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。
