第3章
CHAPTERV
REVENGE
Andfullofblackrage！Hadsheonlyreproachedme，or，turningonmeinthehourofMYvictory，saidallthatshehadnowsaidinthemomentofherown，Icouldhaveborneit。Shemighthaveshamedmethen，andImighthavetakentheshametomyselfandforgivenher。But，asitwas，Istoodthereinthegatheringdusk，betweenthedarkeninghedges，baffled，tricked，defeated！Andbyawoman！Shehadpittedherwitsagainstmine，herwoman"swillagainstmyexperience，andshehadcomeoffthevictor。Andthenshehadreviledme！AsItookitallin，andbegantocomprehendalsothemoreremoteresults，andhowcompletelyhermovehadmadefurtherprogressonmypartimpossible，Ihatedher。Shehadtrickedmewithhergraciouswaysandherslow-comingsmile。And，afterall——forwhatshehadsaid——itwasthisman"slifeormine。"WhathadIdonethatanothermanwouldnotdo？MONDIEU！inthefuturetherewasnothingIwouldnotdo。Iwouldmakehersmartforthosewordsofhers！Iwouldbringhertoherknees！
Still，hotasIwas，anhourmighthaverestoredmetocoolness。ButwhenIstartedtoreturn，Ifellintoafreshrage，forIrememberedthatIdidnotknowmywayoutofthemazeofridesandpathsintowhichshehaddrawnme；andthisandthemishapswhichfollowed，keptmyragehot。ForafullhourIwanderedinthewood，unable，thoughIknewwherethevillagelay，tofindanytrackwhichledcontinuouslyinonedirection。
Whenever，attheendofeachattempt，thethicketbroughtmeupshort，IfanciedthatIheardherlaughingonthefarthersideofthebrake；andtheignominyofthischancepunishment，andthecheckwhichtheconfinementplacedonmyrage，almostmaddenedme。InthedarknessIfell，androsecursing；Itoremyhandswiththorns；Istainedmysuit，whichhadsufferedsadlyoncebefore。Atlength，whenIhadalmostresignedmyselftolieinthewood，Icaughtsightofthelightsofthevillage，and，tremblingbetweenhasteandanger，pressedtowardsthem。InafewminutesIstoodinthelittlestreet。
Thelightsoftheinnshoneonlyfiftyyardsaway；butbeforeIcouldshowmyselfeventherepridesuggestedthatIshoulddosomethingtorepairmyclothes。I
stopped，andscrapedandbrushedthem；and，atthesametime，didwhatIcouldtocomposemyfeatures。ThenI
advancedtothedoorandknocked。Almostontheinstantthelandlord"svoicecriedfromtheinside，"Enter，Monsieur！"
Iraisedthelatchandwentin。Themanwasalone，squattingoverthefirewarminghishands。Ablackpotsimmeredontheashes，AsIenteredheraisedthelidandpeepedinside。Thenheglancedoverhisshoulder。
"Youexpectedme？"Isaiddefiantly，walkingtothehearth，andsettingoneofmydampbootsonthelogs。
"Yes，"heanswered，noddingcurtly。"Yoursupperisjustready。Ithoughtthatyouwouldbeinaboutthistime。"
Hegrinnedashespoke，anditwaswithdifficultyI
suppressedmywrath。
"MademoiselledeCocheforettoldyou，"Isaid，affectingindifference，"whereIwas？"
"Ay，Mademoiselle——orMadame，"hereplied，grinningafresh。
Soshehadtoldhim；whereshehadleftme，andhowshehadtrickedme！Shehad，mademethevillagelaughing-
stock！Myrageflashedoutafreshatthethought，and，atthesightofhismockingface，Iraisedmyfist。
Buthereadthethreatinmyeyes，andwasupinamoment，snarling，withhishandonhisknife。
"Notagain，Monsieur！"hecried，inhisvilepatois。
"Myheadissorestill。raiseyourhandandIwillripyouupasIwouldapig！"
"Sitdown，fool，"Isaid。"Iamnotgoingtoharmyou。
Whereisyourwife？"
"Aboutherbusiness。"
"Whichshouldbegettingmysupper，"Iretorted。
Herosesullenly，and，fetchingaplatter，pouredthemessofbrothandvegetablesintoit。Thenhewenttoacupboardandbroughtoutaloafofblackbreadandameasureofwine，andsetthemalsoonthetable。
"Youseeit，"hesaidlaconically。
"Andapoorwelcome！"Ireplied。
Heflamedintosuddenpassionatthat。Leaningwithbothhishandsonthetablehethrusthisruggedfaceandblood-shoteyesclosetomine。Hismoustachiosbristled，hisbeardtrembled。
"Harkye，sirrah！"hemuttered，withsullenemphasis，"becontent！Ihavemysuspicions。Andifitwerenotformylady"sordersIwouldputaknifeintoyou，fairorfoul，thisverynight。Youwouldliesnugoutside，insteadofinside，andIdonotthinkanyonewouldbetheworse。Butasitis，becontent。Keepastilltongue；andwhenyouturnyourbackonCocheforetto-morrowkeepitturned。"
"Tut！tut！"Isaid——butIconfessthatIwasalittleoutofcountenance。"Threatenedmenlivelong，yourascal！"
"InParis！"heansweredsignificantly。"Nothere，Monsieur。"
Hestraightenedhimselfwiththat，noddedonce，andwentbacktothefire；andIshruggedmyshouldersandbegantoeat，affectingtoforgethispresence。Thelogsonthehearthburnedsullenly，andgavenolight。Thepooroil-lamp，castingweirdshadowsfromwalltowall，servedonlytodiscoverthedarkness。Theroom，withitslowroofandearthenfloor，andfoulclothesflunghereandthere，reekedofstalemealsandgarlicandvilecooking。IthoughtoftheparlouratCocheforet，andthedaintytable，andthestillness，andthescentedpot-herbs；andthoughIwastoooldasoldiertoeattheworsebecausemyspoonlackedwashing，Ifeltthechange，andlaiditsavagelyatMademoiselle"sdoor。
Thelandlord，watchingmestealthilyfromhisplacebythehearth，readmythoughtsandchuckledaloud。
"Palacefare，palacemanners！"hemutteredscornfully。
"Setabeggaronhorseback，andhewillride——backtotheinn！"
"Keepaciviltongue，willyou！"Ianswered，scowlingathim。
"Haveyoufinished？"heretorted。
Irose，withoutdeigningtoreply，and，goingtothefire，drewoffmyboots，whichwerewetthrough。He，ontheinstant，sweptoffthewineandloaftothecupboard，andthen，comingbackfortheplatterIhadused，tookit，openedthebackdoor，andwentout，leavingthedoorajar。Thedraughtwhichcameinbeattheflameofthelampthiswayandthat，andgavethedingy，gloomyroomanairstillmoremiserable。Iroseangrilyfromthefire，andwenttothedoor，intendingtocloseitwithabang。
