\'Takecare，Monsieur，\'Isaidseverely。\'Donotpresumetoofarontheinconveniencetowhichyourdeathmightputme。\'
Heshruggedhisshoulders。
\'Nooffence，\'hesaid。\'Butyoudonotseem，M。deBerault，tocomprehendthedifficulty。Ifwedonotsettlethingsnow，weshallbebickeringtwentytimesaday。\'
\'Well，whatdoyouwant？\'Iaskedimpatiently，\'Simplytoknowhowyouaregoingtoproceed。Sothatourplansmaynotclash。\'
\'Butsurely，M。leCapitaine，thatismyaffair，\'Isaid。
\'Theclashing？\'heansweredbitterly。Thenhewavedasidemywrath\'Pardon，\'hesaid，\'thepointissimplythis。Howdoyouproposetofindhimifheishere？\'
\'Thatagainismyaffair，\'Ianswered。
Hethrewuphishandsindespair；butinamomenthisplacewastakenbyanunexpecteddisputant。
TheLieutenant，whohadstoodbyallthetime，listeningandtuggingathisgreymoustache，suddenlyspoke。
Lookhere，M。deBerault，\'hesaid，confrontingmeroughly，\'Idonotfightduels。Iamfromtheranks。IprovedmycourageatMontaubanin\'21，andmyhonourisgoodenoughtotakecareofitself。SoIsaywhatIlike，andIaskyouplainlywhatM。leCapitainedoubtlesshasinhismind，butdoesnotask：Areyourunningwiththehare，andhuntingwiththehoundsinthismatter？Inotherwords，haveyouthrownupMonseigneur\'scommissioninallbutname，andbecomeMadame\'sally；or——itistheonlyotheralternative——areyougettingatthemanthroughthewomen？\'
\'Youvillain！\'Icried，glaringathiminsucharageandfurythatIcouldscarcelygetthewordsout。Thiswasplainspeakingwithavengeance！Howdareyou？HowdareyousaythatIamfalsetothehandthatpaysme？\'
Ithoughtthathewouldblench，buthedidnot。Hestoodupstiffasapoker。
\'Idonotsay；Iask！\'hereplied，facingmesquarely，andslappinghisfistintohisopenhandtodrivehomehiswordsthebetter。\'IaskyouwhetheryouareplayingthetraitortotheCardinal，ortothesetwowomen？Itisasimplequestion。\'
Ifairlychoked。\'Youimpudentscoundrel！\'Isaid。
\'Steady，steady！\'hereplied。\'Pitchstickswhereitbelongs，andnowhereelse。Butthatisenough。Iseewhichitis，M。leCapitaine；thiswayamoment，byyourleave。\'
Andinaverycavalierfashionhetookhisofficerbythearm，anddrewhimintoasidewalk，leavingmetostandinthesun，burstingwithangerandspleen。Thegutter-bredrascal！Thatsuchamanshouldinsultme，andwithimpunity！InParis，I
mighthavemadehimfight，buthereitwasimpossible。
Iwasstillfoamingwithragewhentheyreturned。
\'Wehavecometoadetermination，\'theLieutenantsaid，tugginghisgreymoustachios，andstandinglikearamrod。\'WeshallleaveyouthehouseandMadame，andyoucantakeyourownlinetofindtheman，forourselves，weshalldrawoffourmentothevillage，andweshalltakeourline。Thatisall，M。leCapitaine，isitnot？\'
\'Ithinkso，\'theCaptainmuttered，lookinganywherebutatme。
\'Thenwebidyougood-day，Monsieur，\'theLieutenantadded，andinamomentheturnedhiscompanionround，andthetworetiredupthewalktothehouse，leavingmetolookaftertheminablackfitofrageandincredulity。
Atthefirstflush，therewassomethingsooffensiveinthemanneroftheirgoingthatangerhadtheupperhand。IthoughtoftheLieutenant\'swords，andIcursedhimtohellwithasickeningconsciousnessthatIshouldnotforgettheminahurry。
\'WasIplayingthetraitortotheCardinalortothesewomen——
which？\'MONDIEU！ifeverquestion——butthere，somedayIwouldpunishhim。AndtheCaptain？Icouldputanendtohisamusement，atanyrate；andIwould。DoubtlessamongthecountrybucksofAuchhelordeditasachiefprovincialbully，butI
wouldcuthiscombforhimsomefinemorningbehindthebarracks。
AndthenasIgrewcoolerIbegantowonderwhytheyweregoing，andwhattheyweregoingtodo。Theymightbealreadyonthetrack，orhavetheinformationtheyrequiredunderhand；inthatcaseIcouldunderstandthemovement。Butiftheywerestillsearchingvaguely，uncertainwhethertheirquarrywereintheneighbourhoodornot，anduncertainhowlongtheymighthavetostay，itseemedincrediblethatsoldiersshouldmovefromgoodquarterstobadwithoutmotive。
Iwandereddownthegarden，thinkingsullenlyofthis，andpettishlycuttingofftheheadsoftheflowerswithmysheathedsword。Afterall，iftheyfoundandarrestedtheman，whatthen？
IshouldhavetomakemypeacewiththeCardinalasIbestmight。
Hewouldhavegainedhispoint，butnotthroughme，andIshouldhavetolooktomyself。Ontheotherhand，ifIanticipatedthem——and，asafact，IbelievedthatIcouldlaymyhandonthefugitivewithinafewhours——therewouldcomeatimewhenImustfaceMademoiselle。
Alittlewhilebackthathadnotseemedsodifficultathing。
Fromthedayofourfirstmeeting——andinahigherdegreesincethatafternoonwhenshehadlashedmewithherscorn-myviewsofher，andmyfeelingstowardsher，hadbeenstrangelymadeupofantagonismandsympathy；ofrepulsion，becauseinherpastandpresentshewassodifferentfromme；ofyearningbecauseshewasawomanandfriendless。LaterIhaddupedherandboughtherconfidencebyreturningthejewels，andsoinameasureIhadsatedmyvengeance；then，asaconsequence，sympathyhadagaingotthebetterofme，untilnowIhardlyknewmyownmind，orwhatIfelt，orwhatIintended。IDIDNOTKNOW，infact，whatI
intended。Istoodthereinthegardenwiththatconvictionsuddenlynewborninmymind；andthen，inamoment，Iheardherstep，andIturnedtofindherbehindme。
HerfacewaslikeApril，smilesbreakingthroughhertears。Asshestoodwithatallhedgeofsunflowersbehindher，Istartedtoseehowbeautifulshewas。
\'Iamhereinsearchofyou，M。deBarthe，\'shesaid，colouringslightly，perhapsbecausemyeyesbetrayedmythought；\'tothankyou。Youhavenotfought，andyetyouhaveconquered。Mywomanhasjustbeenwithme，andshetellsmethattheyaregoing。\'
