"Bewelcome！Guyot，gotothedevil。"
　　Foramomentortwoafterthesoldier’sdeparturethewomenremainedintheshadow，then，attheCaptain’sinvitation，whichtheydarednotdisobey，theycameforwardintothehaloofcandle—light。
　　SimultaneouslyLaBoulayecaughthisbreath，andtookastepforward。
　　Thenhedrewbackagainuntilhisshoulderstouchedtheovermantelandthereheremained，staringatthenewcomers，whoasyet，didnotappeartohaveobservedhim。
　　Theyworenoheadgear，andtheirscarfswerethrownbackupontheirshoulders，revealingtothestrickengazeofLaBoulayethecountenancesoftheMarquisedeBellecourandherdaughter。
　　Andnow，astheyadvancedintothelight，Charlotrecognisedthemtoo。Intheactofofferingachairhestood，arrested，hiseyesdevouringfirstone，thentheotherofthen，withaglancethatseemedtohavegrownoddlysobered。Theflushdiedfromhisface，andhislipstwitchedlikethoseofamanwhoseekstocontrolhisemotions。Thenslowlythecolourcreptbackintohischeeks，acurlofmockeryappearedonthecoarsemouth，andtheeyesbeamedevilly。
　　Theytensesilencewasbrokenbythebangwithwhichhedroppedthechairhehadhalfraised。Asheleanedforwardnow，LaBoulayereadinhisfacethethoughtthathadleaptintotheCaptain’smind，andhaditbeenaquestionofanywomanotherthanZuzannedeBellecour，theDeputymighthaveindulgedintheconsiderationofwhatawonderfulretributionwastherehere。IntothehandsofthemanwhosebridetheMarquisdeBellecourhadtornfromhimwerenowdeliveredbyawonderfulchancethewifeanddaughterofthatsameBellecour。AndatBoisvertthisbrigandingCaptainwasasmuchto—nightthelordoflifeanddeath，andallbesides，ashadbeentheMarquisofBellecourofold。Butheponderednotthesethings，forallthatthesternironyofthecoincidencedidnotescapehim。
　　ThatevillookinCharlot’seyes，thatsinistersmileonCharlot’slips，morethansuggestedwhatmannerofvengeancetheCaptainwouldexact—andthat，forthetime，wasmatterenoughtoabsorbtheDeputy’swholeattention。
　　Andthewomendidnotseehim。Theyweretoomuchengrossedinthefigurefrontingthem，andagonisedly，withcheekswhiteandbosomsheaving，theywaited，intheirdreadsuspense。Atlast，drawinghimselftothefullofhisstalwartheight，theCaptainlaughedgrimlyandspoke。
　　"Mesdames，"saidhe，hisverytoneaninsultinitsbrutalderision，"weRepublicanshaveabolishedGod，anduntiltonightIhaveheldtheRepublicright，arguingthatifaGodtherewas，Hisleaningsmustbearistocratic，sinceHeneverseemedtoconcernHimselfwiththemisfortunesofthelowly—born。Buttonight，mesdames，IknowthattheRepublicisatfault。ThereisaGod—aGodofjusticeandretribution，whohasdeliveredyou，ofallpeopleintheworld，intomyhands。Lookonmewell，Ci—devantMarquisedeBellecour，andyou，MademoiselledeBellecour。Lookinmyfaceandseeifyouknowmeagain。Notyou。Youneverheededmeasyourodebyinthoseprouddays。ButheardyouevertellofoneCharlotTardivet，abasevassalwhosewifeyourhusband，Madame，andyourfather，Mademoiselle，tookfromhimonhisbridalmorn？Heardyouevertellofthatpoorgirl—oneMarieTardivet—whodiedofgriefasaconsequenceofthatbrutality？Butno；suchmattersweretootrivialforyournoticeifyousawthem，orforyourmemoryifyoueverheardtellofthem。
　　Whatwasthelifeofapeasantmorethanthatofanyotheranimaloftheland，thattheconcernofitshouldperturbtheserenenessofyouraristocraticbeing？Mesdames，thatCharlotTardivetamI；thatMarieTardivetwasmywife。IknewnotwhomyouwerewhenIbadeyousupatmytablebutnowthatIknowit—whatdoyoulookforatmyhands？"
　　ItwastheMarquisewhoansweredhim。Shewasdeathlypale，andherwordscamebreathlessly：forallthattheirimportwasverybold。
　　"Welookfortherecollectionthatwearewomenandunlessyouareascowardlyas—"
　　"Citoyenne，"hebrokeinharshly，answeringherashehadansweredLaBoulaye，"wasmywifelessawomanthinkyou？Pah！Thereisyetanotherherewhowaswronged，"heannounced，andhewavedhishandinthedirectionofLaBoulaye，whostood，stiffandpale，bythehearth。
　　Thewomenturned，andatsightoftheDeputyacryescapedSuzanne。
　　Itwasacryofhope，forherewasonewhowouldsurelylendthemaid。Itwasafact，shethought，uponwhichtheCaptainhadnotcounted。ButLaBoulayestoodstraightandcold，andnotbysomuchasaninclinationoftheheaddidheacknowledgethatgrimintroduction。Charlot，mistakingMademoiselle’sexclamation，laughedsoftly。
　　"Wellmayyoucryout，Citoyenne，"saidhe，"forhimIseeyourecognise。Heisthemanwhosoughttorescuemywifefromtheclutchesofyourlordlyandmostnoblefather。Forhispainshewasfloggeduntiltheybelievedhimdead。Isitnotveryfittingthatheshouldbewithmenowtoreceiveyou？"
　　"Buthe，atleast，isinmydebt，"criedMademoiselle，nowmakingastepforward，andsustainedbyanexcitementbornofhope。"Whatevermaybemyfather’ssins，M。laBoulaye，atleast，willnotseektovisitthemuponthedaughter，forheoweshislifetome，andhewillnotforgetthedebt。"
　　Charlot’sbrowsweresuddenlyknitwithvexation。Hehalf—turnedtoLaBoulaye，asiftospeak；buterehecouldutteraword—
　　"Thedebthasbeenpaid，Citoyenne，"saidCaronimpassively。
　　Beforethatcoldanswer，socoldlydelivered，Mademoisellerecoiled。
　　"Paid！"sheechoedmechanically。
　　"Aye，paid，"herejoined。"Youclaimedyourbrother’slifeinpayment，andIgaveittoyou。Doyounotthinkthatwearequits？
　　Besides，"heendedsuddenly，"CaptainTardivetisthemasterhere。
　　Addressyourappealstohim，Citoyenne。"
