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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Bright Face of Danger, by 
+Robert Neilson Stephens and H. C. Edwards
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Bright Face of Danger
+
+Author: Robert Neilson Stephens
+        H. C. Edwards
+
+Release Date: November 7, 2009 [EBook #30417]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                     The Bright Face of Danger
+
+_Being an Account of Some Adventures of Henri de Launay, Son of the
+Sieur de la Tournoire. Freely Translated into Modern English_
+
+                     By Robert Neilson Stephens
+
+_Author of_ "An Enemy to the King," "Philip Winwood," "The Mystery of
+Murray Davenport," etc.
+
+                   _Illustrated by_ H. C. Edwards
+
+
+_Boston_
+L. C. Page & Company
+_Mdcccciiii_
+
+_Copyright, 1904_
+By L. C. Page & Company
+
+_Entered at Stationers' Hall, London_
+_All rights reserved_
+
+Published April, 1904
+Colonial Press
+
+Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co.
+Boston. Mass., U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+     _THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER is, in a distant way, a sequel to "An
+     Enemy to the King," but may be read alone, without any reference to
+     that tale. The title is a phrase of Robert Louis Stevenson's._
+
+     _THE AUTHOR._
+
+
+[Illustration: "'I GIVE YOU ONE CHANCE FOR YOUR LIFE,' SAID I QUICKLY."]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+       I. MONSIEUR HENRI DE LAUNAY SETS OUT ON A JOURNEY
+
+      II. A YOUNG MAN WHO WENT SINGING
+
+     III. WHERE THE LADY WAS
+
+      IV. WHO THE LADY WAS
+
+       V. THE CHATEAU DE LAVARDIN
+
+      VI. WHAT THE PERIL WAS
+
+     VII. STRANGE DISAPPEARANCES
+
+    VIII. MATHILDE
+
+      IX. THE WINDING STAIRS
+
+       X. MORE THAN MERE PITY
+
+      XI. THE RAT-HOLE AND THE WATER-JUG
+
+     XII. THE ROPE LADDER
+
+    XIII. THE PARTING
+
+     XIV. IN THE FOREST
+
+      XV. THE TOWER OF MORLON
+
+     XVI. THE MERCY OF CAPTAIN FERRAGANT
+
+    XVII. THE SWORD OF LA TOURNOIRE
+
+   XVIII. THE MOUSTACHES OF BRIGNAN DE BRIGNAN
+
+     XIX. AFTERWARDS
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+"'I GIVE YOU ONE CHANCE FOR YOUR LIFE,' SAID I QUICKLY"
+
+"'AND NOW SHE WILL WAIT FOR HIM IN VAIN!'"
+
+"WE WERE INTERRUPTED BY A LOW CRY"
+
+"'THE WRETCHES!' SAID THE TORTURED COUNT, STAGGERING TO HIS FEET"
+
+"I LEAPED OVER THE BED, AND UPON THE MAN WHO WAS TRYING TO STRANGLE THE
+COUNTESS"
+
+"MY FATHER'S THRUSTS BECAME NOW SO QUICK AND CONTINUOUS"
+
+
+
+
+THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+MONSIEUR HENRI DE LAUNAY SETS OUT ON A JOURNEY
+
+
+If, on the first Tuesday in June, in the year 1608, anybody had asked me
+on what business I was riding towards Paris, and if I had answered, "To
+cut off the moustaches of a gentleman I have never seen, that I may toss
+them at the feet of a lady who has taunted me with that gentleman's
+superiorities,"--if I had made this reply, I should have been taken for
+the most foolish person on horseback in France that day. Yet the answer
+would have been true, though I accounted myself one of the wisest young
+gentlemen you might find in Anjou or any other province.
+
+I was, of a certainty, studious, and a lover of books. My father, the
+Sieur de la Tournoire, being a daring soldier, had so often put himself
+to perils inimical to my mother's peace of mind, that she had guided my
+inclinations in the peaceful direction of the library, hoping not to
+suffer for the son such alarms as she had undergone for the husband. I
+had grown up, therefore, a musing, bookish youth, rather shy and
+solitary in my habits: and this despite the care taken of my education
+in swordsmanship, riding, hunting, and other manly accomplishments, both
+by my father and by his old follower, Blaise Tripault. I acquired skill
+enough to satisfy these well-qualified instructors, but yet a volume of
+Plutarch or a book of poems was more to me than sword or dagger, horse,
+hound, or falcon. I was used to lonely walks and brookside meditations
+in the woods and meads of our estate of La Tournoire, in Anjou; and it
+came about that with my head full of verses I must needs think upon some
+lady with whom to fancy myself in love.
+
+Contiguity determined my choice. The next estate to ours, separated from
+it by a stream flowing into the Loir, had come into the possession of a
+rich family of bourgeois origin whom heaven had blessed (or burdened, as
+some would think) with a pretty daughter. Mlle. Celeste was a small,
+graceful, active creature, with a clear and well-coloured skin, and
+quick-glancing black eyes which gave me a pleasant inward stir the first
+time they rested on me. In my first acquaintance with this young lady,
+the black eyes seemed to enlarge and soften when they fell on me: she
+regarded me with what I took to be interest and approval: her face shone
+with friendliness, and her voice was kind. In this way I was led on.
+
+When she saw how far she had drawn me, her manner changed: she became
+whimsical, never the same for five minutes: sometimes indifferent,
+sometimes disdainful, sometimes gay at my expense. This treatment
+touched my pride, and would have driven me off, but that still, when in
+her presence, I felt in some degree the charm of the black eyes, the
+well-chiselled face, the graceful swift motions, and what else I know
+not. When I was away from her, this charm declined: nevertheless I chose
+to keep her in my mind as just such a capricious object of adoration as
+poets are accustomed to lament and praise in the same verses.
+
+But indeed I was never for many days out of reach of her attractive
+powers, for several of her own favourite haunts were on her side of the
+brook by which I was in the habit of strolling or reclining for some
+part of almost every fair day. Attended by a fat and sleepy old
+waiting-woman, she was often to be seen running along the grassy bank
+with a greyhound that followed her everywhere. For this animal she
+showed a constancy of affection that made her changefulness to me the
+more heart-sickening.
+
+Thus, half in love, half in disgust, I sat moodily on my side of the
+stream one sunny afternoon, watching her on the other side. She had been
+running a race with the dog, and had just settled down on the green
+bank, with the hound sitting on his haunches beside her. Both dog and
+girl were panting, and her face was still merry with the fun of the
+scamper. Her old attendant had probably been left dozing in some other
+part of the wood. Here now was an opportunity for me to put in a sweet
+speech or two. But as I looked at her and thought of her treatment of
+me, my pride rebelled, and I suppose my face for the moment wore a
+cloud. My expression, whatever it was, caught the quick eyes of Mlle.
+Celeste. Being in merriment herself, she was the readier to make scorn
+of my sulky countenance. She pealed out a derisive laugh.
+
+"Oh, the sour face! Is that what comes of your eternal reading?"
+
+I had in my hand a volume of Plutarch in the French of Amyot. Her
+ridicule of reading annoyed me.
+
+"No, Mademoiselle, it isn't from books that one draws sourness. I find
+more sweetness in them than in--most things." I was looking straight at
+her as I said this.
+
+She pretended to laugh again, but turned quite red.
+
+"Nay, forgive me," I said, instantly softened. "Ah, Celeste, you know
+too well what is the sweetest of all books for my reading." By my look
+and sigh, she knew I meant her face. But she chose to be contemptuous.
+
+"Poh! What should a pale scholar know of such books? I tell you,
+Monsieur de Launay, you will never be a man till you leave your books
+and see a little of the world."
+
+Though she called me truly enough a pale scholar, I was scarlet for a
+moment.
+
+"And what do you know of the world, then?" I retorted. "Or of men
+either?"
+
+"I am only a girl. But as to men, I have met one or two. There is your
+father, for example. And that brave and handsome Brignan de Brignan."
+
+Whether I loved or not, I was certainly capable of jealousy; and
+jealousy of the fiercest arose at the name of Brignan de Brignan. I had
+never seen him; but she had mentioned him to me before, too many times
+indeed for me to hear his name now with composure. He was a young
+gentleman of the King's Guard, of whom, by reason of a distant
+relationship, her family had seen much during a residence of several
+months in Paris.
+
+"Brignan de Brignan," I echoed. "Yes, I dare say he has looked more into
+the faces of women than into books."
+
+"And more into the face of danger than into either. That's what has made
+him the man he is."
+
+"Tut!" I cried, waving my Plutarch; "there's more manly action in this
+book than a thousand Brignans could perform in all their lives--more
+danger encountered."
+
+"An old woman might read it for all that. Would it make her manly? Well,
+Monsieur Henri, if you choose to encounter danger only in books, there's
+nobody to complain. But you shouldn't show malice toward those who
+prefer to meet it in the wars or on the road."
+
+"Malice? Not I. What is Brignan de Brignan to me? You may say what you
+please--this Plutarch is as good a school of heroism as any officer of
+the King's Guard ever went to."
+
+"Yet the officers of the King's Guard aren't pale, moping fellows like
+you lovers of books. Ah, Monsieur Henri, if you mean to be a monk, well
+and good. But otherwise, do you know what would change your complexion
+for the better? A lively brush with real dangers on the field, or in
+Paris, or anywhere away from your home and your father's protection.
+That would bring colour into your cheeks."
+
+"You may let my cheeks alone, Mademoiselle."
+
+"You may be sure I will do that."
+
+"I'm quite satisfied with my complexion, and I wouldn't exchange it for
+that of Brignan de Brignan. I dare say his face is red enough."
+
+"Yes, a most manly colour. And his broad shoulders--and powerful
+arms--and fine bold eyes--ah! there _is_ the picture of a hero--and his
+superb moustaches--"
+
+Now I was at the time not strong in respect of moustaches. I was
+extremely sensitive upon the point. My frame, though not above middle
+size, was yet capable of robust development, my paleness was not beyond
+remedy, and my eyes were of a pleasant blue, so there was little to
+rankle in what she said of my rival's face and body; but as to the
+moustaches----!
+
+I scrambled to my feet.
+
+"I tell you what it is, Mademoiselle. Just to show what your Brignan
+really amounts to, and whether I mean to be a monk, and what a reader of
+books can do when he likes, I have made up my mind to go to Paris; and
+there I will find your Brignan, and show my scorn of such an illiterate
+bravo, and cut off his famous moustaches, and bring them back to you for
+proof! So adieu, Mademoiselle, for this is the last you will see of me
+till what I have said is done!"
+
+The thing had come into my head in one hot moment, indeed it formed
+itself as I spoke it; and so I, the quiet and studious, stood committed
+to an act which the most harebrained brawler in Anjou would have deemed
+childish folly. Truly, I did lack knowledge of the world.
+
+I turned from Mlle. Celeste's look of incredulous wonderment, and went
+off through the woods, with swifter strides than I usually took, to our
+chateau. Of course I dared not tell my parents my reason for wishing to
+go to Paris. It was enough, to my mother at least, that I should desire
+to go on any account. The best way in which I could put my resolution to
+them, which I did that very afternoon, on the terrace where I found them
+sitting, was thus:
+
+"I have been thinking how little I know of the world. It is true, you
+have taken me to Paris; but I was only a lad then, and what I saw was
+with a lad's eyes and under your guidance. I am now twenty-two, and many
+a man at that age has begun to make his own career. To be worthy of my
+years, of my breeding, of my name, I ought to know something of life
+from my own experience. So I have resolved, with your permission, my
+dear father and mother, to go to Paris and see what I may see."
+
+My mother had turned pale as soon as she saw the drift of my speech, and
+was for putting every plea in the way. But my father, though he looked
+serious, seemed not displeased. We talked upon the matter--as to how
+long I should wish to stay in Paris, whether I had thought of aiming at
+any particular career there, and of such things. I said I had formed no
+plans nor hopes: these might or might not come after I had arrived in
+Paris and looked about me. But see something of the world I must, if
+only that I might not be at disadvantage in conversation afterward. It
+was a thing I could afford, for on the attainment of my majority my
+father had made over to me the income of a portion of our estate, a
+small enough revenue indeed, but one that looked great in my eyes. He
+could not now offer any reasonable objection to my project, and he plead
+my cause with my mother, without whose consent I should not have had the
+heart to go. Indeed, knowing what her dread had always been, and seeing
+the anxious love in her eyes as she now regarded me, I almost wavered.
+But of course she was won over, as women are, though what tears her
+acquiescence caused her afterwards when she was alone I did not like to
+think upon.
+
+She comforted herself presently with the thought that our faithful
+Blaise Tripault should attend me, but here again I had to oppose her.
+For Blaise, by reason of his years and the service he had done my father
+in the old wars, was of a dictatorial way with all of us, and I knew he
+would rob me of all responsibility and freedom, so that I should be
+again a lad under the thumb of an elder and should profit nothing in
+self-reliance and mastership. Besides this reason, which I urged upon my
+parents, I had my own reason, which I did not urge, namely, that I
+should never dare let Blaise know the special purpose of my visit to
+Paris. He would laugh me out of countenance, and yet ten to one he would
+in the end deprive me of the credit of keeping my promise, by taking its
+performance upon himself. That I might be my own master, therefore, I
+chose as my valet the most tractable fellow at my disposal, one Nicolas,
+a lank, knock-kneed jack of about my own age, who had hitherto made
+himself of the least possible use, with the best possible intentions,
+between the dining-hall and the kitchen. And yet he was clever enough
+among horses, or anywhere outdoors. My mother, though she wondered at my
+choice and trembled to think how fragile a reed I should have to rely
+on, was yet not sorry, I fancy, at the prospect of ridding her house of
+poor blundering Nicolas in a kind and creditable way. I had reason to
+think Nicolas better suited for this new service, and, by insisting, I
+gained my point in this also.
+
+I made haste about my equipment, and in a few days we set forth, myself
+on a good young chestnut gelding, Nicolas on a strong black mule, which
+carried also our baggage. Before I mounted, and while my mother, doing
+her best to keep back her tears, was adding some last article of comfort
+to the contents of my great leather bag, my father led me into the
+window recess of the hall, and after speaking of the letters of
+introduction with which he had provided me, said in his soldierly,
+straightforward manner:
+
+"I know you have gathered wisdom from books, and it will serve you well,
+because it will make you take better heed of experience and see more
+meaning in it. But then it will require the experience to give your
+book-learned wisdom its full force. Often at first, in the face of
+emergency, when the call is for action, your wisdom will fly from your
+mind; but this will not be the case after you have seen life for
+yourself. Experience will teach you the full and living meaning of much
+that you now know but as written truth. It may teach you also some
+things you have never read, nor even dreamt of. What you have learned by
+study, and what you must learn by practice only, leave no use for any
+good counsel I might give you now. Only one thing I can't help saying,
+though you know it already and will doubtless see it proved again and
+again. There are many deceivers in the world. Don't trust the outward
+look of things or people. Be cautious; yet conceal your caution under
+courtesy, for nothing is more boorish than open suspicion. And remember,
+too, not to think bad, either, from appearances alone. You may do
+injustice that way. Hold your opinion till the matter is tested. When
+appearances are fair, be wary without showing it; when they are bad,
+regard your safety but don't condemn. In other words, always mingle
+caution with urbanity, even with kindness.--I need not speak of the name
+you have to keep unsullied. Honour is a thing about which you require no
+admonitions. You know that it consists as much in not giving affronts as
+in not enduring them, though many who talk loudest about it seem to
+think otherwise. Indeed this is an age in which honour is prated of most
+by those who practise it least. Well, my son, there are a thousand
+things I would say, but that is all I shall say. Good-bye--may the good
+God bless and protect you."
+
+I had much to do to speak firmly and to perceive what I was about, in
+taking my leave, for my mother could no longer refrain from sobbing as
+she embraced me at the last, and my young brother and sister, catching
+the infection, began to whimper and to rub their eyes with their fists.
+Knowing so much more of my wild purpose than they did, and realizing
+that I might never return alive, I was the more tried in my resolution
+not to disgrace with tears the virgin rapier and dagger at my side. But
+finally I got somehow upon my horse, whose head Blaise Tripault was
+holding, and threw my last kisses to the family on the steps. I then
+managed voice enough to say "Good-bye, Blaise," to the old soldier.
+
+"Nay, I will walk as far as to the village," said he, in his gruff,
+autocratic way. "I have a word or two for you at parting."
+
+Throwing back a somewhat pallid smile to my people, tearfully waving
+their adieus, I turned my horse out of the court-yard, followed by
+Nicolas on the mule, and soon emerging from the avenue, was upon the
+road. Blaise Tripault strode after me. When I came in front of the inn
+at the end of the village, he called out to stop. I did so, and Blaise,
+coming up to my stirrup, handed me a folded paper and thus addressed me:
+
+"Of course your father has given you all the advice you need. Nobody is
+more competent than he to instruct a young man setting out to see the
+world. His young days were the days of hard knocks, as everybody knows.
+But as I was thinking of your journey, there came into my head an old
+tale a monk told me once--for, like your father, I was never too much of
+a Huguenot to get what good I might out of any priest or monk the Lord
+chose to send my way. It's a tale that has to do with travelling, and
+that's what made me think of it--a tale about three maxims that some
+wise person once gave a Roman emperor who was going on a journey. I half
+forget the tale itself, for it isn't much of a tale; but the maxims I
+remembered, because I had had experience enough to realize their value.
+I've written them out for you there: and if you get them by heart, and
+never lose sight of them, you'll perhaps save yourself much repentance."
+
+He then bade me good-bye, and the last I saw of him he was entering the
+inn to drink to my good fortune.
+
+When I had got clear of the village, I unfolded Blaise's paper and read
+the maxims:
+
+1. "_Never undertake a thing unless you can see your way to the end of
+it._"
+
+2. "_Never sleep in a house where the master is old and the wife
+young._"
+
+3. "_Never leave a highway for a byway._"
+
+Very good counsel, thought I, and worth bearing in mind. It was true, my
+very journey itself was, as to its foolhardy purpose, a violation of the
+first maxim. But that could not be helped now, and I could at least heed
+that piece of advice, as well as the others, in the details of my
+mission. When I thought of that mission, I felt both foolish and
+heavy-hearted. I had not the faintest idea yet of how I should go about
+encountering Brignan de Brignan and getting into a quarrel with him, and
+I had great misgivings as to how I should be able to conduct myself in
+that quarrel, and as to its outcome. Certainly no man ever took the road
+on a more incredible, frivolous quest. Of all the people travelling my
+way, that June morning, T was probably one of the most thoughtful and
+judiciously-minded; yet of every one but myself the business in being
+abroad was sober and reasonable, while mine was utterly ridiculous and
+silly. And the girl whose banter had driven me to it--perhaps she had
+attached no seriousness whatever to my petulant vow and had even now
+forgotten it. With these reflections were mingled the pangs of parting
+from my home and family; and for a time I was downcast and sad.
+
+But the day was fine. Presently my thoughts, which at first had flown
+back to all I had left behind, began to concern themselves with the
+scenes around me; then they flew ahead to the place whither I was
+bound:--this is usually the way on journeys. At least, thought I, I
+should see life, and perchance meet dangers, and so far be the gainer.
+And who knows but I might even come with credit out of the affair with
+Monsieur de Brignan?--it is a world of strange turnings, and the upshot
+is always more or less different from what has been predicted. So I took
+heart, and already I began to feel I was not exactly the pale scholar of
+yesterday. It was something to be my own master, on horseback and
+well-armed, my eyes ranging the wide and open country, green and brown
+in the sunlight, dotted here and there with trees, sometimes traversed
+by a stream, and often backed by woods of darker green, which seemed to
+hold secrets dangerous and luring.
+
+Riding gave me a great appetite, and I was fortunate in coming upon an
+inn at Durtal whose table was worthy of my capacity. After dinner, we
+took the road again and proceeded at an easy pace toward La Flèche.
+
+Toward the middle of the afternoon a vague uneasiness stole over me, as
+if some tragic circumstance lay waiting on the path--to me
+unknown--ahead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A YOUNG MAN WHO WENT SINGING
+
+
+It was about five o'clock when we rode into La Flèche, and the feeling
+of ill foreboding still possessed me. Partly considering this, and
+partly as it was improbable I should find the best accommodations
+anywhere else short of Le Mans, I decided to put up here for the night.
+As I rode into the central square of the town, I saw an inn there: it
+had a prosperous and honest look, so I said, "This is the place for my
+money," and made for it. The square was empty and silent when I entered
+it, but just as I reached the archway of the inn, I heard a voice
+singing, whereupon I looked around and saw a young man riding into the
+square from another street than that I had come from. He was followed by
+a servant on horseback, and was bound for the same inn. It seems strange
+in the telling, that a gentleman should ride singing into a public
+square, as if he were a mountebank or street-singer, yet it appeared
+quite natural as this young fellow did it. The song was something about
+brave soldiers and the smiles of ladies--just such a gay song as so
+handsome a young cavalier ought to sing. I looked at him a moment, then
+rode on into the inn-yard. This little act, done in all thoughtlessness,
+and with perfect right, was the cause of momentous things in my life. If
+I had waited to greet that young gentleman at the archway, I believe my
+history would have gone very differently. As it was, I am convinced that
+my carelessly dropping him from my regard, as if he were a person of no
+interest, was the beginning of what grew between us. For, as he rode in
+while I was dismounting, he threw at me a look of resentment for which
+there was nothing to account but the possible wound to his vanity. His
+countenance, symmetrically and somewhat boldly formed, showed great
+self-esteem and a fondness for attention. His singing had suddenly
+stopped. I could feel his anger, which was probably the greater for
+having no real cause, I having been under no obligation to notice him or
+offer him precedence.
+
+He called loudly for an ostler, and, when one came out of the stables,
+he coolly gave his orders without waiting for me, though I had been
+first in the yard. He bade his own servant see their horses well fed,
+and then made for the inn-door, casting a scornful glance at me, and
+resuming his song in a lower voice. It was now my turn to be angry, and
+justly, but I kept silence. I knew not exactly how to take this sort of
+demonstration: whether it was a usual thing among travellers and to be
+paid back only in kind, or whether for the sake of my reputation I ought
+to treat it as a serious affront. It is, of course, childish to take
+offence at a trifle. In my ignorance of what the world expects of a man
+upon receipt of hostile and disparaging looks, I could only act as one
+always must who cannot make up his mind--do nothing. After seeing my
+horse and mule attended to, I bade Nicolas follow with the baggage, and
+entered the inn.
+
+The landlord was talking with my young singing gentleman, but made to
+approach me as I came in. The young gentleman, however, speaking in a
+peremptory manner, detained him with questions about the roads, the town
+of La Flèche, and such matters. As I advanced, the young gentleman got
+between me and the host, and continued his talk. I waited awkwardly
+enough for the landlord's attention, and began to feel hot within. A
+wench now placed on a table some wine that the young man had ordered,
+and the landlord finally got rid of him by directing his attention to
+it. As he went to sit down, he bestowed on me the faintest smile of
+ridicule. I was too busy to think much of it at the moment, in ordering
+a room for the night and sending Nicolas thither with my bag. I then
+called for supper and sat down as far as possible from the other guest.
+He and I were the only occupants of the room, but from the kitchen
+adjoining came the noise of a number of the commonalty at food and
+drink.
+
+"Always politeness," thought I, when my wine had come, and so, in spite
+of his rudeness and his own neglect of the courtesy, as I raised my
+glass I said to him, "Your health, Monsieur."
+
+He turned red at the reproach implied in my observance, then very
+reluctantly lifted his own glass and said, "And yours," in a surly,
+grudging manner.
+
+"It has been a pleasant day," I went on, resolved not to be churlish, at
+all hazards.
+
+"Do you think so?" he replied contemptuously, and then turned to look
+out of the window, and hummed the tune he had been singing before.
+
+I thought if such were the companions my journey was to throw me in
+with, it would be a sorry time till I got home again. But my young
+gentleman, for all his temporary sullenness, was really of a talkative
+nature, as these vain young fellows are apt to be, and when he had
+warmed himself a little with wine even his dislike of me could not
+restrain his tongue any longer.
+
+"You are staying here to-night, then?" he suddenly asked.
+
+"Yes, and you?"
+
+"I shall ride on after supper. There will be starlight."
+
+"I have used my horse enough to-day."
+
+"And I mine, for that matter. But there are times when horses can't be
+considered."
+
+"You are travelling on important business, then?"
+
+"On business of haste. I must put ground behind me."
+
+"I drink to the success of your business, then."
+
+"Thank you, I am always successful. There is another toast, that should
+have first place. The ladies, Monsieur."
+
+"With all my heart."
+
+"That's a toast I never permit myself to defer. Mon dieu, I owe them
+favours enough!"
+
+"You are fortunate," said I.
+
+"I don't complain. And you?"
+
+"Even if I were fortunate in that respect, I shouldn't boast of it."
+
+He coloured; but laughed shortly, and said, "It's not boasting to tell
+the mere truth."
+
+"I was thinking of myself, not of you, Monsieur." This was true enough.
+
+"I can readily believe you've had no great luck that way," he said
+spitefully, pretending to take stock of my looks. I knew his remark was
+sheer malice, for my appearance was good enough--well-figured and
+slender, with a pleasant, thoughtful face.
+
+"Let us talk of something else," I answered coldly, though I was far
+from cool in reality.
+
+"Certainly. What do you think of the last conspiracy?"
+
+"That it was very rash and utterly without reason. We have the best king
+France ever knew."
+
+"Yes, long live Henri IV.! They say there are still some of the
+malcontents to be gathered in. Have you heard of any fresh arrests?"
+
+"Nothing within two weeks. I don't understand how these affairs can
+possibly arise, after that of Biron. Men must be complete fools."
+
+"Oh, there are always malcontents who still count on Spain, and some
+think even the League may be revived."
+
+"But why should they not be contented? I can't imagine any grievances."
+
+"Faith, my child, where have you been hiding yourself? Don't you know
+the talk? Do you suppose everybody is pleased with this Dutch alliance?
+And the way in which the King's old Huguenot comrades are again to be
+seen around him?"
+
+"And why not? Through everything, the King's heart has always been with
+the protestants."
+
+"Oho! So you are one of the psalm-singers, then?" His insulting tone and
+jeering smile were intolerable.
+
+"I have sung no psalms here, at least," I replied trembling with anger;
+"or anything else, to annoy the ears of my neighbours."
+
+"So you don't like my singing?" he cried, turning red again.
+
+I had truly rather admired it, but I said, "I have heard better."
+
+"Indeed? But how should you know. For your education in taste, I may
+tell you that good judges have thought well of my singing."
+
+"Ay, brag of it, as you do of your success with the ladies."
+
+He stared at me in amazement, then cried. "Death of my life, young
+fellow!--" But at that instant his servant brought in his supper, and he
+went no further. My own meal was before me a minute later, and we both
+devoted ourselves in angry silence to our food. I was still full of
+resentment at his obtrusive scorn of myself and my religious party, and
+I could see that he felt himself mightily outraged at my retorts. From
+the rapid, heedless way in which he ate, I fancied his mind was busy
+with all sorts of revenge upon me.
+
+When he had finished, at the same time as I did, and our servants had
+gone to eat their supper in the kitchen, he leaned against the wall, and
+said, "I am going to sing, Monsieur, whether it pleases you or not." And
+forthwith he began to do so.
+
+My answer was to put on a look of pain, and walk hastily from the room,
+as if the torture to my ears were too great for endurance.
+
+I was not half-way across the court-yard before I heard him at my heels
+though not singing.
+
+"My friend," said he, as I turned around, "I don't know where you were
+bred, but you should know this: it's not good manners to break from a
+gentleman's company so unceremoniously."
+
+It occurred to me that because I had taken his insults from the first,
+through not knowing how much a sensible man should bear, he thought he
+might safely hector me to the full satisfaction of his hurt vanity.
+
+"So you do know something of good manners, after all?" I replied. "I
+congratulate you."
+
+His eyes flashed new wrath, but before he knew how to answer, and while
+we were glaring at each other like two cocks, though at some distance
+apart, out came Nicolas from the kitchen to ask if I wished my cloak
+brought down, which he had taken up with the bag. In his rustic
+innocence he stepped between my nagging gentleman and myself. The
+gentleman at this ran forward in an access of rage, and threw Nicolas
+aside, saying, "Out of the way, knave! You're as great a clown as your
+master."
+
+"Hands off! How dare you?" I cried, clapping my hand to my sword.
+
+"If you come a step nearer, I'll kill you!" he replied, grasping his own
+hilt.
+
+I sent a swift glance around. There was no witness but Nicolas. Yet a
+scuffle would draw people in ten seconds. Even at that moment, with my
+heart beating madly, I thought of the edict against duelling: so I said,
+as calmly as I could:
+
+"If you dare draw that sword, I see trees beyond that gateway--a garden
+or something. It will be quieter there." I pointed to a narrow exit at
+the rear of the yard.
+
+"I will show you whom you're dealing with, my lad!" he said,
+breathlessly, and made at once for the gate. I followed. I could see now
+that, though a bully, he was not a coward, and the discovery fell upon
+me with a sense of how grave a matter I had been drawn into.
+
+At the gate I looked around, and saw Nicolas following, his eyes wide
+with alarm. "Stay where you are, and not a word to anybody," I ordered,
+and closed the gate after me. My adversary led the way across a
+neglected garden, and out through a postern in a large wall, to where
+there was a thicker growth of trees. We passed among these to a little
+open space near the river, from which it was partly veiled by a tangled
+mass of bushes. The unworn state of the green sward showed that this was
+a spot little visited by the townspeople.
+
+"We have stumbled on the right place," said the young gentleman, with an
+assumption of coolness. "It's a pity the thing can't be done properly,
+with seconds and all that." And he proceeded to take off his doublet.
+
+I was sobered by the time spent in walking to the place, so I said,
+"It's not too late. Monsieur, if you are willing to apologize."
+
+"I apologize! Death of my life! You pile insult on insult."
+
+"I assure you, it is you who have been the insulter."
+
+He laughed in a way that revived my heat, and asked, "Swords alone, or
+swords and daggers?"
+
+"As you please." By this time I had cast off my own doublet.
+
+"Rapiers and daggers, then," he said, and flung away his scabbard and
+sheath. I saw the flash of my own weapons a moment later, and ere I had
+time for a second thought on the seriousness of this event--my first
+fight in earnest--he was keeping me busy to parry his point and watch
+his dagger at the same time. I was half-surprised at my own success in
+turning away his blade, but after I had guarded myself from three or
+four thrusts, I took to mind that offence is the best defence, and
+ventured a lunge, which he stopped with his dagger only in the nick of
+time to save his breast. His look of being almost caught gave me
+encouragement, making me realize I had received good enough lessons from
+my father and Blaise Tripault to enable me to practise with confidence.
+So I pushed the attack, but never lost control of myself nor became
+reckless. It was an inspiriting revelation to me to find that I could
+indeed use my head intelligently, and command my motions so well, at a
+time of such excitement. We grew hot, perspired, breathed fast and loud,
+kept our muscles tense, and held each other with glittering eyes as we
+moved about on firm but springy feet. We must have fought very swiftly,
+for the ring of the steel sounded afterward in my ears as if it had been
+almost continuous. How long we kept it up, I do not exactly know. We
+came to panting more deeply, and I felt a little tired, and once or
+twice a mist was before my eyes. At last he gave me a great start by
+running his point through my shirt sleeve above the elbow. Feeling
+myself so nearly stung, I instinctively made a long swift thrust: up
+went his dagger, but too late: my blade passed clear of it, sank into
+his left breast. He gave a sharp little cry, and fell, and the hole I
+had made in his shirt was quickly circled with crimson.
+
+"Victory!" thought I, with an exultant sense of prowess. I had fleshed
+my sword and brought low my man! But, as I looked down at him and he lay
+perfectly still, another feeling arose. I knelt and felt for his heart:
+my new fear was realized. With bitter regret I gazed at him. All the
+anger and scorn had gone out of his face: it was now merely the handsome
+boyish face of a youth like myself, expressing only a manly pride and
+the pain and surprise of his last moment. It was horrible to think that
+I had stopped this life for ever, reduced this energy and beauty to
+eternal silence and nothingness. A weakness overwhelmed me, a profound
+pity and self-reproach.
+
+I heard a low ejaculation behind me, which made me start. But I saw it
+was only Nicolas, who, in spite of my orders, had stolen after me, in
+terror of what might happen.
+
+"Oh, heaven!" he groaned, as he stared with pale face and scared eyes at
+the prostrate form. "You have killed him, Monsieur Henri."
+
+"Yes. It is a great pity. After all, he merely thought a little too well
+of himself and was a little inconsiderate of other people's feelings.
+But who is not so, more or less? Poor young man!"
+
+"Ah, but think of us, Monsieur Henri--think of yourself, I mean! We had
+better be going, or you will have to answer for this."
+
+"That is so. We must settle with the landlord and get away from this
+town before this gentleman is missed."
+
+"And alas! you arranged to stay all night. The landlord will be sure to
+smell something. Come, I beg of you: there's not a moment to lose. Think
+what there's to do--the bag to fetch down, the horse and mule to saddle.
+We shall be lucky if the officers aren't after us before we're out of
+the town."
+
+"You are right.--Poor young man! At least I will cover his face with his
+doublet before I go."
+
+"I'll do that, Monsieur. You put on your own doublet, and save time."
+
+I did so. As Nicolas ran past me with the slain man's doublet, something
+fell out of the pocket of it. This proved to be a folded piece of paper,
+like a letter, but with no name outside. I picked it up. Fancying it
+might give a clue to my victim's identity, and as the seal was broken, I
+opened it. There was some writing, in the hand of a woman,--two lines
+only:
+
+"_For heaven's sake and pity's, come to me at once. My life and honour
+depend on you alone._"
+
+As the missive was without address, so was it without signature. It must
+have been delivered by some confidential messenger who knew the
+recipient, and yet by whom a verbal message was either not thought
+expedient, or required to be confirmed by the written appeal. The
+recipient must be familiar with the sender's handwriting. The note
+looked fresh and clean, and therefore must have been very lately
+received.
+
+"Come, Monsieur Henri," called Nicolas, breaking in upon my whirling
+thoughts. "Why do you wait?--What is the matter? What do you see on that
+paper?"
+
+"And this," I answered, though of course Nicolas could not understand
+me, "is the business he was on! This is why he had need to put ground
+behind him. He was going on to-night. He must have stopped only to
+refresh his horses."
+
+"Yes, certainly, but what of that? What has his business to do with us?"
+
+"I have prevented his carrying it out. My God!--a woman's life and
+honour--a woman who relies on him--and now she will wait for him in
+vain! At this very moment she may be counting the hours till he should
+arrive!--What have I done?"
+
+[Illustration: "'AND NOW SHE WILL WAIT FOR HIM IN VAIN!'"]
+
+"You, Monsieur? It's not your fault if he chose to get into a quarrel
+with you. He must have valued his business highly if he dared risk it in
+a fight."
+
+"Of course he thought from my manner that he could have his own way with
+me. There would be no loss of time--his horses needed rest, for greater
+speed in the long run. He knew what he was about--there's no doubt of
+his haste. 'Come to me at once. My life and honour depend on you alone.'
+And while she waits and trusts, I step in and cut off her only
+hope!--not this poor young fellow's life alone, but hers also, Nicolas!
+It mustn't be so--not if I can any way help it. I see now what I am
+called upon to do."
+
+"What is that, Monsieur Henri?" asked Nicolas despairingly.
+
+"To carry out this gentleman's task which I have interrupted--to go in
+his stead to the assistance of this lady, whoever and wherever she may
+be!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+WHERE THE LADY WAS
+
+
+"Very well, Monsieur," said Nicolas after a pause, in a tone which meant
+anything but very well. "But first you will have enough to do to save
+yourself. This gentleman will soon be missed. He was in haste to go on,
+as you say. His servant will be wondering why he delays, and the
+landlord will become curious about his bill."
+
+"Yes, but I must think a moment. Where is this poor lady? Who is the
+gentleman? There may be another letter--a clue of some sort."
+
+I hurriedly examined the young man's pockets, but found nothing written.
+His purse I thought best to leave where it was: to whom, indeed, could I
+entrust it with any chance of its being more honestly dealt with than by
+those who should find the body? The innkeeper and the gentleman's
+servant, with their claims for payment, would see to that. But I kept
+the lady's note.
+
+"Well," said I, "I must have a talk with the valet. I must find out
+where this gentleman was going, for that must be the place where the
+lady is."
+
+"But the valet doesn't know where the gentleman was going. He was
+talking to me about that in the stables."
+
+"That's very strange--not to know his master's destination."
+
+"He knows very little of his master's affairs: he was hired only
+yesterday, at Sablé. The gentleman was staying at the inn there.
+Yesterday he engaged this man, and said he was going to travel on at the
+end of the week. But this morning he suddenly made up his mind to start
+at once, and came off without saying where he was bound for. Until I
+told him, the man didn't know that the name of this town was La Flèche."
+
+"And what else did he tell you?"
+
+"That's all. He was only grumbling about having to come away so
+unexpectedly, and being so in the dark about his master's plans."
+
+"You're sure he didn't say what caused his master to change his mind and
+start at once?"
+
+"He said nothing more, Monsieur."
+
+"Did he mention his master's name?"
+
+"No, we didn't get as far as that. It was only his desire to complain to
+somebody, that made him speak to me; and I was too busy with the horses
+to say much in reply."
+
+"Then you didn't give my name--to him or any one else here?"
+
+"Not to a soul, Monsieur."
+
+"That's fortunate. Well, we must be attending to our business. I will
+pay the landlord, and give him some reason for riding on. While you are
+getting the animals ready, I will try to sound this valet a little
+deeper. Come."
+
+Without another look behind, we hastened back to the inn.
+
+"It's a fine evening," said I to the landlord, "and that gentleman I saw
+here awhile ago has given me the notion of riding on while the air is
+cool." I spoke as steadily as I could, and I suppose if the landlord
+detected any want of ease he put it down to the embarrassment of
+announcing a change of mind. In any case, he was not slow to compute the
+reckoning, nor I to pay it. Then, after seeing my bag and cloak brought
+down, I went in search of the young gentleman's valet. I found him in
+the kitchen, half way through a bottle of wine.
+
+"Your master has not yet ridden on, then?" said I, dropping carelessly
+on the bench opposite him.
+
+"No, Monsieur," he replied unsuspectingly. He seemed more like a country
+groom than a gentleman's body servant.
+
+"I have decided to go on this evening, in imitation of him," I
+continued.
+
+"Then your servant had better come back and finish his supper. It's
+getting cold yonder. Just as he was going to begin eating, he thought of
+something, and went out, and hasn't returned yet."
+
+It was, alas, true. In my excitement I had forgotten all about Nicolas's
+supper, which he had left in order to see if I wanted my cloak for the
+cool of the evening.
+
+"I sent him on an errand," I replied. "He shall sup doubly well later.
+As I was about to say, your master--by the way, if I knew his name I
+could mention him properly: we have so far neglected to give each other
+our names."
+
+"Monsieur de Merri is my master's name, as far as I know it. I have been
+with him only since yesterday." He spoke in a somewhat disgruntled way,
+as if not too well satisfied with his new place.
+
+"So I have heard." I said. "And it seems you were hustled off rather
+sooner than you expected, this morning."
+
+"My master did change his mind suddenly. Yesterday he said he wouldn't
+leave Sablé till the end of the week."
+
+"Yes; but of course when he received the letter--" I stopped, as if not
+thinking worth while to finish, and idly scrutinized the floor.
+
+"What letter, Monsieur?" inquired the fellow, after a moment.
+
+"Why, the letter that made him change his mind. Didn't you see the
+messenger?"
+
+"Oh, and did that man bring a letter, then?"
+
+"Certainly. How secretive your master is. The man from--from--where
+_did_ he come from, anyhow?"
+
+"A man came to see my master at Sablé early this morning--the only man I
+know of. I heard him say that he had ridden all the way from Montoire,
+following my master from one town to another."
+
+"Yes, that is the man, certainly," said I in as careless a manner as
+possible, fearful lest my face should betray the interest of this
+revelation to me. "Well, I think I will go and see what has become of my
+servant. When you have finished that bottle, drink another to me." I
+tossed him a silver piece, and sauntered out. Nicolas was fastening the
+saddle girth of my horse in the yard. An ostler was attending to the
+mule. The innkeeper was looking on. I asked him about the different
+roads leading from the place, and by the time I had got this information
+all was ready. We mounted, I replied to the landlord's adieu, threw a
+coin to the ostler, and clattered out under the archway. From the square
+I turned South to cross the Loir, passing not far from the place where,
+surrounded by trees and bushes, the body of my adversary must still be
+lying.
+
+"Poor young man!" said I. "Once we get safe off, I hope they will find
+him soon."
+
+"They will soon be seeking him, at least," replied Nicolas. "Before you
+came out of the kitchen, the landlord was wondering to the ostler what
+had become of him."
+
+"As he was to ride on at once, his absence will appear strange. Well,
+I'm not sorry to think he will be found before he lies long exposed. The
+authorities, no doubt, will take all measures to find out who he is and
+notify his people."
+
+"And to find the person who left him in that state," said Nicolas
+fearfully.
+
+"Well, I have a start, and shall travel as fast as my horse can safely
+carry me."
+
+"But wherever you go, Monsieur, the law will in time come up with you."
+
+"I have thought of that; and now listen. This is what you are to do. We
+shall come very soon to a meeting of roads. You will there turn to the
+right--"
+
+"And leave you, Monsieur Henri?"
+
+"Yes, it is necessary for my safety."
+
+"And you will go on to Paris alone?"
+
+"I am not going to Paris immediately--at least, I shall not go by way of
+Le Mans and Chartres, as I had intended. We have already turned our
+backs on that road, when we left the square in front of the inn. I shall
+go by way of Vendome." Montoire--where the letter had evidently come
+from and where therefore the lady probably was--lay on the road to
+Vendome.
+
+"And I, Monsieur?"
+
+"You are to go back to La Tournoire, but not by the way we have come
+over. This road to the right that you will soon take leads first to
+Jarzé, and there you will find a road to the West which will bring you
+to our own highway not two leagues from home." I repeated these
+directions as we left La Flèche behind us, till they seemed firmly
+lodged in Nicolas's head. "I don't know how long it will take you to do
+this journey," I added, "nor even when you may expect to reach Jarzé.
+You mustn't overdo either the mule or yourself. Stop at the first
+country inn and get something to eat, before it is too late at night to
+be served. Go on to-night as far as you think wise. It may be best, or
+necessary, to sleep in some field or wood, not too near the road, as I
+shall probably do toward the end of the night."
+
+"I shall certainly do that, Monsieur. It is a fine night."
+
+"When you get to La Tournoire, you are to tell my father that I am going
+on without an attendant, but by way of Vendome. You needn't say anything
+about what you suppose my purpose to be: you needn't repeat what you
+heard me say about that lady, or the letter: you aren't to mention the
+lady or the letter at all."
+
+"I understand, Monsieur Henri; but I do hope you will keep out of other
+people's troubles. You have enough of your own now, over this unlucky
+duel."
+
+"It's to get me out of that trouble that you are going home. Give my
+father a full account of the duel. Tell him the gentleman insulted my
+religion as well as myself; that he tried my patience beyond endurance.
+My father will understand, I trust. And say that I shall leave it to him
+to solicit my pardon of the King. I know he would prefer I should place
+the matter all in his hands."
+
+"Yes, to be sure, Monsieur Henri. And of course to a gentleman who has
+served him so well, the King can't refuse anything."
+
+"He is scarce likely to refuse him that favour, at any rate. My father
+will know just what to do; just whom to make his petition through, and
+all that. Perhaps he will go to Paris himself about it; or he may send
+Blaise Tripault with letters to some of his old friends who are near the
+King. But he will do whatever is best. The pardon will doubtless be
+obtained before I reach Paris, as I am going by this indirect way and
+may stop for awhile in the neighbourhood of Vendome. But I shall
+eventually turn up at the inn we were bound for, in the Rue St. Honoré."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, and may God land you there safe and sound!"
+
+"Tell my father that the only name by which I know my antagonist is
+Monsieur de Merri. Perhaps he belonged to Montoire; at any rate, he was
+acquainted there."
+
+We soon reached the place where the roads diverge. I took over my
+travelling bag and cloak from Nicolas's mule to my horse, hastily
+repeated my directions in summary form, supplied him with money, and
+showed him his road, he very disconsolate at parting, and myself little
+less so. As night was falling, and so much uncertainty lay over my
+immediate future, the trial of our spirits was the greater. However, as
+soon as he was moving on his way, I turned my horse forward on mine, and
+tried, by admiring the stars, to soften the sense of my loneliness and
+danger.
+
+I began to forget the peril of my present situation by thinking of the
+affair I had undertaken. In the first place, how to find the lady? All I
+knew of her was that she was probably at Montoire, that she had been
+associated in some way with Monsieur de Merri, and that she now thought
+herself in imminent danger. And I had in my possession a piece of her
+handwriting, which, however, I should have to use very cautiously if at
+all. There was, indeed, little to start with toward the task of finding
+her out, but, as Montoire could not be a large place, I need not
+despair. I would first, I thought, inquire about Monsieur de Merri and
+what ladies were of his acquaintance. If Monsieur de Merri himself was
+of Montoire, and had people living there, my presence would be a great
+risk. I could not know how soon the news of his death might reach them
+after my own arrival at the place, nor how close a description would be
+given of his slayer--for there was little doubt that the innkeeper would
+infer the true state of affairs on the discovery of the body. The dead
+man's people would be clamorous for justice and the officers would be on
+their mettle. Even if I might otherwise tarry in Montoire unsuspected,
+my insinuating myself into the acquaintance of one of Monsieur de
+Merri's friends would in itself be a suspicious move. The more I
+considered the whole affair, the more foolish seemed my chosen course.
+And yet I could not bear to think of that unknown lady in such great
+fear, with perhaps none to aid her: though, indeed, since none but
+Monsieur de Merri could save her honour and life, how could I do so?
+Well, I could offer my services, at least; perhaps she meant she had
+nobody else on whose willingness she could count; perhaps she really
+could make as good use of me as of him. But on what pretext could I
+offer myself? How could I account to her for my knowledge of her affairs
+and for Monsieur de Merri's inability to come to her? To present myself
+as his slayer would not very well recommend my services to her. Would
+she, indeed, on any account accept my services? And even if she did, was
+I clever enough to get her out of the situation she was in, whatever
+that might be? Truly the whole case was a cloud. Well, I must take each
+particular by itself as I came to it; be guided by circumstance, and
+proceed with delicacy. The first thing to do was to find out who the
+lady was; and even that could not be done till I got to Montoire, which,
+being near Vendome, must be at least two days' journey from La Flèche.
+
+As I thought how much in the dark was the business I had taken on
+myself, my mind suddenly reverted to the first of the monk's three
+maxims that Blaise Tripault had given me, which now lay folded in my
+pocket, close to the lady's note.
+
+"_Never undertake a thing unless you can see your way to the end of
+it._"
+
+I could not help smiling to think how soon chance had led me to violate
+this excellent rule. But I am not likely to be confronted again by such
+circumstances, thought I, and this affair once seen through, I shall be
+careful; while the other maxims, being more particular, are easier to
+obey, and obey them I certainly will.
+
+I rode on till near midnight, and then, for the sake of the horse as
+well as the rider, I turned out of the road at a little stream,
+unsaddled among some poplar trees, and lay down, with my travelling bag
+for pillow, and my cloak for bed and blanket. The horse, left to his
+will, chose to lie near me; and so, in well-earned sleep, we passed the
+rest of the night.
+
+The next morning, when we were on the road again, I decided to exchange
+talk with as many travellers as possible who were going my way, in the
+hope of falling in with one who knew Montoire. At a distance from the
+place, I might more safely be inquisitive about Monsieur de Merri and
+his friendships than at Montoire itself. The news of what had happened
+at La Flèche would not have come along the road any sooner than I had
+done, except by somebody who had travelled by night and had passed me
+while I slept. In the unlikelihood of there being such a person, I could
+speak of Monsieur de Merri without much danger of suspicion. But even if
+there was such a person, and the news had got ahead, nobody could be
+confident in suspecting me. I was not the only young gentleman of my
+appearance, mounted on a horse like mine, to be met on the roads that
+day. And besides, I was no longer attended by a servant on a mule, as I
+had been at La Flèche. So I determined to act with all freedom, accost
+whom I chose, and speak boldly.
+
+Passing early through Le Lude, I breakfasted at last, and talked with
+various travellers, both on the road and at the inn there, but none of
+them showed any such interest, when I casually introduced the name of
+Montoire, as a dweller of that place must have betrayed. To bring in the
+name of the town was easy enough. As thus:--in the neighbourhood of Le
+Lude one had only to mention the fine chateau there, and after admiring
+it, to add: "They say there is one very like it, at some other town
+along this river--I forget which--is it Montoire?--or La Chartre?--I
+have never travelled this road before." A man of Montoire, or who knew
+that town well, would have answered with certainty, and have added
+something to show his acquaintance there. The chateau of Le Lude served
+me in this manner all the way to Vaas, where there is a great church,
+which answered my purpose thence to Chateau du Loir. But though I threw
+out my conversational bait to dozens of people, of all conditions, not
+one bite did I get anywhere on the road between Le Lude and La Chartre.
+
+It was evening when I arrived at La Chartre, and I was now thirteen
+leagues from La Flèche, thanks to having journeyed half the previous
+night. Anybody having left La Flèche that morning would be satisfied
+with a day's journey of nine leagues to Chateau du Loir, the last
+convenient stopping-place before La Chartre. So I decided to stay at La
+Chartre for the night, and give my horse the rest he needed.
+
+At the inn I talked to everybody I could lay hold of, dragging in the
+name of Montoire, all to no purpose, until I began to think the
+inhabitants of Montoire must be the most stay-at-home people, and their
+town the most unvisited town, in the world. In this manner, in the
+kitchen after supper, I asked a fat bourgeois whether the better place
+for me to break my next day's journey for dinner would be Troo or
+Montoire.
+
+"I know no better than you," he replied with a shrug.
+
+"Pardon, Monsieur; I think you will find the better inn at Montoire,"
+put in a voice behind my shoulder. I turned and saw, seated on a stool
+with his back to the wall, a bright-looking, well-made young fellow who
+might, from his dress, have been a lawyer's clerk, or the son of a
+tradesman, but with rather a more out-of-doors appearance than is
+usually acquired in an office or shop.
+
+"Ah," said I, "you know those towns, then?"
+
+"I live at Montoire," said he, interestedly, as if glad to get into
+conversation. "There is a fine public square there, you will see."
+
+"But it is rather a long ride before dinner, isn't it?"
+
+"Only about five leagues. I shall ride there for dinner to-morrow, at
+all events."
+
+"You are returning home, then?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+"Have you been far away?"
+
+"That is as one may think," he replied after a moment's hesitation,
+during which he seemed to decide it best to evade the question. His
+travels were none of my business, and I cared not how secretive he might
+be upon them. But to teach him a lesson in openness, I said:
+
+"I have travelled from Le Lude to-day."
+
+"And I too," said he, with his former interest.
+
+"I didn't see you at the inn there," said I. "You must have left early
+this morning."
+
+"Yes, after arriving late last night. Yesterday evening I was at La
+Flèche."
+
+I gave an inward start; but said quietly enough: "Ah?--and yet you talk
+as if you had slept at Le Lude."
+
+"So I did. I travelled part of the night."
+
+"And arrived at Le Lude before midnight, perhaps?"
+
+"Yes, a little before. Luckily, the innkeeper happened to be up, and he
+let me in."
+
+I breathed more freely. This young man must have left La Flèche before I
+had: he could know nothing of the man slain.
+
+"There is a good inn at La Flèche," I said, to continue the talk.
+
+"No doubt. I stopped only a short while, at a small house at the edge of
+the town. I was in some haste."
+
+"Then you will be starting early to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+I resolved to be watchful and start at the same time. But lest he should
+have other company, or something should interfere, I decided not to lose
+the present opportunity. So I began forthwith:
+
+"I have met a gentleman who comes, I think, from Montoire, or at least
+is acquainted there,--a Monsieur de Merri, of about my own age."
+
+The young fellow looked at me with a sudden sharpness of curiosity,
+which took me back: but I did not change countenance, and he had
+repossessed himself by the time he replied:
+
+"There is a Monsieur de Merri, who is about as old as you, but he does
+not live at Montoire. He sometimes comes there."
+
+Here was comfort, at least: I should not find myself among the dead
+man's relations, seeking vengeance.
+
+"No doubt he has friends there?" I ventured.
+
+"No doubt, Monsieur," answered the young man, merely out of politeness,
+and looking vague.
+
+"Probably he visits people in the neighbourhood," I tried again.
+
+"I cannot say," was the reply, still more absently given.
+
+"Or lives at the inn," I pursued.
+
+"It may be so." The young fellow was now glancing about the kitchen, as
+if to rid himself of this talk.
+
+"Or perhaps he dwells in private lodgings when he is at Montoire," I
+went on resolutely.
+
+"It might well be. There are private lodgings to be had there."
+
+"Do you know much of this Monsieur de Merri?" I asked pointblank, in
+desperation.
+
+"I have seen him two or three times."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Where? At Montoire, of course." The speaker, in surprise, scrutinized
+me again with the keen look he had shown before.
+
+It was plain, from his manner, that he chose to be close-mouthed on the
+subject of Monsieur de Merri. He was one of those people who generally
+have a desire to talk of themselves and all their affairs, but who can
+be suddenly very secretive on some particular matter or occasion. I saw
+that I must give him up, for that time at least. Perhaps on the road
+next day his unwillingness to be communicative about Monsieur de Merri
+would have passed away. But meanwhile, what was the cause of that
+unwillingness? Did he know, after all, what had occurred at La Flèche,
+and had he begun to suspect me? I inwardly cursed his reticence, and
+went soon to bed, that I might rise the earlier.
+
+But early as I rose, my young friend had beaten me. The ostler to whom I
+described him said he had ridden off half-an-hour ago. In no very
+amiable mood, I rode after him. Not till the forenoon was half spent,
+did I catch up. He saluted me politely, and gave me his views of the
+weather, but was not otherwise talkative. We rode together pleasantly
+enough, but there was no more of that openness in him which would have
+made me feel safe in resuming the subject of Monsieur de Merri. As we
+approached noon and our destination, I asked him about the different
+families of consequence living thereabouts, and he mentioned several
+names and circumstances, but told me nothing from which I could infer
+the possibility of danger to any of their ladies. It was toward mid-day
+when we rode into the great square of Montoire, and found ourselves
+before the inn of the Three Kings.
+
+I turned to take leave of my travelling companion, thinking that as he
+belonged to this town he would go on to his own house.
+
+"I'm going to stop here for a glass of wine and to leave my horse
+awhile," he said, noticing my movement.
+
+He followed me through the archway. A stout innkeeper welcomed me, saw
+me dismount, and then turned to my young fellow-traveller, speaking with
+good-natured familiarity:
+
+"Ah, my child, so you are back safe after your journey. Let us see, how
+long have you been away? Since Sunday morning--four days and a half. I
+might almost guess where you've been, from the time--for all the secret
+you make of it."
+
+The young man laughed perfunctorily, and led his horse to the stable
+after the ostler who had taken mine.
+
+"A pleasant young man," said I, staying with the landlord. "He lives in
+this town, he tells me."
+
+"Yes, an excellent youth. He owns his bit of land, and though his father
+was a miller, his children may come near being gentlemen."
+
+I went into the kitchen, and ordered dinner. Presently my young man
+entered and had his wine, which he poured down quickly. He then bowed to
+me, and went away, like one who wishes to lose no time.
+
+Suddenly the whole probability of the case appeared to me in a flash.
+Regardless of the wine before me, and of the dinner I had ordered, I
+rose and followed him.
+
+I had put together his reticence about Monsieur de Merri, his having
+been away from Montoire just four and a half days, the direction of his
+journey, and his errand to be done immediately on returning. He must be
+the messenger who had carried the lady's note to Sablé, and he was now
+going to report its delivery and, perhaps, Monsieur de Merri's answer.
+If I could dog his steps unseen, he would lead me to the lady who was in
+danger.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+WHO THE LADY WAS
+
+
+By the time I was in the court-yard, the messenger was walking out of
+the archway. By the time I was at the outer end of the archway, he was
+well on his way toward one of the streets that go from the square. I
+waited in the shelter of the archway till he had got into that
+street--or road, I should say, for it soon leaves the town, proceeding
+straight in a South-easterly direction for about half a league through
+the country. As soon as he was out of the square, I was after him,
+stepping so lightly I could scarce hear my own footfalls. He walked
+rapidly, and as one who does not think of turning to look behind, a fact
+which I observed with comfort.
+
+If he was indeed the messenger, he must have been content with a very
+short rest for his horse after delivering the note to Monsieur de
+Merri;--must have started from Sablé as soon as, or little later than,
+Monsieur de Merri himself, to be in La Flèche on the same evening that
+gentleman arrived there, and to be out of it again before I was, as he
+must have been if he reached Le Lude by midnight. Perhaps he was passing
+through La Flèche at the very time the duel was going on; but the sum of
+all was, that he could not know Monsieur de Merri was killed, and this I
+felt to be fortunate for me.
+
+Another thought which I had while following him along the straight white
+road that day, was that if the lady could command the services of this
+able young fellow to bear a message so far, why could she not use him
+directly for the saving of her life and honour? Evidently there was a
+reason why mere zeal and ability would not suffice. Perhaps the
+necessary service was one in which only a gentleman could be accepted.
+But I feared rather that there might be some circumstance to make
+Monsieur de Merri the only possible instrument; and my heart fell at
+this, thinking what I had done. But I hoped for the best, and did not
+lose sight of the young man ahead of me.
+
+After we had walked about twenty minutes, the road crossed a bridge and
+rose to the gates of a chateau which had at one corner a very high old
+tower. In front of the chateau, the road turned off sharply to the left.
+A few small houses constituted such a village as one often sees huddled
+about the feet of great castles. A drawbridge, which I could see between
+the gate towers, indicated that the chateau and its immediate grounds
+were surrounded by a moat. The messenger did not approach the gates, nor
+did he follow the road to its turning. He disappeared down a lane to the
+right.
+
+When I got to the lane, he had already passed out of it at the other
+end. I hastened through, and caught sight of him in the open fields that
+lay along the side wall of the chateau. Near the outer edge of the moat,
+grew tangled bushes, and I noticed that he kept close to these, as if to
+be out of sight from the chateau. At a distance ahead, skirting the rear
+of the chateau enclosure, stretched the green profile of what appeared
+to be a deep forest. It was this which my unconscious guide was
+approaching. I soon reached the bushes by the fosse, and used them for
+my own concealment in following him. When he came to the edge of the
+forest, at a place near a corner of the wall environing the chateau
+grounds, what did he do but stop before the first tree--a fine oak--and
+proceed to climb up it? I crouched among the bushes, and looked on.
+
+When he gained the boughs he worked his way out on one that extended
+toward the moat. From that height he could see across the wall. He took
+a slender pole that had been concealed among the branches, tied a
+handkerchief thereto, and ran it out so that the bit of white could be
+seen against the leaves.
+
+"Oho! a signal!" said I to myself.
+
+Keeping the handkerchief in its position, he waited. I know not just
+what part of an hour went by. I listened to the birds and sometimes to
+the soft sound of a gentle breeze among the tree tops of the forest.
+
+At last the handkerchief suddenly disappeared, and my man came quickly
+down the tree. Watching the chateau beyond the walls, he had evidently
+seen the person approach for whom he had hung out his signal. He now
+stood waiting under the tree. My heart beat fast.
+
+I heard a creaking sound, and saw a little postern open in the wall,
+near the tree. A girl appeared, ran nimbly across a plank that spanned
+the moat, and into the arms of my young man.
+
+Could this, then, be the woman whose life and honour was in peril? No,
+for though she had some beauty, I could see at a glance that she was a
+dependent. Moreover, her face shone gaily at sight of the messenger, and
+she gave herself to his embrace with smothered laughter. But a moment
+later, she attended seriously, and with much concern, to what he had to
+say, of which I could hear nothing. I then saw what the case was: this
+was a serving-maid whom the endangered lady had taken into confidence,
+and who had impressed her lover into service to carry that lady's
+message. The lady herself must be in that chateau,--perhaps a prisoner.
+My first step must be to find out who were the dwellers in the chateau,
+and as much of their affairs as the world could tell me.
+
+The interview between the two young people was not long. It ended in
+another embrace; the girl ran back over the plank, waved her hand at her
+lover, and disappeared, the postern door closing after her. The young
+man, with a last tender look at the door, hastened back as he had come.
+I had to crawl suddenly under some low bushes to avoid his sight, making
+a noise which caused him to stop within six feet of me. But I suppose he
+ascribed the sound to some bird or animal, for he soon went on again.
+
+I lay still for some time, being under no further necessity of observing
+him. I then walked back to the inn at Montoire at a leisurely pace.
+Looking into the stables when I arrived, I saw that the messenger's
+horse was gone. He lived, as I afterwards learned from the innkeeper, on
+another road than that which led to the chateau. I suppose he had chosen
+to go afoot to the chateau for the sake of easier concealment.
+
+The innkeeper was looking amazed and injured, at my having gone away and
+let my dinner spoil.
+
+"I was taken with a sudden sickness," I explained. "There's nothing like
+a walk in the fresh air when the stomach is qualmish. I am quite well
+now. I'll have another dinner, just what I ordered before."
+
+As this meant my paying for two dinners, the landlord was soon restored
+to good-nature. He was a cheerful, hearty soul, and as communicative as
+I could desire.
+
+"That is a strong chateau about half a league yonder," I said to him, as
+I sipped his excellent white wine.
+
+"Yes, the Chateau de Lavardin," he replied. "Strong?--yes, indeed."
+
+"Who lives there?"
+
+"The Count de Lavardin."
+
+"What sort of man is he?"
+
+"What sort? Well!--an old man, for one thing,--or growing old. Or maybe
+you mean, what does he look like?"
+
+"Yes, of course."
+
+"A lean old grey wolf, I have heard him likened to--without offence, of
+course. Yes, he is a thin old man, but of great strength, for all that."
+
+"Is he a good landlord?"
+
+"Oh, he is not my landlord," said the innkeeper, looking as if he would
+have added "Thank God!" but for the sake of prudence. "No; his estate is
+very large, but it extends in the other direction from Montoire."
+
+"Is he a pleasant neighbour, then?"
+
+"Oh, I have no fault to find, for my part. One mustn't believe all the
+grumblers. You may hear it said of him that his smile is more frightful
+than another man's rage. But people will say things, you know, when they
+think they have grievances."
+
+I fancied that the innkeeper shared this opinion which he attributed to
+the grumblers, and took satisfaction in getting it expressed, though too
+cautious to father it himself.
+
+"Then he has no great reputation for benevolence?"
+
+"Oh, I don't say that. We must take what we hear, with a grain of salt.
+He is certainly one of the great noblemen of this neighbourhood;
+certainly a brave man. You will hear silly talk, of course: how that he
+is a man whose laugh makes one think of dungeon chains and the rack. But
+some people will give vent to their envy of the great."
+
+I shuddered inwardly, to think that my undertaking might bring me across
+the path of a man as sinister and formidable as these bits of
+description seemed to indicate.
+
+"What family has he?" I asked, trying the more to seem indifferent as I
+came closer to the point.
+
+"No family. His children are all dead. Some foolish folk say he expected
+too much of them, and tried to bring them up too severely, as if they
+had been Spartans. But that is certainly a slander, for his eldest son
+was killed in battle in the last civil war."
+
+"Then he has no daughter--or grand-daughter--or niece, perhaps?"
+
+"Not that I know of. Why do you ask, Monsieur?"
+
+"I thought I saw a lady at one of the windows," said I, inventing.
+
+"No doubt. It must have been his wife. She would be the only lady
+there."
+
+"Oh, but this was surely a young lady," I said, clinging to my
+preconceptions.
+
+"Certainly. His new wife is young. The children I spoke of were by his
+first wife, poor woman! Oh, yes, his new wife is young--beautiful too,
+they say."
+
+"And how do she and the Count agree together, being rather unevenly
+matched?"
+
+"That is the question. Nobody sees much of their life. She never comes
+out of the grounds of the chateau, except to church sometimes, when she
+looks neither to the right nor to the left."
+
+"But who are her people, to have arranged her marriage with such a man?"
+
+"Oh. I believe she has no people. An orphan, whom he took out of a
+convent. A gentlewoman, yes, but of obscure family."
+
+"I can't suppose she is very happy."
+
+"Who knows, Monsieur? They do say the old wolf--I mean the Count,
+Monsieur,--we are sometimes playful in our talk here at Montoire,--they
+say he is terribly jealous. They say that is why he keeps her so close.
+Of course I know nothing of it.--You noticed, perhaps, that the moat was
+full of water. The drawbridge is up half the time. One would suppose the
+Civil wars were back again. To be sure, some people hint that there may
+be another reason for all that: but I, for one, take no interest in
+politics."
+
+"You mean the Count is thought to be one of those who are disaffected
+toward the King?"
+
+"H-sh, Monsieur! We mustn't say such things. If idle whispers go around,
+we can't help hearing them; but as for repeating them, or believing
+them, that's another matter. I mention only what all can see--that the
+Chateau de Lavardin is kept very much closed against company. The saying
+is, that it's as hard to get into the Chateau de Lavardin nowadays as
+into heaven. It's very certain, the Count has no welcome for strangers."
+
+And yet somehow I should have to get into the chateau, and obtain
+private speech with the Countess,--for it must be she who had summoned
+Monsieur de Merri.
+
+"In that case," said I, "they must have no visitors at all. But I recall
+meeting a young gentleman the other day, who was acquainted with some
+great family near Montoire, and, from certain things, I think it must be
+this very Lavardin family. He was a Monsieur de Merri."
+
+"Ah, yes. He has stayed at this inn. It was here the Count met him, one
+day when the Count was returning from the hunt. The Count was thirsty
+and stopped to drink, and the young gentleman began to talk with him
+about the hounds. At that time half the Count's pack were suffering from
+a strange disease, which threatened the others. When the Count described
+the disease, Monsieur de Merri said he knew all about it and could cure
+it. The Count took him to the chateau, where he stayed a fortnight, for
+you see, however jealous the count may be of his wife, he cares more for
+his hounds. Monsieur de Merri cured them, and that is how he got
+admission to the Chateau de Lavardin. But besides him and the red
+Captain, there aren't many who can boast of that privilege."
+
+"The red Captain? Who is he?"
+
+"Captain Ferragant. He is a friend of the Count's, who comes to the
+chateau sometimes and makes long visits there. Where he comes from, of
+what he does when he is elsewhere, I cannot tell. He is at the chateau
+now, I believe."
+
+"Why did you call him the red Captain?"
+
+"The people have given him that name. He has a great red splash down one
+side of his face. They say it was caused by a burn."
+
+"Received in the wars, perhaps."
+
+"No doubt. He has fought under many banners, it is said. Some declare he
+still keeps his company together, always ready for the highest bidder;
+but if that's true, I don't know where he keeps it, or how he does so
+without a loss when not at the wars. It is true, he brings a suite of
+sturdy fellows when he comes to Lavardin; but not enough to make what
+you would call a company."
+
+"Perhaps he has made his fortune and retired."
+
+"He's not an old man, Monsieur, though he is the friend of the Count. He
+is at the prime of life, I should say. A tall, strong man. He would be
+handsome but for the red stamp on his face. He has great influence over
+the Count. They drink, hunt, and play together. In many ways they are
+alike. The red Captain, too, has a smile that some people are afraid of,
+and a laugh that is merciless, but they are broad and bold, if you can
+understand what I mean,--not like the wily chuckle of the Count. He has
+big, ferocious eyes, too; while the Count's are small and half-closed.
+If people will fear those two men because of their looks, I can't for my
+life say which is to be feared the more."
+
+"A pleasant pair for anybody to come in conflict with," said I, as
+lightly as I could.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, and seeing that strangers are so unwelcome there, you
+will do well to pass by the Chateau de Lavardin without stopping to
+exchange compliments." With a jocular smile, the innkeeper went about
+his business, while I finished my dinner with a mind full of misgivings.
+
+I rose from the table, left the inn, and walked back, by the straight
+road of half a league, to Lavardin, pondering on the problem before me.
+It was a natural feeling that I might come by an inspiration more
+probably in the presence of the chateau than away from it. There was a
+little cabaret in the village, in full sight of the chateau gates, and
+just far enough back from the road to give room for two small tables in
+front. At one of these tables a man was already sitting, so I took
+possession of the other and called for a bottle of wine. I then sat
+there, slowly sipping, with my eyes on the chateau, hoping that by
+contemplation thereof, or perhaps by some occurrence thereabout, I might
+arrive at some idea of how to proceed. The drawbridge was not up, but
+the gates were closed. From where I sat, I could see the gate towers, a
+part of the outer wall, the turreted top of the chateau itself beyond
+the court, and the great high tower, which looked very ancient and
+sombre. But the more I looked, the more nearly impossible it appeared
+that I could devise means of getting into the place and to the ear of
+the Countess.
+
+As I was gazing at the chateau, I had a feeling that the man at the
+other table was gazing at me. I glanced at him, but seemed to have been
+mistaken. He was looking absently at the sky over my head. I now took
+thought of what a very silent, motionless, undemonstrative man this was.
+He was thin and oldish, and of moderate stature, with a narrow face,
+pale eyes, and a very long nose. He was dressed in dull brown cloth, and
+was in all respects--save his length of nose--one of those persons of
+whom nobody ever takes much note. And he in turn did not seem to take
+much note of the world. He looked at the sky, the house roofs and the
+road, but his thoughts did not appear to concern themselves with these
+things, or with anything, unless with the wine which he, like myself,
+sipped in a leisurely manner.
+
+I dismissed him from my attention, and resumed my observation of the
+chateau. But nobody came nor went, the gates did not open, nothing
+happened to give me an idea. When I looked again at the other table, the
+long-nosed man was gone. It was as if he had simply melted away.
+
+"Who was the man sitting there?" I asked the woman of the cabaret.
+
+"I don't know, Monsieur. He arrived here this morning. I never saw him
+before to-day."
+
+In the evening I went back to Montoire, no nearer the solution of my
+problem than before. Nor did a sleepless night help me any: I formed a
+dozen fantastic schemes, only to reject every one of them as impossible.
+What made all this worse, was the consideration that time might be of
+the utmost importance in the affairs of the imperilled lady.
+
+The next morning I went to view the chateau from other points than the
+village cabaret. This time I took the way the messenger had led
+me,--turned down the lane, and traversed the fields by the moat. I sat
+where I had hid the day before; staring at the postern and the wall,
+over which birds flew now and then, indicating that there was a garden
+on the other side. Receiving no suggestion here, I took up my station at
+the tree from which the messenger had shown the handkerchief. I thought
+of climbing it, to see over the wall. But just as I had formed my
+resolution, I happened to glance over the fields and see a man strolling
+idly along near the edge of the moat. As he came nearer, I recognized
+him as the long-nosed gentleman in the brown doublet and hose.
+
+He saw me, and gazed, in his absent way, with a momentary curiosity.
+Angry at being caught almost in the act of spying out the land, I
+hastened off, passing between the rear wall and the forest which grew
+nearly to the moat, and to which the tree itself belonged. In this way,
+I soon left my long-nosed friend behind, and came out on the opposite
+side of the chateau.
+
+Here I found a hillock, from the top of which I could see more of the
+chateau proper and the other contents of the great walled enclosure. I
+sat for some time regarding them, but the towers, turrets, roofs,
+windows, and tree tops engendered no project in my mind.
+
+Suddenly I heard a low, discreet cough behind me, and, looking around,
+saw the long-nosed man standing not six feet away.
+
+The sight gave me a start, for I had neither heard nor seen him
+approach, though the way I had come was within my field of vision. He
+must have made a wide circle through the woods.
+
+His mild eyes were upon me. "Good morning, Monsieur," said he, in a dry,
+small voice.
+
+"Good morning," said I, rather ungraciously.
+
+He came close to me, and said, with a faint look of amusement:
+
+"May I tell you what is your chief thought at present, Monsieur?"
+
+After a moment, I deemed it best to answer, "If you wish."
+
+"It is that you would give half the money in your purse to get into that
+chateau yonder."
+
+At first I could only look astonishment. Then I considered it wise to
+take his remark as a joke; accordingly I laughed, and asked, "How do you
+know that?"
+
+"Oh, I have observed you yesterday and to-day. You have a very eloquent
+countenance, Monsieur. Well, I don't blame you for wishing you could get
+over those walls. I have been young myself: I know what an attraction a
+pretty maid is."
+
+So he thought it was some love affair with a lady's maid that lay behind
+the wish he had divined in me. I saw no reason to undeceive him; so I
+merely said, "And what is all this to you, Monsieur?"
+
+"Hum!--that depends," he replied. "Tell me first, are you known to the
+Count de Lavardin or his principal people--by sight, I mean?"
+
+"Neither by sight nor otherwise."
+
+"Good! Excellent!" said the man, looking really pleased. "I dared hope
+as much, when the woman at the cabaret said you were a stranger. What is
+all this to me? you ask. Well, as I have taken the liberty to read your
+thoughts, I will be frank with you in regard to my own. I also have a
+desire to see the inside of that chateau, and, as I haven't the honour
+of the Count's acquaintance, and he is very suspicious of strangers, I
+must resort to my devices. My reasons for wanting to be admitted yonder
+are my own secret, but I assure you they won't conflict with yours. So,
+as I have been studying you a little, and think you a gentleman to be
+trusted, I propose that we shall help each other, as far as our object
+is the same. In other words, Monsieur, if you will do as I say, I
+believe we may both find ourselves freely admitted to the Chateau de
+Lavardin before this day is over. Once inside, each shall go about his
+purposes without any concern for the other. What do you think of it,
+Monsieur?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CHATEAU DE LAVARDIN
+
+
+All that I could think was that, if genuine, the offer came as a most
+unexpected piece of good luck, and that, if it was a trick, my
+acceptance of it could not much add to the danger which attended my
+purpose at best. In any case, this man already had me under scrutiny.
+So, after some little display of surprise and doubt, I took him at his
+word, inwardly reserving the right to draw back if I found myself
+entering a trap. The man's very proposal involved craft as against the
+master of the chateau, but toward me he seemed to be acting with the
+utmost simplicity and honesty, so straightforward and free from
+excessive protestation he was.
+
+He led me away to a quiet, secluded place by the riverside, out of sight
+of the chateau, that we might talk the matter over in safety. And first
+he asked me what I knew of the disposition and habits of the Count de
+Lavardin. I told him as much as the innkeeper had told me.
+
+"Hum!" said he, reflectively; "it agrees with what I have heard. I have
+been pumping people a little, in a harmless way. The first thing I
+learned was the Count's churlish practice of closing his gates to
+strangers, which forces us to use art in obtaining the hospitality we
+are entitled to by general custom. So I had to discover some inclination
+or hobby of the man's, that I could make use of to approach him. I don't
+see how we can reach him through his love of dogs, without having
+prepared ourselves with special knowledge and a fine hound or so to
+attract his attention. As for his jealousy, it would be too hazardous to
+play upon that: besides, I shouldn't like to cook up a tale about his
+wife, unless put to it."
+
+"Monsieur, don't speak of such a thing," I said indignantly.
+
+"No, it wouldn't do. I can't think of a better plan than the one that
+first occurred to me. As it required a confederate, I put it aside. But
+when I observed you yesterday regarding the chateau so wistfully, I said
+to myself, 'No doubt heaven has sent this young man to help me, and that
+I in turn may help him.' But I waited to make sure, watching you last
+night and this morning till I was convinced of your desire to get into
+the chateau."
+
+It was a surprise to me to learn that I had been watched, but I took it
+coolly.
+
+"The plan I had thought of," he went on, "required that my confederate
+should be unknown to the Count and those near him. When I find that you,
+who are anxious for your own reasons to enter the chateau, fulfil that
+requirement, I can only think the more that heaven has brought us
+together. It is more than heaven usually does for one."
+
+"But what else does your plan require of me?" I asked, impatient to know
+what must be faced.
+
+"You play chess, of course?" was his interrogative answer.
+
+"A little," said I, wondering what that had to do with the case.
+
+"Then all is fair ahead of us. Luckily. I play rather well myself. As I
+said just now, I have been nosing among the people--nosing is a good
+word in my case, isn't it?"--he pointed to his much-extended
+proboscis--"I have been nosing about to learn the Count's ruling
+passions and so forth. When you have anybody to hoodwink, or obtain
+access to without creating suspicion, find out what are his likings and
+preoccupations: be sure there will be something there of which you can
+avail yourself. From the village priest I learned that, along with his
+fondness for hunting and drinking and the lower forms of gaming, the
+Count has a taste for more intellectual amusements, and chiefly for the
+game of chess. He is a most excellent player, and doesn't often find a
+worthy antagonist. His bosom friend, one Captain Ferragant, who is now
+living at the chateau, has no skill at chess, so the Count has been put
+to sending for this priest to come and play a game now and then, but the
+Count beats him too easily for any pleasure and the result of their
+games is that the Count only curses the rarity of good chess-players."
+
+"And so you think of proposing a game with him?"
+
+"Not exactly," said the long-nosed man, with a faint smile at my
+simplicity. "An obscure man like me, travelling without a servant,
+doesn't propose games to a great nobleman, at the great nobleman's own
+gates. The great nobleman may condescend to invite, but the obscure
+traveller may not presume to offer himself,--not, at least, without
+creating wonder and some curiosity as to his motives. No; that would be
+too direct, moreover. It would suggest that I had been inquisitive about
+him, to have learned that he is fond of chess. I may tell you that the
+Count has his reasons for imagining that strangers may come trying to
+get access to him, who have taken pains to learn something of his ways
+beforehand. He has his reasons for suspecting every stranger who seeks
+to enter his gates. No; we must neither show any knowledge of him, more
+than his name, nor any desire to get into his house. We must play upon
+his hobby without openly appealing to it. That is why two of us are
+necessary. This is what we will do."
+
+I listened with great interest, surprised to discover what acuteness of
+mind was hidden behind the pale, meek eyes and un-expressive pasty
+countenance of this man with the long nose.
+
+"In an hour or so from now," he said, "I shall be sitting before the
+cabaret, where you saw me yesterday. You will come there, from wandering
+about the fields, and we will greet each other as having met casually on
+our walks this morning--as indeed we actually have met. You will sit
+down to refresh yourself with a bottle of wine, and we shall get into
+conversation, like the strangers that we are to each other. The people
+of the cabaret will hear us, more or less, and the porter at the chateau
+gates will doubtless observe us. I will presently lead the talk to the
+subject of chess. You will profess to be ardently devoted to the game. I
+will show an equally great passion for it. We will express much regret
+that we have no chessmen with us, and will inquire if any can be
+obtained in the village. I know already that none can be: the priest
+once owned a set, but he let the village children use them as toys and
+they are broken up. Well, then, rather than lose the opportunity of
+encountering a first-class player, you will suggest that we try to
+borrow chessmen from the owner of that great chateau, who must surely
+possess such things, as no great house is ever without them. You will
+thereupon write a note to the Count, saying we are two gentlemen who
+have met on our travels, and both claiming to be skilled chess-players,
+and hating to part without a trial of prowess, but lacking chessmen, we
+take upon ourselves to ask if he may have such a thing as a set which he
+will allow us the use of for half a day; and so forth. We will bid the
+woman at the cabaret take this note to the porter; and then we have but
+to await the result."
+
+"And what will that be?"
+
+"We shall see when it comes," said the man tranquilly. I know not
+whether he really felt the serene confidence he showed; but he seemed to
+be going on the sure ground of past experience. "It will be necessary to
+give names and some account of ourselves, no doubt, before all is done.
+We shall not be expected to know anything of each other, having only met
+as travellers so recently. To the Count I will call myself Monsieur de
+Pepicot, a poor gentleman of Amiens. As for you, is there any reason why
+you shouldn't use your own name? When you want to deceive anybody, it is
+well to be strictly truthful as far as your object will permit."
+
+"The only reason is, that I may get into the Count's bad graces by what
+I may do in his house, and it would be better if he didn't know where to
+look for me afterwards."
+
+"Well, there's something in that. The Count is not a forgiving man. And
+yet, as to his power of revenge, I know not--Well, do as you please."
+
+"Oh, devil take it, I'll go under my own name, let come what may! I
+don't like the idea of masquerading."
+
+"A brave young gentleman! Then there's no more to be said. When we are
+inside the chateau, it will be each of us for himself, though of course
+we must keep up the comedy of wishing to play chess. Meet me by chance
+at the cabaret, then, in about an hour."
+
+Without any more ado, he left me. Coming forth from the concealed place
+a minute later, I saw him strolling along the river, looking at the
+fields and the sky, as if nothing else were on his mind. I presently
+imitated him, but went in another direction. In due time I made my way
+to the cabaret, and there he was, at the table where I had first seen
+him.
+
+We spoke to each other as had been arranged, and easily carried the
+conversation to the desired point, mostly in the hearing of the woman of
+the cabaret as she sat knitting by the door. When it came to writing the
+note, the long-nosed man tore a leaf of paper out of his pocket book,
+and had pen and ink fetched from his lodging over the cabaret; I then
+composed our request in as courteous phrases as I thought suitable. The
+woman herself carried the note to the chateau gates, and we saw a grated
+wicket open, and a scowling fellow show his face there, who questioned
+her, glanced at us with no friendly look, took the note, and closed the
+wicket. We waited half an hour or so, sipping our wine and talking
+carelessly, till I imagined the long-nosed man was becoming a little
+doubtful. But just as he was losing his placidity so far as to cross one
+leg over another, the chateau gate opened, and a heavy, dark-browed
+fellow with the appearance rather of a soldier than of a servant, came
+out, and over to us, scrutinizing us keenly as he approached. He asked
+if we were the gentlemen who had written to borrow a set of chessmen.
+Being so informed, he said:
+
+"Monsieur the Count, my master, begs to be excused from sending his
+chessmen to you, but if you will come to them he will be glad to judge
+of your playing; and perhaps to offer the winner a bout with himself."
+
+We took half a minute to evince our pleased surprise, our sense of
+favour, and so forth, at this courteous invitation,--and then we
+followed the servant to the chateau. It was amusing to see how
+innocently, decorously, and consciously of unexpected honour my
+long-nosed friend walked through the gateway, and gazed with childlike
+admiration around the court-yard and the grey façade of the chateau
+confronting us.
+
+A few wide steps led up to the arched door, which admitted us to a large
+hall plentifully furnished with tables, benches, and finely-carved
+chairs. It was panelled in oak and hung with arms, boars' heads, and
+other trophies. At the upper end of a long table, the one leaning
+forward from a chair at the head, the other from the bench at the side,
+lounged two men, whom I recognized instantly from the descriptions of
+the innkeeper as if from painted portraits. They were the Count de
+Lavardin and Captain Ferragant.
+
+Yes, there was the "lean old grey wolf," grey not only in his bristly
+hair and short pointed beard, but even in the general hue of his wizen
+face; grey as to the little eyes that peered out between their narrowed
+slits; grey even, on this occasion, as to his velvet doublet and
+breeches. Though his face was wizen, the leanness of his body had no
+appearance of weakness, but rather every sign of strength. I noticed
+that his fingers seemed to possess great crunching power, and there was
+always on his face the faint beginning of a smile which, I thought,
+would heighten into glee when those fingers were in the act of
+strangling somebody.
+
+As for the Captain, there was indeed a great blotch of deep red across
+his cheek; he was a large, powerful fellow, with a bold, insolent face,
+and fierce, pitiless eyes. To make his sobriquet the fitter, he wore a
+suit of crimson, very rich and ornate. His beard and hair, however, were
+black.
+
+"You are welcome, gentlemen," said the Count, in a harsh, thin voice.
+"From what part do you come?"
+
+"From different parts," said my long-nosed companion. "We have only met
+as strangers going opposite ways. I am Monsieur de Pepicot, of the
+neighbourhood of Amiens, travelling to Angers to see some kinsfolk."
+
+The Count turned to me, and I recited my name and place, adding that I
+was going to Paris, to see a little of the world, and therefore
+journeying somewhat indirectly.
+
+"And behold here Monsieur the Captain Ferragant, who comes from
+Burgundy," said the Count, "so that we have North, West, and East all
+represented."
+
+Captain Ferragant bowed as politeness required, but he went no further.
+He did not seem to relish our being there. His look was rather
+disdainful, I thought, as if we were nobodies unfit for the honour of
+his company. And very soon, while the Count was saying we must stay to
+dinner, as there was not time for a game of chess before, the Captain
+walked away and out of the hall. Seeing that we were to be his guests
+for the day, the Count had us shown to a rather remote chamber up two
+flights of stairs, where water was brought, and where we were left alone
+together. The chamber looked out on a small part of the garden at the
+rear of the chateau.
+
+"Well," said I, washing my hands, "you have played the magician. It has
+been as easy as walking, to get into the chateau."
+
+"Will it be easy to get out again, when our business is done, I wonder?"
+replied Monsieur de Pepicot, gazing out of the window at the distant
+high wall of the garden.
+
+"Why do you say that?" I asked, a little surprised at his tone.
+
+"Oh, I was thinking of the manner in which the gate slammed to, after we
+had entered. It is a mere inanimate gate, to be sure, but it was slammed
+by a porter, and his manner of slamming it might unconsciously express
+what was in his mind. You remember, the Count was rather long in coming
+to a decision upon our note. If it occurred to him, after all, that we
+might have some design, and that people with a design would be safer
+inside than outside--well, I mention this only that you may know to keep
+your wits about you."
+
+"Thanks, but I see no reason to fear anything. Everything seems to be
+going admirably. We are assured of some time in which to attend to our
+affairs. While one of us is playing chess with the Count, the other will
+be free to roam about,--that suits me perfectly. I begin to feel really
+grateful for the Count's hospitality--I almost dislike having won it by
+a trick."
+
+"Pish! He is churlish enough as a rule in the matter of
+hospitality--it's only fair to win it by a trick."
+
+I was inwardly much excited at the near prospect of dinner, as the meal
+would perhaps give me a sight of the Countess. But of this I was
+disappointed. The only people who sat down at the upper table, when
+dinner was served in the hall, were the Count, the Captain, my friend
+Monsieur de Pepicot, and myself. Elsewhere the benches were crowded with
+fellows who, like him that had brought our invitation, appeared as much
+warriors as serving men, and their number alone would have arrested
+notice. I now recalled how many knaves of this sort I had seen in the
+court-yard as I entered the chateau, but at that time I had had other
+things to think of.
+
+The Count said nothing of the absence of his lady, and, as we could
+scarce be thought to know whether he had a Countess living, it was not
+for us to inquire about her. I spent my time wondering what could be her
+situation, and whether her not appearing had anything to do with the
+danger in which she supposed herself. My long-nosed friend ate very
+industriously, and most of the conversation was between the Count and
+the Captain, upon dogs and hawks and such things. When the Count
+addressed either Monsieur de Pepicot or me, the Captain was silent. This
+reticence, whether it proceeded from jealousy or contempt, seemed to
+afford the Count a little amusement, for he turned his small eyes on the
+Captain and stretched his thin lips in a smile that was truly horrible
+in its relish of another's discontent.
+
+After dinner, the Count had the chessmen brought at once, and sat down
+to watch us at our game. The Captain, with a glance of disapproval at
+the chessboard, strolled away as he had done before. I was but a
+moderately good player, and discomposed besides, so I held out scarce an
+hour against the long-nosed gentleman, who was evidently of great skill.
+Apparently the Count, by his ejaculations, thought little of my playing,
+but he was so glad when my defeat made room for him, that I escaped his
+displeasure. I too was glad, for now, while Monsieur de Pepicot kept the
+Count occupied at chess, I should be free to go about the chateau in
+search for its mistress. And grateful I was to Monsieur de Pepicot for
+having beaten me, for he might easily have left me as the victor and
+used this opportunity for his own purpose. I could not think it was
+generosity that had made him do otherwise: I could only wonder what his
+purpose was, that would bear so much waiting.
+
+For appearance's sake, I watched the two players awhile: then I imitated
+the Captain, and sauntered to the court-yard, wondering if there might
+be any servant there whom I could sound. But the men lounging there were
+not of a simple-looking sort. They were all of forbidding aspect, and
+they stared at me so hard that I returned into the hall. The Count was
+intent upon the game. Pushed by the mere impulse of inquiry, I went up
+the staircase as if to go to the chamber to which I had before been
+conducted. But instead of going all the way up, I turned off at the
+first landing into a short corridor, resolved to wander wherever I
+might: if anybody stopped me, I could pretend to have lost my way.
+
+The corridor led into a drawing-room richly tapestried and furnished;
+that into another room, which contained musical instruments; that into a
+gallery where some portraits were hung. So far I had got access by a
+series of curtained archways. The further end of the gallery was closed
+by a door. I was walking toward that door, when I heard a step in the
+room I had last traversed. I immediately began to look at the pictures.
+
+A man entered and viewed me suspiciously. He was, by his dress and air,
+a servant of some authority in the household, and had not the military
+rudeness of the fellows in the court-yard.
+
+"What is it Monsieur will have?" he asked, with outward courtesy enough.
+
+"I am looking at the portraits," said I.
+
+"I will explain them to you," said he. "That is Monsieur the Count in
+his youth, painted at Paris by a celebrated Italian." And he went on to
+point out the Count's children, now dead, and his first wife, before
+going back to a former generation.
+
+"And the present Countess?" said I at last, looking around the walls in
+vain.
+
+"There is no portrait of Madame the Countess."
+
+"She was not at dinner," I ventured. "Is she not well?"
+
+"Oh, she is well, I am happy to say. She often dines in her own
+apartments."
+
+"She is well and yet keeps to her apartments?" I said, with as much
+surprise as I thought the circumstance might naturally occasion.
+
+"She does not keep to her apartments exactly," replied the man, a little
+annoyed. "She walks in the garden much of the time. Is there anything
+else I may show you, Monsieur?"
+
+He stood at the curtained entrance, as if to attend my leaving the room,
+and I thought best to take the hint. No doubt he had purposely followed
+me, to hinder my going too far.
+
+I returned to the hall, which was very silent, the two players being
+deep in their chess. Somewhere in my wake the manservant vanished, and I
+seemed free to explore in another direction. The Countess walked much in
+the garden, the man had said. It was a fine afternoon--might she not be
+walking there now?
+
+Feigning carelessness, I went out a small door at the rear of the hall,
+and found myself in that narrow part of the garden which lay between two
+wings of the house, and which our chamber overlooked. This part, which
+was really a terrace, was separated by a low Italian balustrade from the
+greater garden below and beyond. I walked up the middle path to where
+there was an opening in the balustrade at the head of a flight of steps.
+But here my confidence received a check. Half-way down the steps was
+sitting a burly fellow, who rose at my appearance, and said:
+
+"Pardon, Monsieur: no further this way, if you please. I am ordered to
+stop everybody."
+
+"But I am the Count's guest," said I.
+
+"It is all the same. Nobody is to go down to the garden yonder without
+orders."
+
+"Orders from the Count?" I asked.
+
+"From the Count or the Captain."
+
+I nearly let out my thought that the Captain had a good deal of
+authority at the chateau, but I closed my lips in time. To show
+insistence would only injure my purpose: so I contented myself with a
+glance at the forbidden territory--a very spacious pleasance, indeed,
+with walks, banks of flowers, arbours, and alleys, but with nobody there
+to enjoy it that I could see--and went back to the hall.
+
+As I could not sit there long inactive, for considering how the time was
+flying and I had accomplished nothing, I soon started in good faith for
+the chamber to which I had feigned to be going before. Once upstairs,
+however, it occurred to me to walk pass the door of that chamber, to the
+end of the corridor. This passage soon turned leftward into a rear wing
+of the building. I followed it, between chamber doors on one side and,
+on the other, windows looking down on the smaller garden. It terminated
+at last in a blind wall. I supposed myself to be now over that part of
+the house which lay beyond the closed door at the end of the picture
+gallery. I looked cautiously out of one of the windows, wondering how
+much of the great garden might be visible from there. I could see a
+large part of it, but not a soul anywhere in it. As I drew back in
+disappointment, I was suddenly startled by a low sound that seemed to
+come from somewhere beneath me--a single brief sound, which made my
+breath stop and pierced my very heart.
+
+It was the sob of a woman.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+WHAT THE PERIL WAS
+
+
+It seemed to me like a sob of despair, or of the breaking down of
+patience, and, knowing what I did already, I quickly imagined it to
+proceed from the Countess in a moment when she was beginning to lose
+hope of Monsieur de Merri's arrival. To me, therefore, it seemed a stab
+of reproach.
+
+I judged that it came by way of the window below me. So forthwith, at
+all hazards, sheltering myself from outside view as well as I could with
+the casement, I thrust my head out over the sill, and said in a low
+tone:
+
+"Madame."
+
+I waited for some moments, with a beating heart, and then called again,
+"Madame."
+
+I thought I heard whispering below. Then a head was thrust out of the
+window--a woman's head, soft haired and shapely. "Here I am," I
+whispered. The head twisted round, and the face was that of the young
+woman who had received the messenger at the postern the day before. But
+it was clear that she had not been sobbing, though her face wore a look
+of concern.
+
+"I must speak with Madame the Countess," said I, and added what I
+thought would most expedite matters: "I bring news of Monsieur de
+Merri."
+
+The head disappeared: there was more whispering: then the maid looked
+out again, using similar precautions to mine with regard to the
+casement.
+
+"Who are you, Monsieur?" she asked.
+
+"I will explain all later. There is little time now. I may soon be
+looked for. Contrive to let me have an interview with Madame the
+Countess. I don't know how to get to her: I'm not acquainted with the
+chateau."
+
+"Put your head a little further out, Monsieur,--so that I can see your
+face."
+
+I obeyed. She gazed at me searchingly, then withdrew her head again.
+Reappearing very soon, she said: "Madame has decided to trust you. These
+are her apartments. There is a door from a gallery where pictures
+hang--"
+
+"I have been to that gallery," I interrupted, "but I was watched while
+there. Is there no other way?"
+
+She thought a moment. "Yes, the garden. At the foot of the terrace, turn
+to the right, till you get to the end of this wing."
+
+"But the man at the steps yonder will stop me. He has done so already."
+
+"That beast! Alas, yes! Well, I will go and talk with him, and keep him
+looking at me. You go down to the terrace without attracting any
+attention, walk close to the house till you get to this end of the
+balustrade, step over the balustrade, descend the bank as quietly as
+possible, and wait behind the shrubbery near the door at the end of this
+wing,--it's the door from Madame's apartments to the garden. Do you
+understand?"
+
+"Perfectly."
+
+"Then I will be talking to that man by the time you can get to the
+terrace. I go at once. Be quick, Monsieur,--and careful."
+
+Admiring the swift wits and decision of the girl, I hastened through the
+corridor, down the stairs, and into the hall. The Count and the
+long-nosed man were so buried in their game that neither looked up. A
+pair of varlets in attendance were yawning on a bench. Yawning in
+imitation, I passed with feigned listlessness to the terrace, went
+noiselessly along by the house-wall, and followed the wing to the end of
+the balustrade. I did not venture even to look toward the steps, but I
+could hear the maid talking and laughing coquettishly. I crossed the
+balustrade by sitting on it and swinging my legs over: then strode on
+light feet down the grassy bank and through an opening in the shrubbery
+I saw at my right. I found myself in a walk which, bordered all the way
+by shrubbery, ran from a narrow door in the end of the wing to the other
+extremity of the garden. The door, when I first glanced at it, was
+slightly ajar: I supposed the maid had left it so. But as soon as I had
+come to a halt in the walk, the door opened, and a very young, very
+slender, very sad-faced, very beautiful lady came out, with eyes turned
+upon me in a mixture of hope and fear.
+
+I instinctively fell upon my knee before that picture of grief and
+beauty. She wore, I remember, a gown of faded blue, and blue was the
+colour of her eyes--a soft, fair blue, like that of the sky. She was so
+slim, sorrowful, small, childlike, forlorn,--I would have died to serve
+her.
+
+She looked at me searchingly, as the maid had done, but with more
+courtesy, and then, in a low voice bidding me follow her, led the way
+down the walk and into a side path that wound among some tall
+rose-bushes. Here we could not be seen from the walk and yet we might
+hear anybody approaching. She stopped and faced me.
+
+"You have news of Monsieur de Merri," she said eagerly. "What of him?"
+
+"He is prevented from coming to you, Madame."
+
+Her face, pale before, turned white as a sheet.
+
+"But," I hastened to add, "I have come in his stead, and I will serve
+you as willingly as he."
+
+"But that will not do," she said, in great agitation. "Nobody can serve
+me at this pass _but_ Monsieur de Merri. Where is he? What prevents
+him?"
+
+"I left him at La Flèche," said I lamely. "I assure you it is utterly
+impossible for him to come. But believe me, I am wholly yours for
+whatever service you desired of him. You can see that I have come from
+him." I took from my pocket her note, and held it out. I then told her
+my name and parentage, and begged her not to distrust me because I was
+of another religion than hers.
+
+"It isn't that I don't believe you, Monsieur," she replied. "It isn't
+that I doubt your willingness to help me."
+
+"As to my ability, try me, Madame. My zeal will inspire me."
+
+"I don't doubt your ability to do brave and difficult things, Monsieur.
+But it is not that. It happens--the circumstances are such--alas, nobody
+but Monsieur de Merri himself can help me! If you but knew! If _he_ but
+knew!"
+
+"Tell me the case, Madame. Trust me, I beg. Let me be the judge as to
+whether I can help you."
+
+"I do trust you. I am not afraid to tell you. You will see plainly
+enough. It is this: I have been slandered to my husband. A week has been
+given me in which to clear myself. The week ends to-morrow. If I have
+not proved my innocence by that time, God knows what fate my husband
+will inflict upon me!"
+
+She shuddered and closed her eyes.
+
+"But your innocence, Madame--who can doubt it?"
+
+"My husband is a strange man, Monsieur. He has little faith in women."
+
+"But what slander can he believe of you? And who could utter it? What is
+its nature?"
+
+"I suppose it is my husband's friend, Captain Ferragant, who uttered it.
+The nature of it is, that Monsieur de Merri's name is associated with
+mine. Monsieur de Merri is said to have made a boast about me, in the
+tavern at Montoire. It is a hideous lie, invented when Monsieur de Merri
+had gone away. And now you see how only Monsieur de Merri can save me,
+by coming and facing our accusers and swearing to my innocence. But
+to-morrow is the last day. Oh, if he had known why I wanted him! It is
+too late now--or is it? Perhaps he sent you ahead? Perhaps he is coming
+after you? Is it not so? He will be here to-morrow, will he not?"
+
+Bitterly I shook my head.
+
+"Then I am lost," she said, in a whisper of despair.
+
+"But that cannot be. It isn't for you to prove your innocence--it is for
+your accuser to prove your guilt. He cannot do that."
+
+"You do not know the Count de Lavardin. He will believe any ill of a
+woman, and anything that Captain Ferragant tells him. The fact that
+Monsieur de Merri is young and accomplished is enough. My husband has
+suspected me from the hour of our marriage. And besides that, people at
+Montoire have testified that they heard Monsieur de Merri boast of
+conquests. Whether that be true or not, it could not have been of me
+that he boasted. And if he but knew how I stand, how readily he would
+fly to clear me! He is no coward, I am sure."
+
+I had evidence of that: evidence also of Monsieur de Merri's unfortunate
+habit of boasting of conquests. But I was convinced that it could not
+have been of her that he had boasted. These thoughts, however, were but
+transient flashings across my sense of the plight in which I had put
+this unhappy woman by killing Monsieur de Merri. I tried to minimize
+that plight.
+
+"But your fears are exaggerated. Your husband will not dare go too far."
+
+"He will dare take my life--or lock me up for the rest of my days in a
+dungeon--or I know not what. He is all-powerful on his estate--lord of
+life and death. You know what these great noblemen do when they believe
+their wives unfaithful. I have heard how the Prince de Condé--"
+
+"Yes; but the Count de Lavardin would have your relations to fear."
+
+"I have no relations. I was an orphan in a convent. The Count took a
+fancy to my face, they told me. They urged me to consent to the
+marriage. I could not displease them--I had never disobeyed them. And
+now this is the end. Well, I am in the hands of God." She glanced
+upwards and gave a sigh of bitter resignation.
+
+"But after all," I interposed, "you are not certain how your husband
+will act."
+
+"He has threatened the worst vengeance if I cannot clear myself
+to-morrow. If you knew him, Monsieur!"
+
+"He allowed you a week, you say.--"
+
+"From the day he accused me--last Saturday."
+
+"And what facilities did he give you for the purpose?"
+
+"His men and horses were at my service. He knew, of course, that all I
+could do was to send for Monsieur de Merri."
+
+"But why did he not send for Monsieur de Merri?"
+
+"I don't know. I suppose he was ruled by the advice of Captain
+Ferragant. Perhaps he thought Monsieur de Merri would not come at his
+request."
+
+"But you did not use your husband's men and horses to send for Monsieur
+de Merri."
+
+"No. Mathilde--my maid whom you saw just now--thought I would better act
+secretly. She feared the Captain would bribe the messenger to make only
+a pretence of taking my message to Monsieur de Merri. In that case
+Monsieur de Merri, knowing nothing, would not come, and his not coming
+would be taken as evidence of guilt--as it will be now, though he got my
+message, for Hugues is faithful. Why is it, Monsieur, that Monsieur de
+Merri sent back word by Hugues that he would follow close, if he could
+not come?"
+
+"Something happened afterward. Hugues, then, is the name of the
+messenger you sent?"
+
+"Yes. He is devoted to Mathilde. They are accustomed to meet at certain
+times. Mathilde has not much freedom, as you may guess, sharing my life
+as she does. So she contrived to get possession for awhile of the key to
+a postern yonder, and to pass it to Hugues when he came with flour. He
+had a duplicate made, so that she could restore the original and yet
+retain a key with which to let herself out and meet him in the forest.
+Thus she was able to see him last Sunday morning, and to send him after
+Monsieur de Merri. We knew that De Merri had started Westward, and
+Hugues traced him from town to town. Ah, when Hugues returned
+successful, how rejoiced we were! We expected Monsieur de Merri every
+hour. But the time went by, and our hopes changed to fears, and now,
+heaven pity me, it is the fears that have come true!"
+
+"But you are not yet lost. Even if the Count should be so blind as to
+think you guilty, you have at least one resource. You have the key to
+the postern. You can flee."
+
+"And be caught before I had fled two leagues. I am visited every three
+hours, as if I were a prisoner, and as soon as I was missed a score of
+men would be sent in all directions. Besides, for some reason or other,
+the Count has the roads watched from the tower. If I fled into the
+forest, the bloodhounds would be put on my track. My husband has hinted
+all this to me. And where could I flee to but the Convent? The Count
+would have men there before I could reach it."
+
+"I could find some other place to take you to," said I at a hazard.
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, then indeed would appearances be against me. Then indeed
+would the enemy of my poor reputation have his triumph. Alas, there is
+no honourable place in this world for a wife who leaves her husband's
+roof, though it be her prison. I will be true to my vows, though I die.
+If there be wrong, it shall be all of his doing, none of mine."
+
+"You believe it is this Captain who has slandered you. Why should he do
+that? Why is he your enemy?"
+
+She blushed and looked down. I understood.
+
+"But why do you not tell your husband that?" I asked quickly.
+
+"The Count says it is an old story that wives accuse their husbands'
+friends whom they dislike. He thinks women are made of lies. And in any
+case he says if I am innocent of this charge I can prove my innocence.
+So all depended on Monsieur de Merri's being here to-morrow to speak for
+me."
+
+"Ah, Madame, if only my speaking for you would avail anything!"
+
+"From the depths of my heart I thank you, Monsieur, though you see how
+useless you--And yet there is one thing you can say for me!" A great
+light of sudden hope dawned upon her face. "You can tell how you saw
+Monsieur de Merri--that he was coming here, but was prevented--"
+
+"Yes, I can do that."
+
+"And perhaps--who knows?--you can induce the Count to give me a few more
+days, till the cause of Monsieur de Merri's delay is past. And then you
+can ride or send to Monsieur de Merri, and tell him my situation, and he
+will come and put my accuser to shame, after all! Yes, thank God, there
+is hope! Oh, Monsieur, you may yet be able to save me!"
+
+There were tears of joy on her face, and she gratefully clasped my hand
+in both of hers.
+
+It sickened my heart to do it, but I could only shake my head sadly and
+say:
+
+"No, Madame, Monsieur de Merri can never come to speak for you."
+
+"Why not?" she cried, all the hope rushing out of her face again.
+
+"He is dead--slain in a duel." I said in a voice as faint as a whisper.
+
+Her face seemed to turn to marble.
+
+"Who killed him?" she presently asked in a horrified tone.
+
+I knelt at her feet, with averted eyes, as one who is all contrition but
+dare not ask a pardon.
+
+"You!" she whispered.
+
+"When I found this message upon him afterward," said I, "I saw what
+injury was done. I could only come in his place, and offer myself. By
+one means and another, I learned who it was had sent for him."
+
+"That brave young gentleman," said she, following her own thoughts;
+"that he should die so soon! And you, with his blood on your
+hands."--she drew back from me a step--"come to offer your service to me
+who, little as I was to him, must yet be counted among his friends!
+Monsieur, what could you think of my loyalty?"
+
+"I thought only of what might be done to prevent further harm. Though I
+fought him, I was not his enemy. I had never seen him before. It was a
+sudden quarrel, about nothing. Heaven knows, I did not think it would
+end as it did. That end has been lamentable enough, Madame. Punish me if
+you will: as his friend, you are entitled to avenge him."
+
+"I only pity him, Monsieur. God forbid I should think of revenge!"
+
+"You are a saint, Madame. I was about to say that my having killed him
+need not make you reject my service. Your doing so might but add to the
+evil consequences of my act. Surely he would prefer your accepting my
+aid, now that he is for ever powerless to give his. And we must think
+now of something to be done--"
+
+[Illustration: "WE WERE INTERRUPTED BY A LOW CRY."]
+
+We were interrupted by a low cry, "Madame, Madame!" in a soft voice from
+within the arbour that sheltered the walk. The Countess said to me, "It
+is Mathilde. She means some one is coming. Hide among these bushes. If
+we do not meet again, adieu, Monsieur; I thank you from my heart, and
+may God pardon you the death of Monsieur de Merri!"
+
+She started for the walk: I whispered, "But I must help you! Can we not
+meet again presently?"
+
+"I know not," she replied. "Act as you think best, Monsieur. But do not
+endanger yourself. I must be gone now."
+
+She hastened to join the maid, whose whereabouts were indicated by a low
+cough. I heard voices, and instantly crawled under the rose bushes,
+heedless of scratches. As the voices came down the walk, one of them
+turned out to be that of Captain Ferragant. There was but one other,
+which I took, from the talk which I heard later, to belong to a falconer
+or some such underling. The Captain addressed a few remarks to the
+Countess, as to her state of health and the beauty of the day, which she
+answered in low tones. Then he and his companion proceeded to walk
+about, talking continually, never getting entirely out of my hearing,
+and often coming so near that I could make out their words. It seemed
+that an endless length of time passed in this way. I heard no more of
+Madame and the maid. Finally the Captain and his man walked back toward
+the house. I rose, stretched my legs, and peered up and down the walk.
+It was deserted. What was I to do next? I naturally strolled toward the
+chateau. As I neared the door leading to Madame's apartments, out came
+Mathilde.
+
+"I have been watching for you, Monsieur. Madame had to come in, to avoid
+suspicion. If you can get back to the terrace by the way you came down,
+I will go again and distract the attention of the guard."
+
+"I can do that. But what of Madame? I must see her again. We must find
+some way to save her."
+
+"Do what you can, Monsieur. If you think of anything, you know how to
+communicate with us by way of the windows. But lose no time now."
+
+She hastened away to beguile the man on watch at the steps. When I heard
+her laughter, I sped over the grass to the foot of the bank. I clambered
+up, crossed the balustrade, went along the house, and entered the hall.
+Monsieur de Pepicot was just in the act of saying "Checkmate."
+
+The Count's face turned a shade more ashen, and he looked unhappy.
+Presently he smiled, however, and said peevishly:
+
+"Well, you must give me an opportunity of revenge. We must play another
+game."
+
+"I shall be much honoured," said Monsieur de Pepicot. "But is there time
+to-day?"
+
+"No; it will soon be supper time. But there will be time to-morrow. You
+shall stay here to-night."
+
+"With great pleasure; but there are some poor things of mine at the
+cabaret yonder I should like to have by me."
+
+"I will send a man for your baggage," said the Count.
+
+"Then I shall have nothing to mar my happiness," said Monsieur de
+Pepicot composedly.
+
+I was very anxious to remain at the chateau for the present, and feared
+rather dismissal than the enforced continuance there which the
+long-nosed man had fancied might be our fate. So, to make sure, I said:
+
+"If Monsieur the Count will do me the honour of a game to-morrow, I will
+try to make a better contest than I did against Monsieur de Pepicot."
+
+The Count looked not displeased at this; it gave him somebody to beat in
+the event of his being again defeated by Monsieur de Pepicot.
+
+"Certainly," said he; "I cannot refuse you. You too will remain my
+guest; and if I may send for your baggage also--"
+
+I felt vaguely that it would be better to leave my horse and belongings
+at the inn at Montoire, in case I should ever wish to make a stealthy
+departure from the chateau; so I replied:
+
+"I thank you, Monsieur; but there is nothing I have urgent need for, or
+of such great value that I would keep it near."
+
+"As you please," said the Count, observing me keenly with his
+half-ambushed eyes.
+
+The man who had escorted us to the chateau was sent to fetch Monsieur de
+Pepicot's baggage; and would have brought his horse also, but that
+Monsieur de Pepicot mildly but firmly insisted otherwise and despatched
+orders for its care in his absence. The baggage consisted of a somewhat
+sorry looking portmanteau, which was taken to our chamber. We then had
+supper, during which the Count and my long-nosed friend talked of chess
+play, while Captain Ferragant ate in frowning silence, now and then
+casting no very tolerant glances at us two visitors. I would have tried
+by conversation to gain some closer knowledge of this man, but I saw
+there was no getting him to talk while that mood lasted. After supper
+the Count and the Captain sat over their wine in a manner which showed a
+long drinking bout to be their regular evening custom. Monsieur de
+Pepicot and I accompanied them as far as our position as guests
+required. We then plead the fatigue of recent travel, and were shown to
+our room, in which an additional bed had been placed. The Count was by
+this time sufficiently forward in his devotions to Bacchus to dispense
+easily with such dull company as ours, and the Captain, by the free
+breath he drew as we rose to go, showed his relief at our departure.
+
+When the servant had placed our candles and left us alone, I expressed a
+wonder why so great a house could not afford us a room apiece.
+
+"It is very simple," said the long-nosed man, opening his portmanteau.
+"If they should take a fancy to make caged birds of us, it's easier
+tending one cage than two."
+
+I went to bed wondering what the morrow had in store. I saw now clearly
+that I might accomplish something by informing the Count that Monsieur
+de Merri was dead and that he was on his way to Lavardin when I met him.
+His failure to appear could not then be held as evidence of guilt: his
+intention to come might count much in the Countess's favour.
+
+As my head sank into the pillow, there came suddenly to my mind the
+second of the three maxims Blaise Tripault had learned from the monk:
+
+"_Never sleep in a house where the master is old and the wife young._"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+STRANGE DISAPPEARANCES
+
+
+Monsieur de Pepicot spent so many minutes among the contents of his
+travelling bag, that he was not in bed as soon as I. But he was by far
+the sooner asleep, as his loud snoring testified. To that music ran my
+thoughts of the beautiful young Countess and her unhappy situation, till
+at last they passed into dreams. In the midst of the night I woke, and
+listened for my neighbour's snoring. But it had ceased. Then I strained
+my ears to catch the sound of his breathing, but none came. Wondering at
+this, I rose and went over toward his bed. There was just light enough
+by the window to see that it was empty.
+
+I was still in the midst of my surprise, when the door opened with a
+very slight creak, and in walked a slim figure so silently that I knew
+it was without shoes.
+
+"Is that you, Monsieur de Pepicot?" I asked.
+
+"H'sh," he replied in a whisper, closing the door carefully. "Don't
+disturb the slumbers of the household. You are very wakeful."
+
+"No more so than you are, it seems," I said.
+
+"That is true. I often suffer from sleeplessness, and I find a walk is
+the thing to put me right."
+
+"You were wise to take a light with you on your walk," I observed, for
+he now produced a small lantern from under his loose-fitting doublet,
+where it had been entirely concealed.
+
+"Yes; one might hurt one's toes in these dark passages," he answered,
+and placidly drew some papers from his breast pocket, folded them
+carefully by the lantern's light, and then as carefully replaced them.
+"I trust you made some progress in your affair here during the
+afternoon."
+
+"Yes. But you were kept busy with the Count."
+
+"Oh, I don't complain. I was about to say that if you preferred to leave
+the house to-night, no doubt I could manage it for you."
+
+"Why should I prefer to leave to-night?"
+
+"Oh, merely because this Count may be a dangerous man to have much to do
+with. I know nothing of your affairs, and of course you have no interest
+in mine. The Count will understand that, no doubt, and will not hold you
+responsible for anything I may do, if you choose to stay here longer."
+
+"Well, I must stay here longer, in any case."
+
+"Then there is no more to be said," answered the long-nosed man,
+extinguishing his lantern, which he wrapped up and put into his
+portmanteau. He then lay down upon his bed, without undressing.
+
+I returned to my own couch and was soon asleep.
+
+When I woke again, it was daylight. Monsieur de Pepicot and his
+portmanteau were gone. It occurred to me now, as I washed and dressed,
+that when he spoke of my departing by night he intended to make just
+such an unceremonious exit himself. In that case, I inferred, he had
+thought it only fair, as I had helped him to get into the chateau, that
+he should offer to help me to get out, for he had made no secret of his
+fears that we might find opposition to our doing so. But, if he had
+indeed fled, how had he contrived to get out in the middle of the night?
+As for his purpose in getting in, he must have accomplished that while
+on his midnight perambulations.
+
+I went downstairs, but he was not in the hall, nor on the terrace nor in
+the court-yard. It was a fine morning, and I was for walking about. At
+one side of the court-yard the wall was pierced by a narrow gateway,
+which took me into a second court-yard, of which one of the further
+angles was filled by a quadrant of the great tower that rose toward
+heaven from a corner of the main chateau. There was a small door from
+this court-yard to the tower. This tower, for its bigness and height,
+took my eyes the first moment, but the next they were attracted by the
+living figures in the court-yard. These were Captain Ferragant and a
+pack of great hounds which he was marshalling before him, throwing a
+piece of meat now to one, now to another, calling out by name which
+animal was to catch. He indeed managed to keep them in some sort of
+order and from closing around him, and though they all barked and leaped
+at each throw, yet only the one whose name was called would dare
+actually to close jaws upon the titbit. This went on for some time,
+until at last one huge brute, leaping higher, seized the meat intended
+for another.
+
+The red Captain swore a fierce oath, and, grasping a whip, called the
+interloping dog to come to him. The animal slunk back. The Captain
+advanced among the pack, still calling the hound in the most threatening
+voice. But the hound slunk further, growling and showing his teeth. The
+Captain sprang forward and brought down his whip. The dog, mutinous,
+made a snap at the Captain. The latter, now deeply enraged, threw aside
+the whip, caught the animal by the neck, lifted it high, and, with a
+swift contraction of his fingers, caused its eyes and tongue to protrude
+and its body to writhe and hang powerless. He then flung the dead
+creature to a corner of the yard, and looked at me with a smile half
+vaunting, half amused, as if to say, "That is how I can treat those who
+thwart my will," and to ridicule my wonder at his fury and strength.
+
+I turned with a look of pity toward the victim of his anger. At that
+moment the Count de Lavardin entered the court-yard, and his glance
+followed mine. Having seen what I saw, he looked protestingly at the
+Captain.
+
+"The brute was rebellious," said Ferragant.
+
+"But one doesn't run across such dogs every day," complained the Count.
+
+"The rarest dog shall not defy me," was the cool answer.
+
+"That's all very well, if it had been your own dog," said the Count,
+still peevish.
+
+"Oh, as to that, we are quits now. Your dog to-day pays for my man you
+killed last week."
+
+"Pish, it's easy enough to find rascals like that by the score. Not so,
+dogs like this. Well, talking won't make him live again--Good morning,
+Monsieur. Where is your comrade, Monsieur de Pepicot?"
+
+I could only answer that on waking I had been disappointed of seeing
+either Monsieur de Pepicot or his baggage. "Nor have I beheld him since,
+though I have been looking about."
+
+"That is very strange,--that he should take his baggage from the room,"
+said the Count, exchanging a look of surprise with the Captain. He then
+called two servants and gave them orders quietly, which must have been
+to search the house and grounds for Monsieur de Pepicot. As we returned
+to the hall, the Count questioned me, watching me sharply the while. I
+was perfectly safe in telling the literal truth, though not all of it:
+how Monsieur de Pepicot was a stranger to me, how I had never spoken to
+him before yesterday, how I knew nothing of his business, and so forth.
+Of course I said nothing of his midnight walk or of having conversed
+with him at all after going to bed. The Count's mystification and
+annoyance were manifest, the more so when, after some time, the servants
+returned to say that the missing man could not be found. When he had
+heard their report, the Count was very angry.
+
+"Name of the devil, then, how did he get out? There is treachery
+somewhere, and somebody shall pay for it," he screeched, and then
+despatched a man to the cabaret to see if Monsieur de Pepicot had taken
+his horse away. The man came back saying the horse was gone, but nobody
+had seen the owner take it.
+
+"It is certainly odd that the gentleman should depart secretly like
+that, when he might have waited for day and gone civilly," said I, to
+evince my simplicity.
+
+"You are right, very right," said the Count. "Well, at least you remain
+to play a game of chess with me. What I am thinking is, the man must
+have had some private reason for obtaining entrance to my house."
+
+"Possibly, Monsieur," I replied, bearing the searching gaze of both the
+Count and the Captain well enough.
+
+"In that case, he made a tool of you," added the Count, still intent on
+my expression.
+
+"That would be the inference," said I.
+
+"Well, we must satisfy ourselves as to how he took his departure, if we
+cannot guess why. Make yourself master of the house, Monsieur. We shall
+have our game nevertheless."
+
+And he went off with the Captain, to examine the places of exit from the
+chateau and the men who were responsible for their security. One could
+see that Monsieur de Pepicot's disappearance was as disturbing to the
+Count as it was puzzling to me.
+
+I wandered out to the terrace and paced the walk along the house. My
+eyes turned toward that window in the west wing which I knew to belong
+to the apartments of the Countess. I turned along the wing, and strolled
+under that window, thinking Madame or Mathilde might make an appearance
+at it. I kept moving to and fro within easy earshot of it, sometimes
+glancing up at the half-open casement. This was the clay on which the
+poor lady's fate was to be determined by her husband and lord. I
+wondered what sort of scene was arranged for the event, whether it would
+have the form of trial and judgment, when and where it would occur, and
+if I should be admitted to it. Probably I should not, and therefore I
+would best speak to the Count regarding Monsieur de Merri before. The
+thing was, to find a pretext for broaching the matter without betraying
+that I had talked with the Countess. I had thought all this over during
+the night, a hundred times, but now I thought it over again; and, in
+vague search for some hint or guidance, I looked often up to the window,
+as I have said.
+
+Presently I heard a single sharp, low syllable of laughter, which drew
+my glance to the door by which I had come out to the terrace. There
+stood the red Captain, his eyes upon me. When he saw that I noticed him,
+he came toward me, whereupon I, with pretended carelessness, went to
+meet him half way.
+
+"You seem to find it very interesting, that window," said he, in a low
+voice. "To me it looks like any of the others." And he ran his glance
+ironically along the whole range.
+
+"I thought you had gone with the Count to learn how Monsieur de Pepicot
+got away," said I, guessing that he had come back to watch me, doubtless
+considering that, after the evident duplicity of one guest, the other
+might require some looking after.
+
+"And so you thought yourself free to post yourself over there and make
+eyes at that window?" said the Captain with a smile that half jeered at
+me, half threatened me with annihilation.
+
+"I do not quite understand your little jest," said I, boldly enough.
+
+"You may find it one of those jests in which the laugh is only on one
+side, and that side not yours, young gentleman. Your friend with the
+long nose, it appears, had his secret motives for paying a visit to this
+chateau. We smelt some such thing when the letter came asking for a set
+of chessmen, and so the Count admitted you, thinking you just as safe
+inside the chateau as outside. It was not the intention to let you out
+again in too great haste."
+
+"In that case," I put in, feigning to treat the matter gaily, "Monsieur
+de Pepicot was wise in leaving as he did."
+
+"I was about to say that if Monsieur de Pepicot had his secret purposes,
+it is but fair to suppose you may have yours. If it turns out to be so,
+and if your object has anything to do with what you may imagine is
+behind that window,--why, then, I warn you in time it would be much
+better for you to have been that dog which opposed me a while ago,--very
+much better, my pert young gentleman, I assure you."
+
+He turned and walked into the house, leaving me without any fit answer
+on my tongue, or indeed in my mind either.
+
+It appeared to me that the sooner I had my explanation with the Count,
+the better for both the Countess and myself. So I returned into the
+hall, which the Captain was leaving by the court-yard door, and waited
+for the Count's reappearance. When he did come, it was clear from his
+face that the manner of Monsieur de Pepicot's escape--for escape it must
+now be called--was still a mystery. It was plain, too, when his eyes
+alighted on me, that he had heard from the Captain, who followed him, of
+my conduct beneath the window. As he came toward me, he scowled and
+looked very wicked and crafty. Before he could speak, I said:
+
+"Monsieur, there is something I wish to tell you, if you will allow me
+to speak to you alone."
+
+"Regarding Monsieur de Pepicot?"
+
+"No; regarding myself and the reason of my coming to Lavardin."
+
+"That is interesting. Let us hear."
+
+"It is for you alone."
+
+"Oh, to be sure. Captain Ferragant, if you will excuse me,--"
+
+The Captain, with a shrug, swaggered off to the furthest corner of the
+hall.
+
+"You have been acquainted," I began, "with a certain Monsieur de Merri."
+
+The Count's face seemed to jump. I had certainly caught his attention.
+But his speech was perfectly controlled as he said:
+
+"Yes. And what of him?"
+
+"He had the misfortune to be killed in a sudden duel four days ago at La
+Flèche."
+
+He was plainly startled; but, after a moment's silence, he only said,
+"You astonish me," and waited for me to continue.
+
+"I feared I should," said I, "for it turned out, after the duel, that
+Monsieur de Merri was on his way to see you, upon some matter of great
+urgency."
+
+"On his way to see me! How do you know that?"
+
+I thought it best to tell as much truth as possible.
+
+"I learned from his servant that he was bound in great haste for
+Montoire. Coming to Montoire, I inquired, and was informed that his only
+tie in this neighbourhood was his acquaintance with you. Therefore it
+must have been you he was coming to see, and his haste implied the
+urgency of his reasons, whatever they may have been. Thinking you might
+be depending upon his arrival, I resolved to tell you of his death."
+
+"It is a little odd that you should put yourself out to do that."
+
+"It might be, if I were not responsible for his failure to come to you."
+
+"Oh, then it was you who killed him?"
+
+"Yes; and thought it only the proper act of a gentleman to carry the
+news to the person who may have expected him."
+
+"H'm. No doubt. But why did you not come directly and tell me?"
+
+"I heard you made yourself entirely inaccessible to strangers. So when
+Monsieur de Pepicot spoke of asking you to lend us chessmen, I thought
+it might lead to some breaking down of your reserve,--as it did."
+
+"But why did you wait a day before telling me?"
+
+"I hoped that chance might enable me to see you alone. But you were so
+deeply engrossed in your chess. And I hesitated lest you might think
+yourself bound, as Monsieur de Merri's friend, to deliver me up for
+having violated the edict."
+
+These were certainly sufficient reasons, though, as you know, I had not
+thought of telling him of Monsieur de Merri till after I had heard the
+Countess's story, and therefore they were not the true answer to his
+question. But I no longer found safe standing on the ground of truth,
+and so fell back upon the soil of invention, uncertain as it was. The
+Count looked as far into me as he could, and then called the Captain,
+who came without haste to the great fireplace where we were. Without any
+explanation to me, or other preface, the Count repeated my disclosure to
+his friend, all the time in the manner of one submitting a story to the
+hearer's judgment as to its truth.
+
+The Captain shrugged his shoulders, and looked at me scornfully. "It is
+a fine, credible tale indeed," said he.
+
+"If you will take the trouble to send to La Flèche, you will find that
+Monsieur de Merri is really slain," said I warmly.
+
+"Oh, no doubt," said the Captain. "But before he was slain, he had time
+to take you into his confidence regarding certain things."
+
+"Not at all. I had never seen him before that evening. It was from his
+servant, after he was dead, that I learned he was coming to Montoire. If
+you can find that servant, at La Flèche or Sablé, he will tell you so."
+
+"How could he have known he was wanted here?" asked the Captain of the
+Count. "Your offer of a messenger was disdained."
+
+"I knew she would contrive to send after him on her own account, if I
+gave her enough liberty," returned the Count.
+
+"It argues skill in such contrivances," said the Captain, with a
+significant look.
+
+The Count frowned in a sickly way, but not at the speaker. "Well, in any
+case, the liberty will now be cut off," he said harshly. But after a
+moment, he added: "And yet, if this gentleman does not lie, Monsieur de
+Merri was coming here fast enough."
+
+"To brazen it out, perhaps. There is no limit to the self-confidence of
+youth. As for this gentleman, how does his story account for the
+interest he takes in a certain window that looks upon the terrace?"
+
+The Count's face darkened again, as he turned menacingly toward me.
+"Yes, by heaven, I had forgotten that."
+
+"To be frank," said I awkwardly, after a moment's hesitation, "I had
+seen a pretty face there--I mean that of Mathilde." I added the last
+words in haste, for the Count's look had shown for an instant that he
+took me to mean that of the Countess.
+
+"Ah! that of Mathilde," he repeated, subsiding.
+
+"And how did you know her name was Mathilde?" asked the Captain, in a
+cold, derisive tone. The Count's eyes waited for my answer.
+
+"I--exchanged a few words with her yesterday afternoon," I replied.
+
+"In regard to what subject?" asked the Count quickly, making a veritable
+grimace in the acuteness of his suspicion.
