CHAPTERXX
　　THECERTIFICATEOFSAFETY
　　“YoucanleavedeBatzandhisgangalone，citizenHeron，“saidChauvelin，assoonashehadclosedthedoorbehindhim；“hehadnothingtodowiththeescapeoftheDauphin。“
　　Herongrowledoutafewwordsofincredulity。ButChauvelinshruggedhisshouldersandlookedwithunutterablecontemptonhiscolleague。Armand，whowaswatchinghimclosely，sawthatinhishandheheldasmallpieceofpaper，whichhehadcrushedintoashapelessmass。
　　“Donotwasteyourtime，citizen，“hesaid，“inragingagainstanemptywind-bag。ArrestdeBatzifyoulike，orleavehimaloneanyouplease——wehavenothingtofearfromthatbraggart。“
　　Withnervous，slightlyshakingfingershesettoworktosmoothoutthescrapofpaperwhichheheld。Hishothandshadsoileditandpoundedituntilitwasamereragandthewritingonitillegible。But，suchasitwas，hethrewitdownwithablasphemousoathonthedeskinfrontofHeron'seyes。
　　“ItisthataccursedEnglishmanwhohasbeenatworkagain，“hesaidmorecalmly；“IguesseditthemomentIheardyourstory。
　　Setyourwholearmyofsleuth-houndsonhistrack，citizen；you'llneedthemall。“
　　Heronpickedupthescrapoftornpaperandtriedtodecipherthewritingonitbythelightfromthelamp。Heseemedalmostdazednowwiththeawfulcatastrophethathadbefallenhim，andthefearthathisownwretchedlifewouldhavetopaythepenaltyforthedisappearanceofthechild。
　　AsforArmand——eveninthemidstofhisowntroubles，andofhisownanxietyforJeanne，hefeltaproudexultationinhisheart。
　　TheScarletPimpernelhadsucceeded；Percyhadnotfailedinhisself-imposedundertaking。Chauvelin，whosepiercingeyeswerefixedonhimatthatmoment，smiledwithcontemptuousirony。
　　“Asyouwillfindyourhandsoverfullforthenextfewhours，citizenHeron，“hesaid，speakingtohiscolleagueandnoddinginthedirectionofArmand，“I'llnottroubleyouwiththevoluntaryconfessionthisyoungcitizendesiredtomaketoyou。AllIneedtellyouisthatheisanadherentoftheScarletPimpernel——I
　　believeoneofhismostfaithful，mosttrustedofficers。“
　　Heronrousedhimselffromthemazeofgloomythoughtsthatwereagainparalysinghistongue。Heturnedbleary，wildeyesonArmand。
　　“Wehavegotoneofthem，then？”hemurmuredincoherently，babblinglikeadrunkenman。
　　“M'yes！”repliedChauvelinlightly；“butitistoolatenowforaformaldenunciationandarrest。HecannotleaveParisanyhow，andallthatyourmenneedtodoistokeepacloselook-outonhim。
　　ButIshouldsendhimhometo-nightifIwereyou。“
　　Heronmutteredsomethingmore，which，however，Armanddidnotunderstand。Chauvelin'swordswerestillringinginhisear。Washe，then，tobesetfreeto-night？Freeinameasure，ofcourse，sincespiesweretobesettowatchhim——butfree，nevertheless？
　　HecouldnotunderstandChauvelin'sattitude，andhisownself-lovewasnotalittlewoundedatthethoughtthathewasofsuchlittleaccountthatthesemencouldaffordtogivehimeventhisprovisionalfreedom。And，ofcourse，therewasstillJeanne。
　　“Imust，therefore，bidyougood-night，citizen，“Chauvelinwassayinginhisbland，gentlyironicalmanner。“Youwillbegladtoreturntoyourlodgings。Asyousee，thechiefagentoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurityistoomuchoccupiedjustnowtoacceptthesacrificeofyourlifewhichyouwerepreparedsogenerouslytoofferhim。“
　　“Idonotunderstandyou，citizen，“retortedArmandcoldly，“nordoIdesireindulgenceatyourhands。Youhavearrestedaninnocentwomanonthetrumped-upchargethatshewasharbouringme。Icamehereto-nighttogivemyselfuptojusticesothatshemightbesetfree。“
　　“Butthehourissomewhatlate，citizen，“rejoinedChauvelinurbanely。“Theladyinwhomyoutakesoferventaninterestisnodoubtasleepinhercellatthishour。Itwouldnotbefittingtodisturbhernow。Shemightnotfindshelterbeforemorning，andtheweatherisquiteexceptionallyunpropitious。“
　　“Then，sir，“saidArmand，alittlebewildered，“amItounderstandthatifIholdmyselfatyourdispositionMademoiselleLangewillbesetfreeasearlyto-morrowmorningasmaybe？”
　　“Nodoubt，sir——nodoubt，“repliedChauvelinwithmorethanhisaccustomedblandness；“ifyouwillholdyourselfentirelyatourdisposition，MademoiselleLangewillbesetfreeto-morrow。I
　　thinkthatwecansafelypromisethat，citizenHeron，canwenot？”
　　headded，turningtohiscolleague。
　　ButHeron，overcomewiththestressofemotions，couldonlymurmurvague，unintelligiblewords。
　　“Yourwordonthat，citizenChauvelin？”askedArmand。
　　“Mywordonitanyouwillacceptit。“
　　“No，Iwillnotdothat。GivemeanunconditionalcertificateofsafetyandIwillbelieveyou。“
　　“Ofwhatusewerethattoyou？”askedChauvelin。
　　“IbelievemycapturetobeofmoreimportancetoyouthanthatofMademoiselleLange，“saidArmandquietly。
　　“IwillusethecertificateofsafetyformyselforoneofmyfriendsifyoubreakyourwordtomeanentMademoiselleLange。“
　　“H'm！thereasoningisnotillogical，citizen，“saidChauvelin，whilstacurioussmileplayedroundthecornersofhisthinlips。
　　“Youarequiteright。Youareamorevaluableassettousthanthecharmingladywho，Ihope，willformanyadayandyeartocomedelightpleasure-lovingPariswithhertalentandhergrace。“
　　“Amentothat，citizen，“saidArmandfervently。
　　“Well，itwillalldependonyou，sir！Here，“headded，coollyrunningoversomepapersonHeron'sdeskuntilhefoundwhathewanted，“isanabsolutelyunconditionalcertificateofsafety。
　　TheCommitteeofGeneralSecurityissueveryfewofthese。Itisworththecostofahumanlife。Atnobarrierorgateofanycitycansuchacertificatebedisregarded，norevencanitbedetained。Allowmetohandittoyou，citizen，asapledgeofmyowngoodfaith。“
　　Smiling，urbane，withacuriouslookthatalmostexpressedamusementlurkinginhisshrewd，paleeyes，ChauvelinhandedthemomentousdocumenttoArmand。
　　Theyoungmanstudieditverycarefullybeforeheslippeditintotheinnerpocketofhiscoat。
　　“HowsoonshallIhavenewsofMademoiselleLange？”heaskedfinally。
　　“Inthecourseofto-morrow。Imyselfwillcallonyouandredeemthatpreciousdocumentinperson。You，ontheotherhand，willholdyourselfatmydisposition。That'sunderstood，isitnot？”
　　“Ishallnotfailyou。Mylodgingsare——“
　　“Oh！donottrouble，“interposedChauvelin，withapolitebow；“wecanfindthatoutforourselves。“
　　Heronhadtakennopartinthiscolloquy。NowthatArmandpreparedtogohemadenoattempttodetainhim，ortoquestionhiscolleague'sactions。Hesatbythetablelikealog；hismindwasobviouslyablanktoallelsesavetohisownterrorsengenderedbytheeventsofthisnight。
