Ononehandthehillrosesteeply，ontheotheritfellawaytothestream。Onneithersidewasclosewood，ormydifficultieshadbeenimmenselyincreased；butscatteredoaktreesstoodhereandthereamongthebracken。Thishelpedme，andpresently，ontheupperside，Icameuponthedensesubstanceofthestackloomingblackagainstthelighterhill。
Myheartbeatfast，butitwasnotimeforthought。Biddingthemaninawhispertofollowmeandbereadytobackmeup，I
climbedthebanksoftly，and，withapistolinmyhand，feltmywaytotherearofthestack，thinkingtofindahutthere，setagainstthefern，andM。Cocheforetinit。ButIfoundnohut。
Therewasnone；and，moreover，itwassodarknowwewereofftheroad，thatitcameuponmesuddenly，asIstoodbetweenthehillandthestack，thatIhadundertakenaverydifficultthing。Thehutbehindthefernstack。Buthowfarbehind？howfarfromit？
Thedarkslopestretchedaboveus，infinite，immeasurableshroudedinnight。Tobegintoclimbitinsearchofatinyhut，possiblywellhiddenandhardtofindindaylight，seemedanendeavourashopelessastomeetwiththeneedleinthehay！AndnowwhileIstood，chilledanddoubting，almostdespairing，thestepsofthetroopintheroadbegantogrowaudible，begantocomenearer。
'Well，MonsieurleCapitaine？'themanbesidememuttered——inwonderwhyIstood。'Whichway？ortheywillbebeforeusyet。'
Itriedtothink，toreasonitout；toconsiderwherethehutshouldbe；whilethewindsighedthroughtheoaks，andhereandthereIcouldhearanacornfall。Butthethingpressedtoocloseonme；mythoughtswouldnotbehurried，andatlastIsaidataventure，——
'Upthehill。Straightupfromthestack。'
Hedidnotdemur，andweplungedattheascent，knee-deepinbrackenandfurze，sweatingateveryporewithourexertions，andhearingthetroopcomeeverymomentnearerontheroadbelow。
Doubtlesstheyknewexactlywhithertogo！Forcedtostopandtakebreathwhenwehadscrambledupfiftyyardsorso，Isawtheirlanthornsshininglikemovingglow-worms；Icouldevenheartheclinkofsteel。ForallIcouldtell，thehutmightbedownthere，andwebemovingfromit。Butitwastoolatetogobacknow——theywereclosetothefern-stack；andindespairIturnedtothehillagain。AdozenstepsandIstumbled。Iroseandplungedonagain；againstumbled。ThenIfoundthatIwastreadinglevelearth。And——wasitwaterIsawbeforeme，belowme？orsomemirageofthesky？
Neither；andIgrippedmyfellow'sarm，ashecameabreastofme，andstoppedhimsharply。Belowusinthemiddleofasteephollow，apitinthehill-side，alightshoneoutthroughsomeapertureandquiveredonthemist，likethepalelampofamoorlandhobgoblin。Itmadeitselfvisible，displayingnothingelse；awispoflightinthebottomofablackbowl。Yetmyspiritsrosewithagreatboundatsightofit；forIknewthatI
hadstumbledontheplaceIsought。
InthecommonrunofthingsIshouldhaveweighedmynextstepcarefully，andgoneaboutitslowly。Butherewasnoplaceforthought，norroomfordelay；andIsliddownthesideofthehollowontheinstant，andthemomentmyfeettouchedthebottomsprangtothedoorofthelittlehut，whencethelightissued。A
stoneturnedundermyfeetinmyrush，andIfellonmykneesonthethreshold；butthefallonlybroughtmyfacetoalevelwiththefaceofthemanwholayinsideonabedoffern。Hehadbeenreading。StartledbythesoundImade，hedroppedhisbook，andinaflashstretchedouthishandforaweapon。Butthemuzzleofmypistolcoveredhim，hewasnotinaposturefromwhichhecouldspring，andatasharpwordfrommehedroppedhishand；
thetigerishglarewhichflickeredforaninstantinhiseyesgaveplacetoalanguidsmile，andheshruggedhisshoulders。
'EHBIEN！，'hesaidwithmarvellouscomposure。'Takenatlast！
Well，Iwastiredofit。'
'Youaremyprisoner，M。deCocheforet，'Ianswered。'MoveahandandIkillyou。Butyouhavestillachoice。'
'Truly？'hesaid，raisinghiseyebrows。
'Yes。MyordersaretotakeyoutoParisaliveordead。Givemeyourparolethatyouwillmakenoattempttoescape，andyoushallgothitheratyoureaseandasagentleman。Refuse，andI
shalldisarmandbindyou，andyougoasaprisoner。'
'Whatforcehaveyou？'heaskedcurtly。Hestilllayonhiselbow，hiscloakcoveringhim，thelittleMarotinwhichhehadbeenreadingclosetohishand。Buthisquickblackeyes，whichlookedthekeenerforthepallorandthinnessofhisface，rovedceaselesslyoverme，probedthedarknessbehindme，tooknoteofeverything。
'Enoughtocompelyou，Monsieur，'Irepliedsternly；'butthatisnotall。Therearethirtydragoonscomingupthehilltosecureyou，andtheywillmakeyounosuchoffer。Surrendertomebeforetheycome，andgivemeyourparole，andIwilldoallI
canforyourcomfort。Delay，andyoumustfallintotheirhands。
Therecanbenoescape。'
'Youwilltakemyword？'hesaidslowly。
'Giveit，andyoumaykeepyourpistols，M。deCocheforet。'
'Tellmeatleastthatyouarenotalone。'
'Iamnotalone。'
'ThenIgiveit，'hesaidwithasigh。'AndforHeaven'ssakegetmesomethingtoeatandabed。Iamtiredofthispig-sty。
MONDIEU！itisafortnightsinceIsleptbetweensheets。'
'Youshallsleepto-nightinyourownhouse，ifyouplease，'I
answeredhurriedly。'Butheretheycome。Begoodenoughtostaywhereyouareforamoment，andIwillmeetthem。'
Isteppedoutintothedarkness，justastheLieutenant，afterpostinghismenroundthehollow，sliddownwithacoupleofsergeantstomakethearrest。Theplaceroundtheopendoorwaspitch-dark。Hehadnotespiedmyman，whohadlodgedhimselfinthedeepestshadowofthehut，andwhenhesawmecomeoutacrossthelighthetookmeforCocheforet。Inatwinklinghethrustapistolintomyface，andcriedtriumphantly，——'Youaremyprisoner！'whileoneofthesergeantsraisedalanthornandthrewitslightintomyeyes。
'Whatfollyisthis？'Isaidsavagely。
