第5章
"Takecare，Monsieur，"Isaidseverely。"Donotpresumetoofarontheinconveniencetowhichyourdeathmightputme。"
Heshruggedhisshoulders。
"Nooffence，"hesaid。"Butyoudonotseem，M。deBerault，tocomprehendthedifficulty。Ifwedonotsettlethingsnow，weshallbebickeringtwentytimesaday。"
"Well，whatdoyouwant？"Iaskedimpatiently，"Simplytoknowhowyouaregoingtoproceed。Sothatourplansmaynotclash。"
"Butsurely，M。leCapitaine，thatismyaffair，"Isaid。
"Theclashing？"heansweredbitterly。Thenhewavedasidemywrath"Pardon，"hesaid，"thepointissimplythis。Howdoyouproposetofindhimifheishere？"
"Thatagainismyaffair，"Ianswered。
Hethrewuphishandsindespair；butinamomenthisplacewastakenbyanunexpecteddisputant。
TheLieutenant，whohadstoodbyallthetime，listeningandtuggingathisgreymoustache，suddenlyspoke。
Lookhere，M。deBerault，"hesaid，confrontingmeroughly，"Idonotfightduels。Iamfromtheranks。IprovedmycourageatMontaubanin"21，andmyhonourisgoodenoughtotakecareofitself。SoIsaywhatIlike，andIaskyouplainlywhatM。leCapitainedoubtlesshasinhismind，butdoesnotask：Areyourunningwiththehare，andhuntingwiththehoundsinthismatter？Inotherwords，haveyouthrownupMonseigneur"scommissioninallbutname，andbecomeMadame"sally；or——itistheonlyotheralternative——areyougettingatthemanthroughthewomen？"
"Youvillain！"Icried，glaringathiminsucharageandfurythatIcouldscarcelygetthewordsout。Thiswasplainspeakingwithavengeance！Howdareyou？HowdareyousaythatIamfalsetothehandthatpaysme？"
Ithoughtthathewouldblench，buthedidnot。Hestoodupstiffasapoker。
"Idonotsay；Iask！"hereplied，facingmesquarely，andslappinghisfistintohisopenhandtodrivehomehiswordsthebetter。"IaskyouwhetheryouareplayingthetraitortotheCardinal，ortothesetwowomen？Itisasimplequestion。"
Ifairlychoked。"Youimpudentscoundrel！"Isaid。
"Steady，steady！"hereplied。"Pitchstickswhereitbelongs，andnowhereelse。Butthatisenough。Iseewhichitis，M。leCapitaine；thiswayamoment，byyourleave。"
Andinaverycavalierfashionhetookhisofficerbythearm，anddrewhimintoasidewalk，leavingmetostandinthesun，burstingwithangerandspleen。Thegutter-bredrascal！Thatsuchamanshouldinsultme，andwithimpunity！InParis，I
mighthavemadehimfight，buthereitwasimpossible。
Iwasstillfoamingwithragewhentheyreturned。
"Wehavecometoadetermination，"theLieutenantsaid，tugginghisgreymoustachios，andstandinglikearamrod。"WeshallleaveyouthehouseandMadame，andyoucantakeyourownlinetofindtheman，forourselves，weshalldrawoffourmentothevillage，andweshalltakeourline。Thatisall，M。leCapitaine，isitnot？"
"Ithinkso，"theCaptainmuttered，lookinganywherebutatme。
"Thenwebidyougood-day，Monsieur，"theLieutenantadded，andinamomentheturnedhiscompanionround，andthetworetiredupthewalktothehouse，leavingmetolookaftertheminablackfitofrageandincredulity。
Atthefirstflush，therewassomethingsooffensiveinthemanneroftheirgoingthatangerhadtheupperhand。IthoughtoftheLieutenant"swords，andIcursedhimtohellwithasickeningconsciousnessthatIshouldnotforgettheminahurry。
"WasIplayingthetraitortotheCardinalortothesewomen——
which？"MONDIEU！ifeverquestion——butthere，somedayIwouldpunishhim。AndtheCaptain？Icouldputanendtohisamusement，atanyrate；andIwould。DoubtlessamongthecountrybucksofAuchhelordeditasachiefprovincialbully，butI
wouldcuthiscombforhimsomefinemorningbehindthebarracks。
AndthenasIgrewcoolerIbegantowonderwhytheyweregoing，andwhattheyweregoingtodo。Theymightbealreadyonthetrack，orhavetheinformationtheyrequiredunderhand；inthatcaseIcouldunderstandthemovement。Butiftheywerestillsearchingvaguely，uncertainwhethertheirquarrywereintheneighbourhoodornot，anduncertainhowlongtheymighthavetostay，itseemedincrediblethatsoldiersshouldmovefromgoodquarterstobadwithoutmotive。
Iwandereddownthegarden，thinkingsullenlyofthis，andpettishlycuttingofftheheadsoftheflowerswithmysheathedsword。Afterall，iftheyfoundandarrestedtheman，whatthen？
IshouldhavetomakemypeacewiththeCardinalasIbestmight。
Hewouldhavegainedhispoint，butnotthroughme，andIshouldhavetolooktomyself。Ontheotherhand，ifIanticipatedthem——and，asafact，IbelievedthatIcouldlaymyhandonthefugitivewithinafewhours——therewouldcomeatimewhenImustfaceMademoiselle。
Alittlewhilebackthathadnotseemedsodifficultathing。
Fromthedayofourfirstmeeting——andinahigherdegreesincethatafternoonwhenshehadlashedmewithherscorn-myviewsofher，andmyfeelingstowardsher，hadbeenstrangelymadeupofantagonismandsympathy；ofrepulsion，becauseinherpastandpresentshewassodifferentfromme；ofyearningbecauseshewasawomanandfriendless。LaterIhaddupedherandboughtherconfidencebyreturningthejewels，andsoinameasureIhadsatedmyvengeance；then，asaconsequence，sympathyhadagaingotthebetterofme，untilnowIhardlyknewmyownmind，orwhatIfelt，orwhatIintended。IDIDNOTKNOW，infact，whatI
intended。Istoodthereinthegardenwiththatconvictionsuddenlynewborninmymind；andthen，inamoment，Iheardherstep，andIturnedtofindherbehindme。
HerfacewaslikeApril，smilesbreakingthroughhertears。Asshestoodwithatallhedgeofsunflowersbehindher，Istartedtoseehowbeautifulshewas。
"Iamhereinsearchofyou，M。deBarthe，"shesaid，colouringslightly，perhapsbecausemyeyesbetrayedmythought；"tothankyou。Youhavenotfought，andyetyouhaveconquered。Mywomanhasjustbeenwithme，andshetellsmethattheyaregoing。"