　　Withbleary，half-veiledeyeshefollowedArmand'sprogressthroughtheroom，andseemedunawareoftheloudslammingoftheoutsidedoor。Chauvelinhadescortedtheyoungmanpastthefirstlineofsentry，thenhetookcordialleaveofhim。
　　“Yourcertificatewill，youwillfind，openeverygatetoyou。
　　Good-night，citizen。Ademain。“
　　“Good-night。“
　　Armand'sslimfiguredisappearedinthegloom。Chauvelinwatchedhimforafewmomentsuntilevenhisfootstepshaddiedawayinthedistance；thenheturnedbacktowardsHeron'slodgings。
　　“Anousdeux，“hemutteredbetweentightlyclenchedteeth；“anousdeuxoncemore，myenigmaticalScarletPimpernel。“
　　CHAPTERXXI
　　BACKTOPARIS
　　Itwasanexceptionallydarknight，andtherainwasfallingintorrents。SirAndrewFfoulkes，wrappedinapieceofsacking，hadtakenshelterrightunderneaththecoal-cart；eventhenhewasgettingwetthroughtotheskin。
　　Hehadworkedhardfortwodayscoal-heaving，andthenightbeforehehadfoundacheap，squalidlodgingwhereatanyratehewasprotectedfromtheinclemenciesoftheweather；butto-nighthewasexpectingBlakeneyattheappointedhourandplace。Hehadsecuredacartoftheordinaryramshacklepatternusedforcarryingcoal。Unfortunatelytherewerenocoveredonestobeobtainedintheneighbourhood，andequallyunfortunatelythethawhadsetinwithablusteringwindanddivingrain，whichmadewaitingintheopenairforhoursatastretchandincompletedarknessexcessivelyunpleasant。
　　ButforallthesediscomfortsSirAndrewFfoulkescarednotonejot。InEngland，inhismagnificentSuffolkhome，hewasaconfirmedsybarite，inwhoseserviceeverydescriptionofcomfortandluxuryhadtobeenrolled。Heretonightintheroughandtatteredclothesofacoal-heaver，drenchedtotheskin，andcrouchingunderthebodyofacartthathardlyshelteredhimfromtherain，hewasashappyasaschoolboyoutforaholiday。
　　Happy，butvaguelyanxious。
　　Hehadnomeansofascertainingthetime。Somanyofthechurch-bellsandclocktowershadbeensilencedrecentlythatnotoneofthosewelcomesoundspenetratedtothedrearydesolationofthiscanalwharf，withitsabandonedcartsstandingghostlikeinarow。Darknesshadsetinveryearlyintheafternoon，andtheheavershadgivenupworksoonafterfouro'clock。
　　Foraboutanhourafterthatacertainanimationhadstillreignedroundthewharf，mencrossingandgoing，oneortwoofthebargesmovinginoroutalongsidethequay。Butforsometimenowdarknessandsilencehadbeenthemastersinthisdesolatespot，andthattimehadseemedtoSirAndrewaneternity。Hehadhobbledandtetheredhishorse，andstretchedhimselfoutatfulllengthunderthecart。Nowandagainhehadcrawledoutfromunderthisuncomfortableshelterandwalkedupanddowninankle-deepmud，tryingtorestorecirculationinhisstiffenedlimbs；nowandagainakindoftorporhadcomeoverhim，andhehadfallenintoabriefandrestlesssleep。Hewouldatthismomenthavegivenhalfhisfortuneforknowledgeoftheexacttime。
　　Butthroughallthiswearywaitinghewasneverforamomentindoubt。UnlikeArmandSt。Just，hehadthesimplest，mostperfectfaithinhischief。HehadbeenBlakeney'sconstantcompanioninalltheseadventuresforcloseuponfouryearsnow；thethoughtoffailure，howevervague，neveronceenteredhismind。
　　Hewasonlyanxiousforhischief'swelfare。Heknewthathewouldsucceed，buthewouldhavelikedtohavesparedhimmuchofthephysicalfatigueandthenerve-rackingstrainofthesehoursthatlaybetweenthedaringdeedandthehopeofsafety。
　　Thereforehewasconsciousofanacutetinglingofhisnerves，whichwentonevenduringthebriefpatchesoffitfulsleep，andthroughthenumbnessthatinvadedhiswholebodywhilethehoursdraggedwearilyandslowlyalong。
　　Then，quitesuddenly，hefeltwakefulandalert；quiteawhile——evenbeforeheheardthewelcomesignal——heknew，withacurious，subtlesenseofmagnetism，thatthehourhadcome，andthathischiefwassomewherenearby，notveryfar。
　　Thenheheardthecry——aseamew'scall——repeatedthriceatintervals，andfiveminuteslatersomethingloomedoutofthedarknessquiteclosetothehindwheelsofthecart。
　　“Hist！Ffoulkes！”cameinasoftwhisper，scarcelouderthanthewind。
　　“Present！”cameinquickresponse。
　　“Here，helpmetoliftthechildintothecart。Heisasleep，andhasbeenadeadweightonmyarmforcloseonanhournow。Haveyouadrybitofsackingorsomethingtolayhimon？”
　　“Notverydry，Iamafraid。“
　　WithtendercarethetwomenliftedthesleepinglittleKingofFranceintothericketycart。Blakeneylaidhiscloakoverhim，andlistenedforawhiletotheslowregularbreathingofthechild。
　　“St。Justisnothere——youknowthat？”saidSirAndrewafterawhile。
　　“Yes，Iknewit，“repliedBlakeneycurtly。
　　Itwascharacteristicofthesetwomenthatnotawordabouttheadventureitself，abouttheterriblerisksanddangersofthepastfewhours，wasexchangedbetweenthem。Thechildwashereandwassafe，andBlakeneyknewthewhereaboutsofSt。Just——thatwasenoughforSirAndrewFfoulkes，themostdevotedfollower，themostperfectfriendtheScarletPimpernelwouldeverknow。
　　Ffoulkesnowwenttothehorse，detachedthenose-bag，andundidthenoosesofthehobbleandofthetether。
　　“Willyougetinnow，Blakeney？”hesaid；“weareready。“
　　Andinunbrokensilencetheybothgotintothecart；Blakeneysittingonitsfloorbesidethechild，andFfoulkesgatheringthereinsinhishands。
　　Thewheelsofthecartandtheslowjog-trotofthehorsemadescarcelyanynoiseinthemudoftheroads，whatnoisetheydidmakewaseffectuallydrownedbythesoughingofthewindinthebarebranchesofthestuntedacaciatreesthatedgedthetowpathalongthelineofthecanal。
　　SirAndrewhadstudiedthetopographyofthisdesolateneighbourhoodwellduringthepasttwenty-fourhours；heknewofadetourthatwouldenablehimtoavoidtheLaVillettegateandtheneighbourhoodofthefortifications，andyetbringhimoutsoonontheroadleadingtoSt。Germain。
　　OnceheturnedtoaskBlakeneythetime。
　　“Itmustbecloseontennow，“repliedSirPercy。“Pushyournagalong，oldman。TonyandHastingswillbewaitingforus。“
　　Itwasverydifficulttoseeclearlyevenametreortwoahead，buttheroadwasastraightone，andtheoldnagseemedtoknowitalmostaswellandbetterthanherdriver。Sheshambledalongatherownpace，coveringthegroundveryslowlyforFfoulkes'sburningimpatience。Onceortwicehehadtogetdownandleadheroveraroughpieceofground。Theypassedseveralgroupsofdismal，squalidhouses，insomeofwhichadimlightstillburned，andastheyskirtedSt。Ouenthechurchclockslowlytolledthehourofmidnight。
