every heart beating -high, and that all eyes were turned toward the door. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel entered amid a profound silence. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_1" id="Footnote_2_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_1"><span class="label">[2]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"He's such a bewitching little man.</span><br /> -<span class="i0">And he's talking and laughing the livelong day,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">And kissing his sweetheart whene'er he can.</span><br /> -<span class="i0">God keep little Louis from all harm's way!"</span> -</div></div></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_3_1" id="Footnote_3_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_1"><span class="label">[3]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Oh, Sire, be careful; for if you allow,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">As Charles ever longs to, and Diane does now,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">The one or the other, or both, to derange you,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">To shape you and work you, remodel and change you,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">By yielding too freely to all their demands,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Soon you'll be like the softest of wax in their hands."</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap27"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXVII -<br /><br /> -THE VICOMTE DE MONTGOMMERY</h4> - -<p> -Gabriel was attended as he had been on his return from Italy by four of -his people,—Ambroise, Lactance, Yvonnet, and Pilletrousse,—who -bore the English flags; but they came no farther than the threshold. -</p> - -<p> -The youth himself held in both hands a velvet cushion, upon which were -two letters and the keys of the city. -</p> - -<p> -At this sight Henri's countenance assumed an expression of joy and fear -curiously blended. -</p> - -<p> -He thought that he understood the welcome message, but the stern -messenger made him anxious. -</p> - -<p> -"Vicomte d'Exmès!" he muttered, as he saw Gabriel slowly approaching -him. -</p> - -<p> -Madame de Poitiers and the constable, exchanging looks of consternation, -also faltered beneath their breath. -</p> - -<p> -"Vicomte d'Exmès!" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, meanwhile, with a grave and solemn mien, kneeled before the -king, and said with a firm, clear voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, here are the keys of the city of Calais, which was surrendered to -Monsieur de Guise by the English, after a siege of seven days and three -fierce assaults, and which Monsieur has made haste to deliver to your -Majesty." -</p> - -<p> -"Calais is ours?" asked the king, although he had heard and understood -perfectly. -</p> - -<p> -"Calais is yours, Sire," Gabriel repeated. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Vive le roi</i>!" with one accord cried all who were present, with the -possible exception of the Constable de Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -Henri II., who could think of nothing now but his vanished fears and the -glorious triumph of his arms, saluted the excited assemblage with -radiant face. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Messieurs, thanks!" said he; "I accept your congratulations in -the name of France. But they should not be addressed to me alone; it is -but fair that the better part of them should be reserved for the gallant -leader of the undertaking,—my noble cousin, Monsieur de Guise." -</p> - -<p> -Murmurs of approbation were heard throughout the assemblage; but the -time had not yet arrived when any one dared to cry, "Vive le Duc de -Guise," in the king's presence. -</p> - -<p> -"In our dear cousin's absence," continued Henri, "we are happy in being -able to address our thanks and congratulations to you who represent him -here, Monsieur le Cardinal de Lorraine, and to you, Monsieur le Vicomte -d'Exmès, whom he has intrusted with this glorious and honorable -commission." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," said Gabriel, respectfully but firmly, as he inclined his head -in acknowledgment of the king's words, "Sire, your pardon, but I am no -longer called Vicomte d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -"What!" exclaimed Henri, with a frown. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," Gabriel continued, "since the day that Calais fell, I have felt -justified in assuming my real name and my true title,—Vicomte de -Montgommery." -</p> - -<p> -At that name, which for so many years had not been pronounced at court -save in whispers, there was a veritable explosion of surprise among the -bystanders. This youth styled himself Vicomte de Montgommery; then the -Comte de Montgommery, his father, doubtless must still be alive! What -was the significance of the revival of that name, once so renowned, -after so long a disappearance? -</p> - -<p> -The king did not hear these comments, which were quite inaudible, but he -had no difficulty in divining their import; he had become paler than his -Italian strawberries, and his lips were trembling with impatience and -indignation. -</p> - -<p> -Madame de Poitiers was also in a tremor; and the constable in his corner -had emerged from his gloomy impassiveness, and his roving look had -become fixed. -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean, Monsieur?" returned the king, in a tone which he -found great difficulty in keeping within bounds. "What is this name -which you venture to assume, and whence do you derive so much -imprudence?" -</p> - -<p> -"The name is mine, Sire," said Gabriel, calmly; "and what your Majesty -regards as imprudence is only confidence." -</p> - -<p> -It was evident that Gabriel had determined to enter boldly upon the -course he had adopted, to risk all that he might gain all, and to make -all hesitation or avoidance of the issue impossible for the king as well -as for himself. -</p> - -<p> -Henri understood his words in that sense; but he dreaded the -consequences of his own wrath, and so he replied, in order to postpone -the outburst which he feared,— -</p> - -<p> -"Your personal affairs may be attended to later, Monsieur; but at -present be good enough to remember that you are the messenger of -Monsieur de Guise. I think you have not yet fully executed your -commission." -</p> - -<p> -"That is true," said Gabriel, with a low bow. "I have still to present -to your Majesty the flags conquered from the English. Behold them, Sire! -Furthermore, Monsieur le Duc de Guise sends this letter to the king." -</p> - -<p> -He presented Le Balafré's letter upon the cushion. The king took it, -broke the seal, tore open the envelope, and said to the cardinal as he -passed the letter to him,— -</p> - -<p> -"To you, Monsieur le Cardinal, rightly belongs the pleasure of reading -aloud your brother's letter. It is not addressed to the king, but to -France." -</p> - -<p> -"What, Sire!" said the cardinal, "does your Majesty really wish—" -</p> - -<p> -"It is my desire, Monsieur le Cardinal, that you should accept the honor -which is your due." -</p> - -<p> -Charles de Lorraine bowed, and took the letter respectfully from the -king's hands, unfolded it, and amid profound silence read what -follows:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"SIRE,—Calais is in our power; we have wrested in one week from the -English a city which cost them a year's siege two centuries ago. -</p> - -<p> -"Guines and Ham, the last two posts which are still in their possession -in France, can now hold out but a short time; and I venture to promise -your Majesty that within a fortnight our hereditary enemies will have -been definitely expelled from the kingdom. -</p> - -<p> -"I thought it my duty to be generous to the conquered. They gave up -their artillery and their supplies; but the terms of capitulation to -which I gave my assent allowed all such inhabitants of Calais as might -so desire to withdraw", with their property, to England. Indeed, perhaps -it would have been hazardous to leave so potent an element of discord in -a newly-captured city. -</p> - -<p> -"The number of dead and wounded is very small, thanks to the rapidity -with which the place was carried. -</p> - -<p> -"Time and leisure fail me, Sire, to furnish your Majesty with more ample -details to-day. Being myself seriously wounded—" -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -At this point the cardinal turned pale, and ceased to read. -</p> - -<p> -"What, our cousin wounded!" cried the king, feigning anxiety. -</p> - -<p> -"Your Majesty and your Eminence may be reassured," said Gabriel. -"Monsieur le Duc de Guise's wound will have no serious results, thank -God! At present there remains of its effects nought but a noble scar -upon his face and the glorious surname of <i>Le Balafré</i>." -</p> - -<p> -The cardinal had meanwhile read a few lines in advance, and convinced -himself that what Gabriel said was true, and with renewed calmness -resumed his reading as follows:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"Being myself seriously wounded the very day of our entry into Calais, I -was saved by the prompt assistance and marvellous skill of a young -surgeon, Master Ambroise Paré; but I am still very weak, and -consequently obliged to forego the pleasure of writing more at length to -your Majesty. -</p> - -<p> -"You will be able to learn further details from him who brings to you -with this letter the keys of the city, along with the English flags, and -of whom I must say a word to your Majesty before I close. -</p> - -<p> -"For it is not to me, Sire, by any means, that all the honor of this -marvellous capture of Calais belongs. I have striven to contribute to it -with all my power with the aid of our gallant troops; but we owe the -first conception of it, as well as the means of execution and its final -success, to the bearer of this letter, Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès—" -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"It would appear, Monsieur," the king interposed, addressing Gabriel, -"that our cousin does not yet know you under your new name." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," replied Gabriel, "I should not have presumed to assume it for -the first time except in your Majesty's presence." -</p> - -<p> -At a sign from the king, the cardinal continued,— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"In fact, I must admit that I had never dreamed of this hold stroke when -Monsieur d'Exmès sought me out at the Louvre, laid bare to me his -sublime project, answered my objections and did away with my doubts, and -finally induced me to undertake this unprecedented exploit, which would -be sufficient of itself, Sire, to make a reign glorious. -</p> - -<p> -"But that is not all. The risks of such a momentous undertaking were not -to be lightly incurred; it was essential that the counsel of long -experience should give its sanction to the dream of ardent courage. -Monsieur d'Exmès provided the means of introducing Monsieur le -Maréchal Strozzi into Calais in disguise, and thus of obtaining -accurate information as to the opportunities of attack and means of -defence. Beyond that, he gave us an exact detailed plan of the ramparts -and fortified positions, so that we made our approaches to Calais with -as much confidence as if the walls had been of glass. -</p> - -<p> -"Before the walls of the city, and in all the assaults, at the Nieullay -fort and the Old Château,—everywhere, in fact, Vicomte d'Exmès, at -the head of a small band, raised at his own expense, performed prodigies -of valor. But on those occasions he was only on a level with many of our -gallant captains, who cannot, in my humble opinion, be surpassed. -Therefore I touch but lightly upon the proofs of gallantry which he -afforded on every occasion, to confine myself to those deeds in which he -stands alone, and without a compeer. -</p> - -<p> -"Thus, the Risbank fort, which at once protected from attack and -afforded free entrance to Calais on the ocean side, would have made it -possible for strong reinforcements from England to be thrown into the -city. In that event we should have been lost,—nay, exterminated; our -gigantic enterprise would have proved a failure, and made us the -laughing-stock of all Europe. The question then was how, without ships, -we could carry a fort which was defended by the ocean? Very well! -Vicomte d'Exmès performed that miracle. In the night-time, alone with -his volunteers upon a little boat, aided by a secret understanding with -certain parties within the walls, he succeeded, after a hazardous voyage -and an escalading feat terrible to think of, in planting the French flag -upon that impregnable fort." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -At this point, notwithstanding the king's presence, the reading was -interrupted for a moment by a murmur of admiration which nothing could -restrain, and which burst from that assemblage of illustrious and -valiant men as if it were the irresistible expression of the feeling of -all hearts. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel's bearing, as he stood with lowered eyes, calm and dignified and -modest, two or three paces from the king, added to the favorable -impression caused by the narration of his exploit, and attracted the -admiration of the young women and the old soldiers at once. -</p> - -<p> -The king, too, was touched; and the glance which he gave the hero of -this glorious adventure showed signs of a softer feeling for him. Madame -de Poitiers alone bit her colorless lips, while Monsieur de Montmorency -knit his thick eyebrows savagely. -</p> - -<p> -The cardinal, after this brief interruption, resumed the reading of his -brother's letter. -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"The Risbank fort once won, the city was ours. The English men-of-war -did not dare to risk a hopeless attack. Three days after, we entered -Calais in triumph, sustained even then by a well-planned diversion by -Monsieur d'Exmès's allies in the city, and by a vigorous sortie which -he himself led. -</p> - -<p> -"It was in this final struggle, Sire, that I received the terrible wound -which almost cost me my life; and if I may be allowed to call attention -to a service personal to myself amid so many public services, I will add -that Monsieur d'Exmès, almost by force, brought to what nearly proved -to be my death-bed Master Paré, the surgeon who saved my life." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"Oh, Monsieur, let me thank you in my turn," said Charles de Lorraine, -interrupting himself, with deep emotion. -</p> - -<p> -Then he resumed with even more warmth and vigor of expression, as if it -were his brother himself who was speaking. -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"Sire, the honor and credit of such brilliant success is commonly -awarded to the one under whose leadership it has been achieved. Monsieur -d'Exmès, first of all, as modest as he is great, would freely consent -that his name should be lost to sight in favor of mine. Nevertheless, I -have deemed it proper to apprise your Majesty that the youth who hands -you this letter has in fact been both the head and the arm of our -enterprise, and that, except for him, Calais, where I am at this moment -writing, would still be an English city. Monsieur d'Exmès has requested -me to make this declaration, if I were willing, to the king's ear -alone,—but to be sure to make it to him. It is that which I now do, -in a voice loud with gratitude and joy. -</p> - -<p> -"It was no more than my duty to give Monsieur d'Exmès this honorable -certificate. The rest is for you, Sire. It is a right which I envy you, -but which I cannot usurp, nor do I wish to do so. It seems to me that -the gift of a reconquered city and the assurance of the integrity of a -kingdom can hardly be paid for with presents. -</p> - -<p> -"It would appear, however, from what Monsieur d'Exmès has told me, that -your Majesty has in your hands a prize worthy of his achievement. I can -well believe it, Sire; but none but a king—yea, none but a great king -like your Majesty—can bestow upon such a kingly exploit any reward -approximate to its value. -</p> - -<p> -"With this, Sire, I pray God to grant you a long life and a happy reign. -</p> - -<p> -"And I am your Majesty's -</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 30%;">"Most humble and obedient servant and -subject,</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 60%;">"FRANÇOIS DE LORRAINE.