"Going？"Isaid，"Yes，Mademoiselle，theyareleavingthehouse。"
Shedidnotunderstandmyreservation。
"Whatmagichaveyouused？"shesaidalmostgaily；itwaswonderfulhowhopehadchangedher。"Besides，Iamcurioustolearnhowyoumanagedtoavoidfighting。"
"Aftertakingablow？"Isaidbitterly。
"Monsieur，Ididnotmeanthat，"shesaidreproachfully。
Butherfaceclouded。Isawthat，viewedinthislight——inwhich，Isuppose，shehadnothitherto——thematterperplexedhermorethanbefore。
Itookasuddenresolution。
"Haveyoueverheard，Mademoiselle，"Isaidgravely，pluckingoffwhileIspokethedeadleavesfromaplantbesideme，"ofagentlemanbynameDeBerault？KnowninParis，Ihaveheard，bythesobriquetoftheBlackDeath？"
"Theduellist？"sheanswered，lookingatmeinwonder。"Yes，I
haveheardofhim。HekilledayounggentlemanofthisprovinceatNancytwoyearsback。"Itwasasadstory，"shecontinued，shudderingslightly，"ofadreadfulman。Godkeepourfriendsfromsuch！"
"Amen！"Isaidquietly。But，inspiteofmyself，Icouldnotmeethereyes。
"Why？"sheanswered，quicklytakingalarmat；mysilence。"Whatofhim，M。deBarthe？Whyhaveyoumentionedhim？"
"Becauseheishere，Mademoiselle。"
"Here？"sheexclaimed。"AtCocheforet？"
"Yes，Mademoiselle，"Iansweredsoberly。"Iamhe。"
CHAPTERX
CLON
"You！"shecried，inavoicewhichpiercedmyheart。"YouareM。deBerault？Itisimpossible！"But，glancingaskanceather——IcouldnotfaceherIsawthatthebloodhadlefthercheeks。
"Yes，Mademoiselle，"Iansweredinalowtone。"DeBarthewasmymother"sname。WhenIcamehere，astranger，ItookitthatI
mightnotbeknown；thatImightagainspeaktoagoodwoman，andnotseehershrink。That，and——butwhytroubleyouwithallthis？"Icontinuedrebelling，againsthersilence，herturnedshoulder，heravertedface。"Youaskedme，Mademoiselle，howI
couldtakeablowandletthestrikergo。Ihaveanswered。ItistheoneprivilegeM。deBeraultpossesses。"
"Then，"sherepliedalmostinawhisper，"ifIwereM。deBerault，Iwouldavailmyselfofit，andneverfightagain。"
"Inthatevent，Mademoiselle，"Iansweredcoldly，"Ishouldlosemymenfriendsaswellasmywomenfriends。LikeMonseigneurtheCardinal，rulebyfear。"
Sheshuddered，eitheratthenameorattheideamywordscalledup；and，foramoment，westoodawkwardlysilent。Theshadowofthesundialfellbetweenus；thegardenwasstill；hereandtherealeafflutteredslowlydown。Witheachinstantofthatsilence，ofthataversion，Ifeltthegulfbetweenusgrowingwider，I
feltmyselfgrowingharder；Imockedatherpastwhichwassounlikemine；Imockedatmine，andcalleditfate。Iwasonthepointofturningfromherwithabow——andwithafurnaceinmybreast——whenshespoke。
"Thereisalastroselingeringthere，"shesaid，aslighttremorinhervoice。"Icannotreachit。Willyoupluckitforme，M。
deBerault？"
Iobeyedher，myhandtrembling，myfaceonfire。Shetooktherosefromme，andplaceditinthebosomofherdress，AndIsawthatherhandtrembledtoo，andthathercheekwasdarkwithblushes。
Sheturnedwithoutmoreado，andbegantowalktowardsthehouse。
"HeavenforbidthatIshouldmisjudgeyouasecondtime！"shesaidinalowvoice。"And，afterall，whoamI，thatIshouldjudgeyouatall？AnhouragoIwouldhavekilledthatmanhadI
possessedthepower。"
"Yourepented，Mademoiselle，"Isaidhuskily。Icouldscarcelyspeak。
"Doyouneverrepent？"shesaid。
"Yes。Buttoolate，Mademoiselle。"
"Perhapsitisnevertoolate，"sheansweredsoftly。
"Alas，whenamanisdead——"
"Youmayrobamanofworsethanlife！"sherepliedwithenergy，stoppingmebyagesture。"Ifyouhaveneverrobbedaman——orawoman——ofhonour！Ifyouhaveneverruinedboyorgirl，M。deBerault！Ifyouhaveneverpushedanotherintothepitandgonebyityourself！If——but，formurder？Listen。YouareaRomanist，butIamaHuguenot，andhaveread。"Thoushallnotkill！"itiswritten；andthepenalty，"Bymanshallthybloodbeshed！"But，"Ifyoucauseoneoftheselittleonestooffend，itwerebetterforyouthatamill-stonewerehangedaboutyourneck，andthatyouwerecastintothedepthsofthesea。""
"Mademoiselle，youaremerciful，"Imuttered。
"Ineedmercymyself，"sheanswered，sighing。"AndIhavehadfewtemptations。HowdoIknowwhatyouhavesuffered？"
"Ordone！"Isaid，almostrudely。
"Whereamanhasnotlied，norbetrayed，norsoldhimselforothers，"sheansweredinalowtone，"IthinkIcanforgiveallelse。Icanbetterputupwithforce，"sheaddedsmilingsadly，"thanwithfraud。"
Ah，Dieu！Iturnedawaymyfacethatshemightnotseehowpaleitgrew；thatshemightnotguesshowherwords，meantinmercy，stabbedmetotheheart。Andyet，then，forthefirsttime，whileviewinginallitsdepthandwidththegulfwhichseparatedus，Iwasnothardened；Iwasnotcastbackuponmyself。Hergentleness，herpity，herhumilitysoftenedme，whiletheyconvictedme。MyGod，how，afterthis，couldIdothatwhichI
hadcometodo？HowcouldIstabherinthetenderestpart，howcouldIinflictonherthatrendingpang，howcouldImeethereyes，andstandbeforeher，aCaliban，aJudas，thevilest，lowestthingshecouldconceive？
Istood，amoment，speechlessanddisordered；overcomebyherwords，bymythoughts。Ihaveseenamansostandwhenhehaslostallatthetables。ThenIturnedtoher；andforaninstantIthoughtthatmytalewastoldalready，Ithoughtthatshehadpiercedmydisguise。Forherfacewaschanged——strickenaswithfear。Thenextmoment，Isawthatshewasnotlookingatme，butbeyondme；andIturnedquicklyandsawaservanthurryingfromthehousetous。ItwasLouis。Hiseyeswerestaring，hishairwaved，hischeekswereflabbywithdismay，Hebreathedasifhehadbeenrunning。