　　Butforthegreaterpartofthewayderelict，uncultivatedspacesofterrainsvagues，andafewisolatedhouseslaybetweentheroadandthefortificationsofthecity。Thedarknessofthenight，thelatehour，thesoughingofthewind，wereallinfavouroftheadventurers；andacoal-cartslowlytrudgingalonginthisneighbourhood，withtwolabourerssittinginit，wastheleastlikelyofanyvehicletoattractattention。
　　PastClichy，theyhadtocrosstheriverbythericketywoodenbridgethatwasunsafeeveninbroaddaylight。Theywerenotfarfromtheirdestinationnow。HalfadozenkilometresfurtherontheywouldbeleavingCourbevoieontheirleft，andthenthesign-postwouldcomeinsight。Afterthatthespinneyjustofftheroad，andthewelcomepresenceofTony，Hastings，andthehorses。Ffoulkesgotdowninordertomakesureoftheway。Hewalkedatthehorse'sheadnow，fearfullesthemissedthecross-roadsandthesign-post。
　　Thehorsewasgettingover-tired；ithadcoveredfifteenkilometres，anditwascloseonthreeo'clockofMondaymorning。
　　Anotherhourwentbyinabsolutesilence。FfoulkesandBlakeneytookturnsatthehorse'shead。Thenatlasttheyreachedthecross-roads；eventhroughthedarknessthesign-postshowedwhiteagainstthesurroundinggloom。
　　“Thislookslikeit，“murmuredSirAndrew。Heturnedthehorse'sheadsharplytowardstheleft，downanarrowerroad，andleavingthesign-postbehindhim。Hewalkedslowlyalongforanotherquarterofanhour，thenBlakeneycalledahalt。
　　“Thespinneymustbesharponourrightnow，“hesaid。
　　Hegotdownfromthecart，andwhileFfoulkesremainedbesidethehorse，heplungedintothegloom。Amomentlaterthecryoftheseamewrangoutthreetimesintotheair。Itwasansweredalmostimmediately。
　　Thespinneylayontherightoftheroad。SoonthesoftsoundsthattoatrainedearinvariablybetraythepresenceofanumberofhorsesreachedFfoulkes'strainingsenses。Hetookhisoldnagoutoftheshafts，andtheshabbyharnessfromoffher，thenheturnedheroutonthepieceofwastelandthatfacedthespinney。
　　Someonewouldfindherinthemorning，herandthecartwiththeshabbyharnesslaidinit，and，havingwonderedifallthesethingshadperchancedroppeddownfromheaven，wouldquietlyappropriatethem，andmayhapthankmuch-malignedheavenforitsgift。
　　Blakeneyinthemeanwhilehadliftedthesleepingchildoutofthecart。ThenhecalledtoSirAndrewandledthewayacrosstheroadandintothespinney。
　　FiveminuteslaterHastingsreceivedtheuncrownedKingofFranceinhisarms。
　　UnlikeFfoulkes，myLordTonywantedtohearallabouttheadventureofthisafternoon。Athoroughsportsman，helovedagoodstoryofhairbreadthescapes，ofdangerscleverlyavoided，riskstakenandconquered。
　　“Justintenwords，Blakeney，“heurgedentreatingly；“howdidyouactuallygettheboyaway？”
　　SirPercylaughed——despitehimself——attheyoungman'seagerness。
　　“Nexttimewemeet，Tony，“hebegged；“Iamsodemmedfatigued，andthere'sthisbeastlyrain——“
　　“No，no——now！whileHastingsseestothehorses。Icouldnotexistlongwithoutknowing，andwearewellshelteredfromtherainunderthistree。“
　　“Well，then，sinceyouwillhaveit，“hebeganwithalaugh，whichdespitethewearinessandanxietyofthepasttwenty-fourhourshadforceditselftohislips，“Ihavebeensweeperandman-of-all-workattheTempleforthepastfewweeks，youmustknow——“
　　“No！”ejaculatedmyLordTonylustily。“Bygum！”
　　“Indeed，youoldsybarite，whilstyouwereenjoyingyourselfheavingcoalonthecanalwharf，Iwasscrubbingfloors，lightingfires，anddoinganumberofoddjobsforalotofdemmedmurderingvillains，and“——headdedunderhisbreath——“
　　incidentally，too，forourleague。WheneverIhadanhourortwooffdutyIspenttheminmylodgings，andaskedyoualltocomeandmeetmethere。“
　　“ByGad，Blakeney！Thenthedaybeforeyesterday？——whenweallmet——“
　　“Ihadjusthadabath——sorelyneeded，Icantellyou。Ihadbeencleaningbootshalftheday，butIhadheardthattheSimonswereremovingfromtheTempleontheSunday，andhadobtainedanorderfromthemtohelpthemshifttheirfurniture。“
　　“Cleaningboots！”murmuredmyLordTonywithachuckle。“Well！
　　andthen？”
　　“Well，theneverythingworkedoutsplendidly。YouseebythattimeIwasawell-knownfigureintheTemple。Heronknewmewell。
　　Iusedtobehislanthorn-bearerwhenatnightshevisitedthatpoormiteinhisprison。Itwas'Dupont，here！Dupontthere！'
　　alldaylong。'Lightthefireintheoffice，Dupont！Dupont，brushmycoat！Dupont，fetchmealight！'WhentheSimonswantedtomovetheirhouseholdgoodstheycalledloudlyforDupont。I
　　gotacoveredlaundrycart，andIbroughtadummywithmetosubstituteforthechild。Simonhimselfknewnothingofthis，butMadamewasinmypay。Thedummywasjustsplendid，withrealhaironitshead；Madamehelpedmetosubstituteitforthechild；welaiditonthesofaandcovereditoverwitharug，evenwhilethosebrutesHeronandCocheferwereonthelandingoutside，andwestuffedHisMajestytheKingofFranceintoalinenbasket。
　　Theroomwasbadlylighted，andanyonewouldhavebeendeceived。
　　Noonewassuspiciousofthattypeoftrickery，soitwentoffsplendidly。ImovedthefurnitureoftheSimonsoutoftheTower。
　　HisMajestyKingLouisXVIIwasstillconcealedinthelinenbasket。IdrovetheSimonstotheirnewlodgings——themanstillsuspectsnothing——andthereIhelpedthemtounloadthefurniture——withtheexceptionofthelinenbasket，ofcourse。
　　AfterthatIdrovemylaundrycarttoahouseIknewofandcollectedanumberoflinenbaskets，whichIhadarrangedshouldbeinreadinessforme。ThusloadedupIleftParisbytheVincennesgate，anddroveasfarasBagnolet，wherethereisnoroadexceptpasttheoctroi，wheretheofficialsmighthaveprovedunpleasant。SoIliftedHisMajestyoutofthebasketandwewalkedonhandinhandinthedarknessandtherainuntilthepoorlittlefeetgaveout。Thenthelittlefellow——whohasbeenwonderfullypluckythroughout，indeed，moreaCapetthanaBourbon——snuggledupinmyarmsandwentfastasleep，and——and——well，Ithinkthat'sall，forhereweare，yousee。“
　　“ButifMadameSimonhadnotbeenamenabletobribery？”suggestedLordTonyafteramoment'ssilence。
　　“ThenIshouldhavehadtothinkofsomethingelse。“
　　“IfduringtheremovalofthefurnitureHeronhadremainedresolutelyintheroom？”
