“Youhaveofferedmeyourbargain，“shetoldhim。“Youhavenamedyourpriceandyouhaveheardmyrefusal。Nowgo。”
“Notyetawhile，“saidhe，inavoicesoodiouslysweetthatGarnachecaughthisbreath。
Hedrewhertowardshim。Despiteherwildstrugglesheheldherfastagainsthisbreast。Dowhatshewould，herainedhishotkissesonherfaceandhair，tillatlast，freeingahand，shesmotehimwithallhermightacrosstheface。
Helethergothen。Hefellbackwithanoath，apatchoffingermarksshowingredonhiswhitecountenance。
“ThatblowhaskilledFlorimonddeCondillac，hetoldherviciously。
“Hediesatnoonto-morrow。Ponderit，mypretty。”
“Icarenotwhatyoudosothatyouleaveme，“sheanswereddefiantly，restrainingbyabraveeffortthetearsofangrydistressthatwelledupfromherstrickenheart。Andnolessstricken，nolessangrywasGarnachewherehelistened。ItwasbyaneffortthathehadrestrainedhimselffromburstinginuponthemwhenMariushadseizedher。Thereflectionthatwerehetodosoallwouldirretrievablyberuinedalonehadstayedhim。
Mariuseyedthegirlamoment，hisfacedistortedbytheragethatwasinhim。
“ByGod！“heswore，“ifIcannothaveyourlove，I”llgiveyoucauseenoughtohateme。”
“Alreadyhaveyoudonethatmostthoroughly，“saidshe。AndGarnachecursedthispertnessofherswhichwasservingtodarehimon。
Thenextmomenttherebrokefromherastartledcry。Mariushadseizedheragainandwascrushingherfrailbodyinhisarms。
“IshallkissyourlipsbeforeIgo，mamie，“saidhe，hisvoicethicknowwithapassionthatwasnotallofanger。Andthen，whilehestillstruggledtohavehiswaywithher，apairofarmstookhimaboutthewaistlikehoopsofsteel。
Inhissurpriseheletherfree，andinthatmomenthewasswungbackandroundandcastagoodsixpacesdowntheroom。
Hecametoastandstillbythetable，atwhichheclutchedtosavehimselffromfalling，andturnedbewildered，furiouseyesupon“Battista，“bywhomhenowdimlyrealizedthathehadbeenassailed。
Garnache”ssenseshadalllefthiminthatmomentwhenValeriehadcriedout。Hecastdiscretiontothewinds；reasonwentoutofhim，andonlyblindangerremainedtodrivehimintoimmediateaction。
Andassuddenlyasthatfloodofragehadleaped，assuddenlydiditebbnowthathefoundhimselffacetofacewiththeoutragedCondillacandbegantounderstandthemagnitudeofthefollyhehadcommitted。
Everythingwaslostnow，utterlyandirretrievably-lostasadozenotherfineempriseshadbeenbyhissuddenandungovernedfrenzy。
God！Whatafoolhewas！Whatacursed，drivellingfool！What，afterall，wasakissortwo，comparedwithalltheevilthatmightnowresultfromhisinterference？HaplyMariuswouldhavetakenthemanddeparted，andatmidnighttheywouldhavebeenfreetogofromCondillac。
ThefuturewouldnothavebeenlackinginopportunitiestoseekoutandkillMariusforthatinsult。
Whycouldhenothaveleftthemattertothefuture？Butnow，withFlorimondtobemurderedonthemorrowatLaRochette，himselflikelytobemurderedwithinthehouratCondillac，Valeriewasattheirmercyutterly。
Wildlyandvainlydidhestriveeventhentocoverupthefoolishthingthathehaddone。HebowedapologeticallytoMarius；hewavedhishandsandfilledtheairwithItalianphrases，frenziedlyuttered，asifbytheveryvigourofthemhesoughttodriveexplanationintohismaster”sbrain。Mariuswatchedandlistened，buthisragenowiseabated；itgrew，instead，asifthatfarragoofalanguagehedidnotunderstandwerebutanaddedinsult。Anoathwasallheuttered。ThenheswungroundandcaughtGarnache”sswordfromthechairbesidehim，whereitstillrested，andGarnacheinthatmomentcursedtheoversight。Whippingthelong，keenbladefromitssheath，Mariusboredownupontherashmeddler。
“ParDieu！“hesworebetweenhisteeth。“We”llseethecolourofyourdirtyblood，youthatlayhandsuponagentleman。”
Butbeforehecouldsendhometheweapon，beforeGarnachecouldmovetodefendhimself，Valeriehadslippedbetweenthem。Mariuslookedintoherwhite，determinedface，andwassmittenwithsurprise。
Whatwasthishindtoherthatsheshouldinterfereattheriskoftakingtheswordherself？
Thenaslowsmilespreaduponhisface。Hewassmartingstillunderherdisdainandresistance，aswellasunderacertainsenseofthediscomfiturethisfellowhadputuponhim。Hesawawaytohurther，toabaseherpride，andcuthertotheverysoulwithshame。
“Youaresingularlyconcernedinthisman”slife，“saidhe，anodiousundercurrentofmeaninginhisvoice。
“Iwouldnothaveyoumurderhim，“sheanswered，“fordoingnomorethanmadameyourmotherbadehim。”
“Imakenodoubthehasprovedaveryexcellentguard，“hesneered。
