InthepassageImetamanwhomtheKinghadsenttoinquireaboutthefire；andthusremindedofthepapersIturnedbacktotheroom；greatlyvexedwithmyselffornegligencewhichinasubordinateIshouldhaveseverelyrebuked，butneverdoubtingthatIshouldfindthepacketwhereIhadleftit。
Tomychagrinthepaperwasgone。StillIcouldnotbelievethatithadbeenstolen，andsupposingthatMaignanoroneofmyhouseholdhadseenitandtakenittomycloset，Irepairedthitherinhaste。IfoundMaignanalreadythere，withM。
Boisrueil，oneofmygentlemen，whowaswaitingtoaskafavour；
buttheyknewnothingofthereport，andthoughIsentthemdownforthwith，withdirectionstomakestrictbutquietinquiry，theyreturnedattheendofhalfanhourwithlongfacesandnonews。
ThenIgrewseriouslyalarmed；andreflectingonthemanyimportantsecretswhichthememorialcontained，whereofadisclosuremustspoilplanssolongandsedulouslyprepared，I
foundmyselfbroughtonasuddenfacetofacewithdisaster。I
couldnotimaginehowtheKing，whohadagainandagainurgedonmetheutmostprecaution，wouldtakesuchacatastrophe；norhowIshouldmakeitknowntohim。Foramoment，therefore，whileI
listenedtothetale，Ifeltthehairriseonmyheadandashiverdescendmyback；norwasitwithoutanuncommoneffortthatIretainedmycoolnessandcomposure。
Plainlynostepsinsuchapositioncouldbetoostringent。I
sentMaignanwithanordertocloseallthedoorsandletnoonepassout。ThenImadesurethatnoneoftheservantshadenteredtheroom，betweenthetimeofmyrisingandreturn；andthisnarrowedthetaleofthosewhocouldhavetakenthepackettoeleven，thatbeingthenumberofpersonswhohadsatdownwithme。Buthavingfollowedthemattersofar，Icamefacetofacewiththisdifficulty:thatalltheelevenwere，withoneexception，inmyserviceandinvariouswayspledgedtomyinterests，sothatIcouldnotconceiveeventhepossibilityofabetrayalbytheminamattersoimportant。
Iconfess，atthis，theperspirationroseuponmybrow；forthepaperwasgone。Still，thereremainedonestranger；andthoughitseemedscarcelylessdifficulttosuspecthim，sincehecouldhavenoknowledgeoftheimportanceofthedocument，andcouldnothaveanticipatedthatIshouldleaveitinhispower，Ifoundinthattheonlylikelysolution。HewasoneoftheVilainsofPareilbyMonceaux，hisfatherlivingontheedgeofthepark，littlemorethanathousandyardsfromthechateau；andIknewnoharmofhim。Still，Iknewlittle；andforthatreasonwasforwardtobelievethatthere，ratherthaninmyownhousehold，laythekeytotheenigma。
MysuspicionswerenotlessenedwhenIdiscoveredthathealoneofthepartyattablehadleftthehousebeforethedoorswereclosed；andforamomentIwasinclinedtohavehimfollowedandseized。ButIcouldscarcelytakeastepsodecisivewithoutprovokinginquiry；andIdarednotatthisstagelettheKingknowofmynegligence。Ifoundmyself，therefore，broughtupshort，inastateofexasperationanddoubtdifficulttodescribe；andthemostminutesearchwithinthehouseandtheclosestexaminationofallconcernedfailingtoprovidetheslightestclue，Ihadnoalternativebuttopassthenightinthatcondition。
Onthemorrowathirdsearchseemingstilltheonlyresource，andprovingasfutileastheothers，IorderedLaTrapeandtwoorthreeinwhomIplacedthegreatestconfidencetowatchtheirfellows，andreportanythingintheirbearingormannerthatseemedtobeoutoftheordinarycourse；whileImyselfwenttowait；ontheKing，andparryhisdemandforthememorialaswellasIcould。Thisitwasnecessarytodowithoutprovokingcuriosity；andasthelapseofeachminutemadethepursuitofthepaperlesshopefulanditsrecoveryathingtoprayforratherthanexpect，itwillbebelievedthatIsoonfoundtheaspectofcivilitywhichIwasobligedtowearsogreatatrialofmypatience，thatImadeanexcuseandretiredearlytomylodging。
Heremywife，whosharedmyanxiety，metmewithafacefullofmeaning。Icriedouttoknowiftheyhadfoundthepaper。
"No，"sheanswered；"butifyouwillcomeintoyourclosetIwilltellyouwhatIhavelearned。"
Iwentinwithher，andshetoldmebrieflythatthemannerofMademoiselledeMars，oneofhermaids，hadstruckherassuspicious。Thegirlhadbeguntocrywhilereadingtoher；andwhenquestionedhadbeenabletogivenoexplanationofhertrouble。
"SheisVilain'scousin？"Isaid。
"Yes，monsieur。"
"Bringhertome，"Isaid。"Bringhertomewithoutthedelayofaninstant。"
Mywifehastenedtocomply；andwhateverhadbeenthegirl'sstateearlier，beforethefrightofthishastysummonshadupsether，heragitationwhenthusconfrontedwithmegaveme，beforeawordwasspoken，thehighesthopesthatIhadherethekeytothemystery。Ijudgedthatitmightbenecessarytofrightenherstillmore，andIstartedbytakingaharshtonewithher；butbeforeIhadsaidmanywordssheobviatedthenecessityofthisbyfallingatmywife'sfeetandprotestingthatshewouldtellall。
"Thenspeakquickly，wench！"Isaid。"Youknowwherethepaperis。"
"Iknowwhohasit！"sheanswered，inavoicechokedwithsobs。
"Who？"
"Mycousin，M。deVilain。"
"Ha！andhastakenittohishouse？"
Butsheseemedforamomentunabletoanswerthis；herdistressbeingsuchthatmywifehadtofetchavialofpungentsaltstorestoreherbeforeshecouldsaymore。AtlengthshefoundvoicetotellusthatM。deVilainhadtakenthepaper，andwasthiseveningtohandittoanagentoftheSpanishambassador。
"But，girl，"Isaidsternly，"howdoyouknowthis？"
Thensheconfessedthatthecousinwasalsothelover，andhadbeforeemployedhertodisclosewhatwentoninmyhousehold，andanythingofvaluethatcouldbediscoveredthere。Doubtlessthegirl，forwhommywife，inspiteofheroccasionalfitsofreserveandtemper，entertainednolittleliking，enjoyedmanyopportunitiesofprying；andwouldhavecontinuedstilltoservehimhadnotthislastpieceofvillainy，withthestirwhichitcausedinthehouseandtherigorouspunishmenttobeexpectedintheeventofdiscovery，provedtoomuchforhernerves。Hencethisburstofconfession；whichonceallowedtoflow，ranonalmostagainstherwill。NordidIletherpausetoconsiderthefullmeaningofwhatshewassayinguntilIhadlearnedthatVilainwastomeettheambassador'sagentanhouraftersunsetattheeastendofaclumpoftreeswhichstoodinthepark；andbeingsituatebetweenhis，Vilain's，residenceandthechateau，formedaconvenientplaceforsuchatransaction。
"Hewillhaveitabouthim？"Isaid。
Shesobbedamoment，butpresentlyconfessed。"Yes；oritwillbeinthehollowofthemosteasterlytree。Hewastoleaveitthere，iftheagentcouldnotkeeptheappointment。"
