InthepassageImetamanwhomtheKinghadsenttoinquireaboutthefire；andthusremindedofthepapersIturnedbacktotheroom；greatlyvexedwithmyselffornegligencewhichinasubordinateIshouldhaveseverelyrebuked，butneverdoubtingthatIshouldfindthepacketwhereIhadleftit。
Tomychagrinthepaperwasgone。StillIcouldnotbelievethatithadbeenstolen，andsupposingthatMaignanoroneofmyhouseholdhadseenitandtakenittomycloset，Irepairedthitherinhaste。IfoundMaignanalreadythere，withM。
Boisrueil，oneofmygentlemen，whowaswaitingtoaskafavour；
buttheyknewnothingofthereport，andthoughIsentthemdownforthwith，withdirectionstomakestrictbutquietinquiry，theyreturnedattheendofhalfanhourwithlongfacesandnonews。
ThenIgrewseriouslyalarmed；andreflectingonthemanyimportantsecretswhichthememorialcontained，whereofadisclosuremustspoilplanssolongandsedulouslyprepared，I
foundmyselfbroughtonasuddenfacetofacewithdisaster。I
couldnotimaginehowtheKing，whohadagainandagainurgedonmetheutmostprecaution，wouldtakesuchacatastrophe；norhowIshouldmakeitknowntohim。Foramoment，therefore，whileI
listenedtothetale，Ifeltthehairriseonmyheadandashiverdescendmyback；norwasitwithoutanuncommoneffortthatIretainedmycoolnessandcomposure。
Plainlynostepsinsuchapositioncouldbetoostringent。I
sentMaignanwithanordertocloseallthedoorsandletnoonepassout。ThenImadesurethatnoneoftheservantshadenteredtheroom，betweenthetimeofmyrisingandreturn；andthisnarrowedthetaleofthosewhocouldhavetakenthepackettoeleven，thatbeingthenumberofpersonswhohadsatdownwithme。Buthavingfollowedthemattersofar，Icamefacetofacewiththisdifficulty:thatalltheelevenwere，withoneexception，inmyserviceandinvariouswayspledgedtomyinterests，sothatIcouldnotconceiveeventhepossibilityofabetrayalbytheminamattersoimportant。
Iconfess，atthis，theperspirationroseuponmybrow；forthepaperwasgone。Still，thereremainedonestranger；andthoughitseemedscarcelylessdifficulttosuspecthim，sincehecouldhavenoknowledgeoftheimportanceofthedocument，andcouldnothaveanticipatedthatIshouldleaveitinhispower，Ifoundinthattheonlylikelysolution。HewasoneoftheVilainsofPareilbyMonceaux，hisfatherlivingontheedgeofthepark，littlemorethanathousandyardsfromthechateau；andIknewnoharmofhim。Still，Iknewlittle；andforthatreasonwasforwardtobelievethatthere，ratherthaninmyownhousehold，laythekeytotheenigma。
MysuspicionswerenotlessenedwhenIdiscoveredthathealoneofthepartyattablehadleftthehousebeforethedoorswereclosed；andforamomentIwasinclinedtohavehimfollowedandseized。ButIcouldscarcelytakeastepsodecisivewithoutprovokinginquiry；andIdarednotatthisstagelettheKingknowofmynegligence。Ifoundmyself，therefore，broughtupshort，inastateofexasperationanddoubtdifficulttodescribe；andthemostminutesearchwithinthehouseandtheclosestexaminationofallconcernedfailingtoprovidetheslightestclue，Ihadnoalternativebuttopassthenightinthatcondition。
Onthemorrowathirdsearchseemingstilltheonlyresource，andprovingasfutileastheothers，IorderedLaTrapeandtwoorthreeinwhomIplacedthegreatestconfidencetowatchtheirfellows，andreportanythingintheirbearingormannerthatseemedtobeoutoftheordinarycourse；whileImyselfwenttowait；ontheKing，andparryhisdemandforthememorialaswellasIcould。Thisitwasnecessarytodowithoutprovokingcuriosity；andasthelapseofeachminutemadethepursuitofthepaperlesshopefulanditsrecoveryathingtoprayforratherthanexpect，itwillbebelievedthatIsoonfoundtheaspectofcivilitywhichIwasobligedtowearsogreatatrialofmypatience，thatImadeanexcuseandretiredearlytomylodging。
Heremywife，whosharedmyanxiety，metmewithafacefullofmeaning。Icriedouttoknowiftheyhadfoundthepaper。
\"No，\"sheanswered；\"butifyouwillcomeintoyourclosetIwilltellyouwhatIhavelearned。\"
Iwentinwithher，andshetoldmebrieflythatthemannerofMademoiselledeMars，oneofhermaids，hadstruckherassuspicious。Thegirlhadbeguntocrywhilereadingtoher；andwhenquestionedhadbeenabletogivenoexplanationofhertrouble。
\"SheisVilain\'scousin？\"Isaid。
\"Yes，monsieur。\"
\"Bringhertome，\"Isaid。\"Bringhertomewithoutthedelayofaninstant。\"
Mywifehastenedtocomply；andwhateverhadbeenthegirl\'sstateearlier，beforethefrightofthishastysummonshadupsether，heragitationwhenthusconfrontedwithmegaveme，beforeawordwasspoken，thehighesthopesthatIhadherethekeytothemystery。Ijudgedthatitmightbenecessarytofrightenherstillmore，andIstartedbytakingaharshtonewithher；butbeforeIhadsaidmanywordssheobviatedthenecessityofthisbyfallingatmywife\'sfeetandprotestingthatshewouldtellall。
\"Thenspeakquickly，wench！\"Isaid。\"Youknowwherethepaperis。\"
\"Iknowwhohasit！\"sheanswered，inavoicechokedwithsobs。
\"Who？\"
\"Mycousin，M。deVilain。\"
\"Ha！andhastakenittohishouse？\"
Butsheseemedforamomentunabletoanswerthis；herdistressbeingsuchthatmywifehadtofetchavialofpungentsaltstorestoreherbeforeshecouldsaymore。AtlengthshefoundvoicetotellusthatM。deVilainhadtakenthepaper，andwasthiseveningtohandittoanagentoftheSpanishambassador。
\"But，girl，\"Isaidsternly，\"howdoyouknowthis？\"
Thensheconfessedthatthecousinwasalsothelover，andhadbeforeemployedhertodisclosewhatwentoninmyhousehold，andanythingofvaluethatcouldbediscoveredthere。Doubtlessthegirl，forwhommywife，inspiteofheroccasionalfitsofreserveandtemper，entertainednolittleliking，enjoyedmanyopportunitiesofprying；andwouldhavecontinuedstilltoservehimhadnotthislastpieceofvillainy，withthestirwhichitcausedinthehouseandtherigorouspunishmenttobeexpectedintheeventofdiscovery，provedtoomuchforhernerves。Hencethisburstofconfession；whichonceallowedtoflow，ranonalmostagainstherwill。NordidIletherpausetoconsiderthefullmeaningofwhatshewassayinguntilIhadlearnedthatVilainwastomeettheambassador\'sagentanhouraftersunsetattheeastendofaclumpoftreeswhichstoodinthepark；andbeingsituatebetweenhis，Vilain\'s，residenceandthechateau，formedaconvenientplaceforsuchatransaction。
\"Hewillhaveitabouthim？\"Isaid。
Shesobbedamoment，butpresentlyconfessed。\"Yes；oritwillbeinthehollowofthemosteasterlytree。Hewastoleaveitthere，iftheagentcouldnotkeeptheappointment。\"