+
+"I paid her a compliment or two, such as one bestows upon a pretty
+girl."
+
+"He is evading," said the Captain. "It is a question whether he did not
+presume to offer his compliments higher. One does not say to a pretty
+girl, 'What is your name?' nor does the girl reply 'Mathilde,' as if she
+were a child. It is more likely he heard the girl's name from other
+lips. And was he not found spying about the west gallery by Ambroise? My
+dear Count, I fear you kept your nose too close to the chessboard
+yesterday afternoon. As for me, if I had known as much as I know now, I
+should have been more watchful."
+
+The Count's face had turned sicklier and uglier as his friend had
+continued to speak. He looked now as if he would like to pounce upon me
+with his claw-like fingers. He was evidently between the desire to
+question me outright as to whether anything had passed between me and
+the Countess, and the dislike of showing openly to a stranger any
+suspicion of his wife. The latter feeling prevailed, and he regained
+control of himself. I breathed a little easier. But just then it
+occurred to me that the Count would surely tax the Countess with having
+seen me; that she would acknowledge our meeting; and that her own
+account of it would be disbelieved, and the worst imaginings added, for
+the very reason of my maintaining secrecy about it. I therefore took a
+sudden course.
+
+"Monsieur," I said. "I will be perfectly open with you. From some casual
+words of Monsieur de Merri at the inn at La Flèche, before we
+quarrelled, I was led to believe that the cause of his journey had
+something to do with the welfare of a lady. Afterwards when I heard
+whither he was bound so hastily, I remembered that. On learning at
+Montoire that this chateau was the only house in which he was known
+hereabouts, I assumed that the lady must be in this chateau. It turned
+out that the only lady here was the Countess herself. Do you wonder,
+then, at my endeavouring to speak to the Countess first upon the matter
+of Monsieur de Merri's death?"
+
+"Pray go on," said the Count, who was taking short and rapid breaths.
+
+"It is true I saw the maid at that window, but I saw also the
+impossibility of communicating properly with Madame by that channel. So,
+in spite of your sentinel's vigilance, I crossed the balustrade to the
+garden, and there had the honour of presenting myself to the Countess. I
+acquainted her with the fate of Monsieur de Merri. Her demeanour causing
+me to believe that this put her into peril on her own account, I so
+pushed my inquiries and offers of service that she told me what that
+peril was. She said she was the victim of a slander which only Monsieur
+de Merri's presence here could clear her of. We were soon interrupted
+and she left me. I did not see her again, but it appeared to me that, as
+Monsieur de Merri's presence here would have stood in her favour, the
+news of his intention to be here must also stand that way. And now,
+Monsieur, you have the whole story."
+
+It seemed to have weight with him: but, alas, he looked to the Captain
+for an opinion. That gentleman, regarding me with a smile of ironical
+admiration, uttered a monosyllabic laugh in his throat, and said:
+
+"There is one thing we can believe, at least. We know Monsieur de
+Merri's habit of disclosing his affairs with ladies to strangers at
+inns."
+
+The Count's face grew dark again.
+
+"But we can never be sure how much may have passed between Monsieur de
+Merri and this gentleman on the subject before they quarrelled, or what
+was the real motive that brought him here."
+
+"My God!" I cried; "what gentleman could require a stronger motive than
+I have shown? Having prevented Monsieur de Merri from coming here upon
+so urgent a matter, what else could I do in honour but come in his
+place?"
+
+"'In his place'--yes, perhaps, that is well said," retorted the Captain,
+with his evil smile.
+
+The Count, whose judgment seemed entirely under the dominion of his
+friend, looked at me again as if he would destroy me. After a moment, he
+took a turn across the hall and back, and then said to me:
+
+"Well, in the midst of all this deceit and uncertainty one thing is
+clear. You know too much of our private affairs here to be permitted to
+go where you will, for the present. I must ask you, therefore, to keep
+to your chamber awhile. Your wants will be provided for there. I will
+show you the way myself, on this occasion." He motioned toward the
+stairway, and the Captain stood ready to accompany him.
+
+"That amounts to making me a prisoner, Monsieur," said I.
+
+"We shall not dispute over words," replied the Count. "By your own
+confession, you are liable to the law for killing Monsieur de Merri."
+
+"I have reason to expect the King's pardon for that. Measures have
+already been taken."
+
+"Pray don't keep me waiting, Monsieur. I should not like to be compelled
+to have my men lay hands on you." At the same time his smile looked as
+if he would like that very much.
+
+There was nothing to do, for the moment, but yield. The Captain was
+watching to see where my hand moved, and I know not how many armed men
+were in the court-yard, besides the servants waiting at the other end of
+the hall. So I obeyed the Count's gesture, merely saying:
+
+"You will find I am not a person who will go unavenged in case of
+indignity."
+
+The Count laughed, in his dry, sharp manner, and walked by my side. The
+Captain followed. As soon as I was in my room, the Count called a
+servant, who went away and presently returned with a key. The Count and
+his friend then left me, and locked the door on the outside. As I sat
+down on my bed, I was glad I had offered no useless resistance, for, as
+it was, I had not been deprived of my weapons.
+
+To make a short matter here of what seemed a very long one at the time,
+I was kept locked in my room all that day, with two armed men outside my
+door, as I guessed first from hearing them, and certified afterwards by
+seeing them when a servant brought my food. What made the confinement
+and inaction the more trying was my knowledge that this was the day on
+which the Countess was to plead her innocence. I kept wondering through
+the tedious hours how matters were going with her, and I often strained
+my ears in the poor hope of discovering by them what might be going on
+in the chateau. But I never heard anything but the rough speech and
+movements of the men outside my door, and now and then the voice of some
+attendant on the terrace below my window. I could look diagonally across
+the terrace to the window where I had seen Mathilde, but not once during
+all that day did I behold a sign of life there. The night came without
+bringing me any hint as to how the Countess had fared. I could not sleep
+till late.
+
+When I woke, early in the morning, I noticed that my door was slightly
+ajar. Looking out, I found the corridor empty. I took this to mean that
+I was not to remain a prisoner, and so it proved. Hastily dressing and
+going downstairs, though many servants were about, I encountered no
+hindrance. I passed out to the terrace. To my surprise, nobody was on
+guard at the steps; so I went boldly down to the garden. My heart beat
+with a vague hope of meeting the Countess, though it was scarce late
+enough in the day to expect her to be out. I must confess it was not
+alone her being an oppressed lady whom I had engaged myself to aid, that
+made me look so eagerly down all the walks and peer so keenly into all
+the arbours; I must confess it was largely the impression her beauty and
+tenderness had left upon me. But I was disappointed: I explored the
+whole garden in vain.
+
+Anything to be near her, I thought. So I went and hung about the door
+between the garden and her apartments. But it remained closed and
+enigmatic. I had another idea, and, returning into the house, took my
+way unchecked to the gallery of pictures, wondering at the freedom of
+passage now allowed me, and at the same time resolved to make the most
+of it. I could scarce believe my eyes when I saw the door ajar which led
+to Madame's suite. I went and tapped lightly on it, but got no answer.
+It opened to a large drawing-room, well furnished but without any
+inhabitant. I crossed this room to the other side, which had two doors,
+both open. One gave entrance to a sleeping-chamber, in a corner of which
+was a prie-dieu, and which showed in a hundred details to be the bedroom
+of a lady. But the bed was made up, and a smaller bed, in a recess,
+which might be that of the maid, also had the appearance of not having
+been used the previous night. I looked through the other doorway from
+the drawing-room, and saw a stairway leading down to the garden door.
+Had the Countess and Mathilde, then, gone into the garden at the time I
+was in the act of coming to the gallery? No; for the garden door was
+bolted on the inside. I went to one of the drawing-room windows looking
+on the terrace, and made sure it was the window from which Mathilde had
+first answered my call. And then it dawned upon me what the desertion of
+these rooms meant, and why I was allowed to go where I would in the
+house and garden. The Countess and her maid were no longer there. What
+had become of them?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+MATHILDE
+
+
+Well, there was no indication to be found in the Countess's apartments
+as to where she had removed to, and I thought it best not to risk being
+seen there. So I went down to the hall again. As I glanced through the
+court-yard to the outer gates, I thought of trying to leave the chateau,
+to see if my new liberty went so far as to permit that. But I reflected
+that if I were once let out I might not be let in again, and my chance
+of learning what had become of the Countess lay, I supposed, inside the
+chateau. So I resolved to stay there and await the turn that matters
+might take. And certainly never was any man a guest in stranger
+circumstances of guestship. I hated and feared my host, and was loth to
+accept his hospitality, yet stayed of my own will, though I knew not
+certainly whether I was free to go. My host hated me, yet tolerated my
+presence--if indeed he would not have enforced it--for the sake of
+having me at hand if he thought fit to crush me. When he appeared that
+morning, I thanked him ironically for restoring me to liberty. He only
+uttered his harsh crackling laugh in reply, and regarded me with a
+pretended disdain which failed to conceal his hatred and his longing to
+penetrate my mind and learn what indeed was between me and his Countess.
+In such men, especially when they have an evil suggester like the
+Captain at their ear, jealousy is a madness, and no assurances--nay, not
+even oaths--of innocence will be taken by them as truth. But his pride
+made him feign contempt for me, and he had nothing to say to me that
+day. Neither had the Captain, whose manner toward me merely reverted to
+what it had been at first. I saw my former place made ready at the
+table, and took it. The Count and his friend talked of their sports and
+the affairs of the estate, and not one word of the Countess was spoken.
+Having eaten, they went off to ride, leaving me to amuse myself as I
+might. The air of the chateau seemed the freer for their absence, but
+still it was to me a sinister place, and an irreligious place too, for,
+though the Count and his friend were Catholics, I had not seen the sign
+of a chaplain or of any religious observance since I had crossed the
+drawbridge. So I prepared myself for a dull yet anxious day, and lounged
+about the hall and court-yard as the places where I might best hope to
+find out something from the domestics of the house.
+
+As I paced the stones of the court-yard, I became aware that a certain
+maidservant had been obtruding upon my view with a persistency that
+might be intentional. I now regarded her, as she stood in a small
+doorway leading to the kitchen. She was a plump, well-made thing, with a
+wholesome, honest face, but the sluttishness of her loose frock, and of
+a great cap that hung over her eyes, were too suggestive of the
+scullery. As soon as she saw I noticed her, she put one finger on her
+lip, and swiftly beckoned me with another.
+
+I strolled carelessly over, and stopped within a foot of her, pretending
+to readjust my sword-belt.
+
+"Monsieur," she said in an undertone, "you are desired to be in your
+chamber this afternoon at four o'clock."
+
+I glanced at the girl in wonder.
+
+"That is all at present," she whispered. I had the discretion to move
+on. There were, as usual, several armed fellows idling about the
+court-yard, but none seemed to have observed that any word had passed
+between the kitchen-maid and me.
+
+Here was matter for astonishment and conjecture for the next few hours.
+In some manner or other, those hours passed, and at four I was seated in
+my chamber, having left the door open an inch or so. The turret clock
+had scarce done striking when the door was pushed wide; somebody entered
+and instantly closed it. I had a brief feeling of disappointment as I
+saw the slovenly frock and overhanging cap of the kitchen-maid. Was it
+she, then, who paid me the compliment of this clandestine visit?
+
+No; for the cap was swiftly flung back from the brow, and there was the
+bright and comely face of Mathilde. I uttered her name in pleased
+surprise.
+
+"Yes," she said quickly, "Mathilde in the guise of Brigitte. I have come
+from Madame the Countess."
+
+"And where is she?" I asked eagerly.
+
+"In the great tower."
+
+"A prisoner?"
+
+"Yes, and I with her. Fortunately there was nothing else to do with me,
+unless they killed me. So I am able to attend her."
+
+"Faithful Mathilde! But why is this?"
+
+"It is the fulfilment of the Count's threat in case Madame could not
+clear herself of that false charge."
+
+"But the Count knew that Monsieur de Merri was coming here. I told him."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, but the Count would believe as much of your story as
+Captain Ferragant would choose to let him. Your very interest in
+Madame's fate has been new food for his jealousy."
+
+"God forbid!"
+
+"It is not your fault, Monsieur; it is the Count's madness. He locks his
+wife up, as much that she may be inaccessible to you and all other men,
+as because of anything concerning Monsieur de Merri."
+
+"You may well call it his madness."
+
+"Yes; for, whatever other ladies may have deserved who have been treated
+thus, the Countess is the most virtuous of wives. Her regard for her
+marriage vows--in spite of the husband she has--is a part of her
+religion. But his mind is poisoned. He naturally believes that a young
+and beautiful woman would not be faithful to an old wolf like him. And
+he is almost right, for there is only one young and beautiful woman in
+France who would be, and that is the Countess."
+
+"Surely not because she loves him?"
+
+"Oh, no. It is because of her religion. She was brought up at a convent
+school, and when the Count offered to marry her, the Mother Superior
+made her think it her duty and heaven's will that she should accept the
+high position, where her piety would shine so much further: and having
+become his wife, she would die rather than violate a wife's duties by a
+hair's breadth. But what is her reward? Not because he loves
+her--there's more love in a stone!--but because he can't endure the
+thought of any trespass on what is his--because he dreads being made a
+jeer of--he goes mad with jealousy and suspicion. He imitates the Prince
+of Condé by locking his wife up in a tower."
+
+"But this cannot last forever."
+
+"No, Monsieur, and for a very good reason--the Countess's life cannot
+last forever under this treatment--even if the Count, in some wild
+imagining of her guilt, conjured up by Captain Ferragant, does not
+murder her. It's that thought which makes me shudder. It could be done
+so quietly in that lonely cell, and any account of her death could be
+given out to avoid scandal."
+
+"Horrible, Mathilde! He would not go to that length."
+
+"Men have done so. You are a stranger, and have not seen the frenzies
+into which the Count sometimes works himself, torturing his mind by
+imagining actions of infidelity on her part."
+
+"But that disease of his mind will wear itself out; then he will see
+matters more sanely."
+
+"Will he grow better, do you think, as he grows older, and drinks more
+wine, and falls more under the influence of the red Captain?"
+
+To say truth, I thought as Mathilde did, though I had spoken otherwise
+for mere form of reassurance.
+
+"What is her prison like?" I asked.
+
+"A gloomy room no larger that this, with a single small window. There is
+no panelling nor tapestry nor plaster--nothing but the bare stones.
+There are a bed for Madame, a cot for me, a table, and two chairs:
+nothing else to make it look like a human habitation, save our
+crucifixes, an image of the Virgin, a trunk, and Madame's book of
+Hours."
+
+"A small window, you say. Is it barred?"
+
+"No; but our room is very high up in the tower."
+
+"Still, if one got through the window--is it large enough for that?"
+
+"One might get through; but the moat is beneath--far beneath."
+
+"The window looks toward Montoire, then, if the moat is beneath."
+
+"Yes; we can see the sunset."
+
+"At all events, a person dropping from the window would alight outside
+the walls of the chateau?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur,--in the moat, as I said. It would be a long drop, too. I
+don't know how high up the room is. It seems a great many steps up the
+winding stairs before one comes to the landing before the door."
+
+"Is it at the top of the tower, then?"
+
+"No; for beyond our door the stairs begin again, and they seem to wind
+more steeply."
+
+"You noticed the sunset. Then you must have been there yesterday
+evening."
+
+"Yes; we were taken there shortly after noon yesterday. That was the
+limit to the time given the Countess in which to prove her innocence.
+She was summoned to the picture gallery by the Count himself, and nobody
+else was there but Captain Ferragant. The door was closed against me,
+and what passed between that saint and those two devils I know not; but
+after a little the door was opened, and there she was, very pale and
+with her eyes raised in prayer. The Count, who was blue with
+vindictiveness, told me to get together what things Madame should order;
+and when that was done, he bade us follow, and led the way down to the
+court-yard and to the tower, the Captain walking behind. As we climbed
+those narrow winding steps, I wished the Count might trip in the
+half-darkness and break his neck, but alas, it was only poor Madame who
+stumbled now and then. The Count showed us into the room, already
+furnished for us, and waited till a man had brought the trunk in which I
+had put some of Madame's clothes. The Count left without a word, and we
+heard the door locked outside. At first I thought we were to be left to
+starve, but after some hours the door was unlocked by a man on guard
+outside, and Brigitte appeared with our supper. She told us she was to
+come twice a day with our food, and for other necessary services. And
+when she came again this morning, I had planned how I should manage to
+see you."
+
+"You are as clever as you are true, Mathilde."
+
+"Fortunately Brigitte looks such a simple, witless creature that the man
+on guard on the landing has not thought to pry while she has been with
+us, and has allowed the door to be shut. He cannot then see in, as the
+grated opening has been closed, out of regard to Madame's sex. So this
+morning I got Brigitte's consent to my plan, for the poor girl is the
+softest-hearted creature in the world. And to make sure of finding you
+immediately when I got out, I charged her to tell you to be in your room
+at four o'clock."
+
+"Which she did very adroitly."
+
+"She is not such a fool as some take her for. Well, when she came to us
+awhile ago, I transferred this frock and cap from her to me, and had her
+call out to the guard that she had forgotten something and must return
+to the kitchen for it. 'Very well, beauty,' said the guard ironically,
+and I came out in a great hurry, and was on my way downstairs before he
+could take a second look at me. The landing is a dark place, and my
+figure so much like Brigitte's that her clothes make it look quite the
+same. There is another man on guard, at the bottom of the stairs, but he
+was as easily deceived as the one above. I ran across the two
+court-yards, and through the kitchen passage to the servants' stairs,
+and nobody glanced twice at me. Brigitte, of course, must stay with
+Madame till I return,--and now, Monsieur, it is time I was back, and I
+have said nothing of what I came to say."
+
+"You have said much that is important. But 'tis true, you'd best say the
+rest quickly,--your return may be dangerous enough."
+
+"Oh, I shall go so fast that nobody will have time to suspect me. As for
+the guards, it is their duty to keep me in. Should they see it is I who
+was out, they will be very glad to have me in again, and to hold their
+tongues, for the Count's punishments are not light. But as to Madame's
+message--she would have tried to convey it by Brigitte, had I not
+declared I would come at all hazards,--for the truth is, I have
+something to say on my own responsibility, also."
+
+"But Madame's message?" I demanded eagerly.
+
+"She begs that you will go away while you can. So brave a young
+gentleman should not stay here to risk the Count's vengeance."
+
+I felt joy at this concern for my safety.
+
+"If I am a brave man," I answered, "I can only stay and help her."
+
+"I am glad you are of that mind, Monsieur, for it is what I think. That
+is what _I_ had to say to you."
+
+"Then the only question is, how can I be of use to the Countess? She
+must be released from this imprisonment."
+
+"There I agree with you again. She ought to be taken away--far out of
+reach of the Count's vengeance--before he has time to make her plight
+worse than it is, or carry out any design against her life. But even if
+she remained as she is, her health would not long endure it."
+
+"Now that matters have come to this pass, no doubt she is willing to run
+away."
+
+"Not yet, Monsieur. That is for me to persuade her. But if we form some
+plan of escape now, I hope I can win her consent before the time comes
+to carry it out."
+
+"I trust so. When she repelled the idea of escape, the day I saw her in
+the garden, things had not gone so far. And then she thought there was
+no safe place of refuge for her. But I can find a place. And she thought
+an attempt must be hopeless because the Count would be swift to pursue.
+But if we got some hours' start, going at night--"
+
+"Yes, certainly it will have to be at night, Monsieur. The Count has the
+roads watched from the tower, for some purpose of his own--I think he
+expects some enemy."
+
+"You still have the key to the postern?"
+
+"It must be where I left it--buried under the rose-bush nearest the
+postern itself. But the first thing is, to get out of the room in the
+tower."
+
+"Certainly. It would not be possible for Madame to get out as you have
+done--by a disguise, I mean?"
+
+"No, Monsieur. Brigitte is the only one who comes to us, with whom she
+might change clothes. And Madame is not at all of Brigitte's figure--nor
+could she mimic Brigitte's walk as I can. She could not act a part in
+the slightest degree. And I know that Madame would never consent to go
+and leave me behind to bear the Count's wrath. We must all three go
+together. Besides Brigitte comes and goes in the daytime, and Madame
+must escape at night."
+
+"Yes, that is certain. It is hard to devise a plan in a moment. If I
+could think of it over night, and you come to me again to-morrow--but
+no, you may not be able to play this same trick again--the guards may
+detect you going back."
+
+"That is true, and I have thought of one plan, though it may be
+difficult."
+
+"Let me hear it, nevertheless."
+
+"Then listen, Monsieur. First, as to the door of our cell. It is locked
+with a key, which the Count himself retains, except when he goes out, as
+this afternoon,--it is then entrusted to the seneschal. I know this from
+Brigitte, for the key is given to her when she comes to us. She hands it
+to the guard on the landing, who opens the door and keeps the key while
+she is within. When she leaves us, he locks the door, and she takes the
+key back to the Count or seneschal. But in order to release Madame, you
+must have that key."
+
+"And how am I to get it?"
+
+"After Brigitte's last visit to us before the night we select, she will
+give the Count or seneschal, not the real key to our cell, but another
+of the same size and general shape--she has access to unimportant keys
+about the house. Then she will bring the real key to you."
+
+"But poor Brigitte!--when the Count investigates in the morning, he will
+find she has given him the wrong key."
+
+Mathilde thought a moment. "No; he will rather suppose you robbed him of
+the right key during the night and substituted the other to delay
+discovery. He will suspect anything rather than Brigitte, whom he thinks
+too great a fool for the least craft; and even if she is accused, she
+can play the innocent. I assure you."
+
+"So much for that, then. There is yet the door of entrance to the
+tower."
+
+"At present it has an old broken key in the lock, which is therefore
+useless. But no doubt that will be remedied--so we must act soon.
+Meanwhile, that door is guarded by the man at the foot of the stairs."
+
+"But are the two guards on duty at night also? There is no Brigitte to
+be let in and out then. And surely the Count doesn't think you can break
+your lock."
+
+"There are guards on duty, nevertheless. Last night I heard one call
+down the stairs to another, asking the time. They are there, no doubt,
+not for fear of our breaking out, but for fear of somebody breaking in
+to help Madame. I don't suppose there are ever more than two. If the
+rule has not been changed, the rest of the household sleeps, except a
+porter in the gate-house and a man on top of the tower. But this man
+watches the roads, as well as he can in the darkness, and the porter too
+is more concerned about people who might want to enter the chateau than
+about what goes on inside. So in the dead of night you can go silently
+downstairs and let yourself out of the hall--"
+
+"But is not the hall door locked with a key?"
+
+"Yes; but the key is left always in the lock. You have then only to
+cross the two court-yards to the lower, without making any noise to
+alarm the porter at the gate-house or to warn the guard at the tower
+entrance."
+
+"Will he be inside or outside the tower door, I wonder?"
+
+"Probably inside, where there is a bench just at the foot of the stairs.
+He and his comrade above will be your only real difficulty, Monsieur. If
+you can take them by surprise, one at a time--"
+
+"One at a time, or two at a time," said I, beginning to walk up and down
+the chamber, and grasping my sword and dagger. "But the trouble will be,
+the noise that may be made when I encounter them,--it may arouse the
+chateau and spoil all."
+
+"But heaven may grant that you will surprise the men inside the tower,
+one at the foot of the stairs, the other on our landing, as they must
+have been last night. In that case, if you can keep the fighting inside
+the tower, till--"
+
+"Till they are dead. Yes, in that case, if I am expeditious, no noise
+may be heard outside. That is a thing to aim for. If they, or one,
+should be outside, I can rush in and so draw them after me. Well, and
+when I have done for them--?"
+
+"Then you have but to unlock our door, and Madame and I will join
+you.--You will know our door by there being a stool in the landing
+before it--the guard sits there.--Well, then we must fly silently
+through the court-yards and the hall, let ourselves out to the
+terrace--there are two or three ways I know,--and run through the garden
+to the postern. Once out of these walls, we must hurry across the fields
+to the house of a certain miller--"
+
+"Hugues? Yes."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur. The watchman on the tower will not see us in the fields,
+for we shall keep close to the woods till we are at a distance. Hugues
+can supply two horses, at least, and you and Madame must be as far away
+as possible by daylight."
+
+"And you, Mathilde?"
+
+"Unless we can get three horses, I will lie hid at Hugues's mill till
+Madame finds time to send for me. It will be suitable enough--Hugues and
+I are to be married some day."
+
+"But I have a horse at the inn at Montoire. If I can get it out at that
+hour, you can come with us--to whatever place we may decide upon."
+
+"As to that place, you may consider in the meanwhile. There will be time
+to discuss the matter with Madame when she is escaping with you. The
+first thing is, to get as far from Lavardin as possible. And now when is
+all this to be done?"
+
+"The sooner the better, for who knows when the Count may take into his
+head some new idea?"
+
+"Yes, of harm to Madame or to yourself."
+
+"Why should we not choose this very night?"
+
+"I see no reason against it--except that I may not be able to persuade
+Madame. But yet there will be several hours--and surely heaven will help
+me!--Yes, to-night! There is nothing for me to do but persuade Madame,
+and see that we are dressed as suitably for travel as the clothes at
+hand will permit. But first, before Brigitte comes away, I must instruct
+her about the key. At what hour will you come, Monsieur?"
+
+"As soon as the house is asleep."
+
+"Fortunately, early hours are kept here, as there is never any company.
+But the Count and the Captain stay at their cups till ten or eleven
+o'clock."
+
+"Then by that time they must have drunk enough to make them fall asleep
+as soon as they are in bed."
+
+"And sometimes before they are in bed, I have heard the servants say."
+
+"Then I will leave my room at half-past eleven, but will make sure that
+the hall is dark and empty before I proceed."
+
+"And may the saints aid you, Monsieur, when you have to do with the men
+at the tower!"
+
+"The men will not be expecting me, that is one advantage," said I,
+trying to seem calm, but trembling with excitement. "If all goes well,
+we should be out of the chateau soon after midnight."
+
+"And at Hugues's house before one o'clock. You should be on
+horseback--the Countess and you--by half-past one. Have you money,
+Monsieur?"
+
+"Yes,--this purse is nearly as full as when I left home."
+
+"That is well, for Madame has none, and I don't know how much Hugues
+could get together in ten minutes. I have ten crowns in his strong-box,
+which Madame shall have."
+
+"They shall stay in Hugues's strong-box, and his own money too. I have
+enough."
+
+"Then I believe that is all, Monsieur, and I'd better be going back. Be
+on the watch for Brigitte with the key. Do you think of anything else?"
+
+We went hurriedly over the various details of the plan, and then she
+took her leave, darting along the passage as swiftly as a greyhound and
+as silently as a ghost. I sat down to think upon what I had undertaken,
+but my mind was in a whirl. Strangely enough, I, the victor of a single
+duel, did not shrink from the idea of killing the two guards--or as many
+as there might be. Perhaps this was because they were sure to be rascals
+whose lives one could not value very highly, especially as against that
+of the Countess. Nor did I feel greatly the odds against me, in regard
+both to their number and to my inexperience in such business. Perhaps
+the apparent confidence of Mathilde in my ability to dispose of them--a
+confidence based on my being a gentleman and they underlings--infected
+me. And yet I chose not to go too deeply into the probabilities. My
+safest course, for my courage, was not to think too much, but to wait
+for the moment and then do my best.
+
+It seemed but a short time till there was a tap at my door, and in came
+the real Brigitte.
+
+"Mathilde got back safe, Monsieur; she was not detected," she said, and
+handed me a large key.
+
+Ere more could pass, she was gone. I put the key in my breast pocket. It
+was now time I should show myself to the Count and his friend at table;
+which I proceeded to do, as boldly as if I had entertained no design
+against them. They were just back from their ride. It was strange with
+what outward coolness I was able to carry myself, by dint of not
+thinking too closely on what I had undertaken. For observe that, besides
+the immediate task of the night, there was Madame's whole future
+involved. And how precipitately Mathilde and I had settled upon our
+course, without pausing to consider if some more prudent measures might
+not be taken to the same end! But I was hurried by my feeling that I
+ought to save Madame, the more because no one could say how far the
+present situation was due to my having killed De Merri, and to my advent
+at the chateau. Even though she might choose not to escape, it was for
+me to give her the opportunity, at least. And to tell the truth, I
+longed to see her again, at any cost. As for Mathilde, there were her
+pressing fears of a worse fate for her mistress, to excuse her haste.
+And we were both young, and thought that any project which goes straight
+and smoothly in the telling must go straight and smoothly in the doing;
+and we looked not far ahead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE WINDING STAIRS
+
+
+I left the table early, and went to my room. I tore two strips from the
+sheet of my bed, and wrapped them around my boots so as to cover the
+soles and deaden my footsteps. Slowly the night came, with stars and a
+moon well toward the full. But we could keep in shadow while about the
+chateau, and the light would aid our travelling later. At half-past ten
+o'clock, the house seemed so still I thought the Count must have gone to
+bed before his usual time. I stole noiselessly from my room, feeling my
+way; and partly down the stairs. But when I got to the head of the lower
+flight, I saw that the hall was still lighted. I peered over the
+railing. The Count and the Captain were alone, except for two knaves who
+sat asleep on their bench at the lower end of the hall. The Count
+lounged limply back in his great chair at the head of the table,
+unsteadily holding a glass of wine; and the Captain leaned forward on
+the board, narrowly regarding the Count. Both were well gone in wine,
+the Count apparently the more so. There was a look of mental torment on
+the Count's face.
+
+"Yes, I know, I know," he said, wincing at his own words as if they
+pierced him. "There was opportunity enough with that De Merri. I was
+blind then. And with this new puppy! Women and lovers have the ingenuity
+of devils in devising opportunities. And they both admit their interview
+in the garden. But that he could have his way so soon--is that entirely
+probable?"
+
+He looked at the Captain almost beseechingly, as if for a spark of hope.
+
+The Captain spoke with the calm certainty of wisdom gained through a
+world of experience:
+
+"Young blood is quickly stirred. Young lips are quickly drawn to one
+another. Young arms are quick to reach out, and young bodies quick to
+yield to them."
+
+The Count uttered a cry of pain and wrath, his eyes fixed as though upon
+the very scene the Captain imagined.
+
+"The wretches!" said the tortured Count, staggering to his feet. "And I
+am the Count de Lavardin!"
+
+[Illustration: "'THE WRETCHES!' SAID THE TORTURED COUNT, STAGGERING TO
+HIS FEET."]
+
+"The greater nobleman you, the greater conquest for a young nobody to
+boast of. It is a fine thought for adventurous youth.--'A great lord,
+and a rich, but it is I, an unknown stripling, who really have possessed
+what he thinks his dearest treasure.'"
+
+The Count gave a kind of agonized moan, and went lurching across the
+hall, spilling some wine from his glass. "And a man of my years, too!"
+he said, with an accent of self-pity.
+
+"The older the husband, the merrier the laugh at his expense," said the
+Captain.
+
+The Count ground his teeth, and muttered to himself.
+
+"It is always their boasting that betrays them," went on the Count.
+"When I was young, they used to tell of a famous love affair between the
+Bussy d'Amboise of that day and the Countess de Montsoreau, wife of the
+Grand-huntsman. It came out through Bussy's writing to the King's
+brother that he had stolen the hind of the Grand-huntsman. That is how
+these young cocks always speak of their conquests.
+
+"Ah, I remember that. He did the right thing, that Montsoreau! He forced
+his false wife to make an appointment with Bussy, and when Bussy came,
+it was a dozen armed men who kept the appointment, and the gay lover
+died hanging from a window. Yes, that Montsoreau!--but he should have
+killed the woman too! The perfidious creatures! Mon dieu!--when I
+married her--when she took the vows--she was the picture of fidelity--I
+could have staked my soul that she was true; that from duty alone she
+was mine always, only mine!"
+
+He lamented not as one hurt in his love, but as one outraged in his
+right of possession and in his dignity and pride. And curiously enough,
+his last words caused a look of jealousy to pass across the face of the
+Captain. This look, unnoticed by the Count, and speedily repressed, came
+to me as a revelation. It seemed to betray a bitter envy of the Count's
+mere loveless and unloved right of possession; and it bespoke the
+resolve that, if the Captain might not have her smiles, not even her
+husband might be content in his rights. Such men will give a woman to
+death rather than to any other man. As in a flash, then, I saw his
+motive in working upon the Count's insane jealousy. Better the Count
+should kill her than that even the Count should possess her. I shuddered
+to think how near to murder the Count had been wrought up but a moment
+since. At any time his impulse might pass the bounds. I now understood
+Mathilde's apprehensions, and saw the need for haste in removing the
+Countess far from the power of this madman and his malign instigator.
+
+The Count, exhausted by his rush of feelings, drained his glass, and
+almost immediately gave way to the sudden drowsiness which befalls
+drinkers at a certain stage. He staggered to his seat, and fell back in
+a kind of daze, the Captain watching him with cold patience. Thinking
+they would soon be going to bed, I slipped back to my room.
+
+A little after eleven, I went forth again. The hall was now dark, and
+its silence betokened desertion. I groped my way to the door. The key
+turned more noisily than I should have wished, and there was a bolt to
+undo, which grated; but I heard no sound of alarm in the house. I
+stepped out to the court-yard, closing the door after me. The court-yard
+was bathed in moonlight. Keeping close to the house, so as not to be
+visible from any upper window, I gained the shadow of the wall
+separating the two court-yards. As noiselessly as a cat, I followed that
+wall to its gateway; entered the second court-yard, and saw that the
+door to the tower was open, a faint light coming from it. The tower
+itself, obstructing the moon's rays, threw its shadow across the
+paving-stones. I stepped into that shadow, which was only partial; drew
+my sword and dagger, and darted straight for the tower entrance,
+stopping just inside the doorway. By the light of a lantern hanging
+against the wall, I saw a kind of small vestibule, beyond which was an
+inner wall, and at one side of which was the beginning of a narrow
+spiral staircase, that ran up between walls until it wound out of sight.
+On a bench against the inner wall I have mentioned, sat a man, who rose
+at sight of me, with one hand grasping a sword, and with the other a
+pike that was leaning against the bench.
+
+He was a heavy, squat fellow, with short, thick legs and short, thick
+arms.
+
+"I give you one chance for your life," said I quickly. "Help me to
+escape with your prisoner, and leave the Count's service for mine."
+
+After a moment's astonishment, the man grunted derisively, and made a
+lunge at my breast with his pike. I caught the pike with my left hand,
+still holding my dagger therein, and forced it downward. At the same
+time I thrust with my rapier, but he parried with his own sword. I
+thrust instantly again, and would have pinned him to the wall if he had
+not sprung aside. He was now with his back to the stairs, and neither of
+us had let go the pike. His sword-point darted at me a second time, but
+I avoided, and thrust in return. Not quite ready to parry, he escaped by
+falling back upon the narrow stone steps. Before I could attack, he was
+on his feet again, and on the second step. We still held to the pike,
+which troubled me much, both as an impediment to free sword-play and as
+depriving me of the use of my dagger. I suddenly fell back, trying to
+jerk it from his grasp; but his grip was too firm. He jerked the pike in
+turn, and I let go, thinking the unexpected release might cause him a
+fall.
+
+He did not fall; but I pressed close with sword and dagger before he
+could bring the pike to use, and he backed further up the stairs. He
+caught the pike nearer the point, that he might wield it better at close
+quarters; but the long handle made it an awkward weapon, by striking
+against the wall, which continually curved behind him. We were sword to
+sword, and against my dagger he had his pike, but the dagger was the
+freer weapon for defence though not so far-reaching for attack.
+
+The man was very strong, but he had the shorter thrust and offered the
+broader target. We continued at it, thrust and parry, give and take. All
+the time he retreated up the winding staircase, which was so narrow that
+we had little elbow room, and this was to his advantage as he needed
+less than I. Another thing soon came to his advantage: the stairs curved
+out of the light cast by the lantern below, so that he backed into
+darkness, yet I was still visible to him. I cannot tell by what sense I
+knew where to meet his sword-point, yet certainly my dagger rang against
+it each time it would have stung me out of the dark. As for his pike, I
+now kept it busy enough in meeting my own thrusts. Whether or not I was
+drawn by the knowledge that the Countess was above, I continued to
+attack so incessantly, and with such good reach, that my antagonist
+still retreated upward. I followed him into the darkness; and then the
+advantage was with me, as being slender.
+
+Hitherto I had offered him my full front, but now I half turned my back
+to the wall, so that his blade might scarce find me at all, and that I
+might stand less danger of being forced backward off my feet. Well, so
+we prodded the darkness with our steel feelers in search of each other's
+bodies on those narrow stairs, striking sparks from the stone walls
+which our weapons were bound to meet by reason of the continual
+curvature.
+
+At last the broad form of my adversary was suddenly thrown into faint
+light by a narrow window in the wall. I staked all upon one swift
+thrust. It caught him full in the belly, and ran how far up his body I
+know not. With a cry he fell forward, and I was hard put to it to save
+my sword and avoid going down with him. But I got myself and my sword
+free, and went on up the stairs as fast as I could feel my way.
+
+In a few moments I heard steps coming from above, and a rough voice
+shouting down, "Ho, Gaspard, did you call? What the devil's up?" It was
+the other guard, who must have been asleep to have been deaf to the
+clash of our weapons, but whom his comrade's death-cry had roused. I
+trusted that the walls of the tower had confined that death-cry from the
+chateau; fortunately, the narrow window was toward the open fields.
+
+I stopped where I was. When the man's steps sounded a few feet from me,
+I said "Halt!" and, telling him his comrade was dead, proposed the terms
+I had offered the latter. There was a moment's silence: then a clicking
+sound, and finally a great flash of fiery light with a loud report, and
+the smell of smoke. By good luck I had flattened myself against the wall
+before speaking, and the charge whizzed past me. Thinking the man might
+have another pistol in readiness, I stood still. But he turned and ran
+up the stairs. I stumbled after him.
+
+Presently the stairway curved into light such as we had left at the
+bottom. The guard ran on in the light, and finally stepped forth to a
+landing no wider than the stairs; where there hung a lantern over a
+three-legged stool, beyond which was a door. At sight of this my heart
+bounded.
+
+At the very edge of the landing the man turned and faced me, pointing a
+second pistol. As the wheel moved, I dropped forward. The thing missed
+fire entirely, and, flinging it down with a curse, the man drew his
+sword and seized a pike that stood against the wall. I charged
+recklessly up the steps, bending my body to avoid the pike. It went
+through my doublet, just under the left armpit. Ere he could disencumber
+it I pressed forward upon the landing. I turned his sword with my
+dagger, and thrust with my own sword under the pike, piercing his side.
+Only wounded, he leaped back, drawing the pike from my clothes. He aimed
+at me again with that weapon. In bending away from it, I fell on my
+side, but instantly turned upon my back.
+
+The man moved to stand over me. I let go my sword, and caught the pike
+in my hand as it descended. He then tried to spit me with his sword, but
+I checked its point with the guard of my dagger. I thought I was near my
+end. He had only to draw up his sword for another downward thrust; but
+there was a sudden faltering, or hesitation, in his movements, probably
+a blindness of his eyes, the effect of his wound. In that instant of his
+uncertainty, I swung my dagger around and ran it through his leg. He
+fell forward upon me, nearly driving the breath out of my body. My
+dagger arm, extended as it had been, was fortunately free. I crooked my
+elbow, embraced my adversary, and sank the dagger deep into his back. I
+felt his quiver of death.
+
+After I had rolled his body off me, and sheathed my sword and dagger, I
+took out the key and unlocked the door. Inside the vaulted room of
+stone, which was lighted by a candle, stood the Countess and Mathilde.
+
+The Countess, beautiful in her pallor, and looking more angel than woman
+in the plain robe of blue that clothed her slight figure, met me with a
+face of mingled reproach, pity, and horror. Mathilde was in tears and
+utterly downcast. I could see at a glance how matters stood, and ere I
+had made two steps beyond the threshold, I stopped, abashed.
+
+"Oh, Monsieur, the blood!" cried the Countess sadly, pointing to my
+doublet.
+
+"It is that of your two guards," I said. "I am not hurt."
+
+"I am glad you are not hurt. But oh, why did you put this bloodshed upon
+your soul?"
+
+"To save you, Madame."
+
+"Alas, I know. It is not for me to blame you--but could you think I
+would escape--leave the house of my husband--become a fugitive wife?"
+
+I saw how firm she was in her resolution for all her fragility of body,
+and I scarce knew what to say.
+
+"Madame, think! He is your husband, yes,--but your persecutor. Where you
+should have protection, you receive--this." I waved my hand about her
+prison. "Where you should find safety, you are in mortal danger."
+
+"I know all that, Monsieur,--have known it from the first. But shall I
+play the runaway on that account? Think what you propose--that I, a
+wedded wife, shall fly from my husband's roof with a gentleman who is
+not even of kin to me! Then indeed would my good name deserve to
+suffer."
+
+"But Madame, heaven knows, as I do, that you are the truest of wives."
+
+"Then let me still deserve that title as my consolation, whatever I may
+have to endure."
+
+"But to flee from such indignity as this--such slander--such peril of
+death--"
+
+"It is for me to bear these things," she interrupted, "if he to whom I
+vowed myself in marriage inflicts them upon me. If they be wrongs, it is
+I who must suffer but not I who must answer to heaven for them! I may be
+sinned against, but I will not sin. Though he fail in a husband's duty,
+I will not fail in a wife's. Do you not understand, Monsieur, it is not
+the things done to us, but the things we do, that we are accountable
+for?"
+
+"But I can see no sin in your fleeing from the evils that beset you
+here, Madame."
+
+"Nay, even if it were not a violation of my marriage vow, it would have
+the appearance of sin, and that we are to avoid. And it would be to
+throw away my one hope, that my husband's heart may yet be softened, and
+his eyes opened to my innocence."
+
+"Alas! I trust it may turn out a true hope, Madame," said I sadly.
+
+"Heaven has caused such things to occur before now," she replied. "As
+for you, Monsieur, I must never cease to thank you for your chivalrous
+intent, as I shall thank my good Mathilde for her devotion. And I will
+ever pray for you. And now, if you would make my lot easier--if you
+would remove one anxiety from my heart, and give me one solace--you will
+leave this chateau immediately. Save yourself, I beg. Monsieur: let
+there be no more blood shed on my account, and that blood yours!
+Mathilde can let you out at the postern--she knows where the key is
+hidden. She tells me you have a horse at Montoire. Go, Monsieur--lose
+not another moment--I implore--nay, if you will recognize me as mistress
+of this house, I command."
+
+I bowed low. She offered me her hand: I kissed it.
+
+"It will not be necessary for Mathilde to come to the postern," said I.
+"I know another way out of the chateau. Adieu, Madame!" It was all I
+could manage to say without the breaking of my voice. I turned and left
+the room, closing the door that the Countess and Mathilde might be
+spared the sight of the body on the landing. I then, for a reason, took
+the key, leaving the door unlocked. I groped my way down the stairs,
+taking care not to trip over the body below. I crossed the court-yards
+without any care for secrecy, entered the hall, and sat down upon a
+bench near the door.
+
+When I had told the Countess I knew another way out of the chateau, I
+meant only the front gateway. But I did not intend immediately to try
+that way. I intended, for a purpose which had suddenly come into my
+head, to wait in the hall till morning and be the first to greet the
+Count when he appeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+MORE THAN MERE PITY
+
+
+What I stayed to do was something the Countess herself could do, and
+probably would do one way or another, if indeed mere circumstances would
+not do it of themselves: though I felt that none could as I could. But
+to tell the truth, even if I could not have brought myself to turn my
+back on that place while she was in such unhappy plight there.
+
+After I had sat awhile in the hall, I went to my room, lighted a candle,
+and cleansed myself and my weapons, and my clothes as well as I could,
+of blood. Having put myself to rights, though the rents in my doublet
+were still gaping, I went back to the bench in the hall, and passed the
+rest of the night there, sleeping and awake by turns.
+
+At dawn I heard steps and voices in the court-yard as of early risen
+dependents starting the day. Silence returned for a few minutes, and
+then came the noise of hurrying feet, and of shouts. There was rapid
+talk between somebody in the court-yard and somebody at an upper window.
+I knew it meant that the bodies of the two guards had been discovered,
+doubtless by the men who had gone to relieve them. In a short time, down
+the stairs came the Count de Lavardin, his doublet still unfastened,
+followed by two body-servants. He came in haste toward the front door,
+but I rose and stood in his path.
+
+"A moment, Monsieur Count. There's no need of haste. You'll find your
+prisoner safe enough."
+
+"What do you mean?" he asked, having stopped in sheer wonder at my
+audacity.
+
+"Madame the Countess has not flown, though it is true her guards are
+slain--I slew them. And Madame the Countess will not fly, though it is
+true her prison door is unlocked--I unlocked it--with this key, which I
+borrowed from you last night."
+
+He took the key I handed him, and stared at it in amazement. He then
+thrust his hand into his doublet pocket and drew out another key, which
+he held up beside the first, looking from one to the other.
+
+"Yes," said I, "that is a different key, which I left in place of the
+right one so that you might not discover the loan too soon."
+
+He gazed at me with a mixture of fury and surprise, as at an antagonist
+whose capacity he must have previously underrated.
+
+"By the horns of Satan," he exclaimed, "you are the boldest of meddling
+imps."
+
+"I have meddled to good purpose," said I, "though my meddling has not
+turned out as I planned. But it has turned out so as to bring you peace
+of mind, at least in one respect."
+
+"What are you talking of?"
+
+"You see that I possessed myself of that key; that I fought my way to
+the prison of the Countess; that I threw open her prison door."
+
+"And believe me, you shall pay for your ingenuity and daring, my brave
+youth."
+
+"All that was but the beginning of what I was resolved and able to do. I
+had prepared our way of escape from the chateau."
+
+"I am not sure of that."
+
+"You may laugh with your lips, Count, but I laugh at you in my heart.
+Don't think Monsieur de Pepicot is the only man who can get out of the
+Chateau de Lavardin."
+
+The reminder somewhat sobered the Count.
+
+"I had the means, too," I went on, "to fly with Madame far from this
+place. We might indeed have been a half-day's ride away by this time. I
+assure you it is true. Let what I have done convince you of what more I
+could have done. You don't think I should have gone so far as I have,
+unless I was sure of going further, do you?"
+
+The Count shrugged his shoulders, pretending derision, but he waited for
+me.
+
+"And why did I not go further?" I continued. "Because the Countess would
+not. Because she is the truest of wives. Because, when I opened her
+door, she met me with a stern rebuke for supposing her capable of flying
+from your roof. Ah, Monsieur, it would have set your mind at rest, if
+you had heard her. She bows to your will, though it may crush her,
+because you are her husband. Never was such pious fidelity to marriage
+vows. Her only hope is that your mind may be cleared of its false doubts
+of her."
+
+The Count looked impressed. He had become thoughtful, and a kind of
+grateful ease seemed to show itself upon his brow. I was pleasing myself
+with the belief that I had thus, in an unexpected way, convinced him of
+the Countess's virtue, when a voice at my side broke in upon my
+satisfaction. I had so closely kept my attention upon the Count that I
+had not observed Captain Ferragant come down the stairs. It was he that
+now spoke, in his cool, quiet, scoffing tone:
+
+"Perhaps the Countess had less faith in this gentleman's power to convey
+her safely away than he seems to have had himself. Perhaps she saw a
+less promising future for a renegade wife than he could picture to her.
+Perhaps she, too, perceived the value of her refusal to run away, as
+evidence of virtue in the eyes of a credulous husband."
+
+The Count's forehead clouded again. I turned indignantly upon the
+Captain, but addressed my words to the Count, saying:
+
+"Monsieur, you will pardon me, but it seems to a stranger that you allow
+this gentleman great liberties of speech. Men of honour do not, as a
+rule, even permit their friends to defame their wives."
+
+"This gentleman is in my confidence," said the Count, his grey face
+reddening for a moment. "It is you, a stranger as you say, who have
+taken great liberties in speaking of my domestic affairs. But you shall
+pay for them, young gentleman. Your youth makes your presumption all the
+greater, and shall not make your punishment the less. I will trouble
+you, Captain, to see that he stays here till I return."
+
+At this the Count, motioning his attendants to follow, who had stood out
+of earshot of our lowered voices, passed on to the court-yard, and
+thence, of course, to the prison of the Countess.
+
+The Captain stood looking at me with that expression of antipathy and
+ridicule which I always found it so hard to brook. I had some thought of
+defying the Count's last words and walking away to see what the Captain
+would do. But I reflected that this course must end in my taking down,
+unless I made good a sudden flight from the chateau by the gate; and if
+I made that I should be fleeing from the Countess. So the best thing was
+to be submissive, and not bring matters, as between the Count and me, to
+a crisis. Perhaps a way to help the Countess might yet occur, if I
+stayed upon the scene to avail myself of it. And in any case by
+continuing there in as much freedom as the Count might choose to allow
+me, I might have at least the chance of another sight of her.
+
+So, while we waited half an hour or so in the hall, I gave the Captain
+no trouble, not even that of speech, which he disdained to take on his
+own initiative.
+
+The Count returned, looking agitated, as if he had been in a storm of
+anger which had scarce had time to subside. His glance at me was more
+charged with hate and menace than ever before. He beckoned the Captain
+to the other end of the hall, and there they talked for awhile in
+undertones, the Count often shaking his head quickly, and taking short
+walks to and fro; sometimes he clenched his fists, or breathed heavy
+sighs of irritation, or darted at me a swift look of malevolence and
+threat. I could only assume that something had passed between the
+Countess and him during his visit to her prison--perhaps she had shown
+anxiety as to whether I had fled--which had suddenly quickened and
+increased his jealousy of me.
+
+At last the Count seemed to accept some course advised by his friend. He
+came towards me, the Captain following with slower steps. In a dry
+voice, well under control, the Count said to me:
+
+"Permit me to relieve you, Monsieur, of the burden of those weapons you
+carry. I am annoyed that you should think it desirable to wear them in
+my house, as if it were the road."
+
+Startled, I put my hands on the hilts of my sword and dagger, and took a
+step backward.
+
+"Your annoyance is somewhat strange, Monsieur," said I, "considering
+that you and the Captain wear your swords indoors as well as out. I
+thought it was the custom of this house."
+
+"If so," replied the Count, with his ghastly smile, "it is a custom that
+a guest forfeits the benefit of by killing two of my dependents. Come,
+young gentleman. Don't be so rude as to make me ask twice."
+
+The Captain now stepped forward more briskly, his hand on his own sword.
+Taking his motion as a threatening one, and scarce knowing what to do, I
+drew my weapons upon impulse and presented, not the handles, but the
+points. But ere I could think, the Captain's long rapier flashed out, it
+moved so swiftly I could not see it, and my own sword was torn from my
+grip and sent whirring across the hall. In the next instant, the guard
+of the Captain's sword was locked against the guard of my dagger, and
+his left hand gripped my wrist. It was such a trick as a fencing master
+might have played on a new pupil, or as I had heard attributed to my
+father but had never seen him perform. It showed me what a swordsman
+that red Captain was, and how much I had yet to learn ere I dared
+venture against such an adversary. And there was his bold red-splashed
+face close to mine, smiling in derision of my surprise and discomfiture.
+He was beginning to exert his strength upon my wrist--that strength
+which had choked and flung away the great hound. To save my arm, I let
+go my dagger. The Captain put his foot on it till an attendant, whom the
+Count had summoned, stooped for it. My sword was picked up by another
+man, whereupon, at the Count's command, it was hung upon a peg in the
+wall, and the dagger attached to the handle of the sword. The two men
+were then ordered to guard me, one at each side. They were burly
+fellows, armed with daggers.
+
+"Well, Monsieur, what next?" said I in as scornful a tone as I could
+command.
+
+"Patience, Monsieur; you will see."
+
+There was a low, narrow door in the side of the hall, near the front. At
+the Count's bidding, an attendant opened this, and I was marched into a
+very small, bare room, the ceiling of which was scarce higher than my
+head. This apartment had evidently been designed as a doorkeeper's box.
+It's only furniture was a bench. A mere eyehole of a window in the
+corner looked upon the court-yard.
+
+"Remember," I called back to the Count, "you cannot put injuries upon me
+with impunity. An account will be exacted in due time."
+
+"Remember, you," he replied with a laugh, "that you have murdered two
+men here, and are subject to my sentence."
+
+My guards left me in the room, and stationed themselves outside the
+door, which was then closed upon me. There was no lock to the door, but
+it was possible to fasten the latch on the outside, and this was done,
+as I presently discovered by trial.
+
+I sat on the bench, and gazed out upon as much of the court-yard as the
+window showed. Suddenly the window was darkened by something placed
+against it outside,--a man's doublet propped up by a pike, or some such
+device. I could not guess why they should cut off my light, unless as a
+mere addition to the tediousness of my restraint. I disdained to show
+annoyance, though I might have thrust my arm through the window and
+displaced the obstruction. Later I saw the reason: it was to prevent my
+seeing who passed through the court-yard.
+
+It seemed an hour until suddenly my door was flung open. In the doorway
+appeared the Captain, beckoning me to come forth. I did so.
+
+Half-way up the hall, a little at one side, stood the Count. Near him,
+and looking straight toward me, sat the Countess in a great arm-chair.
+Besides the Captain and myself, those two were the only persons in the
+hall. Even my guards had disappeared, and all doors leading from the
+hall were shut.
+
+The Countess, as I have said, was looking straight toward me. Her eyes
+had followed the Captain to my door, she wondering what was to come out
+of it. For assuredly she had not expected me to come out of it. She had
+still trusted that I had gone away in the night--the Count had not told
+her otherwise. Her surprise at seeing me was manifest in her startled
+look, which was followed by a low cry of compassionate regret.
+
+The Count had been watching her with a painful intentness. He had not
+even turned his eyes to see me enter, having trusted to his ears to
+apprise him. At her display of concern, the skin of his face tightened;
+though that display was no more than any compassionate lady might have
+given in a similar case. Even the Count, after a moment, appeared to
+think more reasonably of her demeanour.
+
+I bowed to her, and stood waiting for what might follow, the Captain
+near me.
+
+The Count, turning toward me for an instant to show it was I he
+addressed, but fixing his gaze again upon his wife and keeping it there
+while he continued speaking to me, delivered himself thus, with mocking
+irony:
+
+"Monsieur, I will not be so trifling or so churlish as to keep you in
+doubt regarding your fate. In this chateau, where the right of doom lies
+in me, you have been, by plain evidence and your own confession, guilty
+of the murder of two men. As to what other and worse crimes you have
+intended, I say nothing. What you have done is already too much. There
+is only one sufficient punishment. You may thank me for granting you
+time of preparation. I will give you two days--a liberal allowance, you
+will admit--during which you shall be lodged in a secure place, where in
+solitude and quiet you may put yourself in readiness for death."
+
+The Countess rose with a cry, "No, no!" Her face and voice were charged
+with something so much more than mere compassion, that I forgot my doom
+in a wild sweet exultation. At what he perceived, the Count uttered a
+fierce, dismayed ejaculation. The Captain looked at once triumphant and
+resentful.
+
+"It is enough!" cried the Count hoarsely. "The truth is clear!"
+
+He motioned me away, and the Captain pushed me back into the little
+room, quickly fastening the door. But my feeling was still one of
+ecstasy rather than horror, for still I saw the Countess's tender eyes
+in grief for me, still saw her arms reaching out toward me, still heard
+her voice full of wild protest at my sentence. It was to surprise her
+real feelings that she had been brought to hear, in my presence, my doom
+pronounced; and my window had been obstructed that our confrontation
+might be as sudden to me as to her, lest by a prepared look I might put
+her on her guard. This it was that the Captain had suggested, and
+excellently it had served. That moment's revelation of her heart, though
+it brought such sweetness into my soul, could only make her fate worse
+and my sentence irrevocable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE RAT-HOLE AND THE WATER-JUG
+
+
+I had not been back in the little room a minute, when it occurred to me
+to reach through the window and displace the obstruction. I was in time
+to see the Countess escorted back across the court-yard by her husband.
+This could mean only that she was again to occupy her prison in the
+tower. I was glad at least to know where she was, that I might imagine
+her in her surroundings, of which I had obtained so brief a glimpse.
+
+Presently my door opened slightly, that my breakfast might be passed in
+on a trencher; and again an hour later, that the trencher might be taken
+out. Soon after that, the door was thrown wide, and a man of some
+authority, whom I had already taken to be the seneschal of the chateau,
+courteously requested me to step forth. When I did so, he told me my
+lodging was ready and bade me follow. At my elbows were two powerful
+armed servitors of this strange half-military household, to escort me.
+
+I had a moment's hope that I might be taken to some chamber in the great
+tower; I should thus be nearer the Countess. But such was not the
+Count's will. I was conducted to the hall staircase, and up two flights,
+thence along the corridor past my former sleeping chamber, and finally
+by a small stairway to a sort of loft at that very corner of the chateau
+against which the great tower was built.
+
+It was a small chamber with one window and an unceiled roof that sloped
+very low at the sides. I suppose it had been used as a store-room for
+rubbish. Two worm-eaten chests were its only furniture. On one of these
+were a basin, a jug of water, and a towel. On the other were a blanket,
+a sheet, and a pillow. Here then were my bed and wash-stand. There was
+still space left on the first chest to serve me as dining-table.
+
+Before I could find anything to say upon these meagre accommodations for
+a gentleman's last lodging in this world, the seneschal bade me
+good-day, the door was closed and locked, and I was left to my
+reflections. The room not having been designed as a prison, there was no
+grilled opening in the door, and I was not exposed to the guard's view.
+
+The Count might have kept me in my former chamber, thought I, the time
+being so short. Perhaps he feared my making a rope of bed clothes and
+dropping to the terrace. As for the little room off the hall, it had no
+real lock, and the guards might become sleepy at night. But why did he
+make this respite of two days? Was it to give himself time for devising
+some peculiarly humiliating and atrocious form of death? Or was it mere
+ironical pretence of mercy in his justice, and might I be surprised with
+the fatal summons as soon as he was in the humour for it? To this day, I
+do not clearly know,--or whether he had other matters for his immediate
+care; or indeed whether, at the instant of pronouncing my sentence in
+order to discover the Countess's feelings, he actually intended carrying
+it out.
+
+In any case, now that her heart had betrayed itself, I had little hope
+of mercy. What came nearest to daunting me was the thought that, if I
+died, my people might never know for certain what had been my fate, for
+the Count would probably keep my death a secret, his own dependents
+being silenced by interest and fear. Yet I felt I had no right to
+complain of Fate. I had come from home to see danger, and here it was,
+though my present adventure was something different from cutting off the
+moustaches of Brignan de Brignan. And still my emotions were sweetened
+by the sense of what the Countess had disclosed, fatal though that
+disclosure might be to her also.
+
+Such were the materials of my thoughts for the first hour or so, while I
+sat on the chest that was to be my bed. But suddenly there came a
+sharper consciousness of what death meant, and how closely it threatened
+me. I sprang up, to bestir myself in seeking if there might be some
+means of escape. The situation had changed since I had willingly
+lingered at the chateau in order to be near the Countess. The reluctance
+to betake myself from the place where she was, had not diminished; but I
+had awakened to the knowledge that my only hope of ever seeing her again
+lay in present flight, if that were possible. I could serve her better
+living than dead, better free than a prisoner.
+
+I went to the window, which was wide enough for me to put my head out.
+My room was at the top of the building, and only the great tower, partly
+visible at my right, rose higher toward the sky. Below me was a narrow
+paved space between the house and the outer wall: it ran from the base
+of the tower at my right, to the garden, far at the left. Beyond the
+wall was the moat: beyond that, the country toward Montoire. If I could
+let myself down to the earth by any means, I should still be on the
+wrong side of the wall. But I might find the postern key, buried under
+the rose bush near the postern itself.
+
+I looked around the room, but there was nothing that would serve as a
+means of descent, except the bedding on the larger chest. This I
+examined: it was the scantiest, being merely a strip of blanket and a
+strip of sheet, together just sufficient to cover the top of the chest.
+With the pillow cover and towel, they would not reach half-way to the
+ground.
+
+Perhaps the chests might contain old clothes, or other materials that
+would serve to eke out. I tried the lids, but both were strongly locked.
+The larger chest looked very ancient and rotten: its hinges might be
+loose. I pulled one end of it out from against the wall, to examine the
+back. The hinges were immovable. Despondent, I ran my hand further down
+the back at random, and, to my surprise, felt a small irregular hole,
+through which I could thrust two fingers. It was evidently a rat hole,
+for I saw now that when close to the wall, it must have corresponded to
+a chink between the stones thereof.
+
+My fingers inside the chest came in contact with nothing but rat-bitten
+papers, to my sad disappointment. But, having gone so far, I was moved
+to continue until I had patiently twisted a few documents out through
+the hole. I straightened and glanced at them. The edges were fretted by
+the rats. One writing was an account of moneys expended for various
+wines; another was a list of remedies for the diseases of horses; but
+the third, when I caught its meaning and saw the name signed at the end,
+made my heart jump. It was the last page of a letter, and ran thus:
+
+     "One thing is certain, by our careful exclusion of fools and
+     weaklings, our plot is less liable to premature discovery than any
+     of those which have hitherto been attempted, and, as you say, if we
+     fail we have but to lock ourselves up in our chateaux till all
+     blows over, the K. being so busy at present with the Dutch. In that
+     event, my dear Count, the Chateau de Lavardin is a residence that
+     some of the rest of us will envy you. Your servant ever,
+
+     "COLLOT D'ARNIOL."
+
+The name was that of the chief mover of the late conspiracy, who had
+paid the penalty of his treason without betraying his accomplices. If
+this was indeed his signature, with which the authorities were certainly
+acquainted, the scrap of paper, were I free to carry it to Paris, would
+put the life of the Count de Lavardin in my hands.
+
+To be possessed of such a weapon--such a means of rescuing the Countess
+from her fearful situation--and yet lack freedom wherein to use it, was
+too vexing for endurance. I resolved, rather than wait inactively for
+death with that weapon useless, to employ the most reckless means of
+escape. Meanwhile I pocketed the fragment of letter, and thrust the
+other papers back into the chest, which I then pushed to its former
+place.
+
+After thinking awhile, I poured the water from the heavy earthen jug
+into the basin. I then sat down on the large chest, leaning forward,
+elbows upon knees, my head upon my hands, the empty jug beside me as if
+I had lazily left it there after drinking from it. In this attitude I
+waited through a great part of the afternoon, until I began to wonder if
+the Count was not going to send me any more food that day.
+
+At last, when the sun was low, I heard my lock turned, the door opened
+into the room, and one of my new guards entered with a trencher of bread
+and cold meat. With the corner of my eye, I saw that nobody was
+immediately outside my door; so I assumed that my other guard, if there
+were still two, was stationed at the foot of the short flight of stairs
+leading to my room. The man with the food, having cast a look at me as I
+sat in my listless attitude, passed me in order to put the trencher on
+the other chest, which was further from the door.
+
+The instant his back was toward me, I silently grasped the earthen jug,
+sprang after him, and brought the jug down upon the back of his head
+with all my strength while he was leaning forward to place the trencher.
+He staggered forward. I gave him a second blow, and he sprawled upon the
+chest, which stopped his fall.
+
+I ran to the open door, pushed it almost shut, and waited behind it, the
+jug raised in both hands. My blows and the guard's fall had not been
+without noise.
+
+"Hola! what's that?" cried somebody outside and a little below. I gave
+no answer, and presently I heard steps rapidly mounting to my door. Then
+the door was lightly pushed, but I stopped it; whereupon the head of my
+other guard was thrust in through the narrow opening. Down came my jug,
+and the man dropped to his hands and knees, in the very act of drawing
+his weapons. I struck him again, laying him prostrate. Then I dragged
+him into the room, and tried to wrest his dagger from his grasp. Finding
+this difficult, I ran back to the first guard, took his dagger from its
+sheath as he was beginning to come to, wielded my jug once more to delay
+his awakening, and, stepping over the second man's body, passed out of
+the room. The man with the trencher had left the key in the lock. I
+closed the door and turned the key, which I put in my pocket. I then
+hastened down the stairs, fled along the deserted passage, descended the
+main stairway to the story below, traversed without a moment's pause the
+rooms leading to the picture gallery, crossed that and found the door at
+the end unlocked, ran down the stairs of the Countess's former
+apartments, unlocked the door to the garden, and sped along the walk
+toward the postern. In all this, I had not seen a soul: I was carried
+forward by a bracing resolve to accomplish my escape or die in
+attempting it, as well as by an inspiriting faith in the saying of the
+Latin poet that fortune favours the bold, and by a feeling that for me
+everything depended on one swift, uninterrupted flight.
+
+I gained the postern; fell on my knees by the nearest rose bush, and,
+choosing a spot where the soil swelled a little, dug rapidly with the
+dagger, throwing the earth aside with my hand. In my impatience, much
+time seemed to go: I feared that here at last I was stayed: great drops
+fell from my brow upon my busy hands: I trembled and could have wept for
+vexation. But suddenly my dagger struck something hard, and in a moment
+I grasped the key. It opened the lock. I stood upon the ledge outside,
+and re-locked the door; then dashed across the plank over the moat, and
+made for the forest.
+
+I had no time to spare. My guards might be already returned to
+consciousness and doing their best to alarm the house from within their
+prison. Bloodhounds might soon be on my track. I ran along the edge of
+the forest, therefore, which covered my movements till I was past the
+village of St. Outrille, close to Montoire. I then altered my pace to a
+walk, lest a running figure in the fields might attract the notice of
+the Count's watchman on the tower; and, going in the lurching manner of
+a rustic, came to a road by which I crossed the river and gained the
+town. I entered the inn, sought the host, and called for my bill,
+baggage, and horse.
+
+The innkeeper did not recognize me at first, and, when he did, showed
+great wonder and curiosity at my absence. He was inclined to be
+friendly, though, and, when he perceived I was in haste, did not delay
+my departure with inquisitive talk. I saw that my horse had been
+properly cared for in my absence, and was glad to be on its back again,
+the more because I should thus leave no further scent for bloodhounds to
+follow.
+
+I rode out of the archway and turned my horse toward the road for Les
+Roches and Paris. As I crossed the square, I could not help glancing
+over my right shoulder toward the Lavardin road. In doing so, I happened
+to see a young man coming out of the church, whose face I knew. I
+thought a moment, then reined my horse around to intercept him, and, as
+he was about to pass, said in a low voice:
+
+"Good evening, Hugues."
+
+He stopped in surprise, recalling my features but not my identity. I
+leaned over my horse's neck, and spoke in an undertone:
+
+"You will remember I met you on your way back from Sablé, whither you
+had carried a certain lady's message. I have since heard of you from
+that lady. She is in a most unhappy plight, and so is her maid
+Mathilde."
+
+The young miller turned pale at this.
+
+"I have just escaped from the chateau," I continued, "where the Count
+meant to kill me. I am going as fast as possible to Paris, where I can
+use means to render him powerless. But that will take time, and
+meanwhile the worst may befall the Countess--and no doubt her faithful
+Mathilde also. They are imprisoned in the tower. I thank God I have met
+you, for now there is one friend here to whose solicitude I may leave
+that unfortunate lady and her devoted maid while I am away."
+
+"Monsieur," said he, with deep feeling, "I know no reason why you should
+play a trick on me, and you don't look as if you were doing so. I will
+trust you, therefore. But can you not come to my house, where we can
+talk fully?"
+
+"Where is your house?"
+
+"About a quarter of a league down that road." He pointed toward the road
+that ran northward from the square, as my road ran northeastward. "When
+you are ready to go on, you can get the Paris road by a lane, without
+coming back to the town."
+
+There were good reasons against my losing any time before starting for
+Paris. But it was well, on the other hand, for Hugues to know exactly
+how matters stood at the chateau. I put my reasons hastily to him, and
+he said he could promise me a safe hiding-place at his mill. And I could
+travel the faster in the end for a rest now, which I looked as if I
+needed,--in truth, I had slept little and badly in the hall the previous
+night, and the day's business had told upon me. So, perhaps most because
+it was pleasant to be with a trusty companion who shared my cause of
+anxiety, I agreed to go to his house for supper, and to set out after
+night-fall.
+
+"Good!" said Hugues. "Then you had best ride ahead, Monsieur, so we are
+not seen together. You can leave me now as if you had been merely asking
+your way. If you ride slowly when you are out of the town, I shall catch
+up."
+
+I did as he suggested, and he soon overtook me on the road. His house
+proved to be a cottage of good size built against a mill, with a small
+barn at one side of the yard and a stable at the other. When I had
+dismounted at his door, we unsaddled and unbridled my horse, so that it
+might pass for a new horse of his own if pursuers looked into his
+stable. He then called his boy and his woman-servant, and told them what
+to say if anybody came inquiring. We carried my saddle, bridle, and
+portmanteau through the cottage to the mill, and thence to a small
+cellar which was reached by means of a well-concealed trap-door in the
+mill-floor. This cellar should be my refuge in case the Count's men came
+there seeking me.
+
+"I made this hiding-place," said Hugues, moving his candle about to show
+how well floored and walled it was, "because one could never say when
+Mathilde, living in that fearful chateau, might want a place to fly to.
+She would not leave her mistress, you know, though the Countess's other
+women went gladly enough when the Count sent them off. Nobody knows
+there is anything between Mathilde and me, Monsieur,--except the
+Countess. It is safer so. We have been waiting for the Count to die, so
+that all might be well with the Countess, for Mathilde could marry me
+then with easy mind."
+
+"I hope that God will send that time soon," said I.
+
+"But meanwhile, this present danger?" said Hugues.
+
+We returned to the living-room of the cottage, and talked of the matter
+while we had supper. I told Hugues everything, misrepresenting only so
+far as to make it appear that the Count's jealousy was still entirely
+unfounded, and that he had mistaken the Countess's feelings at our
+confrontation. Whatever Hugues may have thought upon this last point, he
+made no comment thereon; but he showed the liveliest sense of the
+increased danger in which the Countess stood. He feared that my escape
+would make her position still worse, and that her hours might be already
+numbered. He considered there was not time for me to go to Paris and
+return: the Countess's rescue ought to be attempted promptly, or the
+attempt would be too late.
+
+In all this, he but echoed the feeling that had come back to me with
+double force while I told him the situation. But there was the
+Countess's determination not to flee. Hugues said that as this
+determination must be overcome for the Countess's own sake, any pressure
+that could be brought to bear upon her feelings would be justifiable.
+Let it be urged upon her that if she persisted in waiting for death,
+Mathilde's life also would doubtless be sacrificed; let every argument,
+every persuasion be employed; let me beseech, let me reproach, let me
+even use imperative means if need be. Suddenly, as he talked, I saw a
+way by which I thought she might be moved. It was one chance, but enough
+to commit me to the effort.
+
+The question now was, how to communicate with the Countess, and to
+accomplish the rescue. This Hugues and I settled ere we went to bed. I
+slept that night in the mill, by the trap-door. Hugues lay awake,
+listening for any alarm. None came, and in the morning we agreed that
+either the Count had elected not to seek me at all, or had traced me to
+the inn, and, learning I had taken horse, supposed I was far out of the
+neighbourhood. I stayed indoors all that day, while Hugues was absent in
+furtherance of our project, the woman and boy being under strict orders
+as to their conduct in the event of inquiries. In the evening Hugues
+returned with various acquisitions, among them being a sword for me, and
+a long rope ladder, both obtained at Troo.
+
+We awaited the fall of night, then set out. I upon my horse, Hugues
+riding one of his and leading the other. We went by obscure lanes,
+crossed the river, gained the forest, and lingered in its shades till
+the church clock of Montoire struck eleven. We then proceeded through
+the forest, near the edge, till we were behind the Chateau de Lavardin.
+
+Besides the rope-ladder, we had with us a cross-bow that Hugues owned, a
+long slender cord, and a paper on which I had written some brief
+instructions during the afternoon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE ROPE LADDER
+
+
+The night was starlit, though the moon would come later. We hoped to be
+away from the chateau before it rose. There was a gentle breeze, which
+we rather welcomed as likely to cover what little noise we might make.
+
+Leaving our horses tied in the forest, and taking the cross-bow and
+other things, we stole along the moat skirting the Western wall, till we
+were opposite the great tower. It rose toward the sky, sheer from the
+black water that separated us from it by so few yards. We gazed upward,
+and I pointed out the window which I thought, from its situation, must
+be that of the Countess, if she still occupied her former prison.
+
+Our first plan depended upon her still occupying that prison, or some
+other with an unbarred window in that side of the tower; and upon her
+being still accompanied by Mathilde.
+
+If the man on top of the tower were to look down now, thought I! We had
+considered that chance. It was not likely he would come to the edge of
+the tower and look straight down. His business apparently was to watch
+the road at a distance and in both directions. He could do this best
+from the Northeastern part of the tower. From what I knew now, I could
+guess why the Count had stationed him there: a conspirator never knows
+when he is safe from belated detection and a visit of royal guards. This
+accounted also, perhaps as much as the Count's jealousy, for his
+inhospitality to strangers, and for the half-military character of his
+household.
+
+Hugues uttered a bird-call, which had been one of his signals to
+Mathilde in their meetings. We waited, looking up and wishing the night
+were blacker. He repeated the cry.
+
+Something faintly whitish appeared in the dark slit which I had taken to
+be the Countess's window. It was a face.
+
+"Mathilde," whispered Hugues to me.
+
+Keeping his gaze upon her, he held up the cross-bow for her notice; then
+the bolt, to which we had attached the slender cord. Next, before
+adjusting the bolt, he aimed the unbent bow at her window: this was to
+indicate what he was about to do. Then he lowered the bow, and looked at
+her without further motion, awaiting some sign of understanding from
+her. She nodded her head emphatically, and drew it in.
+
+Hugues fitted the string and the bolt, raised the bow, and stood
+motionless for I know not how many seconds; at last the string twanged;
+the bolt sang through the air. It did not fall, nor strike stone, and
+the cord remained suspended from above: the bolt had gone through the
+window.
+
+"Good!" I whispered in elation; and truly Hugues deserved praise, for he
+had had to allow both for the wind and for the cord fastened to the
+bolt.
+
+The cord was soon pulled upward. Our end of it was tied to the rope
+ladder, which Hugues unfolded as it continued to be drawn up by
+Mathilde. At the junction of cord and ladder was fixed the paper with
+instructions. Mathilde could not overlook this nor mistake its purpose.
+When the ladder was nearly all in the air, its movement ceased. We knew
+then that Mathilde had the other end of it. Presently the window became
+faintly alight.
+
+"They have lighted a candle, to read the note," I whispered.
+
+Hugues kept a careful hold upon our end of the ladder, to which there
+was fastened another cord, shorter and stronger than the first. My note
+gave instructions to attach the ladder securely to a bed, or some other
+suitable object, which, if movable, should then be placed close to the
+window, but not so as to impede my entrance. It announced my intention
+of visiting the Countess for a purpose of supreme importance to us both.
+When the ladder was adjusted, a handkerchief should be waved up and down
+in the window.
+
+"The Countess surely will not refuse to let me come and say what I have
+to," I whispered, to reassure myself after we had waited some time.
+
+"Surely not, Monsieur. She does not know yet what it is," replied
+Hugues.
+
+At that moment the handkerchief waved in the window.
+
+Hugues drew the ladder taut and braced himself. I grasped one of the
+rounds, found a lower one with my foot, and began to mount. The ladder
+formed, of course, an incline over the moat. When I had ascended some
+way, Hugues, as we had agreed, allowed the ladder to swing gradually
+across the moat and hang against the tower, he retaining hold of the
+cord by which to draw the lower end back at the fit time. I now climbed
+perpendicularly, close to the tower. It was a laborious business,
+requiring great patience. Once I ran my eyes up along the tall tower and
+saw the stars in the sky; once I looked down and saw them reflected in
+the moat: but as these diversions made my task appear the longer, and
+had a qualmish effect upon me, I thereafter studied only each immediate
+round of the ladder as I came to it. As I got higher, I felt the wind
+more; but it only refreshed me. Toward the end I had some misgiving lest
+the ladder should lie too tight against the bottom of the window for me
+to grasp the last rounds. But this fear proved groundless. Mathilde had
+placed a pillow at the outer edge of the sill, for the ladder to run
+over; and I had no sooner thrust my hand into the window than it was
+caught in a firm grasp and guided to the proper round. Another step
+brought my head above the sill: at the next, I had two arms inside the
+long, shaft-like opening; my body followed, as Mathilde's receded. I
+crawled through; lowered myself, hands and knees, to the couch beneath;
+leaped to the floor, and kneeling before the Countess, kissed her hand.
+
+She was standing, and her dress was the same blue robe in which I had
+seen her in the same room two nights before. The candle was on a small
+table, which held also an illuminated book and an image of the Virgin,
+and above which a crucifix hung against the wall. Besides the bed at the
+window, there were another bed, a trunk, a chair, and a three-legged
+stool.
+
+The Countess's face was all anxiety and question.
+
+"Thank God you are still safe!" said I.
+
+"And you!" she replied. "Brigitte told us you had escaped. I had prayed
+your life might be saved. But now you put yourself in peril again. I had
+hoped you were far away. Oh, Monsieur, what is it brings you back to
+this house of danger?"
+
+"My going has surely made it a house of greater danger to you. It is a
+marvel the Count has not already taken revenge upon you for my escape. I
+thank God I am here while you still live."
+
+"My life is in God's hands. Was it to say this that you have risked
+yours again, Monsieur? Oh, your coming here but adds to my sorrow."
+
+"Hear what sorrow you will cause, Madame, if you refuse to be saved
+while there is yet time. I ask you to consider others. Below, waiting
+for us, is Hugues, who has enabled me to come here to-night. You know
+how that good brave fellow loves Mathilde. And you know that if you die,
+Mathilde will share your fate, for the Count will wish to give his own
+story of your death."
+
+"But Mathilde must not stay to share my fate. She must go away with you
+now, while there is opportunity."
+
+"I will not stir from your side, Madame,--they will have to tear me away
+when they come to kill you," said Mathilde, and then to me, "They have
+not sent Madame any food to-day. I think the plan is to starve us."
+
+"Horrible!" I said. "That, no doubt, is because of my escape. But who
+knows when the Count, in one of the rages caused by his fancies, may
+turn to some method still more fearful. Madame, how can you endure this?
+Why, it is to encourage his crime, when you might escape!"
+
+"Monsieur, you cannot tempt me with sophistries. What God permits--"
+
+"Has not God permitted me to come here, with the means of escape? Avail
+yourself of them--see if God will not permit that."
+
+"We know that God permits sin, Monsieur, for his own good reasons. It is
+for us to see that we are not they to whom it is permitted."
+
+"But can you think it a sin to save yourself?"
+
+"It is always a sin to break vows, Monsieur. And now--to go with you, of
+all men--would be doubly a sin." She had lowered her voice, and she
+lowered her eyes, too, and drew slightly back from me.
+
+"Then go with Hugues, Madame," said I, my own voice softened almost to a
+whisper. "Only let me follow at a little distance to see that you are
+safe. And when you are safe, finally and surely, I will go away, and we
+shall be as strangers."
+
+Tears were in her eyes. But she answered:
+
+"No, Monsieur; I should still be a truant wife--still a breaker of vows
+made to the Church and heaven."
+
+"Then you would rather die, and have poor Mathilde die after
+you--Mathilde, who has no such scruples?"
+
+"Mathilde must go away with you to-night. I command her--she will not
+disobey what may be the last orders I shall ever give her."
+
+"Madame, I have never disobeyed yet, but I will disobey this time. I
+will not leave you." So said Mathilde, with quiet firmness.
+
+"Ah, Mathilde, it is unkind, unfair! You will save yourself for Hugues's
+sake."
+
+"I will save myself when you save yourself, Madame; not before."
+
+The Countess sank upon the chair, and turning to the Virgin's image,
+said despairingly:
+
+"Oh, Mother of heaven, save this child from her own fidelity!"
+
+"It is not Mathilde alone that you doom," I now said, thinking it time
+to try my last means. "It is not only that you will darken the life of
+poor Hugues. There is another who will not leave Lavardin if you will
+not: one who will stay near, sharing your danger; and who, if you die,
+will seek his own death in avenging you."
+
+"Oh, no, Monsieur!" she entreated. "I was so glad to learn you had
+escaped. Do not rob me of that consolation. Do not stay at Lavardin.
+Live!--live and be happy, for my sake. So brave--so tender--the world
+needs you; and you must not die for me--I forbid you!"
+
+"You will find me as immovable as Mathilde," said I.
+
+She looked from one to the other of us, and put forth her hands
+pleadingly; then broke down into weeping.
+
+"Oh, will you make my duty the harder?" she said. "God knows I would
+gladly die to save you."
+
+"It is not dying that will save us. The only way is to save yourself."
+
+"Monsieur, you shall not drive me to sin by your temptations! Heaven
+will save you both in spite of yourselves. That will be my reward for
+putting this sin from me."
+
+"You persist in calling it a sin, Madame: very well. But is it not
+selfish to go free from sin at the expense of others? If one can save
+others by a sin of one's own, is it not nobler to take that sin upon
+one's soul? Nay, is it not the greater sin to let others suffer, that
+one's own hands may be clean?"
+
+"Oh, you tempt me with worldly reasoning, Monsieur. Kind mother of
+Christ," she said, fixing her eyes upon the image of Mary, "what shall I
+do? Be thou my guide--speak to my soul--tell me what to do!"
+
+After a moment, the Countess again turned to me, still perplexed,
+agitated, unpersuaded.
+
+"Madame," said I, "when one considers how soon the Count de Lavardin
+must surely suffer for crimes of which you know nothing, your death at
+his hands seems the more grievous a fate. Do you know that he is a
+traitor?--that his treason will soon be known to the King's ministers?
+If his jealousy had only waited a short while, or if my discovery had
+occurred a little earlier, his death would have spared you all this. But
+now, if you are not starved or slain before he is arrested, he will
+surely kill you when he finds himself about to be taken.--My God, I had
+not thought of that when I resolved to go to Paris at once! Oh, Madame,
+fly now while there is chance! I assure you that doom is hovering over
+the Count's head; if you stay here, I cannot go to Paris; but Hugues
+shall go with this paper in my stead."
+
+"What is the paper, Monsieur? What do you mean by this talk of the Count
+and treason?" she asked in sheer wonder.
+
+"It is a proof of the Count's participation in the late conspiracy. I
+found it in the room where I was imprisoned. And come what may, I will
+see that it goes to Paris for the inspection of the Duke de Sully. And
+then there will be a short shrift for the Count de Lavardin, I promise
+you."
+
+"But in that case, it would be you that caused his death, Monsieur!" she
+exclaimed.
+
+"The executioner would cause his death--and the law. I should be but the
+humble instrument of heaven to bring it to pass."
+
+"But you would be the instrument of my husband's death, Monsieur! That
+must not be. You, of all men! No, no. Why, it would be an eternal
+barrier between us--in thought and kind feeling, I mean,--in the next
+world too. Oh, no; you must not use that paper, nor cause it to be
+used."
+
+"But, Madame, he is a traitor. What matters it whether I or another--it
+is only justice--my duty to the King."
+
+"But you do not understand. I should not dare even pray for you! And I
+must not let you denounce him--I must prevent your using that paper. I
+am his wife, Monsieur,--I must prevent. Otherwise, I should be
+consenting to my husband's death!"
+
+"He has no scruples about consenting to yours, Madame."
+
+"The sin is on his part, then, not on mine. Come, Monsieur, you must let
+me destroy that paper." She advanced toward me.
+
+"No, Madame; not I. Nay, I will use force to keep it, if need be! It is
+my one weapon, my one means of vengeance." I tore my wrist from her
+hand, and put the paper back into my inner pocket.
+
+"Then, Monsieur, I have said my last to you. I must put you out of my
+thoughts, out of my prayers even. And if I find means, I must warn my
+husband."
+
+"Listen, Madame. There is one condition upon which I will destroy this
+paper and keep silence."
+
+She uttered a joyful cry. I knew that what she thought of was not her
+husband's fate, but the barrier she had mentioned.
+
+"It is that you will escape with me at once," I said.
+
+The joy passed out of her face; but she was silent.
+
+"Consider," I went on. "Not merely your own life, not merely mine, not
+merely Mathilde's, and the happiness of Hugues: it is in your power to
+save your husband's life also, and to save his soul from the crime of
+your murder, if there be any degree between act and intent. Is it not a
+sin and a folly to refuse? Think of the blood already shed by reason of
+this matter. Why should there be more?"
+
+At last she wavered. I turned to Mathilde, to speak of the order in
+which we should descend the ladder.
+
+At that instant I heard the key begin to grate in the lock.
+
+"Some one is coming in!" whispered the Countess in alarm.
+
+Instantly I pushed Mathilde upon the couch beneath the window, in a
+sitting posture, so that her body would conceal the end of the rope
+ladder. The next moment I had pulled the other bed a little way out from
+the wall, and was crouching behind it.
+
+The door opened, and I heard the noise of men entering with heavy tread.
+Then the door closed. There was a sound of swift movement, then a scream
+from Mathilde and a terrified cry from the Countess, both voices being
+suddenly silenced at their height. I raised my head, and saw two
+powerful men in black masks, one of whom was grasping the Countess by
+the throat with his left hand while, with his right assisted by his
+teeth, he was endeavouring to pass a looped cord around her neck. The
+other man had both hands about the neck of Mathilde, that he might
+sufficiently overpower her to apply a similar cord.
+
+I leaped over the bed, and upon the man who was trying to strangle the
+Countess. Mad to save and avenge her, I sank my dagger into the back of
+his shoulder, and he fell without having seen who had attacked him. The
+murderer who was struggling with Mathilde immediately turned from her
+and drew sword to attack me, at the same time crying out, "Garoche, to
+the rescue!"
+
+[Illustration: "I LEAPED OVER THE BED, AND UPON THE MAN WHO WAS TRYING
+TO STRANGLE THE COUNTESS."]
+
+As I could not get the dagger out of the other man's shoulder joint in
+time, I drew my sword, and parried my new antagonist's thrust. The door
+now opened, and in came another man with drawn sword, not masked: he
+was, I suppose, the man on guard on the landing. Seeing how matters
+stood, he joined in the attack upon me. I backed into a corner, knocking
+over the chair of the Countess, who had run to Mathilde. The two women
+stood clasping each other, in terror. Suddenly my first assailant cried,
+"I leave him to you for a moment, Garoche," and ran and transferred the
+key from the outside to the inside of the door, which he then closed, so
+as to lock us all in. This was doubtless to prevent the exit of the
+Countess and Mathilde, the purpose being to keep the night's doings in
+that room as secret as possible even from the rest of the household.
+This man then pocketed the key, and, while Garoche continued to keep me
+occupied in my corner, ran to a side of the cell and began working with
+an iron wedge at a stone in the floor. He soon raised this, showing it
+to be a thin slab, and left exposed a dark hole. He then turned to the
+Countess, seized her around the waist, and tried to drag her toward the
+opening. His instructions had been, no doubt, to slay the women without
+bloodshed and drop the bodies through this secret aperture, but the
+unexpected turn of affairs had made him decide to precipitate the end
+and not strangle them first. Wild with horror at the prospect of their
+meeting so hideous a death, I sprang into the air, and ran my sword
+straight into the panting mouth of Garoche, so that the point came out
+at the back of his neck. He dropped, and I disengaged my weapon barely
+in time to check the onslaught of the other man, who, seeing Garoche's
+fate, had left the Countess and come at me again. I was out of breath
+after the violent thrusts I had made, and a mist now clouded my eyes. I
+know not how this last contest would have gone, had not Mathilde,
+recovering her self-command, drawn the sword of the man who had fallen
+first, and, holding it with both hands, pushed it with all her strength
+into my adversary's back.
+
+I wiped my weapons on the clothes of the slain murderers. The Countess
+fell on her knees and thanked heaven for our preservation. I then went
+to the opening made by the removal of the stone slab: peering down, I
+could see nothing. I took the key of the door from the pocket of its
+last holder, and dropped it through the hole, while the Countess and
+Mathilde leaned over me, listening. Some moments passed before we heard
+anything; then there came the sound of the key striking mud in the black
+depths far below. The secret shaft, then, led to the bottom of the
+tower.
+
+The Countess shuddered, and whispered: "Come, let us not lose a moment."
+
+I first lifted the masks, and recognized the murderers as fellows I had
+seen lounging in the court-yard. Then I gave directions for descending
+the ladder. I should have preferred being the last to leave the room but
+that I thought it necessary to support the Countess in her descent and
+Mathilde firmly refused to precede us. As the ladder might not hold the
+weight of three, Mathilde would see us to the ground, and then follow.
+
+Two could not go out of the window at once, so I backed through first,
+and waited when my feet were planted on the ladder, my breast being then
+against the edge of the window sill. Madame followed me. I guided her
+feet with one hand, and placed them on the ladder, having descended just
+sufficiently to make room for her. I then lowered myself another round,
+and she, holding on to a round in the window shaft with one hand,
+grasped the first round outside with the other, emerged entirely from
+the opening, and let me guide her foot a step lower. We then proceeded
+downward in this manner, I holding my head and body well back from the
+ladder so that her feet were usually on a level with my breast: thus if
+she showed any sign of weakness, I could throw an arm around her. I had
+first thought of having her clasp me around the neck, and so descending
+with her, but once upon the ladder, I saw no safe way for her to get
+behind me, or indeed to turn from facing the ladder. So we came down as
+I say, while I kept as well as I could between her and the possibility
+of falling. Frequently I asked in a whisper if all was well with her,
+and she answered yes.
+
+When we were near the moat, I felt the ladder move from the wall and
+knew that Hugues was drawing it toward him. I warned the Countess of our
+change from a vertical to an inclined position, and so we were swung
+across, and found ourselves above solid earth, on which we presently set
+foot.
+
+"Best take Madame the Countess to the horses while I wait for Mathilde,"
+whispered Hugues to me, letting the ladder swing back; but Madame would
+not go till the maid was safe beside us. Mathilde, who had watched our
+descent, now drew her head in, and speedily we saw her feet emerge in
+its stead. She came down the ladder with ease and rapidity, such were
+her strength and self-possession. As soon as she touched the ground,
+Hugues swung back the ladder to stay, and took up his cross-bow.
+
+"Come," I whispered, and we turned our backs to that grim tower and
+hastened along the moat to the forest, passing on the way the high gable
+window of what had been my prison, the postern which I had such good
+reason to remember, and the oak from which I had seen Hugues display the
+handkerchief. Scarce a word was spoken till we came to the horses. I
+assisted the Countess to mount one of Hugues's two, she making no
+difficulty about accommodating herself to a man's saddle. By that time
+Hugues and Mathilde were on his second horse. I got upon my own, and we
+started. Our immediate purpose was to go to Hugues's house by the woods
+and lanes, fording the river below Montoire.
+
+As we came out of the forest, beyond St. Outrille, the moon rose, and
+against the luminous Eastern sky we could see the dark tower we had left
+behind,--tower of blood and death, on which I hoped never to set eyes
+again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE PARTING
+
+
+We hoped to be at Hugues's house before the Countess's flight should be
+discovered. Hugues and I discussed the chances as we rode. The Count
+would probably give his murderous agents ample time before going to see
+why they did not come to report the deed accomplished. He would then
+lose many minutes in breaking into the cell, and again in questioning
+the watchman on the tower--who could not have seen us in the woods and
+distant lanes--and considering what to do. The bloodhounds would
+doubtless be put upon the Countess's scent, but they would lose it at
+the place where we had taken horse. And then, Hugues thought, having
+tracked us into the forest, the Count would assume that we had continued
+our flight through it without change of direction, and he would push on
+to St. Arnoult, and along the road to Chateaurenault and Tours. This
+was, indeed, the most likely supposition. The Count would scarce expect
+to find us harboured in any house in the neighbourhood, and he knew
+nothing of Hugues's attachment to Mathilde. Still I thought it well that
+the Countess should travel on as far as possible that night, and I asked
+her if she felt able to do so after stopping at Hugues's house for some
+food.
+
+"Oh, yes," she answered compliantly.
+
+I then broke to her that Hugues's and I had provided a suit of boy's
+clothes which she might substitute for her present attire at his house,
+and so travel with less likelihood of attracting notice. To this she
+made no objection. She seemed, on leaving the chateau, to have resigned
+herself, almost languidly, to guidance. A kind of listlessness had come
+over her, which I attributed to exhaustion of spirit after all she had
+experienced.
+
+I then told her that Hugues and I had decided it best that Mathilde
+should stay at his house for the present, keeping very close and having
+the hiding-place accessible, while I went on with the Countess. Hugues
+himself, who could entirely trust his old woman-servant and his boy,
+would see us as far as to our first resting-place.
+
+To these proposals also she said "Very well," in a tone of
+half-indifference, but she cast a long, sad look at Mathilde, at mention
+of leaving her.
+
+"And then, Madame," I went on, "as to our journey after we leave
+Hugues's house. You have said you are without relations or fortune."
+
+"Alas, yes. A provision for life-maintenance at the convent was all the
+fortune left me."
+
+"In that case, I ask you, in the name of my father and mother, to honour
+them as their guest at La Tournoire. I can promise you a safe and
+private refuge there: I can promise you the friendship of my mother, the
+protection of my father, and his good offices with the King, if need be,
+to secure your rightful claims when the Count de Lavardin dies, as he
+must before many years."
+
+"No, no, Monsieur, I shall have no claims. The Count married me without
+dowry, and if there be any other claims I surrender them. As for your
+generous offer, I cannot think of accepting it. You and I are soon to
+separate, and must not see each other again."
+
+"But, Madame, I need not be at La Tournoire while you are there. I shall
+be out in the world, seeking honour and fortune."
+
+"No, Monsieur, it is not to be thought of. My only refuge is the convent
+from which the Count took me."
+
+"But is it safe to go there? Have you not said yourself that the Count
+would take measures to intercept you on the way?"
+
+"But you and Hugues just now agreed that the Count would probably seek
+me on the road to Chateaurenault. That is in the opposite direction to
+the convent, which is beyond Chateaudun."
+
+"But the Count may seek toward the convent when he fails to find you in
+the other direction. Or he may take the precaution to send a party that
+way at once."
+
+"We shall be there before he or his emissaries can, shall we not? Once
+in the convent, I shall be safe.--And besides, Monsieur,"--her voice
+took on a faint touch of mock-laughing bitterness--"he will think I have
+run away with you for love, and for a different life than that of a
+convent. No; as matters are, it is scarce likely he will seek me in the
+neighbourhood of the convent."
+
+It was then determined that we should make for the convent, which,
+curiously, as it was beyond Chateaudun, happened to be upon my road to
+Paris. We now arrived at Hugues's gate.
+
+I dismounted only to help the Countess, and stayed in the road with the
+horses, while Hugues led Madame and Mathilde into the cottage. He took
+them thence into the mill, that they might eat, and the Countess change
+her dress, at the very entrance to the hiding-place. He then returned to
+me, the plan being that if we heard pursuit he and I were to mount and
+ride on, thus leading our enemies away from the Countess, who with
+Mathilde should betake herself to the hiding-place till danger was past.
+With Hugues's knowledge of the byways and forest paths, we might be able
+to elude the hunt. During this wait we refreshed ourselves with wine and
+bread, which the old woman brought, and the boy fed the horses. In a
+short time the Countess reappeared, a graceful, slender youth in
+doublet, breeches, riding-boots of thin leather, cap, and gloves. Her
+undulating hair had been reduced by Mathilde, with a pair of shears, to
+a suitable shortness. Mathilde followed her, loth to part. We allowed
+little time for leave-taking with the poor girl, and were soon mounted
+and away, Hugues leading.
+
+"I suggest, Madame," said I, as we proceeded along the road, which was
+soon shadowed from the moonlight by a narrow wood at our right, "that on
+this journey you pass as my young brother, going with me to Paris to the
+University. I will say that we have ridden ahead of our baggage and
+attendants,--which is literally true, for my baggage remains at Hugues's
+house and you have left Mathilde there."
+
+"Very well, Monsieur," she replied.
+
+"I should have some name to call you by upon occasion," said I. "I will
+travel as Henri de Varion, for De Varion was my mother's name, and if
+you are willing to use it--"
+
+"Certainly, Monsieur. As for a name to call me by upon occasion, there
+will be least falsehood in calling me Louis; for my real name is
+Louise."
+
+"Thank you, Madame; and if you have to address me before people, do not
+forget to call me Henri."
+
+"I shall not forget."
+
+Her manner in this acquiescence was that of one who follows blindly
+where a trusted guide directs, but who takes little interest in the
+course or the outcome. A kind of forlorn indifference seemed to have
+stolen over her. But she listened to the particulars of residence and
+history with which I thought it wise to provide ourselves, and briefly
+assented to all. She then lapsed into silence, from which I could not
+draw her beyond the fewest words that would serve in politeness to
+answer my own speeches.
+
+Meanwhile Hugues led us from the road and across the narrow wood, thence
+by a lane and a pasture field to the highway for Vendome and Paris. We
+pushed on steadily, passed through Les Roches, which was sound asleep,
+and, stopping only now and then to let our horses drink at some stream,
+at which times we listened and heard no sound upon the road, we entered
+Vendome soon after daylight.
+
+"Had we better stop here for a few hours?" said I, watching the Countess
+and perceiving with sorrow how tired and weak she looked.
+
+"I think it well, Monsieur," replied Hugues, his eyes dwelling where
+mine did.
+
+"And yet," I said, with a thought of the horror of her being taken, "it
+is so few leagues from Lavardin. In such a town, too, the Count's men
+would visit all the inns. If we might go on to some village--some
+obscure inn. Could you keep up till then, Madame, do you think?"
+
+"Oh, yes,--I think so." But her pallor of face, her weakness of voice,
+belied her words.
+
+"We should be more closely observed at some smaller place than here,"
+said Hugues. "Besides, we need not go to an inn here. There is a decent,
+close-mouthed woman I know, a butcher's widow, who will lodge you if her
+rooms are not taken. It would be best to avoid the inns and go to her
+house at once. As like as not, if the Count did hunt this road, he would
+pass through the town without guessing you were at private lodgings."
+
+"It is the best thing we can do," said I, with a blessing upon all
+widows of butchers. Hugues guided us to a little street behind the
+church of the Trinity, and soon brought the widow's servant, and then
+the widow herself, to the door. Her rooms were vacant, and we took two
+of them, in the top story, one overlooking the street, the other a
+backyard wherein she agreed to let our horses stand. She promised
+moreover to say nothing of our presence there, and so, while Hugues led
+the horses through the narrow stone-paved passage, the widow showed us
+to our rooms. The front one being the larger and better, I left the
+Countess in possession of it as soon as we were alone, that she might
+rest until the woman brought the food I had ordered.
+
+When breakfast was set out in the back room, and the Countess opened her
+door in answer to my knock, she looked so worn out and ill that I was
+alarmed. She had fallen asleep, she said, and my knock had wakened her.
+She ate little, and I could see that she was glad to go back and lie
+down again.
+
+I had thought to resume our journey in the evening, and perhaps reach
+Chateaudun by a night's riding. But at evening the Countess seemed no
+more fit to travel than before. So I decided to stay at the widow's till
+Madame was fully recovered. Hugues would have remained with us another
+day, but I sent him back to his mill and Mathilde.
+
+On the morrow the Countess was no better. I took the risk of going out,
+obtaining medicine at the apothecary's, and purchasing other necessary
+things for both of us which we had not been able to provide before our
+flight. I was in dread lest we might have to resort to a physician and
+so make discovery that my young brother was a woman. Madame declared her
+illness was but exhaustion, and that she would soon be able to go on.
+But it was some days before I thought her strong enough to do so.
+
+We had come into Vendome on a Wednesday: we left it on the following
+Monday morning. We encountered nothing troublesome on the road, and
+arrived at Chateaudun that Monday night. The Countess endured the
+journey fairly well; but her strange, dreamy listlessness had not left
+her.
+
+At Chateaudun as at Vendome, we sought out lodgings in a by-street, and
+therein passed the night. We were now but a few hours' ride from the
+convent, by Madame's account of its location. Soon I should have to part
+from her, with the intention on her side not to see me again, and the
+promise on mine to respect that intention. To postpone this moment as
+long as possible, I found pretexts for delaying our departure in the
+morning; but as afternoon came on she insisted upon our setting out. I
+did so with a sorrowful heart, knowing it meant I must take my last
+leave of her that evening.
+
+From our having passed nearly a week without any sign of pursuit, a
+feeling of security had arisen in us. If the Count or his men had sought
+in this direction, passing through Vendome while we lay quiet in our
+back street, that search would probably be over by this time. But even
+if chase had not been made simultaneously by various parties on various
+roads, there had been time now for search in different directions one
+after another. Yet spies might remain posted at places along the roads
+for an indefinite period, especially near the convent. But as long as
+the risk was only that of encountering a man or two at once, I had
+confidence enough. In Vendome I had bought the Countess a light rapier
+to wear for the sake of appearance, of course not expecting her to use
+it. But though in case of attack I should have to fight alone, I felt
+that her presence would make me a match for two at least.
+
+I tried to avoid falling in with people on the road, but a little way
+out from Chateaudun we came upon a country gentleman, of a well-fed and
+amiable sort, whose desire for companionship would let us neither pass
+ahead nor drop behind. He was followed by three stout servants, and
+expressed some concern at seeing two young gentlemen like us going that
+road without attendants.
+
+"Though to be sure," he added, "there seems to be less danger now; but
+you must have heard of the band of robbers that haunt the forests about
+Bonneval and further on. There has been little news of their doings
+lately, and some people think they may have gone to other parts. But who
+knows when they will suddenly make themselves heard of again, when least
+expected?--'tis always the way."
+
+He soon made us forget about dangers of the road, however, by his hearty
+talk; though, indeed, for all his good-fellowship I would rather have
+been alone with Madame in these last moments. About a league from
+Chateaudun, he arrived at his own small estate, rich in wines and
+orchards; he regretted that we would not stop, and recommended inns for
+us at Bonneval and the towns beyond.
+
+We rode on, the Countess and I, in silence, my own heart too disturbed
+for speech, and she in that same dispirited state which had been hers
+from the beginning of our flight. Indeed now, when I was so soon to bid
+her farewell, she seemed more tired and melancholy, pale and drooping,
+than I had yet seen her. As I was sadly noticing this, we came to a
+place where a lesser road ran from the highway toward a long stretch of
+woods at the right. The Countess drew in her horse, and said, indicating
+the branch road:
+
+"That is my way, Monsieur. I will say adieu here; but I will not even
+try to thank you. You have risked your life for me many times over. I
+will pray for you--with my last breath."
+
+"But, Madame," I exclaimed in astonishment, "we are not to say adieu
+here. I must see you to the convent."
+
+"The convent is not so far now. I know the way; and I wish to go there
+alone. You will respect my wish, I know: have you not had your way
+entirely so far on our journey? You cannot justly refuse me my will
+now." She gave a wan little smile as if she knew the argument was not a
+fair one.
+
+"But, Madame,--what can be your reason?--It is not safe. Surely you will
+not deny me the happiness of seeing my service fully accomplished,--of
+knowing that you are safe at the convent?"
+
+"I am nearly there. I know the road,--it is a shorter way than the high
+roads, but little used. I shall meet no travellers. I fear no danger."
+
+"But consider, Madame. The danger may be at the very end of your
+journey. The Count may have spies within sight of the convent. You may
+fall into a trap at the last moment."
+
+"I can go first to the house of a woodman in the forest, whose wife was
+a servant of my mother's. They are good, trustworthy people, and can see
+if all is safe before I approach the convent. If there is danger, I can
+send word by them to the Mother Superior, who can find means to get me
+in secretly at night. You may deem your service accomplished, Monsieur.
+I must take my leave now."
+
+"But it is so strange! What can be your reason?--what can be your
+objection to my going with you?"
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, it may be unfair, but a woman is exempt from having to
+give reasons. It is my wish,--is not that enough? I am so deeply your
+debtor already,--let me be your debtor in this one thing more.--You have
+spent money for me: I have no means of repaying--nay, I will not mention
+it,--you have given me so much that is above all price,--your courage
+and skill. But enough of this--to speak of such things in my poor way is
+to cheapen them. Adieu, Monsieur!--adieu, Henri!"
+
+She held out her hand, to which I lowered my lips without a word, for I
+could not speak.
+
+"You will go your way when I go mine," she said with tenderness. "To
+Paris, perhaps?"
+
+"To Paris--I suppose so," I said vaguely.
+
+"This horse belongs to Hugues," she said, stroking the animal's neck. "I
+may find means to send it back to him.--Well, adieu! God be with you on
+your journey, Monsieur,--and through your life."
+
+"Oh, Madame!--adieu, if you will have it so! adieu!--adieu, Louis!"
+
+She smiled acquiescently at my use of the name by which I had had
+occasion to call her a few times at our lodging-places. Then, saying
+once more, "Adieu, Henri!" she turned her horse's head and started down
+the by-road. With a heavy heart, I waited till she had disappeared in
+the woods. I had hoped she might look back, but she had not done so.
+
+A movement of my rein, which I made without intention, was taken by my
+horse as a signal to go on, and the creature, resuming its original
+direction, kept to the highway and plodded along toward Bonneval and
+Paris.
+
+Never in all my life, before or since, have I felt so alone. What was
+there for me to do now? All my care, all my heart, was with the solitary
+figure on horseback somewhere yonder in the forest. Had life any object
+for me elsewhere?
+
+Yes, faith!--and I laughed ironically as it came back to my thoughts--I
+might now go on to Paris and cut off the moustaches of Brignan de
+Brignan!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+IN THE FOREST
+
+
+But I had not yet come in sight of Bonneval, when fearful misgivings
+began to assail me as to what might befall the Countess. I awoke to a
+full sense of my folly in yielding to her wish. Her own apparent
+confidence of safety had made me, for a time, feel there must be indeed
+small danger. I had too weakly given way to her right of command in the
+case. I had been too easily checked by respect for what private reason
+she might have for wishing to go on without company. I had played the
+boy and the fool, and if ever there had been a time when I ought to have
+used a man's authority, laughing down her protests, it had been when she
+rode away alone toward the forest.
+
+I turned my horse about, resolved to undo my error as far as I
+might,--to go back and take the road she had taken, and not rest till I
+knew she was safe in the convent.
+
+My fears increased as I went. What the country gentleman had said about
+robbers came back to my mind. I arrived at the junction of the roads,
+and galloped to the woods. Once among the trees, I had to proceed
+slowly, for the road dwindled to a mere path, so grown with grass as to
+show how little it was ordinarily resorted to. But there were horseshoe
+prints which, though at first I took them to be only those of the
+Countess's horse, soon appeared so numerously together that I saw there
+must have been other travellers there recently. I perceived, too, that
+the wood was of great depth and extent, and not the narrow strip I had
+supposed. It was, in fact, part of a large forest. I became the more
+disquieted, till at last, as the light of day began to die out of the
+woods, I was oppressed with a belief as strong as certainty, that some
+great peril had already fallen upon her I loved.
+
+I came into a little green glade, around which I glanced. My heart
+seemed to faint within me, for there, by a small stream that trickled
+through the glade, was a horse grazing,--a horse with bridle and saddle
+but no rider. The rein hung upon the grass, the saddle was pulled awry,
+and the horse was that of the Countess.
+
+I looked wildly in every direction, but she was nowhere to be seen. The
+horse raised his head, and whinnied in recognition of me and my animal,
+then went on cropping the grass. I rode over to him, as if by
+questioning the dumb beast I might learn where his mistress was. There
+was no sign of any sort by which I might be guided in seeking her.
+
+I called aloud, "Madame! madame!" But there was only the faint breeze of
+evening among the treetops for answer.
+
+But the horse could not have wandered far. Whatever had occurred, there
+must be traces near. My best course was to search the forest close at
+hand: any one of those darkening aisles stretching on every side, like
+corridors leading to caves of gloom, might contain the secret: each
+dusky avenue, its ground hidden by tangled forest growth, seemed to bid
+me come and discover. I dismounted, knowing I could trust my horse to
+stay in the glade, and, crossing the stream, explored the further
+portion of the path.
+
+I came to a place where the underbrush at the side of the path was
+somewhat beaten aside. I thought I could distinguish where some person
+or animal had gone from this place, tramping a sort of barely traceable
+furrow through the tangle. I followed this course: it led me back to the
+glade. Doubtless the horse had made it.
+
+I was about to go back along the path, when I noticed a similar
+trodden-down appearance along one side of the stream where it left the
+glade. Hoping little, I examined this. It brought me, after a few yards,
+to a clear piece of turf swelling up around the roots of an oak. And
+lying there, on the grassy incline, with her head at the foot of the
+oak, was the Countess, as silent and motionless as death, with blood
+upon her forehead.
+
+My own heart leaping, I knelt to discover if hers still moved. Her body
+stirred at my touch. I dipped my handkerchief in the stream, and gently
+washed away the blood, but revealed no cut until I examined beneath the
+hair, when I found a long shallow gash. I hastily cleansed her hair of
+the blood as well as I could, with such care as not to cause the wound
+to flow anew. All the time I was doing this, my joy at finding her alive
+and free was such that I could have sobbed aloud.
+
+She awoke and recognized me, first smiling faintly, but in a moment
+parting her lips in sorrowful surprise, and then, after glancing round,
+giving a sigh of profound weariness.
+
+"Am I then still alive?" she murmured.
+
+"Yes, Madame;--I thank God from my heart."
+
+"It is His will," she said. "I had hoped--I had thought my life in this
+world was ended."
+
+"Oh, do not say that. What can you mean?"
+
+"When they surrounded me--the men who sprang up at the sides of the
+path--I thought, 'Yes, these are the robbers the gentleman spoke
+of,--God has been kind and has sent them to waylay me: if I resist, I
+may be killed, and surely I have a right to resist.' So I drew my sword,
+and made a thrust at the nearest. He struck me with some weapon--I did
+not even notice what it was, I was so glad when it came swiftly--when I
+felt I could not save myself. The blow was like a kiss--the kiss of
+death, welcoming me out of this life of sad and bitter prospects."
+
+"Oh, Madame, how can you talk in this way, when you are still young and
+beautiful, and there are those who love you?"
+
+"You do not know all, Henri. What is there for me in life? I am weak to
+complain--weak to long for death--sinful, perhaps, to put myself in its
+way, but surely Heaven will pardon that sin,--weak, yes; but, alas, I
+cannot help it,--women are weak, are they not? What is before me, then?
+I am one without a place in the world--without relations, without
+fortune. If I were a man, I might seek my fortune--there are the wars,
+there are many kinds of honourable service. But what is there for a
+woman, a wife who has run away from her husband?"
+
+"But Madame, the convent,--you have a right to be maintained there. You
+can at least live there, till time annuls the Count's claims upon you.
+And then who knows what the future may bring?"
+
+"The convent--I have told you I should be safe there, and so no doubt I
+should if I took the veil--"
+
+"Nay, Madame, not that, save as a last resort!"
+
+"Alas, I may not though I would. Do you think I should hesitate if I
+were free? How gladly I would bury myself from this world, give myself
+at once to Heaven! But that resource--that happiness--is forbidden me.
+My mother, as she neared death, saw no security for me but as a
+life-guest at a convent. Our small fortune barely sufficed to make the
+provision. But she did not wish me to become a nun, and as she feared
+the influence of the convent might lead that way, she put me under a
+promise never to take the veil. So I am without the one natural resource
+of a woman in my position."
+
+"But do you mean that you will not be safe at the convent merely as a
+guest?"
+
+"The Count may claim the fulfilment of his rights as a husband. He may
+use force to take me away. The Mother Superior cannot withhold me from
+him; and indeed I fear she would be little inclined to if she could,
+unless I consented to take the veil. Before the possibility of my
+marriage came up, she was always urging me to apply for a remission of
+the vow to my mother, so that I might become a nun. But that I would
+never do."
+
+"But, Madame, knowing all this, how could you select the convent as your
+refuge, and let me bring you so far toward it?"
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, what place in the world was there for me? And yet I had
+to go somewhere, that your life might be saved, and Mathilde's, and the
+happiness of poor Hugues. There was no other way to draw you far from
+that chateau of murder, no other way to detach Mathilde from one who
+could bring her nothing but calamity. And to-day, when I left you, I
+thought all this was accomplished, and I was free to go my way in search
+of death."
+
+"Oh, Madame, if I had known what was in your mind! Then you did not mean
+to go to the convent?"
+
+"I meant to go toward the convent. It is further away than I allowed you
+to suppose. I felt--I know not why--that death would meet me on the way.
+I felt in my heart a promise that God would do me that kindness. At
+first I had no idea of what form my deliverer would take. Perhaps, I
+thought, I might be permitted to lose my way in the forest and die of
+hunger, or perhaps I might encounter some wild beast, or a storm might
+arise and cause me to be struck by lightning or a falling bough, or I
+might be so chilled and weakened by rain that I must needs lie down and
+die. I knew not what shape,--all I felt was, that it waited for me in
+the forest. And when the gentleman spoke of robbers, I rejoiced, for it
+seemed to confirm my belief."
+
+"And that is why you would not let me come with you?"
+
+"Yes, certainly; that you might not be present to drive death away from
+me, or meet it with me. I hoped you would go on to Paris, thinking me
+safe, and that you would soon forget me. You see how I desire you to
+live, and how you can please me only by doing so."
+
+"And so, when you were at last in the forest--?"
+
+"At last in the forest, yes--I knew not how long I should have to ride,
+but I made no haste,--sooner or later it would come, I thought. The
+birds hopping about on the branches seemed to be saying to one another,
+'See this lady who has come to meet death.' I crossed a glade, and
+something seemed to whisper to my heart, 'Yonder it lies waiting, yonder
+in the shades beyond that little stream.' So I went on, and true enough,
+before I had gone far, five or six rough men sprang out from the bushes.
+Two caught my reins, and one raised a weapon of some kind and bade me
+deliver up my purse. I had no purse to deliver, and I feared they might
+let me go as not worth their trouble. Then I thought they might hold me
+for ransom, or rob me of my clothes, and discover I was a woman. Surely
+I was justified in resisting such a fate; so I drew the sword you gave
+me, and made a pass at the man with the weapon. He struck instantly,
+before I could turn my head aside, and I had time only for a flash of
+joy that God had indeed granted me deliverance. I scarce felt the blow,
+and then all went out in darkness. I knew nothing after. How did I come
+here? This is not the place where I met the robbers."
+
+"It is very strange," said I. "This is where I found you, only a little
+while before you came to life. I had searched the path, but I saw no
+robbers. They did not take your horse,--I found it in the glade yonder,
+where I have left mine with it. That must be the glade you crossed
+before they appeared."
+
+"But how came you to be here? Ah, did you disregard my wish and follow
+me?"
+
+"Not at first. No; I went on toward Paris as you bade me. But after
+awhile I too had a feeling of danger befalling you in this forest. It
+was so strong that I could not force myself to go on. So I rode back,
+hoping to come in sight of you and follow at a distance. I could not do
+otherwise."
+
+"Ah, Henri, perhaps it is to you I owe the ill service of bringing me
+back to life. Who knows?--I might have passed quietly away to death here
+had you not come and revived the feeble spark left in me. I must have
+been unconscious a long time."
+
+"Yes; thank God I arrived no later than I did. But why should the
+robbers have brought you here? They have not even taken any of your
+clothes. See, here is your sword, replaced in its scabbard; even your
+cap is here, beside your head--look where the villain's weapon cut
+through,--it must have been a sort of halberd. Why should they have
+brought you here? Do they mean to return, I wonder?"
+
+I rose and looked around, peering through the dusky spaces between the
+trunks of the trees, and straining my ears. Suddenly, amidst the chatter
+of the birds returning to their places for the night, I made out a sound
+of distant hoof-beats.
+
+"Horsemen!" I said. "But these robbers were on foot, were they not?"
+
+"Yes; I did not see any horses about."
+
+"Who can these be? There must be several!"
+
+They were apparently coming from that part of the forest toward which
+the Countess had been riding. On account of the brushwood I could not
+see them yet.
+
+"Well," said I, "we had best keep as quiet as possible till they pass.
+But they will see our horses in crossing the glade. No, that must not
+be. Wait."
+
+I ran back to the glade, and finding the horses close together, caught
+them both, led them down the bed of the stream to where the Countess
+was, and made them lie among the underwood, trusting to good fortune
+that they would be quiet while the others were passing.
+
+Soon I could see, above the underbrush that extended to the path beyond
+the brook, a procession of steel head-pieces, bearded faces,
+breastplates over leather jerkins, and horses' heads. There were six or
+seven men in all, one after another. I lay close to the earth and heard
+them cross the stream. And then, to my astonishment, they came directly
+along the stream by the way I had first come; I rose to my feet just in
+time to face the leader as he stopped his horse within a yard of me.
+
+He gazed over the neck of his steed at me, and the Countess, and our two
+animals. He was a tall, well-made, handsome man, seasoned but still
+young, with a bronzed, fearless face.
+
+"Good evening," said he, in a rich, manly voice. "So the youngster has
+come to his senses,--and found a friend, it appears."
+
+"I don't exactly understand you, Monsieur," said I.
+
+"You are not to blame for that," he replied good-humouredly. "It is true
+I met your young friend awhile ago, but as he was more dead than alive
+at that time, he couldn't have told you much. How is it with him now?"
+
+"I am not much hurt, Monsieur," replied the Countess for herself.
+
+"I scarce knew how I should find you when I returned," said the
+newcomer.
+
+"Then you saw him here before, Monsieur?" said I.
+
+"Yes; it was I who brought him here,--but, faith! he was in no condition
+to see what was going on. We were searching this forest on the King's
+business, when I heard something a little ahead, which made me gallop
+forward, and there I saw half-a-dozen ruffians around a horse, and one
+of them dragging this youth from the saddle. I shouted to my comrades
+and charged at the robbers. They dropped the lad, and made off along the
+path. I stopped to see to the young gentleman, and ordered my companions
+to pursue the rascals. The youngster, let me tell you, seemed quite done
+for. He had been struck, as you see, evidently just before he was pulled
+from the horse."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur," said the Countess; "and I knew nothing after the blow."
+
+"So it appeared," replied the horseman. "I saw that water was needed,
+and remembering this stream we had crossed, I carried you to this place
+and did what I could for you. But I had to go and recall my men,--I
+feared they might be led too far, or separated by the robbers running in
+different directions. That explains my leaving you alone. We have a
+piece of work in hand, of some importance, and dare not risk anything
+for the sake of catching those knaves."
+
+"I suppose they are part of the band that haunts this forest," said I.
+
+"No doubt. But this forest is at present the haunt of larger game. Those
+scoundrels escaped us this time--they were favoured by the dusk and the
+undergrowth. I was longer in catching up with my comrades than I had
+thought. But I see all has gone well with that young gentleman in the
+meantime."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur. I, his brother, ought never to have allowed him to go on
+alone. But I was riding after, expecting to overtake him, when I came
+upon his horse; I supposed he must be near, and I was fortunate enough
+to seek in the right place. He shall not leave me again; and for us both
+I thank you more than my tongue can ever express."
+
+"Pouf!--I did nothing. The question is, what now? My comrades and I have
+affairs to look after in the forest. We shall continue on the path where
+your brother met his accident, till we come to a certain forester's
+house where we may pass the night. Your direction appears to be the
+same, and you will be safe with us."
+
+"Again I thank you, Monsieur," I said, "but we shall give up our journey
+through the forest. As soon as my brother feels able to ride, we shall
+go back to the highway and pass the night at some inn. I think we shall
+be safe enough now that you have frightened the robbers from this part
+of the forest."
+
+The horseman eyed me shrewdly, and glanced at the Countess. It occurred
+to me then that he had known her sex from the first, and that he now
+trusted me with wisdom enough to judge best what I ought to do. So he
+delicately refrained from pressing us, as he had all along from trying
+to learn our secret. For a moment he silently twirled his moustaches;
+then he said:
+
+"In that case, I have but to wish you good-night, and good fortune.
+I think you will be safe enough between here and the highway.
+Please do not mention that you have seen any of the King's guard
+hereabouts,--though I fear that news is already on the wing."
+
+"What, Monsieur?--are you, then, of the King's guard?"
+
+"We have the honour to be so."
+
+"But I thought their uniform--"
+
+"Faith, we are in our working clothes," said he, with a laugh. The next
+moment he waved us adieu, turned his horse about, and, his companions
+also turning at his order, followed them out of our sight.
+
+"A very charming gentleman," said I, as the sound of their horses
+diminished in our ears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE TOWER OF MORLON
+
+
+The Countess still lay on the grassy couch beneath the oak. She seemed
+to have lost all will as to her course of action.
+
+"I think best not to go with those guards," I explained after a moment.
+"For why should we travel their way without any destination? There is
+nothing for us now in that direction. After what you have told me, I
+dare not let you go to the convent."
+
+"There is no place for me," she said listlessly. "Death has disappointed
+me, and left me in the lurch. I think this place is as good as another."
+
+She closed her eyes for some moments, as if she would lie there till
+death came, after all.
+
+"No," said I; "you must not stay here. Night is coming on: the chill and
+the dews will be harmful to you. Besides, there are clouds already
+blotting out some of the stars, and the wind is rising and may bring
+more. If there is rain, it may be heavy, after so many days of fine
+weather. It will soon be too dark to follow the path. We must be getting
+on."
+
+"I am weak from this blow," she said,--rather as if for a pretext
+against moving, I thought. "I am not sure I could keep my saddle."
+
+"I can carry you as I ride, if need be, and let your horse follow. Come,
+Madame, let us see if you can rise. If not, I will take you in my arms
+to the glade, where it will be easier to mount."
+
+I stooped to support her, but she did not stir.
+
+"But where am I to go?" she said. "Of what use to travel aimlessly from
+place to place? As you say, why should we ride on toward the convent
+without a destination? But where else have I a destination?"
+
+"Listen, Madame. Is it not probable that after some weeks, or months,
+the Count, still disappointed of your taking refuge at the convent, will
+give up hope or expectation of finding you there? Will he not then
+withdraw his attention from the convent?"
+
+"I suppose so."
+
+"And can we not, if we take time, find means to learn when that becomes
+the case? Can we not, by careful investigation, make sure whether he is
+still watching the convent or whether he has an informant there? Can we
+not enter into communication with the Mother Superior, and find out what
+her attitude is toward you,--whether, if you returned, your residence
+there would be safe and kept secret? Surely she would not betray you."
+
+"Oh, no; whatever attitude she took, she would tell me the truth."
+
+"Then it is only necessary to wait a few months and take those measures,
+without letting your own whereabouts be known even to the Mother
+Superior."
+
+"But meanwhile would you have me continue doing as I have done since my
+flight,--passing as something I am not, receiving the protection--living
+on the very bounty--of the one person in all the world from whom I
+should accept nothing? Why, Monsieur, if it were known--if no more than
+the mere truth were told--would it not seem to justify the Count de
+Lavardin?"
+
+"I do not ask you to do as you have done. For only two or three days you
+need pass as a boy. You may then not only resume the habit of a woman,
+but enjoy the company and friendship of a woman as saintly as yourself.
+Your presence in her house must be a secret till affairs mend, but you
+may be sure that if her friendship for you were known, it would be a
+sufficient answer to anything your husband or the world might say
+against you."
+
+"It is of your mother that you speak. But I told you before, it is not
+from you that I dare accept so much."
+
+"It will be from my mother, who will believe me when I tell her the
+truth, and who will take you as her guest and friend for your own sake.
+As for me, my affairs in Paris will keep me from La Tournoire while you
+are there:--for consider, what I propose now is not what you refused
+that night we fled from Lavardin. I spoke then of your making La
+Tournoire your refuge for an indefinite time,--the rest of your life, if
+need be:--I speak now of your staying there only till your safe
+residence at the convent can be assured,--only a few months, or weeks."
+
+Though I had begun and ended by speaking of the convent, I did so merely
+with the object of inducing her to go to La Tournoire. Once there, she
+would be under the guidance and persuasion of my mother, who could
+influence her to remain till the Count's death removed all danger.
+
+"You must not refuse, Madame," I went on. "God has shown that He does
+not desire your death, and it must be His will that you should accept
+this plan, so clear and simple. Speak, Madame!"
+
+"I know not.--I have no strength, no will, to oppose further. Let it be
+as you think best." The last vestige of her power of objection, of
+resolving or thinking for herself, seemed to pass out in a tired sigh.
+
+"Good!" I cried. "Then we have but to regain the road and find some inn
+for the night. To-morrow we shall ride back to Chateaudun, or perhaps on
+to Bonneval, and then make for La Tournoire by Le Mans and Sablé, which
+is to give a wide berth to Montoire and the road we have come by. Do you
+think you can rise, Madame?--Nay, wait till I lead the horses out."
+
+I took the horses to the glade, then returned and found the Countess
+already on her feet, though with her hand against the tree, as she was
+somewhat dizzy. She walked with my assistance, and I helped her to her
+saddle,--she now thought herself able to ride without support. I mounted
+my own horse, grasped the halter of the other, and took the path for the
+highway.
+
+"We are none too soon," said I, as we left the glade. "How dark the path
+is even now: I hope we shall be able to keep it."
+
+Darkness came on more quickly than usual, because of the swift
+overclouding of the sky. Very soon I could not see two paces before me.
+Then blackness settled down upon us. My horse still went on, but slowly
+and uncertainly, with many a halt to make sure of footing and a free
+way. When I glanced back, I could not see the Countess, but I held the
+tighter to the halter of her horse and frequently asked if all was well.
+Her reply was, "Yes, Monsieur," in a faint, tired voice. I felt about
+with my whip for the trees at the side of the path, and thus was able to
+guide the horse when its own confidence faltered.
+
+Instead of cooling, the air became close. Suddenly the forest was
+lighted up by a pale flash which, lasting but a moment, was followed
+after a time by a distant rumble of thunder.
+
+"It is far away, Madame," said I. "It may not come in this direction, or
+we may be safely housed before it does."
+
+"I am not afraid."
+
+However, lest rain might fall suddenly, I stopped the horses, unrolled
+from behind my saddle a cloak which I had bought in Vendome, and put it
+around the Countess. We then proceeded as best we could. Slowly as we
+had gone, I began to think it time we should emerge from the forest; but
+another flash of lightning showed apparently endless vistas of wood on
+every side. We went on for another half hour or so, during which the
+distant thunder continued at intervals; and then, finding ourselves as
+deep in the forest as ever, I perceived that we must have strayed from
+our right path. I stopped and told the Countess.
+
+"It must be so," she said.
