第6章

Ononehandthehillrosesteeply，ontheotheritfellawaytothestream。Onneithersidewasclosewood，ormydifficultieshadbeenimmenselyincreased；butscatteredoaktreesstoodhereandthereamongthebracken。Thishelpedme，andpresently，ontheupperside，Icameuponthedensesubstanceofthestackloomingblackagainstthelighterhill。

Myheartbeatfast，butitwasnotimeforthought。Biddingthemaninawhispertofollowmeandbereadytobackmeup，I

climbedthebanksoftly，and，withapistolinmyhand，feltmywaytotherearofthestack，thinkingtofindahutthere，setagainstthefern，andM。Cocheforetinit。ButIfoundnohut。

Therewasnone；and，moreover，itwassodarknowwewereofftheroad，thatitcameuponmesuddenly，asIstoodbetweenthehillandthestack，thatIhadundertakenaverydifficultthing。Thehutbehindthefernstack。Buthowfarbehind？howfarfromit？

Thedarkslopestretchedaboveus，infinite，immeasurableshroudedinnight。Tobegintoclimbitinsearchofatinyhut，possiblywellhiddenandhardtofindindaylight，seemedanendeavourashopelessastomeetwiththeneedleinthehay！AndnowwhileIstood，chilledanddoubting，almostdespairing，thestepsofthetroopintheroadbegantogrowaudible，begantocomenearer。

"Well，MonsieurleCapitaine？"themanbesidememuttered——inwonderwhyIstood。"Whichway？ortheywillbebeforeusyet。"

Itriedtothink，toreasonitout；toconsiderwherethehutshouldbe；whilethewindsighedthroughtheoaks，andhereandthereIcouldhearanacornfall。Butthethingpressedtoocloseonme；mythoughtswouldnotbehurried，andatlastIsaidataventure，——

"Upthehill。Straightupfromthestack。"

Hedidnotdemur，andweplungedattheascent，knee-deepinbrackenandfurze，sweatingateveryporewithourexertions，andhearingthetroopcomeeverymomentnearerontheroadbelow。

Doubtlesstheyknewexactlywhithertogo！Forcedtostopandtakebreathwhenwehadscrambledupfiftyyardsorso，Isawtheirlanthornsshininglikemovingglow-worms；Icouldevenheartheclinkofsteel。ForallIcouldtell，thehutmightbedownthere，andwebemovingfromit。Butitwastoolatetogobacknow——theywereclosetothefern-stack；andindespairIturnedtothehillagain。AdozenstepsandIstumbled。Iroseandplungedonagain；againstumbled。ThenIfoundthatIwastreadinglevelearth。And——wasitwaterIsawbeforeme，belowme？orsomemirageofthesky？

Neither；andIgrippedmyfellow"sarm，ashecameabreastofme，andstoppedhimsharply。Belowusinthemiddleofasteephollow，apitinthehill-side，alightshoneoutthroughsomeapertureandquiveredonthemist，likethepalelampofamoorlandhobgoblin。Itmadeitselfvisible，displayingnothingelse；awispoflightinthebottomofablackbowl。Yetmyspiritsrosewithagreatboundatsightofit；forIknewthatI

hadstumbledontheplaceIsought。

InthecommonrunofthingsIshouldhaveweighedmynextstepcarefully，andgoneaboutitslowly。Butherewasnoplaceforthought，norroomfordelay；andIsliddownthesideofthehollowontheinstant，andthemomentmyfeettouchedthebottomsprangtothedoorofthelittlehut，whencethelightissued。A

stoneturnedundermyfeetinmyrush，andIfellonmykneesonthethreshold；butthefallonlybroughtmyfacetoalevelwiththefaceofthemanwholayinsideonabedoffern。Hehadbeenreading。StartledbythesoundImade，hedroppedhisbook，andinaflashstretchedouthishandforaweapon。Butthemuzzleofmypistolcoveredhim，hewasnotinaposturefromwhichhecouldspring，andatasharpwordfrommehedroppedhishand；

thetigerishglarewhichflickeredforaninstantinhiseyesgaveplacetoalanguidsmile，andheshruggedhisshoulders。

"EHBIEN！，"hesaidwithmarvellouscomposure。"Takenatlast！

Well，Iwastiredofit。"

"Youaremyprisoner，M。deCocheforet，"Ianswered。"MoveahandandIkillyou。Butyouhavestillachoice。"

"Truly？"hesaid，raisinghiseyebrows。

"Yes。MyordersaretotakeyoutoParisaliveordead。Givemeyourparolethatyouwillmakenoattempttoescape，andyoushallgothitheratyoureaseandasagentleman。Refuse，andI

shalldisarmandbindyou，andyougoasaprisoner。"

"Whatforcehaveyou？"heaskedcurtly。Hestilllayonhiselbow，hiscloakcoveringhim，thelittleMarotinwhichhehadbeenreadingclosetohishand。Buthisquickblackeyes，whichlookedthekeenerforthepallorandthinnessofhisface，rovedceaselesslyoverme，probedthedarknessbehindme，tooknoteofeverything。

"Enoughtocompelyou，Monsieur，"Irepliedsternly；"butthatisnotall。Therearethirtydragoonscomingupthehilltosecureyou，andtheywillmakeyounosuchoffer。Surrendertomebeforetheycome，andgivemeyourparole，andIwilldoallI

canforyourcomfort。Delay，andyoumustfallintotheirhands。

Therecanbenoescape。"

"Youwilltakemyword？"hesaidslowly。

"Giveit，andyoumaykeepyourpistols，M。deCocheforet。"

"Tellmeatleastthatyouarenotalone。"

"Iamnotalone。"

"ThenIgiveit，"hesaidwithasigh。"AndforHeaven"ssakegetmesomethingtoeatandabed。Iamtiredofthispig-sty。

MONDIEU！itisafortnightsinceIsleptbetweensheets。"

"Youshallsleepto-nightinyourownhouse，ifyouplease，"I

answeredhurriedly。"Butheretheycome。Begoodenoughtostaywhereyouareforamoment，andIwillmeetthem。"

Isteppedoutintothedarkness，justastheLieutenant，afterpostinghismenroundthehollow，sliddownwithacoupleofsergeantstomakethearrest。Theplaceroundtheopendoorwaspitch-dark。Hehadnotespiedmyman，whohadlodgedhimselfinthedeepestshadowofthehut，andwhenhesawmecomeoutacrossthelighthetookmeforCocheforet。Inatwinklinghethrustapistolintomyface，andcriedtriumphantly，——"Youaremyprisoner！"whileoneofthesergeantsraisedalanthornandthrewitslightintomyeyes。

