Notsatisfiedyet，Icontinuedtopresshim，butwithsolittlesuccessthatIstillfoundmyselfunabletodecidewhethertheSpaniardhadwanderedininnocentlyortoexplorehisground。Intheend，therefore，Imadeupmymindtoseethingsformyself；
　　andearlynextmorning，atanhourwhenIwasnotlikelytobeobserved，Iwentoutbyabackdoor，andwithmyfacemuffledandnootherattendancethanMaignanandLaTrape，wenttothetennis-courtandexaminedthedressing-room。
　　Thiswasasmallclosetonthefirstfloor，ofasizetoholdtwoorthreepersons，andwithacasementthroughwhichtheKing，ifhewishedtobeprivate，mightwatchthegame。Itssolefurnitureconsistedofalittletablewithamirror，aseatforhisMajesty，andacoupleofstools，sothatitofferedsmallscopeforinvestigation。True，thestalesherbetandthewaterwerestillthere，thecarafesstandingonthetablebesideanemptycomfitbox，andafewtoiletnecessaries；anditwillbebelievedthatIlostnotimeinexaminingthem。ButImadenodiscovery，andwhenIhadpassedmyeyeovereverythingelsethattheroomcontained，andnoticednothingthatseemedintheslightestdegreesuspicious，Ifoundmyselfcompletelyataloss。
　　Iwenttothewindow，andforamomentlookedidlyintothecourt。
　　Butneitherdidanylightcomethence，andIhadturnedagainandwasabouttoleave，whenmyeyealightedonacertainthingandI
　　stopped。
　　"Whatisthat？"Isaid。Itwasathincase，book-shaped，ofGenoavelvet，somewhatworn。
　　"Plaister，"Maignan，whowaswaitingatthedoor，answered。"HisMajesty'shandisnotwellyet，andasyourexcellencyknows，he——"
　　"Silence，fool！"Icried。andIstoodrootedtothespot，overwhelmedbytheconvictionthatIheldthecluetothemystery，andsoshakenbythehorrorwhichthatconvictionnaturallybroughtwithitthatIcouldnotmoveafinger。A
　　designsofiendishandmonstrousasthatwhichIsuspectedmightrousethedullestsensibilities，inacasewhereitthreatenedthemeanest；butbeingaimedinthisattheKing，mymaster，fromwhomIhadreceivedsomanybenefits，andonwhoselifethewell-
　　beingofalldepended，itgoadedmetothewarmestresentment。I
　　lookedroundthetennis-court——which，empty，shadowyandsilent，seemedafitplaceforsuchhorrors——withrageandrepulsion；
　　apprehendinginamomentofsadpresagealltheaccursedstrokesofanenemywhomnothingcouldpropitiate，andwho，soonerorlater，mustsetallmycareatnought，andtakefromFrancehergreatestbenefactor。
　　But，itwillbesaid，Ihadnoproof，onlyaconjecture；andthisistrue，butofithereafter。Sufficeitthat，assoonasIhadswallowedmyindignation，Itookalltheprecautionsaffectioncouldsuggestordutyenjoin，omittingnothing；andthen，confidingthemattertonoonethetwomenwhowerewithmeexcepted——Ipreparedtoobservetheissuewithgloomysatisfaction。
　　Thematchwastotakeplaceatthreeintheafternoon。Alittleafterthathour，Iarrivedatthetennis-court，attendedbyLaFontandothergentlemen，andM。l'Huillier，thecouncillor，whohaddinedwithme。L'Huillier'sbusinesshaddetainedmesomewhat，andthemenhadbegun；butasIhadanticipatedthis，I
　　hadbeggedmygoodfriendDeVictohaveaneyetomyinterests。
　　TheKing，whowasinthegallery，hadwithhimM。deMontpensier，theComtedeLude，Vitry，Varennes，andtheFlorentineAmbassador，withSancyandsomeothers。Mademoiselled'Entraguesandtwoladieshadtakenpossessionofhiscloset，andfromthecasementwerepouringforthaperpetualfireofbadinageandBONS
　　MOTS。Thetennis-court，inaword，presentedasdifferentanaspectaspossiblefromthatwhichithadworninthemorning。
　　Thesharpcrackoftheball，asitboundedfromsidetoside，wasalmostlostinthecrisplaughterandbabelofvoices；whichasI
　　enteredroseintoaperfectuproar，Mademoisellehavingjustflungawholelapfulofrosesacrossthecourtinreturnforsomewitticism。ThesefallingshortofthegalleryhadlightedontheheadoftheastonishedDiego，causingatemporarycessationofplay，duringwhichItookmyseat。
　　MadamedeLude'ssaucyeyepickedmeoutinamoment。"Oh，thegraveman！"shecried。"Crownhim，too，withroses。"
　　"Astheycrownedtheskullatthefeast，madame？"Ianswered，salutinghergallantly。
　　"No，butasthemanwhomtheKingdelightethtohonour，"sheanswered，makingafaceatme。"Ha！ha！Iamnotafraid！Iamnotafraid！Iamnotafraid！"
　　Therewasagooddealoflaughteratthis。"WhatshallIdotoher，M。deRosny？"Mademoisellecriedout，comingtomyrescue。
　　"Ifyouwillhavethegoodnesstokissher，mademoiselle，"I
　　answered，"Iwillconsideritanadvance，andasoneofthecounciloftheKing'sfinances，mycreditshouldbegoodforthere——"
　　"Thankyou！"theKingcried，nimblycuttingmeshort。"Butasmyfinancesseemtobethesecurity，faith，Iwillseetotherepaymentmyself！Letthemstartagain；butIamafraidthatmytwentycrownsareyours，GrandMaster；yourmanisinfineplay。"
　　Ilookedintothecourt。Diego，litheandsinewy，withhiscroppedblackhair，highcolour，andquickshalloweyes，boundedhereandthere，swiftandactiveasapanther。Seeinghimthus，withhisheartinhisreturns，Icouldnotbutdoubt；more，asthegameproceeded，amidthelaughterandjestsandwittysalliesofthecourtiers，Ifeltthedoubtgrow；theriddlebecameeachminutemoreabstruse，themanmoremysterious。Butthatwasofnomomentnow。
　　Alittleafterfouro'clockthematchendedinmyfavour；onwhichtheKing，tiredofinaction，sprangup，anddeclaringthathewouldtryDiego'sstrengthhimself，enteredthecourt。I
　　followed，withVitryandothers，andseveralstrokeswhichhadbeenmadeweretestedanddiscussed。Presently，theKinggoingtotalkwithMademoiselleatherwindow，IremarkedtheSpaniardandMaignan，withtheKing'smarker，andoneortwootherswaitingatthefurtherdoor。AlmostatthesamemomentI
　　observedasuddenmovementamongthem，andvoicesraisedhigherthanwasdecent，andIcalledoutsharplytoknowwhatitwas。
　　"Anaccident，mylord，"oneofthemenansweredrespectfully。
　　"Itisnothing，"anothermuttered。"Maignanwasplayingtricks，yourexcellency，andcutDiego'shandalittle；thatisall。"
　　"Cuthishandnow！"Iexclaimedangrily"AndtheKingabouttoplaywithhim。Letmeseeit！"
　　Diegosulkilyhelduphishand，andIsawacut，uglybutofnoimportance。
　　"Pooh！"Isaid；"itisnothing。Getsomeplaister。Here，you，"
　　Icontinuedwrathfully，turningtoMaignan，"sinceyouhavedonethemischief，booby，youmustrepairit。Getsomeplaister，doyouhear？Hecannotplayinthatstate。"
　　Diegomutteredsomething，andMaignanthathehadnotgotany；