+
+"I noticed no cross-path when I rode into the forest this afternoon. Yet
+a path might join at such an angle that, looking straight ahead, I
+should not have seen it. Yes, that is undoubtedly the case, if we are in
+a path at all. Perhaps we are following the bed of a dried-up stream."
+
+"Do you wish to turn back, then?"
+
+"We might only lose ourselves. And yet that is what must happen if we go
+ahead. Let us wait for a flash of lightning."
+
+One came presently, while my eyes were turned ready in what I thought
+the direction from which we had come. But there seemed to lie no opening
+at all in that direction. Then, in the blacker darkness that ensued, I
+remembered that I had turned my horse slightly while talking of the
+matter. I could not now tell exactly which direction we had come from.
+It occurred to me that perhaps for some time we had wandered about in no
+path at all, going where trees and underbrush left space clear enough to
+be mistaken.
+
+I confessed that I knew not which way to go, even to find the original
+path.
+
+"Is it best to ride on at random, in hope of coming upon something, or
+to stay where we are till daylight?" I asked.
+
+The Countess had no will upon the matter. But the question was decided
+for me by a heavy downpour of rain, which came in a rush without
+warning. It was evident that the foliage over us was not thick. So I
+shouted to the Countess that we would go on till we found trees that
+gave more protection. I urged my horse to move, letting him choose his
+own course, and he obediently toiled forward, I exerting myself to keep
+the other horse close, and also feeling the way with my whip.
+
+As swift as the oncoming of the rain, was the increase of the lightning,
+both in frequency and intensity. The fall of the rain seemed loud beyond
+measure, but it was drowned out of all hearing when the thunder rolled
+and reverberated across the sky. In the bright bursts of lightning, the
+trees, seen through falling rain, seemed like companions suffering with
+us the chastisement of the heavens; but in the darkness that intervened
+between the flashes, the forest and all the world seemed to have died
+out of existence, leaving nothing but the pelting waters and the din of
+the storm.
+
+At last we came, not to a region where the boughs were less penetrable,
+but to an open space where the downpour had us entirely at its mercy. I
+thought at first we had got out of the forest, or into the glade we had
+left: but a brilliant flash showed us it was another small clearing,
+which rose slightly toward the thick woods on its further side. And the
+same lightning revealed, against the background of trees, a solitary
+tower, old and half-ruined, slender and of no great height. A doorway on
+a level with the ground stood half open.
+
+"Did you see that?" I cried, when the lightning had passed. "There is
+shelter."
+
+"It must be the tower of Morlon," said the Countess.
+
+"And who lives there?"
+
+"Nobody,--at least it was said to be empty when I used to hear of it. It
+is all that is left of a house that was destroyed in the civil wars.
+Hunting parties sometimes resort to it, and the peasants make use of it
+when passing this way.--Yes, we have come far out of our road, if that
+is really the tower of Morlon."
+
+"Then it is every man's house. The door is open."
+
+"It is an abandoned place, and people would take no care how they left
+the door."
+
+"Let us go in, then. There can be nobody there, or the door would be
+closed against this storm."
+
+I rode toward the spot where I supposed the tower was, and, rectifying
+my course by the next flash, I presently felt the stone wall with my
+whip. I dismounted, found the entrance, pushed the door wide, and saw by
+the lightning a low-ceiled interior, which was empty. I led the horses
+in, helped the Countess from the saddle, and removed her cloak, which,
+though itself drenched, had kept her clothes comparatively dry.
+
+My first thought was of a place where the Countess might recline. But,
+as I found by groping about and by the frequent lightning, there was
+nothing except the floor, which, originally paved with stone, was now
+covered with dried mud from the boots of many who had resorted to the
+place before ourselves. There were no steps leading to the upper stories
+of the tower: the part we were in was, indeed, but a sort of basement.
+It occupied the full ground space of the tower, with the rough stone as
+its only shell, and had no window nor any discoverable opening place in
+the low ceiling.
+
+Thinking there might be an external staircase to the story above us, I
+went out and felt my way around the tower, but found none. The entrance
+to the main or upper part of the tower from the buildings that once
+adjoined must have been to the story above, from a floor on the same
+level. I thought of seeking the opening and climbing in from the back of
+my horse, but I reflected that the upper stories also would doubtless be
+denuded, while they could offer no better shelter from the rain. So I
+was content with taking the saddles from the horses, and placing them
+together upside down in such a way that they constituted a dry reclining
+place for the Countess.
+
+There was no dry wood to be had from the forest, and no fuel of any kind
+in our place of refuge; so I could not make a fire. While the Countess
+sat in silence, I paced the floor until I succumbed to fatigue. By that
+time, much of the water had dripped from my clothes, and I was able to
+sit on the carpet of earth with some comfort. I leaned my back against
+the wall, to wait till the storm and the night should pass.
+
+The horses had lain down, and the Countess, as I perceived by her deep
+breathing and her not answering me, was asleep. The thunder and
+lightning were less near and less powerful, but the rain still fell, now
+decreasingly and now with suddenly regathered force. At last I too
+slept.
+
+I awoke during the night, and changed from a sitting to a lying
+position. When I next opened my eyes, the light of dawn was streaming in
+at the door. The storm had ceased, birds were twittering outside. I was
+aching and hungry. The Countess's face, as she slept, betokened weakness
+and pain. I went and adjusted a saddle-flap that had got awry under her.
+As I did so, she awoke.
+
+"I am so tired," she said in a slow, small voice, like that of a weary
+child.
+
+"You are faint for want of food," said I. "You have eaten nothing since
+noon yesterday, and very little then."
+
+Thinking I wished to hurry our departure in search of breakfast, she
+shook her head and murmured weakly:
+
+"I am not able to go on just now. I assure you, I cannot even stand. All
+strength seems to have gone out of me." As if to illustrate, she raised
+her hand a few inches: it trembled a moment, then fell as if powerless.
+
+It was plain that she was, whether from fatigue and privation alone, or
+from illness also, in a helpless state. It would be cruelty and folly to
+put her on horseback. And without at least the refreshment of food and
+wine, how was her condition to be improved so that she might leave this
+place?
+
+After some thought and talk, I said:
+
+"The only thing is for me to go and get you food and wine, while you
+stay here. But, alas, what danger you may be in while I am gone! If
+anybody should come here and find you!"
+
+"Nobody may come. Surely there are many days when this place is left
+deserted."
+
+"But if somebody _should_ come?"
+
+"All people are not cruel and wicked. It might be a person who is kind
+and good."
+
+"But the robbers?"
+
+"Why should they come? There is nothing for them here. If they came it
+would be by chance; against that, we can trust in God."
+
+"Perhaps intruders can be bolted out," said I, going to examine the
+door. It was of thick oak, heavily studded with nails, and two of its
+three hinges still held firmly. But there was no bolt, nor any means of
+barring.
+
+"Nothing but a lock," I said, "and no key for that." It only aggravated
+my feeling of mockery to discover that both parts of the lock were still
+strong. In my petulance I flung the door back against the wall.
+
+As one sometimes gives the improbable a trial, from mere impulse of
+experiment, I took from my pocket the two keys I had brought from
+Lavardin. I tried first that of the room in which I had been imprisoned:
+it was too small, and of no avail. I then inserted the key of the
+postern. To my surprise, it fit. I turned it partly around; it met
+resistance: I used all my power of wrist; the lock, which had stuck
+because it was rusted and long unused, yielded to the strength I
+summoned.
+
+"Thank God!" I cried. "It seems like the work of providence, that I kept
+the postern key."
+
+I now reversed and withdrew the key, and applied it to the lock from the
+inside of the door, which I had meanwhile closed. But alas!--no force of
+mine could move the lock from that side, though I tried again and again.
+
+I went outside and easily enough locked the door from there. I then
+renewed my endeavours from the inside, but with failure.
+
+"Alas!" said I, turning to the Countess; "if I cannot lock the door from
+within, how much less will you be able to do so."
+
+"But you can lock it from without," she answered, taking trouble to
+secure my peace of mind. "Why not lock me in? It will be the same thing.
+In either case I should not go out during your absence."
+
+"That is true," I said. "I will make haste. If the door is locked
+against intruders, what matters it which of us has the key? I will guard
+it as my life,--nay, that too I will guard as never before, for yours
+will depend upon it."
+
+I then questioned the Countess as to what part of the forest we were in,
+but her knowledge of the location of the tower, with regard to roads or
+paths, was vague.
+
+I decided to take both horses with me, lest one, being heard or seen, in
+or about the tower, might excite the curiosity of some chance passer
+through the forest. But I left the saddles with the Countess. Anxious to
+lose no more time, I knelt and kissed her hand, receiving a faint smile
+in acknowledgment of my care; led out the horses, locked the door,
+pocketed the key, mounted, and was off. I went haunted by the sweet,
+sorrowful eyes of the Countess as they had followed me to the door.
+
+With the sun to guide me, I rode Westward, for in that direction must be
+the highway we had left the day before. By keeping a straight course,
+and taking note of my place of emergence from the forest, I should be
+able to find my way back to the tower. The leaves overhead were nowhere
+so thick but that splashes of sunshine fell upon the earth and
+undergrowth, and, by keeping the shadow of my horse and myself ever
+straight in front, I maintained our direction. But besides this I
+frequently notched the bark of some tree, always on its South side, with
+my dagger. Having this to do, and the second horse to lead, and the
+underbrush being often difficult, my progress was slower than suited my
+impatience. But in about an hour and a half from starting, I came out of
+the forest upon the bank of the Loir, which is so insignificant a stream
+thereabouts that I may not have mentioned fording it upon entering the
+woods on the previous day. I let the horses drink, and then rode
+through, and across a meadow to the highway. I turned to the right, and
+arrived, sooner than I had expected, at the gate of a town, which proved
+to be Bonneval. I stopped at the inn across from the church, saw to the
+feeding of my horses, and then went into the kitchen. I ordered a supply
+of young fowl, bread, wine, milk in bottles, and other things; and
+bargained with the innkeeper for a pair of pliable baskets and a strap
+by which they might be slung across my horse like panniers. While I
+waited for the chickens to roast, I used the time in reviving my own
+energies with wine, eggs, and cold ham, which were to be had
+immediately.
+
+Three or four people came or went while I was eating, and each time
+anybody crossed the threshold of the door, I glanced to see what sort of
+person it was. This watchfulness had become habitual to me of late. But
+as I was about finishing my meal, with my eyes upon my plate, I had an
+impression that somebody was standing near and gazing at me. As I had
+not observed any one to come so close, I looked up with a start. And
+there stood Monsieur de Pepicot, his nose as long as ever, his eyes as
+meek as when they had first regarded me at Lavardin.
+
+"My faith!" I exclaimed. "You rise like a spirit. I neither saw nor
+heard you enter."
+
+"I am a quiet man," he replied with a faint smile, sitting down opposite
+me.
+
+"You are the very ghost of silence itself," said I. "What do you wear on
+the soles of your boots?"
+
+Again he smiled faintly, but he left my question unanswered. "So you
+managed to keep out of trouble at that place where I last saw you?" said
+he.
+
+"If I did not keep out of it, at least I got out of it."
+
+"You are a clever young man,--or a lucky one. I was a little disturbed
+in mind at leaving you as I did. But--business called me. I knew that if
+you could manage to keep a whole body for ten days or so, even if that
+amiable Count did see fit to cage you up, you would be set free in the
+end."
+
+"Set free? By the Count, do you mean?"
+
+"Not at all. By those who would visit the Count; by those who have--But
+stay,--have you not just come from Lavardin?"
+
+"No, indeed. I left that hospitable house more than a week ago. I set
+myself free."
+
+"Oh, is that the case? I ask your pardon. When I saw you here, I
+naturally supposed your liberation was a result of what has just
+occurred. I haven't yet learned all particulars of the event."
+
+"What event? I don't understand you."
+
+"Then you don't know what has been going on at Lavardin recently?"
+
+"Not I."
+
+"Oh, indeed? Well, it will be known to all the world very soon. The
+Count, it seems, was suspected of some hand in the late intrigue with
+Spain--"
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"Why do you say 'Ah!'?"
+
+"Nothing. I always thought there might be something wrong with the
+Count's politics."
+
+"Well, so they thought in Paris. And having made sure--"
+
+"How did they make sure?"
+
+"Oh, by the discovery of certain documents, no doubt," said Monsieur de
+Pepicot, with a notable unconsciousness. "It is the usual way, is it
+not?"
+
+"Aha! I begin to see now. You overdo the innocence, my friend. I begin
+to guess what you were doing at Lavardin--"
+
+"Monsieur, I know not what you mean."
+
+"I begin to guess why you wanted to get into the chateau,--what you were
+wandering about the house with a lantern for,--why you took your leave
+so unexpectedly,--and how you knew that in ten days I should be set
+free."
+
+"Nay, Monsieur, I cannot follow you in your perceptions. I know only
+that on Monday evening a party of the King's guard appeared before the
+Chateau de Lavardin--"
+
+"Having been sent from Paris soon after you had arrived there with the
+documents you found in the chateau."
+
+"Please do not interrupt with your baseless conjectures, Monsieur. As I
+said, the guards arrived at Lavardin just as, by great good fortune, the
+Count himself was returning from some journey or excursion he had been
+on. Thus they met him outside his walls: had it been otherwise they
+would doubtless have had infinite trouble, for, as we know, the chateau
+has been for some time fully prepared for a siege, even to being
+garrisoned by the company of Captain Ferragant."
+
+"What! then those fellows who thronged the court-yard--"
+
+"Were a part of Captain Ferragant's famous company,--only a part, as I
+should have said at first, unless he has reduced its numbers. Well,
+instead of having the difficulty of besieging the chateau, the guards
+had the luck to meet the Count in the road, when he had only a few
+followers with him. And so they made short work."
+
+"They succeeded in arresting him?"
+
+"Not exactly that. He chose to resist, no doubt thinking he would soon
+be reinforced from the chateau by the Captain and garrison. And in the
+fight, the Count was killed,--stuck through the lungs by the sword of a
+guard who had to defend himself from the Count's own attack."
+
+"My God! the Count killed!--dead!--out of the way!" For a moment I
+entirely yielded to the force of this news, which to my ears meant so
+much.
+
+"Yes. You don't seem grieved.--Yes: he will never annoy people again.
+The Captain, though, seeing from the chateau how matters had gone, came
+out with his men on horseback,--not to avenge the Count, but to ride off
+as fast as possible in the other direction. So the King's guardsmen had
+no trouble in getting into the chateau. A party of them, I believe, set
+off in pursuit of the Captain, who has long been a thorn in the side of
+people who love order. If he is caught, it can be shown that he was
+involved in the treason; and there it is."
+
+"So the Captain has not been caught?"
+
+"He had not been when I heard the news."
+
+"And how did you hear it?"
+
+"From one of the guardsmen, who happens to be of my acquaintance. I saw
+them as they came through Chateaudun yesterday afternoon, on their
+return from this business. We had very little time for talking."
+
+"Then you were not with them at Lavardin?"
+
+"I with them? Certainly not, Monsieur. Why should I have been with them?
+No; I have been staying in this part of the country for my own pleasure
+the past few days: I think of buying some apple orchards near
+Chateaudun.--I fancied you would be interested in this news."
+
+"I am, dear Monsieur de Pepicot,--infinitely. I am sorry I must leave
+you now, but I have business of some haste. I thank you heartily, and
+hope we may meet again. You know where La Tournoire is."
+
+Five minutes later, with my baskets slung before me, and having left one
+horse at the inn, I was riding out of Bonneval to tell the Countess that
+she was free.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE MERCY OF CAPTAIN FERRAGANT
+
+
+I had come to a place where the road runs, narrower than ever, between
+banks covered with bushes. All at once the perfect loneliness and
+silence were broken by three or four men leaping out of the bushes in
+front of me and barring the way, one presenting a pistol, another a long
+pike, while a third prepared to seize my rein. I instantly spurred
+forward, to make a dash for it: at the same time I was conscious that
+other fellows had sprung into the road behind me. The knave caught both
+reins close to the bit, and hung on under the horse's head, while the
+poor animal tried to rear. I drew sword and dagger, and leaned forward
+to run this fellow through. As I made my thrust, my senses suddenly went
+out in a kind of fire-streaked darkness. As I afterwards learned, I had
+been struck on the back of the head with a loaded cudgel by one of the
+unseen men behind. When I came to myself I was lying on the earth in a
+little bushy hollow away from the road: my hands were tied behind me,
+and around each ankle was fastened a rope, of which one of my assailants
+held the loose end. These two fellows and their four comrades were
+seated on the ground, eating the fowls and drinking the wine and milk I
+had provided for the Countess. One of them wore my sword, another had my
+dagger. My purse lay empty on the grass, and my horse was hobbled with
+the strap from my baskets.
+
+My first thought was of the key. Searching about with my eyes, I
+presently saw it, with the other one, at the edge of the bushes, where
+they had doubtless been thrown as of no value.
+
+My head was aching badly, but that was nothing to the terror in my heart
+for the Countess: if I was hindered from going to her, who was to give
+her aid?--nay, who was to release her from that dark hiding-place? She
+would die for lack of food and air,--her cell of refuge would be her
+tomb!
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed one of the robbers; "the worthy young gentleman comes to
+life."
+
+"You are right," said I, trying to hit the proper mood in which to deal
+with them. "I'm not sorry, either, as I was in some haste to get on. My
+friends, as you appear to have emptied me of everything that can be of
+any use to you, what do you say to allowing my poor remaining self to go
+about my business?"
+
+"And to give information about us as soon as you get to Chateaudun, eh?"
+said one.
+
+I was satisfied to let them think I was bound for Chateaudun.
+
+"No," I replied. "Poor as I am, the toll you have collected from me is
+not as much as my necessity of finishing my journey. So if you will
+untie me, and can find it in your hearts to give me back my horse--or at
+worst to let me go afoot,--I will cry quits, and give you my word of
+honour to forget you completely."
+
+"You speak well, young gentleman: but it's not to us that you need
+speak. We shall be taking you presently to one you can make proposals
+to."
+
+"Why should you waste time in taking me to your leader, when you are
+quite able to make terms yourselves?" said I. "Come. I can offer him no
+more than I can offer you. Suppose it were a hundred crowns: he would
+have the lion's share of it, and you poor fellows would get but a small
+part. If I deal with you alone, he need be never the wiser, and you will
+have the whole sum to divide among you."
+
+"And how would you get the five hundred crowns?"
+
+"I said one hundred: I would get them by going for them: I would give
+you my promise on the honour of a gentleman."
+
+The ruffians laughed. "No," said the one who had spoken most. "You would
+have to stay with us, and send for them. And our leader is the one to
+manage that. He will make you a fine, fair offer, no doubt."
+
+My heart sank. I tried persuasion, but nothing could move them.
+Doubtless each was afraid of the others, or they were very strongly
+under the dominion of their chief.
+
+I asked them to give me back my keys, whereupon one of them put the keys
+in his own wallet. They finished the food and drink, and made ready to
+depart. Their preparations consisted mainly of blindfolding me with a
+thick band of cloth, putting me on my horse, and tying together under
+the animal's belly the ropes that bound my ankles. Then a man mounted
+behind me, I heard another take the rein to lead, the horse was turned
+around several times so as to confuse my sense of direction, and we set
+off. We presently crossed a stream, and a little later I knew by sound
+and smell that we were in the forest. When we had traversed a part of
+it, the horse was again turned around twice or thrice, and we continued
+on our way. All the time I was thinking of her who waited for me in the
+darkness of her tomb-like prison.
+
+At last, by feeling the sun upon me and by other signs, I knew that we
+had come to a space clear of trees. We stopped a moment, and I heard
+calls exchanged and a gate opened; and then my horse's feet passed from
+turf to a very rough, irregular pavement. The sound of horses in their
+stalls at one side, the cooing of pigeons at the other, the gate, the
+rude paving, the remote situation, all taken together informed me that
+we were in an enclosed farm-yard. We stopped a second time, and my ankle
+ropes being then detached from each other, I was hauled down from the
+horse. The men with me were now greeted by others, who came apparently
+from the side buildings. I was led forward into a stone-floored passage,
+where I had to sit on a bench, guarded by I know not how many, while one
+went up a flight of stairs near at hand, evidently to give an account of
+their prize to somebody in authority. Presently a voice from above
+called down, "Bring the prisoner hither," and I was taken upstairs and
+through a doorway.
+
+My entrance drew an ejaculation from a person already in the room, who
+thereupon gave orders in a low voice. I was made to sit on the floor,
+and my ankles were tied close together. A chain was then wound
+ingeniously about my ankle-bonds, my legs, and the cords at my wrists;
+passed through a hole in the floor and around a cross beam, and finally
+fastened with a padlock, in such a way that I was secured beyond power
+of extricating myself.
+
+"Now, go, and wait in the passage," said the voice in which the previous
+orders had been given. "But first take that rag from his eyes. He may as
+well see: it will amuse him, and will not hurt us,--I will take care of
+that."
+
+The band was removed, and I found myself in a bare, plastered room with
+a barred window. In front of me stood a large man with a mask on his
+face. Where the mask ended, his beard began, so that he presented a
+visage entirely of black. The robbers who had brought me hither went
+out, closing the door, and I was left alone with this man.
+
+He regarded me a moment; then dropped into a chair, with a low grunt of
+laughter.
+
+"That it should be this fool, of all fools!" he began. "Who shall say
+there is no such thing as luck? Monsieur, I am sure it will please you
+to know into whose hands you have fallen."
+
+He took off his mask, and there was the red-splashed face of Captain
+Ferragant.
+
+Surprise made me dumb for a moment, for he had hitherto disguised his
+voice. He sat looking at me with a most cruel expression of malevolent
+triumph.
+
+"So, this is where you have fled,--and you are the chief of the
+robbers!" said I.
+
+"Call me that if you like. It matters nothing what names you prefer to
+use. No ears will ever hear them but mine; and mine will not be long
+afflicted with the sound."
+
+I shuddered, for I knew the implacability of this man, and my death
+meant the death of the Countess,--death in the dark, mouldy basement of
+the tower, death by stifling and starvation while she waited in vain for
+me, a slow and solitary death, rendered the more agonizing to her mind
+by suspense and fears. And this horrible fate must needs be hers just
+when the cause of her sorrows and dangers had been removed! It was a
+thought not to be endured.
+
+"You will have your jest," said I. "But I see no reason why you should
+bear me malice. The Count de Lavardin is now a dead man, I hear. I can
+no longer be against him, nor you for him. Therefore bygones should be
+bygones, and I suppose you will make terms with me as with any other man
+who happened to come before you as I do."
+
+"You do me an injustice, young gentleman: I am not so mercenary,--I do
+not always make terms. It is true, I served the Count for pay; that is
+what my company is for, and if he had not gone out of his chateau to
+hunt his wife, we might have defended the place till the enemy was tired
+out. But he allowed himself to be caught in the road,--you have heard
+the news, then? What do they say of me?"
+
+"That when you saw the Count was killed, you ran away."
+
+"Yes, I was of no use to the Count then, and his own men in the chateau
+were not well inclined toward me. They were for giving up the place, the
+moment he was dead. I thought best to save my good fellows for better
+service elsewhere."
+
+"Then your company and the band of robbers in this forest are the same?"
+
+"If you call them robbers,--they forage when there is need. I did not
+have them all at the chateau. The good fellows who brought you here were
+not at Lavardin with me. It is well, when one is in a place, to have
+resources outside. And so we meet again, my young interloper! You were
+rude to me once or twice at Lavardin. I shall pay you for that, and
+settle scores on behalf of my friend the Count as well."
+
+"How much ransom do you want?" I asked bluntly. "Name a sum within
+possibility, and let me go for it immediately: you know well you can
+rely upon my honour to deliver it promptly at any place safe for both of
+us, and to keep all a secret."
+
+"Do not insult me again. I have told you I am above purchase."
+
+Despite his jesting tone, my hope began to fall.
+
+"You are not above prudence, at least," I said. "I assure you there are
+people who will move earth and heaven to find what has become of me, and
+whose powers of vengeance are not light."
+
+"If I went in fear of vengeance, my child, I should never pass an easy
+moment. I have learned how to evade it,--or, better still, to turn it
+back on those who would inflict it. I fear nobody. When the game is not
+worth the risk, one can always run away, as I did from Lavardin when the
+Count's death threw his men into a panic."
+
+"Good God!" I cried, giving way to my feelings; "what will move you,
+then? What do you wish me to do? Shall I humiliate myself to plead for
+my life? shall I beg mercy? If I must descend to that, I will do so."
+
+For you will remember another life than mine was staked upon my fate,
+and time was flying. How long could she endure without food, without
+drink, without renewal of air, in that locked-up place of darkness?
+
+"Mercy, I beg," I cried, in a voice broken by fears for her.
+
+"You have hit upon the right way, at last," said the Captain, and my
+heart bounded in spite of his continued irony of voice and manner. "You
+beg for mercy, you shall have it. I will give you your life, and your
+liberty as well: on your part, you will tell me where the Countess de
+Lavardin is; as soon as I have made sure you have told the truth, I will
+set you free."
+
+I gazed at him in silence.
+
+"Is not that merciful?" said he; "a full pardon for all your affronts
+and offences, in return for a trifling piece of information?"
+
+"It is a piece of information I cannot give you," I replied.
+
+"It is a waste of time and words to try to deceive me," said the red
+Captain. "A young gentleman who risks so much for a lady as you have
+done, and accomplishes so much for her,--yes, they were wonders of
+prowess and courage, I admit, and I compliment you upon them,--a young
+gentleman who does all that for a lady does not so soon lose knowledge
+of her whereabouts. Do not trifle with me, Monsieur. Where is the
+Countess? There is no other way by which you can save yourself."
+
+"Do you think, then, a man who has shown the courage and prowess you
+mention, for the sake of a lady, would save himself by betraying her?"
+
+"Oh, you are young, and may have many years before you--a life of great
+success and honour. There are other beautiful ladies in the world. In a
+very short time you can forget this one."
+
+"I think it is for you to forget her," said I on the impulse. "As for
+me, I would rather die!"
+
+Ah, yes, it was easy enough to die, if that were all: but to leave her
+to die, and in such a manner, was another thing. Yet I knew she would
+prefer death, in its worst form, to falling into the unrestrained hands
+of the red Captain. The man's eyes, from the moment when he introduced
+her name, betrayed the eagerness of his new hope to make himself her
+master,--though he still controlled his speech. I say his new hope, for
+it must have arisen upon the death of the Count, during whose life, not
+daring openly to play the rival, he had found his only satisfaction in a
+revenge which provided that none might have what was denied to him. It
+was for me to decide now whether she should die or find herself at the
+mercy of Captain Ferragant. Was it right that I should decide for her as
+she would decide for herself? Was it for me to consign her to death,
+though I was certain that would be her own choice? Even though the
+Captain found her, was not life, with its possible chance of future
+escape, of her being able to move him by tears and innocence, of some
+friendly interposition of fate, preferable to the sure alternative doom?
+
+"I will leave you to make up your mind quietly," said the Captain. "When
+you are ready to speak to the point, call to the men in the
+passage,--one of them will come to me. The door will be left open. I
+hope you will not be slow in choosing the sensible course: I cannot give
+you many hours for consideration."
+
+He went out, addressed some orders to four or five men who sat on a
+bench facing my door, and disappeared: I heard his feet descending the
+stairs. My door was left wide open, so that I was directly in the gaze
+of the men. But even if I had been unobserved, I could not have moved
+from the place where I sat. Any effort to break my bonds, either of
+wrist or ankle, by sheer strength, was but to cause weakness and pain.
+My arms ached from the constraint of their position, and, because of
+them behind me, it was impossible to lie at full length on my back. Nor
+would the chain, without cutting into my thighs, permit me to lie on
+either side. I was thus unable to change even my attitude.
+
+But my discomforts of body were nothing in presence of the question that
+tore my mind. Minutes passed; time stretched into hours: still I
+discussed with myself, to which of the fates at my choice should I
+deliver her? Should I give her to death, or to the arms of the red
+Captain? Little as she feared the first, much as she loathed the second,
+dared I take it upon myself to assign her to death? Had it been mere
+death, without the horrors of darkness and desertion, without the
+anxious wonder as to why I failed her, I should not have been long in
+deciding upon that. For that would be her wish, and I should not survive
+her. Let us both die, I should have said; for what will life be to her
+after she has fallen into the hands of this villain, and what to me
+after I have delivered her into them? But the peculiar misery of the
+death that threatened her, kept the problem still busy in my mind.
+
+And yet I could not bring myself to yield her to the Captain.
+
+The day had become afternoon, and I still debated. The Countess must
+have expected me to return before this time. What was her state now?
+what were her conjectures? Ah, thought I, if we had not found our way to
+that lonely tower, if the storm had not come up the previous night, if
+we had started to leave the forest earlier!--nay, if I had had the
+prevision, upon hearing of the presence of robbers, to make her turn
+back to Chateaudun with me, and lodge quietly there until the Mother
+Superior of the convent could be sounded, and a safe way of approach be
+ascertained, all would now be well. We should have heard in the meantime
+of the Count's death. Yes, everything had gone wrong since the Countess
+had taken the road for the forest. The third of Blaise Tripault's maxims
+which he had learned from the monk came back to me with all the force of
+hapless coincidence:
+
+"_Never leave a highway for a byway._"
+
+The thought of Blaise Tripault made me think of my father. What a
+mockery it was to know that I, chained helpless to the floor in this
+remote stronghold of ruffians, was the son of him, the Sieur de la
+Tournoire, the invincible warrior before whose sword no man could stay,
+and who would have rushed to the world's end to save me or any one I
+loved! To consider my need, and his power to help, and that only his
+ignorance of my situation stood between, was so vexing that in my
+bitterness of soul, regardless of the men in the passage, I cried out to
+the empty air, "Oh, my father! If you but knew!"
+
+And then, for a moment, as if the bare wall were no impediment, I saw a
+vision of my father, with his dauntless brow and grizzled beard, his
+great long sword at his side, riding toward me among green trees.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE SWORD OF LA TOURNOIRE
+
+
+The light softened and faded into that of evening. Another set of men
+took the places of those outside my door. No food nor drink was brought
+me, and I supposed the Captain hoped by this neglect to reduce me the
+sooner to a yielding state. But I was even glad to have to undergo some
+of the discomforts which the Countess must needs be enduring. I gave up
+hope of her life or my own, and, leaning forward so as to get some
+relief of position, I fell into a kind of drowsy lassitude.
+
+Suddenly, through my window, which overlooked the court-yard, I heard a
+low call at the gate, which was answered. Presently I heard the gate
+close, and assumed it had been opened to let in the man who had uttered
+the call. About a minute after that, there was a considerable noise in
+the yard, as of men hastily assembling. Then came the voice of the
+Captain, apparently addressing the whole company. When he finished,
+there was a general movement of feet, as of men dispersing about the
+yard, and this was followed by complete silence.
+
+The men in the passage were now joined by a comrade, who spoke to them
+rapidly in a low tone. They whispered to one another in some excitement,
+but did not leave their places nor take their eyes from me.
+
+The next sound I heard was of the tread of horses approaching. My
+curiosity now aroused, I strained my ears. The hoof-beats came to the
+gate, and then I heard a loud knock, followed by no other sound than of
+the pawing and snorting of the horses as they stood. There must have
+been at least a score of them.
+
+Presently the unheeded knock was repeated, and then a quick, virile
+voice called out:
+
+"Hola, within there! Open the gate, in the name of the King!"
+
+My heart leaped. The voice was that of the royal guardsman who had saved
+the Countess from the robbers the previous evening. But his party was
+now evidently much larger than before.
+
+No answer was given to his demand. The red Captain's intent apparently
+was to make these newcomers believe the place deserted. I had an impulse
+to shout the truth, but I saw my guards watching me, their hands on
+their weapons, and knew that my first word would be the signal for my
+death. So I kept silence.
+
+"If you do not open the gate at once," the guardsman cried, "we will
+open it for ourselves, in our own way."
+
+I now heard footsteps shuffling across the yard, and then one of the
+robbers spoke, in the quavering tones of an old man:
+
+"Pardon, Monsieur. Pardon, I pray, but it is impossible for me to open.
+I am all alone here in charge of this place, which is empty and
+deserted, and I'm forbidden to open the gate to anybody but the master.
+He would kill me if I disobeyed, and besides that, I have taken a vow.
+There is nothing here that you can want, Monsieur."
+
+"There is shelter for the night to be had here, and that we mean to
+have. We are on the business of the King, and I command you to open."
+
+"I dare not, Monsieur. I should imperil my life and my soul. There is a
+lodge in the forest a mile to the east, and the keeper will see to all
+your wants: there is plenty of shelter, food for yourselves, hay for
+your horses, everything you can need. Here all is dismantled and empty."
+
+"Old man, you are lying. Unbar the gate in a moment, or your life will
+indeed be in danger."
+
+To this the "old man" gave no answer, except to come away from the gate
+with the same simulated walk of an aged person.
+
+I heard the horsemen discussing in low tones. Then, to my dismay, came
+the sound of hoofs again, this time moving away. Now I was more than
+ever minded to cry out, but my guards were ready to spring upon me with
+their daggers. I might have sought this speedy death, but for the sudden
+thought that the withdrawal of the royal guardsmen might be only
+temporary.
+
+I know not how many minutes passed. The sound of the horses had died out
+for some time. I became sensible of the tramp of men's feet. Were the
+guardsmen returning without their horses? Suddenly the red Captain's
+voice arose in the court-yard:
+
+"To the walls, you with firearms! Shoot them down as they try to batter
+in the gate! All the rest, stand with me to kill them if they enter!"
+
+The tramp of the guardsmen came swiftly near. I heard the reports of
+muskets and pistols. There was a loud thud, as of some sort of ram--a
+fallen branch or trunk from the forest--being borne powerfully against
+the gate. This was answered by defiant, profane shouts and more loud
+detonations. My guards in the passage groaned, exclaimed, and clenched
+their weapons, mad to be in the fray. I could only listen and wait.
+
+There was a second thud against the gate, amidst more cries and shots.
+And soon came a third, the sound being this time prolonged into a crash
+of timber. A shout of triumph from the invaders, a yell of execration
+from the red Captain and his men, and the clash of steel, told that the
+gate had given way.
+
+"Follow close, gentlemen! Trust me to clear a path!" cried a hearty
+voice, cheerful to the point of mirth, which thrilled my soul.
+
+"Ay, follow him close!" cried the leader of the guardsmen; "follow the
+sword of La Tournoire!"
+
+I could have shouted for joy, but that it was now worth while postponing
+death by minutes.
+
+The noise of clashing swords increased and came nearer, as if the
+guardsmen were pouring in through the gateway and driving the defenders
+back toward the house. Now and then came the sound of a pike or reversed
+musket meeting steel armour, and all the time fierce exclamations rose
+from both parties. There was no more firing; doubtless the melee was too
+close and general for anybody to reload.
+
+The men in the passage, as the tumult grew and approached, became as
+restless as dogs in leash that whine and jump to be in the fray. At last
+one of them ran into my room and looked out of the window.
+
+"Death of the devil, how they are at it!" he cried, for the information
+of his comrades outside my door. "I think we shall be wanted in a minute
+or two. These cursed intruders have forced the gateway. Our fellows are
+twice as many as they, but their heads and bodies are in steel,--all but
+one, a middle-aged man with gray in his beard. He has no armour on, but
+he leads the others. Body of Satan! you should see him clear the ground
+about him. He thrusts in all directions at once: his sword is as long as
+a man, and it darts as quickly as the tongue of a snake. Ha! it has just
+cut down old Cricharde.--And now it has stung Galparoux.--Holy
+Beelzebub, what a man! He fights like a fiend, and all the time with a
+gay face as if he were at his sport.--Ah! there he has let daylight into
+poor Boirac.--But now--good!--at last our Captain has planted himself in
+front of this devil: it was high time: he will find his match now. By
+God, it will be worth looking at, the fight between the red Captain and
+this stranger,--there aren't two such men in France. They are taking
+each other's measure now,--each one sees what sort of stuff he has run
+against. Ah!"
+
+What the last exclamation meant, I could not know. The man's attention
+had become too close for further speech. But I supposed that a pass had
+been made between my father and the red Captain, and that it had been
+nothing decisive, for the watcher's interest continued at the extreme
+tension: he kept his face against the iron bars of the window, and made
+no sound beyond frequent short ejaculations. The men in the passage
+called to him for further news, but he did not heed them. To my ears the
+fighting continued as general as before, with the shouts of many throats
+and the clash of many weapons, so that I could not at all distinguish
+the single combat between my father and the red Captain from the rest of
+the fray.
+
+Presently the man gave a howl of rage. "Our Captain is being forced
+back!" he cried. "We are getting the worst of the fight everywhere. It's
+too much!--we are needed down there! To the devil with orders!--the
+Captain will be glad enough if we turn the tide. And we'd better try our
+luck down there than be taken here, for short time they'll give us for
+prayers, my children." While speaking he had moved from the window to my
+door.
+
+"Certainly this prisoner is safe enough," answered one of the men,
+whereupon he and the others in the passage ran down the stairs.
+
+But the man who had been at the window turned to me. "Safe enough,--yes,
+so it looks," said he. "Young man, the Captain must think you a
+magician, to take so much pains against your escaping. If it came to the
+worst, I was to kill you, and the time seems to have arrived: so, if
+you'll pardon me--"
+
+"You will be a great fool," said I, as he approached with his sword
+drawn; "for if you are taken alive my intervention will save your neck."
+
+"How do you know it will?"
+
+"By the fact that the gentleman down there whose fighting you so admire
+is my father."
+
+"Indeed? You are a gentleman: do you give your word of honour for that?"
+
+"Yes; and to speak for you if I am alive when your side is finally
+defeated."
+
+"Very good, Monsieur. I will hold you to that." Upon this he left me and
+followed his comrades down the stairs.
+
+His footfalls had scarcely ceased upon the stairway, when other sounds
+began to come from the same direction,--those of conflict in the
+entrance hall below. Somebody had drawn his antagonist, or been forced
+by him, into the house. There was the quick, irregular stamp of booted
+feet on the stone floor, the keen music of sword striking sword. If the
+fight spread generally into the house, and the defenders fled to the
+upper rooms, my position must become more critical. So I listened rather
+to this noise in the hallway than to the tumult in the court-yard. By
+the sound of the steel coming nearer, and that of the footfalls changing
+somewhat, I presently knew that one of the fighters had sought the
+vantage--or disadvantage--of the staircase. But the other evidently
+pushed him hard, for soon both combatants had reached the landing at the
+turn of the stairs, as was manifest from a sudden increase of their
+noise in my ears. I could now hear their short ejaculations as well as
+the other sounds. They continued to approach: I listened for a stumble
+on the stairs, to be followed by a death-cry: but these men were
+apparently heedful as to their steps, and finally they were both upon
+the level footing of the passage outside my room. I wondered if this
+fight would be over before it could be opposite my doorway. In a few
+moments I was answered. Into my narrow view came the large figure of the
+red Captain, without a doublet, his muscular arms bare, his shirt open
+and soaked with perspiration, his upper body heaving rapidly as he
+breathed, his face streaming, his eyes fixed upon the enemy whose swift
+rapier he parried with wonderful skill. The light of evening was dim in
+the passage, and perhaps for that reason the Captain backed into my
+room. His adversary followed instantly.
+
+"Father!" I cried, as the Sieur de la Tournoire appeared in the doorway:
+in my emotion I thought not how I endangered him by distracting his
+attention.
+
+But he was not to be thrown off his guard. He moved his head a little to
+the side, so as to catch a glimpse of me behind the Captain, but this
+did not prevent his adroitly turning a quick thrust which his enemy made
+on the instant of my cry.
+
+"Hola, Henri!" said my father, with perfect calmness except for his
+quickness of breath. "What the devil are you doing here?"
+
+"Sitting chained to the floor," I replied.
+
+At this the Captain suddenly leaped back almost to where I was, and I
+suppose his intention was to place himself eventually where he would
+have me between him and my father and could kill me without ceasing to
+face the latter. But he may have considered an attempt to pass over me
+as unsafe for his subsequent footing, and so his next movement was
+sidewise: my father, following close, gave him work every moment. The
+Captain again stepping backward, I was now at his right and a little in
+front, so that, if he could gain but a spare second, he could send a
+finishing thrust my way. With my head turned so as to keep my eyes upon
+him, I could see by his look that he was determined not to risk my
+outliving him.
+
+My father, too busy in meeting the Captain's lunges, and in trying what
+thrust might elude his defence, thought best to expend no more breath in
+talk with me, and so the fighting went on without words. Suppose,
+thought I, my father kills the Captain but the Captain first kills me?
+Had I not better now tell my father to seek the Tower of Morlon and
+release a person confined there? But if I did that, the Captain would
+hear, and suppose he killed my father as well as me! I held my tongue.
+
+The Captain now maintained his position, neither giving ground nor
+pressing forward. The two combatants were between me and the window,
+through which still came sounds of struggle from the yard below. But
+these sounds were fewer, except those of cheers, which grew more
+frequent.
+
+"Good! Our friends are gaining the day!" said my father to me.
+
+"But you, Messieurs, shall not crow over it!" cried the Captain, and
+made a long thrust, as swift as lightning. My father caught it on the
+guard of his hilt, within short distance of his breast, at the same
+instant stepping back. The Captain did not follow, but darted his sword
+at me, with the cry, "Not for you the Countess!" I contracted my body
+and thought myself done for. My father's impulsive forward movement,
+however, disconcerted the Captain's arm in the very moment of his lunge,
+and his point but feebly stung my side and flew back again, his guard
+recovered none too soon to save himself. My father's thrusts became now
+so quick and continuous that the Captain fell back to gain breath. My
+father drove him to the wall. Shouting a curse, the Captain thrust for
+my father's midriff. My father, with a swift movement, received the
+sword between his arm and body, and at the same instant ran his own
+rapier into the Captain's unguarded front, pushed it through his lung,
+and pinned him to the wall.
+
+[Illustration: "MY FATHER'S THRUSTS BECAME NOW SO QUICK AND
+CONTINUOUS."]
+
+The Captain's arms dropped, his head hung forward, and as soon as the
+sword was drawn out, he tumbled lifeless to the floor.
+
+My father leaned against the wall till he regained a little breath and
+energy; then he wiped his brow and sword, and came over to me.
+
+"How have they got you trussed up?" he asked. "And how came you into
+their hands?--I should be amazed to find you here, if I hadn't seen
+stranger things before now."
+
+While he cut the cords that bound my ankles and wrists, I told him how I
+had been waylaid. "I was going with food and wine to a friend who lies
+locked in a deserted tower called Morlon. She is ill to death, and may
+now be dead for lack of food and air to keep up her strength. I must go
+to her--"
+
+"A woman, then?"
+
+"Yes, a lady: I will tell you all, but there is no time to lose now. The
+tower is in this forest. I must find my way there at once."
+
+"Patience, a moment," said my father. "Your chain is locked, I see:--but
+no matter,--I can loosen it so that you can wriggle through." By having
+cut the cords, around which the chain had been passed, he had relieved
+the tautness, and was now able to do what he promised. He then took off
+my boots, and, grasping me under the arms, drew me backward out of the
+loosened coils as I moved them downward with my hands. At last I stood a
+free man. I put on my boots, took the Captain's sword, and accompanied
+my father down into the court-yard.
+
+The fight was now over there. Of the royal guardsmen, all in steel caps
+and corselets, like the small party of them I had seen the previous
+evening, some were wiping their faces and swords, and others were caring
+for the hurts of comrades. Some of the robbers lay dead, several were
+wounded, and the rest, having yielded their weapons, were looking after
+their own disabled, under the direction of guardsmen. I recognized a
+number of the rascals as men I had seen at the Chateau de Lavardin. The
+commander of the troop of guards, he whom I had met before and whose
+vigorous voice I had recognized, greeted my father with a look of
+congratulation, and showed surprise at seeing me.
+
+"Tis a day of events," said my father. "I have killed the Count's
+accomplice, and found my son.--Nay, there was no hope of that Captain's
+surrendering."
+
+"My faith!--then your two quests are accomplished at the same moment,"
+said the leader of the guardsmen. "And, for another wonder, your son
+turns out to be a person I have already met. But your friend, Monsieur?"
+This inquiry was to me, and made with sudden solicitude.
+
+"Locked in the tower of Morlon, waiting for me to come with
+food,--perhaps dying or dead.--Monsieur, I was brought here blindfold:
+but I must find the way back to the tower of Morlon without delay,--it
+is somewhere in this forest."
+
+"No doubt some of these gentry know the way," said the guardsman,
+indicating the robbers. "We'll make it a condition of his life for one
+of them to guide us."
+
+"You make me your life-long debtor, Monsieur," I cried. "And one of them
+has the key: I think it is he lying yonder. As for food and wine--"
+
+"We are not without those," said the guardsman. "Our horses and supplies
+are near at hand."
+
+I went among the dead and wounded to find the man who had taken
+possession of my keys. Him I found, but the keys were not upon him.
+Supposing he had given them to his master, I ran upstairs and examined
+the pockets of the Captain, but in vain. Where to look next I knew not,
+so I returned to the court-yard and made known my unsuccess.
+
+"Tut!" said my father; "a door is but a door, and we can break down that
+of your tower as we broke down this gate. This gentleman"--meaning the
+leader of the guardsmen--"has most courteously offered to accompany us,
+with part of his noble troop, and he has chosen a guide from among the
+prisoners."
+
+"Ay, they all know the tower," said the guardsman, "but this fellow
+appears the most sensible.--Now, my man, how long will it take us, your
+comrades bearing the pine trunk with which we rammed this gate, to reach
+the tower of Morlon?"
+
+"Two hours, Monsieur, I should say," replied the robber.
+
+"It is too much," said the guardsman. "You will lead us thither in an
+hour at the utmost, or at the end of the hour you shall hang to the tree
+I then happen to be under." He thereupon gave orders to the guardsmen,
+and to the prisoners. As night would overtake us in the forest, he had a
+brief search made of the outhouses, and a number of dry pine sticks were
+found, to serve as torches. Our party was to go mounted, except the
+robbers impressed to carry the battering ram: so I went to the stalls at
+one side of the yard, and found my own horse, chewing hay in fraternal
+companionship with the animals which had doubtless brought Captain
+Ferragant and his men from Lavardin.
+
+As I led out my horse, I suddenly bethought me of the man for whose life
+I had promised to speak. During the final preparations for our start, I
+looked again among the robbers, wondering why this man had not forced
+himself upon my attention. But I soon found the reason: he lay on his
+side, and when I turned him over I saw he was pierced between two ribs
+and had no life left to plead for.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE MOUSTACHES OF BRIGNAN DE BRIGNAN
+
+
+My father, the leader of the guardsmen, and several of his men walked,
+while I rode, to the nearby edge of encircling woods, the defeated
+robbers bearing the young tree-trunk. Here my father and the guardsmen
+mounted, their horses having been tied to the trees. A pair of panniers
+containing wine, bread, and cold meat, was placed across my father's
+horse, a very strong animal, and, torches being lighted, we proceeded
+through the forest. The guide led, being attached to a halter, of which
+the commander of the guardsmen held the loose end. After the commander,
+my father and I came, and behind us the burdened prisoners, who were
+flanked and followed by the other guardsmen.
+
+On the way, I told my father who it was that lay in the tower, and gave
+him a brief account of my whole adventure at Lavardin and in the forest.
+He applauded my conduct, though counselling me in future to look well
+before I leaped; and he approved of my offer to the Countess of the
+hospitality of La Tournoire.
+
+"But what still makes me wonder," said I, "is that you should have found
+me here, so far from Paris, whither you knew I was bound, and from
+Vendome, whither Nicolas must have told you I was going."
+
+"But in truth my being here is very simple," said he. "As soon as
+Nicolas came back to La Tournoire with your message the day after you
+set out, I started for Paris to solicit your pardon for the affair at La
+Flèche. Six days later I presented myself to the Duke de Sully, who
+immediately took me for an audience of the King. There was a deal of
+talk about the scandalous disregard of the edict against duels, the
+great quantity of good blood wasted almost every day, the too frequent
+granting of pardons, and all that. But in the end Henri would not refuse
+me, and I have your pardon now in my pocket. But you must not be rash
+another time: I promised for you, and assured the King you were no
+fire-eater and had received great provocation."
+
+"Trust me to be prudent," said I.
+
+"Good! As you had not yet arrived in Paris," continued my father, "I
+supposed you had been delayed at Vendome, whither, as you say, Nicolas
+told me you were going. So I thought I would start for home by way of
+Vendome, as you might still be there and perhaps in some scrape or
+other, or I might meet you on the road between there and Paris. I stayed
+overnight in Paris, as the Duke had invited me to wait upon him the next
+day. I went and was very well received. As I was about to take my leave,
+I mentioned that I was going to travel by Vendome. 'Ah,' said the Duke,
+'then, if you wish, you may take a hand in a little affair which will be
+like an echo of the old busy days.' I opened my eyes at this, and the
+Duke told me that evidence had just been brought by one of his spies,
+which warranted the arrest of a powerful malcontent in the neighbourhood
+of Vendome, who had long been under suspicion,--in short, the Count de
+Lavardin. A party of royal guards was about to be sent off at once to
+take him in his chateau at Montoire, four leagues beyond Vendome, and I
+might go with them as a volunteer, or in any case I might have their
+company on my journey. I was quite ready for any affair that had a taste
+of the old service in it, especially as these treasonable great lords
+sometimes make a stout resistance in their chateaux. And so I had the
+honour of being introduced to these gentlemen and becoming for the time
+their comrade. That same afternoon I set out with them for Montoire, and
+we arrived there last Sunday."
+
+"Ah! you must have passed through Vendome while we were in seclusion
+there."
+
+"No doubt. That Count's business had to be attended to before he got
+wind of our arrival, and so there was no time for inquiring about you at
+Vendome. We came upon the Count and a party of attendants in the road,
+not a quarter of a league from his chateau. As we heard at the chateau
+afterwards, he had been searching the roads far and wide for his wife,
+who had fled from his cruelties. He had the daring to resist arrest, and
+there was some fighting, in which he was killed. It appears that the
+fight and his fall were seen by watchers from the tower of his chateau,
+and before we could arrive at that place his accomplice, this Captain
+Ferragant, who was in the chateau at the time, made his escape. As soon
+as we got to the chateau, we heard of this, and, as the Captain also was
+wanted, there was nothing to do but give chase. A few of the guardsmen
+were left to hold the chateau in the King's name, and the rest of us,
+with no more than a sup and a bite, made off after this Captain. He had
+so many followers with him, that he was not difficult to trace, and for
+two days we kept his track, until we lost it at the edge of this forest.
+From what we learned at Chateaudun, we guessed that his refuge was
+somewhere in the forest. That was yesterday afternoon: we at once broke
+up into small parties to search the forest, planning to reunite at a
+chosen place to-day at noon."
+
+"It was one of those parties that saved the Countess from the robbers,"
+said I gratefully.
+
+"Ay, and there your story crosses mine. As for the ruffians who attacked
+the Countess, they escaped without affording a clue to the Captain's
+whereabouts,--for doubtless they were of his band, though this was not
+certain. When our parties met to-day, one of them brought a forester who
+offered to show the way to the Captain's hiding-place if he were allowed
+to leave before coming in sight of it. We made full preparations, and
+you know the rest. At first we thought our forester had fooled us, and
+that the place we had come to was what it appeared, a solitary farmstead
+in a clearing of the forest. But in such a case, it is always best to
+make sure, and faith, that is what we did. So you see I chanced to find
+you all the sooner for not having had time to look for you. But indeed
+it was a timely meeting."
+
+In about an hour after the time of starting, we came to a clear space,
+in the midst of which was the tower we sought. We could see it by the
+starlight before we drew near with our torches. We all dismounted, and
+with a fast-beating heart, I found the door. It was still locked.
+Listening at the key-hole, I could hear no sound. I called out, "Louis!"
+thinking she would understand I had company to whom her sex need not be
+known. I wished to warn her of our assault upon the door, so that she
+might stay clear of danger thereby. But no answer came, though I called
+several times. I was now in great fear lest she had died. My father, who
+read my feelings in my face, suggested that she might have fallen into
+very deep unconsciousness, and that the best thing to do was to break in
+the door forthwith, as carefully as possible, trusting she might not be
+where there was chance of anything striking. As the place where I had
+left her lying was not opposite the door, and there was no reason to
+suppose she had chosen another, I gave up the attempt to warn her, and
+without further loss of time we made ready to attack the door. All the
+men in the party, both guardsmen and prisoners, laid hold of the
+tree-trunk, by means of halters and ropes fastened around it, my father
+and I placing ourselves at the head. The commander of the guardsmen, who
+was immediately behind me, called out the orders by which we moved in
+unison. Starting from a short distance, we ran straight for the tower,
+and swung the tree forward against the door at the moment of stopping. A
+most violent shock was produced, but the lock and hinges still held. We
+repeated this operation twice. Upon our third charge, the door flew
+inward. Leaving the trunk to the others, I hastened into the dark, close
+basement, and groped my way to where I had left the Countess.
+
+"Madame!--Louis!" I called softly, feeling about in the darkness.
+
+A weak voice answered,--a voice like that of one just wakened from
+profound sleep:
+
+"Henri, is it you?--Mon dieu, I am so glad!--I feared some evil had
+befallen you."
+
+"Ah, Louis, you are living,--thank God!"
+
+"Living, yes: I have been asleep. Once I awoke, and wondered why you bad
+not returned. I prayed for you, and then I must have slept again. But
+what was it awakened me?--was there not a loud noise before I heard your
+voice?--Who are those men at the door with torches?"
+
+I introduced my father, who, regarding her in the torchlight, and
+showing as tender a solicitude as a woman's, soon came to the conclusion
+that her state was no worse than one of extreme weakness for want of
+food and fresh air. He carried her out, laid her tenderly on a cloak,
+and administered such food and wine as were good for her. She submitted
+with the docility and trust of a child.
+
+Leaving her for awhile, my father and I consulted with the leader of the
+guardsmen, and it was decided that the Countess, my father, and I should
+pass the night at the tower, the weather being warm and clear. The
+guardsmen would return with their prisoners to the scene of their recent
+battle, where much was to be put to rights. On the morrow they would
+rejoin us, and we should all proceed to Bonneval, where my father's
+deposition could be added to the report which the leader of the
+arresting party would have to deliver in Paris in lieu of the Count and
+Captain themselves.
+
+I could not let the leader go, even for the night, without expressing
+the gratitude under which I must ever feel to him, for, though he was
+still ignorant of the identity of the Countess, there was no concealing
+from him that the supposed youth was a person very near my heart.
+
+"Pouf!" said he, in his manly way; "'tis all chance. I have done nothing
+for you, but if I had done much I should have been repaid already in the
+acquaintance of Monsieur de la Tournoire."
+
+"A truce to flattery," said my father. "It is I who am the gainer by the
+acquaintance of Monsieur Brignan de Brignan."
+
+"Eh! Brignan de Brignan!" I echoed.
+
+"That is this gentleman's name," said my father, wondering at my
+surprise. "Have we been so busy that I have not properly made you known
+to him before?"
+
+I gazed at the gentleman's moustaches: they were indeed rather longer
+than the ordinary. He, too, looked his astonishment at the effect of his
+name upon me.
+
+"Pardon me, Monsieur," said I. "I have been staring like a rustic. I owe
+you an explanation of my ill manners. I will give it frankly: it may
+provide you with laughter. What I am now, I know not, but three weeks
+ago I was a fool." I then told him how I had been taunted by a young
+lady, whose name I did not mention, and with what particular object I
+had so recently started for Paris. This was news to my father also, who
+laughed without restraint. Brignan de Brignan, though certainly amused,
+kept his mirth within bounds, and replied:
+
+"Faith. I know not any young lady in your part of France who has a right
+to glory in my personal appearance, even if I were an Apollo,--who, by
+the way, is not represented with moustaches. But I believe I know who
+this girl may be,--I have met such a one in Paris, and avoided her as a
+pert little minx. As for your folly, as you call it, it was no more
+foolish than many a thing I have done."
+
+He had the breeding not to add, "At your age," and I loved him for that.
+He and his men now set out upon their return to the farmstead, and my
+father and I, after devising a more comfortable couch for the Countess
+just within the open doorway of the tower, slept and watched by turns
+outside.
+
+In the morning the Countess, partaking of more food, was in better
+strength and spirits, and had the curiosity to ask how my father came to
+be there. In telling her, I broke the news of the Count's death. For a
+moment she was startled, and then pity showed itself in her eyes and
+words,--pity for the man who had been swayed by such passions and
+delusions, and who had died in his sin with none else to shed a tear for
+him. The Captain's death, of which I next informed her, did not move her
+as much.
+
+The turn of affairs caused a change of plan. She now resolved (as I had
+foreseen) to return to Lavardin and do such honour to her husband's
+memory as she might. Though his estates would probably, in all the
+circumstances, be adjudged forfeit to the Crown, some provision would
+doubtless be made for his widow. In any case, she might be sure of every
+courtesy from the officer in command of the guardsmen now occupying the
+chateau for the King, and there were certain jewels, apparel, and other
+possessions of her own which could not be withheld from her.
+
+In the afternoon, when Brignan de Brignan and his comrades reappeared,
+the Countess was able to ride: and that evening we were all in Bonneval.
+Monsieur de Brignan had taken possession of several things found in an
+iron-bound chest where Captain Ferragant had kept his treasures. Among
+others were two papers stolen from me by the robbers,--the incriminating
+fragment of a letter to the Count, and the note from the Countess which
+I had found upon Monsieur de Merri. The former I destroyed, at the fire
+in the inn kitchen: the latter I kept, and keep to this day. Besides
+these, there were my purse; a quantity of gold, out of which I repaid
+myself the amount I had been robbed of; and the two keys, which I
+subsequently restored to the Chateau de Lavardin, whence they had come.
+
+We stayed the night at Bonneval. The next day the guardsmen started for
+Paris, and our party of three for Montoire. As I took my leave of
+Brignan de Brignan before the inn gate, I noticed that his moustaches
+had undergone a diminution: indeed they now extended no further than his
+lips. I supposed he had decided not to be distinguished by such marks
+again. He expressed a hope of renewing acquaintance with me in Paris,
+and rode off. The Countess, my father, and I turned our faces toward
+Montoire, the Countess being now once more on Hugues's horse, which I
+had left for a time at Bonneval. We had not gone very far, when a man
+galloped after us, handed me a packet, and rode back as hastily as he
+had come. I had scarce time to recognize him as a valet attached to the
+party of guardsmen.
+
+I opened the packet, and found a piece of paper, to which two wisps of
+hair were fastened by a thread, and on which was written in a large,
+dashing hand:
+
+"_Behold my moustaches. Brignan de Brignan._"
+
+And so, after all, I might keep my promise to Mlle. Celeste!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AFTERWARDS
+
+
+Two days later we arrived at Hugues's house, and were received with
+great joy by him and Mathilde. Here the Countess, now happily improved
+in health, resumed the attire of her sex, which she had there put off.
+My father then accompanied her to the Chateau de Lavardin, and made her
+known to the guardsman in command, by whom she was treated with the
+utmost consideration. With Mathilde to attend her, she remained a few
+days at the chateau, and then removed with her personal possessions to
+the house of Hugues, whose marriage to Mathilde was no longer delayed.
+
+But meanwhile my father and I stayed only a day at Montoire, lodging at
+the inn there. I did not go to the chateau, but my father took thither
+the two keys, and brought away my sword and dagger, which had been
+hanging undisturbed in the hall. My farewell to the Countess was spoken
+in front of Hugues's gate when she started thence for the chateau, and
+not much was said, for my father and Hugues were there, as well as
+Mathilde, and the horses were waiting. But something was looked, and
+never did I cease to carry in my heart the tender and solicitous
+expression of her sweet eyes as they rested on me for a silent moment
+ere she turned away.
+
+My father and I, on our homeward journey, stopped at La Flèche and
+ascertained that Monsieur de Merri's relations had learned of his fate
+and taken all care for the repose of his body and soul. It appeared that
+he lived at Orleans, and was used to visit cousins in Brittany: thus,
+then, had he chanced to stop at Montoire and fall in with the Count de
+Lavardin. Alas! poor young gentleman!
+
+And now we arrived home, to the great relief of my mother; and Blaise
+Tripault would hardly speak to my father or me, for envy of the
+adventures we had passed through without him. But he spread great
+reports of what I had done,--or rather what I had not done, for he made
+me a chief hero in the destruction of the band of robbers. But this
+unmerited fame scarcely annoyed me at all, for my thoughts were
+elsewhere, and I was restless and melancholy. In a few days I resolved
+to go to Paris,--by way of Montoire. But before I started, I took a walk
+one fine afternoon along the stream that bounded our estate: and, as I
+had expected, there was Mlle. Celeste on the other side, with her drowsy
+old guardian. She blushed and looked embarrassed, and I wondered why I
+had ever thought her charming. Her self-confidence returned in a moment,
+and she greeted me with her old sauciness, though it seemed a trifle
+forced:
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, so you have come back without going to Paris after all, I
+hear."
+
+"Yes, Mademoiselle," I answered coldly. "But I have taken your advice
+and looked a little into the eyes of danger; and I find it does make a
+difference in one."
+
+"Oh, yes: I believe you fought a duel, and were present when some
+highway robbers were taken; and now you have come back to rest on your
+laurels."
+
+"No; I came back to give you these, as I promised." And I threw her the
+packet containing the moustaches of Brignan de Brignan. She opened it,
+and regarded the contents with amazement. I laughed.
+
+She looked at me now with real wonder, and I perceived I had grown
+several inches in her estimation.
+
+"But don't think I took them against his will," said I. "I admit I never
+could have done that. He gave me them in jest, and the proudest claim I
+can make in regard to him is that he honours me with his friendship.
+Good day, Mademoiselle."
+
+I came away, leaving her surprised and discomfited, for which I was not
+sorry. She had expected to find me still her slave, and to expend her
+pertness on me as before: though she might have known that if danger
+would make a man of me, it would give me a man's eyes to see the
+difference between a real woman and a scornful miss.
+
+I went to Paris, careful this time to avoid conflict with bold-speaking
+young gentlemen at inns; and on the way I had one precious hour at
+Hugues's house, wherein--upon his marriage to Mathilde--the Countess had
+established herself, to the wonder of all who heard of it. She continued
+to lodge there, her affairs turning out so that she was able to repay
+Hugues liberally. She occupied herself in good works for the poor about
+Montoire, and so two years passed, each day making her happier and more
+beautiful. Many times I went between La Tournoire and Paris,--always by
+way of Montoire. In Paris I saw much of Brignan de Brignan, whose
+moustaches had soon grown back to their old magnitude. And one day whom
+should I meet in the Rue St. Honoré but that excellent spy of Sully's,
+Monsieur de Pepicot?
+
+I begged him to come into a tavern. "There is something you owe me,"
+said I, when we were seated; "an account of how you got out of the
+Chateau de Lavardin that night without leaving any trace."
+
+"It was nothing," said the long-nosed man meekly. "I found an empty room
+with a mullioned window, on the floor beneath ours, and let myself down
+to the terrace with a knotted rope I had brought in my portmanteau."
+
+"But I never heard that any rope was found."
+
+"I had passed it round the inside of the window-mullion and lowered both
+ends to the ground, attached to my portmanteau. In descending I kept
+hold of both parts. When I was down, I had only to release one part and
+pull the rope after me. I found a gardener's tool-shed, and in it some
+poles for trellis-work. I placed two of these side by side against the
+garden wall, at the postern door, and managed to clamber to the top."
+
+"But I heard of nothing being found against the wall."
+
+"Oh, I drew the poles up after me, and also my portmanteau, by means of
+the rope, which I had fastened to them and to my waist. I let them down
+to a plank which crossed the moat there, as I had observed before ever
+entering the chateau. I dropped after them, and was lucky enough to
+avoid falling into the moat. I hid the poles among the bushes: not that
+it mattered, but I thought it would amuse the Count to conjecture how I
+had got away. One likes to give people something to think of.--As for my
+horse, I had seen to it that he was kept in an unlocked penthouse.--Ah,
+well! that Count thought he was a great chess-player." And Monsieur de
+Pepicot smiled faintly and shook his head.
+
+At the prospect of war, I joined the army assembling at Chalons, but the
+lamentable murder of the King put an end to his great plans, and I
+resumed my former way, swinging like a pendulum between Paris and La
+Tournoire. One soft, pink evening in the second summer after my
+adventure at Lavardin, I was privileged to walk alone with the Countess
+in the meadows behind Hugues's mill. Health and serenity had raised her
+beauty to perfection, and there was no trace of her sorrows but the
+humble dignity and brave gentleness of her look and manner.
+
+"You are the loveliest woman in the world," I said, without any sort of
+warning. "Ah, Louise--surely I may call you that now--how I adore you! I
+cannot any longer keep back what is in my heart. See yonder where the
+sun has set--that is where La Tournoire is. It seems to beckon us--not
+me alone, but us--together. When will you come?--when may I take you to
+my father and mother, and hear them say I could not have found a sweeter
+wife in all France?"
+
+Trembling, she raised her moist eyes to mine, and said in a voice like a
+low sigh:
+
+"Ah, Henri, if it were possible! But you forget the barrier: we are not
+of the same religion. I know your mother changed her faith for your
+father's sake; but I could never do so."
+
+"But what if I changed for your sake?" I said, taking her hand.
+
+"Henri! will you do that?" she cried, with a joy that told all I wished
+to know.
+
+In truth, I had often thought of going over to the national form of
+worship. As soon, therefore, as I got to La Tournoire after this
+meeting, I opened the matter to my father.
+
+"Why," said he, "I think it a sensible resolve. The times are changed;
+since King Henri's death, there is no longer any hope of us Huguenots
+maintaining a balance. As a party, we have done our work, and are doomed
+to pass away. Those who persist will only keep up a division in the
+nation, from which they can gain nothing, and which will be a source of
+useless troubles. As for the religious side of the question, some people
+prefer artificial forms of expression, some do not. It is a matter of
+externals: and if one must needs subscribe to a few doctrines he does
+not believe, who is harmed by that? These things are much to women, and
+we, to whom they are less, can afford to yield. I often fancy your
+mother would like to go back to the faith of her childhood,--and if she
+ever expresses the wish, I will not hinder her. When I married her, all
+was different: I could not have become a Catholic then. Nor indeed can I
+do so now. Blaise Tripault and I are too old for new tricks: we must not
+change our colours at this late day: we are survivals from a bygone
+state of things. But you, my son, belong to a new France. Our great
+Henri said. 'Surely Paris is worth a mass': and I dare say this lady is
+as much to you as Paris was to him."
+
+So the Church gained a convert and I a wife. Hugues and Mathilde came to
+live on our estate. And Mlle. Celeste, in course of time, was married to
+a raw young Gascon as lean as a lath, as poor as a fiddler, and as
+thirsty as a Dutchman, but with moustaches twice as long as those of
+Brignan de Brignan.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+Works of Robert Neilson Stephens
+
+
+    An Enemy to the King
+
+    The Continental Dragoon
+
+    The Road to Paris
+
+    A Gentleman Player
+
+    Philip Winwood
+
+    Captain Ravenshaw
+
+    The Mystery of Murray Davenport
+
+    The Bright Face of Danger
+
+
+
+
+L. C. Page and Company
+
+
+The Mystery of Murray Davenport.
+
+By ROBERT NEILSON STEPHENS, author of "An Enemy to the King," "Philip
+Winwood," etc.
+
+In his latest novel, Mr. Stephens has made a radical departure from the
+themes of his previous successes. Turning from past days and distant
+scenes, he has taken up American life of to-day as his new field,
+therein proving himself equally capable. Original in its conception,
+striking in its psychologic interest, and with a most perplexing love
+problem, "The Mystery of Murray Davenport" is the most vital and
+absorbing of all Mr. Stephens's novels, and will add not a little to his
+reputation.
+
+"This is easily the best thing that Mr. Stephens has yet done. Those
+familiar with his other novels can best judge the measure of this
+praise, which is generous."--_Buffalo News._
+
+"Mr. Stephens won a host of friends through his earlier volumes, but we
+think he will do still better work in his new field if the present
+volume is a criterion."--_N. Y. Com. Advertiser._
+
+
+The Daughter of the Dawn.
+
+By R. HODDER.
+
+
+This is a powerful story of adventure and mystery, its scene New
+Zealand. In sustained interest and novel plot, it recalls Rider
+Haggard's "King Solomon's Mines," and "She" but the reader will find an
+added interest due to the apparent reality with which the author
+succeeds in investing the sensational incidents of his plot.
+
+
+The Spoilsmen.
+
+By ELLIOTT FLOWER, author of "Policeman Flynn," etc.
+
+This is a story of municipal politics, depicting conditions common to
+practically all large cities. The political methods employed, however,
+are in most instances taken from the actual experiences of men who have
+served the public in some capacity or other, and the stories told of
+some of the characters are literally true. The love interest centres
+around a girl of high ideals, who inspires a wealthy young man to enter
+the local campaign.
+
+"The best one may hear of 'The Spoilsmen' will be none too good. As a
+wide-awake, snappy, brilliant political story it has few equals, its
+title-page being stamped with that elusive mark, 'success.' One should
+not miss a word of a book like this at a time like this and in a world
+of politics like this."--_Boston Transcript._
+
+"...It ought to do good. The world of municipal politics is put before
+the reader in a striking and truthful manner; and the sources of evil
+that afflict the government of our cities are laid bare in a manner that
+should arrest the attention of every honest man who wishes to purge and
+cleanse our local governments. It illustrates, too, very forcibly, how
+difficult a work it is to accomplish such municipal reform, and how
+useless it is to attempt it without united and persistent effort on the
+part of those who should be most interested."--_Grover Cleveland._
+
+
+A Daughter of Thespis.
+
+By JOHN D. BARRY, author of "The Intriguers," "Mademoiselle Blanche,"
+etc.
+
+The author's experiences as a dramatic critic have enabled him to write
+with authority on the ever fascinating theme of stage life. From "the
+front," in the wings, and on the boards--from all these varying points
+of view, is told this latest story of player folk--an absorbing tale.
+
+"This story of the experiences of Evelyn Johnson, actress, may be
+praised just because it is so true and so wholly free from melodrama and
+the claptrap which we have come to think inseparable from any narrative
+which has to do with theatrical experiences."--_Professor Harry Thurston
+Peck, of Columbia University._
+
+
+Prince Hagen.
+
+By UPTON SINCLAIR, author of "King Midas," etc.
+
+In this book, Mr. Sinclair has written a satire of the first order--one
+worthy to be compared with Swift's biting tirades against the follies
+and abuses of mankind.
+
+The scheme of the book is as delightful as it is original--Prince Hagen,
+son of that Hagen who killed Siegfried, grandson of Alberich, King of
+the Nibelungs, comes to this earth from Nibelheim, for a completion of
+his education, and it is the effect of our modern morality on a
+brilliant and unscrupulous mind which forms the basis of Mr. Sinclair's
+story. Prince Hagen's first exploits are at school; then in the thick of
+New York's corrupt politics as a boss. Later, after he has inherited the
+untold wealth of the Nibelungs, he tastes the society life of the
+metropolis.
+
+As a story simply, the book is thoroughly entertaining, with a climax of
+surprising power; but, as a satire, it will live.
+
+
+Earth's Enigmas.
+
+By CHARLES G. D. ROBERTS, author of "The Kindred of the Wild," "The
+Heart of the Ancient Wood," etc.
+
+"It will rank high among collections of short stories.... His prose art,
+too, has reached a high degree of perfection.... In 'Earth's Enigmas' is
+a wider range of subject than in the 'Kindred of the Wild.'"--_Review
+from advance sheets of the illustrated edition by Tiffany Blake in the
+Chicago Evening Post._
+
+"Throughout the volume runs that subtle questioning of the cruel,
+predatory side of nature which suggests the general title of the book.
+In certain cases it is the picture of savage nature ravening for
+food--for death to preserve life; in others it is the secret symbolism
+of woods and waters prophesying of evils and misadventures to come. All
+this does not mean, however, that Mr. Roberts is either pessimistic or
+morbid--it is nature in his books after all, wholesome in her cruel
+moods as in her tender."--_The New York Independent._
+
+
+The Silent Maid.
+
+By FREDERIC W. PANGBORN.
+
+
+A dainty and delicate legend of the brave days of old, of sprites and
+pixies, of trolls and gnomes, of ruthless barons and noble knights. "The
+Silent Maid" herself, with her strange bewitchment and wondrous song, is
+equalled only by Undine in charm and mystery. The tale is told in that
+quaint diction which chronicles "The Forest Lovers," and in which Mr.
+Pangborn, although a new and hitherto undiscovered writer, is no less an
+artist than Mr. Hewlett.
+
+
+The Golden Kingdom.
+
+By ANDREW BALFOUR, author of "Vengeance is Mine," "To Arms!" etc.
+
+
+This is a story of adventure on land and sea, beginning in England, and
+ending in South Africa, in the last days of the seventeenth century. The
+scheme of the tale at once puts the reader in mind of Stevenson's
+"Treasure Island," and with that augury of a good story, he at once
+continues from the mysterious advent of Corkran the Coxswain into the
+quiet English village, through scenes of riot, slave-trading, shipwreck,
+and savages to the end of all in the "Golden Kingdom" with its strange
+denizens. The character of Jacob the Blacksmith, big of body and bigger
+of heart, ever ready in time of peril, will alone hold his attention
+with a strong grip.
+
+
+The Promotion of the Admiral.
+
+By MORLEY ROBERTS, author of "The Colossus," "The Fugitives," "Sons of
+Empire," etc.
+
+
+We consider ourselves fortunate in being able to announce this latest
+novel by Mr. Morley Roberts, who has such a wide circle of readers and
+admirers. This volume contains half a dozen stories of sea life,--fresh,
+racy, and bracing,--some humorous, some thrilling, all laid in
+America,--a new field for Mr. Roberts,--and introduces a unique
+creation, "Shanghai Smith," of "'Frisco," kidnapper of seamen, whose
+calling and adventures have already interested and amused all readers of
+_The Philadelphia Saturday Evening Post_.
+
+
+The Schemers.
+
+A TALE OF MODERN LIFE.
+
+By EDWARD F. HARKINS, author of "Little Pilgrimages Among the Men Who
+Have Written Famous Books," etc.
+
+
+A story of a new and real phase of social life in Boston, skilfully and
+daringly handled. There is plenty of life and color abounding, and a
+diversity of characters--shop-girls, society belles, men about town,
+city politicians, and others. The various schemers and their schemes
+will be followed with interest--and there will be some discerning
+readers who may claim to recognize in certain points of the story
+certain recent happenings in the shopping and the society circles of the
+Hub.
+
+
+The Captain's Wife.
+
+By W. CLARK RUSSELL, author of "The Wreck of the Grosvenor," "The Mate
+of the Good Ship York,"' etc.
+
+
+The customary epithets applied to nautical fiction are quite
+incommensurate with the excellence of Mr. Clark Russell's narrative
+powers, and these are thoroughly at their best in "The Captain's Wife."
+"The Captain's Wife" is the story of a voyage, and its romantic interest
+hinges on the stratagem of the captain's newly wedded wife in order to
+accompany him on his expedition for the salvage of a valuable wreck. The
+plot thickens so gradually that a less competent novelist would be in
+danger of letting the reader's attention slip. But the climax of
+Benson's conspiracy to remove the captain, and carry off the wife, to
+whom his lawless passion aspires, is invested with the keenest
+excitement.
+
+
+The Story of the Foss River Ranch.
+
+By RIDGWELL CULLOM.
+
+
+The scene of this story is laid in Canada, not in one of the great
+cities, but in that undeveloped section of the great Northwest where
+to-day scenes are being enacted similar to those enacted fifty years ago
+during the settlement of the great American West. The story is intense,
+with a sustained and well-developed plot, and will thus appeal to the
+reading public.
+
+
+The Interference of Patricia.
+
+By LILIAN BELL, author of "Hope Loring," "Abroad with the Jimmies," etc.
+With a frontispiece from drawing by Frank T. Merrill.
+
+
+This story adds not a little to the author's reputation as a teller of
+clever tales. It is of the social life of to-day in Denver--that city of
+gold and ozone--and deals of that burg's peculiarities with a keen and
+flashing satire. The character of the heroine, Patricia, will hold the
+reader by its power and brilliancy. Impetuous, capricious, and wayward,
+with a dominating personality and spirit, she is at first a careless
+girl, then develops into a loyal and loving woman, whose interference
+saves the honor of both her father and lover. The love theme is in the
+author's best vein, the character sketches of the magnates of Denver are
+amusing and trenchant, and the episodes of the plot are convincing,
+sincere, and impressive.
+
+
+A Book Of Girls.
+
+By LILIAN BELL, author of "Hope Loring," "Abroad with the Jimmies," etc.
+With a frontispiece.
+
+
+It is quite universally recognized that Lilian Bell has done for the
+American girl in fiction what Gibson has done for her in art--that
+Lilian Bell has crystallized into a distinct type all the peculiar
+qualities that have made the American girl unique among the women of the
+world. Consequently, a book with a Bell heroine is sure of a hearty
+welcome. What, therefore, can be said of this book, which contains no
+less than four types of witching and buoyant femininity? There are four
+stories of power and dash in this volume: "The Last Straw," "The
+Surrender of Lapwing," "The Penance of Hedwig," and "Garret Owen's
+Little Countess." Each one of these tells a tale full of verve and
+thrill, each one has a heroine of fibre and spirit.
+
+
+Count Zarka.
+
+By SIR WILLIAM MAGNAY, author of "The Red Chancellor."
+
+
+"The Red Chancellor" was considered by critics, as well as by the
+reading public, one of the most dramatic novels of last year. In his new
+book, Sir William Magnay has continued in the field in which he has been
+so successful. "Count Zarka" is a strong, quick-moving romance of
+adventure and political intrigue, the scene being laid in a fictitious
+kingdom of central Europe, under which thin disguise may be recognized
+one of the Balkan states. The story in its action and complications
+reminds one strongly of "The Prisoner of Zenda," while the man[oe]uvring
+of Russia for the control in the East strongly suggests the contemporary
+history of European politics. The character of the mysterious Count
+Zarka, hero and villain, is strongly developed, and one new in fiction.
+
+
+The Golden Dwarf.
+
+By R. NORMAN SILVER, author of "A Daughter of Mystery," etc.
+
+
+Mr. Silver needs no introduction to the American public. His "A Daughter
+of Mystery" was one of the most realistic stories of modern London life
+that has recently appeared. "The Golden Dwarf" is such another story,
+intense and almost sensational. Mr. Silver reveals the mysterious and
+gruesome beneath the commonplace in an absorbing manner. The "Golden
+Dwarf" himself, his strange German physician, and the secret of the
+Wyresdale Tower are characters and happenings which will hold the reader
+from cover to cover.
+
+
+Alain Tanger's Wife.
+
+By J. H. YOXALL, author of "The Rommany Stone," etc.
+
+
+A spirited story of political intrigue in France. The various
+dissensions of the parties claiming political supremacy, and "the wheels
+within wheels" that move them to their schemes are caustically and
+trenchantly revealed. A well known figure in the military history of
+France plays a prominent part in the plot--but the central figure is
+that of the American heroine--loyal, intense, piquant, and compelling.
+
+
+The Diary of a Year.
+
+PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A WOMAN OF THE WORLD. Edited by Mrs. CHARLES H.
+E. BROOKFIELD.
+
+
+The writer of this absorbing study of emotions and events is gifted with
+charming imagination and an elegant style. The book abounds in brilliant
+wit, amiable philosophy, and interesting characterizations. The "woman
+of the world" reveals herself as a fascinating, if somewhat reckless,
+creature, who justly holds the sympathies of the reader.
+
+
+The Red Triangle. Being some further chronicles of Martin Hewitt,
+investigator.
+
+By ARTHUR MORRISON, author of "The Hole in the Wall," "Tales of Mean
+Streets," etc.
+
+
+This is a genuine, straightforward detective story of the kind that
+keeps the reader on the _qui vive_. Martin Hewitt, investigator, might
+well have studied his methods from Sherlock Holmes, so searching and
+successful are they. His adventures take him at times to the slums of
+London, amid scenes which recall Mr. Morrison's already noted "The Hole
+in the Wall." As a combination of criminal and character studies, this
+book is very successful.
+
+
+COMMONWEALTH SERIES No. 7.
+
+The Philadelphians:
+
+AS SEEN BY A NEW YORK WOMAN.
+
+By KATHARINE BINGHAM. (Pseud.)
+
+
+A bright and breezy tale of a charming New York woman, whose wedded lot
+is twice cast in Philadelphia. The family of her first husband committed
+the unpardonable sin of living north of Market Street; that of her
+second husband resided south of that line of demarcation. She is thus
+enabled to speak whereof she knows concerning the conventions, and draws
+the characteristics of life in the Quaker city, as well as the foibles
+of the "first families" with a keen and caustic, though not unkindly,
+pen.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Bright Face of Danger, by 
+Robert Neilson Stephens and H. C. Edwards
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Bright Face Of Danger, by Robert Neilson Stephens.
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Bright Face of Danger, by 
+Robert Neilson Stephens and H. C. Edwards
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Bright Face of Danger
+
+Author: Robert Neilson Stephens
+        H. C. Edwards
+
+Release Date: November 7, 2009 [EBook #30417]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figleft">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright">
+<img src="images/title.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<h1>The Bright Face of Danger</h1>
+
+<h3><i>Being an Account of Some Adventures of Henri de Launay, Son of the
+Sieur de la Tournoire.<br /> Freely Translated into Modern English</i></h3>
+
+<h2>By Robert Neilson Stephens</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Author of</i> "An Enemy to the King," "Philip Winwood,"<br /> "The Mystery of
+Murray Davenport," etc.</h3>
+
+<h3><i>Illustrated by</i> H. C. Edwards</h3>
+
+
+<h3><i>Boston</i><br />
+L. C. Page &amp; Company<br />
+<i>Mdcccciiii</i></h3>
+
+<h3><i>Copyright, 1904</i><br />
+By <span class="smcap">L. C. Page &amp; Company</span></h3>
+
+<h3><i>Entered at Stationers' Hall, London</i><br />
+<i>All rights reserved</i></h3>
+
+<h3>Published April, 1904<br />
+Colonial Press</h3>
+
+<h3>Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds &amp; Co.<br />
+Boston. Mass., U.S.A.</h3>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p><i>THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER is, in a distant way, a sequel to "An
+Enemy to the King," but may be read alone, without any reference to
+that tale. The title is a phrase of Robert Louis Stevenson's.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>THE AUTHOR.</i></p></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a name="illus1" id="illus1"></a>
+<img src="images/illus1.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>"'I GIVE YOU ONE CHANCE FOR YOUR LIFE,' SAID I QUICKLY."</h3>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->
+<p>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I. <span class="smcap">Monsieur Henri de Launay Sets Out on a Journey</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II. <span class="smcap">A Young Man Who Went Singing</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III. <span class="smcap">Where the Lady Was</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV. <span class="smcap">Who the Lady Was</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V. <span class="smcap">The Chateau de Lavardin</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI. <span class="smcap">What the Peril Was</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII. <span class="smcap">Strange Disappearances</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII. <span class="smcap">Mathilde</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX. <span class="smcap">The Winding Stairs</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X. <span class="smcap">More Than Mere Pity</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI. <span class="smcap">The Rat-Hole and the Water-Jug</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII. <span class="smcap">The Rope Ladder</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII. <span class="smcap">The Parting</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV. <span class="smcap">In the Forest</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV. <span class="smcap">The Tower of Morlon</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI. <span class="smcap">The Mercy of Captain Ferragant</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII. <span class="smcap">The Sword of La Tournoire</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII. <span class="smcap">The Moustaches of Brignan de Brignan</span></a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX. <span class="smcap">Afterwards</span></a><br /><br />
+<a href="#Works_of_Robert_Neilson_Stephens">Works of Robert Neilson Stephens</a><br />
+<a href="#L_C_Page_and_Company">L. C. Page and Company</a><br />
+</p>
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+
+<p><a href="#illus1">"'<span class="smcap">I give you one chance for your life,' said I quickly</span>"</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#illus2">"'<span class="smcap">And now she will wait for him in vain!</span>'"</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#illus3">"<span class="smcap">We were interrupted by a low cry</span>"</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#illus4">"<span class="smcap">'The wretches!' said the tortured Count, staggering to his feet</span>"</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#illus5">"<span class="smcap">I leaped over the bed, and upon the man who was trying to strangle the
+Countess</span>"</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#illus6">"<span class="smcap">My father's thrusts became now so quick and continuous</span>"</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>MONSIEUR HENRI DE LAUNAY SETS OUT ON A JOURNEY</h3>
+
+
+<p>If, on the first Tuesday in June, in the year 1608, anybody had asked me
+on what business I was riding towards Paris, and if I had answered, "To
+cut off the moustaches of a gentleman I have never seen, that I may toss
+them at the feet of a lady who has taunted me with that gentleman's
+superiorities,"&mdash;if I had made this reply, I should have been taken for
+the most foolish person on horseback in France that day. Yet the answer
+would have been true, though I accounted myself one of the wisest young
+gentlemen you might find in Anjou or any other province.</p>
+
+<p>I was, of a certainty, studious, and a lover of books. My father, the
+Sieur de la Tournoire, being a daring soldier, had so often put himself
+to perils inimical to my mother's peace of mind, that she had guided my
+inclinations in the peaceful direction of the library, hoping not to
+suffer for the son such alarms as she had undergone for the husband. I
+had grown up, therefore, a musing, bookish youth, rather shy and
+solitary in my habits: and this despite the care taken of my education
+in swordsmanship, riding, hunting, and other manly accomplishments, both
+by my father and by his old follower, Blaise Tripault. I acquired skill
+enough to satisfy these well-qualified instructors, but yet a volume of
+Plutarch or a book of poems was more to me than sword or dagger, horse,
+hound, or falcon. I was used to lonely walks and brookside meditations
+in the woods and meads of our estate of La Tournoire, in Anjou; and it
+came about that with my head full of verses I must needs think upon some
+lady with whom to fancy myself in love.</p>
+
+<p>Contiguity determined my choice. The next estate to ours, separated from
+it by a stream flowing into the Loir, had come into the possession of a
+rich family of bourgeois origin whom heaven had blessed (or burdened, as
+some would think) with a pretty daughter. Mlle. Celeste was a small,
+graceful, active creature, with a clear and well-coloured skin, and
+quick-glancing black eyes which gave me a pleasant inward stir the first
+time they rested on me. In my first acquaintance with this young lady,
+the black eyes seemed to enlarge and soften when they fell on me: she
+regarded me with what I took to be interest and approval: her face shone
+with friendliness, and her voice was kind. In this way I was led on.</p>
+
+<p>When she saw how far she had drawn me, her manner changed: she became
+whimsical, never the same for five minutes: sometimes indifferent,
+sometimes disdainful, sometimes gay at my expense. This treatment
+touched my pride, and would have driven me off, but that still, when in
+her presence, I felt in some degree the charm of the black eyes, the
+well-chiselled face, the graceful swift motions, and what else I know
+not. When I was away from her, this charm declined: nevertheless I chose
+to keep her in my mind as just such a capricious object of adoration as
+poets are accustomed to lament and praise in the same verses.</p>
+
+<p>But indeed I was never for many days out of reach of her attractive
+powers, for several of her own favourite haunts were on her side of the
+brook by which I was in the habit of strolling or reclining for some
+part of almost every fair day. Attended by a fat and sleepy old
+waiting-woman, she was often to be seen running along the grassy bank
+with a greyhound that followed her everywhere. For this animal she
+showed a constancy of affection that made her changefulness to me the
+more heart-sickening.</p>
+
+<p>Thus, half in love, half in disgust, I sat moodily on my side of the
+stream one sunny afternoon, watching her on the other side. She had been
+running a race with the dog, and had just settled down on the green
+bank, with the hound sitting on his haunches beside her. Both dog and
+girl were panting, and her face was still merry with the fun of the
+scamper. Her old attendant had probably been left dozing in some other
+part of the wood. Here now was an opportunity for me to put in a sweet
+speech or two. But as I looked at her and thought of her treatment of
+me, my pride rebelled, and I suppose my face for the moment wore a
+cloud. My expression, whatever it was, caught the quick eyes of Mlle.
+Celeste. Being in merriment herself, she was the readier to make scorn
+of my sulky countenance. She pealed out a derisive laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, the sour face! Is that what comes of your eternal reading?"</p>
+
+<p>I had in my hand a volume of Plutarch in the French of Amyot. Her
+ridicule of reading annoyed me.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Mademoiselle, it isn't from books that one draws sourness. I find
+more sweetness in them than in&mdash;most things." I was looking straight at
+her as I said this.</p>
+
+<p>She pretended to laugh again, but turned quite red.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, forgive me," I said, instantly softened. "Ah, Celeste, you know
+too well what is the sweetest of all books for my reading." By my look
+and sigh, she knew I meant her face. But she chose to be contemptuous.</p>
+
+<p>"Poh! What should a pale scholar know of such books? I tell you,
+Monsieur de Launay, you will never be a man till you leave your books
+and see a little of the world."</p>
+
+<p>Though she called me truly enough a pale scholar, I was scarlet for a
+moment.</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you know of the world, then?" I retorted. "Or of men
+either?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am only a girl. But as to men, I have met one or two. There is your
+father, for example. And that brave and handsome Brignan de Brignan."</p>
+
+<p>Whether I loved or not, I was certainly capable of jealousy; and
+jealousy of the fiercest arose at the name of Brignan de Brignan. I had
+never seen him; but she had mentioned him to me before, too many times
+indeed for me to hear his name now with composure. He was a young
+gentleman of the King's Guard, of whom, by reason of a distant
+relationship, her family had seen much during a residence of several
+months in Paris.</p>
+
+<p>"Brignan de Brignan," I echoed. "Yes, I dare say he has looked more into
+the faces of women than into books."</p>
+
+<p>"And more into the face of danger than into either. That's what has made
+him the man he is."</p>
+
+<p>"Tut!" I cried, waving my Plutarch; "there's more manly action in this
+book than a thousand Brignans could perform in all their lives&mdash;more
+danger encountered."</p>
+
+<p>"An old woman might read it for all that. Would it make her manly? Well,
+Monsieur Henri, if you choose to encounter danger only in books, there's
+nobody to complain. But you shouldn't show malice toward those who
+prefer to meet it in the wars or on the road."</p>
+
+<p>"Malice? Not I. What is Brignan de Brignan to me? You may say what you
+please&mdash;this Plutarch is as good a school of heroism as any officer of
+the King's Guard ever went to."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet the officers of the King's Guard aren't pale, moping fellows like
+you lovers of books. Ah, Monsieur Henri, if you mean to be a monk, well
+and good. But otherwise, do you know what would change your complexion
+for the better? A lively brush with real dangers on the field, or in
+Paris, or anywhere away from your home and your father's protection.
+That would bring colour into your cheeks."</p>
+
+<p>"You may let my cheeks alone, Mademoiselle."</p>
+
+<p>"You may be sure I will do that."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm quite satisfied with my complexion, and I wouldn't exchange it for
+that of Brignan de Brignan. I dare say his face is red enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, a most manly colour. And his broad shoulders&mdash;and powerful
+arms&mdash;and fine bold eyes&mdash;ah! there <i>is</i> the picture of a hero&mdash;and his
+superb moustaches&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Now I was at the time not strong in respect of moustaches. I was
+extremely sensitive upon the point. My frame, though not above middle
+size, was yet capable of robust development, my paleness was not beyond
+remedy, and my eyes were of a pleasant blue, so there was little to
+rankle in what she said of my rival's face and body; but as to the
+moustaches&mdash;&mdash;!</p>
+
+<p>I scrambled to my feet.</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you what it is, Mademoiselle. Just to show what your Brignan
+really amounts to, and whether I mean to be a monk, and what a reader of
+books can do when he likes, I have made up my mind to go to Paris; and
+there I will find your Brignan, and show my scorn of such an illiterate
+bravo, and cut off his famous moustaches, and bring them back to you for
+proof! So adieu, Mademoiselle, for this is the last you will see of me
+till what I have said is done!"</p>
+
+<p>The thing had come into my head in one hot moment, indeed it formed
+itself as I spoke it; and so I, the quiet and studious, stood committed
+to an act which the most harebrained brawler in Anjou would have deemed
+childish folly. Truly, I did lack knowledge of the world.</p>
+
+<p>I turned from Mlle. Celeste's look of incredulous wonderment, and went
+off through the woods, with swifter strides than I usually took, to our
+chateau. Of course I dared not tell my parents my reason for wishing to
+go to Paris. It was enough, to my mother at least, that I should desire
+to go on any account. The best way in which I could put my resolution to
+them, which I did that very afternoon, on the terrace where I found them
+sitting, was thus:</p>
+
+<p>"I have been thinking how little I know of the world. It is true, you
+have taken me to Paris; but I was only a lad then, and what I saw was
+with a lad's eyes and under your guidance. I am now twenty-two, and many
+a man at that age has begun to make his own career. To be worthy of my
+years, of my breeding, of my name, I ought to know something of life
+from my own experience. So I have resolved, with your permission, my
+dear father and mother, to go to Paris and see what I may see."</p>
+
+<p>My mother had turned pale as soon as she saw the drift of my speech, and
+was for putting every plea in the way. But my father, though he looked
+serious, seemed not displeased. We talked upon the matter&mdash;as to how
+long I should wish to stay in Paris, whether I had thought of aiming at
+any particular career there, and of such things. I said I had formed no
+plans nor hopes: these might or might not come after I had arrived in
+Paris and looked about me. But see something of the world I must, if
+only that I might not be at disadvantage in conversation afterward. It
+was a thing I could afford, for on the attainment of my majority my
+father had made over to me the income of a portion of our estate, a
+small enough revenue indeed, but one that looked great in my eyes. He
+could not now offer any reasonable objection to my project, and he plead
+my cause with my mother, without whose consent I should not have had the
+heart to go. Indeed, knowing what her dread had always been, and seeing
+the anxious love in her eyes as she now regarded me, I almost wavered.
+But of course she was won over, as women are, though what tears her
+acquiescence caused her afterwards when she was alone I did not like to
+think upon.</p>
+
+<p>She comforted herself presently with the thought that our faithful
+Blaise Tripault should attend me, but here again I had to oppose her.
+For Blaise, by reason of his years and the service he had done my father
+in the old wars, was of a dictatorial way with all of us, and I knew he
+would rob me of all responsibility and freedom, so that I should be
+again a lad under the thumb of an elder and should profit nothing in
+self-reliance and mastership. Besides this reason, which I urged upon my
+parents, I had my own reason, which I did not urge, namely, that I
+should never dare let Blaise know the special purpose of my visit to
+Paris. He would laugh me out of countenance, and yet ten to one he would
+in the end deprive me of the credit of keeping my promise, by taking its
+performance upon himself. That I might be my own master, therefore, I
+chose as my valet the most tractable fellow at my disposal, one Nicolas,
+a lank, knock-kneed jack of about my own age, who had hitherto made
+himself of the least possible use, with the best possible intentions,
+between the dining-hall and the kitchen. And yet he was clever enough
+among horses, or anywhere outdoors. My mother, though she wondered at my
+choice and trembled to think how fragile a reed I should have to rely
+on, was yet not sorry, I fancy, at the prospect of ridding her house of
+poor blundering Nicolas in a kind and creditable way. I had reason to
+think Nicolas better suited for this new service, and, by insisting, I
+gained my point in this also.</p>
+
+<p>I made haste about my equipment, and in a few days we set forth, myself
+on a good young chestnut gelding, Nicolas on a strong black mule, which
+carried also our baggage. Before I mounted, and while my mother, doing
+her best to keep back her tears, was adding some last article of comfort
+to the contents of my great leather bag, my father led me into the
+window recess of the hall, and after speaking of the letters of
+introduction with which he had provided me, said in his soldierly,
+straightforward manner:</p>
+
+<p>"I know you have gathered wisdom from books, and it will serve you well,
+because it will make you take better heed of experience and see more
+meaning in it. But then it will require the experience to give your
+book-learned wisdom its full force. Often at first, in the face of
+emergency, when the call is for action, your wisdom will fly from your
+mind; but this will not be the case after you have seen life for
+yourself. Experience will teach you the full and living meaning of much
+that you now know but as written truth. It may teach you also some
+things you have never read, nor even dreamt of. What you have learned by
+study, and what you must learn by practice only, leave no use for any
+good counsel I might give you now. Only one thing I can't help saying,
+though you know it already and will doubtless see it proved again and
+again. There are many deceivers in the world. Don't trust the outward
+look of things or people. Be cautious; yet conceal your caution under
+courtesy, for nothing is more boorish than open suspicion. And remember,
+too, not to think bad, either, from appearances alone. You may do
+injustice that way. Hold your opinion till the matter is tested. When
+appearances are fair, be wary without showing it; when they are bad,
+regard your safety but don't condemn. In other words, always mingle
+caution with urbanity, even with kindness.&mdash;I need not speak of the name
+you have to keep unsullied. Honour is a thing about which you require no
+admonitions. You know that it consists as much in not giving affronts as
+in not enduring them, though many who talk loudest about it seem to
+think otherwise. Indeed this is an age in which honour is prated of most
+by those who practise it least. Well, my son, there are a thousand
+things I would say, but that is all I shall say. Good-bye&mdash;may the good
+God bless and protect you."</p>
+
+<p>I had much to do to speak firmly and to perceive what I was about, in
+taking my leave, for my mother could no longer refrain from sobbing as
+she embraced me at the last, and my young brother and sister, catching
+the infection, began to whimper and to rub their eyes with their fists.
+Knowing so much more of my wild purpose than they did, and realizing
+that I might never return alive, I was the more tried in my resolution
+not to disgrace with tears the virgin rapier and dagger at my side. But
+finally I got somehow upon my horse, whose head Blaise Tripault was
+holding, and threw my last kisses to the family on the steps. I then
+managed voice enough to say "Good-bye, Blaise," to the old soldier.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I will walk as far as to the village," said he, in his gruff,
+autocratic way. "I have a word or two for you at parting."</p>
+
+<p>Throwing back a somewhat pallid smile to my people, tearfully waving
+their adieus, I turned my horse out of the court-yard, followed by
+Nicolas on the mule, and soon emerging from the avenue, was upon the
+road. Blaise Tripault strode after me. When I came in front of the inn
+at the end of the village, he called out to stop. I did so, and Blaise,
+coming up to my stirrup, handed me a folded paper and thus addressed me:</p>
+
+<p>"Of course your father has given you all the advice you need. Nobody is
+more competent than he to instruct a young man setting out to see the
+world. His young days were the days of hard knocks, as everybody knows.
+But as I was thinking of your journey, there came into my head an old
+tale a monk told me once&mdash;for, like your father, I was never too much of
+a Huguenot to get what good I might out of any priest or monk the Lord
+chose to send my way. It's a tale that has to do with travelling, and
+that's what made me think of it&mdash;a tale about three maxims that some
+wise person once gave a Roman emperor who was going on a journey. I half
+forget the tale itself, for it isn't much of a tale; but the maxims I
+remembered, because I had had experience enough to realize their value.
+I've written them out for you there: and if you get them by heart, and
+never lose sight of them, you'll perhaps save yourself much repentance."</p>
+
+<p>He then bade me good-bye, and the last I saw of him he was entering the
+inn to drink to my good fortune.</p>
+
+<p>When I had got clear of the village, I unfolded Blaise's paper and read
+the maxims:</p>
+
+<p>1. "<i>Never undertake a thing unless you can see your way to the end of
+it.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>2. "<i>Never sleep in a house where the master is old and the wife
+young.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>3. "<i>Never leave a highway for a byway.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Very good counsel, thought I, and worth bearing in mind. It was true, my
+very journey itself was, as to its foolhardy purpose, a violation of the
+first maxim. But that could not be helped now, and I could at least heed
+that piece of advice, as well as the others, in the details of my
+mission. When I thought of that mission, I felt both foolish and
+heavy-hearted. I had not the faintest idea yet of how I should go about
+encountering Brignan de Brignan and getting into a quarrel with him, and
+I had great misgivings as to how I should be able to conduct myself in
+that quarrel, and as to its outcome. Certainly no man ever took the road
+on a more incredible, frivolous quest. Of all the people travelling my
+way, that June morning, T was probably one of the most thoughtful and
+judiciously-minded; yet of every one but myself the business in being
+abroad was sober and reasonable, while mine was utterly ridiculous and
+silly. And the girl whose banter had driven me to it&mdash;perhaps she had
+attached no seriousness whatever to my petulant vow and had even now
+forgotten it. With these reflections were mingled the pangs of parting
+from my home and family; and for a time I was downcast and sad.</p>
+
+<p>But the day was fine. Presently my thoughts, which at first had flown
+back to all I had left behind, began to concern themselves with the
+scenes around me; then they flew ahead to the place whither I was
+bound:&mdash;this is usually the way on journeys. At least, thought I, I
+should see life, and perchance meet dangers, and so far be the gainer.
+And who knows but I might even come with credit out of the affair with
+Monsieur de Brignan?&mdash;it is a world of strange turnings, and the upshot
+is always more or less different from what has been predicted. So I took
+heart, and already I began to feel I was not exactly the pale scholar of
+yesterday. It was something to be my own master, on horseback and
+well-armed, my eyes ranging the wide and open country, green and brown
+in the sunlight, dotted here and there with trees, sometimes traversed
+by a stream, and often backed by woods of darker green, which seemed to
+hold secrets dangerous and luring.</p>
+
+<p>Riding gave me a great appetite, and I was fortunate in coming upon an
+inn at Durtal whose table was worthy of my capacity. After dinner, we
+took the road again and proceeded at an easy pace toward La Fl&egrave;che.</p>
+
+<p>Toward the middle of the afternoon a vague uneasiness stole over me, as
+if some tragic circumstance lay waiting on the path&mdash;to me
+unknown&mdash;ahead.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>A YOUNG MAN WHO WENT SINGING</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was about five o'clock when we rode into La Fl&egrave;che, and the feeling
+of ill foreboding still possessed me. Partly considering this, and
+partly as it was improbable I should find the best accommodations
+anywhere else short of Le Mans, I decided to put up here for the night.
+As I rode into the central square of the town, I saw an inn there: it
+had a prosperous and honest look, so I said, "This is the place for my
+money," and made for it. The square was empty and silent when I entered
+it, but just as I reached the archway of the inn, I heard a voice
+singing, whereupon I looked around and saw a young man riding into the
+square from another street than that I had come from. He was followed by
+a servant on horseback, and was bound for the same inn. It seems strange
+in the telling, that a gentleman should ride singing into a public
+square, as if he were a mountebank or street-singer, yet it appeared
+quite natural as this young fellow did it. The song was something about
+brave soldiers and the smiles of ladies&mdash;just such a gay song as so
+handsome a young cavalier ought to sing. I looked at him a moment, then
+rode on into the inn-yard. This little act, done in all thoughtlessness,
+and with perfect right, was the cause of momentous things in my life. If
+I had waited to greet that young gentleman at the archway, I believe my
+history would have gone very differently. As it was, I am convinced that
+my carelessly dropping him from my regard, as if he were a person of no
+interest, was the beginning of what grew between us. For, as he rode in
+while I was dismounting, he threw at me a look of resentment for which
+there was nothing to account but the possible wound to his vanity. His
+countenance, symmetrically and somewhat boldly formed, showed great
+self-esteem and a fondness for attention. His singing had suddenly
+stopped. I could feel his anger, which was probably the greater for
+having no real cause, I having been under no obligation to notice him or
+offer him precedence.</p>
+
+<p>He called loudly for an ostler, and, when one came out of the stables,
+he coolly gave his orders without waiting for me, though I had been
+first in the yard. He bade his own servant see their horses well fed,
+and then made for the inn-door, casting a scornful glance at me, and
+resuming his song in a lower voice. It was now my turn to be angry, and
+justly, but I kept silence. I knew not exactly how to take this sort of
+demonstration: whether it was a usual thing among travellers and to be
+paid back only in kind, or whether for the sake of my reputation I ought
+to treat it as a serious affront. It is, of course, childish to take
+offence at a trifle. In my ignorance of what the world expects of a man
+upon receipt of hostile and disparaging looks, I could only act as one
+always must who cannot make up his mind&mdash;do nothing. After seeing my
+horse and mule attended to, I bade Nicolas follow with the baggage, and
+entered the inn.</p>
+
+<p>The landlord was talking with my young singing gentleman, but made to
+approach me as I came in. The young gentleman, however, speaking in a
+peremptory manner, detained him with questions about the roads, the town
+of La Fl&egrave;che, and such matters. As I advanced, the young gentleman got
+between me and the host, and continued his talk. I waited awkwardly
+enough for the landlord's attention, and began to feel hot within. A
+wench now placed on a table some wine that the young man had ordered,
+and the landlord finally got rid of him by directing his attention to
+it. As he went to sit down, he bestowed on me the faintest smile of
+ridicule. I was too busy to think much of it at the moment, in ordering
+a room for the night and sending Nicolas thither with my bag. I then
+called for supper and sat down as far as possible from the other guest.
+He and I were the only occupants of the room, but from the kitchen
+adjoining came the noise of a number of the commonalty at food and
+drink.</p>
+
+<p>"Always politeness," thought I, when my wine had come, and so, in spite
+of his rudeness and his own neglect of the courtesy, as I raised my
+glass I said to him, "Your health, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>He turned red at the reproach implied in my observance, then very
+reluctantly lifted his own glass and said, "And yours," in a surly,
+grudging manner.</p>
+
+<p>"It has been a pleasant day," I went on, resolved not to be churlish, at
+all hazards.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think so?" he replied contemptuously, and then turned to look
+out of the window, and hummed the tune he had been singing before.</p>
+
+<p>I thought if such were the companions my journey was to throw me in
+with, it would be a sorry time till I got home again. But my young
+gentleman, for all his temporary sullenness, was really of a talkative
+nature, as these vain young fellows are apt to be, and when he had
+warmed himself a little with wine even his dislike of me could not
+restrain his tongue any longer.</p>
+
+<p>"You are staying here to-night, then?" he suddenly asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall ride on after supper. There will be starlight."</p>
+
+<p>"I have used my horse enough to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"And I mine, for that matter. But there are times when horses can't be
+considered."</p>
+
+<p>"You are travelling on important business, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"On business of haste. I must put ground behind me."</p>
+
+<p>"I drink to the success of your business, then."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, I am always successful. There is another toast, that should
+have first place. The ladies, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"With all my heart."</p>
+
+<p>"That's a toast I never permit myself to defer. Mon dieu, I owe them
+favours enough!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are fortunate," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't complain. And you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Even if I were fortunate in that respect, I shouldn't boast of it."</p>
+
+<p>He coloured; but laughed shortly, and said, "It's not boasting to tell
+the mere truth."</p>
+
+<p>"I was thinking of myself, not of you, Monsieur." This was true enough.</p>
+
+<p>"I can readily believe you've had no great luck that way," he said
+spitefully, pretending to take stock of my looks. I knew his remark was
+sheer malice, for my appearance was good enough&mdash;well-figured and
+slender, with a pleasant, thoughtful face.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us talk of something else," I answered coldly, though I was far
+from cool in reality.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. What do you think of the last conspiracy?"</p>
+
+<p>"That it was very rash and utterly without reason. We have the best king
+France ever knew."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, long live Henri IV.! They say there are still some of the
+malcontents to be gathered in. Have you heard of any fresh arrests?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing within two weeks. I don't understand how these affairs can
+possibly arise, after that of Biron. Men must be complete fools."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, there are always malcontents who still count on Spain, and some
+think even the League may be revived."</p>
+
+<p>"But why should they not be contented? I can't imagine any grievances."</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, my child, where have you been hiding yourself? Don't you know
+the talk? Do you suppose everybody is pleased with this Dutch alliance?
+And the way in which the King's old Huguenot comrades are again to be
+seen around him?"</p>
+
+<p>"And why not? Through everything, the King's heart has always been with
+the protestants."</p>
+
+<p>"Oho! So you are one of the psalm-singers, then?" His insulting tone and
+jeering smile were intolerable.</p>
+
+<p>"I have sung no psalms here, at least," I replied trembling with anger;
+"or anything else, to annoy the ears of my neighbours."</p>
+
+<p>"So you don't like my singing?" he cried, turning red again.</p>
+
+<p>I had truly rather admired it, but I said, "I have heard better."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed? But how should you know. For your education in taste, I may
+tell you that good judges have thought well of my singing."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, brag of it, as you do of your success with the ladies."</p>
+
+<p>He stared at me in amazement, then cried. "Death of my life, young
+fellow!&mdash;" But at that instant his servant brought in his supper, and he
+went no further. My own meal was before me a minute later, and we both
+devoted ourselves in angry silence to our food. I was still full of
+resentment at his obtrusive scorn of myself and my religious party, and
+I could see that he felt himself mightily outraged at my retorts. From
+the rapid, heedless way in which he ate, I fancied his mind was busy
+with all sorts of revenge upon me.</p>
+
+<p>When he had finished, at the same time as I did, and our servants had
+gone to eat their supper in the kitchen, he leaned against the wall, and
+said, "I am going to sing, Monsieur, whether it pleases you or not." And
+forthwith he began to do so.</p>
+
+<p>My answer was to put on a look of pain, and walk hastily from the room,
+as if the torture to my ears were too great for endurance.</p>
+
+<p>I was not half-way across the court-yard before I heard him at my heels
+though not singing.</p>
+
+<p>"My friend," said he, as I turned around, "I don't know where you were
+bred, but you should know this: it's not good manners to break from a
+gentleman's company so unceremoniously."</p>
+
+<p>It occurred to me that because I had taken his insults from the first,
+through not knowing how much a sensible man should bear, he thought he
+might safely hector me to the full satisfaction of his hurt vanity.</p>
+
+<p>"So you do know something of good manners, after all?" I replied. "I
+congratulate you."</p>
+
+<p>His eyes flashed new wrath, but before he knew how to answer, and while
+we were glaring at each other like two cocks, though at some distance
+apart, out came Nicolas from the kitchen to ask if I wished my cloak
+brought down, which he had taken up with the bag. In his rustic
+innocence he stepped between my nagging gentleman and myself. The
+gentleman at this ran forward in an access of rage, and threw Nicolas
+aside, saying, "Out of the way, knave! You're as great a clown as your
+master."</p>
+
+<p>"Hands off! How dare you?" I cried, clapping my hand to my sword.</p>
+
+<p>"If you come a step nearer, I'll kill you!" he replied, grasping his own
+hilt.</p>
+
+<p>I sent a swift glance around. There was no witness but Nicolas. Yet a
+scuffle would draw people in ten seconds. Even at that moment, with my
+heart beating madly, I thought of the edict against duelling: so I said,
+as calmly as I could:</p>
+
+<p>"If you dare draw that sword, I see trees beyond that gateway&mdash;a garden
+or something. It will be quieter there." I pointed to a narrow exit at
+the rear of the yard.</p>
+
+<p>"I will show you whom you're dealing with, my lad!" he said,
+breathlessly, and made at once for the gate. I followed. I could see now
+that, though a bully, he was not a coward, and the discovery fell upon
+me with a sense of how grave a matter I had been drawn into.</p>
+
+<p>At the gate I looked around, and saw Nicolas following, his eyes wide
+with alarm. "Stay where you are, and not a word to anybody," I ordered,
+and closed the gate after me. My adversary led the way across a
+neglected garden, and out through a postern in a large wall, to where
+there was a thicker growth of trees. We passed among these to a little
+open space near the river, from which it was partly veiled by a tangled
+mass of bushes. The unworn state of the green sward showed that this was
+a spot little visited by the townspeople.</p>
+
+<p>"We have stumbled on the right place," said the young gentleman, with an
+assumption of coolness. "It's a pity the thing can't be done properly,
+with seconds and all that." And he proceeded to take off his doublet.</p>
+
+<p>I was sobered by the time spent in walking to the place, so I said,
+"It's not too late. Monsieur, if you are willing to apologize."</p>
+
+<p>"I apologize! Death of my life! You pile insult on insult."</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you, it is you who have been the insulter."</p>
+
+<p>He laughed in a way that revived my heat, and asked, "Swords alone, or
+swords and daggers?"</p>
+
+<p>"As you please." By this time I had cast off my own doublet.</p>
+
+<p>"Rapiers and daggers, then," he said, and flung away his scabbard and
+sheath. I saw the flash of my own weapons a moment later, and ere I had
+time for a second thought on the seriousness of this event&mdash;my first
+fight in earnest&mdash;he was keeping me busy to parry his point and watch
+his dagger at the same time. I was half-surprised at my own success in
+turning away his blade, but after I had guarded myself from three or
+four thrusts, I took to mind that offence is the best defence, and
+ventured a lunge, which he stopped with his dagger only in the nick of
+time to save his breast. His look of being almost caught gave me
+encouragement, making me realize I had received good enough lessons from
+my father and Blaise Tripault to enable me to practise with confidence.
+So I pushed the attack, but never lost control of myself nor became
+reckless. It was an inspiriting revelation to me to find that I could
+indeed use my head intelligently, and command my motions so well, at a
+time of such excitement. We grew hot, perspired, breathed fast and loud,
+kept our muscles tense, and held each other with glittering eyes as we
+moved about on firm but springy feet. We must have fought very swiftly,
+for the ring of the steel sounded afterward in my ears as if it had been
+almost continuous. How long we kept it up, I do not exactly know. We
+came to panting more deeply, and I felt a little tired, and once or
+twice a mist was before my eyes. At last he gave me a great start by
+running his point through my shirt sleeve above the elbow. Feeling
+myself so nearly stung, I instinctively made a long swift thrust: up
+went his dagger, but too late: my blade passed clear of it, sank into
+his left breast. He gave a sharp little cry, and fell, and the hole I
+had made in his shirt was quickly circled with crimson.</p>
+
+<p>"Victory!" thought I, with an exultant sense of prowess. I had fleshed
+my sword and brought low my man! But, as I looked down at him and he lay
+perfectly still, another feeling arose. I knelt and felt for his heart:
+my new fear was realized. With bitter regret I gazed at him. All the
+anger and scorn had gone out of his face: it was now merely the handsome
+boyish face of a youth like myself, expressing only a manly pride and
+the pain and surprise of his last moment. It was horrible to think that
+I had stopped this life for ever, reduced this energy and beauty to
+eternal silence and nothingness. A weakness overwhelmed me, a profound
+pity and self-reproach.</p>
+
+<p>I heard a low ejaculation behind me, which made me start. But I saw it
+was only Nicolas, who, in spite of my orders, had stolen after me, in
+terror of what might happen.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, heaven!" he groaned, as he stared with pale face and scared eyes at
+the prostrate form. "You have killed him, Monsieur Henri."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. It is a great pity. After all, he merely thought a little too well
+of himself and was a little inconsiderate of other people's feelings.
+But who is not so, more or less? Poor young man!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but think of us, Monsieur Henri&mdash;think of yourself, I mean! We had
+better be going, or you will have to answer for this."</p>
+
+<p>"That is so. We must settle with the landlord and get away from this
+town before this gentleman is missed."</p>
+
+<p>"And alas! you arranged to stay all night. The landlord will be sure to
+smell something. Come, I beg of you: there's not a moment to lose. Think
+what there's to do&mdash;the bag to fetch down, the horse and mule to saddle.
+We shall be lucky if the officers aren't after us before we're out of
+the town."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right.&mdash;Poor young man! At least I will cover his face with his
+doublet before I go."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do that, Monsieur. You put on your own doublet, and save time."</p>
+
+<p>I did so. As Nicolas ran past me with the slain man's doublet, something
+fell out of the pocket of it. This proved to be a folded piece of paper,
+like a letter, but with no name outside. I picked it up. Fancying it
+might give a clue to my victim's identity, and as the seal was broken, I
+opened it. There was some writing, in the hand of a woman,&mdash;two lines
+only:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>For heaven's sake and pity's, come to me at once. My life and honour
+depend on you alone.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>As the missive was without address, so was it without signature. It must
+have been delivered by some confidential messenger who knew the
+recipient, and yet by whom a verbal message was either not thought
+expedient, or required to be confirmed by the written appeal. The
+recipient must be familiar with the sender's handwriting. The note
+looked fresh and clean, and therefore must have been very lately
+received.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Monsieur Henri," called Nicolas, breaking in upon my whirling
+thoughts. "Why do you wait?&mdash;What is the matter? What do you see on that
+paper?"</p>
+
+<p>"And this," I answered, though of course Nicolas could not understand
+me, "is the business he was on! This is why he had need to put ground
+behind him. He was going on to-night. He must have stopped only to
+refresh his horses."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, certainly, but what of that? What has his business to do with us?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have prevented his carrying it out. My God!&mdash;a woman's life and
+honour&mdash;a woman who relies on him&mdash;and now she will wait for him in
+vain! At this very moment she may be counting the hours till he should
+arrive!&mdash;What have I done?"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a name="illus2" id="illus2"></a>
+<img src="images/illus2.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>"'AND NOW SHE WILL WAIT FOR HIM IN VAIN!'"</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p>"You, Monsieur? It's not your fault if he chose to get into a quarrel
+with you. He must have valued his business highly if he dared risk it in
+a fight."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course he thought from my manner that he could have his own way with
+me. There would be no loss of time&mdash;his horses needed rest, for greater
+speed in the long run. He knew what he was about&mdash;there's no doubt of
+his haste. 'Come to me at once. My life and honour depend on you alone.'
+And while she waits and trusts, I step in and cut off her only
+hope!&mdash;not this poor young fellow's life alone, but hers also, Nicolas!
+It mustn't be so&mdash;not if I can any way help it. I see now what I am
+called upon to do."</p>
+
+<p>"What is that, Monsieur Henri?" asked Nicolas despairingly.</p>
+
+<p>"To carry out this gentleman's task which I have interrupted&mdash;to go in
+his stead to the assistance of this lady, whoever and wherever she may
+be!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>WHERE THE LADY WAS</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Very well, Monsieur," said Nicolas after a pause, in a tone which meant
+anything but very well. "But first you will have enough to do to save
+yourself. This gentleman will soon be missed. He was in haste to go on,
+as you say. His servant will be wondering why he delays, and the
+landlord will become curious about his bill."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but I must think a moment. Where is this poor lady? Who is the
+gentleman? There may be another letter&mdash;a clue of some sort."</p>
+
+<p>I hurriedly examined the young man's pockets, but found nothing written.
+His purse I thought best to leave where it was: to whom, indeed, could I
+entrust it with any chance of its being more honestly dealt with than by
+those who should find the body? The innkeeper and the gentleman's
+servant, with their claims for payment, would see to that. But I kept
+the lady's note.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said I, "I must have a talk with the valet. I must find out
+where this gentleman was going, for that must be the place where the
+lady is."</p>
+
+<p>"But the valet doesn't know where the gentleman was going. He was
+talking to me about that in the stables."</p>
+
+<p>"That's very strange&mdash;not to know his master's destination."</p>
+
+<p>"He knows very little of his master's affairs: he was hired only
+yesterday, at Sabl&eacute;. The gentleman was staying at the inn there.
+Yesterday he engaged this man, and said he was going to travel on at the
+end of the week. But this morning he suddenly made up his mind to start
+at once, and came off without saying where he was bound for. Until I
+told him, the man didn't know that the name of this town was La Fl&egrave;che."</p>
+
+<p>"And what else did he tell you?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's all. He was only grumbling about having to come away so
+unexpectedly, and being so in the dark about his master's plans."</p>
+
+<p>"You're sure he didn't say what caused his master to change his mind and
+start at once?"</p>
+
+<p>"He said nothing more, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he mention his master's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, we didn't get as far as that. It was only his desire to complain to
+somebody, that made him speak to me; and I was too busy with the horses
+to say much in reply."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you didn't give my name&mdash;to him or any one else here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not to a soul, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"That's fortunate. Well, we must be attending to our business. I will
+pay the landlord, and give him some reason for riding on. While you are
+getting the animals ready, I will try to sound this valet a little
+deeper. Come."</p>
+
+<p>Without another look behind, we hastened back to the inn.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a fine evening," said I to the landlord, "and that gentleman I saw
+here awhile ago has given me the notion of riding on while the air is
+cool." I spoke as steadily as I could, and I suppose if the landlord
+detected any want of ease he put it down to the embarrassment of
+announcing a change of mind. In any case, he was not slow to compute the
+reckoning, nor I to pay it. Then, after seeing my bag and cloak brought
+down, I went in search of the young gentleman's valet. I found him in
+the kitchen, half way through a bottle of wine.</p>
+
+<p>"Your master has not yet ridden on, then?" said I, dropping carelessly
+on the bench opposite him.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur," he replied unsuspectingly. He seemed more like a country
+groom than a gentleman's body servant.</p>
+
+<p>"I have decided to go on this evening, in imitation of him," I
+continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Then your servant had better come back and finish his supper. It's
+getting cold yonder. Just as he was going to begin eating, he thought of
+something, and went out, and hasn't returned yet."</p>
+
+<p>It was, alas, true. In my excitement I had forgotten all about Nicolas's
+supper, which he had left in order to see if I wanted my cloak for the
+cool of the evening.</p>
+
+<p>"I sent him on an errand," I replied. "He shall sup doubly well later.
+As I was about to say, your master&mdash;by the way, if I knew his name I
+could mention him properly: we have so far neglected to give each other
+our names."</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur de Merri is my master's name, as far as I know it. I have been
+with him only since yesterday." He spoke in a somewhat disgruntled way,
+as if not too well satisfied with his new place.</p>
+
+<p>"So I have heard." I said. "And it seems you were hustled off rather
+sooner than you expected, this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"My master did change his mind suddenly. Yesterday he said he wouldn't
+leave Sabl&eacute; till the end of the week."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but of course when he received the letter&mdash;" I stopped, as if not
+thinking worth while to finish, and idly scrutinized the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"What letter, Monsieur?" inquired the fellow, after a moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the letter that made him change his mind. Didn't you see the
+messenger?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, and did that man bring a letter, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. How secretive your master is. The man from&mdash;from&mdash;where
+<i>did</i> he come from, anyhow?"</p>
+
+<p>"A man came to see my master at Sabl&eacute; early this morning&mdash;the only man I
+know of. I heard him say that he had ridden all the way from Montoire,
+following my master from one town to another."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that is the man, certainly," said I in as careless a manner as
+possible, fearful lest my face should betray the interest of this
+revelation to me. "Well, I think I will go and see what has become of my
+servant. When you have finished that bottle, drink another to me." I
+tossed him a silver piece, and sauntered out. Nicolas was fastening the
+saddle girth of my horse in the yard. An ostler was attending to the
+mule. The innkeeper was looking on. I asked him about the different
+roads leading from the place, and by the time I had got this information
+all was ready. We mounted, I replied to the landlord's adieu, threw a
+coin to the ostler, and clattered out under the archway. From the square
+I turned South to cross the Loir, passing not far from the place where,
+surrounded by trees and bushes, the body of my adversary must still be
+lying.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor young man!" said I. "Once we get safe off, I hope they will find
+him soon."</p>
+
+<p>"They will soon be seeking him, at least," replied Nicolas. "Before you
+came out of the kitchen, the landlord was wondering to the ostler what
+had become of him."</p>
+
+<p>"As he was to ride on at once, his absence will appear strange. Well,
+I'm not sorry to think he will be found before he lies long exposed. The
+authorities, no doubt, will take all measures to find out who he is and
+notify his people."</p>
+
+<p>"And to find the person who left him in that state," said Nicolas
+fearfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I have a start, and shall travel as fast as my horse can safely
+carry me."</p>
+
+<p>"But wherever you go, Monsieur, the law will in time come up with you."</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought of that; and now listen. This is what you are to do. We
+shall come very soon to a meeting of roads. You will there turn to the
+right&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"And leave you, Monsieur Henri?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it is necessary for my safety."</p>
+
+<p>"And you will go on to Paris alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not going to Paris immediately&mdash;at least, I shall not go by way of
+Le Mans and Chartres, as I had intended. We have already turned our
+backs on that road, when we left the square in front of the inn. I shall
+go by way of Vendome." Montoire&mdash;where the letter had evidently come
+from and where therefore the lady probably was&mdash;lay on the road to
+Vendome.</p>
+
+<p>"And I, Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are to go back to La Tournoire, but not by the way we have come
+over. This road to the right that you will soon take leads first to
+Jarz&eacute;, and there you will find a road to the West which will bring you
+to our own highway not two leagues from home." I repeated these
+directions as we left La Fl&egrave;che behind us, till they seemed firmly
+lodged in Nicolas's head. "I don't know how long it will take you to do
+this journey," I added, "nor even when you may expect to reach Jarz&eacute;.
+You mustn't overdo either the mule or yourself. Stop at the first
+country inn and get something to eat, before it is too late at night to
+be served. Go on to-night as far as you think wise. It may be best, or
+necessary, to sleep in some field or wood, not too near the road, as I
+shall probably do toward the end of the night."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall certainly do that, Monsieur. It is a fine night."</p>
+
+<p>"When you get to La Tournoire, you are to tell my father that I am going
+on without an attendant, but by way of Vendome. You needn't say anything
+about what you suppose my purpose to be: you needn't repeat what you
+heard me say about that lady, or the letter: you aren't to mention the
+lady or the letter at all."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand, Monsieur Henri; but I do hope you will keep out of other
+people's troubles. You have enough of your own now, over this unlucky
+duel."</p>
+
+<p>"It's to get me out of that trouble that you are going home. Give my
+father a full account of the duel. Tell him the gentleman insulted my
+religion as well as myself; that he tried my patience beyond endurance.