　　Withterrorwrittenonherface，sheturnedfromhimtomeettheflushedcountenanceofCharlot，who，witharmsakimboandhisheadononeside，wasregardingheratoncewithmockeryandsatisfaction。
　　"Whatdoyouintendbyus，Monsieur？"shequestionedinachokingvoice。
　　Hesmiledinscrutably。
　　"Allayyourfears，Citoyenne；youwillfindmeverygentle。"
　　"Iknewyouwouldprovegenerous，"shecried。
　　"But，yes，Citoyenne，"herejoined，inthetonesweemploytothosewhofearunreasonably。"Ishallprovegenerous；asgenerousas—aswasmylordyourfather。"
　　LaBoulayetrembled，buthisfaceremainedcalmlyexpressionlessashewatchedthatgrimscene。
　　"Monsieur！"Suzannecriedoutinhorror。
　　"Youwillnotdare，youscum！"blazedtheMarchioness。
　　Charlotshruggedhisshouldersandlaughed，whereuponMadamedeBellecourseemedtobecomeabeingtransformed。Herampleflesh，whichbutamomentbackhadquiveredinfear，quiverednowmoreviolentlystillinanger。Thecolourflowedbackintohercheeksuntiltheyflamedanangrycrimson，andhervituperationsranginsoloudandfierceavoicethatatlast，puttinghishandstohisears，Charlotcrossedtothedoor。
　　"Silence！"heroaredather，sosavagelythatherspiritforsookherontheinstant。"Iwillputanendtothis，"heswore，asheopenedthedoor。"Holdthere！IsGuyotbelow？"
　　"Here，Captain，"cameavoice。
　　Charlotretracedhissteps，leavingthedoorwide，hiseyesdwellinguponSuzanneuntilsheshrankunderitsgaze，asshemighthavedonefromthetouchofsomeuncleanthing。Shedrewneartohermother，inwhomthebriefparoxysmofragewasnowsucceededbyanolessviolentparoxysmofweeping。OnthestairssoundedGuyot’sascendingsteps。
　　"Mother，"whisperedSuzanne，settingherarmsaboutherinavainattempttocomfort。ThensheheardCharlot’svoicecurtlybiddingGuyottoreconducttheMarquisetohercarriage。
　　MadamedeBellecourhearditalso，androusedherselfoncemore。
　　"Iwillnotgo，"shestormed，angerflashingagainfromthetear—ladeneyes。"Iwillnotleavemydaughter。"
　　Charlotshruggedhisshoulderscallously。
　　"Takeheraway，Guyot，"hesaid，shortly，andthesturdysoldierobeyedhimwitharoughnessthattooknoaccountofeitherbirthorsex。
　　WhentheMarquise’slastscreamhaddiedawayinthedistance，CharlotturnedoncemoretoSuzanne，anditseemedthathesoughttocomposehisfeaturesintoanexpressionofgentlenessbeyondtheirruggedlimitations。Buttheglanceofhisblueeyeswaskind，andmistakingthepurportofthatkindness，Mademoisellebegananappealtohisbetterfeelings。
　　Straightandtall，paleanddelicateshestood，herbeautyrendered，perhaps，themoreappealingbyvirtueofthefearreflectedonhercountenance。Herblueeyeswereveiledbehindtheirlongblacklashes，herlipsweretremulous，andherhandsclaspedandunclaspedasshenowmadeherprayertotheRepublican。ButinthehardenedheartofCharlotnobreathofpitystirred。Hebeheldherbeautyandhebethoughthimofhiswrongs。Fortherest，perhaps，hadshebeenlesscomelyhehadbeenlessvengeful。
　　AndyonderbythehearthstoodLaBoulayelikeastatue，unmovedandimmovable。TheCaptainwasspeakingtoher，gentlyandsoothingly，butherthoughtsbecamemoretakenwiththesilenceofLaBoulayethanwiththespeechofCharlot。Eveninthatparlousmomentshehadleisuretodespiseherselfforhavingonce—onthedayonwhich，inanswertoherintercessions，hehadsparedherbrother’slife—entertainedakindly，almostwistful，thoughtconcerningthismanwhomshenowdeemedadastard。
　　CHAPTERX
　　THEBAISERLAMOURETTE
　　PresentlyCharlotturnedtoLaBoulaye，andforallthatheutterednoword，hisglanceleftnothingtobesaid。InresponsetoitCaronstirredatlast，andcameleisurelyovertothetable。
　　"Amouthfulofwine，andI’mgone，Charlot，"saidheinlevel，colourlesstones，astakingupaflagonhefilledhimselfagoblet。
　　"Fillforme，too，"criedtheCaptain；"aye，andfortheCitoyennehere。Come，mygirl，acupofwinewillrefreshyou。"
　　ButSuzanneshrankfromtheinvitationasmuchasfromthetenorofitandtheepithethehadappliedtoher。Observingthis，helaughedsoftly。
　　"Oh！Asyouwill。Butthewineisgood—fromcellarofaci—devantDuke。Myservicetoyou，Citoyenne，"hepledgedher，andraisinghiscup，hepouredthewinedownathroatthatwasparchedbythemuchthathehaddrunkalready，Buterethegobletwashalf—empty，asharp，suddencryfromLaBoulayecametointerrupthisquaffing。
　　Heglancedround，andatwhathesawhespilledthewinedownhiswaistcoat，thenletthecupfalltotheground，aswithanoathheflunghimselfuponthegirl。
　　Shehadapproachedthetablewhilstbothmenweredrinking，andquietlypossessedherselfofaknife；and，butthatitwastooblunttodotheservicetowhichsheputit，Charlot’sinterventionwouldhavecometoolate。Asitwashecaughtherwristintime，andinaragehetoretheweaponfromherfingers，andflungitfaracrosstheroom。
　　"So，prettylady！"hegasped，nowgrippingbothherwrists。"So！
　　wearesuicidallyinclined，arewe！WewouldcheatCaptainCharlot，wouldwe？Fidonc！"hecontinuedwithhorridplayfulness。"Toshedabloodsoblueuponafloorsounclean！Nameofanameofaname！"
　　Accountingherselfbaffledateverypoint，thisgirl，whohadhithertoborneherselfsostoutlyastohavestoicallysoughtdeathasalastmeansofescape，begantoweepsoftly。Whereupon：
　　"Nay，nay，little—woman，"murmuredtheCaptain，insuchaccentsasareemployedtoapettedchild，andinstinctively，inhisintenttosoothehedrewhernearer。Andnowtheclosecontactthrilledhim；
