CHAPTERXLII
　　THEGUARD-HOUSEOFTHERUESTE。ANNE
　　ThelittlecortegewasturningoutofthegreatgatesofthehouseofJustice。Itwasintenselycold；abitternorth-easterlygalewasblowingfromacrosstheheightsofMontmartre，drivingsleetandsnowandhalf-frozenrainintothefacesofthemen，andfindingitswayuptheirsleeves，downtheircollarsandroundthekneesoftheirthreadbarebreeches。
　　Armand，whosefingerswerenumbwiththecold，couldscarcelyfeelthereinsinhishands。Chauvelinwasridingdosebesidehim，butthetwomenhadnotexchangedonewordsincethemomentwhenthesmalltroopofsometwentymountedsoldiershadfiledupinsidethecourtyard，andChauvelin，withacurtwordofcommand，hadorderedoneofthetrooperstotakeArmand'shorseonthelead。
　　Ahackneycoachbroughtuptherearofthecortege，withamanridingateitherdoorandtwomorefollowingatadistanceoftwentypaces。Heron'sgaunt，uglyface，crownedwithabattered，sugar-loafhat，appearedfromtimetotimeatthewindowofthecoach。Hewasnohorseman，and，moreover，preferredtokeeptheprisonercloselyunderhisowneye。ThecorporalhadtoldArmandthattheprisonerwaswithcitizenHeroninsidethecoach——inirons。Beyondthatthesoldierscouldtellhimnothing；theyknewnothingoftheobjectofthisexpedition。VaguelytheymighthavewonderedintheirdullmindswhythisparticularprisonerwasthusbeingescortedoutoftheConciergerieprisonwithsomuchparaphernaliaandsuchanairofmystery，whentherewerethousandsofprisonersinthecityandtheprovincesatthepresentmomentwhoanonwouldbebundledupwholesaleintocartstobedraggedtotheguillotinelikeaflockofsheeptothebutchers。
　　Buteveniftheywonderedtheymadenoremarksamongthemselves。
　　Theirfaces，bluewiththecold，weretheperfectmirrorsoftheirownunconquerablestolidity。
　　ThetowerclockofNotreDamestrucksevenwhenthesmallcavalcadefinallymovedslowlyoutofthemonumentalgates。IntheeastthewanlightofaFebruarymorningslowlystruggledoutofthesurroundinggloom。Nowthetowersofmanychurchesloomedghostlikeagainstthedullgreysky，anddownbelow，ontheright，thefrozenriver，likeasmoothsheetofsteel，wounditsgracefulcurvesroundtheislandsandpastthefacadeoftheLouvrespalace，whosewallslookedgrimandsilent，likethemausoleumofthedeadgiantsofthepast。
　　Allaroundthegreatcitygavesignsofawakening；thebusinessofthedayreneweditscourseeverytwenty-fourhours，despitethetragediesofdeathandofdishonourthatwalkedwithithandinhand。FromthePlacedeLaRevolutiontheintermittentrollofdrumscamefromtimetotimewithitsmuffledsoundstrikingtheearofthepasser-by。Alongthequayoppositeanopen-aircampwasalreadyastir；men，women，andchildrenengagedinthegreattaskofclothingandfeedingthepeopleofFrance，armedagainsttyranny，werebendingtotheirtask，evenbeforethewintrydawnhadspreaditspalegreytintsoverthenarrowerstreetsofthecity。
　　Armandshiveredunderhiscloak。Thissilentridebeneaththeladensky，throughtheveilofhalf-frozenrainandsnow，seemedlikeadreamtohim。Andnow，astheoutridersofthelittlecavalcadeturnedtocrossthePontauChange，hesawspreadoutonhisleftwhatappearedlikethelivingpanoramaofthesethreeweeksthathadjustgoneby。HecouldseethehouseoftheRueSt。Germainl'AuxerroiswherePercyhadlodgedbeforehecarriedthroughtherescueofthelittleDauphin。Armandcouldevenseethewindowatwhichthedreamerhadstood，weavingnobledreamsthathisbrilliantdaringhadturnedintorealities，untilthehandofatraitorhadbroughthimdownto——towhat？Armandwouldnothavedaredatthismomenttolookbackatthathideous，vulgarhackneycoachwhereinthatproud，recklessadventurer，whohaddefiedFateandmockedDeath，sat，inchains，besidealoathsomecreaturewhoseverypropinquitywasanoutrage。
　　NowtheywerepassingundertheveryhouseontheQuaideLaFerraille，abovethesaddler'sshop，thehousewhereMargueritehadlodgedtendaysago，whitherArmandhadcome，tryingtofoolhimselfintothebeliefthattheloveof“littlemother“couldbedeceivedintoblindnessagainsthisowncrime。Hehadtriedtodrawaveilbeforethoseeyeswhichhehadscarcelydaredencounter，butheknewthatthatveilmustliftoneday，andthenacursewouldsendhimforth，outlawedandhomeless，awandereronthefaceoftheearth。
　　SoonasthelittlecortegewendeditswaynorthwardsitfiledoutbeneaththewallsoftheTempleprison；therewasthemaingatewithitssentrystandingatattention，therethearchwaywiththeguichetoftheconcierge，andbeyonditthepavedcourtyard。
　　Armandclosedhiseyesdeliberately；hecouldnotbeartolook。
　　Nowonderthatheshiveredandtriedtodrawhiscloakcloseraroundhim。Everystone，everystreetcornerwasfullofmemories。Thechillthatstrucktotheverymarrowofhisbonescamefromnooutwardcause；itwastheveryhandofremorsethat，asitpassedoverhim，frozethebloodinhisveinsandmadetherattleofthosewheelsbehindhimsoundlikeahellishknell。
　　Atlastthemorecloselypopulatedquartersofthecitywereleftbehind。OnaheadthefirstsectionoftheguardhadturnedintotheRueSt。Anne。Thehousesbecamemoresparse，intersectedbynarrowpiecesofterrainsvagues，orsmallweed-coveredbitsofkitchengarden。
　　Thenahaltwascalled。
　　Itwasquitelightnow。Aslightasitwouldeverbebeneaththisleadensky。Rainandsnowstillfellingusts，drivenbytheblast。
　　SomeoneorderedArmandtodismount。ItwasprobablyChauvelin。
　　Hedidashewastold，andatrooperledhimtothedoorofanirregularbrickbuildingthatstoodisolatedontheright，extendedoneithersidebyalowwall，andsurroundedbyapatchofuncultivatedland，whichnowlookedlikeaseaofmud。
　　Onaheadwasthelineoffortificationsdimlyoutlinedagainstthegreyofthesky，andinbetweenbrown，soddenearth，withhereandthereadetachedhouse，acabbagepatch，acoupleofwindmillsdesertedanddesolate。