Evennowallmighthavebeenwell。WiththatinsultMariusmightconsiderthathehadtakenpaymentforthediscomfiturehehadsuffered。Hemighthavebethoughthimthat，perhaps，asshesaid，“Battista“haddonenomorethanobservetheordershehadreceived-atrifleexcessively，maybe，yetfaithfullynevertheless。
Thinkingthus，hemightevenhavebeencontenttogohiswaysandtakehisfillofvengeancebyslayingFlorimonduponthemorrow。
ButGarnache”srashtemper，risinganew，torethatlastflimsychancetoshreds。
Theinsultthatmademoisellemightoverlookmightevennothavefullyunderstood-sethimafirewithindignationforhersake。Heforgothisrole，forgoteventhathehadnoFrench。
“Mademoiselle，“hecried，andshegaspedinheraffrightatthisruinousindiscretion，“Ibegthatyouwillstandaside。”Hisvoicewaslowandthreatening，buthiswordswerewoefullydistinct。
“ParlamortDieu！“sworeMarius，takenutterlyaback。“Whatmayyournamebe-youwhohithertohavehadnoFrench？“
Almostthrustingmademoiselle。aside，Garnachestoodouttofacehim，theflushofhotangershowingthroughthedyeonhischeeks。
“Myname，“saidhe，“isMartinMarieRigobertdeGarnache，andmybusinessnowtomakeanendofoneatleastofthisobscenebroodofCondillac。”
And，withoutmoreado，hecaughtupachairandhelditbeforehiminreadinesstoreceivetheother”sonslaught。
ButMariushungbackaninstant-atfirstinsheersurprise，laterinfear。Hehadsomeknowledgeofthefellow”smethods。EventheswordhewieldedgavehimlittleconfidenceopposedtoGarnachewithachair。Hemusthavehelp。Hiseyessoughtthedoor，measuringthedistance。ErehecouldreachitGarnachewouldcuthimoff。TherewasnothingforitbuttoattempttodrivetheParisianback。Andsowithasuddenrushheadvancedtotheattack。
Garnachefellbackandraisedhischair，andinthatinstantmademoiselleoncemoreintervenedbetweenthem。
“Standaside，mademoiselle，“criedGarnache，whonow，growncool，aswashiswaywhenoncehewasengaged，sawclearlythroughthepurposeformedbyMarius。“Standaside，orweshallhavehimgivingthealarm。”
HeleaptclearofhertostopMarius”ssuddenrushforthedoor。
Ontheverythresholdtheyoungmanwasforcedtoturnanddefendhimself，lesthisbrainsbedashedoutbythatponderousweaponGarnachewashandlingwithararefacility。Butthemischiefwasdone，inthathehadreachedthethreshold。Backing，hedefendedhimselfandgainedtheanteroom。Garnachefollowed，buttheclumsychairwasdefensiveratherthanoffensive，andMarius”sswordmeanwhiledartedaboveitandbelowit，forcinghimtokeepacertaindistance。
AndnowMariusraisedhisvoiceandshoutedwithallthepowerofhislungs：
“Tome！Tome！Fortunio！Abdon！Tome，youdogs！Iambeset。”
>Fromthecourtyardbelowroseanechoofhiswords，repeatedinashoutbythesentinel，whohadoverheardthem，andtheycaughttheswiftfallofthefellow”sfeetasheranforhelp。Furious，picturingtohimselfhowthealarmwouldspreadlikeaconflagrationthroughthechateau，cursinghisheadstrongfollyyetdeterminedthatMariusatleastshouldnotescapehim，Garnacheputforthhisenergiestohinderhimfromgainingthedoorthatopenedontothestairs。Fromthedoorwayoftheantechambermademoiselle，withawhitefaceandterrifiedeyes，watchedtheunequalcombatandheardtheshoutsforhelp。Anondespairmightwhelmheratthethoughtofhowtheyhadlosttheiropportunityofescaping；butforthepresentshehadnothoughtsaveforthelifeofthatbravemanwhowasdefendinghimselfwithanunwieldychair。
Garnacheleaptsuddenlyasidetotakehisopponentintheflankandthusturnhimfromhisbackwardprogresstowardstheouterdoor。
Themanoeuvresucceeded，andgradually，alwaysdefendinghimself，GarnachecircledfartherroundhimuntilhewasbetweenMariusandthethreshold。
Andnowtherecameasoundofrunningfeetontheunevenstonesofthecourtyard。Lightgleamedonthestaircase，andbreathlessvoiceswerewafteduptothetwomen。Garnachebethoughthimthathislasthourwasassuredlyathand。Well，ifhemusttakehisdeath，hemightaswelltakeithereuponMarius”sswordasuponanother”s。
SohewouldriskitforthesakeofleavinguponMariussometokenbywhichhemightrememberhim。Heswunghischairaloft，uncoveringhimselfforasecond。Theyoungman”ssworddartedinlikeashaftoflight。NimblyGarnachesteppedasidetoavoidit，andmovednearerhisopponent。Downcrashedthechair，anddownwentMarius，stunnedandbleeding，underitsterrificblow。Theswordclatteredfromhishandandrolled，withapendulum-likemovement，tothefeetofGarnache。