\'Going？\'Isaid，\'Yes，Mademoiselle，theyareleavingthehouse。\'
Shedidnotunderstandmyreservation。
\'Whatmagichaveyouused？\'shesaidalmostgaily；itwaswonderfulhowhopehadchangedher。\'Besides，Iamcurioustolearnhowyoumanagedtoavoidfighting。\'
\'Aftertakingablow？\'Isaidbitterly。
\'Monsieur，Ididnotmeanthat，\'shesaidreproachfully。
Butherfaceclouded。Isawthat，viewedinthislight——inwhich，Isuppose，shehadnothitherto——thematterperplexedhermorethanbefore。
Itookasuddenresolution。
\'Haveyoueverheard，Mademoiselle，\'Isaidgravely，pluckingoffwhileIspokethedeadleavesfromaplantbesideme，\'ofagentlemanbynameDeBerault？KnowninParis，Ihaveheard，bythesobriquetoftheBlackDeath？\'
\'Theduellist？\'sheanswered，lookingatmeinwonder。\'Yes，I
haveheardofhim。HekilledayounggentlemanofthisprovinceatNancytwoyearsback。\'Itwasasadstory，\'shecontinued，shudderingslightly，\'ofadreadfulman。Godkeepourfriendsfromsuch！\'
\'Amen！\'Isaidquietly。But，inspiteofmyself，Icouldnotmeethereyes。
\'Why？\'sheanswered，quicklytakingalarmat；mysilence。\'Whatofhim，M。deBarthe？Whyhaveyoumentionedhim？\'
\'Becauseheishere，Mademoiselle。\'
\'Here？\'sheexclaimed。\'AtCocheforet？\'
\'Yes，Mademoiselle，\'Iansweredsoberly。\'Iamhe。\'
CHAPTERX
CLON
\'You！\'shecried，inavoicewhichpiercedmyheart。\'YouareM。deBerault？Itisimpossible！\'But，glancingaskanceather——IcouldnotfaceherIsawthatthebloodhadlefthercheeks。
\'Yes，Mademoiselle，\'Iansweredinalowtone。\'DeBarthewasmymother\'sname。WhenIcamehere，astranger，ItookitthatI
mightnotbeknown；thatImightagainspeaktoagoodwoman，andnotseehershrink。That，and——butwhytroubleyouwithallthis？\'Icontinuedrebelling，againsthersilence，herturnedshoulder，heravertedface。\'Youaskedme，Mademoiselle，howI
couldtakeablowandletthestrikergo。Ihaveanswered。ItistheoneprivilegeM。deBeraultpossesses。\'
\'Then，\'sherepliedalmostinawhisper，\'ifIwereM。deBerault，Iwouldavailmyselfofit，andneverfightagain。\'
\'Inthatevent，Mademoiselle，\'Iansweredcoldly，\'Ishouldlosemymenfriendsaswellasmywomenfriends。LikeMonseigneurtheCardinal，rulebyfear。\'
Sheshuddered，eitheratthenameorattheideamywordscalledup；and，foramoment，westoodawkwardlysilent。Theshadowofthesundialfellbetweenus；thegardenwasstill；hereandtherealeafflutteredslowlydown。Witheachinstantofthatsilence，ofthataversion，Ifeltthegulfbetweenusgrowingwider，I
feltmyselfgrowingharder；Imockedatherpastwhichwassounlikemine；Imockedatmine，andcalleditfate。Iwasonthepointofturningfromherwithabow——andwithafurnaceinmybreast——whenshespoke。
\'Thereisalastroselingeringthere，\'shesaid，aslighttremorinhervoice。\'Icannotreachit。Willyoupluckitforme，M。
deBerault？\'
Iobeyedher，myhandtrembling，myfaceonfire。Shetooktherosefromme，andplaceditinthebosomofherdress，AndIsawthatherhandtrembledtoo，andthathercheekwasdarkwithblushes。
Sheturnedwithoutmoreado，andbegantowalktowardsthehouse。
\'HeavenforbidthatIshouldmisjudgeyouasecondtime！\'shesaidinalowvoice。\'And，afterall，whoamI，thatIshouldjudgeyouatall？AnhouragoIwouldhavekilledthatmanhadI
possessedthepower。\'
\'Yourepented，Mademoiselle，\'Isaidhuskily。Icouldscarcelyspeak。
\'Doyouneverrepent？\'shesaid。
\'Yes。Buttoolate，Mademoiselle。\'
\'Perhapsitisnevertoolate，\'sheansweredsoftly。
\'Alas，whenamanisdead——\'
\'Youmayrobamanofworsethanlife！\'sherepliedwithenergy，stoppingmebyagesture。\'Ifyouhaveneverrobbedaman——orawoman——ofhonour！Ifyouhaveneverruinedboyorgirl，M。deBerault！Ifyouhaveneverpushedanotherintothepitandgonebyityourself！If——but，formurder？Listen。YouareaRomanist，butIamaHuguenot，andhaveread。\"Thoushallnotkill！\"itiswritten；andthepenalty，\"Bymanshallthybloodbeshed！\"But，\"Ifyoucauseoneoftheselittleonestooffend，itwerebetterforyouthatamill-stonewerehangedaboutyourneck，andthatyouwerecastintothedepthsofthesea。\"\'
\'Mademoiselle，youaremerciful，\'Imuttered。
\'Ineedmercymyself，\'sheanswered，sighing。\'AndIhavehadfewtemptations。HowdoIknowwhatyouhavesuffered？\'
\'Ordone！\'Isaid，almostrudely。
\'Whereamanhasnotlied，norbetrayed，norsoldhimselforothers，\'sheansweredinalowtone，\'IthinkIcanforgiveallelse。Icanbetterputupwithforce，\'sheaddedsmilingsadly，\'thanwithfraud。\'
Ah，Dieu！Iturnedawaymyfacethatshemightnotseehowpaleitgrew；thatshemightnotguesshowherwords，meantinmercy，stabbedmetotheheart。Andyet，then，forthefirsttime，whileviewinginallitsdepthandwidththegulfwhichseparatedus，Iwasnothardened；Iwasnotcastbackuponmyself。Hergentleness，herpity，herhumilitysoftenedme，whiletheyconvictedme。MyGod，how，afterthis，couldIdothatwhichI
hadcometodo？HowcouldIstabherinthetenderestpart，howcouldIinflictonherthatrendingpang，howcouldImeethereyes，andstandbeforeher，aCaliban，aJudas，thevilest，lowestthingshecouldconceive？
Istood，amoment，speechlessanddisordered；overcomebyherwords，bymythoughts。Ihaveseenamansostandwhenhehaslostallatthetables。ThenIturnedtoher；andforaninstantIthoughtthatmytalewastoldalready，Ithoughtthatshehadpiercedmydisguise。Forherfacewaschanged——strickenaswithfear。Thenextmoment，Isawthatshewasnotlookingatme，butbeyondme；andIturnedquicklyandsawaservanthurryingfromthehousetous。ItwasLouis。Hiseyeswerestaring，hishairwaved，hischeekswereflabbywithdismay，Hebreathedasifhehadbeenrunning。