\"Good！\"Isaid；andthen，havingassuredmyselfbyoneortwoquestionsofthat，ofwhichherstateofdistressandagitationleftmeinlittledoubt——namely，thatshewastellingthetruth——Icommittedhertomywife\'scare；biddingtheDuchesslockherupinasafeplaceupstairs，andtreathertobreadandwateruntilIhadtakenthestepsnecessarytoprovethefact，andsecurethepaper。
Afterthis——butIshouldbetediouswereItodescribethealternationsofhopeandfearinwhichIpassedtheperiodofsuspense。SufficeitthatIinformednoone，notevenMaignan，ofwhatIhaddiscovered，butallowedthoseinthesecretofthelossstilltopursuetheirefforts；whileI，byagainattendingtheCourt，endeavouredatoncetomitigatetheKing\'simpatienceandpersuadetheworldthatallwaswell。Alittlebeforetheappointedtime，howeverImadeapretexttorisefromsupper，andquietlycallingoutBoisrueil，badehimbringfourofthemen，armed，andMaignanandLaTrape。WiththissmallbodyImademywayoutbyaprivatedoor，andcrossedtheparktotheplaceMademoisellehad，indicated。
Happily，nighthadalreadybeguntoclosein，andtherendezvouswasatthefarthersideoftheclumpoftrees。Favouredbythesecircumstances，wewereabletopassroundthethicket——someononesideandsomeontheother——withoutnoiseordisturbance；
andfortunateenough，havingarrivedattheplace，todiscoveramanwalkinguneasilyupanddownontheveryspotwhereweexpectedtofindhim。TheeveningwassofaradvancedthatitwasnotpossibletobesurethatthemanwasVilain；butasalldependedonseizinghimbeforehehadanycommunicationwiththeSpanishagent，Igavethesignal，andtwoofmymen，springingonhimfromeitherside，inamomentborehimtothegroundandsecuredhim。
HeprovedtobeVilain，sothat，whenhewasbroughtfacetofacewithme，Iwasmuchlesssurprisedthanheaffectedtobe。Heplayedthepartofanignorantsowell，indeed，that，foramoment，Iwasstaggeredbyhisshowofastonishment，andbytheearnestnesswithwhichhedenouncedtheoutrage；norcouldMaignanfindanythingonhim。But，amomentlater，rememberingthegirl\'swords，Istrodetothenearesttree，and，gropingaboutit，inatwinklingunearthedthepaperfromalittlehollowinthetrunkthatseemedtohavebeenmadetoreceiveit。IneednotsaywithwhatreliefIfoundthesealsunbroken；norwithwhatindignationIturnedonthevillainthusconvictedofanactoftreacherytowardstheKingonlylessblackthanthesinagainsthospitalityofwhichhehadbeenguiltyinmyhouse。ButthediscoveryIhadmadeseemedenoughofitselftooverwhelmhim；for，afterstandingapparentlystunnedwhileIspoke，hejerkedhimselfsuddenlyoutofhiscaptors\'hands，andmadeadesperateattempttoescape。Findingthishopeless，andbeingseizedagainbeforehehadgonefourpaces，heshouted，atthetopofhisvoice:\"Back！back！Goback！\"
Welookedabout，somewhatstartled，andBoisrueil，withpresenceofmind，ranintothedarknesstoseeifhecoulddetectthepersonaddressed；butthoughhethoughtthathesawtheskirtofaflyingcloakdisappearinthegloom，hewasnotsure；andI，havingnomindtobemixedupwiththeambassador，calledhimback。IaskedVilaintowhomhehadcalled，buttheyoungman，turningsullen，wouldanswernothingexceptthatheknewnaughtofthepaper。Ithoughtitbest，therefore，toconducthimatoncetomylodgings，whitheritwillbebelievedthatIreturnedwithalighterheartthanIhadgoneout。Itwas，indeed，aprovidentialescape。
Howtopunishthetraitorwasanothermatter，forIcouldscarcelydosoadequatelywithoutbetrayingmynegligence。I
determinedtosleeponthis，however，and，forthenight，directedhimtobelockedintoachamberinthesouth-westturret，withaSwisstoguardthedoor；myintentionbeingtointerrogatehimfartheronthemorrow。However，HenrysentformesoearlythatIwasforcedtopostponemyexamination；and，beingdetainedbyhimuntilevening，Ithoughtitbesttotellhim，beforeIleft，whathadhappened。
Heheardthestorywithalookofincredulity，which，littlebylittle，gavewaytoabroadsmile。\"Well，\"hesaid，\"GrandMaster，neverchidemeagain！IhaveheardthatHomersometimesnods；butifIweretotellthistoSilleryorVilleroy，theywouldnotbelieveme。\"
\"TheywouldbelieveanythingthatyourMajestytoldthem，\"I
said。\"Butyouwillnottellthemthis？\"
\"No，\"hesaidkindly，\"Iwillnot；andthereismyhandonit。
Forthematterofthat，ifithadhappenedtothem，theywouldnothavetoldme。\"
\"Andperhapsbeenthewiserforthat，\"Isaid。
\"Don\'tbelieveit，\"heanswered。\"Butnow，whatofthisyoungVilain？Youhavehimsafe？\"
\"Yes，sire。\"
\"Thegirlisonedegreeworse；shebetraysbothsidestosaveherskin。\"
\"Still，Ipromised——\"
\"Oh，shemustgo，\"Henrysaid。\"Iquiteunderstand。Butforhim——wehadbetterhavenoscandal。Keephimuntilto-morrow，andIwillseehisfather，andhavehimsentoutofthecountry。\"
\"Andhewillgoscotfree，\"Isaid，bluntly，\"whenaropeandthenearesttree——\"
\"Yes，myfriend，\"Henryansweredwithadrysmile；\"butthatshouldhavebeendonelastnight。Asitis，heisyourguestandwemustgiveanaccountofhim。Butfirstdrainhimdry。
Frightenhim，asyouplease，andgetalloutofhim；thenIwishthemjoyofhim。Faugh！andheayoungman！Iwouldnotbehisfatherfortwosuchcrownsasmine！\"
AsIreturnedtomylodgingsIthoughtoverthesewords；andI
felltowonderingbywhatstagesVilainhadsunksolow。
Occasionallyadmittedtomytable，hehadalwaysbornehimselfwithamodestyanddiscretionthathadnotfailedtoprepossessme；indeed，thelongerIconsideredtheKing\'ssaying，thegreaterwasthesurpriseIfeltatthisDENOUEMENT；whichleftmeindoubtwhethermydullnessexceededmynegligenceortheyoungman\'spartssurpassedhiswickedness。
Afewquestions，Ithought，mightresolvethis；buthavingbeendetainedbytheKinguntilsupper-time，IpostponedtheinterviewuntilIrose。Thenbiddingthembringintheprisoner，Iassumedmyharshestaspectandpreparedtoblasthimbydiscoveringallhisvilenesstohisface。
ButwhenIhadwaitedalittle，onlyMaignancamein，withanairofconsternationthatbroughtmetomyfeet。\"Why，man，whatisit？\"Icried。
\"Theprisoner，\"hefaltered。\"Ifyourexcellencypleases——\"
\"Idonotplease！\"Isaidsternly，believingthatIknewwhathadhappened。\"Ishedead？\"
\"No，yourexcellency；but，hehasescaped。\"
\"Escaped？Fromthatroom？\"
Maignannodded。
\"Then，PARDIEU！\"Ireplied，\"themanwhowasonguardshallsufferinhisplace！Escaped？Howcouldheescapeexceptbytreachery？Wherewastheguard？\"
\"Hewasthere，excellency。Andhesaysthatnoonepassedhim。\"