　　butbeforeIcouldanswerthathemustgetsome，LaTrapethrusthismaytothefront，andproducingasmallpiecefromhispocket，proceededwithadrollairofextremecarefulnesstotreatthehand。Theotherknavesfellintothejoke，andtheSpaniardhadnooptionbuttosubmit；thoughhisscowlingfaceshowedthatheboreMaignannogood-will，andthatbutformypresencehemightnothavebeensocomplaisant。LaTrapewasbringinghissurgerytoanendbydemandingafee，inthemostcomicalmannerpossible，whentheKingreturnedtoourpartofthecourt。"Whatisit？"hesaid。"Isanythingthematter？"
　　"No，sire，"Isaid。"Mymanhascuthishandalittle，butitisnothing。"
　　"Canheplay？"Henryaskedwithhisaccustomedgood-nature。
　　"Oh，yes，sire，"Ianswered。"IhavebounditupwithastripofplaisterfromthecaseinyourMajesty'scloset。"
　　"Hehasnotlostblood？"
　　"No，sire。"
　　Andhehadnot。ButitwassmallwonderthattheKingasked；
　　smallwonder，fortheman'sfacehadchangedinthelasttensecondstoastrangeleadencolour；aterrorlikethatofawildbeastthatseesitselftrappedhadleaptintohiseyes。Heshotafurtiveglanceroundhim，andIsawhimslidehishandbehindhim。ButIwaspreparedforthat，andastheKingmovedoffaspaceIslippedtotheman'sside，asiftogivehimsomedirectionsabouthisgame。
　　"Listen，"Isaid，inavoiceheardonlybyhim；"takethedressingoffyourhand，andIhaveyoubrokenonthewheel。Youunderstand？Nowplay。"
　　Assuringmyselfthathedidunderstand，andthatMaignanandLaTrapewereathandifheshouldattemptanything，Iwentbacktomyplace，andsittingdownbyDeVicbegantowatchthatstrangegame；whileMademoiselle'slaughterandMadamedeLude'sgibesfloatedacrossthecourt，andmingledwiththeeagerapplauseandmoredexterouscriticismsofthecourtiers。Thelightwasbeginningtosink，andforthisreason，perhaps，nooneperceivedtheSpaniard'spallor；butDeVic，afterarallyortwo，remarkedthathewasnotplayinghisfullstrength。
　　"Wiseman！"headded。
　　"Yes，"Isaid。"Whoplayswellagainstkingsplaysill。"
　　DeViclaughed。"Howhesweats！"hesaid，"andheneverturnedahairwhenheplayedColet。Isupposeheisnervous。"
　　"Probably，"Isaid。
　　Andsotheychatteredandlaughed——chatteredandlaughed，seeinganordinarygamebetweentheKingandamarker；whileI，forwhomthecourthadgrownsombreasadungeon，sawavillainstrugglinginhisowntoils，lividwiththefearofdeath，andtorturedbyhorribleapprehensions。Useandhabitwerestillsopowerfulwiththemanthatheplayedonmechanicallywithhishands，buthiseyeseverynowandthensoughtminewiththelookofthetrappedbeast；andontheseoccasionsIcouldseehislipsmoveinprayerorcursing。Thesweatpoureddownhisfaceashemovedtoandfro，andI，fanciedthathisfeatureswerebeginningtotwitch。Presently——Ihavesaidthatthelightwasfailing，sothatitwasnotinmyimaginationonlythatthecourtwassombre——theKingheldhisball。"Myfriend，yourmanisnotwell，"hesaid，turningtome。
　　"Itisnothing，sire；thehonouryoudohimmakeshimnervous，"I
　　answered。"Playup，sirrah，"Icontinued；"youmaketoogoodacourtier。"
　　Mademoiselled'Entraguesclappedherhandsandlaughedatthehit；andIsawDiegoglareatherwithanindescribablelook，inwhichhatredanddespairandahorrorofreproachweresonicelymingledwithsomethingasexceptionalashisposition，thatthewholebaffledwords。Doubtlessthegibesandlaughterheheard，thetriflingthatwentonroundhim，theverygameinwhichhewasengaged，andfromwhichhedarednotdrawback，seemedinhiseyesthemostappallingmockery；butignorantwhowereinthesecret，unabletoguesshowhisdiabolicalplothadbeendiscovered，uncertainevenwhetherthewholewerenotaconcertedpiece，hewentonplayinghispartmechanically；withstartingeyesandlabouringchest，andlipsthat，twitchingandworking，lostcoloureachminute。Atlengthhemissedastroke，andstaggeringleanedagainstthewall，his-facelividandghastly。
　　TheKingtookthealarmatthat，andcriedoutthatsomethingwaswrong。Thosewhoweresittingrose。InoddedtoMaignantogototheman。
　　"Itisafit，"Isaid。"Heissubjecttothem，anddoubtlesstheexcitement——butIamsorrythatithasspoiledyourMajesty'sgame。
　　"Ithasnot，"Henryansweredkindly。"Thelightisgone。Buthavehimlookedto，willyou，myfriend？IfLaRivierewereherehemightdosomethingforhim。"
　　Whilehespoke，theservantshadgatheredroundtheman，butwiththetimiditywhichcharacterisesthatclassinsuchemergencies，theywouldnottouchhim。AsIcrossedthecourt，andtheymadewayforme，theSpaniard，whowasstillstanding，thoughinastrangeanddistortedfashion，turnedhisbloodshoteyesonme。
　　"Apriest！"hemuttered，framingthewordswithdifficulty，"apriest！"
　　IdirectedMaignantofetchone。"Anddoyou，"Icontinuedtotheotherservants，"takehimintoaroomsomewhere。"
　　Theyobeyed，reluctantly。Astheycarriedhimout，theKing，contentwithmystatement，wasgivinghishandtoMademoiselletodescendthestairs；andneitherhenorany，savethetwomeninmyconfidence，hadtheslightestsuspicionthataughtwasthematterbeyondanaturalillness。ButIshudderedwhenI
　　consideredhownarrowhadbeentheKing'sescape，howtriflingthecircumstancewhichhadledtosuspicion，howfortuitoustheinspirationbywhichIhadchancedondiscovery。Thedelayofasingleday，theoccurrenceoftheslightestmishap，mighthavebeenfatalnottohimonlybuttothebestinterestsofFrance；
　　whichhisdeathatatimewhenhewasstillchildlessmusthaveplungedintothemostmelancholyofwars。
　　OfthewretchedSpaniardIneedsaylittlemore。Caughtinhisownsnare，hewasnosoonerwithdrawnfromthecourtthanhefellintoviolentconvulsions，whichheldhimuntilmidnightwhenhediedwithsymptomsandundercircumstancessonearlyresemblingthosewhichhadattendedthedeathofMadamedeBeaufortatEaster，thatIhaveseveraltimesdweltonthestrangecoincidence，andstriventofindtheconnectinglink。ButI
　　neverhitonit；andtheKing'sdeath，andthatunexplainedtendencytoimitategreatcrimesunderwhichthevulgarlabour，prevailedwithmetokeepthemattersecret。Nay，asIbelievedthatd'Evorahadplayedthepartofanunconscioustool，andasahintpressedhomesufficedtoprocurethewithdrawalofthechaplainwhomMaignanhadnamed，IdidnotthinkitnecessarytodisclosethemattereventotheKingmymaster。
　　III。TWOMAYORSOFBOTTITORT。
　　BelievingthatIhavenowsetdownallthoseparticularsofthetreatywithEpernonandtheconsequentpacificationofBrittanyintheyear1598whichitwillbeofadvantagetothepublictoknow，thatitmaythebetterdistinguishinthefuturethosewhohaveselfishlyimpoverishedtheStatefromthosewho，initsbehalf，haveincurredobloquyandhighlooks，IproceednexttotheeventswhichfollowedtheKing'sreturntoParis。
　　But，first，andbywayofsamplingthedivertingepisodesthatwilloccurfromtimetotimeinthemostlaboriousexistence，andforthemomentreducetheministertotheleveloftheman，Iamtemptedtonarrateanadventurethatbefellmeonmyreturn，betweenRennesandVitre；whentheKinghavingprecededmeatspeedunderthepretextofurgency，butreallythathemightavoidtheprolixaddressesthatawaitedhimineverytown，I