ButwhenIreachedit，Isawsomething，betweendoorandjamb，whichstayedmyhand。Thedoorledtoashedinwhichthehousewifewashedpotsandthelike。Ifeltsomesurprise，therefore，whenIfoundalightthereatthistimeofnight；stillmoresurprisewhenIsawwhatshewasdoing。
Shewasseatedonthemudfloor，witharush-lightbeforeher，andoneithersideofherahigh-piledheapofrefuseandrubbish。Fromoneofthese，atthemomentIcaughtsightofher，shewassortingthings——horriblefilthysweepingsofroadorfloor——totheother；shakingandsiftingeacharticleasshepasseditacross，andthentakingupanotherandrepeatingtheactionwithit，andsoon——allminutely，warily，withanairofsomuchpatienceandpersistencethatIstoodwondering。Somethings——rags——sheheldupbetweenhereyesandthelight，someshepassedthroughherfingers，someshefairlytoreinpieces。Andallthetimeherhusbandstoodwatchinghergreedily，myplatterstillinhishand，asifherstrangeoccupationfascinatedhim。
Istoodlooking，also，forhalfaminute，perhaps；thentheman"seye，raisedforasinglesecondtothedoor-
way，metmine。Hestarted，mutteredsomethingtohiswife，and，quickasthought，hekickedthelightout，leavingtheshedindarkness。Cursinghimforanill-
conditionedfellow，Iwalkedbacktothefire，laughing。
Inatwinklinghefollowedme，hisfacedarkwithrage。
"VENTRE-SAINT-GRIS！"heexclaimed，thrustinghimselfclosetome。"Isnotaman"shousehisown？"
"Itis，forme，"Iansweredcoolly，shruggingmyshoulders。"Andhiswife：ifshelikestopickdirtyragsatthishour，thatisyouraffair。"
"Pigofaspy！"hecried，foamingwithrage。
Iwasangryenoughatbottom，butIhadnothingtogainbyquarrellingwiththefellow；andIcurtlybadehimrememberhimself。
"Yourmistressgaveyouorders，"Isaidcontemptuously。
"Obeythem。"
Hespatonthefloor，butatthesametimehegrewcalmer。
"Youarerightthere，"heansweredspitefully。"Whatmatter，afterall，sinceyouleaveto-morrowatsix？
Yourhorsehasbeensentdown，andyourbaggageisabove。"
"Iwillgotoit，"Iretorted。"Iwantnoneofyourcompany。Givemealight，fellow！"
Heobeyedreluctantly，and，gladtoturnmybackonhim，Iwentuptheladder，stillwonderingfaintly，inthemidstofmyannoyance，whathiswifewasaboutthatmychancedetectionofherhadsoenragedhim。Evennowhewasnotquitehimself。Hefollowedmewithabuse，and，deprivedbymydepartureofanyothermeansofshowinghisspite，felltoshoutingthroughthefloor，biddingmeremembersixo"clock，andbestirring；withothertaunts，whichdidnotceaseuntilhehadtiredhimselfout。
Thesightofmybelongings——whichIhadleftafewhoursbeforeattheChateau——strewnaboutthefloorofthisgarret，wentsomewaytowardsfiringmeagain。ButI
waswornout。Theindignitiesandmishapsoftheeveninghad，foronce，crushedmyspirit，andafterswearinganoathortwoIbegantopackmybags。
VengeanceIwouldhave；butthetimeandmannerIleftfordaylightthought。Beyondsixo"clockinthemorningIdidnotlookforward；andifIlongedforanythingitwasforalittleofthegoodArmagnacIhadwastedonthoseloutsofmerchantsinthekitchenbelow。Itmighthavedonemegoodnow。
Ihadwearilystrappeduponebag，andnearlyfilledtheother，whenIcameuponsomethingwhichdid，forthemoment，rousethedevilinme。Thiswasthetinyorange-colouredsachetwhichMademoisellehaddroppedthenightIfirstsawherattheinn，andwhich，itwillberemembered，Ipickedup。SincethatnightIhadnotseenit，andhadasgoodasforgottenit。Now，asI
foldedupmyotherdoublet，theoneIhadthenbeenwearing，itdroppedfrommypocket。
Thesightofitrecalledall——thatnight，andMademoiselle"sfaceinthelanternlight，andmyfineplans，andtheendofthem；and，inafitofchildishfury，theoutcomeoflongsuppressedpassion，Isnatchedupthesachetfromthefloorandtoreitacrossandacross，andflungthepiecesdown。Astheyfell，acloudoffinepungentdustburstfromthem，andwiththedust，somethingmoresolid，whichtinkledsharplyontheboards，asitfell。Ilookeddowntoseewhatthiswas——perhapsIalreadyrepentedofmyact；butforamomentIcouldseenothing。Thefloorwasgrimyanduninviting，thelightbad。
Incertainmoods，however，amanisobstinateaboutsmallthings，andImovedthetapernearer。AsIdidsoapointoflight，aflashingsparklethatshoneforasecondamongthedirtandrefuseonthefloor，caughtmyeye。Itwasgoneinamoment，butIhadseenit。I
stared，andmovedthelightagain，andthesparkflashedoutafresh，thistimeinadifferentplace。Muchpuzzled，Iknelt，and，inatwinkling，foundatinycrystal。Hardbyitlayanother——andanother；eachaslargeasafair-sizedpea。Itookupthethree，androsetomyfeetagain，thelightinonehand，thecrystalsinthepalmoftheother。
Theywerediamonds！Diamondsofprice！Iknewitinamoment。AsImovedthetapertoandfroabovethem，andwatchedthefireglowandtrembleintheirdepths，I
knewthatIheldinmyhandthatwhichwouldbuythecrazyinnandallitscontentsadozentimesover！Theywerediamonds！Gemssofine，andofsorareawater——orIhadneverseengems——thatmyhandtrembledasIheldthem，andmyheadgrewhotandmyheartbeatfuriously。
ForamomentIthoughtthatIdreamed，thatmyfancyplayedmesometrick；andIclosedmyeyesanddidnotopenthemagainforaminute。ButwhenIdid，theretheywere，hard，real，andangular。Convincedatlast，inamazeofjoyandfear，Iclosedmyhanduponthem，and，stealingontip-toetothetrap-door，laidfirstmysaddleonitandthenmybags，andoverallmycloak，breathingfastthewhile。
ThenIstoleback，and，takingupthelightagain，begantosearchthefloor，patiently，inchbyinch，withnakedfeet，everysoundmakingmetrembleasIcrepthitherandthitheroverthecreakingboards。Andneverwassearchmoresuccessfulorbetterpaid。InthefragmentsofthesachetIfoundsixsmallerdiamondsandapairofrubies。EightlargediamondsIfoundonthefloor。
One，thelargestandlastfound，hadboundedaway，andlayagainstthewallinthefarthestcorner。Ittookmeanhourtorunthatonetoearth；butafterwardsIspentanotherhouronmyhandsandkneesbeforeIgaveupthesearch，and，satisfiedatlastthatIhadcollectedall，satdownonmysaddleonthetrap-door，and，bythelastflickeringlightofacandlewhichIhadtakenfrommybag，gloatedovermytreasure——atreasureworthyoffabledGolconda。