\"Yetthemanisgone？\"
\"Theroomisempty。\"
\"Butthewindow——thewindow，fool，isfiftyfeetfromtheground！\"Isaid。\"Andnotsomuchfootingoutsideaswouldholdacrow！\"
Maignanshruggedhisshoulders，andinarageIbadehimfollowme，andwentmyselftoviewtheplace；towhichanumberofmypeoplehadalreadyflockedwithlights，sothatIfoundsomedifficultyinmountingthestaircase。Averybriefinspection，however，sufficedtoconfirmmyfirstimpressionthatVilaincouldhaveescapedbythedooronly；forthewindow，thoughitlackedbarsandboastedatinybalcony，hungoverfiftyfeetofsheerdepth，sothatevasionthatwayseemedintheabsenceofladderorropepurelyimpossible。Thisbeingclear，IorderedtheSwisstobeseized；andashecouldgivenoexplanationoftheescape，andstillpersistedthathewasasmuchinthedarkasanyone，IdeclaredthatIwouldmakeanexampleofhim，andhanghimunlesstheprisonerwasrecapturedwithinthreedays。
Ididnotreallyproposetodothis，butinmyirritationIspokesoroundlythatmypeoplebelievedme；evenBoisrueil，whopresentlycametointercedefortheculprit，who，itseemed，wasafavourite。\"AsforVilain，\"hecontinued；\"youcancatchhimwheneveryouplease。\"
\"Thencatchhimbeforetheendofthreedays，\"Iansweredobstinately，\"andthemanlives。\"
ThetruthwasthatVilain\'sescapeplacedmeinapositionofsomediscomfort；forthough，ontheonehand，Ihadnoparticulardesiretogethimagainintomyhands，seeingthattheKingcouldeffectasmuchbyawordtohisfatherasIhadproposedtodowhileIheldhimsafe；ontheotherhand，theevasionplacedmeverypeculiarlyinregardtotheKinghimself，whowasinclinedtothinkmeillorsuddenlygrowncareless。Someofthefacts，too，wereleakingout，andprovokingsmilesamongthemoreknowing，andahinthereandthere；theresultofallbeingthat，unabletopursuethematterfartherinVilain\'scase，IhardenedmyheartandpersistedthattheSwissshouldpaythepenalty。
Thisobstinacyonmyparthadanunforeseenissue。Ontheeveningofthesecondday，alittlebeforesupper-time，mywifecametome，andannouncedthatayoungladyhadwaitedonherwithatalesoremarkablethatshecravedleavetobringhertomethatImighthearit。
\"Whatisit？\"Isaidimpatiently。
\"ItisaboutM。Vilain，\"mywifeanswered，herfacestillwearingallthemarksoflivelyastonishment。
\"Ha！\"Iexclaimed。\"Iwillseeherthen。Butitisnotthatbaggagewho——\"
\"No，\"mywifeanswered。\"Itisanother。\"
\"Oneofyourmaids？\"
\"No，astranger。\"
\"Well，bringher，\"Isaidshortly。
Shewent，andquicklyreturnedwithayounglady，whosefaceandmodestbearingwereknowntome，thoughIcouldnot，atthemoment，recallhername。ThiswasthelessremarkableasIamnotpronetolookmuchinmaids\'faces，leavingthattoyoungermen；andMademoiselledeFigeac\'s，thoughbeautiful，wasdisfiguredonthisoccasionbythemarkeddistressunderwhichshewaslabouring。AccustomedasIwastothevisitsofpersonsofallclassesandcharacterswhocametomedailywithpetitions，Ishouldhavebeendisposedtocuthershort，butformywife\'sintimationthathererrandhadtodowiththematterwhichannoyedme。This，aswellasatrifleofcuriosity——fromwhichnonearequitefree——inclinedmetobepatient；andIaskedherwhatshewouldhavewithme。
\"Justice，M。leDuc，\"sheansweredsimply。\"IhaveheardthatyouareseekingM。deVilain，andthatoneofyourpeopleislyingundersentenceforcomplicityinhisescape。\"
\"Thatistrue，mademoiselle，\"Isaid。\"Ifyoucantellme——\"
\"Icantellyouhowheescaped，andbywhoseaid，\"sheanswered。
Itismycustomtobetraynoastonishment，evenwhenIamastonished。\"Doso，\"Isaid。
\"Heescapedthroughthewindow，\"sheansweredfirmly，\"bymybrother\'said。\"
\"Yourbrother\'s？\"Iexclaimed，amazedatheraudacity。\"Idonotrememberhim。\"
\"Heisonlythirteenyearsold。\"
Icouldhidemyastonishmentnolonger。\"Youmustbemad，girl！\"
Isaid，\"mad！Youdonotknowwhatyouaresaying！ThewindowoftheroominwhichVilainwasconfinedisfiftyfeetfromtheground，andyousaythatyourbrother，aboyofthirteen，contrivedhisescape？\"
\"Yes，M。deSully，\"sheanswered。\"Andthemanwhoisabouttosufferisinnocent。\"
\"Howwasitdone，then？\"Iasked，notknowingwhattothinkofherpersistence。
\"Mybrotherwasflyingakitethatday，\"sheanswered。\"Hehadbeendoingsoforaweekormore，andeveryonewasaccustomedtoseeinghimhere。Aftersunset，thewindbeingfavourable，hecameunderM。deVilain\'swindow，and，whenitwasnearlydark，andtheservantsandhouseholdwereatsupper，heguidedthekiteagainstthebalconyoutsidethewindow。\"
\"Butamancannotdescendbyakite-string！\"
\"Mybrotherhadaknottedrope，whichM。deVilaindrewup，\"sheansweredsimply；\"andafterwards，whenhehaddescended，disengaged。\"
Ilookedatherinprofoundamazement。
\"Yourbrotheractedoninstructions？\"Isaidatlast。
\"Onmine，\"sheanswered。
\"Youavowthat？\"
\"Iamheretodoso，\"shereplied，herfacewhiteandredbyturns，buthereyescontinuingtomeetmine。
\"Thisisaveryseriousmatter，\"Isaid。\"Areyouaware，mademoiselle，whyM。Vilainwasarrested，andofwhatheisaccused？\"
\"Perfectly，\"sheanswered；\"andthatheisinnocent。More！\"shecontinued，claspingherhands，andlookingatmebravely，\"Iamwillingbothtotellyouwhereheis，andtobringhim，ifyouplease，intoyourpresence。\"
Istaredather。\"Youwillbringhimhere？\"Isaid。
\"Withinfiveminutes，\"sheanswered，\"ifyouwillfirsthearme。\"
\"Whatareyoutohim？\"Isaid。
Sheblushedvividly。\"Ishallbehiswifeornoone\'s，\"shesaid；andshelookedamomentatmywife。
\"Well，saywhatyouhavetosay！\"Icriedroughly。
\"Thispaper，whichitisallegedthathestole——itwasnotfoundonhim；butinthehollowofatree。\"
\"Withinthreepacesofhim！Andwhatwashedoingthere？\"
\"Hecametomeetme，\"sheanswered，hervoicetremblingslightly。
\"Hecouldhavetoldyouso，buthewouldnotshameme。\"
\"Thisistrue？\"Isaid，eyeingherclosely。
\"Iswearit！\"sheanswered，claspingherhands。Andthen，withasuddenflashofrage，\"Willtheotherwomansweartohertale？\"
shecried。
\"Ha！\"Isaid，\"whatotherwoman？\"
\"Thewomanwhosentyoutothatplace，\"sheanswered。\"Hewouldnottellmehername，orIwouldgotohernowandwringthetruthfromher。Butheconfessedtomethathehadletawomanintothesecretofourmeeting；andthisisherwork。\"