"Whatfollyisthis？"Isaidsavagely。

TheLieutenant"sjawfell，andhestoodforamomentparalysedwithastonishment。LessthananhourbeforehehadleftmeattheChateau。Thencehehadcomehitherwiththebriefestdelay；

yethefoundmeherebeforehim。Hesworefearfully，hisfaceblack，hismoustachiosstiffwithrage。

"Whatisthis？Whatisit？"hecried。"Whereistheman？"

"Whatman？"Isaid。

"ThisCocheforet！"heroared，carriedawaybyhispassion。

"Don"tlietome！Heishere，andIwillhavehim！"

"Youaretoolate，"Isaid，watchinghimheedfully。"M。deCocheforetishere，buthehasalreadysurrenderedtome，andismyprisoner。"

"Yourprisoner？"

"Certainly！"Ianswered，facingthemanwithalltheharshnessI

couldmuster。"IhavearrestedhimbyvirtueoftheCardinal"scommissiongrantedtome。AndbyvirtueofthesameIshallkeephim。"

"Youwillkeephim？"

"Ishall！"

Hestaredatmeforamoment，utterlyaghast；thepictureofdefeat。ThenonasuddenIsawhisfacelightenwith，anewidea。

"Itisad——druse！"heshouted，brandishinghispistollikeamadman。"Itisacheatandafraud！ByGod！youhavenocommission！Iseethroughit！Iseethroughitall！Youhavecomehere，andyouhavehocussedus！Youareoftheirside，andthisisyourlastshifttosavehim！"

"Whatfollyisthis？"Isaidcontemptuously。

"Nofollyatall，"heanswered，perfectconvictioninhistone。

"Youhaveplayeduponus。Youhavefooledus。ButIseethroughitnow。AnhouragoIexposedyoutothatfineMadameatthehousethere，andIthoughtitamarvelthatshedidnotbelieveme。Ithoughtitamarvelthatshedidnotseethroughyou，whenyoustoodtherebeforeher，confounded，tongue-tied，arogueconvicted。ButIunderstandnow。Sheknewyou。Shewasintheplot，andyouwereintheplot，andI，whothoughtthatIwasopeninghereyes，wastheonlyonefooled。Butitismyturnnow。Youhaveplayedaboldpartandacleverone，"hecontinued，asinisterlightinhislittleeyes，"andI

congratulateyou。Butitisatanendnow，Monsieur。YoutookusinfinelywithyourtalkofMonseigneur，andhiscommissionandyourcommission，andtherest。ButIamnottobeblindedanylonger——orbullied。Youhavearrestedhim，haveyou？Youhavearrestedhim。Well，byG——，Ishallarresthim，andIshallarrestyoutoo。"

"Youaremad！"Isaidstaggeredasmuchbythisnewviewofthematterasbyhisperfectcertainty。"Mad，Lieutenant。"

"Iwas，"hesnarled。"ButIamsanenow。Iwasmadwhenyouimposeduponus，whenyoupersuadedmetothinkthatyouwerefoolingthewomentogetthesecretoutofthem，whileallthetimeyouwereshelteringthem，protectingthem，aidingthem，andhidinghim——thenIwasmad。Butnotnow。However，Iaskyourpardon。IthoughtyouthecleverestsneakandthedirtiesthoundHeavenevermade。IfindyouareclevererthanIthought，andanhonesttraitor。Yourpardon。"

Oneofthemen，whostoodabouttherimofthebowlaboveus，laughed。IlookedattheLieutenantandcouldwillinglyhavekilledhim。

"MONDIEU！"Isaid——andIwassofuriousinmyturnthatIcouldscarcelyspeak。"DoyousaythatIamanimpostor——thatIdonotholdtheCardinal"scommission？"

"Idosaythat，"heansweredcoolly。

"AndthatIbelongtotherebelparty？"

"Ido，"herepliedinthesametone。"Infact，"withagrin，"I

saythatyouareanhonestmanonthewrongside，M。deBerault。

Andyousaythatyouareascoundrelontheright。Theadvantage，however，iswithme，andIshallbackmyopinionbyarrestingyou。"

Arippleofcoarselaughterranroundthehollow。Thesergeantwhoheldthelanthorngrinned，andatrooperatadistancecalledoutofthedarkness"ABONCHATBONRAT！"Thisbroughtafreshburstoflaughter，whileIstoodspeechless，confoundedbythestubbornness，thecrassness，theinsolenceoftheman。"Youfool！"Icriedatlast，"youfool！"AndthenM。deCocheforet，whohadcomeoutofthehutandtakenhisstandatmyelbow，interruptedme。

"Pardonmeonemoment，"hesaid，airily，lookingattheLieutenantwithraisedeyebrowsandpointingtomewithhisthumb，"butIampuzzledbetweenyou。Thisgentleman"sname？IsitdeBeraultordeBarthe？"

"IamM。deBerault，"Isaid，brusquely，answeringformyself。

"OfParis？"

"Yes，Monsieur，ofParis。"

"Youarenot，then，thegentlemanwhohasbeenhonouringmypoorhousewithhispresence？"

"Oh，yes！"theLieutenantstruckin，grinning。"Heisthatgentleman，too。"

"ButIthought——IunderstoodthatthatwasM。deBarthe！"

"IamM。deBarthe，also，"Iretortedimpatiently。"Whatofthat，Monsieur？Itwasmymother"sname。ItookitwhenIcamedownhere。"

"To——er——toarrestme，mayIask？"

"Yes，"Isaid，doggedly；"toarrestyou。Whatofthat？"

"Nothing，"herepliedslowlyandwithasteadylookatme——alookIcouldnotmeet。"Exceptthat，hadIknownthisbefore，M。deBeraultIshouldhavethoughtlongerbeforeIsurrenderedtoyou。"

TheLieutenantlaughed，andIfeltmycheekburn；butIaffectedtoseenothing，andturnedtohimagain。"Now，Monsieur，"I

said，"areyousatisfied？"

"No，"heanswered？"Iamnot！Youtwomayhaverehearsedthisprettysceneadozentimes。Theword，itseemstome，is——Quickmarch，backtoquarters。"

AtlengthIfoundmyselfdriventoplaymylastcard；muchagainstmywill。

"Notso，"Isaid。"Ihavemycommission。"

"Produceit！"herepliedincredulously。

"DoyouthinkthatIcarryitwithme？"Icriedinscorn。"DoyouthinkthatwhenIcamehere，alone，andnotwithfiftydragoonsatmyback，IcarriedtheCardinal"ssealinmypocketforthefirstlackeytofind。Butyoushallhaveit。Whereisthatknaveofmine？"

Thewordswerescarcelyoutofmymouthbeforeareadyhandthrustapaperintomyfingers。Iopeneditslowly，glancedatit，andamidapauseofsurprisegaveittotheLieutenant。Helookedforamomentconfounded。Then，withalastinstinctofsuspicion，hebadethesergeantholdupthelanthorn；andbyitslightheproceededtospellthroughthedocument。