\'Whatisit？\'Mademoisellecried，whilehewasstillsomewayoff。\'Speak，man。Mysister？Isshe——\'
\'Clon，\'hegasped。
Thenamechangedhertostone。
\'Clon？Whatofhim？\'shemuttered。
\'Inthevillage！\'Louispanted，histonguestutteringwithterror。\'Theyareflogginghim。Theyarekillinghim！Tomakehimtell！\'
Mademoisellegraspedthesundialandleantagainstit，herfacecolourless；and，foraninstant，Ithoughtthatshewasfainting。
\'Tell？\'Isaidmechanically。\'Buthecannottell。Heisdumb，man。\'
\'Theywillmakehimguidethem，\'Louisgroaned，coveringhisearswithhisshakinghands，hisfacethecolourofpaper。\'Andhiscries！Oh，Monsieur，go，go！\'hecontinued，inathrillingtone。\'Savehim。AllthroughtiewoodIheardhiscries。Itwashorrible！horrible！\'
Mademoiselleutteredamoanofpain；andIturnedtosupporther，thinkingeachsecondtoseeherfall。Butwithasuddenmovementshestraightenedherself，and，quicklyslippingbyme，witheyesthatseemedtoseenothing，shesetoffswiftlydownthewalktowardsthemeadowgate。
Iranafterher；but，takenbysurpriseasIwas，itwasonlybyagreateffortIreachedthegatebeforeher，andthrustingmyselfintheroad，barredtheway。
\'Letmepass！\'shepanted，strivingtothrustmeononeside。
\'Outofmyway，sir！Iamgoingtothevillage。\'
\'Youarenotgoingtothevillage，\'Isaidsternly。\'Goback；tothehouse，Mademoiselle，andatonce。\'
\'Myservant！\'shewailed。\'Letmego！Letmego！DoyouthinkIcanrestherewhiletheytorturehim？Hecannotspeak，andthey——they——\'
\'Goback，Mademoiselle，\'Isaid，withdecision。\'Yourpresencewouldonlymakemattersworse！Iwillgomyself，andwhatonemancandoagainstmany，Iwill！Louis，giveyourmistressyourarmandtakehertothehouse。TakehertoMadame。\'
\'Butyouwillgo？\'shecried。AndbeforeIcouldstayher——I
swearIwouldhavestoppedherifIcould——sheraisedmyhandandcarriedittohertremblinglips。\'Youwillgo！Goandstopthem！Stopthem，andHeavenrewardyou，Monsieur！\'
Ididnotanswer；nay，Ididnotoncelookback，asIcrossedthemeadow；butIdidnotlookforwardeither。DoubtlessitwasgrassItrod，andthewoodwasbeforemewiththesunshiningaslantonit；doubtlessthehouserosebehindmewithaflamehereandthereinthewindows。ButIwentinadream，amongshadows；witharacingpulse，inaglowfromheadtoheel；
consciousofnothingbutthetouchofMademoiselle\'swarmlipsonmyhand，seeingneithermeadownorhouse，noreventhedarkfringeofwoodbeforeme，butonlyMademoiselle\'spassionateface。ForthemomentIwasdrunk：drunkwiththattowhichI
hadbeensolongastranger，withthatwhichamanmayscornforyears，tofinditatlastbeyondhisreachdrunkwiththetouchofagoodwoman\'slips。
Ipassedthebridgeinthisstate；andmyfeetwereamongthebrushwoodbeforetheheatandfervourinwhichImovedfoundonasuddentheirdirection。Somethingbegantopenetratetomyveiledsenses——ahoarseinarticulatecry，nowdeep，nowshrillinghorribly，thatofitselfseemedtofillthewood。Itcameatintervalsofhalfaminuteorso，andmadethefleshcreep，itrangsofullofdumbpain，ofimpotentwrestling，ofunspeakableagony。Iamamanandhaveseenthings。IsawtheConcinibeheaded，andChalaistenyearslater——theygavehimthirty-fourblows；andwhenIwasaboyIescapedfromthecollegeandviewedfromagreatdistanceRavaillactornbyhorses——thatwasintheyearten。ButthehorriblecriesInowheard，filledme，perhapsbecauseIwasaloneandfreshfromthesightofMademoiselle，withloathinginexpressible。Theverywood，thoughthesunhadnotyetset，seemedtogrowdark。Iranonthroughit，cursing，untilthehovelsofthevillagecameinsight。Againtheshriekrose，apulsinghorror，andthistimeIcouldhearthelashfallonthesoddenflesh，Icouldsecinfancythedumbman，trembling，quivering，strainingagainsthisbonds。Andthen，inamoment，Iwasinthestreet，and，asthescreamoncemoretoretheair，Idashedroundthecornerbytheinn，andcameuponthem。
IdidnotlookatHIM，butIsawCaptainLarolleandtheLieutenant，andaringoftroopers，andoneman，bare-armed，teasingoutwithhisfingersthethongsofawhip。Thethongsdrippedblood，andthesightfiredthemine。TherageIhadsuppressedwhentheLieutenantbeardedmeearlierintheafternoon，thepassionwithwhichMademoiselle\'sdistresshadfilledmybreast，ontheinstantfoundvent。Isprangthroughthelineofsoldiers；andstrikingthemanwiththewhipabuffetbetweentheshoulders，whichhurledhimbreathlesstotheground，Iturnedontheleaders。
\'Youfiends！\'Icried。\'Shameonyou！Themanisdumb！Dumb；
andifIhadtenmenwithme，Iwouldsweepyouandyourscumoutofthevillagewithbroomsticks。Layonanotherlash，\'I
continuedrecklessly，\'andIwillseewhetheryouortheCardinalbethestronger。\'
TheLieutenantstaredatme，hisgreymoustachebristling，hiseyesalmoststartingfromhishead。Someofthetrooperslaidtheirhandsontheirswords，butnoonemoved，andonlytheCaptainspoke。
\'MILLEDIABLES！\'heswore。\'Whatisallthisabout？Areyoumad，sir？\'
\'Madorsane！\'Icriedfuriously。\'Layonanotherlash，andyoushallrepentit。\'
Foraninstanttherewasapauseofastonishment。Then，tomysurprise，theCaptainlaughed——laughedloudly。
\'Veryheroic，\'hesaid。\'Quitemagnificent，M。Chevalier-
errant。Butyousee，unfortunately，youcometoolate。\'
\'Toolate，\'Isaidincredulously。
\'Yes，toolate，\'hereplied，withamockingsmile。AndtheLieutenantgrinnedtoo。\'Unfortunately，yousee，themanhasjustconfessed。Wehaveonlybeengivinghimanextratouchortwo，toimpresshismemory，andsaveusthetroubleoflashinghimupagain。\'
\'Idon\'tbelieveit，\'Isaidbluntly——butIfeltthecheck，andfelltoearth。\'Themancannotspeak。\'