TheParisianflungasidehischairandstoopedtoseizethatverywelcomeblade。Herose，graspingthehiltandgatheringconfidencefromthetouchofthatexcellentlybalancedweapon，andheswungroundevenasFortunioandtwoofhisbravesappearedinthedoorway。
CHAPTERXVII
HOWMONSIEURDEGARNACHELEFTCONDILLAC
NeverwasthereamanwithabetterstomachforafightthanMartindeGarnache，nordidhestoptoconsiderthatherehisappetiteinthatdirectionwaslikelytobeindulgedtoasurfeit。Thesightofthosethreemenopposinghim，swordsdrawnandFortunioarmedinadditionwithadagger，drovefromhismindeveryotherthought，everyotherconsiderationbutthatoftheimpendingbattle。
Hefellonguardtoreceivetheironslaught，hiseyesalert，hislipstightset，hiskneeslikespringsofsteel，slightlyflexedtosupporthiswell-poisedbody。
Buttheypausedamomentintheextremityoftheirsurprise，andFortuniocalledtohiminItaliantoknowthemeaningofthisattitudeofhisaswellasthatofMarius，wholayhuddledwherehehadfallen。
Garnache，recklessnow，disdainingfurthersubterfugenorseekingtohaverecoursetosubtletiesthatcouldavailhimnothing，retortedinFrenchwiththeannouncementofhistruename。Atthat，perceivingthatherewassomedeeptreacheryatwork，theyhesitatednolonger。
LedbyFortuniotheyattackedhim，andthedintheymadeinthenextfewminuteswiththeirheavybreathing，theirfrequentoaths，theirstampingandspringingthiswayandthat，and，ringingaboveall，theclashandclatterofswordonsword，filledthechamberandcouldbeheardinthecourtyardbelow。
Minutessped，yettheygainednoadvantageonthissingleman；notone，butadozenswordsdidheappeartowield，sorapidwerehispasses，soubiquitoushispoint。Hadhebutstoodhisgroundtheremighthavebeenaspeedyendtohim，butheretreatedslowlytowardsthedooroftheantechamber。Valeriestillstoodthere，watchingwithfearfuleyesandbatedbreaththattremendousstrugglewhichatanymomentsheexpectedtoseeterminateinthedeathofheronlyfriend。
InherwayshewashelpingGarnache，thoughshelittlerealizedit。
Thesixtapersinthecandle-branchsheheldaloftaffordedtheonlylightforthatstormyscene，andthatlightwasintheeyesofGarnache”sassailants，showinghimtheirfacesyetleavinghisowninshadow。
Hefellbacksteadilytowardsthatdoor。Hecouldnotseeit；buttherewasnottheneed。Heknewthatitwasinadirectlinewiththeonethatopeneduponthestairs，andbythelatterhesteeredhisbackwardcourse。Hisaimwastogaintheantechamber，althoughtheyguesseditnot，thinkingthathedidbutretreatthroughinabilitytostandhisground。Hisreasonswerethathereinthisguardroomthebesthecoulddowouldbetoputhisbacktothewall，wherehemightpickoffoneortwobeforetheymadeanendofhim。
Theplacewastoobaretosuithisurgent，fearfulneed。Withintheinnerroomtherewasfurnituretospare，withwhichhemightcontrivetohamperhisopponentsandgivethemsuchalustyfightaswouldliveinthememoryofthosewhomightsurviveitforaslongastheyshouldchancetolivethereafter。
Hehadnothoughtofperishinghimself，although，toanylessconcerned，hisdeath，soonerorlater，mustseeminevitable-theonlypossibleconclusiontothisaffray，takenashewas。Hismindwasconcernedonlywiththisfight；hisbusinesstokill，andnothimselftobeslain。Heknewthatpresentlyotherswouldcometosupportthesethree。Already，perhaps，theywereontheirway，andhehusbandedhisstrengthagainsttheircoming。Hewasproudlyconsciousofhisownsuperiorskill，forhehadstudiedtheartoffenceinItaly-itshome-duringhisearlieryears，andtherewasnotrickofsword-playwithwhichhewasnotacquainted，noruseofserviceinarough-and-tumbleinwhichhewasunversed。Hewasproudlyconscious，too，ofhissupplestrength，hisendurance，andhisgreatlengthofreach，anduponallthesehecountedtohelphimmakeadecentfight。
Valerie，watchinghim，guessedhispurposetobethegainingoftheinnerchamber，thecrossingofthethresholdonwhichshewasstanding。Shedrewbackapaceortwo，almostmechanically，togivehimroom。Themovementwentneartocostinghimhislife。ThelightnolongerfallingsopitilesslyuponFortunio”seyes，thecaptainsawmoreclearlythanhitherto，andshotaswift，deadlystrokestraightattheregionofGarnache”sheart。TheParisianleaptbackwhenitwaswithinaninchofhisbreast；oneofthebravoesfollowedup，springingapaceinadvanceofhiscompanionsandlengtheninghisarminapowerfullunge。Garnachecaughtthebladealmostonhishilt，andbytheslightestturnofthewristmadeasimultaneouspresentmentofhispointattheother”soutstretchedthroat。IttookthefellowjustabovetheAdam”sapple，andwithahorrid，gurglingcryhesank，stretchedashestillwasintheattitudeofthatmurderouslungethathadprovedfatalonlytohimself。