　　herbeauty，andsomesubtleperfumethatreachedhimfromher，playedhavocwithhissenses。Nearerhedrewherinsilence，hisfacewhiteandclammy，andhishot，wineladenbreathcomingquickereverysecond。Andunresistingshesubmitted，forshewasbeyondresistancenow，beyondtearseven。Frombetweenwetlasheshergreateyesgazedintohiswithalookofdeadly，piteousaffright；herlipswereparted，hercheeksashen，andhermindwasdimlystrivingtoformulateaprayertotheHolyMother，thenaturalprotectressofallimperilledvirgins。
　　Nearershefeltherselfdrawntohertormentor，inwhosethoughtstheredweltnowlittlerecollectionofthevengefulcharacterofhispurpose。Forasecondherwristswerereleased；thenshefelthisarmsgoingroundherasthecoilsofasnakegorounditsprey。
　　Withasuddenreassertionofself，withapantinggaspofhorror，shetoreherselffree。Anoathbrokefromhimashesprangafterher。Thentheunexpectedhappened。Abovehisheadsomethingbrightflashedup，thendown。Therewasadullcrack，andtheCaptainstoppedshortinhisrush；hishandswerejerkedtotheheightofhisbreast，andlikeapole—axedbeasthedroppedandlayproneatherfeet。
　　AcrosshisfallenbodyshebeheldLaBoulayestandingimpassively，theghostofasmileonhisthinlips，andinhishandoneoftheheavysilvercandlesticksfromthetable。
　　Whilstamanmightcountadozentheystoodsowithnowordspoken。
　　Then：
　　"Itwasacowardlyblow，Citoyenne，"saidtheDeputyinaccentsofregret；"butwhatchoicehadI？"Hesetdownthecandlestick，andkneelingbesideCharlot，hefeltfortheCaptain’sheart。"Thedoor，Citoyenne，"hemuttered。"Lockit。"
　　Mechanically，andwithoututteringaword，shehastenedtodohisbidding。Asthekeygratedinthelockherose。
　　"Ithasonlystunnedhim，"heannounced。"Nowtoprepareanexplanationforit。"
　　Hedrewachairundertheoldbrasslamp，thathungfromtheceiling。
　　Hemountedthechair，andwithbothhandsheseizedthechainimmediatelyabovethelamp。Drawinghimselfup，heswungthereforjustasecond；thenthehookgaveway，andamidashowerofplasterLaBoulayehalf—tumbledtotheground。
　　"There，"saidhe，ashedroppedthelampwithitschainandhookuponthefloorbyCharlot。"Itmaynotbeasconvincingaswemightwish，butIthinkthatitwillproveconvincingenoughtothedullwitsofthelandlady，andofsuchofCharlot’sfollowersasmayenterhere。Iamafraid，"hedeplored，"thatitwillbesometimebeforeherecovers。Hewassofargoneinwinethatitneededlittleweighttofellhim。"
　　Herglancemethisoncemore，andshetookasteptowardshimwithhandsoutstretched。
　　"Monsieur，Monsieur！"shecried。"IfyoubutknewhowinmythoughtsIwrongedyoualittlewhileago。"
　　"Youhadallreasonto，"heanswered，takingherhands，andtherecametheleastsofteningofhissterncountenance。"Itgrievedmetoaddtoyouraffliction。ButhadIpermittedhimtodosomuchassuspectthatIwasanythingbutyourimplacableenemy，Ihadnochanceofsavingyou。Hewouldhavedismissedme，andImusthaveobeyedorbeencompelled，forheismasterhere，andhasmenenoughtoenforcewhathedesires。"
　　Andnowshewouldhavethankedhimforhavingsavedher，buthecuthershortalmostroughly。
　　"Youowemenothanks，"hesaid。"Ihavebutdoneforyouwhatmymanhoodmusthavebiddenmedoforanywomansimilarlysituated。Forto—nightIhavesavedyou，Citoyenne。IshallmakeanefforttosmuggleyouandyourmotheroutofBoisvertbeforemorning，butafterthatyoumusthelpyourselves。"
　　"Youwilldothis？"shecried，hereyesglistening。
　　"Iwillattemptit。"
　　"Bywhatmeans，MonsieurCaron？"
　　"Idonotyetknow。Imustconsider。Inthemeantimeyouhadbestreturntoyourcoach。Laterto—nightIshallhaveyouandyourmotherbroughttome，andIwillendeavourtosoarrangemattersthatyoushallnotagainreturntoyourcarriage。
　　"Notreturntoit？"sheexclaimed。"Butarewethentoleaveithere？"
　　"Iamafraidthereisnohelpforthat。"
　　"But，Monsieur，youdonotknow；thereisatreasureinthatcarriage。
　　Allthatwehaveispackedinit，andifwegowithoutitwegodestitute。"
　　"Better，perhaps，togodestitutethannottogoatall，Mademoiselle。
　　Iamafraidthereisnochoiceforyou。"
　　Hismannerwasatrifleimpatient。Itirritatedhimthatinsuchamomentsheshouldgivesomuchthoughttohervaluables。Butinrealityshewasthinkingoftheminasmuchastheyconcernedhermother，whowasbelow，andherfatherandbrotherwhoawaitedtheminPrussia，whithertheyhadseparatelyemigrated。Theimpatienceinhistonestungherintoafeelingofresentment，thatforthemomentseemedtoblotoutthemuchthatsheowedhim。Areproachfulwordwastremblingonherlips，whensuddenlyheputouthishand。
　　"Hist！"hewhispered，theconcentratedlookofonewholistensstampeduponhisface。Hissharpearshaddetectedsomesoundwhich—perhapsthroughherpreoccupation—shehadnotnoticed。HesteppedquicklytotheCaptain’sside，andtakingupthelampbyitschain，heleaptintotheairlikeaclown，andcamedownonhisheelswithathudthatshookthechamber。Simultaneouslyhedroppedthelampwithaclatter，andsentashoutre—echoingthroughthehouse。
　　Thegirlstaredathimwithpartedlipsandtheleastlookoffearinhereyes。Washegonecleanmadofasudden？
　　Butnowthesoundwhichhadwarnedhimofsomeone’sapproachreachedherearsaswell。Therewerestepsonthestairs，whichatthatalarmingnoisewereinstantlyquickened。YeteretheyhadreachedthetopLaBoulayewasatthedoorvociferatingwildly。
　　Intotheroomcamethehostess，breathlessandgrinningwithanxiety，andbehindhercameGuyot，who，startledbythedin，hadhasteneduptoinquireintoitscause。