　　“Then，again，Ishouldhavehadtothinkofsomethingelse；butrememberthatinlifethereisalwaysonesuprememomentwhenChance——whoiscreditedtohavebutonehaironherhead——standsbyyouforabriefspaceoftime；sometimesthatspaceisinfinitesimal——oneminute，afewseconds——justthetimetoseizeChancebythatonehair。SoIprayyouallgivemenocreditinthisoranyothermatterinwhichweallworktogether，butthequicknessofseizingChancebythehairduringthebriefmomentwhenshestandsbymyside。IfMadameSimonhadbeenun-amenable，ifHeronhadremainedintheroomallthetime，ifCocheferhadhadtwolooksatthedummyinsteadofone——well，then，somethingelsewouldhavehelpedme，somethingwouldhaveoccurred；
　　something——Iknownotwhat——butsurelysomethingwhichChancemeanttobeonourside，ifonlywewerequickenoughtoseizeit——andsoyouseehowsimpleitallis。“
　　Sosimple，infact，thatitwassublime。Thedaring，thepluck，theingenuityand，aboveall，thesuper-humanheroismandendurancewhichrenderedthehearersofthissimplenarrative，simplytold，dumbwithadmiration。
　　Theirthoughtsnowwerebeyondverbalexpression。
　　“Howsoonwasthehueandcryforthechildaboutthestreets？”
　　askedTony，afteramoment'ssilence。
　　“ItwasnotoutwhenIleftthegatesofParis，“saidBlakeneymeditatively；“soquietlyhasthenewsoftheescapebeenkept，thatIamwonderingwhatdevilrythatbruteHeroncanbeafter。
　　Andnownomorechattering，“hecontinuedlightly；“alltohorse，andyou，Hastings，haveacare。ThedestiniesofFrance，mayhap，willbelyingasleepinyourarms。“
　　“Butyou，Blakeney？”exclaimedthethreemenalmostsimultaneously。
　　“Iamnotgoingwithyou。Ientrustthechildtoyou。ForGod'ssakeguardhimwell！RidewithhimtoMantes。Youshouldarrivethereataboutteno'clock。OneofyouthengostraighttoNo。9
　　RuelaTour。Ringthebell；anoldmanwillanswerit。Saytheonewordtohim，'Enfant'；hewillreply，'Deroi！'Givehimthechild，andmayHeavenblessyouallforthehelpyouhavegivenmethisnight！”
　　“Butyou，Blakeney？”reiteratedTonywithanoteofdeepanxietyinhisfreshyoungvoice。
　　“IamstraightforParis，“hesaidquietly。
　　“Impossible！”
　　“Thereforefeasible。“
　　“Butwhy？Percy，inthenameofHeaven，doyourealisewhatyouaredoing？”
　　“Perfectly。“
　　“They'llnotleaveastoneunturnedtofindyou——theyknowbynow，believeme，thatyourhanddidthistrick。“
　　“Iknowthat。“
　　“Andyetyoumeantogoback？”
　　“AndyetIamgoingback。“
　　“Blakeney！”
　　“It'snouse，Tony。ArmandisinParis。IsawhiminthecorridoroftheTempleprisoninthecompanyofChauvelin。“
　　“GreatGod！”exclaimedLordHastings。
　　Theothersweresilent。Whatwastheuseofarguing？Oneofthemselveswasindanger。ArmandSt。Just，thebrotherofMargueriteBlakeney！WasitlikelythatPercywouldleavehiminthelurch。
　　“Oneofuswillstaywithyou，ofcourse？”askedSirAndrewafterawhile。
　　“Yes！IwantHastingsandTonytotakethechildtoMantes，thentomakeallpossiblehasteforCalais，andtheretokeepinclosetouchwiththeDay-Dream；theskipperwillcontrivetoopencommunication。TellhimtoremaininCalaiswaters。IhopeImayhaveneedofhimsoon。
　　“Andnowtohorse，bothofyou，“headdedgaily。“Hastings，whenyouareready，Iwillhandupthechildtoyou。Hewillbequitesafeonthepillionwithastraproundhimandyou。“
　　Nothingmorewassaidafterthat。Theordersweregiven，therewasnothingtodobuttoobey；andtheuncrownedKingofFrancewasnotyetoutofdanger。HastingsandTonyledtwoofthehorsesoutofthespinney；attheroadsidetheymounted，andthenthelittleladforwhosesakesomuchheroism，suchselflessdevotionhadbeenexpended，washoistedup，stillhalfasleep，onthepillioninfrontofmyLordHastings。
　　“Keepyourarmroundhim，“admonishedBlakeney；“yourhorselooksquietenough。ButputonspeedasfarasMantes，andmayHeavenguardyouboth！”
　　Thetwomenpressedtheirheelstotheirhorses'flanks，thebeastssnortedandpawedthegroundanxioustostart。Therewereafewwhisperedfarewells，twoloyalhandswerestretchedoutatthelast，eagertograsptheleader'shand。
　　Thenhorsesandridersdisappearedintheutterdarknesswhichcomesbeforethedawn。
　　BlakeneyandFfoulkesstoodsidebysideinsilenceforaslongasthepawingofhoofsinthemudcouldreachtheirears，thenFfoulkesaskedabruptly：
　　“Whatdoyouwantmetodo，Blakeney？”
　　“Well，forthepresent，mydearfellow，Iwantyoutotakeoneofthethreehorseswehaveleftinthespinney，andputhimintotheshaftsofouroldfriendthecoal-cart；thenIamafraidthatyoumustgobackthewaywecame。“
　　“Yes？”
　　“ContinuetoheavecoalonthecanalwharfbyLaVillette；itisthebestwaytoavoidattention。Afteryourday'sworkkeepyourcartandhorseinreadinessagainstmyarrival，atthesamespotwhereyouwerelastnight。Ifafterhavingwaitedformelikethisforthreeconsecutivenightsyouneitherseenorhearanythingfromme，gobacktoEnglandandtellMargueritethatingivingmylifeforherbrotherIgaveitforher！”
　　“Blakeney——！”
　　“IspokedifferentlytowhatIusuallydo，isthatit？”heinterposed，placinghisfirmhandonhisfriend'sshoulder。“Iamdegenerating，Ffoulkes——that'swhatitis。Paynoheedtoit。I
　　supposethatcarryingthatsleepingchildinmyarmslastnightsoftenedsomenervesinmybody。Iwassoinfinitelysorryforthepoormite，andvaguelywonderedifIhadnotsaveditfromonemiseryonlytoplungeitinanother。Therewassuchafatefullookonthatwanlittleface，asifdestinyhadalreadywrititsvetothereagainsthappiness。Itcameonmethenhowfutilewereouractions，ifGodchoosestointerposeHiswillbetweenusandourdesires。“
　　Almostasheleftoffspeakingtherainceasedtopatterdownagainstthepuddlesintheroad。Overheadthecloudsflewbyatterrificspeed，drivenalongbytheblusteringwind。Itwaslessdarknow，andSirAndrew，peeringthroughthegloom，couldseehisleader'sface。Itwassingularlypaleandhard，andthedeep-setlazyeyeshadinthemjustthatfatefullookwhichhehimselfhadspokenofjustnow。
　　“YouareanxiousaboutArmand，Percy？”askedFfoulkessoftly。
　　“Yes。Heshouldhavetrustedme，asIhadtrustedhim。HemissedmeattheVillettegateonFriday，andwithoutathoughtleftme——leftusallinthelurch；hethrewhimselfintothelion'sjaws，thinkingthathecouldhelpthegirlheloved。IknewthatIcouldsaveher。Sheisincomparativesafetyevennow。Theoldwoman，MadameBelhomme，hadbeenfreelyreleasedthedayafterherarrest，butJeanneLangeisstillinthehouseintheRuedeCharonne。Youknowit，Ffoulkes。Igotherthereearlythismorning。Itwaseasyforme，ofcourse：'Hola，Dupont！myboots，Dupont！''Onemoment，citizen，mydaughter——''Cursethydaughter，bringmemyboots！'andJeanneLangewalkedoutoftheTempleprisonherhandinthatofthatloutDupont。“