"Whatisit？"Mademoisellecried，whilehewasstillsomewayoff。"Speak，man。Mysister？Isshe——"
"Clon，"hegasped。
Thenamechangedhertostone。
"Clon？Whatofhim？"shemuttered。
"Inthevillage！"Louispanted，histonguestutteringwithterror。"Theyareflogginghim。Theyarekillinghim！Tomakehimtell！"
Mademoisellegraspedthesundialandleantagainstit，herfacecolourless；and，foraninstant，Ithoughtthatshewasfainting。
"Tell？"Isaidmechanically。"Buthecannottell。Heisdumb，man。"
"Theywillmakehimguidethem，"Louisgroaned，coveringhisearswithhisshakinghands，hisfacethecolourofpaper。"Andhiscries！Oh，Monsieur，go，go！"hecontinued，inathrillingtone。"Savehim。AllthroughtiewoodIheardhiscries。Itwashorrible！horrible！"
Mademoiselleutteredamoanofpain；andIturnedtosupporther，thinkingeachsecondtoseeherfall。Butwithasuddenmovementshestraightenedherself，and，quicklyslippingbyme，witheyesthatseemedtoseenothing，shesetoffswiftlydownthewalktowardsthemeadowgate。
Iranafterher；but，takenbysurpriseasIwas，itwasonlybyagreateffortIreachedthegatebeforeher，andthrustingmyselfintheroad，barredtheway。
"Letmepass！"shepanted，strivingtothrustmeononeside。
"Outofmyway，sir！Iamgoingtothevillage。"
"Youarenotgoingtothevillage，"Isaidsternly。"Goback；tothehouse，Mademoiselle，andatonce。"
"Myservant！"shewailed。"Letmego！Letmego！DoyouthinkIcanrestherewhiletheytorturehim？Hecannotspeak，andthey——they——"
"Goback，Mademoiselle，"Isaid，withdecision。"Yourpresencewouldonlymakemattersworse！Iwillgomyself，andwhatonemancandoagainstmany，Iwill！Louis，giveyourmistressyourarmandtakehertothehouse。TakehertoMadame。"
"Butyouwillgo？"shecried。AndbeforeIcouldstayher——I
swearIwouldhavestoppedherifIcould——sheraisedmyhandandcarriedittohertremblinglips。"Youwillgo！Goandstopthem！Stopthem，andHeavenrewardyou，Monsieur！"
Ididnotanswer；nay，Ididnotoncelookback，asIcrossedthemeadow；butIdidnotlookforwardeither。DoubtlessitwasgrassItrod，andthewoodwasbeforemewiththesunshiningaslantonit；doubtlessthehouserosebehindmewithaflamehereandthereinthewindows。ButIwentinadream，amongshadows；witharacingpulse，inaglowfromheadtoheel；
consciousofnothingbutthetouchofMademoiselle"swarmlipsonmyhand，seeingneithermeadownorhouse，noreventhedarkfringeofwoodbeforeme，butonlyMademoiselle"spassionateface。ForthemomentIwasdrunk：drunkwiththattowhichI
hadbeensolongastranger，withthatwhichamanmayscornforyears，tofinditatlastbeyondhisreachdrunkwiththetouchofagoodwoman"slips。
Ipassedthebridgeinthisstate；andmyfeetwereamongthebrushwoodbeforetheheatandfervourinwhichImovedfoundonasuddentheirdirection。Somethingbegantopenetratetomyveiledsenses——ahoarseinarticulatecry，nowdeep，nowshrillinghorribly，thatofitselfseemedtofillthewood。Itcameatintervalsofhalfaminuteorso，andmadethefleshcreep，itrangsofullofdumbpain，ofimpotentwrestling，ofunspeakableagony。Iamamanandhaveseenthings。IsawtheConcinibeheaded，andChalaistenyearslater——theygavehimthirty-fourblows；andwhenIwasaboyIescapedfromthecollegeandviewedfromagreatdistanceRavaillactornbyhorses——thatwasintheyearten。ButthehorriblecriesInowheard，filledme，perhapsbecauseIwasaloneandfreshfromthesightofMademoiselle，withloathinginexpressible。Theverywood，thoughthesunhadnotyetset，seemedtogrowdark。Iranonthroughit，cursing，untilthehovelsofthevillagecameinsight。Againtheshriekrose，apulsinghorror，andthistimeIcouldhearthelashfallonthesoddenflesh，Icouldsecinfancythedumbman，trembling，quivering，strainingagainsthisbonds。Andthen，inamoment，Iwasinthestreet，and，asthescreamoncemoretoretheair，Idashedroundthecornerbytheinn，andcameuponthem。
IdidnotlookatHIM，butIsawCaptainLarolleandtheLieutenant，andaringoftroopers，andoneman，bare-armed，teasingoutwithhisfingersthethongsofawhip。Thethongsdrippedblood，andthesightfiredthemine。TherageIhadsuppressedwhentheLieutenantbeardedmeearlierintheafternoon，thepassionwithwhichMademoiselle"sdistresshadfilledmybreast，ontheinstantfoundvent。Isprangthroughthelineofsoldiers；andstrikingthemanwiththewhipabuffetbetweentheshoulders，whichhurledhimbreathlesstotheground，Iturnedontheleaders。
"Youfiends！"Icried。"Shameonyou！Themanisdumb！Dumb；
andifIhadtenmenwithme，Iwouldsweepyouandyourscumoutofthevillagewithbroomsticks。Layonanotherlash，"I
continuedrecklessly，"andIwillseewhetheryouortheCardinalbethestronger。"
TheLieutenantstaredatme，hisgreymoustachebristling，hiseyesalmoststartingfromhishead。Someofthetrooperslaidtheirhandsontheirswords，butnoonemoved，andonlytheCaptainspoke。
"MILLEDIABLES！"heswore。"Whatisallthisabout？Areyoumad，sir？"
"Madorsane！"Icriedfuriously。"Layonanotherlash，andyoushallrepentit。"
Foraninstanttherewasapauseofastonishment。Then，tomysurprise，theCaptainlaughed——laughedloudly。
"Veryheroic，"hesaid。"Quitemagnificent，M。Chevalier-
errant。Butyousee，unfortunately，youcometoolate。"
"Toolate，"Isaidincredulously。
"Yes，toolate，"hereplied，withamockingsmile。AndtheLieutenantgrinnedtoo。"Unfortunately，yousee，themanhasjustconfessed。Wehaveonlybeengivinghimanextratouchortwo，toimpresshismemory，andsaveusthetroubleoflashinghimupagain。"
"Idon"tbelieveit，"Isaidbluntly——butIfeltthecheck，andfelltoearth。"Themancannotspeak。"