Garnachehadcomeonguardagainupontheinstant。Yetinthebriefestofsecondsduringwhichhisswordhadbeenaboutitsworkofdeath，Fortunio”srapiercameathimasecondtime。Hebeatthebladeasidewithhisbarelefthandandstoppedwithhispointtherushoftheotherbravo。Thenheleaptbackagain，andhisleapbroughthimtothethresholdoftheanteroom。Heretreatedquicklyapace，andthenanother。Hewasasword”slengthwithinthechamber，andnowhestood，firmasarockandengagedFortunio”sbladewhichhadfollowedhimthroughthedoorway。Buthewasmoreathisease。Thedoorwaywasnarrow。Twomenabreastcouldnotbesethim，sinceonemustcumberthemovementsoftheother。Iftheycameathimoneatatime，hefeltthathecouldcontinuethatfighttillmorning，shouldtherestillbythenbeanylefttofacehim。
Awildexultationtookhim，aninsanedesiretolaugh。Surelywassword-playthemerriestgamethatwaseverdevisedforman”sentertainment。Hestraightenedhisarm，andhissteelwentoutlikeastreakoflightning。Butforthedaggeronwhichhecaughtitsedge，thebladehadassuredlypiercedthecaptain”sheart。Andnow，fightingstill，GarnachecalledtoValerie。Hehadneedofherassistancetomakehispreparationsereotherscame。
“Setdownyourtapers，mademoiselle，“hebadeher，“onthemantelshelfatmyback。Placetheothercandlebranchtheretoo。”
Swiftly，yetwithhalf-swimmingsenses，everythingdimtoherastooneinanightmare，sherantodohisbidding；andnowthelightplacedsoathisback，gavehimoverhisopponentsthesameslightadvantagethathehadenjoyedbefore。Inbrisktonesheissuedhisfreshorders。
“Canyoumovethetable，mademoiselle？“heaskedher。“Trytodragithere，tothewallonmyleft，asclosetothedoorasyoucanbringit。”
“Iwilltry，monsieur，“shepantedthroughdrylips；andagainshemovedtodohisbidding。Quickenedbytheneedtherewas，herlimbs，whichawhileagohadseemedonthepointofrefusingtheiroffice，appearedtogathermorethinordinarystrength。Shewasunconsciouslysobbinginherpassionateanxietytorenderhimwhathelpwaspossible。Frenziedlyshecaughtattheheavyoakentable，andbegantodragitacrosstheroomasGarnachehadbeggedher。
Andnow，Fortunioseeingwhatwastoward，andguessingGarnache”sintentions，soughtbyarushtoforcehiswayintotheChamber。ButGarnachewasreadyforhim。Therewasaharshgrindofsteelonsteel，culminatinginaresoundinglest，andFortuniowasbackintheguard-room，whitherhehadleapttosavehisskin。Apausefellatthat，andGarnacheloweredhispointtoresthisarmuntiltheyshouldagaincomeathim。Frombeyondthedoorwaythecaptaincalleduponhimtoyield。Hetookthesummonsasaninsult，andflewintoamomentarypassion。
“Yield？“heroared。“Yieldtoyou，youcut-throatscum？Youshallhavemyswordifyouwillcomeforit，butyoushallhaveitiiyourthroat。”
Angeredinhisturn，Fortunioinclinedhisheadtohiscompanion”sear，issuinganorder。Inobediencetoit，itwasthebravonowwhoadvancedandengagedGarnache。Suddenlyhedroppedontohisknees，andoverhisheadGarnachefoundhisbladesuddenlyopposedbyFortunio”s。Itwasaclevertrick，anditallbutdidGarnache”sbusinessthen。Yettogetherwiththesurpriseofittherecametohimtheunderstandingofwhatwasintended。Underhisguardthekneelingman”sswordwastobethrustupintohisvitals。Asacryofalarmbrokefrommademoiselle，heleaptasideandtowardsthewall，wherehewascoveredfromFortunio”sweapon，andturningsuddenlyhepassedhisswordfromsidetosidethroughthebodyofthekneelingmercenary。
Thewholethinghehadperformedmechanically，morebyinstinctthanbyreason；andwhenitwasdone，andthetableswerethuseffectivelyturneduponhisassailants，hescarcelyrealizedhowhehadaccomplishedit。
Theman”sbodycumberednowthedoorway，andbehindhimFortuniostood，neverdaringtoadvancelestathrustofthatswordwhichhecouldnotsee-Garnachestillstandingcloseagainstthewall-
shouldservehimlikewise。
Garnacheleanedthere，inthatfriendlyshelter，tobreathe，andhesmiledgrimlyundercoverofhismustache。Solongashehadtodealwithasingleassailanthesawnoneedtomovefromsoexcellentaposition。Closebesidehim，leaningheavilyagainstthetableshehaddraggedthusfar，stoodValerie，herfacelividasdeath，herheartsickwithinheratthehorrorinspiredherbythatthinglyingonthethreshold。Shecouldnottakehereyesfromthecrimsonstainthatspreadslowlyonthefloor，comingfromunderthatlimplyhuddledmassofarmsandlegs。