　　“ButArmanddoesnotknowthatsheisintheRuedeCharonne？”
　　“No。IhavenotseenhimsincethatearlymorningonSaturdaywhenhecametotellmethatshehadbeenarrested。Havingswornthathewouldobeyme，hewenttomeetyouandTonyatLaVillette，butreturnedtoParisafewhourslater，anddrewtheundividedattentionofallthecommitteesonJeanneLangebyhissenseless，foolishinquiries。ButforhisactionthroughoutthewholeofyesterdayIcouldhavesmuggledJeanneoutofParis，gothertojoinyouatVillette，orHastingsinSt。Germain。Butthebarrierswerebeingcloselywatchedforher，andIhadtheDauphintothinkof。Sheisincomparativesafety；thepeopleintheRuedeCharonnearefriendlyforthemoment；butforhowlong？Whoknows？Imustlookafterherofcourse。AndArmand！PooroldArmand！Thelion'sjawshavesnappedoverhim，andtheyholdhimtight。Chauvelinandhisgangareusinghimasadecoytotrapme，ofcourse。AllthathadnothappenedifArmandhadtrustedme。“
　　Hesighedaquicksighofimpatience，almostofregret。Ffoulkeswastheonemanwhocouldguessthebitterdisappointmentthatthishadmeant。PercyhadlongedtobebackinEnglandsoon，backtoMarguerite，toafewdaysofunalloyedhappinessandafewdaysofpeace。
　　NowArmand'sactionshadretardedallthat；theywereadeliberatebartothefutureasithadbeenmappedoutbyamanwhoforesaweverything，whowaspreparedforeveryeventuality。
　　Inthiscase，too，hehadbeenprepared，butnotforthewantoftrustwhichhadbroughtondisobedienceakintodisloyalty。ThatabsolutelyunforeseeneventualityhadchangedBlakeney'susualirresponsiblegaietyintoaconsciousnessoftheinevitable，oftheinexorabledecreesofFate。
　　Withananxioussigh，SirAndrewturnedawayfromhischiefandwenthacktothespinneytoselectforhisownpurposeoneofthethreehorseswhichHastingsandTonyhadunavoidablyleftbehind。
　　“Andyou，Blakeney——howwillyougobacktothatawfulParis？”hesaid，whenhehadmadehischoiceandwasoncemorebackbesidePercy。
　　“Idon'tknowyet，“repliedBlakeney，“butitwouldnotbesafetoride。I'llreachoneofthegatesonthissideofthecityandcontrivetoslipinsomehow。IhaveacertificateofsafetyinmypocketincaseIneedit。
　　“We'llleavethehorseshere，“hesaidpresently，whilsthewashelpingSirAndrewtoputthehorseintheshaftsofthecoal-cart；“theycannotcometomuchharm。Somepoordevilmightstealthem，inordertoescapefromthosevilebrutesinthecity。
　　Ifso，Godspeedhim，sayI。I'llcompensatemyfriendthefarmerofSt。Germainfortheirlossatanearlyopportunity。Andnow，good-bye，mydearfellow！Sometimeto-night，ifpossible，youshallheardirectnewsofme——ifnot，thento-morroworthedayafterthat。Good-bye，andHeavenguardyou！”
　　“Godguardyou，Blakeney！”saidSirAndrewfervently。
　　Hejumpedintothecartandgatheredupthereins。Hisheartwasheavyaslead，andastrangemisthadgatheredinhiseyes，blurringthelastdimvisionwhichhehadofhischiefstandingallaloneinthegloom，hisbroad，magnificentfigurelookingalmostweirdlyerectanddefiant，hisheadthrownback，andhiskind，lazyeyeswatchingthefinaldepartureofhismostfaithfulcomradeandfriend。
　　CHAPTERXXII
　　OFTHATTHERECOULDBENOQUESTION
　　Blakeneyhadmorethanonepied-a-terreinParis，andneverstayedlongerthantwoorthreedaysinanyofthese。Itwasnotdifficultforasingleman，behelabourerorbourgeois，toobtainanight'slodging，eveninthesemosttroubloustimes，andinanyquarterofParis，providedtherent——outofallproportiontothecomfortandaccommodationgiven——waspaidungrudginglyandinadvance。
　　Emigrationand，aboveall，theenormousdeath-rollofthepasteighteenmonths，hademptiedtheapartmenthousesofthegreatcity，andthosewhohadroomstoletwereonlytoogladofalodger，alwaysprovidingtheywerenotindangerofbeingworriedbythecommitteesoftheirsection。
　　Thelawsframedbythesesamecommitteesnowdemandedthatallkeepersoflodgingorapartmenthousesshouldwithintwenty-fourhoursgivenoticeatthebureauoftheirindividualsectionsoftheadventofnewlodgers，togetherwithadescriptionofthepersonalappearanceofsuchlodgers，andanindicationoftheirpresumedcivilstatusandoccupation。Buttherewasamarginoftwenty-fourhours，whichcouldonpressurebeextendedtoforty-eight，and，therefore，anyonecouldobtainshelterforforty-eighthours，andhavenoquestionsasked，providedheorshewaswillingtopaytheexorbitantsumusuallyaskedunderthecircumstances。
　　ThusBlakeneyhadnodifficultyinsecuringwhatlodgingshewantedwhenheoncemorefoundhimselfinsideParisatsomewhereaboutnoonofthatsameMonday。
　　ThethoughtofHastingsandTonyspeedingontowardsManteswiththeroyalchildsafelyheldinHastings'armshadkepthisspiritsbuoyantandcausedhimforawhiletoforgettheterribleperilinwhichArmandSt。Just'sthoughtlessegoismhadplacedthemboth。
　　Blakeneywasamanofabnormalphysiqueandironnerve，elsehecouldneverhaveenduredthefatiguesofthepasttwenty-fourhours，fromthemomentwhenontheSundayafternoonhebegantoplayhispartoffurniture-removerattheTemple，tothatwhenatlastonMondayatnoonhesucceededinpersuadingthesergeantattheMaillotgatethathewasanhoneststonemasonresidingatNeuilly，whowascometoParisinsearchofwork。
　　Afterthatmattersbecamemoresimple。Terriblyfoot-sore，thoughhewouldneverhaveadmittedit，hungryandweary，heturnedintoanunpretentiouseating-houseandorderedsomedinner。Theplacewhenheenteredwasoccupiedmostlybylabourersandworkmen，dressedverymuchashewashimself，andquiteasgrimyashehadbecomeafterhavingdrivenaboutforhoursinalaundry-cartandinacoal-cart，andhavingwalkedtwelvekilometres，someofwhichhehadcoveredwhilstcarryingasleepingchildinhisarms。
　　Thus，SirPercyBlakeney，Bart。，thefriendandcompanionofthePrinceofWales，themostfastidiousfopthesalonsofLondonandBathhadeverseen，wasinnowaydistinguishableoutwardlyfromthetattered，half-starved，dirty，andout-at-elbowsproductsofthisfraternisingandequalisingRepublic。
　　Hewassohungrythattheill-cooked，badly-servedmealtemptedhimtoeat；andheateoninsilence，seeminglymoreinterestedinboiledbeefthanintheconversationthatwentonaroundhim。Buthewouldnothavebeenthekeenanddaringadventurerthathewasifhedidnotallthewhilekeephisearsopenforanyfragmentofnewsthatthedesultorytalkofhisfellow-dinerswaslikelytoyieldtohim。
　　Politicswere，ofcourse，discussed；thetyrannyofthesections，theslaverythatthisfreeRepublichadbroughtonitscitizens。