　　Thelonelinessofanunpopulatedoutlyingquarterofthegreatmothercity，auselesslimbofheractivebody，anostracisedmemberofhervastfamily。
　　MechanicallyArmandhadfollowedthesoldiertothedoorofthebuilding。HereChauvelinwasstanding，andbadehimfollow。A
　　smellofhotcoffeehunginthedarknarrowpassageinfront。
　　Chauvelinledthewaytoaroomontheleft。
　　Stillthatsmellofhotcoffee。EverafteritwasassociatedinArmand'smindwiththisawfulmorningintheguard-houseoftheRueSte。Anne，whentherainandsnowbeatagainstthewindows，andhestoodthereinthelowguard-roomshiveringandhalf-numbedwithcold。
　　Therewasatableinthemiddleoftheroom，andonitstoodcupsofhotcoffee。Chauvelinbadehimdrink，suggesting，notunkindly，thatthewarmbeveragewoulddohimgood。Armandadvancedfurtherintotheroom，andsawthattherewerewoodenbenchesallroundagainstthewall。OnoneofthesesathissisterMarguerite。
　　Whenshesawhimshemadeasudden，instinctivemovementtogotohim，butChauvelininterposedinhisusualbland，quietmanner。
　　“Notjustnow，citizeness，“hesaid。
　　Shesatdownagain，andArmandnotedhowcoldandstonyseemedhereyes，asiflifewithinherwasatastand-still，andashadowthatwasalmostlikedeathhadatrophiedeveryemotioninher。
　　“Itrustyouhavenotsufferedtoomuchfromthecold，LadyBlakeney，“resumedChauvelinpolitely；“weoughtnottohavekeptyouwaitinghereforsolong，butdelayatdepartureissometimesinevitable。“
　　Shemadenoreply，onlyacknowledginghisreiteratedinquiryastohercomfortwithaninclinationofthehead。
　　Armandhadforcedhimselftoswallowsomecoffee，andforthemomenthefeltlesschilled。Heheldthecupbetweenhistwohands，andgraduallysomewarmthcreptintohisbones。
　　“Littlemother，“hesaidinEnglish，“tryanddrinksomeofthis，itwilldoyougood。“
　　“Thankyou，dear，“shereplied。“Ihavehadsome。Iamnotcold。“
　　Thenadoorattheendoftheroomwaspushedopen，andHeronstalkedin。
　　“Arewegoingtobealldayinthisconfoundedhole？”hequeriedroughly。
　　Armand，whowaswatchinghissisterveryclosely，sawthatshestartedatthesightofthewretch，andseemedimmediatelytoshrinkstillfurtherwithinherself，whilsthereyes，suddenlyluminousanddilated，restedonhimlikethoseofacaptivebirduponanapproachingcobra。
　　ButChauvelinwasnottobeshakenoutofhissuavemanner。
　　“Onemoment，citizenHeron，“hesaid；“thiscoffeeisverycomforting。Istheprisonerwithyou？”headdedlightly。
　　Heronnoddedinthedirectionoftheotherroom。
　　“Inthere，“hesaidcurtly。
　　“Then，perhaps，ifyouwillbesogood，citizen，toinvitehimthither，Icouldexplaintohimhisfuturepositionandourown。“
　　Heronmutteredsomethingbetweenhisfleshylips，thenheturnedbacktowardstheopendoor，solemnlyspattwiceonthethreshold，andnoddedhisgauntheadonceortwiceinamannerwhichapparentlywasunderstoodfromwithin。
　　“No，sergeant，Idon'twantyou，“hesaidgruffly；“onlytheprisoner。“
　　AsecondortwolaterSirPercyBlakeneystoodinthedoorway；hishandswerebehindhisback，obviouslyhand-cuffed，butheheldhimselfveryerect，thoughitwasclearthatthiscausedhimamightyeffort。Assoonashehadcrossedthethresholdhisquickglancehadsweptrightroundtheroom。
　　HesawArmand，andhiseyeslitupalmostimperceptibly。
　　ThenhecaughtsightofMarguerite，andhispalefacetookonsuddenlyamoreashenhue。
　　Chauvelinwaswatchinghimwiththosekeen，light-colouredeyesofhis。Blakeney，consciousofthis，madenomovement，onlyhislipstightened，andtheheavylidsfellovertheholloweyes，completelyhidingtheirglance。
　　Butwhateventhemostastute，mostdeadlyenemycouldnotseewasthatsubtlemessageofunderstandingthatpassedatoncebetweenMargueriteandthemansheloved；itwasamagneticcurrent，intangible，invisibletoallsavetoherandtohim。Shewaspreparedtoseehim，preparedtoseeinhimallthatshehadfeared；theweakness，thementalexhaustion，thesubmissiontotheinevitable。Thereforeshehadalsoschooledherglancetoexpresstohimallthatsheknewshewouldnotbeallowedtosay——thereassurancethatshehadreadhislastletter，thatshehadobeyedittothelastword，savewhereFateandherenemyhadinterferedwithregardtoherself。
　　Withaslight，imperceptiblemovement——imperceptibletoeveryonesavetohim，shehadseemedtohandleapieceofpaperinherkerchief，thenshehadnoddedslowly，withhereyes——steadfast，reassuring——fixeduponhim，andhisglancegaveanswerthathehadunderstood。
　　ButChauvelinandHeronhadseennothingofthis。Theyweresatisfiedthattherehadbeennocommunicationbetweentheprisonerandhiswifeandfriend。
　　“Youarenodoubtsurprised，SirPercy，“saidChauvelinafterawhile，“toseeLadyBlakeneyhere。She，aswellascitizenSt。
　　Just，willaccompanyourexpeditiontotheplacewhereyouwillleadus。Wenoneofusknowwherethatplaceis——citizenHeronandmyselfareentirelyinyourhands——youmightbeleadingustocertaindeath，oragaintoaspotwhereyourownescapewouldbeaneasymattertoyourself。Youwillnotbesurprised，therefore，thatwehavethoughtfittotakecertainprecautionsbothagainstanylittleambuscadewhichyoumayhavepreparedforus，oragainstyourmakingoneofthosedaringattemptsatescapeforwhichthenotedScarletPimpernelissojustlyfamous。“
　　Hepaused，andonlyHeron'slowchuckleofsatisfactionbrokethemomentarysilencethatfollowed。Blakeneymadenoreply。
　　Obviouslyheknewexactlywhatwascoming。HeknewChauvelinandhisways，knewthekindoftortuousconceptionthatwouldfindorigininhisbrain；themomentthathesawMargueritesittingtherehemusthaveguessedthatChauvelinoncemoredesiredtoputherpreciouslifeinthebalanceofhisintrigues。
　　“CitizenHeronisimpatient，SirPercy，“resumedChauvelinafterawhile，“soImustbebrief。LadyBlakeney，aswellascitizenSt。