"Umph！"heejaculatedwithanuglylookwhenhehadcometotheend，"Isee。"Andhereaditaloud：——

"BYTHESEPRESENTS，ICOMMANDANDEMPOWER

GILLESDEBERAULT，SIERDEBERAULT，TO

SEEKFOR，HOLD，ANDARREST，ANDDELIVER

TOTHEGOVERNOROFTHEBASTILLETHEBODY

OFHENRIDECOCHEFORET，ANDTODOALL

ACTSANDTHINGSASSHALLBENECESSARY

TOEFFECTSUCHARRESTANDDELIVERY，FOR

WHICHTHESESHALLBEHISWARRANT。

（Signed）THECARDINALDERICHELIEU。"

Whenhehaddone——hereadthesignaturewithapeculiarintonation——someonesaidsoftly，"VIVELEROI！"andtherewasamoment"ssilence。Thesergeantloweredhislanthorn。"Isitenough？"Isaidhoarsely，glaringfromfacetoface。

TheLieutenantbowedstiffly。

"Forme？"hesaid。"Quite，Monsieur。Ibegyourpardonagain。

Ifindthatmyfirstimpressionswerethecorrectones。

Sergeant！givethegentlemanhispapers！"and，turninghisshoulderrudely，hetossedthecommissiontothesergeant，whogaveittome，grinning。

Iknewthattheclownwouldnotfight，andhehadhismenroundhim；andIhadnochoicebuttoswallowtheinsult。Iputthepaperinmybreast，withasmuchindifferenceasIcouldassume；

andasIdidso，hegaveasharporder。Thetroopersbegantoformontheedgeabove；themenwhohaddescendedtoclimbthebankagain。

Asthegroupbehindhimbegantoopenandmeltaway，Icaughtsightofawhiterobeinthemiddleofit。Thenextmoment，appearingwithasuddennesswhichwaslikeablowonthecheektome，MademoiselledeCocheforetglidedforwardtowardsme。Shehadahoodonherhead，drawnlow；andforamomentIcouldnotseeherface，Iforgotherbrother"spresenceatmyelbow，I

forgototherthings，and，fromhabitandimpulseratherthancalculation，Itookastepforwardtomeether；thoughmytonguecleavedtotheroofofmymouth，andIwasdumbandtrembling。

Butsherecoiledwithsuchalookofwhitehate，ofstaring，frozen-eyedabhorrence，thatIsteppedbackasifshehadindeedstruckme。Itdidnotneedthewordswhichaccompaniedthelook——the"DONOTTOUCHME！"whichshehissedatmeasshedrewherskirtstogether——todrivemetothefartheredgeofthehollow；

whereIstoodwithclenchedteeth，andnailsdrivenintotheflesh，whileshehung，sobbingtearlesssobs，onherbrother"sneck。

CHAPTERXII

THEROADTOPARIS

IrememberhearingMarshalBassompierre，who，ofallthemenwithinmyknowledge，hadthewidestexperience，saythatnotdangersbutdiscomfortsproveamanandshowwhatheis；andthattheworstsoresinlifearecausedbycrumpledrose-leavesandnotbythorns。

Iaminclinedtothinkhimright，forIrememberthatwhenIcamefrommyroomonthemorningafterthearrest，andfoundhallandparlourandpassageempty，andallthecommonroomsofthehousedeserted，andnomeallaid；andwhenIdivinedanewfromthisdiscoverythefeelingofthehousetowardsme——howevernaturalandtobeexpected——IrememberthatIfeltassharpapangaswhen，thenightbefore，Ihadhadtofacediscoveryandopenrageandscorn。Istoodinthesilent，emptyparlour，andlookedonthefamiliarthingswithasenseofdesolation，ofsomethinglostandgone，whichIcouldnotunderstand。Themorningwasgreyandcloudy，theairsharp，ashowerwasfalling。Therose-bushesoutsideswayedinthewind，andinside，whereIcouldrememberthehotsunshinelyingonfloorandtable，therainbeatinandstainedtheboards。Theinnerdoorflappedandcreakedonitshinges。IthoughtofotherdaysandofmealsIhadtakenthere，andofthescentofflowers；andIfledtothehallindespair。

Buthere，too，werenosignsoflifeorcompany，nocomfort，noattendance。Theashesofthelogs，bywhoseblazeMademoisellehadtoldmethesecret，layonthehearthwhiteandcoldfitemblemofthechangethathadtakenplace；andnowandthenadropofmoisture，slidingdownthegreatchimney，patteredamongthem。Themaindoorstoodopen，asifthehousehadnolongeranythingtoguard。Theonlylivingthingtobeseenwasahoundwhichroamedaboutrestlessly，nowgazingattheemptyhearthnowlyingdownwithprickedcarsandwatchfuleyes。Someleaves，whichhadbeenblowninbythewind，rustledinacorner。

Iwentoutmoodilyintothegardenandwandereddownonepathandupanother，lookingatthedrippingwoods，andrememberingthings，untilIcametothestoneseat。Onit，againstthewall，tricklingwithraindrops，andwithadeadleafhalffillingitsnarrowneck，stoodthepitcheroffood。IthoughthowmuchhadhappenedsinceMademoiselletookherhandfromitandthesergeant"slanthorndisclosedittome；and，sighinggrimly，I

wentinagainthroughtheparlourdoor。

Awomanwasonherknees，onthehearthkindlingthebelatedfire。Shehadherbacktome，andIstoodamomentlookingatherdoubtfully，wonderinghowshewouldbearherselfandwhatshewouldsaytome。Thensheturned，andIstartedback，cryingouthernameinhorror——foritwasMadame！MadamedeCocheforet！

Shewasplainlydressed，andherchildishfacewaswanandpiteouswithweeping；buteitherthenighthadwornoutherpassionanddrainedhertears，orsomegreatexigencyhadgivenhertemporarycalmness，forshewasperfectlycomposed。Sheshiveredashereyesmetmine，andsheblinkedasifabrightlighthadbeensuddenlythrustbeforeher；butthatwasall，andsheturnedagaintohertaskwithoutspeaking。

"Madame！Madame！"Icriedinafrenzyofdistress。"Whatisthis？"

"Theservantswouldnotdoit，"sheansweredinalowbutsteadyvoice。"Youarestillourguest，Monsieur。"

"ButIcannotsufferit！"Icried。"MadamedeCocheforet，I

willnot——"

Sheraisedherhandwithastrangepatientexpressioninherface。

"Hush！please，"shesaid。"Hush！youtroubleme。"