Istoodamomentpondering，withmyeyesonthegirl\'sexcitedface，andmythoughts，followingthisnewcluethroughthemazeofrecentevents；whereinIcouldnotfailtoseethatitledtoaverydifferentconclusionfromthatatwhichIhadarrived。IfVilainhadbeenfoolishenoughtowinduphislove-passageswithMademoiselledeMarsbyconfidingtoherhispassionfortheFigeac，andeventheplaceandtimeatwhichthelatterwassoimprudentastomeethim，Icouldfancythedesertedmistresslayingthisplot；andfirstplacingthepacketwherewefoundit，andthenpunishingherloverbylayingthetheftathisdoor。
True，hemightbeguilty；anditmightbeonlyconfessionandbetrayalonwhichjealousyhadthrusther。ButthelongerI
consideredthewholeofthecircumstances，aswellastheyoungman\'scharacter，andthelengthstowhichIknewawoman\'spassionwouldcarryher，themoreprobableseemedtheexplanationIhadjustreceived。
Nevertheless，Ididnotatonceexpressmyopinion；butveilingthechagrinInaturallyfeltatthesimplepartIhadbeenledtoplay——intheeventInowthoughtprobable——IsharplyorderedMademoiselledeFigeactoretireintothenextroom；andthenI
requestedmywifetofetchhermaid。
MademoiselledeMarshadbeenthreedaysinsolitaryconfinement，andmightbetakentohaverepentedofherrashaccusationwereitbaseless。Icountedsomewhatonthis；andmoreontheeffectofsosuddenasummonstomypresence。ButatfirstsightitseemedthatIdidsowithoutcause。Insteadoftheagitationwhichshehaddisplayedwhenbroughtbeforemetoconfess，shenowshowedherselfquietandevensullen；nordidthegleamofpassion，whichIthoughtthatIdiscernedsmoulderinginherdarkeyes，seemtopromiseeitherweaknessorrepentance。However，I
hadtoooftenobservedthepoweroftheunknownoveraguiltyconsciencetodespairofelicitingthetruth。
\"Iwanttoaskyoutwoorthreequestions，\"Isaidcivilly。
\"First，wasM。deVilainwithyouwhenyouplacedthepaperinthehollowofthetree？Orwereyoualone？\"
Isawhereyelidsquiveraswithsuddenfear，andhervoiceshookasshestammered，\"WhenIplacedthepaper？\"
\"Yes，\"Isaid，\"whenyouplacedthepaper。Ihavereasontoknowthatyoudidit。Iwishtolearnwhetherhewaspresent，oryoudiditmerelyunderhisorders？\"
Shelookedatme，herfaceashadepaler，andIdonotdoubtthathermindwasontheracktodivinehowmuchIknew，andhowfarshemightdenyandhowfarconfess。Mytoneseemedtoencouragefrankness，however，andinamomentshesaid，\"Iplaceditunderhisdirections。\"
\"Yes，\"Isaiddrily，mylastdoubtresolvedbytheadmission；
\"butthatbeingso，whydidVilaingotothespot？\"
Shegrewstillashadepaler，butinamomentsheanswered，\"Tomeettheagent。\"
\"Thenwhydidyouplacethepaperinthetree？\"
Shesawthedifficultyinwhichshehadplacedherself，andforaninstantshestaredatmewiththelookofawildanimalcaughtinatrap。Then，\"Incasetheagentwaslate，\"shemuttered。
\"ButsinceVilainhadtogotothespot，whydidhenotdepositthepaperinthetreehimself？Whydidhesendyoutotheplacebeforehand？Whydid——\"andthenIbrokeoffandcriedharshly，\"ShallItellyouwhy？ShallItellyouwhy，youfalsejade？\"
Shecoweredawayfrommeatthewords，andstoodterror-stricken，gazingatmelikeonefascinated。Butshedidnotanswer，\"Because，\"Icried，\"yourstoryisatissueoflies！Becauseitwasyou，andyouonly，whostolethispaper！Because——Downonyourknees！downonyourknees！\"Ithundered，\"andconfess！
Confess，orIwillhaveyouwhippedatthecart\'stail，likethefalsewitnessyouare！\"
Shethrewherselfdownshrieking，andcaughtmywifebytheskirts，andinabreathhadsaidallIwanted；andmorethanenoughtoshowmethatIhadsuspectedVilainwithoutcause，andbothplayedthesimpletonmyselfandharriedmyhouseholdtodistraction。
Sofargood。IcouldarrangematterswithVilain，andprobablyavoidpublicity。Butwhatwasnowtobedonewithher？
InthecaseofamanIshouldhavethoughtnopunishmenttoosevere，andtheutmostrigourofthelawtootenderforsuchperfidy；butasshewasawoman，andyoung，andundermywife\'sprotection，Ihesitated。Finally，theDuchessinterceding，I
leanedtothesideofthatmercywhichthegirlhadnotshowntoherlover；andthoughthersufficientlypunished，atthemomentbythepresenceofMademoiselledeFigeacwhomIcalledintotheroomtowitnessherhumiliation，andinthefuturebydismissalfrommyhousehold。Asthisimportedbanishmenttoherfather\'scountry-house，wherehermother，ashrewdoldBearnaise，savedpenceandcountedlentilsintothesoup，andsawcompanyonceaquarter，Ihadperhapsreasontobecontentwithherchastisement。
FortherestIsentforM。deVilain，andbyfindinghimemploymentinthefinances，andintercedingforhimwiththeoldVicomtedeFigeac，confirmedhimintheattachmenthehadbeguntofeelformebeforethisunluckyevent；nordoIdoubtthatI
shouldhavebeenableintimetoadvancehimtoapostworthyofthetalentsIdiscernedinhim。But，alas，thedeplorablecrime，whichsosoondeprivedmeatoneblowofmymasterandofpower，putanendtothis，amongotherandgreaterschemes。
VII。THEGOVERNOROFGUERET。
Withoutattachingtodreamsgreaterimportancethanaprudentmanwillalwaysbewillingtoassigntotheunknownandunintelligible，Ihavebeeninthehabitofreflectingonthem；
andhaveobservedwithsomecuriositythatintheselateryearsofmylife，duringwhichFrancehasenjoyedpeaceandcomparativeprosperity，mydreamshavemostoftenreproducedthestormyridesandbivouacsofmyyouth，withalltheroughandbloodyaccompanimentswhichourdayknowsonlybyrepute。Consideringthesevisions，andcomparingmysleepingapathywithmydaylightreflections，Ihavebeenledtowonderatthepowerofhabit；
whichalonemakesitpossibleforamanwhohasseenadozenstrickenfields，andviewed，scarcelywithemotion，theslaughterofahundredprisoners，toturnpaleatthesightofacoachaccident，andwalkamileratherthanseearoguehang。
Iamimpelledtothistrainofthoughtbyanadventurethatbefellmeinthesummerofthisyear1605；andwhich，asitseemedtomeinthehappeningtoberatheranevildreamofoldtimesthanawakingepisodeofthese，mayaffordthereadersomediversion，besidesrelievingthenecessarytediumofthethousandparticularsoffinancethatrenderthefivefarmsastudyoftheutmostintricacy。
MyappointmenttorepresenttheKingattheAssemblyofChatelheraulthadcarriedmeinthemonthofJulyintoPoitou。
Beingthere，anddesirousoflearningformyselfwhetherthearrestofAuvergnehadpacifiedhiscountrytotheextentdescribedbytheKing\'sagents，IdeterminedtotakeadvantageofavacationoftheassemblyandventureasfarinthatdirectionasGueret；thoughHenry，fearinglestthemalcontentsshouldmakeanattemptonmypersoninrevengeforthedeathofBiron，hadstrictlychargedmenottoapproachwithintwentyleaguesoftheLimousin。