"No，buthehasmanagedtotelluswhatwewant；thathewillguideustotheplaceweareseeking，"theCaptainanswereddrily。"Thewhip，ifitcannotfindamanatongue，canfindhimwits。Whatismore，Ithinkthathewillkeephisword，"hecontinued，withahideousscowl。"ForIwarnhimthatifhedoesnot，allyourheroicsshallnotsavehim。Heisarebeldog，andknowntousofold；andIwillflayhisbacktothebones，ay，untilwecanseehisheartbeatingthroughhisribs，butIwillhavewhatIwant——inyourteeth，too，youd——dmeddler。"
"Steady，steady！"Isaid，sobered。Isawthathewastellingthetruth。"IshegoingtotakeyoutoM。deCocheforet"shiding-place？"
"Yes，heis！"theCaptainretorted。"Haveyouanyobjectiontothat，MasterSpy？"
"None，"Ireplied。"OnlyIshallgowithyou。Andifyoulivethreemonths，Ishallkillyouforthatname-behindthebarracksatAuch，M。leCapitaine。"
Hechangedcolour，butheansweredmeboldlyenough。
"Idon"tknowthatyouwillgowithus，"hesaid，withasnarl。
"Thatisasweplease。"
"IhavetheCardinal"sorders，"Isaidsternly。
"TheCardinal？"heexclaimed，stungtofurybythisrepetitionofthename。"TheCardinalbe——"
ButtheLieutenantlaidhishandonhislipsandstoppedhim。
"Hush！"hesaid。Thenmorequietly，"Yourpardon，M。leCapitaine；buttheleastsaidthesoonestmended。ShallIgiveorderstothementofallin？"
TheCaptainnoddedsullenly。
TheLieutenantturnedtohisprisoner。
"Takehimdown！"hecommandedinhisharsh，monotonousvoice。
"Throwhisblouseoverhim，andtiehishands。Anddoyoutwo，PaulandLebrun，guardhim。Michel，bringthewhip，orhemayforgethowittastes。Sergeant，choosefourgoodmen，anddismisstheresttotheirquarters。"
"Shallweneedthehorses？"thesergeantasked。
"Idon"tknow，"theCaptainansweredpeevishly。"Whatdoestheroguesay？"
TheLieutenantsteppeduptohim。
"Listen！"hesaidgrimly。"Nodifyoumeanyes，andshakeyourheadifyoumeanno。Andhaveacareyouanswertruly。Isitmorethanamiletothisplace？"
Theyhadloosenedthepoorwretch"sfastenings，andcoveredhisback。Hestoodleaninghisshoulderagainstthewall，hismouthstillpanting，thesweatrunningdownhishollowcheeks。Hissunkeneyeswereclosed，butaquivernowandagainranthroughhisframe。TheLieutenantrepeatedhisquestion，and，gettingnoanswer，lookedroundfororders。TheCaptainmetthelook，andcryingsavagely，"Answerwillyou，youmule！"struckthehalf-
swooningmiserableacrossthebackwithhisswitch。Theeffectwasmagical。Covered，ashisshoulderswere，themansprangerectwithashriekofpain，raisinghischin，andhollowinghisback；andinthatattitudestoodaninstantwithstartingeyes，gaspingforbreath。Thenhesankbackagainstthewall，movinghismouthspasmodically。Hisfacewasthecolouroflead。
"Diable！Ithinkthatwehavegonetoofarwithhim！"theCaptainmuttered。
"Bringsomewine！"theLieutenantreplied。"Quickwithit！"
Ilookedon，burningwithindignation，andinsomeexcitementbesides。Forifthemantookthemtotheplace，andtheysucceededinseizingCocheforet，therewasanendofthematterasfarasIwasconcerned。Itwasoffmyshoulders，andImightleavethevillagewhenIpleased；norwasitlikely——sincehewouldhavehisman，thoughnotthroughme——thattheCardinalwouldrefusetograntmeanamnesty。Onthewhole，Ithoughtthathewouldpreferthatthingsshouldtakethiscourse；andassumingtheissue，IbegantowonderwhetheritwouldbenecessaryinthateventthatMadameshouldknowthetruth。IhadakindofvisionofareformedBerault，deadtoplayandpurginghimselfatadistancefromZaton"s；winning，perhaps，anameintheItalianwar，andfinally——but，pshaw！Iwasafool。
However，bethesethingsastheymight，itwasessentialthatI
shouldseethearrestmade；andIwaitedpatientlywhiletheyrevivedthetorturedman，andmadetheirdispositions。Thesetooksometime；sothatthesunwasdown，anditwasgrowingduskwhenwemarchedout，Clongoingfirst，supportedbyhistwoguards，theCaptainandIfollowing——abreast，andeyeingoneanothersuspiciously；theLieutenant，withthesergeantandfivetroopers，bringinguptherear。Clonmovedslowly，moaningfromtimetotime；andbutfortheaidgivenhimbythetwomenwithhim，musthavesunkdownagainandagain。
Heledthewayoutbetweentwohousesclosetotheinn，andstruckanarrowtrack，scarcelydiscernible，whichranbehindotherhouses，andthenplungedintothethickestpartofthewood。Asingleperson，traversingthecovert，mighthavemadesuchatrack；orpigs，orchildren。Butitwasthefirstideathatoccurredtous，andputusallonthealert。TheCaptaincarriedacockedpistol，Iheldmysworddrawn，andkeptawatchfuleyeonHIM；andthedeepertheduskfellinthewood，themorecautiouslywewent，untilatlastwecameoutwithasortofjumpintoawiderandlighterpath。
Ilookedupanddown，andsawbehindmeavistaoftree-trunks，beforemeawoodenbridgeandanopenmeadow，lyingcoldandgreyinthetwilight；andIstoodinastonishment。WewereintheoldpathtotheChateau！Ishiveredatthethoughtthathewasgoingtotakeusthere，tothehouse，toMademoiselle！
TheCaptainalsorecognisedtheplace，andsworealoud。Butthedumbmanwentonunheedinguntilhereachedthewoodenbridge。
Therehestoppedshort，andlookedtowardsthedarkoutlineofthehouse，whichwasjustvisible，onefaintlighttwinklingsadlyinthewestwing。AstheCaptainandIpressedupbehindhim，heraisedhishandsandseemedtowringthemtowardsthehouse。
"Haveacare！"theCaptaingrowled。"Playmenotricks，or——"