HardlycouldIbelieveinitsreality，evennow。
RecallingthejewelswhichtheEnglishDukeofBuckinghamworeontheoccasionofhisvisittoParisin1625，andwhereoftherewassomuchtalk，Itookthesetobeasfine，thoughlessinnumber。Theyshouldbeworthfifteenthousandcrowns，moreorless。Fifteenthousandcrowns！AndIheldtheminthehollowofmyhand——I，whowasscarcelyworthtenthousandsous。
Thecandlegoingoutcutshortmyadmiration。Leftinthedarkwiththesepreciousatoms，myfirstthoughtwashourImightdisposeofthemsafely；whichIdid，forthetime，bysecretingthemintheliningofmyboot。
MysecondthoughtturnedonthequestionhowtheyhadcomewhereIhadfoundthem，amongthepowderedspiceandperfumesinMademoiselledeCocheforet"ssachet。
Aminute"sreflectionenabledmetocomeverynearthesecret，andatthesametimeshedafloodoflightonseveraldarkplaces，WhatClonhadbeenseekingonthepathbetweenthehouseandthevillage，whatthegoodwifeoftheinnhadsoughtamongthesweepingsofyardandfloor，Iknewnowthesachet——knew，too，whathadcausedthemarkedandsuddenanxietyIhadnoticedattheChateau——thelossofthissachet。
AndthereforawhileIcametoacheckButonestepmoreuptheladderofthoughtbroughtallinview。InaflashIguessedhowthejewelshadcometobeinthesachet；andthatitwasnotMademoisellebutM。deCocheforetwhohadmislaidthem。IthoughtthislastdiscoverysoimportantthatIbegantopacetheroomsoftly，unable，inmyexcitement，toremainstill。
Doubtlesshehaddroppedthejewelsinthehurryofhisstartfromtheinnthatnight！Doubtless，too，hehadcarriedtheminthatbizarrehiding-placeforthesakeofsafety，consideringitunlikelythatrobbers，ifhefellintotheirhands，wouldtakethesachetfromhim；
asstilllesslikelythattheywouldsuspectittocontainanythingofvalue。Everywhereitwouldpassforalove-gift，theworkofhismistress。
Nordidmypenetrationstopthere。Iguessedthatthegemswerefamilyproperty，thelasttreasureofthehouse；andthatM。deCocheforet，whenIsawhimattheinn，wasonhiswaytoconveythemoutofthecountry；
eithertosecurethemfromseizurebytheGovernment，ortoraisemoneybysellingthem——moneytobespentinsomelastdesperateenterprise。Foradayortwo，perhaps，afterleavingCocheforet，whilethemountainroadanditschancesoccupiedhisthoughts，hehadnotdiscoveredhisloss。Thenhehadsearchedfortheprecioussachet，missedit，andreturnedhot-footonhistracks。
ThelongerIconsideredthecircumstancesthemorecertainIwasthatIhadhitonthetruesolution；andallthatnightIsatwakefulinthedarkness，ponderingwhatIshoulddo。Thestones，unsetastheywere，couldneverbeidentified，neverbeclaimed。Thechannelbywhichtheyhadcometomyhandscouldneverbetraced。
Toallintentstheyweremine；mine，todowithasI
pleased！Fifteenthousandcrowns，perhapstwentythousandcrowns，andItoleaveatsixinthemorning，whetherIwouldorno！ImightleaveforSpainwiththejewelsinmypocket。Whynot？
IconfessIwastempted。AndindeedthegemsweresofinethatIdoubtnotsomeindifferentlyhonestmenwouldhavesoldsalvationforthem。But——aBeraulthishonour？No。Iwastempted，Isay；butnotforlong。
ThankGod，amanmaybereducedtolivingbythefortunesofthedice，andmayevenbecalledbyawoman"spy"and"coward，"withoutbecomingathief！Thetemptationsoonleftme——Itakecreditforit——andI
felltothinkingofthisandthatplanformakinguseofthem。OnceitoccurredtometotakethejewelstotheCardinalandbuymypardonwiththem；again，tousethemasatraptocaptureCocheforet；again，to——andthen，aboutfiveinthemorning，asIsatuponmywretchedpallet，whilethefirstlightstoleslowlyinthroughthecobwebbed，hay-stuffedlattice，therecametometherealplan，theplanofplans，onwhichIacted。
ItcharmedmeIsmackedmylipsoverit，andhuggedmyself，andfeltmyeyesdilateinthedarkness，asI
connedit。Itseemedcruel，itseemedmean；Icarednothing。Mademoisellehadboastedofhervictoryoverme，ofherwoman"switsandheracutenessandofmydullness。Shehadsaidthathergroomsshouldflogme。
ShehadratedmeasifIhadbeenadog。Verywell；wewouldseenowwhosebrainswerethebetter，whosewasthemastermind，whoseshouldbethewhipping。
TheonethingrequiredbymyplanwasthatIshouldgetspeechwithher；thatdone，Icouldtrustmyselfandmynew-foundweaponfortherest。Butthatwasabsolutelynecessary，and，seeingthattheremightbesomedifficultyaboutit，Ideterminedtodescendasifmymindweremadeuptogo；then，onpretenceofsaddlingmyhorse，Iwouldslipawayonfoot，andlieinwaitneartheChateauuntilIsawhercomeout。OrifI
couldnoteffectmypurposeinthatway——eitherbyreasonofthelandlord"svigilance，orforanyothercause——mycoursewasstilleasy。Iwouldrideaway，andwhenIhadproceededamileorso，tieupmyhorseintheforestandreturntothewoodenbridge。ThenceI
couldwatchthegardenandfrontoftheChateauuntiltimeandchancegavemetheopportunityIsought。
SoIsawmywayquiteclearly；andwhenthefellowbelowcalledme，remindingmerudelythatImustbegoing，andthatitwassixo"clock，Iwasreadywithmyanswer。I
shoutedsulkilythatIwascoming，and，afteradecentdelay，Itookupmysaddleandbagsandwentdown。
Viewedbythelightofacoldmorning，theinn-roomlookedmoresmoky，moregrimy，morewretchedthanwhenI
hadlastseenit。Thegoodwifewasnotvisible。Thefirewasnotlighted。Noprovision，notsomuchasastirrup-cuporbowlofporridgecheeredtheheart。
Ilookedround，sniffingthestalesmelloflastnight"slamp，andgrunted。
"Areyougoingtosendmeoutfasting？"Isaid，affectingaworsehumourthanIfelt。
Thelandlordwasstandingbythewindow，stoopingoveragreatpairoffrayedandfurrowedthigh-bootswhichhewaslabouringtosoftenwithcopiousgrease。
"Mademoiselleorderednobreakfast，"heanswered，withamaliciousgrin。
"Wellitdoesnotmuchmatter，"Irepliedgrandly。"I