　　AtsightoftheCaptainstretcheduponthefloortherewasascreamfromMotherCapouladeandanoathfromthesoldier。
　　"MonDieu！whathashappened？"shecried，hurryingforward。
　　"Miserable！"exclaimedLaBoulaye，withwell—feignedanger。"Itseemsthatyourwretchedhovelistumblingtopieces，andthatmenarenotsafebeneathitsroof。"Andheindicatedthebrokenplasterandthefallenlamp。
　　"Howdidithappen，Citoyenne—deputy？"askedGuyot；forallthathedrewtheonlypossibleinferencefromwhathesaw。
　　"Canyounotseehowithappened？"returnedLaBoulaye，impatiently。
　　"Asforyou，wretchedwoman，youwillsufferforit，Ipromiseyou。
　　ThenationislikelytodemandahighpriceforCaptainCharlot’sinjuries。"
　　"But，bonDieu，howamItoblame？"wailedthefrightenedwoman。
　　"Toblame，"echoedLaBoulaye，inafuriousvoice。"Areyounottoblamethatyouletroomsinacrazyhovel？Letthemtoemigresasmuchasyouwill，butifyouletthemtogoodpatriotsandtherebyendangertheirlivesyoumusttaketheconsequences。Andtheconsequencesinthiscasearelikelytobesevere，malheureuse。"
　　HeturnednowtoGuyot，whowaskneelingbytheCaptain，andlookingtohishurt。
　　"Here，Guyot，"hecommandedsharply，"reconducttheCitoyennetohercoach。Iwillperhapsseeheragainlater，whentheCaptainshallhaverecoveredconsciousness。You，CitoyenneCapoulade，assistmetocarryhimtobed。"
　　Eachobeyedhim，Guyotreadily，asbecameasoldier，andthehostesstremblingwiththedreadwhichLaBoulaye’swordshadinstilledintoher。TheygotCharlottobed，andwhenahalf—hourorsolaterherecoveredconsciousness，itwastofindGuyotwatchingathisbed—side。
　　Bewildered，hedemandedanexplanationofhispresentpositionandofthepaininhishead，whichbroughthimthememoryofasuddenandunaccountableblowhehadreceived，whichwasthelastthingthatheremembered。Guyot，whohadneverforamomententertainedadoubtofthegenuinenessofthemise—en—sceneLaBoulayehadprepared，answeredhimwiththeexplanationofhowhehadbeenstruckbythefallinglamp，whereuponCharlotfelltocursinglampsandcrumblingswithhorridvolubility。Thatdonehewouldhaverisen，butthatLaBoulaye，enteringatthatmoment，insistedthatheshouldremainabed。
　　"Areyoumad？"theDeputyexpostulated，"orisitthatyoudonotappreciatethenatureofyourhurt？Diable！Ihaveknownamandiethroughinsistingtobeaboutwithacrackedskullthatwasasnothingtoyours。"
　　"Nameofaname！gaspedCharlot，whoinsuchmatterswasprofoundlyignorantandcorrespondinglycredulous。"Isitsoserious？"
　　"Notseriousifyouliestillandsleep。Youwillprobablybequitewellbyto—morrow。Butifyoumoveto—nighttheconsequencesmaywellbefatal。"
　　"ButIcannotsleepatthishour，"theCaptaincomplained。"Iamverywakeful，"
　　"Wewilltrytofindyouasleepingpotion，then，"saidLaBoulaye。
　　"Ihopethehosteenmayhavesomethingthatwillanswerthepurpose。
　　Meanwhile，Guyot，donotallowtheCaptaintotalk。Ifyouwouldhavehimwellto—morrow，rememberthatitisofthefirstimportancethatheshouldhaveutterresttonight。"
　　WiththathewentinquestofDameCapouladetoascertainwhethershepossessedanypotionthatwouldinducesleep。HetoldherthattheCaptainwasseriouslyinjured，andthatunlessheslepthemightdie，and，quickenedbytheterrorofwhatmightbefallherinsuchacase，thewomanpresentlyproducedasmallphialfullofabrown，viscousfluid。Whatitmightbehehadnonotion，beingallunversedinthemysteriesofthepharmacopoeia；butshetoldhimthatithadbelongedtohernowdefuncthusband，whohadalwayssaidthattendropsofitwouldmakeamansleeptheclockround。
　　HeexperimentedontheCaptainwithtendrops，andwithinaquarterofanhouroftakingthedraughtofredwineinwhichitwasadministered，Charlot’sdeepbreathingproclaimedhimfastasleep。
　　Thatdone，LaBoulayesentGuyotbelowtohispostoncemore，andreturningtotheroominwhichtheyhadsupped，hepacedupanddownforafullhour，revolvinginhismindthematterofsavingMademoiselleandhermother。Atlast，towardsteno’clock，heopenedthecasement，andcallingdowntoGuyot，asCharlothaddone，hebadehimbringthewomenupagain。NowGuyotknewofthehighpositionwhichCaronoccupiedintheConvention，andhehadseentheintimaterelationsinwhichhestoodtoTardivet，sothatunhesitatinglyhenowobeyedhim。
　　LaBoulayeclosedthewindow，andcrossedslowlytothefire。Hestirredtheburninglogswithhisboot，thenstoodtherewaiting。
　　Presentlythestairscreaked，nextthedooropened，andGuyotusheredinMademoiselle。
　　"Theeldercitoyennerefusestocome，Citizen—deputy，"saidthesoldier。"Theybothinsistedthatitwasnotnecessary，andthattheCitoyenneherewouldansweryourquestions。"
　　AlmostonthepointofcommandingthesoldiertoreturnfortheMarquise，Caroncaughtthegirl’seye，andherglancewassosignificantthathethoughtitbesttohearfirstwhatmotivesshehadforthusdisobeyinghim。
　　"Verywell，"hesaidshortly。"Youmaygobelow，Guyot。ButholdyourselfinreadinesslestIshouldhaveneedofyou。"
　　Thesoldiersalutedanddisappeared。ScarcewashegonewhenMademoisellecamehurryingforward。
　　"MonsieurCaron，"shecried"Heavenissurelybefriendingus。Thesoldiersaredrinkingthemselvesoutoftheirwits。Theywillbekeepingaslackwatchpresently。"
　　Helookedatherforamoment，fathomingthepurportofwhatshesaid。
　　"But，"hedemandedatlast，"whydidnottheMarquiseobeymysummons，andaccompanyyou？"
　　"Shewasafraidtoleavethecoach，Monsieur。Moreover，sheagreedwithmethatitwouldnotbenecessary。"