"Good！"Isaid；andthen，havingassuredmyselfbyoneortwoquestionsofthat，ofwhichherstateofdistressandagitationleftmeinlittledoubt——namely，thatshewastellingthetruth——Icommittedhertomywife'scare；biddingtheDuchesslockherupinasafeplaceupstairs，andtreathertobreadandwateruntilIhadtakenthestepsnecessarytoprovethefact，andsecurethepaper。
Afterthis——butIshouldbetediouswereItodescribethealternationsofhopeandfearinwhichIpassedtheperiodofsuspense。SufficeitthatIinformednoone，notevenMaignan，ofwhatIhaddiscovered，butallowedthoseinthesecretofthelossstilltopursuetheirefforts；whileI，byagainattendingtheCourt，endeavouredatoncetomitigatetheKing'simpatienceandpersuadetheworldthatallwaswell。Alittlebeforetheappointedtime，howeverImadeapretexttorisefromsupper，andquietlycallingoutBoisrueil，badehimbringfourofthemen，armed，andMaignanandLaTrape。WiththissmallbodyImademywayoutbyaprivatedoor，andcrossedtheparktotheplaceMademoisellehad，indicated。
Happily，nighthadalreadybeguntoclosein，andtherendezvouswasatthefarthersideoftheclumpoftrees。Favouredbythesecircumstances，wewereabletopassroundthethicket——someononesideandsomeontheother——withoutnoiseordisturbance；
andfortunateenough，havingarrivedattheplace，todiscoveramanwalkinguneasilyupanddownontheveryspotwhereweexpectedtofindhim。TheeveningwassofaradvancedthatitwasnotpossibletobesurethatthemanwasVilain；butasalldependedonseizinghimbeforehehadanycommunicationwiththeSpanishagent，Igavethesignal，andtwoofmymen，springingonhimfromeitherside，inamomentborehimtothegroundandsecuredhim。
HeprovedtobeVilain，sothat，whenhewasbroughtfacetofacewithme，Iwasmuchlesssurprisedthanheaffectedtobe。Heplayedthepartofanignorantsowell，indeed，that，foramoment，Iwasstaggeredbyhisshowofastonishment，andbytheearnestnesswithwhichhedenouncedtheoutrage；norcouldMaignanfindanythingonhim。But，amomentlater，rememberingthegirl'swords，Istrodetothenearesttree，and，gropingaboutit，inatwinklingunearthedthepaperfromalittlehollowinthetrunkthatseemedtohavebeenmadetoreceiveit。IneednotsaywithwhatreliefIfoundthesealsunbroken；norwithwhatindignationIturnedonthevillainthusconvictedofanactoftreacherytowardstheKingonlylessblackthanthesinagainsthospitalityofwhichhehadbeenguiltyinmyhouse。ButthediscoveryIhadmadeseemedenoughofitselftooverwhelmhim；for，afterstandingapparentlystunnedwhileIspoke，hejerkedhimselfsuddenlyoutofhiscaptors'hands，andmadeadesperateattempttoescape。Findingthishopeless，andbeingseizedagainbeforehehadgonefourpaces，heshouted，atthetopofhisvoice:"Back！back！Goback！"
Welookedabout，somewhatstartled，andBoisrueil，withpresenceofmind，ranintothedarknesstoseeifhecoulddetectthepersonaddressed；butthoughhethoughtthathesawtheskirtofaflyingcloakdisappearinthegloom，hewasnotsure；andI，havingnomindtobemixedupwiththeambassador，calledhimback。IaskedVilaintowhomhehadcalled，buttheyoungman，turningsullen，wouldanswernothingexceptthatheknewnaughtofthepaper。Ithoughtitbest，therefore，toconducthimatoncetomylodgings，whitheritwillbebelievedthatIreturnedwithalighterheartthanIhadgoneout。Itwas，indeed，aprovidentialescape。
Howtopunishthetraitorwasanothermatter，forIcouldscarcelydosoadequatelywithoutbetrayingmynegligence。I
determinedtosleeponthis，however，and，forthenight，directedhimtobelockedintoachamberinthesouth-westturret，withaSwisstoguardthedoor；myintentionbeingtointerrogatehimfartheronthemorrow。However，HenrysentformesoearlythatIwasforcedtopostponemyexamination；and，beingdetainedbyhimuntilevening，Ithoughtitbesttotellhim，beforeIleft，whathadhappened。
Heheardthestorywithalookofincredulity，which，littlebylittle，gavewaytoabroadsmile。"Well，"hesaid，"GrandMaster，neverchidemeagain！IhaveheardthatHomersometimesnods；butifIweretotellthistoSilleryorVilleroy，theywouldnotbelieveme。"
"TheywouldbelieveanythingthatyourMajestytoldthem，"I
said。"Butyouwillnottellthemthis？"
"No，"hesaidkindly，"Iwillnot；andthereismyhandonit。
Forthematterofthat，ifithadhappenedtothem，theywouldnothavetoldme。"
"Andperhapsbeenthewiserforthat，"Isaid。
"Don'tbelieveit，"heanswered。"Butnow，whatofthisyoungVilain？Youhavehimsafe？"
"Yes，sire。"
"Thegirlisonedegreeworse；shebetraysbothsidestosaveherskin。"
"Still，Ipromised——"
"Oh，shemustgo，"Henrysaid。"Iquiteunderstand。Butforhim——wehadbetterhavenoscandal。Keephimuntilto-morrow，andIwillseehisfather，andhavehimsentoutofthecountry。"
"Andhewillgoscotfree，"Isaid，bluntly，"whenaropeandthenearesttree——"
"Yes，myfriend，"Henryansweredwithadrysmile；"butthatshouldhavebeendonelastnight。Asitis，heisyourguestandwemustgiveanaccountofhim。Butfirstdrainhimdry。
Frightenhim，asyouplease，andgetalloutofhim；thenIwishthemjoyofhim。Faugh！andheayoungman！Iwouldnotbehisfatherfortwosuchcrownsasmine！"
AsIreturnedtomylodgingsIthoughtoverthesewords；andI
felltowonderingbywhatstagesVilainhadsunksolow。
Occasionallyadmittedtomytable，hehadalwaysbornehimselfwithamodestyanddiscretionthathadnotfailedtoprepossessme；indeed，thelongerIconsideredtheKing'ssaying，thegreaterwasthesurpriseIfeltatthisDENOUEMENT；whichleftmeindoubtwhethermydullnessexceededmynegligenceortheyoungman'spartssurpassedhiswickedness。
Afewquestions，Ithought，mightresolvethis；buthavingbeendetainedbytheKinguntilsupper-time，IpostponedtheinterviewuntilIrose。Thenbiddingthembringintheprisoner，Iassumedmyharshestaspectandpreparedtoblasthimbydiscoveringallhisvilenesstohisface。
ButwhenIhadwaitedalittle，onlyMaignancamein，withanairofconsternationthatbroughtmetomyfeet。"Why，man，whatisit？"Icried。
"Theprisoner，"hefaltered。"Ifyourexcellencypleases——"
"Idonotplease！"Isaidsternly，believingthatIknewwhathadhappened。"Ishedead？"
"No，yourexcellency；but，hehasescaped。"
"Escaped？Fromthatroom？"
Maignannodded。
"Then，PARDIEU！"Ireplied，"themanwhowasonguardshallsufferinhisplace！Escaped？Howcouldheescapeexceptbytreachery？Wherewastheguard？"