　　Just，willaccompanyusonthisexpeditiontowhithersoeveryoumayleadus。Theywillbethehostageswhichwewillholdagainstyourowngoodfaith。Attheslightestsuspicion——ameresuspicionperhaps——thatyouhaveplayedusfalse，atahintthatyouhaveledusintoanambush，orthatthewholeofthisexpeditionhasbeenbutatrickonyourparttoeffectyourownescape，orifmerelyourhopeoffindingCapetattheendofourjourneyisfrustrated，thelivesofourtwohostagesbelongtous，andyourfriendandyourwifewillbesummarilyshotbeforeyoureyes。“
　　Outsidetherainpatteredagainstthewindow-panes，thegalewhistledmournfullyamongthestuntedtrees，butwithinthisroomnotasoundstirredthedeadlystillnessoftheair，andyetatthismomenthatredandlove，savagelustandsublimeself-abnegation——themostpowerfullpassionstheheartofmancanknow——heldthreemenhereenchained；eachaslavetohisdominantpassion，eachreadytostakehisallforthesatisfactionofhismaster。Heronwasthefirsttospeak。
　　“Well！”hesaidwithafierceoath，“whatarewewaitingfor？Theprisonerknowshowhestands。Nowwecango。“
　　“Onemoment，citizen，“interposedChauvelin，hisquietmannercontrastingstrangelywithhiscolleague'ssavagemood。“Youhavequiteunderstood，SirPercy，“hecontinued，directlyaddressingtheprisoner，“theconditionsunderwhichweareallofusabouttoproceedonthisjourney？”
　　“Allofus？”saidBlakeneyslowly。“AreyoutakingitforgrantedthenthatIacceptyourconditionsandthatIampreparedtoproceedonthejourney？”
　　“Ifyoudonotproceedonthejourney，“criedHeronwithsavagefury，“I'llstranglethatwomanwithmyownhands——now！”
　　Blakeneylookedathimforamomentortwothroughhalf-closedlids，anditseemedthentothosewhoknewhimwell，tothosewholovedhimandtothemanwhohatedhim，thatthemightysinewsalmostcrackedwiththepassionatedesiretokill。ThenthesunkeneyesturnedslowlytoMarguerite，andshealonecaughtthelook——itwasamereflash，ofahumbleappealforpardon。
　　Itwasalloverinasecond；almostimmediatelythetensiononthepalefacerelaxed，andintotheeyestherecamethatlookofacceptance——nearlyakintofatalism——anacceptanceofwhichthestrongalonearecapable，forwiththemitonlycomesinthefaceoftheinevitable。
　　Nowheshruggedhisbroadshoulders，andoncemoreturningtoHeronhesaidquietly：
　　“Youleavemenooptioninthatcase。Asyouhaveremarkedbefore，citizenHeron，whyshouldwewaitanylonger？Surelywecannowgo。“
　　CHAPTERXLIII
　　THEDREARYJOURNEY
　　Rain！Rain！Rain！Incessant，monotonousanddreary！Thewindhadchangedroundtothesouthwest。Itblewnowingreatguststhatsentweird，sighingsoundsthroughthetrees，anddrovetheheavyshowersintothefacesofthemenastheyrodeon，withheadsbentforwardagainstthegale。
　　Therain-soddenbridlesslippedthroughtheirhands，bringingoutsoresandblistersontheirpalms；thehorseswerefidgety，tossingtheirheadswithwearyingpersistenceasthewettrickledintotheirears，orthesharp，intermittenthailstonesstrucktheirsensitivenoses。
　　Threedaysofthisawfulmonotony，variedonlybythehaltsatwaysideinns，thechangingoftroopsatoneoftheguard-housesontheway，thereiteratedcommandsgiventothefreshsquadbeforestartingonthenextlapofthisstrange，momentousway；andallthewhile，audibleabovetheclatterofhorses'hoofs，therumblingofcoach-wheels——twoclosedcarriages，eachdrawnbyapairofsturdyhorses；whichwerechangedateveryhalt。Asoldieroneachboxurgedthemtoagoodpacetokeepupwiththetroopers，whowereallowedtogoataneasycanterorlightjog-trot，whatevermightproveeasiestandleastfatiguing。AndfromtimetotimeHeron'sshaggy，gauntheadwouldappearatthewindowofoneofthecoaches，askingtheway，thedistancetothenextcityortothenearestwaysideinn；cursingthetroopers，thecoachman，hiscolleagueandeveryoneconcerned，blasphemingagainsttheinterminablelengthoftheroad，againstthecoldandagainstthewet。
　　Earlyintheeveningontheseconddayofthejourneyhehadmetwithanaccident。Theprisoner，whopresumablywasweakandweary，andnotoversteadyonhisfeet，hadfallenupagainsthimastheywerebothabouttore-enterthecoachafterahaltjustoutsideAmiens，andcitizenHeronhadlosthisfootingintheslipperymudoftheroad。headcameinviolentcontactwiththestep，andhisrighttemplewasseverelycut。Sincethenhehadbeenforcedtowearabandageacrossthetopofhisface，underhissugar-loafhat，whichhadaddednothingtohisbeauty，butagreatdealtotheviolenceofhistemper。Hewantedtopushthemenon，toforcethepace，toshortenthehalts；butChauvelinknewbetterthantoallowslacknessanddiscontenttofollowinthewakeofover-fatigue。
　　Thesoldierswerealwayswellrestedandwellfed，andthoughthedelaycausedbylongandfrequenthaltsmusthavebeenjustasirksometohimasitwastoHeron，yetheboreitimperturbably，forhewouldhavehadnouseonthismomentousjourneyforahandfulofmenwhoseenthusiasmandspirithadbeenblownawaybytheroughnessofthegale，ordrownedinthefuryoftheconstantdownpourofrain。
　　OfallthisMargueritehadbeenconsciousinavague，dreamykindofway。Sheseemedtoherselflikethespectatorinamovingpanoramicdrama，unabletoraiseafingerortodoaughttostopthatfinal，inevitableending，thecataclysmofsorrowandmiserythatawaitedher，whenthedrearycurtainwouldfallonthelastact，andsheandalltheotherspectators——Armand，Chauvelin，Heron，theSoldiers——wouldslowlywendtheirwayhome，leavingtheprincipalactorbehindthefallencurtain，whichneverwouldbeliftedagain。
　　Afterthatfirsthaltintheguard-roomoftheRueSte。Anneshehadbeenbiddentoenterasecondhackneycoach，which，followedtheotheratadistanceoffiftymetresorso，andwas，likethatother，closelysurroundedbyasquadofmountedmen。
　　ArmandandChauvelinrodeinthiscarriagewithher；alldayshesatlookingoutontheendlessmonotonyoftheroad，onthedropsofrainthatpatteredagainstthewindow-glass，andrandownfromitlikeaperpetualstreamoftears。