　　"Notnecessary？"heechoed。"Butitisnecessary。WhenlastyouwerehereItoldyouIdidnotintendyoushouldreturntothecoach。
　　Thisismyplan，Citoyenne。IshallkeepGuyotwaitingbelowwhileyouandyourmotherarefortifyingyourselvesbysupperhere。ThenIshalldismisshimwitharecommendationthathekeepaclosewatchuponthecarriage，andtheinformationthatyouwillnotbereturningtoitto—night。Ahalf—hourlaterorso，whenthingsarequiet，I
　　shallfindawayoutforyoubytheback，afterwhichtherestmustremaininyourhands。MoreIcannotdo。"
　　"Youcan，"shecried；"youcan。"
　　"Ifyouwillenlightenme，"saidhe，withthefaintesttouchofirony。
　　Shelookedathisstern，sardonicfaceandsolemngreyeyes，andforamomentitalmostseemedtoherthatshehatedhimmorethananybodyintheworld。Hewassopassionless，somasterofhimself，andheaddressedherinatonewhich，whilstitsuggestedthatheaccountedhimselfmostfullyherequal，madeherfeelthathewasreallyherbetterbymuch。Ifoneofthesetwowasanaristocrat，surelythatonewastheCitizen—deputyLaBoulaye。
　　"Ifyouhadbutthewillyouwoulddoit，Monsieur，"sheansweredhim。"Itisnotminetoenlightenyou；Iknownothow。"
　　"Ihavetheverybestwillintheworld，Citoyenne，"saidhe。"OfthatIthinkthatIamgivingproof。"
　　"Aye，thewilltodonothingthatwillshameyourmanhood，"sherejoined。"Thatisallyouthinkof。Itwasbecauseyourmanhoodbadeyouthatyoucametomyrescue—soyousaidwhenyoudeclinedmythanks。Itisthismanhoodofyours，Imakenodoubt，thatisnowprevailinguponyoutodelivertwounprotectedwomenoutofthehandsofthesebrigands。"
　　"InHeaven’sname，Citoyenne，"quoththeastonishedDeputy，"outofwhatsentimentwouldyouhavemeact，and，indeed，sothatIsaveyou，howcanitconcernyoubywhatsentimentIamprompted？"
　　Shepausedamomentbeforereplying。Hereyesweredowncast，andsomeofthecolourfadedfromhercheeks。Shecarneastepnearer，whichbroughtherveryclosetohim。
　　"Monsieur，"shefalteredveryshyly，"intheolddaysatBellecouryouwouldhaveservedmeoutofothersentiments。"
　　Hestartednowinspiteofhimself，andeyedherwithasuddengleamofhope，ortriumph，ormistrust，orperhapsofallthree。Thenhisglancefell，andhisvoicewaswistful。
　　"Buttheolddaysaredead，Mademoiselle。"
　　"Thedays，yes，"sheanswered，takingcouragefromhistone。"ButloveMonsieur，iseverlasting—itneverdies，theysay。"
　　AndnowitwasLaBoulayewhodrewcloser，andthismanwhohadsorigidlyschooledhimselfoutofallemotions，felthisbreathquickening，andhispulsesthrobbingfasterandfaster。Tohimitseemedthatshewasright，andthatloveneverdied—fortheloveforher，whichhebelievedhehadthrottledoutofexistencelongago，seemedofasuddentotakelifeasvigorouslyasever。AndthenitwasasifsomebreezeoutofthepastboretohisnostrilsthesmellofthevioletsandofthemoistearthofthatAprilmorningwhenshehadrepulsedhiminthewoodsofBellecour。Hisemotiondieddown。Hedrewback，andstoodrigidbeforeher。
　　"Andifitweretolive，Citoyenne，"hesaid—theresumptionoftheRepublicanformofaddressshowedthathehadsteppedbackintothespiritaswellasintheflesh"whatmanneroffoolwereItoagainsubmitittothelashofscornitearnedwhenfirstitwasdiscovered？"
　　"Butthatbelongedtotheolddays，"shecried，"anditisdeadwiththeolddays。’
　　"Itisvaintogoback，Citoyenne，"hecutin，andhisvoicerangharshwithdetermination。
　　Shebitherlipundercoverofherbenthead。Ifshehadhatedhimbeforehowmuchmoredidshenothatehimnow？Andbutamomentbackithadseemedtoherthatshehadlovedhim。Shehadheldoutherhandstohimandhehadscornedthem；inhereagernessshehadbeenunmaidenly，andallthatshehadearnedhadbeenhumiliation。
　　Shequiveredwithshameandanger，andsinkingintothenearestchairsheburstintoapassionoftears。
　　ThusbyaccidentdidshestumbleupontheveryweaponwherewithtomakeanutterroutofallCaron’sresolutions。Forknowingnothingofthefountainfromwhichthosetearswerespringing，anddeemingthemtheexpressionofagriefpureandunalloyed—saving，perhaps，byaworthypenitence—hesteppedswiftlytoherside。
　　"Mademoiselle，"hemurmured，andhistonewasasgentleandbeseechingasithadlatelybeenimperious。"Nay，Mademoiselle，Iimploreyou！"
　　Buthertearscontinued，andhersobsshooktheslenderframeasiftoshatterit。Hedroppeduponhisknees。Scarcelyknowingwhathedid，hesethisarmaboutherwaistinacaressofprotection。
　　Alongcurlofherblack，unpowderedhairlayagainsthischeek。
　　"Mademoiselle，"hemurmured，andshetookcomfortatthesoothingtone。
　　>Fromitshejudgedhimmalleablenow，thathadbeensosternandunyieldingbefore。Sheraisedhereyes，andthroughhertearssheturnedtheirheavenlybluefulluponthegreydepthsofhis。
　　"Youwillnotbelieveme，Monsieur，"shecomplainedsoftly。"YouwillnotbelievethatIcanhavechangedwiththetimes；thatIseethingsdifferentlynow。IfyouweretocometomeagainasinthewoodsatBellecour—"Shepausedabruptly，hercheeksflamedscarlet，andshecoveredthemwithherhands。
　　"Suzanne！"hecried，seekingtodrawthosehandsaway。"Isittrue，this？Youcare，beloved！"
　　Sheuncoveredherfaceatlast。Againtheireyesmet。
　　"Iwasright，"shewhispered。"Loveneverdies，yousee。"
　　"Andyouwillmarryme，Suzanne？"heaskedincredulously。
　　Sheinclinedherhead，smilingthroughhertears，andhewouldhavecaughthertohimbutthatsheroseofasudden。
　　"Hist！"shecried，raisingherfinger："someoneiscoming。"