IhadwithmeforescortatChatelheraultahundredhorse；but，theseseemingtobeeithertoomanyortoofewforthepurpose，I
tookwithmeonlytenpickedmenwithColettheircaptain，fiveservantsheavilyarmed，andofmygentlemenBoisrueilandLaFont。Parabere，towhomIopenedmymind，consentedtobemycompanion。IgaveoutthatIwasgoingtospendthreedaysatPreuilly，toexamineanestatetherewhichIthoughtofbuying，thatImighthavearesidenceinmygovernment；and，havingamusedthecuriouswiththisstatement，Igotawayatdaybreak，andbyanhourbeforenoonwasatTouron，whereIstayedfordinner。Thatnightwelayatavillage，andthenextdaydinedatSt。Marcel。ThesecondafternoonwereachedCrozant。
HereIbegantoobservethosesignsofneglectanddisorderwhich，atthecloseofthewar，hadbeencommoninallpartsofFrance，butinthemorefavoureddistrictshadbeenerasedbyadecadeofpeace。Briarsandthornschokedtheroads，whichranthroughmorasses，betweenfieldswhichthehusbandmanhadresignedtotaresandundergrowth。Ruinedhamletswerecommon，andeverywherewolvesandfoxesandallkindsofgameabounded。
Butthatwhichrousedmyiretothehottestwasthestateofthebridges，whichinthiscountry，wherethefordsareinwinterimpassable，hadbeenallowedtofallintoutterdecay。OnallsidesIfoundthepeasantsoppressed，disheartened，andprimedwithtalesoftheKing\'sseverity，whichthosewhohadjustcausetodreadhimhadinstilledintothem。Bandsofrobberscommitteddailyexcesses，and，inaword，noonethingwaswantingtogivethelietotherose-colouredreportswithwhichBareilles，theGovernorofGueret，hadamusedtheCouncil。
Iconfessthat，atsightandthoughtofthesethings——ofthiscountrysodevoured，theKing\'sauthoritysocontemned，allevilslaidathisdoor，allhisprofitsdiverted——myangerburnedwithinme，andIsaidmoretoParaberethanwasperhapsprudent，tellinghim，inparticular，whatIdesignedagainstBareilles，ofwhosedouble-dealingIneedednofurtherproof；bywhatmeansI
proposedtolullhissuspicionsforthemoment，sincewemustlieatGueret，andhowIwouldafterwards，onthefirstoccasion，havehimseizedandpunished。
Iforgot，whileIavowedthesethings，thatoneweaknessofParabere\'scharacterwhichrenderedhimunabletobelieveevilofanyone。EvenofBareilles，thoughthetwowerethemerestacquaintances，hecouldonlythinkindulgently，because，forsooth，hetoowasaProtestant。Hebegantodefendhimtherefore，and，seeinghowthegroundlay，afteratimeIletthematterdrop。
StillIdidnotthinkthathebadbeenseriousinhisplea，andthatwhichhappenedonthefollowingmorningtookmecompletelybysurprise。WehadleftCrozantanhour，andIwasconsideringwhether，theroadbeingbad，weshouldevennowreachGueretbeforenight，whenParabere，whohadmadesomeexcusetorideforward，returned，tomewithsignsofembarrassmentinhismanner。
\"Myfriend，\"hesaid，\"hereisamessagefromBareilles。\"
\"How？\"Iexclaimed。\"Amessage？Forwhom？\"
\"Foryou，\"hesaid；\"themanishere。\"
\"ButhowdidBareillesknowthatIwascoming？\"Iasked。
Parabere\'sconfusionfurnishedmewiththeanswerbeforehespoke。\"Donotbeangry，myfriend，\"hesaid。\"IwantedtodoBareillesagoodturn。Isawthatyouwereenragedwithhim，andIthoughtthatIcouldnothelphimbetterthanbysuggestingtohimtocomeandmeetyouinaproperspirit，andmaketheexplanationswhichIamsurethathehasitinhispowertomake。
Yesterdaymorning，therefore，Isenttohim。\"
\"Andheishere？\"Isaiddrily。
Parabereadmittedwithablushthathewasnot。HismessengerhadfoundBareillesonthepointofstartingagainstabandofplundererswhohadravagedthecountryforatwelvemonth。Hehadsentmethemost；civilmessagestherefore——buthehadnotcome。
\"However，hewillbeatGueretto-morrow，\"Parabereaddedcheerfully。
\"Willhe？\"Isaid。
\"Iwillanswerforit，\"heanswered。\"Inthemeantime，hehasdonewhathecanforourcomfort。\"
\"How？\"Isaid，\"HebidsusnottoattemptthelastthreeleaguestoGueretto-
night；theroadistoobad。ButtostayatSaury，wherethereisagoodinn，andto-morrowmorninghewillmeetusthere。\"
\"Ifthebrigandshavenotprovedtoomuchforhim，\"Isaid。
\"Yes，\"Parabereanswered，withasimplicityalmostsupernatural。
\"Tobesure。\"
Afterthis，itwasnousetosayanythingtohim，thoughhisofficiousnesswouldhavejustifiedthekeenestreproaches。I
swallowedmyresentment，therefore，andwewentonamicablyenough，thoughthevalleyoftheCreuse，initsupperandwilderpart，throughwhichourroadnowwound，offerednoobjectsofakindtosoftenmyangeragainstthegovernor。Isawenoughofruins，ofblockeddefiles，andovergrownroads；butofreturningprosperityandgrowingcrops，andtheKing\'speace，Isawnosign——notsomuchasonedeadrobber。
Aboutnoonwealightedtoeatalittleatawretchedtavernbyoneoftheinnumerablefords。Asolitarytravellerwhowasherebeforeus，andforatimekeptaloof，wearingagrandandmysteriousmannerwithashabbycoat，presentlymoved；edginghimselfuptomewhereIsatalittleapart，eatingwithParabereandmygentlemen。
\"Sir，\"hesaid，onasuddenandwithoutpreface，\"Iseethatyouaretheleaderofthisparty。\"
AsIwasmoreplainlydressedthanParabere，andhadbeengivingnoorders，Iwonderedhowheknew；butIanswered，withoutanyremark，\"Well，sir；andwhatofthat？\"
\"Youareingreatdanger，\"hereplied。
\"I？\"Isaid。
\"Yes，sir；you！\"heanswered。
\"Youknowme？\"
Heshruggedhisshoulders。\"NotI，\"hesaid，\"butthosewhospeakbyme。Enoughthatyouareindanger。\"
\"Fromwhat？\"Iaskedsceptically；whilemycompanionsstared，andthetroopersandservants，whowerejustwithinhearing，listenedopen-mouthed。
\"Aone-eyedwomanandaone-eyedhouse，\"heanswereddarkly。
Then，beforeIcouldframeaquestion，heturnedfrommeasabruptlyashehadcome，and，mountingasorrymarethatstoodnear，stumbledawaythroughtheford。
Itrequiredlittlewittoseethatthemanwasanastrologer，andonewhosepredictions，iftheyhadnotprofitedhisclientsmorethanhimself，hadbeenominousindeed。Iwasinclined，therefore，tomakesportofhim，knowingthatthepretenderstothatartaretothetruemenastentoone。Buthiswords，andparticularlythefactthathehadaskedfornothing，hadimpressedmyfollowersdifferently；sothattheytalkedofnothingelsewhileweate，andcouldstillbehearddiscussinghiminthesaddle。Thewildnessoftheroadandthegloomyaspectofthevalleyhaddoubtlesssomeeffectontheirminds；