　　Thereweretwohaltscalledduringtheday——onefordinnerandonemidwaythroughtheafternoon——whensheandArmandwouldstepoutofthecoachandbeled——alwayswithsoldiersclosearoundthem——tosomewaysideinn，wheresomesortofamealwasserved，wheretheatmospherewascloseandstuffyandsmeltofonionsoupandofstalecheese。
　　ArmandandMargueritewouldinmostcaseshavearoomtothemselves，withsentinelspostedoutsidethedoor，andtheywouldtryandeatenoughtokeepbodyandsoultogether，fortheywouldnotallowtheirstrengthtofallawaybeforetheendofthejourneywasreached。
　　Forthenighthalt——onceatBeauvaisandthesecondnightatAbbeville——theywereescortedtoahouseintheinteriorofthecity，wheretheywereaccommodatedwithmoderatelycleanlodgings。
　　Sentinels，however，werealwaysattheirdoors；theywereprisonersinallbutname，andhadlittleornoprivacy；foratnighttheywerebothsotiredthattheyweregladtoretireimmediately，andtoliedownonthehardbedsthathadbeenprovidedforthem，evenifsleepfledfromtheireyes，andtheirheartsandsoulswereflyingthroughthecityinsearchofhimwhofilledtheireverythought。
　　OfPercytheysawlittleornothing。Inthedaytimefoodwasevidentlybroughttohiminthecarriage，fortheydidnotseehimgetdown，andonthosetwonightsatBeauvaisandAbbeville，whentheycaughtsightofhimsteppingoutofthecoachoutsidethegatesofthebarracks，hewassosurroundedbysoldiersthattheyonlysawthetopofhisheadandhisbroadshoulderstoweringabovethoseofthemen。
　　OnceMargueritehadputallherpride，allherdignityby，andaskedcitizenChauvelinfornewsofherhusband。
　　“Heiswellandcheerful，LadyBlakeney，“hehadrepliedwithhissarcasticsmile。“Ah！”headdedpleasantly，“thoseEnglishareremarkablepeople。We，ofGallicbreed，willneverreallyunderstandthem。TheirfatalismisquiteOrientalinitsquietresignationtothedecreeofFate。Didyouknow，LadyBlakeney，thatwhenSirPercywasarrestedhedidnotraiseahand。I
　　thought，andsodidmycolleague，thathewouldhavefoughtlikealion。Andnow，thathehasnodoubtrealisedthatquietsubmissionwillservehimbestintheend，heisascalmonthisjourneyasI
　　ammyself。Infact，“heconcludedcomplacently，“wheneverIhavesucceededinpeepingintothecoachIhaveinvariablyfoundSirPercyBlakeneyfastasleep。“
　　He——“shemurmured，foritwassodifficulttospeaktothiscallouswretch，whowasobviouslymockingherinhermisery——
　　“he——you——youarenotkeepinghiminirons？”
　　“No！Ohno！”repliedChauvelinwithperfecturbanity。“Yousee，nowthatwehaveyou，LadyBlakeney，andcitizenSt。JustwithuswehavenoreasontofearthatthatelusivePimpernelwillspirithimselfaway。“
　　AhotretorthadrisentoArmand'slips。ThewarmLatinbloodinhimrebelledagainstthisintolerablesituation，theman'ssneersinthefaceofMarguerite'sanguish。Butherrestraining，gentlehandhadalreadypressedhis。Whatwastheuseofprotesting，ofinsultingthisbrute，whocarednothingforthemiserywhichhehadcausedsolongashegainedhisownends？
　　AndArmandheldhistongueandtriedtocurbhistemper，triedtocultivatealittleofthatfatalismwhichChauvelinhadsaidwascharacteristicoftheEnglish。Hesatbesidehissister，longingtocomforther，yetfeelingthathisverypresencenearherwasanoutrageandasacrilege。Shespokesoseldomtohim，evenwhentheywerealone，thatattimestheawfulthoughtwhichhadmorethanoncefoundbirthinhiswearybrainbecamecrystallisedandmorereal。DidMargueriteguess？Hadshetheslightestsuspicionthattheawfulcataclysmtowhichtheyweretendingwitheveryrevolutionofthecreakingcoach-wheelshadbeenbroughtaboutbyherbrother'streacheroushand？
　　Andwhenthatthoughthadlodgeditselfquitesnuglyinhismindhebegantowonderwhetheritwouldnotbefarmoresimple，farmoreeasy，toendhismiserablelifeinsomemannerthatmightsuggestitselfontheway。Whenthecoachcrossedoneofthosedilapidated，parapetlessbridges，overabyssesfiftymetresdeep，itmightbesoeasytothrowopenthecarriagedoorandtotakeonefinaljumpintoeternity。
　　Soeasy——butsodamnablycowardly。
　　Marguerite'snearpresencequicklybroughthimbacktohimself。
　　Hislifewasnolongerhisowntodowithashepleased；itbelongedtothechiefwhomhehadbetrayed，tothesisterwhomhemustendeavourtoprotect。
　　OfJeannenowhethoughtbutlittle。Hehadputeventhememoryofherby——tenderly，likeasprigoflavenderpressedbetweenthefadedleavesofhisownhappiness。Hishandwasnolongerfittoholdthatofanypurewoman——hishandhadonitadeepstain，immutable，likethebrandofCain。
　　YetMargueritebesidehimheldhishandandtogethertheylookedoutonthatdreary，drearyroadandlistenedtoofthepatteroftherainandtherumblingofthewheelsofthatothercoachonahead——anditwasallsodismalandsohorrible，therain，thesoughingofthewindinthestuntedtrees，thislandscapeofmudanddesolation，thiseternallygreysky。
　　CHAPTERXLIV
　　THEHALTATCRECY
　　“Now，then，citizen，don'tgotosleep；thisisCrecy，ourlasthalt！”
　　Armandwokeupfromhislastdream。TheyhadbeenmovingsteadilyonsincetheyleftAbbevillesoonafterdawn；therumbleofthewheels，theswayingandrockingofthecarriage，theinterminablepatteroftherainhadlulledhimintoakindofwakefulsleep。
　　Chauvelinhadalreadyalightedfromthecoach。HewashelpingMargueritetodescend。Armandshookthestiffnessfromhislimbsandfollowedinthewakeofhissister。Alwaysthosemiserablesoldiersroundthem，withtheirdankcoatsofroughbluecloth，andtheredcapsontheirheads！ArmandpulledMarguerite'shandthroughhisarm，anddraggedherwithhimintothehouse。
　　Thesmallcitylaydampandgreybeforethem；theroughpavementofthenarrowstreetglistenedwiththewet，reflectingthedull，leadenskyoverhead；therainbeatintothepuddles；theslate-roofsshoneinthecoldwintrylight。
　　ThiswasCrecy！Thelasthaltofthejourney，soChauvelinhadsaid。Thepartyhaddrawnreininfrontofasmallone-storiedbuildingthathadawoodenverandahrunningthewholelengthofitsfront。