　　Helistened，holdinghisbreath，butnosoundstirred。Hewenttothedoorandpeeredout。Allwasstill。Buttheinterruptionservedtoimpresshimwiththefactthattimewasspeeding，andthatallunsuspiciousthoughGuyotmightbeasyet，itwasmorethanpossiblethathissuspicionswouldbearousedifsheremainedtheremuchlonger。
　　Hementionedthis，andhewasbeginningtorefertohisplanfortheirescapewhenshethrustitaside，insistingthattheymustdepartintheircoach，sothattheirtreasuremightalsobesaved。"
　　"Bereasonable，Suzanne，"hecried。"Itisimpossible。"
　　Acloudofvexationsweptacrossheravertedface。
　　"Nay，surelynotimpossible，"sheanswered。"Listen，Caron，therearetwotreasuresinthatcoach。Oneisinmoneyandingoldandsilverplate；theotherisingems，andamountstothricethevalueoftherest。Thislatterismydowry。ItisafortunewithwhichwecanquitFranceandbetakeourselveswhereverourfancyleadsus。
　　Wouldyouaskmetoabandonthatandcometoyoupenniless，compelledtherebytoliveinperpetualterrorinacountrywhereatanymomentanenemymightcastatmethewordaristocrate，andtherebyruinme？"
　　TherewasnocupidityinLaBoulaye’snature，andeventheprospectofanindependentfortunewouldhaveweighedlittlewithhimhaditnotbeenbackedbytheotherargumentsheemployedtouchingtheterrorthatwouldbeeverwithherdidtheydwellinFrance。
　　Hestooddeepinthought，hishandtohisbrow，thrustingbackthelongblackhairfromhiswhiteforehead，whattimesherecapitulatedherargument。
　　"Buthow？"heexclaimed，inexasperation"Tellmehow？"
　　"Thatisforyoutodiscover，Caron。"
　　Hethrusthishandsdeepintohispockets，andsethimselftopacethechamber。Andnowhisfingerscameincontactwithsomethingforeign。Idlyhedrewitforth，anditprovedtobethephialMotherCapouladehadgivenhim，andfromwhichhehadpouredthetendropsfortheCaptain’ssleepingpotion。Hiseyesbrightenedwithinspiration。Herewasatoolwhosepossibilitieswerevast。
　　Thenhisbrowswereknitagain。
　　"Wait，"hesaidslowly。"Letmethink。"
　　CHAPTERXI
　　THEESCAPE
　　Restinghiselbowonthetable，andwithhishandtohisbrow，Caronsatdeepinthought，hisforefingerandthumbpressedagainsthisclosedeyelids。FrombeyondtheboardMademoisellewatchedhimanxiouslyandwaited。Atlasthelookedup。
　　"IthinkIhaveit，"heannounced，rising。"Yousaythatthemenaredrinkingheavily。Thatshouldmateriallyassistus。"
　　Sheaskedhimwhatplanhehadconceived，butheurgedthattimepressed；sheshouldknowpresently；meanwhile，shehadbestreturnimmediatelytohercarriage。HewenttothedoortocallGuyot，butshestayedhim。
　　"No，no，Monsieur，"sheexclaimed。"Iwillnotpassthroughthecommon—roomagaininthatfellow’scompany。Theyareallinthere，carousing，and—andIdarenot。"
　　Asiftoconfirmherwords，nowthatheheldthedooropen，hecaughtsomesoundsofmirthandthedroneofvoicesfrombelow。
　　"Comewithme，then，"saidhe，takinguponeofthecandles。"Iwillescortyou。"
　　Togethertheydescendedthenarrowstaircase，LaBoulayegoingfirst，toguideher，sincetwomightnotgoabreast。Atthefoottherewasadoor，whichheopened，andthen，attheendofashortpassage—inwhichthedroneofvoicessoundedveryloudandinparticularone，crackedvoicethatwasraisedinsong—theygainedthedoorofthecommon—room。AsLaBoulayepusheditopentheycameuponasceneofBacchanalianrevelry。OnachairthathadbeensetuponthetabletheybeheldMotherCapouladeenthronedlikeaGoddessofLiberty，andwearingaPhrygiancaponherdishevelledlocks。Heryellowcheekswereflushedandhereyeswatery，whilstherswasthecrazyvoicethatsang。
　　Aroundthetable，ineveryconceivableattitudeofabandonment，satCaptainCharlot’sguard—everymanoftheten—andwiththemthesixmenandthecorporalofLaBoulaye’sescort，allmoreorlessinaconditionofdrunkenness。
　　"Lejourdegloireestarrive？"sangthecroakingvoiceofDameCapoulade，andthereitstoppedabruptlyuponcatchingsightofLaBoulayeandhiscompanioninthedoorway。Mademoiselleshiveredoutofloathing；butLaBoulayefelthispulsesquickenedwithhope，forsurelyallthiswascalculatedtoassisthiminhispurpose。
　　Attheabruptinterruptionofthelandlady’sversionofthe"Marseillaise"themenswunground，anduponseeingtheDeputytheysoughtinludicroushastetorepairthedisorderoftheirappearance。
　　"So！"thunderedCaron。"Thisisthewatchyoukeep？Thisishowyouaretobetrusted？Andyou，Guyot，"hecontinued，pointinghisfingerattheman。"DidInotbidyouawaitmyorders？Isthishowyouwait？YouseethatIamcompelledtoreconducttheCitoyennemyself，forImighthavecalledyouinvainallnight。"
　　Guyotcameforwardsheepishly，andatrifleunsteadyinhisgait。
　　"Ididnothearyoucall，Citizen，"hemuttered。
　　"Ithadbeenamiracleifyouhadwiththisdin，"answeredLaBoulaye。
　　"Here，taketheCitoyennebacktohercarriage。"
　　ObedientlyGuyotledtheCitoyenneacrosstheroomandoutintothecourtyard，andthemen，restrainedbyLaBoulaye’sseverepresence，daredscarcelysomuchasraisetheireyestoherasshepassedout。
　　"Andnowtoyourposts，"wasCaron’ssterncommand。"Bymysoul，ifyouweremenofmineIwouldhaveyoufloggedforthis。Outwithyou！"Andhepointedimperiouslytothedoor。
　　"Itisabitternight，Citizen，"grumbledoneofthem。
　　"Doyoucallyourselfsoldiers，anddoesatouchoffrostmakecowardsofyou？Outside，youoldwives，atonce！I’llseeyouatyourpostbeforeIgotobed。"
　　Andwiththathesethimselftodrivethemout，andtheywent，untilnonebuthisownhalf—dozenremained。Thesehebadedisposethemselvesaboutthehearth，inwhichtheyveryreadilyobeyedhim。