“Donotlook，mademoiselle，“Garnacheimploredhersoftly。“Bebrave，child；trytobebrave。”
Shesoughttobraceherflaggingcourage，andbyaneffortsheavertedhereyesfromthathorridheapandfixedthemuponGarnache”scalm，intrepidface。Thesightofhisquietlywatchfuleyes，hisgrimlysmilinglips，seemedtoinfusecourageintoheranew。
“Ihavethetable，monsieur，“shetoldhim。“Icanbringitnonearertothewall。”
Heunderstoodthatthiswasnotbecausehercourageorherstrengthmightbeexhausted，butbecausehenowoccupiedthespotwherehehadbiddenherplaceit。Hemotionedheraway，andwhenshehadmovedhedartedsuddenlyandswiftlyasideandcaughtthetable，hisswordstillfastinhistwofirstfingers，whichhehadlockedoverthequillons。HehadpusheditsmassiveweighthalfwayacrossthedoorbeforeFortuniograspedthesituation。Instantlythecaptainsoughttotakeadvantageofit，thinkingtocatchGarnacheunawares。
ButnosoonerdidheshowhisnoseinsidethedoorpostthanGarnache”sswordflashedbeforehiseyes，drivinghimbackwithabloodyfurrowinhischeek。
“Haveacare，MonsieurleCapitaine，“Garnachemockedhim。“Hadyoucomeaninchfartheritmighthavebeenthedeathofyou。”
Aclatterofstepssoundeduponthestairs，andtheParisianbentoncemoretohistask，andthrustthetableacrosstheopendoorway。
Hehadamoment”srespitenow，forFortuniostung-thoughlightlywasnotlikelytocomeagainuntilhehadotherstosupporthim。
Andwhiletheotherscame，whilethehumoftheirvoicesrosehigher，andfinallytheirstepsclatteredoverthebareboardsoftheguard-roomfloor，Garnachehadcaughtupandflungachairunderthetabletoprotecthimfromanattackfrombelow，whilehehadpiledanotherontoptoincreaseandfurtherstrengthenthebarricade。
Valeriewatchedhimagonizedly，leaningnowagainstthewall，herhandspressedacrossherbosom，asiftokeepdownitstempestuousheaving。Yetheranguishwastemperedbyagreatwonderandagreatadmirationofthismanwhocouldkeepsuchcalmeyesandsuchsmilinglipsinthefaceofthedreadfuloddsbywhichhewasbeset，inthefaceofthecertaindeaththatmustultimatelyreachhimbeforehewasmanyminutesolder。Andinherimaginationsheconjuredupapictureofhimlyingtheretornbytheirangryswordsanddrenchedinblood，hislifegoneoutofhim，hisbravespirit，quenchedforever-andallforherunworthysake。Becauseshelittle，worthlessthingthatshewas-wouldnotmarryastheylisted，thisfine，chivalroussoulwastobedrivenfromitsstalwartbody。
Anagonyofgrieftookhernow，andshefelloncemoretothoseawfulsobsthatawhileagohadshakenher。ShehadrefusedtomarryMariusthatFlorimond”slifeshouldbespared，knowingthatbeforeMariuscouldreachhimsheherselfwouldhavewarnedherbetrothed。Yetevenhadthatcircumstancenotexisted，shewassurethatstillshewouldhaverefusedtodothewillofMarius。ButequallysurewasshethatshewouldnotsorefusehimwerehenowtoofferasthepriceofhercompliancethelifeofGarnache，whichsheaccountedirrevocablydoomed。
Suddenlyhissteady，soothingvoicepenetratedheranguishedmusings。
“Calmyourself，mademoiselle；allisfar，fromlostasyet。”
Shethoughtthathebutspokesotocomforther；shedidnotfollowtheworkingofhiswarlikemind，concentratedentirelyuponthebusinessofthemoment，withlittlethought-orcare，forthatmatter-forwhatmightbetideanon。Yetshemadeanefforttorepresshersobs。Shewouldbebrave，ifonlytoshowherselfworthyofthecompanionshipandfriendshipofsobraveaman。
Acrosshisbarricadehepeeredintotheouterroomtoascertainwithwhatfreshopponentshemighththavetoreckon，andhewassurprisedtoseebutfourmenstandingbyFortunio，whilstbehindthemamongthethickershadows，hedimlymadeoutawoman”sfigureand，besideher，anothermanwhowasshortandsquat。
Hebethoughthimthatthehour，andthecircumstancethatmostofthemercenarieswouldbeintheirbeds，accountedforthereinforcementnotbeinggreater。
Thewomanmovedforward，andhesawashehadsuspected，thatitwastheDowagerherself。Thesquatfigurebesideher，movingwithherintotheshaftoflightthatfellfromthedoorwayGarnachedefended，revealedtohimthefeaturesofMonsieurdeTressan。IfanydoubthehadstillentertainedconcerningtheSeneschal”sloyalty，thatdoubtwasnowdispelled。