TheLieutenant'sjawfell，andhestoodforamomentparalysedwithastonishment。LessthananhourbeforehehadleftmeattheChateau。Thencehehadcomehitherwiththebriefestdelay；
yethefoundmeherebeforehim。Hesworefearfully，hisfaceblack，hismoustachiosstiffwithrage。
'Whatisthis？Whatisit？'hecried。'Whereistheman？'
'Whatman？'Isaid。
'ThisCocheforet！'heroared，carriedawaybyhispassion。
'Don'tlietome！Heishere，andIwillhavehim！'
'Youaretoolate，'Isaid，watchinghimheedfully。'M。deCocheforetishere，buthehasalreadysurrenderedtome，andismyprisoner。"
'Yourprisoner？'
'Certainly！'Ianswered，facingthemanwithalltheharshnessI
couldmuster。'IhavearrestedhimbyvirtueoftheCardinal'scommissiongrantedtome。AndbyvirtueofthesameIshallkeephim。'
'Youwillkeephim？'
'Ishall！'
Hestaredatmeforamoment，utterlyaghast；thepictureofdefeat。ThenonasuddenIsawhisfacelightenwith，anewidea。
'Itisad——druse！'heshouted，brandishinghispistollikeamadman。'Itisacheatandafraud！ByGod！youhavenocommission！Iseethroughit！Iseethroughitall！Youhavecomehere，andyouhavehocussedus！Youareoftheirside，andthisisyourlastshifttosavehim！'
'Whatfollyisthis？'Isaidcontemptuously。
'Nofollyatall，'heanswered，perfectconvictioninhistone。
'Youhaveplayeduponus。Youhavefooledus。ButIseethroughitnow。AnhouragoIexposedyoutothatfineMadameatthehousethere，andIthoughtitamarvelthatshedidnotbelieveme。Ithoughtitamarvelthatshedidnotseethroughyou，whenyoustoodtherebeforeher，confounded，tongue-tied，arogueconvicted。ButIunderstandnow。Sheknewyou。Shewasintheplot，andyouwereintheplot，andI，whothoughtthatIwasopeninghereyes，wastheonlyonefooled。Butitismyturnnow。Youhaveplayedaboldpartandacleverone，'hecontinued，asinisterlightinhislittleeyes，'andI
congratulateyou。Butitisatanendnow，Monsieur。YoutookusinfinelywithyourtalkofMonseigneur，andhiscommissionandyourcommission，andtherest。ButIamnottobeblindedanylonger——orbullied。Youhavearrestedhim，haveyou？Youhavearrestedhim。Well，byG——，Ishallarresthim，andIshallarrestyoutoo。'
'Youaremad！'Isaidstaggeredasmuchbythisnewviewofthematterasbyhisperfectcertainty。'Mad，Lieutenant。'
'Iwas，'hesnarled。'ButIamsanenow。Iwasmadwhenyouimposeduponus，whenyoupersuadedmetothinkthatyouwerefoolingthewomentogetthesecretoutofthem，whileallthetimeyouwereshelteringthem，protectingthem，aidingthem，andhidinghim——thenIwasmad。Butnotnow。However，Iaskyourpardon。IthoughtyouthecleverestsneakandthedirtiesthoundHeavenevermade。IfindyouareclevererthanIthought，andanhonesttraitor。Yourpardon。'
Oneofthemen，whostoodabouttherimofthebowlaboveus，laughed。IlookedattheLieutenantandcouldwillinglyhavekilledhim。
'MONDIEU！'Isaid——andIwassofuriousinmyturnthatIcouldscarcelyspeak。'DoyousaythatIamanimpostor——thatIdonotholdtheCardinal'scommission？'
'Idosaythat，'heansweredcoolly。
'AndthatIbelongtotherebelparty？'
'Ido，'herepliedinthesametone。'Infact，'withagrin，'I
saythatyouareanhonestmanonthewrongside，M。deBerault。
Andyousaythatyouareascoundrelontheright。Theadvantage，however，iswithme，andIshallbackmyopinionbyarrestingyou。'
Arippleofcoarselaughterranroundthehollow。Thesergeantwhoheldthelanthorngrinned，andatrooperatadistancecalledoutofthedarkness'ABONCHATBONRAT！'Thisbroughtafreshburstoflaughter，whileIstoodspeechless，confoundedbythestubbornness，thecrassness，theinsolenceoftheman。'Youfool！'Icriedatlast，'youfool！'AndthenM。deCocheforet，whohadcomeoutofthehutandtakenhisstandatmyelbow，interruptedme。
'Pardonmeonemoment，'hesaid，airily，lookingattheLieutenantwithraisedeyebrowsandpointingtomewithhisthumb，'butIampuzzledbetweenyou。Thisgentleman'sname？IsitdeBeraultordeBarthe？'
'IamM。deBerault，'Isaid，brusquely，answeringformyself。
'OfParis？'
'Yes，Monsieur，ofParis。'
'Youarenot，then，thegentlemanwhohasbeenhonouringmypoorhousewithhispresence？'
'Oh，yes！'theLieutenantstruckin，grinning。'Heisthatgentleman，too。'
'ButIthought——IunderstoodthatthatwasM。deBarthe！'
'IamM。deBarthe，also，'Iretortedimpatiently。'Whatofthat，Monsieur？Itwasmymother'sname。ItookitwhenIcamedownhere。'
'To——er——toarrestme，mayIask？'
'Yes，'Isaid，doggedly；'toarrestyou。Whatofthat？'
'Nothing，'herepliedslowlyandwithasteadylookatme——alookIcouldnotmeet。'Exceptthat，hadIknownthisbefore，M。deBeraultIshouldhavethoughtlongerbeforeIsurrenderedtoyou。'
TheLieutenantlaughed，andIfeltmycheekburn；butIaffectedtoseenothing，andturnedtohimagain。'Now，Monsieur，'I
said，'areyousatisfied？'
'No，'heanswered？'Iamnot！Youtwomayhaverehearsedthisprettysceneadozentimes。Theword，itseemstome，is——Quickmarch，backtoquarters。'
AtlengthIfoundmyselfdriventoplaymylastcard；muchagainstmywill。
'Notso，'Isaid。'Ihavemycommission。'
'Produceit！'herepliedincredulously。
'DoyouthinkthatIcarryitwithme？'Icriedinscorn。'DoyouthinkthatwhenIcamehere，alone，andnotwithfiftydragoonsatmyback，IcarriedtheCardinal'ssealinmypocketforthefirstlackeytofind。Butyoushallhaveit。Whereisthatknaveofmine？'
Thewordswerescarcelyoutofmymouthbeforeareadyhandthrustapaperintomyfingers。Iopeneditslowly，glancedatit，andamidapauseofsurprisegaveittotheLieutenant。Helookedforamomentconfounded。Then，withalastinstinctofsuspicion，hebadethesergeantholdupthelanthorn；andbyitslightheproceededtospellthroughthedocument。
'Umph！'heejaculatedwithanuglylookwhenhehadcometotheend，'Isee。'Andhereaditaloud：——