　　Onaside—tablestoodahugesteamingcanwhichhadattractedLaBoulaye’sattentionfromthemomentthathehadenteredtheroom。
　　Hewenttopeerintothis，andfounditfullalmosttothebrimofmulledredwine。
　　Withhisbacktothoseintheroom，soastoscreenhisactions，hehaduncorkedthephialashewasapproachingthecan。Now，ashemadepretencefirsttopeerintoitandthentosmellitscontents，hesurreptitiouslyemptiedthepotionintoit，wonderingvaguelytohimselfwhetherthemenwouldeverwakeagainiftheyhaddrunkit。
　　SlippingthephialintohissashheturnedtoMotherCapoulade，whohaddescendedfromthetableandstoodlookingveryfoolish。
　　"Whatisthis？"hedemandedangrily。
　　"Itwasalastcupofwineforthemen，"shefaltered。"Thenightisbitterlycold，Citizen，"sheadded，bywayofexcusingherself。
　　"Bah！"snarledCaron，andforamomenthestoodthereasifdeliberating。"Iammindedtoemptyitintothekennel，"heannounced。
　　"Citizen！"criedthewoman，inalarm。"Itisgoodwine，andIhavespicedit。"
　　"Well，"herelented，"theymayhaveit。Butseethatitisthelastto—night。"
　　Andwiththathestrodeacrosstheroom，andwithasurly"Good—night"
　　tohismen，hemountedthestairsoncemore。
　　Hewaitedperhapstenminutesinthechamberabove，thenhewenttothecasement，andsoftlyopenedthewindow。Itwasasheexpected。
　　Withtheexceptionofthecoachstandinginthemiddleoftheyard，andjustdiscerniblebytheglowofthesmoulderingfiretheyhadbuilttherebutallowedtoburnlow，theplacewasuntenanted。
　　Believinghimtohaveretiredforthenight，themenwerebackagaininthemorecongenialatmosphereofthehostelry，drinkingthemselvesnodoubtintoastuporwiththatlastcanofdruggedwine。Hesatdowntoquietlymaturehisplans，andtothinkouteverydetailofwhathewasabouttodo。Attheendofahalf—hour，silencereigningthroughoutthehouse，herose。HecreptsoftlyintoCharlot’schamberandpossessedhimselfoftheCaptain’soutergarments。Thesehecarriedbacktothesitting—room，andextractedfromthecoatpockettwohugekeystiedtogetherwithapieceofstring。Heneverdoubtedthattheywerethekeyshesought，oneopeningthestabledoorandtheotherthegatesoftheporte—cochere。
　　Hereplacedthegarments，andthentomakedoublysure，hewaitedyet—inafeverofimpatience—anotherhalf—hourbyhiswatch。
　　Itwantedafewminutestomidnightwhen，takinguphiscloakandalanternhehadlighted，hewentbelowoncemore。Inthecommon—roomhefoundpreciselythescenehehadexpected。BothCharlot’smenandhisownfollowerslayaboutthefloorinallconceivablemannerofattitudes，theirsenseslockeddeepinthedrunkenstuporthatpossessedthem。Twoorthreehadremainedseated，andhadfallenacrossthetable，whenovercome。OfthesewasMotherCapoulade，whoseheadlaysidewaysonhercurledarms，andfromwhosethroatthereissuedaresonantandmelodioussnore。
　　MostofthefacesthatLaBoulayecouldseewerehorriblylividandbedewedwithsweat，andagainitcameintohismindtowonderwhetherhehadoverdonethings，andtheywouldwakenomore。Ontheotherhand，anevengreaterfearbesethim，thatthedrugmighthavebeeninsufficient。Bywayoftestingit，hecaughtonefellowwholayacrosshispathaviolentkickintheside。Themangruntedinhissleep，andstirredslightly，torelapsealmostatonceintohishelplessattitude，andtoresumehisregularbreathing，whichtheblowhadinterrupted。
　　LaBoulayesmiledhissatisfaction，andwithoutfurtherhesitancypassedoutintotheyard。HehadyetagooddealtosaytoMademoiselle，buthecouldnotbringhimselftospeaktoherbeforehermother，particularlyasherealisedhowmuchtheMarquisemightbeopposedtohim。Heopenedthecarriagedoor。
　　"Mademoiselle，"hecalledsoftly，"willyoudomethefavourtoalightforaninstant？Imustspeaktoyou。"
　　"Canyounotsaywhatyouhavetosaywhereyouare？"cametheMarquise’svoice。
　　"No，Madame，"answeredLaBoulayecoldly，"Icannot。"
　　"Oh，itis’Madame’and’Mademoiselle’now，eh？Whathaveyoudonetotheman，child，tohaveearnedussomuchdeference。"
　　"MayIremindMademoiselle，"putinLaBoulayefirmly，"thattimepresses，andthatthereismuchtobedone？"
　　"Iamhere，Monsieur"sheanswered，aswithoutmoreado，andheedlessofhermother’sfreshremarks，shesteppedfromthecarriage。
　　LaBoulayeprofferedhiswristtoassisthertoalight，thenreclosedthedoor，andledherslowlytowardsthestable。
　　"Wherearethesoldiers？"shewhispered。
　　"Everysoulintheinnisasleep，"heanswered。"Ihavedruggedthemall，fromtheCaptaindowntothehostess。Theonlyoneleftistheostler，whoissleepinginoneoftheouthouseshere。Himyoumusttakewithyou，notonlybecauseitisnotpossibletodrughimaswell，butalsobecausetheblameofyourescapemustrestonsomeone，anditmayaswellrestonhimasanother。"
　　"Butwhynotonyou？"sheasked。
　　"BecauseImustremain。"
　　"Ah！"Itwasnomorethanabreathofinterrogation，andherfacewasturnedtowardshimassheawaitedanexplanation。
　　"Ihavegivenitmuchthought，Suzanne，andunlesssomeoneremainstocover，asitwere，yourretreat，Iamafraidthatyourflightmightbevain，andthatyouwouldrunanoverwhelmingriskofrecapture。Youmustremembertheresourcefulnessofthisfellow，Tardivet，andhispowerinthecountryhere。IfheweretoawaketothediscoverythatIhaddupedhim，hewouldbeupandafterus，andImakelittledoubtthatitwouldnotbelongerehefoundthescentandranustoearth。TomorrowIshalldiscoveryourflightandthevillainyoftheostler，andIshallsoorganisethepursuitthatyoushallnotbeovertaken。"