AndnowtheDowagerutteredasuddencryoffear。ShehadcaughtsightofthefallenMarius，andshehurriedtohisside。Tressanspedafterherandbetweenthemtheyraisedtheboyandhelpedhimtoachair，wherehenowsat，passingaheavyhandacrosshisnodoubtachingbrow。Clearlyhewasrecovering，fromwhichGarnacheopinedwithregretthathisblowhadbeentoolight。TheDowagerturnedtoFortunio，whohadapproachedher，andhereyesseemedtotakefireatsomethingthathetoldher。
“Garnache？“theParisianheardhersay，andhesawFortuniojerkhisthumbinthedirectionofthebarricade。
Sheappearedtoforgetherson；shesteppedsuddenlyfromhisside，andpeeredthroughthedoorwayatthestalwartfigureofGarnache，dimlytobeseenthroughthepileoffurniturethatprotectedhimtotheheightofhisbreast。NowordsaidshetotheParisian。
Shestoodregardinghimamomentwithlipscompressedandawhite，startled，angryface。Then：
“ItwasbyMarius”scontrivancethathewasplacedsentryoverthegirl，“heheardhertellFortunio，andhethoughtshesneered。
Shelookedatthetwobodiesonthefloor，onealmostatherfeet，theotherjustinsidethedoorway，nowalmosthiddenintheshadowsofthetable。Thensheissuedhercommandstothemen，andfiercelyshebadethempulldownthatbarricadeandtakethedogalive。
Butbeforetheycouldmovetodoherbidding，Garnache”svoicerangimperativelythroughthechamber。
“Awordwithyoueretheybegin，MonsieurdeTressan，“heshouted，andsuchwasthenoteofcommandheassumedthatthemenstoodarrested，lookingtotheDowagerforfreshorders。Tressanchangedcolour，forallthattherewassurelynaughttofear，andhefingeredhisbeardperplexedly，lookingtotheMarquisefordirection。Sheflashedhimaglance，liftedoneshoulderdisdainfully，andtothemen：
“Fetchhimout，“saidshe，andshepointedtoGarnache。ButagainGarnachestayedthem。
“MonsieurdeTressan，“hecalledimpressively，“toyourdyingday-andthatwillbenonesodistant-shallyouregretitifyoudonothearme。”
TheSeneschalwasstirredbythosewordsandthehalf-threat，half-warning；theyseemedtocover。Hepausedamoment，andthistimehiseyesavoidedtheMarquise”s。Atlast，takingastepforward，“Knave，“saidhe，“Idonotknowyou。”
“Youknowmewellenough。Youhaveheardmyname。IamMartinMarieRigobertdeGarnache，HerMajesty”semissaryintoDauphinytoprocuretheenlargementofMademoiselledeLaVauvrayefromtheChateaudeCondillac，wheresheisdetainedbyforceandfortheservingofunscrupulousends。Nowyouknowmeandmyquality。”
TheDowagerstampedherfoot。
“Fetchhimout！“shecommandedharshly。
“Hearmefirst，MonsieurleSeneschal，oritwillbetheworseforyou。”AndtheSeneschal，movedbythatconfidentpromiseofevil，threwhimselfbeforethemen-at-arms。
“Amoment，Ibeseechyou，Marquise，“hecried，andthemen，seeinghisearnestnessandknowinghisquality，stoodundecided，buffetedastheywerebetweenhiswillandtheMarquise”s。“Whathaveyoutosaytome？“Tressandemanded，seekingtorenderarroganthistone。
“This：ThatmyservantknowswhereIam，andthatshouldIfailwithinaveryfewdaystocomeforthsafeandsoundfromCondillactorejoinhim，heistoridetoPariswithcertainlettersIhavegivenhim。ThoselettersincriminateyoutothefullinthisinfamousmatterhereatCondillac。Ihavesetforthinthemhowyourefusedmehelp，howyouignoredtheQueen”scommandsofwhichIwasthebearer；andshoulditbeproved，inaddition，thatthroughyourtreacheryandinsubordinationmylifehasbeenlost，Ipromiseyouthatnothinginallthisworldwillsaveyoufromahanging。”
“Neverlisten，monsieur，“criedtheDowager，seeingTressanstartbacklikeamaninsuddenfear。“Itisnomorethantheruseofadesperateman。”
“Heedmeornot，atyourchoice，“Garnacheretorted，addressinghimselfevertoTressan。“Youhavehadyourwarning。Ilittlethoughttoseeyouhereto-night。Butseeingyouconfirmsmyworstsuspicions，andifIamtodie，IcandieeasyinmyconscienceatthethoughtthatinsacrificingyoutoHerMajesty”swrathIhavecertainlynotsacrificedaninnocentman。”
“Madame-“theSeneschalbegan，turningtotheDowager。Butshebrokeinimpatientlyuponhisintendedwords，upontheprayerthatbubbledtohislipsthatsheshouldpauseawhileereshemadeanendofthisParisian。
“Monsieur，“saidshe，“youmaybargainwithhimwhenheistaken。
Wewillhavehimalive。Goin，“shebadehermen，hervoicesoresolutenowthatnonedaredtarrylonger。“Fetchtheknaveout-alive。”
Garnachesmiledatmademoiselleasthewordswereuttered。
“Theywantmealive，“saidhe。“Thatisahopefulstateofthings。
Bearup，child；Imayneedyourhelperewearethrough。”