　　ThenamesofthechiefpersonagesofthedaywereallmentionedinturnsFocquier-Tinville，Santerre，Danton，Robespierre。Heronandhissleuth-houndswerespokenofwithexecrationsquicklysuppressed，butoflittleCapetnotoneword。
　　BlakeneycouldnothelpbutinferthatChauvelin，Heronandthecommissariesinchargewerekeepingtheescapeofthechildasecretforaslongastheycould。
　　HecouldhearnothingofArmand'sfate，ofcourse。Thearrest——ifarresttherehadbeen——wasnotliketobebruitedabroadjustnow。
　　BlakeneyhavinglastseenArmandinChauvelin'scompany，whilsthehimselfwasmovingtheSimons'furniture，couldnotforamomentdoubtthattheyoungmanwasimprisoned，——unless，indeed，hewasbeingallowedacertainmeasureoffreedom，whilsthiseverystepwasbeingspiedon，sothathemightactasadecoyforhischief。
　　AtthoughtofthatallwearinessseemedtovanishfromBlakeney'spowerfulframe。Hesethislipsfirmlytogether，andonceagainthelightofirresponsiblegaietydancedinhiseyes。
　　Hehadbeeninastightacornerasthisbeforenow；atBoulognehisbeautifulMargueritehadbeenusedasadecoy，andtwenty-fourhourslaterhehadheldherinhisarmsonboardhisyachttheDay-Dream。Ashewouldhaveputitinhisownforciblelanguage：
　　“Thosed——dmurderershavenotgotmeyet。“
　　Thebattlemayhapwouldthistimebeagainstgreateroddsthanbefore，butBlakeneyhadnofearthattheywouldproveoverwhelming。
　　Therewasinlifebutoneoddthatwasoverwhelming，andthatwastreachery。
　　Butofthattherecouldbenoquestion。
　　IntheafternoonBlakeneystartedoffinsearchoflodgingsforthenight。HefoundwhatwouldsuithimintheRuedel'Arcade，whichwasequallyfarfromtheHouseofJusticeasitwasfromhisformerlodgings。Herehewouldbesafeforatleasttwenty-fourhours，afterwhichhemighthavetoshiftagain。Butforthemomentthelandlordofthemiserableapartmentwasover-willingtomakenofussandasknoquestions，forthesakeofthemoneywhichthisaristoindisguisedispensedwithalavishhand。
　　Havingtakenpossessionofhisnewquartersandsnatchedafewhoursofsound，well-deservedrest，untilthetimewhentheshadesofeveningandthedarknessofthestreetswouldmakeprogressthroughthecitysomewhatmoresafe，Blakeneysalliedforthataboutsixo'clockhavingathreefoldobjectinview。
　　Primarily，ofcourse，thethreefoldobjectwasconcentratedonArmand。Therewasthepossibilityoffindingoutattheyoungman'slodgingsinMontmartrewhathadbecomeofhim；thenthereweretheusualinquiriesthatcouldbemadefromtheregistersofthevariousprisons；and，thirdly，therewasthechancethatArmandhadsucceededinsendingsomekindofmessagetoBlakeney'sformerlodgingsintheRueSt。Germainl'Auxerrois。
　　Onthewhole，SirPercydecidedtoleavetheprisonregistersaloneforthepresent。IfArmandhadbeenactuallyarrested，hewouldalmostcertainlybeconfinedintheChateletprison，wherehewouldbeclosertohandforalltheinterrogatoriestowhich，nodoubt，hewouldbesubjected。
　　Blakeneysethisteethandmurmuredagood，sound，Britishoathwhenhethoughtofthoseinterrogatories。ArmandSt。Just，highlystrung，adreamerandabundleofnerves——howhewouldsufferunderthementalrackofquestionsandcross-questions，cleverly-laidtrapstocatchinformationfromhimunawares！
　　Hisnextobjective，then，wasArmand'sformerlodging，andfromsixo'clockuntilcloseuponeightSirPercyhauntedtheslopesofMontmartre，andmoreespeciallytheneighbourhoodoftheRuedelaCroixBlanche，whereArmandhadlodgedtheseformerdays。Atthehouseitselfhecouldnotinquireasyet；obviouslyitwouldnothavebeensafe；tomorrow，perhaps，whenheknewmore，butnottonight。Hiskeeneyeshadalreadyspiedatleasttwofiguresclothedintheragsofout-of-worklabourerslikehimself，whohadhungwithsuspiciouspersistenceinthissameneighbourhood，andwhoduringthetwohoursthathehadbeeninobservationhadneverstrayedoutofsightofthehouseintheRuedelaCroixBlanche。
　　Thattheseweretwospiesonthewatchwas，ofcourse，obvious；
　　butwhethertheywereonthewatchforSt。Justorforsomeotherunfortunatewretchitwasatthisstageimpossibletoconjecture。
　　Then，asfromtheTourdesDamesclosebytheclocksolemnlystruckthehourofeight，andBlakeneypreparedtowendhiswaybacktoanotherpartofthecity，hesuddenlysawArmandwalkingslowlyupthestreet。
　　Theyoungmandidnotlookeithertorightorleft；heheldhisheadforwardonhischest，andhishandswerehiddenunderneathhiscloak。WhenhepassedimmediatelyunderoneofthestreetlampsBlakeneycaughtsightofhisface；itwaspaleanddrawn。
　　Thenheturnedhishead，andforthespaceoftwosecondshiseyesacrossthenarrowstreetencounteredthoseofhischief。Hehadthepresenceofmindnottomakeasignortoutterasound；hewasobviouslybeingfollowed，butinthatbriefmomentSirPercyhadseenintheyoungman'seyesalookthatremindedhimofahuntedcreature。
　　“Whathavethosebrutesbeenuptowithhim，Iwonder？”hemutteredbetweenclenchedteeth。
　　Armandsoondisappearedunderthedoorwayofthesamehousewherehehadbeenlodgingallalong。EvenashedidsoBlakeneysawthetwospiesgathertogetherlikeapairofslimylizards，andwhisperexcitedlyonetoanother。Athirdman，whoobviouslyhadbeendoggingArmand'sfootsteps，cameupandjoinedthemafterawhile。
　　Blakeneycouldhaveswornloudlyandlustily，haditbeenpossibletodosowithoutattractingattention。ThewholeofArmand'shistoryinthepasttwenty-fourhourswasperfectlycleartohim。
　　Theyoungmanhadbeenmadefreethathemightproveadecoyformoreimportantgame。
　　Hiseverystepwasbeingwatched，andhestillthoughtJeanneLangeinimmediatedangerofdeath。Thelookofdespairinhisfaceproclaimedthesetwofacts，andBlakeney'sheartachedforthementaltorturewhichhisfriendwasenduring。HelongedtoletArmandknowthatthewomanhelovedwasincomparativesafety。
　　JeanneLangefirst，andthenArmandhimself；andtheoddswouldbeveryheavyagainsttheScarletPimpernel！ButthatMargueriteshouldnothavetomournanonlybrother，ofthatSirPercymadeoath。
　　HenowturnedhisstepstowardshisownformerlodgingsbySt。
　　Germainl'Auxerrois。ItwasjustpossiblethatArmandhadsucceededinleavingamessagethereforhim。Itwas，ofcourse，equallypossiblethatwhenhedidsoHeron'smenhadwatchedhismovements，andthatspieswouldbestationedthere，too，onthewatch。