Thefireblazedupasshespoke，andsheroseslowlyfromit，andwithalingeringlookatitwentout，leavingmetostandandstareandlisteninthemiddleofthefloor。PresentlyIheardhercomingbackalongthepassage，andsheenteredbearingatraywithwineandmeatandbread。Shesetitdownonthetable，andwiththesamewanface，tremblingalwaysonthevergeoftears，shebegantolayoutthethings。Theglassesclinkedfitfullyagainsttheplatesasshehandledthem；theknivesjarredwithoneanother。AndIstoodby，tremblingmyself；andenduredthisstrangekindofpenance。

Shesignedtomeatlasttositdown；andshewentherself，andstoodinthegardendoorwaywithherbacktome。Iobeyed。I

satdown。ButthoughIhadeatennothingsincetheafternoonofthedaybefore，Icouldnotswallow。Ifumbledwithmyknife，anddrank；andgrewhotandangryatthisfarce；andthenlookedthroughthewindowatthedrippingbushes，andtherainandthedistantsundial——andgrewcoldagain。

Suddenlysheturnedroundandcametomyside。"Youdonoteat，"

shesaid。

Ithrewdownmyknife，andsprangupinafrenzyofpassion。

"MONDIEU！Madame，"Icried，"doyouthinkthatIhaveNO

heart？"

AndtheninamomentIknewwhatIhaddone，whatafollyIhadcommitted。Forinamomentshewasonherkneesonthefloor，claspingmyknees，pressingherwetcheekstomyroughclothes，cryingtomeformercy——forlife！life！hislife！Oh，itwashorrible！Itwashorribletohearhergaspingvoice，toseeherfairhairfallingovermymud-stainedboots，tomarkherslenderlittleformconvulsedwithsobs，tofeelthatitwasawoman，agentlewoman，whothusabasedherselfatmyfeet！

"Oh，Madame！Madame！"Icriedinmypain，"Ibegyoutorise。

Rise，orImustgo！"

"Hislife！onlyhislife！"shemoanedpassionately。"Whathadhedonetoyou——thatyoushouldhunthimdown？whathavewedonetoyouthatyoushouldslayus？Oh！havemercy！Havemercy！

Lethimgo，andwewillprayforyou，Iandmysisterwillprayforyou，everymorningandnightofourlives。"

Iwasinterrorlestsomeoneshouldcomeandseeherlyingthere，andIstoopedandtriedtoraiseher。Butsheonlysankthelower，untilhertenderlittlehandstouchedtherowelsofmyspurs。Idarednotmove，AtlastItookasuddenresolution。

"Listen，then，Madame！"Isaidalmoststernly，"ifyouwillnotrise。Youforgeteverything，bothhowIstand，andhowsmallmypoweris！YouforgetthatifIweretoreleaseyourhusbandto-

dayhewouldbeseizedwithinthehourbythosewhoarestillinthevillageandwhoarewatchingeveryroad——whohavenotceasedtosuspectmymovementsandmyintentions。Youforget，Isaymycircumstances——"

Shecutmeshortonthatword。Shesprangtoherfeetandfacedme。OnemomentmoreandIshouldhavesaidsomethingtothepurpose。Butatthatwordshestoodbeforeme，white，breathless，dishevelled，strugglingforspeech。

"Oh，yes，yes！"shepantedeagerly。"Iknow——Iknow！"Andshethrustherhandintoherbosomandpluckedsomethingoutandgaveittome——forcedituponme。"Iknow——Iknow！"shesaidagain。

"Takeit，andGodrewardyou，Monsieur！Godrewardyou！Wegiveitfreely——freelyandthankfully！"

Istoodandlookedatherandit；andslowlyIfroze。Shehadgivenmethepacket——thepacketIhadrestoredtoMademoiselle——

theparcelofjewels。Iweigheditinmyhands，andmyheartgrewhardagain，forIknewthatthiswasMademoiselle"sdoing；

thatitwasshewho，mistrustingtheeffectofMadame"stearsandprayers，hadarmedherwiththislastweapon——thisdirtybribe。

Iflungitdownonthetableamongtheplates。

"Madame！"Icriedruthlessly，allmypitychangedtoanger，"youmistakemealtogether！Ihaveheardhardwordsenoughinthelasttwenty-fourhours，andIknowwhatyouthinkofme！ButyouhaveyettolearnthatIhaveneverdoneonething。Ihaveneverturnedtraitortothehandthatemployedme，norsoldmyownside！WhenIdosoforatreasuretentimestheworthofthat，maymyhandrotoff！"

Shesankonaseatwithamoanofdespair；andpreciselyatthatmomentM。deCocheforetopenedthedoorandcamein。OverhisshoulderIhadaglimpseofMademoiselle"sproudface，alittlewhiterthanofyore，withdarkmarksundertheeyes，butlikeSatan"sforcoldness。

"Whatisthis？"hesaid，frowning，ashiseyeslightedonMadame。

"Itis——thatwestartateleveno"clock，Monsieur，"Ianswered，bowingcurtly。AndIwentoutbytheotherdoor……

ThatImightnotbepresentattheirpartingIremainedinthegardenuntilthehourIhadappointedwaswellpast；andthen，withoutenteringthehouse，Iwenttothestableentrance。HereIfoundallinreadiness，thetwotrooperswhosecompanyIhadrequisitionedasfarasAuch，alreadyinthesaddle，myowntwoknaveswaitingwithmysorrelandM。deCocheforet"schestnut。

AnotherhorsewasbeingledupanddownbyLouis，and，alas！myheartmovedatthesight，foritborealady"ssaddle。Weweretohavecompanythen。WasitMadamewhomeanttocomewithus，orMademoiselle？Andhowfar？ToAuch？

Isupposethattheyhadsetsomekindofawatchonme，forasI

walkedupM。deCocheforetandhissistercameoutofthehouse；

hewithapalefaceandbrighteyes，andatwitchingvisibleinhischeek——thoughhestillaffectedajauntybearing；shewearingablackmask。

"Mademoiselleaccompaniesus？"Isaidformally。

"Withyourpermission，Monsieur，"heansweredwithbitterpoliteness。ButIsawthathewaschokingwithemotion；hehadjustpartedfromhiswife，andIturnedaway。

Whenwewereallmountedhelookedatme。

"Perhaps——asyouhavemyparole，youwillpermitmetoridealone？"hesaidwithalittlehesitation。"And——"

"Withoutme！"Irejoinedkeenly。"Assuredly，sofarasispossible。"

AccordinglyIdirectedthetrooperstoridebeforehim，keepingoutofearshot，whilemytwomenfollowedhimatalittledistancewiththeircarbinesontheirknees。Lastofall，Irodemyselfwithmyeyesopenandapistollooseinmyholster。M。deCocheforetmutteredasneeratsomanyprecautionsandthemountainmadeofhisrequest；butIhadnotdonesomuchandcomesofar，Ihadnotfacedscornandinsultstobecheatedofmyprizeatlast；andawarethatuntilwewerebeyondAuchtheremustbehourlyandpressingdangerofarescue，Iwasdeterminedthathewhoshouldwrestmyprisonerfrommeshouldpaydearlyforit。Onlypride，and，perhaps，inadegreealso，appetiteforafight，hadpreventedmeborrowingtentroopersinsteadoftwo。