“Youshallfindmeready，monsieur，“sheassuredhimforallhertremors。Helookedatthepaleface，composednowbyaneffortofherwill，andatthebeautifulhazeleyeswhichstrovetomeethiswithcalmandtoreflecthissmile，andhemarvelledathercourageasmuchasdidsheathis。
Thentheassaultbegan，andhecouldhavelaughedatthewayinwhichacoupleofthosecut-throats-neitherwishingtohavethehonourofmeetinghimsingly-hinderedeachotherbyseekingtoattackhimatonce。
AtlasttheDowagercommandedoneofthemtogoin。Thefellowcame，andhewasdrivenbackbytheswordthatdartedathimfromabovethebarricade。
Theremattersmighthavecometoadeadlock，butthatFortuniocameforwardwithoneofhismentorepeatthetacticswhichhadcosthimalifealready。Hisfellowwentdownonhisknees，anddrovehisswordunderthetableandthroughtheframeofthechair，seekingtoprickGarnacheinthelegs。SimultaneouslythecaptainlaidholdofanarmofthechairaboveandsoughttoengageGarnacheacrossit。TherusesucceededtotheextentofcompellingtheParisiantoretreat。Thetableseemedlikelytobehisundoinginsteadofhelpinghim。Hedroppedlikelightningtooneknee，seekingtoforcethefellowoutfromunderneath。ButtheobstacleswhichshouldhavehinderedhisassailantshinderedGarnacheevenmoreatthisjuncture。
InthatinstantFortuniowhippedthechairfromthetable-top，andflungitforward。OneofitslegscaughtGarnacheontheswordarm，deadeningitforasecond。Theswordfellfromhishand，andValerieshriekedaloud，thinkingthebattleatanend。Butthenextmomenthewasonhisfeet，hisrapierfirmlygrippedoncemore，forallthathisarmstillfeltatriflenumbed。Assecondspassedthenumbnessworeaway，butbeforethathadtakenplacethetablehadbeenthrustforward，andthemanbeneathithadmadeitimpossibleforGarnachetohinderthis。SuddenlyhecalledtoValerie。
“Acloak，mademoiselle！Getmeacloak！“hebegged。Andshe，stemmingherfearsoncemore，rantodohisbidding。
Shecaughtupacloakthatlayonachairbythedoorofherbed-chamber，andbroughtittohim。Hetwistedittwiceroundhisleftarm，lettingitsfoldshangloose，andadvancedagaintotryconclusionswiththegentlemanunderneath。Hecastthegarmentsothatitenmeshedtheswordwhennextitwasadvanced。Steppingbrisklyaside，hewasuptothetable，andhisbusybladedrovebackthemanwhoassailedhimacrossit。Hethrewhisweightagainstit，andthrustitbacktillitwasjammedhardoncemoreagainstthedoorposts，leavingthechairathisveryfeet。Themanbeneathhadrecoveredhisswordbythis，andagainhesoughttouseit。Thatwastheendofhim。AgainGarnacheenmeshedit，kickedawaythechair，or，rather，thrustitasidewithhisfoot，stoopedsuddenly，anddrivinghisbladeunderthetablefeltitsinkintothebodyofhistormentor。
Therewasagroanandasplutteringcough，andthenbeforeGarnachecouldrecoverheheardmademoisellecryingouttohimtobeware。
Thetablewasthrustsuddenlyforwardalmostontopofhim；itsedgecaughthisleftshoulder，andsenthimbackafullyard，sprawlinguponthegroundToriseagain，gaspingforair-forthefallhadshakenhim-wastheworkofaninstant。ButinthatinstantFortuniohadthrustthetableclearofthedoorway，andhismenwerepouringintotheroom。
TheycameatGarnacheinabody，withwildshoutsandfiercemockery，andhehurriedlyfellonguardandgavewaybeforethemuntilhisshoulderswereagainstthewainscotandhehadatleasttheassurancethatnonecouldtakehimintherear。Threebladesengagedhisown。
Fortuniohadcomenofartherthanthedoorway，wherehestoodhistorncheekdrenchedinblood，watchingthescenetheMarquisebesidehim，andTressanstandingjustbehindthem，verypaleandscared。
YetGarnache”sfirstthoughteveninthatmomentofdireperilwasforValerie。Hewouldspareherthesightthatmustbeforemanymomentsbespreadtoviewwithinthatshambles。
“Toyourchamber，mademoiselle，“hecriedtoher。“Youhinderme，“
headdedbywayofcompellingherobedience。Shedidhisbidding，butonlyinpart。Nofartherwentshethanthedoorwayofherroom，wheresheremainedstanding，watchingthefrayasearliershehadstoodandwatcheditfromthedooroftheantechamber。
Suddenlyshewasmovedbyinspiration。Hehadgainedanadvantagebefore，byretreatingthroughadoorwayintoaninnerroom。Mighthenotdothesameagain，andbeinbettercaseifheweretoretreatnowtoherownchamber？Impulsivelyshecalledtohim。
“Inhere，MonsieurdeGarnache。Inhere。”
TheMarquiselookedacrossather，andsmiledinmockery。Garnachewastoowelloccupied，shethought，toattemptanysuchrashness。
Ifhebutdaredremovehisshouldersfromthewalltherewouldbeaspeedierendtohimthanasthingswere。