　　TheusuallownarrowroomgreetedArmandandMargueriteastheyentered；theusualmildewedwalls，withthecolourwashflowingawayinstreaksfromtheunsympatheticbeamabove；thesamedevice，“Liberte，Egalite，Fraternite！”scribbledincharcoalabovetheblackironstove；theusualmusty，closeatmosphere，theusualsmellofonionandstalecheese，theusualhardstraightbenchesandcentraltablewithitssoiledandtatteredcloth。
　　Margueriteseemeddazedandgiddy；shehadbeenfivehoursinthatstuffycoachwithnothingtodistractherthoughtsexcepttherain-soddenlandscape，onwhichshehadceaselesslygazedsincetheearlydawn。
　　Armandledhertothebench，andshesankdownonit，numbandinert，restingherelbowsonthetableandherheadinherhands。
　　“Ifitwereonlyallover！”shesighedinvoluntarily。Armand，attimesnowIfeelasifIwerenotreallysane——asifmyreasonhadalreadygivenway！Tellme，doIseemmadtoyouattimes？”
　　Hesatdownbesideherandtriedtochafeherlittlecoldhands。
　　Therewasaknockatthedoor，andwithoutwaitingforpermissionChauvelinenteredtheroom。
　　“Myhumbleapologiestoyou，LadyBlakeney，“hesaidinhisusualsuavemanner，“butourworthyhostinformsmethatthisistheonlyroominwhichhecanserveameal。ThereforeIamforcedtointrudemypresenceuponyou。“
　　Thoughhespokewithoutwardpoliteness，histonehadbecomemoreperemptory，lessbland，andhedidnotawaitMarguerite'sreplybeforehesatdownoppositetoherandcontinuedtotalkairily。
　　“Anill-conditionedfellow，ourhost，“hesaid——“quiteremindsmeofourfriendBrogardattheChatGrisinCalais。Yourememberhim，LadyBlakeney？”
　　“Mysisterisgiddyandover-tired，“interposedArmandfirmly。“I
　　prayyou，citizen，tohavesomeregardforher。“
　　“Allregardintheworld，citizenSt。Just，“protestedChauvelinjovially。“Methoughtthatthosepleasantreminiscenceswouldcheerher。Ah！herecomesthesoup，“headded，asamaninblueblouseandbreeches，withsabotsonhisfeet，slouchedintotheroom，carryingatureenwhichheincontinentlyplaceduponthetable。“IfeelsurethatinEnglandLadyBlakeneymissesourexcellentcroutes-au-pot，thegloryofourbourgeoiscookery——LadyBlakeney，alittlesoup？”
　　“Ithankyou，sir，“shemurmured。
　　“Dotryandeatsomething，littlemother，“Armandwhisperedinherear；“tryandkeepupyourstrengthforhissake，ifnotformine。“
　　Sheturnedawan，palefacetohim，andtriedtosmile。
　　“I'lltry，dear，“shesaid。
　　“Youhavetakenbreadandmeattothecitizensinthecoach？”
　　Chauvelincalledouttotheretreatingfigureofminehost。
　　“H'm！”gruntedthelatterinassent。
　　“Andseethatthecitizensoldiersarewellfed，ortherewillbetrouble。“
　　“H'm！”gruntedthemanagain。Afterwhichhebangedthedoortobehindhim。
　　“CitizenHeronisloathtolettheprisoneroutofhissight，“
　　explainedChauvelinlightly，“nowthatwehavereachedthelast，mostimportantstageofourjourney，soheissharingSirPercy'smid-daymealintheinteriorofthecoach。“
　　Heatehissoupwitharelish，ostentatiouslypayingmanysmallattentionstoMargueriteallthetime。Heorderedmeatforher——bread，butter——askedifanydaintiescouldbegot。Hewasapparentlyinthebestoftempers。
　　Afterhehadeatenanddrunkheroseandbowedceremoniouslytoher。
　　“Yourpardon，LadyBlakeney，“hesaid，“butImustconferwiththeprisonernow，andtakefromhimfulldirectionsforthecontinuanceofourjourney。AfterthatIgototheguard-house，whichissomedistancefromhere，rightattheotherendofthecity。Wepickupafreshsquadhere，twentyhardenedtroopersfromacavalryregimentusuallystationedatAbbeville。Theyhavehadworktodointhistown，whichisahot-bedoftreachery。I
　　mustgoinspectthemenandthesergeantwhowillbeincommand。
　　CitizenHeronleavesalltheseinspectionstome；helikestostaybyhisprisoner。Inthemeanwhileyouwillbeescortedbacktoyourcoach，whereIprayyoutoawaitmyarrival，whenwechangeguardfirst，thenproceedonourway。“
　　Margueritewaslongingtoaskhimmanyquestions；onceagainshewouldhavesmotheredherprideandbeggedfornewsofherhusband，butChauvelindidnotwait。Hehurriedoutoftheroom，andArmandandMargueritecouldhearhimorderingthesoldierstotakethemforthwithbacktothecoach。
　　Astheycameoutoftheinntheysawtheothercoachsomefiftymetresfurtherupthestreet。ThehorsesthathaddonedutysinceleavingAbbevillehadbeentakenout，andtwosoldiersinraggedshirts，andwithcrimsoncapssetjauntilyovertheirleftear，wereleadingthetwofreshhorsesalong。Thetrooperswerestillmountingguardroundboththecoaches；theywouldberelievedpresently。
　　Margueritewouldhavegiventenyearsofherlifeatthismomentfortheprivilegeofspeakingtoherhusband，orevenofseeinghim——ofseeingthathewaswell。Aquick，wildplansprangupinhermindthatshewouldbribethesergeantincommandtograntherwishwhilecitizenChauvelinwasabsent。Themanhadnotanunkindface，andhemustbeverypoor——peopleinFrancewereverypoorthesedays，thoughtherichhadbeenrobbedandluxurioushomesdevastatedostensiblytohelpthepoor。
　　ShewasabouttoputthissuddenthoughtintoexecutionwhenHeron'shideousface，doublyhideousnowwiththatbandageofdoubtfulcleanlinesscuttingacrosshisbrow，appearedatthecarriagewindow。
　　Hecursedviolentlyandatthetopofhisvoice。
　　“Whatarethosed——daristosdoingoutthere？”heshouted。
　　“Justgettingintothecoach，citizen，“repliedthesergeantpromptly。
　　AndArmandandMargueritewereimmediatelyorderedbackintothecoach。
　　Heronremainedatthewindowforafewmomentslonger；hebadatoothpickinhishandwhichhewasusingveryfreely。
　　“Howmuchlongerarewegoingtowaitinthiscursedhole？”hecalledouttothesergeant。
　　“Onlyafewmomentslonger，citizen。CitizenChauvelinwillbebacksoonwiththeguard。“