Hedidnotfinishthesentence，forClon，asifhewellunderstoodhisimpatience，turnedbackfromthebridge，and，enteringthewoodtotheleft，begantoascendthebankofthestream。Wehadnotgoneahundredyardsbeforethegroundgrewrough，andtheundergrowththick；andyetthroughallranakindofpathwhichenabledustoadvance，darkasitwasnowgrowing。
Verysoonthebankonwhichwemovedbegantoriseabovethewater，andgrewsteepandrugged。Weturnedashoulder，wherethestreamsweptroundacurve，andsawwewereinthemouthofasmallravine，darkandsheer-sided。Thewaterbrawledalongthebottom，overbouldersandthroughchasms。Infront，theslopeonwhichwestoodshapeditselfintoalowcliff；buthalfwaybetweenitssummitandthewateraledge，ornarrowterrace，runningalongtheface，wasdimlyvisible。
"Tentoone，acave！"theCaptainmuttered。"Itisalikelyplace。"
"Andanuglyone！"Irepliedwithasneer。"Whichoneagainsttenmightholdforhours！"
"Ifthetenhadnopistols——yes！"heansweredviciously。"Butyouseewehave。Ishegoingthatway？"
Hewas。Assoonasthiswasclear，Larolleturnedtohiscomrade，"Lieutenant，"hesaid，speakinginalowvoice，thoughthechafingofthestreambelowuscoveredordinarysounds；"whatsayyou？Shallwelightthelanthorns，orpressonwhilethereisstillaglimmeringofday？"
"On，Ishouldsay，M。leCapitaine，"theLieutenantanswered。
"Prickhiminthebackifhefalters。Iwillwarrant，"thebruteaddedwithachuckle，"hehasatenderplaceortwo。"
TheCaptaingavethewordandwemovedforward。Itwasevidentnowthatthecliff-pathwasourdestination。Itwaspossiblefortheeyetofollowthetrackallthewaytoit，throughroughstonesandbrushwood；andthoughClonclimbedfeebly，andwithmanygroans，twominutessawusstepontoit。Itdidnotprovetobe，infact，theperilousplaceitlookedatadistance。Theledge，grassyandterrace-like，slopedslightlydownwardsandoutwards，andinpartswasslippery；butitwasaswideasahighway，andthefalltothewaterdidnotexceedthirtyfeet。
Eveninsuchadimlightasnowdisplayedittous，andbyincreasingthedepthandunseendangersofthegorgegaveakindofimpressivenesstoourmovements，anervouswomanneednothavefearedtotreadit，IwonderedhowoftenMademoisellehadpassedalongitwithhermilk-pitcher。
"Ithinkthatwehavehimnow，"CaptainLarollemuttered，twistinghismoustachios，andlookingabouttomakehislastdispositions。"PaulandLebrun，seethatyourmanmakesnonoise。Sergeant，comeforwardwithyourcarbine，butdonotfirewithoutorders。Now，silenceall，andcloseup，Lieutenant。
Forward！"
Weadvancedaboutahundredpaces，keepingthecliffonourleft，turnedashoulder，andsaw，afewpacesinfrontofus，aslighthollow，ablackblotchinthegreyduskinessofthecliff-side。
Theprisonerstopped，and，raisinghisboundhands，pointedtoit。
"There？"theCaptainwhispered，pressingforward。"Isittheplace？"
Clonnodded。TheCaptain"svoiceshookwithexcitement。
"PaulandLebrunremainherewiththeprisoner，"hesaid，inalowtone。"Sergeant，comeforwardwithme。Now，areyouready？
Forward！"
Atthewordheandthesergeantpassedquickly，oneoneithersideofClonandhisguards。Thepathgrewnarrowhere，andtheCaptainpassedoutside。Theeyesofallbutonewereontheblackblotch，thehollowinthecliff-side，expectingweknewnotwhat——asuddenshotortherushoradesperateman；andnoonesawexactlywhathappened。Butsomehow，astheCaptainpassedabreastofhim，theprisonerthrustbackhisguards，andleapingsideways，flunghisunboundarmsroundLarolle"sbody，andinaninstantswepthim，shouting，tothevergeoftheprecipice。
Itwasdoneinamoment。Bythetimeourstartledwitsandeyeswerebackwiththem，thetwowerealreadytotteringontheedge，lookinginthegloomlikeonedarkform。Thesergeant，whowasthefirsttofindhishead，levelledhiscarbine，but，asthewrestlerstwirledandtwisted，theCaptain，shriekingoutoathsandthreats，themutesilentasdeath，itwasimpossibletoseewhichwaswhich，andthesergeantloweredhisgunagain，whilethemenheldbacknervously。Theledgeslopedsteeplythere，theedgewasvague，alreadythetwoseemedtobewrestlinginmidair；andthemutewasdesperate。
Thatmomentofhesitationwasfatal。Clon"slongarmswereroundtheother"sarms，crushingthemintohisribs；Clon"sskull-likefacegrinnedhateintotheother"seyes；hisbonylimbscurledroundhimlikethefoldsofasnake。Larolle"sstrengthgaveway。
"Damnyouall！Whydon"tyoucomeup？"hecried。Andthen，"Ah！Mercy！mercy！"cameinonelastscreamfromhislips。AstheLieutenant，takenabackbefore，sprangforwardtohisaid，thetwotoppledovertheedge，andinasecondhurtledoutofsight。
"MONDIEU！"theLieutenantcried；theanswerwasadullsplashinthedepthsbelow。Heflunguphisarms。"Water！"hesaid。
"Quick，men，getdown。Wemaysavehimyet。"
Buttherewasnopath，andnightwascome，andthemen"snerveswereshaken。Thelanthornshadtobelit，andthewaytoberetraced；bythetimewereachedthedarkpoolwhichlaybelow，thelastbubblesweregonefromthesurface，thelastrippleshadbeatenthemselvesoutagainstthebanks。Thepoolstillrockedsullenly，andtheyellowlightshowedaman"shatfloating，andnearitaglovethreepartssubmerged。Butthatwasall。Themute"sdyinggriphadknownnoloosening，norhishateanyfear。
Iheardafterwardsthatwhentheydraggedthetwooutnextday，hisfingerswereintheother"seye-sockets，histeethinhisthroat。Ifevermanfounddeathsweet，itwashe！
Asweturnedslowlyfromtheblackwater，someshuddering，somecrossingthemselves，theLieutenantlookedatme。
"Curseyou！"hesaidpassionately。"Ibelievethatyouareglad。"
Hedeservedhisfate，"Iansweredcoldly。"WhyshouldIpretendtobesorry？Itwasnoworinthreemonths。Andfortheotherpoordevil"ssakeIamglad。"
Heglaredatmeforamomentinspeechlessanger。