"Hewasthere，excellency。Andhesaysthatnoonepassedhim。"
"Yetthemanisgone？"
"Theroomisempty。"
"Butthewindow——thewindow，fool，isfiftyfeetfromtheground！"Isaid。"Andnotsomuchfootingoutsideaswouldholdacrow！"
Maignanshruggedhisshoulders，andinarageIbadehimfollowme，andwentmyselftoviewtheplace；towhichanumberofmypeoplehadalreadyflockedwithlights，sothatIfoundsomedifficultyinmountingthestaircase。Averybriefinspection，however，sufficedtoconfirmmyfirstimpressionthatVilaincouldhaveescapedbythedooronly；forthewindow，thoughitlackedbarsandboastedatinybalcony，hungoverfiftyfeetofsheerdepth，sothatevasionthatwayseemedintheabsenceofladderorropepurelyimpossible。Thisbeingclear，IorderedtheSwisstobeseized；andashecouldgivenoexplanationoftheescape，andstillpersistedthathewasasmuchinthedarkasanyone，IdeclaredthatIwouldmakeanexampleofhim，andhanghimunlesstheprisonerwasrecapturedwithinthreedays。
Ididnotreallyproposetodothis，butinmyirritationIspokesoroundlythatmypeoplebelievedme；evenBoisrueil，whopresentlycametointercedefortheculprit，who，itseemed，wasafavourite。"AsforVilain，"hecontinued；"youcancatchhimwheneveryouplease。"
"Thencatchhimbeforetheendofthreedays，"Iansweredobstinately，"andthemanlives。"
ThetruthwasthatVilain'sescapeplacedmeinapositionofsomediscomfort；forthough，ontheonehand，Ihadnoparticulardesiretogethimagainintomyhands，seeingthattheKingcouldeffectasmuchbyawordtohisfatherasIhadproposedtodowhileIheldhimsafe；ontheotherhand，theevasionplacedmeverypeculiarlyinregardtotheKinghimself，whowasinclinedtothinkmeillorsuddenlygrowncareless。Someofthefacts，too，wereleakingout，andprovokingsmilesamongthemoreknowing，andahinthereandthere；theresultofallbeingthat，unabletopursuethematterfartherinVilain'scase，IhardenedmyheartandpersistedthattheSwissshouldpaythepenalty。
Thisobstinacyonmyparthadanunforeseenissue。Ontheeveningofthesecondday，alittlebeforesupper-time，mywifecametome，andannouncedthatayoungladyhadwaitedonherwithatalesoremarkablethatshecravedleavetobringhertomethatImighthearit。
"Whatisit？"Isaidimpatiently。
"ItisaboutM。Vilain，"mywifeanswered，herfacestillwearingallthemarksoflivelyastonishment。
"Ha！"Iexclaimed。"Iwillseeherthen。Butitisnotthatbaggagewho——"
"No，"mywifeanswered。"Itisanother。"
"Oneofyourmaids？"
"No，astranger。"
"Well，bringher，"Isaidshortly。
Shewent，andquicklyreturnedwithayounglady，whosefaceandmodestbearingwereknowntome，thoughIcouldnot，atthemoment，recallhername。ThiswasthelessremarkableasIamnotpronetolookmuchinmaids'faces，leavingthattoyoungermen；andMademoiselledeFigeac's，thoughbeautiful，wasdisfiguredonthisoccasionbythemarkeddistressunderwhichshewaslabouring。AccustomedasIwastothevisitsofpersonsofallclassesandcharacterswhocametomedailywithpetitions，Ishouldhavebeendisposedtocuthershort，butformywife'sintimationthathererrandhadtodowiththematterwhichannoyedme。This，aswellasatrifleofcuriosity——fromwhichnonearequitefree——inclinedmetobepatient；andIaskedherwhatshewouldhavewithme。
"Justice，M。leDuc，"sheansweredsimply。"IhaveheardthatyouareseekingM。deVilain，andthatoneofyourpeopleislyingundersentenceforcomplicityinhisescape。"
"Thatistrue，mademoiselle，"Isaid。"Ifyoucantellme——"
"Icantellyouhowheescaped，andbywhoseaid，"sheanswered。
Itismycustomtobetraynoastonishment，evenwhenIamastonished。"Doso，"Isaid。
"Heescapedthroughthewindow，"sheansweredfirmly，"bymybrother'said。"
"Yourbrother's？"Iexclaimed，amazedatheraudacity。"Idonotrememberhim。"
"Heisonlythirteenyearsold。"
Icouldhidemyastonishmentnolonger。"Youmustbemad，girl！"
Isaid，"mad！Youdonotknowwhatyouaresaying！ThewindowoftheroominwhichVilainwasconfinedisfiftyfeetfromtheground，andyousaythatyourbrother，aboyofthirteen，contrivedhisescape？"
"Yes，M。deSully，"sheanswered。"Andthemanwhoisabouttosufferisinnocent。"
"Howwasitdone，then？"Iasked，notknowingwhattothinkofherpersistence。
"Mybrotherwasflyingakitethatday，"sheanswered。"Hehadbeendoingsoforaweekormore，andeveryonewasaccustomedtoseeinghimhere。Aftersunset，thewindbeingfavourable，hecameunderM。deVilain'swindow，and，whenitwasnearlydark，andtheservantsandhouseholdwereatsupper，heguidedthekiteagainstthebalconyoutsidethewindow。"
"Butamancannotdescendbyakite-string！"
"Mybrotherhadaknottedrope，whichM。deVilaindrewup，"sheansweredsimply；"andafterwards，whenhehaddescended，disengaged。"
Ilookedatherinprofoundamazement。
"Yourbrotheractedoninstructions？"Isaidatlast。
"Onmine，"sheanswered。
"Youavowthat？"
"Iamheretodoso，"shereplied，herfacewhiteandredbyturns，buthereyescontinuingtomeetmine。
"Thisisaveryseriousmatter，"Isaid。"Areyouaware，mademoiselle，whyM。Vilainwasarrested，andofwhatheisaccused？"
"Perfectly，"sheanswered；"andthatheisinnocent。More！"shecontinued，claspingherhands，andlookingatmebravely，"Iamwillingbothtotellyouwhereheis，andtobringhim，ifyouplease，intoyourpresence。"
Istaredather。"Youwillbringhimhere？"Isaid。
"Withinfiveminutes，"sheanswered，"ifyouwillfirsthearme。"
"Whatareyoutohim？"Isaid。
Sheblushedvividly。"Ishallbehiswifeornoone's，"shesaid；andshelookedamomentatmywife。
"Well，saywhatyouhavetosay！"Icriedroughly。
"Thispaper，whichitisallegedthathestole——itwasnotfoundonhim；butinthehollowofatree。"
"Withinthreepacesofhim！Andwhatwashedoingthere？"
"Hecametomeetme，"sheanswered，hervoicetremblingslightly。
"Hecouldhavetoldyouso，buthewouldnotshameme。"
"Thisistrue？"Isaid，eyeingherclosely。
"Iswearit！"sheanswered，claspingherhands。Andthen，withasuddenflashofrage，"Willtheotherwomansweartohertale？"
shecried。
"Ha！"Isaid，"whatotherwoman？"
"Thewomanwhosentyoutothatplace，"sheanswered。"Hewouldnottellmehername，orIwouldgotohernowandwringthetruthfromher。Butheconfessedtomethathehadletawomanintothesecretofourmeeting；andthisisherwork。"