　　Aquarterofanhourlatertheclatterofcavalryhorsesontherough，unevenpavementdrewMarguerite'sattention。Sheloweredthecarriagewindowandlookedout。Chauvelinhadjustreturnedwiththenewescort。Hewasonhorseback；hishorse'sbridle，sincehewasbutanindifferenthorseman，washeldbyoneofthetroopers。
　　Outsidetheinnhedismounted；evidentlyhehadtakenfullcommandoftheexpedition，andscarcelyreferredtoHeron，whospentmostofhistimecursingatthemenortheweatherwhenhewasnotlyinghalf-asleepandpartiallydrunkintheinsideofthecarriage。
　　Thechangingoftheguardwasnowaccomplishedquietlyandinperfectorder。Thenewescortconsistedoftwentymountedmen，includingasergeantandacorporal，andoftwodrivers，oneforeachcoach。Thecortegenowwasfiledupinmarchingorder；aheadasmallpartyofscouts，thenthecoachwithMargueriteandArmandcloselysurroundedbymountedmen，andatashortdistancethesecondcoachwithcitizenHeronandtheprisonerequallywellguarded。
　　Chauvelinsuperintendedallthearrangementshimself。Hespokeforsomefewmomentswiththesergeant，alsowiththedriverofhisowncoach。Hewenttothewindowoftheothercarriage，probablyinordertoconsultwithcitizenHeron，ortotakefinaldirectionsfromtheprisoner，forMarguerite，whowaswatchinghim，sawhimstandingonthestepandleaningwellforwardintotheinterior，whilstapparentlyhewastakingnotesonasmalltabletwhichhehadinhishand。
　　Asmallknotofidlershadcongregatedinthenarrowstreet；meninblousesandboysinraggedbreechesloungedagainsttheverandahoftheinnandgazedwithinexpressive，stolideyesonthesoldiers，thecoaches，thecitizenwhoworethetricolourscarf。Theyhadseenthissortofthingbeforenow——aristosbeingconveyedtoParisunderarrest，prisonersontheirwaytoorfromAmiens。TheysawMarguerite'spalefaceatthecarriagewindow。
　　Itwasnotthefirstwoman'sfacetheyhadseenunderlikecircumstances，andtherewasnospecialinterestaboutthisaristo。Theyweresmokingorspitting，orjustloungingidlyagainstthebalustrade。Margueritewonderedifnoneofthemhadwife，sister，ormother，orchild；ifeverysympathy，everykindoffeelinginthesepoorwretcheshadbeenatrophiedbymiseryorbyfear。
　　Atlasteverythingwasinorderandthesmallpartyreadytostart。
　　“DoesanyonehereknowtheChapeloftheHolySepulchre，closebytheparkoftheChateaud'Ourde？”askedChauvelin，vaguelyaddressingtheknotofgaffersthatstoodclosesttohim。
　　Themenshooktheirheads。SomehaddimlyheardoftheChateaud'Ourde；itwassomewayintheinterioroftheforestofBoulogne，butnooneknewaboutachapel；peopledidnottroubleaboutchapelsnowadays。Withtheindifferencesopeculiartolocalpeasantry，thesemenknewnomoreofthesurroundingcountrythanthetwelveorfifteenleaguecirclethatwaswithinawalkoftheirsleepylittletown。
　　OneofthescoutsonaheadturnedinhissaddleandspoketocitizenChauvelin：
　　“IthinkIknowthewayprettywell；citizenChauvelin，“hesaid；
　　“atanyrate，IknowitasfarastheforestofBoulogne。“
　　Chauvelinreferredtohistablets。
　　“That'sgood，“hesaid；“thenwhenyoureachthemile-stonethatstandsonthisroadattheconfineoftheforest，bearsharplytoyourrightandskirtthewooduntilyouseethehamletof——Le——
　　something。Le——Le——yes——LeCrocq——that'sitinthevalleybelow。“
　　“IknowLeCrocq，Ithink，“saidthetrooper。
　　“Verywell，then；atthatpointitseemsthatawideroadstrikesatrightanglesintotheinterioroftheforest；youfollowthatuntilastonechapelwithacolonnadedporchstandsbeforeyouonyourleft，andthewallsandgatesofaparkonyourright。Thatisso，isitnot，SirPercy？”headded，oncemoreturningtowardstheinteriorofthecoach。
　　Apparentlytheanswersatisfiedhim，forhegavethequickwordofcommand，“Enavant！”thenturnedbacktowardshisowncoachandfinallyenteredit。
　　“DoyouknowtheChateaud'Ourde，citizenSt。Just？”heaskedabruptlyassoonasthecarriagebegantomove。
　　Armandwoke——aswashabitualwithhimthesedays——fromsomegloomyreverie。
　　“Yes，citizen，“hereplied。“Iknowit。“
　　“AndtheChapeloftheHolySepulchre？”
　　“Yes。Iknowittoo。“
　　Indeed，heknewthechateauwell，andthelittlechapelintheforest，whitherthefisher-folkfromPortelandBoulognecameonapilgrimageonceayeartolaytheirnetsonthemiracle-workingrelic。Thechapelwasdisusednow。Sincetheownerofthechateauhadflednoonehadtendedit，andthefisher-folkwereafraidtowanderout，lesttheirsuperstitiousfaithbecountedagainstthembytheauthorities，whohadabolishedlebonDieu。
　　ButArmandhadfoundrefugethereeighteenmonthsago，onhiswaytoCalais，whenPercyhadriskedhislifeinordertosavehi——Armand——fromdeath。Hecouldhavegroanedaloudwiththeanguishofthisrecollection。ButMarguerite'sachingnerveshadthrilledatthename。
　　TheChateaud'Ourde！TheChapeloftheHolySepulchre！ThatwastheplacewhichPercyhadmentionedinhisletter，theplacewherehehadgivenrendezvoustodeBatz。SirAndrewhadsaidthattheDauphincouldnotpossiblybethere，yetPercywasleadinghisenemiesthither，andhadgiventherendezvoustheretodeBatz。
　　Andthisdespitethatwhateverplans，whateverhopes，hadbeenborninhismindwhenhewasstillimmuredintheConciergerieprisonmusthavebeensetatnaughtbytheclevercounterplotofChauvelinandHeron。
　　“Atthemerestsuspicionthatyouhaveplayedusfalse，atahintthatyouhaveledusintoanambush，orifmerelyourhopesoffindingCapetattheendofthejourneyarefrustrated，thelivesofyourwifeandofyourfriendareforfeittous，andtheywillbothbeshotbeforeyoureyes。“
　　Withthesewords，withthisprecaution，thosecunningfiendshadeffectuallynotonlytiedtheschemer'shands，butforcedhimeithertodeliverthechildtothemortosacrificehiswifeandhisfriend。
　　Theimpassewassohorriblethatshecouldnotfaceiteveninherthoughts。Astrange，fever-likeheatcoursedthroughherveins，yetleftherhandsicy-cold；shelongedfor，yetdreaded，theendofthejourney——thatawfulgrapplingwiththecertaintyofcomingdeath。Perhaps，afterall，Percy，too，hadgivenupallhope。