　　foundmyselfnomoremindedtosuffer。Havingsacrificedmyease，therefore，intwoofthemoreimportantplaces，andcomewithinasmanystagesofVitre，Ideterminedalsoonaholiday。
　　Accordingly，directingmybaggageandthenumerousescortandsuitethatattendedmetothefulltaleoffour-scorehorses——tokeepthehighroad，Istruckmyselfintoabyway，intendingtoseekhospitalityforthenightatahouseofM。deLaval's；andonthesecondeveningtorendermyselfwithagoodgracetotheeulogiaandtediousmerciesoftheVitretownsfolk。
　　IkeptwithmeonlyLaFontandtwoservants。Thedaywasfine，andtheairbrisk；thecountryopen，affordingmanydistantprospectswhichthesunrenderedcheerful。Werodeforsometime，therefore，withthegaietyofschoolboysreleasedfromtheirtasks，anddiningatnoonintheleeofoneofthegreatbouldersthattheredottheplain，tookpleasureinapplyingtothelifeofcourtseveryevilepithetthatcametomind。Foralittletimeafterwardswerodeascheerfully；butaboutthreeintheafternoontheskybecameovercast，andalmostatthesamemomentwediscoveredthatwehadstrayedfromthetrack。ThecountryinthatdistrictresemblesthemorewesternpartsofBrittany，inconsistingofhugetractsofbogandmoorlandstrewnwithrocksandcoveredwithgorse；whichpresentacheerfulaspectinsunshine，butaresavageandbarrentoadegreewhenviewedthroughsheetsofrainorunderasombresky。
　　Theposition，therefore，wasnotwithoutitsdiscomforts。Ihadtakencaretochooseaservantwhowasfamiliarwiththecountry，buthisknowledgeseemednowatfault。However，underhisdirectionweretracedoursteps，butstillwithoutregainingtheroad；andasasmallrainpresentlybegantofallandthedaytodecline，thelandscapewhichinthemorninghadflauntedawildandruggedbeauty，changedtoabrownanddrearywastesethereandtherewithghost-likestones。Onceastrayonthis，wefoundourpathbesetwithsloughsandmorasses；amongwhichwesaweveryprospectofpassingthenight，whenLaFontespiedatalittledistanceawind-sweptwoodthat，clothingalowshoulderofthemoor，promisedatleastachangeandshelter。Wemadetowardsit，anddiscoverednotonlyallthatwehadexpectedtosee，butapathandaguide。
　　Thelatterwasasmuchsurprisedtoseeusaswetoseeher，forwhenwecameuponhershewassittingonthebankbesidethepathweepingbitterly。Onhearingus，however，shesprangupanddiscoveredtheformofayounggirl，bare-footandbareheaded，wearingonlyashortraggedfrockofhomespun。Nevertheless，herfacewasneitherstupidnoruncomely；andthough，atthefirstalarm，supposingustobeeitherrobbersorhobgoblins——ofwhichlastthepeopleofthatcountryarepeculiarlyfearful——shemadeasifshewouldescapeacrossthemoor，shestoppedassoonassheheardmyvoice。Iaskedhergentlywherewewere。
　　Atfirstshedidnotunderstand，buttheservantwhohadplayedtheguidesoill，speakingtoherinthePATOISofthecountry，sheansweredthatwewerenearSt。Brieuc，ahamletnotfarfromBottitort，andconsiderablyoffourroad。AskedhowfaritwastoBottitort，sheanswered——betweentwoandthreeleagues，andanindifferentroad。
　　Wecouldridethedistanceinacoupleofhours，andthereremainedalmostasmuchdaylight。Butthehorsesweretired，so，resigningmyselftotheprospectofsomediscomfort，IaskedheriftherewasaninnatSt。Brieuc。
　　"Apoorplaceforyourhonours，"sheanswered，staringatusininnocentwonder，theforgottentearsnotdryonhercheeks。
　　"Nevermind；takeustoit，"Ianswered。
　　Sheturnedatthewordandtrippedonbeforeus。Ibadetheservantaskher，aswewent，whyshehadbeencrying，andlearnedthroughhimthatshehadbeentoheruncle'stwoleaguesawaytoborrowmoneyforhermother；thattheunclewouldnotlendit，andthatnowtheywouldbeturnedoutoftheirhouse；thatherfatherwaslatelydead，andthathermotherkepttheinn，andowedthemoneyformealandcider。
　　"Atleast，shesaysthatshedoesnotoweit，"themancorrectedhimself，"forherfatherpaidasusualatCorpusChristi；butafterhisdeathM。Grabotsaidthathehadnotpaid，and——"
　　"M。Grabot？"Isaid。"Whoishe？"
　　"TheMayorofBottitort。"
　　"Thecreditor？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Andhowmuchisowing？"Iasked。
　　"Nothing，shesays。"
　　"Buthowmuchdoeshesay？"
　　"Twentycrowns。"
　　Doubtlesssomewillviewmyconductonthisoccasionwithsurprise；andwonderwhyItroubledmyselfwithinquiriessominuteuponamattersomean。ButthesedonotconsiderthatministersaretheKing'seyes；andthatinaStatenoclassissounimportantthatitcanbesafelyoverlooked。Moreover，asthesettlementofthefinanceswasoneoftheobjectsofmystayinthoseparts——andIseldomhadtheopportunityofcheckingthestatementsmadetomebythefarmersandlesseesofthetaxes，thereceivers，gatherers，and，inaword，allthecorruptclassthatimpartssuchviewsofaprovinceassuititsinterests——I
　　wasgladtolearnanythingthatthrewlightontherealconditionofthecountry:themore，asIhadtoreceiveatVitreadeputationofthenotablesandofficialsofthedistrict。
　　Accordingly，Icontinuedtoputquestionstoheruntil，crossingaridge，wecameatlastwithinsightoftheinn，alonelyhouseofstone，standinginthehollowofthemoorandshelteredononesidebyafewgnarledtreesthattookoffinadegreefromthebleaknessofitsaspect。Thehousewasofonestoryonly，withawindowoneithersideofthedoor，andnootherappearedinsight；butalittlesmokerisingfromthechimneyseemedtopromiseabetterreceptionthanthedesolatelandscapeandthegirl'sscantydresshadledustoexpect。
　　Aswedrewnearer，however，athinghappenedsoremarkableastodrawourattentioninamomentfromallthesepoints，andbringus，gaping，toastandstill。Theshuttersofthetwowindowsweresuddenlyclosedbeforeoureyeswithaclapthatcamesharplyonthewind。Then，inatwinkling，onewindowflewopenagainandaman，seeminglynaked，boundedfromit，fledwithinconceivablerapidityacrossthefrontofthehouseandvanishedthroughtheotherwindow，whichopenedtoreceivehim。Hehadscarcelygainedthatshelterbeforeacoal-blackfigurefollowedhim，leapingoutoftheonewindowandinattheotherwiththesameastonishingswiftness——aswiftnesswhichwassogreatthatbeforeanyofuscoulduttermorethananexclamation，thetwofiguresappearedagainroundthecornerofthehouse，inthesameorder，butthistimewithsosmallanintervalthatthefugitivebarelysavedhimselfthroughthewindow。Oncemore，whilewestaredinstupefaction，theyflashedoutandin；andthistimeitseemedtomethatastheyvanishedtheblackspectreseizeditsvictim。