Istoodamomentpondering，withmyeyesonthegirl'sexcitedface，andmythoughts，followingthisnewcluethroughthemazeofrecentevents；whereinIcouldnotfailtoseethatitledtoaverydifferentconclusionfromthatatwhichIhadarrived。IfVilainhadbeenfoolishenoughtowinduphislove-passageswithMademoiselledeMarsbyconfidingtoherhispassionfortheFigeac，andeventheplaceandtimeatwhichthelatterwassoimprudentastomeethim，Icouldfancythedesertedmistresslayingthisplot；andfirstplacingthepacketwherewefoundit，andthenpunishingherloverbylayingthetheftathisdoor。
True，hemightbeguilty；anditmightbeonlyconfessionandbetrayalonwhichjealousyhadthrusther。ButthelongerI
consideredthewholeofthecircumstances，aswellastheyoungman'scharacter，andthelengthstowhichIknewawoman'spassionwouldcarryher，themoreprobableseemedtheexplanationIhadjustreceived。
Nevertheless，Ididnotatonceexpressmyopinion；butveilingthechagrinInaturallyfeltatthesimplepartIhadbeenledtoplay——intheeventInowthoughtprobable——IsharplyorderedMademoiselledeFigeactoretireintothenextroom；andthenI
requestedmywifetofetchhermaid。
MademoiselledeMarshadbeenthreedaysinsolitaryconfinement，andmightbetakentohaverepentedofherrashaccusationwereitbaseless。Icountedsomewhatonthis；andmoreontheeffectofsosuddenasummonstomypresence。ButatfirstsightitseemedthatIdidsowithoutcause。Insteadoftheagitationwhichshehaddisplayedwhenbroughtbeforemetoconfess，shenowshowedherselfquietandevensullen；nordidthegleamofpassion，whichIthoughtthatIdiscernedsmoulderinginherdarkeyes，seemtopromiseeitherweaknessorrepentance。However，I
hadtoooftenobservedthepoweroftheunknownoveraguiltyconsciencetodespairofelicitingthetruth。
"Iwanttoaskyoutwoorthreequestions，"Isaidcivilly。
"First，wasM。deVilainwithyouwhenyouplacedthepaperinthehollowofthetree？Orwereyoualone？"
Isawhereyelidsquiveraswithsuddenfear，andhervoiceshookasshestammered，"WhenIplacedthepaper？"
"Yes，"Isaid，"whenyouplacedthepaper。Ihavereasontoknowthatyoudidit。Iwishtolearnwhetherhewaspresent，oryoudiditmerelyunderhisorders？"
Shelookedatme，herfaceashadepaler，andIdonotdoubtthathermindwasontheracktodivinehowmuchIknew，andhowfarshemightdenyandhowfarconfess。Mytoneseemedtoencouragefrankness，however，andinamomentshesaid，"Iplaceditunderhisdirections。"
"Yes，"Isaiddrily，mylastdoubtresolvedbytheadmission；
"butthatbeingso，whydidVilaingotothespot？"
Shegrewstillashadepaler，butinamomentsheanswered，"Tomeettheagent。"
"Thenwhydidyouplacethepaperinthetree？"
Shesawthedifficultyinwhichshehadplacedherself，andforaninstantshestaredatmewiththelookofawildanimalcaughtinatrap。Then，"Incasetheagentwaslate，"shemuttered。
"ButsinceVilainhadtogotothespot，whydidhenotdepositthepaperinthetreehimself？Whydidhesendyoutotheplacebeforehand？Whydid——"andthenIbrokeoffandcriedharshly，"ShallItellyouwhy？ShallItellyouwhy，youfalsejade？"
Shecoweredawayfrommeatthewords，andstoodterror-stricken，gazingatmelikeonefascinated。Butshedidnotanswer，"Because，"Icried，"yourstoryisatissueoflies！Becauseitwasyou，andyouonly，whostolethispaper！Because——Downonyourknees！downonyourknees！"Ithundered，"andconfess！
Confess，orIwillhaveyouwhippedatthecart'stail，likethefalsewitnessyouare！"
Shethrewherselfdownshrieking，andcaughtmywifebytheskirts，andinabreathhadsaidallIwanted；andmorethanenoughtoshowmethatIhadsuspectedVilainwithoutcause，andbothplayedthesimpletonmyselfandharriedmyhouseholdtodistraction。
Sofargood。IcouldarrangematterswithVilain，andprobablyavoidpublicity。Butwhatwasnowtobedonewithher？
InthecaseofamanIshouldhavethoughtnopunishmenttoosevere，andtheutmostrigourofthelawtootenderforsuchperfidy；butasshewasawoman，andyoung，andundermywife'sprotection，Ihesitated。Finally，theDuchessinterceding，I
leanedtothesideofthatmercywhichthegirlhadnotshowntoherlover；andthoughthersufficientlypunished，atthemomentbythepresenceofMademoiselledeFigeacwhomIcalledintotheroomtowitnessherhumiliation，andinthefuturebydismissalfrommyhousehold。Asthisimportedbanishmenttoherfather'scountry-house，wherehermother，ashrewdoldBearnaise，savedpenceandcountedlentilsintothesoup，andsawcompanyonceaquarter，Ihadperhapsreasontobecontentwithherchastisement。
FortherestIsentforM。deVilain，andbyfindinghimemploymentinthefinances，andintercedingforhimwiththeoldVicomtedeFigeac，confirmedhimintheattachmenthehadbeguntofeelformebeforethisunluckyevent；nordoIdoubtthatI
shouldhavebeenableintimetoadvancehimtoapostworthyofthetalentsIdiscernedinhim。But，alas，thedeplorablecrime，whichsosoondeprivedmeatoneblowofmymasterandofpower，putanendtothis，amongotherandgreaterschemes。
VII。THEGOVERNOROFGUERET。
Withoutattachingtodreamsgreaterimportancethanaprudentmanwillalwaysbewillingtoassigntotheunknownandunintelligible，Ihavebeeninthehabitofreflectingonthem；
andhaveobservedwithsomecuriositythatintheselateryearsofmylife，duringwhichFrancehasenjoyedpeaceandcomparativeprosperity，mydreamshavemostoftenreproducedthestormyridesandbivouacsofmyyouth，withalltheroughandbloodyaccompanimentswhichourdayknowsonlybyrepute。Consideringthesevisions，andcomparingmysleepingapathywithmydaylightreflections，Ihavebeenledtowonderatthepowerofhabit；
whichalonemakesitpossibleforamanwhohasseenadozenstrickenfields，andviewed，scarcelywithemotion，theslaughterofahundredprisoners，toturnpaleatthesightofacoachaccident，andwalkamileratherthanseearoguehang。
Iamimpelledtothistrainofthoughtbyanadventurethatbefellmeinthesummerofthisyear1605；andwhich，asitseemedtomeinthehappeningtoberatheranevildreamofoldtimesthanawakingepisodeofthese，mayaffordthereadersomediversion，besidesrelievingthenecessarytediumofthethousandparticularsoffinancethatrenderthefivefarmsastudyoftheutmostintricacy。
MyappointmenttorepresenttheKingattheAssemblyofChatelheraulthadcarriedmeinthemonthofJulyintoPoitou。
Beingthere，anddesirousoflearningformyselfwhetherthearrestofAuvergnehadpacifiedhiscountrytotheextentdescribedbytheKing'sagents，IdeterminedtotakeadvantageofavacationoftheassemblyandventureasfarinthatdirectionasGueret；thoughHenry，fearinglestthemalcontentsshouldmakeanattemptonmypersoninrevengeforthedeathofBiron，hadstrictlychargedmenottoapproachwithintwentyleaguesoftheLimousin。