　　Longagohehadconsecratedhislifetotheattainmentofhisownideals；andtherewasaveinoffatalisminhim；perhapshehadresignedhimselftotheinevitable，andhisonlydesirenowwastogiveuphislife，ashehadsaid，intheopen，beneathGod'ssky，todrawhislastbreathwiththestorm-cloudstossedthroughinfinityabovehim，andthemurmurofthewindinthetreestosinghimtorest。
　　Crecywasgraduallyfadingintothedistance，wrappedinamantleofdampandmist。ForalongwhileMargueritecouldseetheslopingslateroofsglimmeringlikesteelinthegreyafternoonlight，andthequaintchurchtowerwithitsbeautifullantern，throughthepiercedstoneworkofwhichshonepatchesoftheleadensky。
　　Thenasuddentwistoftheroadhidthecityfromview；onlytheoutlyingchurchyardremainedinsight，withitswhitemonumentsandgranitecrosses，overwhichthedarkyews，wetwiththerainandshakenbythegale，sentshowersofdiamond-likesprays。
　　CHAPTERXLV
　　THEFORESTOFBOULOGNE
　　Progresswasnoteasy，andveryslowalongthemuddyroad；thetwocoachesmovedalonglaboriously，withwheelscreakingandsinkingdeeplyfromtimetotimeinthequagmire。
　　Whenthesmallpartyfinallyreachedtheedgeofthewoodthegreyishlightofthisdismaldayhadchangedinthewesttoadullreddishglow——aglowthathadneitherbrilliancenorincandescenceinit；onlyaweirdtintthathungoverthehorizonandturnedthedistanceintolinesofpurple。
　　Thenearnessoftheseamadeitselfalreadyfelt；therewasabrinytasteinthedampatmosphere，andthetreesallturnedtheirbranchesawayinthesamedirectionagainsttheonslaughtoftheprevailingwinds。
　　Theroadatthispointformedasharpfork，skirtingthewoodoneitherside，theforestlyinglikeablackclosemassofspruceandfirsontheleft，whiletheopenexpanseofcountrystretchedoutontheright。Thesouth-westerlygalestruckwithfullviolenceagainstthebarrierofforesttrees，bendingthetallcrestsofthepinesandcausingtheirsmalldeadbranchestobreakandfallwithasharp，crispsoundlikeacryofpain。
　　Thesquadhadbeenfreshatstarting；nowthemenhadbeenfourhoursinthesaddleunderpersistentrainandgustywind；theyweretired，andtheatmosphereoftheclose，blackforestsoneartheroadwasweighingupontheirspirits。
　　Strangesoundscametothemfromoutthedensenetworkoftrees——thescreechingofnight-birds，theweirdcalloftheowls，theswiftandfurtivetreadofwildbeastsontheprowl。Thecoldwinterandlackoffoodhadluredthewolvesfromtheirfastnesses——hungerhademboldenedthem，andnow，asgraduallythegreylightfledfromthesky，dismalhowlscouldbeheardinthedistance，andnowandthenapairofeyes，brightwiththereflectionoftheluridwesternglow，wouldshinemomentarilyoutofthedarknessliketinyglow-worms，andasquicklyvanishaway。
　　Themenshivered——morewithvaguesuperstitiousfearthanwithcold。Theywouldhaveurgedtheirhorseson，butthewheelsofthecoachesstuckpersistentlyinthemud，andnowandagainahalthadtobecalledsothatthespokesandaxlesmighthecleared。
　　Theyrodeoninsilence。Noonehadamindtospeak，andthemournfulsoughingofthewindinthepine-treesseemedtocheckthewordsoneverylip。Thedullthudofhoofsinthesoftroad，theclangofsteelbitsandbuckles，thesnortingofthehorsesaloneansweredthewind，andalsothemonotonouscreakingofthewheelsploughingthroughtheruts。
　　Soontheruddyglowinthewestfadedintosoft-tonedpurpleandthenintogrey；finallythattoovanished。Darknesswasdrawinginoneverysidelikeawide，blackmantlepulledtogethercloserandcloseroverheadbyinvisiblegianthands。
　　Therainstillfellinathindrizzlethatsoakedthroughcapsandcoats，madethebridlesslimyandthesaddlesslipperyanddamp。
　　Aveilofvapourhungoverthehorses'cruppers，andwasrenderedfullerandthickereverymomentwiththebreaththatcamefromtheirnostrils。Thewindnolongerblewwithgustyfury——itsstrengthseemedtohavebeenspentwiththegreylightofday——
　　butnowandthenitwouldstillcomesweepingacrosstheopencountry，anddashitselfuponthewallofforesttrees，lashingagainstthehorses'ears，catchingthecornerofamantlehere，anill-adjustedcapthere，andwreakingitsmischievousfreakforawhile，thenwithasighofsatisfactiondie，murmuringamongthepines。
　　Suddenlytherewasahalt，muchshouting，avolleyofoathsfromthedrivers，andcitizenChauvelinthrusthisheadoutofthecarriagewindow。
　　“Whatisit？”heasked。
　　“Thescouts，citizen，“repliedthesergeant，whohadbeenridingclosetothecoachdoorallthiswhile；“theyhavereturned。“
　　“Tellonemantocomestraighttomeandreport。“
　　Margueritesatquitestill。Indeed，shehadalmostceasedtolivemomentarily，forherspiritwasabsentfromherbody，whichfeltneitherfatigue，norcold，norpain。Butsheheardthesnortingofthehorseclosebyasitsriderpulledhimupsharplybesidethecarriagedoor。
　　“Well？”saidChauvelincurtly。
　　“Thisisthecross-road，citizen，“repliedtheman；“itstrikesstraightintothewood，andthehamletofLeCrocqliesdowninthevalleyontheright。“
　　“Didyoufollowtheroadinthewood？”
　　“Yes，citizen。Abouttwoleaguesfromherethereisaclearingwithasmallstonechapel，morelikealargeshrine，nestlingamongthetrees。Oppositetoittheangleofahighwallwithlargewrought-irongatesatthecorner，andfromtheseawidedriveleadsthroughapark。“
　　“Didyouturnintothedrive？”
　　“Onlyalittleway，citizen。Wethoughtwehadbestreportfirstthatallissafe。“
　　“Yousawnoone？”
　　“Noone。“
　　“Thechateau，then，liessomedistancefromthegates？”
　　“Aleagueormore，citizen。Closetothegatesthereareouthousesandstabling，thedisusedbuildingsofthehomefarm，I
　　shouldsay。“
　　“Good！Weareontherightroad，thatisclear。Keepaheadwithyourmennow，butonlysometwohundredmetresorso。Stay！”headded，asifonsecondthoughts。“Ridedowntotheothercoachandasktheprisonerifweareontherighttrack。“