　　Butthatriskmust，ofcourse，berun。Blakeney'sformerlodgingwastheoneplacethatArmandwouldknowoftowhichhecouldsendamessagetohischief，ifhewantedtodoso。Ofcourse，theunfortunateyoungmancouldnothaveknownuntiljustnowthatPercywouldcomebacktoParis，buthemightguessit，orwishit，oronlyvaguelyhopeforit；hemightwanttosendamessage，hemightlongtocommunicatewithhisbrother-in-law，and，perhaps，feelsurethatthelatterwouldnotleavehiminthelurch。
　　Withthatthoughtinhismind，SirPercywasnotlikelytogiveuptheattempttoascertainforhimselfwhetherArmandhadtriedtocommunicatewithhimornot。Asforspies——well，hehaddodgedsomeofthemoftenenoughinhistime——therisksthatheranto-nightwerenoworsethantheonestowhichhehadsosuccessfullyruncounterintheTempleyesterday。
　　Stillkeepinguptheslouchygaitpeculiartotheout-at-elbowsworkingmanoftheday，huggingthehousesashewalkedalongthestreets，Blakeneymadeslowprogressacrossthecity。ButatlasthereachedthefacadeofSt。Germainl'Auxerrois，andturningsharplytohisrighthesooncameinsightofthehousewhichhehadonlyquittedtwenty-fourhoursago。
　　Weallknowthathouse——allofuswhoarefamiliarwiththeParisofthoseterribledays。Itstandsquitedetached——avastquadrangle，facingtheQuaidel'Ecoleandtheriver，backingontheRueSt。Germainl'Auxerrois，andshoulderingtheCarrefourdesTroisManes。Theporte-cochere，so-called，isbutanarrowdoorway，andisactuallysituatedintheRueSt。Germainl'Auxerrois。
　　Blakeneymadehiswaycautiouslyrightroundthehouse；hepeeredupanddownthequay，andhiskeeneyestriedtopiercethedensegloomthathungatthecornersofthePontNeufimmediatelyOpposite。Soonheassuredhimselfthatforthepresent，atanyrate，thehousewasnotbeingwatched。
　　Armandpresumablyhadnotyetleftamessageforhimhere；buthemightdosoatanytimenowthatheknewthathischiefwasinParisandonthelook-outforhim。
　　Blakeneymadeuphismindtokeepthishouseinsight。Thisartofwatchinghehadacquiredtoamasterlyextent，andcouldhavetaughtHeron'swatch-dogsaremarkablelessoninit。Atnight，ofcourse，itwasacomparativelyeasytask。Therewereagoodmanyunlighteddoorwaysalongthequay，whilstastreetlampwasfixedonabracketinthewalloftheveryhousewhichhekeptinobservation。
　　Findingtemporaryshelterundervariousdoorways，oragainstthedankwallsofthehouses，Blakeneysethimselfresolutelytoafewhours'wearywaiting。Athin，drizzlyrainfellwithunpleasantpersistence，likeadampmist，andthethinblousewhichheworesoonbecamewetthroughandclunghardandchillytohisshoulders。
　　Itwascloseonmidnightwhenatlasthethoughtitbesttogiveuphiswatchandtogobacktohislodgingsforafewhours'
　　sleep；butatseveno'clockthenextmorninghewasbackagainathispost。
　　Theporte-cochereofhisformerlodging-housewasnotyetopen；hetookuphisstandclosebesideit。Hiswoollencappulledwelloverhisforehead，thegrimecleverlyplasteredonhishairandface，hislowerjawthrustforward，hiseyeslookinglifelessandbleary，allgavehimanexpressionofslyvillainy，whilsttheshortclaypipestruckatasharpangleinhismouth，hishandsthrustintothepocketsofhisraggedbreeches，andhisbarefeetinthemudoftheroad，gavethefinaltouchtohisrepresentationofanout-of-work，ill-conditioned，andsupremelydiscontentedloafer。
　　Hehadnotverylongtowait。Soontheporte-cochereofthehousewasopened，andtheconciergecameoutwithhisbroom，makingashowofcleaningthepavementinfrontofthedoor。Fiveminuteslateralad，whoseclothesconsistedentirelyofrags，andwhosefeetandheadwerebare，camerapidlyupthestreetfromthequay，andwalkedalonglookingatthehousesashewent，asiftryingtodeciphertheirnumber。Thecoldgreydawnwasjustbreaking，drearyanddamp，asallthepastdayshadbeen。Blakeneywatchedtheladasheapproached，thesmall，nakedfeetfallingnoiselesslyonthecobblestonesoftheroad。Whentheboywasquiteclosetohimandtothehouse，Blakeneyshiftedhispositionandtookthepipeoutofhismouth。
　　“Upearly，myson！”hesaidgruffly。
　　“Yes，“saidthepale-facedlittlecreature；“IhaveamessagetodeliveratNo。9RueSt。Germainl'Auxerrois。Itmustbesomewherenearhere。“
　　“Itis。Youcangivemethemessage。“
　　“Oh，no，citizen！”saidthelad，intowhosepale，circledeyesalookofterrorhadquicklyappeared。“ItisforoneofthelodgersinNo。9。Imustgiveittohim。“
　　Withaninstinctwhichhesomehowfeltcouldnoterratthismoment，BlakeneyknewthatthemessagewasonefromArmandtohimself；awrittenmessage，too，since——instinctivelywhenhespoke——theboyclutchedathisthinshirt，asiftryingtoguardsomethingpreciousthathadbeenentrustedtohim。
　　“Iwilldeliverthemessagemyself，sonny，“saidBlakeneygruffly。
　　“Iknowthecitizenforwhomitisintended。Hewouldnotliketheconciergetoseeit。“
　　“Oh！Iwouldnotgiveittotheconcierge，“saidtheboy。“I
　　wouldtakeitupstairsmyself。“
　　“Myson，“retortedBlakeney，“letmetellyouthis。YouaregoingtogivethatmessageuptomeandIwillputfivewholelivresintoyourhand。“
　　Blakeney，withallhissympathyarousedforthispoorpale-facedlad，putontheairsofaruffianlybully。Hedidnotwishthatmessagetobetakenindoorsbythelad，fortheconciergemightgetholdofit，despitetheboy'sprotestsandtears，andafterthatBlakeneywouldperforcehavetodisclosehimselfbeforeitwouldbegivenuptohim。Duringthepastweektheconciergehadbeenveryamenabletobribery。Whateversuspicionshehadhadabouthislodgerhehadkepttohimselfforthesakeofthemoneywhichhereceived；butitwasimpossibletogaugeanyman'strendofthoughtthesedaysfromonehourtothenext。Something——foraughtBlakeneyknew——mighthaveoccurredinthepasttwenty-fourhourstochangeanamiableandaccommodatinglodging-housekeeperintoasurlyordangerousspy。
　　Fortunately，theconciergehadoncemoregonewithin；therewasnooneabroad，andiftherewere，nooneprobablywouldtakeanynoticeofaburlyruffianbrow-beatingachild。
　　“Allons！”hesaidgruffly，“givemetheletter，orthatfivelivresgoesbackintomypocket。“
　　“Fivelivres！”exclaimedthechildwithpatheticeagerness。“Oh，citizen！”
　　Thethinlittlehandfumbledundertherags，butitreappearedagainempty，whilstafaintblushspreadoverthehollowcheeks。
　　“Theothercitizenalsogavemefivelivres，“hesaidhumbly。“Helodgesinthehousewheremymotherisconcierge。ItisintheRuedelaCroixBlanche。Hehasbeenverykindtomymother。I
　　wouldratherdoashebademe。“
　　“Blessthelad，“murmuredBlakeneyunderhisbreath；“hisloyaltyredeemsmanyacrimeofthisGod-forsakencity。NowIsupposeI