IhadwithmeforescortatChatelheraultahundredhorse；but，theseseemingtobeeithertoomanyortoofewforthepurpose，I
tookwithmeonlytenpickedmenwithColettheircaptain，fiveservantsheavilyarmed，andofmygentlemenBoisrueilandLaFont。Parabere，towhomIopenedmymind，consentedtobemycompanion。IgaveoutthatIwasgoingtospendthreedaysatPreuilly，toexamineanestatetherewhichIthoughtofbuying，thatImighthavearesidenceinmygovernment；and，havingamusedthecuriouswiththisstatement，Igotawayatdaybreak，andbyanhourbeforenoonwasatTouron，whereIstayedfordinner。Thatnightwelayatavillage，andthenextdaydinedatSt。Marcel。ThesecondafternoonwereachedCrozant。
HereIbegantoobservethosesignsofneglectanddisorderwhich，atthecloseofthewar，hadbeencommoninallpartsofFrance，butinthemorefavoureddistrictshadbeenerasedbyadecadeofpeace。Briarsandthornschokedtheroads，whichranthroughmorasses，betweenfieldswhichthehusbandmanhadresignedtotaresandundergrowth。Ruinedhamletswerecommon，andeverywherewolvesandfoxesandallkindsofgameabounded。
Butthatwhichrousedmyiretothehottestwasthestateofthebridges，whichinthiscountry，wherethefordsareinwinterimpassable，hadbeenallowedtofallintoutterdecay。OnallsidesIfoundthepeasantsoppressed，disheartened，andprimedwithtalesoftheKing'sseverity，whichthosewhohadjustcausetodreadhimhadinstilledintothem。Bandsofrobberscommitteddailyexcesses，and，inaword，noonethingwaswantingtogivethelietotherose-colouredreportswithwhichBareilles，theGovernorofGueret，hadamusedtheCouncil。
Iconfessthat，atsightandthoughtofthesethings——ofthiscountrysodevoured，theKing'sauthoritysocontemned，allevilslaidathisdoor，allhisprofitsdiverted——myangerburnedwithinme，andIsaidmoretoParaberethanwasperhapsprudent，tellinghim，inparticular，whatIdesignedagainstBareilles，ofwhosedouble-dealingIneedednofurtherproof；bywhatmeansI
proposedtolullhissuspicionsforthemoment，sincewemustlieatGueret，andhowIwouldafterwards，onthefirstoccasion，havehimseizedandpunished。
Iforgot，whileIavowedthesethings，thatoneweaknessofParabere'scharacterwhichrenderedhimunabletobelieveevilofanyone。EvenofBareilles，thoughthetwowerethemerestacquaintances，hecouldonlythinkindulgently，because，forsooth，hetoowasaProtestant。Hebegantodefendhimtherefore，and，seeinghowthegroundlay，afteratimeIletthematterdrop。
StillIdidnotthinkthathebadbeenseriousinhisplea，andthatwhichhappenedonthefollowingmorningtookmecompletelybysurprise。WehadleftCrozantanhour，andIwasconsideringwhether，theroadbeingbad，weshouldevennowreachGueretbeforenight，whenParabere，whohadmadesomeexcusetorideforward，returned，tomewithsignsofembarrassmentinhismanner。
"Myfriend，"hesaid，"hereisamessagefromBareilles。"
"How？"Iexclaimed。"Amessage？Forwhom？"
"Foryou，"hesaid；"themanishere。"
"ButhowdidBareillesknowthatIwascoming？"Iasked。
Parabere'sconfusionfurnishedmewiththeanswerbeforehespoke。"Donotbeangry，myfriend，"hesaid。"IwantedtodoBareillesagoodturn。Isawthatyouwereenragedwithhim，andIthoughtthatIcouldnothelphimbetterthanbysuggestingtohimtocomeandmeetyouinaproperspirit，andmaketheexplanationswhichIamsurethathehasitinhispowertomake。
Yesterdaymorning，therefore，Isenttohim。"
"Andheishere？"Isaiddrily。
Parabereadmittedwithablushthathewasnot。HismessengerhadfoundBareillesonthepointofstartingagainstabandofplundererswhohadravagedthecountryforatwelvemonth。Hehadsentmethemost；civilmessagestherefore——buthehadnotcome。
"However，hewillbeatGueretto-morrow，"Parabereaddedcheerfully。
"Willhe？"Isaid。
"Iwillanswerforit，"heanswered。"Inthemeantime，hehasdonewhathecanforourcomfort。"
"How？"Isaid，"HebidsusnottoattemptthelastthreeleaguestoGueretto-
night；theroadistoobad。ButtostayatSaury，wherethereisagoodinn，andto-morrowmorninghewillmeetusthere。"
"Ifthebrigandshavenotprovedtoomuchforhim，"Isaid。
"Yes，"Parabereanswered，withasimplicityalmostsupernatural。
"Tobesure。"
Afterthis，itwasnousetosayanythingtohim，thoughhisofficiousnesswouldhavejustifiedthekeenestreproaches。I
swallowedmyresentment，therefore，andwewentonamicablyenough，thoughthevalleyoftheCreuse，initsupperandwilderpart，throughwhichourroadnowwound，offerednoobjectsofakindtosoftenmyangeragainstthegovernor。Isawenoughofruins，ofblockeddefiles，andovergrownroads；butofreturningprosperityandgrowingcrops，andtheKing'speace，Isawnosign——notsomuchasonedeadrobber。
Aboutnoonwealightedtoeatalittleatawretchedtavernbyoneoftheinnumerablefords。Asolitarytravellerwhowasherebeforeus，andforatimekeptaloof，wearingagrandandmysteriousmannerwithashabbycoat，presentlymoved；edginghimselfuptomewhereIsatalittleapart，eatingwithParabereandmygentlemen。
"Sir，"hesaid，onasuddenandwithoutpreface，"Iseethatyouaretheleaderofthisparty。"
AsIwasmoreplainlydressedthanParabere，andhadbeengivingnoorders，Iwonderedhowheknew；butIanswered，withoutanyremark，"Well，sir；andwhatofthat？"
"Youareingreatdanger，"hereplied。
"I？"Isaid。
"Yes，sir；you！"heanswered。
"Youknowme？"
Heshruggedhisshoulders。"NotI，"hesaid，"butthosewhospeakbyme。Enoughthatyouareindanger。"
"Fromwhat？"Iaskedsceptically；whilemycompanionsstared，andthetroopersandservants，whowerejustwithinhearing，listenedopen-mouthed。
"Aone-eyedwomanandaone-eyedhouse，"heanswereddarkly。
Then，beforeIcouldframeaquestion，heturnedfrommeasabruptlyashehadcome，and，mountingasorrymarethatstoodnear，stumbledawaythroughtheford。
Itrequiredlittlewittoseethatthemanwasanastrologer，andonewhosepredictions，iftheyhadnotprofitedhisclientsmorethanhimself，hadbeenominousindeed。Iwasinclined，therefore，tomakesportofhim，knowingthatthepretenderstothatartaretothetruemenastentoone。Buthiswords，andparticularlythefactthathehadaskedfornothing，hadimpressedmyfollowersdifferently；sothattheytalkedofnothingelsewhileweate，andcouldstillbehearddiscussinghiminthesaddle。Thewildnessoftheroadandthegloomyaspectofthevalleyhaddoubtlesssomeeffectontheirminds；