　　WhenIsaythatallthistimethetwofiguresutterednosound，thattherewasnootherlivingbeinginsight，andthatoneverysideofthesolitaryhousethemoor，growingeachminutemoreeerieasthedaywaned，spreadtothehorizon，themoresuperstitiousamongusmaybepardonediftheygavewaytotheirfears。LaFontwasthefirsttospeak。
　　"MONDIEU！"hecried——whilethegirlmoanedinterror，theBretoncrossedhimself，andLaTrapelookeduncomfortable——"theplaceisbewitched！"
　　"Nonsense！"Isaid。"Whoisinthehouse，girl？"
　　"Onlymymother，"shewailed。"Oh，mypoormother！"
　　Isilencedher，scoldingthemallforfools，andherfirst；andLaFont，recoveringhimself，didthesame。ButthiswastheyearofthatstrangeappearanceofthespectrehorsemanatFontainebleauofwhichsomuchhasbeensaid；andmyservants，whenwehadapproachedthehousealittlenearer，anditstillremainedsilentand，asitwere，deadtotheeye，wouldgonofarther，butstoodinsheerterrorandpermittedmetogoonalonewithLaFont。Iconfessthatthelonelinessofthehouse，andthedrearywastethatsurroundeditwhichseemedtoexcludetheideaoftrickerywerenotwithouttheireffectonmyspirits；andthatasIdismountedandapproachedthedoor，Ifeltakindofchillnotremarkableunderthecircumstances。
　　Butthecourageofthegentlemandiffersfromthatofthevulgarinthathefearsyetgoes；andIliftedthelatch，andenteredboldly。Thescenewhichmetmyeyesinsidewassufficientlycommonplacetoreassureme。Atthefartherendofalongbareroom，draughty，half-lighted，andhavinganearthenfloor，yetpossessingthatairofhomelinesswhichawoodfireneverfailstoimpart，satasingletraveller；whohaddrawnhissmalltableundertheopenchimney，andthere，withhisfeetalmostinthefire，waspartakingofapoormealofblackbreadandonions。Hewasatall，spareman，withslopingshouldersandalongsourface，ofwhich，asIentered，hegavemethefullbenefit。
　　Ilookedroundtheroom，butlookasImightIcouldseenooneelse，noranythingthatexplainedwhatwehadwitnessedandI
　　accostedthemancivilly，wishinghimgoodevening。Hemadeananswer，butindistinctly，and，thisdone，wentonwithhismeallikeonewhoviewedourarrivalwithlittlepleasure；whileI，puzzledandastonishedbytheordinarylookofthingsandthestillnessofthehouse，affectedtowarmmyfeetatthelogs。Atlength，espyingnosignsofdisturbanceanywhere，Iaskedhimifhewasalone。
　　"Iwas，sir，"heansweredgravely。
　　Iwasgoingontotellhim，thoughreluctantly，whatwehadseenoutside，andtoquestionhimuponit，whenonasudden，beforeI
　　couldspeakagain，heleanedtowardsmeandaccostedmewithstartlingabruptness。"Sir，"hesaid，"IshouldliketohaveyouropinionofLouisEleven。"
　　Istaredathiminthemostperfectastonishment；andwasforamomentsocompletelytakenabackthatImechanicallyrepeatedhiswords。Foranswer，hedidsoalso。
　　"TheEleventhLouis？"Isaid。
　　"Yes，"herejoined，turninghispalevisagefulluponme。"Whatisyouropinionofhim，sir？Hewasaman？"
　　"Well，"Isaid，shruggingmyshoulders，"Itakethatforgranted。"Ibegantothinkthatthetravellerwasdemented。
　　"Andaking？"
　　"Yes，Isupposeso，"Iansweredcontemptuously。"Ineverhearditdoubted。"
　　Heleanedtowardsme，andspokewiththemosteagerimpressiveness。"Aman——andaking！"hesaid。"Yetneitheramanlyking，norakinglyman！Youtakeme？"
　　"Yes，"Isaidimpatiently。"Iseewhatyoumean。
　　"Neitherakinglyman，noramanlyking！"herepeatedwithsolemngusto。"Youtakemeclearly，Ithink？"
　　Ihadnostomachforfurtherfooleries，andIwasabouttoanswerhimwithsomesharpness——thoughIcouldnotforthelifeofmetellwhetherhewasmadoraneccentricwhenaharshvoiceshriekedinmyear，"Bob！"andinatwinklingaredfigureappearedboundingandwhirlinginthemiddleofthekitchen；nowspringingintotheairuntilitsheadtouchedtherafters，noweddyingroundandroundthefloorinthegiddiestgyrations。Atthefirstglance，startledbythevoiceinmyear，Irecoiled；
　　butaseconddisclosingwhatitwas，andthesecretofouralarmoutside，Imaskedmymovement；andwhenthemanbroughthisperformancetoasuddenstop，andfallingononekneeinanattitudeofexaggeratedrespectheldouthiscap，Iwasreadyforhim。
　　"Why，youknave，"Isaid，"youshouldbewhipped，notrewarded。
　　Whogaveyouleavetoplaypranksontravellers？"
　　Helookedatmewithadrollsmileonhisroundmerryface，whichatitsgravestwasathingtolaughat。"Lethimwhipwhoisscared，"hesaid，withroguishimpudence。"Orifthereistobewhipping，mylord，whipLouisXI。"
　　Thusreminded，Iturnedtothesolemntraveller；butmyeyeshadnosoonermethisthanhetwistedhisvisageintosowryasmile——ifsmileitcouldbecalled——thatwherevertherewasahorsecollarhemusthavewontheprize。Tohidemyamusement，Iaskedthemwhattheywere。"Mountebanks？"Isaidcurtly。
　　"Yourlordshiphasprickedthegarteroffhand，"themerrymanansweredcheerfully。"YouseebeforeyoutherenownedPierrePaladinVOILA！——andPhilibertLeGrand！oftheBretonfairs，monsieur。"
　　"Butwhythisfoolery——here？"Isaid。
　　"Wetookyouforanother，monsieur，"heanswered。
　　"Whomyouintendedtofrighten？"
　　"Precisely，yourgrace。"
　　"Well，youarenicerogues，"Isaid，lookingathim。
　　"Soishe，"heanswered，undaunted。
　　Ileftthematterthereforamoment，whileIsummonedLaFontandtheservants；whoserage，when，enteringa-tiptoeandwithsomemisgiving，theydiscoveredhowtheyhadbeendeceived，andbywhom，wasscarcelytoberestrainedevenbymypresence。
　　However，aidedbyPhilibert'scomicalities，Ipresentlysecuredatruce，andthetwostrollersvacatinginmyhonourthetablebythefire——thoughtheyhadnottheslightestnotionwhoIwasweweresoononterms。Ihadtakentheprecautiontobringamealwithme，andwhileLaTrapeandhiscompanionunpackedit，andI
　　driedmyridingboots，Iaskedtheplayerswhoitwastheyhadmeanttofrighten。
　　Theywerenotverywillingtotellme，butatlengthconfessed，tomyastonishment，thatitwasM。Grabot。
　　"Grabot——Grabot！"Isaid，strivingtorecollectwhereIhadheardthename。"TheMayorofBottitort？"
　　Thesolemnmanmadeanatrociousgrimace。Then，"Yes，monsieur，theMayorofBottitort，"hesaidfrankly。"AyearagoheputPhilibertinthestocksforariddle；thatishisaffair。Andthewomanofthishousehasmorethanoncebefriendedme，andheisforturningheroutforadebtshedoesnotowe；andthatismyaffair。However，yourlordship'sarrivalhassavedhimforthistime。"
　　"Youexpectedhimherethisevening，then？"
　　"Heiscoming，"heanswered，withmorethanhisusualgloom。"Hepassedthiswaythismorning，andannouncedthatonhisreturnheshouldspendthenighthere。Wefoundthegoodwifeallofatremblewhenwearrived。Heisahardman，monsieur，"themountebankcontinuedbitterly。"ShecriedafterhimthatshehopedthatGodwouldchangehisheart，butheonlyansweredthatevenifSt。Brieucchangedhisbody——youknowthelegend，monseigneur，doubtless——heshouldbehere。"