\'No，buthehasmanagedtotelluswhatwewant；thathewillguideustotheplaceweareseeking，\'theCaptainanswereddrily。\'Thewhip，ifitcannotfindamanatongue，canfindhimwits。Whatismore，Ithinkthathewillkeephisword，\'hecontinued，withahideousscowl。\'ForIwarnhimthatifhedoesnot，allyourheroicsshallnotsavehim。Heisarebeldog，andknowntousofold；andIwillflayhisbacktothebones，ay，untilwecanseehisheartbeatingthroughhisribs，butIwillhavewhatIwant——inyourteeth，too，youd——dmeddler。\'
\'Steady，steady！\'Isaid，sobered。Isawthathewastellingthetruth。\'IshegoingtotakeyoutoM。deCocheforet\'shiding-place？\'
\'Yes，heis！\'theCaptainretorted。\'Haveyouanyobjectiontothat，MasterSpy？\'
\'None，\'Ireplied。\'OnlyIshallgowithyou。Andifyoulivethreemonths，Ishallkillyouforthatname-behindthebarracksatAuch，M。leCapitaine。\'
Hechangedcolour，butheansweredmeboldlyenough。
\'Idon\'tknowthatyouwillgowithus，\'hesaid，withasnarl。
\'Thatisasweplease。\'
\'IhavetheCardinal\'sorders，\'Isaidsternly。
\'TheCardinal？\'heexclaimed，stungtofurybythisrepetitionofthename。\'TheCardinalbe——\'
ButtheLieutenantlaidhishandonhislipsandstoppedhim。
\'Hush！\'hesaid。Thenmorequietly，\'Yourpardon，M。leCapitaine；buttheleastsaidthesoonestmended。ShallIgiveorderstothementofallin？\'
TheCaptainnoddedsullenly。
TheLieutenantturnedtohisprisoner。
\'Takehimdown！\'hecommandedinhisharsh，monotonousvoice。
\'Throwhisblouseoverhim，andtiehishands。Anddoyoutwo，PaulandLebrun，guardhim。Michel，bringthewhip，orhemayforgethowittastes。Sergeant，choosefourgoodmen，anddismisstheresttotheirquarters。\'
\'Shallweneedthehorses？\'thesergeantasked。
\'Idon\'tknow，\'theCaptainansweredpeevishly。\'Whatdoestheroguesay？\'
TheLieutenantsteppeduptohim。
\'Listen！\'hesaidgrimly。\'Nodifyoumeanyes，andshakeyourheadifyoumeanno。Andhaveacareyouanswertruly。Isitmorethanamiletothisplace？\'
Theyhadloosenedthepoorwretch\'sfastenings，andcoveredhisback。Hestoodleaninghisshoulderagainstthewall，hismouthstillpanting，thesweatrunningdownhishollowcheeks。Hissunkeneyeswereclosed，butaquivernowandagainranthroughhisframe。TheLieutenantrepeatedhisquestion，and，gettingnoanswer，lookedroundfororders。TheCaptainmetthelook，andcryingsavagely，\'Answerwillyou，youmule！\'struckthehalf-
swooningmiserableacrossthebackwithhisswitch。Theeffectwasmagical。Covered，ashisshoulderswere，themansprangerectwithashriekofpain，raisinghischin，andhollowinghisback；andinthatattitudestoodaninstantwithstartingeyes，gaspingforbreath。Thenhesankbackagainstthewall，movinghismouthspasmodically。Hisfacewasthecolouroflead。
\'Diable！Ithinkthatwehavegonetoofarwithhim！\'theCaptainmuttered。
\'Bringsomewine！\'theLieutenantreplied。\'Quickwithit！\'
Ilookedon，burningwithindignation，andinsomeexcitementbesides。Forifthemantookthemtotheplace，andtheysucceededinseizingCocheforet，therewasanendofthematterasfarasIwasconcerned。Itwasoffmyshoulders，andImightleavethevillagewhenIpleased；norwasitlikely——sincehewouldhavehisman，thoughnotthroughme——thattheCardinalwouldrefusetograntmeanamnesty。Onthewhole，Ithoughtthathewouldpreferthatthingsshouldtakethiscourse；andassumingtheissue，IbegantowonderwhetheritwouldbenecessaryinthateventthatMadameshouldknowthetruth。IhadakindofvisionofareformedBerault，deadtoplayandpurginghimselfatadistancefromZaton\'s；winning，perhaps，anameintheItalianwar，andfinally——but，pshaw！Iwasafool。
However，bethesethingsastheymight，itwasessentialthatI
shouldseethearrestmade；andIwaitedpatientlywhiletheyrevivedthetorturedman，andmadetheirdispositions。Thesetooksometime；sothatthesunwasdown，anditwasgrowingduskwhenwemarchedout，Clongoingfirst，supportedbyhistwoguards，theCaptainandIfollowing——abreast，andeyeingoneanothersuspiciously；theLieutenant，withthesergeantandfivetroopers，bringinguptherear。Clonmovedslowly，moaningfromtimetotime；andbutfortheaidgivenhimbythetwomenwithhim，musthavesunkdownagainandagain。
Heledthewayoutbetweentwohousesclosetotheinn，andstruckanarrowtrack，scarcelydiscernible，whichranbehindotherhouses，andthenplungedintothethickestpartofthewood。Asingleperson，traversingthecovert，mighthavemadesuchatrack；orpigs，orchildren。Butitwasthefirstideathatoccurredtous，andputusallonthealert。TheCaptaincarriedacockedpistol，Iheldmysworddrawn，andkeptawatchfuleyeonHIM；andthedeepertheduskfellinthewood，themorecautiouslywewent，untilatlastwecameoutwithasortofjumpintoawiderandlighterpath。
Ilookedupanddown，andsawbehindmeavistaoftree-trunks，beforemeawoodenbridgeandanopenmeadow，lyingcoldandgreyinthetwilight；andIstoodinastonishment。WewereintheoldpathtotheChateau！Ishiveredatthethoughtthathewasgoingtotakeusthere，tothehouse，toMademoiselle！
TheCaptainalsorecognisedtheplace，andsworealoud。Butthedumbmanwentonunheedinguntilhereachedthewoodenbridge。
Therehestoppedshort，andlookedtowardsthedarkoutlineofthehouse，whichwasjustvisible，onefaintlighttwinklingsadlyinthewestwing。AstheCaptainandIpressedupbehindhim，heraisedhishandsandseemedtowringthemtowardsthehouse。
\'Haveacare！\'theCaptaingrowled。\'Playmenotricks，or——\'