　　shallhavetobullyhim，afterall。“
　　Hetookhishandoutofhisbreechespocket；betweentwoverydirtyfingersheheldapieceofgold。Theotherhandheplacedquiteroughlyonthelad'schest。
　　“Givemetheletter，“hesaidharshly，“or——“
　　Hepulledattheraggedblouse，andascrapofsoiledpapersoonfellintohishand。Theladbegantocry。
　　“Here，“saidBlakeney，thrustingthepieceofgoldintothethinsmallpalm，“takethishometoyourmother，andtellyourlodgerthatabig，roughmantooktheletterawayfromyoubyforce。Nowrun，beforeIkickyououtoftheway。“
　　Thelad，terrifiedoutofhispoorwits，didnotwaitforfurthercommands；hetooktohisheelsandran，hissmallhandclutchingthepieceofgold。Soonhehaddisappearedroundthecornerofthestreet。
　　Blakeneydidnotatoncereadthepaper；hethrustitquicklyintohisbreechespocketandslouchedawayslowlydownthestreet，andthenceacrossthePlaceduCarrousel，inthedirectionofhisnewlodgingsintheRuedel'Arcade。
　　Itwasonlywhenhefoundhimselfaloneinthenarrow，squalidroomwhichhewasoccupyingthathetookthescrapofpaperfromhispocketandreaditslowlythrough。Itsaid：
　　Percy，youcannotforgiveme，norcanIeverforgivemyself，butifyouonlyknewwhatIhavesufferedforthepasttwodaysyouwould，Ithink，tryandforgive。Iamfreeandyetaprisoner；myeveryfootstepisdogged。WhattheyultimatelymeantodowithmeIdonotknow。AndwhenIthinkofJeanneIlongforthepowertoendmineownmiserableexistence。Percy！sheisstillinthehandsofthosefiends……Isawtheprisonregister；hernamewrittentherehasbeenlikeaburningbrandonmyhearteversince。ShewasstillinprisonthedaythatyouleftParis；
　　to-morrow，to-nightmayhap，theywilltryher，condemnher，tortureher，andIdarenotgotoseeyou，forIwouldonlybebringingspiestoyourdoor。Butwillyoucometome，Percy？Itshouldbesafeinthehoursofthenight，andtheconciergeisdevotedtome。To-nightatteno'clockshewillleavetheporte-cochereunlatched。Ifyoufinditso，andifontheledgeofthewindowimmediatelyonyourleftasyouenteryoufindacandlealight，andbesideitascrapofpaperwithyourinitialsS。P。
　　tracedonit，thenitwillbequitesafeforyoutocomeuptomyroom。Itisonthesecondlanding——adooronyourright——thattooIwillleaveonthelatch。Butinthenameofthewomanyoulovebestinalltheworldcomeatoncetomethen，andhearinmind，Percy，thatthewomanIloveisthreatenedwithimmediatedeath，andthatIampowerlesstosaveher。Indeed，believeme，IwouldgladlydieevennowhutforthethoughtofJeanne，whomIshouldbeleavinginthehandsofthosefiends。ForGod'ssake，Percy，rememberthatJeanneisalltheworldtome。
　　“PooroldArmand，“murmuredBlakeneywithakindlysmiledirectedattheabsentfriend，“hewon'ttrustmeevennow。Hewon'ttrusthisJeanneinmyhands。Well，“headdedafterawhile，“afterall，IwouldnotentrustMargueritetoanybodyelseeither。“
　　CHAPTERXXIII
　　THEOVERWHELMINGODDS
　　Athalf-pasttenthatsameevening，Blakeney，stillcladinaworkman'statteredclothes，hisfeetBaresothathecouldtreadthestreetsunheard，turnedintotheRuedelaCroixBlanche。
　　Theporte-cochereofthehousewhereArmandlodgedhadbeenleftonthelatch；notasoulwasinsight。Peeringcautiouslyround，heslippedintothehouse。Ontheledgeofthewindow，immediatelyonhisleftwhenheentered，acandlewasleftburning，andbesideittherewasascrapofpaperwiththeinitialsS。P。roughlytracedinpencil。Noonechallengedhimashenoiselesslyglidedpastit，andupthenarrowstairsthatledtotheupperfloor。Here，too，onthesecondlandingthedoorontherighthadbeenleftonthelatch。Hepusheditopenandentered。
　　AsisusualeveninthemeanestlodgingsinParishouses，asmallantechambergavebetweenthefrontdoorandthemainroom。WhenPercyenteredtheantechamberwasunlighted，butthedoorintotheinnerroombeyondwasajar。Blakeneyapproacheditwithnoiselesstread，andgentlypusheditopen。
　　Thatveryinstantheknewthatthegamewasup；heheardthefootstepsclosingupbehindhim，sawArmand，deathlypale，leaningagainstthewallintheroominfrontofhim，andChauvelinandHeronstandingguardoverhim。
　　Thenextmomenttheroomandtheantechamberwereliterallyalivewithsoldiers——twentyofthemtoarrestoneman。
　　Itwascharacteristicofthatmanthatwhenhandswerelaidonhimfromeverysidehethrewbackhisheadandlaughed——laughedmirthfully，light-heartedly，andthefirstwordsthatescapedhislipswere：
　　“Well，Iamd——d！”
　　“Theoddsareagainstyou，SirPercy，“saidChauvelintohiminEnglish，whilstHeronatthefurtherendoftheroomwasgrowlinglikeacontentedbeast。
　　“BytheLord，sir，“saidPercywithperfectsang-froid，“Idobelievethatforthemomenttheyare。“
　　“Havedone，mymen——havedone！”headded，turninggood-humouredlytothesoldiersroundhim。“Ineverfightagainstoverwhelmingodds。Twentytoone，eh？Icouldlayfourofyououteasilyenough，perhapsevensix，butwhatthen？”
　　Butakindofsavagelustseemedtohaverenderedthesementemporarilymad，andtheywerebeingeggedonbyHeron。ThemysteriousEnglishman，aboutwhomsomanyeerietalesweretold！
　　Well，hehadsupernaturalpowers，andtwentytoonemightbenothingtohimifthedevilwasonhisside。Thereforeablowonhisforearmwiththebutt-endofabayonetwasusefulfordisablinghisrighthand，andsoontheleftarmwithadislocatedshoulderhunglimpbyhisside。Thenhewasboundwithcords。
　　Theveinofluckhadgivenout。Thegamblerhadstakedmorethanusualandhadlost；butheknewhowtolose，justashehadalwaysknownhowtowin。
　　“Thosed——dbrutesaretrussingmelikeafowl，“hemurmuredwithirrepressiblegaietyatthelast。
　　Thenthewrenchonhisbruisedarmsastheywerepulledroughlybackbythecordscausedtheveilofunconsciousnesstogatheroverhiseyes。
　　“AndJeannewassafe，Armand，“heshoutedwithalastdesperateeffort；“thosedevilshaveliedtoyouandtrickedyouintothis……Sinceyesterdaysheisoutofprison……inthehouse……youknow……“
　　Afterthathelostconsciousness。
　　AndthisoccurredonTuesday，January21st，intheyear1794，or，inaccordancewiththenewcalendar，onthe2ndPluviose，yearII
　　oftheRepublic。
　　ItischronicledintheMoniteurofthe3rdPluviosethat，“onthepreviousevening，athalf-pasttenoftheclock，theEnglishmanknownastheScarletPimpernel，whoforthreeyearshasconspiredagainstthesafetyoftheRepublic，wasarrestedthroughthepatrioticexertionsofcitizenChauvelin，andconveyedtotheConciergerie，wherehenowlies——sick，butcloselyguarded。LonglivetheRepublic！”