　　"Andhereheis，"theother，whohadbeenlookingoutofoneofthewindows，cried。"Iseehislanthorncomingdownthehill。
　　AndbySt。Brieuc，Ihaveit！Ihaveit，"thedrollcontinued，suddenlyspinningroundinawilddanceoftriumphonthefloor，andthenassuddenlystoppingandfallingintoanattitudebeforeus。"Monsieur，ifyouwillhelpus，Ihavetherichestjesteverplayed。Pierre，listen。You，gentlemenall，listen！Wewillpretendthatheischanged。Heisapompousman；hethinkstheMayorofBottitortequaltotheSaintPere。Well，PierreshallbeM。Grabot，MayorofBottitort。You，monsieur，thatwemaygivehimenoughofmayors，shallbetheMayorofGol，andIwillbetheMayorofSt。Just。Thisgentlemanshallsweartous，soshalltheservants。Forhim，hedoesnotexist。Oh，wewillpunishhimfinely。"
　　"But，"Isaid，astoundedbytheveryaudacityoftherogue'sproposition，"youdonotflatteryourselfthatyouwilldeceivehim？"
　　"Weshall，monsieur，ifyouwillhelp，"heansweredconfidently。
　　"Iwillbewarrantforitweshall。"
　　Thethinghadlittleofdignityinit，andIwondernowthatI
　　complied；butIhavealwayssharedwiththeKing，mymaster，atastefordrolleriesofthekindsuggested；whilenothingthatI
　　hadasyetheardofthisGrabotwasofanaturetoinducemetosparehim。SeeingthatLaFontwastickledwiththeidea，andthattheservantswerea-grin，andthemoreeagertotrickothersastheyhadjustbeentrickedthemselves，Iwastemptedtoconsent。
　　Afterthis，thepreparationstooknotaminute。Philibertcoveredhisfool'sclotheswithacloak，andtheirtablewasdrawnnearertothefire，soas，withmine，totakeupthewholehearth。LaTrapefellintoanattitudebehindme；andtheBreton，adoptingarefinementsuggestedatthelastmoment，wassentouttointerceptGrabotbeforeheentered，andtellhimthattheinnwasfull，andthathehadbetterpasson。
　　TheknavedidhisbusinesssowellthatGrabot，beingjustsuchamanasthestrollerhaddescribedtous，thealtercationonthethresholdwasofitselfthemostamusingthingintheworld。
　　"Who？"weheardaloud，coarsevoiceexclaim。"Whod'yesayarehere，man？"
　　"TheMayorofBottitort。"
　　"MILLEDIABLES！"
　　"TheMayorofBottitortandtheMayorsofGolandSt。Just，"theservantrepeatedasifhenoticednothingamiss。
　　"Thatisalie！"thenewcomerreplied，withasnortoftriumph，"andanimpudentone。Butyouhavegotthewrongsowbytheearthistime。"
　　"Why，man，"athirdvoice，somewhatnasalandrustical，struckin，"don'tyouknowtheMayorofBottitort？"
　　"Ishould，"myBretonansweredbluntly，andmaking，asweguessed，astandbeforethem。"ForIamhisservant，andheisthismomentathismeat。"
　　"TheMayorofBottitort？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"M。Grabot？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Andyouarehisservant？"
　　"Ihavethoughtsoforsometime，"theBretonansweredcontemptuously。
　　TheMayorfairlyroaredinhisindignation。"You——hisservant！
　　TheMayorofBottitort's？"hecriedinavoiceofthunder。
　　"I'lltellyouwhatyouare；youarealiar！——aliar，man，thatiswhatyouare！Why，youfool，IamtheMayorofBottitortmyself。Now，doyouseehowyouhavewastedyourself？Outofmyway！Jehan，followmein。Ishalllookintothis。Thereissomeknaveryhere，butifSimonGrabotcannotgettothebottomofittheMayorofBottitortwill。Followme，Isay。Myservantindeed？Come，come！"
　　And，stillgrumbling，heflungopenthedoor，whichtheBretonhadleftajar，andstalkedinuponus，fumingandblowingouthischeeksforalltheworldlikeabantamcockwithitsfeatherserect。Hewasashort，pursyman；withashortnose，awideface，andsmalleyes。ButhadhebeenCaesarandAlexanderrolledintoone，hecouldnothavecrossedthethresholdwithamoretremendousassumptionofdignity。Onceinside，hestoodandglaredatus，somewhattakenaback，Ithink，forthemomentbyournumbers；butrecoveringhimselfalmostimmediately，hestruttedtowardsus，and，withoutuncoveringorsalutingus，heaskedinadeepvoicewhowasresponsibleforthemanoutside。
　　"Iam，thegravermountebankanswered，lookingatthestrangerwithasoberairofsurprise。"Heismyservant。"
　　"Ah！"theMayorexclaimed，withawitheringglance。"Andwho，mayIask，areyou？"
　　"Youmayask，certainly，"theplayeranswereddrily。"ButuntilyoutakeoffyourhatIshallnotanswer。"
　　TheMayorgaspedatthisrebuff，andturned，ifitwerepossible，ashaderedder；butheuncovered。
　　"NowIdonotmindtellingyou，"Pierrecontinued，withamilddignityadmirablyassumed，"thatIamSimonGrabot，andhavethehonourtobeMayorofBottitort。"
　　"You！"
　　"Yes，monsieur，I；thoughperhapsunworthy。"
　　Ilookedtoseeanexplosion，buttheMayorwastoofargone。
　　"Why，youswindlingimpostor，"hesaid，withsomethingthatwasalmostadmirationinhistone。"Youaretheveryprinceofcheats！Thekingofcozeners！Butforallthat，letmetellyou，youhavechosenthewrongROLEthistime。ForI——I，sir，amtheMayorofBottitort，theverymanwhosenameyouhavetaken！"
　　Pierrestaredathimincomposedsilence，whichhiscomradewasthefirsttobreak。"Ishemad？"hesaidinalowvoice。
　　Thegravemanshookhishead。
　　TheMayorheardandsaw；andgettingnootheranswer，begantotremblebetweenpassionandanatural，thoughill-defined，misgiving，whichthesilentgazeofsolargeaparty——forwealllookedathimcompassionately——waswellcalculatedtoproduce。
　　"Mad？"hecried。"No，butsomeoneis，Sir，"hecontinued，turningtoLaFontwithagestureinwhichappealandimpatiencewerecuriouslyblended，"Doyouknowthisman？"
　　"M。Grabot？Certainly，"heanswered，withoutblushing。"Andhavethesetenyears。"
　　"AndyousaythatheisM。Grabot？"thepoorMayorretorted，hisjawfallingludicrously。
　　"Certainly。Whoshouldhebe？"
　　TheMayorlookedroundhim，suddenbeadsofsweatonhisbrow。
　　"MONDIEU！"becried。"Youareallinit。Here，you，doyouknowthisperson？"
　　LaTrape，towhomheaddressedhimself，shruggedhisshoulders。
　　"Ishould，"hesaid。"TheMayorisprettywellknownabouthere。"
　　"TheMayor？"
　　"Ay。"
　　"ButIamtheMayor——I，"Grabotansweredeagerly，tappinghimselfonthebreastinthemostabsurdmanner。"Don'tyouknowme，myfriend？"
　　"Ineversawyoubefore，tomyknowledge，"therascalansweredcontemptuously；"andIknowthiscountryprettywell。IshouldthinkthatyouhavebeencrossingSt。Brieuc'sbrook，andforgottentosayyour——"
　　"Hush！"thestoutplayerinterposedwithsomesharpness。"Lethimalone。LEBONDIEUknowsthatsuchathingmayhappentothebestofus。"
　　TheMayorclappedhishandtohishead。"Sir，"hesaidalmosthumbly，addressingthelastspeaker，"Iseemtoknowyourvoice。
　　Yourname，ifyouplease？"
　　"Fracasse，"heansweredpleasantly。"IamMayorofGol。"