Hedidnotfinishthesentence，forClon，asifhewellunderstoodhisimpatience，turnedbackfromthebridge，and，enteringthewoodtotheleft，begantoascendthebankofthestream。Wehadnotgoneahundredyardsbeforethegroundgrewrough，andtheundergrowththick；andyetthroughallranakindofpathwhichenabledustoadvance，darkasitwasnowgrowing。
Verysoonthebankonwhichwemovedbegantoriseabovethewater，andgrewsteepandrugged。Weturnedashoulder，wherethestreamsweptroundacurve，andsawwewereinthemouthofasmallravine，darkandsheer-sided。Thewaterbrawledalongthebottom，overbouldersandthroughchasms。Infront，theslopeonwhichwestoodshapeditselfintoalowcliff；buthalfwaybetweenitssummitandthewateraledge，ornarrowterrace，runningalongtheface，wasdimlyvisible。
\'Tentoone，acave！\'theCaptainmuttered。\'Itisalikelyplace。\'
\'Andanuglyone！\'Irepliedwithasneer。\'Whichoneagainsttenmightholdforhours！\'
\'Ifthetenhadnopistols——yes！\'heansweredviciously。\'Butyouseewehave。Ishegoingthatway？\'
Hewas。Assoonasthiswasclear，Larolleturnedtohiscomrade，\'Lieutenant，\'hesaid，speakinginalowvoice，thoughthechafingofthestreambelowuscoveredordinarysounds；\'whatsayyou？Shallwelightthelanthorns，orpressonwhilethereisstillaglimmeringofday？\'
\'On，Ishouldsay，M。leCapitaine，\'theLieutenantanswered。
\'Prickhiminthebackifhefalters。Iwillwarrant，\'thebruteaddedwithachuckle，\'hehasatenderplaceortwo。\'
TheCaptaingavethewordandwemovedforward。Itwasevidentnowthatthecliff-pathwasourdestination。Itwaspossiblefortheeyetofollowthetrackallthewaytoit，throughroughstonesandbrushwood；andthoughClonclimbedfeebly，andwithmanygroans，twominutessawusstepontoit。Itdidnotprovetobe，infact，theperilousplaceitlookedatadistance。Theledge，grassyandterrace-like，slopedslightlydownwardsandoutwards，andinpartswasslippery；butitwasaswideasahighway，andthefalltothewaterdidnotexceedthirtyfeet。
Eveninsuchadimlightasnowdisplayedittous，andbyincreasingthedepthandunseendangersofthegorgegaveakindofimpressivenesstoourmovements，anervouswomanneednothavefearedtotreadit，IwonderedhowoftenMademoisellehadpassedalongitwithhermilk-pitcher。
\'Ithinkthatwehavehimnow，\'CaptainLarollemuttered，twistinghismoustachios，andlookingabouttomakehislastdispositions。\'PaulandLebrun，seethatyourmanmakesnonoise。Sergeant，comeforwardwithyourcarbine，butdonotfirewithoutorders。Now，silenceall，andcloseup，Lieutenant。
Forward！\'
Weadvancedaboutahundredpaces，keepingthecliffonourleft，turnedashoulder，andsaw，afewpacesinfrontofus，aslighthollow，ablackblotchinthegreyduskinessofthecliff-side。
Theprisonerstopped，and，raisinghisboundhands，pointedtoit。
\'There？\'theCaptainwhispered，pressingforward。\'Isittheplace？\'
Clonnodded。TheCaptain\'svoiceshookwithexcitement。
\'PaulandLebrunremainherewiththeprisoner，\'hesaid，inalowtone。\'Sergeant，comeforwardwithme。Now，areyouready？
Forward！\'
Atthewordheandthesergeantpassedquickly，oneoneithersideofClonandhisguards。Thepathgrewnarrowhere，andtheCaptainpassedoutside。Theeyesofallbutonewereontheblackblotch，thehollowinthecliff-side，expectingweknewnotwhat——asuddenshotortherushoradesperateman；andnoonesawexactlywhathappened。Butsomehow，astheCaptainpassedabreastofhim，theprisonerthrustbackhisguards，andleapingsideways，flunghisunboundarmsroundLarolle\'sbody，andinaninstantswepthim，shouting，tothevergeoftheprecipice。
Itwasdoneinamoment。Bythetimeourstartledwitsandeyeswerebackwiththem，thetwowerealreadytotteringontheedge，lookinginthegloomlikeonedarkform。Thesergeant，whowasthefirsttofindhishead，levelledhiscarbine，but，asthewrestlerstwirledandtwisted，theCaptain，shriekingoutoathsandthreats，themutesilentasdeath，itwasimpossibletoseewhichwaswhich，andthesergeantloweredhisgunagain，whilethemenheldbacknervously。Theledgeslopedsteeplythere，theedgewasvague，alreadythetwoseemedtobewrestlinginmidair；andthemutewasdesperate。
Thatmomentofhesitationwasfatal。Clon\'slongarmswereroundtheother\'sarms，crushingthemintohisribs；Clon\'sskull-likefacegrinnedhateintotheother\'seyes；hisbonylimbscurledroundhimlikethefoldsofasnake。Larolle\'sstrengthgaveway。
\'Damnyouall！Whydon\'tyoucomeup？\'hecried。Andthen，\'Ah！Mercy！mercy！\'cameinonelastscreamfromhislips。AstheLieutenant，takenabackbefore，sprangforwardtohisaid，thetwotoppledovertheedge，andinasecondhurtledoutofsight。
\'MONDIEU！\'theLieutenantcried；theanswerwasadullsplashinthedepthsbelow。Heflunguphisarms。\'Water！\'hesaid。
\'Quick，men，getdown。Wemaysavehimyet。\'
Buttherewasnopath，andnightwascome，andthemen\'snerveswereshaken。Thelanthornshadtobelit，andthewaytoberetraced；bythetimewereachedthedarkpoolwhichlaybelow，thelastbubblesweregonefromthesurface，thelastrippleshadbeatenthemselvesoutagainstthebanks。Thepoolstillrockedsullenly，andtheyellowlightshowedaman\'shatfloating，andnearitaglovethreepartssubmerged。Butthatwasall。Themute\'sdyinggriphadknownnoloosening，norhishateanyfear。
Iheardafterwardsthatwhentheydraggedthetwooutnextday，hisfingerswereintheother\'seye-sockets，histeethinhisthroat。Ifevermanfounddeathsweet，itwashe！
Asweturnedslowlyfromtheblackwater，someshuddering，somecrossingthemselves，theLieutenantlookedatme。
\'Curseyou！\'hesaidpassionately。\'Ibelievethatyouareglad。\'
Hedeservedhisfate，\'Iansweredcoldly。\'WhyshouldIpretendtobesorry？Itwasnoworinthreemonths。Andfortheotherpoordevil\'ssakeIamglad。\'
Heglaredatmeforamomentinspeechlessanger。