+My father will understand, I trust. And say that I shall leave it to him
+to solicit my pardon of the King. I know he would prefer I should place
+the matter all in his hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, to be sure, Monsieur Henri. And of course to a gentleman who has
+served him so well, the King can't refuse anything."</p>
+
+<p>"He is scarce likely to refuse him that favour, at any rate. My father
+will know just what to do; just whom to make his petition through, and
+all that. Perhaps he will go to Paris himself about it; or he may send
+Blaise Tripault with letters to some of his old friends who are near the
+King. But he will do whatever is best. The pardon will doubtless be
+obtained before I reach Paris, as I am going by this indirect way and
+may stop for awhile in the neighbourhood of Vendome. But I shall
+eventually turn up at the inn we were bound for, in the Rue St. Honor&eacute;."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur, and may God land you there safe and sound!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell my father that the only name by which I know my antagonist is
+Monsieur de Merri. Perhaps he belonged to Montoire; at any rate, he was
+acquainted there."</p>
+
+<p>We soon reached the place where the roads diverge. I took over my
+travelling bag and cloak from Nicolas's mule to my horse, hastily
+repeated my directions in summary form, supplied him with money, and
+showed him his road, he very disconsolate at parting, and myself little
+less so. As night was falling, and so much uncertainty lay over my
+immediate future, the trial of our spirits was the greater. However, as
+soon as he was moving on his way, I turned my horse forward on mine, and
+tried, by admiring the stars, to soften the sense of my loneliness and
+danger.</p>
+
+<p>I began to forget the peril of my present situation by thinking of the
+affair I had undertaken. In the first place, how to find the lady? All I
+knew of her was that she was probably at Montoire, that she had been
+associated in some way with Monsieur de Merri, and that she now thought
+herself in imminent danger. And I had in my possession a piece of her
+handwriting, which, however, I should have to use very cautiously if at
+all. There was, indeed, little to start with toward the task of finding
+her out, but, as Montoire could not be a large place, I need not
+despair. I would first, I thought, inquire about Monsieur de Merri and
+what ladies were of his acquaintance. If Monsieur de Merri himself was
+of Montoire, and had people living there, my presence would be a great
+risk. I could not know how soon the news of his death might reach them
+after my own arrival at the place, nor how close a description would be
+given of his slayer&mdash;for there was little doubt that the innkeeper would
+infer the true state of affairs on the discovery of the body. The dead
+man's people would be clamorous for justice and the officers would be on
+their mettle. Even if I might otherwise tarry in Montoire unsuspected,
+my insinuating myself into the acquaintance of one of Monsieur de
+Merri's friends would in itself be a suspicious move. The more I
+considered the whole affair, the more foolish seemed my chosen course.
+And yet I could not bear to think of that unknown lady in such great
+fear, with perhaps none to aid her: though, indeed, since none but
+Monsieur de Merri could save her honour and life, how could I do so?
+Well, I could offer my services, at least; perhaps she meant she had
+nobody else on whose willingness she could count; perhaps she really
+could make as good use of me as of him. But on what pretext could I
+offer myself? How could I account to her for my knowledge of her affairs
+and for Monsieur de Merri's inability to come to her? To present myself
+as his slayer would not very well recommend my services to her. Would
+she, indeed, on any account accept my services? And even if she did, was
+I clever enough to get her out of the situation she was in, whatever
+that might be? Truly the whole case was a cloud. Well, I must take each
+particular by itself as I came to it; be guided by circumstance, and
+proceed with delicacy. The first thing to do was to find out who the
+lady was; and even that could not be done till I got to Montoire, which,
+being near Vendome, must be at least two days' journey from La Fl&egrave;che.</p>
+
+<p>As I thought how much in the dark was the business I had taken on
+myself, my mind suddenly reverted to the first of the monk's three
+maxims that Blaise Tripault had given me, which now lay folded in my
+pocket, close to the lady's note.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Never undertake a thing unless you can see your way to the end of
+it.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>I could not help smiling to think how soon chance had led me to violate
+this excellent rule. But I am not likely to be confronted again by such
+circumstances, thought I, and this affair once seen through, I shall be
+careful; while the other maxims, being more particular, are easier to
+obey, and obey them I certainly will.</p>
+
+<p>I rode on till near midnight, and then, for the sake of the horse as
+well as the rider, I turned out of the road at a little stream,
+unsaddled among some poplar trees, and lay down, with my travelling bag
+for pillow, and my cloak for bed and blanket. The horse, left to his
+will, chose to lie near me; and so, in well-earned sleep, we passed the
+rest of the night.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, when we were on the road again, I decided to exchange
+talk with as many travellers as possible who were going my way, in the
+hope of falling in with one who knew Montoire. At a distance from the
+place, I might more safely be inquisitive about Monsieur de Merri and
+his friendships than at Montoire itself. The news of what had happened
+at La Fl&egrave;che would not have come along the road any sooner than I had
+done, except by somebody who had travelled by night and had passed me
+while I slept. In the unlikelihood of there being such a person, I could
+speak of Monsieur de Merri without much danger of suspicion. But even if
+there was such a person, and the news had got ahead, nobody could be
+confident in suspecting me. I was not the only young gentleman of my
+appearance, mounted on a horse like mine, to be met on the roads that
+day. And besides, I was no longer attended by a servant on a mule, as I
+had been at La Fl&egrave;che. So I determined to act with all freedom, accost
+whom I chose, and speak boldly.</p>
+
+<p>Passing early through Le Lude, I breakfasted at last, and talked with
+various travellers, both on the road and at the inn there, but none of
+them showed any such interest, when I casually introduced the name of
+Montoire, as a dweller of that place must have betrayed. To bring in the
+name of the town was easy enough. As thus:&mdash;in the neighbourhood of Le
+Lude one had only to mention the fine chateau there, and after admiring
+it, to add: "They say there is one very like it, at some other town
+along this river&mdash;I forget which&mdash;is it Montoire?&mdash;or La Chartre?&mdash;I
+have never travelled this road before." A man of Montoire, or who knew
+that town well, would have answered with certainty, and have added
+something to show his acquaintance there. The chateau of Le Lude served
+me in this manner all the way to Vaas, where there is a great church,
+which answered my purpose thence to Chateau du Loir. But though I threw
+out my conversational bait to dozens of people, of all conditions, not
+one bite did I get anywhere on the road between Le Lude and La Chartre.</p>
+
+<p>It was evening when I arrived at La Chartre, and I was now thirteen
+leagues from La Fl&egrave;che, thanks to having journeyed half the previous
+night. Anybody having left La Fl&egrave;che that morning would be satisfied
+with a day's journey of nine leagues to Chateau du Loir, the last
+convenient stopping-place before La Chartre. So I decided to stay at La
+Chartre for the night, and give my horse the rest he needed.</p>
+
+<p>At the inn I talked to everybody I could lay hold of, dragging in the
+name of Montoire, all to no purpose, until I began to think the
+inhabitants of Montoire must be the most stay-at-home people, and their
+town the most unvisited town, in the world. In this manner, in the
+kitchen after supper, I asked a fat bourgeois whether the better place
+for me to break my next day's journey for dinner would be Troo or
+Montoire.</p>
+
+<p>"I know no better than you," he replied with a shrug.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon, Monsieur; I think you will find the better inn at Montoire,"
+put in a voice behind my shoulder. I turned and saw, seated on a stool
+with his back to the wall, a bright-looking, well-made young fellow who
+might, from his dress, have been a lawyer's clerk, or the son of a
+tradesman, but with rather a more out-of-doors appearance than is
+usually acquired in an office or shop.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," said I, "you know those towns, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"I live at Montoire," said he, interestedly, as if glad to get into
+conversation. "There is a fine public square there, you will see."</p>
+
+<p>"But it is rather a long ride before dinner, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only about five leagues. I shall ride there for dinner to-morrow, at
+all events."</p>
+
+<p>"You are returning home, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you been far away?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is as one may think," he replied after a moment's hesitation,
+during which he seemed to decide it best to evade the question. His
+travels were none of my business, and I cared not how secretive he might
+be upon them. But to teach him a lesson in openness, I said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have travelled from Le Lude to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"And I too," said he, with his former interest.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't see you at the inn there," said I. "You must have left early
+this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, after arriving late last night. Yesterday evening I was at La
+Fl&egrave;che."</p>
+
+<p>I gave an inward start; but said quietly enough: "Ah?&mdash;and yet you talk
+as if you had slept at Le Lude."</p>
+
+<p>"So I did. I travelled part of the night."</p>
+
+<p>"And arrived at Le Lude before midnight, perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, a little before. Luckily, the innkeeper happened to be up, and he
+let me in."</p>
+
+<p>I breathed more freely. This young man must have left La Fl&egrave;che before I
+had: he could know nothing of the man slain.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a good inn at La Fl&egrave;che," I said, to continue the talk.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt. I stopped only a short while, at a small house at the edge of
+the town. I was in some haste."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will be starting early to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>I resolved to be watchful and start at the same time. But lest he should
+have other company, or something should interfere, I decided not to lose
+the present opportunity. So I began forthwith:</p>
+
+<p>"I have met a gentleman who comes, I think, from Montoire, or at least
+is acquainted there,&mdash;a Monsieur de Merri, of about my own age."</p>
+
+<p>The young fellow looked at me with a sudden sharpness of curiosity,
+which took me back: but I did not change countenance, and he had
+repossessed himself by the time he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"There is a Monsieur de Merri, who is about as old as you, but he does
+not live at Montoire. He sometimes comes there."</p>
+
+<p>Here was comfort, at least: I should not find myself among the dead
+man's relations, seeking vengeance.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt he has friends there?" I ventured.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt, Monsieur," answered the young man, merely out of politeness,
+and looking vague.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably he visits people in the neighbourhood," I tried again.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot say," was the reply, still more absently given.</p>
+
+<p>"Or lives at the inn," I pursued.</p>
+
+<p>"It may be so." The young fellow was now glancing about the kitchen, as
+if to rid himself of this talk.</p>
+
+<p>"Or perhaps he dwells in private lodgings when he is at Montoire," I
+went on resolutely.</p>
+
+<p>"It might well be. There are private lodgings to be had there."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know much of this Monsieur de Merri?" I asked pointblank, in
+desperation.</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen him two or three times."</p>
+
+<p>"Where?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where? At Montoire, of course." The speaker, in surprise, scrutinized
+me again with the keen look he had shown before.</p>
+
+<p>It was plain, from his manner, that he chose to be close-mouthed on the
+subject of Monsieur de Merri. He was one of those people who generally
+have a desire to talk of themselves and all their affairs, but who can
+be suddenly very secretive on some particular matter or occasion. I saw
+that I must give him up, for that time at least. Perhaps on the road
+next day his unwillingness to be communicative about Monsieur de Merri
+would have passed away. But meanwhile, what was the cause of that
+unwillingness? Did he know, after all, what had occurred at La Fl&egrave;che,
+and had he begun to suspect me? I inwardly cursed his reticence, and
+went soon to bed, that I might rise the earlier.</p>
+
+<p>But early as I rose, my young friend had beaten me. The ostler to whom I
+described him said he had ridden off half-an-hour ago. In no very
+amiable mood, I rode after him. Not till the forenoon was half spent,
+did I catch up. He saluted me politely, and gave me his views of the
+weather, but was not otherwise talkative. We rode together pleasantly
+enough, but there was no more of that openness in him which would have
+made me feel safe in resuming the subject of Monsieur de Merri. As we
+approached noon and our destination, I asked him about the different
+families of consequence living thereabouts, and he mentioned several
+names and circumstances, but told me nothing from which I could infer
+the possibility of danger to any of their ladies. It was toward mid-day
+when we rode into the great square of Montoire, and found ourselves
+before the inn of the Three Kings.</p>
+
+<p>I turned to take leave of my travelling companion, thinking that as he
+belonged to this town he would go on to his own house.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to stop here for a glass of wine and to leave my horse
+awhile," he said, noticing my movement.</p>
+
+<p>He followed me through the archway. A stout innkeeper welcomed me, saw
+me dismount, and then turned to my young fellow-traveller, speaking with
+good-natured familiarity:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, my child, so you are back safe after your journey. Let us see, how
+long have you been away? Since Sunday morning&mdash;four days and a half. I
+might almost guess where you've been, from the time&mdash;for all the secret
+you make of it."</p>
+
+<p>The young man laughed perfunctorily, and led his horse to the stable
+after the ostler who had taken mine.</p>
+
+<p>"A pleasant young man," said I, staying with the landlord. "He lives in
+this town, he tells me."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, an excellent youth. He owns his bit of land, and though his father
+was a miller, his children may come near being gentlemen."</p>
+
+<p>I went into the kitchen, and ordered dinner. Presently my young man
+entered and had his wine, which he poured down quickly. He then bowed to
+me, and went away, like one who wishes to lose no time.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the whole probability of the case appeared to me in a flash.
+Regardless of the wine before me, and of the dinner I had ordered, I
+rose and followed him.</p>
+
+<p>I had put together his reticence about Monsieur de Merri, his having
+been away from Montoire just four and a half days, the direction of his
+journey, and his errand to be done immediately on returning. He must be
+the messenger who had carried the lady's note to Sabl&eacute;, and he was now
+going to report its delivery and, perhaps, Monsieur de Merri's answer.
+If I could dog his steps unseen, he would lead me to the lady who was in
+danger.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>WHO THE LADY WAS</h3>
+
+
+<p>By the time I was in the court-yard, the messenger was walking out of
+the archway. By the time I was at the outer end of the archway, he was
+well on his way toward one of the streets that go from the square. I
+waited in the shelter of the archway till he had got into that
+street&mdash;or road, I should say, for it soon leaves the town, proceeding
+straight in a South-easterly direction for about half a league through
+the country. As soon as he was out of the square, I was after him,
+stepping so lightly I could scarce hear my own footfalls. He walked
+rapidly, and as one who does not think of turning to look behind, a fact
+which I observed with comfort.</p>
+
+<p>If he was indeed the messenger, he must have been content with a very
+short rest for his horse after delivering the note to Monsieur de
+Merri;&mdash;must have started from Sabl&eacute; as soon as, or little later than,
+Monsieur de Merri himself, to be in La Fl&egrave;che on the same evening that
+gentleman arrived there, and to be out of it again before I was, as he
+must have been if he reached Le Lude by midnight. Perhaps he was passing
+through La Fl&egrave;che at the very time the duel was going on; but the sum of
+all was, that he could not know Monsieur de Merri was killed, and this I
+felt to be fortunate for me.</p>
+
+<p>Another thought which I had while following him along the straight white
+road that day, was that if the lady could command the services of this
+able young fellow to bear a message so far, why could she not use him
+directly for the saving of her life and honour? Evidently there was a
+reason why mere zeal and ability would not suffice. Perhaps the
+necessary service was one in which only a gentleman could be accepted.
+But I feared rather that there might be some circumstance to make
+Monsieur de Merri the only possible instrument; and my heart fell at
+this, thinking what I had done. But I hoped for the best, and did not
+lose sight of the young man ahead of me.</p>
+
+<p>After we had walked about twenty minutes, the road crossed a bridge and
+rose to the gates of a chateau which had at one corner a very high old
+tower. In front of the chateau, the road turned off sharply to the left.
+A few small houses constituted such a village as one often sees huddled
+about the feet of great castles. A drawbridge, which I could see between
+the gate towers, indicated that the chateau and its immediate grounds
+were surrounded by a moat. The messenger did not approach the gates, nor
+did he follow the road to its turning. He disappeared down a lane to the
+right.</p>
+
+<p>When I got to the lane, he had already passed out of it at the other
+end. I hastened through, and caught sight of him in the open fields that
+lay along the side wall of the chateau. Near the outer edge of the moat,
+grew tangled bushes, and I noticed that he kept close to these, as if to
+be out of sight from the chateau. At a distance ahead, skirting the rear
+of the chateau enclosure, stretched the green profile of what appeared
+to be a deep forest. It was this which my unconscious guide was
+approaching. I soon reached the bushes by the fosse, and used them for
+my own concealment in following him. When he came to the edge of the
+forest, at a place near a corner of the wall environing the chateau
+grounds, what did he do but stop before the first tree&mdash;a fine oak&mdash;and
+proceed to climb up it? I crouched among the bushes, and looked on.</p>
+
+<p>When he gained the boughs he worked his way out on one that extended
+toward the moat. From that height he could see across the wall. He took
+a slender pole that had been concealed among the branches, tied a
+handkerchief thereto, and ran it out so that the bit of white could be
+seen against the leaves.</p>
+
+<p>"Oho! a signal!" said I to myself.</p>
+
+<p>Keeping the handkerchief in its position, he waited. I know not just
+what part of an hour went by. I listened to the birds and sometimes to
+the soft sound of a gentle breeze among the tree tops of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>At last the handkerchief suddenly disappeared, and my man came quickly
+down the tree. Watching the chateau beyond the walls, he had evidently
+seen the person approach for whom he had hung out his signal. He now
+stood waiting under the tree. My heart beat fast.</p>
+
+<p>I heard a creaking sound, and saw a little postern open in the wall,
+near the tree. A girl appeared, ran nimbly across a plank that spanned
+the moat, and into the arms of my young man.</p>
+
+<p>Could this, then, be the woman whose life and honour was in peril? No,
+for though she had some beauty, I could see at a glance that she was a
+dependent. Moreover, her face shone gaily at sight of the messenger, and
+she gave herself to his embrace with smothered laughter. But a moment
+later, she attended seriously, and with much concern, to what he had to
+say, of which I could hear nothing. I then saw what the case was: this
+was a serving-maid whom the endangered lady had taken into confidence,
+and who had impressed her lover into service to carry that lady's
+message. The lady herself must be in that chateau,&mdash;perhaps a prisoner.
+My first step must be to find out who were the dwellers in the chateau,
+and as much of their affairs as the world could tell me.</p>
+
+<p>The interview between the two young people was not long. It ended in
+another embrace; the girl ran back over the plank, waved her hand at her
+lover, and disappeared, the postern door closing after her. The young
+man, with a last tender look at the door, hastened back as he had come.
+I had to crawl suddenly under some low bushes to avoid his sight, making
+a noise which caused him to stop within six feet of me. But I suppose he
+ascribed the sound to some bird or animal, for he soon went on again.</p>
+
+<p>I lay still for some time, being under no further necessity of observing
+him. I then walked back to the inn at Montoire at a leisurely pace.
+Looking into the stables when I arrived, I saw that the messenger's
+horse was gone. He lived, as I afterwards learned from the innkeeper, on
+another road than that which led to the chateau. I suppose he had chosen
+to go afoot to the chateau for the sake of easier concealment.</p>
+
+<p>The innkeeper was looking amazed and injured, at my having gone away and
+let my dinner spoil.</p>
+
+<p>"I was taken with a sudden sickness," I explained. "There's nothing like
+a walk in the fresh air when the stomach is qualmish. I am quite well
+now. I'll have another dinner, just what I ordered before."</p>
+
+<p>As this meant my paying for two dinners, the landlord was soon restored
+to good-nature. He was a cheerful, hearty soul, and as communicative as
+I could desire.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a strong chateau about half a league yonder," I said to him, as
+I sipped his excellent white wine.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the Chateau de Lavardin," he replied. "Strong?&mdash;yes, indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"Who lives there?"</p>
+
+<p>"The Count de Lavardin."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of man is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"What sort? Well!&mdash;an old man, for one thing,&mdash;or growing old. Or maybe
+you mean, what does he look like?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, of course."</p>
+
+<p>"A lean old grey wolf, I have heard him likened to&mdash;without offence, of
+course. Yes, he is a thin old man, but of great strength, for all that."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he a good landlord?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he is not my landlord," said the innkeeper, looking as if he would
+have added "Thank God!" but for the sake of prudence. "No; his estate is
+very large, but it extends in the other direction from Montoire."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he a pleasant neighbour, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I have no fault to find, for my part. One mustn't believe all the
+grumblers. You may hear it said of him that his smile is more frightful
+than another man's rage. But people will say things, you know, when they
+think they have grievances."</p>
+
+<p>I fancied that the innkeeper shared this opinion which he attributed to
+the grumblers, and took satisfaction in getting it expressed, though too
+cautious to father it himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Then he has no great reputation for benevolence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't say that. We must take what we hear, with a grain of salt.
+He is certainly one of the great noblemen of this neighbourhood;
+certainly a brave man. You will hear silly talk, of course: how that he
+is a man whose laugh makes one think of dungeon chains and the rack. But
+some people will give vent to their envy of the great."</p>
+
+<p>I shuddered inwardly, to think that my undertaking might bring me across
+the path of a man as sinister and formidable as these bits of
+description seemed to indicate.</p>
+
+<p>"What family has he?" I asked, trying the more to seem indifferent as I
+came closer to the point.</p>
+
+<p>"No family. His children are all dead. Some foolish folk say he expected
+too much of them, and tried to bring them up too severely, as if they
+had been Spartans. But that is certainly a slander, for his eldest son
+was killed in battle in the last civil war."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he has no daughter&mdash;or grand-daughter&mdash;or niece, perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not that I know of. Why do you ask, Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I saw a lady at one of the windows," said I, inventing.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt. It must have been his wife. She would be the only lady
+there."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but this was surely a young lady," I said, clinging to my
+preconceptions.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. His new wife is young. The children I spoke of were by his
+first wife, poor woman! Oh, yes, his new wife is young&mdash;beautiful too,
+they say."</p>
+
+<p>"And how do she and the Count agree together, being rather unevenly
+matched?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is the question. Nobody sees much of their life. She never comes
+out of the grounds of the chateau, except to church sometimes, when she
+looks neither to the right nor to the left."</p>
+
+<p>"But who are her people, to have arranged her marriage with such a man?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh. I believe she has no people. An orphan, whom he took out of a
+convent. A gentlewoman, yes, but of obscure family."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't suppose she is very happy."</p>
+
+<p>"Who knows, Monsieur? They do say the old wolf&mdash;I mean the Count,
+Monsieur,&mdash;we are sometimes playful in our talk here at Montoire,&mdash;they
+say he is terribly jealous. They say that is why he keeps her so close.
+Of course I know nothing of it.&mdash;You noticed, perhaps, that the moat was
+full of water. The drawbridge is up half the time. One would suppose the
+Civil wars were back again. To be sure, some people hint that there may
+be another reason for all that: but I, for one, take no interest in
+politics."</p>
+
+<p>"You mean the Count is thought to be one of those who are disaffected
+toward the King?"</p>
+
+<p>"H-sh, Monsieur! We mustn't say such things. If idle whispers go around,
+we can't help hearing them; but as for repeating them, or believing
+them, that's another matter. I mention only what all can see&mdash;that the
+Chateau de Lavardin is kept very much closed against company. The saying
+is, that it's as hard to get into the Chateau de Lavardin nowadays as
+into heaven. It's very certain, the Count has no welcome for strangers."</p>
+
+<p>And yet somehow I should have to get into the chateau, and obtain
+private speech with the Countess,&mdash;for it must be she who had summoned
+Monsieur de Merri.</p>
+
+<p>"In that case," said I, "they must have no visitors at all. But I recall
+meeting a young gentleman the other day, who was acquainted with some
+great family near Montoire, and, from certain things, I think it must be
+this very Lavardin family. He was a Monsieur de Merri."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes. He has stayed at this inn. It was here the Count met him, one
+day when the Count was returning from the hunt. The Count was thirsty
+and stopped to drink, and the young gentleman began to talk with him
+about the hounds. At that time half the Count's pack were suffering from
+a strange disease, which threatened the others. When the Count described
+the disease, Monsieur de Merri said he knew all about it and could cure
+it. The Count took him to the chateau, where he stayed a fortnight, for
+you see, however jealous the count may be of his wife, he cares more for
+his hounds. Monsieur de Merri cured them, and that is how he got
+admission to the Chateau de Lavardin. But besides him and the red
+Captain, there aren't many who can boast of that privilege."</p>
+
+<p>"The red Captain? Who is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Captain Ferragant. He is a friend of the Count's, who comes to the
+chateau sometimes and makes long visits there. Where he comes from, of
+what he does when he is elsewhere, I cannot tell. He is at the chateau
+now, I believe."</p>
+
+<p>"Why did you call him the red Captain?"</p>
+
+<p>"The people have given him that name. He has a great red splash down one
+side of his face. They say it was caused by a burn."</p>
+
+<p>"Received in the wars, perhaps."</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt. He has fought under many banners, it is said. Some declare he
+still keeps his company together, always ready for the highest bidder;
+but if that's true, I don't know where he keeps it, or how he does so
+without a loss when not at the wars. It is true, he brings a suite of
+sturdy fellows when he comes to Lavardin; but not enough to make what
+you would call a company."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps he has made his fortune and retired."</p>
+
+<p>"He's not an old man, Monsieur, though he is the friend of the Count. He
+is at the prime of life, I should say. A tall, strong man. He would be
+handsome but for the red stamp on his face. He has great influence over
+the Count. They drink, hunt, and play together. In many ways they are
+alike. The red Captain, too, has a smile that some people are afraid of,
+and a laugh that is merciless, but they are broad and bold, if you can
+understand what I mean,&mdash;not like the wily chuckle of the Count. He has
+big, ferocious eyes, too; while the Count's are small and half-closed.
+If people will fear those two men because of their looks, I can't for my
+life say which is to be feared the more."</p>
+
+<p>"A pleasant pair for anybody to come in conflict with," said I, as
+lightly as I could.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur, and seeing that strangers are so unwelcome there, you
+will do well to pass by the Chateau de Lavardin without stopping to
+exchange compliments." With a jocular smile, the innkeeper went about
+his business, while I finished my dinner with a mind full of misgivings.</p>
+
+<p>I rose from the table, left the inn, and walked back, by the straight
+road of half a league, to Lavardin, pondering on the problem before me.
+It was a natural feeling that I might come by an inspiration more
+probably in the presence of the chateau than away from it. There was a
+little cabaret in the village, in full sight of the chateau gates, and
+just far enough back from the road to give room for two small tables in
+front. At one of these tables a man was already sitting, so I took
+possession of the other and called for a bottle of wine. I then sat
+there, slowly sipping, with my eyes on the chateau, hoping that by
+contemplation thereof, or perhaps by some occurrence thereabout, I might
+arrive at some idea of how to proceed. The drawbridge was not up, but
+the gates were closed. From where I sat, I could see the gate towers, a
+part of the outer wall, the turreted top of the chateau itself beyond
+the court, and the great high tower, which looked very ancient and
+sombre. But the more I looked, the more nearly impossible it appeared
+that I could devise means of getting into the place and to the ear of
+the Countess.</p>
+
+<p>As I was gazing at the chateau, I had a feeling that the man at the
+other table was gazing at me. I glanced at him, but seemed to have been
+mistaken. He was looking absently at the sky over my head. I now took
+thought of what a very silent, motionless, undemonstrative man this was.
+He was thin and oldish, and of moderate stature, with a narrow face,
+pale eyes, and a very long nose. He was dressed in dull brown cloth, and
+was in all respects&mdash;save his length of nose&mdash;one of those persons of
+whom nobody ever takes much note. And he in turn did not seem to take
+much note of the world. He looked at the sky, the house roofs and the
+road, but his thoughts did not appear to concern themselves with these
+things, or with anything, unless with the wine which he, like myself,
+sipped in a leisurely manner.</p>
+
+<p>I dismissed him from my attention, and resumed my observation of the
+chateau. But nobody came nor went, the gates did not open, nothing
+happened to give me an idea. When I looked again at the other table, the
+long-nosed man was gone. It was as if he had simply melted away.</p>
+
+<p>"Who was the man sitting there?" I asked the woman of the cabaret.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, Monsieur. He arrived here this morning. I never saw him
+before to-day."</p>
+
+<p>In the evening I went back to Montoire, no nearer the solution of my
+problem than before. Nor did a sleepless night help me any: I formed a
+dozen fantastic schemes, only to reject every one of them as impossible.
+What made all this worse, was the consideration that time might be of
+the utmost importance in the affairs of the imperilled lady.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning I went to view the chateau from other points than the
+village cabaret. This time I took the way the messenger had led
+me,&mdash;turned down the lane, and traversed the fields by the moat. I sat
+where I had hid the day before; staring at the postern and the wall,
+over which birds flew now and then, indicating that there was a garden
+on the other side. Receiving no suggestion here, I took up my station at
+the tree from which the messenger had shown the handkerchief. I thought
+of climbing it, to see over the wall. But just as I had formed my
+resolution, I happened to glance over the fields and see a man strolling
+idly along near the edge of the moat. As he came nearer, I recognized
+him as the long-nosed gentleman in the brown doublet and hose.</p>
+
+<p>He saw me, and gazed, in his absent way, with a momentary curiosity.
+Angry at being caught almost in the act of spying out the land, I
+hastened off, passing between the rear wall and the forest which grew
+nearly to the moat, and to which the tree itself belonged. In this way,
+I soon left my long-nosed friend behind, and came out on the opposite
+side of the chateau.</p>
+
+<p>Here I found a hillock, from the top of which I could see more of the
+chateau proper and the other contents of the great walled enclosure. I
+sat for some time regarding them, but the towers, turrets, roofs,
+windows, and tree tops engendered no project in my mind.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly I heard a low, discreet cough behind me, and, looking around,
+saw the long-nosed man standing not six feet away.</p>
+
+<p>The sight gave me a start, for I had neither heard nor seen him
+approach, though the way I had come was within my field of vision. He
+must have made a wide circle through the woods.</p>
+
+<p>His mild eyes were upon me. "Good morning, Monsieur," said he, in a dry,
+small voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning," said I, rather ungraciously.</p>
+
+<p>He came close to me, and said, with a faint look of amusement:</p>
+
+<p>"May I tell you what is your chief thought at present, Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>After a moment, I deemed it best to answer, "If you wish."</p>
+
+<p>"It is that you would give half the money in your purse to get into that
+chateau yonder."</p>
+
+<p>At first I could only look astonishment. Then I considered it wise to
+take his remark as a joke; accordingly I laughed, and asked, "How do you
+know that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I have observed you yesterday and to-day. You have a very eloquent
+countenance, Monsieur. Well, I don't blame you for wishing you could get
+over those walls. I have been young myself: I know what an attraction a
+pretty maid is."</p>
+
+<p>So he thought it was some love affair with a lady's maid that lay behind
+the wish he had divined in me. I saw no reason to undeceive him; so I
+merely said, "And what is all this to you, Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!&mdash;that depends," he replied. "Tell me first, are you known to the
+Count de Lavardin or his principal people&mdash;by sight, I mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Neither by sight nor otherwise."</p>
+
+<p>"Good! Excellent!" said the man, looking really pleased. "I dared hope
+as much, when the woman at the cabaret said you were a stranger. What is
+all this to me? you ask. Well, as I have taken the liberty to read your
+thoughts, I will be frank with you in regard to my own. I also have a
+desire to see the inside of that chateau, and, as I haven't the honour
+of the Count's acquaintance, and he is very suspicious of strangers, I
+must resort to my devices. My reasons for wanting to be admitted yonder
+are my own secret, but I assure you they won't conflict with yours. So,
+as I have been studying you a little, and think you a gentleman to be
+trusted, I propose that we shall help each other, as far as our object
+is the same. In other words, Monsieur, if you will do as I say, I
+believe we may both find ourselves freely admitted to the Chateau de
+Lavardin before this day is over. Once inside, each shall go about his
+purposes without any concern for the other. What do you think of it,
+Monsieur?"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CHATEAU DE LAVARDIN</h3>
+
+
+<p>All that I could think was that, if genuine, the offer came as a most
+unexpected piece of good luck, and that, if it was a trick, my
+acceptance of it could not much add to the danger which attended my
+purpose at best. In any case, this man already had me under scrutiny.
+So, after some little display of surprise and doubt, I took him at his
+word, inwardly reserving the right to draw back if I found myself
+entering a trap. The man's very proposal involved craft as against the
+master of the chateau, but toward me he seemed to be acting with the
+utmost simplicity and honesty, so straightforward and free from
+excessive protestation he was.</p>
+
+<p>He led me away to a quiet, secluded place by the riverside, out of sight
+of the chateau, that we might talk the matter over in safety. And first
+he asked me what I knew of the disposition and habits of the Count de
+Lavardin. I told him as much as the innkeeper had told me.</p>
+
+<p>"Hum!" said he, reflectively; "it agrees with what I have heard. I have
+been pumping people a little, in a harmless way. The first thing I
+learned was the Count's churlish practice of closing his gates to
+strangers, which forces us to use art in obtaining the hospitality we
+are entitled to by general custom. So I had to discover some inclination
+or hobby of the man's, that I could make use of to approach him. I don't
+see how we can reach him through his love of dogs, without having
+prepared ourselves with special knowledge and a fine hound or so to
+attract his attention. As for his jealousy, it would be too hazardous to
+play upon that: besides, I shouldn't like to cook up a tale about his
+wife, unless put to it."</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, don't speak of such a thing," I said indignantly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, it wouldn't do. I can't think of a better plan than the one that
+first occurred to me. As it required a confederate, I put it aside. But
+when I observed you yesterday regarding the chateau so wistfully, I said
+to myself, 'No doubt heaven has sent this young man to help me, and that
+I in turn may help him.' But I waited to make sure, watching you last
+night and this morning till I was convinced of your desire to get into
+the chateau."</p>
+
+<p>It was a surprise to me to learn that I had been watched, but I took it
+coolly.</p>
+
+<p>"The plan I had thought of," he went on, "required that my confederate
+should be unknown to the Count and those near him. When I find that you,
+who are anxious for your own reasons to enter the chateau, fulfil that
+requirement, I can only think the more that heaven has brought us
+together. It is more than heaven usually does for one."</p>
+
+<p>"But what else does your plan require of me?" I asked, impatient to know
+what must be faced.</p>
+
+<p>"You play chess, of course?" was his interrogative answer.</p>
+
+<p>"A little," said I, wondering what that had to do with the case.</p>
+
+<p>"Then all is fair ahead of us. Luckily. I play rather well myself. As I
+said just now, I have been nosing among the people&mdash;nosing is a good
+word in my case, isn't it?"&mdash;he pointed to his much-extended
+proboscis&mdash;"I have been nosing about to learn the Count's ruling
+passions and so forth. When you have anybody to hoodwink, or obtain
+access to without creating suspicion, find out what are his likings and
+preoccupations: be sure there will be something there of which you can
+avail yourself. From the village priest I learned that, along with his
+fondness for hunting and drinking and the lower forms of gaming, the
+Count has a taste for more intellectual amusements, and chiefly for the
+game of chess. He is a most excellent player, and doesn't often find a
+worthy antagonist. His bosom friend, one Captain Ferragant, who is now
+living at the chateau, has no skill at chess, so the Count has been put
+to sending for this priest to come and play a game now and then, but the
+Count beats him too easily for any pleasure and the result of their
+games is that the Count only curses the rarity of good chess-players."</p>
+
+<p>"And so you think of proposing a game with him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly," said the long-nosed man, with a faint smile at my
+simplicity. "An obscure man like me, travelling without a servant,
+doesn't propose games to a great nobleman, at the great nobleman's own
+gates. The great nobleman may condescend to invite, but the obscure
+traveller may not presume to offer himself,&mdash;not, at least, without
+creating wonder and some curiosity as to his motives. No; that would be
+too direct, moreover. It would suggest that I had been inquisitive about
+him, to have learned that he is fond of chess. I may tell you that the
+Count has his reasons for imagining that strangers may come trying to
+get access to him, who have taken pains to learn something of his ways
+beforehand. He has his reasons for suspecting every stranger who seeks
+to enter his gates. No; we must neither show any knowledge of him, more
+than his name, nor any desire to get into his house. We must play upon
+his hobby without openly appealing to it. That is why two of us are
+necessary. This is what we will do."</p>
+
+<p>I listened with great interest, surprised to discover what acuteness of
+mind was hidden behind the pale, meek eyes and un-expressive pasty
+countenance of this man with the long nose.</p>
+
+<p>"In an hour or so from now," he said, "I shall be sitting before the
+cabaret, where you saw me yesterday. You will come there, from wandering
+about the fields, and we will greet each other as having met casually on
+our walks this morning&mdash;as indeed we actually have met. You will sit
+down to refresh yourself with a bottle of wine, and we shall get into
+conversation, like the strangers that we are to each other. The people
+of the cabaret will hear us, more or less, and the porter at the chateau
+gates will doubtless observe us. I will presently lead the talk to the
+subject of chess. You will profess to be ardently devoted to the game. I
+will show an equally great passion for it. We will express much regret
+that we have no chessmen with us, and will inquire if any can be
+obtained in the village. I know already that none can be: the priest
+once owned a set, but he let the village children use them as toys and
+they are broken up. Well, then, rather than lose the opportunity of
+encountering a first-class player, you will suggest that we try to
+borrow chessmen from the owner of that great chateau, who must surely
+possess such things, as no great house is ever without them. You will
+thereupon write a note to the Count, saying we are two gentlemen who
+have met on our travels, and both claiming to be skilled chess-players,
+and hating to part without a trial of prowess, but lacking chessmen, we
+take upon ourselves to ask if he may have such a thing as a set which he
+will allow us the use of for half a day; and so forth. We will bid the
+woman at the cabaret take this note to the porter; and then we have but
+to await the result."</p>
+
+<p>"And what will that be?"</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see when it comes," said the man tranquilly. I know not
+whether he really felt the serene confidence he showed; but he seemed to
+be going on the sure ground of past experience. "It will be necessary to
+give names and some account of ourselves, no doubt, before all is done.
+We shall not be expected to know anything of each other, having only met
+as travellers so recently. To the Count I will call myself Monsieur de
+Pepicot, a poor gentleman of Amiens. As for you, is there any reason why
+you shouldn't use your own name? When you want to deceive anybody, it is
+well to be strictly truthful as far as your object will permit."</p>
+
+<p>"The only reason is, that I may get into the Count's bad graces by what
+I may do in his house, and it would be better if he didn't know where to
+look for me afterwards."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there's something in that. The Count is not a forgiving man. And
+yet, as to his power of revenge, I know not&mdash;Well, do as you please."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, devil take it, I'll go under my own name, let come what may! I
+don't like the idea of masquerading."</p>
+
+<p>"A brave young gentleman! Then there's no more to be said. When we are
+inside the chateau, it will be each of us for himself, though of course
+we must keep up the comedy of wishing to play chess. Meet me by chance
+at the cabaret, then, in about an hour."</p>
+
+<p>Without any more ado, he left me. Coming forth from the concealed place
+a minute later, I saw him strolling along the river, looking at the
+fields and the sky, as if nothing else were on his mind. I presently
+imitated him, but went in another direction. In due time I made my way
+to the cabaret, and there he was, at the table where I had first seen
+him.</p>
+
+<p>We spoke to each other as had been arranged, and easily carried the
+conversation to the desired point, mostly in the hearing of the woman of
+the cabaret as she sat knitting by the door. When it came to writing the
+note, the long-nosed man tore a leaf of paper out of his pocket book,
+and had pen and ink fetched from his lodging over the cabaret; I then
+composed our request in as courteous phrases as I thought suitable. The
+woman herself carried the note to the chateau gates, and we saw a grated
+wicket open, and a scowling fellow show his face there, who questioned
+her, glanced at us with no friendly look, took the note, and closed the
+wicket. We waited half an hour or so, sipping our wine and talking
+carelessly, till I imagined the long-nosed man was becoming a little
+doubtful. But just as he was losing his placidity so far as to cross one
+leg over another, the chateau gate opened, and a heavy, dark-browed
+fellow with the appearance rather of a soldier than of a servant, came
+out, and over to us, scrutinizing us keenly as he approached. He asked
+if we were the gentlemen who had written to borrow a set of chessmen.
+Being so informed, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur the Count, my master, begs to be excused from sending his
+chessmen to you, but if you will come to them he will be glad to judge
+of your playing; and perhaps to offer the winner a bout with himself."</p>
+
+<p>We took half a minute to evince our pleased surprise, our sense of
+favour, and so forth, at this courteous invitation,&mdash;and then we
+followed the servant to the chateau. It was amusing to see how
+innocently, decorously, and consciously of unexpected honour my
+long-nosed friend walked through the gateway, and gazed with childlike
+admiration around the court-yard and the grey fa&ccedil;ade of the chateau
+confronting us.</p>
+
+<p>A few wide steps led up to the arched door, which admitted us to a large
+hall plentifully furnished with tables, benches, and finely-carved
+chairs. It was panelled in oak and hung with arms, boars' heads, and
+other trophies. At the upper end of a long table, the one leaning
+forward from a chair at the head, the other from the bench at the side,
+lounged two men, whom I recognized instantly from the descriptions of
+the innkeeper as if from painted portraits. They were the Count de
+Lavardin and Captain Ferragant.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, there was the "lean old grey wolf," grey not only in his bristly
+hair and short pointed beard, but even in the general hue of his wizen
+face; grey as to the little eyes that peered out between their narrowed
+slits; grey even, on this occasion, as to his velvet doublet and
+breeches. Though his face was wizen, the leanness of his body had no
+appearance of weakness, but rather every sign of strength. I noticed
+that his fingers seemed to possess great crunching power, and there was
+always on his face the faint beginning of a smile which, I thought,
+would heighten into glee when those fingers were in the act of
+strangling somebody.</p>
+
+<p>As for the Captain, there was indeed a great blotch of deep red across
+his cheek; he was a large, powerful fellow, with a bold, insolent face,
+and fierce, pitiless eyes. To make his sobriquet the fitter, he wore a
+suit of crimson, very rich and ornate. His beard and hair, however, were
+black.</p>
+
+<p>"You are welcome, gentlemen," said the Count, in a harsh, thin voice.
+"From what part do you come?"</p>
+
+<p>"From different parts," said my long-nosed companion. "We have only met
+as strangers going opposite ways. I am Monsieur de Pepicot, of the
+neighbourhood of Amiens, travelling to Angers to see some kinsfolk."</p>
+
+<p>The Count turned to me, and I recited my name and place, adding that I
+was going to Paris, to see a little of the world, and therefore
+journeying somewhat indirectly.</p>
+
+<p>"And behold here Monsieur the Captain Ferragant, who comes from
+Burgundy," said the Count, "so that we have North, West, and East all
+represented."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Ferragant bowed as politeness required, but he went no further.
+He did not seem to relish our being there. His look was rather
+disdainful, I thought, as if we were nobodies unfit for the honour of
+his company. And very soon, while the Count was saying we must stay to
+dinner, as there was not time for a game of chess before, the Captain
+walked away and out of the hall. Seeing that we were to be his guests
+for the day, the Count had us shown to a rather remote chamber up two
+flights of stairs, where water was brought, and where we were left alone
+together. The chamber looked out on a small part of the garden at the
+rear of the chateau.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said I, washing my hands, "you have played the magician. It has
+been as easy as walking, to get into the chateau."</p>
+
+<p>"Will it be easy to get out again, when our business is done, I wonder?"
+replied Monsieur de Pepicot, gazing out of the window at the distant
+high wall of the garden.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you say that?" I asked, a little surprised at his tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I was thinking of the manner in which the gate slammed to, after we
+had entered. It is a mere inanimate gate, to be sure, but it was slammed
+by a porter, and his manner of slamming it might unconsciously express
+what was in his mind. You remember, the Count was rather long in coming
+to a decision upon our note. If it occurred to him, after all, that we
+might have some design, and that people with a design would be safer
+inside than outside&mdash;well, I mention this only that you may know to keep
+your wits about you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, but I see no reason to fear anything. Everything seems to be
+going admirably. We are assured of some time in which to attend to our
+affairs. While one of us is playing chess with the Count, the other will
+be free to roam about,&mdash;that suits me perfectly. I begin to feel really
+grateful for the Count's hospitality&mdash;I almost dislike having won it by
+a trick."</p>
+
+<p>"Pish! He is churlish enough as a rule in the matter of
+hospitality&mdash;it's only fair to win it by a trick."</p>
+
+<p>I was inwardly much excited at the near prospect of dinner, as the meal
+would perhaps give me a sight of the Countess. But of this I was
+disappointed. The only people who sat down at the upper table, when
+dinner was served in the hall, were the Count, the Captain, my friend
+Monsieur de Pepicot, and myself. Elsewhere the benches were crowded with
+fellows who, like him that had brought our invitation, appeared as much
+warriors as serving men, and their number alone would have arrested
+notice. I now recalled how many knaves of this sort I had seen in the
+court-yard as I entered the chateau, but at that time I had had other
+things to think of.</p>
+
+<p>The Count said nothing of the absence of his lady, and, as we could
+scarce be thought to know whether he had a Countess living, it was not
+for us to inquire about her. I spent my time wondering what could be her
+situation, and whether her not appearing had anything to do with the
+danger in which she supposed herself. My long-nosed friend ate very
+industriously, and most of the conversation was between the Count and
+the Captain, upon dogs and hawks and such things. When the Count
+addressed either Monsieur de Pepicot or me, the Captain was silent. This
+reticence, whether it proceeded from jealousy or contempt, seemed to
+afford the Count a little amusement, for he turned his small eyes on the
+Captain and stretched his thin lips in a smile that was truly horrible
+in its relish of another's discontent.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, the Count had the chessmen brought at once, and sat down
+to watch us at our game. The Captain, with a glance of disapproval at
+the chessboard, strolled away as he had done before. I was but a
+moderately good player, and discomposed besides, so I held out scarce an
+hour against the long-nosed gentleman, who was evidently of great skill.
+Apparently the Count, by his ejaculations, thought little of my playing,
+but he was so glad when my defeat made room for him, that I escaped his
+displeasure. I too was glad, for now, while Monsieur de Pepicot kept the
+Count occupied at chess, I should be free to go about the chateau in
+search for its mistress. And grateful I was to Monsieur de Pepicot for
+having beaten me, for he might easily have left me as the victor and
+used this opportunity for his own purpose. I could not think it was
+generosity that had made him do otherwise: I could only wonder what his
+purpose was, that would bear so much waiting.</p>
+
+<p>For appearance's sake, I watched the two players awhile: then I imitated
+the Captain, and sauntered to the court-yard, wondering if there might
+be any servant there whom I could sound. But the men lounging there were
+not of a simple-looking sort. They were all of forbidding aspect, and
+they stared at me so hard that I returned into the hall. The Count was
+intent upon the game. Pushed by the mere impulse of inquiry, I went up
+the staircase as if to go to the chamber to which I had before been
+conducted. But instead of going all the way up, I turned off at the
+first landing into a short corridor, resolved to wander wherever I
+might: if anybody stopped me, I could pretend to have lost my way.</p>
+
+<p>The corridor led into a drawing-room richly tapestried and furnished;
+that into another room, which contained musical instruments; that into a
+gallery where some portraits were hung. So far I had got access by a
+series of curtained archways. The further end of the gallery was closed
+by a door. I was walking toward that door, when I heard a step in the
+room I had last traversed. I immediately began to look at the pictures.</p>
+
+<p>A man entered and viewed me suspiciously. He was, by his dress and air,
+a servant of some authority in the household, and had not the military
+rudeness of the fellows in the court-yard.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it Monsieur will have?" he asked, with outward courtesy enough.</p>
+
+<p>"I am looking at the portraits," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain them to you," said he. "That is Monsieur the Count in
+his youth, painted at Paris by a celebrated Italian." And he went on to
+point out the Count's children, now dead, and his first wife, before
+going back to a former generation.</p>
+
+<p>"And the present Countess?" said I at last, looking around the walls in
+vain.</p>
+
+<p>"There is no portrait of Madame the Countess."</p>
+
+<p>"She was not at dinner," I ventured. "Is she not well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, she is well, I am happy to say. She often dines in her own
+apartments."</p>
+
+<p>"She is well and yet keeps to her apartments?" I said, with as much
+surprise as I thought the circumstance might naturally occasion.</p>
+
+<p>"She does not keep to her apartments exactly," replied the man, a little
+annoyed. "She walks in the garden much of the time. Is there anything
+else I may show you, Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>He stood at the curtained entrance, as if to attend my leaving the room,
+and I thought best to take the hint. No doubt he had purposely followed
+me, to hinder my going too far.</p>
+
+<p>I returned to the hall, which was very silent, the two players being
+deep in their chess. Somewhere in my wake the manservant vanished, and I
+seemed free to explore in another direction. The Countess walked much in
+the garden, the man had said. It was a fine afternoon&mdash;might she not be
+walking there now?</p>
+
+<p>Feigning carelessness, I went out a small door at the rear of the hall,
+and found myself in that narrow part of the garden which lay between two
+wings of the house, and which our chamber overlooked. This part, which
+was really a terrace, was separated by a low Italian balustrade from the
+greater garden below and beyond. I walked up the middle path to where
+there was an opening in the balustrade at the head of a flight of steps.
+But here my confidence received a check. Half-way down the steps was
+sitting a burly fellow, who rose at my appearance, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon, Monsieur: no further this way, if you please. I am ordered to
+stop everybody."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am the Count's guest," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"It is all the same. Nobody is to go down to the garden yonder without
+orders."</p>
+
+<p>"Orders from the Count?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>"From the Count or the Captain."</p>
+
+<p>I nearly let out my thought that the Captain had a good deal of
+authority at the chateau, but I closed my lips in time. To show
+insistence would only injure my purpose: so I contented myself with a
+glance at the forbidden territory&mdash;a very spacious pleasance, indeed,
+with walks, banks of flowers, arbours, and alleys, but with nobody there
+to enjoy it that I could see&mdash;and went back to the hall.</p>
+
+<p>As I could not sit there long inactive, for considering how the time was
+flying and I had accomplished nothing, I soon started in good faith for
+the chamber to which I had feigned to be going before. Once upstairs,
+however, it occurred to me to walk pass the door of that chamber, to the
+end of the corridor. This passage soon turned leftward into a rear wing
+of the building. I followed it, between chamber doors on one side and,
+on the other, windows looking down on the smaller garden. It terminated
+at last in a blind wall. I supposed myself to be now over that part of
+the house which lay beyond the closed door at the end of the picture
+gallery. I looked cautiously out of one of the windows, wondering how
+much of the great garden might be visible from there. I could see a
+large part of it, but not a soul anywhere in it. As I drew back in
+disappointment, I was suddenly startled by a low sound that seemed to
+come from somewhere beneath me&mdash;a single brief sound, which made my
+breath stop and pierced my very heart.</p>
+
+<p>It was the sob of a woman.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>WHAT THE PERIL WAS</h3>
+
+
+<p>It seemed to me like a sob of despair, or of the breaking down of
+patience, and, knowing what I did already, I quickly imagined it to
+proceed from the Countess in a moment when she was beginning to lose
+hope of Monsieur de Merri's arrival. To me, therefore, it seemed a stab
+of reproach.</p>
+
+<p>I judged that it came by way of the window below me. So forthwith, at
+all hazards, sheltering myself from outside view as well as I could with
+the casement, I thrust my head out over the sill, and said in a low
+tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Madame."</p>
+
+<p>I waited for some moments, with a beating heart, and then called again,
+"Madame."</p>
+
+<p>I thought I heard whispering below. Then a head was thrust out of the
+window&mdash;a woman's head, soft haired and shapely. "Here I am," I
+whispered. The head twisted round, and the face was that of the young
+woman who had received the messenger at the postern the day before. But
+it was clear that she had not been sobbing, though her face wore a look
+of concern.</p>
+
+<p>"I must speak with Madame the Countess," said I, and added what I
+thought would most expedite matters: "I bring news of Monsieur de
+Merri."</p>
+
+<p>The head disappeared: there was more whispering: then the maid looked
+out again, using similar precautions to mine with regard to the
+casement.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you, Monsieur?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain all later. There is little time now. I may soon be
+looked for. Contrive to let me have an interview with Madame the
+Countess. I don't know how to get to her: I'm not acquainted with the
+chateau."</p>
+
+<p>"Put your head a little further out, Monsieur,&mdash;so that I can see your
+face."</p>
+
+<p>I obeyed. She gazed at me searchingly, then withdrew her head again.
+Reappearing very soon, she said: "Madame has decided to trust you. These
+are her apartments. There is a door from a gallery where pictures
+hang&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have been to that gallery," I interrupted, "but I was watched while
+there. Is there no other way?"</p>
+
+<p>She thought a moment. "Yes, the garden. At the foot of the terrace, turn
+to the right, till you get to the end of this wing."</p>
+
+<p>"But the man at the steps yonder will stop me. He has done so already."</p>
+
+<p>"That beast! Alas, yes! Well, I will go and talk with him, and keep him
+looking at me. You go down to the terrace without attracting any
+attention, walk close to the house till you get to this end of the
+balustrade, step over the balustrade, descend the bank as quietly as
+possible, and wait behind the shrubbery near the door at the end of this
+wing,&mdash;it's the door from Madame's apartments to the garden. Do you
+understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will be talking to that man by the time you can get to the
+terrace. I go at once. Be quick, Monsieur,&mdash;and careful."</p>
+
+<p>Admiring the swift wits and decision of the girl, I hastened through the
+corridor, down the stairs, and into the hall. The Count and the
+long-nosed man were so buried in their game that neither looked up. A
+pair of varlets in attendance were yawning on a bench. Yawning in
+imitation, I passed with feigned listlessness to the terrace, went
+noiselessly along by the house-wall, and followed the wing to the end of
+the balustrade. I did not venture even to look toward the steps, but I
+could hear the maid talking and laughing coquettishly. I crossed the
+balustrade by sitting on it and swinging my legs over: then strode on
+light feet down the grassy bank and through an opening in the shrubbery
+I saw at my right. I found myself in a walk which, bordered all the way
+by shrubbery, ran from a narrow door in the end of the wing to the other
+extremity of the garden. The door, when I first glanced at it, was
+slightly ajar: I supposed the maid had left it so. But as soon as I had
+come to a halt in the walk, the door opened, and a very young, very
+slender, very sad-faced, very beautiful lady came out, with eyes turned
+upon me in a mixture of hope and fear.</p>
+
+<p>I instinctively fell upon my knee before that picture of grief and
+beauty. She wore, I remember, a gown of faded blue, and blue was the
+colour of her eyes&mdash;a soft, fair blue, like that of the sky. She was so
+slim, sorrowful, small, childlike, forlorn,&mdash;I would have died to serve
+her.</p>
+
+<p>She looked at me searchingly, as the maid had done, but with more
+courtesy, and then, in a low voice bidding me follow her, led the way
+down the walk and into a side path that wound among some tall
+rose-bushes. Here we could not be seen from the walk and yet we might
+hear anybody approaching. She stopped and faced me.</p>
+
+<p>"You have news of Monsieur de Merri," she said eagerly. "What of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is prevented from coming to you, Madame."</p>
+
+<p>Her face, pale before, turned white as a sheet.</p>
+
+<p>"But," I hastened to add, "I have come in his stead, and I will serve
+you as willingly as he."</p>
+
+<p>"But that will not do," she said, in great agitation. "Nobody can serve
+me at this pass <i>but</i> Monsieur de Merri. Where is he? What prevents
+him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I left him at La Fl&egrave;che," said I lamely. "I assure you it is utterly
+impossible for him to come. But believe me, I am wholly yours for
+whatever service you desired of him. You can see that I have come from
+him." I took from my pocket her note, and held it out. I then told her
+my name and parentage, and begged her not to distrust me because I was
+of another religion than hers.</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't that I don't believe you, Monsieur," she replied. "It isn't
+that I doubt your willingness to help me."</p>
+
+<p>"As to my ability, try me, Madame. My zeal will inspire me."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't doubt your ability to do brave and difficult things, Monsieur.
+But it is not that. It happens&mdash;the circumstances are such&mdash;alas, nobody
+but Monsieur de Merri himself can help me! If you but knew! If <i>he</i> but
+knew!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me the case, Madame. Trust me, I beg. Let me be the judge as to
+whether I can help you."</p>
+
+<p>"I do trust you. I am not afraid to tell you. You will see plainly
+enough. It is this: I have been slandered to my husband. A week has been
+given me in which to clear myself. The week ends to-morrow. If I have
+not proved my innocence by that time, God knows what fate my husband
+will inflict upon me!"</p>
+
+<p>She shuddered and closed her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"But your innocence, Madame&mdash;who can doubt it?"</p>
+
+<p>"My husband is a strange man, Monsieur. He has little faith in women."</p>
+
+<p>"But what slander can he believe of you? And who could utter it? What is
+its nature?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose it is my husband's friend, Captain Ferragant, who uttered it.
+The nature of it is, that Monsieur de Merri's name is associated with
+mine. Monsieur de Merri is said to have made a boast about me, in the
+tavern at Montoire. It is a hideous lie, invented when Monsieur de Merri
+had gone away. And now you see how only Monsieur de Merri can save me,
+by coming and facing our accusers and swearing to my innocence. But
+to-morrow is the last day. Oh, if he had known why I wanted him! It is
+too late now&mdash;or is it? Perhaps he sent you ahead? Perhaps he is coming
+after you? Is it not so? He will be here to-morrow, will he not?"</p>
+
+<p>Bitterly I shook my head.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am lost," she said, in a whisper of despair.</p>
+
+<p>"But that cannot be. It isn't for you to prove your innocence&mdash;it is for
+your accuser to prove your guilt. He cannot do that."</p>
+
+<p>"You do not know the Count de Lavardin. He will believe any ill of a
+woman, and anything that Captain Ferragant tells him. The fact that
+Monsieur de Merri is young and accomplished is enough. My husband has
+suspected me from the hour of our marriage. And besides that, people at
+Montoire have testified that they heard Monsieur de Merri boast of
+conquests. Whether that be true or not, it could not have been of me
+that he boasted. And if he but knew how I stand, how readily he would
+fly to clear me! He is no coward, I am sure."</p>
+
+<p>I had evidence of that: evidence also of Monsieur de Merri's unfortunate
+habit of boasting of conquests. But I was convinced that it could not
+have been of her that he had boasted. These thoughts, however, were but
+transient flashings across my sense of the plight in which I had put
+this unhappy woman by killing Monsieur de Merri. I tried to minimize
+that plight.</p>
+
+<p>"But your fears are exaggerated. Your husband will not dare go too far."</p>
+
+<p>"He will dare take my life&mdash;or lock me up for the rest of my days in a
+dungeon&mdash;or I know not what. He is all-powerful on his estate&mdash;lord of
+life and death. You know what these great noblemen do when they believe
+their wives unfaithful. I have heard how the Prince de Cond&eacute;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but the Count de Lavardin would have your relations to fear."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no relations. I was an orphan in a convent. The Count took a
+fancy to my face, they told me. They urged me to consent to the
+marriage. I could not displease them&mdash;I had never disobeyed them. And
+now this is the end. Well, I am in the hands of God." She glanced
+upwards and gave a sigh of bitter resignation.</p>
+
+<p>"But after all," I interposed, "you are not certain how your husband
+will act."</p>
+
+<p>"He has threatened the worst vengeance if I cannot clear myself
+to-morrow. If you knew him, Monsieur!"</p>
+
+<p>"He allowed you a week, you say.&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"From the day he accused me&mdash;last Saturday."</p>
+
+<p>"And what facilities did he give you for the purpose?"</p>
+
+<p>"His men and horses were at my service. He knew, of course, that all I
+could do was to send for Monsieur de Merri."</p>
+
+<p>"But why did he not send for Monsieur de Merri?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. I suppose he was ruled by the advice of Captain
+Ferragant. Perhaps he thought Monsieur de Merri would not come at his
+request."</p>
+
+<p>"But you did not use your husband's men and horses to send for Monsieur
+de Merri."</p>
+
+<p>"No. Mathilde&mdash;my maid whom you saw just now&mdash;thought I would better act
+secretly. She feared the Captain would bribe the messenger to make only
+a pretence of taking my message to Monsieur de Merri. In that case
+Monsieur de Merri, knowing nothing, would not come, and his not coming
+would be taken as evidence of guilt&mdash;as it will be now, though he got my
+message, for Hugues is faithful. Why is it, Monsieur, that Monsieur de
+Merri sent back word by Hugues that he would follow close, if he could
+not come?"</p>
+
+<p>"Something happened afterward. Hugues, then, is the name of the
+messenger you sent?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. He is devoted to Mathilde. They are accustomed to meet at certain
+times. Mathilde has not much freedom, as you may guess, sharing my life
+as she does. So she contrived to get possession for awhile of the key to
+a postern yonder, and to pass it to Hugues when he came with flour. He
+had a duplicate made, so that she could restore the original and yet
+retain a key with which to let herself out and meet him in the forest.
+Thus she was able to see him last Sunday morning, and to send him after
+Monsieur de Merri. We knew that De Merri had started Westward, and
+Hugues traced him from town to town. Ah, when Hugues returned
+successful, how rejoiced we were! We expected Monsieur de Merri every
+hour. But the time went by, and our hopes changed to fears, and now,
+heaven pity me, it is the fears that have come true!"</p>
+
+<p>"But you are not yet lost. Even if the Count should be so blind as to
+think you guilty, you have at least one resource. You have the key to
+the postern. You can flee."</p>
+
+<p>"And be caught before I had fled two leagues. I am visited every three
+hours, as if I were a prisoner, and as soon as I was missed a score of
+men would be sent in all directions. Besides, for some reason or other,
+the Count has the roads watched from the tower. If I fled into the
+forest, the bloodhounds would be put on my track. My husband has hinted
+all this to me. And where could I flee to but the Convent? The Count
+would have men there before I could reach it."</p>
+
+<p>"I could find some other place to take you to," said I at a hazard.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Monsieur, then indeed would appearances be against me. Then indeed
+would the enemy of my poor reputation have his triumph. Alas, there is
+no honourable place in this world for a wife who leaves her husband's
+roof, though it be her prison. I will be true to my vows, though I die.
+If there be wrong, it shall be all of his doing, none of mine."</p>
+
+<p>"You believe it is this Captain who has slandered you. Why should he do
+that? Why is he your enemy?"</p>
+
+<p>She blushed and looked down. I understood.</p>
+
+<p>"But why do you not tell your husband that?" I asked quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"The Count says it is an old story that wives accuse their husbands'
+friends whom they dislike. He thinks women are made of lies. And in any
+case he says if I am innocent of this charge I can prove my innocence.
+So all depended on Monsieur de Merri's being here to-morrow to speak for
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Madame, if only my speaking for you would avail anything!"</p>
+
+<p>"From the depths of my heart I thank you, Monsieur, though you see how
+useless you&mdash;And yet there is one thing you can say for me!" A great
+light of sudden hope dawned upon her face. "You can tell how you saw
+Monsieur de Merri&mdash;that he was coming here, but was prevented&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I can do that."</p>
+
+<p>"And perhaps&mdash;who knows?&mdash;you can induce the Count to give me a few more
+days, till the cause of Monsieur de Merri's delay is past. And then you
+can ride or send to Monsieur de Merri, and tell him my situation, and he
+will come and put my accuser to shame, after all! Yes, thank God, there
+is hope! Oh, Monsieur, you may yet be able to save me!"</p>
+
+<p>There were tears of joy on her face, and she gratefully clasped my hand
+in both of hers.</p>
+
+<p>It sickened my heart to do it, but I could only shake my head sadly and
+say:</p>
+
+<p>"No, Madame, Monsieur de Merri can never come to speak for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?" she cried, all the hope rushing out of her face again.</p>
+
+<p>"He is dead&mdash;slain in a duel." I said in a voice as faint as a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>Her face seemed to turn to marble.</p>
+
+<p>"Who killed him?" she presently asked in a horrified tone.</p>
+
+<p>I knelt at her feet, with averted eyes, as one who is all contrition but
+dare not ask a pardon.</p>
+
+<p>"You!" she whispered.</p>
+
+<p>"When I found this message upon him afterward," said I, "I saw what
+injury was done. I could only come in his place, and offer myself. By
+one means and another, I learned who it was had sent for him."</p>
+
+<p>"That brave young gentleman," said she, following her own thoughts;
+"that he should die so soon! And you, with his blood on your
+hands."&mdash;she drew back from me a step&mdash;"come to offer your service to me
+who, little as I was to him, must yet be counted among his friends!
+Monsieur, what could you think of my loyalty?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought only of what might be done to prevent further harm. Though I
+fought him, I was not his enemy. I had never seen him before. It was a
+sudden quarrel, about nothing. Heaven knows, I did not think it would
+end as it did. That end has been lamentable enough, Madame. Punish me if
+you will: as his friend, you are entitled to avenge him."</p>
+
+<p>"I only pity him, Monsieur. God forbid I should think of revenge!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are a saint, Madame. I was about to say that my having killed him
+need not make you reject my service. Your doing so might but add to the
+evil consequences of my act. Surely he would prefer your accepting my
+aid, now that he is for ever powerless to give his. And we must think
+now of something to be done&mdash;"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a name="illus3" id="illus3"></a>
+<img src="images/illus3.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>"WE WERE INTERRUPTED BY A LOW CRY."</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p>We were interrupted by a low cry, "Madame, Madame!" in a soft voice from
+within the arbour that sheltered the walk. The Countess said to me, "It
+is Mathilde. She means some one is coming. Hide among these bushes. If
+we do not meet again, adieu, Monsieur; I thank you from my heart, and
+may God pardon you the death of Monsieur de Merri!"</p>
+
+<p>She started for the walk: I whispered, "But I must help you! Can we not
+meet again presently?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not," she replied. "Act as you think best, Monsieur. But do not
+endanger yourself. I must be gone now."</p>
+
+<p>She hastened to join the maid, whose whereabouts were indicated by a low
+cough. I heard voices, and instantly crawled under the rose bushes,
+heedless of scratches. As the voices came down the walk, one of them
+turned out to be that of Captain Ferragant. There was but one other,
+which I took, from the talk which I heard later, to belong to a falconer
+or some such underling. The Captain addressed a few remarks to the
+Countess, as to her state of health and the beauty of the day, which she
+answered in low tones. Then he and his companion proceeded to walk
+about, talking continually, never getting entirely out of my hearing,
+and often coming so near that I could make out their words. It seemed
+that an endless length of time passed in this way. I heard no more of
+Madame and the maid. Finally the Captain and his man walked back toward
+the house. I rose, stretched my legs, and peered up and down the walk.
+It was deserted. What was I to do next? I naturally strolled toward the
+chateau. As I neared the door leading to Madame's apartments, out came
+Mathilde.</p>
+
+<p>"I have been watching for you, Monsieur. Madame had to come in, to avoid
+suspicion. If you can get back to the terrace by the way you came down,
+I will go again and distract the attention of the guard."</p>
+
+<p>"I can do that. But what of Madame? I must see her again. We must find
+some way to save her."</p>
+
+<p>"Do what you can, Monsieur. If you think of anything, you know how to
+communicate with us by way of the windows. But lose no time now."</p>
+
+<p>She hastened away to beguile the man on watch at the steps. When I heard
+her laughter, I sped over the grass to the foot of the bank. I clambered
+up, crossed the balustrade, went along the house, and entered the hall.
+Monsieur de Pepicot was just in the act of saying "Checkmate."</p>
+
+<p>The Count's face turned a shade more ashen, and he looked unhappy.
+Presently he smiled, however, and said peevishly:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you must give me an opportunity of revenge. We must play another
+game."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be much honoured," said Monsieur de Pepicot. "But is there time
+to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; it will soon be supper time. But there will be time to-morrow. You
+shall stay here to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"With great pleasure; but there are some poor things of mine at the
+cabaret yonder I should like to have by me."</p>
+
+<p>"I will send a man for your baggage," said the Count.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall have nothing to mar my happiness," said Monsieur de
+Pepicot composedly.</p>
+
+<p>I was very anxious to remain at the chateau for the present, and feared
+rather dismissal than the enforced continuance there which the
+long-nosed man had fancied might be our fate. So, to make sure, I said:</p>
+
+<p>"If Monsieur the Count will do me the honour of a game to-morrow, I will
+try to make a better contest than I did against Monsieur de Pepicot."</p>
+
+<p>The Count looked not displeased at this; it gave him somebody to beat in
+the event of his being again defeated by Monsieur de Pepicot.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," said he; "I cannot refuse you. You too will remain my
+guest; and if I may send for your baggage also&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>I felt vaguely that it would be better to leave my horse and belongings
+at the inn at Montoire, in case I should ever wish to make a stealthy
+departure from the chateau; so I replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, Monsieur; but there is nothing I have urgent need for, or
+of such great value that I would keep it near."</p>
+
+<p>"As you please," said the Count, observing me keenly with his
+half-ambushed eyes.</p>
+
+<p>The man who had escorted us to the chateau was sent to fetch Monsieur de
+Pepicot's baggage; and would have brought his horse also, but that
+Monsieur de Pepicot mildly but firmly insisted otherwise and despatched
+orders for its care in his absence. The baggage consisted of a somewhat
+sorry looking portmanteau, which was taken to our chamber. We then had
+supper, during which the Count and my long-nosed friend talked of chess
+play, while Captain Ferragant ate in frowning silence, now and then
+casting no very tolerant glances at us two visitors. I would have tried
+by conversation to gain some closer knowledge of this man, but I saw
+there was no getting him to talk while that mood lasted. After supper
+the Count and the Captain sat over their wine in a manner which showed a
+long drinking bout to be their regular evening custom. Monsieur de
+Pepicot and I accompanied them as far as our position as guests
+required. We then plead the fatigue of recent travel, and were shown to
+our room, in which an additional bed had been placed. The Count was by
+this time sufficiently forward in his devotions to Bacchus to dispense
+easily with such dull company as ours, and the Captain, by the free
+breath he drew as we rose to go, showed his relief at our departure.</p>
+
+<p>When the servant had placed our candles and left us alone, I expressed a
+wonder why so great a house could not afford us a room apiece.</p>
+
+<p>"It is very simple," said the long-nosed man, opening his portmanteau.
+"If they should take a fancy to make caged birds of us, it's easier
+tending one cage than two."</p>
+
+<p>I went to bed wondering what the morrow had in store. I saw now clearly
+that I might accomplish something by informing the Count that Monsieur
+de Merri was dead and that he was on his way to Lavardin when I met him.
+His failure to appear could not then be held as evidence of guilt: his
+intention to come might count much in the Countess's favour.</p>
+
+<p>As my head sank into the pillow, there came suddenly to my mind the
+second of the three maxims Blaise Tripault had learned from the monk:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Never sleep in a house where the master is old and the wife young.</i>"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>STRANGE DISAPPEARANCES</h3>
+
+
+<p>Monsieur de Pepicot spent so many minutes among the contents of his
+travelling bag, that he was not in bed as soon as I. But he was by far
+the sooner asleep, as his loud snoring testified. To that music ran my
+thoughts of the beautiful young Countess and her unhappy situation, till
+at last they passed into dreams. In the midst of the night I woke, and
+listened for my neighbour's snoring. But it had ceased. Then I strained
+my ears to catch the sound of his breathing, but none came. Wondering at
+this, I rose and went over toward his bed. There was just light enough
+by the window to see that it was empty.</p>
+
+<p>I was still in the midst of my surprise, when the door opened with a
+very slight creak, and in walked a slim figure so silently that I knew
+it was without shoes.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that you, Monsieur de Pepicot?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>"H'sh," he replied in a whisper, closing the door carefully. "Don't
+disturb the slumbers of the household. You are very wakeful."</p>
+
+<p>"No more so than you are, it seems," I said.</p>
+
+<p>"That is true. I often suffer from sleeplessness, and I find a walk is
+the thing to put me right."</p>
+
+<p>"You were wise to take a light with you on your walk," I observed, for
+he now produced a small lantern from under his loose-fitting doublet,
+where it had been entirely concealed.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; one might hurt one's toes in these dark passages," he answered,
+and placidly drew some papers from his breast pocket, folded them
+carefully by the lantern's light, and then as carefully replaced them.
+"I trust you made some progress in your affair here during the
+afternoon."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. But you were kept busy with the Count."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I don't complain. I was about to say that if you preferred to leave
+the house to-night, no doubt I could manage it for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should I prefer to leave to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, merely because this Count may be a dangerous man to have much to do
+with. I know nothing of your affairs, and of course you have no interest
+in mine. The Count will understand that, no doubt, and will not hold you
+responsible for anything I may do, if you choose to stay here longer."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I must stay here longer, in any case."</p>
+
+<p>"Then there is no more to be said," answered the long-nosed man,
+extinguishing his lantern, which he wrapped up and put into his
+portmanteau. He then lay down upon his bed, without undressing.</p>
+
+<p>I returned to my own couch and was soon asleep.</p>
+
+<p>When I woke again, it was daylight. Monsieur de Pepicot and his
+portmanteau were gone. It occurred to me now, as I washed and dressed,
+that when he spoke of my departing by night he intended to make just
+such an unceremonious exit himself. In that case, I inferred, he had
+thought it only fair, as I had helped him to get into the chateau, that
+he should offer to help me to get out, for he had made no secret of his
+fears that we might find opposition to our doing so. But, if he had
+indeed fled, how had he contrived to get out in the middle of the night?
+As for his purpose in getting in, he must have accomplished that while
+on his midnight perambulations.</p>
+
+<p>I went downstairs, but he was not in the hall, nor on the terrace nor in
+the court-yard. It was a fine morning, and I was for walking about. At
+one side of the court-yard the wall was pierced by a narrow gateway,
+which took me into a second court-yard, of which one of the further
+angles was filled by a quadrant of the great tower that rose toward
+heaven from a corner of the main chateau. There was a small door from
+this court-yard to the tower. This tower, for its bigness and height,
+took my eyes the first moment, but the next they were attracted by the
+living figures in the court-yard. These were Captain Ferragant and a
+pack of great hounds which he was marshalling before him, throwing a
+piece of meat now to one, now to another, calling out by name which
+animal was to catch. He indeed managed to keep them in some sort of
+order and from closing around him, and though they all barked and leaped
+at each throw, yet only the one whose name was called would dare
+actually to close jaws upon the titbit. This went on for some time,
+until at last one huge brute, leaping higher, seized the meat intended
+for another.</p>
+
+<p>The red Captain swore a fierce oath, and, grasping a whip, called the
+interloping dog to come to him. The animal slunk back. The Captain
+advanced among the pack, still calling the hound in the most threatening
+voice. But the hound slunk further, growling and showing his teeth. The
+Captain sprang forward and brought down his whip. The dog, mutinous,
+made a snap at the Captain. The latter, now deeply enraged, threw aside
+the whip, caught the animal by the neck, lifted it high, and, with a
+swift contraction of his fingers, caused its eyes and tongue to protrude
+and its body to writhe and hang powerless. He then flung the dead
+creature to a corner of the yard, and looked at me with a smile half
+vaunting, half amused, as if to say, "That is how I can treat those who
+thwart my will," and to ridicule my wonder at his fury and strength.</p>
+
+<p>I turned with a look of pity toward the victim of his anger. At that
+moment the Count de Lavardin entered the court-yard, and his glance
+followed mine. Having seen what I saw, he looked protestingly at the
+Captain.</p>
+
+<p>"The brute was rebellious," said Ferragant.</p>
+
+<p>"But one doesn't run across such dogs every day," complained the Count.</p>
+
+<p>"The rarest dog shall not defy me," was the cool answer.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all very well, if it had been your own dog," said the Count,
+still peevish.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, as to that, we are quits now. Your dog to-day pays for my man you
+killed last week."</p>
+
+<p>"Pish, it's easy enough to find rascals like that by the score. Not so,
+dogs like this. Well, talking won't make him live again&mdash;Good morning,
+Monsieur. Where is your comrade, Monsieur de Pepicot?"</p>
+
+<p>I could only answer that on waking I had been disappointed of seeing
+either Monsieur de Pepicot or his baggage. "Nor have I beheld him since,
+though I have been looking about."</p>
+
+<p>"That is very strange,&mdash;that he should take his baggage from the room,"
+said the Count, exchanging a look of surprise with the Captain. He then
+called two servants and gave them orders quietly, which must have been
+to search the house and grounds for Monsieur de Pepicot. As we returned
+to the hall, the Count questioned me, watching me sharply the while. I
+was perfectly safe in telling the literal truth, though not all of it:
+how Monsieur de Pepicot was a stranger to me, how I had never spoken to
+him before yesterday, how I knew nothing of his business, and so forth.
+Of course I said nothing of his midnight walk or of having conversed
+with him at all after going to bed. The Count's mystification and
+annoyance were manifest, the more so when, after some time, the servants
+returned to say that the missing man could not be found. When he had
+heard their report, the Count was very angry.</p>
+
+<p>"Name of the devil, then, how did he get out? There is treachery
+somewhere, and somebody shall pay for it," he screeched, and then
+despatched a man to the cabaret to see if Monsieur de Pepicot had taken
+his horse away. The man came back saying the horse was gone, but nobody
+had seen the owner take it.</p>
+
+<p>"It is certainly odd that the gentleman should depart secretly like
+that, when he might have waited for day and gone civilly," said I, to
+evince my simplicity.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right, very right," said the Count. "Well, at least you remain
+to play a game of chess with me. What I am thinking is, the man must
+have had some private reason for obtaining entrance to my house."</p>
+
+<p>"Possibly, Monsieur," I replied, bearing the searching gaze of both the
+Count and the Captain well enough.</p>
+
+<p>"In that case, he made a tool of you," added the Count, still intent on
+my expression.</p>
+
+<p>"That would be the inference," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we must satisfy ourselves as to how he took his departure, if we
+cannot guess why. Make yourself master of the house, Monsieur. We shall
+have our game nevertheless."</p>
+
+<p>And he went off with the Captain, to examine the places of exit from the
+chateau and the men who were responsible for their security. One could
+see that Monsieur de Pepicot's disappearance was as disturbing to the
+Count as it was puzzling to me.</p>
+
+<p>I wandered out to the terrace and paced the walk along the house. My
+eyes turned toward that window in the west wing which I knew to belong
+to the apartments of the Countess. I turned along the wing, and strolled
+under that window, thinking Madame or Mathilde might make an appearance
+at it. I kept moving to and fro within easy earshot of it, sometimes
+glancing up at the half-open casement. This was the clay on which the
+poor lady's fate was to be determined by her husband and lord. I
+wondered what sort of scene was arranged for the event, whether it would
+have the form of trial and judgment, when and where it would occur, and
+if I should be admitted to it. Probably I should not, and therefore I
+would best speak to the Count regarding Monsieur de Merri before. The
+thing was, to find a pretext for broaching the matter without betraying
+that I had talked with the Countess. I had thought all this over during
+the night, a hundred times, but now I thought it over again; and, in
+vague search for some hint or guidance, I looked often up to the window,
+as I have said.</p>
+
+<p>Presently I heard a single sharp, low syllable of laughter, which drew
+my glance to the door by which I had come out to the terrace. There
+stood the red Captain, his eyes upon me. When he saw that I noticed him,
+he came toward me, whereupon I, with pretended carelessness, went to
+meet him half way.</p>
+
+<p>"You seem to find it very interesting, that window," said he, in a low
+voice. "To me it looks like any of the others." And he ran his glance
+ironically along the whole range.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you had gone with the Count to learn how Monsieur de Pepicot
+got away," said I, guessing that he had come back to watch me, doubtless
+considering that, after the evident duplicity of one guest, the other
+might require some looking after.</p>
+
+<p>"And so you thought yourself free to post yourself over there and make
+eyes at that window?" said the Captain with a smile that half jeered at
+me, half threatened me with annihilation.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not quite understand your little jest," said I, boldly enough.</p>
+
+<p>"You may find it one of those jests in which the laugh is only on one
+side, and that side not yours, young gentleman. Your friend with the
+long nose, it appears, had his secret motives for paying a visit to this
+chateau. We smelt some such thing when the letter came asking for a set
+of chessmen, and so the Count admitted you, thinking you just as safe
+inside the chateau as outside. It was not the intention to let you out
+again in too great haste."</p>
+
+<p>"In that case," I put in, feigning to treat the matter gaily, "Monsieur
+de Pepicot was wise in leaving as he did."</p>
+
+<p>"I was about to say that if Monsieur de Pepicot had his secret purposes,
+it is but fair to suppose you may have yours. If it turns out to be so,
+and if your object has anything to do with what you may imagine is
+behind that window,&mdash;why, then, I warn you in time it would be much
+better for you to have been that dog which opposed me a while ago,&mdash;very
+much better, my pert young gentleman, I assure you."</p>
+
+<p>He turned and walked into the house, leaving me without any fit answer
+on my tongue, or indeed in my mind either.</p>
+
+<p>It appeared to me that the sooner I had my explanation with the Count,
+the better for both the Countess and myself. So I returned into the
+hall, which the Captain was leaving by the court-yard door, and waited
+for the Count's reappearance. When he did come, it was clear from his
+face that the manner of Monsieur de Pepicot's escape&mdash;for escape it must
+now be called&mdash;was still a mystery. It was plain, too, when his eyes
+alighted on me, that he had heard from the Captain, who followed him, of
+my conduct beneath the window. As he came toward me, he scowled and
+looked very wicked and crafty. Before he could speak, I said:</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, there is something I wish to tell you, if you will allow me
+to speak to you alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Regarding Monsieur de Pepicot?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; regarding myself and the reason of my coming to Lavardin."</p>
+
+<p>"That is interesting. Let us hear."</p>
+
+<p>"It is for you alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, to be sure. Captain Ferragant, if you will excuse me,&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The Captain, with a shrug, swaggered off to the furthest corner of the
+hall.</p>
+
+<p>"You have been acquainted," I began, "with a certain Monsieur de Merri."</p>
+
+<p>The Count's face seemed to jump. I had certainly caught his attention.
+But his speech was perfectly controlled as he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And what of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"He had the misfortune to be killed in a sudden duel four days ago at La
+Fl&egrave;che."</p>
+
+<p>He was plainly startled; but, after a moment's silence, he only said,
+"You astonish me," and waited for me to continue.</p>
+
+<p>"I feared I should," said I, "for it turned out, after the duel, that
+Monsieur de Merri was on his way to see you, upon some matter of great
+urgency."</p>
+
+<p>"On his way to see me! How do you know that?"</p>
+
+<p>I thought it best to tell as much truth as possible.</p>
+
+<p>"I learned from his servant that he was bound in great haste for
+Montoire. Coming to Montoire, I inquired, and was informed that his only
+tie in this neighbourhood was his acquaintance with you. Therefore it
+must have been you he was coming to see, and his haste implied the
+urgency of his reasons, whatever they may have been. Thinking you might
+be depending upon his arrival, I resolved to tell you of his death."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a little odd that you should put yourself out to do that."</p>
+
+<p>"It might be, if I were not responsible for his failure to come to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, then it was you who killed him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and thought it only the proper act of a gentleman to carry the
+news to the person who may have expected him."</p>
+
+<p>"H'm. No doubt. But why did you not come directly and tell me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I heard you made yourself entirely inaccessible to strangers. So when
+Monsieur de Pepicot spoke of asking you to lend us chessmen, I thought
+it might lead to some breaking down of your reserve,&mdash;as it did."</p>
+
+<p>"But why did you wait a day before telling me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hoped that chance might enable me to see you alone. But you were so
+deeply engrossed in your chess. And I hesitated lest you might think
+yourself bound, as Monsieur de Merri's friend, to deliver me up for
+having violated the edict."</p>
+
+<p>These were certainly sufficient reasons, though, as you know, I had not
+thought of telling him of Monsieur de Merri till after I had heard the
+Countess's story, and therefore they were not the true answer to his
+question. But I no longer found safe standing on the ground of truth,
+and so fell back upon the soil of invention, uncertain as it was. The
+Count looked as far into me as he could, and then called the Captain,
+who came without haste to the great fireplace where we were. Without any
+explanation to me, or other preface, the Count repeated my disclosure to
+his friend, all the time in the manner of one submitting a story to the
+hearer's judgment as to its truth.</p>
+
+<p>The Captain shrugged his shoulders, and looked at me scornfully. "It is
+a fine, credible tale indeed," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"If you will take the trouble to send to La Fl&egrave;che, you will find that
+Monsieur de Merri is really slain," said I warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no doubt," said the Captain. "But before he was slain, he had time
+to take you into his confidence regarding certain things."</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. I had never seen him before that evening. It was from his
+servant, after he was dead, that I learned he was coming to Montoire. If
+you can find that servant, at La Fl&egrave;che or Sabl&eacute;, he will tell you so."</p>
+
+<p>"How could he have known he was wanted here?" asked the Captain of the
+Count. "Your offer of a messenger was disdained."</p>
+
+<p>"I knew she would contrive to send after him on her own account, if I
+gave her enough liberty," returned the Count.</p>
+
+<p>"It argues skill in such contrivances," said the Captain, with a
+significant look.</p>
+
+<p>The Count frowned in a sickly way, but not at the speaker. "Well, in any
+case, the liberty will now be cut off," he said harshly. But after a
+moment, he added: "And yet, if this gentleman does not lie, Monsieur de
+Merri was coming here fast enough."</p>
+
+<p>"To brazen it out, perhaps. There is no limit to the self-confidence of
+youth. As for this gentleman, how does his story account for the
+interest he takes in a certain window that looks upon the terrace?"</p>
+
+<p>The Count's face darkened again, as he turned menacingly toward me.
+"Yes, by heaven, I had forgotten that."</p>
+
+<p>"To be frank," said I awkwardly, after a moment's hesitation, "I had
+seen a pretty face there&mdash;I mean that of Mathilde." I added the last
+words in haste, for the Count's look had shown for an instant that he
+took me to mean that of the Countess.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! that of Mathilde," he repeated, subsiding.</p>
+
+<p>"And how did you know her name was Mathilde?" asked the Captain, in a
+cold, derisive tone. The Count's eyes waited for my answer.</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;exchanged a few words with her yesterday afternoon," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"In regard to what subject?" asked the Count quickly, making a veritable
+grimace in the acuteness of his suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>"I paid her a compliment or two, such as one bestows upon a pretty
+girl."</p>
+
+<p>"He is evading," said the Captain. "It is a question whether he did not
+presume to offer his compliments higher. One does not say to a pretty
+girl, 'What is your name?' nor does the girl reply 'Mathilde,' as if she
+were a child. It is more likely he heard the girl's name from other
+lips. And was he not found spying about the west gallery by Ambroise? My
+dear Count, I fear you kept your nose too close to the chessboard
+yesterday afternoon. As for me, if I had known as much as I know now, I
+should have been more watchful."</p>
+
+<p>The Count's face had turned sicklier and uglier as his friend had
+continued to speak. He looked now as if he would like to pounce upon me
+with his claw-like fingers. He was evidently between the desire to
+question me outright as to whether anything had passed between me and
+the Countess, and the dislike of showing openly to a stranger any
+suspicion of his wife. The latter feeling prevailed, and he regained
+control of himself. I breathed a little easier. But just then it
+occurred to me that the Count would surely tax the Countess with having
+seen me; that she would acknowledge our meeting; and that her own
+account of it would be disbelieved, and the worst imaginings added, for
+the very reason of my maintaining secrecy about it. I therefore took a
+sudden course.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur," I said. "I will be perfectly open with you. From some casual
+words of Monsieur de Merri at the inn at La Fl&egrave;che, before we
+quarrelled, I was led to believe that the cause of his journey had
+something to do with the welfare of a lady. Afterwards when I heard
+whither he was bound so hastily, I remembered that. On learning at
+Montoire that this chateau was the only house in which he was known
+hereabouts, I assumed that the lady must be in this chateau. It turned
+out that the only lady here was the Countess herself. Do you wonder,
+then, at my endeavouring to speak to the Countess first upon the matter
+of Monsieur de Merri's death?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray go on," said the Count, who was taking short and rapid breaths.</p>
+
+<p>"It is true I saw the maid at that window, but I saw also the
+impossibility of communicating properly with Madame by that channel. So,
+in spite of your sentinel's vigilance, I crossed the balustrade to the
+garden, and there had the honour of presenting myself to the Countess. I
+acquainted her with the fate of Monsieur de Merri. Her demeanour causing
+me to believe that this put her into peril on her own account, I so
+pushed my inquiries and offers of service that she told me what that
+peril was. She said she was the victim of a slander which only Monsieur
+de Merri's presence here could clear her of. We were soon interrupted
+and she left me. I did not see her again, but it appeared to me that, as
+Monsieur de Merri's presence here would have stood in her favour, the
+news of his intention to be here must also stand that way. And now,
+Monsieur, you have the whole story."</p>
+
+<p>It seemed to have weight with him: but, alas, he looked to the Captain
+for an opinion. That gentleman, regarding me with a smile of ironical
+admiration, uttered a monosyllabic laugh in his throat, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"There is one thing we can believe, at least. We know Monsieur de
+Merri's habit of disclosing his affairs with ladies to strangers at
+inns."</p>
+
+<p>The Count's face grew dark again.</p>
+
+<p>"But we can never be sure how much may have passed between Monsieur de
+Merri and this gentleman on the subject before they quarrelled, or what
+was the real motive that brought him here."</p>
+
+<p>"My God!" I cried; "what gentleman could require a stronger motive than
+I have shown? Having prevented Monsieur de Merri from coming here upon
+so urgent a matter, what else could I do in honour but come in his
+place?"</p>
+
+<p>"'In his place'&mdash;yes, perhaps, that is well said," retorted the Captain,
+with his evil smile.</p>
+
+<p>The Count, whose judgment seemed entirely under the dominion of his
+friend, looked at me again as if he would destroy me. After a moment, he
+took a turn across the hall and back, and then said to me:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, in the midst of all this deceit and uncertainty one thing is
+clear. You know too much of our private affairs here to be permitted to
+go where you will, for the present. I must ask you, therefore, to keep
+to your chamber awhile. Your wants will be provided for there. I will
+show you the way myself, on this occasion." He motioned toward the
+stairway, and the Captain stood ready to accompany him.</p>
+
+<p>"That amounts to making me a prisoner, Monsieur," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall not dispute over words," replied the Count. "By your own
+confession, you are liable to the law for killing Monsieur de Merri."</p>
+
+<p>"I have reason to expect the King's pardon for that. Measures have
+already been taken."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray don't keep me waiting, Monsieur. I should not like to be compelled
+to have my men lay hands on you." At the same time his smile looked as
+if he would like that very much.</p>
+
+<p>There was nothing to do, for the moment, but yield. The Captain was
+watching to see where my hand moved, and I know not how many armed men
+were in the court-yard, besides the servants waiting at the other end of
+the hall. So I obeyed the Count's gesture, merely saying:</p>
+
+<p>"You will find I am not a person who will go unavenged in case of
+indignity."</p>
+
+<p>The Count laughed, in his dry, sharp manner, and walked by my side. The
+Captain followed. As soon as I was in my room, the Count called a
+servant, who went away and presently returned with a key. The Count and
+his friend then left me, and locked the door on the outside. As I sat
+down on my bed, I was glad I had offered no useless resistance, for, as
+it was, I had not been deprived of my weapons.</p>
+
+<p>To make a short matter here of what seemed a very long one at the time,
+I was kept locked in my room all that day, with two armed men outside my
+door, as I guessed first from hearing them, and certified afterwards by
+seeing them when a servant brought my food. What made the confinement
+and inaction the more trying was my knowledge that this was the day on
+which the Countess was to plead her innocence. I kept wondering through
+the tedious hours how matters were going with her, and I often strained
+my ears in the poor hope of discovering by them what might be going on
+in the chateau. But I never heard anything but the rough speech and
+movements of the men outside my door, and now and then the voice of some
+attendant on the terrace below my window. I could look diagonally across
+the terrace to the window where I had seen Mathilde, but not once during
+all that day did I behold a sign of life there. The night came without
+bringing me any hint as to how the Countess had fared. I could not sleep
+till late.</p>
+
+<p>When I woke, early in the morning, I noticed that my door was slightly
+ajar. Looking out, I found the corridor empty. I took this to mean that
+I was not to remain a prisoner, and so it proved. Hastily dressing and
+going downstairs, though many servants were about, I encountered no
+hindrance. I passed out to the terrace. To my surprise, nobody was on
+guard at the steps; so I went boldly down to the garden. My heart beat
+with a vague hope of meeting the Countess, though it was scarce late
+enough in the day to expect her to be out. I must confess it was not
+alone her being an oppressed lady whom I had engaged myself to aid, that
+made me look so eagerly down all the walks and peer so keenly into all
+the arbours; I must confess it was largely the impression her beauty and
+tenderness had left upon me. But I was disappointed: I explored the
+whole garden in vain.</p>
+
+<p>Anything to be near her, I thought. So I went and hung about the door
+between the garden and her apartments. But it remained closed and
+enigmatic. I had another idea, and, returning into the house, took my
+way unchecked to the gallery of pictures, wondering at the freedom of
+passage now allowed me, and at the same time resolved to make the most
+of it. I could scarce believe my eyes when I saw the door ajar which led
+to Madame's suite. I went and tapped lightly on it, but got no answer.
+It opened to a large drawing-room, well furnished but without any
+inhabitant. I crossed this room to the other side, which had two doors,
+both open. One gave entrance to a sleeping-chamber, in a corner of which
+was a prie-dieu, and which showed in a hundred details to be the bedroom
+of a lady. But the bed was made up, and a smaller bed, in a recess,
+which might be that of the maid, also had the appearance of not having
+been used the previous night. I looked through the other doorway from
+the drawing-room, and saw a stairway leading down to the garden door.
+Had the Countess and Mathilde, then, gone into the garden at the time I
+was in the act of coming to the gallery? No; for the garden door was
+bolted on the inside. I went to one of the drawing-room windows looking
+on the terrace, and made sure it was the window from which Mathilde had
+first answered my call. And then it dawned upon me what the desertion of
+these rooms meant, and why I was allowed to go where I would in the
+house and garden. The Countess and her maid were no longer there. What
+had become of them?</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>MATHILDE</h3>
+
+
+<p>Well, there was no indication to be found in the Countess's apartments
+as to where she had removed to, and I thought it best not to risk being
+seen there. So I went down to the hall again. As I glanced through the
+court-yard to the outer gates, I thought of trying to leave the chateau,
+to see if my new liberty went so far as to permit that. But I reflected
+that if I were once let out I might not be let in again, and my chance
+of learning what had become of the Countess lay, I supposed, inside the
+chateau. So I resolved to stay there and await the turn that matters
+might take. And certainly never was any man a guest in stranger
+circumstances of guestship. I hated and feared my host, and was loth to
+accept his hospitality, yet stayed of my own will, though I knew not
+certainly whether I was free to go. My host hated me, yet tolerated my
+presence&mdash;if indeed he would not have enforced it&mdash;for the sake of
+having me at hand if he thought fit to crush me. When he appeared that
+morning, I thanked him ironically for restoring me to liberty. He only
+uttered his harsh crackling laugh in reply, and regarded me with a
+pretended disdain which failed to conceal his hatred and his longing to
+penetrate my mind and learn what indeed was between me and his Countess.
+In such men, especially when they have an evil suggester like the
+Captain at their ear, jealousy is a madness, and no assurances&mdash;nay, not
+even oaths&mdash;of innocence will be taken by them as truth. But his pride
+made him feign contempt for me, and he had nothing to say to me that
+day. Neither had the Captain, whose manner toward me merely reverted to
+what it had been at first. I saw my former place made ready at the
+table, and took it. The Count and his friend talked of their sports and
+the affairs of the estate, and not one word of the Countess was spoken.
+Having eaten, they went off to ride, leaving me to amuse myself as I
+might. The air of the chateau seemed the freer for their absence, but
+still it was to me a sinister place, and an irreligious place too, for,
+though the Count and his friend were Catholics, I had not seen the sign
+of a chaplain or of any religious observance since I had crossed the
+drawbridge. So I prepared myself for a dull yet anxious day, and lounged
+about the hall and court-yard as the places where I might best hope to
+find out something from the domestics of the house.</p>
+
+<p>As I paced the stones of the court-yard, I became aware that a certain
+maidservant had been obtruding upon my view with a persistency that
+might be intentional. I now regarded her, as she stood in a small
+doorway leading to the kitchen. She was a plump, well-made thing, with a
+wholesome, honest face, but the sluttishness of her loose frock, and of
+a great cap that hung over her eyes, were too suggestive of the
+scullery. As soon as she saw I noticed her, she put one finger on her
+lip, and swiftly beckoned me with another.</p>
+
+<p>I strolled carelessly over, and stopped within a foot of her, pretending
+to readjust my sword-belt.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur," she said in an undertone, "you are desired to be in your
+chamber this afternoon at four o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>I glanced at the girl in wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"That is all at present," she whispered. I had the discretion to move
+on. There were, as usual, several armed fellows idling about the
+court-yard, but none seemed to have observed that any word had passed
+between the kitchen-maid and me.</p>
+
+<p>Here was matter for astonishment and conjecture for the next few hours.
+In some manner or other, those hours passed, and at four I was seated in
+my chamber, having left the door open an inch or so. The turret clock
+had scarce done striking when the door was pushed wide; somebody entered
+and instantly closed it. I had a brief feeling of disappointment as I
+saw the slovenly frock and overhanging cap of the kitchen-maid. Was it
+she, then, who paid me the compliment of this clandestine visit?</p>
+
+<p>No; for the cap was swiftly flung back from the brow, and there was the
+bright and comely face of Mathilde. I uttered her name in pleased
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she said quickly, "Mathilde in the guise of Brigitte. I have come
+from Madame the Countess."</p>
+
+<p>"And where is she?" I asked eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"In the great tower."</p>
+
+<p>"A prisoner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and I with her. Fortunately there was nothing else to do with me,
+unless they killed me. So I am able to attend her."</p>
+
+<p>"Faithful Mathilde! But why is this?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is the fulfilment of the Count's threat in case Madame could not
+clear herself of that false charge."</p>
+
+<p>"But the Count knew that Monsieur de Merri was coming here. I told him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur, but the Count would believe as much of your story as
+Captain Ferragant would choose to let him. Your very interest in
+Madame's fate has been new food for his jealousy."</p>
+
+<p>"God forbid!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not your fault, Monsieur; it is the Count's madness. He locks his
+wife up, as much that she may be inaccessible to you and all other men,
+as because of anything concerning Monsieur de Merri."</p>
+
+<p>"You may well call it his madness."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; for, whatever other ladies may have deserved who have been treated
+thus, the Countess is the most virtuous of wives. Her regard for her
+marriage vows&mdash;in spite of the husband she has&mdash;is a part of her
+religion. But his mind is poisoned. He naturally believes that a young
+and beautiful woman would not be faithful to an old wolf like him. And
+he is almost right, for there is only one young and beautiful woman in
+France who would be, and that is the Countess."</p>
+
+<p>"Surely not because she loves him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no. It is because of her religion. She was brought up at a convent
+school, and when the Count offered to marry her, the Mother Superior
+made her think it her duty and heaven's will that she should accept the
+high position, where her piety would shine so much further: and having
+become his wife, she would die rather than violate a wife's duties by a
+hair's breadth. But what is her reward? Not because he loves
+her&mdash;there's more love in a stone!&mdash;but because he can't endure the
+thought of any trespass on what is his&mdash;because he dreads being made a
+jeer of&mdash;he goes mad with jealousy and suspicion. He imitates the Prince
+of Cond&eacute; by locking his wife up in a tower."</p>
+
+<p>"But this cannot last forever."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur, and for a very good reason&mdash;the Countess's life cannot
+last forever under this treatment&mdash;even if the Count, in some wild
+imagining of her guilt, conjured up by Captain Ferragant, does not
+murder her. It's that thought which makes me shudder. It could be done
+so quietly in that lonely cell, and any account of her death could be
+given out to avoid scandal."</p>
+
+<p>"Horrible, Mathilde! He would not go to that length."</p>
+
+<p>"Men have done so. You are a stranger, and have not seen the frenzies
+into which the Count sometimes works himself, torturing his mind by
+imagining actions of infidelity on her part."</p>
+
+<p>"But that disease of his mind will wear itself out; then he will see
+matters more sanely."</p>
+
+<p>"Will he grow better, do you think, as he grows older, and drinks more
+wine, and falls more under the influence of the red Captain?"</p>
+
+<p>To say truth, I thought as Mathilde did, though I had spoken otherwise
+for mere form of reassurance.</p>
+
+<p>"What is her prison like?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>"A gloomy room no larger that this, with a single small window. There is
+no panelling nor tapestry nor plaster&mdash;nothing but the bare stones.
+There are a bed for Madame, a cot for me, a table, and two chairs:
+nothing else to make it look like a human habitation, save our
+crucifixes, an image of the Virgin, a trunk, and Madame's book of
+Hours."</p>
+
+<p>"A small window, you say. Is it barred?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; but our room is very high up in the tower."</p>
+
+<p>"Still, if one got through the window&mdash;is it large enough for that?"</p>
+
+<p>"One might get through; but the moat is beneath&mdash;far beneath."</p>
+
+<p>"The window looks toward Montoire, then, if the moat is beneath."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we can see the sunset."</p>
+
+<p>"At all events, a person dropping from the window would alight outside
+the walls of the chateau?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur,&mdash;in the moat, as I said. It would be a long drop, too. I
+don't know how high up the room is. It seems a great many steps up the
+winding stairs before one comes to the landing before the door."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it at the top of the tower, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; for beyond our door the stairs begin again, and they seem to wind
+more steeply."</p>
+
+<p>"You noticed the sunset. Then you must have been there yesterday
+evening."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we were taken there shortly after noon yesterday. That was the
+limit to the time given the Countess in which to prove her innocence.
+She was summoned to the picture gallery by the Count himself, and nobody
+else was there but Captain Ferragant. The door was closed against me,
+and what passed between that saint and those two devils I know not; but
+after a little the door was opened, and there she was, very pale and
+with her eyes raised in prayer. The Count, who was blue with
+vindictiveness, told me to get together what things Madame should order;
+and when that was done, he bade us follow, and led the way down to the
+court-yard and to the tower, the Captain walking behind. As we climbed
+those narrow winding steps, I wished the Count might trip in the
+half-darkness and break his neck, but alas, it was only poor Madame who
+stumbled now and then. The Count showed us into the room, already
+furnished for us, and waited till a man had brought the trunk in which I
+had put some of Madame's clothes. The Count left without a word, and we
+heard the door locked outside. At first I thought we were to be left to
+starve, but after some hours the door was unlocked by a man on guard
+outside, and Brigitte appeared with our supper. She told us she was to
+come twice a day with our food, and for other necessary services. And
+when she came again this morning, I had planned how I should manage to
+see you."</p>
+
+<p>"You are as clever as you are true, Mathilde."</p>
+
+<p>"Fortunately Brigitte looks such a simple, witless creature that the man
+on guard on the landing has not thought to pry while she has been with
+us, and has allowed the door to be shut. He cannot then see in, as the
+grated opening has been closed, out of regard to Madame's sex. So this
+morning I got Brigitte's consent to my plan, for the poor girl is the
+softest-hearted creature in the world. And to make sure of finding you
+immediately when I got out, I charged her to tell you to be in your room
+at four o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>"Which she did very adroitly."</p>
+
+<p>"She is not such a fool as some take her for. Well, when she came to us
+awhile ago, I transferred this frock and cap from her to me, and had her
+call out to the guard that she had forgotten something and must return
+to the kitchen for it. 'Very well, beauty,' said the guard ironically,
+and I came out in a great hurry, and was on my way downstairs before he
+could take a second look at me. The landing is a dark place, and my
+figure so much like Brigitte's that her clothes make it look quite the
+same. There is another man on guard, at the bottom of the stairs, but he
+was as easily deceived as the one above. I ran across the two
+court-yards, and through the kitchen passage to the servants' stairs,
+and nobody glanced twice at me. Brigitte, of course, must stay with
+Madame till I return,&mdash;and now, Monsieur, it is time I was back, and I
+have said nothing of what I came to say."</p>
+
+<p>"You have said much that is important. But 'tis true, you'd best say the
+rest quickly,&mdash;your return may be dangerous enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I shall go so fast that nobody will have time to suspect me. As for
+the guards, it is their duty to keep me in. Should they see it is I who
+was out, they will be very glad to have me in again, and to hold their
+tongues, for the Count's punishments are not light. But as to Madame's
+message&mdash;she would have tried to convey it by Brigitte, had I not
+declared I would come at all hazards,&mdash;for the truth is, I have
+something to say on my own responsibility, also."</p>
+
+<p>"But Madame's message?" I demanded eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>"She begs that you will go away while you can. So brave a young
+gentleman should not stay here to risk the Count's vengeance."</p>
+
+<p>I felt joy at this concern for my safety.</p>
+
+<p>"If I am a brave man," I answered, "I can only stay and help her."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you are of that mind, Monsieur, for it is what I think. That
+is what <i>I</i> had to say to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then the only question is, how can I be of use to the Countess? She
+must be released from this imprisonment."</p>
+
+<p>"There I agree with you again. She ought to be taken away&mdash;far out of
+reach of the Count's vengeance&mdash;before he has time to make her plight
+worse than it is, or carry out any design against her life. But even if
+she remained as she is, her health would not long endure it."</p>
+
+<p>"Now that matters have come to this pass, no doubt she is willing to run
+away."</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet, Monsieur. That is for me to persuade her. But if we form some
+plan of escape now, I hope I can win her consent before the time comes
+to carry it out."</p>
+
+<p>"I trust so. When she repelled the idea of escape, the day I saw her in
+the garden, things had not gone so far. And then she thought there was
+no safe place of refuge for her. But I can find a place. And she thought
+an attempt must be hopeless because the Count would be swift to pursue.
+But if we got some hours' start, going at night&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, certainly it will have to be at night, Monsieur. The Count has the
+roads watched from the tower, for some purpose of his own&mdash;I think he
+expects some enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"You still have the key to the postern?"</p>
+
+<p>"It must be where I left it&mdash;buried under the rose-bush nearest the
+postern itself. But the first thing is, to get out of the room in the
+tower."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. It would not be possible for Madame to get out as you have
+done&mdash;by a disguise, I mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur. Brigitte is the only one who comes to us, with whom she
+might change clothes. And Madame is not at all of Brigitte's figure&mdash;nor
+could she mimic Brigitte's walk as I can. She could not act a part in
+the slightest degree. And I know that Madame would never consent to go
+and leave me behind to bear the Count's wrath. We must all three go
+together. Besides Brigitte comes and goes in the daytime, and Madame
+must escape at night."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that is certain. It is hard to devise a plan in a moment. If I
+could think of it over night, and you come to me again to-morrow&mdash;but
+no, you may not be able to play this same trick again&mdash;the guards may
+detect you going back."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, and I have thought of one plan, though it may be
+difficult."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me hear it, nevertheless."</p>
+
+<p>"Then listen, Monsieur. First, as to the door of our cell. It is locked
+with a key, which the Count himself retains, except when he goes out, as
+this afternoon,&mdash;it is then entrusted to the seneschal. I know this from
+Brigitte, for the key is given to her when she comes to us. She hands it
+to the guard on the landing, who opens the door and keeps the key while
+she is within. When she leaves us, he locks the door, and she takes the
+key back to the Count or seneschal. But in order to release Madame, you
+must have that key."</p>
+
+<p>"And how am I to get it?"</p>
+
+<p>"After Brigitte's last visit to us before the night we select, she will
+give the Count or seneschal, not the real key to our cell, but another
+of the same size and general shape&mdash;she has access to unimportant keys
+about the house. Then she will bring the real key to you."</p>
+
+<p>"But poor Brigitte!&mdash;when the Count investigates in the morning, he will
+find she has given him the wrong key."</p>
+
+<p>Mathilde thought a moment. "No; he will rather suppose you robbed him of
+the right key during the night and substituted the other to delay
+discovery. He will suspect anything rather than Brigitte, whom he thinks
+too great a fool for the least craft; and even if she is accused, she
+can play the innocent. I assure you."</p>
+
+<p>"So much for that, then. There is yet the door of entrance to the
+tower."</p>
+
+<p>"At present it has an old broken key in the lock, which is therefore
+useless. But no doubt that will be remedied&mdash;so we must act soon.
+Meanwhile, that door is guarded by the man at the foot of the stairs."</p>
+
+<p>"But are the two guards on duty at night also? There is no Brigitte to
+be let in and out then. And surely the Count doesn't think you can break
+your lock."</p>
+
+<p>"There are guards on duty, nevertheless. Last night I heard one call
+down the stairs to another, asking the time. They are there, no doubt,
+not for fear of our breaking out, but for fear of somebody breaking in
+to help Madame. I don't suppose there are ever more than two. If the
+rule has not been changed, the rest of the household sleeps, except a
+porter in the gate-house and a man on top of the tower. But this man
+watches the roads, as well as he can in the darkness, and the porter too
+is more concerned about people who might want to enter the chateau than
+about what goes on inside. So in the dead of night you can go silently
+downstairs and let yourself out of the hall&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But is not the hall door locked with a key?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but the key is left always in the lock. You have then only to
+cross the two court-yards to the lower, without making any noise to
+alarm the porter at the gate-house or to warn the guard at the tower
+entrance."</p>
+
+<p>"Will he be inside or outside the tower door, I wonder?"</p>
+
+<p>"Probably inside, where there is a bench just at the foot of the stairs.
+He and his comrade above will be your only real difficulty, Monsieur. If
+you can take them by surprise, one at a time&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"One at a time, or two at a time," said I, beginning to walk up and down
+the chamber, and grasping my sword and dagger. "But the trouble will be,
+the noise that may be made when I encounter them,&mdash;it may arouse the
+chateau and spoil all."</p>
+
+<p>"But heaven may grant that you will surprise the men inside the tower,
+one at the foot of the stairs, the other on our landing, as they must
+have been last night. In that case, if you can keep the fighting inside
+the tower, till&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Till they are dead. Yes, in that case, if I am expeditious, no noise
+may be heard outside. That is a thing to aim for. If they, or one,
+should be outside, I can rush in and so draw them after me. Well, and
+when I have done for them&mdash;?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you have but to unlock our door, and Madame and I will join
+you.&mdash;You will know our door by there being a stool in the landing
+before it&mdash;the guard sits there.&mdash;Well, then we must fly silently
+through the court-yards and the hall, let ourselves out to the
+terrace&mdash;there are two or three ways I know,&mdash;and run through the garden
+to the postern. Once out of these walls, we must hurry across the fields
+to the house of a certain miller&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hugues? Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur. The watchman on the tower will not see us in the fields,
+for we shall keep close to the woods till we are at a distance. Hugues
+can supply two horses, at least, and you and Madame must be as far away
+as possible by daylight."</p>
+
+<p>"And you, Mathilde?"</p>
+
+<p>"Unless we can get three horses, I will lie hid at Hugues's mill till
+Madame finds time to send for me. It will be suitable enough&mdash;Hugues and
+I are to be married some day."</p>
+
+<p>"But I have a horse at the inn at Montoire. If I can get it out at that
+hour, you can come with us&mdash;to whatever place we may decide upon."</p>
+
+<p>"As to that place, you may consider in the meanwhile. There will be time
+to discuss the matter with Madame when she is escaping with you. The
+first thing is, to get as far from Lavardin as possible. And now when is
+all this to be done?"</p>
+
+<p>"The sooner the better, for who knows when the Count may take into his
+head some new idea?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, of harm to Madame or to yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should we not choose this very night?"</p>
+
+<p>"I see no reason against it&mdash;except that I may not be able to persuade
+Madame. But yet there will be several hours&mdash;and surely heaven will help
+me!&mdash;Yes, to-night! There is nothing for me to do but persuade Madame,
+and see that we are dressed as suitably for travel as the clothes at
+hand will permit. But first, before Brigitte comes away, I must instruct
+her about the key. At what hour will you come, Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as the house is asleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Fortunately, early hours are kept here, as there is never any company.
+But the Count and the Captain stay at their cups till ten or eleven
+o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>"Then by that time they must have drunk enough to make them fall asleep
+as soon as they are in bed."</p>
+
+<p>"And sometimes before they are in bed, I have heard the servants say."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will leave my room at half-past eleven, but will make sure that
+the hall is dark and empty before I proceed."</p>
+
+<p>"And may the saints aid you, Monsieur, when you have to do with the men
+at the tower!"</p>
+
+<p>"The men will not be expecting me, that is one advantage," said I,
+trying to seem calm, but trembling with excitement. "If all goes well,
+we should be out of the chateau soon after midnight."</p>
+
+<p>"And at Hugues's house before one o'clock. You should be on
+horseback&mdash;the Countess and you&mdash;by half-past one. Have you money,
+Monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes,&mdash;this purse is nearly as full as when I left home."</p>
+
+<p>"That is well, for Madame has none, and I don't know how much Hugues
+could get together in ten minutes. I have ten crowns in his strong-box,
+which Madame shall have."</p>
+
+<p>"They shall stay in Hugues's strong-box, and his own money too. I have
+enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I believe that is all, Monsieur, and I'd better be going back. Be
+on the watch for Brigitte with the key. Do you think of anything else?"</p>
+
+<p>We went hurriedly over the various details of the plan, and then she
+took her leave, darting along the passage as swiftly as a greyhound and
+as silently as a ghost. I sat down to think upon what I had undertaken,
+but my mind was in a whirl. Strangely enough, I, the victor of a single
+duel, did not shrink from the idea of killing the two guards&mdash;or as many
+as there might be. Perhaps this was because they were sure to be rascals
+whose lives one could not value very highly, especially as against that
+of the Countess. Nor did I feel greatly the odds against me, in regard
+both to their number and to my inexperience in such business. Perhaps
+the apparent confidence of Mathilde in my ability to dispose of them&mdash;a
+confidence based on my being a gentleman and they underlings&mdash;infected
+me. And yet I chose not to go too deeply into the probabilities. My
+safest course, for my courage, was not to think too much, but to wait
+for the moment and then do my best.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed but a short time till there was a tap at my door, and in came
+the real Brigitte.</p>
+
+<p>"Mathilde got back safe, Monsieur; she was not detected," she said, and
+handed me a large key.</p>
+
+<p>Ere more could pass, she was gone. I put the key in my breast pocket. It
+was now time I should show myself to the Count and his friend at table;
+which I proceeded to do, as boldly as if I had entertained no design
+against them. They were just back from their ride. It was strange with
+what outward coolness I was able to carry myself, by dint of not
+thinking too closely on what I had undertaken. For observe that, besides
+the immediate task of the night, there was Madame's whole future
+involved. And how precipitately Mathilde and I had settled upon our
+course, without pausing to consider if some more prudent measures might
+not be taken to the same end! But I was hurried by my feeling that I
+ought to save Madame, the more because no one could say how far the
+present situation was due to my having killed De Merri, and to my advent
+at the chateau. Even though she might choose not to escape, it was for
+me to give her the opportunity, at least. And to tell the truth, I
+longed to see her again, at any cost. As for Mathilde, there were her
+pressing fears of a worse fate for her mistress, to excuse her haste.
+And we were both young, and thought that any project which goes straight
+and smoothly in the telling must go straight and smoothly in the doing;
+and we looked not far ahead.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WINDING STAIRS</h3>
+
+
+<p>I left the table early, and went to my room. I tore two strips from the
+sheet of my bed, and wrapped them around my boots so as to cover the
+soles and deaden my footsteps. Slowly the night came, with stars and a
+moon well toward the full. But we could keep in shadow while about the
+chateau, and the light would aid our travelling later. At half-past ten
+o'clock, the house seemed so still I thought the Count must have gone to
+bed before his usual time. I stole noiselessly from my room, feeling my
+way; and partly down the stairs. But when I got to the head of the lower
+flight, I saw that the hall was still lighted. I peered over the
+railing. The Count and the Captain were alone, except for two knaves who
+sat asleep on their bench at the lower end of the hall. The Count
+lounged limply back in his great chair at the head of the table,
+unsteadily holding a glass of wine; and the Captain leaned forward on
+the board, narrowly regarding the Count. Both were well gone in wine,
+the Count apparently the more so. There was a look of mental torment on
+the Count's face.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know, I know," he said, wincing at his own words as if they
+pierced him. "There was opportunity enough with that De Merri. I was
+blind then. And with this new puppy! Women and lovers have the ingenuity
+of devils in devising opportunities. And they both admit their interview
+in the garden. But that he could have his way so soon&mdash;is that entirely
+probable?"</p>
+
+<p>He looked at the Captain almost beseechingly, as if for a spark of hope.</p>
+
+<p>The Captain spoke with the calm certainty of wisdom gained through a
+world of experience:</p>
+
+<p>"Young blood is quickly stirred. Young lips are quickly drawn to one
+another. Young arms are quick to reach out, and young bodies quick to
+yield to them."</p>
+
+<p>The Count uttered a cry of pain and wrath, his eyes fixed as though upon
+the very scene the Captain imagined.</p>
+
+<p>"The wretches!" said the tortured Count, staggering to his feet. "And I
+am the Count de Lavardin!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a name="illus4" id="illus4"></a>
+<img src="images/illus4.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>"'THE WRETCHES!' SAID THE TORTURED COUNT, STAGGERING TO HIS FEET."</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p>"The greater nobleman you, the greater conquest for a young nobody to
+boast of. It is a fine thought for adventurous youth.&mdash;'A great lord,
+and a rich, but it is I, an unknown stripling, who really have possessed
+what he thinks his dearest treasure.'"</p>
+
+<p>The Count gave a kind of agonized moan, and went lurching across the
+hall, spilling some wine from his glass. "And a man of my years, too!"
+he said, with an accent of self-pity.</p>
+
+<p>"The older the husband, the merrier the laugh at his expense," said the
+Captain.</p>
+
+<p>The Count ground his teeth, and muttered to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"It is always their boasting that betrays them," went on the Count.
+"When I was young, they used to tell of a famous love affair between the
+Bussy d'Amboise of that day and the Countess de Montsoreau, wife of the
+Grand-huntsman. It came out through Bussy's writing to the King's
+brother that he had stolen the hind of the Grand-huntsman. That is how
+these young cocks always speak of their conquests.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I remember that. He did the right thing, that Montsoreau! He forced
+his false wife to make an appointment with Bussy, and when Bussy came,
+it was a dozen armed men who kept the appointment, and the gay lover
+died hanging from a window. Yes, that Montsoreau!&mdash;but he should have
+killed the woman too! The perfidious creatures! Mon dieu!&mdash;when I
+married her&mdash;when she took the vows&mdash;she was the picture of fidelity&mdash;I
+could have staked my soul that she was true; that from duty alone she
+was mine always, only mine!"</p>
+
+<p>He lamented not as one hurt in his love, but as one outraged in his
+right of possession and in his dignity and pride. And curiously enough,
+his last words caused a look of jealousy to pass across the face of the
+Captain. This look, unnoticed by the Count, and speedily repressed, came
+to me as a revelation. It seemed to betray a bitter envy of the Count's
+mere loveless and unloved right of possession; and it bespoke the
+resolve that, if the Captain might not have her smiles, not even her
+husband might be content in his rights. Such men will give a woman to
+death rather than to any other man. As in a flash, then, I saw his
+motive in working upon the Count's insane jealousy. Better the Count
+should kill her than that even the Count should possess her. I shuddered
+to think how near to murder the Count had been wrought up but a moment
+since. At any time his impulse might pass the bounds. I now understood
+Mathilde's apprehensions, and saw the need for haste in removing the
+Countess far from the power of this madman and his malign instigator.</p>
+
+<p>The Count, exhausted by his rush of feelings, drained his glass, and
+almost immediately gave way to the sudden drowsiness which befalls
+drinkers at a certain stage. He staggered to his seat, and fell back in
+a kind of daze, the Captain watching him with cold patience. Thinking
+they would soon be going to bed, I slipped back to my room.</p>
+
+<p>A little after eleven, I went forth again. The hall was now dark, and
+its silence betokened desertion. I groped my way to the door. The key
+turned more noisily than I should have wished, and there was a bolt to
+undo, which grated; but I heard no sound of alarm in the house. I
+stepped out to the court-yard, closing the door after me. The court-yard
+was bathed in moonlight. Keeping close to the house, so as not to be
+visible from any upper window, I gained the shadow of the wall
+separating the two court-yards. As noiselessly as a cat, I followed that
+wall to its gateway; entered the second court-yard, and saw that the
+door to the tower was open, a faint light coming from it. The tower
+itself, obstructing the moon's rays, threw its shadow across the
+paving-stones. I stepped into that shadow, which was only partial; drew
+my sword and dagger, and darted straight for the tower entrance,
+stopping just inside the doorway. By the light of a lantern hanging
+against the wall, I saw a kind of small vestibule, beyond which was an
+inner wall, and at one side of which was the beginning of a narrow
+spiral staircase, that ran up between walls until it wound out of sight.
+On a bench against the inner wall I have mentioned, sat a man, who rose
+at sight of me, with one hand grasping a sword, and with the other a
+pike that was leaning against the bench.</p>
+
+<p>He was a heavy, squat fellow, with short, thick legs and short, thick
+arms.</p>
+
+<p>"I give you one chance for your life," said I quickly. "Help me to
+escape with your prisoner, and leave the Count's service for mine."</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's astonishment, the man grunted derisively, and made a
+lunge at my breast with his pike. I caught the pike with my left hand,
+still holding my dagger therein, and forced it downward. At the same
+time I thrust with my rapier, but he parried with his own sword. I
+thrust instantly again, and would have pinned him to the wall if he had
+not sprung aside. He was now with his back to the stairs, and neither of
+us had let go the pike. His sword-point darted at me a second time, but
+I avoided, and thrust in return. Not quite ready to parry, he escaped by
+falling back upon the narrow stone steps. Before I could attack, he was
+on his feet again, and on the second step. We still held to the pike,
+which troubled me much, both as an impediment to free sword-play and as
+depriving me of the use of my dagger. I suddenly fell back, trying to
+jerk it from his grasp; but his grip was too firm. He jerked the pike in
+turn, and I let go, thinking the unexpected release might cause him a
+fall.</p>
+
+<p>He did not fall; but I pressed close with sword and dagger before he
+could bring the pike to use, and he backed further up the stairs. He
+caught the pike nearer the point, that he might wield it better at close
+quarters; but the long handle made it an awkward weapon, by striking
+against the wall, which continually curved behind him. We were sword to
+sword, and against my dagger he had his pike, but the dagger was the
+freer weapon for defence though not so far-reaching for attack.</p>
+
+<p>The man was very strong, but he had the shorter thrust and offered the
+broader target. We continued at it, thrust and parry, give and take. All
+the time he retreated up the winding staircase, which was so narrow that
+we had little elbow room, and this was to his advantage as he needed
+less than I. Another thing soon came to his advantage: the stairs curved
+out of the light cast by the lantern below, so that he backed into
+darkness, yet I was still visible to him. I cannot tell by what sense I
+knew where to meet his sword-point, yet certainly my dagger rang against
+it each time it would have stung me out of the dark. As for his pike, I
+now kept it busy enough in meeting my own thrusts. Whether or not I was
+drawn by the knowledge that the Countess was above, I continued to
+attack so incessantly, and with such good reach, that my antagonist
+still retreated upward. I followed him into the darkness; and then the
+advantage was with me, as being slender.</p>
+
+<p>Hitherto I had offered him my full front, but now I half turned my back
+to the wall, so that his blade might scarce find me at all, and that I
+might stand less danger of being forced backward off my feet. Well, so
+we prodded the darkness with our steel feelers in search of each other's
+bodies on those narrow stairs, striking sparks from the stone walls
+which our weapons were bound to meet by reason of the continual
+curvature.</p>
+
+<p>At last the broad form of my adversary was suddenly thrown into faint
+light by a narrow window in the wall. I staked all upon one swift
+thrust. It caught him full in the belly, and ran how far up his body I
+know not. With a cry he fell forward, and I was hard put to it to save
+my sword and avoid going down with him. But I got myself and my sword
+free, and went on up the stairs as fast as I could feel my way.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments I heard steps coming from above, and a rough voice
+shouting down, "Ho, Gaspard, did you call? What the devil's up?" It was
+the other guard, who must have been asleep to have been deaf to the
+clash of our weapons, but whom his comrade's death-cry had roused. I
+trusted that the walls of the tower had confined that death-cry from the
+chateau; fortunately, the narrow window was toward the open fields.</p>
+
+<p>I stopped where I was. When the man's steps sounded a few feet from me,
+I said "Halt!" and, telling him his comrade was dead, proposed the terms
+I had offered the latter. There was a moment's silence: then a clicking
+sound, and finally a great flash of fiery light with a loud report, and
+the smell of smoke. By good luck I had flattened myself against the wall
+before speaking, and the charge whizzed past me. Thinking the man might
+have another pistol in readiness, I stood still. But he turned and ran
+up the stairs. I stumbled after him.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the stairway curved into light such as we had left at the
+bottom. The guard ran on in the light, and finally stepped forth to a
+landing no wider than the stairs; where there hung a lantern over a
+three-legged stool, beyond which was a door. At sight of this my heart
+bounded.</p>
+
+<p>At the very edge of the landing the man turned and faced me, pointing a
+second pistol. As the wheel moved, I dropped forward. The thing missed
+fire entirely, and, flinging it down with a curse, the man drew his
+sword and seized a pike that stood against the wall. I charged
+recklessly up the steps, bending my body to avoid the pike. It went
+through my doublet, just under the left armpit. Ere he could disencumber
+it I pressed forward upon the landing. I turned his sword with my
+dagger, and thrust with my own sword under the pike, piercing his side.
+Only wounded, he leaped back, drawing the pike from my clothes. He aimed
+at me again with that weapon. In bending away from it, I fell on my
+side, but instantly turned upon my back.</p>
+
+<p>The man moved to stand over me. I let go my sword, and caught the pike
+in my hand as it descended. He then tried to spit me with his sword, but
+I checked its point with the guard of my dagger. I thought I was near my
+end. He had only to draw up his sword for another downward thrust; but
+there was a sudden faltering, or hesitation, in his movements, probably
+a blindness of his eyes, the effect of his wound. In that instant of his
+uncertainty, I swung my dagger around and ran it through his leg. He
+fell forward upon me, nearly driving the breath out of my body. My
+dagger arm, extended as it had been, was fortunately free. I crooked my
+elbow, embraced my adversary, and sank the dagger deep into his back. I
+felt his quiver of death.</p>
+
+<p>After I had rolled his body off me, and sheathed my sword and dagger, I
+took out the key and unlocked the door. Inside the vaulted room of
+stone, which was lighted by a candle, stood the Countess and Mathilde.</p>
+
+<p>The Countess, beautiful in her pallor, and looking more angel than woman
+in the plain robe of blue that clothed her slight figure, met me with a
+face of mingled reproach, pity, and horror. Mathilde was in tears and
+utterly downcast. I could see at a glance how matters stood, and ere I
+had made two steps beyond the threshold, I stopped, abashed.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Monsieur, the blood!" cried the Countess sadly, pointing to my
+doublet.</p>
+
+<p>"It is that of your two guards," I said. "I am not hurt."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you are not hurt. But oh, why did you put this bloodshed upon
+your soul?"</p>
+
+<p>"To save you, Madame."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, I know. It is not for me to blame you&mdash;but could you think I
+would escape&mdash;leave the house of my husband&mdash;become a fugitive wife?"</p>
+
+<p>I saw how firm she was in her resolution for all her fragility of body,
+and I scarce knew what to say.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame, think! He is your husband, yes,&mdash;but your persecutor. Where you
+should have protection, you receive&mdash;this." I waved my hand about her
+prison. "Where you should find safety, you are in mortal danger."</p>
+
+<p>"I know all that, Monsieur,&mdash;have known it from the first. But shall I
+play the runaway on that account? Think what you propose&mdash;that I, a
+wedded wife, shall fly from my husband's roof with a gentleman who is
+not even of kin to me! Then indeed would my good name deserve to
+suffer."</p>
+
+<p>"But Madame, heaven knows, as I do, that you are the truest of wives."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let me still deserve that title as my consolation, whatever I may
+have to endure."</p>
+
+<p>"But to flee from such indignity as this&mdash;such slander&mdash;such peril of
+death&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"It is for me to bear these things," she interrupted, "if he to whom I
+vowed myself in marriage inflicts them upon me. If they be wrongs, it is
+I who must suffer but not I who must answer to heaven for them! I may be
+sinned against, but I will not sin. Though he fail in a husband's duty,
+I will not fail in a wife's. Do you not understand, Monsieur, it is not
+the things done to us, but the things we do, that we are accountable
+for?"</p>
+
+<p>"But I can see no sin in your fleeing from the evils that beset you
+here, Madame."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, even if it were not a violation of my marriage vow, it would have
+the appearance of sin, and that we are to avoid. And it would be to
+throw away my one hope, that my husband's heart may yet be softened, and
+his eyes opened to my innocence."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! I trust it may turn out a true hope, Madame," said I sadly.</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven has caused such things to occur before now," she replied. "As
+for you, Monsieur, I must never cease to thank you for your chivalrous
+intent, as I shall thank my good Mathilde for her devotion. And I will
+ever pray for you. And now, if you would make my lot easier&mdash;if you
+would remove one anxiety from my heart, and give me one solace&mdash;you will
+leave this chateau immediately. Save yourself, I beg. Monsieur: let
+there be no more blood shed on my account, and that blood yours!