shallbeatAuchbynoon。"
"Thatisasmaybe，"heansweredwithanothergrin。
Ididnotunderstandhim，butIhadsomethingelsetothinkabout，andIopenedthedoorandsteppedout，intendingtogotothestable。TheninasecondI
comprehended。Thecoldairladenwithwoodlandmoisturemetmeandwenttomybones；butitwasnotthatwhichmademeshiver。Outsidethedoor，intheroad，sittingonhorsebackinsilence，weretwomen。OnewasClon。
Theother，whohadasparehorsebytherein——myhorse——
wasamanIhadseenattheinn，arough，shock-headed，hard-bittenfellow。Bothwerearmed，andClonwasbooted。Hismaterodebarefoot，witharustyspurstrappedtooneheel。
ThemomentIsawthemasureandcertainfearcreptintomymind：itwasthatwhichmademeshiverButIdidnotspeaktothem。Iwentinagainandclosedthedoorbehindme。Thelandlordwasputtingonhisboots。
"Whatdoesthismean？"Isaidhoarsely——thoughIhadaclearprescienceofwhatwascoming。"Whyarethesemenhere？"
"Orders，"heansweredlaconically。
"Whoseorders？"Iretorted。
"Whose？"heansweredbluntly。"Well，Monsieur，thatismybusiness。Enoughthatwemeantoseeyououtofthecountry，andoutofharm"sway。"
"ButifIwillnotgo？"Icried。
"Monsieurwillgo，"heansweredcoolly。"Therearenostrangersinthevillageto-day，"headded，withasignificantsmile。
"Doyoumeantokidnapme？"Ireplied，inarage。
Butbehindtheragewassomethingelse——Iwillnotcallitterror，forthebravefeelnoterrorbutitwasnearakintoit。Ihadhadtodowithroughmenallmylife，buttherewasagrimnessandtruculenceintheaspectofthesethreethatshookme。WhenIthoughtofthedarkpathsandnarrowlanesandcliffsideswemusttraverse，whicheverroadwetook，Itrembled。
"Kidnapyou，Monsieur？"heanswered，withanevery-dayair。"Thatisasyoupleasetocallit。Onethingiscertain，however，"hecontinued，maliciouslytouchinganarquebusswhichhehadbroughtout，andsetuprightagainstachairwhileIwasatthedoor；ifyouattempttheslightestresistance，weshallknowhowtoputanendtoit，eitherhereorontheroad。"
Idrewadeepbreath，theveryimminenceofthedangerrestoringmetotheuseofmyfaculties。Ichangedmytoneandlaughedaloud。
"Sothatisyourplan，isit？"Isaid。"Thesoonerwestartthebetter，then。AndthesoonerIseeAuchandyourbackturned，themoreIshallbepleased。"
Herose。"Afteryou，Monsieur，"hesaid。
Icouldnotrestrainaslightshiver。Hisnew-bornpolitenessalarmedmemorethanhisthreats。Iknewthemanandhisways，andIwassurethatitbodedilltome。
ButIhadnopistols，andonlymyswordandknife，andI
knewthatresistanceatthispointmustbeworsethanvain。Iwentoutjauntily，therefore，thelandlordcomingaftermewithmysaddleandbags。
Thestreetwasempty，saveforthetwowaitinghorsemenwhosatintheirsaddleslookingdoggedlybeforethem，Thesunhadnotyetrisen，theairwasraw。Theskywasgrey，cloudy，andcold。MythoughtsflewbacktothemorningonwhichIhadfoundthesachet——atthatveryspot，almostatthatveryhour，andforamomentIgrewwarmagainatthethoughtofthelittlepacketIcarriedinmyboot。Butthelandlord"sdrymanner，thesullensilenceofhistwocompanions，whoseeyessteadilyrefusedtomeetmine，chilledmeagain。Foraninstanttheimpulsetorefusetomount，torefusetogo，wasalmostirresistible；then，knowingthemadnessofsuchacourse，whichmight，andprobablywould，givethementhechancetheydesired，Icrusheditdownandwentslowlytomystirrup。
"Iwonderyoudonotwantmysword，"Isaidbywayofsarcasm，asIswungmyselfup。
"Wearenotafraidofit，"theinnkeeperansweredgravely。"Youmaykeepit——forthepresent。"
Imadenoanswer——whatanswerhadItomake？——andwerodeatafootpacedownthestreet；heandIleading，Clonandtheshock-headedmanbringinguptherear。Theleisurelymodeofourdeparture，theabsenceofhurryorevenhaste，themen"sindifferencewhethertheywereseen，orwhatwasthought，allservedtosinkmyspiritsanddeepenmysenseofperil。Ifeltthattheysuspectedme，thattheymorethanhalfguessedthenatureofmyerrandatCocheforet，andthattheywerenotmindedtobeboundbyMademoiselle"sorders。Inparticular，IauguredtheworstfromClon"sappearance。
Hisleanmalevolentfaceandsunkeneyes，hisverydumbnesschilledme。Mercyhadnoplacethere。
Werodesoberly，sothatnearlyhalfanhourelapsedbeforewegainedthebrowfromwhichIhadtakenmyfirstlookatCocheforet。AmongthedwarfoakswhenceI
hadviewedthevalleywepausedtobreatheourhorses，andthestrangefeelingswithwhichIlookedbackonthescenemaybeimagined。ButIhadshorttimeforindulginginsentimentorrecollections。Acurtword，andweweremovingagain。
Aquarterofamilefartheron，theroadtoAuchdippedintothevalley。Whenwewerealreadyhalfwaydownthisdescenttheinnkeepersuddenlystretchedouthishandandcaughtmyrein。
"Thisway！"hesaid。
Isawthathewouldhavemeturnintoaby-pathleadingsouth-westwards——ameretrack，faintandlittletroddenandencroachedonbytrees，whichledIknewnotwhither。Icheckedmyhorse。
"Why？"Isaidrebelliously。"DoyouthinkIdonotknowtheroad？TheroadweareinisthewaytoAuch。"
"ToAuch——yes，"heansweredbluntly。"ButwearenotgoingtoAuch，"
"Whitherthen？"Isaidangrily。
"Youwillseepresently，"herepliedwithanuglysmile。
"Yes，butIwillknownow！"Iretorted，passiongettingthebetterofme。"Ihavecomesofarwithyou。Youwillfinditmoreeasytotakemefartherifyoutellmeyourplans。"
"Youareafool！"hecriedwithasnarl。
"Notso，"Ianswered。"IaskonlytoknowwhitherIamgoing。"
"IntoSpain，"hesaid。"Willthatsatisfyyou？"
"Andwhatwillyoudowithmethere？"Iasked，myheartgivingagreatbound。
"Handyouovertosomefriendsofours，"heansweredcurtly，"ifyoubehaveyourself。Ifnot，thereisashorterway，andonethatwillsaveussometravelling。
Makeupyourmind，Monsieur。Whichshallitbe？"
CHAPTERVI
Sothatwastheirplan。Twoorthreehourstothesouthward，thelong，white，glitteringwallstretchedeastandwestabovethebrownwoods。BeyondthatlaySpain。Onceacrosstheborder，I