</p> - -<p> -"<i>Given at Calais, this 8th January</i>, 1558." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -When Charles de Lorraine had finished his reading and restored the -letter to the king's hands, the movement of approbation, which expressed -the restrained congratulation of the whole court, manifested itself -anew, and once more made Gabriel's heart leap with joy, mightily moved -as he was despite his apparent calmness. If respect for the king's -presence had not imposed bounds upon their enthusiasm, the young -conqueror would doubtless have been welcomed most warmly and with -unstinted applause. -</p> - -<p> -The king instinctively felt this general impulse; moreover, he partook -of it to some extent, and he could not refrain from saying to Gabriel, -as if he had been the interpreter of the unexpressed feeling of all,— -</p> - -<p> -"It is well, Monsieur! You have done exceedingly well! I earnestly hope -that, as Monsieur de Guise gives me to understand, it may really be in -our power to recompense you in a manner worthy of yourself and of me." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," replied Gabriel, "I have but one ambition, and your Majesty well -knows what that—" -</p> - -<p> -But as Henri made an expressive gesture, he hastened to add,— -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me, Sire, but my commissions are not yet fully executed." -</p> - -<p> -"What remains for you to do?" asked the king. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, a letter from Madame de Castro for your Majesty." -</p> - -<p> -"From Madame de Castro?" repeated Henri, eagerly. -</p> - -<p> -With a quick and impulsive movement, he rose from his seat, and -descended the steps which led to the royal platform, took Diane's letter -with his own hands, and said in a low tone to Gabriel,— -</p> - -<p> -"It is true, Monsieur, you not only restore a daughter to the king, but -a child to her father. I am doubly indebted to you. But let me read the -letter." -</p> - -<p> -As the courtiers, still motionless and mute, were respectfully awaiting -the king's commands, Henri, feeling annoyed by this observant silence, -added aloud,— -</p> - -<p> -"Let me not restrain the expression of your gratification, Messieurs. I -have no further news to give you; what remains is a private matter -between myself and the messenger of our cousin De Guise. So you have -only to discuss the glad intelligence, and congratulate yourselves upon -it; and you are quite free now to do so, Messieurs." -</p> - -<p> -The royal permission was quickly accepted; the party separated into -groups and began to converse, and soon nothing was to be heard but the -indistinct and confused buzzing which is always the combined result of a -hundred different conversations in the same room. -</p> - -<p> -Madame de Poitiers and the constable still thought of nothing but -keeping watch upon the king and Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -With an interchange of speaking glances, they had communicated their -mutual dread to one another; and Diane, by a slight and almost -imperceptible movement, had drawn near her royal lover. -</p> - -<p> -Henri did not notice the jealous couple, being entirely absorbed by his -daughter's letter. -</p> - -<p> -"Dear Diane! Poor dear Diane!" he was whispering, deeply moved. -</p> - -<p> -When he had read the letter to the end, carried away by his kingly -nature, whose first, spontaneous impulse was certainly liberal and just, -he said to Gabriel, almost aloud, "Madame de Castro also commends her -liberator to me, and it is just that she should. She tells me, Monsieur, -that you not only rescued her from captivity, but that you have also -saved her honor." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I but did my duty, Sire!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Then must I not fail in mine," returned Henri, warmly. "It is for you -to speak now, Monsieur. Tell me what you desire at our hands, <i>Monsieur -le Vicomte de Montgommery</i>!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap28"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXVIII -<br /><br /> -JOY AND ANGUISH</h4> - -<p> -Monsieur le Vicomte de Montgommery! At that name which, when pronounced -by the king, seemed to promise all that he wanted, Gabriel's heart -fairly leaped for joy. -</p> - -<p> -Henri clearly intended to pardon his father. -</p> - -<p> -"See! he gives way," said Madame de Poitiers, beneath her breath to the -constable, who had come to her side. -</p> - -<p> -"Let us wait our opportunity," said Monsieur de Montmorency, without -losing his self-possession. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," Gabriel was saying to the king, more easily moved as his custom -was by hope than by fear, "Sire, it cannot be necessary for me to repeat -to your Majesty what favor it is that I venture to ask of your kindness, -your benevolence,—I may say, of your sense of justice. Having, I -trust, accomplished what your Majesty asked of me, may I hope that your -Majesty will condescend to grant my request! Have you forgotten your -promise, or do you choose to redeem it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monsieur, I will redeem it, upon the condition that silence is to -be maintained as we agreed," Henri replied, without hesitation. -</p> - -<p> -"That condition, Sire, shall be exactly and rigorously observed; to that -I pledge my honor anew," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Come hither, then, Monsieur," said the king. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel approached him. The Cardinal de Lorraine discreetly stepped -aside; but Madame de Poitiers, who was seated by Henri's side, did not -stir, and was doubtless able to hear what was said, although the king -lowered his voice so that it might reach Gabriel's ear alone. -</p> - -<p> -However, this watchful surveillance did not disturb the king's -determination, it must be confessed; for he continued firmly,— -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Vicomte de Montgommery, you are a valiant subject whom I -esteem and honor. Even when you are in possession of what you crave and -have so nobly earned, we shall still be far from having discharged our -indebtedness to you. However, take this ring, and present it to the -governor of the Châtelet at eight o'clock to-morrow morning. He will be -advised of your coming, and will deliver to you on the spot the object -of your sublime and holy quest." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, who felt as if his knees were tottering from excess of joy, -could restrain himself no longer, but fell at the king's feet. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Sire!" said he, his breast heaving with emotion and his eyes wet -with tears of happiness, "all the force and energy of which I may claim -to have given proof I hereby devote to your Majesty's service for the -rest of my life, as I would have devoted them to the service of my -hatred if you had said 'no.'" -</p> - -<p> -"Really?" said the king, smiling good-humoredly. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Sire, I confess it; and you ought to understand me, since you have -pardoned my father. Yes, I believe I would have haunted your Majesty and -your Majesty's children, as I will now defend and protect you and love -you in them. Before God, who punishes all false swearing sooner or -later, I will keep my oath of fidelity just as I would have kept my oath -of vengeance." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, we shall see! Rise, Monsieur," said the king, still smiling. -"Calm yourself; and to restore your self-control, tell me some details -of this unhoped-for success at Calais, of which it seems to me I shall -never tire of hearing and speaking." -</p> - -<p> -By this means Henri retained Gabriel by his side more than an hour, -asking questions and listening, and making him repeat everything, even -to the most minute details, a hundred times without seeming to grow -weary. -</p> - -<p> -Then he handed the young hero over to the tender mercies of the ladies, -who were eager to have their turn at questioning him. -</p> - -<p> -But in the first place the Cardinal de Lorraine, who was quite without -information as to Gabriel's antecedents, and saw in him only his -brother's friend and protégé, insisted upon presenting him to the -queen. -</p> - -<p> -Catherine de Médicis, in the presence of the whole court, was obliged -to extend her thanks and congratulations to the man who had won so -glorious a victory for the king. But she did it with noticeable coldness -and reserve; and the stern and contemptuous glance of her gray eyes gave -the lie in a great measure to the words which fell from her lips, but -which did not express the sentiments of her heart. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, while thanking Catherine in respectful terms, was conscious of -a freezing sensation at his heart when he heard her lying compliments, -beneath which he seemed to discern, as he recalled the past, an ironical -and hidden threat. -</p> - -<p> -As he turned to withdraw after paying his respects to Catherine de -Médicis, he saw a sight which was quite sufficient to justify his -presentiment of evil. -</p> - -<p> -He chanced to look toward the king, and saw with terror that Diane de -Poitiers was conversing in whispers with him, with her wicked, sardonic -smile. The more Henri II. seemed to remonstrate, the more persistent she -seemed to become. -</p> - -<p> -Finally, she called the constable, who also talked with the king with -much earnestness for a long time. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel saw all this from a distance. Not one of his enemies' movements -escaped him, and he suffered the torments of the damned. -</p> - -<p> -But just when his heart was being thus torn by conflicting emotions, the -young queen-dauphine, Mary Stuart, approached him gayly, and overwhelmed -him with compliments and questions. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, despite his anxiety, exerted all his powers to reply to her. -</p> - -<p> -"Why, it's magnificent!" said Mary, enthusiastically, "is it not, my -dear Dauphin?" she added, addressing François, her youthful husband, -who joined cordially in his wife's friendly words. -</p> - -<p> -"What would one not do to deserve such kind words?" said Gabriel, whose -distraught eyes never left the group composed of the king, Diane, and -the constable. -</p> - -<p> -"When I felt attracted to you by a strangely sympathetic feeling some -time ago," continued Mary Stuart, with the charming grace that was -peculiar to her, "it was doubtless because my heart foresaw that you -would contribute this marvellous achievement to the glory of my dear -uncle De Guise. Ah, I would that I, like the king, had the power of -rewarding you! But a woman, alas! has neither titles nor honors at her -disposal." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, but I really have all that I could ask for in the world!" said -Gabriel. At the same time he was thinking to himself, "The king no -longer replies, he listens simply." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then," rejoined Mary Stuart, "if I had the power, I would create -desires in you so that I might gratify them. But at this moment, see, I -have nothing but this bunch of violets which the gardener at the -Tournelles just sent me as a great rarity after the late frost. With the -permission of Monseigneur le Dauphin, I will give you these flowers as a -memento of the day. Will you accept them?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Madame!" cried Gabriel, kissing respectfully the fair hand that -offered them. -</p> - -<p> -"Flowers," continued Mary Stuart, dreamily, "offer us their sweet odor -when we are glad, and comfort us in times of sorrow. I may be very -unhappy some day, but I shall never be altogether so as long as I am -allowed to have flowers near me. It is understood of course, Monsieur -d'Exmès, that to you, in this hour of good fortune and triumph, I offer -them only for their perfume." -</p> - -<p> -"Who knows," said Gabriel, shaking his head sadly,—"who knows if I, -triumphant and fortunate as you say, do not need them rather to comfort -and console me?" -</p> - -<p> -His gaze, even while he was speaking, was still fastened upon the king, -who for the moment seemed to be thinking deeply, and yielding to the -arguments always more and more earnest of Madame de Poitiers and the -constable. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel could but tremble at the thought that the favorite must have -overheard the king's promise, and that his father and himself were -undoubtedly the subject of their conversation. -</p> - -<p> -The young queen-dauphine left him, with some gentle raillery upon his -preoccupation. -</p> - -<p> -At this moment Admiral de Coligny came up to him, and, in his turn, -offered his hearty felicitations upon his success in maintaining and -surpassing at Calais the renown he had won at St. Quentin. -</p> - -<p> -The poor fellow had never seemed to be so petted by fate or more worthy -of envy than when he was enduring such tortures as he had never before -imagined. -</p> - -<p> -"You are quite as successful," said the admiral, "in gaining victories -as in minimizing the effects of defeat. I am more than proud to have -foreseen your extraordinary merit, and my only regret is that I was not -present to share with you the dangers of this noble feat of arms, so -fortunate for you and so glorious for France." -</p> - -<p> -"Other occasions will not be lacking, Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"I am much inclined to doubt it," said Coligny, with some sadness. "May -God grant that if we do ever meet again upon a battle-field, it may not -be on opposing sides!" -</p> - -<p> -"May Heaven forefend, indeed!" exclaimed Gabriel, earnestly; "what mean -you by those words, Monsieur l'Amiral?" -</p> - -<p> -"Four adherents of the Religion have been burned alive during the last -month," replied Coligny. "The Reformers, who are growing every day in -numbers and in power, will eventually grow weary of this hateful and -iniquitous persecution. Even now two armies might be formed, I fear, -from the two parties into which France is divided." -</p> - -<p> -"'Well?" said Gabriel, inquiringly. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Monsieur d'Exmès, despite the walk which we took together to the -Rue St. Jacques, you retained your freedom of action, and only bound -yourself at your own discretion. But now you seem to me to be too high -in favor at court, and justly so, not to be enrolled in the king's army, -as against the heresy, as it is called." -</p> - -<p> -"I think that you are mistaken, Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel, whose -eyes never left the king. "I have every reason to think, on the other -hand, that I shall very soon have the right to march in the ranks of the -oppressed against the oppressors." -</p> - -<p> -"What! What do you mean?" asked the admiral. "You are pale, Gabriel, and -your voice falters. Pray, what is the matter?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, nothing, nothing, Monsieur l'Amiral! But I must leave you. <i>Au -revoir</i>! We shall soon meet again." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel had observed an acquiescent gesture made by the king; whereupon -Monsieur de Montmorency had left the room at once, darting a triumphant -glance at Diane as he went. -</p> - -<p> -However, the reception came to an end a few moments later; and Gabriel, -as he was bowing to the king on taking his leave, ventured to say,— -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, until to-morrow." -</p> - -<p> -"Until to-morrow, Monsieur," the king replied. -</p> - -<p> -But as he spoke Henri avoided Gabriel's eye; he even turned away, nor -did he smile any longer, while Madame de Poitiers's face was beaming. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, whom every one thought to see radiant with joy and hope, -withdrew with grief and terror at his heart. -</p> - -<p> -All the evening he haunted the neighborhood of the Châtelet. -</p> - -<p> -He regained his courage to some slight extent when time passed without -his seeing Monsieur de Montmorency leave the prison. -</p> - -<p> -Then he felt the royal signet on his finger, and recalled the solemn -words of Henri II., which left no chance for doubt, and which could not -conceal a deception,—"The object of your sublime and holy ambition -shall be restored to you." -</p> - -<p> -Courage! The night which still separated Gabriel from the decisive -moment seemed more than a year long. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap29"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXIX -<br /><br /> -PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES</h4> - -<p> -What Gabriel thought and what he suffered during those mortal hours God -only knows; for when he returned to his own house he said nothing to his -retainers, nor even to his nurse. From that moment began an absorbed and -concentrated dumb life, so to speak,—a life all action, and very -sparing of words, to which he devoted himself strictly from this time -on, as if he had tacitly taken vows of silence. -</p> - -<p> -Consequently, the disappointed hopes, energetic resolutions, projects of -love or vengeance,—everything, in short, that Gabriel thought or -dreamed, or vowed in his own heart that night remained a secret between -his noble heart and his God. -</p> - -<p> -Not till eight o'clock could he present himself at the Châtelet, with -the ring given him by the king,—the talisman which was to open all -the doors, not to him alone, but to his father. -</p> - -<p> -Until six in the morning Gabriel remained alone in his room, and refused -to speak with any person. -</p> - -<p> -At that hour he descended to the first floor, all clad and equipped as -if for a long journey. He had asked the nurse the night before to give -him all the money she could get together. -</p> - -<p> -The people of his household were most earnest in offering their services -to him. The four volunteers who had come in his suite from Calais were -foremost in placing themselves at his disposal; but he thanked them most -heartily, and dismissed them, retaining only the page André, the latest -comer, and his nurse Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"My good Aloyse," he began, "I am expecting from day to day the arrival -of two guests, friends of mine, from Calais,—Jean Peuquoy and his -wife Babette. It may be, Aloyse, that I shall not be here to receive -them; but even in my absence,—nay, especially in my -absence,—I beg you, Aloyse, to make them welcome, and treat them -as if they were my brother and sister. Babette already knows you well -from having heard me speak of you a hundred times. She will trust in you -as a daughter in her mother; so I entreat you, in the name of your -affection for me, to show her a mother's tenderness and indulgence." -</p> - -<p> -"I promise you I will, Monseigneur," said the kind-hearted nurse, simply; -"and you know that from me those words are sufficient. Have no anxiety -about your guests, for they shall want for nothing in the way of bodily -comfort." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Aloyse," said Gabriel, pressing her hand. "Now for you, -André!" said he to the page whom Madame Diane de Castro had given him. -"I have certain last commissions of grave importance which I must -confide to a trusty hand, and I have selected you, André, to execute -them, because you take the place of my faithful Martin-Guerre." -</p> - -<p> -"I am at your command, Monseigneur," said André. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen carefully to what I say," continued Gabriel. "In an hour I shall -leave this house alone; if I return in a short time, you will have -nothing to do,—or rather, I shall have different orders to give you. -But it is possible that I may not return,—not to-day, that is, nor -to-morrow, nor for a long time to come—" -</p> - -<p> -The nurse, in despair, raised her clasped hands heavenward imploringly. -André interrupted his master. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon, Monseigneur! you say that you may not return here for a long -time?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, André." -</p> - -<p> -"And am I not to accompany you?—and perhaps not to see you again for -a long while?" added André, who seemed both sorrowful and embarrassed at -this information. -</p> - -<p> -"That may well be, no doubt," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"But Madame de Castro," rejoined the page, "before I quitted her -intrusted to my care a message, a letter for Monseigneur—" -</p> - -<p> -"And you have never yet given it to me, André?" said Gabriel, warmly. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me, Monseigneur," André replied; "I was instructed not to -deliver it unless you were to return from the Louvre either very -sorrowful or in a state of angry excitement. Only in such case Madame -Diane told me to give Monsieur d'Exmès the letter, which contained what -might be a warning to him and perhaps a consolation." -</p> - -<p> -"Give it me, quickly, give it me!" cried Gabriel. "Advice and -consolation could not arrive more opportunely, I fear." -</p> - -<p> -André drew from his doublet a letter very carefully wrapped up, and -handed it to his new master; Gabriel hurriedly broke the seal, and -withdrew to a window recess to read it. -</p> - -<p> -This is what he read:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -MY FRIEND,—Amid all the anguish and all the dreams of this last -night, which separates me from you, perhaps forever, the most terrible -thought which has torn my heart is this:— -</p> - -<p> -It may be that, in carrying out the momentous and formidable duty which -you are about to undertake with such brave heart, you may come in -contact, nay, even in conflict, with the king. It may be that the -unforeseen issue of your struggle will force you to hate the king, or -even incite you to visit your wrath upon him. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, I do not yet know if he is my father, but I do know that he has -until now cherished me as his child. The mere dread of your vengeance -makes me shudder while I write, and its accomplishment would be my -death-blow. -</p> - -<p> -And yet the duty which depends upon my own birth may perhaps compel me -to think as you do; perhaps I, like you, may have to avenge him whom I -shall hereafter know as my father upon him who has hitherto been a -father to me,—frightful thought! -</p> - -<p> -But while doubt and darkness still hide the solution of this terrible -enigma from my sight, while I am still ignorant on which side my hatred -belongs and on which my love, Gabriel, I implore you,—and if you have -loved me, you will obey me, Gabriel,—respect the person of the king. -</p> - -<p> -I can reason now, without passion at least, if not without emotion; and -I feel, yes, I am sure, that it is not for man to punish man, but for -God. -</p> - -<p> -So, dear friend, whatever happens, do not try to take from the hands of -God the prerogative of chastisement, even to strike a criminal. -</p> - -<p> -If he whom I have until now called my father is guilty, and being only -human, he may be, do not be his judge, far less his executioner. Have no -fear; the Lord will judge him, and the Lord will avenge you more -terribly than you could do yourself. Leave your cause fearlessly to His -justice. -</p> - -<p> -Unless God makes you the involuntary and, in some sort, fatal instrument -of His pitiless justice; unless He makes use of your hand in your own -despite; unless you strike the blow unwillingly and without wishing -it,—Gabriel, do not constitute yourself his judge, and above all -things do not with your own hand carry out the sentence. -</p> - -<p> -Do this for love of me, my friend. In mercy's name I ask it; and it is -the last prayer and the last despairing cry to your heart from -</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 60%;">DIANE DE CASTRO.</p> -</blockquote> - -<p> -Gabriel read the letter twice from beginning to end; but meanwhile, -André and the nurse could detect no sign of emotion on his pale face -save the mournful smile which had become so familiar there. -</p> - -<p> -When he had refolded Diane's letter and hidden it in his breast, he -remained silent for a time, with bent head and in deep thought. -</p> - -<p> -Then, as if awaking from a dream,— -</p> - -<p> -"It is well," he said aloud. "The orders I have to give you, André, are -not changed; and if, as I was saying, I do not soon return, whether you -learn anything about me, or whether you do not hear my name mentioned, -whatever happens or does not happen, remember my words,—this is what -you are to do." -</p> - -<p> -"I am listening, Monseigneur," said André, "and I will obey you in -every detail; for I love you, and am your devoted servant." -</p> - -<p> -"Madame de Castro," said Gabriel, "will be at Paris within a few days. -Make arrangements to be informed of her arrival as soon as possible." -</p> - -<p> -"It will be very easy to do that, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Go to her at once if you can," continued Gabriel, "and deliver this -sealed package from me. Take especial care not to lose it, André, -although it contains nothing of value to any one else,—a lady's veil, -nothing more. But no matter! Do you yourself deliver this veil to her in -person, and say to her—" -</p> - -<p> -"What shall I say, Monseigneur?" asked André, seeing that his master -was hesitating. -</p> - -<p> -"No, say nothing to her," Gabriel resumed, "except that she is free, and -that I give back to her all her promises, even that of which this veil -is the pledge." -</p> - -<p> -"Is that all, Monseigneur?" asked the page. -</p> - -<p> -"That is all," said Gabriel. "But, André, if nothing has been heard of -me, and you see that Madame de Castro is a little anxious, you may -add—But for what good? No, add nothing, André. Ask her, if you -choose, to take you back into her service. Otherwise, come back here and -await my return." -</p> - -<p> -"That is to say, Monseigneur, that you will surely come back?" asked the -nurse, with tears in her eyes. "But when you said that perhaps we should -not hear any more of you—" -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps that would be best, dear Mother," said Gabriel, "that you -should hear nothing of me. In any event, hope for the best, and await my -return." -</p> - -<p> -"Hope, when you have disappeared from all eyes, even from those of your -poor nurse! Ah, it is very hard to hope!" replied Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"But who said that I should disappear?" returned Gabriel. "Ought I not -to provide for every contingency? For my own part, never fear; whatever -precautions I may take I rely upon embracing you again very soon, -Aloyse, with all the gratitude of my heart. That is most probable; for -Providence is a kind and loving mother to him who implores her -protection. Did I not begin, too, by saying to André that all my -injunctions to him would probably be useless and void in the almost -certain event of my return to-day?" -</p> - -<p> -"May God bless you for those dear words, Monseigneur!" cried poor -Aloyse, moved beyond expression. -</p> - -<p> -"Have you no other orders to give, Monseigneur, to be executed during -your absence?—which may God make of brief duration!" asked André. -</p> - -<p> -"Wait a moment," said Gabriel, as a thought seemed suddenly to occur to -him. Seating himself at a table, he wrote the following letter to -Coligny:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -MONSIEUR L'AMIRAL,—I propose to instruct myself in the principles of -your religion, and you may count me as one of you after to-day. -</p> - -<p> -Whatever may be the instrument of my conversion, whether your persuasive -words or some other motive, I, nevertheless, devote irrevocably to your -cause and that of the oppressed religion my heart, my life, and my -sword. -</p> - -<p> -Your very humble companion and good friend, -</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 60%;">GABRIEL DE MONTGOMMERY.</p> -</blockquote> - -<p> -"Deliver this as well, if I fail to return," said Gabriel, handing the -letter sealed to André. "And now, my dear friends, I must say adieu, -and leave you. The time has come." -</p> - -<p> -Half an hour later Gabriel knocked with trembling hand at the great door -of the Châtelet. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap30"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXX -<br /><br /> -THE SECRET PRISONER</h4> - -<p> -Monsieur de Salvoison, the governor of the Châtelet who had received -Gabriel at his first visit, had recently died, and the new governor was -Monsieur de Sazerac. -</p> - -<p> -It was to him that the young man was escorted. Anxiety, with its iron -hand, had seized poor Gabriel's throat so tightly that he could not -utter a single word; but he silently presented the ring which the king -had given him to the governor. -</p> - -<p> -Monsieur de Sazerac bowed gravely. -</p> - -<p> -"I was expecting you, Monsieur," he said; "I received an hour ago the -order in which you are interested. My instructions are, upon -presentation of this ring, and without asking any other explanation from -you, to deliver to you the nameless prisoner who has been detained for -many years in the Châtelet under the designation of Number 21. Am I -right, Monsieur?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, Monsieur," replied Gabriel, eagerly; for hope returning had -restored his voice. "And this order, Monsieur le Gouverneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am ready to execute, Monsieur." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, oh! Can it really be?" said Gabriel, shaking from head to foot. -</p> - -<p> -"It surely is so," replied Monsieur de Sazerac, with an accent in which -an indifferent person might have detected a shade of sadness and -bitterness. -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel was too distracted and excited by his joy. "Ah, it is true, -then!" cried he. "I do not dream. My eyes are open. My insane terrors -were dreams; and you are really going to deliver this prisoner to me, -Monsieur? Oh, I thank thee, my God! And thanks to thee, Sire! But come, -let us go quickly, Monsieur, I beseech you." -</p> - -<p> -He took two or three steps as if to lead the way before Monsieur de -Sazerac; but his strength, so vigorous and inexhaustible in the face of -suffering and danger, failed him in the excess of his joy. He was -obliged to stop for a moment, for his heart was beating so violently and -so fast that he thought he should suffocate. -</p> - -<p> -Poor human nature was too weak to undergo such a tumult of conflicting -emotions. -</p> - -<p> -The almost despaired-of realization of such far-off hopes and the end -and aim of his whole life,—the goal of his superhuman efforts -suddenly attained; gratitude to the loyal king and the just God; filial -love at last to be satisfied; another passion, still more ardent, to be -at last decided for better or worse,—such a multitude of feelings, -all aroused and excited at the same moment, made poor Gabriel's heart -overflow. -</p> - -<p> -But amid this inexpressible whirl of emotions and almost insane -happiness, his least confused thoughts framed themselves into something -like a hymn of thanksgiving to Henri II., to whom he owed this delirium -of joy. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel repeated over and over again in his grateful heart his oath to -devote his whole life to this truehearted king and his children. How, in -God's name, could he for one moment have doubted so noble and excellent -a monarch! -</p> - -<p> -But at last, shaking off his ecstatic mood, he said to the governor, who -had stopped beside him,— -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon, Monsieur! Pardon this weakness which overcame me for a moment. -Joy, you see, is sometimes too heavy a load to carry." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, do not apologize, Monsieur, I beg!" replied the governor, in a deep -voice. -</p> - -<p> -This time Gabriel noticed the tone in which he spoke, and fixed his eyes -upon him. -</p> - -<p> -Nowhere could a more kindly, open, and honest face be found. Everything -about this prison-governor indicated sincerity and kindness of heart. -</p> - -<p> -Strangely enough, the emotion which at that moment was depicted upon the -good man's features, while he observed Gabriel's exuberant happiness, -was heartfelt compassion. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel caught the singular expression, and every vestige of color fled -from his cheeks as a presentiment of evil laid hold upon his heart. -</p> - -<p> -But such was his nature that this ill-defined dread, suddenly intruding -upon his happiness, served only to impart renewed energy to his valiant -soul y and standing proudly erect, he said to the governor,— -</p> - -<p> -"Come, Monsieur, let us go. I am strong again now, and quite ready." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel and Monsieur de Sazerac thereupon went down into the prison, -preceded by a valet carrying a torch. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel found gloomy souvenirs at every step, and recognized at the -windings of the corridors and on the staircases the dark walls which he -had seen before, and the sombre impressions which he had experienced on -his former visit without being able to explain them. -</p> - -<p> -When they reached the iron door of the dungeon in which he had, with so -strange a feeling at his heart, visited the haggard, dumb prisoner, he -stopped abruptly. -</p> - -<p> -"He is there," said he, with beating heart. -</p> - -<p> -But Monsieur de Sazerac sorrowfully shook his head. -</p> - -<p> -"No," he replied, "he is no longer there." -</p> - -<p> -"What!" ejaculated Gabriel. "No longer there! Are you mocking me, -Monsieur?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monsieur!" said the governor, in mild reproach. -</p> - -<p> -A cold sweat moistened Gabriel's brow. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon, pardon," he murmured. "But what do your words imply? Oh, tell -me; speak quickly!" -</p> - -<p> -"I am very much grieved to inform you, Monsieur, that last evening the -secret prisoner confined here was transferred to a floor below this." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" said Gabriel, bewildered. "Why was that, pray?" -</p> - -<p> -"He had been warned, Monsieur, as I think you know, that if he should so -much as make an attempt to speak to any person whatsoever, if he uttered -the slightest exclamation, and muttered a name, even in response to a -question, he would be immediately transferred to a deeper and more -terrible and deadly dungeon than his own." -</p> - -<p> -"I know all that," muttered Gabriel, in so low a tone that it did not -reach the governor's ear. -</p> - -<p> -"Once before, Monsieur," continued Monsieur de Sazerac, "the prisoner -had ventured to disobey that order, and it was then that he was -transferred to this dungeon which is before us, and which you have -seen,—harsh and cruel enough, God knows. It seems, Monsieur, or so I -have been told, that you were informed when you visited the prison -before of the doom of eternal silence which he was compelled to undergo, -even though alive." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes," said Gabriel, almost insane with impatient dread. "Well, -Monsieur?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yesterday evening," continued Monsieur de Sazerac, with sorrow and -commiseration in his tones, "just before the outer doors were closed for -the night, a man came to the Châtelet,—a man of eminence, whose name -I cannot mention." -</p> - -<p> -"No matter; go on!" exclaimed Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"This man," pursued the governor, "gave orders that he should be taken -to the cell of Number 21. I accompanied him alone. He spoke to the -prisoner without at first obtaining a reply, and I hoped that the old -man would come out triumphantly from this ordeal; for full half an hour -he maintained an immovable silence in the face of all the importunities -and provocations that were showered upon him." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel breathed a deep sigh, and raised his eyes to heaven, but said -not a word to interrupt the governor's dolorous recital. -</p> - -<p> -"Unfortunately, the prisoner at last, upon something which was whispered -in his ear, rose to a sitting posture, tears gushed from his stony eyes, -and he spoke, Monsieur. I was instructed to narrate all these -particulars to you, so that you might the more readily believe my word -as a gentleman when I add, 'The prisoner spoke.' I declare to you, with -sorrow, but upon my honor, that I myself heard him." -</p> - -<p> -"And then?" asked Gabriel, brokenly. -</p> - -<p> -"Thereupon," replied Monsieur de Sazerac, "I was required, in spite of -my earnest remonstrances and my entreaties, to fulfil the inhuman duty -which my office imposed upon me,—to obey a power higher than mine, -and which would have been at no loss to find more willing instruments had -I refused,—and to cause the prisoner to be transferred by his dumb -jailer to the dungeon beneath this." -</p> - -<p> -"The dungeon beneath this!" cried Gabriel. "Ah, let us go quickly, for I -am bringing him deliverance at last!" -</p> - -<p> -The governor sadly shook his head; but Gabriel saw not the motion, for -he was already rushing down the slippery and dilapidated steps which led -to the lowest depths of the gloomy prison. -</p> - -<p> -Monsieur de Sazerac took the torch from the hands of the attendant, whom -he dismissed with a motion, of his hand, and followed Gabriel, with his -handkerchief over his mouth. -</p> - -<p> -At every step the air grew fouler and more suffocating. When they -reached the foot of the staircase they were fairly gasping for breath, -and the feeling was instinctive that nothing could live more than a few -moments in that atmosphere, save the unclean creatures they were -crushing beneath their feet. -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel never thought of that. He took from the governor's trembling -hands the rusty key that he handed him, and opening the heavy, -worm-eaten door, rushed headlong into the dungeon. -</p> - -<p> -By the light of the torch a form could be distinguished in a corner -stretched upon a heap of foul straw. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel threw himself upon the body, drew it from the corner, and tried -to restore it to life, crying,— -</p> - -<p> -"Father, father!" -</p> - -<p> -Monsieur de Sazerac fairly shook with horror at that cry. -</p> - -<p> -The arms and the head of the old man fell back inert and lifeless under -Gabriel's caressing hands. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap31"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXI -<br /><br /> -THE COMTE DE MONTGOMMERY</h4> - -<p> -Gabriel, still kneeling beside the lifeless mass, raised his pale, -bewildered countenance, and cast a glance of ominous tranquillity around -him. He seemed to be questioning himself and pondering deeply; and his -almost unnatural calm touched and alarmed Monsieur de Sazerac more than -all the outcry and sobbing in the world would have done. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly, as if the idea that life might not be extinct had just -occurred to him, he hurriedly placed his hand over the heart of the -corpse. -</p> - -<p> -For a moment or two he felt and listened eagerly. -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing!" he then said in a firm but gentle voice, which was terrible -for those very qualities; "nothing!—the heart no longer beats, but -the flesh is still warm." -</p> - -<p> -"What a marvellously strong constitution!" the governor muttered; "he -might have lived for a long time to come." -</p> - -<p> -All this time the eyes had remained open. Gabriel leaned over and closed -them with reverent touch. Then he imprinted a respectful and loving -kiss, the first and the last, upon the poor wasted lids, which had been -wet with so many bitter tears. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur," observed Monsieur de Sazerac, hoping to divert Gabriel from -his terrifying contemplation of the inert body before him, "if the -deceased was dear to you—" -</p> - -<p> -"Dear to me, Monsieur!" Gabriel interrupted; "why, yes,—he was my -father." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, Monsieur, if you desire to pay the last sad honors to his -memory, I am directed to allow you to remove the body from this place." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, indeed!" replied Gabriel, with the same terrible calmness. "He is -strictly just with me, then, and is keeping his word to me with great -exactitude, I must confess. You must know, Monsieur le Gouverneur, that -he swore to restore my father to me. He is restored to me: behold him! I -recognize the fact that there was no undertaking to restore him to me -alive." -</p> - -<p> -He laughed a harsh, unpleasant laugh. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, courage!" rejoined Monsieur de Sazerac. "It is time now to say -adieu to him for whom you weep." -</p> - -<p> -"I am doing so, as you see, Monsieur." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, but I mean that you really must leave this place at once. The air -that we breathe here is not fit for human lungs, and a longer stay in -this poisonous miasma might be very dangerous." -</p> - -<p> -"Here is a proof of it before our eyes," said Gabriel, pointing to the -body of his father. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, come, we must be going!" replied the governor, taking the poor -fellow's arm to force him away. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, I will follow you," said Gabriel; "but for God's sake, leave -me here a few moments longer!" -</p> - -<p> -Monsieur de Sazerac made a sign of assent, and withdrew as far as the -door, where the air was less noxious and heavy. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, on his knees by the side of the dead man, and with head bent -and hands hanging at his side, remained mute and motionless for some -moments, praying or dreaming. -</p> - -<p> -What said he to his dead father? Did he ask those lips, which Death's -pitiless finger had closed too soon, for the solution of the enigma he -was trying to unravel? Did he swear to the sainted victim that he would -avenge him in this world, independently of God's vengeance in the world -to come? Did he scan those already decomposing features, to conjecture -what sort of man had been this father of his whom he now saw for the -second time, and to dream of the peaceful and happy life that might have -been in store for him under his watchful care? Did his thoughts dwell -upon the past or the future; upon the affairs of this world, or the -divine power of the Lord; upon vengeance or forgiveness? -</p> - -<p> -The subject of this sombre communion between a dead father and his son -remained forever a secret between Gabriel and his God. -</p> - -<p> -Four or five minutes had passed; and breathing had become a painful and -laborious task to these two men who had descended to these pestilential -depths,—one in the performance of a holy duty, and the other led by -an instinct of humanity. -</p> - -<p> -"Again, I beg you to come away," said the kind-hearted governor to -Gabriel. "It is full time that we should go up into the air." -</p> - -<p> -"I am coming," said Gabriel, "I am coming." -</p> - -<p> -He took his father's icy hand in his, and kissed it tenderly; he leaned -over his damp and decomposing forehead, and left a kiss there, too. -</p> - -<p> -All this passed without a tear. Alas! he could not weep. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Au revoir</i>!" said he; "<i>au revoir</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -He rose with the same wonderfully calm and steadfast bearing and -expression, whatever passions and emotions may have been rending his -heart and soul. -</p> - -<p> -He cast a last look at his father, and wafted a last caress to him, then -followed Monsieur de Sazerac with slow and measured step. -</p> - -<p> -On their way to the upper regions he asked to be shown the dark, cold -cell where the prisoner had passed so many years of sorrow and despair, -and which he, Gabriel, had once entered without embracing his father. -</p> - -<p> -He spent a few moments there of silent meditation, and eager, though -hopeless, interest. -</p> - -<p> -When he and the governor had ascended to light and life once more, -Monsieur de Sazerac could not repress a shudder of horror and pity as -the daylight fell upon the features of the young man, whom he invited to -his own room; for his chestnut locks had become silvery white. -</p> - -<p> -After a short interval he said to him, in a voice trembling with -emotion,— -</p> - -<p> -"Is there nothing I can do for you now, Monsieur? You have but to ask, -and I shall be more than happy to gratify any wish of yours with which -my duties do not conflict." -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur," replied Gabriel, "you told me that I should be allowed to -render the last honors to the dead. This evening I shall send some -bearers here; and if you will kindly have the body placed in a coffin, -and allow them to take it away, they will see that the prisoner is -interred in the tomb of his ancestors." -</p> - -<p> -"It shall be done, Monsieur," replied Monsieur de Sazerac; "but I must -warn you that one condition was imposed upon the granting of this -privilege." -</p> - -<p> -"What was that, Monsieur?" asked Gabriel, coldly. -</p> - -<p> -"That you should, in accordance with your agreement, cause no scandal or -disturbance." -</p> - -<p> -"I will keep that promise, too," said Gabriel. "The men will come by -night, and without any knowledge as to the burden they are carrying will -transport the body to the Rue des Jardins St. Paul, to the funeral vault -of the counts of—" -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon, Monsieur!" the governor interposed hurriedly; "I do not know -the prisoner's name, nor is it my wish or my duty to know it. I have -been compelled by the obligations of my office and the word I have given -to maintain silence with you upon many matters; and you should be quite -as reserved with me." -</p> - -<p> -"But I for my part have nothing to conceal," replied Gabriel, proudly. -"It is only the guilty who wish to cover their tracks." -</p> - -<p> -"While you are only one of the unfortunates," said the governor. "After -all, that is not much better, is it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Besides," continued Gabriel, "I have already surmised the matters about -which you have kept silence; indeed, I could tell you myself. For -instance, this powerful individual who came here last evening, and who -wished to talk with the prisoner so that he might make him -speak—well, I could tell you almost the exact words of the -talisman which finally induced my father to break silence,—the -silence whereon depended the feeble remnant of his life, for which he -had up to that time struggled bravely with his murderers." -</p> - -<p> -"What! you say that you know?" said Monsieur de Sazerac, in amazement. -</p> - -<p> -"I am sure of it," was Gabriel's reply. "The individual in question said -to the poor old man, 'Your son lives!' or, perhaps, 'Your son has -covered himself with renown!' or, again, 'Your son is coming to set you -free!' He spoke to him of his son, at all events—the villain!" -</p> - -<p> -The governor let fall an exclamation of astonishment. -</p> - -<p> -"And at the mention of his son," continued Gabriel, "the wretched -father, who had up to that time succeeded in restraining himself even -before his most implacable foe, could not overcome a joyful impulse, and -though he had remained dumb under all the provocation of his hatred, -cried for joy when his love was awakened. Tell me, Monsieur, do I say -truly?" -</p> - -<p> -The governor bent his head without replying. -</p> - -<p> -"It must be true, since you deny it not," Gabriel continued. "You can -see how fruitless was your endeavor to conceal from me what this -influential man said to the wretched captive. And as for the name of -this all-powerful person, it was in vain also for you to pass that over -in silence. Do you wish that I should name him to you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monsieur, Monsieur!" cried Monsieur de Sazerac, earnestly. "We are -alone, it is true, but be careful. Are you not afraid?" -</p> - -<p> -"I have already told you," said Gabriel, "that I have nothing to fear. -Well, then, Monsieur, this man's name was Monsieur le Connétable, Duc -de Montmorency. The executioner's mask has fallen off, you see." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monsieur!" ejaculated the governor, looking fearfully around. -</p> - -<p> -"As to the prisoner's name and mine," pursued Gabriel, calmly, "those -you do not know. But there is no reason why I should not tell them to -you. Moreover, you may have already met me, and may meet me again during -your life; then, too, you have been kind and considerate in this supreme -moment of my existence; and when you hear my name in men's mouths, as -may very well be the case within a few months, it will be well that you -should know that he of whom they are talking is the same whom you have -made your debtor to-day." -</p> - -<p> -"I shall be most happy," said Monsieur de Sazerac, "to learn that fate -has not continued to be so relentless toward you." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, such questions have no more interest for me!" said Gabriel, -gravely. "But, in any event, let me tell you that since my father's -death last night in this prison I am the Comte de Montgommery." -</p> - -<p> -The governor of the Châtelet stood as if turned to stone, and could -find no word to say. -</p> - -<p> -"And now, adieu, Monsieur," added Gabriel; "adieu. Accept my warmest -thanks; may God protect you!" -</p> - -<p> -He saluted Monsieur de Sazerac, and left the gloomy precincts of the -prison with a firm step. -</p> - -<p> -But when the fresh air and the bright light of day recalled him to -himself, he stayed his steps a moment, dizzy and tottering. The -actuality of life came too suddenly upon him as he emerged from that -hell. -</p> - -<p> -However, as the passers-by began to look askance at him, he asserted his -will, and walked away from the deathly spot. -</p> - -<p> -In the first place he bent his steps to a lonely corner of the Place de -Grève. There he took out his tablets, and wrote these words to his -nurse:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -MY GOOD ALOYSE,—Do not expect me, for I shall not return to-day. I -must be alone for a time, to move about, and think, and wait. But have no -anxiety about me; I shall surely see you again. -</p> - -<p> -This evening arrange matters so that everything will be quiet in the -house at an early hour. You alone must sit up, and open the door to four -men who will knock at the great door a little before midnight, when the -street is deserted. -</p> - -<p> -I ask you personally to conduct these men, laden as they will be with a -sorrowful but priceless burden, to the family burial-vault; point out to -them the open tomb in which they must place him whom they will have in -charge, and watch carefully the preparations for the interment; then, -when they are at an end, give each of the men four golden crowns, guide -them back to the door without noise, and return at once to the tomb to -kneel and pray as you would for your master and your father. -</p> - -<p> -I will pray also at the same hour, but far away from the spot. It must -be so. I feel that the sight of that tomb might excite me to reckless -and violent deeds, and I must ask counsel rather from God in solitude. -</p> - -<p> -<i>Au revoir</i>, dear Aloyse, <i>au revoir</i>. Remind André of his -commission to Madame de Castro, and do not yourself forget my guests, Jean -and Babette Peuquoy. <i>Au revoir</i>, and God be with you! -</p> - -<p style="margin-left: 60%;">GABRIEL DE M.</p> -</blockquote> - -<p> -Having written this letter, Gabriel sought and found four men of the -people,—laborers, that is to say. -</p> - -<p> -He gave each of them four crowns in advance, and promised them as many -more. In order to earn their wages, one of them was to take a letter to -its address immediately; then, all four were to present themselves at -the Châtelet a little before ten that same evening, to receive at the -governor's hands a coffin, and convey it secretly and silently to the -Rue des Jardins St. Paul, to the same house to which the letter was -addressed. -</p> - -<p> -The poor workmen overwhelmed Gabriel with their gratitude, and as they -left him, in high glee over the windfall, they promised to fulfil his -orders to the letter. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I have at least made four honest fellows happy," said Gabriel, -with sorrowful pleasure, if we may be allowed the expression. -</p> - -<p> -Then he pursued a course which led him out of the city, and on his way -he passed the Louvre. Wrapped in his cloak, and with arms folded upon -his breast, he stood for some moments gazing at the royal abode. -</p> - -<p> -"Now it is for us two to settle our account," he muttered, with a glance -of defiance. He resumed his journey, and as he went along there recurred -to his memory the horoscope which Master Nostradamus had written long -ago for the Comte de Montgommery, and which, in the master's own words, -he had found by a remarkable coincidence to be exactly appropriate for -his son, according to the laws of astrology,— -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">"En joûte, en amour, cettuy touchera</span><br /> -<span class="i12">Le front du roy,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Et cornes ou bien trou sanglant mettra</span><br /> -<span class="i12">Au front du roy.</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Mais le veuille ou non, toujours blessera</span><br /> -<span class="i12">Le front du roy.</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Enfin, l'aimera, puis, las! le tuera</span><br /> -<span class="i12">Dame du roy."</span> -</div></div> - -<p> -Gabriel reflected that curious prediction had already been -fulfilled from point to point in his father's case; for the Comte de -Montgommery in his youth had wounded King François I. in the face with -a burning brand, and had afterward been King Henri's rival in love, and -had been slain only the evening before by that very "lady of the king," -who had loved him. -</p> - -<p> -Up to that time Gabriel also had been loved by a queen,—Catherine de -Médicis. -</p> - -<p> -Would his destiny too be realized to the end? Would his vengeance or his -fate decree that he should overthrow and wound the king "in the -tilting-field?" -</p> - -<p> -If that should happen, it would be a matter of indifference to Gabriel -whether the king's lady who had loved him should slay him sooner or -later. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap32"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXII -<br /><br /> -THE KNIGHT-ERRANT</h4> - -<p> -Poor Aloyse, whose life for many years had been passed in waiting, in -solitude, and in suffering, again sat two or three endless hours at the -window, to see if she could not catch a glimpse of her beloved young -master. -</p> - -<p> -When the laborer to whom Gabriel had intrusted the letter knocked at the -door, Aloyse rushed to open it. "News at last!" she thought. -</p> - -<p> -News at last, indeed, and terrible news! Aloyse, after the first few -lines, felt a mist coming before her eyes, and to conceal her emotion -hastened to return to her own room, where she finished with much -difficulty the perusal of the fatal missive, the tears streaming from -her eyes the while. -</p> - -<p> -However, hers was a stout heart and a valiant soul; so she collected her -energies, wiped away her tears, and left her room to say to the -messenger,— -</p> - -<p> -"It is well! Until this evening, when I shall expect you and your -companions." -</p> - -<p> -André the page questioned her anxiously, but she bade him wait till the -following day for answers to his questions. Until then she had enough to -think of and to do. -</p> - -<p> -When evening had fallen, she sent the people of the household to bed in -good season. -</p> - -<p> -"The master will surely not return to-night," she told them. -</p> - -<p> -But when she was left alone she thought,— -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! the master will return; but, alas! it will be the old master, not -the young one,—it will be the dead, and not the living. For what body -would he command me to see entombed in the vault of the counts of -Montgommery, unless it were that of the Comte de Montgommery himself? -Oh, my noble lord, for whom my poor Perrot died, have you at last gone -to join your faithful servant? But have you carried your secret with you -to the tomb? Oh, mystery of mysteries!—mystery and terror everywhere! -But no matter! Though I know and understand nothing, though I hope not, -still will I obey; it is my duty, and I will do it. Oh, my God!" -</p> - -<p> -Aloyse's sorrowful revery ended in a fervent prayer. It is the habit of -the human soul, when the burden of life becomes too heavy to bear, to -seek help and shelter in God's bosom. -</p> - -<p> -About eleven o'clock, the streets being then entirely deserted, a loud -knocking was heard at the great door. Aloyse started and turned pale, -but summoning all her fortitude, she took a torch in her hand, and -descended to admit the men who bore the sad burden. She received with a -deep and respectful salute the master who thus returned to his own house -after such a long absence. Then she said to the bearers, "Follow me with -as little noise as possible. I will show you the way." Going in advance -with her light, she led them to the funeral vault. -</p> - -<p> -When they had reached the spot, the bearers placed the coffin in one of -the open tombs, and put the cover of black marble in place; then the -poor fellows, who had been taught by suffering to look with holy awe -upon death, removed their caps, and falling on their knees, offered a -short prayer for the soul of the unknown dead. -</p> - -<p> -When they had risen, the nurse led them back in silence, and on the -threshold slipped into the hand of one of them the sum Gabriel had -promised; whereupon they vanished like dumb spectres, without having -uttered a single word. -</p> - -<p> -Aloyse returned to the tomb, and passed the rest of the night on her -knees, praying and weeping. -</p> - -<p> -The next morning André found her pale but calm; she said to him -simply,— -</p> - -<p> -"My child, we must never lose hope; but it is useless for us to expect -Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès any longer. So you must set about executing -the commissions with which he charged you in case he did not return at -once." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," said the page, sorrowfully. "I will start at once then to -go and meet Madame de Castro." -</p> - -<p> -"In the name of your absent master, I thank you for your zeal, André," -said Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -The boy did as he promised, and set out the same day. He inquired for -the noble traveller he was seeking at every halting-place on the road, -but did not meet her until he reached Amiens. -</p> - -<p> -Diane de Castro had but just arrived at that city, with the escort with -which the Duc de Guise had furnished her as the daughter of Henri II. -She had stopped to rest a few hours at the house of Monsieur de Thuré, -the governor of the place. -</p> - -<p> -As soon as Diane espied the page, she changed color; but controlling -herself with an effort, she made a sign to him to follow her into the -next room. When they were alone, she asked him,— -</p> - -<p> -"Well, André, what have you for me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing but this, Madame," the page replied, handing her the package -containing the veil. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, it is not the ring!" cried Diane. -</p> - -<p> -That was as far as her observation went at first; but she soon collected -herself somewhat, and a prey to that insatiable curiosity which makes -the unfortunate eager to anticipate the extremity of their sorrow, she -eagerly interrogated André. -</p> - -<p> -"Did Monsieur d'Exmès intrust you, besides this, with no writing for -me?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Madame." -</p> - -<p> -"But surely you must have some verbal message to give me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" the page replied, shaking his head, "Monsieur d'Exmès said only -that he gave you back all your promises, Madame, even to that of which -this veil is the pledge; he added nothing to that." -</p> - -<p> -"But under what circumstances did he send you to me? Had you given him -my letter? What said he after reading it? When he put this package in -your hands, what did he say? Speak, André! You are devoted and -faithful, I know, and my whole future depends on your answers; the very -least word may serve as a guide and consolation to me in the darkness -which surrounds me." -</p> - -<p> -"Madame," said André, "I will tell you all that I know; but that all is -very little." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, go on, speak, pray speak!" cried Madame de Castro. -</p> - -<p> -André thereupon told her faithfully—omitting nothing, for Gabriel -had not enjoined secrecy upon him—all that his master before his -departure had charged Aloyse and himself to do, in the event that his -absence were prolonged. He told of the young man's hesitation and his -bitter suffering; that after reading Diane's letter he had seemed at -first to be on the point of speaking, but had ended by saying nothing -except a few vague and indefinite words. In fact, André kept his -promise, and forgot nothing,—not a gesture, or a half-uttered -word, or a failure to speak. But he had said truly that he knew scarcely -anything, and his story only contributed to Diane's doubt and -uncertainty. -</p> - -<p> -She looked mournfully at the black veil, the lone messenger from her -lover, and the true symbol of her destiny. It seemed as if she were -questioning its sombre folds, and seeking help and counsel from them. -</p> - -<p> -"One of two things must have happened," she said to herself. "Either -Gabriel has learned that he is really my brother, or he has lost all -hope of ever penetrating the fatal mystery. I have only to choose -between these two calamities. Yes, it must be so, and I have no more -illusions on which I can feed my hope. But ought not Gabriel to have -spared me this cruel uncertainty? He gives me back my word; but why? Oh, -why does he not confide to me what is going to become of him, and what -he means to do? Ah, this silence terrifies me more than all the anger -and all the threats in the world!" -</p> - -<p> -Diane questioned her very soul to know whether she would do better to -follow her first plan, and enter some convent in Paris or the Provinces, -never to leave its walls again; or whether it was not her duty to return -to court, try to see Gabriel once more, and beg him to tell her the -truth as to what had occurred and as to his future plans, and whatever -happened, to watch over the life of the king, her father, which might -perhaps be in danger. -</p> - -<p> -Of her father? But was Henri II. her father? Might she not prove herself -to be the impious and guilty daughter of her real father in trying to -impede the righteous vengeance which strove to punish or even to slay -the king? A frightful alternative! -</p> - -<p> -But Diane was a woman, and an affectionate and noble-hearted woman. She -said to herself that in any event there might be repentance for anger, -but that no one could repent of having forgiven; and so, carried away by -her naturally kindly disposition, she determined to return to Paris, and -until she should have reassuring news of Gabriel and his designs, to -remain by the king's side to safeguard and defend him. Even Gabriel -himself might have need of her intervention, who could say? When she -should have saved the two beings who were dearest of all on earth to -her, it would be time to take refuge in God's bosom. -</p> - -<p> -Having determined upon this course, Diane, the brave-hearted, hesitated -no longer, but continued her journey to Paris. -</p> - -<p> -She reached her destination three days later, and went at once to the -Louvre, where she was welcomed by Henri with unfeigned delight and a -wealth of affection truly paternal. -</p> - -<p> -But, in spite of all her endeavors, she could not force herself to adopt -any except a sorrowful and cold demeanor in receiving these proofs of -fondness; and the king himself, remembering Diane's affection for -Gabriel, oftentimes felt embarrassed and moved in his daughter's -presence. She reminded him of certain matters which he would have much -preferred to forget. -</p> - -<p> -Thus he no longer dared to mention her alliance to François de -Montmorency, which had been formerly projected, and so Madame de -Castro's mind was at rest upon that point at least. -</p> - -<p> -She had, however, many other subjects of anxiety. Neither at the -Montgommery mansion, nor at the Louvre, nor in fact anywhere, was any -definite news of Gabriel to be had. -</p> - -<p> -The young man had in a certain sense disappeared. -</p> - -<p> -Days and weeks and whole months rolled by, and Diane in vain made -inquiries directly and indirectly; no one could say what had become of -Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -Some persons thought that they had met him, always sombre and gloomy. -But no one had spoken to him; the suffering soul which they had taken -for Gabriel had always shunned them, and vanished at their first attempt -to approach him. Moreover, no two agreed as to the locality where they -had encountered Vicomte d'Exmès. Some said at St. Germain, some at -Fontainebleau, others at Vincennes, and some even located him in Paris. -What reliance could be placed upon such contradictory reports? -</p> - -<p> -Yet many of them were right. For Gabriel, spurred on by a terrible -remembrance and by still more terrible thoughts, could not remain two -days in the same place. A never-ending need of action and movement drove -him from a locality as soon as he arrived there. On foot or in the -saddle, in town or country, he must always be in motion, pale and -forbidding in appearance, and like Orestes of old haunted by the Furies. -</p> - -<p> -His wanderings, too, kept him always out-of-doors; and he never entered -within the walls of a house except when driven by absolute necessity. -</p> - -<p> -On one occasion, however, Master Ambroise Paré, who had come back to -Paris, his patients being all cured, and hostilities somewhat relaxed in -the North, was surprised by a visit at his own house from his old -acquaintance Vicomte d'Exmès. He received him with the deference due to -one of gentle birth and the cordiality with which one welcomes a friend. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, like a man newly returned from foreign lands, interrogated the -surgeon upon matters which everybody knew all about. -</p> - -<p> -Having in the first place asked him about Martin-Guerre, who, thoroughly -cured, was probably on his way to Paris at that time, he questioned him -about the Duc de Guise and the army. In that quarter matters had -progressed marvellously. Le Balafré was before Thionville; Maréchal de -Thermes had taken Dunkirk; Gaspard de Tavannes had taken possession of -Guines and the province of Oie. In fact, the English no longer held one -foot of ground in the whole kingdom, as François de Lorraine had sworn -should be the case. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel listened with grave face, and apparently with little interest, -to this good news. -</p> - -<p> -"I am obliged to you, Master," he said to Ambroise Paré; "I rejoice to -learn that our enterprise at Calais will not be without enduring results -for France, at all events. Nevertheless it was not curiosity to hear of -these matters which was my principal reason for coming to you. Master, -long before I came to admire you for your great skill at the bedside of -the wounded, I remember that certain words I heard you speak moved me -deeply; it was one day last year in the little house on the Rue St. -Jacques. Master, I have come to talk with you about these matters of -religion, which your keen insight has penetrated so to the core. You -have definitively embraced the cause of the Reformed religion, I -suppose?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monsieur d'Exmès," said Ambroise Paré, firmly. "The -correspondence which the great Calvin was kind enough to enter into with -me has removed my last doubts and my last scruples. I am now the most -thoroughly devoted reformer of them all." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, Master," said Gabriel, "will you not share your knowledge -with a neophyte of the best intentions? I speak of myself. Will you not -strengthen my doubting faith, as you would put in place a broken limb?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is my duty to comfort and relieve the souls of my fellow-creatures -as well as their bodies, when I can do so," said Ambroise Paré. "I am -quite at your service, Monsieur d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -For more than two hours they talked together, Ambroise ardent and -eloquent, Gabriel calm and sorrowful, but a docile pupil. -</p> - -<p> -At the end of that time Gabriel rose, and said to him, as he warmly -pressed his hand,— -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks! This conversation has done me much good. Unfortunately The time -has not yet come when I can openly declare myself one of your number. It -is necessary that I should wait yet a little while, even in the best -interests of the Religion itself. Otherwise my conversion might well -expose your holy cause to persecution some day, or to calumny at least. -I know what I am saying. But now I understand, thanks to you, Master, -that you and your fellows are really marching in the right path, and -from this moment, believe that I am with you in heart, if not bodily. -Adieu! Master Ambroise, adieu! We shall soon meet again." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, without further elucidation of his words, took his leave of the -surgeon-philosopher, and left the house. -</p> - -<p> -In the early days of the following month,—May, 1558,—he -appeared for the first time since his mysterious departure at his own -home in the Rue des Jardins St. Paul. -</p> - -<p> -There were new-comers there. Martin-Guerre had returned a fortnight -previously, and Jean Peuquoy and his wife Babette had been living there -for three months. -</p> - -<p> -But God had not decreed that Jean's devotion should be put to the final -test, nor perhaps that Babette's fault should go wholly unpunished. A -few days before, she had been prematurely delivered of a dead child. -</p> - -<p> -The poor mother had wept bitterly, but had bowed her head in humble -acceptance of a grief which seemed like an expiation to her repentant -heart; and as Jean Peuquoy had generously offered his sacrifice to her, -so she in her turn for his sake resigned herself to the hand of God. -</p> - -<p> -Moreover, the comforting affection of her husband and Aloyse's motherly -encouragement did not fail the sweet child in her affliction. -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre, with his wonted good-humor, did his best to console her. -</p> - -<p> -One day, as the four were sitting in friendly converse together, the -door opened, and to their great amazement and still greater joy the -master of the house, Vicomte d'Exmès himself, suddenly appeared, -walking slowly and with a grave and sober face. -</p> - -<p> -Four exclamations were heard as one; and Gabriel was quickly surrounded -by his two guests, his squire, and his nurse. -</p> - -<p> -When their first transports of delight had subsided, Aloyse began -eagerly to question him whom in words she called her lord and master, -but who was always her child in the language of her faithful heart. -</p> - -<p> -What had become of him during his long absence? What did he mean to do -now? Did he not intend at last to remain among those who loved him so -dearly? -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel laid a finger on his lips, and with a mournful but firm glance, -imposed silence upon Aloyse's loving anxiety. -</p> - -<p> -It was clear that he did not choose to explain his movements in the past -or in the future, or that he could not. -</p> - -<p> -But he took his turn at asking questions of Jean and Babette about their -own affairs. Had they wanted for anything? Had they any recent -intelligence of their good brother Pierre at Calais? -</p> - -<p> -He tenderly expressed his sympathy for Babette, and tried to comfort her -so far as it is possible to comfort a mother who is weeping for her -child. -</p> - -<p> -Thus Gabriel passed the remainder of the day amid his friends and his -retainers, always kind and affectionate toward them, but never for an -instant shaking, off the melancholy which overshadowed him like a black -pall. -</p> - -<p> -As for Martin-Guerre, who never once took his eyes off his dear master, -found again at last, Gabriel spoke with him and inquired about his -health with much interest. But throughout the whole day he never -breathed a word of the promise he had made him months before, and seemed -to have forgotten the engagement he had entered into to punish the -wretch who had stolen his name and his honor, and had persecuted poor -Martin with impunity for so long. -</p> - -<p> -Martin himself was too respectful and too unselfish to direct his -master's mind to the subject. -</p> - -<p> -But when it was evening Gabriel rose, and said in a tone which admitted -neither contradiction nor remonstrance, "I am obliged to leave you now." -</p> - -<p> -Then turning to Martin-Guerre, he added,— -</p> - -<p> -"My good Martin, I have been busy in your behalf during my travels, and -unknown as I was, I have inquired and investigated; and I believe that I -have at last found traces of the real truth of the matter in which you -are interested; for I have not forgotten my engagement with you, -Martin." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur!" cried the squire, overjoyed and embarrassed at the -same time. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel continued, "I say again, I have collected sufficient proofs to -justify me in believing that I am on the right track. But now I must -have your assistance, my friend. At the end of this week, start for your -own province, but do not go directly there. Be at Lyons one month from -to-day. I will meet you there at that time, and we will take measures -for acting together." -</p> - -<p> -"I will do as you say, Monseigneur," said Martin-Guerre; "but shall I -not see you again, meanwhile?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, no, I must be alone henceforth," Gabriel replied, vigorously. "I -am going away again now; and do not try to hinder me, for it would -simply cause me needless pain. Adieu, my dear friends. Martin, -remember,—at Lyons, a month hence." -</p> - -<p> -"I will await you there, Monseigneur," said the squire. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel took leave with great warmth of Jean Peuquoy and his wife, -pressed Aloyse's hands in his, and without seeming to notice the good -soul's grief, set out once more to resume that wandering life to which -he seemed to have condemned himself. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap33"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIII -<br /><br /> -IN WHICH ARNAULD DU THILL APPEARS ONCE MORE</h4> - -<p> -Six weeks later than the events last described, on the 15th of June, -1558, the green vine which clung to the brown walls of the finest house -in the village of Artigues, near Rieux, served as a background for a -picture of rural domesticity which while somewhat homely in character -was not entirely without significance. -</p> - -<p> -A man who, to judge from his dusty boots, had been walking quite a -considerable distance, was sitting upon a wooden bench, carelessly -holding his feet toward a woman who was on her knees before him busily -unlacing his boots. -</p> - -<p> -The man was frowning, the woman smiling. -</p> - -<p> -"Haven't you finished yet, Bertrande?" said he, crossly. "You are so -clumsy and slow that you almost drive me out of my wits." -</p> - -<p> -"There, it's all done, Martin," said the woman, softly. -</p> - -<p> -"There, it's all done, is it?" growled the pretended Martin. "Now where -are my other boots? I'll wager that you didn't even think to bring them -to me, you fool. So I shall have to go barefoot until you fetch them." -</p> - -<p> -Bertrande disappeared within the house, and in less than a second -returned with another pair of boots, which she hastened with her own -hands to draw on her lord and master's feet. -</p> - -<p> -Doubtless these individuals have been recognized as Arnauld du Thill, -still masquerading under the name of Martin-Guerre, and now as always -domineering and brutal, and Bertrande de Rolles, infinitely softened and -brought to her senses by bitter experience. -</p> - -<p> -"Where is my glass of beer?" asked Martin, in the same surly tone. -</p> - -<p> -"It is all ready, dear," said Bertrande, timidly, "and I am just going -to get it for you." -</p> - -<p> -"I always have to wait," said the other, stamping with impatience. -"Come, be quick about it, or I'll—" -</p> - -<p> -An expressive gesture completed his sentence. Bertrande went and came -again with the swiftness of light. Martin took from her hands a brimming -glass of beer, which he swallowed in one draught with evident -satisfaction. "That's good," he condescended to say as he handed the -empty glass to his wife. -</p> - -<p> -"My poor love, are you warm?" she ventured to ask, wiping her -rough-spoken spouse's forehead with her handkerchief. "Here, put on your -hat, for fear of the draught. You are very tired, aren't you?" -</p> - -<p> -"What!" growled Martin; "don't I have to fall in with the customs of -this idiotic neighborhood, and on every anniversary of our wedding go -round among all the villages hereabout to ask a pack of accursed -relatives to dinner? Upon my word, I had forgotten this absurd custom, -if you had not reminded me of it yesterday, Bertrande! However, I have -made the rounds, and in two hours the whole tribe of hungry kinsfolk -will be upon us." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, dear," said Bertrande. "You are quite right; it is an absurd -custom, but a peremptory one, to which we must submit, if we would not -be looked upon as arrogant and scornful." -</p> - -<p> -"Well reasoned," replied Martin, ironically. "And have you done your -part, sluggard? Is the table laid in the orchard?