　　"You——Fracasse，MayorofGol？"Grabotexclaimedbetweenrageandterror。"ButFracasseisatallman。IknowhimaswellasI
　　knowmybrother。"
　　Thepseudo-Fracassesmiled，butdidnotcontradicthim。
　　TheMayorwipedthemoisturefromhisbrow。Hehadallthecharacteristicsofanobstinateman；butifthereisonethingwhichIhavefoundinalongcareermoretruethananother，itisthatnoonecanresistthestatementsofhisfellows。Somuch，I
　　verilybelieve，isthisthecase，thatiftenmenmaintainblacktobewhite，theeleventhwillpresentlybebroughtintotheiropinion。Besides，theMayorhadacurrishside。Helookedpiteouslyfromonetoanotherofus，hischeeksseemedtogrowinamomentpaleandflabby，andhewasonthepointofwhimpering，whenatthelastmomenthebethoughthimofhisservant，andturnedtohiminaspurtofsuddenthankfulness。"Why，Jehan，man，Ihadforgottenyou，"hesaid。"Arethesemenmad，oramI？"
　　ButJehan，asimplerustic，wasinastateofludicrousbewilderment。"Dol，master，Idon'tknow，"hestuttered，rubbinghishead。
　　"ButIammyself，"theMayorcried，inamostridiculoustoneofremonstrance。
　　"Dol，andIdon'tknow，"themanwhimpered。"Idobelievethatthereisachangeinyou。Ineversawyoulookthelikebefore。
　　AndIneversaidanyPATEReither。Holysaints！"thepoorfoolcontinuedpiteously，"IwishIwereathome。Andthere，forallIknow，mywifehasgotanotherman。"
　　Hebegantoblubberatthis；whichtouswasthemostludicrousthought，sothatitwasallwecoulddotorestrainourlaughter。
　　ButtheMayorsawthingsinanotherlight。Shakenbyoursteadypersistenceinourstory，andastoundedbyourwantofrespect，thedefectionofhisfollowerutterlycowedhim。Afterstaringwildlyabouthimforamoment，hefairlyturnedtail，andsatdownonanoldboxbythedoor，wherewithhishandsonhisknees，helookedoutbeforehimwithsuchanexpressionofchap-
　　fallenbewildermentasnearlydiscoveredourplotbythrowingusintofitsoflaughter。
　　Stillhewasnotpersuaded；for，fromtimetotime，herousedhimself，andliftinghisheadcastsuspiciousglancesatourparty。Butthetwostrollers，whowerenowintheirelement，playedtheirpartswithsomuchcraftanddelicacy，andwithsuchaninfinityofhumourbesides，thateverythingheoverheardplungedhimdeeperintheslough。Theyknewsomethingoflocalaffairs，andcalledoneanotherMayorverynaturally；andmentioningtheirwives，letdropotherscrapsofinformationthat，catchinghisear，madethewretchedmaneverynowandthensitupasifawasphadstunghim。OnestoryinparticularwhichthefalseMayortold——andwhich，itappeared，wastotheknowledgeofallthecountryroundtherealMayor'sstockanecdote——hadanabsurdeffectuponhim。Hestraightenedhimself，listenedasifhislifedependeduponit，andwhenheheardthewell-knownending，uttered，doubtless，insomethingofhisoldtone，hecollapsedintohimselflikeamanwhohadnolongerfaithinanything。
　　Presently，however，aneffortofcommon-sensewouldagaindispersethefog。Hewouldraisehishead，hiseyegrowbright，somethingofhisoldpugnacitywouldcomebacktohim。Hewouldappear——thismorethanonce——tobeonthepointofrisingtochallengeus。Buttheseoccasionswereasskilfullymetastheywereeasilydetected；andastherogueshadinvariablysomestrokeinreservethatinatwinklingflunghimbackintohisoldstateofdazedbewilderment，whileitwell-nighkilleduswithstifledmirth，theyonlygaveevernewpointtothejest。
　　This，tobebrief，wascarriedonuntilIretired；andprobablythetwostrollerswouldhavekeptituplongeriftheludicrousdoubtwhetherhewashimself，whichtheyhadlodgedintheMayor'smind，hadnotatlastspurredhimtoaction。Anhourbeforemidnight，feelingitrankleintolerably，Isuppose，hespranguponasudden，draggedthedooropen，dartedoutwiththeairofamadman，andinamomentwaslostinthedarknessofthemoor。
　　WhenIroseinthemorning，therefore，Ifoundhimgone，thestrollerslookingglum，andthegood-wifeandhergirlbetweentearsandreproaches。Icouldnotbutfeel，onmypart，thatI
　　hadsomewhatstoopedinthenight'sdiversion；butbeforeIhadtimetoreflectmuchonthatanunexpectedtraitinthestrollers'conductreconciledmetothisoddexperience。TheyproposedtoleavewhenIdid；butalittlebeforethestarttheycametome，andsetbeforemeveryingenuouslythatthewomanofthehousemightsufferthroughourjest；ifIwouldhelphertherefore，theywouldsubscribetwocrownssothatshemighthaveasubstantialsumtoofferonaccountofherdebt。AsItookthistobethegreaterpartoftheircapital，andjudgedforotherreasonsthattheofferwasgenuine，Ireceiveditinthebestpart，andfoundtheirgood-naturenolesspleasantthantheirfoolery。Ihandedoverthreecrownsforourshare，andonthatweparted；theysetoutwiththeirbundlesstrappedtotheirbacks，andIwaitedsomewhatimpatientlyforLaTrapeandtheBretontobringroundthehorses。
　　Beforetheseappeared，however，LaFont，whowasatthedoor，criedoutthatthetwoplayerswerecominghack；andgoingtothewindowIsawwithastonishmentawholetroop，somemountedandsomeonfoot，hurryingdownthehillafterthem。ForamomentI
　　feltsomealarm，supposingittobeaschemeofEpernon'stoseizemyperson；andIcursedtheimprudencewhichhadledmetoexposemyselfinthissolitaryplace。ButasecondglanceshowingmethattheMayorofBottitortwasamongtheforemost，I
　　repentedalmostasseriouslyoftheunluckytriflingthathadlandedmeinthisfoolishplight。
　　IevendebatedwhetherIshouldmountand，ifitwerepossible，getclearbeforetheyarrived；buttheruefulfacesofthetwoplayersastheyappearedbreathlessinthedoorway，andthelikingIhadtakenfortherascals，decidedmetostandmyground"Whatisit？"Isaid。
　　"TheMayor，monsieur，"Philibertanswered，whilePierrepurseduphislipswithgloomygravity。"Ifearitwillnotstopatthestocksthistime，"theroguecontinuedwithagrimace。
　　Hiscomrademutteredsomethingaboutarodandafool'sback；butM。Grabot'sentrancecuthiswitticismshort。TheMayor，betweenshameandrage，andthegratificationofhisrevenge，wasalmostbursting，andthemomenthecaughtsightofusopenedfire。
　　"All，M。deGol；wehavethemall！"hecriedexultingly。"Nowtheyshallsmartforit！Dependuponit，itissomedeep-laidschemeofthatparty。Ihavesaidso。"
　　ButtheMayorofGol，astout，big，placidman，lookedatusdoubtfully。"Well，"hesaid，"Iknowthesetwo；theyarestrollingmountebanks，honestknavesenoughbutalwaysinsomemischief。"
　　"What，strollingclowns？"M。Grabotrejoined，hisfacefalling。
　　"Ay，andyoumaydependuponititissomejokeoftheirs，"hisfriendanswered，hiseyestwinkling。"IbegintothinkthatyouwouldhavedonebetterifyouhadwaitedalittlebeforebringingM。leComteintothematter。"