+Mathilde can let you out at the postern&mdash;she knows where the key is
+hidden. She tells me you have a horse at Montoire. Go, Monsieur&mdash;lose
+not another moment&mdash;I implore&mdash;nay, if you will recognize me as mistress
+of this house, I command."</p>
+
+<p>I bowed low. She offered me her hand: I kissed it.</p>
+
+<p>"It will not be necessary for Mathilde to come to the postern," said I.
+"I know another way out of the chateau. Adieu, Madame!" It was all I
+could manage to say without the breaking of my voice. I turned and left
+the room, closing the door that the Countess and Mathilde might be
+spared the sight of the body on the landing. I then, for a reason, took
+the key, leaving the door unlocked. I groped my way down the stairs,
+taking care not to trip over the body below. I crossed the court-yards
+without any care for secrecy, entered the hall, and sat down upon a
+bench near the door.</p>
+
+<p>When I had told the Countess I knew another way out of the chateau, I
+meant only the front gateway. But I did not intend immediately to try
+that way. I intended, for a purpose which had suddenly come into my
+head, to wait in the hall till morning and be the first to greet the
+Count when he appeared.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>MORE THAN MERE PITY</h3>
+
+
+<p>What I stayed to do was something the Countess herself could do, and
+probably would do one way or another, if indeed mere circumstances would
+not do it of themselves: though I felt that none could as I could. But
+to tell the truth, even if I could not have brought myself to turn my
+back on that place while she was in such unhappy plight there.</p>
+
+<p>After I had sat awhile in the hall, I went to my room, lighted a candle,
+and cleansed myself and my weapons, and my clothes as well as I could,
+of blood. Having put myself to rights, though the rents in my doublet
+were still gaping, I went back to the bench in the hall, and passed the
+rest of the night there, sleeping and awake by turns.</p>
+
+<p>At dawn I heard steps and voices in the court-yard as of early risen
+dependents starting the day. Silence returned for a few minutes, and
+then came the noise of hurrying feet, and of shouts. There was rapid
+talk between somebody in the court-yard and somebody at an upper window.
+I knew it meant that the bodies of the two guards had been discovered,
+doubtless by the men who had gone to relieve them. In a short time, down
+the stairs came the Count de Lavardin, his doublet still unfastened,
+followed by two body-servants. He came in haste toward the front door,
+but I rose and stood in his path.</p>
+
+<p>"A moment, Monsieur Count. There's no need of haste. You'll find your
+prisoner safe enough."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" he asked, having stopped in sheer wonder at my
+audacity.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame the Countess has not flown, though it is true her guards are
+slain&mdash;I slew them. And Madame the Countess will not fly, though it is
+true her prison door is unlocked&mdash;I unlocked it&mdash;with this key, which I
+borrowed from you last night."</p>
+
+<p>He took the key I handed him, and stared at it in amazement. He then
+thrust his hand into his doublet pocket and drew out another key, which
+he held up beside the first, looking from one to the other.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said I, "that is a different key, which I left in place of the
+right one so that you might not discover the loan too soon."</p>
+
+<p>He gazed at me with a mixture of fury and surprise, as at an antagonist
+whose capacity he must have previously underrated.</p>
+
+<p>"By the horns of Satan," he exclaimed, "you are the boldest of meddling
+imps."</p>
+
+<p>"I have meddled to good purpose," said I, "though my meddling has not
+turned out as I planned. But it has turned out so as to bring you peace
+of mind, at least in one respect."</p>
+
+<p>"What are you talking of?"</p>
+
+<p>"You see that I possessed myself of that key; that I fought my way to
+the prison of the Countess; that I threw open her prison door."</p>
+
+<p>"And believe me, you shall pay for your ingenuity and daring, my brave
+youth."</p>
+
+<p>"All that was but the beginning of what I was resolved and able to do. I
+had prepared our way of escape from the chateau."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not sure of that."</p>
+
+<p>"You may laugh with your lips, Count, but I laugh at you in my heart.
+Don't think Monsieur de Pepicot is the only man who can get out of the
+Chateau de Lavardin."</p>
+
+<p>The reminder somewhat sobered the Count.</p>
+
+<p>"I had the means, too," I went on, "to fly with Madame far from this
+place. We might indeed have been a half-day's ride away by this time. I
+assure you it is true. Let what I have done convince you of what more I
+could have done. You don't think I should have gone so far as I have,
+unless I was sure of going further, do you?"</p>
+
+<p>The Count shrugged his shoulders, pretending derision, but he waited for
+me.</p>
+
+<p>"And why did I not go further?" I continued. "Because the Countess would
+not. Because she is the truest of wives. Because, when I opened her
+door, she met me with a stern rebuke for supposing her capable of flying
+from your roof. Ah, Monsieur, it would have set your mind at rest, if
+you had heard her. She bows to your will, though it may crush her,
+because you are her husband. Never was such pious fidelity to marriage
+vows. Her only hope is that your mind may be cleared of its false doubts
+of her."</p>
+
+<p>The Count looked impressed. He had become thoughtful, and a kind of
+grateful ease seemed to show itself upon his brow. I was pleasing myself
+with the belief that I had thus, in an unexpected way, convinced him of
+the Countess's virtue, when a voice at my side broke in upon my
+satisfaction. I had so closely kept my attention upon the Count that I
+had not observed Captain Ferragant come down the stairs. It was he that
+now spoke, in his cool, quiet, scoffing tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps the Countess had less faith in this gentleman's power to convey
+her safely away than he seems to have had himself. Perhaps she saw a
+less promising future for a renegade wife than he could picture to her.
+Perhaps she, too, perceived the value of her refusal to run away, as
+evidence of virtue in the eyes of a credulous husband."</p>
+
+<p>The Count's forehead clouded again. I turned indignantly upon the
+Captain, but addressed my words to the Count, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, you will pardon me, but it seems to a stranger that you allow
+this gentleman great liberties of speech. Men of honour do not, as a
+rule, even permit their friends to defame their wives."</p>
+
+<p>"This gentleman is in my confidence," said the Count, his grey face
+reddening for a moment. "It is you, a stranger as you say, who have
+taken great liberties in speaking of my domestic affairs. But you shall
+pay for them, young gentleman. Your youth makes your presumption all the
+greater, and shall not make your punishment the less. I will trouble
+you, Captain, to see that he stays here till I return."</p>
+
+<p>At this the Count, motioning his attendants to follow, who had stood out
+of earshot of our lowered voices, passed on to the court-yard, and
+thence, of course, to the prison of the Countess.</p>
+
+<p>The Captain stood looking at me with that expression of antipathy and
+ridicule which I always found it so hard to brook. I had some thought of
+defying the Count's last words and walking away to see what the Captain
+would do. But I reflected that this course must end in my taking down,
+unless I made good a sudden flight from the chateau by the gate; and if
+I made that I should be fleeing from the Countess. So the best thing was
+to be submissive, and not bring matters, as between the Count and me, to
+a crisis. Perhaps a way to help the Countess might yet occur, if I
+stayed upon the scene to avail myself of it. And in any case by
+continuing there in as much freedom as the Count might choose to allow
+me, I might have at least the chance of another sight of her.</p>
+
+<p>So, while we waited half an hour or so in the hall, I gave the Captain
+no trouble, not even that of speech, which he disdained to take on his
+own initiative.</p>
+
+<p>The Count returned, looking agitated, as if he had been in a storm of
+anger which had scarce had time to subside. His glance at me was more
+charged with hate and menace than ever before. He beckoned the Captain
+to the other end of the hall, and there they talked for awhile in
+undertones, the Count often shaking his head quickly, and taking short
+walks to and fro; sometimes he clenched his fists, or breathed heavy
+sighs of irritation, or darted at me a swift look of malevolence and
+threat. I could only assume that something had passed between the
+Countess and him during his visit to her prison&mdash;perhaps she had shown
+anxiety as to whether I had fled&mdash;which had suddenly quickened and
+increased his jealousy of me.</p>
+
+<p>At last the Count seemed to accept some course advised by his friend. He
+came towards me, the Captain following with slower steps. In a dry
+voice, well under control, the Count said to me:</p>
+
+<p>"Permit me to relieve you, Monsieur, of the burden of those weapons you
+carry. I am annoyed that you should think it desirable to wear them in
+my house, as if it were the road."</p>
+
+<p>Startled, I put my hands on the hilts of my sword and dagger, and took a
+step backward.</p>
+
+<p>"Your annoyance is somewhat strange, Monsieur," said I, "considering
+that you and the Captain wear your swords indoors as well as out. I
+thought it was the custom of this house."</p>
+
+<p>"If so," replied the Count, with his ghastly smile, "it is a custom that
+a guest forfeits the benefit of by killing two of my dependents. Come,
+young gentleman. Don't be so rude as to make me ask twice."</p>
+
+<p>The Captain now stepped forward more briskly, his hand on his own sword.
+Taking his motion as a threatening one, and scarce knowing what to do, I
+drew my weapons upon impulse and presented, not the handles, but the
+points. But ere I could think, the Captain's long rapier flashed out, it
+moved so swiftly I could not see it, and my own sword was torn from my
+grip and sent whirring across the hall. In the next instant, the guard
+of the Captain's sword was locked against the guard of my dagger, and
+his left hand gripped my wrist. It was such a trick as a fencing master
+might have played on a new pupil, or as I had heard attributed to my
+father but had never seen him perform. It showed me what a swordsman
+that red Captain was, and how much I had yet to learn ere I dared
+venture against such an adversary. And there was his bold red-splashed
+face close to mine, smiling in derision of my surprise and discomfiture.
+He was beginning to exert his strength upon my wrist&mdash;that strength
+which had choked and flung away the great hound. To save my arm, I let
+go my dagger. The Captain put his foot on it till an attendant, whom the
+Count had summoned, stooped for it. My sword was picked up by another
+man, whereupon, at the Count's command, it was hung upon a peg in the
+wall, and the dagger attached to the handle of the sword. The two men
+were then ordered to guard me, one at each side. They were burly
+fellows, armed with daggers.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Monsieur, what next?" said I in as scornful a tone as I could
+command.</p>
+
+<p>"Patience, Monsieur; you will see."</p>
+
+<p>There was a low, narrow door in the side of the hall, near the front. At
+the Count's bidding, an attendant opened this, and I was marched into a
+very small, bare room, the ceiling of which was scarce higher than my
+head. This apartment had evidently been designed as a doorkeeper's box.
+It's only furniture was a bench. A mere eyehole of a window in the
+corner looked upon the court-yard.</p>
+
+<p>"Remember," I called back to the Count, "you cannot put injuries upon me
+with impunity. An account will be exacted in due time."</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, you," he replied with a laugh, "that you have murdered two
+men here, and are subject to my sentence."</p>
+
+<p>My guards left me in the room, and stationed themselves outside the
+door, which was then closed upon me. There was no lock to the door, but
+it was possible to fasten the latch on the outside, and this was done,
+as I presently discovered by trial.</p>
+
+<p>I sat on the bench, and gazed out upon as much of the court-yard as the
+window showed. Suddenly the window was darkened by something placed
+against it outside,&mdash;a man's doublet propped up by a pike, or some such
+device. I could not guess why they should cut off my light, unless as a
+mere addition to the tediousness of my restraint. I disdained to show
+annoyance, though I might have thrust my arm through the window and
+displaced the obstruction. Later I saw the reason: it was to prevent my
+seeing who passed through the court-yard.</p>
+
+<p>It seemed an hour until suddenly my door was flung open. In the doorway
+appeared the Captain, beckoning me to come forth. I did so.</p>
+
+<p>Half-way up the hall, a little at one side, stood the Count. Near him,
+and looking straight toward me, sat the Countess in a great arm-chair.
+Besides the Captain and myself, those two were the only persons in the
+hall. Even my guards had disappeared, and all doors leading from the
+hall were shut.</p>
+
+<p>The Countess, as I have said, was looking straight toward me. Her eyes
+had followed the Captain to my door, she wondering what was to come out
+of it. For assuredly she had not expected me to come out of it. She had
+still trusted that I had gone away in the night&mdash;the Count had not told
+her otherwise. Her surprise at seeing me was manifest in her startled
+look, which was followed by a low cry of compassionate regret.</p>
+
+<p>The Count had been watching her with a painful intentness. He had not
+even turned his eyes to see me enter, having trusted to his ears to
+apprise him. At her display of concern, the skin of his face tightened;
+though that display was no more than any compassionate lady might have
+given in a similar case. Even the Count, after a moment, appeared to
+think more reasonably of her demeanour.</p>
+
+<p>I bowed to her, and stood waiting for what might follow, the Captain
+near me.</p>
+
+<p>The Count, turning toward me for an instant to show it was I he
+addressed, but fixing his gaze again upon his wife and keeping it there
+while he continued speaking to me, delivered himself thus, with mocking
+irony:</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, I will not be so trifling or so churlish as to keep you in
+doubt regarding your fate. In this chateau, where the right of doom lies
+in me, you have been, by plain evidence and your own confession, guilty
+of the murder of two men. As to what other and worse crimes you have
+intended, I say nothing. What you have done is already too much. There
+is only one sufficient punishment. You may thank me for granting you
+time of preparation. I will give you two days&mdash;a liberal allowance, you
+will admit&mdash;during which you shall be lodged in a secure place, where in
+solitude and quiet you may put yourself in readiness for death."</p>
+
+<p>The Countess rose with a cry, "No, no!" Her face and voice were charged
+with something so much more than mere compassion, that I forgot my doom
+in a wild sweet exultation. At what he perceived, the Count uttered a
+fierce, dismayed ejaculation. The Captain looked at once triumphant and
+resentful.</p>
+
+<p>"It is enough!" cried the Count hoarsely. "The truth is clear!"</p>
+
+<p>He motioned me away, and the Captain pushed me back into the little
+room, quickly fastening the door. But my feeling was still one of
+ecstasy rather than horror, for still I saw the Countess's tender eyes
+in grief for me, still saw her arms reaching out toward me, still heard
+her voice full of wild protest at my sentence. It was to surprise her
+real feelings that she had been brought to hear, in my presence, my doom
+pronounced; and my window had been obstructed that our confrontation
+might be as sudden to me as to her, lest by a prepared look I might put
+her on her guard. This it was that the Captain had suggested, and
+excellently it had served. That moment's revelation of her heart, though
+it brought such sweetness into my soul, could only make her fate worse
+and my sentence irrevocable.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE RAT-HOLE AND THE WATER-JUG</h3>
+
+
+<p>I had not been back in the little room a minute, when it occurred to me
+to reach through the window and displace the obstruction. I was in time
+to see the Countess escorted back across the court-yard by her husband.
+This could mean only that she was again to occupy her prison in the
+tower. I was glad at least to know where she was, that I might imagine
+her in her surroundings, of which I had obtained so brief a glimpse.</p>
+
+<p>Presently my door opened slightly, that my breakfast might be passed in
+on a trencher; and again an hour later, that the trencher might be taken
+out. Soon after that, the door was thrown wide, and a man of some
+authority, whom I had already taken to be the seneschal of the chateau,
+courteously requested me to step forth. When I did so, he told me my
+lodging was ready and bade me follow. At my elbows were two powerful
+armed servitors of this strange half-military household, to escort me.</p>
+
+<p>I had a moment's hope that I might be taken to some chamber in the great
+tower; I should thus be nearer the Countess. But such was not the
+Count's will. I was conducted to the hall staircase, and up two flights,
+thence along the corridor past my former sleeping chamber, and finally
+by a small stairway to a sort of loft at that very corner of the chateau
+against which the great tower was built.</p>
+
+<p>It was a small chamber with one window and an unceiled roof that sloped
+very low at the sides. I suppose it had been used as a store-room for
+rubbish. Two worm-eaten chests were its only furniture. On one of these
+were a basin, a jug of water, and a towel. On the other were a blanket,
+a sheet, and a pillow. Here then were my bed and wash-stand. There was
+still space left on the first chest to serve me as dining-table.</p>
+
+<p>Before I could find anything to say upon these meagre accommodations for
+a gentleman's last lodging in this world, the seneschal bade me
+good-day, the door was closed and locked, and I was left to my
+reflections. The room not having been designed as a prison, there was no
+grilled opening in the door, and I was not exposed to the guard's view.</p>
+
+<p>The Count might have kept me in my former chamber, thought I, the time
+being so short. Perhaps he feared my making a rope of bed clothes and
+dropping to the terrace. As for the little room off the hall, it had no
+real lock, and the guards might become sleepy at night. But why did he
+make this respite of two days? Was it to give himself time for devising
+some peculiarly humiliating and atrocious form of death? Or was it mere
+ironical pretence of mercy in his justice, and might I be surprised with
+the fatal summons as soon as he was in the humour for it? To this day, I
+do not clearly know,&mdash;or whether he had other matters for his immediate
+care; or indeed whether, at the instant of pronouncing my sentence in
+order to discover the Countess's feelings, he actually intended carrying
+it out.</p>
+
+<p>In any case, now that her heart had betrayed itself, I had little hope
+of mercy. What came nearest to daunting me was the thought that, if I
+died, my people might never know for certain what had been my fate, for
+the Count would probably keep my death a secret, his own dependents
+being silenced by interest and fear. Yet I felt I had no right to
+complain of Fate. I had come from home to see danger, and here it was,
+though my present adventure was something different from cutting off the
+moustaches of Brignan de Brignan. And still my emotions were sweetened
+by the sense of what the Countess had disclosed, fatal though that
+disclosure might be to her also.</p>
+
+<p>Such were the materials of my thoughts for the first hour or so, while I
+sat on the chest that was to be my bed. But suddenly there came a
+sharper consciousness of what death meant, and how closely it threatened
+me. I sprang up, to bestir myself in seeking if there might be some
+means of escape. The situation had changed since I had willingly
+lingered at the chateau in order to be near the Countess. The reluctance
+to betake myself from the place where she was, had not diminished; but I
+had awakened to the knowledge that my only hope of ever seeing her again
+lay in present flight, if that were possible. I could serve her better
+living than dead, better free than a prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>I went to the window, which was wide enough for me to put my head out.
+My room was at the top of the building, and only the great tower, partly
+visible at my right, rose higher toward the sky. Below me was a narrow
+paved space between the house and the outer wall: it ran from the base
+of the tower at my right, to the garden, far at the left. Beyond the
+wall was the moat: beyond that, the country toward Montoire. If I could
+let myself down to the earth by any means, I should still be on the
+wrong side of the wall. But I might find the postern key, buried under
+the rose bush near the postern itself.</p>
+
+<p>I looked around the room, but there was nothing that would serve as a
+means of descent, except the bedding on the larger chest. This I
+examined: it was the scantiest, being merely a strip of blanket and a
+strip of sheet, together just sufficient to cover the top of the chest.
+With the pillow cover and towel, they would not reach half-way to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps the chests might contain old clothes, or other materials that
+would serve to eke out. I tried the lids, but both were strongly locked.
+The larger chest looked very ancient and rotten: its hinges might be
+loose. I pulled one end of it out from against the wall, to examine the
+back. The hinges were immovable. Despondent, I ran my hand further down
+the back at random, and, to my surprise, felt a small irregular hole,
+through which I could thrust two fingers. It was evidently a rat hole,
+for I saw now that when close to the wall, it must have corresponded to
+a chink between the stones thereof.</p>
+
+<p>My fingers inside the chest came in contact with nothing but rat-bitten
+papers, to my sad disappointment. But, having gone so far, I was moved
+to continue until I had patiently twisted a few documents out through
+the hole. I straightened and glanced at them. The edges were fretted by
+the rats. One writing was an account of moneys expended for various
+wines; another was a list of remedies for the diseases of horses; but
+the third, when I caught its meaning and saw the name signed at the end,
+made my heart jump. It was the last page of a letter, and ran thus:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"One thing is certain, by our careful exclusion of fools and
+weaklings, our plot is less liable to premature discovery than any
+of those which have hitherto been attempted, and, as you say, if we
+fail we have but to lock ourselves up in our chateaux till all
+blows over, the K. being so busy at present with the Dutch. In that
+event, my dear Count, the Chateau de Lavardin is a residence that
+some of the rest of us will envy you. Your servant ever,</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Collot d'Arniol</span>."</p></div>
+
+<p>The name was that of the chief mover of the late conspiracy, who had
+paid the penalty of his treason without betraying his accomplices. If
+this was indeed his signature, with which the authorities were certainly
+acquainted, the scrap of paper, were I free to carry it to Paris, would
+put the life of the Count de Lavardin in my hands.</p>
+
+<p>To be possessed of such a weapon&mdash;such a means of rescuing the Countess
+from her fearful situation&mdash;and yet lack freedom wherein to use it, was
+too vexing for endurance. I resolved, rather than wait inactively for
+death with that weapon useless, to employ the most reckless means of
+escape. Meanwhile I pocketed the fragment of letter, and thrust the
+other papers back into the chest, which I then pushed to its former
+place.</p>
+
+<p>After thinking awhile, I poured the water from the heavy earthen jug
+into the basin. I then sat down on the large chest, leaning forward,
+elbows upon knees, my head upon my hands, the empty jug beside me as if
+I had lazily left it there after drinking from it. In this attitude I
+waited through a great part of the afternoon, until I began to wonder if
+the Count was not going to send me any more food that day.</p>
+
+<p>At last, when the sun was low, I heard my lock turned, the door opened
+into the room, and one of my new guards entered with a trencher of bread
+and cold meat. With the corner of my eye, I saw that nobody was
+immediately outside my door; so I assumed that my other guard, if there
+were still two, was stationed at the foot of the short flight of stairs
+leading to my room. The man with the food, having cast a look at me as I
+sat in my listless attitude, passed me in order to put the trencher on
+the other chest, which was further from the door.</p>
+
+<p>The instant his back was toward me, I silently grasped the earthen jug,
+sprang after him, and brought the jug down upon the back of his head
+with all my strength while he was leaning forward to place the trencher.
+He staggered forward. I gave him a second blow, and he sprawled upon the
+chest, which stopped his fall.</p>
+
+<p>I ran to the open door, pushed it almost shut, and waited behind it, the
+jug raised in both hands. My blows and the guard's fall had not been
+without noise.</p>
+
+<p>"Hola! what's that?" cried somebody outside and a little below. I gave
+no answer, and presently I heard steps rapidly mounting to my door. Then
+the door was lightly pushed, but I stopped it; whereupon the head of my
+other guard was thrust in through the narrow opening. Down came my jug,
+and the man dropped to his hands and knees, in the very act of drawing
+his weapons. I struck him again, laying him prostrate. Then I dragged
+him into the room, and tried to wrest his dagger from his grasp. Finding
+this difficult, I ran back to the first guard, took his dagger from its
+sheath as he was beginning to come to, wielded my jug once more to delay
+his awakening, and, stepping over the second man's body, passed out of
+the room. The man with the trencher had left the key in the lock. I
+closed the door and turned the key, which I put in my pocket. I then
+hastened down the stairs, fled along the deserted passage, descended the
+main stairway to the story below, traversed without a moment's pause the
+rooms leading to the picture gallery, crossed that and found the door at
+the end unlocked, ran down the stairs of the Countess's former
+apartments, unlocked the door to the garden, and sped along the walk
+toward the postern. In all this, I had not seen a soul: I was carried
+forward by a bracing resolve to accomplish my escape or die in
+attempting it, as well as by an inspiriting faith in the saying of the
+Latin poet that fortune favours the bold, and by a feeling that for me
+everything depended on one swift, uninterrupted flight.</p>
+
+<p>I gained the postern; fell on my knees by the nearest rose bush, and,
+choosing a spot where the soil swelled a little, dug rapidly with the
+dagger, throwing the earth aside with my hand. In my impatience, much
+time seemed to go: I feared that here at last I was stayed: great drops
+fell from my brow upon my busy hands: I trembled and could have wept for
+vexation. But suddenly my dagger struck something hard, and in a moment
+I grasped the key. It opened the lock. I stood upon the ledge outside,
+and re-locked the door; then dashed across the plank over the moat, and
+made for the forest.</p>
+
+<p>I had no time to spare. My guards might be already returned to
+consciousness and doing their best to alarm the house from within their
+prison. Bloodhounds might soon be on my track. I ran along the edge of
+the forest, therefore, which covered my movements till I was past the
+village of St. Outrille, close to Montoire. I then altered my pace to a
+walk, lest a running figure in the fields might attract the notice of
+the Count's watchman on the tower; and, going in the lurching manner of
+a rustic, came to a road by which I crossed the river and gained the
+town. I entered the inn, sought the host, and called for my bill,
+baggage, and horse.</p>
+
+<p>The innkeeper did not recognize me at first, and, when he did, showed
+great wonder and curiosity at my absence. He was inclined to be
+friendly, though, and, when he perceived I was in haste, did not delay
+my departure with inquisitive talk. I saw that my horse had been
+properly cared for in my absence, and was glad to be on its back again,
+the more because I should thus leave no further scent for bloodhounds to
+follow.</p>
+
+<p>I rode out of the archway and turned my horse toward the road for Les
+Roches and Paris. As I crossed the square, I could not help glancing
+over my right shoulder toward the Lavardin road. In doing so, I happened
+to see a young man coming out of the church, whose face I knew. I
+thought a moment, then reined my horse around to intercept him, and, as
+he was about to pass, said in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Good evening, Hugues."</p>
+
+<p>He stopped in surprise, recalling my features but not my identity. I
+leaned over my horse's neck, and spoke in an undertone:</p>
+
+<p>"You will remember I met you on your way back from Sabl&eacute;, whither you
+had carried a certain lady's message. I have since heard of you from
+that lady. She is in a most unhappy plight, and so is her maid
+Mathilde."</p>
+
+<p>The young miller turned pale at this.</p>
+
+<p>"I have just escaped from the chateau," I continued, "where the Count
+meant to kill me. I am going as fast as possible to Paris, where I can
+use means to render him powerless. But that will take time, and
+meanwhile the worst may befall the Countess&mdash;and no doubt her faithful
+Mathilde also. They are imprisoned in the tower. I thank God I have met
+you, for now there is one friend here to whose solicitude I may leave
+that unfortunate lady and her devoted maid while I am away."</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur," said he, with deep feeling, "I know no reason why you should
+play a trick on me, and you don't look as if you were doing so. I will
+trust you, therefore. But can you not come to my house, where we can
+talk fully?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where is your house?"</p>
+
+<p>"About a quarter of a league down that road." He pointed toward the road
+that ran northward from the square, as my road ran northeastward. "When
+you are ready to go on, you can get the Paris road by a lane, without
+coming back to the town."</p>
+
+<p>There were good reasons against my losing any time before starting for
+Paris. But it was well, on the other hand, for Hugues to know exactly
+how matters stood at the chateau. I put my reasons hastily to him, and
+he said he could promise me a safe hiding-place at his mill. And I could
+travel the faster in the end for a rest now, which I looked as if I
+needed,&mdash;in truth, I had slept little and badly in the hall the previous
+night, and the day's business had told upon me. So, perhaps most because
+it was pleasant to be with a trusty companion who shared my cause of
+anxiety, I agreed to go to his house for supper, and to set out after
+night-fall.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" said Hugues. "Then you had best ride ahead, Monsieur, so we are
+not seen together. You can leave me now as if you had been merely asking
+your way. If you ride slowly when you are out of the town, I shall catch
+up."</p>
+
+<p>I did as he suggested, and he soon overtook me on the road. His house
+proved to be a cottage of good size built against a mill, with a small
+barn at one side of the yard and a stable at the other. When I had
+dismounted at his door, we unsaddled and unbridled my horse, so that it
+might pass for a new horse of his own if pursuers looked into his
+stable. He then called his boy and his woman-servant, and told them what
+to say if anybody came inquiring. We carried my saddle, bridle, and
+portmanteau through the cottage to the mill, and thence to a small
+cellar which was reached by means of a well-concealed trap-door in the
+mill-floor. This cellar should be my refuge in case the Count's men came
+there seeking me.</p>
+
+<p>"I made this hiding-place," said Hugues, moving his candle about to show
+how well floored and walled it was, "because one could never say when
+Mathilde, living in that fearful chateau, might want a place to fly to.
+She would not leave her mistress, you know, though the Countess's other
+women went gladly enough when the Count sent them off. Nobody knows
+there is anything between Mathilde and me, Monsieur,&mdash;except the
+Countess. It is safer so. We have been waiting for the Count to die, so
+that all might be well with the Countess, for Mathilde could marry me
+then with easy mind."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope that God will send that time soon," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"But meanwhile, this present danger?" said Hugues.</p>
+
+<p>We returned to the living-room of the cottage, and talked of the matter
+while we had supper. I told Hugues everything, misrepresenting only so
+far as to make it appear that the Count's jealousy was still entirely
+unfounded, and that he had mistaken the Countess's feelings at our
+confrontation. Whatever Hugues may have thought upon this last point, he
+made no comment thereon; but he showed the liveliest sense of the
+increased danger in which the Countess stood. He feared that my escape
+would make her position still worse, and that her hours might be already
+numbered. He considered there was not time for me to go to Paris and
+return: the Countess's rescue ought to be attempted promptly, or the
+attempt would be too late.</p>
+
+<p>In all this, he but echoed the feeling that had come back to me with
+double force while I told him the situation. But there was the
+Countess's determination not to flee. Hugues said that as this
+determination must be overcome for the Countess's own sake, any pressure
+that could be brought to bear upon her feelings would be justifiable.
+Let it be urged upon her that if she persisted in waiting for death,
+Mathilde's life also would doubtless be sacrificed; let every argument,
+every persuasion be employed; let me beseech, let me reproach, let me
+even use imperative means if need be. Suddenly, as he talked, I saw a
+way by which I thought she might be moved. It was one chance, but enough
+to commit me to the effort.</p>
+
+<p>The question now was, how to communicate with the Countess, and to
+accomplish the rescue. This Hugues and I settled ere we went to bed. I
+slept that night in the mill, by the trap-door. Hugues lay awake,
+listening for any alarm. None came, and in the morning we agreed that
+either the Count had elected not to seek me at all, or had traced me to
+the inn, and, learning I had taken horse, supposed I was far out of the
+neighbourhood. I stayed indoors all that day, while Hugues was absent in
+furtherance of our project, the woman and boy being under strict orders
+as to their conduct in the event of inquiries. In the evening Hugues
+returned with various acquisitions, among them being a sword for me, and
+a long rope ladder, both obtained at Troo.</p>
+
+<p>We awaited the fall of night, then set out. I upon my horse, Hugues
+riding one of his and leading the other. We went by obscure lanes,
+crossed the river, gained the forest, and lingered in its shades till
+the church clock of Montoire struck eleven. We then proceeded through
+the forest, near the edge, till we were behind the Chateau de Lavardin.</p>
+
+<p>Besides the rope-ladder, we had with us a cross-bow that Hugues owned, a
+long slender cord, and a paper on which I had written some brief
+instructions during the afternoon.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE ROPE LADDER</h3>
+
+
+<p>The night was starlit, though the moon would come later. We hoped to be
+away from the chateau before it rose. There was a gentle breeze, which
+we rather welcomed as likely to cover what little noise we might make.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving our horses tied in the forest, and taking the cross-bow and
+other things, we stole along the moat skirting the Western wall, till we
+were opposite the great tower. It rose toward the sky, sheer from the
+black water that separated us from it by so few yards. We gazed upward,
+and I pointed out the window which I thought, from its situation, must
+be that of the Countess, if she still occupied her former prison.</p>
+
+<p>Our first plan depended upon her still occupying that prison, or some
+other with an unbarred window in that side of the tower; and upon her
+being still accompanied by Mathilde.</p>
+
+<p>If the man on top of the tower were to look down now, thought I! We had
+considered that chance. It was not likely he would come to the edge of
+the tower and look straight down. His business apparently was to watch
+the road at a distance and in both directions. He could do this best
+from the Northeastern part of the tower. From what I knew now, I could
+guess why the Count had stationed him there: a conspirator never knows
+when he is safe from belated detection and a visit of royal guards. This
+accounted also, perhaps as much as the Count's jealousy, for his
+inhospitality to strangers, and for the half-military character of his
+household.</p>
+
+<p>Hugues uttered a bird-call, which had been one of his signals to
+Mathilde in their meetings. We waited, looking up and wishing the night
+were blacker. He repeated the cry.</p>
+
+<p>Something faintly whitish appeared in the dark slit which I had taken to
+be the Countess's window. It was a face.</p>
+
+<p>"Mathilde," whispered Hugues to me.</p>
+
+<p>Keeping his gaze upon her, he held up the cross-bow for her notice; then
+the bolt, to which we had attached the slender cord. Next, before
+adjusting the bolt, he aimed the unbent bow at her window: this was to
+indicate what he was about to do. Then he lowered the bow, and looked at
+her without further motion, awaiting some sign of understanding from
+her. She nodded her head emphatically, and drew it in.</p>
+
+<p>Hugues fitted the string and the bolt, raised the bow, and stood
+motionless for I know not how many seconds; at last the string twanged;
+the bolt sang through the air. It did not fall, nor strike stone, and
+the cord remained suspended from above: the bolt had gone through the
+window.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" I whispered in elation; and truly Hugues deserved praise, for he
+had had to allow both for the wind and for the cord fastened to the
+bolt.</p>
+
+<p>The cord was soon pulled upward. Our end of it was tied to the rope
+ladder, which Hugues unfolded as it continued to be drawn up by
+Mathilde. At the junction of cord and ladder was fixed the paper with
+instructions. Mathilde could not overlook this nor mistake its purpose.
+When the ladder was nearly all in the air, its movement ceased. We knew
+then that Mathilde had the other end of it. Presently the window became
+faintly alight.</p>
+
+<p>"They have lighted a candle, to read the note," I whispered.</p>
+
+<p>Hugues kept a careful hold upon our end of the ladder, to which there
+was fastened another cord, shorter and stronger than the first. My note
+gave instructions to attach the ladder securely to a bed, or some other
+suitable object, which, if movable, should then be placed close to the
+window, but not so as to impede my entrance. It announced my intention
+of visiting the Countess for a purpose of supreme importance to us both.
+When the ladder was adjusted, a handkerchief should be waved up and down
+in the window.</p>
+
+<p>"The Countess surely will not refuse to let me come and say what I have
+to," I whispered, to reassure myself after we had waited some time.</p>
+
+<p>"Surely not, Monsieur. She does not know yet what it is," replied
+Hugues.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment the handkerchief waved in the window.</p>
+
+<p>Hugues drew the ladder taut and braced himself. I grasped one of the
+rounds, found a lower one with my foot, and began to mount. The ladder
+formed, of course, an incline over the moat. When I had ascended some
+way, Hugues, as we had agreed, allowed the ladder to swing gradually
+across the moat and hang against the tower, he retaining hold of the
+cord by which to draw the lower end back at the fit time. I now climbed
+perpendicularly, close to the tower. It was a laborious business,
+requiring great patience. Once I ran my eyes up along the tall tower and
+saw the stars in the sky; once I looked down and saw them reflected in
+the moat: but as these diversions made my task appear the longer, and
+had a qualmish effect upon me, I thereafter studied only each immediate
+round of the ladder as I came to it. As I got higher, I felt the wind
+more; but it only refreshed me. Toward the end I had some misgiving lest
+the ladder should lie too tight against the bottom of the window for me
+to grasp the last rounds. But this fear proved groundless. Mathilde had
+placed a pillow at the outer edge of the sill, for the ladder to run
+over; and I had no sooner thrust my hand into the window than it was
+caught in a firm grasp and guided to the proper round. Another step
+brought my head above the sill: at the next, I had two arms inside the
+long, shaft-like opening; my body followed, as Mathilde's receded. I
+crawled through; lowered myself, hands and knees, to the couch beneath;
+leaped to the floor, and kneeling before the Countess, kissed her hand.</p>
+
+<p>She was standing, and her dress was the same blue robe in which I had
+seen her in the same room two nights before. The candle was on a small
+table, which held also an illuminated book and an image of the Virgin,
+and above which a crucifix hung against the wall. Besides the bed at the
+window, there were another bed, a trunk, a chair, and a three-legged
+stool.</p>
+
+<p>The Countess's face was all anxiety and question.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God you are still safe!" said I.</p>
+
+<p>"And you!" she replied. "Brigitte told us you had escaped. I had prayed
+your life might be saved. But now you put yourself in peril again. I had
+hoped you were far away. Oh, Monsieur, what is it brings you back to
+this house of danger?"</p>
+
+<p>"My going has surely made it a house of greater danger to you. It is a
+marvel the Count has not already taken revenge upon you for my escape. I
+thank God I am here while you still live."</p>
+
+<p>"My life is in God's hands. Was it to say this that you have risked
+yours again, Monsieur? Oh, your coming here but adds to my sorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Hear what sorrow you will cause, Madame, if you refuse to be saved
+while there is yet time. I ask you to consider others. Below, waiting
+for us, is Hugues, who has enabled me to come here to-night. You know
+how that good brave fellow loves Mathilde. And you know that if you die,
+Mathilde will share your fate, for the Count will wish to give his own
+story of your death."</p>
+
+<p>"But Mathilde must not stay to share my fate. She must go away with you
+now, while there is opportunity."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not stir from your side, Madame,&mdash;they will have to tear me away
+when they come to kill you," said Mathilde, and then to me, "They have
+not sent Madame any food to-day. I think the plan is to starve us."</p>
+
+<p>"Horrible!" I said. "That, no doubt, is because of my escape. But who
+knows when the Count, in one of the rages caused by his fancies, may
+turn to some method still more fearful. Madame, how can you endure this?
+Why, it is to encourage his crime, when you might escape!"</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, you cannot tempt me with sophistries. What God permits&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Has not God permitted me to come here, with the means of escape? Avail
+yourself of them&mdash;see if God will not permit that."</p>
+
+<p>"We know that God permits sin, Monsieur, for his own good reasons. It is
+for us to see that we are not they to whom it is permitted."</p>
+
+<p>"But can you think it a sin to save yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is always a sin to break vows, Monsieur. And now&mdash;to go with you, of
+all men&mdash;would be doubly a sin." She had lowered her voice, and she
+lowered her eyes, too, and drew slightly back from me.</p>
+
+<p>"Then go with Hugues, Madame," said I, my own voice softened almost to a
+whisper. "Only let me follow at a little distance to see that you are
+safe. And when you are safe, finally and surely, I will go away, and we
+shall be as strangers."</p>
+
+<p>Tears were in her eyes. But she answered:</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur; I should still be a truant wife&mdash;still a breaker of vows
+made to the Church and heaven."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you would rather die, and have poor Mathilde die after
+you&mdash;Mathilde, who has no such scruples?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mathilde must go away with you to-night. I command her&mdash;she will not
+disobey what may be the last orders I shall ever give her."</p>
+
+<p>"Madame, I have never disobeyed yet, but I will disobey this time. I
+will not leave you." So said Mathilde, with quiet firmness.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Mathilde, it is unkind, unfair! You will save yourself for Hugues's
+sake."</p>
+
+<p>"I will save myself when you save yourself, Madame; not before."</p>
+
+<p>The Countess sank upon the chair, and turning to the Virgin's image,
+said despairingly:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Mother of heaven, save this child from her own fidelity!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not Mathilde alone that you doom," I now said, thinking it time
+to try my last means. "It is not only that you will darken the life of
+poor Hugues. There is another who will not leave Lavardin if you will
+not: one who will stay near, sharing your danger; and who, if you die,
+will seek his own death in avenging you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Monsieur!" she entreated. "I was so glad to learn you had
+escaped. Do not rob me of that consolation. Do not stay at Lavardin.
+Live!&mdash;live and be happy, for my sake. So brave&mdash;so tender&mdash;the world
+needs you; and you must not die for me&mdash;I forbid you!"</p>
+
+<p>"You will find me as immovable as Mathilde," said I.</p>
+
+<p>She looked from one to the other of us, and put forth her hands
+pleadingly; then broke down into weeping.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, will you make my duty the harder?" she said. "God knows I would
+gladly die to save you."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not dying that will save us. The only way is to save yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, you shall not drive me to sin by your temptations! Heaven
+will save you both in spite of yourselves. That will be my reward for
+putting this sin from me."</p>
+
+<p>"You persist in calling it a sin, Madame: very well. But is it not
+selfish to go free from sin at the expense of others? If one can save
+others by a sin of one's own, is it not nobler to take that sin upon
+one's soul? Nay, is it not the greater sin to let others suffer, that
+one's own hands may be clean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you tempt me with worldly reasoning, Monsieur. Kind mother of
+Christ," she said, fixing her eyes upon the image of Mary, "what shall I
+do? Be thou my guide&mdash;speak to my soul&mdash;tell me what to do!"</p>
+
+<p>After a moment, the Countess again turned to me, still perplexed,
+agitated, unpersuaded.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame," said I, "when one considers how soon the Count de Lavardin
+must surely suffer for crimes of which you know nothing, your death at
+his hands seems the more grievous a fate. Do you know that he is a
+traitor?&mdash;that his treason will soon be known to the King's ministers?
+If his jealousy had only waited a short while, or if my discovery had
+occurred a little earlier, his death would have spared you all this. But
+now, if you are not starved or slain before he is arrested, he will
+surely kill you when he finds himself about to be taken.&mdash;My God, I had
+not thought of that when I resolved to go to Paris at once! Oh, Madame,
+fly now while there is chance! I assure you that doom is hovering over
+the Count's head; if you stay here, I cannot go to Paris; but Hugues
+shall go with this paper in my stead."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the paper, Monsieur? What do you mean by this talk of the Count
+and treason?" she asked in sheer wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a proof of the Count's participation in the late conspiracy. I
+found it in the room where I was imprisoned. And come what may, I will
+see that it goes to Paris for the inspection of the Duke de Sully. And
+then there will be a short shrift for the Count de Lavardin, I promise
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"But in that case, it would be you that caused his death, Monsieur!" she
+exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"The executioner would cause his death&mdash;and the law. I should be but the
+humble instrument of heaven to bring it to pass."</p>
+
+<p>"But you would be the instrument of my husband's death, Monsieur! That
+must not be. You, of all men! No, no. Why, it would be an eternal
+barrier between us&mdash;in thought and kind feeling, I mean,&mdash;in the next
+world too. Oh, no; you must not use that paper, nor cause it to be
+used."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Madame, he is a traitor. What matters it whether I or another&mdash;it
+is only justice&mdash;my duty to the King."</p>
+
+<p>"But you do not understand. I should not dare even pray for you! And I
+must not let you denounce him&mdash;I must prevent your using that paper. I
+am his wife, Monsieur,&mdash;I must prevent. Otherwise, I should be
+consenting to my husband's death!"</p>
+
+<p>"He has no scruples about consenting to yours, Madame."</p>
+
+<p>"The sin is on his part, then, not on mine. Come, Monsieur, you must let
+me destroy that paper." She advanced toward me.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Madame; not I. Nay, I will use force to keep it, if need be! It is
+my one weapon, my one means of vengeance." I tore my wrist from her
+hand, and put the paper back into my inner pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, Monsieur, I have said my last to you. I must put you out of my
+thoughts, out of my prayers even. And if I find means, I must warn my
+husband."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, Madame. There is one condition upon which I will destroy this
+paper and keep silence."</p>
+
+<p>She uttered a joyful cry. I knew that what she thought of was not her
+husband's fate, but the barrier she had mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>"It is that you will escape with me at once," I said.</p>
+
+<p>The joy passed out of her face; but she was silent.</p>
+
+<p>"Consider," I went on. "Not merely your own life, not merely mine, not
+merely Mathilde's, and the happiness of Hugues: it is in your power to
+save your husband's life also, and to save his soul from the crime of
+your murder, if there be any degree between act and intent. Is it not a
+sin and a folly to refuse? Think of the blood already shed by reason of
+this matter. Why should there be more?"</p>
+
+<p>At last she wavered. I turned to Mathilde, to speak of the order in
+which we should descend the ladder.</p>
+
+<p>At that instant I heard the key begin to grate in the lock.</p>
+
+<p>"Some one is coming in!" whispered the Countess in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly I pushed Mathilde upon the couch beneath the window, in a
+sitting posture, so that her body would conceal the end of the rope
+ladder. The next moment I had pulled the other bed a little way out from
+the wall, and was crouching behind it.</p>
+
+<p>The door opened, and I heard the noise of men entering with heavy tread.
+Then the door closed. There was a sound of swift movement, then a scream
+from Mathilde and a terrified cry from the Countess, both voices being
+suddenly silenced at their height. I raised my head, and saw two
+powerful men in black masks, one of whom was grasping the Countess by
+the throat with his left hand while, with his right assisted by his
+teeth, he was endeavouring to pass a looped cord around her neck. The
+other man had both hands about the neck of Mathilde, that he might
+sufficiently overpower her to apply a similar cord.</p>
+
+<p>I leaped over the bed, and upon the man who was trying to strangle the
+Countess. Mad to save and avenge her, I sank my dagger into the back of
+his shoulder, and he fell without having seen who had attacked him. The
+murderer who was struggling with Mathilde immediately turned from her
+and drew sword to attack me, at the same time crying out, "Garoche, to
+the rescue!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a name="illus5" id="illus5"></a>
+<img src="images/illus5.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>"I LEAPED OVER THE BED, AND UPON THE MAN WHO WAS TRYING TO STRANGLE THE COUNTESS."</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p>As I could not get the dagger out of the other man's shoulder joint in
+time, I drew my sword, and parried my new antagonist's thrust. The door
+now opened, and in came another man with drawn sword, not masked: he
+was, I suppose, the man on guard on the landing. Seeing how matters
+stood, he joined in the attack upon me. I backed into a corner, knocking
+over the chair of the Countess, who had run to Mathilde. The two women
+stood clasping each other, in terror. Suddenly my first assailant cried,
+"I leave him to you for a moment, Garoche," and ran and transferred the
+key from the outside to the inside of the door, which he then closed, so
+as to lock us all in. This was doubtless to prevent the exit of the
+Countess and Mathilde, the purpose being to keep the night's doings in
+that room as secret as possible even from the rest of the household.
+This man then pocketed the key, and, while Garoche continued to keep me
+occupied in my corner, ran to a side of the cell and began working with
+an iron wedge at a stone in the floor. He soon raised this, showing it
+to be a thin slab, and left exposed a dark hole. He then turned to the
+Countess, seized her around the waist, and tried to drag her toward the
+opening. His instructions had been, no doubt, to slay the women without
+bloodshed and drop the bodies through this secret aperture, but the
+unexpected turn of affairs had made him decide to precipitate the end
+and not strangle them first. Wild with horror at the prospect of their
+meeting so hideous a death, I sprang into the air, and ran my sword
+straight into the panting mouth of Garoche, so that the point came out
+at the back of his neck. He dropped, and I disengaged my weapon barely
+in time to check the onslaught of the other man, who, seeing Garoche's
+fate, had left the Countess and come at me again. I was out of breath
+after the violent thrusts I had made, and a mist now clouded my eyes. I
+know not how this last contest would have gone, had not Mathilde,
+recovering her self-command, drawn the sword of the man who had fallen
+first, and, holding it with both hands, pushed it with all her strength
+into my adversary's back.</p>
+
+<p>I wiped my weapons on the clothes of the slain murderers. The Countess
+fell on her knees and thanked heaven for our preservation. I then went
+to the opening made by the removal of the stone slab: peering down, I
+could see nothing. I took the key of the door from the pocket of its
+last holder, and dropped it through the hole, while the Countess and
+Mathilde leaned over me, listening. Some moments passed before we heard
+anything; then there came the sound of the key striking mud in the black
+depths far below. The secret shaft, then, led to the bottom of the
+tower.</p>
+
+<p>The Countess shuddered, and whispered: "Come, let us not lose a moment."</p>
+
+<p>I first lifted the masks, and recognized the murderers as fellows I had
+seen lounging in the court-yard. Then I gave directions for descending
+the ladder. I should have preferred being the last to leave the room but
+that I thought it necessary to support the Countess in her descent and
+Mathilde firmly refused to precede us. As the ladder might not hold the
+weight of three, Mathilde would see us to the ground, and then follow.</p>
+
+<p>Two could not go out of the window at once, so I backed through first,
+and waited when my feet were planted on the ladder, my breast being then
+against the edge of the window sill. Madame followed me. I guided her
+feet with one hand, and placed them on the ladder, having descended just
+sufficiently to make room for her. I then lowered myself another round,
+and she, holding on to a round in the window shaft with one hand,
+grasped the first round outside with the other, emerged entirely from
+the opening, and let me guide her foot a step lower. We then proceeded
+downward in this manner, I holding my head and body well back from the
+ladder so that her feet were usually on a level with my breast: thus if
+she showed any sign of weakness, I could throw an arm around her. I had
+first thought of having her clasp me around the neck, and so descending
+with her, but once upon the ladder, I saw no safe way for her to get
+behind me, or indeed to turn from facing the ladder. So we came down as
+I say, while I kept as well as I could between her and the possibility
+of falling. Frequently I asked in a whisper if all was well with her,
+and she answered yes.</p>
+
+<p>When we were near the moat, I felt the ladder move from the wall and
+knew that Hugues was drawing it toward him. I warned the Countess of our
+change from a vertical to an inclined position, and so we were swung
+across, and found ourselves above solid earth, on which we presently set
+foot.</p>
+
+<p>"Best take Madame the Countess to the horses while I wait for Mathilde,"
+whispered Hugues to me, letting the ladder swing back; but Madame would
+not go till the maid was safe beside us. Mathilde, who had watched our
+descent, now drew her head in, and speedily we saw her feet emerge in
+its stead. She came down the ladder with ease and rapidity, such were
+her strength and self-possession. As soon as she touched the ground,
+Hugues swung back the ladder to stay, and took up his cross-bow.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," I whispered, and we turned our backs to that grim tower and
+hastened along the moat to the forest, passing on the way the high gable
+window of what had been my prison, the postern which I had such good
+reason to remember, and the oak from which I had seen Hugues display the
+handkerchief. Scarce a word was spoken till we came to the horses. I
+assisted the Countess to mount one of Hugues's two, she making no
+difficulty about accommodating herself to a man's saddle. By that time
+Hugues and Mathilde were on his second horse. I got upon my own, and we
+started. Our immediate purpose was to go to Hugues's house by the woods
+and lanes, fording the river below Montoire.</p>
+
+<p>As we came out of the forest, beyond St. Outrille, the moon rose, and
+against the luminous Eastern sky we could see the dark tower we had left
+behind,&mdash;tower of blood and death, on which I hoped never to set eyes
+again.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE PARTING</h3>
+
+
+<p>We hoped to be at Hugues's house before the Countess's flight should be
+discovered. Hugues and I discussed the chances as we rode. The Count
+would probably give his murderous agents ample time before going to see
+why they did not come to report the deed accomplished. He would then
+lose many minutes in breaking into the cell, and again in questioning
+the watchman on the tower&mdash;who could not have seen us in the woods and
+distant lanes&mdash;and considering what to do. The bloodhounds would
+doubtless be put upon the Countess's scent, but they would lose it at
+the place where we had taken horse. And then, Hugues thought, having
+tracked us into the forest, the Count would assume that we had continued
+our flight through it without change of direction, and he would push on
+to St. Arnoult, and along the road to Chateaurenault and Tours. This
+was, indeed, the most likely supposition. The Count would scarce expect
+to find us harboured in any house in the neighbourhood, and he knew
+nothing of Hugues's attachment to Mathilde. Still I thought it well that
+the Countess should travel on as far as possible that night, and I asked
+her if she felt able to do so after stopping at Hugues's house for some
+food.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," she answered compliantly.</p>
+
+<p>I then broke to her that Hugues's and I had provided a suit of boy's
+clothes which she might substitute for her present attire at his house,
+and so travel with less likelihood of attracting notice. To this she
+made no objection. She seemed, on leaving the chateau, to have resigned
+herself, almost languidly, to guidance. A kind of listlessness had come
+over her, which I attributed to exhaustion of spirit after all she had
+experienced.</p>
+
+<p>I then told her that Hugues and I had decided it best that Mathilde
+should stay at his house for the present, keeping very close and having
+the hiding-place accessible, while I went on with the Countess. Hugues
+himself, who could entirely trust his old woman-servant and his boy,
+would see us as far as to our first resting-place.</p>
+
+<p>To these proposals also she said "Very well," in a tone of
+half-indifference, but she cast a long, sad look at Mathilde, at mention
+of leaving her.</p>
+
+<p>"And then, Madame," I went on, "as to our journey after we leave
+Hugues's house. You have said you are without relations or fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, yes. A provision for life-maintenance at the convent was all the
+fortune left me."</p>
+
+<p>"In that case, I ask you, in the name of my father and mother, to honour
+them as their guest at La Tournoire. I can promise you a safe and
+private refuge there: I can promise you the friendship of my mother, the
+protection of my father, and his good offices with the King, if need be,
+to secure your rightful claims when the Count de Lavardin dies, as he
+must before many years."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, Monsieur, I shall have no claims. The Count married me without
+dowry, and if there be any other claims I surrender them. As for your
+generous offer, I cannot think of accepting it. You and I are soon to
+separate, and must not see each other again."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Madame, I need not be at La Tournoire while you are there. I shall
+be out in the world, seeking honour and fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Monsieur, it is not to be thought of. My only refuge is the convent
+from which the Count took me."</p>
+
+<p>"But is it safe to go there? Have you not said yourself that the Count
+would take measures to intercept you on the way?"</p>
+
+<p>"But you and Hugues just now agreed that the Count would probably seek
+me on the road to Chateaurenault. That is in the opposite direction to
+the convent, which is beyond Chateaudun."</p>
+
+<p>"But the Count may seek toward the convent when he fails to find you in
+the other direction. Or he may take the precaution to send a party that
+way at once."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be there before he or his emissaries can, shall we not? Once
+in the convent, I shall be safe.&mdash;And besides, Monsieur,"&mdash;her voice
+took on a faint touch of mock-laughing bitterness&mdash;"he will think I have
+run away with you for love, and for a different life than that of a
+convent. No; as matters are, it is scarce likely he will seek me in the
+neighbourhood of the convent."</p>
+
+<p>It was then determined that we should make for the convent, which,
+curiously, as it was beyond Chateaudun, happened to be upon my road to
+Paris. We now arrived at Hugues's gate.</p>
+
+<p>I dismounted only to help the Countess, and stayed in the road with the
+horses, while Hugues led Madame and Mathilde into the cottage. He took
+them thence into the mill, that they might eat, and the Countess change
+her dress, at the very entrance to the hiding-place. He then returned to
+me, the plan being that if we heard pursuit he and I were to mount and
+ride on, thus leading our enemies away from the Countess, who with
+Mathilde should betake herself to the hiding-place till danger was past.
+With Hugues's knowledge of the byways and forest paths, we might be able
+to elude the hunt. During this wait we refreshed ourselves with wine and
+bread, which the old woman brought, and the boy fed the horses. In a
+short time the Countess reappeared, a graceful, slender youth in
+doublet, breeches, riding-boots of thin leather, cap, and gloves. Her
+undulating hair had been reduced by Mathilde, with a pair of shears, to
+a suitable shortness. Mathilde followed her, loth to part. We allowed
+little time for leave-taking with the poor girl, and were soon mounted
+and away, Hugues leading.</p>
+
+<p>"I suggest, Madame," said I, as we proceeded along the road, which was
+soon shadowed from the moonlight by a narrow wood at our right, "that on
+this journey you pass as my young brother, going with me to Paris to the
+University. I will say that we have ridden ahead of our baggage and
+attendants,&mdash;which is literally true, for my baggage remains at Hugues's
+house and you have left Mathilde there."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, Monsieur," she replied.</p>
+
+<p>"I should have some name to call you by upon occasion," said I. "I will
+travel as Henri de Varion, for De Varion was my mother's name, and if
+you are willing to use it&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, Monsieur. As for a name to call me by upon occasion, there
+will be least falsehood in calling me Louis; for my real name is
+Louise."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, Madame; and if you have to address me before people, do not
+forget to call me Henri."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not forget."</p>
+
+<p>Her manner in this acquiescence was that of one who follows blindly
+where a trusted guide directs, but who takes little interest in the
+course or the outcome. A kind of forlorn indifference seemed to have
+stolen over her. But she listened to the particulars of residence and
+history with which I thought it wise to provide ourselves, and briefly
+assented to all. She then lapsed into silence, from which I could not
+draw her beyond the fewest words that would serve in politeness to
+answer my own speeches.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Hugues led us from the road and across the narrow wood, thence
+by a lane and a pasture field to the highway for Vendome and Paris. We
+pushed on steadily, passed through Les Roches, which was sound asleep,
+and, stopping only now and then to let our horses drink at some stream,
+at which times we listened and heard no sound upon the road, we entered
+Vendome soon after daylight.</p>
+
+<p>"Had we better stop here for a few hours?" said I, watching the Countess
+and perceiving with sorrow how tired and weak she looked.</p>
+
+<p>"I think it well, Monsieur," replied Hugues, his eyes dwelling where
+mine did.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet," I said, with a thought of the horror of her being taken, "it
+is so few leagues from Lavardin. In such a town, too, the Count's men
+would visit all the inns. If we might go on to some village&mdash;some
+obscure inn. Could you keep up till then, Madame, do you think?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes,&mdash;I think so." But her pallor of face, her weakness of voice,
+belied her words.</p>
+
+<p>"We should be more closely observed at some smaller place than here,"
+said Hugues. "Besides, we need not go to an inn here. There is a decent,
+close-mouthed woman I know, a butcher's widow, who will lodge you if her
+rooms are not taken. It would be best to avoid the inns and go to her
+house at once. As like as not, if the Count did hunt this road, he would
+pass through the town without guessing you were at private lodgings."</p>
+
+<p>"It is the best thing we can do," said I, with a blessing upon all
+widows of butchers. Hugues guided us to a little street behind the
+church of the Trinity, and soon brought the widow's servant, and then
+the widow herself, to the door. Her rooms were vacant, and we took two
+of them, in the top story, one overlooking the street, the other a
+backyard wherein she agreed to let our horses stand. She promised
+moreover to say nothing of our presence there, and so, while Hugues led
+the horses through the narrow stone-paved passage, the widow showed us
+to our rooms. The front one being the larger and better, I left the
+Countess in possession of it as soon as we were alone, that she might
+rest until the woman brought the food I had ordered.</p>
+
+<p>When breakfast was set out in the back room, and the Countess opened her
+door in answer to my knock, she looked so worn out and ill that I was
+alarmed. She had fallen asleep, she said, and my knock had wakened her.
+She ate little, and I could see that she was glad to go back and lie
+down again.</p>
+
+<p>I had thought to resume our journey in the evening, and perhaps reach
+Chateaudun by a night's riding. But at evening the Countess seemed no
+more fit to travel than before. So I decided to stay at the widow's till
+Madame was fully recovered. Hugues would have remained with us another
+day, but I sent him back to his mill and Mathilde.</p>
+
+<p>On the morrow the Countess was no better. I took the risk of going out,
+obtaining medicine at the apothecary's, and purchasing other necessary
+things for both of us which we had not been able to provide before our
+flight. I was in dread lest we might have to resort to a physician and
+so make discovery that my young brother was a woman. Madame declared her
+illness was but exhaustion, and that she would soon be able to go on.
+But it was some days before I thought her strong enough to do so.</p>
+
+<p>We had come into Vendome on a Wednesday: we left it on the following
+Monday morning. We encountered nothing troublesome on the road, and
+arrived at Chateaudun that Monday night. The Countess endured the
+journey fairly well; but her strange, dreamy listlessness had not left
+her.</p>
+
+<p>At Chateaudun as at Vendome, we sought out lodgings in a by-street, and
+therein passed the night. We were now but a few hours' ride from the
+convent, by Madame's account of its location. Soon I should have to part
+from her, with the intention on her side not to see me again, and the
+promise on mine to respect that intention. To postpone this moment as
+long as possible, I found pretexts for delaying our departure in the
+morning; but as afternoon came on she insisted upon our setting out. I
+did so with a sorrowful heart, knowing it meant I must take my last
+leave of her that evening.</p>
+
+<p>From our having passed nearly a week without any sign of pursuit, a
+feeling of security had arisen in us. If the Count or his men had sought
+in this direction, passing through Vendome while we lay quiet in our
+back street, that search would probably be over by this time. But even
+if chase had not been made simultaneously by various parties on various
+roads, there had been time now for search in different directions one
+after another. Yet spies might remain posted at places along the roads
+for an indefinite period, especially near the convent. But as long as
+the risk was only that of encountering a man or two at once, I had
+confidence enough. In Vendome I had bought the Countess a light rapier
+to wear for the sake of appearance, of course not expecting her to use
+it. But though in case of attack I should have to fight alone, I felt
+that her presence would make me a match for two at least.</p>
+
+<p>I tried to avoid falling in with people on the road, but a little way
+out from Chateaudun we came upon a country gentleman, of a well-fed and
+amiable sort, whose desire for companionship would let us neither pass
+ahead nor drop behind. He was followed by three stout servants, and
+expressed some concern at seeing two young gentlemen like us going that
+road without attendants.</p>
+
+<p>"Though to be sure," he added, "there seems to be less danger now; but
+you must have heard of the band of robbers that haunt the forests about
+Bonneval and further on. There has been little news of their doings
+lately, and some people think they may have gone to other parts. But who
+knows when they will suddenly make themselves heard of again, when least
+expected?&mdash;'tis always the way."</p>
+
+<p>He soon made us forget about dangers of the road, however, by his hearty
+talk; though, indeed, for all his good-fellowship I would rather have
+been alone with Madame in these last moments. About a league from
+Chateaudun, he arrived at his own small estate, rich in wines and
+orchards; he regretted that we would not stop, and recommended inns for
+us at Bonneval and the towns beyond.</p>
+
+<p>We rode on, the Countess and I, in silence, my own heart too disturbed
+for speech, and she in that same dispirited state which had been hers
+from the beginning of our flight. Indeed now, when I was so soon to bid
+her farewell, she seemed more tired and melancholy, pale and drooping,
+than I had yet seen her. As I was sadly noticing this, we came to a
+place where a lesser road ran from the highway toward a long stretch of
+woods at the right. The Countess drew in her horse, and said, indicating
+the branch road:</p>
+
+<p>"That is my way, Monsieur. I will say adieu here; but I will not even
+try to thank you. You have risked your life for me many times over. I
+will pray for you&mdash;with my last breath."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Madame," I exclaimed in astonishment, "we are not to say adieu
+here. I must see you to the convent."</p>
+
+<p>"The convent is not so far now. I know the way; and I wish to go there
+alone. You will respect my wish, I know: have you not had your way
+entirely so far on our journey? You cannot justly refuse me my will
+now." She gave a wan little smile as if she knew the argument was not a
+fair one.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Madame,&mdash;what can be your reason?&mdash;It is not safe. Surely you will
+not deny me the happiness of seeing my service fully accomplished,&mdash;of
+knowing that you are safe at the convent?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am nearly there. I know the road,&mdash;it is a shorter way than the high
+roads, but little used. I shall meet no travellers. I fear no danger."</p>
+
+<p>"But consider, Madame. The danger may be at the very end of your
+journey. The Count may have spies within sight of the convent. You may
+fall into a trap at the last moment."</p>
+
+<p>"I can go first to the house of a woodman in the forest, whose wife was
+a servant of my mother's. They are good, trustworthy people, and can see
+if all is safe before I approach the convent. If there is danger, I can
+send word by them to the Mother Superior, who can find means to get me
+in secretly at night. You may deem your service accomplished, Monsieur.
+I must take my leave now."</p>
+
+<p>"But it is so strange! What can be your reason?&mdash;what can be your
+objection to my going with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Monsieur, it may be unfair, but a woman is exempt from having to
+give reasons. It is my wish,&mdash;is not that enough? I am so deeply your
+debtor already,&mdash;let me be your debtor in this one thing more.&mdash;You have
+spent money for me: I have no means of repaying&mdash;nay, I will not mention
+it,&mdash;you have given me so much that is above all price,&mdash;your courage
+and skill. But enough of this&mdash;to speak of such things in my poor way is
+to cheapen them. Adieu, Monsieur!&mdash;adieu, Henri!"</p>
+
+<p>She held out her hand, to which I lowered my lips without a word, for I
+could not speak.</p>
+
+<p>"You will go your way when I go mine," she said with tenderness. "To
+Paris, perhaps?"</p>
+
+<p>"To Paris&mdash;I suppose so," I said vaguely.</p>
+
+<p>"This horse belongs to Hugues," she said, stroking the animal's neck. "I
+may find means to send it back to him.&mdash;Well, adieu! God be with you on
+your journey, Monsieur,&mdash;and through your life."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Madame!&mdash;adieu, if you will have it so! adieu!&mdash;adieu, Louis!"</p>
+
+<p>She smiled acquiescently at my use of the name by which I had had
+occasion to call her a few times at our lodging-places. Then, saying
+once more, "Adieu, Henri!" she turned her horse's head and started down
+the by-road. With a heavy heart, I waited till she had disappeared in
+the woods. I had hoped she might look back, but she had not done so.</p>
+
+<p>A movement of my rein, which I made without intention, was taken by my
+horse as a signal to go on, and the creature, resuming its original
+direction, kept to the highway and plodded along toward Bonneval and
+Paris.</p>
+
+<p>Never in all my life, before or since, have I felt so alone. What was
+there for me to do now? All my care, all my heart, was with the solitary
+figure on horseback somewhere yonder in the forest. Had life any object
+for me elsewhere?</p>
+
+<p>Yes, faith!&mdash;and I laughed ironically as it came back to my thoughts&mdash;I
+might now go on to Paris and cut off the moustaches of Brignan de
+Brignan!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>IN THE FOREST</h3>
+
+
+<p>But I had not yet come in sight of Bonneval, when fearful misgivings
+began to assail me as to what might befall the Countess. I awoke to a
+full sense of my folly in yielding to her wish. Her own apparent
+confidence of safety had made me, for a time, feel there must be indeed
+small danger. I had too weakly given way to her right of command in the
+case. I had been too easily checked by respect for what private reason
+she might have for wishing to go on without company. I had played the
+boy and the fool, and if ever there had been a time when I ought to have
+used a man's authority, laughing down her protests, it had been when she
+rode away alone toward the forest.</p>
+
+<p>I turned my horse about, resolved to undo my error as far as I
+might,&mdash;to go back and take the road she had taken, and not rest till I
+knew she was safe in the convent.</p>
+
+<p>My fears increased as I went. What the country gentleman had said about
+robbers came back to my mind. I arrived at the junction of the roads,
+and galloped to the woods. Once among the trees, I had to proceed
+slowly, for the road dwindled to a mere path, so grown with grass as to
+show how little it was ordinarily resorted to. But there were horseshoe
+prints which, though at first I took them to be only those of the
+Countess's horse, soon appeared so numerously together that I saw there
+must have been other travellers there recently. I perceived, too, that
+the wood was of great depth and extent, and not the narrow strip I had
+supposed. It was, in fact, part of a large forest. I became the more
+disquieted, till at last, as the light of day began to die out of the
+woods, I was oppressed with a belief as strong as certainty, that some
+great peril had already fallen upon her I loved.</p>
+
+<p>I came into a little green glade, around which I glanced. My heart
+seemed to faint within me, for there, by a small stream that trickled
+through the glade, was a horse grazing,&mdash;a horse with bridle and saddle
+but no rider. The rein hung upon the grass, the saddle was pulled awry,
+and the horse was that of the Countess.</p>
+
+<p>I looked wildly in every direction, but she was nowhere to be seen. The
+horse raised his head, and whinnied in recognition of me and my animal,
+then went on cropping the grass. I rode over to him, as if by
+questioning the dumb beast I might learn where his mistress was. There
+was no sign of any sort by which I might be guided in seeking her.</p>
+
+<p>I called aloud, "Madame! madame!" But there was only the faint breeze of
+evening among the treetops for answer.</p>
+
+<p>But the horse could not have wandered far. Whatever had occurred, there
+must be traces near. My best course was to search the forest close at
+hand: any one of those darkening aisles stretching on every side, like
+corridors leading to caves of gloom, might contain the secret: each
+dusky avenue, its ground hidden by tangled forest growth, seemed to bid
+me come and discover. I dismounted, knowing I could trust my horse to
+stay in the glade, and, crossing the stream, explored the further
+portion of the path.</p>
+
+<p>I came to a place where the underbrush at the side of the path was
+somewhat beaten aside. I thought I could distinguish where some person
+or animal had gone from this place, tramping a sort of barely traceable
+furrow through the tangle. I followed this course: it led me back to the
+glade. Doubtless the horse had made it.</p>
+
+<p>I was about to go back along the path, when I noticed a similar
+trodden-down appearance along one side of the stream where it left the
+glade. Hoping little, I examined this. It brought me, after a few yards,
+to a clear piece of turf swelling up around the roots of an oak. And
+lying there, on the grassy incline, with her head at the foot of the
+oak, was the Countess, as silent and motionless as death, with blood
+upon her forehead.</p>
+
+<p>My own heart leaping, I knelt to discover if hers still moved. Her body
+stirred at my touch. I dipped my handkerchief in the stream, and gently
+washed away the blood, but revealed no cut until I examined beneath the
+hair, when I found a long shallow gash. I hastily cleansed her hair of
+the blood as well as I could, with such care as not to cause the wound
+to flow anew. All the time I was doing this, my joy at finding her alive
+and free was such that I could have sobbed aloud.</p>
+
+<p>She awoke and recognized me, first smiling faintly, but in a moment
+parting her lips in sorrowful surprise, and then, after glancing round,
+giving a sigh of profound weariness.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I then still alive?" she murmured.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Madame;&mdash;I thank God from my heart."</p>
+
+<p>"It is His will," she said. "I had hoped&mdash;I had thought my life in this
+world was ended."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, do not say that. What can you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"When they surrounded me&mdash;the men who sprang up at the sides of the
+path&mdash;I thought, 'Yes, these are the robbers the gentleman spoke
+of,&mdash;God has been kind and has sent them to waylay me: if I resist, I
+may be killed, and surely I have a right to resist.' So I drew my sword,
+and made a thrust at the nearest. He struck me with some weapon&mdash;I did
+not even notice what it was, I was so glad when it came swiftly&mdash;when I
+felt I could not save myself. The blow was like a kiss&mdash;the kiss of
+death, welcoming me out of this life of sad and bitter prospects."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Madame, how can you talk in this way, when you are still young and
+beautiful, and there are those who love you?"</p>
+
+<p>"You do not know all, Henri. What is there for me in life? I am weak to
+complain&mdash;weak to long for death&mdash;sinful, perhaps, to put myself in its
+way, but surely Heaven will pardon that sin,&mdash;weak, yes; but, alas, I
+cannot help it,&mdash;women are weak, are they not? What is before me, then?
+I am one without a place in the world&mdash;without relations, without
+fortune. If I were a man, I might seek my fortune&mdash;there are the wars,
+there are many kinds of honourable service. But what is there for a
+woman, a wife who has run away from her husband?"</p>
+
+<p>"But Madame, the convent,&mdash;you have a right to be maintained there. You
+can at least live there, till time annuls the Count's claims upon you.
+And then who knows what the future may bring?"</p>
+
+<p>"The convent&mdash;I have told you I should be safe there, and so no doubt I
+should if I took the veil&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Madame, not that, save as a last resort!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, I may not though I would. Do you think I should hesitate if I
+were free? How gladly I would bury myself from this world, give myself
+at once to Heaven! But that resource&mdash;that happiness&mdash;is forbidden me.
+My mother, as she neared death, saw no security for me but as a
+life-guest at a convent. Our small fortune barely sufficed to make the
+provision. But she did not wish me to become a nun, and as she feared
+the influence of the convent might lead that way, she put me under a
+promise never to take the veil. So I am without the one natural resource
+of a woman in my position."</p>
+
+<p>"But do you mean that you will not be safe at the convent merely as a
+guest?"</p>
+
+<p>"The Count may claim the fulfilment of his rights as a husband. He may
+use force to take me away. The Mother Superior cannot withhold me from
+him; and indeed I fear she would be little inclined to if she could,
+unless I consented to take the veil. Before the possibility of my
+marriage came up, she was always urging me to apply for a remission of
+the vow to my mother, so that I might become a nun. But that I would
+never do."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Madame, knowing all this, how could you select the convent as your
+refuge, and let me bring you so far toward it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Monsieur, what place in the world was there for me? And yet I had
+to go somewhere, that your life might be saved, and Mathilde's, and the
+happiness of poor Hugues. There was no other way to draw you far from
+that chateau of murder, no other way to detach Mathilde from one who
+could bring her nothing but calamity. And to-day, when I left you, I
+thought all this was accomplished, and I was free to go my way in search
+of death."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Madame, if I had known what was in your mind! Then you did not mean
+to go to the convent?"</p>
+
+<p>"I meant to go toward the convent. It is further away than I allowed you
+to suppose. I felt&mdash;I know not why&mdash;that death would meet me on the way.
+I felt in my heart a promise that God would do me that kindness. At
+first I had no idea of what form my deliverer would take. Perhaps, I
+thought, I might be permitted to lose my way in the forest and die of
+hunger, or perhaps I might encounter some wild beast, or a storm might
+arise and cause me to be struck by lightning or a falling bough, or I
+might be so chilled and weakened by rain that I must needs lie down and
+die. I knew not what shape,&mdash;all I felt was, that it waited for me in
+the forest. And when the gentleman spoke of robbers, I rejoiced, for it
+seemed to confirm my belief."</p>
+
+<p>"And that is why you would not let me come with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, certainly; that you might not be present to drive death away from
+me, or meet it with me. I hoped you would go on to Paris, thinking me
+safe, and that you would soon forget me. You see how I desire you to
+live, and how you can please me only by doing so."</p>
+
+<p>"And so, when you were at last in the forest&mdash;?"</p>
+
+<p>"At last in the forest, yes&mdash;I knew not how long I should have to ride,
+but I made no haste,&mdash;sooner or later it would come, I thought. The
+birds hopping about on the branches seemed to be saying to one another,
+'See this lady who has come to meet death.' I crossed a glade, and
+something seemed to whisper to my heart, 'Yonder it lies waiting, yonder
+in the shades beyond that little stream.' So I went on, and true enough,
+before I had gone far, five or six rough men sprang out from the bushes.
+Two caught my reins, and one raised a weapon of some kind and bade me
+deliver up my purse. I had no purse to deliver, and I feared they might
+let me go as not worth their trouble. Then I thought they might hold me
+for ransom, or rob me of my clothes, and discover I was a woman. Surely
+I was justified in resisting such a fate; so I drew the sword you gave
+me, and made a pass at the man with the weapon. He struck instantly,
+before I could turn my head aside, and I had time only for a flash of
+joy that God had indeed granted me deliverance. I scarce felt the blow,
+and then all went out in darkness. I knew nothing after. How did I come
+here? This is not the place where I met the robbers."</p>
+
+<p>"It is very strange," said I. "This is where I found you, only a little
+while before you came to life. I had searched the path, but I saw no
+robbers. They did not take your horse,&mdash;I found it in the glade yonder,
+where I have left mine with it. That must be the glade you crossed
+before they appeared."</p>
+
+<p>"But how came you to be here? Ah, did you disregard my wish and follow
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at first. No; I went on toward Paris as you bade me. But after
+awhile I too had a feeling of danger befalling you in this forest. It
+was so strong that I could not force myself to go on. So I rode back,
+hoping to come in sight of you and follow at a distance. I could not do
+otherwise."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Henri, perhaps it is to you I owe the ill service of bringing me
+back to life. Who knows?&mdash;I might have passed quietly away to death here
+had you not come and revived the feeble spark left in me. I must have
+been unconscious a long time."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; thank God I arrived no later than I did. But why should the
+robbers have brought you here? They have not even taken any of your
+clothes. See, here is your sword, replaced in its scabbard; even your
+cap is here, beside your head&mdash;look where the villain's weapon cut
+through,&mdash;it must have been a sort of halberd. Why should they have
+brought you here? Do they mean to return, I wonder?"</p>
+
+<p>I rose and looked around, peering through the dusky spaces between the
+trunks of the trees, and straining my ears. Suddenly, amidst the chatter
+of the birds returning to their places for the night, I made out a sound
+of distant hoof-beats.</p>
+
+<p>"Horsemen!" I said. "But these robbers were on foot, were they not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I did not see any horses about."</p>
+
+<p>"Who can these be? There must be several!"</p>
+
+<p>They were apparently coming from that part of the forest toward which
+the Countess had been riding. On account of the brushwood I could not
+see them yet.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said I, "we had best keep as quiet as possible till they pass.
+But they will see our horses in crossing the glade. No, that must not
+be. Wait."</p>
+
+<p>I ran back to the glade, and finding the horses close together, caught
+them both, led them down the bed of the stream to where the Countess
+was, and made them lie among the underwood, trusting to good fortune
+that they would be quiet while the others were passing.</p>
+
+<p>Soon I could see, above the underbrush that extended to the path beyond
+the brook, a procession of steel head-pieces, bearded faces,
+breastplates over leather jerkins, and horses' heads. There were six or
+seven men in all, one after another. I lay close to the earth and heard
+them cross the stream. And then, to my astonishment, they came directly
+along the stream by the way I had first come; I rose to my feet just in
+time to face the leader as he stopped his horse within a yard of me.</p>
+
+<p>He gazed over the neck of his steed at me, and the Countess, and our two
+animals. He was a tall, well-made, handsome man, seasoned but still
+young, with a bronzed, fearless face.</p>
+
+<p>"Good evening," said he, in a rich, manly voice. "So the youngster has
+come to his senses,&mdash;and found a friend, it appears."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't exactly understand you, Monsieur," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not to blame for that," he replied good-humouredly. "It is true
+I met your young friend awhile ago, but as he was more dead than alive
+at that time, he couldn't have told you much. How is it with him now?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not much hurt, Monsieur," replied the Countess for herself.</p>
+
+<p>"I scarce knew how I should find you when I returned," said the
+newcomer.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you saw him here before, Monsieur?" said I.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; it was I who brought him here,&mdash;but, faith! he was in no condition
+to see what was going on. We were searching this forest on the King's
+business, when I heard something a little ahead, which made me gallop
+forward, and there I saw half-a-dozen ruffians around a horse, and one
+of them dragging this youth from the saddle. I shouted to my comrades
+and charged at the robbers. They dropped the lad, and made off along the
+path. I stopped to see to the young gentleman, and ordered my companions
+to pursue the rascals. The youngster, let me tell you, seemed quite done
+for. He had been struck, as you see, evidently just before he was pulled
+from the horse."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur," said the Countess; "and I knew nothing after the blow."</p>
+
+<p>"So it appeared," replied the horseman. "I saw that water was needed,
+and remembering this stream we had crossed, I carried you to this place
+and did what I could for you. But I had to go and recall my men,&mdash;I
+feared they might be led too far, or separated by the robbers running in
+different directions. That explains my leaving you alone. We have a
+piece of work in hand, of some importance, and dare not risk anything
+for the sake of catching those knaves."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose they are part of the band that haunts this forest," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt. But this forest is at present the haunt of larger game. Those
+scoundrels escaped us this time&mdash;they were favoured by the dusk and the
+undergrowth. I was longer in catching up with my comrades than I had
+thought. But I see all has gone well with that young gentleman in the
+meantime."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Monsieur. I, his brother, ought never to have allowed him to go on
+alone. But I was riding after, expecting to overtake him, when I came
+upon his horse; I supposed he must be near, and I was fortunate enough
+to seek in the right place. He shall not leave me again; and for us both
+I thank you more than my tongue can ever express."</p>
+
+<p>"Pouf!&mdash;I did nothing. The question is, what now? My comrades and I have
+affairs to look after in the forest. We shall continue on the path where
+your brother met his accident, till we come to a certain forester's
+house where we may pass the night. Your direction appears to be the
+same, and you will be safe with us."</p>
+
+<p>"Again I thank you, Monsieur," I said, "but we shall give up our journey
+through the forest. As soon as my brother feels able to ride, we shall
+go back to the highway and pass the night at some inn. I think we shall
+be safe enough now that you have frightened the robbers from this part
+of the forest."</p>
+
+<p>The horseman eyed me shrewdly, and glanced at the Countess. It occurred
+to me then that he had known her sex from the first, and that he now
+trusted me with wisdom enough to judge best what I ought to do. So he
+delicately refrained from pressing us, as he had all along from trying
+to learn our secret. For a moment he silently twirled his moustaches;
+then he said:</p>
+
+<p>"In that case, I have but to wish you good-night, and good fortune.
+I think you will be safe enough between here and the highway.
+Please do not mention that you have seen any of the King's guard
+hereabouts,&mdash;though I fear that news is already on the wing."</p>
+
+<p>"What, Monsieur?&mdash;are you, then, of the King's guard?"</p>
+
+<p>"We have the honour to be so."</p>
+
+<p>"But I thought their uniform&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Faith, we are in our working clothes," said he, with a laugh. The next
+moment he waved us adieu, turned his horse about, and, his companions
+also turning at his order, followed them out of our sight.</p>
+
+<p>"A very charming gentleman," said I, as the sound of their horses
+diminished in our ears.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TOWER OF MORLON</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Countess still lay on the grassy couch beneath the oak. She seemed
+to have lost all will as to her course of action.</p>
+
+<p>"I think best not to go with those guards," I explained after a moment.
+"For why should we travel their way without any destination? There is
+nothing for us now in that direction. After what you have told me, I
+dare not let you go to the convent."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no place for me," she said listlessly. "Death has disappointed
+me, and left me in the lurch. I think this place is as good as another."</p>
+
+<p>She closed her eyes for some moments, as if she would lie there till
+death came, after all.</p>
+
+<p>"No," said I; "you must not stay here. Night is coming on: the chill and
+the dews will be harmful to you. Besides, there are clouds already
+blotting out some of the stars, and the wind is rising and may bring
+more. If there is rain, it may be heavy, after so many days of fine
+weather. It will soon be too dark to follow the path. We must be getting
+on."</p>
+
+<p>"I am weak from this blow," she said,&mdash;rather as if for a pretext
+against moving, I thought. "I am not sure I could keep my saddle."</p>
+
+<p>"I can carry you as I ride, if need be, and let your horse follow. Come,
+Madame, let us see if you can rise. If not, I will take you in my arms
+to the glade, where it will be easier to mount."</p>
+
+<p>I stooped to support her, but she did not stir.</p>
+
+<p>"But where am I to go?" she said. "Of what use to travel aimlessly from
+place to place? As you say, why should we ride on toward the convent
+without a destination? But where else have I a destination?"</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, Madame. Is it not probable that after some weeks, or months,
+the Count, still disappointed of your taking refuge at the convent, will
+give up hope or expectation of finding you there? Will he not then
+withdraw his attention from the convent?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so."</p>
+
+<p>"And can we not, if we take time, find means to learn when that becomes
+the case? Can we not, by careful investigation, make sure whether he is
+still watching the convent or whether he has an informant there? Can we
+not enter into communication with the Mother Superior, and find out what
+her attitude is toward you,&mdash;whether, if you returned, your residence
+there would be safe and kept secret? Surely she would not betray you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; whatever attitude she took, she would tell me the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it is only necessary to wait a few months and take those measures,
+without letting your own whereabouts be known even to the Mother
+Superior."</p>
+
+<p>"But meanwhile would you have me continue doing as I have done since my
+flight,&mdash;passing as something I am not, receiving the protection&mdash;living
+on the very bounty&mdash;of the one person in all the world from whom I
+should accept nothing? Why, Monsieur, if it were known&mdash;if no more than
+the mere truth were told&mdash;would it not seem to justify the Count de
+Lavardin?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not ask you to do as you have done. For only two or three days you
+need pass as a boy. You may then not only resume the habit of a woman,
+but enjoy the company and friendship of a woman as saintly as yourself.
+Your presence in her house must be a secret till affairs mend, but you
+may be sure that if her friendship for you were known, it would be a
+sufficient answer to anything your husband or the world might say
+against you."</p>
+
+<p>"It is of your mother that you speak. But I told you before, it is not
+from you that I dare accept so much."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be from my mother, who will believe me when I tell her the
+truth, and who will take you as her guest and friend for your own sake.
+As for me, my affairs in Paris will keep me from La Tournoire while you
+are there:&mdash;for consider, what I propose now is not what you refused
+that night we fled from Lavardin. I spoke then of your making La
+Tournoire your refuge for an indefinite time,&mdash;the rest of your life, if
+need be:&mdash;I speak now of your staying there only till your safe
+residence at the convent can be assured,&mdash;only a few months, or weeks."</p>
+
+<p>Though I had begun and ended by speaking of the convent, I did so merely
+with the object of inducing her to go to La Tournoire. Once there, she
+would be under the guidance and persuasion of my mother, who could
+influence her to remain till the Count's death removed all danger.</p>
+
+<p>"You must not refuse, Madame," I went on. "God has shown that He does
+not desire your death, and it must be His will that you should accept
+this plan, so clear and simple. Speak, Madame!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not.&mdash;I have no strength, no will, to oppose further. Let it be
+as you think best." The last vestige of her power of objection, of
+resolving or thinking for herself, seemed to pass out in a tired sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" I cried. "Then we have but to regain the road and find some inn
+for the night. To-morrow we shall ride back to Chateaudun, or perhaps on
+to Bonneval, and then make for La Tournoire by Le Mans and Sabl&eacute;, which
+is to give a wide berth to Montoire and the road we have come by. Do you
+think you can rise, Madame?&mdash;Nay, wait till I lead the horses out."</p>
+
+<p>I took the horses to the glade, then returned and found the Countess
+already on her feet, though with her hand against the tree, as she was
+somewhat dizzy. She walked with my assistance, and I helped her to her
+saddle,&mdash;she now thought herself able to ride without support. I mounted
+my own horse, grasped the halter of the other, and took the path for the
+highway.</p>
+
+<p>"We are none too soon," said I, as we left the glade. "How dark the path
+is even now: I hope we shall be able to keep it."</p>
+
+<p>Darkness came on more quickly than usual, because of the swift
+overclouding of the sky. Very soon I could not see two paces before me.
+Then blackness settled down upon us. My horse still went on, but slowly
+and uncertainly, with many a halt to make sure of footing and a free
+way. When I glanced back, I could not see the Countess, but I held the
+tighter to the halter of her horse and frequently asked if all was well.
+Her reply was, "Yes, Monsieur," in a faint, tired voice. I felt about
+with my whip for the trees at the side of the path, and thus was able to
+guide the horse when its own confidence faltered.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of cooling, the air became close. Suddenly the forest was
+lighted up by a pale flash which, lasting but a moment, was followed
+after a time by a distant rumble of thunder.</p>
+
+<p>"It is far away, Madame," said I. "It may not come in this direction, or
+we may be safely housed before it does."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not afraid."</p>
+
+<p>However, lest rain might fall suddenly, I stopped the horses, unrolled
+from behind my saddle a cloak which I had bought in Vendome, and put it
+around the Countess. We then proceeded as best we could. Slowly as we
+had gone, I began to think it time we should emerge from the forest; but
+another flash of lightning showed apparently endless vistas of wood on
+every side. We went on for another half hour or so, during which the
+distant thunder continued at intervals; and then, finding ourselves as
+deep in the forest as ever, I perceived that we must have strayed from
+our right path. I stopped and told the Countess.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be so," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"I noticed no cross-path when I rode into the forest this afternoon. Yet
+a path might join at such an angle that, looking straight ahead, I
+should not have seen it. Yes, that is undoubtedly the case, if we are in
+a path at all. Perhaps we are following the bed of a dried-up stream."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you wish to turn back, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"We might only lose ourselves. And yet that is what must happen if we go
+ahead. Let us wait for a flash of lightning."</p>
+
+<p>One came presently, while my eyes were turned ready in what I thought
+the direction from which we had come. But there seemed to lie no opening
+at all in that direction. Then, in the blacker darkness that ensued, I
+remembered that I had turned my horse slightly while talking of the
+matter. I could not now tell exactly which direction we had come from.
+It occurred to me that perhaps for some time we had wandered about in no
+path at all, going where trees and underbrush left space clear enough to
+be mistaken.</p>
+
+<p>I confessed that I knew not which way to go, even to find the original
+path.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it best to ride on at random, in hope of coming upon something, or
+to stay where we are till daylight?" I asked.</p>
+
+<p>The Countess had no will upon the matter. But the question was decided
+for me by a heavy downpour of rain, which came in a rush without
+warning. It was evident that the foliage over us was not thick. So I
+shouted to the Countess that we would go on till we found trees that
+gave more protection. I urged my horse to move, letting him choose his
+own course, and he obediently toiled forward, I exerting myself to keep
+the other horse close, and also feeling the way with my whip.</p>
+
+<p>As swift as the oncoming of the rain, was the increase of the lightning,
+both in frequency and intensity. The fall of the rain seemed loud beyond
+measure, but it was drowned out of all hearing when the thunder rolled
+and reverberated across the sky. In the bright bursts of lightning, the
+trees, seen through falling rain, seemed like companions suffering with
+us the chastisement of the heavens; but in the darkness that intervened
+between the flashes, the forest and all the world seemed to have died
+out of existence, leaving nothing but the pelting waters and the din of
+the storm.</p>
+
+<p>At last we came, not to a region where the boughs were less penetrable,
+but to an open space where the downpour had us entirely at its mercy. I
+thought at first we had got out of the forest, or into the glade we had
+left: but a brilliant flash showed us it was another small clearing,
+which rose slightly toward the thick woods on its further side. And the
+same lightning revealed, against the background of trees, a solitary
+tower, old and half-ruined, slender and of no great height. A doorway on
+a level with the ground stood half open.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you see that?" I cried, when the lightning had passed. "There is
+shelter."</p>
+
+<p>"It must be the tower of Morlon," said the Countess.</p>
+
+<p>"And who lives there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody,&mdash;at least it was said to be empty when I used to hear of it. It
+is all that is left of a house that was destroyed in the civil wars.
+Hunting parties sometimes resort to it, and the peasants make use of it
+when passing this way.&mdash;Yes, we have come far out of our road, if that
+is really the tower of Morlon."</p>
+
+<p>"Then it is every man's house. The door is open."</p>
+
+<p>"It is an abandoned place, and people would take no care how they left
+the door."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us go in, then. There can be nobody there, or the door would be
+closed against this storm."</p>
+
+<p>I rode toward the spot where I supposed the tower was, and, rectifying
+my course by the next flash, I presently felt the stone wall with my
+whip. I dismounted, found the entrance, pushed the door wide, and saw by
+the lightning a low-ceiled interior, which was empty. I led the horses
+in, helped the Countess from the saddle, and removed her cloak, which,
+though itself drenched, had kept her clothes comparatively dry.</p>
+
+<p>My first thought was of a place where the Countess might recline. But,
+as I found by groping about and by the frequent lightning, there was
+nothing except the floor, which, originally paved with stone, was now
+covered with dried mud from the boots of many who had resorted to the
+place before ourselves. There were no steps leading to the upper stories
+of the tower: the part we were in was, indeed, but a sort of basement.
+It occupied the full ground space of the tower, with the rough stone as
+its only shell, and had no window nor any discoverable opening place in
+the low ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>Thinking there might be an external staircase to the story above us, I
+went out and felt my way around the tower, but found none. The entrance
+to the main or upper part of the tower from the buildings that once
+adjoined must have been to the story above, from a floor on the same
+level. I thought of seeking the opening and climbing in from the back of
+my horse, but I reflected that the upper stories also would doubtless be
+denuded, while they could offer no better shelter from the rain. So I
+was content with taking the saddles from the horses, and placing them
+together upside down in such a way that they constituted a dry reclining
+place for the Countess.</p>
+
+<p>There was no dry wood to be had from the forest, and no fuel of any kind
+in our place of refuge; so I could not make a fire. While the Countess
+sat in silence, I paced the floor until I succumbed to fatigue. By that
+time, much of the water had dripped from my clothes, and I was able to
+sit on the carpet of earth with some comfort. I leaned my back against
+the wall, to wait till the storm and the night should pass.</p>
+
+<p>The horses had lain down, and the Countess, as I perceived by her deep
+breathing and her not answering me, was asleep. The thunder and
+lightning were less near and less powerful, but the rain still fell, now
+decreasingly and now with suddenly regathered force. At last I too
+slept.</p>
+
+<p>I awoke during the night, and changed from a sitting to a lying
+position. When I next opened my eyes, the light of dawn was streaming in
+at the door. The storm had ceased, birds were twittering outside. I was
+aching and hungry. The Countess's face, as she slept, betokened weakness
+and pain. I went and adjusted a saddle-flap that had got awry under her.
+As I did so, she awoke.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so tired," she said in a slow, small voice, like that of a weary
+child.</p>
+
+<p>"You are faint for want of food," said I. "You have eaten nothing since
+noon yesterday, and very little then."</p>
+
+<p>Thinking I wished to hurry our departure in search of breakfast, she
+shook her head and murmured weakly:</p>
+
+<p>"I am not able to go on just now. I assure you, I cannot even stand. All
+strength seems to have gone out of me." As if to illustrate, she raised
+her hand a few inches: it trembled a moment, then fell as if powerless.</p>
+
+<p>It was plain that she was, whether from fatigue and privation alone, or
+from illness also, in a helpless state. It would be cruelty and folly to
+put her on horseback. And without at least the refreshment of food and
+wine, how was her condition to be improved so that she might leave this
+place?</p>
+
+<p>After some thought and talk, I said:</p>
+
+<p>"The only thing is for me to go and get you food and wine, while you
+stay here. But, alas, what danger you may be in while I am gone! If
+anybody should come here and find you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nobody may come. Surely there are many days when this place is left
+deserted."</p>
+
+<p>"But if somebody <i>should</i> come?"</p>
+
+<p>"All people are not cruel and wicked. It might be a person who is kind
+and good."</p>
+
+<p>"But the robbers?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why should they come? There is nothing for them here. If they came it
+would be by chance; against that, we can trust in God."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps intruders can be bolted out," said I, going to examine the
+door. It was of thick oak, heavily studded with nails, and two of its
+three hinges still held firmly. But there was no bolt, nor any means of
+barring.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing but a lock," I said, "and no key for that." It only aggravated
+my feeling of mockery to discover that both parts of the lock were still
+strong. In my petulance I flung the door back against the wall.</p>
+
+<p>As one sometimes gives the improbable a trial, from mere impulse of
+experiment, I took from my pocket the two keys I had brought from
+Lavardin. I tried first that of the room in which I had been imprisoned:
+it was too small, and of no avail. I then inserted the key of the
+postern. To my surprise, it fit. I turned it partly around; it met
+resistance: I used all my power of wrist; the lock, which had stuck
+because it was rusted and long unused, yielded to the strength I
+summoned.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God!" I cried. "It seems like the work of providence, that I kept
+the postern key."</p>
+
+<p>I now reversed and withdrew the key, and applied it to the lock from the
+inside of the door, which I had meanwhile closed. But alas!&mdash;no force of
+mine could move the lock from that side, though I tried again and again.</p>
+
+<p>I went outside and easily enough locked the door from there. I then
+renewed my endeavours from the inside, but with failure.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said I, turning to the Countess; "if I cannot lock the door from
+within, how much less will you be able to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"But you can lock it from without," she answered, taking trouble to
+secure my peace of mind. "Why not lock me in? It will be the same thing.
+In either case I should not go out during your absence."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," I said. "I will make haste. If the door is locked
+against intruders, what matters it which of us has the key? I will guard
+it as my life,&mdash;nay, that too I will guard as never before, for yours
+will depend upon it."</p>
+
+<p>I then questioned the Countess as to what part of the forest we were in,
+but her knowledge of the location of the tower, with regard to roads or
+paths, was vague.</p>
+
+<p>I decided to take both horses with me, lest one, being heard or seen, in
+or about the tower, might excite the curiosity of some chance passer
+through the forest. But I left the saddles with the Countess. Anxious to
+lose no more time, I knelt and kissed her hand, receiving a faint smile
+in acknowledgment of my care; led out the horses, locked the door,
+pocketed the key, mounted, and was off. I went haunted by the sweet,
+sorrowful eyes of the Countess as they had followed me to the door.</p>
+
+<p>With the sun to guide me, I rode Westward, for in that direction must be
+the highway we had left the day before. By keeping a straight course,
+and taking note of my place of emergence from the forest, I should be
+able to find my way back to the tower. The leaves overhead were nowhere
+so thick but that splashes of sunshine fell upon the earth and
+undergrowth, and, by keeping the shadow of my horse and myself ever
+straight in front, I maintained our direction. But besides this I
+frequently notched the bark of some tree, always on its South side, with
+my dagger. Having this to do, and the second horse to lead, and the
+underbrush being often difficult, my progress was slower than suited my
+impatience. But in about an hour and a half from starting, I came out of
+the forest upon the bank of the Loir, which is so insignificant a stream
+thereabouts that I may not have mentioned fording it upon entering the
+woods on the previous day. I let the horses drink, and then rode
+through, and across a meadow to the highway. I turned to the right, and
+arrived, sooner than I had expected, at the gate of a town, which proved
+to be Bonneval. I stopped at the inn across from the church, saw to the
+feeding of my horses, and then went into the kitchen. I ordered a supply
+of young fowl, bread, wine, milk in bottles, and other things; and
+bargained with the innkeeper for a pair of pliable baskets and a strap
+by which they might be slung across my horse like panniers. While I
+waited for the chickens to roast, I used the time in reviving my own
+energies with wine, eggs, and cold ham, which were to be had
+immediately.</p>
+
+<p>Three or four people came or went while I was eating, and each time
+anybody crossed the threshold of the door, I glanced to see what sort of
+person it was. This watchfulness had become habitual to me of late. But
+as I was about finishing my meal, with my eyes upon my plate, I had an
+impression that somebody was standing near and gazing at me. As I had
+not observed any one to come so close, I looked up with a start. And
+there stood Monsieur de Pepicot, his nose as long as ever, his eyes as
+meek as when they had first regarded me at Lavardin.</p>
+
+<p>"My faith!" I exclaimed. "You rise like a spirit. I neither saw nor
+heard you enter."</p>
+
+<p>"I am a quiet man," he replied with a faint smile, sitting down opposite
+me.</p>
+
+<p>"You are the very ghost of silence itself," said I. "What do you wear on
+the soles of your boots?"</p>
+
+<p>Again he smiled faintly, but he left my question unanswered. "So you
+managed to keep out of trouble at that place where I last saw you?" said
+he.</p>
+
+<p>"If I did not keep out of it, at least I got out of it."</p>
+
+<p>"You are a clever young man,&mdash;or a lucky one. I was a little disturbed
+in mind at leaving you as I did. But&mdash;business called me. I knew that if
+you could manage to keep a whole body for ten days or so, even if that
+amiable Count did see fit to cage you up, you would be set free in the
+end."</p>
+
+<p>"Set free? By the Count, do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. By those who would visit the Count; by those who have&mdash;But
+stay,&mdash;have you not just come from Lavardin?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed. I left that hospitable house more than a week ago. I set
+myself free."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, is that the case? I ask your pardon. When I saw you here, I
+naturally supposed your liberation was a result of what has just
+occurred. I haven't yet learned all particulars of the event."</p>
+
+<p>"What event? I don't understand you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you don't know what has been going on at Lavardin recently?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not I."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, indeed? Well, it will be known to all the world very soon. The
+Count, it seems, was suspected of some hand in the late intrigue with
+Spain&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you say 'Ah!'?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing. I always thought there might be something wrong with the
+Count's politics."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, so they thought in Paris. And having made sure&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How did they make sure?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, by the discovery of certain documents, no doubt," said Monsieur de
+Pepicot, with a notable unconsciousness. "It is the usual way, is it
+not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Aha! I begin to see now. You overdo the innocence, my friend. I begin
+to guess what you were doing at Lavardin&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur, I know not what you mean."</p>
+
+<p>"I begin to guess why you wanted to get into the chateau,&mdash;what you were
+wandering about the house with a lantern for,&mdash;why you took your leave
+so unexpectedly,&mdash;and how you knew that in ten days I should be set
+free."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, Monsieur, I cannot follow you in your perceptions. I know only
+that on Monday evening a party of the King's guard appeared before the
+Chateau de Lavardin&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Having been sent from Paris soon after you had arrived there with the
+documents you found in the chateau."</p>
+
+<p>"Please do not interrupt with your baseless conjectures, Monsieur. As I
+said, the guards arrived at Lavardin just as, by great good fortune, the
+Count himself was returning from some journey or excursion he had been
+on. Thus they met him outside his walls: had it been otherwise they
+would doubtless have had infinite trouble, for, as we know, the chateau
+has been for some time fully prepared for a siege, even to being
+garrisoned by the company of Captain Ferragant."</p>
+
+<p>"What! then those fellows who thronged the court-yard&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Were a part of Captain Ferragant's famous company,&mdash;only a part, as I
+should have said at first, unless he has reduced its numbers. Well,
+instead of having the difficulty of besieging the chateau, the guards
+had the luck to meet the Count in the road, when he had only a few
+followers with him. And so they made short work."</p>
+
+<p>"They succeeded in arresting him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly that. He chose to resist, no doubt thinking he would soon
+be reinforced from the chateau by the Captain and garrison. And in the
+fight, the Count was killed,&mdash;stuck through the lungs by the sword of a
+guard who had to defend himself from the Count's own attack."</p>
+
+<p>"My God! the Count killed!&mdash;dead!&mdash;out of the way!" For a moment I
+entirely yielded to the force of this news, which to my ears meant so
+much.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. You don't seem grieved.&mdash;Yes: he will never annoy people again.
+The Captain, though, seeing from the chateau how matters had gone, came
+out with his men on horseback,&mdash;not to avenge the Count, but to ride off
+as fast as possible in the other direction. So the King's guardsmen had
+no trouble in getting into the chateau. A party of them, I believe, set
+off in pursuit of the Captain, who has long been a thorn in the side of
+people who love order. If he is caught, it can be shown that he was
+involved in the treason; and there it is."</p>
+
+<p>"So the Captain has not been caught?"</p>
+
+<p>"He had not been when I heard the news."</p>
+
+<p>"And how did you hear it?"</p>
+
+<p>"From one of the guardsmen, who happens to be of my acquaintance. I saw
+them as they came through Chateaudun yesterday afternoon, on their
+return from this business. We had very little time for talking."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you were not with them at Lavardin?"</p>
+
+<p>"I with them? Certainly not, Monsieur. Why should I have been with them?
+No; I have been staying in this part of the country for my own pleasure
+the past few days: I think of buying some apple orchards near
+Chateaudun.&mdash;I fancied you would be interested in this news."</p>
+
+<p>"I am, dear Monsieur de Pepicot,&mdash;infinitely. I am sorry I must leave
+you now, but I have business of some haste. I thank you heartily, and
+hope we may meet again. You know where La Tournoire is."</p>
+
+<p>Five minutes later, with my baskets slung before me, and having left one
+horse at the inn, I was riding out of Bonneval to tell the Countess that
+she was free.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MERCY OF CAPTAIN FERRAGANT</h3>
+
+
+<p>I had come to a place where the road runs, narrower than ever, between
+banks covered with bushes. All at once the perfect loneliness and
+silence were broken by three or four men leaping out of the bushes in
+front of me and barring the way, one presenting a pistol, another a long
+pike, while a third prepared to seize my rein. I instantly spurred
+forward, to make a dash for it: at the same time I was conscious that
+other fellows had sprung into the road behind me. The knave caught both
+reins close to the bit, and hung on under the horse's head, while the
+poor animal tried to rear. I drew sword and dagger, and leaned forward
+to run this fellow through. As I made my thrust, my senses suddenly went
+out in a kind of fire-streaked darkness. As I afterwards learned, I had
+been struck on the back of the head with a loaded cudgel by one of the
+unseen men behind. When I came to myself I was lying on the earth in a
+little bushy hollow away from the road: my hands were tied behind me,
+and around each ankle was fastened a rope, of which one of my assailants
+held the loose end. These two fellows and their four comrades were
+seated on the ground, eating the fowls and drinking the wine and milk I
+had provided for the Countess. One of them wore my sword, another had my
+dagger. My purse lay empty on the grass, and my horse was hobbled with
+the strap from my baskets.</p>
+
+<p>My first thought was of the key. Searching about with my eyes, I
+presently saw it, with the other one, at the edge of the bushes, where
+they had doubtless been thrown as of no value.</p>
+
+<p>My head was aching badly, but that was nothing to the terror in my heart
+for the Countess: if I was hindered from going to her, who was to give
+her aid?&mdash;nay, who was to release her from that dark hiding-place? She
+would die for lack of food and air,&mdash;her cell of refuge would be her
+tomb!</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" exclaimed one of the robbers; "the worthy young gentleman comes to
+life."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," said I, trying to hit the proper mood in which to deal
+with them. "I'm not sorry, either, as I was in some haste to get on. My
+friends, as you appear to have emptied me of everything that can be of
+any use to you, what do you say to allowing my poor remaining self to go
+about my business?"</p>
+
+<p>"And to give information about us as soon as you get to Chateaudun, eh?"
+said one.</p>
+
+<p>I was satisfied to let them think I was bound for Chateaudun.</p>
+
+<p>"No," I replied. "Poor as I am, the toll you have collected from me is
+not as much as my necessity of finishing my journey. So if you will
+untie me, and can find it in your hearts to give me back my horse&mdash;or at
+worst to let me go afoot,&mdash;I will cry quits, and give you my word of
+honour to forget you completely."</p>
+
+<p>"You speak well, young gentleman: but it's not to us that you need
+speak. We shall be taking you presently to one you can make proposals
+to."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should you waste time in taking me to your leader, when you are
+quite able to make terms yourselves?" said I. "Come. I can offer him no
+more than I can offer you. Suppose it were a hundred crowns: he would
+have the lion's share of it, and you poor fellows would get but a small
+part. If I deal with you alone, he need be never the wiser, and you will
+have the whole sum to divide among you."</p>
+
+<p>"And how would you get the five hundred crowns?"</p>
+
+<p>"I said one hundred: I would get them by going for them: I would give
+you my promise on the honour of a gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>The ruffians laughed. "No," said the one who had spoken most. "You would
+have to stay with us, and send for them. And our leader is the one to
+manage that. He will make you a fine, fair offer, no doubt."</p>
+
+<p>My heart sank. I tried persuasion, but nothing could move them.
+Doubtless each was afraid of the others, or they were very strongly
+under the dominion of their chief.</p>
+
+<p>I asked them to give me back my keys, whereupon one of them put the keys
+in his own wallet. They finished the food and drink, and made ready to
+depart. Their preparations consisted mainly of blindfolding me with a
+thick band of cloth, putting me on my horse, and tying together under
+the animal's belly the ropes that bound my ankles. Then a man mounted
+behind me, I heard another take the rein to lead, the horse was turned
+around several times so as to confuse my sense of direction, and we set
+off. We presently crossed a stream, and a little later I knew by sound
+and smell that we were in the forest. When we had traversed a part of
+it, the horse was again turned around twice or thrice, and we continued
+on our way. All the time I was thinking of her who waited for me in the
+darkness of her tomb-like prison.</p>
+
+<p>At last, by feeling the sun upon me and by other signs, I knew that we
+had come to a space clear of trees. We stopped a moment, and I heard
+calls exchanged and a gate opened; and then my horse's feet passed from
+turf to a very rough, irregular pavement. The sound of horses in their
+stalls at one side, the cooing of pigeons at the other, the gate, the
+rude paving, the remote situation, all taken together informed me that
+we were in an enclosed farm-yard. We stopped a second time, and my ankle
+ropes being then detached from each other, I was hauled down from the
+horse. The men with me were now greeted by others, who came apparently
+from the side buildings. I was led forward into a stone-floored passage,
+where I had to sit on a bench, guarded by I know not how many, while one
+went up a flight of stairs near at hand, evidently to give an account of
+their prize to somebody in authority. Presently a voice from above
+called down, "Bring the prisoner hither," and I was taken upstairs and
+through a doorway.</p>
+
+<p>My entrance drew an ejaculation from a person already in the room, who
+thereupon gave orders in a low voice. I was made to sit on the floor,
+and my ankles were tied close together. A chain was then wound
+ingeniously about my ankle-bonds, my legs, and the cords at my wrists;
+passed through a hole in the floor and around a cross beam, and finally
+fastened with a padlock, in such a way that I was secured beyond power
+of extricating myself.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, go, and wait in the passage," said the voice in which the previous
+orders had been given. "But first take that rag from his eyes. He may as
+well see: it will amuse him, and will not hurt us,&mdash;I will take care of
+that."</p>
+
+<p>The band was removed, and I found myself in a bare, plastered room with
+a barred window. In front of me stood a large man with a mask on his
+face. Where the mask ended, his beard began, so that he presented a
+visage entirely of black. The robbers who had brought me hither went
+out, closing the door, and I was left alone with this man.</p>
+
+<p>He regarded me a moment; then dropped into a chair, with a low grunt of
+laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"That it should be this fool, of all fools!" he began. "Who shall say
+there is no such thing as luck? Monsieur, I am sure it will please you
+to know into whose hands you have fallen."</p>
+
+<p>He took off his mask, and there was the red-splashed face of Captain
+Ferragant.</p>
+
+<p>Surprise made me dumb for a moment, for he had hitherto disguised his
+voice. He sat looking at me with a most cruel expression of malevolent
+triumph.</p>
+
+<p>"So, this is where you have fled,&mdash;and you are the chief of the
+robbers!" said I.</p>
+
+<p>"Call me that if you like. It matters nothing what names you prefer to
+use. No ears will ever hear them but mine; and mine will not be long
+afflicted with the sound."</p>
+
+<p>I shuddered, for I knew the implacability of this man, and my death
+meant the death of the Countess,&mdash;death in the dark, mouldy basement of
+the tower, death by stifling and starvation while she waited in vain for
+me, a slow and solitary death, rendered the more agonizing to her mind
+by suspense and fears. And this horrible fate must needs be hers just
+when the cause of her sorrows and dangers had been removed! It was a
+thought not to be endured.</p>
+
+<p>"You will have your jest," said I. "But I see no reason why you should
+bear me malice. The Count de Lavardin is now a dead man, I hear. I can
+no longer be against him, nor you for him. Therefore bygones should be
+bygones, and I suppose you will make terms with me as with any other man
+who happened to come before you as I do."</p>
+
+<p>"You do me an injustice, young gentleman: I am not so mercenary,&mdash;I do
+not always make terms. It is true, I served the Count for pay; that is
+what my company is for, and if he had not gone out of his chateau to
+hunt his wife, we might have defended the place till the enemy was tired
+out. But he allowed himself to be caught in the road,&mdash;you have heard
+the news, then? What do they say of me?"</p>
+
+<p>"That when you saw the Count was killed, you ran away."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I was of no use to the Count then, and his own men in the chateau
+were not well inclined toward me. They were for giving up the place, the
+moment he was dead. I thought best to save my good fellows for better
+service elsewhere."</p>
+
+<p>"Then your company and the band of robbers in this forest are the same?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you call them robbers,&mdash;they forage when there is need. I did not
+have them all at the chateau. The good fellows who brought you here were
+not at Lavardin with me. It is well, when one is in a place, to have
+resources outside. And so we meet again, my young interloper! You were
+rude to me once or twice at Lavardin. I shall pay you for that, and
+settle scores on behalf of my friend the Count as well."</p>
+
+<p>"How much ransom do you want?" I asked bluntly. "Name a sum within
+possibility, and let me go for it immediately: you know well you can
+rely upon my honour to deliver it promptly at any place safe for both of
+us, and to keep all a secret."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not insult me again. I have told you I am above purchase."</p>
+
+<p>Despite his jesting tone, my hope began to fall.</p>
+
+<p>"You are not above prudence, at least," I said. "I assure you there are
+people who will move earth and heaven to find what has become of me, and
+whose powers of vengeance are not light."</p>
+
+<p>"If I went in fear of vengeance, my child, I should never pass an easy
+moment. I have learned how to evade it,&mdash;or, better still, to turn it
+back on those who would inflict it. I fear nobody. When the game is not
+worth the risk, one can always run away, as I did from Lavardin when the
+Count's death threw his men into a panic."</p>
+
+<p>"Good God!" I cried, giving way to my feelings; "what will move you,
+then? What do you wish me to do? Shall I humiliate myself to plead for
+my life? shall I beg mercy? If I must descend to that, I will do so."</p>
+
+<p>For you will remember another life than mine was staked upon my fate,
+and time was flying. How long could she endure without food, without
+drink, without renewal of air, in that locked-up place of darkness?</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy, I beg," I cried, in a voice broken by fears for her.</p>
+
+<p>"You have hit upon the right way, at last," said the Captain, and my
+heart bounded in spite of his continued irony of voice and manner. "You
+beg for mercy, you shall have it. I will give you your life, and your
+liberty as well: on your part, you will tell me where the Countess de
+Lavardin is; as soon as I have made sure you have told the truth, I will
+set you free."</p>
+
+<p>I gazed at him in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"Is not that merciful?" said he; "a full pardon for all your affronts
+and offences, in return for a trifling piece of information?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is a piece of information I cannot give you," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a waste of time and words to try to deceive me," said the red
+Captain. "A young gentleman who risks so much for a lady as you have
+done, and accomplishes so much for her,&mdash;yes, they were wonders of
+prowess and courage, I admit, and I compliment you upon them,&mdash;a young
+gentleman who does all that for a lady does not so soon lose knowledge
+of her whereabouts. Do not trifle with me, Monsieur. Where is the
+Countess? There is no other way by which you can save yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think, then, a man who has shown the courage and prowess you
+mention, for the sake of a lady, would save himself by betraying her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you are young, and may have many years before you&mdash;a life of great
+success and honour. There are other beautiful ladies in the world. In a
+very short time you can forget this one."</p>
+
+<p>"I think it is for you to forget her," said I on the impulse. "As for
+me, I would rather die!"</p>
+
+<p>Ah, yes, it was easy enough to die, if that were all: but to leave her
+to die, and in such a manner, was another thing. Yet I knew she would
+prefer death, in its worst form, to falling into the unrestrained hands
+of the red Captain. The man's eyes, from the moment when he introduced
+her name, betrayed the eagerness of his new hope to make himself her
+master,&mdash;though he still controlled his speech. I say his new hope, for
+it must have arisen upon the death of the Count, during whose life, not
+daring openly to play the rival, he had found his only satisfaction in a
+revenge which provided that none might have what was denied to him. It
+was for me to decide now whether she should die or find herself at the
+mercy of Captain Ferragant. Was it right that I should decide for her as
+she would decide for herself? Was it for me to consign her to death,
+though I was certain that would be her own choice? Even though the
+Captain found her, was not life, with its possible chance of future
+escape, of her being able to move him by tears and innocence, of some
+friendly interposition of fate, preferable to the sure alternative doom?</p>
+
+<p>"I will leave you to make up your mind quietly," said the Captain. "When
+you are ready to speak to the point, call to the men in the
+passage,&mdash;one of them will come to me. The door will be left open. I
+hope you will not be slow in choosing the sensible course: I cannot give
+you many hours for consideration."</p>
+
+<p>He went out, addressed some orders to four or five men who sat on a
+bench facing my door, and disappeared: I heard his feet descending the
+stairs. My door was left wide open, so that I was directly in the gaze
+of the men. But even if I had been unobserved, I could not have moved
+from the place where I sat. Any effort to break my bonds, either of
+wrist or ankle, by sheer strength, was but to cause weakness and pain.
+My arms ached from the constraint of their position, and, because of
+them behind me, it was impossible to lie at full length on my back. Nor
+would the chain, without cutting into my thighs, permit me to lie on
+either side. I was thus unable to change even my attitude.</p>
+
+<p>But my discomforts of body were nothing in presence of the question that
+tore my mind. Minutes passed; time stretched into hours: still I
+discussed with myself, to which of the fates at my choice should I
+deliver her? Should I give her to death, or to the arms of the red
+Captain? Little as she feared the first, much as she loathed the second,
+dared I take it upon myself to assign her to death? Had it been mere
+death, without the horrors of darkness and desertion, without the
+anxious wonder as to why I failed her, I should not have been long in
+deciding upon that. For that would be her wish, and I should not survive
+her. Let us both die, I should have said; for what will life be to her
+after she has fallen into the hands of this villain, and what to me
+after I have delivered her into them? But the peculiar misery of the
+death that threatened her, kept the problem still busy in my mind.</p>
+
+<p>And yet I could not bring myself to yield her to the Captain.</p>
+
+<p>The day had become afternoon, and I still debated. The Countess must
+have expected me to return before this time. What was her state now?
+what were her conjectures? Ah, thought I, if we had not found our way to
+that lonely tower, if the storm had not come up the previous night, if
+we had started to leave the forest earlier!&mdash;nay, if I had had the
+prevision, upon hearing of the presence of robbers, to make her turn
+back to Chateaudun with me, and lodge quietly there until the Mother
+Superior of the convent could be sounded, and a safe way of approach be
+ascertained, all would now be well. We should have heard in the meantime
+of the Count's death. Yes, everything had gone wrong since the Countess
+had taken the road for the forest. The third of Blaise Tripault's maxims
+which he had learned from the monk came back to me with all the force of
+hapless coincidence:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Never leave a highway for a byway.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>The thought of Blaise Tripault made me think of my father. What a
+mockery it was to know that I, chained helpless to the floor in this
+remote stronghold of ruffians, was the son of him, the Sieur de la
+Tournoire, the invincible warrior before whose sword no man could stay,
+and who would have rushed to the world's end to save me or any one I
+loved! To consider my need, and his power to help, and that only his
+ignorance of my situation stood between, was so vexing that in my
+bitterness of soul, regardless of the men in the passage, I cried out to
+the empty air, "Oh, my father! If you but knew!"</p>
+
+<p>And then, for a moment, as if the bare wall were no impediment, I saw a
+vision of my father, with his dauntless brow and grizzled beard, his
+great long sword at his side, riding toward me among green trees.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SWORD OF LA TOURNOIRE</h3>
+
+
+<p>The light softened and faded into that of evening. Another set of men
+took the places of those outside my door. No food nor drink was brought
+me, and I supposed the Captain hoped by this neglect to reduce me the
+sooner to a yielding state. But I was even glad to have to undergo some
+of the discomforts which the Countess must needs be enduring. I gave up
+hope of her life or my own, and, leaning forward so as to get some
+relief of position, I fell into a kind of drowsy lassitude.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, through my window, which overlooked the court-yard, I heard a
+low call at the gate, which was answered. Presently I heard the gate
+close, and assumed it had been opened to let in the man who had uttered
+the call. About a minute after that, there was a considerable noise in
+the yard, as of men hastily assembling. Then came the voice of the
+Captain, apparently addressing the whole company. When he finished,
+there was a general movement of feet, as of men dispersing about the
+yard, and this was followed by complete silence.</p>
+
+<p>The men in the passage were now joined by a comrade, who spoke to them
+rapidly in a low tone. They whispered to one another in some excitement,
+but did not leave their places nor take their eyes from me.</p>
+
+<p>The next sound I heard was of the tread of horses approaching. My
+curiosity now aroused, I strained my ears. The hoof-beats came to the
+gate, and then I heard a loud knock, followed by no other sound than of
+the pawing and snorting of the horses as they stood. There must have
+been at least a score of them.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the unheeded knock was repeated, and then a quick, virile
+voice called out:</p>
+
+<p>"Hola, within there! Open the gate, in the name of the King!"</p>
+
+<p>My heart leaped. The voice was that of the royal guardsman who had saved
+the Countess from the robbers the previous evening. But his party was
+now evidently much larger than before.</p>
+
+<p>No answer was given to his demand. The red Captain's intent apparently
+was to make these newcomers believe the place deserted. I had an impulse
+to shout the truth, but I saw my guards watching me, their hands on
+their weapons, and knew that my first word would be the signal for my
+death. So I kept silence.</p>
+
+<p>"If you do not open the gate at once," the guardsman cried, "we will
+open it for ourselves, in our own way."</p>
+
+<p>I now heard footsteps shuffling across the yard, and then one of the
+robbers spoke, in the quavering tones of an old man:</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon, Monsieur. Pardon, I pray, but it is impossible for me to open.
+I am all alone here in charge of this place, which is empty and
+deserted, and I'm forbidden to open the gate to anybody but the master.
+He would kill me if I disobeyed, and besides that, I have taken a vow.
+There is nothing here that you can want, Monsieur."</p>
+
+<p>"There is shelter for the night to be had here, and that we mean to
+have. We are on the business of the King, and I command you to open."</p>
+
+<p>"I dare not, Monsieur. I should imperil my life and my soul. There is a
+lodge in the forest a mile to the east, and the keeper will see to all
+your wants: there is plenty of shelter, food for yourselves, hay for
+your horses, everything you can need. Here all is dismantled and empty."</p>
+
+<p>"Old man, you are lying. Unbar the gate in a moment, or your life will
+indeed be in danger."</p>
+
+<p>To this the "old man" gave no answer, except to come away from the gate
+with the same simulated walk of an aged person.</p>
+
+<p>I heard the horsemen discussing in low tones. Then, to my dismay, came
+the sound of hoofs again, this time moving away. Now I was more than
+ever minded to cry out, but my guards were ready to spring upon me with
+their daggers. I might have sought this speedy death, but for the sudden
+thought that the withdrawal of the royal guardsmen might be only
+temporary.</p>
+
+<p>I know not how many minutes passed. The sound of the horses had died out
+for some time. I became sensible of the tramp of men's feet. Were the
+guardsmen returning without their horses? Suddenly the red Captain's
+voice arose in the court-yard:</p>
+
+<p>"To the walls, you with firearms! Shoot them down as they try to batter
+in the gate! All the rest, stand with me to kill them if they enter!"</p>
+
+<p>The tramp of the guardsmen came swiftly near. I heard the reports of
+muskets and pistols. There was a loud thud, as of some sort of ram&mdash;a
+fallen branch or trunk from the forest&mdash;being borne powerfully against
+the gate. This was answered by defiant, profane shouts and more loud
+detonations. My guards in the passage groaned, exclaimed, and clenched
+their weapons, mad to be in the fray. I could only listen and wait.</p>
+
+<p>There was a second thud against the gate, amidst more cries and shots.