Atlast，\'Ishouldliketohaveyoutiedup！\'hesaidbetweenhisteeth。
\'Ishouldthinkthatyouhadhadenoughoftyingupforoneday！\'
Iretorted。\'Butthere，\'Iwentoncontemptuously，\'itcomesofmakingofficersoutofthecanaille。Dogsloveblood。Theteamstermustlashsomethingifhecannolongerlashhishorses。\'
Wewereback，asombrelittleprocession，atthewoodenbridgewhenIsaidthis。Hestopped。
\'Verywell，\'hereplied，noddingviciously。\'Thatdecidesme。
Sergeant，lightmethiswaywithalanthorn。Therestofyoutothevillage。Now，MasterSpy，\'hecontinued，glancingatmewithgloomyspite，\'Yourroadismyroad。IthinkIknowhowtospoilyourgame。\'
Ishruggedmyshouldersindisdain，andtogether，thesergeantleadingthewaywiththelight，wecrossedthedimmeadow，andpassedthroughthegatewhereMademoisellehadkissedmyhand，anduptheghostlywalkbetweentherosebushes。IwondereduneasilywhattheLieutenantwouldbeat，andwhatheintended；
butthelanthorn-lightwhichnowfellonthegroundatourfeet，andnowshowedoneofustotheother，high-litinaframeofblackness，discoverednothinginhisgrizzledfacebutsettledhostility。Hewheeledattheendofthewalktogotothemaindoor，butashedidsoIsawtheflutterofawhiteskirtbythestoneseatagainstthehouse，andIsteppedthatway。
\'Mademoiselle？\'Isaidsoftly。\'Isityou？\'
\'Clon？\'shemuttered，hervoicequivering。\'Whatofhim？\'
\'Heispastpain，\'Iansweredgently。\'Heisdead——yes，dead，Mademoiselle，butinhisownway。Takecomfort。\'
Shestifledasob；thenbeforeIcouldsaymore，theLieutenant，withhissergeantandlight，wereatmyelbow。HesalutedMademoiselleroughly。Shelookedathimwithshudderingabhorrence。
\'Areyoucometoflogmetoo，sir？\'shesaidpassionately。\'Isitnotenoughthatyouhavemurderedmyservant？\'
\'Onthecontrary，itwashewhokilledmyCaptain，\'theLieutenantanswered，inanothertonethanIhadexpected。\'Ifyourservantisdeadsoismycomrade。\'
\'CaptainLarolle？\'shemurmured，gazingwithstartledeyes，notathimbutatme。
Inodded。
\'How？\'sheasked。
\'ClonflungtheCaptainandhimself——intotheriverpoolabovethebridge，\'Isaid。
Sheutteredalowcryofaweandstoodsilent；butherlipsmovedandIthinkthatsheprayedforClon，thoughshewasaHuguenot。
Meanwhile，Ihadafright。Thelanthorn，swinginginthesergeant\'shand，andthrowingitssmokylightnowonthestoneseat，nowontheroughwallaboveit，showedmesomethingelse。
Ontheseat，doubtlesswhereMademoiselle\'shandhadlainasshesatinthedark，listeningandwatchingandshivering，stoodapitcheroffood。Besideher，inthatplace，itwasdamningevidence，andItrembledleasttheLieutenant\'seyeshouldfalluponit，lestthesergeantshouldseeit；andthen，inamoment，Iforgotallaboutit。TheLieutenantwasspeakingandhisvoicewasdoom。MythroatgrewdryasIlistened；mytonguestucktomymouthItriedtolookatMademoiselle，butIcouldnot。
\'ItistruethattheCaptainisgone，\'hesaidstiffly，\'butothersarealive，andaboutoneofthemawordwithyou，byyourleave，Mademoiselle。Ihavelistenedtoagooddealoftalkfromthisfinegentlemanfriendofyours。Hehasspentthelasttwenty-fourhourssaying\"Youshall！\"and\"Youshallnot！\"Hecamefromyouandtookaveryhightonebecausewelaidalittlewhip-lashaboutthatdumbdevilofyours。Hecalledusbrutesandbeasts，andbutforhimIamnotsurethatmyfriendwouldnotnowbealive。Butwhenhesaidafewminutesagothathewasglad——gladofit，d——him！——thenIfixeditinmymindthatI
wouldbeevenwithhim。AndIamgoingtobe！\'
\'Whatdoyoumean？\'Mademoiselleasked，wearilyinterruptinghim。\'Ifyouthinkthatyoucanprejudicemeagainstthisgentleman——\'
\'ThatispreciselywhatIamgoingtodo！Andalittlemorethanthat！\'heanswered。
\'Youwillbeonlywastingyourbreath！\'sheretorted。
\'Wait！Wait，Mademoiselle——-untilyouhaveheard，\'hesaid。
\'ForIsweartoyouthatifeverablack-heartedscoundrel，adastardlysneakingspytrodtheearth，itisthisfellow！AndI
amgoingtoexposehim。Yourowneyesandyourownearsshallpersuadeyou。Iamnotparticular，butIwouldnoteat，Iwouldnotdrink，Iwouldnotsitdownwithhim！Iwouldratherbebeholdentothemeanesttrooperinmysquadronthantohim！Ay，Iwould，sohelpmeHeaven！\'
AndtheLieutenant，turningsquarelyonhisheel，spatontheground。
CHAPTERXI
THEARREST
Ithadcome，andIsawnowayofescape。ThesergeantwasbetweenusandIcouldnotstrikehim。AndIfoundnowords。A
scoreoftimesIhadthoughtwithshrinkinghowIshouldrevealmysecrettoMademoiselle——whatIshouldsay，andhowshewouldtakeit；butinmymindithadbeenalwaysavoluntaryact，thisdisclosure，ithadbeenalwaysIwhounmaskedmyselfandshewholistened——alone；andinthisvoluntarinessandthisprivacytherehadbeensomethingwhichtookfromtheshameofanticipation。
Buthere——herewasnovoluntaryactonmypart，noprivacy，nothingbutshame。AndIstoodmute，convicted，speechless，underhereyes——likethethingIwas。
YetifanythingcouldhavebracedmeitwasMademoiselle\'svoicewhensheansweredhim。
\'Goon，Monsieur，\'shesaidcalmly，\'youwillhavedonethesooner。\'
\'Youdonotbelieveme？\'hereplied。\'Then，Isay，lookathim！
Lookathim！Ifevershame——\'
\'Monsieur，\'shesaidabruptly——shedidnotlookatme，\'Iamashamedofmyself。\'
\'Butyoudon\'thearme，\'theLieutenantrejoinedhotly。\'Hisverynameisnothisown！HeisnotBartheatall。HeisBerault，thegambler，theduellist，thebully；whomifyou——\'
Againsheinterruptedhim。
\'Iknowit，\'shesaidcoldly。\'Iknowitall；andifyouhavenothingmoretotellme，go，Monsieur。Go！\'shecontinuedinatoneofinfinitescorn。\'Besatisfied，thatyouhaveearnedmycontemptaswellasmyabhorrence。\'