　　"Ah，buttherearethesetwo，"M。Grabotcried，asherecoveredfromthemomentarypanicintowhichtheother'swordshadthrownhim。"Dependuponittheyarethechiefmovers。WhatelsebuttreasoncouldtheymeanbyassertingthatoneofthemwasMayorofBottitort？Bydenyingmytitle？BysettingupotherofficersthanthosetowhomhisGraciousMajestyhasdelegatedhisauthority？"
　　"Umph！"hisbrotherMayorsaid，"Idon'tknowthesegentlemen。"
　　"No！"hiscompanioncriedintriumph。"ButIintendtoknowthem；andtoknowagooddealaboutthem。Guardthewindowthere，"hecontinuedfussily。"Whereismyclerk？IsM。deLavalcoming？"
　　Twoorthreecriedobsequiouslythathehadcrossedthehill；andwouldarriveimmediately。
　　Hearingthis，andthinkingitmorebecomingnottoenterintoanaltercation，IkeptmyseatandthescornfulsilenceIhadhithertomaintained。ThetwoMayorshadbroughtwiththemaposseofbusybodies——huissiers，constables，tip-staves，andthelike；andtheseallgapeduponusasiftheysawbeforethemthemostnotabletraitorsoftheage。Thewomenofthehouseweptinacorner，andthestrollersshruggedtheirshouldersandstrovetoappearattheirease。ButtheonlypersonwhofelttheindifferencewhichtheyassumedwasLaFont；who，obnoxioustononeoftheannoyanceswhichIforesaw，couldhardlyrestrainhismirthattheDENOUEMENTwhichheanticipated。
　　MeanwhiletheMayor，foreseeingaverydifferentissue，stoodblowingouthischeeksandfixinguswithhislittleeyeswithanexpressionofdignitythatwouldhavepleasedmevastlyifIhadbeenfreetoenjoyit。ButthereflectionthatLaval'spresence，whichwouldcuttheknotofourdifficulties，wouldalsoplacemeatthemercyofhiswit，didnotenablemetocontemplateitwithentireindifference。
　　By-and-byweheardhimdismount，andamomentlaterhecameinwithagentlemanandtwoorthreearmedservants。Hedidnotatonceseeme，butasthecrowdmadewayforhimheaddressedhimselfsharplytoM。Grabot。"Well，haveyougotthem？"hesaid。
　　"Certainly，M。leComte。"
　　"Oh！verywell。Nowfortheparticulars，then。Youmuststateyourchargequickly，forIhavetobeinVitreto-day。"
　　"HeallegedthathehadbeenappointedMayorofBottitort，"
　　Grabotansweredpompously。
　　"Umph！Idon'tknow？"M。deLavalmuttered，lookingroundwithafrownofdiscontent。"Ihopethatyouhavenotbroughtmehitheronafool'serrand。Whichone？"
　　"Thatone，"theMayorsaid，pointingtothesolemnman，whosegravityanddepressionwerenowsomethingpreternatural。
　　"Oh！"M。deLavalgrumbled。"Butthatisnotall，Isuppose。
　　Whatoftheothers？"
　　M。Grabotpointedtome。"Thatone，"hesaid——
　　Hegotnofarther；forM。deLaval，springingforward，seizedmyhandandsalutedmewarmly。"Why，yourexcellency，"hecried，inatoneofboundlesssurprise，"whatareyoudoinginthisGALERE！
　　AlllasteveningIwaitedforyou，atmyhouse，andnow——"
　　"HereIam，"Iansweredjocularly，"inchargeitseems，M。leComte！"
　　"MONDIEU！"hecried。"Idon'tunderstandit！"
　　Ishruggedmyshoulders。"Don'taskme，"Isaid。"PerhapsyourfriendtheMayorcalltellyou。"
　　"But，Monsieur，Idonotunderstand，"theMayoransweredpiteously，hismouthagapewithhorror，hisfatcheeksturninginamomentallcolours。"Thisgentleman，whomyouseemtoknow，MonsieurleComte——"
　　"IstheMarquisdeRosny，PresidentoftheCouncil，blockhead！"
　　Lavalcriedirately。"Youmadman！youidiot！"hecontinued，aslightbrokeinuponhim，andhesawthatitwasindeedonafool'serrandthathehadbeenrousedsoearly。"Isthisyourconspiracy？Haveyoudaredtobringmehere——"
　　ButIthoughtthatitwastimetointerfere。"Thetruthis，"I
　　said，"thatM。Grabothereisnotsomuchtoblame。Hewasthevictimofatrickwhichtheserascalsplayedonhim；andinanidlemomentIletitgoon。Thatisthewholesecret。However，Iforgivehimforhisofficiousnesssinceitbringsustogether，andIshallnowhavethepleasureofyourcompanytoVitre。"
　　Lavalassentedheartilytothis，andIdidnotthinkfittotellhimmore，nordidheinquire；theMayor'sstupiditypassingcurrentforall。ForM。Grabothimself，IthinkthatIneversawamanmorecompletelyconfounded。Hestoodstaringwithhismouthopen；and，asmuchdesertedasthestatesmanwhohasfallenfromoffice，hadnottheleastcreditevenwithhisownsycophants，whotoamandesertedhimandflockedabouttheMayorofGol。ThoughIhadnoreasontopityhim，and，indeed，thoughthimwellpunished，ItooktheopportunityofsayingawordtohimbeforeImounted；which，thoughitwasonlyahintthatheshoulddealgentlywiththewomanofthehouse，wasreceivedwithservilityequaltothearrogancehehadbeforedisplayed；andI
　　doubtnotithadalltheeffectIdesired。Forthestrollers，I
　　didnotforgetthem，butbadethemhastentoVitre，whereIwouldseeaperformance。Theydidso，andhittingthefancyofZamet，whochancedtobestillthere，andwhothoughtthathesawprofitinthem，theycameonhisinvitationtoParis，wheretheytooktheCourtbystorm。Sothatanepisodetriflinginitself，andsuchasonmypartrequiressomeapology，hadforthemconsequencesofnolittleimportance。
　　IV。LATOUSSAINT。
　　Towardstheautumnof1601，whentheaffairofM。deBiron，whichwassosoontofillthemouthsofthevulgar，wasalreadymuchinthemindsofthosewhomtheKinghonouredwithhisconfidence，I
　　wasonedayleavingthehallattheArsenal，aftergivingaudiencetosuchaswishedtoseeme，whenMaignancameaftermeanddetainedme；reportingthatagentlemanwhohadattendedearly，buthadlatergoneintothegarden，wasstillinwaiting。
　　WhileMaignanwasstillspeakingthestrangerhimselfcameup，withsomeshowofhastebutnoneofembarrassment；and，inanswertomysalutationandinquirywhatIcoulddoforhim，handedmealetter。Hehadtheairofamannottwenty，hisdresswasatriflerustic；buthisstrongandhandsomefiguresetoffafacethatwouldhavebeenpleasingbutforasomethingfierceintheaspectofhiseyes。AssuredthatIdidnotknowhim，IbrokethesealofhisletterandfoundthatitwasfrommyoldflameMadamedeBray，who，asMademoiselledeSt。Mesmin，hadcomesoneartobeingmywife；aswillberememberedbythosewhohavereadtheearlypartofthesememoirs。
　　Theyoungmanprovedtobeherbrother，whomshecommendedtomygoodoffices，theimpoverishmentofthefamilybeingsogreatthatshecouldcompassnomoreregularmethodofintroducinghimtotheworld，thoughthehouseofSt。Mesministrulyrespectableand，likemyown，alliedtoseveralofthefirstconsequence。
　　MadamedeBrayrecalledouroldTENDRESSEtomymind，andconjuredmesomovinglybyit——andbytheregardwhichherfamilyhadalwaysentertainedforme——thatIcouldnotdismisstheapplicationwiththehundredothersofliketenorthatatthattimecametomewitheachyear。ThatImightdonothinginthedark，however，Iinvitedtheyoungfellowtowalkwithmeinthegarden，anddivined，evenbeforehespoke，fromtheabsenceoftimidityinhismanner，thathewassomethingoutofthecommon。