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Martin, as you ordered." -</p> - -<p> -"Have you been to invite the judge also?" asked the affectionate spouse. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Martin; and he said that he would do his best to be present at the -feast." -</p> - -<p> -"Do his best!" cried Martin, angrily. "That isn't enough; he <i>must</i> -come! You must have given the invitation wrong. I count upon gaining -some influence over this judge, as you know perfectly well; but you -always try to displease me. His presence was the only thing which -reconciled me in the least to this tedious custom and the useless -expense of this ridiculous anniversary." -</p> - -<p> -"Ridiculous to celebrate the anniversary of our wedding!" rejoined -Bertrande, while her eyes filled with tears. "Ah, Martin, to be sure, -you are a learned man now; you have travelled much, and seen many -things, and can afford to despise the old usages of the province; but no -matter. This anniversary reminds me of a time when you were less harsh -and more loving to your poor wife." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said Martin, with a sardonic smile; "and when my wife was less -loving and more of a termagant to me; when she even forgot herself so -far sometimes as to—" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Martin, Martin!" cried Bertrande, "do not recall those times; for -they make me blush, and I find it hard now to explain my own actions." -</p> - -<p> -"And so do I. When I think that I could ever have been such an ass as to -put up with—Ah, ah! let us leave the subject! My disposition is much -changed, and yours as well,—I am glad to do you that justice. As you -say, Bertrande, I have seen a good deal since those days. Your -unbearable temper, which drove me out into the world to get rid of you, -also compelled me to gain experience; and when I returned here last -year, I succeeded in rearranging matters in their proper order. To -effect that result, I had only to bring with me another Martin, called -'Martin Club.' So now everything goes along to my satisfaction, and we -certainly have a most united household." -</p> - -<p> -"That is true, thank God!" said Bertrande. -</p> - -<p> -"Bertrande!" -</p> - -<p> -"Martin!" -</p> - -<p> -"Go at once," said he, with the tone of an absolute master,—"go back -at once to the judge of Artigues, renew your invitation, and obtain his -formal promise to be present at our feast; if he does not come, remember -that I will wreak my disappointment on you alone." -</p> - -<p> -"I will go at once," said Bertrande, suiting the action to the word. -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld du Thill followed her retreating form for a moment with a -satisfied expression; then, being left alone, he stretched himself -lazily on the bench, drinking in the fresh air, and blinking with the -selfish and disdainful comfort of a man happy in having nothing to fear -and nothing to wish for. -</p> - -<p> -He did not notice a man, apparently a traveller, who with the aid of a -cane was walking laboriously along the road,—which was quite -deserted, that being the hottest hour of the day. As the traveller saw -Arnauld, he stopped in front of him. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me, my friend," said the stranger. "Is there not, pray, in this -village of yours an inn where I may rest and dine?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, there is not," replied Arnauld, without moving; "you will have to -go to Rieux, two leagues from here, before you will come across an -innkeeper's signpost." -</p> - -<p> -"Two leagues more!" exclaimed the wayfarer; "and I am quite exhausted -now. I would willingly give a pistole for a chance to lie down, and for -something to eat at this moment." -</p> - -<p> -"A pistole!" said Arnauld, ever on the alert, as of old, when money was -to be had. "Well, my good fellow, we can give you, if you wish, a bed in -a corner here; and as for dinner,—why, we are going to have an -anniversary feast to-day, and one guest more will make no difference. -How does that suit you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Perfectly," replied the stranger; "for, as I told you, I am almost -fainting with fatigue and hunger." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well; it's a bargain, then," said Arnauld; "you may remain here -for a pistole." -</p> - -<p> -"I will pay in advance," said the traveller. -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld du Thill sat up to take the money, and at the same time raised -his hat, which had concealed his eyes and his face. -</p> - -<p> -The stranger was then able to see his features; and at the first glance -he cried, recoiling in amazement,— -</p> - -<p> -"My nephew, Arnauld du Thill!" -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld looked carefully at him, and turned pale; but he soon collected -himself. -</p> - -<p> -"Your nephew?" said he. "Why, I don't know you! Who are you?" -</p> - -<p> -"You don't know me, Arnauld?" exclaimed the stranger; "you don't know -your old uncle, your mother's own brother, Carbon Barreau, to whom you -have been the source of so much trouble,—as indeed you have been to -the whole family?" -</p> - -<p> -"By my faith, no!" said Arnauld, with an insolent laugh. -</p> - -<p> -"What! do you deny me and yourself as well?" rejoined Carbon Barreau. -"Tell me, do you mean to say that you did not cause your mother, who was -my sister, to die of grief,—a poor, lone widow, whom you abandoned at -Sagias ten years ago? Ah! you may not recognize me, hard heart; but I -know you well." -</p> - -<p> -"I have no idea what you mean," replied Arnauld, brazenly, entirely cool -and collected. "My name is not Arnauld, but Martin-Guerre; and I am not -from Sagias, but belong in Artigues. The old men in the neighborhood -have known me from my birth, and will swear to my identity; and if you -want to be laughed at, you have only to repeat your statement before my -wife, Bertrande de Rolles, and all my kinsfolk." -</p> - -<p> -"Your wife! your kinsfolk!" said Carbon Barreau, in bewilderment. -"Pardon! Is it possible that I am mistaken? No; it cannot be! Such a -resemblance—" -</p> - -<p> -"At the end of ten years it is hard to verify," Arnauld interrupted. -"Come, your sight is growing dim, my good friend! My real uncles and -relatives you can see and talk with yourself very soon." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, very well! In that case," replied Carbon Barreau, who began to be -convinced, "you may well boast of your resemblance to my nephew, Arnauld -du Thill." -</p> - -<p> -"I never heard of him except from you," said Arnauld, sneeringly, "and I -never have boasted of it yet." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, when I said that you might boast of it," returned the good man, "I -did not mean that there was any cause for pride in resembling such a -rascal, far from it! I am in a position to say, since I am one of the -family, that my nephew was the most infernal blackguard imaginable. And -indeed when I reflect, it seems very improbable that he should still be -alive, for the villain must have been hung long before this." -</p> - -<p> -"Do you think so?" retorted Arnauld, not without bitterness. -</p> - -<p> -"I am sure of it, Monsieur Martin-Guerre," said Carbon Barreau, with an -air of conviction. "However, it doesn't offend you, does it, to have me -speak in such terms of the scoundrel, since you are not he, my good -host?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not in the least," said Arnauld, decidedly ill at ease, however. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Monsieur," continued the uncle, who was rather inclined to chatter, -"how many times have I congratulated myself, in speaking to his poor -weeping mother, on having remained unmarried, and having had no children -to dishonor my name and ruin my life, as that vile good-for-nothing did -for her." -</p> - -<p> -"Let me see; that is true," said Arnauld to himself. "Uncle Carbon had -no children,—no heirs, that is to say." -</p> - -<p> -"What are you thinking, Master Martin?" asked the stranger. -</p> - -<p> -"I was thinking," Arnauld replied in his sweetest tones, "that in spite -of your assertions to the contrary, Messire Carbon Barreau, you would be -very happy to-day if you had a son, or even, in default of a son, this -same evil-disposed nephew, whom you seem to regret so little, but who -would at least be something for you to love, and somebody to whom you -could hand down your property when you die." -</p> - -<p> -"My property?" said Carbon Barreau. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, to be sure, your property," replied Arnauld. "You who scatter -pistoles around with so lavish a hand cannot be poor; and this Arnauld, -whom I resemble, would be your heir, I suppose. <i>Pardieu</i>! I am -inclined to regret to a certain extent that I am not he." -</p> - -<p> -"Arnauld du Thill, if he is not hung, would really be my heir," returned -Carbon Barreau, gravely. "But he will derive no great advantage from -that fact, for I am not rich. I offer a pistole for the privilege of -resting a while and for a little refreshment, because I am overborne -with weariness and hunger; but that does not prevent my purse from being -light,—too light, alas!" -</p> - -<p> -"Hum!" said Arnauld, incredulously. -</p> - -<p> -"Don't you believe me, Master Martin-Guerre? As you please. It is no -less true that I am now on my way to Lyons, to see the President of the -Parliament, where I acted as usher for twenty years, who offers me -shelter and sustenance for the rest of my days. He sent me twenty-five -pistoles to pay my few small debts, and the expenses of the journey, -large-hearted man that he is! But what I have left of that sum is all -that I own in the world. Therefore my heritage is too trifling a matter -for Arnauld du Thill, even were he alive, to take the trouble to claim -it. That is why—" -</p> - -<p> -"Enough of this, dotard!" Arnauld du Thill rudely interrupted him, in -high ill-humor. "Do you suppose I have time to listen forever to your -twaddle? Just give me your pistole and go into the house, if you choose. -You shall dine in an hour's time, and can sleep after that, and then we -shall be quits. That does not require so much talk." -</p> - -<p> -"But it was you who questioned me," said Carbon Barreau. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, come! Do you propose to go in, fellows or not? See, some of my -guests are already arriving, and with your leave I will quit you to -receive them. Go in. I treat you without ceremony, and do not escort -you." -</p> - -<p> -"So I see," said Carbon Barreau, as he entered the house, grumbling at -his host's sudden changes of humor. -</p> - -<p> -Three hours later the company was still at the table under the elms. The -number of the guests was complete, and the judge of Artigues, whose -favor Arnauld meant to win, had the place of honor. -</p> - -<p> -Good wine and pleasant talk were circulating. The younger people talked -of the future and the graybeards of the past, while Uncle Carbon Barreau -had been able to make sure that his host was really called -Martin-Guerre, and was recognized and treated by all the inhabitants of -Artigues as one of themselves. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you remember, Martin-Guerre," said one of them, "the Augustinian -monk, Brother Chrysostom, who taught us both to read?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I remember him," said Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you remember, Cousin Martin," asked another, "that it was on your -wedding-day that cannon were first fired at a merry-making in the -province?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I remember," replied Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -And, as if to refresh his memory, he embraced his wife, who was sitting -at his side, the picture of happy pride. -</p> - -<p> -"Since your memory is so exceedingly good, my good Master," suddenly -exclaimed a clear, firm voice behind the guests, addressing Arnauld du -Thill, "since you remember so many things, perhaps you may remember me, -as well!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap34"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIV -<br /><br /> -JUSTICE IN A QUANDARY</h4> - -<p> -He who spoke thus, in a commanding tone, cast aside the dark cloak of -ample dimensions which hid his person; and Arnauld du Thill's guests, -who had turned at the sound of his voice, could see a young cavalier of -haughty bearing and richly dressed. -</p> - -<p> -At a little distance a servant was holding by their bridles the two -horses on which he and his master had ridden. -</p> - -<p> -All rose respectfully, greatly surprised and very curious. -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld du Thill turned as white as a dead man, -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès," he muttered in his fright. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," continued Gabriel, in a voice of thunder, addressing -him,—"well! you recognize me, do you?" -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld, after hesitating a moment, had quickly reckoned up his chances, -and decided upon the course he should take. -</p> - -<p> -"To be sure," said he, in a trembling voice which he struggled to -control,—"to be sure I recognize Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès, from -having sometimes seen him at the Louvre when I was in the service of -Monsieur de Montmorency; but I cannot believe that Monseigneur would -recognize me, the poor and obscure servant of the constable." -</p> - -<p> -"You forget," said Gabriel, "that you have been my servant as well." -</p> - -<p> -"What, I?" cried Arnauld, feigning the most extreme amazement. "Oh, -pardon, Monseigneur is surely mistaken!" -</p> - -<p> -"I am so certain that I am not mistaken," retorted Gabriel, calmly, -"that I without hesitation call upon the judge of Artigues, here -present, to cause your immediate arrest and imprisonment. Is that -sufficiently clear?" -</p> - -<p> -There was a movement of affright among the guests. The wondering judge -drew near. Arnauld alone retained his appearance of tranquillity. -</p> - -<p> -"May I not at least know of what crime I am accused?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"I accuse you," replied Gabriel, firmly, "of having wickedly substituted -yourself for my squire, Martin-Guerre, and of having basely and -treacherously stolen his name, his house, and his wife, by means of a -resemblance so exact that it passes understanding." -</p> - -<p> -Upon hearing this concisely stated accusation, the guests exchanged -looks of stupefied bewilderment. -</p> - -<p> -"What does this mean?" they whispered. "Martin-Guerre not Martin-Guerre? -What diabolical sorcery is at the bottom of all this?" -</p> - -<p> -Several of the good people crossed themselves, and repeated beneath -their breath certain words designed to exorcise evil spirits. The -majority began to look upon their host with something like terror. -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld du Thill saw that it was time for him to strike some decisive -blow to win back these timid and yielding creatures to his side; so -turning to her whom he called his wife, he cried,— -</p> - -<p> -"Bertrande, speak, I conjure you! Am I or am I not your husband?" -</p> - -<p> -Poor Bertrande, terrified and gasping, thus far had simply, without -uttering a word, watched first her husband and then Gabriel, with her -great eyes open to their fullest extent. -</p> - -<p> -But at Arnauld du Thill's imperious gesture and his threatening tone, -she hesitated no longer, but threw herself into his arms with effusion. -</p> - -<p> -"Dear Martin-Guerre!" she cried. -</p> - -<p> -At these words the charm was broken, and the offensive murmurs were -turned against Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur," said Arnauld du Thill, triumphantly, "in the face of my -wife's testimony and that of all my friends and kinsmen, do you still -persist in your strange accusation?" -</p> - -<p> -"I do indeed," was Gabriel's reply. -</p> - -<p> -"One moment!" cried Master Carbon Barreau, interposing. "I know very -well, my host, that I am not losing my eyesight. If there is somewhere a -person who resembles this man, feature for feature, then I declare that -one of the two is my nephew, Arnauld du Thill, like myself a native of -Sagias." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, what a fortunate reinforcement just at the right moment!" said -Gabriel. "Master," he added, addressing the old man, "do you recognize -this man as your nephew?" -</p> - -<p> -"In truth," said Carbon Barreau, "I don't know how to tell whether it is -he or the other one; but I would be willing to take my oath in advance -that if there is any imposture, my nephew is the impostor, for he was -always much addicted to that sort of thing." -</p> - -<p> -"You hear, Monsieur le Juge," said Gabriel to the magistrate; "whichever -be the culprit, there can no longer be any doubt about the crime." -</p> - -<p> -"But where is this fellow who, to cheat me, claims to have been cheated -himself?" cried Arnauld du Thill, boldly. "Am I not to be confronted -with him! Is he in hiding? Let him come forward, and submit to judgment -himself." -</p> - -<p> -"Martin-Guerre, my squire," said Gabriel, "has already surrendered -himself to the authorities at Rieux, in accordance with my command. -Monsieur le Juge, I am the Comte de Montgommery, formerly captain of his -Majesty's Guards. The accused himself recognizes me. I call upon you to -order him to be arrested and confined, as his accuser has been. When -they are both in the hands of justice I hope that I shall be able easily -to prove on which side is the truth, and on which the imposture." -</p> - -<p> -"That is very clear, Monseigneur," said the confused judge to Gabriel. -"Let Martin-Guerre be taken to prison." -</p> - -<p> -"I give myself up," said Arnauld, "strong as I am in my innocence. My -dear, kind friends," he added, addressing the throng, whom he judged it -prudent to keep in his interest, "I rely upon your loyal testimony to -aid me in this extremity. All of you who have known me heretofore -recognize me, do you not?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, never fear, Martin!" replied all the friends and kinsfolk, -touched by his appeal to them. -</p> - -<p> -As for Bertrande, she had taken occasion to swoon. -</p> - -<p> -Eight days later the hearing of the cause began before the court at -Rieux. -</p> - -<p> -Surely it was a curious case, and one difficult to decide. It certainly -deserved to be handed down as a cause célèbre to our own days, three -hundred years later, as it has been. -</p> - -<p> -If Gabriel de Montgommery had not been somewhat involved in it, it is -quite probable that the good judges of Rieux, to whom the cause was -submitted, would never have been able to decide it. -</p> - -<p> -What Gabriel was most earnest in asking was that the two adversaries -should not be allowed to meet under any pretext until otherwise ordered. -They were interrogated and confronted with the witnesses separately, and -Martin, as well as Arnauld du Thill, was kept in most rigorous -seclusion. -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre, wrapped in a heavy cloak, was confronted one by one with -his wife and all his neighbors and friends, all of whom recognized him. -It was his face and his figure, and they could not be mistaken. -</p> - -<p> -But all of them were equally positive in their recognition of Arnauld du -Thill when he was shown to them. -</p> - -<p> -Carbon Barreau, on the other hand, was equally positive in his -recognition of each of them as his nephew, Arnauld du Thill. -</p> - -<p> -They were all excited and terrified, and there seemed to be not the -slightest guide by which the truth might be made to appear. -</p> - -<p> -How was it possible to distinguish between two who were such exact -counterparts as Arnauld du Thill and Martin-Guerre? -</p> - -<p> -"The Evil One himself would be at his wit's end," said Carbon Barreau, -in his confusion between his two nephews. -</p> - -<p> -But in unravelling this unprecedented and extraordinary freak of Nature, -the most reliable guides for Gabriel and the judges, failing material -differences, would be contradictions in matters of fact and divergent -characteristics. -</p> - -<p> -In the story of their early years, Martin and Arnauld du Thill, each in -his turn, told exactly the same facts, remembered the same dates, and -mentioned the same names, with remarkable unanimity. -</p> - -<p> -In support of his statements, Arnauld produced Bertrande's letters, the -family papers, and the ring which was blessed on his wedding day. -</p> - -<p> -But Martin explained it by telling how Arnauld, after having given him -up to be hung at Noyon, had had an opportunity to steal all the papers -and his wedding-ring. -</p> - -<p> -Thus nothing removed the perplexity of the judges, and their uncertainty -never grew less. The appearances and indications were as strong and -convincing on one side as on the other; and the allegations of the two -accused seemed equally sincere. -</p> - -<p> -Fresh proofs and additional testimony were needed to untie so -complicated a knot. Gabriel undertook to find and produce them. -</p> - -<p> -In the first place, the presiding judge propounded this question anew to -Martin and to Arnauld du Thill, separately as before. -</p> - -<p> -"Where did you pass your time between your twelfth and your sixteenth -year?" -</p> - -<p> -The immediate answer of each of the accused was,— -</p> - -<p> -"At St. Sébastien, in Biscaye, with my cousin Sanxi." -</p> - -<p> -Sanxi was present, summoned as a witness, and testified to the truth of -the fact. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel approached him, and whispered a word in his ear. -</p> - -<p> -Sanxi laughed, and began to address Arnauld in the Basque tongue. -Arnauld turned pale, and said not a word. -</p> - -<p> -"What!" said Gabriel, "you passed four years at St. Sébastien, and yet -do not understand the dialect of the province?" -</p> - -<p> -"I have forgotten it," stammered Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre, when submitted to this test in his turn, chattered away -in Basque for a quarter of an hour, to the great delight of Cousin Sanxi -and the edification of the spectators and judges. -</p> - -<p> -This first indication to throw light upon the truth was soon followed by -another, which although similar to an experience of Ulysses was no less -significant. -</p> - -<p> -The inhabitants of Artigues who were contemporaries of Martin-Guerre -still remembered with admiration not unmixed with envy his skill at -tennis; but since his return the false Martin had always declined to -play when it was suggested, on the plea of a wound in his right hand. -</p> - -<p> -The true Martin-Guerre, on the other hand, took great delight in holding -his own against the most expert tennis-players in the presence of the -judges. -</p> - -<p> -He played sitting down even, and always wrapped in his cloak. His -partner did nothing but bring him the balls, which he hit with really -marvellous dexterity. -</p> - -<p> -From that moment public sympathy, so potent a factor on such occasions, -was on Martin's side,—that is to say, as very seldom happens, on the -side of right. -</p> - -<p> -One more curious fact put the finishing touch to Arnauld du Thill's -chances with the judges. -</p> - -<p> -The two accused men were of precisely the same height; but Gabriel, -always on the watch for the least sign, thought that he had discovered -that his brave squire's foot, his only foot, alas! was much smaller than -Arnauld du Thill's. -</p> - -<p> -The old cobbler of Artigues appeared before the court with his old and -new measurements. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said the old fellow, "it is certain that Martin-Guerre used to -wear nines, and I was greatly surprised when he returned to find that he -wore twelves; but I took it to be the effect of his long journeys." -</p> - -<p> -The true Martin-Guerre then proudly held out to the cobbler the only -foot which Providence had left him, to aid doubtless in the grander -triumph of the truth. The simple-minded old man, having taken its -measure, recognized it, and declared it to be the identical foot he had -shod in former days, and which had remained almost the same in spite of -its long travels and the double service it had had to do. -</p> - -<p> -After that decisive testimony everybody was unanimous for Martin's -innocence and the guilt of Arnauld du Thill. -</p> - -<p> -But these material proofs were not enough, and Gabriel desired to adduce -moral certainty in addition. -</p> - -<p> -He produced the peasant to whom Arnauld du Thill had intrusted the -strange commission to announce Martin-Guerre's death by hanging at -Noyon. The good man ingenuously told of his amazement at finding in the -Rue des Jardins St. Paul the very man whom he had seen take the Lyons -road. This was the circumstance which had aroused Gabriel's first -suspicion of the real truth. -</p> - -<p> -Then Bertrande de Rolles was examined anew. -</p> - -<p> -Poor Bertrande, in spite of the general change of opinion, was still for -him who aroused her fear. -</p> - -<p> -Being asked if she had not noticed a change in her husband's disposition -since his return, she replied,— -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, indeed! he came back much changed; but for the better, -Messieurs," she hastened to add. -</p> - -<p> -Being pressed to explain herself more clearly, she said naïvely, -"Formerly, Martin was weaker and more good-natured than a sheep, and let -me lead him about and cuff him till I was ashamed of him. But he came -back a man, a master. He proved to me beyond a doubt that I was very -wrong before, and that it is my duty as his wife to obey his word and -his stick. Now he commands, and I wait upon him; he lifts his hand, and -I kiss his feet. He brought back this air of authority from his travels, -and since his return our relations have become what they should be. We -are going in the right direction now, and I am very glad of it." -</p> - -<p> -Others of the Artigues people testified that the old Martin-Guerre had -always been as inoffensive and pious and kind as the new one was -quarrelsome and blasphemous and niggardly. -</p> - -<p> -Like the cobbler and Bertrande they had attributed these changes to his -travels. -</p> - -<p> -At last Comte Gabriel de Montgommery deigned to give evidence, amid the -respectful silence of judges and spectators. -</p> - -<p> -He told of the strange circumstances attending his having in his service -the two Martin-Guerres, one after the other; how he had puzzled for a -long while over the singular variations in the disposition and character -of his double squire, and of the events which had finally led him to -suspect the truth. -</p> - -<p> -In short, Gabriel told everything that we have told -heretofore,—Martin's frights and Arnauld du Thill's treason, the -virtues of the one and the crimes of the other; he made the whole -obscure and confused history as clear as day, and ended by demanding -punishment of the culprit and restitution of his rights for the innocent -man. -</p> - -<p> -The justice of that day was less obliging and convenient for accused -persons than that of the present time. Thus it was that Arnauld du Thill -was still ignorant of the overwhelming evidence adduced against him. He -had seen with much anxiety the tests of knowledge of the Basque patois -and skill in the game of tennis result to his disadvantage; but he -believed that he had, after all, given sufficiently plausible excuses. -As for the episode of the old cobbler, he had understood nothing of it. -Last of all, he did not know whether Martin-Guerre, who was persistently -kept out of his sight, had come out any better than he himself had from -the various examinations and ordeals. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, moved by a just and generous feeling, had insisted that Arnauld -du Thill should be allowed to be present when the speech summing up the -charges should be made, and to reply to it if necessary. Martin was -under no such necessity, and remained in his prison. But Arnauld was -brought before the tribunal so that judgment might be passed after -hearing both sides; and he lost not a word of Gabriel's forcible and -convincing statement. -</p> - -<p> -However, when Gabriel had finished, Arnauld du Thill, without yielding -an inch to fear or discouragement, calmly rose and asked leave to speak -in his own defence. The court would have refused; but Gabriel seconded -his request, and he was allowed to speak. -</p> - -<p> -He spoke admirably; the cunning blackguard was really eloquent by -nature, and had a shrewd and clever mind. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel's principal endeavor had been to apply the evidence to -dispelling the obscurity which hung about the adventures of the two -Martins. Arnauld, on the other hand, devoted himself to twisting all the -threads together again and to bringing the minds of the judges a second -time into that state of confusion in which lay his only hope. He avowed -that he himself could in nowise comprehend all the entanglements arising -from these two existences, which were continually being mistaken for -each other. It was not his affair to explain all the blunders for which -they tried to hold him responsible. All he had to do was to answer for -his own life and justify his own actions; and that he was ready to do. -</p> - -<p> -He then repeated the logically arranged and compact story of his own -acts and movements from his cradle down to that day. He spoke to his -friends and kinsfolk, reminding them of circumstances which they had -themselves forgotten, laughing at certain memories, and weeping at -others. -</p> - -<p> -He could not speak Basque, it is true, nor play tennis; but everybody -had not the faculty of remembering languages, and he showed the scar on -his hand. Even if his adversary had satisfied the court on those two -points, nothing was easier when occasion demanded than to learn a patois -and attain skill at a game by practice. -</p> - -<p> -The Comte de Montgommery, certainly led astray by some mischief-maker, -accused him of having stolen from his squire the papers which -established his name and his identity; but there was no proof of that -fact. -</p> - -<p> -As for the peasant, who could say that he was not an accomplice of the -<i>soi-disant</i> Martin? -</p> - -<p> -Regarding the money for the Comte de Montgommery's ransom, which he. -Martin-Guerre, was accused of having stolen, he could only say that he -had returned to Artigues with a certain sum larger than that lost by the -count; but he accounted for it by exhibiting the certificate of the very -eminent and powerful nobleman, the Connétable Duc de Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -In his peroration, Arnauld with infinite address rung the changes upon -the constable's mighty name in the ears of the bewildered judges. He -insisted that they should send to make inquiries concerning him of his -illustrious master, and he was confident that the result of such -inquiries would be his speedy and decisive justification. -</p> - -<p> -In short, the crafty rascal's speech was so clever and insidious, he -expressed himself with so much warmth, and impudence sometimes so -closely resembles innocence, that Gabriel saw that the judges were -undecided and wavering once more. -</p> - -<p> -It was necessary then to strike a decisive blow; and Gabriel, although -it was much against his wish, determined to do it. -</p> - -<p> -He spoke a single word in the president's ear; whereupon the latter -ordered Arnauld du Thill to be remanded to prison and Martin-Guerre to -be produced. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>END OF VOL. 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