Atlast，"Ishouldliketohaveyoutiedup！"hesaidbetweenhisteeth。
"Ishouldthinkthatyouhadhadenoughoftyingupforoneday！"
Iretorted。"Butthere，"Iwentoncontemptuously，"itcomesofmakingofficersoutofthecanaille。Dogsloveblood。Theteamstermustlashsomethingifhecannolongerlashhishorses。"
Wewereback，asombrelittleprocession，atthewoodenbridgewhenIsaidthis。Hestopped。
"Verywell，"hereplied，noddingviciously。"Thatdecidesme。
Sergeant，lightmethiswaywithalanthorn。Therestofyoutothevillage。Now，MasterSpy，"hecontinued，glancingatmewithgloomyspite，"Yourroadismyroad。IthinkIknowhowtospoilyourgame。"
Ishruggedmyshouldersindisdain，andtogether，thesergeantleadingthewaywiththelight，wecrossedthedimmeadow，andpassedthroughthegatewhereMademoisellehadkissedmyhand，anduptheghostlywalkbetweentherosebushes。IwondereduneasilywhattheLieutenantwouldbeat，andwhatheintended；
butthelanthorn-lightwhichnowfellonthegroundatourfeet，andnowshowedoneofustotheother，high-litinaframeofblackness，discoverednothinginhisgrizzledfacebutsettledhostility。Hewheeledattheendofthewalktogotothemaindoor，butashedidsoIsawtheflutterofawhiteskirtbythestoneseatagainstthehouse，andIsteppedthatway。
"Mademoiselle？"Isaidsoftly。"Isityou？"
"Clon？"shemuttered，hervoicequivering。"Whatofhim？"
"Heispastpain，"Iansweredgently。"Heisdead——yes，dead，Mademoiselle，butinhisownway。Takecomfort。"
Shestifledasob；thenbeforeIcouldsaymore，theLieutenant，withhissergeantandlight，wereatmyelbow。HesalutedMademoiselleroughly。Shelookedathimwithshudderingabhorrence。
"Areyoucometoflogmetoo，sir？"shesaidpassionately。"Isitnotenoughthatyouhavemurderedmyservant？"
"Onthecontrary，itwashewhokilledmyCaptain，"theLieutenantanswered，inanothertonethanIhadexpected。"Ifyourservantisdeadsoismycomrade。"
"CaptainLarolle？"shemurmured，gazingwithstartledeyes，notathimbutatme。
Inodded。
"How？"sheasked。
"ClonflungtheCaptainandhimself——intotheriverpoolabovethebridge，"Isaid。
Sheutteredalowcryofaweandstoodsilent；butherlipsmovedandIthinkthatsheprayedforClon，thoughshewasaHuguenot。
Meanwhile，Ihadafright。Thelanthorn，swinginginthesergeant"shand，andthrowingitssmokylightnowonthestoneseat，nowontheroughwallaboveit，showedmesomethingelse。
Ontheseat，doubtlesswhereMademoiselle"shandhadlainasshesatinthedark，listeningandwatchingandshivering，stoodapitcheroffood。Besideher，inthatplace，itwasdamningevidence，andItrembledleasttheLieutenant"seyeshouldfalluponit，lestthesergeantshouldseeit；andthen，inamoment，Iforgotallaboutit。TheLieutenantwasspeakingandhisvoicewasdoom。MythroatgrewdryasIlistened；mytonguestucktomymouthItriedtolookatMademoiselle，butIcouldnot。
"ItistruethattheCaptainisgone，"hesaidstiffly，"butothersarealive，andaboutoneofthemawordwithyou，byyourleave，Mademoiselle。Ihavelistenedtoagooddealoftalkfromthisfinegentlemanfriendofyours。Hehasspentthelasttwenty-fourhourssaying"Youshall！"and"Youshallnot！"Hecamefromyouandtookaveryhightonebecausewelaidalittlewhip-lashaboutthatdumbdevilofyours。Hecalledusbrutesandbeasts，andbutforhimIamnotsurethatmyfriendwouldnotnowbealive。Butwhenhesaidafewminutesagothathewasglad——gladofit，d——him！——thenIfixeditinmymindthatI
wouldbeevenwithhim。AndIamgoingtobe！"
"Whatdoyoumean？"Mademoiselleasked，wearilyinterruptinghim。"Ifyouthinkthatyoucanprejudicemeagainstthisgentleman——"
"ThatispreciselywhatIamgoingtodo！Andalittlemorethanthat！"heanswered。
"Youwillbeonlywastingyourbreath！"sheretorted。
"Wait！Wait，Mademoiselle——-untilyouhaveheard，"hesaid。
"ForIsweartoyouthatifeverablack-heartedscoundrel，adastardlysneakingspytrodtheearth，itisthisfellow！AndI
amgoingtoexposehim。Yourowneyesandyourownearsshallpersuadeyou。Iamnotparticular，butIwouldnoteat，Iwouldnotdrink，Iwouldnotsitdownwithhim！Iwouldratherbebeholdentothemeanesttrooperinmysquadronthantohim！Ay，Iwould，sohelpmeHeaven！"
AndtheLieutenant，turningsquarelyonhisheel，spatontheground。
CHAPTERXI
THEARREST
Ithadcome，andIsawnowayofescape。ThesergeantwasbetweenusandIcouldnotstrikehim。AndIfoundnowords。A
scoreoftimesIhadthoughtwithshrinkinghowIshouldrevealmysecrettoMademoiselle——whatIshouldsay，andhowshewouldtakeit；butinmymindithadbeenalwaysavoluntaryact，thisdisclosure，ithadbeenalwaysIwhounmaskedmyselfandshewholistened——alone；andinthisvoluntarinessandthisprivacytherehadbeensomethingwhichtookfromtheshameofanticipation。
Buthere——herewasnovoluntaryactonmypart，noprivacy，nothingbutshame。AndIstoodmute，convicted，speechless，underhereyes——likethethingIwas。
YetifanythingcouldhavebracedmeitwasMademoiselle"svoicewhensheansweredhim。
"Goon，Monsieur，"shesaidcalmly，"youwillhavedonethesooner。"
"Youdonotbelieveme？"hereplied。"Then，Isay，lookathim！
Lookathim！Ifevershame——"
"Monsieur，"shesaidabruptly——shedidnotlookatme，"Iamashamedofmyself。"
"Butyoudon"thearme，"theLieutenantrejoinedhotly。"Hisverynameisnothisown！HeisnotBartheatall。HeisBerault，thegambler，theduellist，thebully；whomifyou——"
Againsheinterruptedhim。
"Iknowit，"shesaidcoldly。"Iknowitall；andifyouhavenothingmoretotellme，go，Monsieur。Go！"shecontinuedinatoneofinfinitescorn。"Besatisfied，thatyouhaveearnedmycontemptaswellasmyabhorrence。"