mightbedetained，ifnoworsehappenedtome，asaprisonerofwar；forwewerethenatwarwithSpainontheItalianside。OrImightbehandedovertooneofthesavagebands，halfsmugglers，halfbrigands，thatheldthepasses；orbedelivered，worsefateofall，intothepoweroftheFrenchexiles，ofwhomsomewouldbelikelytorecognisemeandcutmythroat。
"ItisalongwayintoSpain，"Imuttered，watchinginakindoffascinationClonhandlinghispistols。
"Ithinkyouwillfindtheotherroadlongerstill，"thelandlordansweredgrimly。"Butchoose，andbequickaboutit。"
Theywerethreetoone，andtheyhadfirearms。IneffectIhadnochoice。
"Well，ifImustImust？"Icried，makingupmymindwithseemingrecklessness。"VOGUELAGALERE！Spainbeit。ItwillnotbethefirsttimeIhaveheardthedonstalk。"
Themennodded，asmuchastosaythattheyhadknownwhattheendwouldbe；thelandlordreleasedmyrein；andinatricewewereridingdownthenarrowtrack，withourfacessettowardsthemountains。
Ononepointmymindwasnowmoreeasy。Themenmeantfairlybyme，andIhadnolongertofear，asIhadfeared，apistol-shotinthebackatthefirstconvenientravine。Asfarasthatwent，Imightrideinpeace。Ontheotherhand，ifIletthemcarrymeacrossthebordermyfatewassealed。Amansetdownwithoutcredentialsorguardsamongthewilddesperadoeswhoswarmedinwar-timeintheAsturianpassesmightconsiderhimselffortunateifaneasydeathfelltohislot。InmycaseIcouldmakeashrewdguesswhatwouldhappen。Asinglenodofmeaning，onemutteredword，droppedamongthesavagemenwithwhomIshouldbeleft，andthediamondshiddeninmybootwouldgoneithertotheCardinalnorbacktoMademoiselle——norwoulditmattertomewhithertheywent。
Sowhiletheotherstalkedintheirtaciturnfashion，orsometimesgrinnedatmygloomyface，Ilookedoutoverthebrownwoodswitheyesthatsawyetdidnotsee。Theredsquirrelswarmingupthetrunk，thestartledpigsthatrushedawaygruntingfromtheirfeastofmast，thesolitaryriderwhometus，armedtotheteeth，andpassednorthwardsafterwhisperingwiththelandlord——alltheseIsaw。Butmymindwasnotwiththem。
Itwasgropingandfeelingaboutlikeahuntedmoleforsomewayofescape。Fortimepressed。Theslopewewereonwasgrowingsteeper。By-and-bywefellintoasouthwardvalley，andbegantofollowitsteadilyupwards，crossingandrecrossingaswiftlyrushingstream。Thesnowpeaksbegantobehiddenbehindtherisingbulkofhillsthatoverhungus，andsometimeswecouldseenothingbeforeorbehindbutthewoodedwallsofourvalleyrisingsheerandgreenathousandpaceshighoneitherhand；withgreyrockshalfmaskedbyfernandivyjuttinghereandtherethroughthefirsandalders。
Itwasawildandsombresceneevenatthathour，withthemid-
daysunshiningontherushingwateranddrawingthescentoutofthepines；butIknewthattherewasworsetocome，andsoughtdesperatelyforsomerusebywhichImightatleastseparatethemen。Threeweretoomany；withoneImightdeal。Atlast，whenIhadcudgelledmybrainforanhour，andalmostresignedmyselftoasuddenchargeonthemensingle-handed——alastdesperateresort——Ithoughtofaplan：dangerous，too，andalmostdesperate，butwhichstillseemedtopromisesomething。Itcameofmyfingersresting，astheylayinmypocket，onthefragmentsoftheorangesachet；which，withouthavinganyparticulardesigninmymind，Ihadtakencaretobringwithme。Ihadtornthesachetintofourpieces——fourcorners。AsIplayedmechanicallywiththem，oneofmyfingersfittedintoone，asintoaglove；asecondfingerintoanother。Andtheplancame。
BeforeIcouldmoveinit，however，Ihadtowaituntilwestoppedtobaittheflagginghorses，whichwedidaboutnoonattheheadofthevalley。Then，pretendingtodrinkfromthestream，Imanagedtosecureunseenahandfulofpebbles，slippingthemintothesamepocketwiththemorselsofstuff。Ongettingtohorseagain，Icarefullyfittedapebble，nottootightly，intothelargestscrap，andmadereadyfortheattempt。
Thelandlordrodeonmyleft，abreastofme；theothertwoknavesbehind。Theroadatthisstagefavouredme，forthevalley，whichdrainedthebareuplandsthatlaybetweenthelowerhillsandthebaseoftherealmountains，hadbecomewideandshallow。
Herewerenotrees，andthepathwasameresheep-trackcoveredwithshort，crispgrass，andrunningsometimesonthisbankofthestreamandsometimesonthat。
Iwaiteduntiltheruffianbesidemeturnedtospeaktothemenbehind。Themomenthedidso，andhiseyeswereaverted，I
slippedoutthescrapofsatininwhichIhadplacedthepebble，andbalancingitcarefullyonmyrightthighasIrode，Iflippeditforwardwithallthestrengthofmythumbandfinger。Imeantittofallafewpacesbeforeusinthepath，whereitcouldbeseen。Butalasformyhopes！Atthecriticalmomentmyhorsestarted，myfingerstruckthescrapaslant，thepebbleflewout，andthebitofstuffflutteredintoawhin-bushclosetomystirrup——andwaslost！
Iwasbitterlydisappointed，forthesamethingmighthappenagain，andIhadnowonlythreescrapsleft。Butfortunefavouredme，byputtingitintomyneighbour"sheadtoplungeintoahotdebatewiththeshock-headedmanonthenatureofsomeanimalsseenonadistantbrow；whichhesaidwereizards，whiletheothermaintainedthattheywerecommongoats。Hecontinued，onthisaccount，toridewithhisfaceturnedfromme，andIhadtimetofitanotherpebbleintothesecondpieceofstuff。
Slidingitontomythigh，Ipoisedit，andflippedit。
Thistimemyfingerstruckthetinymissilefairlyinthemiddle，andshotitsofarandsotrulythatitdroppedexactlyinthepathtenpacesinfrontofus。ThemomentIsawitfallIkickedmyneighbour"snagintheribs；itstarted，andhe，turninginarage，hitit。Thenextinstanthepulleditalmostontoitshaunches。
"SAINTGRIS！"hecried；andsatglaringatthebitofyellowsatin，withhisfaceturnedpurpleandhisjawfallen。
"Whatisit！"Isaid，staringathiminturn，"Whatisthematter，fool？"
"Matter？"heblurtedout。"MONDIEU！"
ButClon"sexcitementsurpassedevenhis。Thedumbmannosoonersawwhathadattractedhiscomrade"sattention，thanheutteredaninarticulateandhorriblenoise，andtumblingoffhishorse，morelikeabeastthanamanthrewhimselfbodilyonthepreciousmorsel。