Helookedforamomenttakenaback。Then，——
\'Ay，butIhavemore，\'hecried，hisvoicestubbornlytriumphant。
\'Iforgotthatyouwouldthinklittleofthat。Iforgotthataswordsmanhasalwaystheladies\'hearts——-butIhavemore。Doyouknow，too，thatheisintheCardinal\'spay？Doyouknowthatheishereonthesameerrandwhichbringsushere——toarrestM。deCocheforet？Doyouknowthatwhilewegoaboutthebusinessopenlyandinsoldierfashion，itishisparttowormhimselfintoyourconfidence，tosneakintoMadame\'sintimacy，tolistenatyourdoor，tofollowyourfootsteps，tohangonyourlips，totrackyou——trackyouuntilyoubetrayyourselvesandtheman？Doyouknowthis，andthatallhissympathyisalie，Mademoiselle？Hishelp，somuchbaittocatchthesecret？Hisaimblood-money——blood-money？Why，MORBLEU！\'theLieutenantcontinued，pointinghisfingeratme，andsocarriedawaybypassion，soliftedoutofhimselfbywrathandindignation，thatIshrankbeforehim——\'youtalk，lady，ofcontemptandabhorrenceinthesamebreathwithme，butwhathaveyouforhim——whathaveyouforhim——thespy，theinformer，thehiredtraitor？Andifyoudoubtme，ifyouwantevidence，lookathim。Onlylookathim，Isay。\'
Andhemightsayit；forIstoodsilentstill，coweringanddespairing，whitewithrageandhate。ButMademoiselledidnotlook。ShegazedstraightattheLieutenant。
\'Haveyoudone？\'shesaid。
\'Done？\'hestammered；herwords，herair，bringinghimtoearthagain。\'Done？Yes，ifyoubelieveme。\'
\'Idonot，\'sheansweredproudly。\'Ifthatbeall，besatisfied，Monsieur。Idonotbelieveyou。\'
\'Thentellmethis，\'heretorted，afteramomentofstunnedsurprise。\'Answermethis！Why，ifhewasnotonourside，doyouthinkthatwelethimremainhere？Whydidwesufferhimtostayinasuspectedhouse，bullyingus，annoyingus，thwartingus，takingyourpartfromhourtohour？\'
\'Hehasasword，Monsieur，\'sheansweredwithfinecontempt，\'MILLEDIABLES！\'hecried，snappinghisfingersinarage。
\'Thatforhissword！ItwasbecauseheheldtheCardinal\'scommission，Itellyou，becausehehadequalauthoritywithus。
Becausewehadnochoice。\'
\'Andthatbeingso，Monsieur，whyareyounowbetrayinghim？\'
sheasked。Hesworeatthat，feelingthestrokegohome。
\'Youmustbemad！\'hesaid，glaringather。\'CannotyouseethatthemaniswhatItellyou？Lookathim！Lookathim，I
say！Listentohim！Hasheawordtosayforhimself？\'
Stillshedidnotlook。
\'Itislate，\'sherepliedcoldly。\'AndIamnotverywell。Ifyouhavedone，quitedone——perhaps，youwillleaveme，Monsieur。\'
\'MONDIEU！heexclaimed，shrugginghisshoulders，andgrindinghisteethinimpotentrage。Youaremad！Ihavetoldyouthetruth，andyouwillnotbelieveit。Well——onyourheadbeitthen，Mademoiselle。Ihavenomoretosay！Youwillsee。\'
Andwiththat，withoutmore，fairlyconqueredbyherstaunchness，hesalutedher，gavethewordtothesergeant，turnedandwentdownthepath。
Thesergeantwentafterhim，thelanthornswayinginhishand。
Andwetwowereleftalone。Thefrogswerecroakinginthepool，abatflewroundincircles；thehouse，thegarden，alllayquietunderthedarkness，asonthenightwhichIfirstcametoit。
AndwouldtoHeavenIhadnevercomethatwasthecryinmyheart。WouldtoHeavenIhadneverseenthiswoman，whosenoblenessandfaithwereacontinualshametome；areproachbrandingmeeveryhourIstoodinherpresencewithallvileandhatefulnames。Themanjustgone，coarse，low-bred，brutalsoldierashewas，manfloggeranddrilling-block，hadyetfoundhearttofeelmybaseness，andwordsinwhichtodenounceit。
What，then，wouldshesay，whenthetruthcamehometoher？WhatshapeshouldItakeinhereyesthen？HowshouldIberememberedthroughalltheyearsthen？
Then？Butnow？Whatwasshethinkingnow，atthismomentasshestoodsilentandabsorbednearthestoneseat，ashadowyfigurewithfaceturnedfromme？Wassherecallingtheman\'swords，fittingthemtothefactsandthepast，addingthisandthatcircumstance？Wasshe，thoughshehadrebuffedhiminthebody，collating，nowhewasgone，allthathehadsaid，andoutofthesescrapspiecingtogetherthedamningtruth？Wasshe，forallthatshehadsaid，beginningtoseemeasIwas？Thethoughttorturedme。Icouldbrookuncertaintynolonger。Iwentnearertoherandtouchedhersleeve。
\'Mademoiselle，\'Isaidinavoicewhichsoundedhoarseandunnaturaleveninmyownears，\'doyoubelievethisofme？\'
Shestartedviolently，andturned。
\'Pardon，Monsieur！\'shemurmured，passingherhandoverherbrow；\'Ihadforgottenthatyouwerehere。DoIbelievewhat？\'
\'Whatthatmansaidofme，\'Imuttered。
\'That！\'sheexclaimed。Andthenshestoodamomentgazingatmeinastrangefashion。\'DoIbelievethat，Monsieur？Butcome，come！\'shecontinuedimpetuously。\'Come，andIwillshowyouifIbelieveit。Butnothere。\'
Sheturnedasshespoke，andledthewayontheinstantintothehousethroughtheparlourdoor，whichstoodhalfopen。Theroominsidewaspitchdark，butshetookmefearlesslybythehandandledmequicklythroughit，andalongthepassage，untilwecametothecheerfullightedhall，whereagreatfireburnedonthehearth。Alltracesofthesoldiers\'occupationhadbeensweptaway。Buttheroomwasempty。
Sheledmetothefire，andthereinthefulllight，nolongerashadowycreature，butred-lipped，brilliant，throbbingwithlifeandbeauty，shestoodoppositeme——hereyesshining，hercolourhigh，herbreastheaving。
\'DoIbelieveit？\'shesaidinathrillingvoice。\'Iwilltellyou。M。deCocheforet\'shiding-placeisinthehutbehindthefern-stack，twofurlongsbeyondthevillageontheroadtoAuch。
Youknownowwhatnooneelseknows，heandIandMadameexcepted。Youholdinyourhandshislifeandmyhonour；andyouknowalso，M。deBerault，whetherIbelievethattale。\'