Helookedforamomenttakenaback。Then，——
"Ay，butIhavemore，"hecried，hisvoicestubbornlytriumphant。
"Iforgotthatyouwouldthinklittleofthat。Iforgotthataswordsmanhasalwaystheladies"hearts——-butIhavemore。Doyouknow，too，thatheisintheCardinal"spay？Doyouknowthatheishereonthesameerrandwhichbringsushere——toarrestM。deCocheforet？Doyouknowthatwhilewegoaboutthebusinessopenlyandinsoldierfashion，itishisparttowormhimselfintoyourconfidence，tosneakintoMadame"sintimacy，tolistenatyourdoor，tofollowyourfootsteps，tohangonyourlips，totrackyou——trackyouuntilyoubetrayyourselvesandtheman？Doyouknowthis，andthatallhissympathyisalie，Mademoiselle？Hishelp，somuchbaittocatchthesecret？Hisaimblood-money——blood-money？Why，MORBLEU！"theLieutenantcontinued，pointinghisfingeratme，andsocarriedawaybypassion，soliftedoutofhimselfbywrathandindignation，thatIshrankbeforehim——"youtalk，lady，ofcontemptandabhorrenceinthesamebreathwithme，butwhathaveyouforhim——whathaveyouforhim——thespy，theinformer，thehiredtraitor？Andifyoudoubtme，ifyouwantevidence，lookathim。Onlylookathim，Isay。"
Andhemightsayit；forIstoodsilentstill，coweringanddespairing，whitewithrageandhate。ButMademoiselledidnotlook。ShegazedstraightattheLieutenant。
"Haveyoudone？"shesaid。
"Done？"hestammered；herwords，herair，bringinghimtoearthagain。"Done？Yes，ifyoubelieveme。"
"Idonot，"sheansweredproudly。"Ifthatbeall，besatisfied，Monsieur。Idonotbelieveyou。"
"Thentellmethis，"heretorted，afteramomentofstunnedsurprise。"Answermethis！Why，ifhewasnotonourside，doyouthinkthatwelethimremainhere？Whydidwesufferhimtostayinasuspectedhouse，bullyingus，annoyingus，thwartingus，takingyourpartfromhourtohour？"
"Hehasasword，Monsieur，"sheansweredwithfinecontempt，"MILLEDIABLES！"hecried，snappinghisfingersinarage。
"Thatforhissword！ItwasbecauseheheldtheCardinal"scommission，Itellyou，becausehehadequalauthoritywithus。
Becausewehadnochoice。"
"Andthatbeingso，Monsieur，whyareyounowbetrayinghim？"
sheasked。Hesworeatthat，feelingthestrokegohome。
"Youmustbemad！"hesaid，glaringather。"CannotyouseethatthemaniswhatItellyou？Lookathim！Lookathim，I
say！Listentohim！Hasheawordtosayforhimself？"
Stillshedidnotlook。
"Itislate，"sherepliedcoldly。"AndIamnotverywell。Ifyouhavedone，quitedone——perhaps，youwillleaveme，Monsieur。"
"MONDIEU！heexclaimed，shrugginghisshoulders，andgrindinghisteethinimpotentrage。Youaremad！Ihavetoldyouthetruth，andyouwillnotbelieveit。Well——onyourheadbeitthen，Mademoiselle。Ihavenomoretosay！Youwillsee。"
Andwiththat，withoutmore，fairlyconqueredbyherstaunchness，hesalutedher，gavethewordtothesergeant，turnedandwentdownthepath。
Thesergeantwentafterhim，thelanthornswayinginhishand。
Andwetwowereleftalone。Thefrogswerecroakinginthepool，abatflewroundincircles；thehouse，thegarden，alllayquietunderthedarkness，asonthenightwhichIfirstcametoit。
AndwouldtoHeavenIhadnevercomethatwasthecryinmyheart。WouldtoHeavenIhadneverseenthiswoman，whosenoblenessandfaithwereacontinualshametome；areproachbrandingmeeveryhourIstoodinherpresencewithallvileandhatefulnames。Themanjustgone，coarse，low-bred，brutalsoldierashewas，manfloggeranddrilling-block，hadyetfoundhearttofeelmybaseness，andwordsinwhichtodenounceit。
What，then，wouldshesay，whenthetruthcamehometoher？WhatshapeshouldItakeinhereyesthen？HowshouldIberememberedthroughalltheyearsthen？
Then？Butnow？Whatwasshethinkingnow，atthismomentasshestoodsilentandabsorbednearthestoneseat，ashadowyfigurewithfaceturnedfromme？Wassherecallingtheman"swords，fittingthemtothefactsandthepast，addingthisandthatcircumstance？Wasshe，thoughshehadrebuffedhiminthebody，collating，nowhewasgone，allthathehadsaid，andoutofthesescrapspiecingtogetherthedamningtruth？Wasshe，forallthatshehadsaid，beginningtoseemeasIwas？Thethoughttorturedme。Icouldbrookuncertaintynolonger。Iwentnearertoherandtouchedhersleeve。
"Mademoiselle，"Isaidinavoicewhichsoundedhoarseandunnaturaleveninmyownears，"doyoubelievethisofme？"
Shestartedviolently，andturned。
"Pardon，Monsieur！"shemurmured，passingherhandoverherbrow；"Ihadforgottenthatyouwerehere。DoIbelievewhat？"
"Whatthatmansaidofme，"Imuttered。
"That！"sheexclaimed。Andthenshestoodamomentgazingatmeinastrangefashion。"DoIbelievethat，Monsieur？Butcome，come！"shecontinuedimpetuously。"Come，andIwillshowyouifIbelieveit。Butnothere。"
Sheturnedasshespoke，andledthewayontheinstantintothehousethroughtheparlourdoor，whichstoodhalfopen。Theroominsidewaspitchdark，butshetookmefearlesslybythehandandledmequicklythroughit，andalongthepassage，untilwecametothecheerfullightedhall，whereagreatfireburnedonthehearth。Alltracesofthesoldiers"occupationhadbeensweptaway。Buttheroomwasempty。
Sheledmetothefire，andthereinthefulllight，nolongerashadowycreature，butred-lipped，brilliant，throbbingwithlifeandbeauty，shestoodoppositeme——hereyesshining，hercolourhigh，herbreastheaving。
"DoIbelieveit？"shesaidinathrillingvoice。"Iwilltellyou。M。deCocheforet"shiding-placeisinthehutbehindthefern-stack，twofurlongsbeyondthevillageontheroadtoAuch。
Youknownowwhatnooneelseknows，heandIandMadameexcepted。Youholdinyourhandshislifeandmyhonour；andyouknowalso，M。deBerault，whetherIbelievethattale。"