'BYTHESEPRESENTS，ICOMMANDANDEMPOWER
GILLESDEBERAULT，SIERDEBERAULT，TO
SEEKFOR，HOLD，ANDARREST，ANDDELIVER
TOTHEGOVERNOROFTHEBASTILLETHEBODY
OFHENRIDECOCHEFORET，ANDTODOALL
ACTSANDTHINGSASSHALLBENECESSARY
TOEFFECTSUCHARRESTANDDELIVERY，FOR
WHICHTHESESHALLBEHISWARRANT。
（Signed）THECARDINALDERICHELIEU。'
Whenhehaddone——hereadthesignaturewithapeculiarintonation——someonesaidsoftly，'VIVELEROI！'andtherewasamoment'ssilence。Thesergeantloweredhislanthorn。'Isitenough？'Isaidhoarsely，glaringfromfacetoface。
TheLieutenantbowedstiffly。
'Forme？'hesaid。'Quite，Monsieur。Ibegyourpardonagain。
Ifindthatmyfirstimpressionswerethecorrectones。
Sergeant！givethegentlemanhispapers！'and，turninghisshoulderrudely，hetossedthecommissiontothesergeant，whogaveittome，grinning。
Iknewthattheclownwouldnotfight，andhehadhismenroundhim；andIhadnochoicebuttoswallowtheinsult。Iputthepaperinmybreast，withasmuchindifferenceasIcouldassume；
andasIdidso，hegaveasharporder。Thetroopersbegantoformontheedgeabove；themenwhohaddescendedtoclimbthebankagain。
Asthegroupbehindhimbegantoopenandmeltaway，Icaughtsightofawhiterobeinthemiddleofit。Thenextmoment，appearingwithasuddennesswhichwaslikeablowonthecheektome，MademoiselledeCocheforetglidedforwardtowardsme。Shehadahoodonherhead，drawnlow；andforamomentIcouldnotseeherface，Iforgotherbrother'spresenceatmyelbow，I
forgototherthings，and，fromhabitandimpulseratherthancalculation，Itookastepforwardtomeether；thoughmytonguecleavedtotheroofofmymouth，andIwasdumbandtrembling。
Butsherecoiledwithsuchalookofwhitehate，ofstaring，frozen-eyedabhorrence，thatIsteppedbackasifshehadindeedstruckme。Itdidnotneedthewordswhichaccompaniedthelook——the'DONOTTOUCHME！'whichshehissedatmeasshedrewherskirtstogether——todrivemetothefartheredgeofthehollow；
whereIstoodwithclenchedteeth，andnailsdrivenintotheflesh，whileshehung，sobbingtearlesssobs，onherbrother'sneck。
CHAPTERXII
THEROADTOPARIS
IrememberhearingMarshalBassompierre，who，ofallthemenwithinmyknowledge，hadthewidestexperience，saythatnotdangersbutdiscomfortsproveamanandshowwhatheis；andthattheworstsoresinlifearecausedbycrumpledrose-leavesandnotbythorns。
Iaminclinedtothinkhimright，forIrememberthatwhenIcamefrommyroomonthemorningafterthearrest，andfoundhallandparlourandpassageempty，andallthecommonroomsofthehousedeserted，andnomeallaid；andwhenIdivinedanewfromthisdiscoverythefeelingofthehousetowardsme——howevernaturalandtobeexpected——IrememberthatIfeltassharpapangaswhen，thenightbefore，Ihadhadtofacediscoveryandopenrageandscorn。Istoodinthesilent，emptyparlour，andlookedonthefamiliarthingswithasenseofdesolation，ofsomethinglostandgone，whichIcouldnotunderstand。Themorningwasgreyandcloudy，theairsharp，ashowerwasfalling。Therose-bushesoutsideswayedinthewind，andinside，whereIcouldrememberthehotsunshinelyingonfloorandtable，therainbeatinandstainedtheboards。Theinnerdoorflappedandcreakedonitshinges。IthoughtofotherdaysandofmealsIhadtakenthere，andofthescentofflowers；andIfledtothehallindespair。
Buthere，too，werenosignsoflifeorcompany，nocomfort，noattendance。Theashesofthelogs，bywhoseblazeMademoisellehadtoldmethesecret，layonthehearthwhiteandcoldfitemblemofthechangethathadtakenplace；andnowandthenadropofmoisture，slidingdownthegreatchimney，patteredamongthem。Themaindoorstoodopen，asifthehousehadnolongeranythingtoguard。Theonlylivingthingtobeseenwasahoundwhichroamedaboutrestlessly，nowgazingattheemptyhearthnowlyingdownwithprickedcarsandwatchfuleyes。Someleaves，whichhadbeenblowninbythewind，rustledinacorner。
Iwentoutmoodilyintothegardenandwandereddownonepathandupanother，lookingatthedrippingwoods，andrememberingthings，untilIcametothestoneseat。Onit，againstthewall，tricklingwithraindrops，andwithadeadleafhalffillingitsnarrowneck，stoodthepitcheroffood。IthoughthowmuchhadhappenedsinceMademoiselletookherhandfromitandthesergeant'slanthorndisclosedittome；and，sighinggrimly，I
wentinagainthroughtheparlourdoor。
Awomanwasonherknees，onthehearthkindlingthebelatedfire。Shehadherbacktome，andIstoodamomentlookingatherdoubtfully，wonderinghowshewouldbearherselfandwhatshewouldsaytome。Thensheturned，andIstartedback，cryingouthernameinhorror——foritwasMadame！MadamedeCocheforet！
Shewasplainlydressed，andherchildishfacewaswanandpiteouswithweeping；buteitherthenighthadwornoutherpassionanddrainedhertears，orsomegreatexigencyhadgivenhertemporarycalmness，forshewasperfectlycomposed。Sheshiveredashereyesmetmine，andsheblinkedasifabrightlighthadbeensuddenlythrustbeforeher；butthatwasall，andsheturnedagaintohertaskwithoutspeaking。
'Madame！Madame！"Icriedinafrenzyofdistress。'Whatisthis？'
'Theservantswouldnotdoit，'sheansweredinalowbutsteadyvoice。'Youarestillourguest，Monsieur。'
'ButIcannotsufferit！'Icried。'MadamedeCocheforet，I
willnot——'
Sheraisedherhandwithastrangepatientexpressioninherface。
'Hush！please，'shesaid。'Hush！youtroubleme。'
Thefireblazedupasshespoke，andsheroseslowlyfromit，andwithalingeringlookatitwentout，leavingmetostandandstareandlisteninthemiddleofthefloor。PresentlyIheardhercomingbackalongthepassage，andsheenteredbearingatraywithwineandmeatandbread。Shesetitdownonthetable，andwiththesamewanface，tremblingalwaysonthevergeoftears，shebegantolayoutthethings。Theglassesclinkedfitfullyagainsttheplatesasshehandledthem；theknivesjarredwithoneanother。AndIstoodby，tremblingmyself；andenduredthisstrangekindofpenance。