\'MyGod！\'Icried。AndIstoodlookingatheruntilsomethingofthehorrorinmyeyescreptintohers，andsheshudderedandsteppedbackfromme。
\'Whatisit？Whatisit？\'shewhispered，claspingherhands。
Andwithallthecolourgonesuddenlyfromhercheeksshepeeredtremblingintothecornersandtowardsthedoor。\'Thereisnoonehere。\'
Iforcedmyselftospeak，thoughIwastremblingalloverlikeamaninanague。\'No，Mademoiselle，thereisnoonehere，\'I
muttered。\'Thereisnoonehere。\'AndthenIletmyheadfallonmybreast，andIstoodbeforeher，thestatueofdespair。Hadshefeltagrainofsuspicion，agrainofdoubt，mybearingmusthaveopenedhereyes；buthermindwascastinsonobleamouldthat，havingoncethoughtillofmeandbeenconverted，shecouldfeelnodoubtagain。Shemusttrustallinall。Alittlerecoveredfromherfright，shestoodlookingatmeingreatwonder；andatlastshehadathought——
\'Youarenotwell？\'shesaidsuddenly。\'Itisyouroldwound，Monsieur。NowIhaveit？\'
\'Yes，Mademoiselle，\'Imutteredfaintly，\'itis。\'
\'IwillcallClon！\'shecriedimpetuously。Andthen，withasob：\'Ah！poorClon！Heisgone。ButthereisstillLouis。I
willcallhimandhewillgetyousomething。\'
ShewasgonefromtheroombeforeIcouldstopher，andIstoodleaningagainstthetablepossessoratlastofthesecretwhichI
hadcomesofartowin；ableinamomenttoopenthedoorandgooutintothenight，andmakeuseofit——andyetthemostunhappyofmen。Thesweatstoodonmybrow；myeyeswanderedroundtheroom；Iturnedtowardsthedoor，withsomemadthoughtofflight——offlightfromher，fromthehouse，fromeverything；andIhadactuallytakenasteptowardsthis，whenonthedoor，theouterdoor，therecameasuddenhurriedknockingwhichjarredeverynerveinmybody。Istarted，andstopped。Istoodamomentinthemiddleofthefloorgazingatthedoor，asataghost。Then，gladofaction，gladofanythingthatmightrelievethetensionofmyfeelings，Istrodetoitandpulleditsharplyopen。
Onthethreshold，hisflushedfacelitupbythelightbehindme，stoodoneoftheknaveswhomIhadbroughtwithmetoAuch。Hehadbeenrunning，andpantedheavily；buthehadkepthiswits，andtheinstantI，appearedhegraspedmysleeve。
\'Ah！Monsieur，theveryman！\'hecried。\'Quick！comethisinstant，losenotamoment，andyoumayyetbefirst。Theyhavethesecret！ThesoldiershavefoundMonsieur！\'
\'Foundhim？\'Iechoed。\'M。deCocheforet？\'
\'No；buttheyknowtheplacewherehelies。Itwasfoundbyaccident。TheLieutenantwasgatheringhismenwhenIcameaway。
Ifwearequick，wemayyetbefirst。\'
\'Buttheplace？\'Isaid。
\'Icouldnothear，\'heansweredbluntly。\'Wemusthangontheirskirts，andatthelastmomentstrikein。Itistheonlyway，Monsieur。\'
ThepairofpistolsIhadtakenfromtheshock-headedmanlayonachestbythedoor。WithoutwaitingformoreIsnatchedthemupandmyhat，andjoinedhim，andinamomentwewererunningdownthegarden。Ilookedbackoncebeforewepassedthegate，andI
sawthelightstreamingoutthroughthedoorwhich。Ihadleftopen；andIfanciedthatforaninstantafiguredarkenedthegap。Butthefancyonlystrengthenedtheonesinglepurpose，theironresolve，whichhadtakenpossessionofmeandallmythoughts。Imustbefirst；ImustanticipatetheLieutenant；I
mustmakethearrestmyself。Imustbefirst。AndIranononlythefaster。
Wewereacrossthemeadowandinthewoodinamoment。There，insteadofkeepingalongthecommonpath，Iboldlysingledout——
mysensesseemedtobepreternaturallykeen——thesmallertrailbywhichClonhadbroughtus。AlongthisIranunfalteringly，avoidinglogsandpitfallsasbyinstinct，andfollowingallitsturnsandtwists，untilwecametothebackoftheinn，andcouldhearthemurmurofsubduedvoicesinthevillagestreet，thesharplowwordofcommand，andtheclinkofweapons；andcouldseeoverandbetweenthehousesthedullglareoflanthornsandtorches。
Igraspedmyman\'sarm，andcroucheddownlistening。WhenIhadheardenough，\'Whereisyourmate？\'Isaidinhisear。
\'Withthem，\'hemuttered。
\'Thencome，\'Iwhisperedrising。\'IhaveseenwhatIwant。Letusgo。\'
Buthecaughtmebythearmanddetainedme。
\'Youdon\'tknowtheway，\'hesaid。\'Steady，steady，Monsieur。
Yougotoofast。Theyarejustmoving。Letusjointhem，andstrikeinwhenthetimecomes。Wemustletthemguideus。\'
\'Fool！\'Isaid，shakingoffhishand。\'Itellyou，Iknowwhereheis！Iknowwheretheyaregoing。Come，andwewillpluckthefruitwhiletheyareontheroadtoit。\'
Hisonlyanswerwasanexclamationofsurprise。Atthatmomentthelightsbegantomove。TheLieutenantwasstarting。Themoonwasnotyetup，theskywasgreyandcloudy；toadvancewherewewerewastostepintoawallofblackness。Butwehadlosttoomuchalready，andIdidnothesitate。Biddingmycompanionfollowmeandusehislegs，Isprangthroughalowfencewhichrosebeforeus；thenstumblingblindlyoversomebrokengroundintherearofthehouses，Icamewithafallortwotoalittlewatercoursewithsteepsides。ThroughthisIplungedrecklesslyandupthefartherside，and，breathlessandpanting，gainedtheroad，beyondthevillage，andfiftyyardsinadvanceoftheLieutenant\'stroop。
Theyhadonlytwolanthornsburning，andwewerebeyondthecircleoflightcastbythese；whilethesteadytrampofsomanyfootstepscoveredthenoisewemade。Wewereinnodangerofbeingnoticed，andinatwinklingweturnedourbacks，andasfastaswecouldwerandowntheroad。Fortunately，theywerethinkingmoreofsecrecythanspeed，andinaminutewehaddoubledthedistancebetweenthemandus。Intwominutestheirlightsweremeresparksshininginthegloombehindus。Welosteventhetrampoftheirfeet。ThenIbegantolookoutandgomoreslowly，peeringintotheshadowsoneithersideforthefernstack。