whichathunderstormthatshortlyafterwardsovertookusanddrenchedustotheskindidnottendtolighten。IwasgladtoseetheroofsofSaurybeforeus；though，onanearerapproach，wefoundallthehousesexcepttheinnruinedandtenantless；andeven，thatscorchedandscarred，withthegreatgatethathadoncecloseditscourtyardprostrateintheroadbeforeit。
However，inviewofthecountrywehadcomethrough，andthegeneraldesolation，wewerethankfultofindthingsnoworse。
Thevillagestoodattheentrancetoagorge，withtheCreuse——
hereafast-rushingstream——runningatthebackoftheinn。Thelatterwasofgoodsize，stone-builtandtiled，and，atfirst，seemedtobeempty；buttheservantspresentlyunearthedamanandthenaboy。Fireswerelit，andthehorsesstabled；andasecondroomwithachimneybeingfound，ParabereandI，withColetandmygentlemen，tookpossessionofit，leavingthekitchentomyfollowing。
Ihadhadmybootsremoved，andwasdryingmyclothesandexpectingsupper，whenBoisrueil，whowasbesideme，utteredanexclamationofamazement。
"Whatisit？"Isaid。
Hedidnotanswer，andIfollowedhiseyes。Awomanhadjustenteredtheroomwithabundleofsticks。Shehadoneeye！
Iconfessthat，foraninstant，thisstaggeredme；butamoment'sthoughtremindedmethattheastrologerhadcomefromthisinntous，andIsmiledatthecredulitywhichwouldhavebuiltonacoincidencethatwasnocoincidence。Whenthewomanhadretiredagain，therefore，IralliedBoisrueilonhistimidity；but，thoughheadmittedthecorrectnessofmyreasoning，Isawthathewasnotentirelyconvinced。Hestartedwheneverashutterflapped，orthedraughts，whichsearchedthegrimoldbuildingthroughandthrough，threatenedtoextinguishourlights。Hehungcloaksoverthewindowstoobviatethelatterinconveniencehesaid——andwascontinuallygoingoutandcomingbackwithgloomylooks。Paraberejoinedmeinrallyinghim，whichwedidwithoutmercy；butwhenIhadoccasion，afterawhile，topassthroughtheouterroomIfoundthathewasnotaloneinhisfears。Thetrooperssatmoodilylistening，ormutteredtogether；
whilethecuppassedroundinsilence。WhenIbadeamangoonanerrandtothestable，fourwent；andwhenIdroppedawordtothewomanwhowasattendingtoherpot，adozenheadswerestretchedouttocatchtheanswer。
Suchafeeling——towhich，inthisinstance，themurmurofthestreamandthesteadydownpourofraindoubtlessaddedsomething——issocontagiousthatIwasnotsurprisedtofindColetandLaFontsinkingunderit。OnlyParabere，infact，rosequitesuperiortothenotion，laughedattheirfears，anddranktotheirbetterspirits；and，makingthebestofthesituation，asbecameanoldsoldier，presentlyengagedmeintalesofthewar——
foughtagainthesiegeofLaon，andburiedmenwhosebodiesbadlainfortenyearsundertheoaksatFontaineFrancoise。
Talkofthiskind，whichwestillmaintainedafterwehaddespatchedoursupper，wassufficientlyengrossingtoeraseBoisrueil'sfanciesentirelyfrommymind。Theywererecalledbyhissuddenentrance，withColetathiselbow，thefacesofbothfullofimportance。Isawthattheyhadsomethingtosay，andaskedwhatitwas。
"Wehavebeenexaminingthebackgate，M。leMarquis，"Coletsaid。
"Well，man？"
"Itisbarricaded，andcannotbeopened，"heanswered。
"Well，"Isaidagain，"thereisnothingwonderfulinthat。
Anyonecanseethattherehasbeenroughworkhere。Thefrontgatewasstormed，Isuppose，andthebackoneleftstanding。"
"Butifissobarricadedthatitisnotpossibletoopenit，"heobjected。"Andthemenhaveanidea——"
"Well？"Isaid，seeingthathehesitated。
"Thatthisisaone-eyedhouse。"
Paraberelaughedloudly。"Ofcourseitis！"hesaid。"Thatstrollingroguesawthegateaswellasthewoman，andmadehisprofitofthem。"
"Pardon，sir！"Boisrueilansweredbluntly，"Thatisjustwhathedidnotdo！"
"Well，"Isaid，silencinghimbyagesture，"isthatall？"
"No，"hereplied；"Ihavetastedthemen'swine。"
"Anditisdrugged？"
"No，"hesaid。"Onthecontrary，itisagreatdealtoogoodfortheprice——orthehouse。Andyouorderedalitreapiece。Somehavehadtwo，andnotaskedtwiceforit！"
"Ho，ho！"Isaid，staringathim。"Areyousureofthat？"
"Quite！"hesaid。
Iwasgenuinelystartledatlast；butParaberestillmadelightofit。"What！"hesaid。"Areweapackofnervouswomen，oronepoortravellerinasolitaryinn，thatweseeshadowsandshakeatthem？"
"Theinnissolitaryenough，"Boisrueilgrumbled。
"Butwearetwentyswords！"Parabereretorted，openinghiseyeswide。"Why，Ihaveriddenalldayinanenemy'scountrywithless！"
"AndbeenbeatenwithmoreatCraon。"
"But，manalive，thatwasinabattle，andbyanarmy！"
"Well，andtheremaybeabattleandanarmyhere，"Boisrueilansweredsulkily，Iwasinclinedtolaughatthisasextravagance；butseeingthatLaFontandColetsidedwithBoisrueil，Irememberedthatthelatterwasnocowardthoughagreatgossip；andIthoughtbetterofit。Accordingly，resolvingtolookintothethingmyself，I
badeLaFontfetchacoupleoflanthorns，and，whenhehaddoneso，wentoutwithhimandBoisrueilasifIhadamindtogoroundthehorsesbeforeIretired。Paraberedeclinedtoaccompanymeonthegroundthathewouldnotbeatthepainsofit；andColetIleftinthekitchentokeepaneyeonthemanandwoman。
Therewasnomoon，rainwasstillfalling，andtheyard，crowdedwithsteaming，shiveringhorses，wasdrearyenoughwherethelanthornsdisplayedit；but，accustomedtosuchasight，Imade，withoutregardingit，forthegate，whichamoment'sexaminationshowedtobebarricaded，astheyhaddescribed，withgreatbeamsandstones。Inthistherewasnothingbeyondtheordinary，oneentrancetoahousebeingintroubloustimesbetterthantwo；butBoisrueil，biddingmekneelandlooklower，Ifound，whenIdidso，thatthesoilunderthebeams——whichdidnottouchthegroundbysomeinches——waswet，andIbegantounderstand。Whenheaskedmeatwhathourrainhadbeguntofall，Iansweredtwointheafternoon，anddrewatoncetheinferenceatwhichheaimed——
thatthebeamshadbeenputthere，andthegatebarricaded，atsomelaterhour。
"Wereachedhereatsix，"hesaid；"itwasdonesometimebetweentwoandsix，mylord；thereforeto-day。To-day，"herepeatedinalowvoice；"andbyadozenmenatleast，Fewercouldnotmovethosebeams。"
"Andtheobject？"
"Topreventourescape。"
"Butwhoarethey？"Isaid，lookingathim。
"Thewomanknows，"heanswered。"Wemustaskher，mylord。"