Shesignedtomeatlasttositdown；andshewentherself，andstoodinthegardendoorwaywithherbacktome。Iobeyed。I
satdown。ButthoughIhadeatennothingsincetheafternoonofthedaybefore，Icouldnotswallow。Ifumbledwithmyknife，anddrank；andgrewhotandangryatthisfarce；andthenlookedthroughthewindowatthedrippingbushes，andtherainandthedistantsundial——andgrewcoldagain。
Suddenlysheturnedroundandcametomyside。'Youdonoteat，'
shesaid。
Ithrewdownmyknife，andsprangupinafrenzyofpassion。
'MONDIEU！Madame，'Icried，'doyouthinkthatIhaveNO
heart？'
AndtheninamomentIknewwhatIhaddone，whatafollyIhadcommitted。Forinamomentshewasonherkneesonthefloor，claspingmyknees，pressingherwetcheekstomyroughclothes，cryingtomeformercy——forlife！life！hislife！Oh，itwashorrible！Itwashorribletohearhergaspingvoice，toseeherfairhairfallingovermymud-stainedboots，tomarkherslenderlittleformconvulsedwithsobs，tofeelthatitwasawoman，agentlewoman，whothusabasedherselfatmyfeet！
'Oh，Madame！Madame！'Icriedinmypain，'Ibegyoutorise。
Rise，orImustgo！'
'Hislife！onlyhislife！'shemoanedpassionately。'Whathadhedonetoyou——thatyoushouldhunthimdown？whathavewedonetoyouthatyoushouldslayus？Oh！havemercy！Havemercy！
Lethimgo，andwewillprayforyou，Iandmysisterwillprayforyou，everymorningandnightofourlives。'
Iwasinterrorlestsomeoneshouldcomeandseeherlyingthere，andIstoopedandtriedtoraiseher。Butsheonlysankthelower，untilhertenderlittlehandstouchedtherowelsofmyspurs。Idarednotmove，AtlastItookasuddenresolution。
'Listen，then，Madame！'Isaidalmoststernly，'ifyouwillnotrise。Youforgeteverything，bothhowIstand，andhowsmallmypoweris！YouforgetthatifIweretoreleaseyourhusbandto-
dayhewouldbeseizedwithinthehourbythosewhoarestillinthevillageandwhoarewatchingeveryroad——whohavenotceasedtosuspectmymovementsandmyintentions。Youforget，Isaymycircumstances——'
Shecutmeshortonthatword。Shesprangtoherfeetandfacedme。OnemomentmoreandIshouldhavesaidsomethingtothepurpose。Butatthatwordshestoodbeforeme，white，breathless，dishevelled，strugglingforspeech。
'Oh，yes，yes！'shepantedeagerly。'Iknow——Iknow！'Andshethrustherhandintoherbosomandpluckedsomethingoutandgaveittome——forcedituponme。'Iknow——Iknow！'shesaidagain。
'Takeit，andGodrewardyou，Monsieur！Godrewardyou！Wegiveitfreely——freelyandthankfully！'
Istoodandlookedatherandit；andslowlyIfroze。Shehadgivenmethepacket——thepacketIhadrestoredtoMademoiselle——
theparcelofjewels。Iweigheditinmyhands，andmyheartgrewhardagain，forIknewthatthiswasMademoiselle'sdoing；
thatitwasshewho，mistrustingtheeffectofMadame'stearsandprayers，hadarmedherwiththislastweapon——thisdirtybribe。
Iflungitdownonthetableamongtheplates。
'Madame！'Icriedruthlessly，allmypitychangedtoanger，'youmistakemealtogether！Ihaveheardhardwordsenoughinthelasttwenty-fourhours，andIknowwhatyouthinkofme！ButyouhaveyettolearnthatIhaveneverdoneonething。Ihaveneverturnedtraitortothehandthatemployedme，norsoldmyownside！WhenIdosoforatreasuretentimestheworthofthat，maymyhandrotoff！'
Shesankonaseatwithamoanofdespair；andpreciselyatthatmomentM。deCocheforetopenedthedoorandcamein。OverhisshoulderIhadaglimpseofMademoiselle'sproudface，alittlewhiterthanofyore，withdarkmarksundertheeyes，butlikeSatan'sforcoldness。
'Whatisthis？'hesaid，frowning，ashiseyeslightedonMadame。
'Itis——thatwestartateleveno'clock，Monsieur，'Ianswered，bowingcurtly。AndIwentoutbytheotherdoor……
ThatImightnotbepresentattheirpartingIremainedinthegardenuntilthehourIhadappointedwaswellpast；andthen，withoutenteringthehouse，Iwenttothestableentrance。HereIfoundallinreadiness，thetwotrooperswhosecompanyIhadrequisitionedasfarasAuch，alreadyinthesaddle，myowntwoknaveswaitingwithmysorrelandM。deCocheforet'schestnut。
AnotherhorsewasbeingledupanddownbyLouis，and，alas！myheartmovedatthesight，foritborealady'ssaddle。Weweretohavecompanythen。WasitMadamewhomeanttocomewithus，orMademoiselle？Andhowfar？ToAuch？
Isupposethattheyhadsetsomekindofawatchonme，forasI
walkedupM。deCocheforetandhissistercameoutofthehouse；
hewithapalefaceandbrighteyes，andatwitchingvisibleinhischeek——thoughhestillaffectedajauntybearing；shewearingablackmask。
'Mademoiselleaccompaniesus？'Isaidformally。
'Withyourpermission，Monsieur，'heansweredwithbitterpoliteness。ButIsawthathewaschokingwithemotion；hehadjustpartedfromhiswife，andIturnedaway。
Whenwewereallmountedhelookedatme。
'Perhaps——asyouhavemyparole，youwillpermitmetoridealone？'hesaidwithalittlehesitation。'And——'
'Withoutme！'Irejoinedkeenly。'Assuredly，sofarasispossible。'
AccordinglyIdirectedthetrooperstoridebeforehim，keepingoutofearshot，whilemytwomenfollowedhimatalittledistancewiththeircarbinesontheirknees。Lastofall，Irodemyselfwithmyeyesopenandapistollooseinmyholster。M。deCocheforetmutteredasneeratsomanyprecautionsandthemountainmadeofhisrequest；butIhadnotdonesomuchandcomesofar，Ihadnotfacedscornandinsultstobecheatedofmyprizeatlast；andawarethatuntilwewerebeyondAuchtheremustbehourlyandpressingdangerofarescue，Iwasdeterminedthathewhoshouldwrestmyprisonerfrommeshouldpaydearlyforit。Onlypride，and，perhaps，inadegreealso，appetiteforafight，hadpreventedmeborrowingtentroopersinsteadoftwo。