whichathunderstormthatshortlyafterwardsovertookusanddrenchedustotheskindidnottendtolighten。IwasgladtoseetheroofsofSaurybeforeus；though，onanearerapproach，wefoundallthehousesexcepttheinnruinedandtenantless；andeven，thatscorchedandscarred，withthegreatgatethathadoncecloseditscourtyardprostrateintheroadbeforeit。
However，inviewofthecountrywehadcomethrough，andthegeneraldesolation，wewerethankfultofindthingsnoworse。
Thevillagestoodattheentrancetoagorge，withtheCreuse——
hereafast-rushingstream——runningatthebackoftheinn。Thelatterwasofgoodsize，stone-builtandtiled，and，atfirst，seemedtobeempty；buttheservantspresentlyunearthedamanandthenaboy。Fireswerelit，andthehorsesstabled；andasecondroomwithachimneybeingfound，ParabereandI，withColetandmygentlemen，tookpossessionofit，leavingthekitchentomyfollowing。
Ihadhadmybootsremoved，andwasdryingmyclothesandexpectingsupper，whenBoisrueil，whowasbesideme，utteredanexclamationofamazement。
\"Whatisit？\"Isaid。
Hedidnotanswer，andIfollowedhiseyes。Awomanhadjustenteredtheroomwithabundleofsticks。Shehadoneeye！
Iconfessthat，foraninstant，thisstaggeredme；butamoment\'sthoughtremindedmethattheastrologerhadcomefromthisinntous，andIsmiledatthecredulitywhichwouldhavebuiltonacoincidencethatwasnocoincidence。Whenthewomanhadretiredagain，therefore，IralliedBoisrueilonhistimidity；but，thoughheadmittedthecorrectnessofmyreasoning，Isawthathewasnotentirelyconvinced。Hestartedwheneverashutterflapped，orthedraughts，whichsearchedthegrimoldbuildingthroughandthrough，threatenedtoextinguishourlights。Hehungcloaksoverthewindowstoobviatethelatterinconveniencehesaid——andwascontinuallygoingoutandcomingbackwithgloomylooks。Paraberejoinedmeinrallyinghim，whichwedidwithoutmercy；butwhenIhadoccasion，afterawhile，topassthroughtheouterroomIfoundthathewasnotaloneinhisfears。Thetrooperssatmoodilylistening，ormutteredtogether；
whilethecuppassedroundinsilence。WhenIbadeamangoonanerrandtothestable，fourwent；andwhenIdroppedawordtothewomanwhowasattendingtoherpot，adozenheadswerestretchedouttocatchtheanswer。
Suchafeeling——towhich，inthisinstance，themurmurofthestreamandthesteadydownpourofraindoubtlessaddedsomething——issocontagiousthatIwasnotsurprisedtofindColetandLaFontsinkingunderit。OnlyParabere，infact，rosequitesuperiortothenotion，laughedattheirfears，anddranktotheirbetterspirits；and，makingthebestofthesituation，asbecameanoldsoldier，presentlyengagedmeintalesofthewar——
foughtagainthesiegeofLaon，andburiedmenwhosebodiesbadlainfortenyearsundertheoaksatFontaineFrancoise。
Talkofthiskind，whichwestillmaintainedafterwehaddespatchedoursupper，wassufficientlyengrossingtoeraseBoisrueil\'sfanciesentirelyfrommymind。Theywererecalledbyhissuddenentrance，withColetathiselbow，thefacesofbothfullofimportance。Isawthattheyhadsomethingtosay，andaskedwhatitwas。
\"Wehavebeenexaminingthebackgate，M。leMarquis，\"Coletsaid。
\"Well，man？\"
\"Itisbarricaded，andcannotbeopened，\"heanswered。
\"Well，\"Isaidagain，\"thereisnothingwonderfulinthat。
Anyonecanseethattherehasbeenroughworkhere。Thefrontgatewasstormed，Isuppose，andthebackoneleftstanding。\"
\"Butifissobarricadedthatitisnotpossibletoopenit，\"heobjected。\"Andthemenhaveanidea——\"
\"Well？\"Isaid，seeingthathehesitated。
\"Thatthisisaone-eyedhouse。\"
Paraberelaughedloudly。\"Ofcourseitis！\"hesaid。\"Thatstrollingroguesawthegateaswellasthewoman，andmadehisprofitofthem。\"
\"Pardon，sir！\"Boisrueilansweredbluntly，\"Thatisjustwhathedidnotdo！\"
\"Well，\"Isaid，silencinghimbyagesture，\"isthatall？\"
\"No，\"hereplied；\"Ihavetastedthemen\'swine。\"
\"Anditisdrugged？\"
\"No，\"hesaid。\"Onthecontrary，itisagreatdealtoogoodfortheprice——orthehouse。Andyouorderedalitreapiece。Somehavehadtwo，andnotaskedtwiceforit！\"
\"Ho，ho！\"Isaid，staringathim。\"Areyousureofthat？\"
\"Quite！\"hesaid。
Iwasgenuinelystartledatlast；butParaberestillmadelightofit。\"What！\"hesaid。\"Areweapackofnervouswomen，oronepoortravellerinasolitaryinn，thatweseeshadowsandshakeatthem？\"
\"Theinnissolitaryenough，\"Boisrueilgrumbled。
\"Butwearetwentyswords！\"Parabereretorted，openinghiseyeswide。\"Why，Ihaveriddenalldayinanenemy\'scountrywithless！\"
\"AndbeenbeatenwithmoreatCraon。\"
\"But，manalive，thatwasinabattle，andbyanarmy！\"
\"Well，andtheremaybeabattleandanarmyhere，\"Boisrueilansweredsulkily，Iwasinclinedtolaughatthisasextravagance；butseeingthatLaFontandColetsidedwithBoisrueil，Irememberedthatthelatterwasnocowardthoughagreatgossip；andIthoughtbetterofit。Accordingly，resolvingtolookintothethingmyself，I
badeLaFontfetchacoupleoflanthorns，and，whenhehaddoneso，wentoutwithhimandBoisrueilasifIhadamindtogoroundthehorsesbeforeIretired。Paraberedeclinedtoaccompanymeonthegroundthathewouldnotbeatthepainsofit；andColetIleftinthekitchentokeepaneyeonthemanandwoman。
Therewasnomoon，rainwasstillfalling，andtheyard，crowdedwithsteaming，shiveringhorses，wasdrearyenoughwherethelanthornsdisplayedit；but，accustomedtosuchasight，Imade，withoutregardingit，forthegate，whichamoment\'sexaminationshowedtobebarricaded，astheyhaddescribed，withgreatbeamsandstones。Inthistherewasnothingbeyondtheordinary，oneentrancetoahousebeingintroubloustimesbetterthantwo；butBoisrueil，biddingmekneelandlooklower，Ifound，whenIdidso，thatthesoilunderthebeams——whichdidnottouchthegroundbysomeinches——waswet，andIbegantounderstand。Whenheaskedmeatwhathourrainhadbeguntofall，Iansweredtwointheafternoon，anddrewatoncetheinferenceatwhichheaimed——
thatthebeamshadbeenputthere，andthegatebarricaded，atsomelaterhour。
\"Wereachedhereatsix，\"hesaid；\"itwasdonesometimebetweentwoandsix，mylord；thereforeto-day。To-day，\"herepeatedinalowvoice；\"andbyadozenmenatleast，Fewercouldnotmovethosebeams。\"
\"Andtheobject？\"
\"Topreventourescape。\"
\"Butwhoarethey？\"Isaid，lookingathim。
\"Thewomanknows，\"heanswered。\"Wemustaskher，mylord。\"