　　Therewasamoment’spause，duringwhichLaBoulayeseemedtoexpectsomequestion。Butnonecame，soheproceeded：
　　"YouroriginalintentionwastomakeforPrussia，whereyousaythatyourfatherandyourbrotherareawaitingyou。"
　　"Yes，Monsieur。BeyondtheMoselle—atTreves。"
　　"Youmustalteryourplans，"saidheshortly。"Yourmother，nodoubt，willinsistuponrepairingthither，andIwillseethattheroadisleftopenforherescape。AtSoigniesyou，Suzanne，canhireyourselfaberline，thatwilltakeyoubacktoFrance。"
　　"BacktoFrance？"sheechoed。
　　"Yes，backtoFrance。Thatistheunlikeliestroadonwhichtothinkofpursuingyou，andthusyouwillbaffleCharlot。LetyourmotherproceedonherjourneytoPrussia，buttellhertoavoidCharleroi，andtogoroundbyLiege。ThusonlycanshehopetoescapeTardivet’smenthatarepatrollingtheroadfromFrance。
　　Asforyou，Suzanne，youhadbestgoNorthasfarasOudenarde，soastocircumventtheCaptain’sbrigandsonthatside。ThenmakestraightforRoubaix，andawaitmeatthe’HoteldesCloches。’"
　　"But，Monsieur，Ishudderattheverythoughtofre—enteringFrance。"
　　"AsMademoiselledeBellecour，aproscribedaristocrat，thatiseveryreasonforyourfears。ButIhavegiven。thematterthoughtandIcanpromiseyouthatastheCitoyenneLaBoulaye，wifeoftheCitizen—deputyCaronLaBoulaye，youwillbeassafeasIshouldbemyself，ifyouarequestioned，and，inresponse，youwillfindnothingbuteagernesstoserveyouoneveryhand。"
　　Shespokenowofthedifficultieshermotherwouldmake，buthedismissedthematterbyremindingherthathermothercouldnotdetainherbyforce。Againshealludedtoherdowry，butthatalsohedismissed，biddingherleaveitbehind。Herfamilywouldneedthemoney，toberealisedbythejewels。Asforherself，heassuredherthatashiswifeshewouldnotwant，andshowedherhowidlewasherdreadoflivinginFrance。
　　"Andnow，Mademoiselle，"hesaid，morebriskly，"letusseetothisostler。"
　　Heopenedthedooroftheouthouse，anduncoveringhislanternheraiseditabovehishead。Itsyellowlightrevealedtothemasleeperonthestrawinacorner。LaBoulayeenteredandstirredthemanwithhisfoot。
　　Thefellowsatupblinkingstupidlyanddraggingoddwispsofstrawfromhisgreyhair。
　　"What’samiss？"hegrunted。
　　AsbrieflyasmightbeLaBoulayeinformedhimthathewastoreceiveamatteroffivehundredfrancsifhewouldjourneyintoPrussiawiththeci—devantMarquisedeBellecour。
　　Fivehundredfrancs？Itwasavastsum，thetenthofwhichhadneverbeenhisatanyonetimeofhiswretchedlife。ForfivehundredfrancshewouldhavejourneyedintoHades，andLaBoulayefoundhimwillingenoughtogotoPrussia，andhadnoneedtoresorttothemoreforciblemeasureshehadcomepreparedtoemploy。
　　Accompaniedbytheostler，theynowpassedtothestables，andwhenLaBoulayehadunlockedthedoorandcutthebondsthatpinionedtheMarquis’scoachman，theygotthehorses，andtogethertheyharnessedthemasquietlyasmightbe。
　　Thenworkingwithinfiniteprecaution，andaslittlesoundaspossible，theybroughtthemoutintotheyardandsetthemintheshaftsofthecarriage。Therestwaseasywork，andaquarterofanhourlatertheheavyvehiclerumbledthroughtheporte—cochereandstartedonitswaytoSoignies。
　　LaBoulayedroppedthekeysintoabucketandwentwithin。Inthecommon—roomnothinghadchanged，andthemenlayaboutpreciselyashehadleftthem。Reassured，hewentaboveandtookapeepattheCaptain，whomhefoundsnoringlustily。
　　Satisfiedthatallwaswell，Caronpassedquietlytohisownchamber，andwithanelationofsoulsuchashadneverbeenhissinceboyhood，hefellasleepamidvisionsofSuzanneandthenewlifehewastoenteruponinhersweetcompany。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　THEAWAKENING
　　LaBoulayeawakenedbetimesnextmorning。Itmaybethatthematteronhismindandthebusinessthatwastowardarousedhim；certainlyitwasnoneofthesoundsthatarecommontoaninnatearlymorn，fortheplacewasassilentasatomb。
　　Somesecondsheremainedonhisback，staringatthewhitewashedceilingandlisteningtothepatteroftherainagainsthiswindow。
　　Then，ashismindgatheredupthethreadsofrecollection，heleaptfromhisbedandmadehastetoassumeagarmentortwo。
　　Hestoodamomentathiscasement，lookingoutintotheemptycourtyard。Fromaleadenskytherainwasdescendinginsheets，andthegargoyleattheendoftheeavesoverheadwasdischargingasteadycolumnofwaterintotheyard。CaronshiveredwiththecoldofthatgloomyFebruarymorning，andturnedawayfromthewindow。
　　AfewmomentslaterhewasinTardivet’sbedchamber，vigorouslyshakingthesleepingCaptain。
　　"Up，Charlot！Awake！"heroaredintheman’sear。
　　"Whato’clock？"heaskedwithayawn。Thenasuddengroanescapedhim，andheputhishandtohishead。"Thousanddevils！"heswore，"whataheadache！"
　　ButLaBoulayewasnotthereonanymissionofsympathy，nordidhewastewordsinconveyinghisnews。
　　"Thecoachisgone，"heannouncedemphatically。
　　"Coach？Whatcoach？"askedtheCaptain，knittinghisbrows。
　　"Whatcoach？"echoedLaBoulayetestily。"Howmanycoacheswerethere？Why，theBellecourcoach；thecoachwiththetreasure。"
　　AtthatCharlotgrewverywide—awake。Heforgothisheadacheandhisinterestinthetimeofday。
　　"Gone？"hebellowed。"Howgone？Pardieu，itisnotpossible！"
　　"Lookforyourself，"wasLaBoulaye’sanswerashewavedhishandinthedirectionofthewindow。"Idon’tknowwhatmannerofwatchyourmencanhavekeptthatsuchathingshouldhavecomeabout。