AswaswontIlookedwithalingeringeyeandmanymemoriesatthelittlebridge，thenarrowwoodlandpath，thefirstroofsofthevillage；allnowfamiliar，allseenforthelasttime。Upthebrookapartyofsoldiersweredraggingforthecaptain'sbody。Afurlongfartheron，acottage，burnedbysomecarelessnessinthenight，layaheapofblackashes。Louisranbesideusweeping；thelastbrownleavesfluttereddowninshowers。Andbetweenmyeyesandall，theslowsteadyrainfellandfell。AndsoIleftCocheforet。
Louiswentwithustoapointamilebeyondthevillage，andtherestoodandsawusgo，cursingmefuriouslyasIpassed。
Lookingbackwhenwehadriddenon，Istillsawhimstanding，andafteramoment'shesitationIrodebacktohim。
'Listen，fool！'Isaid，cuttinghimshortinthemidstofhismowingandsnarling，'andgivethismessagetoyourmistress。
TellherfrommethatitwillbewithherhusbandasitwaswithM。deRegnier，whenhefellintothehandsofhisenemy——nobetterandnoworse。'
'Youwanttokillher，too，Isuppose？'heansweredgloweringatme。
'No，fool，Iwanttosaveher，'Iretortedwrathfully。'Tellherthat，justthatandnomore，andyouwillseetheresult。'
'Ishallnot，'hesaidsullenly。'Amessagefromyouindeed！'
Andhespatontheground。
'Thenonyourheadbeit，'Iansweredsolemnly，AndIturnedmyhorse'sheadandgallopedfastaftertheothers。ButIfeltsurethathewouldreportwhatIhadsaid，ifitwereonlyoutofcuriosity；anditwouldbestrangeifMadame，agentlewomanofthesouth，bredamongoldfamilytraditions，didnotunderstandthereference。
Andsowebeganourjourney；sadly，underdrippingtreesandaleadensky。ThecountrywehadtotraversewasthesameIhadtroddenonthelastdayofmymarchsouthwards，butthepassageofamonthhadchangedthefaceofeverything。Greendells，wherespringswellingoutofthechalkhadoncemadeoftheleafybottomafairies'home，strewnwithdelicatefernsandhungwithmosses，werenowswampsintowhichourhorsessanktothefetlock。Sunnybrews，whenceIhadviewedthechampaignandtracedmyforwardpath，hadbecomebare，wind-sweptridges。Thebeechwoodsthathadglowedwithruddylightwerenakednow；mereblacktrunksandrigidarmspointingtoheaven。Anearthysmellfilledtheair；ahundredpacesawayawallofmistclosedtheview。Weploddedonsadlyuphillanddownhill，nowfordingbrooks，alreadystainedwithflood-water，nowcrossingbarrenheaths。Butuphillordownhill，whatevertheoutlook，IwasneverpermittedtoforgetthatIwasthejailor，theogre，thevillain；thatI，ridingbehindinmyloneliness，wastheblightonall——thedeath-spot。True，Iwasbehindtheothers——Iescapedtheireyes。ButtherewasnotalineofMademoiselle'sfigurethatdidnotspeakscorntome；notaturnofheadthatdidnotseemtosay，'Oh，God，thatsuchathingshouldbreathe。'
Ihadonlyspeechwithheronceduringtheday，andthatwasonthelastridgebeforewewentdownintothevalleytoclimbupagaintoAuch。Therainhadceased；thesun，nearitssetting，shonefaintly；forafewmomentswestoodonthebrowandlookedsouthwardswhilewebreathedthehorses。Themistlaylikeapallonthecountrywehadtraversed；butbeyondandaboveit，gleamingpearl-likeinthelevelrays，thelineofthemountainsstooduplikealandofenchantment，soft，radiant，wonderful！——
orlikeoneofthosecastlesontheHillofGlassofwhichtheoldromancestellus。Iforgotforaninstanthowwewereplaced，andIcriedtomyneighbourthatitwasthefairestpageantIhadeverseen。
She——itwasMademoiselle，andshehadtakenoffhermask——castonelookatmeinanswer；onlyone，butitconveyeddisgustandloathingsounspeakablethatscornbesidethemwouldhavebeenagift。Ireinedinmyhorseasifshehadstruckme，andfeltmyselfgofirsthotandthencoldunderhereyes。Thenshelookedanotherway。
ButIdidnotforgetthelesson；andafterthatIavoidedhermoresedulouslythanbefore。WelaythatnightatAuch，andI
gaveM。deCocheforettheutmostliberty，evenpermittinghimtogooutandreturnathiswill。Inthemorning，believingthatonthefarthersideofAuchweranlittleriskofattack，I
dismissedthetwodragoons，andanhouraftersunrisewesetoutagain。Thedaywasdryandcold，theweathermorepromising。I
proposedtogobywayofLectoure，crossingtheGaronneatAgen；
andIthoughtthat，withroadscontinuallyimprovingaswemovednorthwards，weshouldbeabletomakegoodprogressbeforenight。
Mytwomenrodefirst，Icamelastbymyself。
OurwaylaydownthevalleyoftheGers，underpoplarsandbylongrowsofwillows，andpresentlythesuncameoutandwarmedus。Unfortunatelytherainofthedaybeforehadswollenthebrookswhichcrossedourpath，andwemorethanoncehadadifficultyinfordingthem。NoonfounduslittlemorethanhalfwaytoLectoure，andIwasgrowingeachminutemoreimpatientwhenourroad，whichhadforalittlewhilelefttheriverbank，droppeddowntoitagain，andIsawbeforeusanothercrossing，halffordhalfslough。Mymentrieditgingerlyandgavebackandtrieditagaininanotherplace；andfinally，justasMademoiselleandherbrothercameuptothem，flounderedthroughandsprangslantwiseupthefartherbank。
Thedelayhadbeenlongenoughtobringme，withnogoodwillofmyown，closeupontheCocheforets。Mademoiselle'shorsemadealittlebusinessoftheplace，andintheresultweenteredthewateralmosttogether；andIcrossedcloseonherheels。Thebankoneithersidewassteep；whilecrossingwecouldseeneitherbeforenorbehind。ButatthemomentIthoughtnothingofthisnorofherdelay；andIwasfollowingherquiteatmyleisureandpickingmyway，whenthesuddenreportofacarbine，asecondreport，andayellofalarminfrontthrilledmethrough。