Theinnkeeperwasnotfarbehindhim。Aninstantandhewasdown，too，peeringatthething；andforaninstantIthoughtthattheywouldfightoverit。However，thoughtheirjealousywasevident，theirexcitementcooledalittlewhentheydiscoveredthatthescrapofstuffwasempty；for，fortunately，thepebblehadfallenoutofit。Still，itthrewthemintosuchafeverofeagernessasitwaswonderfultowitness。Theynosedthegroundwhereithadlain，theypluckedupthegrassandturf，andpasseditthroughtheirfingers，theyrantoandfrolikedogsonatrail；and，glancingaskanceatoneanother，camebackalwaystogethertothepointofdeparture。Neitherinhisjealousywouldsuffertheothertobetherealone。
Theshock-headedmanandIsatourhorsesandlookedon；hemarvelling，andIpretendingtomarvel。Asthetwosearchedupanddownthepath，wemovedalittleoutofittogivethemspace；andpresently，whenalltheirheadswereturnedfromme，I
letasecondmorseldropunderagorse-bush。Theshock-headedman，by-and-by，foundthis，andgaveittoClon；andasfromthecircumstancesofthefirstdiscoverynosuspicionattachedtome，Iventuredtofindthethirdandlastscrapmyself。Ididnotpickitup，butIcalledtheinnkeeper，andhepounceduponitasIhaveseenahawkpounceonachicken。
Theyhuntedforthefourthmorsel，but，ofcourse，invain，andintheendtheydesisted，andfittedthethreetheyhadtogether；
butneitherwouldlethisownportionoutofhishands，andeachlookedattheotheracrossthespoilwitheyesofsuspicion。Itwasstrangetoseetheminthatwide-stretchingvalley，whencegreyboar-backsofhillsswelledupintothesilenceofthesnow——itwasstrange，Isay，inthatvastsolitude，toseethesetwo，meredotsonitsbosom，circlingroundoneanotherinfierceforgetfulnessoftheoutsideworld，glaringandshiftingtheirgroundlikecocksabouttoengage，andwhollyengrossed——bythreescrapsoforange-colour，invisibleatfiftypaces！
Atlasttheinnkeepercriedwithanoath，"Iamgoingback。Thismustbeknowndownyonder。Givemeyourpieces，man，anddoyougoonwithAntoine。Itwillbeallright。"
ButClon，wavingascrapofthestuffineitherhand，andthrustinghisghastlymaskintotheother"sface，shookhisheadinpassionatedenial。Hecouldnotspeak，buthemadeitasclearasdaylightthatifanyonewentbackwiththenews，hewasthemantogo。
"Nonsense！"thelandlordrejoinedfiercely，"WecannotleaveAntoinetogoonalonewithhim。Givemethestuff。"
ButClonwouldnot。Hehadnothoughtofresigningthecreditofthediscovery；andIbegantothinkthatthetwowouldreallycometoblows。Buttherewasanalternative——analternativeinwhichIwasconcerned；andfirstoneandthentheotherlookedatme。Itwasamomentofperil，andIknewit。Mystratagemmightreactonmyself，andthetwo，toputanendtotheirdifficulty，agreetoputanendtome。ButIfacedthemsocoolly，andshowedsoboldafront，andthegroundwherewestoodwassoopen，thattheideatooknoroot。Theyfelltowranglingagainmoreviciouslythanbefore。Onetappedhisgunandtheotherhispistols。Thelandlordscolded，thedumbmangurgled。AtlasttheirdifferenceendedasIhadhopeditwould。
"Verywellthen，wewillbothgoback！"theinnkeepercriedinarage。"AndAntoinemustseehimon。Buttheblamebeonyourhead。Doyougivetheladyourpistols。"
Clontookonepistol，andgaveittotheshock-headedman。
"Theother！"theinnkeepersaidimpatiently。
ButClonshookhisheadwithagrimsmile，andpointedtothearquebuss。
Byasuddenmovement，thelandlordsnatchedthepistol，andavertedClon"svengeancebyplacingbothitandthegunintheshock-headedman"shands。
"There！"hesaid，addressingthelatter，"nowcanyoudo？IfMonsieurtriestoescapeorturnback，shoothim！Butfourhours"ridingshouldbringyoutotheRocaBlanca。Youwillfindthementhere，andwillhavenomoretodowithit。"
Antoinedidnotseethingsquiteinthatlight，however。Helookedatme，andthenatthewildtrackinfrontofus；andhemutteredanoathandsaidhewoulddieifhewould。
Butthelandlord，whowasinafrenzyofimpatience，drewhimasideandtalkedtohim，andintheendseemedtopersuadehim；
forinafewminutesthematterwassettled。
Antoinecameback，andsaidsullenly，"Forward，Monsieur，"thetwoothersstoodononeside，Ishruggedmyshouldersandkickedupmyhorse，andinatwinklingwetwowereridingontogether——mantoman。Iturnedonceortwicetoseewhatthosewehadleftbehindweredoing，andalwaysfoundthemstandinginapparentdebate；butmyguardshowedsomuchjealousyofthesemovementsthatIpresentlyshruggedmyshouldersagainanddesisted。
Ihadrackedmybrainstobringaboutthisstateofthings。
Strangetosay，nowIhadsucceeded，IfounditlesssatisfactorythanIhadhoped。Ihadreducedtheoddsandgotridofmymostdangerousantagonists；butAntoine，lefttohimself，provedtobeasfullofsuspicionasaneggofmeat。Herodealittlebehindme，withhisgunacrosshissaddlebow，andapistolnearhishand；andattheslightestpauseonmypart，orifIturnedtolookathim，hemutteredhisconstant"Forward，Monsieur！"inatonewhichwarnedmethathisfingerwasonthetrigger。Atsuchadistancehecouldnotmiss；andIsawnothingforitbuttogoonmeeklybeforehimtotheRocaBlanca——andmyfate。
Whatwastobedone？Theroadpresentlyreachedtheendofthevalleyandenteredanarrowpine-claddefile，strewnwithrocksandboulders，overwhichthetorrentplungedandeddiedwithadeafeningroar。Infrontthewhitegleamofwaterfallsbrokethesombreranksofclimbingtrunks。Thesnowlinelaylessthanhalfamileawayoneitherhand；andcrowningall——attheendofthepass，asitseemedtotheeye——rosethepurewhitepillarofthePicduMidishootingupsixthousandfeetintotheblueofheaven。Suchascenesosuddenlydisclosed，wasenoughtodrivethesenseofdangerfrommymind；andforamomentIreinedinmyhorse。But"Forward，Monsieur！"camethegratingorder。Ifelltoearthagain，andwenton。Whatwastobedone？