AswaswontIlookedwithalingeringeyeandmanymemoriesatthelittlebridge，thenarrowwoodlandpath，thefirstroofsofthevillage；allnowfamiliar，allseenforthelasttime。Upthebrookapartyofsoldiersweredraggingforthecaptain"sbody。Afurlongfartheron，acottage，burnedbysomecarelessnessinthenight，layaheapofblackashes。Louisranbesideusweeping；thelastbrownleavesfluttereddowninshowers。Andbetweenmyeyesandall，theslowsteadyrainfellandfell。AndsoIleftCocheforet。

Louiswentwithustoapointamilebeyondthevillage，andtherestoodandsawusgo，cursingmefuriouslyasIpassed。

Lookingbackwhenwehadriddenon，Istillsawhimstanding，andafteramoment"shesitationIrodebacktohim。

"Listen，fool！"Isaid，cuttinghimshortinthemidstofhismowingandsnarling，"andgivethismessagetoyourmistress。

TellherfrommethatitwillbewithherhusbandasitwaswithM。deRegnier，whenhefellintothehandsofhisenemy——nobetterandnoworse。"

"Youwanttokillher，too，Isuppose？"heansweredgloweringatme。

"No，fool，Iwanttosaveher，"Iretortedwrathfully。"Tellherthat，justthatandnomore，andyouwillseetheresult。"

"Ishallnot，"hesaidsullenly。"Amessagefromyouindeed！"

Andhespatontheground。

"Thenonyourheadbeit，"Iansweredsolemnly，AndIturnedmyhorse"sheadandgallopedfastaftertheothers。ButIfeltsurethathewouldreportwhatIhadsaid，ifitwereonlyoutofcuriosity；anditwouldbestrangeifMadame，agentlewomanofthesouth，bredamongoldfamilytraditions，didnotunderstandthereference。

Andsowebeganourjourney；sadly，underdrippingtreesandaleadensky。ThecountrywehadtotraversewasthesameIhadtroddenonthelastdayofmymarchsouthwards，butthepassageofamonthhadchangedthefaceofeverything。Greendells，wherespringswellingoutofthechalkhadoncemadeoftheleafybottomafairies"home，strewnwithdelicatefernsandhungwithmosses，werenowswampsintowhichourhorsessanktothefetlock。Sunnybrews，whenceIhadviewedthechampaignandtracedmyforwardpath，hadbecomebare，wind-sweptridges。Thebeechwoodsthathadglowedwithruddylightwerenakednow；mereblacktrunksandrigidarmspointingtoheaven。Anearthysmellfilledtheair；ahundredpacesawayawallofmistclosedtheview。Weploddedonsadlyuphillanddownhill，nowfordingbrooks，alreadystainedwithflood-water，nowcrossingbarrenheaths。Butuphillordownhill，whatevertheoutlook，IwasneverpermittedtoforgetthatIwasthejailor，theogre，thevillain；thatI，ridingbehindinmyloneliness，wastheblightonall——thedeath-spot。True，Iwasbehindtheothers——Iescapedtheireyes。ButtherewasnotalineofMademoiselle"sfigurethatdidnotspeakscorntome；notaturnofheadthatdidnotseemtosay，"Oh，God，thatsuchathingshouldbreathe。"

Ihadonlyspeechwithheronceduringtheday，andthatwasonthelastridgebeforewewentdownintothevalleytoclimbupagaintoAuch。Therainhadceased；thesun，nearitssetting，shonefaintly；forafewmomentswestoodonthebrowandlookedsouthwardswhilewebreathedthehorses。Themistlaylikeapallonthecountrywehadtraversed；butbeyondandaboveit，gleamingpearl-likeinthelevelrays，thelineofthemountainsstooduplikealandofenchantment，soft，radiant，wonderful！——

orlikeoneofthosecastlesontheHillofGlassofwhichtheoldromancestellus。Iforgotforaninstanthowwewereplaced，andIcriedtomyneighbourthatitwasthefairestpageantIhadeverseen。

She——itwasMademoiselle，andshehadtakenoffhermask——castonelookatmeinanswer；onlyone，butitconveyeddisgustandloathingsounspeakablethatscornbesidethemwouldhavebeenagift。Ireinedinmyhorseasifshehadstruckme，andfeltmyselfgofirsthotandthencoldunderhereyes。Thenshelookedanotherway。

ButIdidnotforgetthelesson；andafterthatIavoidedhermoresedulouslythanbefore。WelaythatnightatAuch，andI

gaveM。deCocheforettheutmostliberty，evenpermittinghimtogooutandreturnathiswill。Inthemorning，believingthatonthefarthersideofAuchweranlittleriskofattack，I

dismissedthetwodragoons，andanhouraftersunrisewesetoutagain。Thedaywasdryandcold，theweathermorepromising。I

proposedtogobywayofLectoure，crossingtheGaronneatAgen；

andIthoughtthat，withroadscontinuallyimprovingaswemovednorthwards，weshouldbeabletomakegoodprogressbeforenight。

Mytwomenrodefirst，Icamelastbymyself。

OurwaylaydownthevalleyoftheGers，underpoplarsandbylongrowsofwillows，andpresentlythesuncameoutandwarmedus。Unfortunatelytherainofthedaybeforehadswollenthebrookswhichcrossedourpath，andwemorethanoncehadadifficultyinfordingthem。NoonfounduslittlemorethanhalfwaytoLectoure，andIwasgrowingeachminutemoreimpatientwhenourroad，whichhadforalittlewhilelefttheriverbank，droppeddowntoitagain，andIsawbeforeusanothercrossing，halffordhalfslough。Mymentrieditgingerlyandgavebackandtrieditagaininanotherplace；andfinally，justasMademoiselleandherbrothercameuptothem，flounderedthroughandsprangslantwiseupthefartherbank。

Thedelayhadbeenlongenoughtobringme，withnogoodwillofmyown，closeupontheCocheforets。Mademoiselle"shorsemadealittlebusinessoftheplace，andintheresultweenteredthewateralmosttogether；andIcrossedcloseonherheels。Thebankoneithersidewassteep；whilecrossingwecouldseeneitherbeforenorbehind。ButatthemomentIthoughtnothingofthisnorofherdelay；andIwasfollowingherquiteatmyleisureandpickingmyway，whenthesuddenreportofacarbine，asecondreport，andayellofalarminfrontthrilledmethrough。