Ontheinstant，whilethesoundwasstillinmyears，Isawitall。Likeahotironpiercingmybrainthetruthflashedintomymind。Wewereattacked！Wewereattacked，andIwasherehelplessinthispit，thistrap！ThelossofasecondwhileI
fumbledhere，Mademoiselle'shorsebarringtheway，mightbefatal。
Therewasbutoneway。Iturnedmyhorsestraightatthesteepbank，andhebreastedit。Onemomenthehungasifhemustfallback。Then，withasnortofterrorandadesperatebound，hetoppedit，andgainedthelevel，tremblingandsnorting。
Seventypacesawayontheroadlayoneofmymen。Hehadfallen，horseandman，andlaystill。Nearhim，withhisbackagainstabank，stoodhisfellow，onfoot，pressedbyfourhorsemen，andshouting。Asmyeyelightedonthesceneheletflywithacarbine，anddroppedone。Iclutchedapistolfrommyholsterandseizedmyhorsebythehead。Imightsavethemanyet，I
shoutedtohimtoencouragehim，andwasdrivinginmyspurstosecondmyvoice，whenasuddenviciousblow，swiftandunexpected，struckthepistolfrommyhand。
Imadeasnatchatitasitfell，butmissedit，andbeforeI
couldrecovermyself，Mademoisellethrustherhorsefuriouslyagainstmine，andwithherriding-whiplashedthesorrelacrosstheears。Asthehorserearedupmadly，Ihadaglimpseofhereyesflashinghatethroughhermask；ofherhandagainuplifted；
thenextmoment，Iwasdownintheroad，ingloriouslyunhorsed，thesorrelwasgallopingaway，andherhorse，scaredinitsturn，wasplungingunmanageablyascoreofpacesfromme。
ButforthatIthinkthatshewouldhavetrampledonme。Asitwas，Iwasfreetorise，anddraw，andinatwinklingwasrunningtowardsthefighters。Allhadhappenedinafewseconds。Mymanwasstilldefendinghimself，thesmokeofthecarbinehadscarcelyrisen。Isprangacrossafallentreethatintervened，andatthesamemomenttwoofthemendetachedthemselvesandrodetomeetme。One，whomItooktobetheleader，wasmasked。
Hecamefuriouslyatmetoridemedown，butIleapedasidenimbly，and，evadinghim，rushedattheother，andscaringhishorse，sothathedroppedhispoint，cuthimacrosstheshoulder，beforehecouldguardhimself。Heplungedaway，cursingandtryingtoholdinhishorse，andIturnedtomeetthemaskedman。
'Youvillain！'hecried，ridingatmeagain。ThistimehemanoeuvredhishorsesoskilfullythatIwashardputtoittopreventhimknockingmedown；whileIcouldnotwithallmyeffortsreachhimtohurthim。'Surrender，willyou？'hecried，'youbloodhound！'
Iwoundedhimslightlyinthekneeforanswer；beforeIcoulddomorehiscompanioncameback，andthetwosetuponme，slashingatmyheadsofuriouslyandtoweringabovemewithsogreatanadvantagethatitwasallIcoulddotoguardit。Iwassoongladtofallbackagainstthebank。Inthissortofconflictmyrapierwouldhavebeenoflittleuse，butfortunatelyIhadarmedmyselfbeforeIleftPariswithacut-and-thrustswordfortheroad；andthoughmymasteryoftheweaponwasnotonaparwithmyrapierplay，Iwasabletofendofftheircuts，andbyanoccasionalprickkeepthehorsesatadistance。Still，theysworeandcutatme；anditwastryingwork。Alittledelaymightenabletheothermantocometotheirhelp，orMademoiselle，forallIknew，mightshootmewithmyownpistol。
Iwasunfeignedlygladwhenaluckyparadesentthemaskedman'sswordflyingacrosstheroad。Onthathepushedhishorserecklesslyatme，spurringitwithoutmercy；buttheanimal，whichIhadseveraltimestouched，rearedupinstead，andthrewhimattheverymomentthatIwoundedhiscompanionasecondtimeinthearm，andmadehimgiveback。
Thescenewasnowchanged。Themaninthemaskstaggeredtohisfeet，andfeltstupidlyforapistol。Buthecouldnotfindone，andhewasinnostatetouseitifhehad。Hereeledhelplesslytothebankandleanedagainstit。ThemanIhadwoundedwasinscarcelybettercondition。Heretreatedbeforeme，butinamoment，losingcourage，letdrophissword，and，wheelinground，canteredoff，clingingtohispommel。Thereremainedonlythefellowengagedwithmyman，andIturnedtoseehowtheyweregettingon。Theywerestandingtotakebreath，soIrantowardsthem；butonseeingmecoming，thisrascal，too，whippedroundhishorseanddisappearedinthewood，andleftusvictors。
ThefirstthingIdid——andIrememberittothisdaywithpleasure——wastoplungemyhandintomypocket，takeouthalfofallthemoneyIhadintheworld，andpressitonthemanwhohadfoughtformesostoutly。InmyjoyIcouldhavekissedhim！ItwasnotonlythatIhadescapeddefeatbytheskinofmyteeth——
andhisgoodsword；butIknew，andfelt，andthrilledwiththeknowledge，thatthefighthad，inasense，redeemedmycharacter。
Hewaswoundedintwoplaces，andIhadascratchortwo，andhadlostmyhorse；andmyotherpoorfellowwasdeadasaherring。
But，speakingformyself，IwouldhavespenthalfthebloodinmybodytopurchasethefeelingwithwhichIturnedbacktospeaktoM。deCocheforetandhissister。Mademoisellehaddismounted，andwithherfaceavertedandhermaskpushedononeside，wasopenlyweeping。Herbrother，whohadfaithfullykepthisplacebythefordfromthebeginningofthefighttotheend，metmewithraisedeyebrowsandapeculiarsmile。
'Acknowledgemyvirtue，'hesaidairily。'Iamhere，M。deBerault；whichismorethancanbesaidofthetwogentlemenwhohavejustriddenoff。'
'Yes，'Iansweredwithatouchofbitterness。'Iwishthattheyhadnotshotmypoormanbeforetheywent。'
Heshruggedhisshoulders。
'Theyweremyfriends，'hesaid。'Youmustnotexpectmetoblamethem。Butthatisnotall，M。deBerault。'
'No，'Isaid，wipingmysword。'Thereisthisgentlemaninthemask。'AndIturnedtogotowardshim。
'M。deBerault！'Cocheforetcalledafterme，histonestrainedandabrupt。
Istood。'Pardon？'Isaid，turning，'Thatgentleman？'hesaid，hesitatingandlookingatmedoubtfully。'Haveyouconsideredwhatwillhappentohimifyougivehimuptotheauthorities？'