Iassented；andwewentbackintothehouse，whereitwouldnothavesurprisedmeifwehadfoundthewretchesflownandthenestempty。ButColethaddonehisworktoowell。Theywereboththere，and，inamoment，atasignalfromBoisrueil，weresecuredandpinioned。Parabere，hearingthescuffle，cameoutandwouldhaveremonstrated，butIsilencedhimwithasharpword；and，despatchingLaFontwithacoupleofdiscreetmentokeepwatchinthecourtthatwemightnotbesurprised，Ibadeoneoftheservantsthrowsomefir-conesonthefire。These，blazingup，filledthesqualidroominamomentwithaglareoflight，whichrevealedalikethelividfacesofthetwoprisonersandtheexcitedlooksanddarkcountenancesofmyescort。
Ibadethemputthewomanforwardfirst，andaddressedhersternly，tellingherthatIknewall，andthatshewoulddowelltoconfess；inasmuchasifshemadeacleanbreastofthematter，Iwouldgrantherherlife，andifshedidnot，shewouldbethefirsttodie，sinceIwouldhangherwereasingleshotfiredagainstthehouse。
Thepromisefoundherunmoved，butthethreat，utteredinatonewhichshowedthatIwasinearnest，provedmoreeffectual。Withanuglylook，underwhichmymenshrankasifhereyehadpowertoscorchthem，thehagsaidthatshewouldconfess，and，withimpotentrage，admittedthetruthofBoisrueil\'ssurmises。TherearwardgatehadbeenbarricadedthatafternoonbytheGreatBand，whohadhadnoticeofourcoming，andintendedtoattackusatmidnight。Iaskedherhowmanytheymustered。
\"Ahundred，\"sheansweredsullenly。
\"Verywell，\"Isaid。\"And，supposingthatwedonotwaitforthem，howshallweescape？BytheroadtoGueret？\"
\"Fiftylieinambushonit。\"
\"Bytheroadbywhichwecame？\"
\"Theotherfiftyliethere。\"
\"Acrosstheriver？\"
\"Thereisnoford。\"
\"Theninthevillage？Ifweseizesomeotherbuilding？\"
\"Thevillageiswatched，andthishouse，\"sheanswered，withasparkleofjoyinhereye。
AtthatthepositionbegantoassumesoseriousanaspectthatI
turnedtoParaberetotakehisadvice。Wenumberedtwentyinall，andwerewellarmed；butfivetoonearelargeodds，andwehadlittleammunition，while，forallweknew，thehousemightbefiredwitheasefromtheoutside。Theroadsnorthandsouthbeingoccupied，andtheriverenclosingusonthewest，thereremainedonlyonedirectioninwhichescapeseemedpossible；but，asweknewnothingofthecountry，andthebrigandseverything，thedesperateideaofplungingintoitblindly，atnight，andwithpursuersatourheels，wasdismissedassoonasformed。
Parabereinterruptedthesecalculationsbydrawingmeasideintotheroominwhichwehadsupped，where，afterrallyingmeonthewhimsicalnotionoftheGrandMasteroftheOrdnanceandGovernoroftheBastilebeingbesiegedinapaltryinn，heconfessedthathehadbeenwrong，andthattheadventurewaslikelytoproveserious。\"TentoonethisistheverybandthatBareillesispursuing，\"hesaid。
\"Verylikely，\"Iansweredbluntly；\"butthequestionishowarewetoevadethem。Arewetofightorfly？\"
\"Well，forlighting，\"herepliedcoolly；\"thefrontgateliesintheroad，therearenoshutterstohalfthewindows，thedooriscrazy，andthereisathatchedpent-houseagainstonewall。\"
\"Andnohelp-nearerthanGueret。\"
\"Threeleagues，\"heassented。\"Andfromthatwearecutoff。
Fiftymeninthegorgemightholditagainstfivehundred。
Bettermanthecourtyardherethanthat，tetherthehorsesinthegateway，andfightitout。\"\"Perhapsso，\"Isaid；andwelookedatoneanother，hearingthroughtheopendoorthemenmutteringandwhisperinginthekitchen，andabovetheirvoicesthedullmurmurofthestream，whichseemedofapiecewiththebleaknightoutside，theruinedhamlet，andthedangerthatlurkedroundus。BitterlyrepentingthehardihoodthathadledmetoexposemyselftosuchrisksinbreachoftheKing\'scommandment，Ifounditdifficulttodirectmymindtotheimmediatequestion。
SomanyreflectionsconnectedwithmymissionatChatelheraultandotheraffairsofstatewouldintrudethatIseemedtobeoccupiedratherwiththeresultsofmydeathatthisjuncture，andparticularlytheinjurywhichitmustinflictontheKing\'sservice，thanwiththequestionhowIcouldescape。
However，Paraberesoonrecalledmetothepoint。\"Itisnowteno\'clock，\"hesaidinaplacidtone；\"wehavetwohours。\"
\"Yes，\"Ianswered；then，asifmymindhadallthetimebeenrunninginanunder-currenttothedesiredgoal，Icontinued，\"Andwemustmakethemostofthem。Wemustremovethebarricade，inthedarkandquietly，fromthereartothefrontgate。Doyousee？Thenthemomenttheysoundtheattackinfrontwemustslipoutattheback，makeadashfortheroad，andthroughthegorgetoGueret。\"
\"Good，\"Parabereassented，withtheutmostcoolness。\"Whynot？
Letusdoit。\"
Wewentin，andinamomenttheordersweregiven，and，themenbeingchargedtobesilentandtomakeaslittlenoiseaspossibleoverthework，wehadeveryhopeofaccomplishingitundetected。Togooutintotheroadandraiseandreplacetheshatteredgatewouldhavebeentooboldastep。Wecontentedourselves，therefore，withremovingfourgreatbaulksoftimberfromtheonegatetotheother，andplacingthemacrossthegapinsuchamannerthat，beingsupportedbylargestones，theyformedaprettyhighbarrier。Tothese，atBoisrueil\'ssuggestion，wereaddedthreedoorswhichweforcedfromtheirhingesinthehouse，andbehindthewhole，tocoverourretreatthebetter，wetetheredsixsumpterhorsesintwolines。
Itremainedonlytounbarthereargateandseethatitopenedeasily。Thisbeingdone，aswehaddonealltherest，stealthilyandindarkness，andbymenwhodarednotspeakaboveawhisper，Igavethewordtohangthemaleprisonerandgagandbindthewoman。Coletundertooktheseduties，andwithagrimhumourofhisownhungtherascallyhostonthethresholdwherethebrigandsmustrunagainsthimwhentheyentered。ThenIdirectedeverymantosaddleandbridlehisnagandstandbyit，andsowewaitedwithwhatpatiencewemightfortheDENOUEMENT。
Itseemedverylongincoming，yetwhenitdid，whatwiththerestlessmovementsofthehorsesandthemelancholymurmurofthestream，itwell-nightookusbysurprise。ItwasBoisrueilwhotouchedmysleeveandmademeawareofalowtramplingontheroadoutside，asoundthathadscarcelybecomeclearlyaudiblebeforeitceased。Ijudgedthatthemomentwascome，andpassedthewordinawhispertoopenthegates。Unfortunately，theycreaked，andIfearedforamomentthatIhadbeenpremature；butbeforetheyweremorethanajaraharshwhistlestartledthesilence，aflareblazedupontheroad，andavoicecriedtocharge。