　　Theriderturnedhishorsesharplyround。Margueriteheard-theclangofmetalandthesoundofretreatinghoofs。
　　Afewmomentslaterthemanreturned。
　　“Yes，citizen，“hereported，“theprisonersaysitisquiteright。
　　TheChateaud'Ourdeliesafullleaguefromitsgates。Thisisthenearestroadtothechapelandthechateau。Hesaysweshouldreachtheformerinhalfanhour。Itwillbeverydarkinthere，“
　　headdedwithasignificantnodinthedirectionofthewood。
　　Chauvelinmadenoreply，butquietlysteppedoutofthecoach。
　　Margueritewatchedhim，leaningoutofthewindow，followinghissmalltrimfigureashepushedhiswaypastthegroupsofmountedmen，catchingatahorse'sbitnowandthen，oratabridle，makingawayforhimselfamongsttherestless，champinganimals，withouttheslightesthesitationorfear。
　　Soonhisretreatingfigurelostitssharpoutlinesilhouettedagainsttheeveningsky。Itwasenfoldedintheveilofvapourwhichwasblownoutofthehorses'nostrilsorrisingfromtheirdampcruppers；itbecamemorevague，almostghost-like，throughthemistandthefast-gatheringgloom。
　　Presentlyagroupoftroopershidhimentirelyfromherview，butshecouldhearhisthin，smoothvoicequiteclearlyashecalledtocitizenHeron。
　　“Weareclosetotheendofourjourneynow，citizen，“sheheardhimsay。“IftheprisonerhasnotplayedusfalselittleCapetshouldbeinourchargewithinthehour。“
　　Agrowlnotunlikethosethatcamefromoutthemysteriousdepthsoftheforestansweredhim。
　　“Ifheisnot，“andMargueriterecognisedtheharshtonesofcitizenHeron——“ifheisnot，thentwocorpseswillberottinginthiswoodtomorrowforthewolvestofeedon，andtheprisonerwillbeonhiswaybacktoPariswithme。“
　　Someonelaughed。Itmighthavebeenoneofthetroopers，morecallousthanhiscomrades，buttoMargueritethelaughhadastrange，familiarringinit，theechoofsomethinglongsincepastandgone。
　　ThenChauvelin'svoiceoncemorecameclearlytoherear：
　　“Mysuggestion，citizen，“hewassaying，“isthattheprisonershallnowgivemeanorder——couchedinwhatevertermshemaythinknecessary——butadistinctordertohisfriendstogiveupCapettomewithoutanyresistance。Icouldthentakesomeofthemenwithme，andrideasquicklyasthelightwillallowuptothechateau，andtakepossessionofit，ofCapet，andofthosewhoarewithhim。Wecouldgetalongfasterthus。Onemancangiveuphishorsetomeandcontinuethejourneyontheboxofyourcoach。
　　Thetwocarriagescouldthenfollowatfootpace。ButIfearthatifwesticktogethercompletedarknesswillovertakeusandwemightfindourselvesobligedtopassaveryuncomfortablenightinthiswood。“
　　“Iwon'tspendanothernightinthissuspense——itwouldkillme，“
　　growledHerontotheaccompanimentofoneofhischoicestoaths。
　　“Youmustdoasyouthinkright——youplannedthewholeofthisaffair——seetoitthatitworksoutwellintheend。“
　　“HowmanymenshallItakewithme？Ouradvanceguardishere，ofcourse。“
　　“Icouldn'tspareyoumorethanfourmoremen——Ishallwanttheotherstoguardtheprisoners。“
　　“Fourmenwillbequitesufficient，withthefouroftheadvanceguard。Thatwillleaveyoutwelvemenforguardingyourprisoners，andyoureallyonlyneedtoguardthewoman——herlifewillanswerfortheothers。“
　　Hehadraisedhisvoicewhenhesaidthis，obviouslyintendingthatMargueriteandArmandshouldhear。
　　“ThenI'llahead，“hecontinued，apparentlyinanswertoanassentfromhiscolleague。“SirPercy，willyoubesokindastoscribblethenecessarywordsonthesetablets？”
　　Therewasalongpause，duringwhichMargueriteheardplainlythelonganddismalcryofanightbirdthat，mayhap，wasseekingitsmate。ThenChauvelin'svoicewasraisedagain。
　　“Ithankyou，“hesaid；“thiscertainlyshouldbequiteeffectual。
　　Andnow，citizenHeron，Idonotthinkthatunderthecircumstancesweneedfearanambuscadeoranykindoftrickery——youholdthehostages。AndifbyanychanceIandmymenareattacked，orifweencounterarmedresistanceatthechateau，Iwilldespatchariderbackstraightwaytoyou，and——well，youwillknowwhattodo。“
　　Hisvoicediedaway，mergedinthesoughingofthewind，drownedbytheclangofmetal，ofhorsessnorting，ofmenlivingandbreathing。MargueritefeltthatbesideherArmandhadshuddered，andthatinthedarknesshistremblinghandhadsoughtandfoundhers。
　　Sheleanedwelloutofthewindow，tryingtosee。Thegloomhadgatheredmorecloselyin，androundhertheveilofvapourfromthehorses'steamingcruppershungheavilyinthemistyair。Infrontofherthestraightlinesofafewfirtreesstoodoutdenseandblackagainstthegreynessbeyond，andbetweentheselinespurpletintsofvarioustonesandshadesmingledonewiththeother，mergingthehorizonlinewiththesky。HereandthereamoresolidblackpatchindicatedthetinyhousesofthehamletofLeCrocqfardowninthevalleybelow；fromsomeofthesehousessmalllightsbegantoglimmerlikeblinkingyelloweyes。
　　Marguerite'sgaze，however，didnotrestonthedistantlandscape——
　　ittriedtopiercethegloomthathidherimmediatesurroundings；
　　themountedmenwereallroundthecoach——morecloselyroundherthanthetreesintheforest。Butthehorseswererestless，movingallthetime，andastheymovedshecaughtglimpsesofthatothercoachandofChauvelin'sghostlikefigure，walkingrapidlythroughthemist。Justforonebriefmomentshesawtheothercoach，andHeron'sheadandshouldersleaningoutofthewindow。Ifissugar-loafhatwasonhishead，andthebandageacrosshisbrowlookedlikeasharp，palestreakbelowit。
　　“Donotdoubtit，citizenChauvelin，“hecalledoutloudlyinhisharsh，raucousvoice，“Ishallknowwhattodo；thewolveswillhavetheirmealto-night，andtheguillotinewillnotbecheatedeither。“
　　Armandputhisarmroundhissister'sshouldersandgentlydrewherhackintothecarriage。
　　“Littlemother，“hesaid，“ifyoucanthinkofawaywherebymylifewouldredeemPercy'sandyours，showmethatwaynow。“
　　Butsherepliedquietlyandfirmly：
　　“Thereisnoway，Armand。Ifthereis，itisinthehandsofGod。“