'Whoishe？'Iaskedsharply。
'Thatisratheradelicatequestion，'heansweredfrowning。
'Notforme，'Irepliedbrutally，'sinceheisinmypower。IfhewilltakeoffhismaskIshallknowbetterwhatIintendtodowithhim。'
Thestrangerhadlosthishatinhisfall，andhisfairhair，stainedwithdust，hungincurlsonhisshoulders。Hewasatallman，ofaslender，handsomepresence，and，thoughhisdresswasplainandalmostrough，Iespiedasplendidjewelonhishand，andfanciedthatIdetectedothersignsofhighquality。Hestilllayagainstthebankinahalf-swooningcondition，andseemedunconsciousofmyscrutiny。
'ShouldIknowhimifheunmasked？'Isaidsuddenly，anewideainmyhead。
'Youwould，'M。deCocheforetanswered。
'And？'
'Itwouldbebadforeveryone。'
'Ho！ho！'Irepliedsoftly，lookinghardfirstatmyoldprisoner，andthenatmynewone。'Then——whatdoyouwishmetodo？'
'Leavehimhere！'M。deCocheforetanswered，hisfaceflushed，thepulseinhischeekbeating。
Ihadknownhimforamanofperfecthonourbefore，andtrustedhim。Butthisevidentearnestanxietyonbehalfofhisfriendtouchedmenotalittle。Besides，IknewthatIwastreadingonslipperyground：thatitbehovedmetobecareful。
'Iwilldoit，'Isaidafteramoment'sreflection。'Hewillplaymenotricks，Isuppose？Aletterof——'
'MONDIEU，no！Hewillunderstand，'Cocheforetansweredeagerly。
'Youwillnotrepentit。Letusbegoing。'
'Well，butmyhorse？'Isaid，somewhattakenabackbythisextremehaste。'HowamIto——'
'Weshallovertakeit，'heassuredme。'Itwillhavekepttheroad。Lectoureisnomorethanaleaguefromhere，andwecangiveorderstheretohavethesetwofetchedandburied。'
Ihadnothingtogainbydemurring，andso，afteranotherwordortwo，itwasarranged。Wepickedupwhatwehaddropped，M。deCocheforethelpedhissistertomount，andwithinfiveminutesweweregone。CastingaglancebackfromtheskirtsofthewoodI
fanciedthatIsawthemaskedmanstraightenhimselfandturntolookafterus，buttheleaveswerebeginningtointervene，thedistancemayhavecheatedme。AndyetIwasnotindisposedtothinktheunknownatriflemoreobservant，andalittlelessseriouslyhurt，thanheseemed。
CHAPTERXIII
ATTHEFINGER-POST
Throughall，itwillhavebeennoticed，Mademoisellehadnotspokentome，norsaidoneword，goodorbad。Shehadplayedherpartgrimly，hadtakendefeatinsilenceifwithtears，hadtriedneitherprayernordefencenorapology。Andthefactthatthefightwasnowover，andthesceneleftbehind，madenodifferenceinherconduct。Shekeptherfacestudiouslyturnedfromme，andaffectedtoignoremypresence。Icaughtmyhorsefeedingbytheroadside，afurlongforward，andmountedandfellintoplacebehindthetwo，asinthemorning。Andjustaswehadploddedontheninsilenceweploddedonnow；almostasifnothinghadhappened；whileIwonderedattheunfathomablewaysofwomen，andmarvelledthatshecouldtakepartinsuchanincidentandremainunchanged。
Yet，thoughshestrovetohideit，ithadmadeachangeinher。
Thoughhermaskservedherwellitcouldnotentirelyhideheremotions；andby-and-byImarkedthatherheaddrooped，thatsherodelistlessly，thatthelinesofherfigurewerealtered。I
noticedthatshehadflungaway，orfurtivelydropped，herriding-whip；andIbegantounderstandthat，farfromthefighthavingsetmeinmyformerplace，totheoldhatredofmewerenowaddedshameandvexationonherownaccount；shamethatshehadsoloweredherself，eventosaveherbrother，vexationthatdefeathadbeenheronlyreward。
OfthisIsawasignatLectoure，wheretheinnhadbutonecommonroomandwemustalldineincompany。Isecuredforthematablebythefire，andleavingthemstandingbyit，retiredmyselftoasmalleronenearthedoor。Therewerenootherguests；whichmadetheseparationbetweenusmoremarked。M。deCocheforetseemedtofeelthis。Heshruggedhisshouldersandlookedacrosstheroomatmewithasmilehalfsadhalfcomical。
ButMademoisellewasimplacable。Shehadtakenoffhermask，andherfacewaslikestone。Once，onlyonceduringthemeal，Isawachangecomeoverher。Shecoloured，Isupposeatherthoughts，untilherfaceflamedfrombrowtochin。Iwatchedtheblushspreadandspread；andthensheslowlyandproudlyturnedhershouldertomeandlookedthroughthewindowattheshabbystreet。
Isupposethatsheandherbrotherhadbothbuiltonthisattempt，whichmusthavebeenarrangedatAuch。Forwhenwewentonintheafternoon，Imarkedachangeinthem。Theyrodelikepeopleresignedtotheworst。Thegreyrealitiesoftheposition，thedrearyfuturebegantohanglikeamistbeforetheireyes，begantotingethelandscapewithsadness，robbedeventhesunsetofitscolours。WitheachhourMonsieur'sspiritsflaggedandhisspeechbecamelessfrequent；untilpresentlywhenthelightwasnearlygoneandtheduskwasroundusthebrotherandsisterrodehandinhand，silent，gloomy，oneatleastofthemweeping。ThecoldshadowoftheCardinal，ofParis，ofthescaffoldfellonthem，andchilledthem。Asthemountainswhichtheyhadknownalltheirlivessankandfadedbehindus，andweenteredonthewide，lowvalleyoftheGaronne，theirhopessankandfadedalso——sanktothedeadlevelofdespair。Surroundedbyguards，amarkforcuriousglances，withprideforacompanion，M。deCocheforetcouldhavebornehimselfbravely；doubtlesswouldbearhimselfbravelystillwhentheendcame。Butalmostalone，movingforwardthroughthegreyeveningtoaprison，withsomanymeasureddaysbeforehim，andnothingtoexhilarateoranger——inthisconditionitwaslittlewonderifhefelt，andbetrayedthathefelt，thebloodrunslowinhisveins；ifhethoughtmoreoftheweepingwifeandruinedhomewhichhehadleftbehindhimthanofthecauseinwhichhehadspenthimself。