Iassented；andwewentbackintothehouse，whereitwouldnothavesurprisedmeifwehadfoundthewretchesflownandthenestempty。ButColethaddonehisworktoowell。Theywereboththere，and，inamoment，atasignalfromBoisrueil，weresecuredandpinioned。Parabere，hearingthescuffle，cameoutandwouldhaveremonstrated，butIsilencedhimwithasharpword；and，despatchingLaFontwithacoupleofdiscreetmentokeepwatchinthecourtthatwemightnotbesurprised，Ibadeoneoftheservantsthrowsomefir-conesonthefire。These，blazingup，filledthesqualidroominamomentwithaglareoflight，whichrevealedalikethelividfacesofthetwoprisonersandtheexcitedlooksanddarkcountenancesofmyescort。
Ibadethemputthewomanforwardfirst，andaddressedhersternly，tellingherthatIknewall，andthatshewoulddowelltoconfess；inasmuchasifshemadeacleanbreastofthematter，Iwouldgrantherherlife，andifshedidnot，shewouldbethefirsttodie，sinceIwouldhangherwereasingleshotfiredagainstthehouse。
Thepromisefoundherunmoved，butthethreat，utteredinatonewhichshowedthatIwasinearnest，provedmoreeffectual。Withanuglylook，underwhichmymenshrankasifhereyehadpowertoscorchthem，thehagsaidthatshewouldconfess，and，withimpotentrage，admittedthetruthofBoisrueil'ssurmises。TherearwardgatehadbeenbarricadedthatafternoonbytheGreatBand，whohadhadnoticeofourcoming，andintendedtoattackusatmidnight。Iaskedherhowmanytheymustered。
"Ahundred，"sheansweredsullenly。
"Verywell，"Isaid。"And，supposingthatwedonotwaitforthem，howshallweescape？BytheroadtoGueret？"
"Fiftylieinambushonit。"
"Bytheroadbywhichwecame？"
"Theotherfiftyliethere。"
"Acrosstheriver？"
"Thereisnoford。"
"Theninthevillage？Ifweseizesomeotherbuilding？"
"Thevillageiswatched，andthishouse，"sheanswered，withasparkleofjoyinhereye。
AtthatthepositionbegantoassumesoseriousanaspectthatI
turnedtoParaberetotakehisadvice。Wenumberedtwentyinall，andwerewellarmed；butfivetoonearelargeodds，andwehadlittleammunition，while，forallweknew，thehousemightbefiredwitheasefromtheoutside。Theroadsnorthandsouthbeingoccupied，andtheriverenclosingusonthewest，thereremainedonlyonedirectioninwhichescapeseemedpossible；but，asweknewnothingofthecountry，andthebrigandseverything，thedesperateideaofplungingintoitblindly，atnight，andwithpursuersatourheels，wasdismissedassoonasformed。
Parabereinterruptedthesecalculationsbydrawingmeasideintotheroominwhichwehadsupped，where，afterrallyingmeonthewhimsicalnotionoftheGrandMasteroftheOrdnanceandGovernoroftheBastilebeingbesiegedinapaltryinn，heconfessedthathehadbeenwrong，andthattheadventurewaslikelytoproveserious。"TentoonethisistheverybandthatBareillesispursuing，"hesaid。
"Verylikely，"Iansweredbluntly；"butthequestionishowarewetoevadethem。Arewetofightorfly？"
"Well，forlighting，"herepliedcoolly；"thefrontgateliesintheroad，therearenoshutterstohalfthewindows，thedooriscrazy，andthereisathatchedpent-houseagainstonewall。"
"Andnohelp-nearerthanGueret。"
"Threeleagues，"heassented。"Andfromthatwearecutoff。
Fiftymeninthegorgemightholditagainstfivehundred。
Bettermanthecourtyardherethanthat，tetherthehorsesinthegateway，andfightitout。""Perhapsso，"Isaid；andwelookedatoneanother，hearingthroughtheopendoorthemenmutteringandwhisperinginthekitchen，andabovetheirvoicesthedullmurmurofthestream，whichseemedofapiecewiththebleaknightoutside，theruinedhamlet，andthedangerthatlurkedroundus。BitterlyrepentingthehardihoodthathadledmetoexposemyselftosuchrisksinbreachoftheKing'scommandment，Ifounditdifficulttodirectmymindtotheimmediatequestion。
SomanyreflectionsconnectedwithmymissionatChatelheraultandotheraffairsofstatewouldintrudethatIseemedtobeoccupiedratherwiththeresultsofmydeathatthisjuncture，andparticularlytheinjurywhichitmustinflictontheKing'sservice，thanwiththequestionhowIcouldescape。
However，Paraberesoonrecalledmetothepoint。"Itisnowteno'clock，"hesaidinaplacidtone；"wehavetwohours。"
"Yes，"Ianswered；then，asifmymindhadallthetimebeenrunninginanunder-currenttothedesiredgoal，Icontinued，"Andwemustmakethemostofthem。Wemustremovethebarricade，inthedarkandquietly，fromthereartothefrontgate。Doyousee？Thenthemomenttheysoundtheattackinfrontwemustslipoutattheback，makeadashfortheroad，andthroughthegorgetoGueret。"
"Good，"Parabereassented，withtheutmostcoolness。"Whynot？
Letusdoit。"
Wewentin，andinamomenttheordersweregiven，and，themenbeingchargedtobesilentandtomakeaslittlenoiseaspossibleoverthework，wehadeveryhopeofaccomplishingitundetected。Togooutintotheroadandraiseandreplacetheshatteredgatewouldhavebeentooboldastep。Wecontentedourselves，therefore，withremovingfourgreatbaulksoftimberfromtheonegatetotheother，andplacingthemacrossthegapinsuchamannerthat，beingsupportedbylargestones，theyformedaprettyhighbarrier。Tothese，atBoisrueil'ssuggestion，wereaddedthreedoorswhichweforcedfromtheirhingesinthehouse，andbehindthewhole，tocoverourretreatthebetter，wetetheredsixsumpterhorsesintwolines。
Itremainedonlytounbarthereargateandseethatitopenedeasily。Thisbeingdone，aswehaddonealltherest，stealthilyandindarkness，andbymenwhodarednotspeakaboveawhisper，Igavethewordtohangthemaleprisonerandgagandbindthewoman。Coletundertooktheseduties，andwithagrimhumourofhisownhungtherascallyhostonthethresholdwherethebrigandsmustrunagainsthimwhentheyentered。ThenIdirectedeverymantosaddleandbridlehisnagandstandbyit，andsowewaitedwithwhatpatiencewemightfortheDENOUEMENT。
Itseemedverylongincoming，yetwhenitdid，whatwiththerestlessmovementsofthehorsesandthemelancholymurmurofthestream，itwell-nightookusbysurprise。ItwasBoisrueilwhotouchedmysleeveandmademeawareofalowtramplingontheroadoutside，asoundthathadscarcelybecomeclearlyaudiblebeforeitceased。Ijudgedthatthemomentwascome，andpassedthewordinawhispertoopenthegates。Unfortunately，theycreaked，andIfearedforamomentthatIhadbeenpremature；butbeforetheyweremorethanajaraharshwhistlestartledthesilence，aflareblazedupontheroad，andavoicecriedtocharge。