Ontheinstant，whilethesoundwasstillinmyears，Isawitall。Likeahotironpiercingmybrainthetruthflashedintomymind。Wewereattacked！Wewereattacked，andIwasherehelplessinthispit，thistrap！ThelossofasecondwhileI

fumbledhere，Mademoiselle"shorsebarringtheway，mightbefatal。

Therewasbutoneway。Iturnedmyhorsestraightatthesteepbank，andhebreastedit。Onemomenthehungasifhemustfallback。Then，withasnortofterrorandadesperatebound，hetoppedit，andgainedthelevel，tremblingandsnorting。

Seventypacesawayontheroadlayoneofmymen。Hehadfallen，horseandman，andlaystill。Nearhim，withhisbackagainstabank，stoodhisfellow，onfoot，pressedbyfourhorsemen，andshouting。Asmyeyelightedonthesceneheletflywithacarbine，anddroppedone。Iclutchedapistolfrommyholsterandseizedmyhorsebythehead。Imightsavethemanyet，I

shoutedtohimtoencouragehim，andwasdrivinginmyspurstosecondmyvoice，whenasuddenviciousblow，swiftandunexpected，struckthepistolfrommyhand。

Imadeasnatchatitasitfell，butmissedit，andbeforeI

couldrecovermyself，Mademoisellethrustherhorsefuriouslyagainstmine，andwithherriding-whiplashedthesorrelacrosstheears。Asthehorserearedupmadly，Ihadaglimpseofhereyesflashinghatethroughhermask；ofherhandagainuplifted；

thenextmoment，Iwasdownintheroad，ingloriouslyunhorsed，thesorrelwasgallopingaway，andherhorse，scaredinitsturn，wasplungingunmanageablyascoreofpacesfromme。

ButforthatIthinkthatshewouldhavetrampledonme。Asitwas，Iwasfreetorise，anddraw，andinatwinklingwasrunningtowardsthefighters。Allhadhappenedinafewseconds。Mymanwasstilldefendinghimself，thesmokeofthecarbinehadscarcelyrisen。Isprangacrossafallentreethatintervened，andatthesamemomenttwoofthemendetachedthemselvesandrodetomeetme。One，whomItooktobetheleader，wasmasked。

Hecamefuriouslyatmetoridemedown，butIleapedasidenimbly，and，evadinghim，rushedattheother，andscaringhishorse，sothathedroppedhispoint，cuthimacrosstheshoulder，beforehecouldguardhimself。Heplungedaway，cursingandtryingtoholdinhishorse，andIturnedtomeetthemaskedman。

"Youvillain！"hecried，ridingatmeagain。ThistimehemanoeuvredhishorsesoskilfullythatIwashardputtoittopreventhimknockingmedown；whileIcouldnotwithallmyeffortsreachhimtohurthim。"Surrender，willyou？"hecried，"youbloodhound！"

Iwoundedhimslightlyinthekneeforanswer；beforeIcoulddomorehiscompanioncameback，andthetwosetuponme，slashingatmyheadsofuriouslyandtoweringabovemewithsogreatanadvantagethatitwasallIcoulddotoguardit。Iwassoongladtofallbackagainstthebank。Inthissortofconflictmyrapierwouldhavebeenoflittleuse，butfortunatelyIhadarmedmyselfbeforeIleftPariswithacut-and-thrustswordfortheroad；andthoughmymasteryoftheweaponwasnotonaparwithmyrapierplay，Iwasabletofendofftheircuts，andbyanoccasionalprickkeepthehorsesatadistance。Still，theysworeandcutatme；anditwastryingwork。Alittledelaymightenabletheothermantocometotheirhelp，orMademoiselle，forallIknew，mightshootmewithmyownpistol。

Iwasunfeignedlygladwhenaluckyparadesentthemaskedman"sswordflyingacrosstheroad。Onthathepushedhishorserecklesslyatme，spurringitwithoutmercy；buttheanimal，whichIhadseveraltimestouched，rearedupinstead，andthrewhimattheverymomentthatIwoundedhiscompanionasecondtimeinthearm，andmadehimgiveback。

Thescenewasnowchanged。Themaninthemaskstaggeredtohisfeet，andfeltstupidlyforapistol。Buthecouldnotfindone，andhewasinnostatetouseitifhehad。Hereeledhelplesslytothebankandleanedagainstit。ThemanIhadwoundedwasinscarcelybettercondition。Heretreatedbeforeme，butinamoment，losingcourage，letdrophissword，and，wheelinground，canteredoff，clingingtohispommel。Thereremainedonlythefellowengagedwithmyman，andIturnedtoseehowtheyweregettingon。Theywerestandingtotakebreath，soIrantowardsthem；butonseeingmecoming，thisrascal，too，whippedroundhishorseanddisappearedinthewood，andleftusvictors。

ThefirstthingIdid——andIrememberittothisdaywithpleasure——wastoplungemyhandintomypocket，takeouthalfofallthemoneyIhadintheworld，andpressitonthemanwhohadfoughtformesostoutly。InmyjoyIcouldhavekissedhim！ItwasnotonlythatIhadescapeddefeatbytheskinofmyteeth——

andhisgoodsword；butIknew，andfelt，andthrilledwiththeknowledge，thatthefighthad，inasense，redeemedmycharacter。

Hewaswoundedintwoplaces，andIhadascratchortwo，andhadlostmyhorse；andmyotherpoorfellowwasdeadasaherring。

But，speakingformyself，IwouldhavespenthalfthebloodinmybodytopurchasethefeelingwithwhichIturnedbacktospeaktoM。deCocheforetandhissister。Mademoisellehaddismounted，andwithherfaceavertedandhermaskpushedononeside，wasopenlyweeping。Herbrother，whohadfaithfullykepthisplacebythefordfromthebeginningofthefighttotheend，metmewithraisedeyebrowsandapeculiarsmile。

"Acknowledgemyvirtue，"hesaidairily。"Iamhere，M。deBerault；whichismorethancanbesaidofthetwogentlemenwhohavejustriddenoff。"

"Yes，"Iansweredwithatouchofbitterness。"Iwishthattheyhadnotshotmypoormanbeforetheywent。"

Heshruggedhisshoulders。

"Theyweremyfriends，"hesaid。"Youmustnotexpectmetoblamethem。Butthatisnotall，M。deBerault。"

"No，"Isaid，wipingmysword。"Thereisthisgentlemaninthemask。"AndIturnedtogotowardshim。

"M。deBerault！"Cocheforetcalledafterme，histonestrainedandabrupt。

Istood。"Pardon？"Isaid，turning，"Thatgentleman？"hesaid，hesitatingandlookingatmedoubtfully。"Haveyouconsideredwhatwillhappentohimifyougivehimuptotheauthorities？"