Iwasatmywits"endtoknow。Themanrefusedtotalk，refusedtorideabreastofme，wouldhavenodismounting，nohalting，nocommunicationatall。Hewouldhavenothingbutthissilent，lonelyprocessionoftwo，withthemuzzleofhisgunatmyback。
Andmeanwhilewewerefastclimbingthepass。Wehadlefttheothersanhour——nearlytwo。Thesunwasdeclining；thetime，I
supposed，abouthalf-pastthree。
Ifhewouldonlyletmecomewithinreachofhim！Orifanythingwouldfallouttotakehisattention！Whenthepasspresentlywidenedintoabareanddrearyvalley，strewnwithhugebouldersandwithsnowlyinghereandthereinthehollows，Ilookeddesperatelybeforeme，andscannedeventhevastsnow-fieldsthatoverhungusandstretchedawaytothebaseoftheice-peak。ButIsawnothing。Nobearswungacrossthepath，noizardshoweditselfonthecliffs。Thekeen，sharpaircutourcheeksandwarnedmethatwewereapproachingthesummitoftheridge。Onallsidesweresilenceanddesolation。
MONDIEU！AndtheruffiansonwhosetendermerciesIwastobethrownmightcometomeetus！Theymightappearatanymoment。
InmydespairIloosenedmyhatonmyhead，andletthefirstgustcarryittotheground，andthenwithanoathofannoyancetossedmyfeetfromthestirrupstogoafterit。Buttherascalroaredtometokeepmyseat。
"Forward，Monsieur！"heshoutedbrutally。"Goon！"
"Butmyhat！"Icried。"MILLETONNERRES，man！Imust——"
"Forward，Monsieur，orIshoot！"herepliedinexorablyraisinghisgun。"One——two——"
AndIwenton。But，ah，Iwaswrathful！ThatI，GildeBerault，shouldbeoutwitted，andledbythenoselikearingedbull，bythisGasconlout！ThatI，whomallParisknewandfeared——ifitdidnotlove——theterrorofZaton"s，shouldcometomyendinthisdismalwasteofsnowandrock，donetodeathbysomepitifulsmugglerorthief！Itmustnotbe。SurelyinthelastresortI
couldgiveanaccountofoneman，thoughhisbeltwerestuffedwithpistols。
Buthow？Only，itseemed，byopenforce。MyheartbegantoflutterasIplannedit；andthengrewsteadyagain。Ahundredpacesbeforeusagullyorravineontheleftranupintothesnow-field。Oppositeitsmouthajumbleofstonesandbrokenrockscoveredthepath，Imarkedthisfortheplace。Theknavewouldneedbothhishandstoholduphisnagoverthestones，and，ifIturnedonhimsuddenlyenough，hemighteitherdrophisgunorfireitharmlessly。
But，inthemeantime，somethinghappened；as，atthelastmoment，thingsdohappen。Whilewewerestillfiftyyardsshortoftheplace，Ifoundhishorse"snosecreepingforwardonalevelwithmycrupper；and，stilladvancing，stilladvancing，untilIcouldseeitoutofthetailofmyeye，andmyheartgaveagreatbound。Hewascomingabreastofme：hewasgoingtodeliverhimselfintomyhands！Tocovermyexcitement，Ibegantowhistle。
"Hush！"hemutteredfiercely，hisvoicesoundingsostrangeandunnatural，thatmyfirstthoughtwasthathewasill；andI
turnedtohim。Butheonlysaidagain，——
"Hush！Passbyherequietly，Monsieur。"
"Why？"Iaskedmutinously，curiositygettingthebetterofme。
ForhadIbeenwiseIhadtakennonotice；everysecondhishorsewascomingupwithmine。Itsnosewaslevelwithmystirrupalready。
"Hush，man！"hesaidagain。Thistimetherewasnomistakeaboutthepanicinhisvoice。"TheycallthistheDevil"sChapel，Godsendussafebyit！Itislatetobehere。Lookatthose！"hecontinued，pointingwithafingerwhichvisiblyshook。
Ilooked。Atthemouthofthegully，inasmallspacepartlyclearedofstones，stoodthreebrokenshafts，raisedonrudepedestals。
"Well？"Isaidinalowvoice。Thesun，whichwasnearsetting，flushedthegreatpeakabovetothecolourofblood；butthevalleywasgrowinggreyandeachmomentmoredreary。"Well，whatofthose？"Isaid。
InspiteofmyperilandtheexcitementofthecomingstruggleI
feltthechillofhisfear。NeverhadIseensogrim，sodesolate，soGod-forsakenaplace！InvoluntarilyIshivered。
"Theywerecrosses，"hemutteredinavoicelittleaboveawhisper，whilehiseyesrovedthiswayandthatinterror。"TheCureofGabasblessedtheplace，andsetthemup。Butnextmorningtheywereasyouseethemnow。Comeon，Monsieur；comeon！"hecontinued，pluckingatmyarm。"Itisnotsafehereaftersunset。PrayGod，Satanbenotathome！"
Hehadcompletelyforgotteninhispanicthathehadanythingtofearfromme。Hisgundroppedlooselyacrosshissaddle，hislegrubbedmine。Isawthis，andIchangedmyplanofaction。AsourhorsesreachedthestonesIstooped，asiftoencouragemine，and，withasuddenclutch，snatchedthegunbodilyfromhishand，atthesametimethatIbackedmyhorsewithallmystrength。Itwasdoneinamoment！AsecondandIhadhimattheendofthegun，andmyfingerwasonthetrigger。Neverwasvictorymoreeasilygained。
Helookedatmebetweenrageandterror，hisjawfallen。
"Areyoumad？"hecried，histeethchatteringashespoke。Eveninthisstraithiseyesleftmeandwanderedroundinalarm。
"No，sane！"Iretortedfiercely。"ButIdonotlikethisplaceanybetterthanyoudo。"Whichwastrueenough，ifnotquitetrue。"So，byyourright，quickmarch！"Icontinuedimperatively。"Turnyourhorse，myfriend，ortaketheconsequences。"
Heturnedlikealamb，andheadeddownthevalleyagain，withoutgivingathoughttohispistols。Ikeptclosetohim，andinlessthanaminutewehadlefttheDevil"sChapelwellbehindus，andweremovingdownagainaswehadcomeup。OnlynowIheldthegun。
Whenwehadgonehaveamileorso——untilthenIdidnotfeelcomfortablemyself，andthoughIthankedheaventhattheplaceexisted，IthankedheavenalsothatIwasoutofit——Ibadehimhalt。
"Takeoffyourbelt，"Isaidcurtly，"andthrowitdown。But，markme，ifyouturnIfire。"
Thespiritwasquitegoneoutofhim，andheobeyedmechanically。
Ijumpeddown，stillcoveringhimwiththegun，andpickedupthebelt，pistolsandall。ThenIremounted，andwewenton。By-
and-byheaskedmesullenlywhatIwasgoingtodo。
"Goback，"Isaid，"andtaketheroadtoAuchwhenIcometoit。"
"Itwillbedarkinanhour，"heansweredsulkily。
"Iknowthat，"Iretorted。"Wemustcampanddothebestwecan。"