+And soon came a third, the sound being this time prolonged into a crash
+of timber. A shout of triumph from the invaders, a yell of execration
+from the red Captain and his men, and the clash of steel, told that the
+gate had given way.</p>
+
+<p>"Follow close, gentlemen! Trust me to clear a path!" cried a hearty
+voice, cheerful to the point of mirth, which thrilled my soul.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, follow him close!" cried the leader of the guardsmen; "follow the
+sword of La Tournoire!"</p>
+
+<p>I could have shouted for joy, but that it was now worth while postponing
+death by minutes.</p>
+
+<p>The noise of clashing swords increased and came nearer, as if the
+guardsmen were pouring in through the gateway and driving the defenders
+back toward the house. Now and then came the sound of a pike or reversed
+musket meeting steel armour, and all the time fierce exclamations rose
+from both parties. There was no more firing; doubtless the melee was too
+close and general for anybody to reload.</p>
+
+<p>The men in the passage, as the tumult grew and approached, became as
+restless as dogs in leash that whine and jump to be in the fray. At last
+one of them ran into my room and looked out of the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Death of the devil, how they are at it!" he cried, for the information
+of his comrades outside my door. "I think we shall be wanted in a minute
+or two. These cursed intruders have forced the gateway. Our fellows are
+twice as many as they, but their heads and bodies are in steel,&mdash;all but
+one, a middle-aged man with gray in his beard. He has no armour on, but
+he leads the others. Body of Satan! you should see him clear the ground
+about him. He thrusts in all directions at once: his sword is as long as
+a man, and it darts as quickly as the tongue of a snake. Ha! it has just
+cut down old Cricharde.&mdash;And now it has stung Galparoux.&mdash;Holy
+Beelzebub, what a man! He fights like a fiend, and all the time with a
+gay face as if he were at his sport.&mdash;Ah! there he has let daylight into
+poor Boirac.&mdash;But now&mdash;good!&mdash;at last our Captain has planted himself in
+front of this devil: it was high time: he will find his match now. By
+God, it will be worth looking at, the fight between the red Captain and
+this stranger,&mdash;there aren't two such men in France. They are taking
+each other's measure now,&mdash;each one sees what sort of stuff he has run
+against. Ah!"</p>
+
+<p>What the last exclamation meant, I could not know. The man's attention
+had become too close for further speech. But I supposed that a pass had
+been made between my father and the red Captain, and that it had been
+nothing decisive, for the watcher's interest continued at the extreme
+tension: he kept his face against the iron bars of the window, and made
+no sound beyond frequent short ejaculations. The men in the passage
+called to him for further news, but he did not heed them. To my ears the
+fighting continued as general as before, with the shouts of many throats
+and the clash of many weapons, so that I could not at all distinguish
+the single combat between my father and the red Captain from the rest of
+the fray.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the man gave a howl of rage. "Our Captain is being forced
+back!" he cried. "We are getting the worst of the fight everywhere. It's
+too much!&mdash;we are needed down there! To the devil with orders!&mdash;the
+Captain will be glad enough if we turn the tide. And we'd better try our
+luck down there than be taken here, for short time they'll give us for
+prayers, my children." While speaking he had moved from the window to my
+door.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly this prisoner is safe enough," answered one of the men,
+whereupon he and the others in the passage ran down the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>But the man who had been at the window turned to me. "Safe enough,&mdash;yes,
+so it looks," said he. "Young man, the Captain must think you a
+magician, to take so much pains against your escaping. If it came to the
+worst, I was to kill you, and the time seems to have arrived: so, if
+you'll pardon me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You will be a great fool," said I, as he approached with his sword
+drawn; "for if you are taken alive my intervention will save your neck."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know it will?"</p>
+
+<p>"By the fact that the gentleman down there whose fighting you so admire
+is my father."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed? You are a gentleman: do you give your word of honour for that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and to speak for you if I am alive when your side is finally
+defeated."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good, Monsieur. I will hold you to that." Upon this he left me and
+followed his comrades down the stairs.</p>
+
+<p>His footfalls had scarcely ceased upon the stairway, when other sounds
+began to come from the same direction,&mdash;those of conflict in the
+entrance hall below. Somebody had drawn his antagonist, or been forced
+by him, into the house. There was the quick, irregular stamp of booted
+feet on the stone floor, the keen music of sword striking sword. If the
+fight spread generally into the house, and the defenders fled to the
+upper rooms, my position must become more critical. So I listened rather
+to this noise in the hallway than to the tumult in the court-yard. By
+the sound of the steel coming nearer, and that of the footfalls changing
+somewhat, I presently knew that one of the fighters had sought the
+vantage&mdash;or disadvantage&mdash;of the staircase. But the other evidently
+pushed him hard, for soon both combatants had reached the landing at the
+turn of the stairs, as was manifest from a sudden increase of their
+noise in my ears. I could now hear their short ejaculations as well as
+the other sounds. They continued to approach: I listened for a stumble
+on the stairs, to be followed by a death-cry: but these men were
+apparently heedful as to their steps, and finally they were both upon
+the level footing of the passage outside my room. I wondered if this
+fight would be over before it could be opposite my doorway. In a few
+moments I was answered. Into my narrow view came the large figure of the
+red Captain, without a doublet, his muscular arms bare, his shirt open
+and soaked with perspiration, his upper body heaving rapidly as he
+breathed, his face streaming, his eyes fixed upon the enemy whose swift
+rapier he parried with wonderful skill. The light of evening was dim in
+the passage, and perhaps for that reason the Captain backed into my
+room. His adversary followed instantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Father!" I cried, as the Sieur de la Tournoire appeared in the doorway:
+in my emotion I thought not how I endangered him by distracting his
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>But he was not to be thrown off his guard. He moved his head a little to
+the side, so as to catch a glimpse of me behind the Captain, but this
+did not prevent his adroitly turning a quick thrust which his enemy made
+on the instant of my cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Hola, Henri!" said my father, with perfect calmness except for his
+quickness of breath. "What the devil are you doing here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sitting chained to the floor," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>At this the Captain suddenly leaped back almost to where I was, and I
+suppose his intention was to place himself eventually where he would
+have me between him and my father and could kill me without ceasing to
+face the latter. But he may have considered an attempt to pass over me
+as unsafe for his subsequent footing, and so his next movement was
+sidewise: my father, following close, gave him work every moment. The
+Captain again stepping backward, I was now at his right and a little in
+front, so that, if he could gain but a spare second, he could send a
+finishing thrust my way. With my head turned so as to keep my eyes upon
+him, I could see by his look that he was determined not to risk my
+outliving him.</p>
+
+<p>My father, too busy in meeting the Captain's lunges, and in trying what
+thrust might elude his defence, thought best to expend no more breath in
+talk with me, and so the fighting went on without words. Suppose,
+thought I, my father kills the Captain but the Captain first kills me?
+Had I not better now tell my father to seek the Tower of Morlon and
+release a person confined there? But if I did that, the Captain would
+hear, and suppose he killed my father as well as me! I held my tongue.</p>
+
+<p>The Captain now maintained his position, neither giving ground nor
+pressing forward. The two combatants were between me and the window,
+through which still came sounds of struggle from the yard below. But
+these sounds were fewer, except those of cheers, which grew more
+frequent.</p>
+
+<p>"Good! Our friends are gaining the day!" said my father to me.</p>
+
+<p>"But you, Messieurs, shall not crow over it!" cried the Captain, and
+made a long thrust, as swift as lightning. My father caught it on the
+guard of his hilt, within short distance of his breast, at the same
+instant stepping back. The Captain did not follow, but darted his sword
+at me, with the cry, "Not for you the Countess!" I contracted my body
+and thought myself done for. My father's impulsive forward movement,
+however, disconcerted the Captain's arm in the very moment of his lunge,
+and his point but feebly stung my side and flew back again, his guard
+recovered none too soon to save himself. My father's thrusts became now
+so quick and continuous that the Captain fell back to gain breath. My
+father drove him to the wall. Shouting a curse, the Captain thrust for
+my father's midriff. My father, with a swift movement, received the
+sword between his arm and body, and at the same instant ran his own
+rapier into the Captain's unguarded front, pushed it through his lung,
+and pinned him to the wall.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a name="illus6" id="illus6"></a>
+<img src="images/illus6.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>"MY FATHER'S THRUSTS BECAME NOW SO QUICK AND CONTINUOUS."</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p>The Captain's arms dropped, his head hung forward, and as soon as the
+sword was drawn out, he tumbled lifeless to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>My father leaned against the wall till he regained a little breath and
+energy; then he wiped his brow and sword, and came over to me.</p>
+
+<p>"How have they got you trussed up?" he asked. "And how came you into
+their hands?&mdash;I should be amazed to find you here, if I hadn't seen
+stranger things before now."</p>
+
+<p>While he cut the cords that bound my ankles and wrists, I told him how I
+had been waylaid. "I was going with food and wine to a friend who lies
+locked in a deserted tower called Morlon. She is ill to death, and may
+now be dead for lack of food and air to keep up her strength. I must go
+to her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A woman, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, a lady: I will tell you all, but there is no time to lose now. The
+tower is in this forest. I must find my way there at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Patience, a moment," said my father. "Your chain is locked, I see:&mdash;but
+no matter,&mdash;I can loosen it so that you can wriggle through." By having
+cut the cords, around which the chain had been passed, he had relieved
+the tautness, and was now able to do what he promised. He then took off
+my boots, and, grasping me under the arms, drew me backward out of the
+loosened coils as I moved them downward with my hands. At last I stood a
+free man. I put on my boots, took the Captain's sword, and accompanied
+my father down into the court-yard.</p>
+
+<p>The fight was now over there. Of the royal guardsmen, all in steel caps
+and corselets, like the small party of them I had seen the previous
+evening, some were wiping their faces and swords, and others were caring
+for the hurts of comrades. Some of the robbers lay dead, several were
+wounded, and the rest, having yielded their weapons, were looking after
+their own disabled, under the direction of guardsmen. I recognized a
+number of the rascals as men I had seen at the Chateau de Lavardin. The
+commander of the troop of guards, he whom I had met before and whose
+vigorous voice I had recognized, greeted my father with a look of
+congratulation, and showed surprise at seeing me.</p>
+
+<p>"Tis a day of events," said my father. "I have killed the Count's
+accomplice, and found my son.&mdash;Nay, there was no hope of that Captain's
+surrendering."</p>
+
+<p>"My faith!&mdash;then your two quests are accomplished at the same moment,"
+said the leader of the guardsmen. "And, for another wonder, your son
+turns out to be a person I have already met. But your friend, Monsieur?"
+This inquiry was to me, and made with sudden solicitude.</p>
+
+<p>"Locked in the tower of Morlon, waiting for me to come with
+food,&mdash;perhaps dying or dead.&mdash;Monsieur, I was brought here blindfold:
+but I must find the way back to the tower of Morlon without delay,&mdash;it
+is somewhere in this forest."</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt some of these gentry know the way," said the guardsman,
+indicating the robbers. "We'll make it a condition of his life for one
+of them to guide us."</p>
+
+<p>"You make me your life-long debtor, Monsieur," I cried. "And one of them
+has the key: I think it is he lying yonder. As for food and wine&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"We are not without those," said the guardsman. "Our horses and supplies
+are near at hand."</p>
+
+<p>I went among the dead and wounded to find the man who had taken
+possession of my keys. Him I found, but the keys were not upon him.
+Supposing he had given them to his master, I ran upstairs and examined
+the pockets of the Captain, but in vain. Where to look next I knew not,
+so I returned to the court-yard and made known my unsuccess.</p>
+
+<p>"Tut!" said my father; "a door is but a door, and we can break down that
+of your tower as we broke down this gate. This gentleman"&mdash;meaning the
+leader of the guardsmen&mdash;"has most courteously offered to accompany us,
+with part of his noble troop, and he has chosen a guide from among the
+prisoners."</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, they all know the tower," said the guardsman, "but this fellow
+appears the most sensible.&mdash;Now, my man, how long will it take us, your
+comrades bearing the pine trunk with which we rammed this gate, to reach
+the tower of Morlon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Two hours, Monsieur, I should say," replied the robber.</p>
+
+<p>"It is too much," said the guardsman. "You will lead us thither in an
+hour at the utmost, or at the end of the hour you shall hang to the tree
+I then happen to be under." He thereupon gave orders to the guardsmen,
+and to the prisoners. As night would overtake us in the forest, he had a
+brief search made of the outhouses, and a number of dry pine sticks were
+found, to serve as torches. Our party was to go mounted, except the
+robbers impressed to carry the battering ram: so I went to the stalls at
+one side of the yard, and found my own horse, chewing hay in fraternal
+companionship with the animals which had doubtless brought Captain
+Ferragant and his men from Lavardin.</p>
+
+<p>As I led out my horse, I suddenly bethought me of the man for whose life
+I had promised to speak. During the final preparations for our start, I
+looked again among the robbers, wondering why this man had not forced
+himself upon my attention. But I soon found the reason: he lay on his
+side, and when I turned him over I saw he was pierced between two ribs
+and had no life left to plead for.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MOUSTACHES OF BRIGNAN DE BRIGNAN</h3>
+
+
+<p>My father, the leader of the guardsmen, and several of his men walked,
+while I rode, to the nearby edge of encircling woods, the defeated
+robbers bearing the young tree-trunk. Here my father and the guardsmen
+mounted, their horses having been tied to the trees. A pair of panniers
+containing wine, bread, and cold meat, was placed across my father's
+horse, a very strong animal, and, torches being lighted, we proceeded
+through the forest. The guide led, being attached to a halter, of which
+the commander of the guardsmen held the loose end. After the commander,
+my father and I came, and behind us the burdened prisoners, who were
+flanked and followed by the other guardsmen.</p>
+
+<p>On the way, I told my father who it was that lay in the tower, and gave
+him a brief account of my whole adventure at Lavardin and in the forest.
+He applauded my conduct, though counselling me in future to look well
+before I leaped; and he approved of my offer to the Countess of the
+hospitality of La Tournoire.</p>
+
+<p>"But what still makes me wonder," said I, "is that you should have found
+me here, so far from Paris, whither you knew I was bound, and from
+Vendome, whither Nicolas must have told you I was going."</p>
+
+<p>"But in truth my being here is very simple," said he. "As soon as
+Nicolas came back to La Tournoire with your message the day after you
+set out, I started for Paris to solicit your pardon for the affair at La
+Fl&egrave;che. Six days later I presented myself to the Duke de Sully, who
+immediately took me for an audience of the King. There was a deal of
+talk about the scandalous disregard of the edict against duels, the
+great quantity of good blood wasted almost every day, the too frequent
+granting of pardons, and all that. But in the end Henri would not refuse
+me, and I have your pardon now in my pocket. But you must not be rash
+another time: I promised for you, and assured the King you were no
+fire-eater and had received great provocation."</p>
+
+<p>"Trust me to be prudent," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"Good! As you had not yet arrived in Paris," continued my father, "I
+supposed you had been delayed at Vendome, whither, as you say, Nicolas
+told me you were going. So I thought I would start for home by way of
+Vendome, as you might still be there and perhaps in some scrape or
+other, or I might meet you on the road between there and Paris. I stayed
+overnight in Paris, as the Duke had invited me to wait upon him the next
+day. I went and was very well received. As I was about to take my leave,
+I mentioned that I was going to travel by Vendome. 'Ah,' said the Duke,
+'then, if you wish, you may take a hand in a little affair which will be
+like an echo of the old busy days.' I opened my eyes at this, and the
+Duke told me that evidence had just been brought by one of his spies,
+which warranted the arrest of a powerful malcontent in the neighbourhood
+of Vendome, who had long been under suspicion,&mdash;in short, the Count de
+Lavardin. A party of royal guards was about to be sent off at once to
+take him in his chateau at Montoire, four leagues beyond Vendome, and I
+might go with them as a volunteer, or in any case I might have their
+company on my journey. I was quite ready for any affair that had a taste
+of the old service in it, especially as these treasonable great lords
+sometimes make a stout resistance in their chateaux. And so I had the
+honour of being introduced to these gentlemen and becoming for the time
+their comrade. That same afternoon I set out with them for Montoire, and
+we arrived there last Sunday."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! you must have passed through Vendome while we were in seclusion
+there."</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt. That Count's business had to be attended to before he got
+wind of our arrival, and so there was no time for inquiring about you at
+Vendome. We came upon the Count and a party of attendants in the road,
+not a quarter of a league from his chateau. As we heard at the chateau
+afterwards, he had been searching the roads far and wide for his wife,
+who had fled from his cruelties. He had the daring to resist arrest, and
+there was some fighting, in which he was killed. It appears that the
+fight and his fall were seen by watchers from the tower of his chateau,
+and before we could arrive at that place his accomplice, this Captain
+Ferragant, who was in the chateau at the time, made his escape. As soon
+as we got to the chateau, we heard of this, and, as the Captain also was
+wanted, there was nothing to do but give chase. A few of the guardsmen
+were left to hold the chateau in the King's name, and the rest of us,
+with no more than a sup and a bite, made off after this Captain. He had
+so many followers with him, that he was not difficult to trace, and for
+two days we kept his track, until we lost it at the edge of this forest.
+From what we learned at Chateaudun, we guessed that his refuge was
+somewhere in the forest. That was yesterday afternoon: we at once broke
+up into small parties to search the forest, planning to reunite at a
+chosen place to-day at noon."</p>
+
+<p>"It was one of those parties that saved the Countess from the robbers,"
+said I gratefully.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, and there your story crosses mine. As for the ruffians who attacked
+the Countess, they escaped without affording a clue to the Captain's
+whereabouts,&mdash;for doubtless they were of his band, though this was not
+certain. When our parties met to-day, one of them brought a forester who
+offered to show the way to the Captain's hiding-place if he were allowed
+to leave before coming in sight of it. We made full preparations, and
+you know the rest. At first we thought our forester had fooled us, and
+that the place we had come to was what it appeared, a solitary farmstead
+in a clearing of the forest. But in such a case, it is always best to
+make sure, and faith, that is what we did. So you see I chanced to find
+you all the sooner for not having had time to look for you. But indeed
+it was a timely meeting."</p>
+
+<p>In about an hour after the time of starting, we came to a clear space,
+in the midst of which was the tower we sought. We could see it by the
+starlight before we drew near with our torches. We all dismounted, and
+with a fast-beating heart, I found the door. It was still locked.
+Listening at the key-hole, I could hear no sound. I called out, "Louis!"
+thinking she would understand I had company to whom her sex need not be
+known. I wished to warn her of our assault upon the door, so that she
+might stay clear of danger thereby. But no answer came, though I called
+several times. I was now in great fear lest she had died. My father, who
+read my feelings in my face, suggested that she might have fallen into
+very deep unconsciousness, and that the best thing to do was to break in
+the door forthwith, as carefully as possible, trusting she might not be
+where there was chance of anything striking. As the place where I had
+left her lying was not opposite the door, and there was no reason to
+suppose she had chosen another, I gave up the attempt to warn her, and
+without further loss of time we made ready to attack the door. All the
+men in the party, both guardsmen and prisoners, laid hold of the
+tree-trunk, by means of halters and ropes fastened around it, my father
+and I placing ourselves at the head. The commander of the guardsmen, who
+was immediately behind me, called out the orders by which we moved in
+unison. Starting from a short distance, we ran straight for the tower,
+and swung the tree forward against the door at the moment of stopping. A
+most violent shock was produced, but the lock and hinges still held. We
+repeated this operation twice. Upon our third charge, the door flew
+inward. Leaving the trunk to the others, I hastened into the dark, close
+basement, and groped my way to where I had left the Countess.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame!&mdash;Louis!" I called softly, feeling about in the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>A weak voice answered,&mdash;a voice like that of one just wakened from
+profound sleep:</p>
+
+<p>"Henri, is it you?&mdash;Mon dieu, I am so glad!&mdash;I feared some evil had
+befallen you."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Louis, you are living,&mdash;thank God!"</p>
+
+<p>"Living, yes: I have been asleep. Once I awoke, and wondered why you bad
+not returned. I prayed for you, and then I must have slept again. But
+what was it awakened me?&mdash;was there not a loud noise before I heard your
+voice?&mdash;Who are those men at the door with torches?"</p>
+
+<p>I introduced my father, who, regarding her in the torchlight, and
+showing as tender a solicitude as a woman's, soon came to the conclusion
+that her state was no worse than one of extreme weakness for want of
+food and fresh air. He carried her out, laid her tenderly on a cloak,
+and administered such food and wine as were good for her. She submitted
+with the docility and trust of a child.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving her for awhile, my father and I consulted with the leader of the
+guardsmen, and it was decided that the Countess, my father, and I should
+pass the night at the tower, the weather being warm and clear. The
+guardsmen would return with their prisoners to the scene of their recent
+battle, where much was to be put to rights. On the morrow they would
+rejoin us, and we should all proceed to Bonneval, where my father's
+deposition could be added to the report which the leader of the
+arresting party would have to deliver in Paris in lieu of the Count and
+Captain themselves.</p>
+
+<p>I could not let the leader go, even for the night, without expressing
+the gratitude under which I must ever feel to him, for, though he was
+still ignorant of the identity of the Countess, there was no concealing
+from him that the supposed youth was a person very near my heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Pouf!" said he, in his manly way; "'tis all chance. I have done nothing
+for you, but if I had done much I should have been repaid already in the
+acquaintance of Monsieur de la Tournoire."</p>
+
+<p>"A truce to flattery," said my father. "It is I who am the gainer by the
+acquaintance of Monsieur Brignan de Brignan."</p>
+
+<p>"Eh! Brignan de Brignan!" I echoed.</p>
+
+<p>"That is this gentleman's name," said my father, wondering at my
+surprise. "Have we been so busy that I have not properly made you known
+to him before?"</p>
+
+<p>I gazed at the gentleman's moustaches: they were indeed rather longer
+than the ordinary. He, too, looked his astonishment at the effect of his
+name upon me.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, Monsieur," said I. "I have been staring like a rustic. I owe
+you an explanation of my ill manners. I will give it frankly: it may
+provide you with laughter. What I am now, I know not, but three weeks
+ago I was a fool." I then told him how I had been taunted by a young
+lady, whose name I did not mention, and with what particular object I
+had so recently started for Paris. This was news to my father also, who
+laughed without restraint. Brignan de Brignan, though certainly amused,
+kept his mirth within bounds, and replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Faith. I know not any young lady in your part of France who has a right
+to glory in my personal appearance, even if I were an Apollo,&mdash;who, by
+the way, is not represented with moustaches. But I believe I know who
+this girl may be,&mdash;I have met such a one in Paris, and avoided her as a
+pert little minx. As for your folly, as you call it, it was no more
+foolish than many a thing I have done."</p>
+
+<p>He had the breeding not to add, "At your age," and I loved him for that.
+He and his men now set out upon their return to the farmstead, and my
+father and I, after devising a more comfortable couch for the Countess
+just within the open doorway of the tower, slept and watched by turns
+outside.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning the Countess, partaking of more food, was in better
+strength and spirits, and had the curiosity to ask how my father came to
+be there. In telling her, I broke the news of the Count's death. For a
+moment she was startled, and then pity showed itself in her eyes and
+words,&mdash;pity for the man who had been swayed by such passions and
+delusions, and who had died in his sin with none else to shed a tear for
+him. The Captain's death, of which I next informed her, did not move her
+as much.</p>
+
+<p>The turn of affairs caused a change of plan. She now resolved (as I had
+foreseen) to return to Lavardin and do such honour to her husband's
+memory as she might. Though his estates would probably, in all the
+circumstances, be adjudged forfeit to the Crown, some provision would
+doubtless be made for his widow. In any case, she might be sure of every
+courtesy from the officer in command of the guardsmen now occupying the
+chateau for the King, and there were certain jewels, apparel, and other
+possessions of her own which could not be withheld from her.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon, when Brignan de Brignan and his comrades reappeared,
+the Countess was able to ride: and that evening we were all in Bonneval.
+Monsieur de Brignan had taken possession of several things found in an
+iron-bound chest where Captain Ferragant had kept his treasures. Among
+others were two papers stolen from me by the robbers,&mdash;the incriminating
+fragment of a letter to the Count, and the note from the Countess which
+I had found upon Monsieur de Merri. The former I destroyed, at the fire
+in the inn kitchen: the latter I kept, and keep to this day. Besides
+these, there were my purse; a quantity of gold, out of which I repaid
+myself the amount I had been robbed of; and the two keys, which I
+subsequently restored to the Chateau de Lavardin, whence they had come.</p>
+
+<p>We stayed the night at Bonneval. The next day the guardsmen started for
+Paris, and our party of three for Montoire. As I took my leave of
+Brignan de Brignan before the inn gate, I noticed that his moustaches
+had undergone a diminution: indeed they now extended no further than his
+lips. I supposed he had decided not to be distinguished by such marks
+again. He expressed a hope of renewing acquaintance with me in Paris,
+and rode off. The Countess, my father, and I turned our faces toward
+Montoire, the Countess being now once more on Hugues's horse, which I
+had left for a time at Bonneval. We had not gone very far, when a man
+galloped after us, handed me a packet, and rode back as hastily as he
+had come. I had scarce time to recognize him as a valet attached to the
+party of guardsmen.</p>
+
+<p>I opened the packet, and found a piece of paper, to which two wisps of
+hair were fastened by a thread, and on which was written in a large,
+dashing hand:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Behold my moustaches. Brignan de Brignan.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>And so, after all, I might keep my promise to Mlle. Celeste!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>AFTERWARDS</h3>
+
+
+<p>Two days later we arrived at Hugues's house, and were received with
+great joy by him and Mathilde. Here the Countess, now happily improved
+in health, resumed the attire of her sex, which she had there put off.
+My father then accompanied her to the Chateau de Lavardin, and made her
+known to the guardsman in command, by whom she was treated with the
+utmost consideration. With Mathilde to attend her, she remained a few
+days at the chateau, and then removed with her personal possessions to
+the house of Hugues, whose marriage to Mathilde was no longer delayed.</p>
+
+<p>But meanwhile my father and I stayed only a day at Montoire, lodging at
+the inn there. I did not go to the chateau, but my father took thither
+the two keys, and brought away my sword and dagger, which had been
+hanging undisturbed in the hall. My farewell to the Countess was spoken
+in front of Hugues's gate when she started thence for the chateau, and
+not much was said, for my father and Hugues were there, as well as
+Mathilde, and the horses were waiting. But something was looked, and
+never did I cease to carry in my heart the tender and solicitous
+expression of her sweet eyes as they rested on me for a silent moment
+ere she turned away.</p>
+
+<p>My father and I, on our homeward journey, stopped at La Fl&egrave;che and
+ascertained that Monsieur de Merri's relations had learned of his fate
+and taken all care for the repose of his body and soul. It appeared that
+he lived at Orleans, and was used to visit cousins in Brittany: thus,
+then, had he chanced to stop at Montoire and fall in with the Count de
+Lavardin. Alas! poor young gentleman!</p>
+
+<p>And now we arrived home, to the great relief of my mother; and Blaise
+Tripault would hardly speak to my father or me, for envy of the
+adventures we had passed through without him. But he spread great
+reports of what I had done,&mdash;or rather what I had not done, for he made
+me a chief hero in the destruction of the band of robbers. But this
+unmerited fame scarcely annoyed me at all, for my thoughts were
+elsewhere, and I was restless and melancholy. In a few days I resolved
+to go to Paris,&mdash;by way of Montoire. But before I started, I took a walk
+one fine afternoon along the stream that bounded our estate: and, as I
+had expected, there was Mlle. Celeste on the other side, with her drowsy
+old guardian. She blushed and looked embarrassed, and I wondered why I
+had ever thought her charming. Her self-confidence returned in a moment,
+and she greeted me with her old sauciness, though it seemed a trifle
+forced:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Monsieur, so you have come back without going to Paris after all, I
+hear."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Mademoiselle," I answered coldly. "But I have taken your advice
+and looked a little into the eyes of danger; and I find it does make a
+difference in one."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes: I believe you fought a duel, and were present when some
+highway robbers were taken; and now you have come back to rest on your
+laurels."</p>
+
+<p>"No; I came back to give you these, as I promised." And I threw her the
+packet containing the moustaches of Brignan de Brignan. She opened it,
+and regarded the contents with amazement. I laughed.</p>
+
+<p>She looked at me now with real wonder, and I perceived I had grown
+several inches in her estimation.</p>
+
+<p>"But don't think I took them against his will," said I. "I admit I never
+could have done that. He gave me them in jest, and the proudest claim I
+can make in regard to him is that he honours me with his friendship.
+Good day, Mademoiselle."</p>
+
+<p>I came away, leaving her surprised and discomfited, for which I was not
+sorry. She had expected to find me still her slave, and to expend her
+pertness on me as before: though she might have known that if danger
+would make a man of me, it would give me a man's eyes to see the
+difference between a real woman and a scornful miss.</p>
+
+<p>I went to Paris, careful this time to avoid conflict with bold-speaking
+young gentlemen at inns; and on the way I had one precious hour at
+Hugues's house, wherein&mdash;upon his marriage to Mathilde&mdash;the Countess had
+established herself, to the wonder of all who heard of it. She continued
+to lodge there, her affairs turning out so that she was able to repay
+Hugues liberally. She occupied herself in good works for the poor about
+Montoire, and so two years passed, each day making her happier and more
+beautiful. Many times I went between La Tournoire and Paris,&mdash;always by
+way of Montoire. In Paris I saw much of Brignan de Brignan, whose
+moustaches had soon grown back to their old magnitude. And one day whom
+should I meet in the Rue St. Honor&eacute; but that excellent spy of Sully's,
+Monsieur de Pepicot?</p>
+
+<p>I begged him to come into a tavern. "There is something you owe me,"
+said I, when we were seated; "an account of how you got out of the
+Chateau de Lavardin that night without leaving any trace."</p>
+
+<p>"It was nothing," said the long-nosed man meekly. "I found an empty room
+with a mullioned window, on the floor beneath ours, and let myself down
+to the terrace with a knotted rope I had brought in my portmanteau."</p>
+
+<p>"But I never heard that any rope was found."</p>
+
+<p>"I had passed it round the inside of the window-mullion and lowered both
+ends to the ground, attached to my portmanteau. In descending I kept
+hold of both parts. When I was down, I had only to release one part and
+pull the rope after me. I found a gardener's tool-shed, and in it some
+poles for trellis-work. I placed two of these side by side against the
+garden wall, at the postern door, and managed to clamber to the top."</p>
+
+<p>"But I heard of nothing being found against the wall."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I drew the poles up after me, and also my portmanteau, by means of
+the rope, which I had fastened to them and to my waist. I let them down
+to a plank which crossed the moat there, as I had observed before ever
+entering the chateau. I dropped after them, and was lucky enough to
+avoid falling into the moat. I hid the poles among the bushes: not that
+it mattered, but I thought it would amuse the Count to conjecture how I
+had got away. One likes to give people something to think of.&mdash;As for my
+horse, I had seen to it that he was kept in an unlocked penthouse.&mdash;Ah,
+well! that Count thought he was a great chess-player." And Monsieur de
+Pepicot smiled faintly and shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>At the prospect of war, I joined the army assembling at Chalons, but the
+lamentable murder of the King put an end to his great plans, and I
+resumed my former way, swinging like a pendulum between Paris and La
+Tournoire. One soft, pink evening in the second summer after my
+adventure at Lavardin, I was privileged to walk alone with the Countess
+in the meadows behind Hugues's mill. Health and serenity had raised her
+beauty to perfection, and there was no trace of her sorrows but the
+humble dignity and brave gentleness of her look and manner.</p>
+
+<p>"You are the loveliest woman in the world," I said, without any sort of
+warning. "Ah, Louise&mdash;surely I may call you that now&mdash;how I adore you! I
+cannot any longer keep back what is in my heart. See yonder where the
+sun has set&mdash;that is where La Tournoire is. It seems to beckon us&mdash;not
+me alone, but us&mdash;together. When will you come?&mdash;when may I take you to
+my father and mother, and hear them say I could not have found a sweeter
+wife in all France?"</p>
+
+<p>Trembling, she raised her moist eyes to mine, and said in a voice like a
+low sigh:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Henri, if it were possible! But you forget the barrier: we are not
+of the same religion. I know your mother changed her faith for your
+father's sake; but I could never do so."</p>
+
+<p>"But what if I changed for your sake?" I said, taking her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Henri! will you do that?" she cried, with a joy that told all I wished
+to know.</p>
+
+<p>In truth, I had often thought of going over to the national form of
+worship. As soon, therefore, as I got to La Tournoire after this
+meeting, I opened the matter to my father.</p>
+
+<p>"Why," said he, "I think it a sensible resolve. The times are changed;
+since King Henri's death, there is no longer any hope of us Huguenots
+maintaining a balance. As a party, we have done our work, and are doomed
+to pass away. Those who persist will only keep up a division in the
+nation, from which they can gain nothing, and which will be a source of
+useless troubles. As for the religious side of the question, some people
+prefer artificial forms of expression, some do not. It is a matter of
+externals: and if one must needs subscribe to a few doctrines he does
+not believe, who is harmed by that? These things are much to women, and
+we, to whom they are less, can afford to yield. I often fancy your
+mother would like to go back to the faith of her childhood,&mdash;and if she
+ever expresses the wish, I will not hinder her. When I married her, all
+was different: I could not have become a Catholic then. Nor indeed can I
+do so now. Blaise Tripault and I are too old for new tricks: we must not
+change our colours at this late day: we are survivals from a bygone
+state of things. But you, my son, belong to a new France. Our great
+Henri said. 'Surely Paris is worth a mass': and I dare say this lady is
+as much to you as Paris was to him."</p>
+
+<p>So the Church gained a convert and I a wife. Hugues and Mathilde came to
+live on our estate. And Mlle. Celeste, in course of time, was married to
+a raw young Gascon as lean as a lath, as poor as a fiddler, and as
+thirsty as a Dutchman, but with moustaches twice as long as those of
+Brignan de Brignan.</p>
+
+
+<h4>THE END.</h4>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Works_of_Robert_Neilson_Stephens" id="Works_of_Robert_Neilson_Stephens"></a>Works of Robert Neilson Stephens</h2>
+
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">An Enemy to the King<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The Continental Dragoon<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The Road to Paris<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A Gentleman Player<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Philip Winwood<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Captain Ravenshaw<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The Mystery of Murray Davenport<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The Bright Face of Danger<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="L_C_Page_and_Company" id="L_C_Page_and_Company"></a>L. C. Page and Company</h2>
+
+
+<h3>The Mystery of Murray Davenport.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Robert Neilson Stephens</span><br />
+author of "An Enemy to the King," "Philip Winwood," etc.</h3>
+
+<p>In his latest novel, Mr. Stephens has made a radical departure from the
+themes of his previous successes. Turning from past days and distant
+scenes, he has taken up American life of to-day as his new field,
+therein proving himself equally capable. Original in its conception,
+striking in its psychologic interest, and with a most perplexing love
+problem, "The Mystery of Murray Davenport" is the most vital and
+absorbing of all Mr. Stephens's novels, and will add not a little to his
+reputation.</p>
+
+<p>"This is easily the best thing that Mr. Stephens has yet done. Those
+familiar with his other novels can best judge the measure of this
+praise, which is generous."&mdash;<i>Buffalo News.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Stephens won a host of friends through his earlier volumes, but we
+think he will do still better work in his new field if the present
+volume is a criterion."&mdash;<i>N. Y. Com. Advertiser.</i></p>
+
+
+<h3>The Daughter of the Dawn.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">R. Hodder.</span></h3>
+
+
+<p>This is a powerful story of adventure and mystery, its scene New
+Zealand. In sustained interest and novel plot, it recalls Rider
+Haggard's "King Solomon's Mines," and "She" but the reader will find an
+added interest due to the apparent reality with which the author
+succeeds in investing the sensational incidents of his plot.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Spoilsmen.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Elliott Flower</span><br />
+author of "Policeman Flynn," etc.</h3>
+
+<p>This is a story of municipal politics, depicting conditions common to
+practically all large cities. The political methods employed, however,
+are in most instances taken from the actual experiences of men who have
+served the public in some capacity or other, and the stories told of
+some of the characters are literally true. The love interest centres
+around a girl of high ideals, who inspires a wealthy young man to enter
+the local campaign.</p>
+
+<p>"The best one may hear of 'The Spoilsmen' will be none too good. As a
+wide-awake, snappy, brilliant political story it has few equals, its
+title-page being stamped with that elusive mark, 'success.' One should
+not miss a word of a book like this at a time like this and in a world
+of politics like this."&mdash;<i>Boston Transcript.</i></p>
+
+<p>"...It ought to do good. The world of municipal politics is put before
+the reader in a striking and truthful manner; and the sources of evil
+that afflict the government of our cities are laid bare in a manner that
+should arrest the attention of every honest man who wishes to purge and
+cleanse our local governments. It illustrates, too, very forcibly, how
+difficult a work it is to accomplish such municipal reform, and how
+useless it is to attempt it without united and persistent effort on the
+part of those who should be most interested."&mdash;<i>Grover Cleveland.</i></p>
+
+
+<h3>A Daughter of Thespis.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">John D. Barry</span><br />
+author of "The Intriguers," "Mademoiselle Blanche," etc.</h3>
+
+<p>The author's experiences as a dramatic critic have enabled him to write
+with authority on the ever fascinating theme of stage life. From "the
+front," in the wings, and on the boards&mdash;from all these varying points
+of view, is told this latest story of player folk&mdash;an absorbing tale.</p>
+
+<p>"This story of the experiences of Evelyn Johnson, actress, may be
+praised just because it is so true and so wholly free from melodrama and
+the claptrap which we have come to think inseparable from any narrative
+which has to do with theatrical experiences."&mdash;<i>Professor Harry Thurston
+Peck, of Columbia University.</i></p>
+
+
+<h3>Prince Hagen.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Upton Sinclair</span><br />
+author of "King Midas," etc.</h3>
+
+<p>In this book, Mr. Sinclair has written a satire of the first order&mdash;one
+worthy to be compared with Swift's biting tirades against the follies
+and abuses of mankind.</p>
+
+<p>The scheme of the book is as delightful as it is original&mdash;Prince Hagen,
+son of that Hagen who killed Siegfried, grandson of Alberich, King of
+the Nibelungs, comes to this earth from Nibelheim, for a completion of
+his education, and it is the effect of our modern morality on a
+brilliant and unscrupulous mind which forms the basis of Mr. Sinclair's
+story. Prince Hagen's first exploits are at school; then in the thick of
+New York's corrupt politics as a boss. Later, after he has inherited the
+untold wealth of the Nibelungs, he tastes the society life of the
+metropolis.</p>
+
+<p>As a story simply, the book is thoroughly entertaining, with a climax of
+surprising power; but, as a satire, it will live.</p>
+
+
+<h3>Earth's Enigmas.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Charles G. D. Roberts</span><br />
+author of "The Kindred of the Wild," "The Heart of the Ancient Wood," etc.</h3>
+
+<p>"It will rank high among collections of short stories.... His prose art,
+too, has reached a high degree of perfection.... In 'Earth's Enigmas' is
+a wider range of subject than in the 'Kindred of the Wild.'"&mdash;<i>Review
+from advance sheets of the illustrated edition by Tiffany Blake in the
+Chicago Evening Post.</i></p>
+
+<p>"Throughout the volume runs that subtle questioning of the cruel,
+predatory side of nature which suggests the general title of the book.
+In certain cases it is the picture of savage nature ravening for
+food&mdash;for death to preserve life; in others it is the secret symbolism
+of woods and waters prophesying of evils and misadventures to come. All
+this does not mean, however, that Mr. Roberts is either pessimistic or
+morbid&mdash;it is nature in his books after all, wholesome in her cruel
+moods as in her tender."&mdash;<i>The New York Independent.</i></p>
+
+
+<h3>The Silent Maid.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Frederic W. Pangborn</span>.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A dainty and delicate legend of the brave days of old, of sprites and
+pixies, of trolls and gnomes, of ruthless barons and noble knights. "The
+Silent Maid" herself, with her strange bewitchment and wondrous song, is
+equalled only by Undine in charm and mystery. The tale is told in that
+quaint diction which chronicles "The Forest Lovers," and in which Mr.
+Pangborn, although a new and hitherto undiscovered writer, is no less an
+artist than Mr. Hewlett.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Golden Kingdom.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Andrew Balfour</span><br />
+author of "Vengeance is Mine," "To Arms!" etc.</h3>
+
+
+<p>This is a story of adventure on land and sea, beginning in England, and
+ending in South Africa, in the last days of the seventeenth century. The
+scheme of the tale at once puts the reader in mind of Stevenson's
+"Treasure Island," and with that augury of a good story, he at once
+continues from the mysterious advent of Corkran the Coxswain into the
+quiet English village, through scenes of riot, slave-trading, shipwreck,
+and savages to the end of all in the "Golden Kingdom" with its strange
+denizens. The character of Jacob the Blacksmith, big of body and bigger
+of heart, ever ready in time of peril, will alone hold his attention
+with a strong grip.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Promotion of the Admiral.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Morley Roberts</span><br />
+author of "The Colossus," "The Fugitives," "Sons of Empire," etc.</h3>
+
+
+<p>We consider ourselves fortunate in being able to announce this latest
+novel by Mr. Morley Roberts, who has such a wide circle of readers and
+admirers. This volume contains half a dozen stories of sea life,&mdash;fresh,
+racy, and bracing,&mdash;some humorous, some thrilling, all laid in
+America,&mdash;a new field for Mr. Roberts,&mdash;and introduces a unique
+creation, "Shanghai Smith," of "'Frisco," kidnapper of seamen, whose
+calling and adventures have already interested and amused all readers of
+<i>The Philadelphia Saturday Evening Post</i>.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Schemers.</h3>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">A Tale of Modern Life</span>.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Edward F. Harkins</span><br />
+author of "Little Pilgrimages Among the Men Who Have Written Famous Books," etc.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A story of a new and real phase of social life in Boston, skilfully and
+daringly handled. There is plenty of life and color abounding, and a
+diversity of characters&mdash;shop-girls, society belles, men about town,
+city politicians, and others. The various schemers and their schemes
+will be followed with interest&mdash;and there will be some discerning
+readers who may claim to recognize in certain points of the story
+certain recent happenings in the shopping and the society circles of the
+Hub.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Captain's Wife.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">W. Clark Russell</span><br />
+author of "The Wreck of the Grosvenor," "The Mate of the Good Ship York,"' etc.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The customary epithets applied to nautical fiction are quite
+incommensurate with the excellence of Mr. Clark Russell's narrative
+powers, and these are thoroughly at their best in "The Captain's Wife."
+"The Captain's Wife" is the story of a voyage, and its romantic interest
+hinges on the stratagem of the captain's newly wedded wife in order to
+accompany him on his expedition for the salvage of a valuable wreck. The
+plot thickens so gradually that a less competent novelist would be in
+danger of letting the reader's attention slip. But the climax of
+Benson's conspiracy to remove the captain, and carry off the wife, to
+whom his lawless passion aspires, is invested with the keenest
+excitement.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Story of the Foss River Ranch.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Ridgwell Cullom</span>.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The scene of this story is laid in Canada, not in one of the great
+cities, but in that undeveloped section of the great Northwest where
+to-day scenes are being enacted similar to those enacted fifty years ago
+during the settlement of the great American West. The story is intense,
+with a sustained and well-developed plot, and will thus appeal to the
+reading public.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Interference of Patricia.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Lilian Bell</span><br />
+author of "Hope Loring," "Abroad with the Jimmies," etc.<br />
+With a frontispiece from drawing by Frank T. Merrill.</h3>
+
+
+<p>This story adds not a little to the author's reputation as a teller of
+clever tales. It is of the social life of to-day in Denver&mdash;that city of
+gold and ozone&mdash;and deals of that burg's peculiarities with a keen and
+flashing satire. The character of the heroine, Patricia, will hold the
+reader by its power and brilliancy. Impetuous, capricious, and wayward,
+with a dominating personality and spirit, she is at first a careless
+girl, then develops into a loyal and loving woman, whose interference
+saves the honor of both her father and lover. The love theme is in the
+author's best vein, the character sketches of the magnates of Denver are
+amusing and trenchant, and the episodes of the plot are convincing,
+sincere, and impressive.</p>
+
+
+<h3>A Book Of Girls.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Lilian Bell</span><br />
+author of "Hope Loring," "Abroad with the Jimmies," etc.<br />
+With a frontispiece.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It is quite universally recognized that Lilian Bell has done for the
+American girl in fiction what Gibson has done for her in art&mdash;that
+Lilian Bell has crystallized into a distinct type all the peculiar
+qualities that have made the American girl unique among the women of the
+world. Consequently, a book with a Bell heroine is sure of a hearty
+welcome. What, therefore, can be said of this book, which contains no
+less than four types of witching and buoyant femininity? There are four
+stories of power and dash in this volume: "The Last Straw," "The
+Surrender of Lapwing," "The Penance of Hedwig," and "Garret Owen's
+Little Countess." Each one of these tells a tale full of verve and
+thrill, each one has a heroine of fibre and spirit.</p>
+
+
+<h3>Count Zarka.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Sir William Magnay</span><br />
+author of "The Red Chancellor."</h3>
+
+
+<p>"The Red Chancellor" was considered by critics, as well as by the
+reading public, one of the most dramatic novels of last year. In his new
+book, Sir William Magnay has continued in the field in which he has been
+so successful. "Count Zarka" is a strong, quick-moving romance of
+adventure and political intrigue, the scene being laid in a fictitious
+kingdom of central Europe, under which thin disguise may be recognized
+one of the Balkan states. The story in its action and complications
+reminds one strongly of "The Prisoner of Zenda," while the man[oe]uvring
+of Russia for the control in the East strongly suggests the contemporary
+history of European politics. The character of the mysterious Count
+Zarka, hero and villain, is strongly developed, and one new in fiction.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Golden Dwarf.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">R. Norman Silver</span><br />
+author of "A Daughter of Mystery," etc.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Mr. Silver needs no introduction to the American public. His "A Daughter
+of Mystery" was one of the most realistic stories of modern London life
+that has recently appeared. "The Golden Dwarf" is such another story,
+intense and almost sensational. Mr. Silver reveals the mysterious and
+gruesome beneath the commonplace in an absorbing manner. The "Golden
+Dwarf" himself, his strange German physician, and the secret of the
+Wyresdale Tower are characters and happenings which will hold the reader
+from cover to cover.</p>
+
+
+<h3>Alain Tanger's Wife.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">J. H. Yoxall</span><br />
+author of "The Rommany Stone," etc.</h3>
+
+
+<p>A spirited story of political intrigue in France. The various
+dissensions of the parties claiming political supremacy, and "the wheels
+within wheels" that move them to their schemes are caustically and
+trenchantly revealed. A well known figure in the military history of
+France plays a prominent part in the plot&mdash;but the central figure is
+that of the American heroine&mdash;loyal, intense, piquant, and compelling.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Diary of a Year.</h3>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Passages in the Life of a Woman of the World</span>.<br />
+Edited by Mrs. <span class="smcap">Charles H. E. Brookfield</span>.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The writer of this absorbing study of emotions and events is gifted with
+charming imagination and an elegant style. The book abounds in brilliant
+wit, amiable philosophy, and interesting characterizations. The "woman
+of the world" reveals herself as a fascinating, if somewhat reckless,
+creature, who justly holds the sympathies of the reader.</p>
+
+
+<h3>The Red Triangle.<br />
+Being some further chronicles of Martin Hewitt, investigator.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Arthur Morrison</span><br />
+author of "The Hole in the Wall," "Tales of Mean Streets," etc.</h3>
+
+
+<p>This is a genuine, straightforward detective story of the kind that
+keeps the reader on the <i>qui vive</i>. Martin Hewitt, investigator, might
+well have studied his methods from Sherlock Holmes, so searching and
+successful are they. His adventures take him at times to the slums of
+London, amid scenes which recall Mr. Morrison's already noted "The Hole
+in the Wall." As a combination of criminal and character studies, this
+book is very successful.</p>
+
+
+<h3>COMMONWEALTH SERIES No. 7.</h3>
+
+<h3>The Philadelphians:</h3>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">As Seen by a New York Woman</span>.</h3>
+
+<h3>By <span class="smcap">Katharine Bingham</span>. (Pseud.)</h3>
+
+
+<p>A bright and breezy tale of a charming New York woman, whose wedded lot
+is twice cast in Philadelphia. The family of her first husband committed
+the unpardonable sin of living north of Market Street; that of her
+second husband resided south of that line of demarcation. She is thus
+enabled to speak whereof she knows concerning the conventions, and draws
+the characteristics of life in the Quaker city, as well as the foibles
+of the "first families" with a keen and caustic, though not unkindly,
+pen.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Bright Face of Danger, by 
+Robert Neilson Stephens and H. C. Edwards
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER ***
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+***** This file should be named 30417-h.htm or 30417-h.zip *****
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Bright Face of Danger, by
+Robert Neilson Stephens and H. C. Edwards
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Bright Face of Danger
+
+Author: Robert Neilson Stephens
+        H. C. Edwards
+
+Release Date: November 7, 2009 [EBook #30417]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                     The Bright Face of Danger
+
+_Being an Account of Some Adventures of Henri de Launay, Son of the
+Sieur de la Tournoire. Freely Translated into Modern English_
+
+                     By Robert Neilson Stephens
+
+_Author of_ "An Enemy to the King," "Philip Winwood," "The Mystery of
+Murray Davenport," etc.
+
+                   _Illustrated by_ H. C. Edwards
+
+
+_Boston_
+L. C. Page & Company
+_Mdcccciiii_
+
+_Copyright, 1904_
+By L. C. Page & Company
+
+_Entered at Stationers' Hall, London_
+_All rights reserved_
+
+Published April, 1904
+Colonial Press
+
+Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co.
+Boston. Mass., U.S.A.
+
+
+
+
+     _THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER is, in a distant way, a sequel to "An
+     Enemy to the King," but may be read alone, without any reference to
+     that tale. The title is a phrase of Robert Louis Stevenson's._
+
+     _THE AUTHOR._
+
+
+[Illustration: "'I GIVE YOU ONE CHANCE FOR YOUR LIFE,' SAID I QUICKLY."]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+       I. MONSIEUR HENRI DE LAUNAY SETS OUT ON A JOURNEY
+
+      II. A YOUNG MAN WHO WENT SINGING
+
+     III. WHERE THE LADY WAS
+
+      IV. WHO THE LADY WAS
+
+       V. THE CHATEAU DE LAVARDIN
+
+      VI. WHAT THE PERIL WAS
+
+     VII. STRANGE DISAPPEARANCES
+
+    VIII. MATHILDE
+
+      IX. THE WINDING STAIRS
+
+       X. MORE THAN MERE PITY
+
+      XI. THE RAT-HOLE AND THE WATER-JUG
+
+     XII. THE ROPE LADDER
+
+    XIII. THE PARTING
+
+     XIV. IN THE FOREST
+
+      XV. THE TOWER OF MORLON
+
+     XVI. THE MERCY OF CAPTAIN FERRAGANT
+
+    XVII. THE SWORD OF LA TOURNOIRE
+
+   XVIII. THE MOUSTACHES OF BRIGNAN DE BRIGNAN
+
+     XIX. AFTERWARDS
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+"'I GIVE YOU ONE CHANCE FOR YOUR LIFE,' SAID I QUICKLY"
+
+"'AND NOW SHE WILL WAIT FOR HIM IN VAIN!'"
+
+"WE WERE INTERRUPTED BY A LOW CRY"
+
+"'THE WRETCHES!' SAID THE TORTURED COUNT, STAGGERING TO HIS FEET"
+
+"I LEAPED OVER THE BED, AND UPON THE MAN WHO WAS TRYING TO STRANGLE THE
+COUNTESS"
+
+"MY FATHER'S THRUSTS BECAME NOW SO QUICK AND CONTINUOUS"
+
+
+
+
+THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+MONSIEUR HENRI DE LAUNAY SETS OUT ON A JOURNEY
+
+
+If, on the first Tuesday in June, in the year 1608, anybody had asked me
+on what business I was riding towards Paris, and if I had answered, "To
+cut off the moustaches of a gentleman I have never seen, that I may toss
+them at the feet of a lady who has taunted me with that gentleman's
+superiorities,"--if I had made this reply, I should have been taken for
+the most foolish person on horseback in France that day. Yet the answer
+would have been true, though I accounted myself one of the wisest young
+gentlemen you might find in Anjou or any other province.
+
+I was, of a certainty, studious, and a lover of books. My father, the
+Sieur de la Tournoire, being a daring soldier, had so often put himself
+to perils inimical to my mother's peace of mind, that she had guided my
+inclinations in the peaceful direction of the library, hoping not to
+suffer for the son such alarms as she had undergone for the husband. I
+had grown up, therefore, a musing, bookish youth, rather shy and
+solitary in my habits: and this despite the care taken of my education
+in swordsmanship, riding, hunting, and other manly accomplishments, both
+by my father and by his old follower, Blaise Tripault. I acquired skill
+enough to satisfy these well-qualified instructors, but yet a volume of
+Plutarch or a book of poems was more to me than sword or dagger, horse,
+hound, or falcon. I was used to lonely walks and brookside meditations
+in the woods and meads of our estate of La Tournoire, in Anjou; and it
+came about that with my head full of verses I must needs think upon some
+lady with whom to fancy myself in love.
+
+Contiguity determined my choice. The next estate to ours, separated from
+it by a stream flowing into the Loir, had come into the possession of a
+rich family of bourgeois origin whom heaven had blessed (or burdened, as
+some would think) with a pretty daughter. Mlle. Celeste was a small,
+graceful, active creature, with a clear and well-coloured skin, and
+quick-glancing black eyes which gave me a pleasant inward stir the first
+time they rested on me. In my first acquaintance with this young lady,
+the black eyes seemed to enlarge and soften when they fell on me: she
+regarded me with what I took to be interest and approval: her face shone
+with friendliness, and her voice was kind. In this way I was led on.
+
+When she saw how far she had drawn me, her manner changed: she became
+whimsical, never the same for five minutes: sometimes indifferent,
+sometimes disdainful, sometimes gay at my expense. This treatment
+touched my pride, and would have driven me off, but that still, when in
+her presence, I felt in some degree the charm of the black eyes, the
+well-chiselled face, the graceful swift motions, and what else I know
+not. When I was away from her, this charm declined: nevertheless I chose
+to keep her in my mind as just such a capricious object of adoration as
+poets are accustomed to lament and praise in the same verses.
+
+But indeed I was never for many days out of reach of her attractive
+powers, for several of her own favourite haunts were on her side of the
+brook by which I was in the habit of strolling or reclining for some
+part of almost every fair day. Attended by a fat and sleepy old
+waiting-woman, she was often to be seen running along the grassy bank
+with a greyhound that followed her everywhere. For this animal she
+showed a constancy of affection that made her changefulness to me the
+more heart-sickening.
+
+Thus, half in love, half in disgust, I sat moodily on my side of the
+stream one sunny afternoon, watching her on the other side. She had been
+running a race with the dog, and had just settled down on the green
+bank, with the hound sitting on his haunches beside her. Both dog and
+girl were panting, and her face was still merry with the fun of the
+scamper. Her old attendant had probably been left dozing in some other
+part of the wood. Here now was an opportunity for me to put in a sweet
+speech or two. But as I looked at her and thought of her treatment of
+me, my pride rebelled, and I suppose my face for the moment wore a
+cloud. My expression, whatever it was, caught the quick eyes of Mlle.
+Celeste. Being in merriment herself, she was the readier to make scorn
+of my sulky countenance. She pealed out a derisive laugh.
+
+"Oh, the sour face! Is that what comes of your eternal reading?"
+
+I had in my hand a volume of Plutarch in the French of Amyot. Her
+ridicule of reading annoyed me.
+
+"No, Mademoiselle, it isn't from books that one draws sourness. I find
+more sweetness in them than in--most things." I was looking straight at
+her as I said this.
+
+She pretended to laugh again, but turned quite red.
+
+"Nay, forgive me," I said, instantly softened. "Ah, Celeste, you know
+too well what is the sweetest of all books for my reading." By my look
+and sigh, she knew I meant her face. But she chose to be contemptuous.
+
+"Poh! What should a pale scholar know of such books? I tell you,
+Monsieur de Launay, you will never be a man till you leave your books
+and see a little of the world."
+
+Though she called me truly enough a pale scholar, I was scarlet for a
+moment.
+
+"And what do you know of the world, then?" I retorted. "Or of men
+either?"
+
+"I am only a girl. But as to men, I have met one or two. There is your
+father, for example. And that brave and handsome Brignan de Brignan."
+
+Whether I loved or not, I was certainly capable of jealousy; and
+jealousy of the fiercest arose at the name of Brignan de Brignan. I had
+never seen him; but she had mentioned him to me before, too many times
+indeed for me to hear his name now with composure. He was a young
+gentleman of the King's Guard, of whom, by reason of a distant
+relationship, her family had seen much during a residence of several
+months in Paris.
+
+"Brignan de Brignan," I echoed. "Yes, I dare say he has looked more into
+the faces of women than into books."
+
+"And more into the face of danger than into either. That's what has made
+him the man he is."
+
+"Tut!" I cried, waving my Plutarch; "there's more manly action in this
+book than a thousand Brignans could perform in all their lives--more
+danger encountered."
+
+"An old woman might read it for all that. Would it make her manly? Well,
+Monsieur Henri, if you choose to encounter danger only in books, there's
+nobody to complain. But you shouldn't show malice toward those who
+prefer to meet it in the wars or on the road."
+
+"Malice? Not I. What is Brignan de Brignan to me? You may say what you
+please--this Plutarch is as good a school of heroism as any officer of
+the King's Guard ever went to."
+
+"Yet the officers of the King's Guard aren't pale, moping fellows like
+you lovers of books. Ah, Monsieur Henri, if you mean to be a monk, well
+and good. But otherwise, do you know what would change your complexion
+for the better? A lively brush with real dangers on the field, or in
+Paris, or anywhere away from your home and your father's protection.
+That would bring colour into your cheeks."
+
+"You may let my cheeks alone, Mademoiselle."
+
+"You may be sure I will do that."
+
+"I'm quite satisfied with my complexion, and I wouldn't exchange it for
+that of Brignan de Brignan. I dare say his face is red enough."
+
+"Yes, a most manly colour. And his broad shoulders--and powerful
+arms--and fine bold eyes--ah! there _is_ the picture of a hero--and his
+superb moustaches--"
+
+Now I was at the time not strong in respect of moustaches. I was
+extremely sensitive upon the point. My frame, though not above middle
+size, was yet capable of robust development, my paleness was not beyond
+remedy, and my eyes were of a pleasant blue, so there was little to
+rankle in what she said of my rival's face and body; but as to the
+moustaches----!
+
+I scrambled to my feet.
+
+"I tell you what it is, Mademoiselle. Just to show what your Brignan
+really amounts to, and whether I mean to be a monk, and what a reader of
+books can do when he likes, I have made up my mind to go to Paris; and
+there I will find your Brignan, and show my scorn of such an illiterate
+bravo, and cut off his famous moustaches, and bring them back to you for
+proof! So adieu, Mademoiselle, for this is the last you will see of me
+till what I have said is done!"
+
+The thing had come into my head in one hot moment, indeed it formed
+itself as I spoke it; and so I, the quiet and studious, stood committed
+to an act which the most harebrained brawler in Anjou would have deemed
+childish folly. Truly, I did lack knowledge of the world.
+
+I turned from Mlle. Celeste's look of incredulous wonderment, and went
+off through the woods, with swifter strides than I usually took, to our
+chateau. Of course I dared not tell my parents my reason for wishing to
+go to Paris. It was enough, to my mother at least, that I should desire
+to go on any account. The best way in which I could put my resolution to
+them, which I did that very afternoon, on the terrace where I found them
+sitting, was thus:
+
+"I have been thinking how little I know of the world. It is true, you
+have taken me to Paris; but I was only a lad then, and what I saw was
+with a lad's eyes and under your guidance. I am now twenty-two, and many
+a man at that age has begun to make his own career. To be worthy of my
+years, of my breeding, of my name, I ought to know something of life
+from my own experience. So I have resolved, with your permission, my
+dear father and mother, to go to Paris and see what I may see."
+
+My mother had turned pale as soon as she saw the drift of my speech, and
+was for putting every plea in the way. But my father, though he looked
+serious, seemed not displeased. We talked upon the matter--as to how
+long I should wish to stay in Paris, whether I had thought of aiming at
+any particular career there, and of such things. I said I had formed no
+plans nor hopes: these might or might not come after I had arrived in
+Paris and looked about me. But see something of the world I must, if
+only that I might not be at disadvantage in conversation afterward. It
+was a thing I could afford, for on the attainment of my majority my
+father had made over to me the income of a portion of our estate, a
+small enough revenue indeed, but one that looked great in my eyes. He
+could not now offer any reasonable objection to my project, and he plead
+my cause with my mother, without whose consent I should not have had the
+heart to go. Indeed, knowing what her dread had always been, and seeing
+the anxious love in her eyes as she now regarded me, I almost wavered.
+But of course she was won over, as women are, though what tears her
+acquiescence caused her afterwards when she was alone I did not like to
+think upon.
+
+She comforted herself presently with the thought that our faithful
+Blaise Tripault should attend me, but here again I had to oppose her.
+For Blaise, by reason of his years and the service he had done my father
+in the old wars, was of a dictatorial way with all of us, and I knew he
+would rob me of all responsibility and freedom, so that I should be
+again a lad under the thumb of an elder and should profit nothing in
+self-reliance and mastership. Besides this reason, which I urged upon my
+parents, I had my own reason, which I did not urge, namely, that I
+should never dare let Blaise know the special purpose of my visit to
+Paris. He would laugh me out of countenance, and yet ten to one he would
+in the end deprive me of the credit of keeping my promise, by taking its
+performance upon himself. That I might be my own master, therefore, I
+chose as my valet the most tractable fellow at my disposal, one Nicolas,
+a lank, knock-kneed jack of about my own age, who had hitherto made
+himself of the least possible use, with the best possible intentions,
+between the dining-hall and the kitchen. And yet he was clever enough
+among horses, or anywhere outdoors. My mother, though she wondered at my
+choice and trembled to think how fragile a reed I should have to rely
+on, was yet not sorry, I fancy, at the prospect of ridding her house of
+poor blundering Nicolas in a kind and creditable way. I had reason to
+think Nicolas better suited for this new service, and, by insisting, I
+gained my point in this also.
+
+I made haste about my equipment, and in a few days we set forth, myself
+on a good young chestnut gelding, Nicolas on a strong black mule, which
+carried also our baggage. Before I mounted, and while my mother, doing
+her best to keep back her tears, was adding some last article of comfort
+to the contents of my great leather bag, my father led me into the
+window recess of the hall, and after speaking of the letters of
+introduction with which he had provided me, said in his soldierly,
+straightforward manner:
+
+"I know you have gathered wisdom from books, and it will serve you well,
+because it will make you take better heed of experience and see more
+meaning in it. But then it will require the experience to give your
+book-learned wisdom its full force. Often at first, in the face of
+emergency, when the call is for action, your wisdom will fly from your
+mind; but this will not be the case after you have seen life for
+yourself. Experience will teach you the full and living meaning of much
+that you now know but as written truth. It may teach you also some
+things you have never read, nor even dreamt of. What you have learned by
+study, and what you must learn by practice only, leave no use for any
+good counsel I might give you now. Only one thing I can't help saying,
+though you know it already and will doubtless see it proved again and
+again. There are many deceivers in the world. Don't trust the outward
+look of things or people. Be cautious; yet conceal your caution under
+courtesy, for nothing is more boorish than open suspicion. And remember,
+too, not to think bad, either, from appearances alone. You may do
+injustice that way. Hold your opinion till the matter is tested. When
+appearances are fair, be wary without showing it; when they are bad,
+regard your safety but don't condemn. In other words, always mingle
+caution with urbanity, even with kindness.--I need not speak of the name
+you have to keep unsullied. Honour is a thing about which you require no
+admonitions. You know that it consists as much in not giving affronts as
+in not enduring them, though many who talk loudest about it seem to
+think otherwise. Indeed this is an age in which honour is prated of most
+by those who practise it least. Well, my son, there are a thousand
+things I would say, but that is all I shall say. Good-bye--may the good
+God bless and protect you."
+
+I had much to do to speak firmly and to perceive what I was about, in
+taking my leave, for my mother could no longer refrain from sobbing as
+she embraced me at the last, and my young brother and sister, catching
+the infection, began to whimper and to rub their eyes with their fists.
+Knowing so much more of my wild purpose than they did, and realizing
+that I might never return alive, I was the more tried in my resolution
+not to disgrace with tears the virgin rapier and dagger at my side. But
+finally I got somehow upon my horse, whose head Blaise Tripault was
+holding, and threw my last kisses to the family on the steps. I then
+managed voice enough to say "Good-bye, Blaise," to the old soldier.
+
+"Nay, I will walk as far as to the village," said he, in his gruff,
+autocratic way. "I have a word or two for you at parting."
+
+Throwing back a somewhat pallid smile to my people, tearfully waving
+their adieus, I turned my horse out of the court-yard, followed by
+Nicolas on the mule, and soon emerging from the avenue, was upon the
+road. Blaise Tripault strode after me. When I came in front of the inn
+at the end of the village, he called out to stop. I did so, and Blaise,
+coming up to my stirrup, handed me a folded paper and thus addressed me:
+
+"Of course your father has given you all the advice you need. Nobody is
+more competent than he to instruct a young man setting out to see the
+world. His young days were the days of hard knocks, as everybody knows.
+But as I was thinking of your journey, there came into my head an old
+tale a monk told me once--for, like your father, I was never too much of
+a Huguenot to get what good I might out of any priest or monk the Lord
+chose to send my way. It's a tale that has to do with travelling, and
+that's what made me think of it--a tale about three maxims that some
+wise person once gave a Roman emperor who was going on a journey. I half
+forget the tale itself, for it isn't much of a tale; but the maxims I
+remembered, because I had had experience enough to realize their value.
+I've written them out for you there: and if you get them by heart, and
+never lose sight of them, you'll perhaps save yourself much repentance."
+
+He then bade me good-bye, and the last I saw of him he was entering the
+inn to drink to my good fortune.
+
+When I had got clear of the village, I unfolded Blaise's paper and read
+the maxims:
+
+1. "_Never undertake a thing unless you can see your way to the end of
+it._"
+
+2. "_Never sleep in a house where the master is old and the wife
+young._"
+
+3. "_Never leave a highway for a byway._"
+
+Very good counsel, thought I, and worth bearing in mind. It was true, my
+very journey itself was, as to its foolhardy purpose, a violation of the
+first maxim. But that could not be helped now, and I could at least heed
+that piece of advice, as well as the others, in the details of my
+mission. When I thought of that mission, I felt both foolish and
+heavy-hearted. I had not the faintest idea yet of how I should go about
+encountering Brignan de Brignan and getting into a quarrel with him, and
+I had great misgivings as to how I should be able to conduct myself in
+that quarrel, and as to its outcome. Certainly no man ever took the road
+on a more incredible, frivolous quest. Of all the people travelling my
+way, that June morning, T was probably one of the most thoughtful and
+judiciously-minded; yet of every one but myself the business in being
+abroad was sober and reasonable, while mine was utterly ridiculous and
+silly. And the girl whose banter had driven me to it--perhaps she had
+attached no seriousness whatever to my petulant vow and had even now
+forgotten it. With these reflections were mingled the pangs of parting
+from my home and family; and for a time I was downcast and sad.
+
+But the day was fine. Presently my thoughts, which at first had flown
+back to all I had left behind, began to concern themselves with the
+scenes around me; then they flew ahead to the place whither I was
+bound:--this is usually the way on journeys. At least, thought I, I
+should see life, and perchance meet dangers, and so far be the gainer.
+And who knows but I might even come with credit out of the affair with
+Monsieur de Brignan?--it is a world of strange turnings, and the upshot
+is always more or less different from what has been predicted. So I took
+heart, and already I began to feel I was not exactly the pale scholar of
+yesterday. It was something to be my own master, on horseback and
+well-armed, my eyes ranging the wide and open country, green and brown
+in the sunlight, dotted here and there with trees, sometimes traversed
+by a stream, and often backed by woods of darker green, which seemed to
+hold secrets dangerous and luring.
+
+Riding gave me a great appetite, and I was fortunate in coming upon an
+inn at Durtal whose table was worthy of my capacity. After dinner, we
+took the road again and proceeded at an easy pace toward La Fleche.
+
+Toward the middle of the afternoon a vague uneasiness stole over me, as
+if some tragic circumstance lay waiting on the path--to me
+unknown--ahead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A YOUNG MAN WHO WENT SINGING
+
+
+It was about five o'clock when we rode into La Fleche, and the feeling
+of ill foreboding still possessed me. Partly considering this, and
+partly as it was improbable I should find the best accommodations
+anywhere else short of Le Mans, I decided to put up here for the night.
+As I rode into the central square of the town, I saw an inn there: it
+had a prosperous and honest look, so I said, "This is the place for my
+money," and made for it. The square was empty and silent when I entered
+it, but just as I reached the archway of the inn, I heard a voice
+singing, whereupon I looked around and saw a young man riding into the
+square from another street than that I had come from. He was followed by
+a servant on horseback, and was bound for the same inn. It seems strange
+in the telling, that a gentleman should ride singing into a public
+square, as if he were a mountebank or street-singer, yet it appeared
+quite natural as this young fellow did it. The song was something about
+brave soldiers and the smiles of ladies--just such a gay song as so
+handsome a young cavalier ought to sing. I looked at him a moment, then
+rode on into the inn-yard. This little act, done in all thoughtlessness,
+and with perfect right, was the cause of momentous things in my life. If
+I had waited to greet that young gentleman at the archway, I believe my
+history would have gone very differently. As it was, I am convinced that
+my carelessly dropping him from my regard, as if he were a person of no
+interest, was the beginning of what grew between us. For, as he rode in
+while I was dismounting, he threw at me a look of resentment for which
+there was nothing to account but the possible wound to his vanity. His
+countenance, symmetrically and somewhat boldly formed, showed great
+self-esteem and a fondness for attention. His singing had suddenly
+stopped. I could feel his anger, which was probably the greater for
+having no real cause, I having been under no obligation to notice him or
+offer him precedence.
+
+He called loudly for an ostler, and, when one came out of the stables,
+he coolly gave his orders without waiting for me, though I had been
+first in the yard. He bade his own servant see their horses well fed,
+and then made for the inn-door, casting a scornful glance at me, and
+resuming his song in a lower voice. It was now my turn to be angry, and
+justly, but I kept silence. I knew not exactly how to take this sort of
+demonstration: whether it was a usual thing among travellers and to be
+paid back only in kind, or whether for the sake of my reputation I ought
+to treat it as a serious affront. It is, of course, childish to take
+offence at a trifle. In my ignorance of what the world expects of a man
+upon receipt of hostile and disparaging looks, I could only act as one
+always must who cannot make up his mind--do nothing. After seeing my
+horse and mule attended to, I bade Nicolas follow with the baggage, and
+entered the inn.
+
+The landlord was talking with my young singing gentleman, but made to
+approach me as I came in. The young gentleman, however, speaking in a
+peremptory manner, detained him with questions about the roads, the town
+of La Fleche, and such matters. As I advanced, the young gentleman got
+between me and the host, and continued his talk. I waited awkwardly
+enough for the landlord's attention, and began to feel hot within. A
+wench now placed on a table some wine that the young man had ordered,
+and the landlord finally got rid of him by directing his attention to
+it. As he went to sit down, he bestowed on me the faintest smile of
+ridicule. I was too busy to think much of it at the moment, in ordering
+a room for the night and sending Nicolas thither with my bag. I then
+called for supper and sat down as far as possible from the other guest.
+He and I were the only occupants of the room, but from the kitchen
+adjoining came the noise of a number of the commonalty at food and
+drink.
+
+"Always politeness," thought I, when my wine had come, and so, in spite
+of his rudeness and his own neglect of the courtesy, as I raised my
+glass I said to him, "Your health, Monsieur."
+
+He turned red at the reproach implied in my observance, then very
+reluctantly lifted his own glass and said, "And yours," in a surly,
+grudging manner.
+
+"It has been a pleasant day," I went on, resolved not to be churlish, at
+all hazards.
+
+"Do you think so?" he replied contemptuously, and then turned to look
+out of the window, and hummed the tune he had been singing before.
+
+I thought if such were the companions my journey was to throw me in
+with, it would be a sorry time till I got home again. But my young
+gentleman, for all his temporary sullenness, was really of a talkative
+nature, as these vain young fellows are apt to be, and when he had
+warmed himself a little with wine even his dislike of me could not
+restrain his tongue any longer.
+
+"You are staying here to-night, then?" he suddenly asked.
+
+"Yes, and you?"
+
+"I shall ride on after supper. There will be starlight."
+
+"I have used my horse enough to-day."
+
+"And I mine, for that matter. But there are times when horses can't be
+considered."
+
+"You are travelling on important business, then?"
+
+"On business of haste. I must put ground behind me."
+
+"I drink to the success of your business, then."
+
+"Thank you, I am always successful. There is another toast, that should
+have first place. The ladies, Monsieur."
+
+"With all my heart."
+
+"That's a toast I never permit myself to defer. Mon dieu, I owe them
+favours enough!"
+
+"You are fortunate," said I.
+
+"I don't complain. And you?"
+
+"Even if I were fortunate in that respect, I shouldn't boast of it."
+
+He coloured; but laughed shortly, and said, "It's not boasting to tell
+the mere truth."
+
+"I was thinking of myself, not of you, Monsieur." This was true enough.
+
+"I can readily believe you've had no great luck that way," he said
+spitefully, pretending to take stock of my looks. I knew his remark was
+sheer malice, for my appearance was good enough--well-figured and
+slender, with a pleasant, thoughtful face.
+
+"Let us talk of something else," I answered coldly, though I was far
+from cool in reality.
+
+"Certainly. What do you think of the last conspiracy?"
+
+"That it was very rash and utterly without reason. We have the best king
+France ever knew."
+
+"Yes, long live Henri IV.! They say there are still some of the
+malcontents to be gathered in. Have you heard of any fresh arrests?"
+
+"Nothing within two weeks. I don't understand how these affairs can
+possibly arise, after that of Biron. Men must be complete fools."
+
+"Oh, there are always malcontents who still count on Spain, and some
+think even the League may be revived."
+
+"But why should they not be contented? I can't imagine any grievances."
+
+"Faith, my child, where have you been hiding yourself? Don't you know
+the talk? Do you suppose everybody is pleased with this Dutch alliance?
+And the way in which the King's old Huguenot comrades are again to be
+seen around him?"
+
+"And why not? Through everything, the King's heart has always been with
+the protestants."
+
+"Oho! So you are one of the psalm-singers, then?" His insulting tone and
+jeering smile were intolerable.
+
+"I have sung no psalms here, at least," I replied trembling with anger;
+"or anything else, to annoy the ears of my neighbours."
+
+"So you don't like my singing?" he cried, turning red again.
+
+I had truly rather admired it, but I said, "I have heard better."
+
+"Indeed? But how should you know. For your education in taste, I may
+tell you that good judges have thought well of my singing."
+
+"Ay, brag of it, as you do of your success with the ladies."
+
+He stared at me in amazement, then cried. "Death of my life, young
+fellow!--" But at that instant his servant brought in his supper, and he
+went no further. My own meal was before me a minute later, and we both
+devoted ourselves in angry silence to our food. I was still full of
+resentment at his obtrusive scorn of myself and my religious party, and
+I could see that he felt himself mightily outraged at my retorts. From
+the rapid, heedless way in which he ate, I fancied his mind was busy
+with all sorts of revenge upon me.
+
+When he had finished, at the same time as I did, and our servants had
+gone to eat their supper in the kitchen, he leaned against the wall, and
+said, "I am going to sing, Monsieur, whether it pleases you or not." And
+forthwith he began to do so.
+
+My answer was to put on a look of pain, and walk hastily from the room,
+as if the torture to my ears were too great for endurance.
+
+I was not half-way across the court-yard before I heard him at my heels
+though not singing.
+
+"My friend," said he, as I turned around, "I don't know where you were
+bred, but you should know this: it's not good manners to break from a
+gentleman's company so unceremoniously."
+
+It occurred to me that because I had taken his insults from the first,
+through not knowing how much a sensible man should bear, he thought he
+might safely hector me to the full satisfaction of his hurt vanity.
+
+"So you do know something of good manners, after all?" I replied. "I
+congratulate you."
+
+His eyes flashed new wrath, but before he knew how to answer, and while
+we were glaring at each other like two cocks, though at some distance
+apart, out came Nicolas from the kitchen to ask if I wished my cloak
+brought down, which he had taken up with the bag. In his rustic
+innocence he stepped between my nagging gentleman and myself. The
+gentleman at this ran forward in an access of rage, and threw Nicolas
+aside, saying, "Out of the way, knave! You're as great a clown as your
+master."
+
+"Hands off! How dare you?" I cried, clapping my hand to my sword.
+
+"If you come a step nearer, I'll kill you!" he replied, grasping his own
+hilt.
+
+I sent a swift glance around. There was no witness but Nicolas. Yet a
+scuffle would draw people in ten seconds. Even at that moment, with my
+heart beating madly, I thought of the edict against duelling: so I said,
+as calmly as I could:
+
+"If you dare draw that sword, I see trees beyond that gateway--a garden
+or something. It will be quieter there." I pointed to a narrow exit at
+the rear of the yard.
+
+"I will show you whom you're dealing with, my lad!" he said,
+breathlessly, and made at once for the gate. I followed. I could see now
+that, though a bully, he was not a coward, and the discovery fell upon
+me with a sense of how grave a matter I had been drawn into.
+
+At the gate I looked around, and saw Nicolas following, his eyes wide
+with alarm. "Stay where you are, and not a word to anybody," I ordered,
+and closed the gate after me. My adversary led the way across a
+neglected garden, and out through a postern in a large wall, to where
+there was a thicker growth of trees. We passed among these to a little
+open space near the river, from which it was partly veiled by a tangled
+mass of bushes. The unworn state of the green sward showed that this was
+a spot little visited by the townspeople.
+
+"We have stumbled on the right place," said the young gentleman, with an
+assumption of coolness. "It's a pity the thing can't be done properly,
+with seconds and all that." And he proceeded to take off his doublet.
+
+I was sobered by the time spent in walking to the place, so I said,
+"It's not too late. Monsieur, if you are willing to apologize."
+
+"I apologize! Death of my life! You pile insult on insult."
+
+"I assure you, it is you who have been the insulter."
+
+He laughed in a way that revived my heat, and asked, "Swords alone, or
+swords and daggers?"
+
+"As you please." By this time I had cast off my own doublet.
+
+"Rapiers and daggers, then," he said, and flung away his scabbard and
+sheath. I saw the flash of my own weapons a moment later, and ere I had
+time for a second thought on the seriousness of this event--my first
+fight in earnest--he was keeping me busy to parry his point and watch
+his dagger at the same time. I was half-surprised at my own success in
+turning away his blade, but after I had guarded myself from three or
+four thrusts, I took to mind that offence is the best defence, and
+ventured a lunge, which he stopped with his dagger only in the nick of
+time to save his breast. His look of being almost caught gave me
+encouragement, making me realize I had received good enough lessons from
+my father and Blaise Tripault to enable me to practise with confidence.
+So I pushed the attack, but never lost control of myself nor became
+reckless. It was an inspiriting revelation to me to find that I could
+indeed use my head intelligently, and command my motions so well, at a
+time of such excitement. We grew hot, perspired, breathed fast and loud,
+kept our muscles tense, and held each other with glittering eyes as we
+moved about on firm but springy feet. We must have fought very swiftly,
+for the ring of the steel sounded afterward in my ears as if it had been
+almost continuous. How long we kept it up, I do not exactly know. We
+came to panting more deeply, and I felt a little tired, and once or
+twice a mist was before my eyes. At last he gave me a great start by
+running his point through my shirt sleeve above the elbow. Feeling
+myself so nearly stung, I instinctively made a long swift thrust: up
+went his dagger, but too late: my blade passed clear of it, sank into
+his left breast. He gave a sharp little cry, and fell, and the hole I
+had made in his shirt was quickly circled with crimson.
+
+"Victory!" thought I, with an exultant sense of prowess. I had fleshed
+my sword and brought low my man! But, as I looked down at him and he lay
+perfectly still, another feeling arose. I knelt and felt for his heart:
+my new fear was realized. With bitter regret I gazed at him. All the
+anger and scorn had gone out of his face: it was now merely the handsome
+boyish face of a youth like myself, expressing only a manly pride and
+the pain and surprise of his last moment. It was horrible to think that
+I had stopped this life for ever, reduced this energy and beauty to
+eternal silence and nothingness. A weakness overwhelmed me, a profound
+pity and self-reproach.
+
+I heard a low ejaculation behind me, which made me start. But I saw it
+was only Nicolas, who, in spite of my orders, had stolen after me, in
+terror of what might happen.
+
+"Oh, heaven!" he groaned, as he stared with pale face and scared eyes at
+the prostrate form. "You have killed him, Monsieur Henri."
+
+"Yes. It is a great pity. After all, he merely thought a little too well
+of himself and was a little inconsiderate of other people's feelings.
+But who is not so, more or less? Poor young man!"
+
+"Ah, but think of us, Monsieur Henri--think of yourself, I mean! We had
+better be going, or you will have to answer for this."
+
+"That is so. We must settle with the landlord and get away from this
+town before this gentleman is missed."
+
+"And alas! you arranged to stay all night. The landlord will be sure to
+smell something. Come, I beg of you: there's not a moment to lose. Think
+what there's to do--the bag to fetch down, the horse and mule to saddle.
+We shall be lucky if the officers aren't after us before we're out of
+the town."
+
+"You are right.--Poor young man! At least I will cover his face with his
+doublet before I go."
+
+"I'll do that, Monsieur. You put on your own doublet, and save time."
+
+I did so. As Nicolas ran past me with the slain man's doublet, something
+fell out of the pocket of it. This proved to be a folded piece of paper,
+like a letter, but with no name outside. I picked it up. Fancying it
+might give a clue to my victim's identity, and as the seal was broken, I
+opened it. There was some writing, in the hand of a woman,--two lines
+only:
+
+"_For heaven's sake and pity's, come to me at once. My life and honour
+depend on you alone._"
+
+As the missive was without address, so was it without signature. It must
+have been delivered by some confidential messenger who knew the
+recipient, and yet by whom a verbal message was either not thought
+expedient, or required to be confirmed by the written appeal. The
+recipient must be familiar with the sender's handwriting. The note
+looked fresh and clean, and therefore must have been very lately
+received.
+
+"Come, Monsieur Henri," called Nicolas, breaking in upon my whirling
+thoughts. "Why do you wait?--What is the matter? What do you see on that
+paper?"
+
+"And this," I answered, though of course Nicolas could not understand
+me, "is the business he was on! This is why he had need to put ground
+behind him. He was going on to-night. He must have stopped only to
+refresh his horses."
+
+"Yes, certainly, but what of that? What has his business to do with us?"
+
+"I have prevented his carrying it out. My God!--a woman's life and
+honour--a woman who relies on him--and now she will wait for him in
+vain! At this very moment she may be counting the hours till he should
+arrive!--What have I done?"
+
+[Illustration: "'AND NOW SHE WILL WAIT FOR HIM IN VAIN!'"]
+
+"You, Monsieur? It's not your fault if he chose to get into a quarrel
+with you. He must have valued his business highly if he dared risk it in
+a fight."
+
+"Of course he thought from my manner that he could have his own way with
+me. There would be no loss of time--his horses needed rest, for greater
+speed in the long run. He knew what he was about--there's no doubt of
+his haste. 'Come to me at once. My life and honour depend on you alone.'
+And while she waits and trusts, I step in and cut off her only
+hope!--not this poor young fellow's life alone, but hers also, Nicolas!
+It mustn't be so--not if I can any way help it. I see now what I am
+called upon to do."
+
+"What is that, Monsieur Henri?" asked Nicolas despairingly.
+
+"To carry out this gentleman's task which I have interrupted--to go in
+his stead to the assistance of this lady, whoever and wherever she may
+be!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+WHERE THE LADY WAS
+
+
+"Very well, Monsieur," said Nicolas after a pause, in a tone which meant
+anything but very well. "But first you will have enough to do to save
+yourself. This gentleman will soon be missed. He was in haste to go on,
+as you say. His servant will be wondering why he delays, and the
+landlord will become curious about his bill."
+
+"Yes, but I must think a moment. Where is this poor lady? Who is the
+gentleman? There may be another letter--a clue of some sort."
+
+I hurriedly examined the young man's pockets, but found nothing written.
+His purse I thought best to leave where it was: to whom, indeed, could I
+entrust it with any chance of its being more honestly dealt with than by
+those who should find the body? The innkeeper and the gentleman's
+servant, with their claims for payment, would see to that. But I kept
+the lady's note.
+
+"Well," said I, "I must have a talk with the valet. I must find out
+where this gentleman was going, for that must be the place where the
+lady is."
+
+"But the valet doesn't know where the gentleman was going. He was
+talking to me about that in the stables."
+
+"That's very strange--not to know his master's destination."
+
+"He knows very little of his master's affairs: he was hired only
+yesterday, at Sable. The gentleman was staying at the inn there.
+Yesterday he engaged this man, and said he was going to travel on at the
+end of the week. But this morning he suddenly made up his mind to start
+at once, and came off without saying where he was bound for. Until I
+told him, the man didn't know that the name of this town was La Fleche."
+
+"And what else did he tell you?"
+
+"That's all. He was only grumbling about having to come away so
+unexpectedly, and being so in the dark about his master's plans."
+
+"You're sure he didn't say what caused his master to change his mind and
+start at once?"
+
+"He said nothing more, Monsieur."
+
+"Did he mention his master's name?"
+
+"No, we didn't get as far as that. It was only his desire to complain to
+somebody, that made him speak to me; and I was too busy with the horses
+to say much in reply."
+
+"Then you didn't give my name--to him or any one else here?"
+
+"Not to a soul, Monsieur."
+
+"That's fortunate. Well, we must be attending to our business. I will
+pay the landlord, and give him some reason for riding on. While you are
+getting the animals ready, I will try to sound this valet a little
+deeper. Come."
+
+Without another look behind, we hastened back to the inn.
+
+"It's a fine evening," said I to the landlord, "and that gentleman I saw
+here awhile ago has given me the notion of riding on while the air is
+cool." I spoke as steadily as I could, and I suppose if the landlord
+detected any want of ease he put it down to the embarrassment of
+announcing a change of mind. In any case, he was not slow to compute the
+reckoning, nor I to pay it. Then, after seeing my bag and cloak brought
+down, I went in search of the young gentleman's valet. I found him in
+the kitchen, half way through a bottle of wine.
+
+"Your master has not yet ridden on, then?" said I, dropping carelessly
+on the bench opposite him.
+
+"No, Monsieur," he replied unsuspectingly. He seemed more like a country
+groom than a gentleman's body servant.
+
+"I have decided to go on this evening, in imitation of him," I
+continued.
+
+"Then your servant had better come back and finish his supper. It's
+getting cold yonder. Just as he was going to begin eating, he thought of
+something, and went out, and hasn't returned yet."
+
+It was, alas, true. In my excitement I had forgotten all about Nicolas's
+supper, which he had left in order to see if I wanted my cloak for the
+cool of the evening.
+
+"I sent him on an errand," I replied. "He shall sup doubly well later.
+As I was about to say, your master--by the way, if I knew his name I
+could mention him properly: we have so far neglected to give each other
+our names."
+
+"Monsieur de Merri is my master's name, as far as I know it. I have been
+with him only since yesterday." He spoke in a somewhat disgruntled way,
+as if not too well satisfied with his new place.
+
+"So I have heard." I said. "And it seems you were hustled off rather
+sooner than you expected, this morning."
+
+"My master did change his mind suddenly. Yesterday he said he wouldn't
+leave Sable till the end of the week."
+
+"Yes; but of course when he received the letter--" I stopped, as if not
+thinking worth while to finish, and idly scrutinized the floor.
+
+"What letter, Monsieur?" inquired the fellow, after a moment.
+
+"Why, the letter that made him change his mind. Didn't you see the
+messenger?"
+
+"Oh, and did that man bring a letter, then?"
+
+"Certainly. How secretive your master is. The man from--from--where
+_did_ he come from, anyhow?"
+
+"A man came to see my master at Sable early this morning--the only man I
+know of. I heard him say that he had ridden all the way from Montoire,
+following my master from one town to another."
+
+"Yes, that is the man, certainly," said I in as careless a manner as
+possible, fearful lest my face should betray the interest of this
+revelation to me. "Well, I think I will go and see what has become of my
+servant. When you have finished that bottle, drink another to me." I
+tossed him a silver piece, and sauntered out. Nicolas was fastening the
+saddle girth of my horse in the yard. An ostler was attending to the
+mule. The innkeeper was looking on. I asked him about the different
+roads leading from the place, and by the time I had got this information
+all was ready. We mounted, I replied to the landlord's adieu, threw a
+coin to the ostler, and clattered out under the archway. From the square
+I turned South to cross the Loir, passing not far from the place where,
+surrounded by trees and bushes, the body of my adversary must still be
+lying.
+
+"Poor young man!" said I. "Once we get safe off, I hope they will find
+him soon."
+
+"They will soon be seeking him, at least," replied Nicolas. "Before you
+came out of the kitchen, the landlord was wondering to the ostler what
+had become of him."
+
+"As he was to ride on at once, his absence will appear strange. Well,
+I'm not sorry to think he will be found before he lies long exposed. The
+authorities, no doubt, will take all measures to find out who he is and
+notify his people."
+
+"And to find the person who left him in that state," said Nicolas
+fearfully.
+
+"Well, I have a start, and shall travel as fast as my horse can safely
+carry me."
+
+"But wherever you go, Monsieur, the law will in time come up with you."
+
+"I have thought of that; and now listen. This is what you are to do. We
+shall come very soon to a meeting of roads. You will there turn to the
+right--"
+
+"And leave you, Monsieur Henri?"
+
+"Yes, it is necessary for my safety."
+
+"And you will go on to Paris alone?"
+
+"I am not going to Paris immediately--at least, I shall not go by way of
+Le Mans and Chartres, as I had intended. We have already turned our
+backs on that road, when we left the square in front of the inn. I shall
+go by way of Vendome." Montoire--where the letter had evidently come
+from and where therefore the lady probably was--lay on the road to
+Vendome.
+
+"And I, Monsieur?"
+
+"You are to go back to La Tournoire, but not by the way we have come
+over. This road to the right that you will soon take leads first to
+Jarze, and there you will find a road to the West which will bring you
+to our own highway not two leagues from home." I repeated these
+directions as we left La Fleche behind us, till they seemed firmly
+lodged in Nicolas's head. "I don't know how long it will take you to do
+this journey," I added, "nor even when you may expect to reach Jarze.
+You mustn't overdo either the mule or yourself. Stop at the first
+country inn and get something to eat, before it is too late at night to
+be served. Go on to-night as far as you think wise. It may be best, or
+necessary, to sleep in some field or wood, not too near the road, as I
+shall probably do toward the end of the night."
+
+"I shall certainly do that, Monsieur. It is a fine night."
+
+"When you get to La Tournoire, you are to tell my father that I am going
+on without an attendant, but by way of Vendome. You needn't say anything
+about what you suppose my purpose to be: you needn't repeat what you
+heard me say about that lady, or the letter: you aren't to mention the
+lady or the letter at all."
+
+"I understand, Monsieur Henri; but I do hope you will keep out of other
+people's troubles. You have enough of your own now, over this unlucky
+duel."
+
+"It's to get me out of that trouble that you are going home. Give my
+father a full account of the duel. Tell him the gentleman insulted my
+religion as well as myself; that he tried my patience beyond endurance.
+My father will understand, I trust. And say that I shall leave it to him
+to solicit my pardon of the King. I know he would prefer I should place
+the matter all in his hands."
+
+"Yes, to be sure, Monsieur Henri. And of course to a gentleman who has
+served him so well, the King can't refuse anything."
+
+"He is scarce likely to refuse him that favour, at any rate. My father
+will know just what to do; just whom to make his petition through, and
+all that. Perhaps he will go to Paris himself about it; or he may send
+Blaise Tripault with letters to some of his old friends who are near the
+King. But he will do whatever is best. The pardon will doubtless be
+obtained before I reach Paris, as I am going by this indirect way and
+may stop for awhile in the neighbourhood of Vendome. But I shall
+eventually turn up at the inn we were bound for, in the Rue St. Honore."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, and may God land you there safe and sound!"
+
+"Tell my father that the only name by which I know my antagonist is
+Monsieur de Merri. Perhaps he belonged to Montoire; at any rate, he was
+acquainted there."
+
+We soon reached the place where the roads diverge. I took over my
+travelling bag and cloak from Nicolas's mule to my horse, hastily
+repeated my directions in summary form, supplied him with money, and
+showed him his road, he very disconsolate at parting, and myself little
+less so. As night was falling, and so much uncertainty lay over my
+immediate future, the trial of our spirits was the greater. However, as
+soon as he was moving on his way, I turned my horse forward on mine, and
+tried, by admiring the stars, to soften the sense of my loneliness and
+danger.
+
+I began to forget the peril of my present situation by thinking of the
+affair I had undertaken. In the first place, how to find the lady? All I
+knew of her was that she was probably at Montoire, that she had been
+associated in some way with Monsieur de Merri, and that she now thought
+herself in imminent danger. And I had in my possession a piece of her
+handwriting, which, however, I should have to use very cautiously if at
+all. There was, indeed, little to start with toward the task of finding
+her out, but, as Montoire could not be a large place, I need not
+despair. I would first, I thought, inquire about Monsieur de Merri and
+what ladies were of his acquaintance. If Monsieur de Merri himself was
+of Montoire, and had people living there, my presence would be a great
+risk. I could not know how soon the news of his death might reach them
+after my own arrival at the place, nor how close a description would be
+given of his slayer--for there was little doubt that the innkeeper would
+infer the true state of affairs on the discovery of the body. The dead
+man's people would be clamorous for justice and the officers would be on
+their mettle. Even if I might otherwise tarry in Montoire unsuspected,
+my insinuating myself into the acquaintance of one of Monsieur de
+Merri's friends would in itself be a suspicious move. The more I
+considered the whole affair, the more foolish seemed my chosen course.
+And yet I could not bear to think of that unknown lady in such great
+fear, with perhaps none to aid her: though, indeed, since none but
+Monsieur de Merri could save her honour and life, how could I do so?
+Well, I could offer my services, at least; perhaps she meant she had
+nobody else on whose willingness she could count; perhaps she really
+could make as good use of me as of him. But on what pretext could I
+offer myself? How could I account to her for my knowledge of her affairs
+and for Monsieur de Merri's inability to come to her? To present myself
+as his slayer would not very well recommend my services to her. Would
+she, indeed, on any account accept my services? And even if she did, was
+I clever enough to get her out of the situation she was in, whatever
+that might be? Truly the whole case was a cloud. Well, I must take each
+particular by itself as I came to it; be guided by circumstance, and
+proceed with delicacy. The first thing to do was to find out who the
+lady was; and even that could not be done till I got to Montoire, which,
+being near Vendome, must be at least two days' journey from La Fleche.
+
+As I thought how much in the dark was the business I had taken on
+myself, my mind suddenly reverted to the first of the monk's three
+maxims that Blaise Tripault had given me, which now lay folded in my
+pocket, close to the lady's note.
+
+"_Never undertake a thing unless you can see your way to the end of
+it._"
+
+I could not help smiling to think how soon chance had led me to violate
+this excellent rule. But I am not likely to be confronted again by such
+circumstances, thought I, and this affair once seen through, I shall be
+careful; while the other maxims, being more particular, are easier to
+obey, and obey them I certainly will.
+
+I rode on till near midnight, and then, for the sake of the horse as
+well as the rider, I turned out of the road at a little stream,
+unsaddled among some poplar trees, and lay down, with my travelling bag
+for pillow, and my cloak for bed and blanket. The horse, left to his
+will, chose to lie near me; and so, in well-earned sleep, we passed the
+rest of the night.
+
+The next morning, when we were on the road again, I decided to exchange
+talk with as many travellers as possible who were going my way, in the
+hope of falling in with one who knew Montoire. At a distance from the
+place, I might more safely be inquisitive about Monsieur de Merri and
+his friendships than at Montoire itself. The news of what had happened
+at La Fleche would not have come along the road any sooner than I had
+done, except by somebody who had travelled by night and had passed me
+while I slept. In the unlikelihood of there being such a person, I could
+speak of Monsieur de Merri without much danger of suspicion. But even if
+there was such a person, and the news had got ahead, nobody could be
+confident in suspecting me. I was not the only young gentleman of my
+appearance, mounted on a horse like mine, to be met on the roads that
+day. And besides, I was no longer attended by a servant on a mule, as I
+had been at La Fleche. So I determined to act with all freedom, accost
+whom I chose, and speak boldly.
+
+Passing early through Le Lude, I breakfasted at last, and talked with
+various travellers, both on the road and at the inn there, but none of
+them showed any such interest, when I casually introduced the name of
+Montoire, as a dweller of that place must have betrayed. To bring in the
+name of the town was easy enough. As thus:--in the neighbourhood of Le
+Lude one had only to mention the fine chateau there, and after admiring
+it, to add: "They say there is one very like it, at some other town
+along this river--I forget which--is it Montoire?--or La Chartre?--I
+have never travelled this road before." A man of Montoire, or who knew
+that town well, would have answered with certainty, and have added
+something to show his acquaintance there. The chateau of Le Lude served
+me in this manner all the way to Vaas, where there is a great church,
+which answered my purpose thence to Chateau du Loir. But though I threw
+out my conversational bait to dozens of people, of all conditions, not
+one bite did I get anywhere on the road between Le Lude and La Chartre.
+
+It was evening when I arrived at La Chartre, and I was now thirteen
+leagues from La Fleche, thanks to having journeyed half the previous
+night. Anybody having left La Fleche that morning would be satisfied
+with a day's journey of nine leagues to Chateau du Loir, the last
+convenient stopping-place before La Chartre. So I decided to stay at La
+Chartre for the night, and give my horse the rest he needed.
+
+At the inn I talked to everybody I could lay hold of, dragging in the
+name of Montoire, all to no purpose, until I began to think the
+inhabitants of Montoire must be the most stay-at-home people, and their
+town the most unvisited town, in the world. In this manner, in the
+kitchen after supper, I asked a fat bourgeois whether the better place
+for me to break my next day's journey for dinner would be Troo or
+Montoire.
+
+"I know no better than you," he replied with a shrug.
+
+"Pardon, Monsieur; I think you will find the better inn at Montoire,"
+put in a voice behind my shoulder. I turned and saw, seated on a stool
+with his back to the wall, a bright-looking, well-made young fellow who
+might, from his dress, have been a lawyer's clerk, or the son of a
+tradesman, but with rather a more out-of-doors appearance than is
+usually acquired in an office or shop.
+
+"Ah," said I, "you know those towns, then?"
+
+"I live at Montoire," said he, interestedly, as if glad to get into
+conversation. "There is a fine public square there, you will see."
+
+"But it is rather a long ride before dinner, isn't it?"
+
+"Only about five leagues. I shall ride there for dinner to-morrow, at
+all events."
+
+"You are returning home, then?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+"Have you been far away?"
+
+"That is as one may think," he replied after a moment's hesitation,
+during which he seemed to decide it best to evade the question. His
+travels were none of my business, and I cared not how secretive he might
+be upon them. But to teach him a lesson in openness, I said:
+
+"I have travelled from Le Lude to-day."
+
+"And I too," said he, with his former interest.
+
+"I didn't see you at the inn there," said I. "You must have left early
+this morning."
+
+"Yes, after arriving late last night. Yesterday evening I was at La
+Fleche."
+
+I gave an inward start; but said quietly enough: "Ah?--and yet you talk
+as if you had slept at Le Lude."
+
+"So I did. I travelled part of the night."
+
+"And arrived at Le Lude before midnight, perhaps?"
+
+"Yes, a little before. Luckily, the innkeeper happened to be up, and he
+let me in."
+
+I breathed more freely. This young man must have left La Fleche before I
+had: he could know nothing of the man slain.
+
+"There is a good inn at La Fleche," I said, to continue the talk.
+
+"No doubt. I stopped only a short while, at a small house at the edge of
+the town. I was in some haste."
+
+"Then you will be starting early to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur."
+
+I resolved to be watchful and start at the same time. But lest he should
+have other company, or something should interfere, I decided not to lose
+the present opportunity. So I began forthwith:
+
+"I have met a gentleman who comes, I think, from Montoire, or at least
+is acquainted there,--a Monsieur de Merri, of about my own age."
+
+The young fellow looked at me with a sudden sharpness of curiosity,
+which took me back: but I did not change countenance, and he had
+repossessed himself by the time he replied:
+
+"There is a Monsieur de Merri, who is about as old as you, but he does
+not live at Montoire. He sometimes comes there."
+
+Here was comfort, at least: I should not find myself among the dead
+man's relations, seeking vengeance.
+
+"No doubt he has friends there?" I ventured.
+
+"No doubt, Monsieur," answered the young man, merely out of politeness,
+and looking vague.
+
+"Probably he visits people in the neighbourhood," I tried again.
+
+"I cannot say," was the reply, still more absently given.
+
+"Or lives at the inn," I pursued.
+
+"It may be so." The young fellow was now glancing about the kitchen, as
+if to rid himself of this talk.
+
+"Or perhaps he dwells in private lodgings when he is at Montoire," I
+went on resolutely.
+
+"It might well be. There are private lodgings to be had there."
+
+"Do you know much of this Monsieur de Merri?" I asked pointblank, in
+desperation.
+
+"I have seen him two or three times."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Where? At Montoire, of course." The speaker, in surprise, scrutinized
+me again with the keen look he had shown before.
+
+It was plain, from his manner, that he chose to be close-mouthed on the
+subject of Monsieur de Merri. He was one of those people who generally
+have a desire to talk of themselves and all their affairs, but who can
+be suddenly very secretive on some particular matter or occasion. I saw
+that I must give him up, for that time at least. Perhaps on the road
+next day his unwillingness to be communicative about Monsieur de Merri
+would have passed away. But meanwhile, what was the cause of that
+unwillingness? Did he know, after all, what had occurred at La Fleche,
+and had he begun to suspect me? I inwardly cursed his reticence, and
+went soon to bed, that I might rise the earlier.
+
+But early as I rose, my young friend had beaten me. The ostler to whom I
+described him said he had ridden off half-an-hour ago. In no very
+amiable mood, I rode after him. Not till the forenoon was half spent,
+did I catch up. He saluted me politely, and gave me his views of the
+weather, but was not otherwise talkative. We rode together pleasantly
+enough, but there was no more of that openness in him which would have
+made me feel safe in resuming the subject of Monsieur de Merri. As we
+approached noon and our destination, I asked him about the different
+families of consequence living thereabouts, and he mentioned several
+names and circumstances, but told me nothing from which I could infer
+the possibility of danger to any of their ladies. It was toward mid-day
+when we rode into the great square of Montoire, and found ourselves
+before the inn of the Three Kings.
+
+I turned to take leave of my travelling companion, thinking that as he
+belonged to this town he would go on to his own house.
+
+"I'm going to stop here for a glass of wine and to leave my horse
+awhile," he said, noticing my movement.
+
+He followed me through the archway. A stout innkeeper welcomed me, saw
+me dismount, and then turned to my young fellow-traveller, speaking with
+good-natured familiarity:
+
+"Ah, my child, so you are back safe after your journey. Let us see, how
+long have you been away? Since Sunday morning--four days and a half. I
+might almost guess where you've been, from the time--for all the secret
+you make of it."
+
+The young man laughed perfunctorily, and led his horse to the stable
+after the ostler who had taken mine.
+
+"A pleasant young man," said I, staying with the landlord. "He lives in
+this town, he tells me."
+
+"Yes, an excellent youth. He owns his bit of land, and though his father
+was a miller, his children may come near being gentlemen."
+
+I went into the kitchen, and ordered dinner. Presently my young man
+entered and had his wine, which he poured down quickly. He then bowed to
+me, and went away, like one who wishes to lose no time.
+
+Suddenly the whole probability of the case appeared to me in a flash.
+Regardless of the wine before me, and of the dinner I had ordered, I
+rose and followed him.
+
+I had put together his reticence about Monsieur de Merri, his having
+been away from Montoire just four and a half days, the direction of his
+journey, and his errand to be done immediately on returning. He must be
+the messenger who had carried the lady's note to Sable, and he was now
+going to report its delivery and, perhaps, Monsieur de Merri's answer.
+If I could dog his steps unseen, he would lead me to the lady who was in
+danger.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+WHO THE LADY WAS
+
+
+By the time I was in the court-yard, the messenger was walking out of
+the archway. By the time I was at the outer end of the archway, he was
+well on his way toward one of the streets that go from the square. I
+waited in the shelter of the archway till he had got into that
+street--or road, I should say, for it soon leaves the town, proceeding
+straight in a South-easterly direction for about half a league through
+the country. As soon as he was out of the square, I was after him,
+stepping so lightly I could scarce hear my own footfalls. He walked
+rapidly, and as one who does not think of turning to look behind, a fact
+which I observed with comfort.
+
+If he was indeed the messenger, he must have been content with a very
+short rest for his horse after delivering the note to Monsieur de
+Merri;--must have started from Sable as soon as, or little later than,
+Monsieur de Merri himself, to be in La Fleche on the same evening that
+gentleman arrived there, and to be out of it again before I was, as he
+must have been if he reached Le Lude by midnight. Perhaps he was passing
+through La Fleche at the very time the duel was going on; but the sum of
+all was, that he could not know Monsieur de Merri was killed, and this I
+felt to be fortunate for me.
+
+Another thought which I had while following him along the straight white
+road that day, was that if the lady could command the services of this
+able young fellow to bear a message so far, why could she not use him
+directly for the saving of her life and honour? Evidently there was a
+reason why mere zeal and ability would not suffice. Perhaps the
+necessary service was one in which only a gentleman could be accepted.
+But I feared rather that there might be some circumstance to make
+Monsieur de Merri the only possible instrument; and my heart fell at
+this, thinking what I had done. But I hoped for the best, and did not
+lose sight of the young man ahead of me.
+
+After we had walked about twenty minutes, the road crossed a bridge and
+rose to the gates of a chateau which had at one corner a very high old
+tower. In front of the chateau, the road turned off sharply to the left.
+A few small houses constituted such a village as one often sees huddled
+about the feet of great castles. A drawbridge, which I could see between
+the gate towers, indicated that the chateau and its immediate grounds
+were surrounded by a moat. The messenger did not approach the gates, nor
+did he follow the road to its turning. He disappeared down a lane to the
+right.
+
+When I got to the lane, he had already passed out of it at the other
+end. I hastened through, and caught sight of him in the open fields that
+lay along the side wall of the chateau. Near the outer edge of the moat,
+grew tangled bushes, and I noticed that he kept close to these, as if to
+be out of sight from the chateau. At a distance ahead, skirting the rear
+of the chateau enclosure, stretched the green profile of what appeared
+to be a deep forest. It was this which my unconscious guide was
+approaching. I soon reached the bushes by the fosse, and used them for
+my own concealment in following him. When he came to the edge of the
+forest, at a place near a corner of the wall environing the chateau
+grounds, what did he do but stop before the first tree--a fine oak--and
+proceed to climb up it? I crouched among the bushes, and looked on.
+
+When he gained the boughs he worked his way out on one that extended
+toward the moat. From that height he could see across the wall. He took
+a slender pole that had been concealed among the branches, tied a
+handkerchief thereto, and ran it out so that the bit of white could be
+seen against the leaves.
+
+"Oho! a signal!" said I to myself.
+
+Keeping the handkerchief in its position, he waited. I know not just
+what part of an hour went by. I listened to the birds and sometimes to
+the soft sound of a gentle breeze among the tree tops of the forest.
+
+At last the handkerchief suddenly disappeared, and my man came quickly
+down the tree. Watching the chateau beyond the walls, he had evidently
+seen the person approach for whom he had hung out his signal. He now
+stood waiting under the tree. My heart beat fast.
+
+I heard a creaking sound, and saw a little postern open in the wall,
+near the tree. A girl appeared, ran nimbly across a plank that spanned
+the moat, and into the arms of my young man.
+
+Could this, then, be the woman whose life and honour was in peril? No,
+for though she had some beauty, I could see at a glance that she was a
+dependent. Moreover, her face shone gaily at sight of the messenger, and
+she gave herself to his embrace with smothered laughter. But a moment
+later, she attended seriously, and with much concern, to what he had to
+say, of which I could hear nothing. I then saw what the case was: this
+was a serving-maid whom the endangered lady had taken into confidence,
+and who had impressed her lover into service to carry that lady's
+message. The lady herself must be in that chateau,--perhaps a prisoner.
+My first step must be to find out who were the dwellers in the chateau,
+and as much of their affairs as the world could tell me.
+
+The interview between the two young people was not long. It ended in
+another embrace; the girl ran back over the plank, waved her hand at her
+lover, and disappeared, the postern door closing after her. The young
+man, with a last tender look at the door, hastened back as he had come.
+I had to crawl suddenly under some low bushes to avoid his sight, making
+a noise which caused him to stop within six feet of me. But I suppose he
+ascribed the sound to some bird or animal, for he soon went on again.
+
+I lay still for some time, being under no further necessity of observing
+him. I then walked back to the inn at Montoire at a leisurely pace.
+Looking into the stables when I arrived, I saw that the messenger's
+horse was gone. He lived, as I afterwards learned from the innkeeper, on
+another road than that which led to the chateau. I suppose he had chosen
+to go afoot to the chateau for the sake of easier concealment.
+
+The innkeeper was looking amazed and injured, at my having gone away and
+let my dinner spoil.
+
+"I was taken with a sudden sickness," I explained. "There's nothing like
+a walk in the fresh air when the stomach is qualmish. I am quite well
+now. I'll have another dinner, just what I ordered before."
+
+As this meant my paying for two dinners, the landlord was soon restored
+to good-nature. He was a cheerful, hearty soul, and as communicative as
+I could desire.
+
+"That is a strong chateau about half a league yonder," I said to him, as
+I sipped his excellent white wine.
+
+"Yes, the Chateau de Lavardin," he replied. "Strong?--yes, indeed."
+
+"Who lives there?"
+
+"The Count de Lavardin."
+
+"What sort of man is he?"
+
+"What sort? Well!--an old man, for one thing,--or growing old. Or maybe
+you mean, what does he look like?"
+
+"Yes, of course."
+
+"A lean old grey wolf, I have heard him likened to--without offence, of
+course. Yes, he is a thin old man, but of great strength, for all that."
+
+"Is he a good landlord?"
+
+"Oh, he is not my landlord," said the innkeeper, looking as if he would
+have added "Thank God!" but for the sake of prudence. "No; his estate is
+very large, but it extends in the other direction from Montoire."
+
+"Is he a pleasant neighbour, then?"
+
+"Oh, I have no fault to find, for my part. One mustn't believe all the
+grumblers. You may hear it said of him that his smile is more frightful
+than another man's rage. But people will say things, you know, when they
+think they have grievances."
+
+I fancied that the innkeeper shared this opinion which he attributed to
+the grumblers, and took satisfaction in getting it expressed, though too
+cautious to father it himself.
+
+"Then he has no great reputation for benevolence?"
+
+"Oh, I don't say that. We must take what we hear, with a grain of salt.
+He is certainly one of the great noblemen of this neighbourhood;
+certainly a brave man. You will hear silly talk, of course: how that he
+is a man whose laugh makes one think of dungeon chains and the rack. But
+some people will give vent to their envy of the great."
+
+I shuddered inwardly, to think that my undertaking might bring me across
+the path of a man as sinister and formidable as these bits of
+description seemed to indicate.
+
+"What family has he?" I asked, trying the more to seem indifferent as I
+came closer to the point.
+
+"No family. His children are all dead. Some foolish folk say he expected
+too much of them, and tried to bring them up too severely, as if they
+had been Spartans. But that is certainly a slander, for his eldest son
+was killed in battle in the last civil war."
+
+"Then he has no daughter--or grand-daughter--or niece, perhaps?"
+
+"Not that I know of. Why do you ask, Monsieur?"
+
+"I thought I saw a lady at one of the windows," said I, inventing.
+
+"No doubt. It must have been his wife. She would be the only lady
+there."
+
+"Oh, but this was surely a young lady," I said, clinging to my
+preconceptions.
+
+"Certainly. His new wife is young. The children I spoke of were by his
+first wife, poor woman! Oh, yes, his new wife is young--beautiful too,
+they say."
+
+"And how do she and the Count agree together, being rather unevenly
+matched?"
+
+"That is the question. Nobody sees much of their life. She never comes
+out of the grounds of the chateau, except to church sometimes, when she
+looks neither to the right nor to the left."
+
+"But who are her people, to have arranged her marriage with such a man?"
+
+"Oh. I believe she has no people. An orphan, whom he took out of a
+convent. A gentlewoman, yes, but of obscure family."
+
+"I can't suppose she is very happy."
+
+"Who knows, Monsieur? They do say the old wolf--I mean the Count,
+Monsieur,--we are sometimes playful in our talk here at Montoire,--they
+say he is terribly jealous. They say that is why he keeps her so close.
+Of course I know nothing of it.--You noticed, perhaps, that the moat was
+full of water. The drawbridge is up half the time. One would suppose the
+Civil wars were back again. To be sure, some people hint that there may
+be another reason for all that: but I, for one, take no interest in
+politics."
+
+"You mean the Count is thought to be one of those who are disaffected
+toward the King?"
+
+"H-sh, Monsieur! We mustn't say such things. If idle whispers go around,
+we can't help hearing them; but as for repeating them, or believing
+them, that's another matter. I mention only what all can see--that the
+Chateau de Lavardin is kept very much closed against company. The saying
+is, that it's as hard to get into the Chateau de Lavardin nowadays as
+into heaven. It's very certain, the Count has no welcome for strangers."
+
+And yet somehow I should have to get into the chateau, and obtain
+private speech with the Countess,--for it must be she who had summoned
+Monsieur de Merri.
+
+"In that case," said I, "they must have no visitors at all. But I recall
+meeting a young gentleman the other day, who was acquainted with some
+great family near Montoire, and, from certain things, I think it must be
+this very Lavardin family. He was a Monsieur de Merri."
+
+"Ah, yes. He has stayed at this inn. It was here the Count met him, one
+day when the Count was returning from the hunt. The Count was thirsty
+and stopped to drink, and the young gentleman began to talk with him
+about the hounds. At that time half the Count's pack were suffering from
+a strange disease, which threatened the others. When the Count described
+the disease, Monsieur de Merri said he knew all about it and could cure
+it. The Count took him to the chateau, where he stayed a fortnight, for
+you see, however jealous the count may be of his wife, he cares more for
+his hounds. Monsieur de Merri cured them, and that is how he got
+admission to the Chateau de Lavardin. But besides him and the red
+Captain, there aren't many who can boast of that privilege."
+
+"The red Captain? Who is he?"
+
+"Captain Ferragant. He is a friend of the Count's, who comes to the
+chateau sometimes and makes long visits there. Where he comes from, of
+what he does when he is elsewhere, I cannot tell. He is at the chateau
+now, I believe."
+
+"Why did you call him the red Captain?"
+
+"The people have given him that name. He has a great red splash down one
+side of his face. They say it was caused by a burn."
+
+"Received in the wars, perhaps."
+
+"No doubt. He has fought under many banners, it is said. Some declare he
+still keeps his company together, always ready for the highest bidder;
+but if that's true, I don't know where he keeps it, or how he does so
+without a loss when not at the wars. It is true, he brings a suite of
+sturdy fellows when he comes to Lavardin; but not enough to make what
+you would call a company."
+
+"Perhaps he has made his fortune and retired."
+
+"He's not an old man, Monsieur, though he is the friend of the Count. He
+is at the prime of life, I should say. A tall, strong man. He would be
+handsome but for the red stamp on his face. He has great influence over
+the Count. They drink, hunt, and play together. In many ways they are
+alike. The red Captain, too, has a smile that some people are afraid of,
+and a laugh that is merciless, but they are broad and bold, if you can
+understand what I mean,--not like the wily chuckle of the Count. He has
+big, ferocious eyes, too; while the Count's are small and half-closed.
+If people will fear those two men because of their looks, I can't for my
+life say which is to be feared the more."
+
+"A pleasant pair for anybody to come in conflict with," said I, as
+lightly as I could.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, and seeing that strangers are so unwelcome there, you
+will do well to pass by the Chateau de Lavardin without stopping to
+exchange compliments." With a jocular smile, the innkeeper went about
+his business, while I finished my dinner with a mind full of misgivings.
+
+I rose from the table, left the inn, and walked back, by the straight
+road of half a league, to Lavardin, pondering on the problem before me.
+It was a natural feeling that I might come by an inspiration more
+probably in the presence of the chateau than away from it. There was a
+little cabaret in the village, in full sight of the chateau gates, and
+just far enough back from the road to give room for two small tables in
+front. At one of these tables a man was already sitting, so I took
+possession of the other and called for a bottle of wine. I then sat
+there, slowly sipping, with my eyes on the chateau, hoping that by
+contemplation thereof, or perhaps by some occurrence thereabout, I might
+arrive at some idea of how to proceed. The drawbridge was not up, but
+the gates were closed. From where I sat, I could see the gate towers, a
+part of the outer wall, the turreted top of the chateau itself beyond
+the court, and the great high tower, which looked very ancient and
+sombre. But the more I looked, the more nearly impossible it appeared
+that I could devise means of getting into the place and to the ear of
+the Countess.
+
+As I was gazing at the chateau, I had a feeling that the man at the
+other table was gazing at me. I glanced at him, but seemed to have been
+mistaken. He was looking absently at the sky over my head. I now took
+thought of what a very silent, motionless, undemonstrative man this was.
+He was thin and oldish, and of moderate stature, with a narrow face,
+pale eyes, and a very long nose. He was dressed in dull brown cloth, and
+was in all respects--save his length of nose--one of those persons of
+whom nobody ever takes much note. And he in turn did not seem to take
+much note of the world. He looked at the sky, the house roofs and the
+road, but his thoughts did not appear to concern themselves with these
+things, or with anything, unless with the wine which he, like myself,
+sipped in a leisurely manner.
+
+I dismissed him from my attention, and resumed my observation of the
+chateau. But nobody came nor went, the gates did not open, nothing
+happened to give me an idea. When I looked again at the other table, the
+long-nosed man was gone. It was as if he had simply melted away.
+
+"Who was the man sitting there?" I asked the woman of the cabaret.
+
+"I don't know, Monsieur. He arrived here this morning. I never saw him
+before to-day."
+
+In the evening I went back to Montoire, no nearer the solution of my
+problem than before. Nor did a sleepless night help me any: I formed a
+dozen fantastic schemes, only to reject every one of them as impossible.
+What made all this worse, was the consideration that time might be of
+the utmost importance in the affairs of the imperilled lady.
+
+The next morning I went to view the chateau from other points than the
+village cabaret. This time I took the way the messenger had led
+me,--turned down the lane, and traversed the fields by the moat. I sat
+where I had hid the day before; staring at the postern and the wall,
+over which birds flew now and then, indicating that there was a garden
+on the other side. Receiving no suggestion here, I took up my station at
+the tree from which the messenger had shown the handkerchief. I thought
+of climbing it, to see over the wall. But just as I had formed my
+resolution, I happened to glance over the fields and see a man strolling
+idly along near the edge of the moat. As he came nearer, I recognized
+him as the long-nosed gentleman in the brown doublet and hose.
+
+He saw me, and gazed, in his absent way, with a momentary curiosity.
+Angry at being caught almost in the act of spying out the land, I
+hastened off, passing between the rear wall and the forest which grew
+nearly to the moat, and to which the tree itself belonged. In this way,
+I soon left my long-nosed friend behind, and came out on the opposite
+side of the chateau.
+
+Here I found a hillock, from the top of which I could see more of the
+chateau proper and the other contents of the great walled enclosure. I
+sat for some time regarding them, but the towers, turrets, roofs,
+windows, and tree tops engendered no project in my mind.
+
+Suddenly I heard a low, discreet cough behind me, and, looking around,
+saw the long-nosed man standing not six feet away.
+
+The sight gave me a start, for I had neither heard nor seen him
+approach, though the way I had come was within my field of vision. He
+must have made a wide circle through the woods.
+
+His mild eyes were upon me. "Good morning, Monsieur," said he, in a dry,
+small voice.
+
+"Good morning," said I, rather ungraciously.
+
+He came close to me, and said, with a faint look of amusement:
+
+"May I tell you what is your chief thought at present, Monsieur?"
+
+After a moment, I deemed it best to answer, "If you wish."
+
+"It is that you would give half the money in your purse to get into that
+chateau yonder."
+
+At first I could only look astonishment. Then I considered it wise to
+take his remark as a joke; accordingly I laughed, and asked, "How do you
+know that?"
+
+"Oh, I have observed you yesterday and to-day. You have a very eloquent
+countenance, Monsieur. Well, I don't blame you for wishing you could get
+over those walls. I have been young myself: I know what an attraction a
+pretty maid is."
+
+So he thought it was some love affair with a lady's maid that lay behind
+the wish he had divined in me. I saw no reason to undeceive him; so I
+merely said, "And what is all this to you, Monsieur?"
+
+"Hum!--that depends," he replied. "Tell me first, are you known to the
+Count de Lavardin or his principal people--by sight, I mean?"
+
+"Neither by sight nor otherwise."
+
+"Good! Excellent!" said the man, looking really pleased. "I dared hope
+as much, when the woman at the cabaret said you were a stranger. What is
+all this to me? you ask. Well, as I have taken the liberty to read your
+thoughts, I will be frank with you in regard to my own. I also have a
+desire to see the inside of that chateau, and, as I haven't the honour
+of the Count's acquaintance, and he is very suspicious of strangers, I
+must resort to my devices. My reasons for wanting to be admitted yonder
+are my own secret, but I assure you they won't conflict with yours. So,
+as I have been studying you a little, and think you a gentleman to be
+trusted, I propose that we shall help each other, as far as our object
+is the same. In other words, Monsieur, if you will do as I say, I
+believe we may both find ourselves freely admitted to the Chateau de
+Lavardin before this day is over. Once inside, each shall go about his
+purposes without any concern for the other. What do you think of it,
+Monsieur?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CHATEAU DE LAVARDIN
+
+
+All that I could think was that, if genuine, the offer came as a most
+unexpected piece of good luck, and that, if it was a trick, my
+acceptance of it could not much add to the danger which attended my
+purpose at best. In any case, this man already had me under scrutiny.
+So, after some little display of surprise and doubt, I took him at his
+word, inwardly reserving the right to draw back if I found myself
+entering a trap. The man's very proposal involved craft as against the
+master of the chateau, but toward me he seemed to be acting with the
+utmost simplicity and honesty, so straightforward and free from
+excessive protestation he was.
+
+He led me away to a quiet, secluded place by the riverside, out of sight
+of the chateau, that we might talk the matter over in safety. And first
+he asked me what I knew of the disposition and habits of the Count de
+Lavardin. I told him as much as the innkeeper had told me.
+
+"Hum!" said he, reflectively; "it agrees with what I have heard. I have
+been pumping people a little, in a harmless way. The first thing I
+learned was the Count's churlish practice of closing his gates to
+strangers, which forces us to use art in obtaining the hospitality we
+are entitled to by general custom. So I had to discover some inclination
+or hobby of the man's, that I could make use of to approach him. I don't
+see how we can reach him through his love of dogs, without having
+prepared ourselves with special knowledge and a fine hound or so to
+attract his attention. As for his jealousy, it would be too hazardous to
+play upon that: besides, I shouldn't like to cook up a tale about his
+wife, unless put to it."
+
+"Monsieur, don't speak of such a thing," I said indignantly.
+
+"No, it wouldn't do. I can't think of a better plan than the one that
+first occurred to me. As it required a confederate, I put it aside. But
+when I observed you yesterday regarding the chateau so wistfully, I said
+to myself, 'No doubt heaven has sent this young man to help me, and that
+I in turn may help him.' But I waited to make sure, watching you last
+night and this morning till I was convinced of your desire to get into
+the chateau."
+
+It was a surprise to me to learn that I had been watched, but I took it
+coolly.
+
+"The plan I had thought of," he went on, "required that my confederate
+should be unknown to the Count and those near him. When I find that you,
+who are anxious for your own reasons to enter the chateau, fulfil that
+requirement, I can only think the more that heaven has brought us
+together. It is more than heaven usually does for one."
+
+"But what else does your plan require of me?" I asked, impatient to know
+what must be faced.
+
+"You play chess, of course?" was his interrogative answer.
+
+"A little," said I, wondering what that had to do with the case.
+
+"Then all is fair ahead of us. Luckily. I play rather well myself. As I
+said just now, I have been nosing among the people--nosing is a good
+word in my case, isn't it?"--he pointed to his much-extended
+proboscis--"I have been nosing about to learn the Count's ruling
+passions and so forth. When you have anybody to hoodwink, or obtain
+access to without creating suspicion, find out what are his likings and
+preoccupations: be sure there will be something there of which you can
+avail yourself. From the village priest I learned that, along with his
+fondness for hunting and drinking and the lower forms of gaming, the
+Count has a taste for more intellectual amusements, and chiefly for the
+game of chess. He is a most excellent player, and doesn't often find a
+worthy antagonist. His bosom friend, one Captain Ferragant, who is now
+living at the chateau, has no skill at chess, so the Count has been put
+to sending for this priest to come and play a game now and then, but the
+Count beats him too easily for any pleasure and the result of their
+games is that the Count only curses the rarity of good chess-players."
+
+"And so you think of proposing a game with him?"
+
+"Not exactly," said the long-nosed man, with a faint smile at my
+simplicity. "An obscure man like me, travelling without a servant,
+doesn't propose games to a great nobleman, at the great nobleman's own
+gates. The great nobleman may condescend to invite, but the obscure
+traveller may not presume to offer himself,--not, at least, without
+creating wonder and some curiosity as to his motives. No; that would be
+too direct, moreover. It would suggest that I had been inquisitive about
+him, to have learned that he is fond of chess. I may tell you that the
+Count has his reasons for imagining that strangers may come trying to
+get access to him, who have taken pains to learn something of his ways
+beforehand. He has his reasons for suspecting every stranger who seeks
+to enter his gates. No; we must neither show any knowledge of him, more
+than his name, nor any desire to get into his house. We must play upon
+his hobby without openly appealing to it. That is why two of us are
+necessary. This is what we will do."
+
+I listened with great interest, surprised to discover what acuteness of
+mind was hidden behind the pale, meek eyes and un-expressive pasty
+countenance of this man with the long nose.
+
+"In an hour or so from now," he said, "I shall be sitting before the
+cabaret, where you saw me yesterday. You will come there, from wandering
+about the fields, and we will greet each other as having met casually on
+our walks this morning--as indeed we actually have met. You will sit
+down to refresh yourself with a bottle of wine, and we shall get into
+conversation, like the strangers that we are to each other. The people
+of the cabaret will hear us, more or less, and the porter at the chateau
+gates will doubtless observe us. I will presently lead the talk to the
+subject of chess. You will profess to be ardently devoted to the game. I
+will show an equally great passion for it. We will express much regret
+that we have no chessmen with us, and will inquire if any can be
+obtained in the village. I know already that none can be: the priest
+once owned a set, but he let the village children use them as toys and
+they are broken up. Well, then, rather than lose the opportunity of
+encountering a first-class player, you will suggest that we try to
+borrow chessmen from the owner of that great chateau, who must surely
+possess such things, as no great house is ever without them. You will
+thereupon write a note to the Count, saying we are two gentlemen who
+have met on our travels, and both claiming to be skilled chess-players,
+and hating to part without a trial of prowess, but lacking chessmen, we
+take upon ourselves to ask if he may have such a thing as a set which he
+will allow us the use of for half a day; and so forth. We will bid the
+woman at the cabaret take this note to the porter; and then we have but
+to await the result."
+
+"And what will that be?"
+
+"We shall see when it comes," said the man tranquilly. I know not
+whether he really felt the serene confidence he showed; but he seemed to
+be going on the sure ground of past experience. "It will be necessary to
+give names and some account of ourselves, no doubt, before all is done.
+We shall not be expected to know anything of each other, having only met
+as travellers so recently. To the Count I will call myself Monsieur de
+Pepicot, a poor gentleman of Amiens. As for you, is there any reason why
+you shouldn't use your own name? When you want to deceive anybody, it is
+well to be strictly truthful as far as your object will permit."
+
+"The only reason is, that I may get into the Count's bad graces by what
+I may do in his house, and it would be better if he didn't know where to
+look for me afterwards."
+
+"Well, there's something in that. The Count is not a forgiving man. And
+yet, as to his power of revenge, I know not--Well, do as you please."
+
+"Oh, devil take it, I'll go under my own name, let come what may! I
+don't like the idea of masquerading."
+
+"A brave young gentleman! Then there's no more to be said. When we are
+inside the chateau, it will be each of us for himself, though of course
+we must keep up the comedy of wishing to play chess. Meet me by chance
+at the cabaret, then, in about an hour."
+
+Without any more ado, he left me. Coming forth from the concealed place
+a minute later, I saw him strolling along the river, looking at the
+fields and the sky, as if nothing else were on his mind. I presently
+imitated him, but went in another direction. In due time I made my way
+to the cabaret, and there he was, at the table where I had first seen
+him.