ButGodknows，theyhadnomonopolyofgloom。Ifeltalmostassadmyself。Longbeforesunsettheflushoftriumph，theheatofbattle，whichhadwarmedmyheartatnoon，weregone，givingplacetoachilldissatisfaction，anausea，adespondencysuchasIhaveknownfollowalongnightatthetables。Hithertotherehadbeendifficultiestobeovercome，riskstoberun，doubtsabouttheend。Nowtheendwascertainandverynear；sonearthatitfilledalltheprospect。OnehouroftriumphImighthave，andwouldhave，andIhuggedthethoughtofitasagamblerhugshislaststake，planningtheplaceandtimeandmode，andtryingtooccupymyselfwhollywithit。Buttheprice？Alas！
thattoowouldintrudeitself，andmorefrequentlyastheeveningwaned；sothatasImarkedthisorthatthingbytheroad，whichIcouldrecallpassingonmyjourneysouthwiththoughtssodifferent，withplansthatnowseemedsovery，veryold，IaskedmyselfgrimlyifthiswerereallyI；ifthiswereGildeBerault，knownatZaton's，PREMIERJOUEUR，orsomeDonQuichottefromCastille，tiltingatwindmillsandtakingbarbers'bowlsforgold。
WereachedAgenverylatethatevening，aftergropingourwaythroughaby-roadneartheriver，setwithholesandwillow-
stoolsandfrog-spawn——aplacenobetterthanaslough；sothatafteritthegreatfiresandlightsattheBlueMaidseemedlikeaglimpseofanewworld，andinatwinklingputsomethingoflifeandspiritsintotwoatleastofus。Therewasqueertalkroundthehearthhere，ofdoingsinParis，ofastiragainsttheCardinalwiththeQueen-motheratbottom，andofgroundedexpectationsthatsomethingmightthistimecomeofit。Butthelandlordpooh-poohedtheidea；andImorethanagreedwithhim。
EvenM。deCocheforet，whowasatfirstinclinedtobuildonit，gaveuphopewhenheheardthatitcameonlybywayofMontauban；
whence——sinceitsreductiontheyearbefore——allsortofCANARDS
againsttheCardinalwerealwaysonthewing。
'Theykillhimaboutonceamonth，'ourhostsaidwithagrin。
'SometimesitisMONSIEURistoproveamatchforhim，sometimesCESARMONSIEUR——theDukeofVendome，youunderstand——andsometimestheQueen-mother。ButsinceM。deChalaisandtheMarshalmadeamessofitandpaidforfeit，IpinmyfaithtohisEminence——thatishisnewtitle，theytellme。'
'Thingsarequietroundhere？'Iasked。
'Perfectly。SincetheLanguedocbusinesscametoanend，allgoeswell，'heanswered。
Mademoisellehadretiredonourarrival，sothatherbrotherandIwereforanhourortwothiseveningthrowntogether。Ilefthimatlibertytoseparatehimselffrommeifhepleased，buthedidnotusetheopportunity。Akindofcomradeship，renderedpiquantbyourpeculiarrelations，hadbeguntospringupbetweenus。Heseemedtotakeanoddpleasureinmycompany，morethanonceralliedmeonmypostofjailor，wouldaskhumorouslyifhemightdothisorthat；andonceeveninquiredwhatIshoulddoifhebrokehisparole。
'Ortakeitthisway，'hecontinuedflippantly，'SupposeIhadstruckyouinthebackthiseveninginthatcursedswampbytheriver，M。deBerault？Whatthen！PARDIEU，IamastonishedatmyselfthatIdidnotdoit。IcouldhavebeeninMontaubanwithintwenty-fourhours，andfoundfiftyhiding-placesandnoonethewiser。'
'Exceptyoursister，'Isaidquietly。
Hemadeawryface。'Yes，'hesaid，'IamafraidthatImusthavestabbedhertoo，topreservemyself-respect。Youareright。'Andhefellintoareveriewhichheldhimforafewminutes。ThenIfoundhimlookingatmewithakindoffrankperplexitythatinvitedquestion。
'Whatisit？'Isaid。
'Youhavefoughtagreatmanyduels？'
'Yes，'Isaid。
'Didyoueverstrikeafoulblowinone？'
'Never，'Ianswered。'Whydoyouask？'
'Well，becauseI——wantedtoconfirmanimpression。Tobefrank，M。deBerault，Iseemtoseeinyoutwomen。
'Twomen？'
'Yes，twomen。One，themanwhocapturedme；theother，themanwholetmyfriendgofreeto-day。'
'ItsurprisedyouthatIlethimgo？Thatwasprudence，M。deCocheforet，'Ireplied。'Iamanoldgambler。Iknowwhenthestakesaretoohighforme。Themanwhocaughtalioninhiswolf-pithadnogreatcatch。'
'No，thatistrue，'heansweredsmiling，'Andyet——Ifindtwomeninyourskin。'
'Idaresaythattherearetwoinmostmen'sskins，'Iansweredwithasigh。'Butnotalwaystogether。Sometimesoneisthere，andsometimestheother。'
'Howdoestheoneliketakinguptheother'swork？'heaskedkeenly。
Ishruggedmyshoulders。'Thatisasmaybe，'Isaid。'Youdonottakeanestatewithoutthedebts。'
Hedidnotanswerforamoment，andIfanciedthathisthoughtshadrevertedtohisowncase。Butonasuddenhelookedatmeagain。'Willyouansweraquestion，M。deBerault？'hesaidwinningly。
'Perhaps，'Ireplied。
'Thentellme——itisataleIamsureworththetelling。Whatwasitthat，inaveryevilhourforme，sentyouinsearchofme？'
'MyLordCardinal，'Ianswered'Ididnotaskwho，'hereplieddrily。'Iasked，what。Youhadnogrudgeagainstme？'
'No。'
'Noknowledgeofme？'
'No。'
'Thenwhatonearthinducedyoutodoit？Heavens！man，'hecontinuedbluntly，andspeakingwithgreaterfreedomthanhehadbeforeused，'Natureneverintendedyouforatipstaff。Whatwasitthen？'
Irose。Itwasverylate，andtheroomwasempty，thefirelow。
'Iwilltellyou——to-morrow，'Isaid。'Ishallhavesomethingtosaytoyouthen，ofwhichthatwillbepart。'
Helookedatmeingreatastonishment，andwithalittlesuspicion。ButIcalledforalight，andbygoingatoncetobed，cutshorthisquestions。Inthemorningwedidnotmeetuntilitwastimetostart。
ThosewhoknowthesouthroadtoAgen，andhowthevineyardsriseinterracesnorthofthetown，onelevelofredearthaboveanother，greeninsummer，butinlateautumnbareandstony，mayrememberaparticularplacewheretheroad，twoleaguesfromthetown，runsupasteephill。Atthetopofthehillfourroadsmeet；andthere，plaintobeseenagainstthesky，isafinger-
postindicatingwhichwayleadstoBordeaux，andwhichtooldtiledMontauban，andwhichtoPerigueux。