　　"SoyouhavecometoParistomakeyourfortune？"Isaid。
　　"Yes，sir，"heanswered。
　　"Andwhatarethetoolswithwhichyouproposetodoit？"I
　　continued，betweenjestandearnest。
　　"Thatletter，sir，"heansweredsimply；"and，failingthat，twohorses，twosuitsofclothes，andtwohundredcrowns。"
　　"Youthinkthatthosewillsuffice？"Isaid，laughing。
　　"Withthis，sir，"heanswered，touchinghissword；"andagoodcourage。"
　　Icouldnotbutstandamazedathiscoolness；forhespoketomeassimplyastoabrother，andlookedabouthimwithasmuchoraslittlecuriosityasGuiseorMontpensier。ItwasevidentthathethoughtaSt。MesminequaltoanymanundertheKing；andthatofalltheSt。Mesminshedidnotvaluehimselfleast。
　　"Well，"Isaid，afterconsideringhim，"IdonotthinkthatIcanhelpyoumuchimmediately。Ishouldbegladtoknow，however，whatplansyouhaveformedforyourself。"
　　"Frankly，sir，"hesaid，"IthoughtofthisasItravelled；andI
　　decidedthatfortunecanbewonbythreethings——bygold，bysteel，andbylove。ThefirstIhavenot，andforthelastI
　　haveabetteruse。Onlythesecondisleft。IshallbeCrillon。"
　　Ilookedathiminastonishment；fortheassuranceofhismannerexceededthatofhiswords。ButIdidnotbetraythefeeling。
　　"Crillonwasoneinamillion，"Isaiddrily。
　　"SoamI，"heanswered。
　　Iconfessthattheaudacityofthisreplysilencedme。I
　　reflectedthattheyoungmanwho——broughtupinthedepthsofthecountry，andwithoutexperience，trainingorfashion——couldsospeakinthefaceofPariswassofaroutofthecommonthatI
　　hesitatedtodashhishopesinthecontemptuouswaywhichseemedmostnatural。IwascontenttoremindhimthatCrillonhadlivedintimesofcontinualwar，whereasnowwewereatpeace；and，biddinghimcometomeinaweek，IhintedthatinParishiscrownswouldfindmorefrequentopportunitiesofleavinghispocketsthanhissworditssheath。
　　Hepartedfrommewiththis，seemingperfectlysatisfiedwithhisreception；andmarchedawaywiththeportofamanwhoexpectedadventuresateverycorner，andwaspreparedtomakethemostofthem。Apparentlyhedidnottakemyhintgreatlytoheart，however；forwhenInextmethim，withintheweek，hewasfashionablydressed，hishairinthemode，andhiscompanyasnobleashimself。Imadehimasigntostop，andhecametospeaktome。
　　"Howmanycrownsare]eft？"Isaidjocularly。
　　"Fifty，"heanswered，withperfectreadiness。
　　"What！"Isaid，pointingtohisequipmentwithsomethingoftheindignationIfelt，"hasthiscostthebalance？
　　"No，"heanswered。"Onthecontrary，Ihavepaidthreemonths'
　　rentinadvanceandamonth'sboardatZaton's；Ihaveaddedtwosuitstomywardrobe，andIhavelostfiftycrownsonthedice。"
　　"Youpromisewell！"Isaid。
　　Heshruggedhisshouldersquiteinthefashionablemanner。
　　"Alwayscourage！"hesaid；andhewenton，smiling。
　　IwaswalkingatthetimewithM。deSaintonge，andbemuttered，withasneer，thatitwasnotdifficulttoseetheend，orthatwithintheyeartheyoungbraggartwouldsinktobeagaming-
　　housebully。Isaidnothing，butIconfessthatIthoughtotherwise；thelad'sdispositionofhismoneyandhisprovisionforthefutureseemingtomesoremarkableastosethimaboveordinaryrules。
　　FromthistimeIbegantowatchhiscareerwithinterest，andI
　　wasnotsurprisedwhen，inlessthanamonth，somethingfelloutthatledthewholecourttoregardhimwithamixtureofamusementandexpectancy。
　　Oneevening，afterleavingtheKing'scloset，IhappenedtopassthroughtheeastgalleryattheLouvre，whichservedatthattimeastheouterantechamber，andwasthecommonresortaswellofallthoseidlerswho，withsomepretensionstofashion，lackedtheENTREE，asofmanywhowithgreaterclaimspreferredtobeattheirease。Mypassageforamomentstilledthebabelwhichprevailed。ButIhadnosoonerreachedthefartherdoorthanthenoisebrokeoutagain；andthiswithsosuddenafury，thetumultbeingaugmentedbythecrashingfallofatable，ascausedmeatthelastmomenttostandandturn。Adozenvoicescryingsimultaneously，"Haveacare！"and"Nothere！nothere！"andalllookingthesameway，IwasabletodetectthethreeprincipalsintheFRACAS。TheywerenootherthanM。deSt。
　　Mesmin，Barradas——alowfellow，stillremembered，whowasalreadywhatSaintongehadprophesiedthattheformerwouldbecome——andyoungSt。Germain，theeldestsonofM。deClan。
　　Iratherguessedthanheardthecauseofthequarrel，andthatSt。Mesmin，puttingintowordswhatmanyhadknownforyearsandsomemadetheiradvantageof，hadaccusedBarradasofcheating。
　　Thelatter'sfurywas，ofcourse，proportionedtohisguilt；aninstantchallengewhileIlookedwashisnaturalanswer。This，ashewasaconsummateswordsman，andhadlongearnedhislivingasmuchbyfearasbyfraud，shouldhavebeenenoughtostaythegreedieststomach；butSt。Mesminwasnotcontent。Treatingtheknave，thewordoncepassed，assomuchdirt，hetransferredhisattacktoSt。Germain，andcalledonhimtoreturnthemoneyhehadwonbybettingonBarradas。
　　St。Germain，ayoungsparkasproudandheadstrongasSt。Mesminhimself，andpossessedoffriendsequaltohisexpectations，flungbackahaughtyrefusal。Hehadtheadvantageinstationandpopularity；andbyfarthelargernumberofthosepresentsidedwithhim。Ilingeredamomentincuriosity，lookingtoseetheaccuserwithallhisboldnessgivewaybeforethealmostunanimousexpressionofdisapproval。Butmyformerjudgmentofhimhadbeencorrectlyformed；sofarfrombeingbrowbeatenordepressedbyhisposition，herepeatedthedemandwithastubbornpersistencethatmarvellouslyremindedmeofCrillon；andcontinuedtoreiterateituntilall，exceptSt。Germainhimself，weresilent。"Youmustreturnmymoney！"hekeptonsayingmonotonously。"Youmustreturnmymoney。Thismancheated，andyouwonmymoney。Youmustpayorfight。"
　　"Withadeadman？"St。Germainreplied，gibingathim。
　　"No，withme。"
　　"Barradaswillspityou！"Theotherscoffed。"Goandorderyourcoffin，anddonottroubleme。"
　　"Ishalltroubleyou。Ifyoudidnotknowthathecheated，pay；
　　andifyoudidknow，fight。"
　　"Iknow？"St。Germainretortedfiercely。"Youmadman！DoyoumeantosaythatIknewthathecheated？"
　　"ImeanwhatIsay！"St。Mesminreturnedstolidly。"Youhavewonmymoney。Youmustreturnit。Ifyouwillnotreturnit，youmustfight。"
　　Ishouldhaveheardmore，butatthatmomentthemaindooropened，andtwoorthreegentlemenwhohadbeenwiththeKingcameout。Notwishingtobeseenwatchingthebrawl，Imovedawayanddescendedthestairs；andVarenneovertakingmeamomentlater，andenteringontheBironaffair——ofwhichIhadjustbeendiscussingthelatestdevelopmentswiththeKing——IforgotSt。
　　Mesminforthetime，andonlyrecalledhimnextmorningwhenSaintonge，beingannounced，cameintomyroominastateofgreatexcitement，andalmostwithhisfirstsentencebroughtouthisname。