Ontheinstantthegroundshookundertheassailants\'rush，butthebarricade，whichdoubtlesstooktheroguesbysurprise，broughtthemtoasuddenstop，andgaveustimetofileout。Theheavyrainwhichwasfailingservedtocoverourmovementsalmostaswellasthebaggagehorseswhichwehadpostedforthepurpose；whileweranthelessrisk，inasmuchastheflaretheyhadkindledlituptheupperpartofthehousebutleftthecourtyardinperfectdarkness。
Naturally，onceoutside，wedidnotlingertoseewhathappened，but，filinginalineandlikeghostsupthebankofthestream，weregladtohitontheroadahundredandfiftypacesaway，whereitenteredthegorge。Here，whereitwasasdarkaspitch，wewhippedourhorsesintoacanterandmadeagoodpaceforhalfaleague，then，drawingrein，letourhorsestrotuntiltheleaguewasout。Bythattimewewerethroughthegorge，andI
gavethewordtopullup，thatwemightlistenandlearnwhetherwewerepursued。Beforetheorderhadquitebroughtustoastandstill，however，twofiguresonasuddenroseoutofthedarknessbeforeusandbarredtheway。Iwasridinginthefrontrank，abreastofParabereandLaFont，andIhadjusttimetolaymyhandonapistolwhenoneofthefiguresspoke。
\"Well，M。leCapitaine，whatluck？\"hecried，advancing，anddrawingreintoturnwithus。
Isawhismistake，and，raisingmyhandtocheckthosebehind，mutteredinmybeardthatallhadgonewell。
\"Yougottheman？\"
\"Yes，\"Isaid，peeringathimthroughthedarkness。
\"Good！\"heanswered。\"ThennowforBareilles，supper，andafullpurse；andafterwards，forme，thequietestcornerofFrance！TheKingwillmakeafineoutcry，andIdonottrustonegov——\"
InaflashParaberehadhimbythethroat，anddraggedhiminagripofironontothewithersofhishorse。Stillhemanagedtoutteracry，andtheotherrascal，takingthealarm，whippedhishorseround，andinasecondgotastartoftwentypaces。Colet，alightmanandwellmounted，wasafterhiminatrice，andweheardthemgoding-dong，ding-dong，throughthedarknessforamileormoreasitseemedtous。Thenasharpscreamcamefaintlydownthewind。
\"Good！\"Paraberesaidcheerfully。\"Letusbejogging。\"Hehadtiedhisprisonerneckandkneesoverthesaddlebeforehim。
\"Youheardwhathesaid？\"Imuttered，aswemovedon。
\"Perfectly，\"heansweredinthesametone。
\"Andyouthink？\"
\"Ithink，GrandMaster，\"hereplieddrily，\"thatthesooneryouareoutofLaMarcheandBareilles\'governmentthelongeryouarelikelytolive。\"
Iwasquiteofthatopinionmyself，havingdrawnthesameinferencesfromthewordstheprisonerhaduttered。ButforthemomentIhadnoalternativesavetogoon，andputaboldfaceonthematter；andaccordinglyIledthewayforwardatasfastapaceasthedarknessandthejadedstateofourhorsespermitted。
Coletpresentlyjoinedus，andhalfanhourlaterabunchoflightswhichappearedonthesideofahillinfrontproclaimedthatwewerenearingGueret。Fromthispointhalfaleagueacrossarushybottomandthroughafordbroughtustothegate，whichopenedbeforewesummonedit。Ihadtakencaretocalltothevanoneofmymenwhoknewthetown；andheguidedusquickly，noonechallengingus，throughanumberoffoul，narrowstreetsandunderdarkarchways，amongwhichastrangermusthavegoneastray。Wereachedatlastagood-sizedsquare，ononesideofwhich——thoughtherestofthetownlayburiedindarkness——alargebuilding，whichIjudgedtobeBareilles\'residence，exposedadozenlightedwindowstothestreet。Twoorthreefiguresloungedhalf-seenonthewidestonestepswhichleduptotheentrance，andtherattleofdice，withamurmurofvoices，camefromthewindows。Withoutamoment\'shesitationI
dismountedatthefootofthesteps，and，biddingLaFontandBoisrueilattendme，withthreeoftheservants，IdirectedColettowithdrawwiththerestandthehorsestothefartherendofthesquare。
DreadingnothingsomuchasthatImightlosetheadvantageofsurprise，Iputasidetwoofthemenonthestepswhowouldhavequestionedme，andstrodeboldlyacrossthestonelandingattheheadoftheflight。HereIfoundtwodoorsfacingme，andforesawthepossibilityoferror；butIwasrelievedfromtheburdenofchoosingbythesuddenappearanceatoneofthemofBareilleshimself。Theplacewaslitonlybyanoillamp，and，forareasonbestknowntohimself，hedidnotlookdirectlyatme，butstoodwithhisheadhalf-turnedashesaid，\"Well，Martin，isitdone？\"
Iheardthedicersholdtheirhandstocatchtheanswer，andinthesilenceabottleinsomeunsteadyhandclinkedagainstaglass。Throughthehalf-opendoorbehindhimitwaspossibletoseealongtable，laidandglitteringwithsteelandplate；andallseemedtowait。
Paraberebrokethespell。\"Wearelate！\"hesaidinaringingvoice，whichstartledthegovernorasifithadbeenthevoiceofdoom。\"Butwecouldnothavefoundyoubetterprepared，itseems。Doyoualwayssupaslateasthis？\"
Foramomentthevillaincouldnotspeak，butleanedagainstthedoorpost，withhischeeksgonewhiteandhisjawfallen，themostpitiablespectacletobeconceived。Iaffectedtoseenothing，however，butwentbyhimeasily，andintotheroom，drawingoffmygauntletsasentered。Thedicers，fromtheirseatsbesideatableonthehearth，gazedatme，turnedtostone。Itookupaglass，filledit，anddrankitoff。\"NowIambetter！\"Isaid。
\"Butthisisnotthewarmestofwelcomes，M。deBareilles。\"
Hemutteredsomething，lookingfearfullyfromonetoanotherofus；and，hishandshaking，filledaglassandpledgedme。Thewinegavehimcourageandimpudence:hebegantospeak；andthoughhishurriedsentencesandexcitedmannermusthavebetrayedhimtotheleastsuspicious，wepretendedtoseenothing，butrathertocongratulateourselvesonhislatehoursandtimelypreparations。Andcertainlynothingcouldhaveseemedmorecheerfulincomparisonwiththesqualidinnandmiryroadfromwhichwecamethanthissmilingfeast；ifdeathhadnotseemedtomyeyestolurkbehindit。
\"IthoughtitlikelythatyouwouldlieatSaury，\"hesaid，withaghastlysmile。
\"Andyetmadethispreparationforus？\"Iansweredpolitely，yetlettingalittleofmyrealmindbeseen。\"Well，asafact，M。
Bareilles，saveforonethingweshouldhavelainthere。\"
\"Andthatthing？\"heasked，histonguealmostfailinghimasheputthequestion。
\"Thefactthatyouhaveavillaininyourcompany，\"Ianswered。
\"What？\"hestammered。
\"Avillain，M。leCapitaineMartin，\"Icontinuedsternly。\"YousenthimoutthismorningagainsttheGreatBand；instead，hetookituponhimtolayaplotforme，fromwhichIhaveonlynarrowlyescaped。\"
\"Martin？\"
\"Yes，M。deBareilles，Martin！\"Iansweredroundly，fixinghimwithmyeyes；whileParaberewentquietlytothedoor，andstoodbyit。\"IfIamnotmistaken，Ihearhimatthismomentdismountingbelow。Letusunderstandoneanothertherefore，I
proposetosupwithyou，butIshallnotsitdownuntilhehangs。\"