"Whoishe？"Iaskedsharply。

"Thatisratheradelicatequestion，"heansweredfrowning。

"Notforme，"Irepliedbrutally，"sinceheisinmypower。IfhewilltakeoffhismaskIshallknowbetterwhatIintendtodowithhim。"

Thestrangerhadlosthishatinhisfall，andhisfairhair，stainedwithdust，hungincurlsonhisshoulders。Hewasatallman，ofaslender，handsomepresence，and，thoughhisdresswasplainandalmostrough，Iespiedasplendidjewelonhishand，andfanciedthatIdetectedothersignsofhighquality。Hestilllayagainstthebankinahalf-swooningcondition，andseemedunconsciousofmyscrutiny。

"ShouldIknowhimifheunmasked？"Isaidsuddenly，anewideainmyhead。

"Youwould，"M。deCocheforetanswered。

"And？"

"Itwouldbebadforeveryone。"

"Ho！ho！"Irepliedsoftly，lookinghardfirstatmyoldprisoner，andthenatmynewone。"Then——whatdoyouwishmetodo？"

"Leavehimhere！"M。deCocheforetanswered，hisfaceflushed，thepulseinhischeekbeating。

Ihadknownhimforamanofperfecthonourbefore，andtrustedhim。Butthisevidentearnestanxietyonbehalfofhisfriendtouchedmenotalittle。Besides，IknewthatIwastreadingonslipperyground：thatitbehovedmetobecareful。

"Iwilldoit，"Isaidafteramoment"sreflection。"Hewillplaymenotricks，Isuppose？Aletterof——"

"MONDIEU，no！Hewillunderstand，"Cocheforetansweredeagerly。

"Youwillnotrepentit。Letusbegoing。"

"Well，butmyhorse？"Isaid，somewhattakenabackbythisextremehaste。"HowamIto——"

"Weshallovertakeit，"heassuredme。"Itwillhavekepttheroad。Lectoureisnomorethanaleaguefromhere，andwecangiveorderstheretohavethesetwofetchedandburied。"

Ihadnothingtogainbydemurring，andso，afteranotherwordortwo，itwasarranged。Wepickedupwhatwehaddropped，M。deCocheforethelpedhissistertomount，andwithinfiveminutesweweregone。CastingaglancebackfromtheskirtsofthewoodI

fanciedthatIsawthemaskedmanstraightenhimselfandturntolookafterus，buttheleaveswerebeginningtointervene，thedistancemayhavecheatedme。AndyetIwasnotindisposedtothinktheunknownatriflemoreobservant，andalittlelessseriouslyhurt，thanheseemed。

CHAPTERXIII

ATTHEFINGER-POST

Throughall，itwillhavebeennoticed，Mademoisellehadnotspokentome，norsaidoneword，goodorbad。Shehadplayedherpartgrimly，hadtakendefeatinsilenceifwithtears，hadtriedneitherprayernordefencenorapology。Andthefactthatthefightwasnowover，andthesceneleftbehind，madenodifferenceinherconduct。Shekeptherfacestudiouslyturnedfromme，andaffectedtoignoremypresence。Icaughtmyhorsefeedingbytheroadside，afurlongforward，andmountedandfellintoplacebehindthetwo，asinthemorning。Andjustaswehadploddedontheninsilenceweploddedonnow；almostasifnothinghadhappened；whileIwonderedattheunfathomablewaysofwomen，andmarvelledthatshecouldtakepartinsuchanincidentandremainunchanged。

Yet，thoughshestrovetohideit，ithadmadeachangeinher。

Thoughhermaskservedherwellitcouldnotentirelyhideheremotions；andby-and-byImarkedthatherheaddrooped，thatsherodelistlessly，thatthelinesofherfigurewerealtered。I

noticedthatshehadflungaway，orfurtivelydropped，herriding-whip；andIbegantounderstandthat，farfromthefighthavingsetmeinmyformerplace，totheoldhatredofmewerenowaddedshameandvexationonherownaccount；shamethatshehadsoloweredherself，eventosaveherbrother，vexationthatdefeathadbeenheronlyreward。

OfthisIsawasignatLectoure，wheretheinnhadbutonecommonroomandwemustalldineincompany。Isecuredforthematablebythefire，andleavingthemstandingbyit，retiredmyselftoasmalleronenearthedoor。Therewerenootherguests；whichmadetheseparationbetweenusmoremarked。M。deCocheforetseemedtofeelthis。Heshruggedhisshouldersandlookedacrosstheroomatmewithasmilehalfsadhalfcomical。

ButMademoisellewasimplacable。Shehadtakenoffhermask，andherfacewaslikestone。Once，onlyonceduringthemeal，Isawachangecomeoverher。Shecoloured，Isupposeatherthoughts，untilherfaceflamedfrombrowtochin。Iwatchedtheblushspreadandspread；andthensheslowlyandproudlyturnedhershouldertomeandlookedthroughthewindowattheshabbystreet。

Isupposethatsheandherbrotherhadbothbuiltonthisattempt，whichmusthavebeenarrangedatAuch。Forwhenwewentonintheafternoon，Imarkedachangeinthem。Theyrodelikepeopleresignedtotheworst。Thegreyrealitiesoftheposition，thedrearyfuturebegantohanglikeamistbeforetheireyes，begantotingethelandscapewithsadness，robbedeventhesunsetofitscolours。WitheachhourMonsieur"sspiritsflaggedandhisspeechbecamelessfrequent；untilpresentlywhenthelightwasnearlygoneandtheduskwasroundusthebrotherandsisterrodehandinhand，silent，gloomy，oneatleastofthemweeping。ThecoldshadowoftheCardinal，ofParis，ofthescaffoldfellonthem，andchilledthem。Asthemountainswhichtheyhadknownalltheirlivessankandfadedbehindus，andweenteredonthewide，lowvalleyoftheGaronne，theirhopessankandfadedalso——sanktothedeadlevelofdespair。Surroundedbyguards，amarkforcuriousglances，withprideforacompanion，M。deCocheforetcouldhavebornehimselfbravely；doubtlesswouldbearhimselfbravelystillwhentheendcame。Butalmostalone，movingforwardthroughthegreyeveningtoaprison，withsomanymeasureddaysbeforehim，andnothingtoexhilarateoranger——inthisconditionitwaslittlewonderifhefelt，andbetrayedthathefelt，thebloodrunslowinhisveins；ifhethoughtmoreoftheweepingwifeandruinedhomewhichhehadleftbehindhimthanofthecauseinwhichhehadspenthimself。