AndasIsaid，wedid。Thedaylighthelduntilwegainedtheskirtsofthepine-woodattheheadofthepass。HereIchoseacorneralittleoffthetrack，andwellshelteredfromthewind，andbadehimlightafire。Itetheredthehorsesnearthisandwithinsight。Thenitremainedonlytosup。Ihadapieceofbread：hehadanotherandanonion。Weateinsilence，sittingonoppositesidesofthefire。
ButaftersupperIfoundmyselfinadilemma；IdidnotseehowI
wastosleep。Theruddylightwhichgleamedontheknave"sswartfaceandsinewyhandsshowedalsohiseyes，black，sullen，andwatchful。Iknewthatthemanwasplottingrevenge；thathewouldnothesitatetoplanthisknifebetweenmyribsshouldI
givehimthechance；andIcouldfindonlyonealternativetoremainingawake。HadIbeenbloody-minded，Ishouldhavechosenitandsolvedthequestionatonceandinmyfavourbyshootinghimashesat。
ButIhaveneverbeenacruelman，andIcouldnotfinditinmyhearttodothis。Thesilenceofthemountainandthesky-whichseemedathingapartfromtheroarofthetorrentandnottobebrokenbyit——awedme。Thevastnessofthesolitudeinwhichwesat，thedarkvoidabove，throughwhichthestarskeptshooting，theblackgulfbelowinwhichtheunseenwatersboiledandsurged，theabsenceofotherhumancompanyorothersignsofhumanexistence，putsuchafaceuponthedeedthatIgaveupthethoughtofitwithashudder，andresignedmyself，instead，towatchthroughthenight——thelong，cold，Pyreneannight。
Presentlyhecurledhimselfuplikeadogandsleptintheblaze，andthenforacoupleofhoursIsatoppositehim，thinking。ItseemedyearssinceIhadseenZaton"sorthrownthedice。Theoldlife，theoldemployments——shouldIevergobacktothem？——
seemeddimanddistant。WouldCocheforet，theforestandthemountain，thegreyChateauanditsmistresses，seemonedayasdim？Andifonebitoflifecouldfadesoquicklyattheunrollingofanother，andseeminamomentpaleandcolourless，wouldalllifesomedayandsomewhere，andallthethingswe——Butenough！Iwasgrowingfoolish。Isprangupandkickedthewoodtogether，and，takingupthegun，begantopacetoandfrounderthecliff。Strangethatalittlemoonlight，afewstars，abreathofsolitudeshouldcarryamanbacktochildhoodandchildishthings……
Itwasthreeintheafternoonofthenextday，andthesunlayhotontheoakgroves，andtheairwasfullofwarmthaswebegantoclimbtheslope，midwayupwhichtheroadtoAuchshootsoutofthetrack。Theyellowbrackenandthefallenleavesunderfootseemedtothrowuplightofthemselves；andhereandthereapatchofruddybeechlaylikeabloodstainonthehillside。Infrontaherdofpigsroutedamongthemast，andgruntedlazily；
andhighaboveusaboylaywatchingthem。"Weparthere，"I
saidtomycompanion。
ItwasmyplantoridealittlewayalongtheroadtoAuchsoastoblindhiseyes；then，leavingmyhorseintheforest，IwouldgoonfoottotheChateau。"Thesoonerthebetter！"heansweredwithasnarl。"AndIhopeImayneverseeyourfaceagain，Monsieur。"
Butwhenwecametothewoodencrossattheforkoftheroads，andwereabouttopart，theboywehadseenleaptoutofthefernandcametomeetus。
"Hollo！"hecriedinasing-songtone。
"Well，"mycompanionanswered，drawingreinimpatiently。"Whatisit？"
"Therearesoldiersinthevillage。"
"Soldiers"Antoinecriedincredulously。
"Ay，devilsonhorseback，"theladanswered，spittingontheground。"Threescoreofthem。FromAuch。"
Antoineturnedtome，hisfacetransformedwithfury。
"Curseyou！"hecried。"Thisissomeofyourwork。Nowweareallundone。Andmymistresses？SACRE！ifIhadthatgunI
wouldshootyoulikearat。"
"Steady，fool，"Iansweredroughly。"Iknownomoreofthisthanyoudo。"
Whichwassotruethatmysurprisewasatleastasgreatashis，andbettergrounded。TheCardinal，whorarelymadeachangeoffront，hadsentmehitherthathemightnotbeforcedtosendsoldiers，andruntheriskofallthatmightarisefromsuchamovement。Whatofthisinvasion，then，thanwhichnothingcouldbelessconsistentwithhisplans？Iwondered。Itwaspossiblethatthetravellingmerchants，beforewhomIhadplayedattreason，hadreportedthefacts；andthatonthistheCommandantatAuchhadacted。Butitseemedunlikelysincehehadhadhisorderstoo，andundertheCardinal"sruletherewassmallplaceforindividualenterprise。FranklyIcouldnotunderstandit，andfoundonlyonethingclear；ImightnowenterthevillageasIpleased。
"Iamgoingontolookintothis，"IsaidtoAntoine。"Come，myman。"Heshruggedhisshoulders，andstoodstill。
"NotI！"beanswered，withanoath。"NosoldiersformeIhavelainoutonenight，andIcanlieoutanother。"
Inoddedindifferently，forInolongerwantedhim；andweparted。Afterthis，twentyminutes"ridingbroughtmetotheentranceofthevillage，andherethechangewasgreatindeed。
Notoneoftheordinarydwellersintheplacewastobeseen：
eithertheyhadshutthemselvesupintheirhovels，or，likeAntoine，theyhadfledtothewoods。Theirdoorswereclosed，theirwindowsshuttered。Butloungingaboutthestreetwereascoreofdragoons，inbootsandbreastplates，whoseshort-
barrelledmuskets，withpouchesandbandoliersattached，werepiledneartheinndoor。Inanopenspace，wheretherewasagapinthestreet，alongrowofhorses，linkedheadtohead，stoodbendingtheirmuzzlesoverbundlesofroughforage；andonallsidesthecheerfuljingleofchainsandbridlesandthesoundofcoarsejokesandlaughterfilledtheair。
AsIrodeuptotheinndooranoldsergeant，withsquintingeyesandhistongueinhischeek，scannedmeinquisitively，andstartedtocrossthestreettochallengeme。Fortunately，atthatmomentthetwoknaveswhomIhadbroughtfromPariswithme，andwhomIhadleftatAuchtoawaitmyorders，cameup。Imadethemasignnottospeaktome，andtheypassedon；butIsupposethattheytoldthesergeantthatIwasnotthemanhewanted，forIsawnomoreofhim。
Afterpicketingmyhorsebehindtheinn——Icouldfindnobetterstable，everyplacebeingfull——Ipushedmywaythroughthegroupatthedoor，andentered。Theoldroom，withthelow，grimyroofandthereekingfloor，washalffullofstrangefigures，andforafewminutesIstoodunseeninthesmokeandconfusion。Thenthelandlordcamemyway，andashepassedmeIcaughthiseye。