+
+We spoke to each other as had been arranged, and easily carried the
+conversation to the desired point, mostly in the hearing of the woman of
+the cabaret as she sat knitting by the door. When it came to writing the
+note, the long-nosed man tore a leaf of paper out of his pocket book,
+and had pen and ink fetched from his lodging over the cabaret; I then
+composed our request in as courteous phrases as I thought suitable. The
+woman herself carried the note to the chateau gates, and we saw a grated
+wicket open, and a scowling fellow show his face there, who questioned
+her, glanced at us with no friendly look, took the note, and closed the
+wicket. We waited half an hour or so, sipping our wine and talking
+carelessly, till I imagined the long-nosed man was becoming a little
+doubtful. But just as he was losing his placidity so far as to cross one
+leg over another, the chateau gate opened, and a heavy, dark-browed
+fellow with the appearance rather of a soldier than of a servant, came
+out, and over to us, scrutinizing us keenly as he approached. He asked
+if we were the gentlemen who had written to borrow a set of chessmen.
+Being so informed, he said:
+
+"Monsieur the Count, my master, begs to be excused from sending his
+chessmen to you, but if you will come to them he will be glad to judge
+of your playing; and perhaps to offer the winner a bout with himself."
+
+We took half a minute to evince our pleased surprise, our sense of
+favour, and so forth, at this courteous invitation,--and then we
+followed the servant to the chateau. It was amusing to see how
+innocently, decorously, and consciously of unexpected honour my
+long-nosed friend walked through the gateway, and gazed with childlike
+admiration around the court-yard and the grey facade of the chateau
+confronting us.
+
+A few wide steps led up to the arched door, which admitted us to a large
+hall plentifully furnished with tables, benches, and finely-carved
+chairs. It was panelled in oak and hung with arms, boars' heads, and
+other trophies. At the upper end of a long table, the one leaning
+forward from a chair at the head, the other from the bench at the side,
+lounged two men, whom I recognized instantly from the descriptions of
+the innkeeper as if from painted portraits. They were the Count de
+Lavardin and Captain Ferragant.
+
+Yes, there was the "lean old grey wolf," grey not only in his bristly
+hair and short pointed beard, but even in the general hue of his wizen
+face; grey as to the little eyes that peered out between their narrowed
+slits; grey even, on this occasion, as to his velvet doublet and
+breeches. Though his face was wizen, the leanness of his body had no
+appearance of weakness, but rather every sign of strength. I noticed
+that his fingers seemed to possess great crunching power, and there was
+always on his face the faint beginning of a smile which, I thought,
+would heighten into glee when those fingers were in the act of
+strangling somebody.
+
+As for the Captain, there was indeed a great blotch of deep red across
+his cheek; he was a large, powerful fellow, with a bold, insolent face,
+and fierce, pitiless eyes. To make his sobriquet the fitter, he wore a
+suit of crimson, very rich and ornate. His beard and hair, however, were
+black.
+
+"You are welcome, gentlemen," said the Count, in a harsh, thin voice.
+"From what part do you come?"
+
+"From different parts," said my long-nosed companion. "We have only met
+as strangers going opposite ways. I am Monsieur de Pepicot, of the
+neighbourhood of Amiens, travelling to Angers to see some kinsfolk."
+
+The Count turned to me, and I recited my name and place, adding that I
+was going to Paris, to see a little of the world, and therefore
+journeying somewhat indirectly.
+
+"And behold here Monsieur the Captain Ferragant, who comes from
+Burgundy," said the Count, "so that we have North, West, and East all
+represented."
+
+Captain Ferragant bowed as politeness required, but he went no further.
+He did not seem to relish our being there. His look was rather
+disdainful, I thought, as if we were nobodies unfit for the honour of
+his company. And very soon, while the Count was saying we must stay to
+dinner, as there was not time for a game of chess before, the Captain
+walked away and out of the hall. Seeing that we were to be his guests
+for the day, the Count had us shown to a rather remote chamber up two
+flights of stairs, where water was brought, and where we were left alone
+together. The chamber looked out on a small part of the garden at the
+rear of the chateau.
+
+"Well," said I, washing my hands, "you have played the magician. It has
+been as easy as walking, to get into the chateau."
+
+"Will it be easy to get out again, when our business is done, I wonder?"
+replied Monsieur de Pepicot, gazing out of the window at the distant
+high wall of the garden.
+
+"Why do you say that?" I asked, a little surprised at his tone.
+
+"Oh, I was thinking of the manner in which the gate slammed to, after we
+had entered. It is a mere inanimate gate, to be sure, but it was slammed
+by a porter, and his manner of slamming it might unconsciously express
+what was in his mind. You remember, the Count was rather long in coming
+to a decision upon our note. If it occurred to him, after all, that we
+might have some design, and that people with a design would be safer
+inside than outside--well, I mention this only that you may know to keep
+your wits about you."
+
+"Thanks, but I see no reason to fear anything. Everything seems to be
+going admirably. We are assured of some time in which to attend to our
+affairs. While one of us is playing chess with the Count, the other will
+be free to roam about,--that suits me perfectly. I begin to feel really
+grateful for the Count's hospitality--I almost dislike having won it by
+a trick."
+
+"Pish! He is churlish enough as a rule in the matter of
+hospitality--it's only fair to win it by a trick."
+
+I was inwardly much excited at the near prospect of dinner, as the meal
+would perhaps give me a sight of the Countess. But of this I was
+disappointed. The only people who sat down at the upper table, when
+dinner was served in the hall, were the Count, the Captain, my friend
+Monsieur de Pepicot, and myself. Elsewhere the benches were crowded with
+fellows who, like him that had brought our invitation, appeared as much
+warriors as serving men, and their number alone would have arrested
+notice. I now recalled how many knaves of this sort I had seen in the
+court-yard as I entered the chateau, but at that time I had had other
+things to think of.
+
+The Count said nothing of the absence of his lady, and, as we could
+scarce be thought to know whether he had a Countess living, it was not
+for us to inquire about her. I spent my time wondering what could be her
+situation, and whether her not appearing had anything to do with the
+danger in which she supposed herself. My long-nosed friend ate very
+industriously, and most of the conversation was between the Count and
+the Captain, upon dogs and hawks and such things. When the Count
+addressed either Monsieur de Pepicot or me, the Captain was silent. This
+reticence, whether it proceeded from jealousy or contempt, seemed to
+afford the Count a little amusement, for he turned his small eyes on the
+Captain and stretched his thin lips in a smile that was truly horrible
+in its relish of another's discontent.
+
+After dinner, the Count had the chessmen brought at once, and sat down
+to watch us at our game. The Captain, with a glance of disapproval at
+the chessboard, strolled away as he had done before. I was but a
+moderately good player, and discomposed besides, so I held out scarce an
+hour against the long-nosed gentleman, who was evidently of great skill.
+Apparently the Count, by his ejaculations, thought little of my playing,
+but he was so glad when my defeat made room for him, that I escaped his
+displeasure. I too was glad, for now, while Monsieur de Pepicot kept the
+Count occupied at chess, I should be free to go about the chateau in
+search for its mistress. And grateful I was to Monsieur de Pepicot for
+having beaten me, for he might easily have left me as the victor and
+used this opportunity for his own purpose. I could not think it was
+generosity that had made him do otherwise: I could only wonder what his
+purpose was, that would bear so much waiting.
+
+For appearance's sake, I watched the two players awhile: then I imitated
+the Captain, and sauntered to the court-yard, wondering if there might
+be any servant there whom I could sound. But the men lounging there were
+not of a simple-looking sort. They were all of forbidding aspect, and
+they stared at me so hard that I returned into the hall. The Count was
+intent upon the game. Pushed by the mere impulse of inquiry, I went up
+the staircase as if to go to the chamber to which I had before been
+conducted. But instead of going all the way up, I turned off at the
+first landing into a short corridor, resolved to wander wherever I
+might: if anybody stopped me, I could pretend to have lost my way.
+
+The corridor led into a drawing-room richly tapestried and furnished;
+that into another room, which contained musical instruments; that into a
+gallery where some portraits were hung. So far I had got access by a
+series of curtained archways. The further end of the gallery was closed
+by a door. I was walking toward that door, when I heard a step in the
+room I had last traversed. I immediately began to look at the pictures.
+
+A man entered and viewed me suspiciously. He was, by his dress and air,
+a servant of some authority in the household, and had not the military
+rudeness of the fellows in the court-yard.
+
+"What is it Monsieur will have?" he asked, with outward courtesy enough.
+
+"I am looking at the portraits," said I.
+
+"I will explain them to you," said he. "That is Monsieur the Count in
+his youth, painted at Paris by a celebrated Italian." And he went on to
+point out the Count's children, now dead, and his first wife, before
+going back to a former generation.
+
+"And the present Countess?" said I at last, looking around the walls in
+vain.
+
+"There is no portrait of Madame the Countess."
+
+"She was not at dinner," I ventured. "Is she not well?"
+
+"Oh, she is well, I am happy to say. She often dines in her own
+apartments."
+
+"She is well and yet keeps to her apartments?" I said, with as much
+surprise as I thought the circumstance might naturally occasion.
+
+"She does not keep to her apartments exactly," replied the man, a little
+annoyed. "She walks in the garden much of the time. Is there anything
+else I may show you, Monsieur?"
+
+He stood at the curtained entrance, as if to attend my leaving the room,
+and I thought best to take the hint. No doubt he had purposely followed
+me, to hinder my going too far.
+
+I returned to the hall, which was very silent, the two players being
+deep in their chess. Somewhere in my wake the manservant vanished, and I
+seemed free to explore in another direction. The Countess walked much in
+the garden, the man had said. It was a fine afternoon--might she not be
+walking there now?
+
+Feigning carelessness, I went out a small door at the rear of the hall,
+and found myself in that narrow part of the garden which lay between two
+wings of the house, and which our chamber overlooked. This part, which
+was really a terrace, was separated by a low Italian balustrade from the
+greater garden below and beyond. I walked up the middle path to where
+there was an opening in the balustrade at the head of a flight of steps.
+But here my confidence received a check. Half-way down the steps was
+sitting a burly fellow, who rose at my appearance, and said:
+
+"Pardon, Monsieur: no further this way, if you please. I am ordered to
+stop everybody."
+
+"But I am the Count's guest," said I.
+
+"It is all the same. Nobody is to go down to the garden yonder without
+orders."
+
+"Orders from the Count?" I asked.
+
+"From the Count or the Captain."
+
+I nearly let out my thought that the Captain had a good deal of
+authority at the chateau, but I closed my lips in time. To show
+insistence would only injure my purpose: so I contented myself with a
+glance at the forbidden territory--a very spacious pleasance, indeed,
+with walks, banks of flowers, arbours, and alleys, but with nobody there
+to enjoy it that I could see--and went back to the hall.
+
+As I could not sit there long inactive, for considering how the time was
+flying and I had accomplished nothing, I soon started in good faith for
+the chamber to which I had feigned to be going before. Once upstairs,
+however, it occurred to me to walk pass the door of that chamber, to the
+end of the corridor. This passage soon turned leftward into a rear wing
+of the building. I followed it, between chamber doors on one side and,
+on the other, windows looking down on the smaller garden. It terminated
+at last in a blind wall. I supposed myself to be now over that part of
+the house which lay beyond the closed door at the end of the picture
+gallery. I looked cautiously out of one of the windows, wondering how
+much of the great garden might be visible from there. I could see a
+large part of it, but not a soul anywhere in it. As I drew back in
+disappointment, I was suddenly startled by a low sound that seemed to
+come from somewhere beneath me--a single brief sound, which made my
+breath stop and pierced my very heart.
+
+It was the sob of a woman.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+WHAT THE PERIL WAS
+
+
+It seemed to me like a sob of despair, or of the breaking down of
+patience, and, knowing what I did already, I quickly imagined it to
+proceed from the Countess in a moment when she was beginning to lose
+hope of Monsieur de Merri's arrival. To me, therefore, it seemed a stab
+of reproach.
+
+I judged that it came by way of the window below me. So forthwith, at
+all hazards, sheltering myself from outside view as well as I could with
+the casement, I thrust my head out over the sill, and said in a low
+tone:
+
+"Madame."
+
+I waited for some moments, with a beating heart, and then called again,
+"Madame."
+
+I thought I heard whispering below. Then a head was thrust out of the
+window--a woman's head, soft haired and shapely. "Here I am," I
+whispered. The head twisted round, and the face was that of the young
+woman who had received the messenger at the postern the day before. But
+it was clear that she had not been sobbing, though her face wore a look
+of concern.
+
+"I must speak with Madame the Countess," said I, and added what I
+thought would most expedite matters: "I bring news of Monsieur de
+Merri."
+
+The head disappeared: there was more whispering: then the maid looked
+out again, using similar precautions to mine with regard to the
+casement.
+
+"Who are you, Monsieur?" she asked.
+
+"I will explain all later. There is little time now. I may soon be
+looked for. Contrive to let me have an interview with Madame the
+Countess. I don't know how to get to her: I'm not acquainted with the
+chateau."
+
+"Put your head a little further out, Monsieur,--so that I can see your
+face."
+
+I obeyed. She gazed at me searchingly, then withdrew her head again.
+Reappearing very soon, she said: "Madame has decided to trust you. These
+are her apartments. There is a door from a gallery where pictures
+hang--"
+
+"I have been to that gallery," I interrupted, "but I was watched while
+there. Is there no other way?"
+
+She thought a moment. "Yes, the garden. At the foot of the terrace, turn
+to the right, till you get to the end of this wing."
+
+"But the man at the steps yonder will stop me. He has done so already."
+
+"That beast! Alas, yes! Well, I will go and talk with him, and keep him
+looking at me. You go down to the terrace without attracting any
+attention, walk close to the house till you get to this end of the
+balustrade, step over the balustrade, descend the bank as quietly as
+possible, and wait behind the shrubbery near the door at the end of this
+wing,--it's the door from Madame's apartments to the garden. Do you
+understand?"
+
+"Perfectly."
+
+"Then I will be talking to that man by the time you can get to the
+terrace. I go at once. Be quick, Monsieur,--and careful."
+
+Admiring the swift wits and decision of the girl, I hastened through the
+corridor, down the stairs, and into the hall. The Count and the
+long-nosed man were so buried in their game that neither looked up. A
+pair of varlets in attendance were yawning on a bench. Yawning in
+imitation, I passed with feigned listlessness to the terrace, went
+noiselessly along by the house-wall, and followed the wing to the end of
+the balustrade. I did not venture even to look toward the steps, but I
+could hear the maid talking and laughing coquettishly. I crossed the
+balustrade by sitting on it and swinging my legs over: then strode on
+light feet down the grassy bank and through an opening in the shrubbery
+I saw at my right. I found myself in a walk which, bordered all the way
+by shrubbery, ran from a narrow door in the end of the wing to the other
+extremity of the garden. The door, when I first glanced at it, was
+slightly ajar: I supposed the maid had left it so. But as soon as I had
+come to a halt in the walk, the door opened, and a very young, very
+slender, very sad-faced, very beautiful lady came out, with eyes turned
+upon me in a mixture of hope and fear.
+
+I instinctively fell upon my knee before that picture of grief and
+beauty. She wore, I remember, a gown of faded blue, and blue was the
+colour of her eyes--a soft, fair blue, like that of the sky. She was so
+slim, sorrowful, small, childlike, forlorn,--I would have died to serve
+her.
+
+She looked at me searchingly, as the maid had done, but with more
+courtesy, and then, in a low voice bidding me follow her, led the way
+down the walk and into a side path that wound among some tall
+rose-bushes. Here we could not be seen from the walk and yet we might
+hear anybody approaching. She stopped and faced me.
+
+"You have news of Monsieur de Merri," she said eagerly. "What of him?"
+
+"He is prevented from coming to you, Madame."
+
+Her face, pale before, turned white as a sheet.
+
+"But," I hastened to add, "I have come in his stead, and I will serve
+you as willingly as he."
+
+"But that will not do," she said, in great agitation. "Nobody can serve
+me at this pass _but_ Monsieur de Merri. Where is he? What prevents
+him?"
+
+"I left him at La Fleche," said I lamely. "I assure you it is utterly
+impossible for him to come. But believe me, I am wholly yours for
+whatever service you desired of him. You can see that I have come from
+him." I took from my pocket her note, and held it out. I then told her
+my name and parentage, and begged her not to distrust me because I was
+of another religion than hers.
+
+"It isn't that I don't believe you, Monsieur," she replied. "It isn't
+that I doubt your willingness to help me."
+
+"As to my ability, try me, Madame. My zeal will inspire me."
+
+"I don't doubt your ability to do brave and difficult things, Monsieur.
+But it is not that. It happens--the circumstances are such--alas, nobody
+but Monsieur de Merri himself can help me! If you but knew! If _he_ but
+knew!"
+
+"Tell me the case, Madame. Trust me, I beg. Let me be the judge as to
+whether I can help you."
+
+"I do trust you. I am not afraid to tell you. You will see plainly
+enough. It is this: I have been slandered to my husband. A week has been
+given me in which to clear myself. The week ends to-morrow. If I have
+not proved my innocence by that time, God knows what fate my husband
+will inflict upon me!"
+
+She shuddered and closed her eyes.
+
+"But your innocence, Madame--who can doubt it?"
+
+"My husband is a strange man, Monsieur. He has little faith in women."
+
+"But what slander can he believe of you? And who could utter it? What is
+its nature?"
+
+"I suppose it is my husband's friend, Captain Ferragant, who uttered it.
+The nature of it is, that Monsieur de Merri's name is associated with
+mine. Monsieur de Merri is said to have made a boast about me, in the
+tavern at Montoire. It is a hideous lie, invented when Monsieur de Merri
+had gone away. And now you see how only Monsieur de Merri can save me,
+by coming and facing our accusers and swearing to my innocence. But
+to-morrow is the last day. Oh, if he had known why I wanted him! It is
+too late now--or is it? Perhaps he sent you ahead? Perhaps he is coming
+after you? Is it not so? He will be here to-morrow, will he not?"
+
+Bitterly I shook my head.
+
+"Then I am lost," she said, in a whisper of despair.
+
+"But that cannot be. It isn't for you to prove your innocence--it is for
+your accuser to prove your guilt. He cannot do that."
+
+"You do not know the Count de Lavardin. He will believe any ill of a
+woman, and anything that Captain Ferragant tells him. The fact that
+Monsieur de Merri is young and accomplished is enough. My husband has
+suspected me from the hour of our marriage. And besides that, people at
+Montoire have testified that they heard Monsieur de Merri boast of
+conquests. Whether that be true or not, it could not have been of me
+that he boasted. And if he but knew how I stand, how readily he would
+fly to clear me! He is no coward, I am sure."
+
+I had evidence of that: evidence also of Monsieur de Merri's unfortunate
+habit of boasting of conquests. But I was convinced that it could not
+have been of her that he had boasted. These thoughts, however, were but
+transient flashings across my sense of the plight in which I had put
+this unhappy woman by killing Monsieur de Merri. I tried to minimize
+that plight.
+
+"But your fears are exaggerated. Your husband will not dare go too far."
+
+"He will dare take my life--or lock me up for the rest of my days in a
+dungeon--or I know not what. He is all-powerful on his estate--lord of
+life and death. You know what these great noblemen do when they believe
+their wives unfaithful. I have heard how the Prince de Conde--"
+
+"Yes; but the Count de Lavardin would have your relations to fear."
+
+"I have no relations. I was an orphan in a convent. The Count took a
+fancy to my face, they told me. They urged me to consent to the
+marriage. I could not displease them--I had never disobeyed them. And
+now this is the end. Well, I am in the hands of God." She glanced
+upwards and gave a sigh of bitter resignation.
+
+"But after all," I interposed, "you are not certain how your husband
+will act."
+
+"He has threatened the worst vengeance if I cannot clear myself
+to-morrow. If you knew him, Monsieur!"
+
+"He allowed you a week, you say.--"
+
+"From the day he accused me--last Saturday."
+
+"And what facilities did he give you for the purpose?"
+
+"His men and horses were at my service. He knew, of course, that all I
+could do was to send for Monsieur de Merri."
+
+"But why did he not send for Monsieur de Merri?"
+
+"I don't know. I suppose he was ruled by the advice of Captain
+Ferragant. Perhaps he thought Monsieur de Merri would not come at his
+request."
+
+"But you did not use your husband's men and horses to send for Monsieur
+de Merri."
+
+"No. Mathilde--my maid whom you saw just now--thought I would better act
+secretly. She feared the Captain would bribe the messenger to make only
+a pretence of taking my message to Monsieur de Merri. In that case
+Monsieur de Merri, knowing nothing, would not come, and his not coming
+would be taken as evidence of guilt--as it will be now, though he got my
+message, for Hugues is faithful. Why is it, Monsieur, that Monsieur de
+Merri sent back word by Hugues that he would follow close, if he could
+not come?"
+
+"Something happened afterward. Hugues, then, is the name of the
+messenger you sent?"
+
+"Yes. He is devoted to Mathilde. They are accustomed to meet at certain
+times. Mathilde has not much freedom, as you may guess, sharing my life
+as she does. So she contrived to get possession for awhile of the key to
+a postern yonder, and to pass it to Hugues when he came with flour. He
+had a duplicate made, so that she could restore the original and yet
+retain a key with which to let herself out and meet him in the forest.
+Thus she was able to see him last Sunday morning, and to send him after
+Monsieur de Merri. We knew that De Merri had started Westward, and
+Hugues traced him from town to town. Ah, when Hugues returned
+successful, how rejoiced we were! We expected Monsieur de Merri every
+hour. But the time went by, and our hopes changed to fears, and now,
+heaven pity me, it is the fears that have come true!"
+
+"But you are not yet lost. Even if the Count should be so blind as to
+think you guilty, you have at least one resource. You have the key to
+the postern. You can flee."
+
+"And be caught before I had fled two leagues. I am visited every three
+hours, as if I were a prisoner, and as soon as I was missed a score of
+men would be sent in all directions. Besides, for some reason or other,
+the Count has the roads watched from the tower. If I fled into the
+forest, the bloodhounds would be put on my track. My husband has hinted
+all this to me. And where could I flee to but the Convent? The Count
+would have men there before I could reach it."
+
+"I could find some other place to take you to," said I at a hazard.
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, then indeed would appearances be against me. Then indeed
+would the enemy of my poor reputation have his triumph. Alas, there is
+no honourable place in this world for a wife who leaves her husband's
+roof, though it be her prison. I will be true to my vows, though I die.
+If there be wrong, it shall be all of his doing, none of mine."
+
+"You believe it is this Captain who has slandered you. Why should he do
+that? Why is he your enemy?"
+
+She blushed and looked down. I understood.
+
+"But why do you not tell your husband that?" I asked quickly.
+
+"The Count says it is an old story that wives accuse their husbands'
+friends whom they dislike. He thinks women are made of lies. And in any
+case he says if I am innocent of this charge I can prove my innocence.
+So all depended on Monsieur de Merri's being here to-morrow to speak for
+me."
+
+"Ah, Madame, if only my speaking for you would avail anything!"
+
+"From the depths of my heart I thank you, Monsieur, though you see how
+useless you--And yet there is one thing you can say for me!" A great
+light of sudden hope dawned upon her face. "You can tell how you saw
+Monsieur de Merri--that he was coming here, but was prevented--"
+
+"Yes, I can do that."
+
+"And perhaps--who knows?--you can induce the Count to give me a few more
+days, till the cause of Monsieur de Merri's delay is past. And then you
+can ride or send to Monsieur de Merri, and tell him my situation, and he
+will come and put my accuser to shame, after all! Yes, thank God, there
+is hope! Oh, Monsieur, you may yet be able to save me!"
+
+There were tears of joy on her face, and she gratefully clasped my hand
+in both of hers.
+
+It sickened my heart to do it, but I could only shake my head sadly and
+say:
+
+"No, Madame, Monsieur de Merri can never come to speak for you."
+
+"Why not?" she cried, all the hope rushing out of her face again.
+
+"He is dead--slain in a duel." I said in a voice as faint as a whisper.
+
+Her face seemed to turn to marble.
+
+"Who killed him?" she presently asked in a horrified tone.
+
+I knelt at her feet, with averted eyes, as one who is all contrition but
+dare not ask a pardon.
+
+"You!" she whispered.
+
+"When I found this message upon him afterward," said I, "I saw what
+injury was done. I could only come in his place, and offer myself. By
+one means and another, I learned who it was had sent for him."
+
+"That brave young gentleman," said she, following her own thoughts;
+"that he should die so soon! And you, with his blood on your
+hands."--she drew back from me a step--"come to offer your service to me
+who, little as I was to him, must yet be counted among his friends!
+Monsieur, what could you think of my loyalty?"
+
+"I thought only of what might be done to prevent further harm. Though I
+fought him, I was not his enemy. I had never seen him before. It was a
+sudden quarrel, about nothing. Heaven knows, I did not think it would
+end as it did. That end has been lamentable enough, Madame. Punish me if
+you will: as his friend, you are entitled to avenge him."
+
+"I only pity him, Monsieur. God forbid I should think of revenge!"
+
+"You are a saint, Madame. I was about to say that my having killed him
+need not make you reject my service. Your doing so might but add to the
+evil consequences of my act. Surely he would prefer your accepting my
+aid, now that he is for ever powerless to give his. And we must think
+now of something to be done--"
+
+[Illustration: "WE WERE INTERRUPTED BY A LOW CRY."]
+
+We were interrupted by a low cry, "Madame, Madame!" in a soft voice from
+within the arbour that sheltered the walk. The Countess said to me, "It
+is Mathilde. She means some one is coming. Hide among these bushes. If
+we do not meet again, adieu, Monsieur; I thank you from my heart, and
+may God pardon you the death of Monsieur de Merri!"
+
+She started for the walk: I whispered, "But I must help you! Can we not
+meet again presently?"
+
+"I know not," she replied. "Act as you think best, Monsieur. But do not
+endanger yourself. I must be gone now."
+
+She hastened to join the maid, whose whereabouts were indicated by a low
+cough. I heard voices, and instantly crawled under the rose bushes,
+heedless of scratches. As the voices came down the walk, one of them
+turned out to be that of Captain Ferragant. There was but one other,
+which I took, from the talk which I heard later, to belong to a falconer
+or some such underling. The Captain addressed a few remarks to the
+Countess, as to her state of health and the beauty of the day, which she
+answered in low tones. Then he and his companion proceeded to walk
+about, talking continually, never getting entirely out of my hearing,
+and often coming so near that I could make out their words. It seemed
+that an endless length of time passed in this way. I heard no more of
+Madame and the maid. Finally the Captain and his man walked back toward
+the house. I rose, stretched my legs, and peered up and down the walk.
+It was deserted. What was I to do next? I naturally strolled toward the
+chateau. As I neared the door leading to Madame's apartments, out came
+Mathilde.
+
+"I have been watching for you, Monsieur. Madame had to come in, to avoid
+suspicion. If you can get back to the terrace by the way you came down,
+I will go again and distract the attention of the guard."
+
+"I can do that. But what of Madame? I must see her again. We must find
+some way to save her."
+
+"Do what you can, Monsieur. If you think of anything, you know how to
+communicate with us by way of the windows. But lose no time now."
+
+She hastened away to beguile the man on watch at the steps. When I heard
+her laughter, I sped over the grass to the foot of the bank. I clambered
+up, crossed the balustrade, went along the house, and entered the hall.
+Monsieur de Pepicot was just in the act of saying "Checkmate."
+
+The Count's face turned a shade more ashen, and he looked unhappy.
+Presently he smiled, however, and said peevishly:
+
+"Well, you must give me an opportunity of revenge. We must play another
+game."
+
+"I shall be much honoured," said Monsieur de Pepicot. "But is there time
+to-day?"
+
+"No; it will soon be supper time. But there will be time to-morrow. You
+shall stay here to-night."
+
+"With great pleasure; but there are some poor things of mine at the
+cabaret yonder I should like to have by me."
+
+"I will send a man for your baggage," said the Count.
+
+"Then I shall have nothing to mar my happiness," said Monsieur de
+Pepicot composedly.
+
+I was very anxious to remain at the chateau for the present, and feared
+rather dismissal than the enforced continuance there which the
+long-nosed man had fancied might be our fate. So, to make sure, I said:
+
+"If Monsieur the Count will do me the honour of a game to-morrow, I will
+try to make a better contest than I did against Monsieur de Pepicot."
+
+The Count looked not displeased at this; it gave him somebody to beat in
+the event of his being again defeated by Monsieur de Pepicot.
+
+"Certainly," said he; "I cannot refuse you. You too will remain my
+guest; and if I may send for your baggage also--"
+
+I felt vaguely that it would be better to leave my horse and belongings
+at the inn at Montoire, in case I should ever wish to make a stealthy
+departure from the chateau; so I replied:
+
+"I thank you, Monsieur; but there is nothing I have urgent need for, or
+of such great value that I would keep it near."
+
+"As you please," said the Count, observing me keenly with his
+half-ambushed eyes.
+
+The man who had escorted us to the chateau was sent to fetch Monsieur de
+Pepicot's baggage; and would have brought his horse also, but that
+Monsieur de Pepicot mildly but firmly insisted otherwise and despatched
+orders for its care in his absence. The baggage consisted of a somewhat
+sorry looking portmanteau, which was taken to our chamber. We then had
+supper, during which the Count and my long-nosed friend talked of chess
+play, while Captain Ferragant ate in frowning silence, now and then
+casting no very tolerant glances at us two visitors. I would have tried
+by conversation to gain some closer knowledge of this man, but I saw
+there was no getting him to talk while that mood lasted. After supper
+the Count and the Captain sat over their wine in a manner which showed a
+long drinking bout to be their regular evening custom. Monsieur de
+Pepicot and I accompanied them as far as our position as guests
+required. We then plead the fatigue of recent travel, and were shown to
+our room, in which an additional bed had been placed. The Count was by
+this time sufficiently forward in his devotions to Bacchus to dispense
+easily with such dull company as ours, and the Captain, by the free
+breath he drew as we rose to go, showed his relief at our departure.
+
+When the servant had placed our candles and left us alone, I expressed a
+wonder why so great a house could not afford us a room apiece.
+
+"It is very simple," said the long-nosed man, opening his portmanteau.
+"If they should take a fancy to make caged birds of us, it's easier
+tending one cage than two."
+
+I went to bed wondering what the morrow had in store. I saw now clearly
+that I might accomplish something by informing the Count that Monsieur
+de Merri was dead and that he was on his way to Lavardin when I met him.
+His failure to appear could not then be held as evidence of guilt: his
+intention to come might count much in the Countess's favour.
+
+As my head sank into the pillow, there came suddenly to my mind the
+second of the three maxims Blaise Tripault had learned from the monk:
+
+"_Never sleep in a house where the master is old and the wife young._"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+STRANGE DISAPPEARANCES
+
+
+Monsieur de Pepicot spent so many minutes among the contents of his
+travelling bag, that he was not in bed as soon as I. But he was by far
+the sooner asleep, as his loud snoring testified. To that music ran my
+thoughts of the beautiful young Countess and her unhappy situation, till
+at last they passed into dreams. In the midst of the night I woke, and
+listened for my neighbour's snoring. But it had ceased. Then I strained
+my ears to catch the sound of his breathing, but none came. Wondering at
+this, I rose and went over toward his bed. There was just light enough
+by the window to see that it was empty.
+
+I was still in the midst of my surprise, when the door opened with a
+very slight creak, and in walked a slim figure so silently that I knew
+it was without shoes.
+
+"Is that you, Monsieur de Pepicot?" I asked.
+
+"H'sh," he replied in a whisper, closing the door carefully. "Don't
+disturb the slumbers of the household. You are very wakeful."
+
+"No more so than you are, it seems," I said.
+
+"That is true. I often suffer from sleeplessness, and I find a walk is
+the thing to put me right."
+
+"You were wise to take a light with you on your walk," I observed, for
+he now produced a small lantern from under his loose-fitting doublet,
+where it had been entirely concealed.
+
+"Yes; one might hurt one's toes in these dark passages," he answered,
+and placidly drew some papers from his breast pocket, folded them
+carefully by the lantern's light, and then as carefully replaced them.
+"I trust you made some progress in your affair here during the
+afternoon."
+
+"Yes. But you were kept busy with the Count."
+
+"Oh, I don't complain. I was about to say that if you preferred to leave
+the house to-night, no doubt I could manage it for you."
+
+"Why should I prefer to leave to-night?"
+
+"Oh, merely because this Count may be a dangerous man to have much to do
+with. I know nothing of your affairs, and of course you have no interest
+in mine. The Count will understand that, no doubt, and will not hold you
+responsible for anything I may do, if you choose to stay here longer."
+
+"Well, I must stay here longer, in any case."
+
+"Then there is no more to be said," answered the long-nosed man,
+extinguishing his lantern, which he wrapped up and put into his
+portmanteau. He then lay down upon his bed, without undressing.
+
+I returned to my own couch and was soon asleep.
+
+When I woke again, it was daylight. Monsieur de Pepicot and his
+portmanteau were gone. It occurred to me now, as I washed and dressed,
+that when he spoke of my departing by night he intended to make just
+such an unceremonious exit himself. In that case, I inferred, he had
+thought it only fair, as I had helped him to get into the chateau, that
+he should offer to help me to get out, for he had made no secret of his
+fears that we might find opposition to our doing so. But, if he had
+indeed fled, how had he contrived to get out in the middle of the night?
+As for his purpose in getting in, he must have accomplished that while
+on his midnight perambulations.
+
+I went downstairs, but he was not in the hall, nor on the terrace nor in
+the court-yard. It was a fine morning, and I was for walking about. At
+one side of the court-yard the wall was pierced by a narrow gateway,
+which took me into a second court-yard, of which one of the further
+angles was filled by a quadrant of the great tower that rose toward
+heaven from a corner of the main chateau. There was a small door from
+this court-yard to the tower. This tower, for its bigness and height,
+took my eyes the first moment, but the next they were attracted by the
+living figures in the court-yard. These were Captain Ferragant and a
+pack of great hounds which he was marshalling before him, throwing a
+piece of meat now to one, now to another, calling out by name which
+animal was to catch. He indeed managed to keep them in some sort of
+order and from closing around him, and though they all barked and leaped
+at each throw, yet only the one whose name was called would dare
+actually to close jaws upon the titbit. This went on for some time,
+until at last one huge brute, leaping higher, seized the meat intended
+for another.
+
+The red Captain swore a fierce oath, and, grasping a whip, called the
+interloping dog to come to him. The animal slunk back. The Captain
+advanced among the pack, still calling the hound in the most threatening
+voice. But the hound slunk further, growling and showing his teeth. The
+Captain sprang forward and brought down his whip. The dog, mutinous,
+made a snap at the Captain. The latter, now deeply enraged, threw aside
+the whip, caught the animal by the neck, lifted it high, and, with a
+swift contraction of his fingers, caused its eyes and tongue to protrude
+and its body to writhe and hang powerless. He then flung the dead
+creature to a corner of the yard, and looked at me with a smile half
+vaunting, half amused, as if to say, "That is how I can treat those who
+thwart my will," and to ridicule my wonder at his fury and strength.
+
+I turned with a look of pity toward the victim of his anger. At that
+moment the Count de Lavardin entered the court-yard, and his glance
+followed mine. Having seen what I saw, he looked protestingly at the
+Captain.
+
+"The brute was rebellious," said Ferragant.
+
+"But one doesn't run across such dogs every day," complained the Count.
+
+"The rarest dog shall not defy me," was the cool answer.
+
+"That's all very well, if it had been your own dog," said the Count,
+still peevish.
+
+"Oh, as to that, we are quits now. Your dog to-day pays for my man you
+killed last week."
+
+"Pish, it's easy enough to find rascals like that by the score. Not so,
+dogs like this. Well, talking won't make him live again--Good morning,
+Monsieur. Where is your comrade, Monsieur de Pepicot?"
+
+I could only answer that on waking I had been disappointed of seeing
+either Monsieur de Pepicot or his baggage. "Nor have I beheld him since,
+though I have been looking about."
+
+"That is very strange,--that he should take his baggage from the room,"
+said the Count, exchanging a look of surprise with the Captain. He then
+called two servants and gave them orders quietly, which must have been
+to search the house and grounds for Monsieur de Pepicot. As we returned
+to the hall, the Count questioned me, watching me sharply the while. I
+was perfectly safe in telling the literal truth, though not all of it:
+how Monsieur de Pepicot was a stranger to me, how I had never spoken to
+him before yesterday, how I knew nothing of his business, and so forth.
+Of course I said nothing of his midnight walk or of having conversed
+with him at all after going to bed. The Count's mystification and
+annoyance were manifest, the more so when, after some time, the servants
+returned to say that the missing man could not be found. When he had
+heard their report, the Count was very angry.
+
+"Name of the devil, then, how did he get out? There is treachery
+somewhere, and somebody shall pay for it," he screeched, and then
+despatched a man to the cabaret to see if Monsieur de Pepicot had taken
+his horse away. The man came back saying the horse was gone, but nobody
+had seen the owner take it.
+
+"It is certainly odd that the gentleman should depart secretly like
+that, when he might have waited for day and gone civilly," said I, to
+evince my simplicity.
+
+"You are right, very right," said the Count. "Well, at least you remain
+to play a game of chess with me. What I am thinking is, the man must
+have had some private reason for obtaining entrance to my house."
+
+"Possibly, Monsieur," I replied, bearing the searching gaze of both the
+Count and the Captain well enough.
+
+"In that case, he made a tool of you," added the Count, still intent on
+my expression.
+
+"That would be the inference," said I.
+
+"Well, we must satisfy ourselves as to how he took his departure, if we
+cannot guess why. Make yourself master of the house, Monsieur. We shall
+have our game nevertheless."
+
+And he went off with the Captain, to examine the places of exit from the
+chateau and the men who were responsible for their security. One could
+see that Monsieur de Pepicot's disappearance was as disturbing to the
+Count as it was puzzling to me.
+
+I wandered out to the terrace and paced the walk along the house. My
+eyes turned toward that window in the west wing which I knew to belong
+to the apartments of the Countess. I turned along the wing, and strolled
+under that window, thinking Madame or Mathilde might make an appearance
+at it. I kept moving to and fro within easy earshot of it, sometimes
+glancing up at the half-open casement. This was the clay on which the
+poor lady's fate was to be determined by her husband and lord. I
+wondered what sort of scene was arranged for the event, whether it would
+have the form of trial and judgment, when and where it would occur, and
+if I should be admitted to it. Probably I should not, and therefore I
+would best speak to the Count regarding Monsieur de Merri before. The
+thing was, to find a pretext for broaching the matter without betraying
+that I had talked with the Countess. I had thought all this over during
+the night, a hundred times, but now I thought it over again; and, in
+vague search for some hint or guidance, I looked often up to the window,
+as I have said.
+
+Presently I heard a single sharp, low syllable of laughter, which drew
+my glance to the door by which I had come out to the terrace. There
+stood the red Captain, his eyes upon me. When he saw that I noticed him,
+he came toward me, whereupon I, with pretended carelessness, went to
+meet him half way.
+
+"You seem to find it very interesting, that window," said he, in a low
+voice. "To me it looks like any of the others." And he ran his glance
+ironically along the whole range.
+
+"I thought you had gone with the Count to learn how Monsieur de Pepicot
+got away," said I, guessing that he had come back to watch me, doubtless
+considering that, after the evident duplicity of one guest, the other
+might require some looking after.
+
+"And so you thought yourself free to post yourself over there and make
+eyes at that window?" said the Captain with a smile that half jeered at
+me, half threatened me with annihilation.
+
+"I do not quite understand your little jest," said I, boldly enough.
+
+"You may find it one of those jests in which the laugh is only on one
+side, and that side not yours, young gentleman. Your friend with the
+long nose, it appears, had his secret motives for paying a visit to this
+chateau. We smelt some such thing when the letter came asking for a set
+of chessmen, and so the Count admitted you, thinking you just as safe
+inside the chateau as outside. It was not the intention to let you out
+again in too great haste."
+
+"In that case," I put in, feigning to treat the matter gaily, "Monsieur
+de Pepicot was wise in leaving as he did."
+
+"I was about to say that if Monsieur de Pepicot had his secret purposes,
+it is but fair to suppose you may have yours. If it turns out to be so,
+and if your object has anything to do with what you may imagine is
+behind that window,--why, then, I warn you in time it would be much
+better for you to have been that dog which opposed me a while ago,--very
+much better, my pert young gentleman, I assure you."
+
+He turned and walked into the house, leaving me without any fit answer
+on my tongue, or indeed in my mind either.
+
+It appeared to me that the sooner I had my explanation with the Count,
+the better for both the Countess and myself. So I returned into the
+hall, which the Captain was leaving by the court-yard door, and waited
+for the Count's reappearance. When he did come, it was clear from his
+face that the manner of Monsieur de Pepicot's escape--for escape it must
+now be called--was still a mystery. It was plain, too, when his eyes
+alighted on me, that he had heard from the Captain, who followed him, of
+my conduct beneath the window. As he came toward me, he scowled and
+looked very wicked and crafty. Before he could speak, I said:
+
+"Monsieur, there is something I wish to tell you, if you will allow me
+to speak to you alone."
+
+"Regarding Monsieur de Pepicot?"
+
+"No; regarding myself and the reason of my coming to Lavardin."
+
+"That is interesting. Let us hear."
+
+"It is for you alone."
+
+"Oh, to be sure. Captain Ferragant, if you will excuse me,--"
+
+The Captain, with a shrug, swaggered off to the furthest corner of the
+hall.
+
+"You have been acquainted," I began, "with a certain Monsieur de Merri."
+
+The Count's face seemed to jump. I had certainly caught his attention.
+But his speech was perfectly controlled as he said:
+
+"Yes. And what of him?"
+
+"He had the misfortune to be killed in a sudden duel four days ago at La
+Fleche."
+
+He was plainly startled; but, after a moment's silence, he only said,
+"You astonish me," and waited for me to continue.
+
+"I feared I should," said I, "for it turned out, after the duel, that
+Monsieur de Merri was on his way to see you, upon some matter of great
+urgency."
+
+"On his way to see me! How do you know that?"
+
+I thought it best to tell as much truth as possible.
+
+"I learned from his servant that he was bound in great haste for
+Montoire. Coming to Montoire, I inquired, and was informed that his only
+tie in this neighbourhood was his acquaintance with you. Therefore it
+must have been you he was coming to see, and his haste implied the
+urgency of his reasons, whatever they may have been. Thinking you might
+be depending upon his arrival, I resolved to tell you of his death."
+
+"It is a little odd that you should put yourself out to do that."
+
+"It might be, if I were not responsible for his failure to come to you."
+
+"Oh, then it was you who killed him?"
+
+"Yes; and thought it only the proper act of a gentleman to carry the
+news to the person who may have expected him."
+
+"H'm. No doubt. But why did you not come directly and tell me?"
+
+"I heard you made yourself entirely inaccessible to strangers. So when
+Monsieur de Pepicot spoke of asking you to lend us chessmen, I thought
+it might lead to some breaking down of your reserve,--as it did."
+
+"But why did you wait a day before telling me?"
+
+"I hoped that chance might enable me to see you alone. But you were so
+deeply engrossed in your chess. And I hesitated lest you might think
+yourself bound, as Monsieur de Merri's friend, to deliver me up for
+having violated the edict."
+
+These were certainly sufficient reasons, though, as you know, I had not
+thought of telling him of Monsieur de Merri till after I had heard the
+Countess's story, and therefore they were not the true answer to his
+question. But I no longer found safe standing on the ground of truth,
+and so fell back upon the soil of invention, uncertain as it was. The
+Count looked as far into me as he could, and then called the Captain,
+who came without haste to the great fireplace where we were. Without any
+explanation to me, or other preface, the Count repeated my disclosure to
+his friend, all the time in the manner of one submitting a story to the
+hearer's judgment as to its truth.
+
+The Captain shrugged his shoulders, and looked at me scornfully. "It is
+a fine, credible tale indeed," said he.
+
+"If you will take the trouble to send to La Fleche, you will find that
+Monsieur de Merri is really slain," said I warmly.
+
+"Oh, no doubt," said the Captain. "But before he was slain, he had time
+to take you into his confidence regarding certain things."
+
+"Not at all. I had never seen him before that evening. It was from his
+servant, after he was dead, that I learned he was coming to Montoire. If
+you can find that servant, at La Fleche or Sable, he will tell you so."
+
+"How could he have known he was wanted here?" asked the Captain of the
+Count. "Your offer of a messenger was disdained."
+
+"I knew she would contrive to send after him on her own account, if I
+gave her enough liberty," returned the Count.
+
+"It argues skill in such contrivances," said the Captain, with a
+significant look.
+
+The Count frowned in a sickly way, but not at the speaker. "Well, in any
+case, the liberty will now be cut off," he said harshly. But after a
+moment, he added: "And yet, if this gentleman does not lie, Monsieur de
+Merri was coming here fast enough."
+
+"To brazen it out, perhaps. There is no limit to the self-confidence of
+youth. As for this gentleman, how does his story account for the
+interest he takes in a certain window that looks upon the terrace?"
+
+The Count's face darkened again, as he turned menacingly toward me.
+"Yes, by heaven, I had forgotten that."
+
+"To be frank," said I awkwardly, after a moment's hesitation, "I had
+seen a pretty face there--I mean that of Mathilde." I added the last
+words in haste, for the Count's look had shown for an instant that he
+took me to mean that of the Countess.
+
+"Ah! that of Mathilde," he repeated, subsiding.
+
+"And how did you know her name was Mathilde?" asked the Captain, in a
+cold, derisive tone. The Count's eyes waited for my answer.
+
+"I--exchanged a few words with her yesterday afternoon," I replied.
+
+"In regard to what subject?" asked the Count quickly, making a veritable
+grimace in the acuteness of his suspicion.
+
+"I paid her a compliment or two, such as one bestows upon a pretty
+girl."
+
+"He is evading," said the Captain. "It is a question whether he did not
+presume to offer his compliments higher. One does not say to a pretty
+girl, 'What is your name?' nor does the girl reply 'Mathilde,' as if she
+were a child. It is more likely he heard the girl's name from other
+lips. And was he not found spying about the west gallery by Ambroise? My
+dear Count, I fear you kept your nose too close to the chessboard
+yesterday afternoon. As for me, if I had known as much as I know now, I
+should have been more watchful."
+
+The Count's face had turned sicklier and uglier as his friend had
+continued to speak. He looked now as if he would like to pounce upon me
+with his claw-like fingers. He was evidently between the desire to
+question me outright as to whether anything had passed between me and
+the Countess, and the dislike of showing openly to a stranger any
+suspicion of his wife. The latter feeling prevailed, and he regained
+control of himself. I breathed a little easier. But just then it
+occurred to me that the Count would surely tax the Countess with having
+seen me; that she would acknowledge our meeting; and that her own
+account of it would be disbelieved, and the worst imaginings added, for
+the very reason of my maintaining secrecy about it. I therefore took a
+sudden course.
+
+"Monsieur," I said. "I will be perfectly open with you. From some casual
+words of Monsieur de Merri at the inn at La Fleche, before we
+quarrelled, I was led to believe that the cause of his journey had
+something to do with the welfare of a lady. Afterwards when I heard
+whither he was bound so hastily, I remembered that. On learning at
+Montoire that this chateau was the only house in which he was known
+hereabouts, I assumed that the lady must be in this chateau. It turned
+out that the only lady here was the Countess herself. Do you wonder,
+then, at my endeavouring to speak to the Countess first upon the matter
+of Monsieur de Merri's death?"
+
+"Pray go on," said the Count, who was taking short and rapid breaths.
+
+"It is true I saw the maid at that window, but I saw also the
+impossibility of communicating properly with Madame by that channel. So,
+in spite of your sentinel's vigilance, I crossed the balustrade to the
+garden, and there had the honour of presenting myself to the Countess. I
+acquainted her with the fate of Monsieur de Merri. Her demeanour causing
+me to believe that this put her into peril on her own account, I so
+pushed my inquiries and offers of service that she told me what that
+peril was. She said she was the victim of a slander which only Monsieur
+de Merri's presence here could clear her of. We were soon interrupted
+and she left me. I did not see her again, but it appeared to me that, as
+Monsieur de Merri's presence here would have stood in her favour, the
+news of his intention to be here must also stand that way. And now,
+Monsieur, you have the whole story."
+
+It seemed to have weight with him: but, alas, he looked to the Captain
+for an opinion. That gentleman, regarding me with a smile of ironical
+admiration, uttered a monosyllabic laugh in his throat, and said:
+
+"There is one thing we can believe, at least. We know Monsieur de
+Merri's habit of disclosing his affairs with ladies to strangers at
+inns."
+
+The Count's face grew dark again.
+
+"But we can never be sure how much may have passed between Monsieur de
+Merri and this gentleman on the subject before they quarrelled, or what
+was the real motive that brought him here."
+
+"My God!" I cried; "what gentleman could require a stronger motive than
+I have shown? Having prevented Monsieur de Merri from coming here upon
+so urgent a matter, what else could I do in honour but come in his
+place?"
+
+"'In his place'--yes, perhaps, that is well said," retorted the Captain,
+with his evil smile.
+
+The Count, whose judgment seemed entirely under the dominion of his
+friend, looked at me again as if he would destroy me. After a moment, he
+took a turn across the hall and back, and then said to me:
+
+"Well, in the midst of all this deceit and uncertainty one thing is
+clear. You know too much of our private affairs here to be permitted to
+go where you will, for the present. I must ask you, therefore, to keep
+to your chamber awhile. Your wants will be provided for there. I will
+show you the way myself, on this occasion." He motioned toward the
+stairway, and the Captain stood ready to accompany him.
+
+"That amounts to making me a prisoner, Monsieur," said I.
+
+"We shall not dispute over words," replied the Count. "By your own
+confession, you are liable to the law for killing Monsieur de Merri."
+
+"I have reason to expect the King's pardon for that. Measures have
+already been taken."
+
+"Pray don't keep me waiting, Monsieur. I should not like to be compelled
+to have my men lay hands on you." At the same time his smile looked as
+if he would like that very much.
+
+There was nothing to do, for the moment, but yield. The Captain was
+watching to see where my hand moved, and I know not how many armed men
+were in the court-yard, besides the servants waiting at the other end of
+the hall. So I obeyed the Count's gesture, merely saying:
+
+"You will find I am not a person who will go unavenged in case of
+indignity."
+
+The Count laughed, in his dry, sharp manner, and walked by my side. The
+Captain followed. As soon as I was in my room, the Count called a
+servant, who went away and presently returned with a key. The Count and
+his friend then left me, and locked the door on the outside. As I sat
+down on my bed, I was glad I had offered no useless resistance, for, as
+it was, I had not been deprived of my weapons.
+
+To make a short matter here of what seemed a very long one at the time,
+I was kept locked in my room all that day, with two armed men outside my
+door, as I guessed first from hearing them, and certified afterwards by
+seeing them when a servant brought my food. What made the confinement
+and inaction the more trying was my knowledge that this was the day on
+which the Countess was to plead her innocence. I kept wondering through
+the tedious hours how matters were going with her, and I often strained
+my ears in the poor hope of discovering by them what might be going on
+in the chateau. But I never heard anything but the rough speech and
+movements of the men outside my door, and now and then the voice of some
+attendant on the terrace below my window. I could look diagonally across
+the terrace to the window where I had seen Mathilde, but not once during
+all that day did I behold a sign of life there. The night came without
+bringing me any hint as to how the Countess had fared. I could not sleep
+till late.
+
+When I woke, early in the morning, I noticed that my door was slightly
+ajar. Looking out, I found the corridor empty. I took this to mean that
+I was not to remain a prisoner, and so it proved. Hastily dressing and
+going downstairs, though many servants were about, I encountered no
+hindrance. I passed out to the terrace. To my surprise, nobody was on
+guard at the steps; so I went boldly down to the garden. My heart beat
+with a vague hope of meeting the Countess, though it was scarce late
+enough in the day to expect her to be out. I must confess it was not
+alone her being an oppressed lady whom I had engaged myself to aid, that
+made me look so eagerly down all the walks and peer so keenly into all
+the arbours; I must confess it was largely the impression her beauty and
+tenderness had left upon me. But I was disappointed: I explored the
+whole garden in vain.
+
+Anything to be near her, I thought. So I went and hung about the door
+between the garden and her apartments. But it remained closed and
+enigmatic. I had another idea, and, returning into the house, took my
+way unchecked to the gallery of pictures, wondering at the freedom of
+passage now allowed me, and at the same time resolved to make the most
+of it. I could scarce believe my eyes when I saw the door ajar which led
+to Madame's suite. I went and tapped lightly on it, but got no answer.
+It opened to a large drawing-room, well furnished but without any
+inhabitant. I crossed this room to the other side, which had two doors,
+both open. One gave entrance to a sleeping-chamber, in a corner of which
+was a prie-dieu, and which showed in a hundred details to be the bedroom
+of a lady. But the bed was made up, and a smaller bed, in a recess,
+which might be that of the maid, also had the appearance of not having
+been used the previous night. I looked through the other doorway from
+the drawing-room, and saw a stairway leading down to the garden door.
+Had the Countess and Mathilde, then, gone into the garden at the time I
+was in the act of coming to the gallery? No; for the garden door was
+bolted on the inside. I went to one of the drawing-room windows looking
+on the terrace, and made sure it was the window from which Mathilde had
+first answered my call. And then it dawned upon me what the desertion of
+these rooms meant, and why I was allowed to go where I would in the
+house and garden. The Countess and her maid were no longer there. What
+had become of them?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+MATHILDE
+
+
+Well, there was no indication to be found in the Countess's apartments
+as to where she had removed to, and I thought it best not to risk being
+seen there. So I went down to the hall again. As I glanced through the
+court-yard to the outer gates, I thought of trying to leave the chateau,
+to see if my new liberty went so far as to permit that. But I reflected
+that if I were once let out I might not be let in again, and my chance
+of learning what had become of the Countess lay, I supposed, inside the
+chateau. So I resolved to stay there and await the turn that matters
+might take. And certainly never was any man a guest in stranger
+circumstances of guestship. I hated and feared my host, and was loth to
+accept his hospitality, yet stayed of my own will, though I knew not
+certainly whether I was free to go. My host hated me, yet tolerated my
+presence--if indeed he would not have enforced it--for the sake of
+having me at hand if he thought fit to crush me. When he appeared that
+morning, I thanked him ironically for restoring me to liberty. He only
+uttered his harsh crackling laugh in reply, and regarded me with a
+pretended disdain which failed to conceal his hatred and his longing to
+penetrate my mind and learn what indeed was between me and his Countess.
+In such men, especially when they have an evil suggester like the
+Captain at their ear, jealousy is a madness, and no assurances--nay, not
+even oaths--of innocence will be taken by them as truth. But his pride
+made him feign contempt for me, and he had nothing to say to me that
+day. Neither had the Captain, whose manner toward me merely reverted to
+what it had been at first. I saw my former place made ready at the
+table, and took it. The Count and his friend talked of their sports and
+the affairs of the estate, and not one word of the Countess was spoken.
+Having eaten, they went off to ride, leaving me to amuse myself as I
+might. The air of the chateau seemed the freer for their absence, but
+still it was to me a sinister place, and an irreligious place too, for,
+though the Count and his friend were Catholics, I had not seen the sign
+of a chaplain or of any religious observance since I had crossed the
+drawbridge. So I prepared myself for a dull yet anxious day, and lounged
+about the hall and court-yard as the places where I might best hope to
+find out something from the domestics of the house.
+
+As I paced the stones of the court-yard, I became aware that a certain
+maidservant had been obtruding upon my view with a persistency that
+might be intentional. I now regarded her, as she stood in a small
+doorway leading to the kitchen. She was a plump, well-made thing, with a
+wholesome, honest face, but the sluttishness of her loose frock, and of
+a great cap that hung over her eyes, were too suggestive of the
+scullery. As soon as she saw I noticed her, she put one finger on her
+lip, and swiftly beckoned me with another.
+
+I strolled carelessly over, and stopped within a foot of her, pretending
+to readjust my sword-belt.
+
+"Monsieur," she said in an undertone, "you are desired to be in your
+chamber this afternoon at four o'clock."
+
+I glanced at the girl in wonder.
+
+"That is all at present," she whispered. I had the discretion to move
+on. There were, as usual, several armed fellows idling about the
+court-yard, but none seemed to have observed that any word had passed
+between the kitchen-maid and me.
+
+Here was matter for astonishment and conjecture for the next few hours.
+In some manner or other, those hours passed, and at four I was seated in
+my chamber, having left the door open an inch or so. The turret clock
+had scarce done striking when the door was pushed wide; somebody entered
+and instantly closed it. I had a brief feeling of disappointment as I
+saw the slovenly frock and overhanging cap of the kitchen-maid. Was it
+she, then, who paid me the compliment of this clandestine visit?
+
+No; for the cap was swiftly flung back from the brow, and there was the
+bright and comely face of Mathilde. I uttered her name in pleased
+surprise.
+
+"Yes," she said quickly, "Mathilde in the guise of Brigitte. I have come
+from Madame the Countess."
+
+"And where is she?" I asked eagerly.
+
+"In the great tower."
+
+"A prisoner?"
+
+"Yes, and I with her. Fortunately there was nothing else to do with me,
+unless they killed me. So I am able to attend her."
+
+"Faithful Mathilde! But why is this?"
+
+"It is the fulfilment of the Count's threat in case Madame could not
+clear herself of that false charge."
+
+"But the Count knew that Monsieur de Merri was coming here. I told him."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur, but the Count would believe as much of your story as
+Captain Ferragant would choose to let him. Your very interest in
+Madame's fate has been new food for his jealousy."
+
+"God forbid!"
+
+"It is not your fault, Monsieur; it is the Count's madness. He locks his
+wife up, as much that she may be inaccessible to you and all other men,
+as because of anything concerning Monsieur de Merri."
+
+"You may well call it his madness."
+
+"Yes; for, whatever other ladies may have deserved who have been treated
+thus, the Countess is the most virtuous of wives. Her regard for her
+marriage vows--in spite of the husband she has--is a part of her
+religion. But his mind is poisoned. He naturally believes that a young
+and beautiful woman would not be faithful to an old wolf like him. And
+he is almost right, for there is only one young and beautiful woman in
+France who would be, and that is the Countess."
+
+"Surely not because she loves him?"
+
+"Oh, no. It is because of her religion. She was brought up at a convent
+school, and when the Count offered to marry her, the Mother Superior
+made her think it her duty and heaven's will that she should accept the
+high position, where her piety would shine so much further: and having
+become his wife, she would die rather than violate a wife's duties by a
+hair's breadth. But what is her reward? Not because he loves
+her--there's more love in a stone!--but because he can't endure the
+thought of any trespass on what is his--because he dreads being made a
+jeer of--he goes mad with jealousy and suspicion. He imitates the Prince
+of Conde by locking his wife up in a tower."
+
+"But this cannot last forever."
+
+"No, Monsieur, and for a very good reason--the Countess's life cannot
+last forever under this treatment--even if the Count, in some wild
+imagining of her guilt, conjured up by Captain Ferragant, does not
+murder her. It's that thought which makes me shudder. It could be done
+so quietly in that lonely cell, and any account of her death could be
+given out to avoid scandal."
+
+"Horrible, Mathilde! He would not go to that length."
+
+"Men have done so. You are a stranger, and have not seen the frenzies
+into which the Count sometimes works himself, torturing his mind by
+imagining actions of infidelity on her part."
+
+"But that disease of his mind will wear itself out; then he will see
+matters more sanely."
+
+"Will he grow better, do you think, as he grows older, and drinks more
+wine, and falls more under the influence of the red Captain?"
+
+To say truth, I thought as Mathilde did, though I had spoken otherwise
+for mere form of reassurance.
+
+"What is her prison like?" I asked.
+
+"A gloomy room no larger that this, with a single small window. There is
+no panelling nor tapestry nor plaster--nothing but the bare stones.
+There are a bed for Madame, a cot for me, a table, and two chairs:
+nothing else to make it look like a human habitation, save our
+crucifixes, an image of the Virgin, a trunk, and Madame's book of
+Hours."
+
+"A small window, you say. Is it barred?"
+
+"No; but our room is very high up in the tower."
+
+"Still, if one got through the window--is it large enough for that?"
+
+"One might get through; but the moat is beneath--far beneath."
+
+"The window looks toward Montoire, then, if the moat is beneath."
+
+"Yes; we can see the sunset."
+
+"At all events, a person dropping from the window would alight outside
+the walls of the chateau?"
+
+"Yes, Monsieur,--in the moat, as I said. It would be a long drop, too. I
+don't know how high up the room is. It seems a great many steps up the
+winding stairs before one comes to the landing before the door."
+
+"Is it at the top of the tower, then?"
+
+"No; for beyond our door the stairs begin again, and they seem to wind
+more steeply."
+
+"You noticed the sunset. Then you must have been there yesterday
+evening."
+
+"Yes; we were taken there shortly after noon yesterday. That was the
+limit to the time given the Countess in which to prove her innocence.
+She was summoned to the picture gallery by the Count himself, and nobody
+else was there but Captain Ferragant. The door was closed against me,
+and what passed between that saint and those two devils I know not; but
+after a little the door was opened, and there she was, very pale and
+with her eyes raised in prayer. The Count, who was blue with
+vindictiveness, told me to get together what things Madame should order;
+and when that was done, he bade us follow, and led the way down to the
+court-yard and to the tower, the Captain walking behind. As we climbed
+those narrow winding steps, I wished the Count might trip in the
+half-darkness and break his neck, but alas, it was only poor Madame who
+stumbled now and then. The Count showed us into the room, already
+furnished for us, and waited till a man had brought the trunk in which I
+had put some of Madame's clothes. The Count left without a word, and we
+heard the door locked outside. At first I thought we were to be left to
+starve, but after some hours the door was unlocked by a man on guard
+outside, and Brigitte appeared with our supper. She told us she was to
+come twice a day with our food, and for other necessary services. And
+when she came again this morning, I had planned how I should manage to
+see you."
+
+"You are as clever as you are true, Mathilde."
+
+"Fortunately Brigitte looks such a simple, witless creature that the man
+on guard on the landing has not thought to pry while she has been with
+us, and has allowed the door to be shut. He cannot then see in, as the
+grated opening has been closed, out of regard to Madame's sex. So this
+morning I got Brigitte's consent to my plan, for the poor girl is the
+softest-hearted creature in the world. And to make sure of finding you
+immediately when I got out, I charged her to tell you to be in your room
+at four o'clock."
+
+"Which she did very adroitly."
+
+"She is not such a fool as some take her for. Well, when she came to us
+awhile ago, I transferred this frock and cap from her to me, and had her
+call out to the guard that she had forgotten something and must return
+to the kitchen for it. 'Very well, beauty,' said the guard ironically,
+and I came out in a great hurry, and was on my way downstairs before he
+could take a second look at me. The landing is a dark place, and my
+figure so much like Brigitte's that her clothes make it look quite the
+same. There is another man on guard, at the bottom of the stairs, but he
+was as easily deceived as the one above. I ran across the two
+court-yards, and through the kitchen passage to the servants' stairs,
+and nobody glanced twice at me. Brigitte, of course, must stay with
+Madame till I return,--and now, Monsieur, it is time I was back, and I
+have said nothing of what I came to say."
+
+"You have said much that is important. But 'tis true, you'd best say the
+rest quickly,--your return may be dangerous enough."
+
+"Oh, I shall go so fast that nobody will have time to suspect me. As for
+the guards, it is their duty to keep me in. Should they see it is I who
+was out, they will be very glad to have me in again, and to hold their
+tongues, for the Count's punishments are not light. But as to Madame's
+message--she would have tried to convey it by Brigitte, had I not
+declared I would come at all hazards,--for the truth is, I have
+something to say on my own responsibility, also."
+
+"But Madame's message?" I demanded eagerly.
+
+"She begs that you will go away while you can. So brave a young
+gentleman should not stay here to risk the Count's vengeance."
+
+I felt joy at this concern for my safety.
+
+"If I am a brave man," I answered, "I can only stay and help her."
+
+"I am glad you are of that mind, Monsieur, for it is what I think. That
+is what _I_ had to say to you."
+
+"Then the only question is, how can I be of use to the Countess? She
+must be released from this imprisonment."
+
+"There I agree with you again. She ought to be taken away--far out of
+reach of the Count's vengeance--before he has time to make her plight
+worse than it is, or carry out any design against her life. But even if
+she remained as she is, her health would not long endure it."
+
+"Now that matters have come to this pass, no doubt she is willing to run
+away."
+
+"Not yet, Monsieur. That is for me to persuade her. But if we form some
+plan of escape now, I hope I can win her consent before the time comes
+to carry it out."
+
+"I trust so. When she repelled the idea of escape, the day I saw her in
+the garden, things had not gone so far. And then she thought there was
+no safe place of refuge for her. But I can find a place. And she thought
+an attempt must be hopeless because the Count would be swift to pursue.
+But if we got some hours' start, going at night--"
+
+"Yes, certainly it will have to be at night, Monsieur. The Count has the
+roads watched from the tower, for some purpose of his own--I think he
+expects some enemy."
+
+"You still have the key to the postern?"
+
+"It must be where I left it--buried under the rose-bush nearest the
+postern itself. But the first thing is, to get out of the room in the
+tower."
+
+"Certainly. It would not be possible for Madame to get out as you have
+done--by a disguise, I mean?"
+
+"No, Monsieur. Brigitte is the only one who comes to us, with whom she
+might change clothes. And Madame is not at all of Brigitte's figure--nor
+could she mimic Brigitte's walk as I can. She could not act a part in
+the slightest degree. And I know that Madame would never consent to go
+and leave me behind to bear the Count's wrath. We must all three go
+together. Besides Brigitte comes and goes in the daytime, and Madame
+must escape at night."
+
+"Yes, that is certain. It is hard to devise a plan in a moment. If I
+could think of it over night, and you come to me again to-morrow--but
+no, you may not be able to play this same trick again--the guards may
+detect you going back."
+
+"That is true, and I have thought of one plan, though it may be
+difficult."
+
+"Let me hear it, nevertheless."
+
+"Then listen, Monsieur. First, as to the door of our cell. It is locked
+with a key, which the Count himself retains, except when he goes out, as
+this afternoon,--it is then entrusted to the seneschal. I know this from
+Brigitte, for the key is given to her when she comes to us. She hands it
+to the guard on the landing, who opens the door and keeps the key while
+she is within. When she leaves us, he locks the door, and she takes the
+key back to the Count or seneschal. But in order to release Madame, you
+must have that key."
+
+"And how am I to get it?"
+
+"After Brigitte's last visit to us before the night we select, she will
+give the Count or seneschal, not the real key to our cell, but another
+of the same size and general shape--she has access to unimportant keys
+about the house. Then she will bring the real key to you."
+
+"But poor Brigitte!--when the Count investigates in the morning, he will
+find she has given him the wrong key."
+
+Mathilde thought a moment. "No; he will rather suppose you robbed him of
+the right key during the night and substituted the other to delay
+discovery. He will suspect anything rather than Brigitte, whom he thinks
+too great a fool for the least craft; and even if she is accused, she
+can play the innocent. I assure you."
+
+"So much for that, then. There is yet the door of entrance to the
+tower."
+
+"At present it has an old broken key in the lock, which is therefore
+useless. But no doubt that will be remedied--so we must act soon.
+Meanwhile, that door is guarded by the man at the foot of the stairs."
+
+"But are the two guards on duty at night also? There is no Brigitte to
+be let in and out then. And surely the Count doesn't think you can break
+your lock."
+
+"There are guards on duty, nevertheless. Last night I heard one call
+down the stairs to another, asking the time. They are there, no doubt,
+not for fear of our breaking out, but for fear of somebody breaking in
+to help Madame. I don't suppose there are ever more than two. If the
+rule has not been changed, the rest of the household sleeps, except a
+porter in the gate-house and a man on top of the tower. But this man
+watches the roads, as well as he can in the darkness, and the porter too
+is more concerned about people who might want to enter the chateau than
+about what goes on inside. So in the dead of night you can go silently
+downstairs and let yourself out of the hall--"
+
+"But is not the hall door locked with a key?"
+
+"Yes; but the key is left always in the lock. You have then only to
+cross the two court-yards to the lower, without making any noise to
+alarm the porter at the gate-house or to warn the guard at the tower
+entrance."
+
+"Will he be inside or outside the tower door, I wonder?"
+
+"Probably inside, where there is a bench just at the foot of the stairs.
+He and his comrade above will be your only real difficulty, Monsieur. If
+you can take them by surprise, one at a time--"
+
+"One at a time, or two at a time," said I, beginning to walk up and down
+the chamber, and grasping my sword and dagger. "But the trouble will be,
+the noise that may be made when I encounter them,--it may arouse the
+chateau and spoil all."
+
+"But heaven may grant that you will surprise the men inside the tower,
+one at the foot of the stairs, the other on our landing, as they must
+have been last night. In that case, if you can keep the fighting inside
+the tower, till--"
+
+"Till they are dead. Yes, in that case, if I am expeditious, no noise
+may be heard outside. That is a thing to aim for. If they, or one,
+should be outside, I can rush in and so draw them after me. Well, and
+when I have done for them--?"
+
+"Then you have but to unlock our door, and Madame and I will join
+you.--You will know our door by there being a stool in the landing
+before it--the guard sits there.--Well, then we must fly silently
+through the court-yards and the hall, let ourselves out to the
+terrace--there are two or three ways I know,--and run through the garden
+to the postern. Once out of these walls, we must hurry across the fields
+to the house of a certain miller--"
+
+"Hugues? Yes."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur. The watchman on the tower will not see us in the fields,
+for we shall keep close to the woods till we are at a distance. Hugues
+can supply two horses, at least, and you and Madame must be as far away
+as possible by daylight."
+
+"And you, Mathilde?"
+
+"Unless we can get three horses, I will lie hid at Hugues's mill till
+Madame finds time to send for me. It will be suitable enough--Hugues and
+I are to be married some day."
+
+"But I have a horse at the inn at Montoire. If I can get it out at that
+hour, you can come with us--to whatever place we may decide upon."
+
+"As to that place, you may consider in the meanwhile. There will be time
+to discuss the matter with Madame when she is escaping with you. The
+first thing is, to get as far from Lavardin as possible. And now when is
+all this to be done?"
+
+"The sooner the better, for who knows when the Count may take into his
+head some new idea?"
+
+"Yes, of harm to Madame or to yourself."
+
+"Why should we not choose this very night?"
+
+"I see no reason against it--except that I may not be able to persuade
+Madame. But yet there will be several hours--and surely heaven will help
+me!--Yes, to-night! There is nothing for me to do but persuade Madame,
+and see that we are dressed as suitably for travel as the clothes at
+hand will permit. But first, before Brigitte comes away, I must instruct
+her about the key. At what hour will you come, Monsieur?"
+
+"As soon as the house is asleep."
+
+"Fortunately, early hours are kept here, as there is never any company.
+But the Count and the Captain stay at their cups till ten or eleven
+o'clock."
+
+"Then by that time they must have drunk enough to make them fall asleep
+as soon as they are in bed."
+
+"And sometimes before they are in bed, I have heard the servants say."
+
+"Then I will leave my room at half-past eleven, but will make sure that
+the hall is dark and empty before I proceed."
+
+"And may the saints aid you, Monsieur, when you have to do with the men
+at the tower!"
+
+"The men will not be expecting me, that is one advantage," said I,
+trying to seem calm, but trembling with excitement. "If all goes well,
+we should be out of the chateau soon after midnight."
+
+"And at Hugues's house before one o'clock. You should be on
+horseback--the Countess and you--by half-past one. Have you money,
+Monsieur?"
+
+"Yes,--this purse is nearly as full as when I left home."
+
+"That is well, for Madame has none, and I don't know how much Hugues
+could get together in ten minutes. I have ten crowns in his strong-box,
+which Madame shall have."
+
+"They shall stay in Hugues's strong-box, and his own money too. I have
+enough."
+
+"Then I believe that is all, Monsieur, and I'd better be going back. Be
+on the watch for Brigitte with the key. Do you think of anything else?"
+
+We went hurriedly over the various details of the plan, and then she
+took her leave, darting along the passage as swiftly as a greyhound and
+as silently as a ghost. I sat down to think upon what I had undertaken,
+but my mind was in a whirl. Strangely enough, I, the victor of a single
+duel, did not shrink from the idea of killing the two guards--or as many
+as there might be. Perhaps this was because they were sure to be rascals
+whose lives one could not value very highly, especially as against that
+of the Countess. Nor did I feel greatly the odds against me, in regard
+both to their number and to my inexperience in such business. Perhaps
+the apparent confidence of Mathilde in my ability to dispose of them--a
+confidence based on my being a gentleman and they underlings--infected
+me. And yet I chose not to go too deeply into the probabilities. My
+safest course, for my courage, was not to think too much, but to wait
+for the moment and then do my best.
+
+It seemed but a short time till there was a tap at my door, and in came
+the real Brigitte.
+
+"Mathilde got back safe, Monsieur; she was not detected," she said, and
+handed me a large key.
+
+Ere more could pass, she was gone. I put the key in my breast pocket. It
+was now time I should show myself to the Count and his friend at table;
+which I proceeded to do, as boldly as if I had entertained no design
+against them. They were just back from their ride. It was strange with
+what outward coolness I was able to carry myself, by dint of not
+thinking too closely on what I had undertaken. For observe that, besides
+the immediate task of the night, there was Madame's whole future
+involved. And how precipitately Mathilde and I had settled upon our
+course, without pausing to consider if some more prudent measures might
+not be taken to the same end! But I was hurried by my feeling that I
+ought to save Madame, the more because no one could say how far the
+present situation was due to my having killed De Merri, and to my advent
+at the chateau. Even though she might choose not to escape, it was for
+me to give her the opportunity, at least. And to tell the truth, I
+longed to see her again, at any cost. As for Mathilde, there were her
+pressing fears of a worse fate for her mistress, to excuse her haste.
+And we were both young, and thought that any project which goes straight
+and smoothly in the telling must go straight and smoothly in the doing;
+and we looked not far ahead.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE WINDING STAIRS
+
+
+I left the table early, and went to my room. I tore two strips from the
+sheet of my bed, and wrapped them around my boots so as to cover the
+soles and deaden my footsteps. Slowly the night came, with stars and a
+moon well toward the full. But we could keep in shadow while about the
+chateau, and the light would aid our travelling later. At half-past ten
+o'clock, the house seemed so still I thought the Count must have gone to
+bed before his usual time. I stole noiselessly from my room, feeling my
+way; and partly down the stairs. But when I got to the head of the lower
+flight, I saw that the hall was still lighted. I peered over the
+railing. The Count and the Captain were alone, except for two knaves who
+sat asleep on their bench at the lower end of the hall. The Count
+lounged limply back in his great chair at the head of the table,
+unsteadily holding a glass of wine; and the Captain leaned forward on
+the board, narrowly regarding the Count. Both were well gone in wine,
+the Count apparently the more so. There was a look of mental torment on
+the Count's face.
+
+"Yes, I know, I know," he said, wincing at his own words as if they
+pierced him. "There was opportunity enough with that De Merri. I was
+blind then. And with this new puppy! Women and lovers have the ingenuity
+of devils in devising opportunities. And they both admit their interview
+in the garden. But that he could have his way so soon--is that entirely
+probable?"
+
+He looked at the Captain almost beseechingly, as if for a spark of hope.
+
+The Captain spoke with the calm certainty of wisdom gained through a
+world of experience:
+
+"Young blood is quickly stirred. Young lips are quickly drawn to one
+another. Young arms are quick to reach out, and young bodies quick to
+yield to them."
+
+The Count uttered a cry of pain and wrath, his eyes fixed as though upon
+the very scene the Captain imagined.
+
+"The wretches!" said the tortured Count, staggering to his feet. "And I
+am the Count de Lavardin!"
+
+[Illustration: "'THE WRETCHES!' SAID THE TORTURED COUNT, STAGGERING TO
+HIS FEET."]
+
+"The greater nobleman you, the greater conquest for a young nobody to
+boast of. It is a fine thought for adventurous youth.--'A great lord,
+and a rich, but it is I, an unknown stripling, who really have possessed
+what he thinks his dearest treasure.'"
+
+The Count gave a kind of agonized moan, and went lurching across the
+hall, spilling some wine from his glass. "And a man of my years, too!"
+he said, with an accent of self-pity.
+
+"The older the husband, the merrier the laugh at his expense," said the
+Captain.
+
+The Count ground his teeth, and muttered to himself.
+
+"It is always their boasting that betrays them," went on the Count.
+"When I was young, they used to tell of a famous love affair between the
+Bussy d'Amboise of that day and the Countess de Montsoreau, wife of the
+Grand-huntsman. It came out through Bussy's writing to the King's
+brother that he had stolen the hind of the Grand-huntsman. That is how
+these young cocks always speak of their conquests.
+
+"Ah, I remember that. He did the right thing, that Montsoreau! He forced
+his false wife to make an appointment with Bussy, and when Bussy came,
+it was a dozen armed men who kept the appointment, and the gay lover
+died hanging from a window. Yes, that Montsoreau!--but he should have
+killed the woman too! The perfidious creatures! Mon dieu!--when I
+married her--when she took the vows--she was the picture of fidelity--I
+could have staked my soul that she was true; that from duty alone she
+was mine always, only mine!"
+
+He lamented not as one hurt in his love, but as one outraged in his
+right of possession and in his dignity and pride. And curiously enough,
+his last words caused a look of jealousy to pass across the face of the
+Captain. This look, unnoticed by the Count, and speedily repressed, came
+to me as a revelation. It seemed to betray a bitter envy of the Count's
+mere loveless and unloved right of possession; and it bespoke the
+resolve that, if the Captain might not have her smiles, not even her
+husband might be content in his rights. Such men will give a woman to
+death rather than to any other man. As in a flash, then, I saw his
+motive in working upon the Count's insane jealousy. Better the Count
+should kill her than that even the Count should possess her. I shuddered
+to think how near to murder the Count had been wrought up but a moment
+since. At any time his impulse might pass the bounds. I now understood
+Mathilde's apprehensions, and saw the need for haste in removing the
+Countess far from the power of this madman and his malign instigator.
+
+The Count, exhausted by his rush of feelings, drained his glass, and
+almost immediately gave way to the sudden drowsiness which befalls
+drinkers at a certain stage. He staggered to his seat, and fell back in
+a kind of daze, the Captain watching him with cold patience. Thinking
+they would soon be going to bed, I slipped back to my room.
+
+A little after eleven, I went forth again. The hall was now dark, and
+its silence betokened desertion. I groped my way to the door. The key
+turned more noisily than I should have wished, and there was a bolt to
+undo, which grated; but I heard no sound of alarm in the house. I
+stepped out to the court-yard, closing the door after me. The court-yard
+was bathed in moonlight. Keeping close to the house, so as not to be
+visible from any upper window, I gained the shadow of the wall
+separating the two court-yards. As noiselessly as a cat, I followed that
+wall to its gateway; entered the second court-yard, and saw that the
+door to the tower was open, a faint light coming from it. The tower
+itself, obstructing the moon's rays, threw its shadow across the
+paving-stones. I stepped into that shadow, which was only partial; drew
+my sword and dagger, and darted straight for the tower entrance,
+stopping just inside the doorway. By the light of a lantern hanging
+against the wall, I saw a kind of small vestibule, beyond which was an
+inner wall, and at one side of which was the beginning of a narrow
+spiral staircase, that ran up between walls until it wound out of sight.
+On a bench against the inner wall I have mentioned, sat a man, who rose
+at sight of me, with one hand grasping a sword, and with the other a
+pike that was leaning against the bench.
+
+He was a heavy, squat fellow, with short, thick legs and short, thick
+arms.
+
+"I give you one chance for your life," said I quickly. "Help me to
+escape with your prisoner, and leave the Count's service for mine."
+
+After a moment's astonishment, the man grunted derisively, and made a
+lunge at my breast with his pike. I caught the pike with my left hand,
+still holding my dagger therein, and forced it downward. At the same
+time I thrust with my rapier, but he parried with his own sword. I
+thrust instantly again, and would have pinned him to the wall if he had
+not sprung aside. He was now with his back to the stairs, and neither of
+us had let go the pike. His sword-point darted at me a second time, but
+I avoided, and thrust in return. Not quite ready to parry, he escaped by
+falling back upon the narrow stone steps. Before I could attack, he was
+on his feet again, and on the second step. We still held to the pike,
+which troubled me much, both as an impediment to free sword-play and as
+depriving me of the use of my dagger. I suddenly fell back, trying to
+jerk it from his grasp; but his grip was too firm. He jerked the pike in
+turn, and I let go, thinking the unexpected release might cause him a
+fall.
+
+He did not fall; but I pressed close with sword and dagger before he
+could bring the pike to use, and he backed further up the stairs. He
+caught the pike nearer the point, that he might wield it better at close
+quarters; but the long handle made it an awkward weapon, by striking
+against the wall, which continually curved behind him. We were sword to
+sword, and against my dagger he had his pike, but the dagger was the
+freer weapon for defence though not so far-reaching for attack.
+
+The man was very strong, but he had the shorter thrust and offered the
+broader target. We continued at it, thrust and parry, give and take. All
+the time he retreated up the winding staircase, which was so narrow that
+we had little elbow room, and this was to his advantage as he needed
+less than I. Another thing soon came to his advantage: the stairs curved
+out of the light cast by the lantern below, so that he backed into
+darkness, yet I was still visible to him. I cannot tell by what sense I
+knew where to meet his sword-point, yet certainly my dagger rang against
+it each time it would have stung me out of the dark. As for his pike, I
+now kept it busy enough in meeting my own thrusts. Whether or not I was
+drawn by the knowledge that the Countess was above, I continued to
+attack so incessantly, and with such good reach, that my antagonist
+still retreated upward. I followed him into the darkness; and then the
+advantage was with me, as being slender.
+
+Hitherto I had offered him my full front, but now I half turned my back
+to the wall, so that his blade might scarce find me at all, and that I
+might stand less danger of being forced backward off my feet. Well, so
+we prodded the darkness with our steel feelers in search of each other's
+bodies on those narrow stairs, striking sparks from the stone walls
+which our weapons were bound to meet by reason of the continual
+curvature.
+
+At last the broad form of my adversary was suddenly thrown into faint
+light by a narrow window in the wall. I staked all upon one swift
+thrust. It caught him full in the belly, and ran how far up his body I
+know not. With a cry he fell forward, and I was hard put to it to save
+my sword and avoid going down with him. But I got myself and my sword
+free, and went on up the stairs as fast as I could feel my way.
+
+In a few moments I heard steps coming from above, and a rough voice
+shouting down, "Ho, Gaspard, did you call? What the devil's up?" It was
+the other guard, who must have been asleep to have been deaf to the
+clash of our weapons, but whom his comrade's death-cry had roused. I
+trusted that the walls of the tower had confined that death-cry from the
+chateau; fortunately, the narrow window was toward the open fields.
+
+I stopped where I was. When the man's steps sounded a few feet from me,
+I said "Halt!" and, telling him his comrade was dead, proposed the terms
+I had offered the latter. There was a moment's silence: then a clicking
+sound, and finally a great flash of fiery light with a loud report, and
+the smell of smoke. By good luck I had flattened myself against the wall
+before speaking, and the charge whizzed past me. Thinking the man might
+have another pistol in readiness, I stood still. But he turned and ran
+up the stairs. I stumbled after him.
+
+Presently the stairway curved into light such as we had left at the
+bottom. The guard ran on in the light, and finally stepped forth to a
+landing no wider than the stairs; where there hung a lantern over a
+three-legged stool, beyond which was a door. At sight of this my heart
+bounded.
+
+At the very edge of the landing the man turned and faced me, pointing a
+second pistol. As the wheel moved, I dropped forward. The thing missed
+fire entirely, and, flinging it down with a curse, the man drew his
+sword and seized a pike that stood against the wall. I charged
+recklessly up the steps, bending my body to avoid the pike. It went
+through my doublet, just under the left armpit. Ere he could disencumber
+it I pressed forward upon the landing. I turned his sword with my
+dagger, and thrust with my own sword under the pike, piercing his side.
+Only wounded, he leaped back, drawing the pike from my clothes. He aimed
+at me again with that weapon. In bending away from it, I fell on my
+side, but instantly turned upon my back.
+
+The man moved to stand over me. I let go my sword, and caught the pike
+in my hand as it descended. He then tried to spit me with his sword, but
+I checked its point with the guard of my dagger. I thought I was near my
+end. He had only to draw up his sword for another downward thrust; but
+there was a sudden faltering, or hesitation, in his movements, probably
+a blindness of his eyes, the effect of his wound. In that instant of his
+uncertainty, I swung my dagger around and ran it through his leg. He
+fell forward upon me, nearly driving the breath out of my body. My
+dagger arm, extended as it had been, was fortunately free. I crooked my
+elbow, embraced my adversary, and sank the dagger deep into his back. I
+felt his quiver of death.
+
+After I had rolled his body off me, and sheathed my sword and dagger, I
+took out the key and unlocked the door. Inside the vaulted room of
+stone, which was lighted by a candle, stood the Countess and Mathilde.
+
+The Countess, beautiful in her pallor, and looking more angel than woman
+in the plain robe of blue that clothed her slight figure, met me with a
+face of mingled reproach, pity, and horror. Mathilde was in tears and
+utterly downcast. I could see at a glance how matters stood, and ere I
+had made two steps beyond the threshold, I stopped, abashed.
+
+"Oh, Monsieur, the blood!" cried the Countess sadly, pointing to my
+doublet.
+
+"It is that of your two guards," I said. "I am not hurt."
+
+"I am glad you are not hurt. But oh, why did you put this bloodshed upon
+your soul?"
+
+"To save you, Madame."
+
+"Alas, I know. It is not for me to blame you--but could you think I
+would escape--leave the house of my husband--become a fugitive wife?"
+
+I saw how firm she was in her resolution for all her fragility of body,
+and I scarce knew what to say.
+
+"Madame, think! He is your husband, yes,--but your persecutor. Where you
+should have protection, you receive--this." I waved my hand about her
+prison. "Where you should find safety, you are in mortal danger."
+
+"I know all that, Monsieur,--have known it from the first. But shall I
+play the runaway on that account? Think what you propose--that I, a
+wedded wife, shall fly from my husband's roof with a gentleman who is
+not even of kin to me! Then indeed would my good name deserve to
+suffer."
+
+"But Madame, heaven knows, as I do, that you are the truest of wives."
+
+"Then let me still deserve that title as my consolation, whatever I may
+have to endure."
+
+"But to flee from such indignity as this--such slander--such peril of
+death--"
+
+"It is for me to bear these things," she interrupted, "if he to whom I
+vowed myself in marriage inflicts them upon me. If they be wrongs, it is
+I who must suffer but not I who must answer to heaven for them! I may be
+sinned against, but I will not sin. Though he fail in a husband's duty,
+I will not fail in a wife's. Do you not understand, Monsieur, it is not
+the things done to us, but the things we do, that we are accountable
+for?"
+
+"But I can see no sin in your fleeing from the evils that beset you
+here, Madame."
+
+"Nay, even if it were not a violation of my marriage vow, it would have
+the appearance of sin, and that we are to avoid. And it would be to
+throw away my one hope, that my husband's heart may yet be softened, and
+his eyes opened to my innocence."
+
+"Alas! I trust it may turn out a true hope, Madame," said I sadly.
+
+"Heaven has caused such things to occur before now," she replied. "As
+for you, Monsieur, I must never cease to thank you for your chivalrous
+intent, as I shall thank my good Mathilde for her devotion. And I will
+ever pray for you. And now, if you would make my lot easier--if you
+would remove one anxiety from my heart, and give me one solace--you will
+leave this chateau immediately. Save yourself, I beg. Monsieur: let
+there be no more blood shed on my account, and that blood yours!
+Mathilde can let you out at the postern--she knows where the key is
+hidden. She tells me you have a horse at Montoire. Go, Monsieur--lose
+not another moment--I implore--nay, if you will recognize me as mistress
+of this house, I command."
+
+I bowed low. She offered me her hand: I kissed it.
+
+"It will not be necessary for Mathilde to come to the postern," said I.
+"I know another way out of the chateau. Adieu, Madame!" It was all I
+could manage to say without the breaking of my voice. I turned and left
+the room, closing the door that the Countess and Mathilde might be
+spared the sight of the body on the landing. I then, for a reason, took
+the key, leaving the door unlocked. I groped my way down the stairs,
+taking care not to trip over the body below. I crossed the court-yards
+without any care for secrecy, entered the hall, and sat down upon a
+bench near the door.
+
+When I had told the Countess I knew another way out of the chateau, I
+meant only the front gateway. But I did not intend immediately to try
+that way. I intended, for a purpose which had suddenly come into my
+head, to wait in the hall till morning and be the first to greet the
+Count when he appeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+MORE THAN MERE PITY
+
+
+What I stayed to do was something the Countess herself could do, and
+probably would do one way or another, if indeed mere circumstances would
+not do it of themselves: though I felt that none could as I could. But
+to tell the truth, even if I could not have brought myself to turn my
+back on that place while she was in such unhappy plight there.
+
+After I had sat awhile in the hall, I went to my room, lighted a candle,
+and cleansed myself and my weapons, and my clothes as well as I could,
+of blood. Having put myself to rights, though the rents in my doublet
+were still gaping, I went back to the bench in the hall, and passed the
+rest of the night there, sleeping and awake by turns.
+
+At dawn I heard steps and voices in the court-yard as of early risen
+dependents starting the day. Silence returned for a few minutes, and
+then came the noise of hurrying feet, and of shouts. There was rapid
+talk between somebody in the court-yard and somebody at an upper window.
+I knew it meant that the bodies of the two guards had been discovered,
+doubtless by the men who had gone to relieve them. In a short time, down
+the stairs came the Count de Lavardin, his doublet still unfastened,
+followed by two body-servants. He came in haste toward the front door,
+but I rose and stood in his path.
+
+"A moment, Monsieur Count. There's no need of haste. You'll find your
+prisoner safe enough."
+
+"What do you mean?" he asked, having stopped in sheer wonder at my
+audacity.
+
+"Madame the Countess has not flown, though it is true her guards are
+slain--I slew them. And Madame the Countess will not fly, though it is
+true her prison door is unlocked--I unlocked it--with this key, which I
+borrowed from you last night."
+
+He took the key I handed him, and stared at it in amazement. He then
+thrust his hand into his doublet pocket and drew out another key, which
+he held up beside the first, looking from one to the other.
+
+"Yes," said I, "that is a different key, which I left in place of the
+right one so that you might not discover the loan too soon."
+
+He gazed at me with a mixture of fury and surprise, as at an antagonist
+whose capacity he must have previously underrated.
+
+"By the horns of Satan," he exclaimed, "you are the boldest of meddling
+imps."
+
+"I have meddled to good purpose," said I, "though my meddling has not
+turned out as I planned. But it has turned out so as to bring you peace
+of mind, at least in one respect."
+
+"What are you talking of?"
+
+"You see that I possessed myself of that key; that I fought my way to
+the prison of the Countess; that I threw open her prison door."
+
+"And believe me, you shall pay for your ingenuity and daring, my brave
+youth."
+
+"All that was but the beginning of what I was resolved and able to do. I
+had prepared our way of escape from the chateau."
+
+"I am not sure of that."
+
+"You may laugh with your lips, Count, but I laugh at you in my heart.
+Don't think Monsieur de Pepicot is the only man who can get out of the
+Chateau de Lavardin."
+
+The reminder somewhat sobered the Count.
+
+"I had the means, too," I went on, "to fly with Madame far from this
+place. We might indeed have been a half-day's ride away by this time. I
+assure you it is true. Let what I have done convince you of what more I
+could have done. You don't think I should have gone so far as I have,
+unless I was sure of going further, do you?"
+
+The Count shrugged his shoulders, pretending derision, but he waited for
+me.
+
+"And why did I not go further?" I continued. "Because the Countess would
+not. Because she is the truest of wives. Because, when I opened her
+door, she met me with a stern rebuke for supposing her capable of flying
+from your roof. Ah, Monsieur, it would have set your mind at rest, if
+you had heard her. She bows to your will, though it may crush her,
+because you are her husband. Never was such pious fidelity to marriage
+vows. Her only hope is that your mind may be cleared of its false doubts
+of her."
+
+The Count looked impressed. He had become thoughtful, and a kind of
+grateful ease seemed to show itself upon his brow. I was pleasing myself
+with the belief that I had thus, in an unexpected way, convinced him of
+the Countess's virtue, when a voice at my side broke in upon my
+satisfaction. I had so closely kept my attention upon the Count that I
+had not observed Captain Ferragant come down the stairs. It was he that
+now spoke, in his cool, quiet, scoffing tone:
+
+"Perhaps the Countess had less faith in this gentleman's power to convey
+her safely away than he seems to have had himself. Perhaps she saw a
+less promising future for a renegade wife than he could picture to her.
+Perhaps she, too, perceived the value of her refusal to run away, as
+evidence of virtue in the eyes of a credulous husband."
+
+The Count's forehead clouded again. I turned indignantly upon the
+Captain, but addressed my words to the Count, saying:
+
+"Monsieur, you will pardon me, but it seems to a stranger that you allow
+this gentleman great liberties of speech. Men of honour do not, as a
+rule, even permit their friends to defame their wives."
+
+"This gentleman is in my confidence," said the Count, his grey face
+reddening for a moment. "It is you, a stranger as you say, who have
+taken great liberties in speaking of my domestic affairs. But you shall
+pay for them, young gentleman. Your youth makes your presumption all the
+greater, and shall not make your punishment the less. I will trouble
+you, Captain, to see that he stays here till I return."
+
+At this the Count, motioning his attendants to follow, who had stood out
+of earshot of our lowered voices, passed on to the court-yard, and
+thence, of course, to the prison of the Countess.
+
+The Captain stood looking at me with that expression of antipathy and
+ridicule which I always found it so hard to brook. I had some thought of
+defying the Count's last words and walking away to see what the Captain
+would do. But I reflected that this course must end in my taking down,
+unless I made good a sudden flight from the chateau by the gate; and if
+I made that I should be fleeing from the Countess. So the best thing was
+to be submissive, and not bring matters, as between the Count and me, to
+a crisis. Perhaps a way to help the Countess might yet occur, if I
+stayed upon the scene to avail myself of it. And in any case by
+continuing there in as much freedom as the Count might choose to allow
+me, I might have at least the chance of another sight of her.
+
+So, while we waited half an hour or so in the hall, I gave the Captain
+no trouble, not even that of speech, which he disdained to take on his
+own initiative.
+
+The Count returned, looking agitated, as if he had been in a storm of
+anger which had scarce had time to subside. His glance at me was more
+charged with hate and menace than ever before. He beckoned the Captain
+to the other end of the hall, and there they talked for awhile in
+undertones, the Count often shaking his head quickly, and taking short
+walks to and fro; sometimes he clenched his fists, or breathed heavy
+sighs of irritation, or darted at me a swift look of malevolence and
+threat. I could only assume that something had passed between the
+Countess and him during his visit to her prison--perhaps she had shown
+anxiety as to whether I had fled--which had suddenly quickened and
+increased his jealousy of me.
+
+At last the Count seemed to accept some course advised by his friend. He
+came towards me, the Captain following with slower steps. In a dry
+voice, well under control, the Count said to me:
+
+"Permit me to relieve you, Monsieur, of the burden of those weapons you
+carry. I am annoyed that you should think it desirable to wear them in
+my house, as if it were the road."
+
+Startled, I put my hands on the hilts of my sword and dagger, and took a
+step backward.
+
+"Your annoyance is somewhat strange, Monsieur," said I, "considering
+that you and the Captain wear your swords indoors as well as out. I
+thought it was the custom of this house."
+
+"If so," replied the Count, with his ghastly smile, "it is a custom that
+a guest forfeits the benefit of by killing two of my dependents. Come,
+young gentleman. Don't be so rude as to make me ask twice."
+
+The Captain now stepped forward more briskly, his hand on his own sword.
+Taking his motion as a threatening one, and scarce knowing what to do, I
+drew my weapons upon impulse and presented, not the handles, but the
+points. But ere I could think, the Captain's long rapier flashed out, it
+moved so swiftly I could not see it, and my own sword was torn from my
+grip and sent whirring across the hall. In the next instant, the guard
+of the Captain's sword was locked against the guard of my dagger, and
+his left hand gripped my wrist. It was such a trick as a fencing master
+might have played on a new pupil, or as I had heard attributed to my
+father but had never seen him perform. It showed me what a swordsman
+that red Captain was, and how much I had yet to learn ere I dared
+venture against such an adversary. And there was his bold red-splashed
+face close to mine, smiling in derision of my surprise and discomfiture.
+He was beginning to exert his strength upon my wrist--that strength
+which had choked and flung away the great hound. To save my arm, I let
+go my dagger. The Captain put his foot on it till an attendant, whom the
+Count had summoned, stooped for it. My sword was picked up by another
+man, whereupon, at the Count's command, it was hung upon a peg in the
+wall, and the dagger attached to the handle of the sword. The two men
+were then ordered to guard me, one at each side. They were burly
+fellows, armed with daggers.
+
+"Well, Monsieur, what next?" said I in as scornful a tone as I could
+command.
+
+"Patience, Monsieur; you will see."
+
+There was a low, narrow door in the side of the hall, near the front. At
+the Count's bidding, an attendant opened this, and I was marched into a
+very small, bare room, the ceiling of which was scarce higher than my
+head. This apartment had evidently been designed as a doorkeeper's box.
+It's only furniture was a bench. A mere eyehole of a window in the
+corner looked upon the court-yard.
+
+"Remember," I called back to the Count, "you cannot put injuries upon me
+with impunity. An account will be exacted in due time."
+
+"Remember, you," he replied with a laugh, "that you have murdered two
+men here, and are subject to my sentence."
+
+My guards left me in the room, and stationed themselves outside the
+door, which was then closed upon me. There was no lock to the door, but
+it was possible to fasten the latch on the outside, and this was done,
+as I presently discovered by trial.
+
+I sat on the bench, and gazed out upon as much of the court-yard as the
+window showed. Suddenly the window was darkened by something placed
+against it outside,--a man's doublet propped up by a pike, or some such
+device. I could not guess why they should cut off my light, unless as a
+mere addition to the tediousness of my restraint. I disdained to show
+annoyance, though I might have thrust my arm through the window and
+displaced the obstruction. Later I saw the reason: it was to prevent my
+seeing who passed through the court-yard.
+
+It seemed an hour until suddenly my door was flung open. In the doorway
+appeared the Captain, beckoning me to come forth. I did so.
+
+Half-way up the hall, a little at one side, stood the Count. Near him,
+and looking straight toward me, sat the Countess in a great arm-chair.
+Besides the Captain and myself, those two were the only persons in the
+hall. Even my guards had disappeared, and all doors leading from the
+hall were shut.
+
+The Countess, as I have said, was looking straight toward me. Her eyes
+had followed the Captain to my door, she wondering what was to come out
+of it. For assuredly she had not expected me to come out of it. She had
+still trusted that I had gone away in the night--the Count had not told
+her otherwise. Her surprise at seeing me was manifest in her startled
+look, which was followed by a low cry of compassionate regret.
+
+The Count had been watching her with a painful intentness. He had not
+even turned his eyes to see me enter, having trusted to his ears to
+apprise him. At her display of concern, the skin of his face tightened;
+though that display was no more than any compassionate lady might have
+given in a similar case. Even the Count, after a moment, appeared to
+think more reasonably of her demeanour.
+
+I bowed to her, and stood waiting for what might follow, the Captain
+near me.
+
+The Count, turning toward me for an instant to show it was I he
+addressed, but fixing his gaze again upon his wife and keeping it there
+while he continued speaking to me, delivered himself thus, with mocking
+irony:
+
+"Monsieur, I will not be so trifling or so churlish as to keep you in
+doubt regarding your fate. In this chateau, where the right of doom lies
+in me, you have been, by plain evidence and your own confession, guilty
+of the murder of two men. As to what other and worse crimes you have
+intended, I say nothing. What you have done is already too much. There
+is only one sufficient punishment. You may thank me for granting you
+time of preparation. I will give you two days--a liberal allowance, you
+will admit--during which you shall be lodged in a secure place, where in
+solitude and quiet you may put yourself in readiness for death."
+
+The Countess rose with a cry, "No, no!" Her face and voice were charged
+with something so much more than mere compassion, that I forgot my doom
+in a wild sweet exultation. At what he perceived, the Count uttered a
+fierce, dismayed ejaculation. The Captain looked at once triumphant and
+resentful.
+
+"It is enough!" cried the Count hoarsely. "The truth is clear!"
+
+He motioned me away, and the Captain pushed me back into the little
+room, quickly fastening the door. But my feeling was still one of
+ecstasy rather than horror, for still I saw the Countess's tender eyes
+in grief for me, still saw her arms reaching out toward me, still heard
+her voice full of wild protest at my sentence. It was to surprise her
+real feelings that she had been brought to hear, in my presence, my doom
+pronounced; and my window had been obstructed that our confrontation
+might be as sudden to me as to her, lest by a prepared look I might put
+her on her guard. This it was that the Captain had suggested, and
+excellently it had served. That moment's revelation of her heart, though
+it brought such sweetness into my soul, could only make her fate worse
+and my sentence irrevocable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE RAT-HOLE AND THE WATER-JUG
+
+
+I had not been back in the little room a minute, when it occurred to me
+to reach through the window and displace the obstruction. I was in time
+to see the Countess escorted back across the court-yard by her husband.
+This could mean only that she was again to occupy her prison in the
+tower. I was glad at least to know where she was, that I might imagine
+her in her surroundings, of which I had obtained so brief a glimpse.
+
+Presently my door opened slightly, that my breakfast might be passed in
+on a trencher; and again an hour later, that the trencher might be taken
+out. Soon after that, the door was thrown wide, and a man of some
+authority, whom I had already taken to be the seneschal of the chateau,
+courteously requested me to step forth. When I did so, he told me my
+lodging was ready and bade me follow. At my elbows were two powerful
+armed servitors of this strange half-military household, to escort me.
+
+I had a moment's hope that I might be taken to some chamber in the great
+tower; I should thus be nearer the Countess. But such was not the
+Count's will. I was conducted to the hall staircase, and up two flights,
+thence along the corridor past my former sleeping chamber, and finally
+by a small stairway to a sort of loft at that very corner of the chateau
+against which the great tower was built.
+
+It was a small chamber with one window and an unceiled roof that sloped
+very low at the sides. I suppose it had been used as a store-room for
+rubbish. Two worm-eaten chests were its only furniture. On one of these
+were a basin, a jug of water, and a towel. On the other were a blanket,
+a sheet, and a pillow. Here then were my bed and wash-stand. There was
+still space left on the first chest to serve me as dining-table.
+
+Before I could find anything to say upon these meagre accommodations for
+a gentleman's last lodging in this world, the seneschal bade me
+good-day, the door was closed and locked, and I was left to my
+reflections. The room not having been designed as a prison, there was no
+grilled opening in the door, and I was not exposed to the guard's view.
+
+The Count might have kept me in my former chamber, thought I, the time
+being so short. Perhaps he feared my making a rope of bed clothes and
+dropping to the terrace. As for the little room off the hall, it had no
+real lock, and the guards might become sleepy at night. But why did he
+make this respite of two days? Was it to give himself time for devising
+some peculiarly humiliating and atrocious form of death? Or was it mere
+ironical pretence of mercy in his justice, and might I be surprised with
+the fatal summons as soon as he was in the humour for it? To this day, I
+do not clearly know,--or whether he had other matters for his immediate
+care; or indeed whether, at the instant of pronouncing my sentence in
+order to discover the Countess's feelings, he actually intended carrying
+it out.
+
+In any case, now that her heart had betrayed itself, I had little hope
+of mercy. What came nearest to daunting me was the thought that, if I
+died, my people might never know for certain what had been my fate, for
+the Count would probably keep my death a secret, his own dependents
+being silenced by interest and fear. Yet I felt I had no right to
+complain of Fate. I had come from home to see danger, and here it was,
+though my present adventure was something different from cutting off the
+moustaches of Brignan de Brignan. And still my emotions were sweetened
+by the sense of what the Countess had disclosed, fatal though that
+disclosure might be to her also.
+
+Such were the materials of my thoughts for the first hour or so, while I
+sat on the chest that was to be my bed. But suddenly there came a
+sharper consciousness of what death meant, and how closely it threatened
+me. I sprang up, to bestir myself in seeking if there might be some
+means of escape. The situation had changed since I had willingly
+lingered at the chateau in order to be near the Countess. The reluctance
+to betake myself from the place where she was, had not diminished; but I
+had awakened to the knowledge that my only hope of ever seeing her again
+lay in present flight, if that were possible. I could serve her better
+living than dead, better free than a prisoner.
+
+I went to the window, which was wide enough for me to put my head out.
+My room was at the top of the building, and only the great tower, partly
+visible at my right, rose higher toward the sky. Below me was a narrow
+paved space between the house and the outer wall: it ran from the base
+of the tower at my right, to the garden, far at the left. Beyond the
+wall was the moat: beyond that, the country toward Montoire. If I could
+let myself down to the earth by any means, I should still be on the
+wrong side of the wall. But I might find the postern key, buried under
+the rose bush near the postern itself.
+
+I looked around the room, but there was nothing that would serve as a
+means of descent, except the bedding on the larger chest. This I
+examined: it was the scantiest, being merely a strip of blanket and a
+strip of sheet, together just sufficient to cover the top of the chest.
+With the pillow cover and towel, they would not reach half-way to the
+ground.
+
+Perhaps the chests might contain old clothes, or other materials that
+would serve to eke out. I tried the lids, but both were strongly locked.
+The larger chest looked very ancient and rotten: its hinges might be
+loose. I pulled one end of it out from against the wall, to examine the
+back. The hinges were immovable. Despondent, I ran my hand further down
+the back at random, and, to my surprise, felt a small irregular hole,
+through which I could thrust two fingers. It was evidently a rat hole,
+for I saw now that when close to the wall, it must have corresponded to
+a chink between the stones thereof.
+
+My fingers inside the chest came in contact with nothing but rat-bitten
+papers, to my sad disappointment. But, having gone so far, I was moved
+to continue until I had patiently twisted a few documents out through
+the hole. I straightened and glanced at them. The edges were fretted by
+the rats. One writing was an account of moneys expended for various
+wines; another was a list of remedies for the diseases of horses; but
+the third, when I caught its meaning and saw the name signed at the end,
+made my heart jump. It was the last page of a letter, and ran thus:
+
+     "One thing is certain, by our careful exclusion of fools and
+     weaklings, our plot is less liable to premature discovery than any
+     of those which have hitherto been attempted, and, as you say, if we
+     fail we have but to lock ourselves up in our chateaux till all
+     blows over, the K. being so busy at present with the Dutch. In that
+     event, my dear Count, the Chateau de Lavardin is a residence that
+     some of the rest of us will envy you. Your servant ever,
+
+     "COLLOT D'ARNIOL."
+
+The name was that of the chief mover of the late conspiracy, who had
+paid the penalty of his treason without betraying his accomplices. If
+this was indeed his signature, with which the authorities were certainly
+acquainted, the scrap of paper, were I free to carry it to Paris, would
+put the life of the Count de Lavardin in my hands.
+
+To be possessed of such a weapon--such a means of rescuing the Countess
+from her fearful situation--and yet lack freedom wherein to use it, was
+too vexing for endurance. I resolved, rather than wait inactively for
+death with that weapon useless, to employ the most reckless means of
+escape. Meanwhile I pocketed the fragment of letter, and thrust the
+other papers back into the chest, which I then pushed to its former
+place.
+
+After thinking awhile, I poured the water from the heavy earthen jug
+into the basin. I then sat down on the large chest, leaning forward,
+elbows upon knees, my head upon my hands, the empty jug beside me as if
+I had lazily left it there after drinking from it. In this attitude I
+waited through a great part of the afternoon, until I began to wonder if
+the Count was not going to send me any more food that day.
+
+At last, when the sun was low, I heard my lock turned, the door opened
+into the room, and one of my new guards entered with a trencher of bread
+and cold meat. With the corner of my eye, I saw that nobody was
+immediately outside my door; so I assumed that my other guard, if there
+were still two, was stationed at the foot of the short flight of stairs
+leading to my room. The man with the food, having cast a look at me as I
+sat in my listless attitude, passed me in order to put the trencher on
+the other chest, which was further from the door.
+
+The instant his back was toward me, I silently grasped the earthen jug,
+sprang after him, and brought the jug down upon the back of his head
+with all my strength while he was leaning forward to place the trencher.
+He staggered forward. I gave him a second blow, and he sprawled upon the
+chest, which stopped his fall.
+
+I ran to the open door, pushed it almost shut, and waited behind it, the
+jug raised in both hands. My blows and the guard's fall had not been
+without noise.
+
+"Hola! what's that?" cried somebody outside and a little below. I gave
+no answer, and presently I heard steps rapidly mounting to my door. Then
+the door was lightly pushed, but I stopped it; whereupon the head of my
+other guard was thrust in through the narrow opening. Down came my jug,
+and the man dropped to his hands and knees, in the very act of drawing
+his weapons. I struck him again, laying him prostrate. Then I dragged
+him into the room, and tried to wrest his dagger from his grasp. Finding
+this difficult, I ran back to the first guard, took his dagger from its
+sheath as he was beginning to come to, wielded my jug once more to delay
+his awakening, and, stepping over the second man's body, passed out of
+the room. The man with the trencher had left the key in the lock. I
+closed the door and turned the key, which I put in my pocket. I then
+hastened down the stairs, fled along the deserted passage, descended the
+main stairway to the story below, traversed without a moment's pause the
+rooms leading to the picture gallery, crossed that and found the door at
+the end unlocked, ran down the stairs of the Countess's former
+apartments, unlocked the door to the garden, and sped along the walk
+toward the postern. In all this, I had not seen a soul: I was carried
+forward by a bracing resolve to accomplish my escape or die in
+attempting it, as well as by an inspiriting faith in the saying of the
+Latin poet that fortune favours the bold, and by a feeling that for me
+everything depended on one swift, uninterrupted flight.
+
+I gained the postern; fell on my knees by the nearest rose bush, and,
+choosing a spot where the soil swelled a little, dug rapidly with the
+dagger, throwing the earth aside with my hand. In my impatience, much
+time seemed to go: I feared that here at last I was stayed: great drops
+fell from my brow upon my busy hands: I trembled and could have wept for
+vexation. But suddenly my dagger struck something hard, and in a moment
+I grasped the key. It opened the lock. I stood upon the ledge outside,
+and re-locked the door; then dashed across the plank over the moat, and
+made for the forest.
+
+I had no time to spare. My guards might be already returned to
+consciousness and doing their best to alarm the house from within their
+prison. Bloodhounds might soon be on my track. I ran along the edge of
+the forest, therefore, which covered my movements till I was past the
+village of St. Outrille, close to Montoire. I then altered my pace to a
+walk, lest a running figure in the fields might attract the notice of
+the Count's watchman on the tower; and, going in the lurching manner of
+a rustic, came to a road by which I crossed the river and gained the
+town. I entered the inn, sought the host, and called for my bill,
+baggage, and horse.
+
+The innkeeper did not recognize me at first, and, when he did, showed
+great wonder and curiosity at my absence. He was inclined to be
+friendly, though, and, when he perceived I was in haste, did not delay
+my departure with inquisitive talk. I saw that my horse had been
+properly cared for in my absence, and was glad to be on its back again,
+the more because I should thus leave no further scent for bloodhounds to
+follow.
+
+I rode out of the archway and turned my horse toward the road for Les
+Roches and Paris. As I crossed the square, I could not help glancing
+over my right shoulder toward the Lavardin road. In doing so, I happened
+to see a young man coming out of the church, whose face I knew. I
+thought a moment, then reined my horse around to intercept him, and, as
+he was about to pass, said in a low voice:
+
+"Good evening, Hugues."
+
+He stopped in surprise, recalling my features but not my identity. I
+leaned over my horse's neck, and spoke in an undertone:
+
+"You will remember I met you on your way back from Sable, whither you
+had carried a certain lady's message. I have since heard of you from
+that lady. She is in a most unhappy plight, and so is her maid
+Mathilde."
+
+The young miller turned pale at this.
+
+"I have just escaped from the chateau," I continued, "where the Count
+meant to kill me. I am going as fast as possible to Paris, where I can
+use means to render him powerless. But that will take time, and
+meanwhile the worst may befall the Countess--and no doubt her faithful
+Mathilde also. They are imprisoned in the tower. I thank God I have met
+you, for now there is one friend here to whose solicitude I may leave
+that unfortunate lady and her devoted maid while I am away."
+
+"Monsieur," said he, with deep feeling, "I know no reason why you should
+play a trick on me, and you don't look as if you were doing so. I will
+trust you, therefore. But can you not come to my house, where we can
+talk fully?"
+
+"Where is your house?"
+
+"About a quarter of a league down that road." He pointed toward the road
+that ran northward from the square, as my road ran northeastward. "When
+you are ready to go on, you can get the Paris road by a lane, without
+coming back to the town."
+
+There were good reasons against my losing any time before starting for
+Paris. But it was well, on the other hand, for Hugues to know exactly
+how matters stood at the chateau. I put my reasons hastily to him, and
+he said he could promise me a safe hiding-place at his mill. And I could
+travel the faster in the end for a rest now, which I looked as if I
+needed,--in truth, I had slept little and badly in the hall the previous
+night, and the day's business had told upon me. So, perhaps most because
+it was pleasant to be with a trusty companion who shared my cause of
+anxiety, I agreed to go to his house for supper, and to set out after
+night-fall.
+
+"Good!" said Hugues. "Then you had best ride ahead, Monsieur, so we are
+not seen together. You can leave me now as if you had been merely asking
+your way. If you ride slowly when you are out of the town, I shall catch
+up."
+
+I did as he suggested, and he soon overtook me on the road. His house
+proved to be a cottage of good size built against a mill, with a small
+barn at one side of the yard and a stable at the other. When I had
+dismounted at his door, we unsaddled and unbridled my horse, so that it
+might pass for a new horse of his own if pursuers looked into his
+stable. He then called his boy and his woman-servant, and told them what
+to say if anybody came inquiring. We carried my saddle, bridle, and
+portmanteau through the cottage to the mill, and thence to a small
+cellar which was reached by means of a well-concealed trap-door in the
+mill-floor. This cellar should be my refuge in case the Count's men came
+there seeking me.
+
+"I made this hiding-place," said Hugues, moving his candle about to show
+how well floored and walled it was, "because one could never say when
+Mathilde, living in that fearful chateau, might want a place to fly to.
+She would not leave her mistress, you know, though the Countess's other
+women went gladly enough when the Count sent them off. Nobody knows
+there is anything between Mathilde and me, Monsieur,--except the
+Countess. It is safer so. We have been waiting for the Count to die, so
+that all might be well with the Countess, for Mathilde could marry me
+then with easy mind."
+
+"I hope that God will send that time soon," said I.
+
+"But meanwhile, this present danger?" said Hugues.
+
+We returned to the living-room of the cottage, and talked of the matter
+while we had supper. I told Hugues everything, misrepresenting only so
+far as to make it appear that the Count's jealousy was still entirely
+unfounded, and that he had mistaken the Countess's feelings at our
+confrontation. Whatever Hugues may have thought upon this last point, he
+made no comment thereon; but he showed the liveliest sense of the
+increased danger in which the Countess stood. He feared that my escape
+would make her position still worse, and that her hours might be already
+numbered. He considered there was not time for me to go to Paris and
+return: the Countess's rescue ought to be attempted promptly, or the
+attempt would be too late.
+
+In all this, he but echoed the feeling that had come back to me with
+double force while I told him the situation. But there was the
+Countess's determination not to flee. Hugues said that as this
+determination must be overcome for the Countess's own sake, any pressure
+that could be brought to bear upon her feelings would be justifiable.
+Let it be urged upon her that if she persisted in waiting for death,
+Mathilde's life also would doubtless be sacrificed; let every argument,
+every persuasion be employed; let me beseech, let me reproach, let me
+even use imperative means if need be. Suddenly, as he talked, I saw a
+way by which I thought she might be moved. It was one chance, but enough
+to commit me to the effort.
+
+The question now was, how to communicate with the Countess, and to
+accomplish the rescue. This Hugues and I settled ere we went to bed. I
+slept that night in the mill, by the trap-door. Hugues lay awake,
+listening for any alarm. None came, and in the morning we agreed that
+either the Count had elected not to seek me at all, or had traced me to
+the inn, and, learning I had taken horse, supposed I was far out of the
+neighbourhood. I stayed indoors all that day, while Hugues was absent in
+furtherance of our project, the woman and boy being under strict orders
+as to their conduct in the event of inquiries. In the evening Hugues
+returned with various acquisitions, among them being a sword for me, and
+a long rope ladder, both obtained at Troo.
+
+We awaited the fall of night, then set out. I upon my horse, Hugues
+riding one of his and leading the other. We went by obscure lanes,
+crossed the river, gained the forest, and lingered in its shades till
+the church clock of Montoire struck eleven. We then proceeded through
+the forest, near the edge, till we were behind the Chateau de Lavardin.
+
+Besides the rope-ladder, we had with us a cross-bow that Hugues owned, a
+long slender cord, and a paper on which I had written some brief
+instructions during the afternoon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE ROPE LADDER
+
+
+The night was starlit, though the moon would come later. We hoped to be
+away from the chateau before it rose. There was a gentle breeze, which
+we rather welcomed as likely to cover what little noise we might make.
+
+Leaving our horses tied in the forest, and taking the cross-bow and
+other things, we stole along the moat skirting the Western wall, till we
+were opposite the great tower. It rose toward the sky, sheer from the
+black water that separated us from it by so few yards. We gazed upward,
+and I pointed out the window which I thought, from its situation, must
+be that of the Countess, if she still occupied her former prison.
+
+Our first plan depended upon her still occupying that prison, or some
+other with an unbarred window in that side of the tower; and upon her
+being still accompanied by Mathilde.
+
+If the man on top of the tower were to look down now, thought I! We had
+considered that chance. It was not likely he would come to the edge of
+the tower and look straight down. His business apparently was to watch
+the road at a distance and in both directions. He could do this best
+from the Northeastern part of the tower. From what I knew now, I could
+guess why the Count had stationed him there: a conspirator never knows
+when he is safe from belated detection and a visit of royal guards. This
+accounted also, perhaps as much as the Count's jealousy, for his
+inhospitality to strangers, and for the half-military character of his
+household.
+
+Hugues uttered a bird-call, which had been one of his signals to
+Mathilde in their meetings. We waited, looking up and wishing the night
+were blacker. He repeated the cry.
+
+Something faintly whitish appeared in the dark slit which I had taken to
+be the Countess's window. It was a face.
+
+"Mathilde," whispered Hugues to me.
+
+Keeping his gaze upon her, he held up the cross-bow for her notice; then
+the bolt, to which we had attached the slender cord. Next, before
+adjusting the bolt, he aimed the unbent bow at her window: this was to
+indicate what he was about to do. Then he lowered the bow, and looked at
+her without further motion, awaiting some sign of understanding from
+her. She nodded her head emphatically, and drew it in.
+
+Hugues fitted the string and the bolt, raised the bow, and stood
+motionless for I know not how many seconds; at last the string twanged;
+the bolt sang through the air. It did not fall, nor strike stone, and
+the cord remained suspended from above: the bolt had gone through the
+window.
+
+"Good!" I whispered in elation; and truly Hugues deserved praise, for he
+had had to allow both for the wind and for the cord fastened to the
+bolt.
+
+The cord was soon pulled upward. Our end of it was tied to the rope
+ladder, which Hugues unfolded as it continued to be drawn up by
+Mathilde. At the junction of cord and ladder was fixed the paper with
+instructions. Mathilde could not overlook this nor mistake its purpose.
+When the ladder was nearly all in the air, its movement ceased. We knew
+then that Mathilde had the other end of it. Presently the window became
+faintly alight.
+
+"They have lighted a candle, to read the note," I whispered.
+
+Hugues kept a careful hold upon our end of the ladder, to which there
+was fastened another cord, shorter and stronger than the first. My note
+gave instructions to attach the ladder securely to a bed, or some other
+suitable object, which, if movable, should then be placed close to the
+window, but not so as to impede my entrance. It announced my intention
+of visiting the Countess for a purpose of supreme importance to us both.
+When the ladder was adjusted, a handkerchief should be waved up and down
+in the window.
+
+"The Countess surely will not refuse to let me come and say what I have
+to," I whispered, to reassure myself after we had waited some time.
+
+"Surely not, Monsieur. She does not know yet what it is," replied
+Hugues.
+
+At that moment the handkerchief waved in the window.
+
+Hugues drew the ladder taut and braced himself. I grasped one of the
+rounds, found a lower one with my foot, and began to mount. The ladder
+formed, of course, an incline over the moat. When I had ascended some
+way, Hugues, as we had agreed, allowed the ladder to swing gradually
+across the moat and hang against the tower, he retaining hold of the
+cord by which to draw the lower end back at the fit time. I now climbed
+perpendicularly, close to the tower. It was a laborious business,
+requiring great patience. Once I ran my eyes up along the tall tower and
+saw the stars in the sky; once I looked down and saw them reflected in
+the moat: but as these diversions made my task appear the longer, and
+had a qualmish effect upon me, I thereafter studied only each immediate
+round of the ladder as I came to it. As I got higher, I felt the wind
+more; but it only refreshed me. Toward the end I had some misgiving lest
+the ladder should lie too tight against the bottom of the window for me
+to grasp the last rounds. But this fear proved groundless. Mathilde had
+placed a pillow at the outer edge of the sill, for the ladder to run
+over; and I had no sooner thrust my hand into the window than it was
+caught in a firm grasp and guided to the proper round. Another step
+brought my head above the sill: at the next, I had two arms inside the
+long, shaft-like opening; my body followed, as Mathilde's receded. I
+crawled through; lowered myself, hands and knees, to the couch beneath;
+leaped to the floor, and kneeling before the Countess, kissed her hand.
+
+She was standing, and her dress was the same blue robe in which I had
+seen her in the same room two nights before. The candle was on a small
+table, which held also an illuminated book and an image of the Virgin,
+and above which a crucifix hung against the wall. Besides the bed at the
+window, there were another bed, a trunk, a chair, and a three-legged
+stool.
+
+The Countess's face was all anxiety and question.
+
+"Thank God you are still safe!" said I.
+
+"And you!" she replied. "Brigitte told us you had escaped. I had prayed
+your life might be saved. But now you put yourself in peril again. I had
+hoped you were far away. Oh, Monsieur, what is it brings you back to
+this house of danger?"
+
+"My going has surely made it a house of greater danger to you. It is a
+marvel the Count has not already taken revenge upon you for my escape. I
+thank God I am here while you still live."
+
+"My life is in God's hands. Was it to say this that you have risked
+yours again, Monsieur? Oh, your coming here but adds to my sorrow."
+
+"Hear what sorrow you will cause, Madame, if you refuse to be saved
+while there is yet time. I ask you to consider others. Below, waiting
+for us, is Hugues, who has enabled me to come here to-night. You know
+how that good brave fellow loves Mathilde. And you know that if you die,
+Mathilde will share your fate, for the Count will wish to give his own
+story of your death."
+
+"But Mathilde must not stay to share my fate. She must go away with you
+now, while there is opportunity."
+
+"I will not stir from your side, Madame,--they will have to tear me away
+when they come to kill you," said Mathilde, and then to me, "They have
+not sent Madame any food to-day. I think the plan is to starve us."
+
+"Horrible!" I said. "That, no doubt, is because of my escape. But who
+knows when the Count, in one of the rages caused by his fancies, may
+turn to some method still more fearful. Madame, how can you endure this?
+Why, it is to encourage his crime, when you might escape!"
+
+"Monsieur, you cannot tempt me with sophistries. What God permits--"
+
+"Has not God permitted me to come here, with the means of escape? Avail
+yourself of them--see if God will not permit that."
+
+"We know that God permits sin, Monsieur, for his own good reasons. It is
+for us to see that we are not they to whom it is permitted."
+
+"But can you think it a sin to save yourself?"
+
+"It is always a sin to break vows, Monsieur. And now--to go with you, of
+all men--would be doubly a sin." She had lowered her voice, and she
+lowered her eyes, too, and drew slightly back from me.
+
+"Then go with Hugues, Madame," said I, my own voice softened almost to a
+whisper. "Only let me follow at a little distance to see that you are
+safe. And when you are safe, finally and surely, I will go away, and we
+shall be as strangers."
+
+Tears were in her eyes. But she answered:
+
+"No, Monsieur; I should still be a truant wife--still a breaker of vows
+made to the Church and heaven."
+
+"Then you would rather die, and have poor Mathilde die after
+you--Mathilde, who has no such scruples?"
+
+"Mathilde must go away with you to-night. I command her--she will not
+disobey what may be the last orders I shall ever give her."
+
+"Madame, I have never disobeyed yet, but I will disobey this time. I
+will not leave you." So said Mathilde, with quiet firmness.
+
+"Ah, Mathilde, it is unkind, unfair! You will save yourself for Hugues's
+sake."
+
+"I will save myself when you save yourself, Madame; not before."
+
+The Countess sank upon the chair, and turning to the Virgin's image,
+said despairingly:
+
+"Oh, Mother of heaven, save this child from her own fidelity!"
+
+"It is not Mathilde alone that you doom," I now said, thinking it time
+to try my last means. "It is not only that you will darken the life of
+poor Hugues. There is another who will not leave Lavardin if you will
+not: one who will stay near, sharing your danger; and who, if you die,
+will seek his own death in avenging you."
+
+"Oh, no, Monsieur!" she entreated. "I was so glad to learn you had
+escaped. Do not rob me of that consolation. Do not stay at Lavardin.
+Live!--live and be happy, for my sake. So brave--so tender--the world
+needs you; and you must not die for me--I forbid you!"
+
+"You will find me as immovable as Mathilde," said I.
+
+She looked from one to the other of us, and put forth her hands
+pleadingly; then broke down into weeping.
+
+"Oh, will you make my duty the harder?" she said. "God knows I would
+gladly die to save you."
+
+"It is not dying that will save us. The only way is to save yourself."
+
+"Monsieur, you shall not drive me to sin by your temptations! Heaven
+will save you both in spite of yourselves. That will be my reward for
+putting this sin from me."
+
+"You persist in calling it a sin, Madame: very well. But is it not
+selfish to go free from sin at the expense of others? If one can save
+others by a sin of one's own, is it not nobler to take that sin upon
+one's soul? Nay, is it not the greater sin to let others suffer, that
+one's own hands may be clean?"