ButGodknows，theyhadnomonopolyofgloom。Ifeltalmostassadmyself。Longbeforesunsettheflushoftriumph，theheatofbattle，whichhadwarmedmyheartatnoon，weregone，givingplacetoachilldissatisfaction，anausea，adespondencysuchasIhaveknownfollowalongnightatthetables。Hithertotherehadbeendifficultiestobeovercome，riskstoberun，doubtsabouttheend。Nowtheendwascertainandverynear；sonearthatitfilledalltheprospect。OnehouroftriumphImighthave，andwouldhave，andIhuggedthethoughtofitasagamblerhugshislaststake，planningtheplaceandtimeandmode，andtryingtooccupymyselfwhollywithit。Buttheprice？Alas！

thattoowouldintrudeitself，andmorefrequentlyastheeveningwaned；sothatasImarkedthisorthatthingbytheroad，whichIcouldrecallpassingonmyjourneysouthwiththoughtssodifferent，withplansthatnowseemedsovery，veryold，IaskedmyselfgrimlyifthiswerereallyI；ifthiswereGildeBerault，knownatZaton"s，PREMIERJOUEUR，orsomeDonQuichottefromCastille，tiltingatwindmillsandtakingbarbers"bowlsforgold。

WereachedAgenverylatethatevening，aftergropingourwaythroughaby-roadneartheriver，setwithholesandwillow-

stoolsandfrog-spawn——aplacenobetterthanaslough；sothatafteritthegreatfiresandlightsattheBlueMaidseemedlikeaglimpseofanewworld，andinatwinklingputsomethingoflifeandspiritsintotwoatleastofus。Therewasqueertalkroundthehearthhere，ofdoingsinParis，ofastiragainsttheCardinalwiththeQueen-motheratbottom，andofgroundedexpectationsthatsomethingmightthistimecomeofit。Butthelandlordpooh-poohedtheidea；andImorethanagreedwithhim。

EvenM。deCocheforet，whowasatfirstinclinedtobuildonit，gaveuphopewhenheheardthatitcameonlybywayofMontauban；

whence——sinceitsreductiontheyearbefore——allsortofCANARDS

againsttheCardinalwerealwaysonthewing。

"Theykillhimaboutonceamonth，"ourhostsaidwithagrin。

"SometimesitisMONSIEURistoproveamatchforhim，sometimesCESARMONSIEUR——theDukeofVendome，youunderstand——andsometimestheQueen-mother。ButsinceM。deChalaisandtheMarshalmadeamessofitandpaidforfeit，IpinmyfaithtohisEminence——thatishisnewtitle，theytellme。"

"Thingsarequietroundhere？"Iasked。

"Perfectly。SincetheLanguedocbusinesscametoanend，allgoeswell，"heanswered。

Mademoisellehadretiredonourarrival，sothatherbrotherandIwereforanhourortwothiseveningthrowntogether。Ilefthimatlibertytoseparatehimselffrommeifhepleased，buthedidnotusetheopportunity。Akindofcomradeship，renderedpiquantbyourpeculiarrelations，hadbeguntospringupbetweenus。Heseemedtotakeanoddpleasureinmycompany，morethanonceralliedmeonmypostofjailor，wouldaskhumorouslyifhemightdothisorthat；andonceeveninquiredwhatIshoulddoifhebrokehisparole。

"Ortakeitthisway，"hecontinuedflippantly，"SupposeIhadstruckyouinthebackthiseveninginthatcursedswampbytheriver，M。deBerault？Whatthen！PARDIEU，IamastonishedatmyselfthatIdidnotdoit。IcouldhavebeeninMontaubanwithintwenty-fourhours，andfoundfiftyhiding-placesandnoonethewiser。"

"Exceptyoursister，"Isaidquietly。

Hemadeawryface。"Yes，"hesaid，"IamafraidthatImusthavestabbedhertoo，topreservemyself-respect。Youareright。"Andhefellintoareveriewhichheldhimforafewminutes。ThenIfoundhimlookingatmewithakindoffrankperplexitythatinvitedquestion。

"Whatisit？"Isaid。

"Youhavefoughtagreatmanyduels？"

"Yes，"Isaid。

"Didyoueverstrikeafoulblowinone？"

"Never，"Ianswered。"Whydoyouask？"

"Well，becauseI——wantedtoconfirmanimpression。Tobefrank，M。deBerault，Iseemtoseeinyoutwomen。

"Twomen？"

"Yes，twomen。One，themanwhocapturedme；theother，themanwholetmyfriendgofreeto-day。"

"ItsurprisedyouthatIlethimgo？Thatwasprudence，M。deCocheforet，"Ireplied。"Iamanoldgambler。Iknowwhenthestakesaretoohighforme。Themanwhocaughtalioninhiswolf-pithadnogreatcatch。"

"No，thatistrue，"heansweredsmiling，"Andyet——Ifindtwomeninyourskin。"

"Idaresaythattherearetwoinmostmen"sskins，"Iansweredwithasigh。"Butnotalwaystogether。Sometimesoneisthere，andsometimestheother。"

"Howdoestheoneliketakinguptheother"swork？"heaskedkeenly。

Ishruggedmyshoulders。"Thatisasmaybe，"Isaid。"Youdonottakeanestatewithoutthedebts。"

Hedidnotanswerforamoment，andIfanciedthathisthoughtshadrevertedtohisowncase。Butonasuddenhelookedatmeagain。"Willyouansweraquestion，M。deBerault？"hesaidwinningly。

"Perhaps，"Ireplied。

"Thentellme——itisataleIamsureworththetelling。Whatwasitthat，inaveryevilhourforme，sentyouinsearchofme？"

"MyLordCardinal，"Ianswered"Ididnotaskwho，"hereplieddrily。"Iasked，what。Youhadnogrudgeagainstme？"

"No。"

"Noknowledgeofme？"

"No。"

"Thenwhatonearthinducedyoutodoit？Heavens！man，"hecontinuedbluntly，andspeakingwithgreaterfreedomthanhehadbeforeused，"Natureneverintendedyouforatipstaff。Whatwasitthen？"

Irose。Itwasverylate，andtheroomwasempty，thefirelow。

"Iwilltellyou——to-morrow，"Isaid。"Ishallhavesomethingtosaytoyouthen，ofwhichthatwillbepart。"

Helookedatmeingreatastonishment，andwithalittlesuspicion。ButIcalledforalight，andbygoingatoncetobed，cutshorthisquestions。Inthemorningwedidnotmeetuntilitwastimetostart。

ThosewhoknowthesouthroadtoAgen，andhowthevineyardsriseinterracesnorthofthetown，onelevelofredearthaboveanother，greeninsummer，butinlateautumnbareandstony，mayrememberaparticularplacewheretheroad，twoleaguesfromthetown，runsupasteephill。Atthetopofthehillfourroadsmeet；andthere，plaintobeseenagainstthesky，isafinger-

postindicatingwhichwayleadstoBordeaux，andwhichtooldtiledMontauban，andwhichtoPerigueux。