"MyGod！"Icried。AndIstoodlookingatheruntilsomethingofthehorrorinmyeyescreptintohers，andsheshudderedandsteppedbackfromme。
"Whatisit？Whatisit？"shewhispered，claspingherhands。
Andwithallthecolourgonesuddenlyfromhercheeksshepeeredtremblingintothecornersandtowardsthedoor。"Thereisnoonehere。"
Iforcedmyselftospeak，thoughIwastremblingalloverlikeamaninanague。"No，Mademoiselle，thereisnoonehere，"I
muttered。"Thereisnoonehere。"AndthenIletmyheadfallonmybreast，andIstoodbeforeher，thestatueofdespair。Hadshefeltagrainofsuspicion，agrainofdoubt，mybearingmusthaveopenedhereyes；buthermindwascastinsonobleamouldthat，havingoncethoughtillofmeandbeenconverted，shecouldfeelnodoubtagain。Shemusttrustallinall。Alittlerecoveredfromherfright，shestoodlookingatmeingreatwonder；andatlastshehadathought——
"Youarenotwell？"shesaidsuddenly。"Itisyouroldwound，Monsieur。NowIhaveit？"
"Yes，Mademoiselle，"Imutteredfaintly，"itis。"
"IwillcallClon！"shecriedimpetuously。Andthen，withasob："Ah！poorClon！Heisgone。ButthereisstillLouis。I
willcallhimandhewillgetyousomething。"
ShewasgonefromtheroombeforeIcouldstopher，andIstoodleaningagainstthetablepossessoratlastofthesecretwhichI
hadcomesofartowin；ableinamomenttoopenthedoorandgooutintothenight，andmakeuseofit——andyetthemostunhappyofmen。Thesweatstoodonmybrow；myeyeswanderedroundtheroom；Iturnedtowardsthedoor，withsomemadthoughtofflight——offlightfromher，fromthehouse，fromeverything；andIhadactuallytakenasteptowardsthis，whenonthedoor，theouterdoor，therecameasuddenhurriedknockingwhichjarredeverynerveinmybody。Istarted，andstopped。Istoodamomentinthemiddleofthefloorgazingatthedoor，asataghost。Then，gladofaction，gladofanythingthatmightrelievethetensionofmyfeelings，Istrodetoitandpulleditsharplyopen。
Onthethreshold，hisflushedfacelitupbythelightbehindme，stoodoneoftheknaveswhomIhadbroughtwithmetoAuch。Hehadbeenrunning，andpantedheavily；buthehadkepthiswits，andtheinstantI，appearedhegraspedmysleeve。
"Ah！Monsieur，theveryman！"hecried。"Quick！comethisinstant，losenotamoment，andyoumayyetbefirst。Theyhavethesecret！ThesoldiershavefoundMonsieur！"
"Foundhim？"Iechoed。"M。deCocheforet？"
"No；buttheyknowtheplacewherehelies。Itwasfoundbyaccident。TheLieutenantwasgatheringhismenwhenIcameaway。
Ifwearequick，wemayyetbefirst。"
"Buttheplace？"Isaid。
"Icouldnothear，"heansweredbluntly。"Wemusthangontheirskirts，andatthelastmomentstrikein。Itistheonlyway，Monsieur。"
ThepairofpistolsIhadtakenfromtheshock-headedmanlayonachestbythedoor。WithoutwaitingformoreIsnatchedthemupandmyhat，andjoinedhim，andinamomentwewererunningdownthegarden。Ilookedbackoncebeforewepassedthegate，andI
sawthelightstreamingoutthroughthedoorwhich。Ihadleftopen；andIfanciedthatforaninstantafiguredarkenedthegap。Butthefancyonlystrengthenedtheonesinglepurpose，theironresolve，whichhadtakenpossessionofmeandallmythoughts。Imustbefirst；ImustanticipatetheLieutenant；I
mustmakethearrestmyself。Imustbefirst。AndIranononlythefaster。
Wewereacrossthemeadowandinthewoodinamoment。There，insteadofkeepingalongthecommonpath，Iboldlysingledout——
mysensesseemedtobepreternaturallykeen——thesmallertrailbywhichClonhadbroughtus。AlongthisIranunfalteringly，avoidinglogsandpitfallsasbyinstinct，andfollowingallitsturnsandtwists，untilwecametothebackoftheinn，andcouldhearthemurmurofsubduedvoicesinthevillagestreet，thesharplowwordofcommand，andtheclinkofweapons；andcouldseeoverandbetweenthehousesthedullglareoflanthornsandtorches。
Igraspedmyman"sarm，andcroucheddownlistening。WhenIhadheardenough，"Whereisyourmate？"Isaidinhisear。
"Withthem，"hemuttered。
"Thencome，"Iwhisperedrising。"IhaveseenwhatIwant。Letusgo。"
Buthecaughtmebythearmanddetainedme。
"Youdon"tknowtheway，"hesaid。"Steady，steady，Monsieur。
Yougotoofast。Theyarejustmoving。Letusjointhem，andstrikeinwhenthetimecomes。Wemustletthemguideus。"
"Fool！"Isaid，shakingoffhishand。"Itellyou，Iknowwhereheis！Iknowwheretheyaregoing。Come，andwewillpluckthefruitwhiletheyareontheroadtoit。"
Hisonlyanswerwasanexclamationofsurprise。Atthatmomentthelightsbegantomove。TheLieutenantwasstarting。Themoonwasnotyetup，theskywasgreyandcloudy；toadvancewherewewerewastostepintoawallofblackness。Butwehadlosttoomuchalready，andIdidnothesitate。Biddingmycompanionfollowmeandusehislegs，Isprangthroughalowfencewhichrosebeforeus；thenstumblingblindlyoversomebrokengroundintherearofthehouses，Icamewithafallortwotoalittlewatercoursewithsteepsides。ThroughthisIplungedrecklesslyandupthefartherside，and，breathlessandpanting，gainedtheroad，beyondthevillage，andfiftyyardsinadvanceoftheLieutenant"stroop。
Theyhadonlytwolanthornsburning，andwewerebeyondthecircleoflightcastbythese；whilethesteadytrampofsomanyfootstepscoveredthenoisewemade。Wewereinnodangerofbeingnoticed，andinatwinklingweturnedourbacks，andasfastaswecouldwerandowntheroad。Fortunately，theywerethinkingmoreofsecrecythanspeed，andinaminutewehaddoubledthedistancebetweenthemandus。Intwominutestheirlightsweremeresparksshininginthegloombehindus。Welosteventhetrampoftheirfeet。ThenIbegantolookoutandgomoreslowly，peeringintotheshadowsoneithersideforthefernstack。