+
+"Oh, you tempt me with worldly reasoning, Monsieur. Kind mother of
+Christ," she said, fixing her eyes upon the image of Mary, "what shall I
+do? Be thou my guide--speak to my soul--tell me what to do!"
+
+After a moment, the Countess again turned to me, still perplexed,
+agitated, unpersuaded.
+
+"Madame," said I, "when one considers how soon the Count de Lavardin
+must surely suffer for crimes of which you know nothing, your death at
+his hands seems the more grievous a fate. Do you know that he is a
+traitor?--that his treason will soon be known to the King's ministers?
+If his jealousy had only waited a short while, or if my discovery had
+occurred a little earlier, his death would have spared you all this. But
+now, if you are not starved or slain before he is arrested, he will
+surely kill you when he finds himself about to be taken.--My God, I had
+not thought of that when I resolved to go to Paris at once! Oh, Madame,
+fly now while there is chance! I assure you that doom is hovering over
+the Count's head; if you stay here, I cannot go to Paris; but Hugues
+shall go with this paper in my stead."
+
+"What is the paper, Monsieur? What do you mean by this talk of the Count
+and treason?" she asked in sheer wonder.
+
+"It is a proof of the Count's participation in the late conspiracy. I
+found it in the room where I was imprisoned. And come what may, I will
+see that it goes to Paris for the inspection of the Duke de Sully. And
+then there will be a short shrift for the Count de Lavardin, I promise
+you."
+
+"But in that case, it would be you that caused his death, Monsieur!" she
+exclaimed.
+
+"The executioner would cause his death--and the law. I should be but the
+humble instrument of heaven to bring it to pass."
+
+"But you would be the instrument of my husband's death, Monsieur! That
+must not be. You, of all men! No, no. Why, it would be an eternal
+barrier between us--in thought and kind feeling, I mean,--in the next
+world too. Oh, no; you must not use that paper, nor cause it to be
+used."
+
+"But, Madame, he is a traitor. What matters it whether I or another--it
+is only justice--my duty to the King."
+
+"But you do not understand. I should not dare even pray for you! And I
+must not let you denounce him--I must prevent your using that paper. I
+am his wife, Monsieur,--I must prevent. Otherwise, I should be
+consenting to my husband's death!"
+
+"He has no scruples about consenting to yours, Madame."
+
+"The sin is on his part, then, not on mine. Come, Monsieur, you must let
+me destroy that paper." She advanced toward me.
+
+"No, Madame; not I. Nay, I will use force to keep it, if need be! It is
+my one weapon, my one means of vengeance." I tore my wrist from her
+hand, and put the paper back into my inner pocket.
+
+"Then, Monsieur, I have said my last to you. I must put you out of my
+thoughts, out of my prayers even. And if I find means, I must warn my
+husband."
+
+"Listen, Madame. There is one condition upon which I will destroy this
+paper and keep silence."
+
+She uttered a joyful cry. I knew that what she thought of was not her
+husband's fate, but the barrier she had mentioned.
+
+"It is that you will escape with me at once," I said.
+
+The joy passed out of her face; but she was silent.
+
+"Consider," I went on. "Not merely your own life, not merely mine, not
+merely Mathilde's, and the happiness of Hugues: it is in your power to
+save your husband's life also, and to save his soul from the crime of
+your murder, if there be any degree between act and intent. Is it not a
+sin and a folly to refuse? Think of the blood already shed by reason of
+this matter. Why should there be more?"
+
+At last she wavered. I turned to Mathilde, to speak of the order in
+which we should descend the ladder.
+
+At that instant I heard the key begin to grate in the lock.
+
+"Some one is coming in!" whispered the Countess in alarm.
+
+Instantly I pushed Mathilde upon the couch beneath the window, in a
+sitting posture, so that her body would conceal the end of the rope
+ladder. The next moment I had pulled the other bed a little way out from
+the wall, and was crouching behind it.
+
+The door opened, and I heard the noise of men entering with heavy tread.
+Then the door closed. There was a sound of swift movement, then a scream
+from Mathilde and a terrified cry from the Countess, both voices being
+suddenly silenced at their height. I raised my head, and saw two
+powerful men in black masks, one of whom was grasping the Countess by
+the throat with his left hand while, with his right assisted by his
+teeth, he was endeavouring to pass a looped cord around her neck. The
+other man had both hands about the neck of Mathilde, that he might
+sufficiently overpower her to apply a similar cord.
+
+I leaped over the bed, and upon the man who was trying to strangle the
+Countess. Mad to save and avenge her, I sank my dagger into the back of
+his shoulder, and he fell without having seen who had attacked him. The
+murderer who was struggling with Mathilde immediately turned from her
+and drew sword to attack me, at the same time crying out, "Garoche, to
+the rescue!"
+
+[Illustration: "I LEAPED OVER THE BED, AND UPON THE MAN WHO WAS TRYING
+TO STRANGLE THE COUNTESS."]
+
+As I could not get the dagger out of the other man's shoulder joint in
+time, I drew my sword, and parried my new antagonist's thrust. The door
+now opened, and in came another man with drawn sword, not masked: he
+was, I suppose, the man on guard on the landing. Seeing how matters
+stood, he joined in the attack upon me. I backed into a corner, knocking
+over the chair of the Countess, who had run to Mathilde. The two women
+stood clasping each other, in terror. Suddenly my first assailant cried,
+"I leave him to you for a moment, Garoche," and ran and transferred the
+key from the outside to the inside of the door, which he then closed, so
+as to lock us all in. This was doubtless to prevent the exit of the
+Countess and Mathilde, the purpose being to keep the night's doings in
+that room as secret as possible even from the rest of the household.
+This man then pocketed the key, and, while Garoche continued to keep me
+occupied in my corner, ran to a side of the cell and began working with
+an iron wedge at a stone in the floor. He soon raised this, showing it
+to be a thin slab, and left exposed a dark hole. He then turned to the
+Countess, seized her around the waist, and tried to drag her toward the
+opening. His instructions had been, no doubt, to slay the women without
+bloodshed and drop the bodies through this secret aperture, but the
+unexpected turn of affairs had made him decide to precipitate the end
+and not strangle them first. Wild with horror at the prospect of their
+meeting so hideous a death, I sprang into the air, and ran my sword
+straight into the panting mouth of Garoche, so that the point came out
+at the back of his neck. He dropped, and I disengaged my weapon barely
+in time to check the onslaught of the other man, who, seeing Garoche's
+fate, had left the Countess and come at me again. I was out of breath
+after the violent thrusts I had made, and a mist now clouded my eyes. I
+know not how this last contest would have gone, had not Mathilde,
+recovering her self-command, drawn the sword of the man who had fallen
+first, and, holding it with both hands, pushed it with all her strength
+into my adversary's back.
+
+I wiped my weapons on the clothes of the slain murderers. The Countess
+fell on her knees and thanked heaven for our preservation. I then went
+to the opening made by the removal of the stone slab: peering down, I
+could see nothing. I took the key of the door from the pocket of its
+last holder, and dropped it through the hole, while the Countess and
+Mathilde leaned over me, listening. Some moments passed before we heard
+anything; then there came the sound of the key striking mud in the black
+depths far below. The secret shaft, then, led to the bottom of the
+tower.
+
+The Countess shuddered, and whispered: "Come, let us not lose a moment."
+
+I first lifted the masks, and recognized the murderers as fellows I had
+seen lounging in the court-yard. Then I gave directions for descending
+the ladder. I should have preferred being the last to leave the room but
+that I thought it necessary to support the Countess in her descent and
+Mathilde firmly refused to precede us. As the ladder might not hold the
+weight of three, Mathilde would see us to the ground, and then follow.
+
+Two could not go out of the window at once, so I backed through first,
+and waited when my feet were planted on the ladder, my breast being then
+against the edge of the window sill. Madame followed me. I guided her
+feet with one hand, and placed them on the ladder, having descended just
+sufficiently to make room for her. I then lowered myself another round,
+and she, holding on to a round in the window shaft with one hand,
+grasped the first round outside with the other, emerged entirely from
+the opening, and let me guide her foot a step lower. We then proceeded
+downward in this manner, I holding my head and body well back from the
+ladder so that her feet were usually on a level with my breast: thus if
+she showed any sign of weakness, I could throw an arm around her. I had
+first thought of having her clasp me around the neck, and so descending
+with her, but once upon the ladder, I saw no safe way for her to get
+behind me, or indeed to turn from facing the ladder. So we came down as
+I say, while I kept as well as I could between her and the possibility
+of falling. Frequently I asked in a whisper if all was well with her,
+and she answered yes.
+
+When we were near the moat, I felt the ladder move from the wall and
+knew that Hugues was drawing it toward him. I warned the Countess of our
+change from a vertical to an inclined position, and so we were swung
+across, and found ourselves above solid earth, on which we presently set
+foot.
+
+"Best take Madame the Countess to the horses while I wait for Mathilde,"
+whispered Hugues to me, letting the ladder swing back; but Madame would
+not go till the maid was safe beside us. Mathilde, who had watched our
+descent, now drew her head in, and speedily we saw her feet emerge in
+its stead. She came down the ladder with ease and rapidity, such were
+her strength and self-possession. As soon as she touched the ground,
+Hugues swung back the ladder to stay, and took up his cross-bow.
+
+"Come," I whispered, and we turned our backs to that grim tower and
+hastened along the moat to the forest, passing on the way the high gable
+window of what had been my prison, the postern which I had such good
+reason to remember, and the oak from which I had seen Hugues display the
+handkerchief. Scarce a word was spoken till we came to the horses. I
+assisted the Countess to mount one of Hugues's two, she making no
+difficulty about accommodating herself to a man's saddle. By that time
+Hugues and Mathilde were on his second horse. I got upon my own, and we
+started. Our immediate purpose was to go to Hugues's house by the woods
+and lanes, fording the river below Montoire.
+
+As we came out of the forest, beyond St. Outrille, the moon rose, and
+against the luminous Eastern sky we could see the dark tower we had left
+behind,--tower of blood and death, on which I hoped never to set eyes
+again.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE PARTING
+
+
+We hoped to be at Hugues's house before the Countess's flight should be
+discovered. Hugues and I discussed the chances as we rode. The Count
+would probably give his murderous agents ample time before going to see
+why they did not come to report the deed accomplished. He would then
+lose many minutes in breaking into the cell, and again in questioning
+the watchman on the tower--who could not have seen us in the woods and
+distant lanes--and considering what to do. The bloodhounds would
+doubtless be put upon the Countess's scent, but they would lose it at
+the place where we had taken horse. And then, Hugues thought, having
+tracked us into the forest, the Count would assume that we had continued
+our flight through it without change of direction, and he would push on
+to St. Arnoult, and along the road to Chateaurenault and Tours. This
+was, indeed, the most likely supposition. The Count would scarce expect
+to find us harboured in any house in the neighbourhood, and he knew
+nothing of Hugues's attachment to Mathilde. Still I thought it well that
+the Countess should travel on as far as possible that night, and I asked
+her if she felt able to do so after stopping at Hugues's house for some
+food.
+
+"Oh, yes," she answered compliantly.
+
+I then broke to her that Hugues's and I had provided a suit of boy's
+clothes which she might substitute for her present attire at his house,
+and so travel with less likelihood of attracting notice. To this she
+made no objection. She seemed, on leaving the chateau, to have resigned
+herself, almost languidly, to guidance. A kind of listlessness had come
+over her, which I attributed to exhaustion of spirit after all she had
+experienced.
+
+I then told her that Hugues and I had decided it best that Mathilde
+should stay at his house for the present, keeping very close and having
+the hiding-place accessible, while I went on with the Countess. Hugues
+himself, who could entirely trust his old woman-servant and his boy,
+would see us as far as to our first resting-place.
+
+To these proposals also she said "Very well," in a tone of
+half-indifference, but she cast a long, sad look at Mathilde, at mention
+of leaving her.
+
+"And then, Madame," I went on, "as to our journey after we leave
+Hugues's house. You have said you are without relations or fortune."
+
+"Alas, yes. A provision for life-maintenance at the convent was all the
+fortune left me."
+
+"In that case, I ask you, in the name of my father and mother, to honour
+them as their guest at La Tournoire. I can promise you a safe and
+private refuge there: I can promise you the friendship of my mother, the
+protection of my father, and his good offices with the King, if need be,
+to secure your rightful claims when the Count de Lavardin dies, as he
+must before many years."
+
+"No, no, Monsieur, I shall have no claims. The Count married me without
+dowry, and if there be any other claims I surrender them. As for your
+generous offer, I cannot think of accepting it. You and I are soon to
+separate, and must not see each other again."
+
+"But, Madame, I need not be at La Tournoire while you are there. I shall
+be out in the world, seeking honour and fortune."
+
+"No, Monsieur, it is not to be thought of. My only refuge is the convent
+from which the Count took me."
+
+"But is it safe to go there? Have you not said yourself that the Count
+would take measures to intercept you on the way?"
+
+"But you and Hugues just now agreed that the Count would probably seek
+me on the road to Chateaurenault. That is in the opposite direction to
+the convent, which is beyond Chateaudun."
+
+"But the Count may seek toward the convent when he fails to find you in
+the other direction. Or he may take the precaution to send a party that
+way at once."
+
+"We shall be there before he or his emissaries can, shall we not? Once
+in the convent, I shall be safe.--And besides, Monsieur,"--her voice
+took on a faint touch of mock-laughing bitterness--"he will think I have
+run away with you for love, and for a different life than that of a
+convent. No; as matters are, it is scarce likely he will seek me in the
+neighbourhood of the convent."
+
+It was then determined that we should make for the convent, which,
+curiously, as it was beyond Chateaudun, happened to be upon my road to
+Paris. We now arrived at Hugues's gate.
+
+I dismounted only to help the Countess, and stayed in the road with the
+horses, while Hugues led Madame and Mathilde into the cottage. He took
+them thence into the mill, that they might eat, and the Countess change
+her dress, at the very entrance to the hiding-place. He then returned to
+me, the plan being that if we heard pursuit he and I were to mount and
+ride on, thus leading our enemies away from the Countess, who with
+Mathilde should betake herself to the hiding-place till danger was past.
+With Hugues's knowledge of the byways and forest paths, we might be able
+to elude the hunt. During this wait we refreshed ourselves with wine and
+bread, which the old woman brought, and the boy fed the horses. In a
+short time the Countess reappeared, a graceful, slender youth in
+doublet, breeches, riding-boots of thin leather, cap, and gloves. Her
+undulating hair had been reduced by Mathilde, with a pair of shears, to
+a suitable shortness. Mathilde followed her, loth to part. We allowed
+little time for leave-taking with the poor girl, and were soon mounted
+and away, Hugues leading.
+
+"I suggest, Madame," said I, as we proceeded along the road, which was
+soon shadowed from the moonlight by a narrow wood at our right, "that on
+this journey you pass as my young brother, going with me to Paris to the
+University. I will say that we have ridden ahead of our baggage and
+attendants,--which is literally true, for my baggage remains at Hugues's
+house and you have left Mathilde there."
+
+"Very well, Monsieur," she replied.
+
+"I should have some name to call you by upon occasion," said I. "I will
+travel as Henri de Varion, for De Varion was my mother's name, and if
+you are willing to use it--"
+
+"Certainly, Monsieur. As for a name to call me by upon occasion, there
+will be least falsehood in calling me Louis; for my real name is
+Louise."
+
+"Thank you, Madame; and if you have to address me before people, do not
+forget to call me Henri."
+
+"I shall not forget."
+
+Her manner in this acquiescence was that of one who follows blindly
+where a trusted guide directs, but who takes little interest in the
+course or the outcome. A kind of forlorn indifference seemed to have
+stolen over her. But she listened to the particulars of residence and
+history with which I thought it wise to provide ourselves, and briefly
+assented to all. She then lapsed into silence, from which I could not
+draw her beyond the fewest words that would serve in politeness to
+answer my own speeches.
+
+Meanwhile Hugues led us from the road and across the narrow wood, thence
+by a lane and a pasture field to the highway for Vendome and Paris. We
+pushed on steadily, passed through Les Roches, which was sound asleep,
+and, stopping only now and then to let our horses drink at some stream,
+at which times we listened and heard no sound upon the road, we entered
+Vendome soon after daylight.
+
+"Had we better stop here for a few hours?" said I, watching the Countess
+and perceiving with sorrow how tired and weak she looked.
+
+"I think it well, Monsieur," replied Hugues, his eyes dwelling where
+mine did.
+
+"And yet," I said, with a thought of the horror of her being taken, "it
+is so few leagues from Lavardin. In such a town, too, the Count's men
+would visit all the inns. If we might go on to some village--some
+obscure inn. Could you keep up till then, Madame, do you think?"
+
+"Oh, yes,--I think so." But her pallor of face, her weakness of voice,
+belied her words.
+
+"We should be more closely observed at some smaller place than here,"
+said Hugues. "Besides, we need not go to an inn here. There is a decent,
+close-mouthed woman I know, a butcher's widow, who will lodge you if her
+rooms are not taken. It would be best to avoid the inns and go to her
+house at once. As like as not, if the Count did hunt this road, he would
+pass through the town without guessing you were at private lodgings."
+
+"It is the best thing we can do," said I, with a blessing upon all
+widows of butchers. Hugues guided us to a little street behind the
+church of the Trinity, and soon brought the widow's servant, and then
+the widow herself, to the door. Her rooms were vacant, and we took two
+of them, in the top story, one overlooking the street, the other a
+backyard wherein she agreed to let our horses stand. She promised
+moreover to say nothing of our presence there, and so, while Hugues led
+the horses through the narrow stone-paved passage, the widow showed us
+to our rooms. The front one being the larger and better, I left the
+Countess in possession of it as soon as we were alone, that she might
+rest until the woman brought the food I had ordered.
+
+When breakfast was set out in the back room, and the Countess opened her
+door in answer to my knock, she looked so worn out and ill that I was
+alarmed. She had fallen asleep, she said, and my knock had wakened her.
+She ate little, and I could see that she was glad to go back and lie
+down again.
+
+I had thought to resume our journey in the evening, and perhaps reach
+Chateaudun by a night's riding. But at evening the Countess seemed no
+more fit to travel than before. So I decided to stay at the widow's till
+Madame was fully recovered. Hugues would have remained with us another
+day, but I sent him back to his mill and Mathilde.
+
+On the morrow the Countess was no better. I took the risk of going out,
+obtaining medicine at the apothecary's, and purchasing other necessary
+things for both of us which we had not been able to provide before our
+flight. I was in dread lest we might have to resort to a physician and
+so make discovery that my young brother was a woman. Madame declared her
+illness was but exhaustion, and that she would soon be able to go on.
+But it was some days before I thought her strong enough to do so.
+
+We had come into Vendome on a Wednesday: we left it on the following
+Monday morning. We encountered nothing troublesome on the road, and
+arrived at Chateaudun that Monday night. The Countess endured the
+journey fairly well; but her strange, dreamy listlessness had not left
+her.
+
+At Chateaudun as at Vendome, we sought out lodgings in a by-street, and
+therein passed the night. We were now but a few hours' ride from the
+convent, by Madame's account of its location. Soon I should have to part
+from her, with the intention on her side not to see me again, and the
+promise on mine to respect that intention. To postpone this moment as
+long as possible, I found pretexts for delaying our departure in the
+morning; but as afternoon came on she insisted upon our setting out. I
+did so with a sorrowful heart, knowing it meant I must take my last
+leave of her that evening.
+
+From our having passed nearly a week without any sign of pursuit, a
+feeling of security had arisen in us. If the Count or his men had sought
+in this direction, passing through Vendome while we lay quiet in our
+back street, that search would probably be over by this time. But even
+if chase had not been made simultaneously by various parties on various
+roads, there had been time now for search in different directions one
+after another. Yet spies might remain posted at places along the roads
+for an indefinite period, especially near the convent. But as long as
+the risk was only that of encountering a man or two at once, I had
+confidence enough. In Vendome I had bought the Countess a light rapier
+to wear for the sake of appearance, of course not expecting her to use
+it. But though in case of attack I should have to fight alone, I felt
+that her presence would make me a match for two at least.
+
+I tried to avoid falling in with people on the road, but a little way
+out from Chateaudun we came upon a country gentleman, of a well-fed and
+amiable sort, whose desire for companionship would let us neither pass
+ahead nor drop behind. He was followed by three stout servants, and
+expressed some concern at seeing two young gentlemen like us going that
+road without attendants.
+
+"Though to be sure," he added, "there seems to be less danger now; but
+you must have heard of the band of robbers that haunt the forests about
+Bonneval and further on. There has been little news of their doings
+lately, and some people think they may have gone to other parts. But who
+knows when they will suddenly make themselves heard of again, when least
+expected?--'tis always the way."
+
+He soon made us forget about dangers of the road, however, by his hearty
+talk; though, indeed, for all his good-fellowship I would rather have
+been alone with Madame in these last moments. About a league from
+Chateaudun, he arrived at his own small estate, rich in wines and
+orchards; he regretted that we would not stop, and recommended inns for
+us at Bonneval and the towns beyond.
+
+We rode on, the Countess and I, in silence, my own heart too disturbed
+for speech, and she in that same dispirited state which had been hers
+from the beginning of our flight. Indeed now, when I was so soon to bid
+her farewell, she seemed more tired and melancholy, pale and drooping,
+than I had yet seen her. As I was sadly noticing this, we came to a
+place where a lesser road ran from the highway toward a long stretch of
+woods at the right. The Countess drew in her horse, and said, indicating
+the branch road:
+
+"That is my way, Monsieur. I will say adieu here; but I will not even
+try to thank you. You have risked your life for me many times over. I
+will pray for you--with my last breath."
+
+"But, Madame," I exclaimed in astonishment, "we are not to say adieu
+here. I must see you to the convent."
+
+"The convent is not so far now. I know the way; and I wish to go there
+alone. You will respect my wish, I know: have you not had your way
+entirely so far on our journey? You cannot justly refuse me my will
+now." She gave a wan little smile as if she knew the argument was not a
+fair one.
+
+"But, Madame,--what can be your reason?--It is not safe. Surely you will
+not deny me the happiness of seeing my service fully accomplished,--of
+knowing that you are safe at the convent?"
+
+"I am nearly there. I know the road,--it is a shorter way than the high
+roads, but little used. I shall meet no travellers. I fear no danger."
+
+"But consider, Madame. The danger may be at the very end of your
+journey. The Count may have spies within sight of the convent. You may
+fall into a trap at the last moment."
+
+"I can go first to the house of a woodman in the forest, whose wife was
+a servant of my mother's. They are good, trustworthy people, and can see
+if all is safe before I approach the convent. If there is danger, I can
+send word by them to the Mother Superior, who can find means to get me
+in secretly at night. You may deem your service accomplished, Monsieur.
+I must take my leave now."
+
+"But it is so strange! What can be your reason?--what can be your
+objection to my going with you?"
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, it may be unfair, but a woman is exempt from having to
+give reasons. It is my wish,--is not that enough? I am so deeply your
+debtor already,--let me be your debtor in this one thing more.--You have
+spent money for me: I have no means of repaying--nay, I will not mention
+it,--you have given me so much that is above all price,--your courage
+and skill. But enough of this--to speak of such things in my poor way is
+to cheapen them. Adieu, Monsieur!--adieu, Henri!"
+
+She held out her hand, to which I lowered my lips without a word, for I
+could not speak.
+
+"You will go your way when I go mine," she said with tenderness. "To
+Paris, perhaps?"
+
+"To Paris--I suppose so," I said vaguely.
+
+"This horse belongs to Hugues," she said, stroking the animal's neck. "I
+may find means to send it back to him.--Well, adieu! God be with you on
+your journey, Monsieur,--and through your life."
+
+"Oh, Madame!--adieu, if you will have it so! adieu!--adieu, Louis!"
+
+She smiled acquiescently at my use of the name by which I had had
+occasion to call her a few times at our lodging-places. Then, saying
+once more, "Adieu, Henri!" she turned her horse's head and started down
+the by-road. With a heavy heart, I waited till she had disappeared in
+the woods. I had hoped she might look back, but she had not done so.
+
+A movement of my rein, which I made without intention, was taken by my
+horse as a signal to go on, and the creature, resuming its original
+direction, kept to the highway and plodded along toward Bonneval and
+Paris.
+
+Never in all my life, before or since, have I felt so alone. What was
+there for me to do now? All my care, all my heart, was with the solitary
+figure on horseback somewhere yonder in the forest. Had life any object
+for me elsewhere?
+
+Yes, faith!--and I laughed ironically as it came back to my thoughts--I
+might now go on to Paris and cut off the moustaches of Brignan de
+Brignan!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+IN THE FOREST
+
+
+But I had not yet come in sight of Bonneval, when fearful misgivings
+began to assail me as to what might befall the Countess. I awoke to a
+full sense of my folly in yielding to her wish. Her own apparent
+confidence of safety had made me, for a time, feel there must be indeed
+small danger. I had too weakly given way to her right of command in the
+case. I had been too easily checked by respect for what private reason
+she might have for wishing to go on without company. I had played the
+boy and the fool, and if ever there had been a time when I ought to have
+used a man's authority, laughing down her protests, it had been when she
+rode away alone toward the forest.
+
+I turned my horse about, resolved to undo my error as far as I
+might,--to go back and take the road she had taken, and not rest till I
+knew she was safe in the convent.
+
+My fears increased as I went. What the country gentleman had said about
+robbers came back to my mind. I arrived at the junction of the roads,
+and galloped to the woods. Once among the trees, I had to proceed
+slowly, for the road dwindled to a mere path, so grown with grass as to
+show how little it was ordinarily resorted to. But there were horseshoe
+prints which, though at first I took them to be only those of the
+Countess's horse, soon appeared so numerously together that I saw there
+must have been other travellers there recently. I perceived, too, that
+the wood was of great depth and extent, and not the narrow strip I had
+supposed. It was, in fact, part of a large forest. I became the more
+disquieted, till at last, as the light of day began to die out of the
+woods, I was oppressed with a belief as strong as certainty, that some
+great peril had already fallen upon her I loved.
+
+I came into a little green glade, around which I glanced. My heart
+seemed to faint within me, for there, by a small stream that trickled
+through the glade, was a horse grazing,--a horse with bridle and saddle
+but no rider. The rein hung upon the grass, the saddle was pulled awry,
+and the horse was that of the Countess.
+
+I looked wildly in every direction, but she was nowhere to be seen. The
+horse raised his head, and whinnied in recognition of me and my animal,
+then went on cropping the grass. I rode over to him, as if by
+questioning the dumb beast I might learn where his mistress was. There
+was no sign of any sort by which I might be guided in seeking her.
+
+I called aloud, "Madame! madame!" But there was only the faint breeze of
+evening among the treetops for answer.
+
+But the horse could not have wandered far. Whatever had occurred, there
+must be traces near. My best course was to search the forest close at
+hand: any one of those darkening aisles stretching on every side, like
+corridors leading to caves of gloom, might contain the secret: each
+dusky avenue, its ground hidden by tangled forest growth, seemed to bid
+me come and discover. I dismounted, knowing I could trust my horse to
+stay in the glade, and, crossing the stream, explored the further
+portion of the path.
+
+I came to a place where the underbrush at the side of the path was
+somewhat beaten aside. I thought I could distinguish where some person
+or animal had gone from this place, tramping a sort of barely traceable
+furrow through the tangle. I followed this course: it led me back to the
+glade. Doubtless the horse had made it.
+
+I was about to go back along the path, when I noticed a similar
+trodden-down appearance along one side of the stream where it left the
+glade. Hoping little, I examined this. It brought me, after a few yards,
+to a clear piece of turf swelling up around the roots of an oak. And
+lying there, on the grassy incline, with her head at the foot of the
+oak, was the Countess, as silent and motionless as death, with blood
+upon her forehead.
+
+My own heart leaping, I knelt to discover if hers still moved. Her body
+stirred at my touch. I dipped my handkerchief in the stream, and gently
+washed away the blood, but revealed no cut until I examined beneath the
+hair, when I found a long shallow gash. I hastily cleansed her hair of
+the blood as well as I could, with such care as not to cause the wound
+to flow anew. All the time I was doing this, my joy at finding her alive
+and free was such that I could have sobbed aloud.
+
+She awoke and recognized me, first smiling faintly, but in a moment
+parting her lips in sorrowful surprise, and then, after glancing round,
+giving a sigh of profound weariness.
+
+"Am I then still alive?" she murmured.
+
+"Yes, Madame;--I thank God from my heart."
+
+"It is His will," she said. "I had hoped--I had thought my life in this
+world was ended."
+
+"Oh, do not say that. What can you mean?"
+
+"When they surrounded me--the men who sprang up at the sides of the
+path--I thought, 'Yes, these are the robbers the gentleman spoke
+of,--God has been kind and has sent them to waylay me: if I resist, I
+may be killed, and surely I have a right to resist.' So I drew my sword,
+and made a thrust at the nearest. He struck me with some weapon--I did
+not even notice what it was, I was so glad when it came swiftly--when I
+felt I could not save myself. The blow was like a kiss--the kiss of
+death, welcoming me out of this life of sad and bitter prospects."
+
+"Oh, Madame, how can you talk in this way, when you are still young and
+beautiful, and there are those who love you?"
+
+"You do not know all, Henri. What is there for me in life? I am weak to
+complain--weak to long for death--sinful, perhaps, to put myself in its
+way, but surely Heaven will pardon that sin,--weak, yes; but, alas, I
+cannot help it,--women are weak, are they not? What is before me, then?
+I am one without a place in the world--without relations, without
+fortune. If I were a man, I might seek my fortune--there are the wars,
+there are many kinds of honourable service. But what is there for a
+woman, a wife who has run away from her husband?"
+
+"But Madame, the convent,--you have a right to be maintained there. You
+can at least live there, till time annuls the Count's claims upon you.
+And then who knows what the future may bring?"
+
+"The convent--I have told you I should be safe there, and so no doubt I
+should if I took the veil--"
+
+"Nay, Madame, not that, save as a last resort!"
+
+"Alas, I may not though I would. Do you think I should hesitate if I
+were free? How gladly I would bury myself from this world, give myself
+at once to Heaven! But that resource--that happiness--is forbidden me.
+My mother, as she neared death, saw no security for me but as a
+life-guest at a convent. Our small fortune barely sufficed to make the
+provision. But she did not wish me to become a nun, and as she feared
+the influence of the convent might lead that way, she put me under a
+promise never to take the veil. So I am without the one natural resource
+of a woman in my position."
+
+"But do you mean that you will not be safe at the convent merely as a
+guest?"
+
+"The Count may claim the fulfilment of his rights as a husband. He may
+use force to take me away. The Mother Superior cannot withhold me from
+him; and indeed I fear she would be little inclined to if she could,
+unless I consented to take the veil. Before the possibility of my
+marriage came up, she was always urging me to apply for a remission of
+the vow to my mother, so that I might become a nun. But that I would
+never do."
+
+"But, Madame, knowing all this, how could you select the convent as your
+refuge, and let me bring you so far toward it?"
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, what place in the world was there for me? And yet I had
+to go somewhere, that your life might be saved, and Mathilde's, and the
+happiness of poor Hugues. There was no other way to draw you far from
+that chateau of murder, no other way to detach Mathilde from one who
+could bring her nothing but calamity. And to-day, when I left you, I
+thought all this was accomplished, and I was free to go my way in search
+of death."
+
+"Oh, Madame, if I had known what was in your mind! Then you did not mean
+to go to the convent?"
+
+"I meant to go toward the convent. It is further away than I allowed you
+to suppose. I felt--I know not why--that death would meet me on the way.
+I felt in my heart a promise that God would do me that kindness. At
+first I had no idea of what form my deliverer would take. Perhaps, I
+thought, I might be permitted to lose my way in the forest and die of
+hunger, or perhaps I might encounter some wild beast, or a storm might
+arise and cause me to be struck by lightning or a falling bough, or I
+might be so chilled and weakened by rain that I must needs lie down and
+die. I knew not what shape,--all I felt was, that it waited for me in
+the forest. And when the gentleman spoke of robbers, I rejoiced, for it
+seemed to confirm my belief."
+
+"And that is why you would not let me come with you?"
+
+"Yes, certainly; that you might not be present to drive death away from
+me, or meet it with me. I hoped you would go on to Paris, thinking me
+safe, and that you would soon forget me. You see how I desire you to
+live, and how you can please me only by doing so."
+
+"And so, when you were at last in the forest--?"
+
+"At last in the forest, yes--I knew not how long I should have to ride,
+but I made no haste,--sooner or later it would come, I thought. The
+birds hopping about on the branches seemed to be saying to one another,
+'See this lady who has come to meet death.' I crossed a glade, and
+something seemed to whisper to my heart, 'Yonder it lies waiting, yonder
+in the shades beyond that little stream.' So I went on, and true enough,
+before I had gone far, five or six rough men sprang out from the bushes.
+Two caught my reins, and one raised a weapon of some kind and bade me
+deliver up my purse. I had no purse to deliver, and I feared they might
+let me go as not worth their trouble. Then I thought they might hold me
+for ransom, or rob me of my clothes, and discover I was a woman. Surely
+I was justified in resisting such a fate; so I drew the sword you gave
+me, and made a pass at the man with the weapon. He struck instantly,
+before I could turn my head aside, and I had time only for a flash of
+joy that God had indeed granted me deliverance. I scarce felt the blow,
+and then all went out in darkness. I knew nothing after. How did I come
+here? This is not the place where I met the robbers."
+
+"It is very strange," said I. "This is where I found you, only a little
+while before you came to life. I had searched the path, but I saw no
+robbers. They did not take your horse,--I found it in the glade yonder,
+where I have left mine with it. That must be the glade you crossed
+before they appeared."
+
+"But how came you to be here? Ah, did you disregard my wish and follow
+me?"
+
+"Not at first. No; I went on toward Paris as you bade me. But after
+awhile I too had a feeling of danger befalling you in this forest. It
+was so strong that I could not force myself to go on. So I rode back,
+hoping to come in sight of you and follow at a distance. I could not do
+otherwise."
+
+"Ah, Henri, perhaps it is to you I owe the ill service of bringing me
+back to life. Who knows?--I might have passed quietly away to death here
+had you not come and revived the feeble spark left in me. I must have
+been unconscious a long time."
+
+"Yes; thank God I arrived no later than I did. But why should the
+robbers have brought you here? They have not even taken any of your
+clothes. See, here is your sword, replaced in its scabbard; even your
+cap is here, beside your head--look where the villain's weapon cut
+through,--it must have been a sort of halberd. Why should they have
+brought you here? Do they mean to return, I wonder?"
+
+I rose and looked around, peering through the dusky spaces between the
+trunks of the trees, and straining my ears. Suddenly, amidst the chatter
+of the birds returning to their places for the night, I made out a sound
+of distant hoof-beats.
+
+"Horsemen!" I said. "But these robbers were on foot, were they not?"
+
+"Yes; I did not see any horses about."
+
+"Who can these be? There must be several!"
+
+They were apparently coming from that part of the forest toward which
+the Countess had been riding. On account of the brushwood I could not
+see them yet.
+
+"Well," said I, "we had best keep as quiet as possible till they pass.
+But they will see our horses in crossing the glade. No, that must not
+be. Wait."
+
+I ran back to the glade, and finding the horses close together, caught
+them both, led them down the bed of the stream to where the Countess
+was, and made them lie among the underwood, trusting to good fortune
+that they would be quiet while the others were passing.
+
+Soon I could see, above the underbrush that extended to the path beyond
+the brook, a procession of steel head-pieces, bearded faces,
+breastplates over leather jerkins, and horses' heads. There were six or
+seven men in all, one after another. I lay close to the earth and heard
+them cross the stream. And then, to my astonishment, they came directly
+along the stream by the way I had first come; I rose to my feet just in
+time to face the leader as he stopped his horse within a yard of me.
+
+He gazed over the neck of his steed at me, and the Countess, and our two
+animals. He was a tall, well-made, handsome man, seasoned but still
+young, with a bronzed, fearless face.
+
+"Good evening," said he, in a rich, manly voice. "So the youngster has
+come to his senses,--and found a friend, it appears."
+
+"I don't exactly understand you, Monsieur," said I.
+
+"You are not to blame for that," he replied good-humouredly. "It is true
+I met your young friend awhile ago, but as he was more dead than alive
+at that time, he couldn't have told you much. How is it with him now?"
+
+"I am not much hurt, Monsieur," replied the Countess for herself.
+
+"I scarce knew how I should find you when I returned," said the
+newcomer.
+
+"Then you saw him here before, Monsieur?" said I.
+
+"Yes; it was I who brought him here,--but, faith! he was in no condition
+to see what was going on. We were searching this forest on the King's
+business, when I heard something a little ahead, which made me gallop
+forward, and there I saw half-a-dozen ruffians around a horse, and one
+of them dragging this youth from the saddle. I shouted to my comrades
+and charged at the robbers. They dropped the lad, and made off along the
+path. I stopped to see to the young gentleman, and ordered my companions
+to pursue the rascals. The youngster, let me tell you, seemed quite done
+for. He had been struck, as you see, evidently just before he was pulled
+from the horse."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur," said the Countess; "and I knew nothing after the blow."
+
+"So it appeared," replied the horseman. "I saw that water was needed,
+and remembering this stream we had crossed, I carried you to this place
+and did what I could for you. But I had to go and recall my men,--I
+feared they might be led too far, or separated by the robbers running in
+different directions. That explains my leaving you alone. We have a
+piece of work in hand, of some importance, and dare not risk anything
+for the sake of catching those knaves."
+
+"I suppose they are part of the band that haunts this forest," said I.
+
+"No doubt. But this forest is at present the haunt of larger game. Those
+scoundrels escaped us this time--they were favoured by the dusk and the
+undergrowth. I was longer in catching up with my comrades than I had
+thought. But I see all has gone well with that young gentleman in the
+meantime."
+
+"Yes, Monsieur. I, his brother, ought never to have allowed him to go on
+alone. But I was riding after, expecting to overtake him, when I came
+upon his horse; I supposed he must be near, and I was fortunate enough
+to seek in the right place. He shall not leave me again; and for us both
+I thank you more than my tongue can ever express."
+
+"Pouf!--I did nothing. The question is, what now? My comrades and I have
+affairs to look after in the forest. We shall continue on the path where
+your brother met his accident, till we come to a certain forester's
+house where we may pass the night. Your direction appears to be the
+same, and you will be safe with us."
+
+"Again I thank you, Monsieur," I said, "but we shall give up our journey
+through the forest. As soon as my brother feels able to ride, we shall
+go back to the highway and pass the night at some inn. I think we shall
+be safe enough now that you have frightened the robbers from this part
+of the forest."
+
+The horseman eyed me shrewdly, and glanced at the Countess. It occurred
+to me then that he had known her sex from the first, and that he now
+trusted me with wisdom enough to judge best what I ought to do. So he
+delicately refrained from pressing us, as he had all along from trying
+to learn our secret. For a moment he silently twirled his moustaches;
+then he said:
+
+"In that case, I have but to wish you good-night, and good fortune.
+I think you will be safe enough between here and the highway.
+Please do not mention that you have seen any of the King's guard
+hereabouts,--though I fear that news is already on the wing."
+
+"What, Monsieur?--are you, then, of the King's guard?"
+
+"We have the honour to be so."
+
+"But I thought their uniform--"
+
+"Faith, we are in our working clothes," said he, with a laugh. The next
+moment he waved us adieu, turned his horse about, and, his companions
+also turning at his order, followed them out of our sight.
+
+"A very charming gentleman," said I, as the sound of their horses
+diminished in our ears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE TOWER OF MORLON
+
+
+The Countess still lay on the grassy couch beneath the oak. She seemed
+to have lost all will as to her course of action.
+
+"I think best not to go with those guards," I explained after a moment.
+"For why should we travel their way without any destination? There is
+nothing for us now in that direction. After what you have told me, I
+dare not let you go to the convent."
+
+"There is no place for me," she said listlessly. "Death has disappointed
+me, and left me in the lurch. I think this place is as good as another."
+
+She closed her eyes for some moments, as if she would lie there till
+death came, after all.
+
+"No," said I; "you must not stay here. Night is coming on: the chill and
+the dews will be harmful to you. Besides, there are clouds already
+blotting out some of the stars, and the wind is rising and may bring
+more. If there is rain, it may be heavy, after so many days of fine
+weather. It will soon be too dark to follow the path. We must be getting
+on."
+
+"I am weak from this blow," she said,--rather as if for a pretext
+against moving, I thought. "I am not sure I could keep my saddle."
+
+"I can carry you as I ride, if need be, and let your horse follow. Come,
+Madame, let us see if you can rise. If not, I will take you in my arms
+to the glade, where it will be easier to mount."
+
+I stooped to support her, but she did not stir.
+
+"But where am I to go?" she said. "Of what use to travel aimlessly from
+place to place? As you say, why should we ride on toward the convent
+without a destination? But where else have I a destination?"
+
+"Listen, Madame. Is it not probable that after some weeks, or months,
+the Count, still disappointed of your taking refuge at the convent, will
+give up hope or expectation of finding you there? Will he not then
+withdraw his attention from the convent?"
+
+"I suppose so."
+
+"And can we not, if we take time, find means to learn when that becomes
+the case? Can we not, by careful investigation, make sure whether he is
+still watching the convent or whether he has an informant there? Can we
+not enter into communication with the Mother Superior, and find out what
+her attitude is toward you,--whether, if you returned, your residence
+there would be safe and kept secret? Surely she would not betray you."
+
+"Oh, no; whatever attitude she took, she would tell me the truth."
+
+"Then it is only necessary to wait a few months and take those measures,
+without letting your own whereabouts be known even to the Mother
+Superior."
+
+"But meanwhile would you have me continue doing as I have done since my
+flight,--passing as something I am not, receiving the protection--living
+on the very bounty--of the one person in all the world from whom I
+should accept nothing? Why, Monsieur, if it were known--if no more than
+the mere truth were told--would it not seem to justify the Count de
+Lavardin?"
+
+"I do not ask you to do as you have done. For only two or three days you
+need pass as a boy. You may then not only resume the habit of a woman,
+but enjoy the company and friendship of a woman as saintly as yourself.
+Your presence in her house must be a secret till affairs mend, but you
+may be sure that if her friendship for you were known, it would be a
+sufficient answer to anything your husband or the world might say
+against you."
+
+"It is of your mother that you speak. But I told you before, it is not
+from you that I dare accept so much."
+
+"It will be from my mother, who will believe me when I tell her the
+truth, and who will take you as her guest and friend for your own sake.
+As for me, my affairs in Paris will keep me from La Tournoire while you
+are there:--for consider, what I propose now is not what you refused
+that night we fled from Lavardin. I spoke then of your making La
+Tournoire your refuge for an indefinite time,--the rest of your life, if
+need be:--I speak now of your staying there only till your safe
+residence at the convent can be assured,--only a few months, or weeks."
+
+Though I had begun and ended by speaking of the convent, I did so merely
+with the object of inducing her to go to La Tournoire. Once there, she
+would be under the guidance and persuasion of my mother, who could
+influence her to remain till the Count's death removed all danger.
+
+"You must not refuse, Madame," I went on. "God has shown that He does
+not desire your death, and it must be His will that you should accept
+this plan, so clear and simple. Speak, Madame!"
+
+"I know not.--I have no strength, no will, to oppose further. Let it be
+as you think best." The last vestige of her power of objection, of
+resolving or thinking for herself, seemed to pass out in a tired sigh.
+
+"Good!" I cried. "Then we have but to regain the road and find some inn
+for the night. To-morrow we shall ride back to Chateaudun, or perhaps on
+to Bonneval, and then make for La Tournoire by Le Mans and Sable, which
+is to give a wide berth to Montoire and the road we have come by. Do you
+think you can rise, Madame?--Nay, wait till I lead the horses out."
+
+I took the horses to the glade, then returned and found the Countess
+already on her feet, though with her hand against the tree, as she was
+somewhat dizzy. She walked with my assistance, and I helped her to her
+saddle,--she now thought herself able to ride without support. I mounted
+my own horse, grasped the halter of the other, and took the path for the
+highway.
+
+"We are none too soon," said I, as we left the glade. "How dark the path
+is even now: I hope we shall be able to keep it."
+
+Darkness came on more quickly than usual, because of the swift
+overclouding of the sky. Very soon I could not see two paces before me.
+Then blackness settled down upon us. My horse still went on, but slowly
+and uncertainly, with many a halt to make sure of footing and a free
+way. When I glanced back, I could not see the Countess, but I held the
+tighter to the halter of her horse and frequently asked if all was well.
+Her reply was, "Yes, Monsieur," in a faint, tired voice. I felt about
+with my whip for the trees at the side of the path, and thus was able to
+guide the horse when its own confidence faltered.
+
+Instead of cooling, the air became close. Suddenly the forest was
+lighted up by a pale flash which, lasting but a moment, was followed
+after a time by a distant rumble of thunder.
+
+"It is far away, Madame," said I. "It may not come in this direction, or
+we may be safely housed before it does."
+
+"I am not afraid."
+
+However, lest rain might fall suddenly, I stopped the horses, unrolled
+from behind my saddle a cloak which I had bought in Vendome, and put it
+around the Countess. We then proceeded as best we could. Slowly as we
+had gone, I began to think it time we should emerge from the forest; but
+another flash of lightning showed apparently endless vistas of wood on
+every side. We went on for another half hour or so, during which the
+distant thunder continued at intervals; and then, finding ourselves as
+deep in the forest as ever, I perceived that we must have strayed from
+our right path. I stopped and told the Countess.
+
+"It must be so," she said.
+
+"I noticed no cross-path when I rode into the forest this afternoon. Yet
+a path might join at such an angle that, looking straight ahead, I
+should not have seen it. Yes, that is undoubtedly the case, if we are in
+a path at all. Perhaps we are following the bed of a dried-up stream."
+
+"Do you wish to turn back, then?"
+
+"We might only lose ourselves. And yet that is what must happen if we go
+ahead. Let us wait for a flash of lightning."
+
+One came presently, while my eyes were turned ready in what I thought
+the direction from which we had come. But there seemed to lie no opening
+at all in that direction. Then, in the blacker darkness that ensued, I
+remembered that I had turned my horse slightly while talking of the
+matter. I could not now tell exactly which direction we had come from.
+It occurred to me that perhaps for some time we had wandered about in no
+path at all, going where trees and underbrush left space clear enough to
+be mistaken.
+
+I confessed that I knew not which way to go, even to find the original
+path.
+
+"Is it best to ride on at random, in hope of coming upon something, or
+to stay where we are till daylight?" I asked.
+
+The Countess had no will upon the matter. But the question was decided
+for me by a heavy downpour of rain, which came in a rush without
+warning. It was evident that the foliage over us was not thick. So I
+shouted to the Countess that we would go on till we found trees that
+gave more protection. I urged my horse to move, letting him choose his
+own course, and he obediently toiled forward, I exerting myself to keep
+the other horse close, and also feeling the way with my whip.
+
+As swift as the oncoming of the rain, was the increase of the lightning,
+both in frequency and intensity. The fall of the rain seemed loud beyond
+measure, but it was drowned out of all hearing when the thunder rolled
+and reverberated across the sky. In the bright bursts of lightning, the
+trees, seen through falling rain, seemed like companions suffering with
+us the chastisement of the heavens; but in the darkness that intervened
+between the flashes, the forest and all the world seemed to have died
+out of existence, leaving nothing but the pelting waters and the din of
+the storm.
+
+At last we came, not to a region where the boughs were less penetrable,
+but to an open space where the downpour had us entirely at its mercy. I
+thought at first we had got out of the forest, or into the glade we had
+left: but a brilliant flash showed us it was another small clearing,
+which rose slightly toward the thick woods on its further side. And the
+same lightning revealed, against the background of trees, a solitary
+tower, old and half-ruined, slender and of no great height. A doorway on
+a level with the ground stood half open.
+
+"Did you see that?" I cried, when the lightning had passed. "There is
+shelter."
+
+"It must be the tower of Morlon," said the Countess.
+
+"And who lives there?"
+
+"Nobody,--at least it was said to be empty when I used to hear of it. It
+is all that is left of a house that was destroyed in the civil wars.
+Hunting parties sometimes resort to it, and the peasants make use of it
+when passing this way.--Yes, we have come far out of our road, if that
+is really the tower of Morlon."
+
+"Then it is every man's house. The door is open."
+
+"It is an abandoned place, and people would take no care how they left
+the door."
+
+"Let us go in, then. There can be nobody there, or the door would be
+closed against this storm."
+
+I rode toward the spot where I supposed the tower was, and, rectifying
+my course by the next flash, I presently felt the stone wall with my
+whip. I dismounted, found the entrance, pushed the door wide, and saw by
+the lightning a low-ceiled interior, which was empty. I led the horses
+in, helped the Countess from the saddle, and removed her cloak, which,
+though itself drenched, had kept her clothes comparatively dry.
+
+My first thought was of a place where the Countess might recline. But,
+as I found by groping about and by the frequent lightning, there was
+nothing except the floor, which, originally paved with stone, was now
+covered with dried mud from the boots of many who had resorted to the
+place before ourselves. There were no steps leading to the upper stories
+of the tower: the part we were in was, indeed, but a sort of basement.
+It occupied the full ground space of the tower, with the rough stone as
+its only shell, and had no window nor any discoverable opening place in
+the low ceiling.
+
+Thinking there might be an external staircase to the story above us, I
+went out and felt my way around the tower, but found none. The entrance
+to the main or upper part of the tower from the buildings that once
+adjoined must have been to the story above, from a floor on the same
+level. I thought of seeking the opening and climbing in from the back of
+my horse, but I reflected that the upper stories also would doubtless be
+denuded, while they could offer no better shelter from the rain. So I
+was content with taking the saddles from the horses, and placing them
+together upside down in such a way that they constituted a dry reclining
+place for the Countess.
+
+There was no dry wood to be had from the forest, and no fuel of any kind
+in our place of refuge; so I could not make a fire. While the Countess
+sat in silence, I paced the floor until I succumbed to fatigue. By that
+time, much of the water had dripped from my clothes, and I was able to
+sit on the carpet of earth with some comfort. I leaned my back against
+the wall, to wait till the storm and the night should pass.
+
+The horses had lain down, and the Countess, as I perceived by her deep
+breathing and her not answering me, was asleep. The thunder and
+lightning were less near and less powerful, but the rain still fell, now
+decreasingly and now with suddenly regathered force. At last I too
+slept.
+
+I awoke during the night, and changed from a sitting to a lying
+position. When I next opened my eyes, the light of dawn was streaming in
+at the door. The storm had ceased, birds were twittering outside. I was
+aching and hungry. The Countess's face, as she slept, betokened weakness
+and pain. I went and adjusted a saddle-flap that had got awry under her.
+As I did so, she awoke.
+
+"I am so tired," she said in a slow, small voice, like that of a weary
+child.
+
+"You are faint for want of food," said I. "You have eaten nothing since
+noon yesterday, and very little then."
+
+Thinking I wished to hurry our departure in search of breakfast, she
+shook her head and murmured weakly:
+
+"I am not able to go on just now. I assure you, I cannot even stand. All
+strength seems to have gone out of me." As if to illustrate, she raised
+her hand a few inches: it trembled a moment, then fell as if powerless.
+
+It was plain that she was, whether from fatigue and privation alone, or
+from illness also, in a helpless state. It would be cruelty and folly to
+put her on horseback. And without at least the refreshment of food and
+wine, how was her condition to be improved so that she might leave this
+place?
+
+After some thought and talk, I said:
+
+"The only thing is for me to go and get you food and wine, while you
+stay here. But, alas, what danger you may be in while I am gone! If
+anybody should come here and find you!"
+
+"Nobody may come. Surely there are many days when this place is left
+deserted."
+
+"But if somebody _should_ come?"
+
+"All people are not cruel and wicked. It might be a person who is kind
+and good."
+
+"But the robbers?"
+
+"Why should they come? There is nothing for them here. If they came it
+would be by chance; against that, we can trust in God."
+
+"Perhaps intruders can be bolted out," said I, going to examine the
+door. It was of thick oak, heavily studded with nails, and two of its
+three hinges still held firmly. But there was no bolt, nor any means of
+barring.
+
+"Nothing but a lock," I said, "and no key for that." It only aggravated
+my feeling of mockery to discover that both parts of the lock were still
+strong. In my petulance I flung the door back against the wall.
+
+As one sometimes gives the improbable a trial, from mere impulse of
+experiment, I took from my pocket the two keys I had brought from
+Lavardin. I tried first that of the room in which I had been imprisoned:
+it was too small, and of no avail. I then inserted the key of the
+postern. To my surprise, it fit. I turned it partly around; it met
+resistance: I used all my power of wrist; the lock, which had stuck
+because it was rusted and long unused, yielded to the strength I
+summoned.
+
+"Thank God!" I cried. "It seems like the work of providence, that I kept
+the postern key."
+
+I now reversed and withdrew the key, and applied it to the lock from the
+inside of the door, which I had meanwhile closed. But alas!--no force of
+mine could move the lock from that side, though I tried again and again.
+
+I went outside and easily enough locked the door from there. I then
+renewed my endeavours from the inside, but with failure.
+
+"Alas!" said I, turning to the Countess; "if I cannot lock the door from
+within, how much less will you be able to do so."
+
+"But you can lock it from without," she answered, taking trouble to
+secure my peace of mind. "Why not lock me in? It will be the same thing.
+In either case I should not go out during your absence."
+
+"That is true," I said. "I will make haste. If the door is locked
+against intruders, what matters it which of us has the key? I will guard
+it as my life,--nay, that too I will guard as never before, for yours
+will depend upon it."
+
+I then questioned the Countess as to what part of the forest we were in,
+but her knowledge of the location of the tower, with regard to roads or
+paths, was vague.
+
+I decided to take both horses with me, lest one, being heard or seen, in
+or about the tower, might excite the curiosity of some chance passer
+through the forest. But I left the saddles with the Countess. Anxious to
+lose no more time, I knelt and kissed her hand, receiving a faint smile
+in acknowledgment of my care; led out the horses, locked the door,
+pocketed the key, mounted, and was off. I went haunted by the sweet,
+sorrowful eyes of the Countess as they had followed me to the door.
+
+With the sun to guide me, I rode Westward, for in that direction must be
+the highway we had left the day before. By keeping a straight course,
+and taking note of my place of emergence from the forest, I should be
+able to find my way back to the tower. The leaves overhead were nowhere
+so thick but that splashes of sunshine fell upon the earth and
+undergrowth, and, by keeping the shadow of my horse and myself ever
+straight in front, I maintained our direction. But besides this I
+frequently notched the bark of some tree, always on its South side, with
+my dagger. Having this to do, and the second horse to lead, and the
+underbrush being often difficult, my progress was slower than suited my
+impatience. But in about an hour and a half from starting, I came out of
+the forest upon the bank of the Loir, which is so insignificant a stream
+thereabouts that I may not have mentioned fording it upon entering the
+woods on the previous day. I let the horses drink, and then rode
+through, and across a meadow to the highway. I turned to the right, and
+arrived, sooner than I had expected, at the gate of a town, which proved
+to be Bonneval. I stopped at the inn across from the church, saw to the
+feeding of my horses, and then went into the kitchen. I ordered a supply
+of young fowl, bread, wine, milk in bottles, and other things; and
+bargained with the innkeeper for a pair of pliable baskets and a strap
+by which they might be slung across my horse like panniers. While I
+waited for the chickens to roast, I used the time in reviving my own
+energies with wine, eggs, and cold ham, which were to be had
+immediately.
+
+Three or four people came or went while I was eating, and each time
+anybody crossed the threshold of the door, I glanced to see what sort of
+person it was. This watchfulness had become habitual to me of late. But
+as I was about finishing my meal, with my eyes upon my plate, I had an
+impression that somebody was standing near and gazing at me. As I had
+not observed any one to come so close, I looked up with a start. And
+there stood Monsieur de Pepicot, his nose as long as ever, his eyes as
+meek as when they had first regarded me at Lavardin.
+
+"My faith!" I exclaimed. "You rise like a spirit. I neither saw nor
+heard you enter."
+
+"I am a quiet man," he replied with a faint smile, sitting down opposite
+me.
+
+"You are the very ghost of silence itself," said I. "What do you wear on
+the soles of your boots?"
+
+Again he smiled faintly, but he left my question unanswered. "So you
+managed to keep out of trouble at that place where I last saw you?" said
+he.
+
+"If I did not keep out of it, at least I got out of it."
+
+"You are a clever young man,--or a lucky one. I was a little disturbed
+in mind at leaving you as I did. But--business called me. I knew that if
+you could manage to keep a whole body for ten days or so, even if that
+amiable Count did see fit to cage you up, you would be set free in the
+end."
+
+"Set free? By the Count, do you mean?"
+
+"Not at all. By those who would visit the Count; by those who have--But
+stay,--have you not just come from Lavardin?"
+
+"No, indeed. I left that hospitable house more than a week ago. I set
+myself free."
+
+"Oh, is that the case? I ask your pardon. When I saw you here, I
+naturally supposed your liberation was a result of what has just
+occurred. I haven't yet learned all particulars of the event."
+
+"What event? I don't understand you."
+
+"Then you don't know what has been going on at Lavardin recently?"
+
+"Not I."
+
+"Oh, indeed? Well, it will be known to all the world very soon. The
+Count, it seems, was suspected of some hand in the late intrigue with
+Spain--"
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"Why do you say 'Ah!'?"
+
+"Nothing. I always thought there might be something wrong with the
+Count's politics."
+
+"Well, so they thought in Paris. And having made sure--"
+
+"How did they make sure?"
+
+"Oh, by the discovery of certain documents, no doubt," said Monsieur de
+Pepicot, with a notable unconsciousness. "It is the usual way, is it
+not?"
+
+"Aha! I begin to see now. You overdo the innocence, my friend. I begin
+to guess what you were doing at Lavardin--"
+
+"Monsieur, I know not what you mean."
+
+"I begin to guess why you wanted to get into the chateau,--what you were
+wandering about the house with a lantern for,--why you took your leave
+so unexpectedly,--and how you knew that in ten days I should be set
+free."
+
+"Nay, Monsieur, I cannot follow you in your perceptions. I know only
+that on Monday evening a party of the King's guard appeared before the
+Chateau de Lavardin--"
+
+"Having been sent from Paris soon after you had arrived there with the
+documents you found in the chateau."
+
+"Please do not interrupt with your baseless conjectures, Monsieur. As I
+said, the guards arrived at Lavardin just as, by great good fortune, the
+Count himself was returning from some journey or excursion he had been
+on. Thus they met him outside his walls: had it been otherwise they
+would doubtless have had infinite trouble, for, as we know, the chateau
+has been for some time fully prepared for a siege, even to being
+garrisoned by the company of Captain Ferragant."
+
+"What! then those fellows who thronged the court-yard--"
+
+"Were a part of Captain Ferragant's famous company,--only a part, as I
+should have said at first, unless he has reduced its numbers. Well,
+instead of having the difficulty of besieging the chateau, the guards
+had the luck to meet the Count in the road, when he had only a few
+followers with him. And so they made short work."
+
+"They succeeded in arresting him?"
+
+"Not exactly that. He chose to resist, no doubt thinking he would soon
+be reinforced from the chateau by the Captain and garrison. And in the
+fight, the Count was killed,--stuck through the lungs by the sword of a
+guard who had to defend himself from the Count's own attack."
+
+"My God! the Count killed!--dead!--out of the way!" For a moment I
+entirely yielded to the force of this news, which to my ears meant so
+much.
+
+"Yes. You don't seem grieved.--Yes: he will never annoy people again.
+The Captain, though, seeing from the chateau how matters had gone, came
+out with his men on horseback,--not to avenge the Count, but to ride off
+as fast as possible in the other direction. So the King's guardsmen had
+no trouble in getting into the chateau. A party of them, I believe, set
+off in pursuit of the Captain, who has long been a thorn in the side of
+people who love order. If he is caught, it can be shown that he was
+involved in the treason; and there it is."
+
+"So the Captain has not been caught?"
+
+"He had not been when I heard the news."
+
+"And how did you hear it?"
+
+"From one of the guardsmen, who happens to be of my acquaintance. I saw
+them as they came through Chateaudun yesterday afternoon, on their
+return from this business. We had very little time for talking."
+
+"Then you were not with them at Lavardin?"
+
+"I with them? Certainly not, Monsieur. Why should I have been with them?
+No; I have been staying in this part of the country for my own pleasure
+the past few days: I think of buying some apple orchards near
+Chateaudun.--I fancied you would be interested in this news."
+
+"I am, dear Monsieur de Pepicot,--infinitely. I am sorry I must leave
+you now, but I have business of some haste. I thank you heartily, and
+hope we may meet again. You know where La Tournoire is."
+
+Five minutes later, with my baskets slung before me, and having left one
+horse at the inn, I was riding out of Bonneval to tell the Countess that
+she was free.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE MERCY OF CAPTAIN FERRAGANT
+
+
+I had come to a place where the road runs, narrower than ever, between
+banks covered with bushes. All at once the perfect loneliness and
+silence were broken by three or four men leaping out of the bushes in
+front of me and barring the way, one presenting a pistol, another a long
+pike, while a third prepared to seize my rein. I instantly spurred
+forward, to make a dash for it: at the same time I was conscious that
+other fellows had sprung into the road behind me. The knave caught both
+reins close to the bit, and hung on under the horse's head, while the
+poor animal tried to rear. I drew sword and dagger, and leaned forward
+to run this fellow through. As I made my thrust, my senses suddenly went
+out in a kind of fire-streaked darkness. As I afterwards learned, I had
+been struck on the back of the head with a loaded cudgel by one of the
+unseen men behind. When I came to myself I was lying on the earth in a
+little bushy hollow away from the road: my hands were tied behind me,
+and around each ankle was fastened a rope, of which one of my assailants
+held the loose end. These two fellows and their four comrades were
+seated on the ground, eating the fowls and drinking the wine and milk I
+had provided for the Countess. One of them wore my sword, another had my
+dagger. My purse lay empty on the grass, and my horse was hobbled with
+the strap from my baskets.
+
+My first thought was of the key. Searching about with my eyes, I
+presently saw it, with the other one, at the edge of the bushes, where
+they had doubtless been thrown as of no value.
+
+My head was aching badly, but that was nothing to the terror in my heart
+for the Countess: if I was hindered from going to her, who was to give
+her aid?--nay, who was to release her from that dark hiding-place? She
+would die for lack of food and air,--her cell of refuge would be her
+tomb!
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed one of the robbers; "the worthy young gentleman comes to
+life."
+
+"You are right," said I, trying to hit the proper mood in which to deal
+with them. "I'm not sorry, either, as I was in some haste to get on. My
+friends, as you appear to have emptied me of everything that can be of
+any use to you, what do you say to allowing my poor remaining self to go
+about my business?"
+
+"And to give information about us as soon as you get to Chateaudun, eh?"
+said one.
+
+I was satisfied to let them think I was bound for Chateaudun.
+
+"No," I replied. "Poor as I am, the toll you have collected from me is
+not as much as my necessity of finishing my journey. So if you will
+untie me, and can find it in your hearts to give me back my horse--or at
+worst to let me go afoot,--I will cry quits, and give you my word of
+honour to forget you completely."
+
+"You speak well, young gentleman: but it's not to us that you need
+speak. We shall be taking you presently to one you can make proposals
+to."
+
+"Why should you waste time in taking me to your leader, when you are
+quite able to make terms yourselves?" said I. "Come. I can offer him no
+more than I can offer you. Suppose it were a hundred crowns: he would
+have the lion's share of it, and you poor fellows would get but a small
+part. If I deal with you alone, he need be never the wiser, and you will
+have the whole sum to divide among you."
+
+"And how would you get the five hundred crowns?"
+
+"I said one hundred: I would get them by going for them: I would give
+you my promise on the honour of a gentleman."
+
+The ruffians laughed. "No," said the one who had spoken most. "You would
+have to stay with us, and send for them. And our leader is the one to
+manage that. He will make you a fine, fair offer, no doubt."
+
+My heart sank. I tried persuasion, but nothing could move them.
+Doubtless each was afraid of the others, or they were very strongly
+under the dominion of their chief.
+
+I asked them to give me back my keys, whereupon one of them put the keys
+in his own wallet. They finished the food and drink, and made ready to
+depart. Their preparations consisted mainly of blindfolding me with a
+thick band of cloth, putting me on my horse, and tying together under
+the animal's belly the ropes that bound my ankles. Then a man mounted
+behind me, I heard another take the rein to lead, the horse was turned
+around several times so as to confuse my sense of direction, and we set
+off. We presently crossed a stream, and a little later I knew by sound
+and smell that we were in the forest. When we had traversed a part of
+it, the horse was again turned around twice or thrice, and we continued
+on our way. All the time I was thinking of her who waited for me in the
+darkness of her tomb-like prison.
+
+At last, by feeling the sun upon me and by other signs, I knew that we
+had come to a space clear of trees. We stopped a moment, and I heard
+calls exchanged and a gate opened; and then my horse's feet passed from
+turf to a very rough, irregular pavement. The sound of horses in their
+stalls at one side, the cooing of pigeons at the other, the gate, the
+rude paving, the remote situation, all taken together informed me that
+we were in an enclosed farm-yard. We stopped a second time, and my ankle
+ropes being then detached from each other, I was hauled down from the
+horse. The men with me were now greeted by others, who came apparently
+from the side buildings. I was led forward into a stone-floored passage,
+where I had to sit on a bench, guarded by I know not how many, while one
+went up a flight of stairs near at hand, evidently to give an account of
+their prize to somebody in authority. Presently a voice from above
+called down, "Bring the prisoner hither," and I was taken upstairs and
+through a doorway.
+
+My entrance drew an ejaculation from a person already in the room, who
+thereupon gave orders in a low voice. I was made to sit on the floor,
+and my ankles were tied close together. A chain was then wound
+ingeniously about my ankle-bonds, my legs, and the cords at my wrists;
+passed through a hole in the floor and around a cross beam, and finally
+fastened with a padlock, in such a way that I was secured beyond power
+of extricating myself.
+
+"Now, go, and wait in the passage," said the voice in which the previous
+orders had been given. "But first take that rag from his eyes. He may as
+well see: it will amuse him, and will not hurt us,--I will take care of
+that."
+
+The band was removed, and I found myself in a bare, plastered room with
+a barred window. In front of me stood a large man with a mask on his
+face. Where the mask ended, his beard began, so that he presented a
+visage entirely of black. The robbers who had brought me hither went
+out, closing the door, and I was left alone with this man.
+
+He regarded me a moment; then dropped into a chair, with a low grunt of
+laughter.
+
+"That it should be this fool, of all fools!" he began. "Who shall say
+there is no such thing as luck? Monsieur, I am sure it will please you
+to know into whose hands you have fallen."
+
+He took off his mask, and there was the red-splashed face of Captain
+Ferragant.
+
+Surprise made me dumb for a moment, for he had hitherto disguised his
+voice. He sat looking at me with a most cruel expression of malevolent
+triumph.
+
+"So, this is where you have fled,--and you are the chief of the
+robbers!" said I.
+
+"Call me that if you like. It matters nothing what names you prefer to
+use. No ears will ever hear them but mine; and mine will not be long
+afflicted with the sound."
+
+I shuddered, for I knew the implacability of this man, and my death
+meant the death of the Countess,--death in the dark, mouldy basement of
+the tower, death by stifling and starvation while she waited in vain for
+me, a slow and solitary death, rendered the more agonizing to her mind
+by suspense and fears. And this horrible fate must needs be hers just
+when the cause of her sorrows and dangers had been removed! It was a
+thought not to be endured.
+
+"You will have your jest," said I. "But I see no reason why you should
+bear me malice. The Count de Lavardin is now a dead man, I hear. I can
+no longer be against him, nor you for him. Therefore bygones should be
+bygones, and I suppose you will make terms with me as with any other man
+who happened to come before you as I do."
+
+"You do me an injustice, young gentleman: I am not so mercenary,--I do
+not always make terms. It is true, I served the Count for pay; that is
+what my company is for, and if he had not gone out of his chateau to
+hunt his wife, we might have defended the place till the enemy was tired
+out. But he allowed himself to be caught in the road,--you have heard
+the news, then? What do they say of me?"
+
+"That when you saw the Count was killed, you ran away."
+
+"Yes, I was of no use to the Count then, and his own men in the chateau
+were not well inclined toward me. They were for giving up the place, the
+moment he was dead. I thought best to save my good fellows for better
+service elsewhere."
+
+"Then your company and the band of robbers in this forest are the same?"
+
+"If you call them robbers,--they forage when there is need. I did not
+have them all at the chateau. The good fellows who brought you here were
+not at Lavardin with me. It is well, when one is in a place, to have
+resources outside. And so we meet again, my young interloper! You were
+rude to me once or twice at Lavardin. I shall pay you for that, and
+settle scores on behalf of my friend the Count as well."
+
+"How much ransom do you want?" I asked bluntly. "Name a sum within
+possibility, and let me go for it immediately: you know well you can
+rely upon my honour to deliver it promptly at any place safe for both of
+us, and to keep all a secret."
+
+"Do not insult me again. I have told you I am above purchase."
+
+Despite his jesting tone, my hope began to fall.
+
+"You are not above prudence, at least," I said. "I assure you there are
+people who will move earth and heaven to find what has become of me, and
+whose powers of vengeance are not light."
+
+"If I went in fear of vengeance, my child, I should never pass an easy
+moment. I have learned how to evade it,--or, better still, to turn it
+back on those who would inflict it. I fear nobody. When the game is not
+worth the risk, one can always run away, as I did from Lavardin when the
+Count's death threw his men into a panic."
+
+"Good God!" I cried, giving way to my feelings; "what will move you,
+then? What do you wish me to do? Shall I humiliate myself to plead for
+my life? shall I beg mercy? If I must descend to that, I will do so."
+
+For you will remember another life than mine was staked upon my fate,
+and time was flying. How long could she endure without food, without
+drink, without renewal of air, in that locked-up place of darkness?
+
+"Mercy, I beg," I cried, in a voice broken by fears for her.
+
+"You have hit upon the right way, at last," said the Captain, and my
+heart bounded in spite of his continued irony of voice and manner. "You
+beg for mercy, you shall have it. I will give you your life, and your
+liberty as well: on your part, you will tell me where the Countess de
+Lavardin is; as soon as I have made sure you have told the truth, I will
+set you free."
+
+I gazed at him in silence.
+
+"Is not that merciful?" said he; "a full pardon for all your affronts
+and offences, in return for a trifling piece of information?"
+
+"It is a piece of information I cannot give you," I replied.
+
+"It is a waste of time and words to try to deceive me," said the red
+Captain. "A young gentleman who risks so much for a lady as you have
+done, and accomplishes so much for her,--yes, they were wonders of
+prowess and courage, I admit, and I compliment you upon them,--a young
+gentleman who does all that for a lady does not so soon lose knowledge
+of her whereabouts. Do not trifle with me, Monsieur. Where is the
+Countess? There is no other way by which you can save yourself."
+
+"Do you think, then, a man who has shown the courage and prowess you
+mention, for the sake of a lady, would save himself by betraying her?"
+
+"Oh, you are young, and may have many years before you--a life of great
+success and honour. There are other beautiful ladies in the world. In a
+very short time you can forget this one."
+
+"I think it is for you to forget her," said I on the impulse. "As for
+me, I would rather die!"
+
+Ah, yes, it was easy enough to die, if that were all: but to leave her
+to die, and in such a manner, was another thing. Yet I knew she would
+prefer death, in its worst form, to falling into the unrestrained hands
+of the red Captain. The man's eyes, from the moment when he introduced
+her name, betrayed the eagerness of his new hope to make himself her
+master,--though he still controlled his speech. I say his new hope, for
+it must have arisen upon the death of the Count, during whose life, not
+daring openly to play the rival, he had found his only satisfaction in a
+revenge which provided that none might have what was denied to him. It
+was for me to decide now whether she should die or find herself at the
+mercy of Captain Ferragant. Was it right that I should decide for her as
+she would decide for herself? Was it for me to consign her to death,
+though I was certain that would be her own choice? Even though the
+Captain found her, was not life, with its possible chance of future
+escape, of her being able to move him by tears and innocence, of some
+friendly interposition of fate, preferable to the sure alternative doom?
+
+"I will leave you to make up your mind quietly," said the Captain. "When
+you are ready to speak to the point, call to the men in the
+passage,--one of them will come to me. The door will be left open. I
+hope you will not be slow in choosing the sensible course: I cannot give
+you many hours for consideration."
+
+He went out, addressed some orders to four or five men who sat on a
+bench facing my door, and disappeared: I heard his feet descending the
+stairs. My door was left wide open, so that I was directly in the gaze
+of the men. But even if I had been unobserved, I could not have moved
+from the place where I sat. Any effort to break my bonds, either of
+wrist or ankle, by sheer strength, was but to cause weakness and pain.
+My arms ached from the constraint of their position, and, because of
+them behind me, it was impossible to lie at full length on my back. Nor
+would the chain, without cutting into my thighs, permit me to lie on
+either side. I was thus unable to change even my attitude.
+
+But my discomforts of body were nothing in presence of the question that
+tore my mind. Minutes passed; time stretched into hours: still I
+discussed with myself, to which of the fates at my choice should I
+deliver her? Should I give her to death, or to the arms of the red
+Captain? Little as she feared the first, much as she loathed the second,
+dared I take it upon myself to assign her to death? Had it been mere
+death, without the horrors of darkness and desertion, without the
+anxious wonder as to why I failed her, I should not have been long in
+deciding upon that. For that would be her wish, and I should not survive
+her. Let us both die, I should have said; for what will life be to her
+after she has fallen into the hands of this villain, and what to me
+after I have delivered her into them? But the peculiar misery of the
+death that threatened her, kept the problem still busy in my mind.
+
+And yet I could not bring myself to yield her to the Captain.
+
+The day had become afternoon, and I still debated. The Countess must
+have expected me to return before this time. What was her state now?
+what were her conjectures? Ah, thought I, if we had not found our way to
+that lonely tower, if the storm had not come up the previous night, if
+we had started to leave the forest earlier!--nay, if I had had the
+prevision, upon hearing of the presence of robbers, to make her turn
+back to Chateaudun with me, and lodge quietly there until the Mother
+Superior of the convent could be sounded, and a safe way of approach be
+ascertained, all would now be well. We should have heard in the meantime
+of the Count's death. Yes, everything had gone wrong since the Countess
+had taken the road for the forest. The third of Blaise Tripault's maxims
+which he had learned from the monk came back to me with all the force of
+hapless coincidence:
+
+"_Never leave a highway for a byway._"
+
+The thought of Blaise Tripault made me think of my father. What a
+mockery it was to know that I, chained helpless to the floor in this
+remote stronghold of ruffians, was the son of him, the Sieur de la
+Tournoire, the invincible warrior before whose sword no man could stay,
+and who would have rushed to the world's end to save me or any one I
+loved! To consider my need, and his power to help, and that only his
+ignorance of my situation stood between, was so vexing that in my
+bitterness of soul, regardless of the men in the passage, I cried out to
+the empty air, "Oh, my father! If you but knew!"
+
+And then, for a moment, as if the bare wall were no impediment, I saw a
+vision of my father, with his dauntless brow and grizzled beard, his
+great long sword at his side, riding toward me among green trees.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE SWORD OF LA TOURNOIRE
+
+
+The light softened and faded into that of evening. Another set of men
+took the places of those outside my door. No food nor drink was brought
+me, and I supposed the Captain hoped by this neglect to reduce me the
+sooner to a yielding state. But I was even glad to have to undergo some
+of the discomforts which the Countess must needs be enduring. I gave up
+hope of her life or my own, and, leaning forward so as to get some
+relief of position, I fell into a kind of drowsy lassitude.
+
+Suddenly, through my window, which overlooked the court-yard, I heard a
+low call at the gate, which was answered. Presently I heard the gate
+close, and assumed it had been opened to let in the man who had uttered
+the call. About a minute after that, there was a considerable noise in
+the yard, as of men hastily assembling. Then came the voice of the
+Captain, apparently addressing the whole company. When he finished,
+there was a general movement of feet, as of men dispersing about the
+yard, and this was followed by complete silence.
+
+The men in the passage were now joined by a comrade, who spoke to them
+rapidly in a low tone. They whispered to one another in some excitement,
+but did not leave their places nor take their eyes from me.
+
+The next sound I heard was of the tread of horses approaching. My
+curiosity now aroused, I strained my ears. The hoof-beats came to the
+gate, and then I heard a loud knock, followed by no other sound than of
+the pawing and snorting of the horses as they stood. There must have
+been at least a score of them.
+
+Presently the unheeded knock was repeated, and then a quick, virile
+voice called out:
+
+"Hola, within there! Open the gate, in the name of the King!"
+
+My heart leaped. The voice was that of the royal guardsman who had saved
+the Countess from the robbers the previous evening. But his party was
+now evidently much larger than before.
+
+No answer was given to his demand. The red Captain's intent apparently
+was to make these newcomers believe the place deserted. I had an impulse
+to shout the truth, but I saw my guards watching me, their hands on
+their weapons, and knew that my first word would be the signal for my
+death. So I kept silence.
+
+"If you do not open the gate at once," the guardsman cried, "we will
+open it for ourselves, in our own way."
+
+I now heard footsteps shuffling across the yard, and then one of the
+robbers spoke, in the quavering tones of an old man:
+
+"Pardon, Monsieur. Pardon, I pray, but it is impossible for me to open.
+I am all alone here in charge of this place, which is empty and
+deserted, and I'm forbidden to open the gate to anybody but the master.
+He would kill me if I disobeyed, and besides that, I have taken a vow.
+There is nothing here that you can want, Monsieur."
+
+"There is shelter for the night to be had here, and that we mean to
+have. We are on the business of the King, and I command you to open."
+
+"I dare not, Monsieur. I should imperil my life and my soul. There is a
+lodge in the forest a mile to the east, and the keeper will see to all
+your wants: there is plenty of shelter, food for yourselves, hay for
+your horses, everything you can need. Here all is dismantled and empty."
+
+"Old man, you are lying. Unbar the gate in a moment, or your life will
+indeed be in danger."
+
+To this the "old man" gave no answer, except to come away from the gate
+with the same simulated walk of an aged person.
+
+I heard the horsemen discussing in low tones. Then, to my dismay, came
+the sound of hoofs again, this time moving away. Now I was more than
+ever minded to cry out, but my guards were ready to spring upon me with
+their daggers. I might have sought this speedy death, but for the sudden
+thought that the withdrawal of the royal guardsmen might be only
+temporary.
+
+I know not how many minutes passed. The sound of the horses had died out
+for some time. I became sensible of the tramp of men's feet. Were the
+guardsmen returning without their horses? Suddenly the red Captain's
+voice arose in the court-yard:
+
+"To the walls, you with firearms! Shoot them down as they try to batter
+in the gate! All the rest, stand with me to kill them if they enter!"
+
+The tramp of the guardsmen came swiftly near. I heard the reports of
+muskets and pistols. There was a loud thud, as of some sort of ram--a
+fallen branch or trunk from the forest--being borne powerfully against
+the gate. This was answered by defiant, profane shouts and more loud
+detonations. My guards in the passage groaned, exclaimed, and clenched
+their weapons, mad to be in the fray. I could only listen and wait.
+
+There was a second thud against the gate, amidst more cries and shots.
+And soon came a third, the sound being this time prolonged into a crash
+of timber. A shout of triumph from the invaders, a yell of execration
+from the red Captain and his men, and the clash of steel, told that the
+gate had given way.
+
+"Follow close, gentlemen! Trust me to clear a path!" cried a hearty
+voice, cheerful to the point of mirth, which thrilled my soul.
+
+"Ay, follow him close!" cried the leader of the guardsmen; "follow the
+sword of La Tournoire!"
+
+I could have shouted for joy, but that it was now worth while postponing
+death by minutes.
+
+The noise of clashing swords increased and came nearer, as if the
+guardsmen were pouring in through the gateway and driving the defenders
+back toward the house. Now and then came the sound of a pike or reversed
+musket meeting steel armour, and all the time fierce exclamations rose
+from both parties. There was no more firing; doubtless the melee was too
+close and general for anybody to reload.
+
+The men in the passage, as the tumult grew and approached, became as
+restless as dogs in leash that whine and jump to be in the fray. At last
+one of them ran into my room and looked out of the window.
+
+"Death of the devil, how they are at it!" he cried, for the information
+of his comrades outside my door. "I think we shall be wanted in a minute
+or two. These cursed intruders have forced the gateway. Our fellows are
+twice as many as they, but their heads and bodies are in steel,--all but
+one, a middle-aged man with gray in his beard. He has no armour on, but
+he leads the others. Body of Satan! you should see him clear the ground
+about him. He thrusts in all directions at once: his sword is as long as
+a man, and it darts as quickly as the tongue of a snake. Ha! it has just
+cut down old Cricharde.--And now it has stung Galparoux.--Holy
+Beelzebub, what a man! He fights like a fiend, and all the time with a
+gay face as if he were at his sport.--Ah! there he has let daylight into
+poor Boirac.--But now--good!--at last our Captain has planted himself in
+front of this devil: it was high time: he will find his match now. By
+God, it will be worth looking at, the fight between the red Captain and
+this stranger,--there aren't two such men in France. They are taking
+each other's measure now,--each one sees what sort of stuff he has run
+against. Ah!"
+
+What the last exclamation meant, I could not know. The man's attention
+had become too close for further speech. But I supposed that a pass had
+been made between my father and the red Captain, and that it had been
+nothing decisive, for the watcher's interest continued at the extreme
+tension: he kept his face against the iron bars of the window, and made
+no sound beyond frequent short ejaculations. The men in the passage
+called to him for further news, but he did not heed them. To my ears the
+fighting continued as general as before, with the shouts of many throats
+and the clash of many weapons, so that I could not at all distinguish
+the single combat between my father and the red Captain from the rest of
+the fray.
+
+Presently the man gave a howl of rage. "Our Captain is being forced
+back!" he cried. "We are getting the worst of the fight everywhere. It's
+too much!--we are needed down there! To the devil with orders!--the
+Captain will be glad enough if we turn the tide. And we'd better try our
+luck down there than be taken here, for short time they'll give us for
+prayers, my children." While speaking he had moved from the window to my
+door.
+
+"Certainly this prisoner is safe enough," answered one of the men,
+whereupon he and the others in the passage ran down the stairs.
+
+But the man who had been at the window turned to me. "Safe enough,--yes,
+so it looks," said he. "Young man, the Captain must think you a
+magician, to take so much pains against your escaping. If it came to the
+worst, I was to kill you, and the time seems to have arrived: so, if
+you'll pardon me--"
+
+"You will be a great fool," said I, as he approached with his sword
+drawn; "for if you are taken alive my intervention will save your neck."
+
+"How do you know it will?"
+
+"By the fact that the gentleman down there whose fighting you so admire
+is my father."
+
+"Indeed? You are a gentleman: do you give your word of honour for that?"
+
+"Yes; and to speak for you if I am alive when your side is finally
+defeated."
+
+"Very good, Monsieur. I will hold you to that." Upon this he left me and
+followed his comrades down the stairs.
+
+His footfalls had scarcely ceased upon the stairway, when other sounds
+began to come from the same direction,--those of conflict in the
+entrance hall below. Somebody had drawn his antagonist, or been forced
+by him, into the house. There was the quick, irregular stamp of booted
+feet on the stone floor, the keen music of sword striking sword. If the
+fight spread generally into the house, and the defenders fled to the
+upper rooms, my position must become more critical. So I listened rather
+to this noise in the hallway than to the tumult in the court-yard. By
+the sound of the steel coming nearer, and that of the footfalls changing
+somewhat, I presently knew that one of the fighters had sought the
+vantage--or disadvantage--of the staircase. But the other evidently
+pushed him hard, for soon both combatants had reached the landing at the
+turn of the stairs, as was manifest from a sudden increase of their
+noise in my ears. I could now hear their short ejaculations as well as
+the other sounds. They continued to approach: I listened for a stumble
+on the stairs, to be followed by a death-cry: but these men were
+apparently heedful as to their steps, and finally they were both upon
+the level footing of the passage outside my room. I wondered if this
+fight would be over before it could be opposite my doorway. In a few
+moments I was answered. Into my narrow view came the large figure of the
+red Captain, without a doublet, his muscular arms bare, his shirt open
+and soaked with perspiration, his upper body heaving rapidly as he
+breathed, his face streaming, his eyes fixed upon the enemy whose swift
+rapier he parried with wonderful skill. The light of evening was dim in
+the passage, and perhaps for that reason the Captain backed into my
+room. His adversary followed instantly.
+
+"Father!" I cried, as the Sieur de la Tournoire appeared in the doorway:
+in my emotion I thought not how I endangered him by distracting his
+attention.
+
+But he was not to be thrown off his guard. He moved his head a little to
+the side, so as to catch a glimpse of me behind the Captain, but this
+did not prevent his adroitly turning a quick thrust which his enemy made
+on the instant of my cry.
+
+"Hola, Henri!" said my father, with perfect calmness except for his
+quickness of breath. "What the devil are you doing here?"
+
+"Sitting chained to the floor," I replied.
+
+At this the Captain suddenly leaped back almost to where I was, and I
+suppose his intention was to place himself eventually where he would
+have me between him and my father and could kill me without ceasing to
+face the latter. But he may have considered an attempt to pass over me
+as unsafe for his subsequent footing, and so his next movement was
+sidewise: my father, following close, gave him work every moment. The
+Captain again stepping backward, I was now at his right and a little in
+front, so that, if he could gain but a spare second, he could send a
+finishing thrust my way. With my head turned so as to keep my eyes upon
+him, I could see by his look that he was determined not to risk my
+outliving him.
+
+My father, too busy in meeting the Captain's lunges, and in trying what
+thrust might elude his defence, thought best to expend no more breath in
+talk with me, and so the fighting went on without words. Suppose,
+thought I, my father kills the Captain but the Captain first kills me?
+Had I not better now tell my father to seek the Tower of Morlon and
+release a person confined there? But if I did that, the Captain would
+hear, and suppose he killed my father as well as me! I held my tongue.
+
+The Captain now maintained his position, neither giving ground nor
+pressing forward. The two combatants were between me and the window,
+through which still came sounds of struggle from the yard below. But
+these sounds were fewer, except those of cheers, which grew more
+frequent.
+
+"Good! Our friends are gaining the day!" said my father to me.
+
+"But you, Messieurs, shall not crow over it!" cried the Captain, and
+made a long thrust, as swift as lightning. My father caught it on the
+guard of his hilt, within short distance of his breast, at the same
+instant stepping back. The Captain did not follow, but darted his sword
+at me, with the cry, "Not for you the Countess!" I contracted my body
+and thought myself done for. My father's impulsive forward movement,
+however, disconcerted the Captain's arm in the very moment of his lunge,
+and his point but feebly stung my side and flew back again, his guard
+recovered none too soon to save himself. My father's thrusts became now
+so quick and continuous that the Captain fell back to gain breath. My
+father drove him to the wall. Shouting a curse, the Captain thrust for
+my father's midriff. My father, with a swift movement, received the
+sword between his arm and body, and at the same instant ran his own
+rapier into the Captain's unguarded front, pushed it through his lung,
+and pinned him to the wall.
+
+[Illustration: "MY FATHER'S THRUSTS BECAME NOW SO QUICK AND
+CONTINUOUS."]
+
+The Captain's arms dropped, his head hung forward, and as soon as the
+sword was drawn out, he tumbled lifeless to the floor.
+
+My father leaned against the wall till he regained a little breath and
+energy; then he wiped his brow and sword, and came over to me.
+
+"How have they got you trussed up?" he asked. "And how came you into
+their hands?--I should be amazed to find you here, if I hadn't seen
+stranger things before now."
+
+While he cut the cords that bound my ankles and wrists, I told him how I
+had been waylaid. "I was going with food and wine to a friend who lies
+locked in a deserted tower called Morlon. She is ill to death, and may
+now be dead for lack of food and air to keep up her strength. I must go
+to her--"
+
+"A woman, then?"
+
+"Yes, a lady: I will tell you all, but there is no time to lose now. The
+tower is in this forest. I must find my way there at once."
+
+"Patience, a moment," said my father. "Your chain is locked, I see:--but
+no matter,--I can loosen it so that you can wriggle through." By having
+cut the cords, around which the chain had been passed, he had relieved
+the tautness, and was now able to do what he promised. He then took off
+my boots, and, grasping me under the arms, drew me backward out of the
+loosened coils as I moved them downward with my hands. At last I stood a
+free man. I put on my boots, took the Captain's sword, and accompanied
+my father down into the court-yard.
+
+The fight was now over there. Of the royal guardsmen, all in steel caps
+and corselets, like the small party of them I had seen the previous
+evening, some were wiping their faces and swords, and others were caring
+for the hurts of comrades. Some of the robbers lay dead, several were
+wounded, and the rest, having yielded their weapons, were looking after
+their own disabled, under the direction of guardsmen. I recognized a
+number of the rascals as men I had seen at the Chateau de Lavardin. The
+commander of the troop of guards, he whom I had met before and whose
+vigorous voice I had recognized, greeted my father with a look of
+congratulation, and showed surprise at seeing me.
+
+"Tis a day of events," said my father. "I have killed the Count's
+accomplice, and found my son.--Nay, there was no hope of that Captain's
+surrendering."
+
+"My faith!--then your two quests are accomplished at the same moment,"
+said the leader of the guardsmen. "And, for another wonder, your son
+turns out to be a person I have already met. But your friend, Monsieur?"
+This inquiry was to me, and made with sudden solicitude.
+
+"Locked in the tower of Morlon, waiting for me to come with
+food,--perhaps dying or dead.--Monsieur, I was brought here blindfold:
+but I must find the way back to the tower of Morlon without delay,--it
+is somewhere in this forest."
+
+"No doubt some of these gentry know the way," said the guardsman,
+indicating the robbers. "We'll make it a condition of his life for one
+of them to guide us."
+
+"You make me your life-long debtor, Monsieur," I cried. "And one of them
+has the key: I think it is he lying yonder. As for food and wine--"
+
+"We are not without those," said the guardsman. "Our horses and supplies
+are near at hand."
+
+I went among the dead and wounded to find the man who had taken
+possession of my keys. Him I found, but the keys were not upon him.
+Supposing he had given them to his master, I ran upstairs and examined
+the pockets of the Captain, but in vain. Where to look next I knew not,
+so I returned to the court-yard and made known my unsuccess.
+
+"Tut!" said my father; "a door is but a door, and we can break down that
+of your tower as we broke down this gate. This gentleman"--meaning the
+leader of the guardsmen--"has most courteously offered to accompany us,
+with part of his noble troop, and he has chosen a guide from among the
+prisoners."
+
+"Ay, they all know the tower," said the guardsman, "but this fellow
+appears the most sensible.--Now, my man, how long will it take us, your
+comrades bearing the pine trunk with which we rammed this gate, to reach
+the tower of Morlon?"
+
+"Two hours, Monsieur, I should say," replied the robber.
+
+"It is too much," said the guardsman. "You will lead us thither in an
+hour at the utmost, or at the end of the hour you shall hang to the tree
+I then happen to be under." He thereupon gave orders to the guardsmen,
+and to the prisoners. As night would overtake us in the forest, he had a
+brief search made of the outhouses, and a number of dry pine sticks were
+found, to serve as torches. Our party was to go mounted, except the
+robbers impressed to carry the battering ram: so I went to the stalls at
+one side of the yard, and found my own horse, chewing hay in fraternal
+companionship with the animals which had doubtless brought Captain
+Ferragant and his men from Lavardin.
+
+As I led out my horse, I suddenly bethought me of the man for whose life
+I had promised to speak. During the final preparations for our start, I
+looked again among the robbers, wondering why this man had not forced
+himself upon my attention. But I soon found the reason: he lay on his
+side, and when I turned him over I saw he was pierced between two ribs
+and had no life left to plead for.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE MOUSTACHES OF BRIGNAN DE BRIGNAN
+
+
+My father, the leader of the guardsmen, and several of his men walked,
+while I rode, to the nearby edge of encircling woods, the defeated
+robbers bearing the young tree-trunk. Here my father and the guardsmen
+mounted, their horses having been tied to the trees. A pair of panniers
+containing wine, bread, and cold meat, was placed across my father's
+horse, a very strong animal, and, torches being lighted, we proceeded
+through the forest. The guide led, being attached to a halter, of which
+the commander of the guardsmen held the loose end. After the commander,
+my father and I came, and behind us the burdened prisoners, who were
+flanked and followed by the other guardsmen.
+
+On the way, I told my father who it was that lay in the tower, and gave
+him a brief account of my whole adventure at Lavardin and in the forest.
+He applauded my conduct, though counselling me in future to look well
+before I leaped; and he approved of my offer to the Countess of the
+hospitality of La Tournoire.
+
+"But what still makes me wonder," said I, "is that you should have found
+me here, so far from Paris, whither you knew I was bound, and from
+Vendome, whither Nicolas must have told you I was going."
+
+"But in truth my being here is very simple," said he. "As soon as
+Nicolas came back to La Tournoire with your message the day after you
+set out, I started for Paris to solicit your pardon for the affair at La
+Fleche. Six days later I presented myself to the Duke de Sully, who
+immediately took me for an audience of the King. There was a deal of
+talk about the scandalous disregard of the edict against duels, the
+great quantity of good blood wasted almost every day, the too frequent
+granting of pardons, and all that. But in the end Henri would not refuse
+me, and I have your pardon now in my pocket. But you must not be rash
+another time: I promised for you, and assured the King you were no
+fire-eater and had received great provocation."
+
+"Trust me to be prudent," said I.
+
+"Good! As you had not yet arrived in Paris," continued my father, "I
+supposed you had been delayed at Vendome, whither, as you say, Nicolas
+told me you were going. So I thought I would start for home by way of
+Vendome, as you might still be there and perhaps in some scrape or
+other, or I might meet you on the road between there and Paris. I stayed
+overnight in Paris, as the Duke had invited me to wait upon him the next
+day. I went and was very well received. As I was about to take my leave,
+I mentioned that I was going to travel by Vendome. 'Ah,' said the Duke,
+'then, if you wish, you may take a hand in a little affair which will be
+like an echo of the old busy days.' I opened my eyes at this, and the
+Duke told me that evidence had just been brought by one of his spies,
+which warranted the arrest of a powerful malcontent in the neighbourhood
+of Vendome, who had long been under suspicion,--in short, the Count de
+Lavardin. A party of royal guards was about to be sent off at once to
+take him in his chateau at Montoire, four leagues beyond Vendome, and I
+might go with them as a volunteer, or in any case I might have their
+company on my journey. I was quite ready for any affair that had a taste
+of the old service in it, especially as these treasonable great lords
+sometimes make a stout resistance in their chateaux. And so I had the
+honour of being introduced to these gentlemen and becoming for the time
+their comrade. That same afternoon I set out with them for Montoire, and
+we arrived there last Sunday."
+
+"Ah! you must have passed through Vendome while we were in seclusion
+there."
+
+"No doubt. That Count's business had to be attended to before he got
+wind of our arrival, and so there was no time for inquiring about you at
+Vendome. We came upon the Count and a party of attendants in the road,
+not a quarter of a league from his chateau. As we heard at the chateau
+afterwards, he had been searching the roads far and wide for his wife,
+who had fled from his cruelties. He had the daring to resist arrest, and
+there was some fighting, in which he was killed. It appears that the
+fight and his fall were seen by watchers from the tower of his chateau,
+and before we could arrive at that place his accomplice, this Captain
+Ferragant, who was in the chateau at the time, made his escape. As soon
+as we got to the chateau, we heard of this, and, as the Captain also was
+wanted, there was nothing to do but give chase. A few of the guardsmen
+were left to hold the chateau in the King's name, and the rest of us,
+with no more than a sup and a bite, made off after this Captain. He had
+so many followers with him, that he was not difficult to trace, and for
+two days we kept his track, until we lost it at the edge of this forest.
+From what we learned at Chateaudun, we guessed that his refuge was
+somewhere in the forest. That was yesterday afternoon: we at once broke
+up into small parties to search the forest, planning to reunite at a
+chosen place to-day at noon."
+
+"It was one of those parties that saved the Countess from the robbers,"
+said I gratefully.
+
+"Ay, and there your story crosses mine. As for the ruffians who attacked
+the Countess, they escaped without affording a clue to the Captain's
+whereabouts,--for doubtless they were of his band, though this was not
+certain. When our parties met to-day, one of them brought a forester who
+offered to show the way to the Captain's hiding-place if he were allowed
+to leave before coming in sight of it. We made full preparations, and
+you know the rest. At first we thought our forester had fooled us, and
+that the place we had come to was what it appeared, a solitary farmstead
+in a clearing of the forest. But in such a case, it is always best to
+make sure, and faith, that is what we did. So you see I chanced to find
+you all the sooner for not having had time to look for you. But indeed
+it was a timely meeting."
+
+In about an hour after the time of starting, we came to a clear space,
+in the midst of which was the tower we sought. We could see it by the
+starlight before we drew near with our torches. We all dismounted, and
+with a fast-beating heart, I found the door. It was still locked.
+Listening at the key-hole, I could hear no sound. I called out, "Louis!"
+thinking she would understand I had company to whom her sex need not be
+known. I wished to warn her of our assault upon the door, so that she
+might stay clear of danger thereby. But no answer came, though I called
+several times. I was now in great fear lest she had died. My father, who
+read my feelings in my face, suggested that she might have fallen into
+very deep unconsciousness, and that the best thing to do was to break in
+the door forthwith, as carefully as possible, trusting she might not be
+where there was chance of anything striking. As the place where I had
+left her lying was not opposite the door, and there was no reason to
+suppose she had chosen another, I gave up the attempt to warn her, and
+without further loss of time we made ready to attack the door. All the
+men in the party, both guardsmen and prisoners, laid hold of the
+tree-trunk, by means of halters and ropes fastened around it, my father
+and I placing ourselves at the head. The commander of the guardsmen, who
+was immediately behind me, called out the orders by which we moved in
+unison. Starting from a short distance, we ran straight for the tower,
+and swung the tree forward against the door at the moment of stopping. A
+most violent shock was produced, but the lock and hinges still held. We
+repeated this operation twice. Upon our third charge, the door flew
+inward. Leaving the trunk to the others, I hastened into the dark, close
+basement, and groped my way to where I had left the Countess.
+
+"Madame!--Louis!" I called softly, feeling about in the darkness.
+
+A weak voice answered,--a voice like that of one just wakened from
+profound sleep:
+
+"Henri, is it you?--Mon dieu, I am so glad!--I feared some evil had
+befallen you."
+
+"Ah, Louis, you are living,--thank God!"
+
+"Living, yes: I have been asleep. Once I awoke, and wondered why you bad
+not returned. I prayed for you, and then I must have slept again. But
+what was it awakened me?--was there not a loud noise before I heard your
+voice?--Who are those men at the door with torches?"
+
+I introduced my father, who, regarding her in the torchlight, and
+showing as tender a solicitude as a woman's, soon came to the conclusion
+that her state was no worse than one of extreme weakness for want of
+food and fresh air. He carried her out, laid her tenderly on a cloak,
+and administered such food and wine as were good for her. She submitted
+with the docility and trust of a child.
+
+Leaving her for awhile, my father and I consulted with the leader of the
+guardsmen, and it was decided that the Countess, my father, and I should
+pass the night at the tower, the weather being warm and clear. The
+guardsmen would return with their prisoners to the scene of their recent
+battle, where much was to be put to rights. On the morrow they would
+rejoin us, and we should all proceed to Bonneval, where my father's
+deposition could be added to the report which the leader of the
+arresting party would have to deliver in Paris in lieu of the Count and
+Captain themselves.
+
+I could not let the leader go, even for the night, without expressing
+the gratitude under which I must ever feel to him, for, though he was
+still ignorant of the identity of the Countess, there was no concealing
+from him that the supposed youth was a person very near my heart.
+
+"Pouf!" said he, in his manly way; "'tis all chance. I have done nothing
+for you, but if I had done much I should have been repaid already in the
+acquaintance of Monsieur de la Tournoire."
+
+"A truce to flattery," said my father. "It is I who am the gainer by the
+acquaintance of Monsieur Brignan de Brignan."
+
+"Eh! Brignan de Brignan!" I echoed.
+
+"That is this gentleman's name," said my father, wondering at my
+surprise. "Have we been so busy that I have not properly made you known
+to him before?"
+
+I gazed at the gentleman's moustaches: they were indeed rather longer
+than the ordinary. He, too, looked his astonishment at the effect of his
+name upon me.
+
+"Pardon me, Monsieur," said I. "I have been staring like a rustic. I owe
+you an explanation of my ill manners. I will give it frankly: it may
+provide you with laughter. What I am now, I know not, but three weeks
+ago I was a fool." I then told him how I had been taunted by a young
+lady, whose name I did not mention, and with what particular object I
+had so recently started for Paris. This was news to my father also, who
+laughed without restraint. Brignan de Brignan, though certainly amused,
+kept his mirth within bounds, and replied:
+
+"Faith. I know not any young lady in your part of France who has a right
+to glory in my personal appearance, even if I were an Apollo,--who, by
+the way, is not represented with moustaches. But I believe I know who
+this girl may be,--I have met such a one in Paris, and avoided her as a
+pert little minx. As for your folly, as you call it, it was no more
+foolish than many a thing I have done."
+
+He had the breeding not to add, "At your age," and I loved him for that.
+He and his men now set out upon their return to the farmstead, and my
+father and I, after devising a more comfortable couch for the Countess
+just within the open doorway of the tower, slept and watched by turns
+outside.
+
+In the morning the Countess, partaking of more food, was in better
+strength and spirits, and had the curiosity to ask how my father came to
+be there. In telling her, I broke the news of the Count's death. For a
+moment she was startled, and then pity showed itself in her eyes and
+words,--pity for the man who had been swayed by such passions and
+delusions, and who had died in his sin with none else to shed a tear for
+him. The Captain's death, of which I next informed her, did not move her
+as much.
+
+The turn of affairs caused a change of plan. She now resolved (as I had
+foreseen) to return to Lavardin and do such honour to her husband's
+memory as she might. Though his estates would probably, in all the
+circumstances, be adjudged forfeit to the Crown, some provision would
+doubtless be made for his widow. In any case, she might be sure of every
+courtesy from the officer in command of the guardsmen now occupying the
+chateau for the King, and there were certain jewels, apparel, and other
+possessions of her own which could not be withheld from her.
+
+In the afternoon, when Brignan de Brignan and his comrades reappeared,
+the Countess was able to ride: and that evening we were all in Bonneval.
+Monsieur de Brignan had taken possession of several things found in an
+iron-bound chest where Captain Ferragant had kept his treasures. Among
+others were two papers stolen from me by the robbers,--the incriminating
+fragment of a letter to the Count, and the note from the Countess which
+I had found upon Monsieur de Merri. The former I destroyed, at the fire
+in the inn kitchen: the latter I kept, and keep to this day. Besides
+these, there were my purse; a quantity of gold, out of which I repaid
+myself the amount I had been robbed of; and the two keys, which I
+subsequently restored to the Chateau de Lavardin, whence they had come.
+
+We stayed the night at Bonneval. The next day the guardsmen started for
+Paris, and our party of three for Montoire. As I took my leave of
+Brignan de Brignan before the inn gate, I noticed that his moustaches
+had undergone a diminution: indeed they now extended no further than his
+lips. I supposed he had decided not to be distinguished by such marks
+again. He expressed a hope of renewing acquaintance with me in Paris,
+and rode off. The Countess, my father, and I turned our faces toward
+Montoire, the Countess being now once more on Hugues's horse, which I
+had left for a time at Bonneval. We had not gone very far, when a man
+galloped after us, handed me a packet, and rode back as hastily as he
+had come. I had scarce time to recognize him as a valet attached to the
+party of guardsmen.
+
+I opened the packet, and found a piece of paper, to which two wisps of
+hair were fastened by a thread, and on which was written in a large,
+dashing hand:
+
+"_Behold my moustaches. Brignan de Brignan._"
+
+And so, after all, I might keep my promise to Mlle. Celeste!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AFTERWARDS
+
+
+Two days later we arrived at Hugues's house, and were received with
+great joy by him and Mathilde. Here the Countess, now happily improved
+in health, resumed the attire of her sex, which she had there put off.
+My father then accompanied her to the Chateau de Lavardin, and made her
+known to the guardsman in command, by whom she was treated with the
+utmost consideration. With Mathilde to attend her, she remained a few
+days at the chateau, and then removed with her personal possessions to
+the house of Hugues, whose marriage to Mathilde was no longer delayed.
+
+But meanwhile my father and I stayed only a day at Montoire, lodging at
+the inn there. I did not go to the chateau, but my father took thither
+the two keys, and brought away my sword and dagger, which had been
+hanging undisturbed in the hall. My farewell to the Countess was spoken
+in front of Hugues's gate when she started thence for the chateau, and
+not much was said, for my father and Hugues were there, as well as
+Mathilde, and the horses were waiting. But something was looked, and
+never did I cease to carry in my heart the tender and solicitous
+expression of her sweet eyes as they rested on me for a silent moment
+ere she turned away.
+
+My father and I, on our homeward journey, stopped at La Fleche and
+ascertained that Monsieur de Merri's relations had learned of his fate
+and taken all care for the repose of his body and soul. It appeared that
+he lived at Orleans, and was used to visit cousins in Brittany: thus,
+then, had he chanced to stop at Montoire and fall in with the Count de
+Lavardin. Alas! poor young gentleman!
+
+And now we arrived home, to the great relief of my mother; and Blaise
+Tripault would hardly speak to my father or me, for envy of the
+adventures we had passed through without him. But he spread great
+reports of what I had done,--or rather what I had not done, for he made
+me a chief hero in the destruction of the band of robbers. But this
+unmerited fame scarcely annoyed me at all, for my thoughts were
+elsewhere, and I was restless and melancholy. In a few days I resolved
+to go to Paris,--by way of Montoire. But before I started, I took a walk
+one fine afternoon along the stream that bounded our estate: and, as I
+had expected, there was Mlle. Celeste on the other side, with her drowsy
+old guardian. She blushed and looked embarrassed, and I wondered why I
+had ever thought her charming. Her self-confidence returned in a moment,
+and she greeted me with her old sauciness, though it seemed a trifle
+forced:
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, so you have come back without going to Paris after all, I
+hear."
+
+"Yes, Mademoiselle," I answered coldly. "But I have taken your advice
+and looked a little into the eyes of danger; and I find it does make a
+difference in one."
+
+"Oh, yes: I believe you fought a duel, and were present when some
+highway robbers were taken; and now you have come back to rest on your
+laurels."
+
+"No; I came back to give you these, as I promised." And I threw her the
+packet containing the moustaches of Brignan de Brignan. She opened it,
+and regarded the contents with amazement. I laughed.
+
+She looked at me now with real wonder, and I perceived I had grown
+several inches in her estimation.
+
+"But don't think I took them against his will," said I. "I admit I never
+could have done that. He gave me them in jest, and the proudest claim I
+can make in regard to him is that he honours me with his friendship.
+Good day, Mademoiselle."
+
+I came away, leaving her surprised and discomfited, for which I was not
+sorry. She had expected to find me still her slave, and to expend her
+pertness on me as before: though she might have known that if danger
+would make a man of me, it would give me a man's eyes to see the
+difference between a real woman and a scornful miss.
+
+I went to Paris, careful this time to avoid conflict with bold-speaking
+young gentlemen at inns; and on the way I had one precious hour at
+Hugues's house, wherein--upon his marriage to Mathilde--the Countess had
+established herself, to the wonder of all who heard of it. She continued
+to lodge there, her affairs turning out so that she was able to repay
+Hugues liberally. She occupied herself in good works for the poor about
+Montoire, and so two years passed, each day making her happier and more
+beautiful. Many times I went between La Tournoire and Paris,--always by
+way of Montoire. In Paris I saw much of Brignan de Brignan, whose
+moustaches had soon grown back to their old magnitude. And one day whom
+should I meet in the Rue St. Honore but that excellent spy of Sully's,
+Monsieur de Pepicot?
+
+I begged him to come into a tavern. "There is something you owe me,"
+said I, when we were seated; "an account of how you got out of the
+Chateau de Lavardin that night without leaving any trace."
+
+"It was nothing," said the long-nosed man meekly. "I found an empty room
+with a mullioned window, on the floor beneath ours, and let myself down
+to the terrace with a knotted rope I had brought in my portmanteau."
+
+"But I never heard that any rope was found."
+
+"I had passed it round the inside of the window-mullion and lowered both
+ends to the ground, attached to my portmanteau. In descending I kept
+hold of both parts. When I was down, I had only to release one part and
+pull the rope after me. I found a gardener's tool-shed, and in it some
+poles for trellis-work. I placed two of these side by side against the
+garden wall, at the postern door, and managed to clamber to the top."
+
+"But I heard of nothing being found against the wall."
+
+"Oh, I drew the poles up after me, and also my portmanteau, by means of
+the rope, which I had fastened to them and to my waist. I let them down
+to a plank which crossed the moat there, as I had observed before ever
+entering the chateau. I dropped after them, and was lucky enough to
+avoid falling into the moat. I hid the poles among the bushes: not that
+it mattered, but I thought it would amuse the Count to conjecture how I
+had got away. One likes to give people something to think of.--As for my
+horse, I had seen to it that he was kept in an unlocked penthouse.--Ah,
+well! that Count thought he was a great chess-player." And Monsieur de
+Pepicot smiled faintly and shook his head.
+
+At the prospect of war, I joined the army assembling at Chalons, but the
+lamentable murder of the King put an end to his great plans, and I
+resumed my former way, swinging like a pendulum between Paris and La
+Tournoire. One soft, pink evening in the second summer after my
+adventure at Lavardin, I was privileged to walk alone with the Countess
+in the meadows behind Hugues's mill. Health and serenity had raised her
+beauty to perfection, and there was no trace of her sorrows but the
+humble dignity and brave gentleness of her look and manner.
+
+"You are the loveliest woman in the world," I said, without any sort of
+warning. "Ah, Louise--surely I may call you that now--how I adore you! I
+cannot any longer keep back what is in my heart. See yonder where the
+sun has set--that is where La Tournoire is. It seems to beckon us--not
+me alone, but us--together. When will you come?--when may I take you to
+my father and mother, and hear them say I could not have found a sweeter
+wife in all France?"
+
+Trembling, she raised her moist eyes to mine, and said in a voice like a
+low sigh:
+
+"Ah, Henri, if it were possible! But you forget the barrier: we are not
+of the same religion. I know your mother changed her faith for your
+father's sake; but I could never do so."
+
+"But what if I changed for your sake?" I said, taking her hand.
+
+"Henri! will you do that?" she cried, with a joy that told all I wished
+to know.
+
+In truth, I had often thought of going over to the national form of
+worship. As soon, therefore, as I got to La Tournoire after this
+meeting, I opened the matter to my father.
+
+"Why," said he, "I think it a sensible resolve. The times are changed;
+since King Henri's death, there is no longer any hope of us Huguenots
+maintaining a balance. As a party, we have done our work, and are doomed
+to pass away. Those who persist will only keep up a division in the
+nation, from which they can gain nothing, and which will be a source of
+useless troubles. As for the religious side of the question, some people
+prefer artificial forms of expression, some do not. It is a matter of
+externals: and if one must needs subscribe to a few doctrines he does
+not believe, who is harmed by that? These things are much to women, and
+we, to whom they are less, can afford to yield. I often fancy your
+mother would like to go back to the faith of her childhood,--and if she
+ever expresses the wish, I will not hinder her. When I married her, all
+was different: I could not have become a Catholic then. Nor indeed can I
+do so now. Blaise Tripault and I are too old for new tricks: we must not
+change our colours at this late day: we are survivals from a bygone
+state of things. But you, my son, belong to a new France. Our great
+Henri said. 'Surely Paris is worth a mass': and I dare say this lady is
+as much to you as Paris was to him."
+
+So the Church gained a convert and I a wife. Hugues and Mathilde came to
+live on our estate. And Mlle. Celeste, in course of time, was married to
+a raw young Gascon as lean as a lath, as poor as a fiddler, and as
+thirsty as a Dutchman, but with moustaches twice as long as those of
+Brignan de Brignan.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+Works of Robert Neilson Stephens
+
+
+    An Enemy to the King
+
+    The Continental Dragoon
+
+    The Road to Paris
+
+    A Gentleman Player
+
+    Philip Winwood
+
+    Captain Ravenshaw
+
+    The Mystery of Murray Davenport
+
+    The Bright Face of Danger
+
+
+
+
+L. C. Page and Company
+
+
+The Mystery of Murray Davenport.
+
+By ROBERT NEILSON STEPHENS, author of "An Enemy to the King," "Philip
+Winwood," etc.
+
+In his latest novel, Mr. Stephens has made a radical departure from the
+themes of his previous successes. Turning from past days and distant
+scenes, he has taken up American life of to-day as his new field,
+therein proving himself equally capable. Original in its conception,
+striking in its psychologic interest, and with a most perplexing love
+problem, "The Mystery of Murray Davenport" is the most vital and
+absorbing of all Mr. Stephens's novels, and will add not a little to his
+reputation.
+
+"This is easily the best thing that Mr. Stephens has yet done. Those
+familiar with his other novels can best judge the measure of this
+praise, which is generous."--_Buffalo News._
+
+"Mr. Stephens won a host of friends through his earlier volumes, but we
+think he will do still better work in his new field if the present
+volume is a criterion."--_N. Y. Com. Advertiser._
+
+
+The Daughter of the Dawn.
+
+By R. HODDER.
+
+
+This is a powerful story of adventure and mystery, its scene New
+Zealand. In sustained interest and novel plot, it recalls Rider
+Haggard's "King Solomon's Mines," and "She" but the reader will find an
+added interest due to the apparent reality with which the author
+succeeds in investing the sensational incidents of his plot.
+
+
+The Spoilsmen.
+
+By ELLIOTT FLOWER, author of "Policeman Flynn," etc.
+
+This is a story of municipal politics, depicting conditions common to
+practically all large cities. The political methods employed, however,
+are in most instances taken from the actual experiences of men who have
+served the public in some capacity or other, and the stories told of
+some of the characters are literally true. The love interest centres
+around a girl of high ideals, who inspires a wealthy young man to enter
+the local campaign.
+
+"The best one may hear of 'The Spoilsmen' will be none too good. As a
+wide-awake, snappy, brilliant political story it has few equals, its
+title-page being stamped with that elusive mark, 'success.' One should
+not miss a word of a book like this at a time like this and in a world
+of politics like this."--_Boston Transcript._
+
+"...It ought to do good. The world of municipal politics is put before
+the reader in a striking and truthful manner; and the sources of evil
+that afflict the government of our cities are laid bare in a manner that
+should arrest the attention of every honest man who wishes to purge and
+cleanse our local governments. It illustrates, too, very forcibly, how
+difficult a work it is to accomplish such municipal reform, and how
+useless it is to attempt it without united and persistent effort on the
+part of those who should be most interested."--_Grover Cleveland._
+
+
+A Daughter of Thespis.
+
+By JOHN D. BARRY, author of "The Intriguers," "Mademoiselle Blanche,"
+etc.
+
+The author's experiences as a dramatic critic have enabled him to write
+with authority on the ever fascinating theme of stage life. From "the
+front," in the wings, and on the boards--from all these varying points
+of view, is told this latest story of player folk--an absorbing tale.
+
+"This story of the experiences of Evelyn Johnson, actress, may be
+praised just because it is so true and so wholly free from melodrama and
+the claptrap which we have come to think inseparable from any narrative
+which has to do with theatrical experiences."--_Professor Harry Thurston
+Peck, of Columbia University._
+
+
+Prince Hagen.
+
+By UPTON SINCLAIR, author of "King Midas," etc.
+
+In this book, Mr. Sinclair has written a satire of the first order--one
+worthy to be compared with Swift's biting tirades against the follies
+and abuses of mankind.
+
+The scheme of the book is as delightful as it is original--Prince Hagen,
+son of that Hagen who killed Siegfried, grandson of Alberich, King of
+the Nibelungs, comes to this earth from Nibelheim, for a completion of
+his education, and it is the effect of our modern morality on a
+brilliant and unscrupulous mind which forms the basis of Mr. Sinclair's
+story. Prince Hagen's first exploits are at school; then in the thick of
+New York's corrupt politics as a boss. Later, after he has inherited the
+untold wealth of the Nibelungs, he tastes the society life of the
+metropolis.
+
+As a story simply, the book is thoroughly entertaining, with a climax of
+surprising power; but, as a satire, it will live.
+
+
+Earth's Enigmas.
+
+By CHARLES G. D. ROBERTS, author of "The Kindred of the Wild," "The
+Heart of the Ancient Wood," etc.
+
+"It will rank high among collections of short stories.... His prose art,
+too, has reached a high degree of perfection.... In 'Earth's Enigmas' is
+a wider range of subject than in the 'Kindred of the Wild.'"--_Review
+from advance sheets of the illustrated edition by Tiffany Blake in the
+Chicago Evening Post._
+
+"Throughout the volume runs that subtle questioning of the cruel,
+predatory side of nature which suggests the general title of the book.
+In certain cases it is the picture of savage nature ravening for
+food--for death to preserve life; in others it is the secret symbolism
+of woods and waters prophesying of evils and misadventures to come. All
+this does not mean, however, that Mr. Roberts is either pessimistic or
+morbid--it is nature in his books after all, wholesome in her cruel
+moods as in her tender."--_The New York Independent._
+
+
+The Silent Maid.
+
+By FREDERIC W. PANGBORN.
+
+
+A dainty and delicate legend of the brave days of old, of sprites and
+pixies, of trolls and gnomes, of ruthless barons and noble knights. "The
+Silent Maid" herself, with her strange bewitchment and wondrous song, is
+equalled only by Undine in charm and mystery. The tale is told in that
+quaint diction which chronicles "The Forest Lovers," and in which Mr.
+Pangborn, although a new and hitherto undiscovered writer, is no less an
+artist than Mr. Hewlett.
+
+
+The Golden Kingdom.
+
+By ANDREW BALFOUR, author of "Vengeance is Mine," "To Arms!" etc.
+
+
+This is a story of adventure on land and sea, beginning in England, and
+ending in South Africa, in the last days of the seventeenth century. The
+scheme of the tale at once puts the reader in mind of Stevenson's
+"Treasure Island," and with that augury of a good story, he at once
+continues from the mysterious advent of Corkran the Coxswain into the
+quiet English village, through scenes of riot, slave-trading, shipwreck,
+and savages to the end of all in the "Golden Kingdom" with its strange
+denizens. The character of Jacob the Blacksmith, big of body and bigger
+of heart, ever ready in time of peril, will alone hold his attention
+with a strong grip.
+
+
+The Promotion of the Admiral.
+
+By MORLEY ROBERTS, author of "The Colossus," "The Fugitives," "Sons of
+Empire," etc.
+
+
+We consider ourselves fortunate in being able to announce this latest
+novel by Mr. Morley Roberts, who has such a wide circle of readers and
+admirers. This volume contains half a dozen stories of sea life,--fresh,
+racy, and bracing,--some humorous, some thrilling, all laid in
+America,--a new field for Mr. Roberts,--and introduces a unique
+creation, "Shanghai Smith," of "'Frisco," kidnapper of seamen, whose
+calling and adventures have already interested and amused all readers of
+_The Philadelphia Saturday Evening Post_.
+
+
+The Schemers.
+
+A TALE OF MODERN LIFE.
+
+By EDWARD F. HARKINS, author of "Little Pilgrimages Among the Men Who
+Have Written Famous Books," etc.
+
+
+A story of a new and real phase of social life in Boston, skilfully and
+daringly handled. There is plenty of life and color abounding, and a
+diversity of characters--shop-girls, society belles, men about town,
+city politicians, and others. The various schemers and their schemes
+will be followed with interest--and there will be some discerning
+readers who may claim to recognize in certain points of the story
+certain recent happenings in the shopping and the society circles of the
+Hub.
+
+
+The Captain's Wife.
+
+By W. CLARK RUSSELL, author of "The Wreck of the Grosvenor," "The Mate
+of the Good Ship York,"' etc.
+
+
+The customary epithets applied to nautical fiction are quite
+incommensurate with the excellence of Mr. Clark Russell's narrative
+powers, and these are thoroughly at their best in "The Captain's Wife."
+"The Captain's Wife" is the story of a voyage, and its romantic interest
+hinges on the stratagem of the captain's newly wedded wife in order to
+accompany him on his expedition for the salvage of a valuable wreck. The
+plot thickens so gradually that a less competent novelist would be in
+danger of letting the reader's attention slip. But the climax of
+Benson's conspiracy to remove the captain, and carry off the wife, to
+whom his lawless passion aspires, is invested with the keenest
+excitement.
+
+
+The Story of the Foss River Ranch.
+
+By RIDGWELL CULLOM.
+
+
+The scene of this story is laid in Canada, not in one of the great
+cities, but in that undeveloped section of the great Northwest where
+to-day scenes are being enacted similar to those enacted fifty years ago
+during the settlement of the great American West. The story is intense,
+with a sustained and well-developed plot, and will thus appeal to the
+reading public.
+
+
+The Interference of Patricia.
+
+By LILIAN BELL, author of "Hope Loring," "Abroad with the Jimmies," etc.
+With a frontispiece from drawing by Frank T. Merrill.
+
+
+This story adds not a little to the author's reputation as a teller of
+clever tales. It is of the social life of to-day in Denver--that city of
+gold and ozone--and deals of that burg's peculiarities with a keen and
+flashing satire. The character of the heroine, Patricia, will hold the
+reader by its power and brilliancy. Impetuous, capricious, and wayward,
+with a dominating personality and spirit, she is at first a careless
+girl, then develops into a loyal and loving woman, whose interference
+saves the honor of both her father and lover. The love theme is in the
+author's best vein, the character sketches of the magnates of Denver are
+amusing and trenchant, and the episodes of the plot are convincing,
+sincere, and impressive.
+
+
+A Book Of Girls.
+
+By LILIAN BELL, author of "Hope Loring," "Abroad with the Jimmies," etc.
+With a frontispiece.
+
+
+It is quite universally recognized that Lilian Bell has done for the
+American girl in fiction what Gibson has done for her in art--that
+Lilian Bell has crystallized into a distinct type all the peculiar
+qualities that have made the American girl unique among the women of the
+world. Consequently, a book with a Bell heroine is sure of a hearty
+welcome. What, therefore, can be said of this book, which contains no
+less than four types of witching and buoyant femininity? There are four
+stories of power and dash in this volume: "The Last Straw," "The
+Surrender of Lapwing," "The Penance of Hedwig," and "Garret Owen's
+Little Countess." Each one of these tells a tale full of verve and
+thrill, each one has a heroine of fibre and spirit.
+
+
+Count Zarka.
+
+By SIR WILLIAM MAGNAY, author of "The Red Chancellor."
+
+
+"The Red Chancellor" was considered by critics, as well as by the
+reading public, one of the most dramatic novels of last year. In his new
+book, Sir William Magnay has continued in the field in which he has been
+so successful. "Count Zarka" is a strong, quick-moving romance of
+adventure and political intrigue, the scene being laid in a fictitious
+kingdom of central Europe, under which thin disguise may be recognized
+one of the Balkan states. The story in its action and complications
+reminds one strongly of "The Prisoner of Zenda," while the man[oe]uvring
+of Russia for the control in the East strongly suggests the contemporary
+history of European politics. The character of the mysterious Count
+Zarka, hero and villain, is strongly developed, and one new in fiction.
+
+
+The Golden Dwarf.
+
+By R. NORMAN SILVER, author of "A Daughter of Mystery," etc.
+
+
+Mr. Silver needs no introduction to the American public. His "A Daughter
+of Mystery" was one of the most realistic stories of modern London life
+that has recently appeared. "The Golden Dwarf" is such another story,
+intense and almost sensational. Mr. Silver reveals the mysterious and
+gruesome beneath the commonplace in an absorbing manner. The "Golden
+Dwarf" himself, his strange German physician, and the secret of the
+Wyresdale Tower are characters and happenings which will hold the reader
+from cover to cover.
+
+
+Alain Tanger's Wife.
+
+By J. H. YOXALL, author of "The Rommany Stone," etc.
+
+
+A spirited story of political intrigue in France. The various
+dissensions of the parties claiming political supremacy, and "the wheels
+within wheels" that move them to their schemes are caustically and
+trenchantly revealed. A well known figure in the military history of
+France plays a prominent part in the plot--but the central figure is
+that of the American heroine--loyal, intense, piquant, and compelling.
+
+
+The Diary of a Year.
+
+PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A WOMAN OF THE WORLD. Edited by Mrs. CHARLES H.
+E. BROOKFIELD.
+
+
+The writer of this absorbing study of emotions and events is gifted with
+charming imagination and an elegant style. The book abounds in brilliant
+wit, amiable philosophy, and interesting characterizations. The "woman
+of the world" reveals herself as a fascinating, if somewhat reckless,
+creature, who justly holds the sympathies of the reader.
+
+
+The Red Triangle. Being some further chronicles of Martin Hewitt,
+investigator.
+
+By ARTHUR MORRISON, author of "The Hole in the Wall," "Tales of Mean
+Streets," etc.
+
+
+This is a genuine, straightforward detective story of the kind that
+keeps the reader on the _qui vive_. Martin Hewitt, investigator, might
+well have studied his methods from Sherlock Holmes, so searching and
+successful are they. His adventures take him at times to the slums of
+London, amid scenes which recall Mr. Morrison's already noted "The Hole
+in the Wall." As a combination of criminal and character studies, this
+book is very successful.
+
+
+COMMONWEALTH SERIES No. 7.
+
+The Philadelphians:
+
+AS SEEN BY A NEW YORK WOMAN.
+
+By KATHARINE BINGHAM. (Pseud.)
+
+
+A bright and breezy tale of a charming New York woman, whose wedded lot
+is twice cast in Philadelphia. The family of her first husband committed
+the unpardonable sin of living north of Market Street; that of her
+second husband resided south of that line of demarcation. She is thus
+enabled to speak whereof she knows concerning the conventions, and draws
+the characteristics of life in the Quaker city, as well as the foibles
+of the "first families" with a keen and caustic, though not unkindly,
+pen.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Bright Face of Danger, by
+Robert Neilson Stephens and H. C. Edwards
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+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BRIGHT FACE OF DANGER ***
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