Ontheinstantthegroundshookundertheassailants'rush，butthebarricade，whichdoubtlesstooktheroguesbysurprise，broughtthemtoasuddenstop，andgaveustimetofileout。Theheavyrainwhichwasfailingservedtocoverourmovementsalmostaswellasthebaggagehorseswhichwehadpostedforthepurpose；whileweranthelessrisk，inasmuchastheflaretheyhadkindledlituptheupperpartofthehousebutleftthecourtyardinperfectdarkness。
Naturally，onceoutside，wedidnotlingertoseewhathappened，but，filinginalineandlikeghostsupthebankofthestream，weregladtohitontheroadahundredandfiftypacesaway，whereitenteredthegorge。Here，whereitwasasdarkaspitch，wewhippedourhorsesintoacanterandmadeagoodpaceforhalfaleague，then，drawingrein，letourhorsestrotuntiltheleaguewasout。Bythattimewewerethroughthegorge，andI
gavethewordtopullup，thatwemightlistenandlearnwhetherwewerepursued。Beforetheorderhadquitebroughtustoastandstill，however，twofiguresonasuddenroseoutofthedarknessbeforeusandbarredtheway。Iwasridinginthefrontrank，abreastofParabereandLaFont，andIhadjusttimetolaymyhandonapistolwhenoneofthefiguresspoke。
"Well，M。leCapitaine，whatluck？"hecried，advancing，anddrawingreintoturnwithus。
Isawhismistake，and，raisingmyhandtocheckthosebehind，mutteredinmybeardthatallhadgonewell。
"Yougottheman？"
"Yes，"Isaid，peeringathimthroughthedarkness。
"Good！"heanswered。"ThennowforBareilles，supper，andafullpurse；andafterwards，forme，thequietestcornerofFrance！TheKingwillmakeafineoutcry，andIdonottrustonegov——"
InaflashParaberehadhimbythethroat，anddraggedhiminagripofironontothewithersofhishorse。Stillhemanagedtoutteracry，andtheotherrascal，takingthealarm，whippedhishorseround，andinasecondgotastartoftwentypaces。Colet，alightmanandwellmounted，wasafterhiminatrice，andweheardthemgoding-dong，ding-dong，throughthedarknessforamileormoreasitseemedtous。Thenasharpscreamcamefaintlydownthewind。
"Good！"Paraberesaidcheerfully。"Letusbejogging。"Hehadtiedhisprisonerneckandkneesoverthesaddlebeforehim。
"Youheardwhathesaid？"Imuttered，aswemovedon。
"Perfectly，"heansweredinthesametone。
"Andyouthink？"
"Ithink，GrandMaster，"hereplieddrily，"thatthesooneryouareoutofLaMarcheandBareilles'governmentthelongeryouarelikelytolive。"
Iwasquiteofthatopinionmyself，havingdrawnthesameinferencesfromthewordstheprisonerhaduttered。ButforthemomentIhadnoalternativesavetogoon，andputaboldfaceonthematter；andaccordinglyIledthewayforwardatasfastapaceasthedarknessandthejadedstateofourhorsespermitted。
Coletpresentlyjoinedus，andhalfanhourlaterabunchoflightswhichappearedonthesideofahillinfrontproclaimedthatwewerenearingGueret。Fromthispointhalfaleagueacrossarushybottomandthroughafordbroughtustothegate，whichopenedbeforewesummonedit。Ihadtakencaretocalltothevanoneofmymenwhoknewthetown；andheguidedusquickly，noonechallengingus，throughanumberoffoul，narrowstreetsandunderdarkarchways，amongwhichastrangermusthavegoneastray。Wereachedatlastagood-sizedsquare，ononesideofwhich——thoughtherestofthetownlayburiedindarkness——alargebuilding，whichIjudgedtobeBareilles'residence，exposedadozenlightedwindowstothestreet。Twoorthreefiguresloungedhalf-seenonthewidestonestepswhichleduptotheentrance，andtherattleofdice，withamurmurofvoices，camefromthewindows。Withoutamoment'shesitationI
dismountedatthefootofthesteps，and，biddingLaFontandBoisrueilattendme，withthreeoftheservants，IdirectedColettowithdrawwiththerestandthehorsestothefartherendofthesquare。
DreadingnothingsomuchasthatImightlosetheadvantageofsurprise，Iputasidetwoofthemenonthestepswhowouldhavequestionedme，andstrodeboldlyacrossthestonelandingattheheadoftheflight。HereIfoundtwodoorsfacingme，andforesawthepossibilityoferror；butIwasrelievedfromtheburdenofchoosingbythesuddenappearanceatoneofthemofBareilleshimself。Theplacewaslitonlybyanoillamp，and，forareasonbestknowntohimself，hedidnotlookdirectlyatme，butstoodwithhisheadhalf-turnedashesaid，"Well，Martin，isitdone？"
Iheardthedicersholdtheirhandstocatchtheanswer，andinthesilenceabottleinsomeunsteadyhandclinkedagainstaglass。Throughthehalf-opendoorbehindhimitwaspossibletoseealongtable，laidandglitteringwithsteelandplate；andallseemedtowait。
Paraberebrokethespell。"Wearelate！"hesaidinaringingvoice，whichstartledthegovernorasifithadbeenthevoiceofdoom。"Butwecouldnothavefoundyoubetterprepared，itseems。Doyoualwayssupaslateasthis？"
Foramomentthevillaincouldnotspeak，butleanedagainstthedoorpost，withhischeeksgonewhiteandhisjawfallen，themostpitiablespectacletobeconceived。Iaffectedtoseenothing，however，butwentbyhimeasily，andintotheroom，drawingoffmygauntletsasentered。Thedicers，fromtheirseatsbesideatableonthehearth，gazedatme，turnedtostone。Itookupaglass，filledit，anddrankitoff。"NowIambetter！"Isaid。
"Butthisisnotthewarmestofwelcomes，M。deBareilles。"
Hemutteredsomething，lookingfearfullyfromonetoanotherofus；and，hishandshaking，filledaglassandpledgedme。Thewinegavehimcourageandimpudence:hebegantospeak；andthoughhishurriedsentencesandexcitedmannermusthavebetrayedhimtotheleastsuspicious，wepretendedtoseenothing，butrathertocongratulateourselvesonhislatehoursandtimelypreparations。Andcertainlynothingcouldhaveseemedmorecheerfulincomparisonwiththesqualidinnandmiryroadfromwhichwecamethanthissmilingfeast；ifdeathhadnotseemedtomyeyestolurkbehindit。
"IthoughtitlikelythatyouwouldlieatSaury，"hesaid，withaghastlysmile。
"Andyetmadethispreparationforus？"Iansweredpolitely，yetlettingalittleofmyrealmindbeseen。"Well，asafact，M。
Bareilles，saveforonethingweshouldhavelainthere。"
"Andthatthing？"heasked，histonguealmostfailinghimasheputthequestion。
"Thefactthatyouhaveavillaininyourcompany，"Ianswered。
"What？"hestammered。
"Avillain，M。leCapitaineMartin，"Icontinuedsternly。"YousenthimoutthismorningagainsttheGreatBand；instead，hetookituponhimtolayaplotforme，fromwhichIhaveonlynarrowlyescaped。"
"Martin？"
"Yes，M。deBareilles，Martin！"Iansweredroundly，fixinghimwithmyeyes；whileParaberewentquietlytothedoor，andstoodbyit。"IfIamnotmistaken，Ihearhimatthismomentdismountingbelow。Letusunderstandoneanothertherefore，I
proposetosupwithyou，butIshallnotsitdownuntilhehangs。"