Notso，however，thoughtGarnache。Thecloaktwistedabouthisleftarmgavehimsomeadvantage，andheusedittothefull。Heflickedtheslackofitinthefaceofone，andfolloweditupbystabbingthefellowinthestomachbeforehecouldrecoverguard，whilstwithanotherwaveofthatcloakheenmeshedtheswordthatshotreadilyintotheopeninghehadleft。
Madamecursed，andFortunioechoedherimprecations。TheSeneschalgasped，hisfearslostinamazementatsomuchvalouranddexterity。
Garnacheswungawayfromthewallnow，andsethisbacktomademoiselle，determinedtoactuponheradvice。Buteveninthatmomentheaskedhimselfforthefirsttimesincethecommencementofthatcarnage-towhatpurpose？Hisarmsweregrowingheavywithfatigue，hismouthwasparched，andgreatbeadsofperspirationstooduponhisbrow。Soonhewouldbespent，andtheywouldnotfailtotakeaveryfulladvantageofit。
Hithertohismindhadbeentakenupwiththebattleonly，andifhehadthoughtofretreating，itwasbuttotheendthathemightgainapositionofsomevantage。Now，consciousofhisgrowingfatigue，histhoughtsturnedthematlasttotheconsiderationofflight。
Wastherenowayoutofit？MusthekilleverymaninCondillacbeforehecouldhopetoescape？
Whimsically，andalmostmechanically，hesethimself，inhismind，tocountthemen。Thereweretwentymercenariesalltold，excludingFortunioandhimself。OnArseniohemightrelynottoattackhim，perhapseventocometohisassistanceatthefinish。Thatleftnineteen。Fourhehadalreadyeitherkilledoutrightoreffectivelydisabled；sothatfifteenremainedhim。Thetaskofdealingwiththoseotherfifteenwasutterlybeyondhim。Presently，nodoubt，thetwonowopposinghimwouldbereinforcedbyothers。Sothatifanypossiblewayoutexisted，hehadbestsetaboutfindingitatonce。
Hewonderedcouldhecutdownthesetwo，makeanendofFortunio，and，runningforit，attempttoescapethroughtheposternbeforetherestofthegarrisonhadtimetocomeupwithhimorguesshispurpose。Butthenotionwastoowild，itsaccomplishmenttooimpossible。
Hewasfightingnowwithhisbacktomademoiselleandhisfacetothetallwindow，throughtheleadedpanesofwhichhecaughtthedistortedshapeofacrescentmoon。Suddenlytheideacametohim。
Throughthatwindowmustliehisway。Itwasagoodfiftyfeetabovethemoat，heknew，andifheessayedtoleapit，itmustbeanevenchancethathewouldbekilledinleaping。Butthechanceofdeathwasacertainoneifhetarriedwherehewasuntilotherscametosupporthispresentopponents。Andsohebrisklydetermineduponthelesserrisk。
Herememberedthatthewindowwasnaileddown，asithadremainedsincemademoiselle”spretendedattemptatflight。Butsurelythatshouldprovenoformidableobstacle。
Andnowthathisresolvewastakenhistacticsabruptlychanged。
Hithertohehadbeensparingofhismovements，husbandinghisstrengthagainstthelongbattlethatseemedpromisedhim。Suddenlyheassumedtheoffensivewherehithertohehadbutactedinself-defence，andamostdeadlyoffensivewasit。Hepliedhiscloak，untwistingitfromhisarmandflingingitovertheheadandbodyofoneofhisassailants，sothathewasenmeshedandblindedbyit。Leapingtothefellow”sflank，Garnache，withaterrifickick，knockedhislegsfromunderhimsothathefellheavily。
Then，stoopingsuddenly，theParisianranhisbladeundertheotherbrave”sguardandthroughthefellow”sthigh。Themancriedout，staggered，andthenwentdownutterlydisabled。
OneswiftdownwardthrustGarnachemadeatthemassthatwriggledunderhiscloak。Theactivityofitswrigglesincreasedinthenextfewseconds，thenceasedaltogether。
Tressanfeltwetfromheadtofootwithasweatprovokedbyhorrorofwhathesaw。TheDowager”slipswerepouringforthahorridlitanyofguard-roomoaths，andmeanwhileGarnachehadswungroundtomeetFortunio，thelastofallwhohadstoodwithhim。
Thecaptaincameonboldly，armedwithswordanddagger，andinthatmoment，feelinghimselfspent，Garnachebitterlyrepentedhavingrelinquishedhiscloak。Yethemadeastubbornfight，andwhilsttheyfencedandstampedaboutthatroom，Mariuscametowatchthem，staggeringtohismother”ssideandleaningheavilyuponTressan”sshoulder。TheMarquiseturnedtohim，herfacelividtothelips。
“Thatmanmustbetheveryfiend，“Garnacheheardhertellherson。
“Runforhelp，Tressan，or，Godknows，hemayescapeusyet。Goformen，orweshallhaveFortuniokilledaswell。Bidthembringmuskets。”
Tressan，movinglikeonebereftofwits，wenthererrand，whilethetwomenfoughton，stampingandpanting，circlingandlunging，theirbreathcomingingasps，theirswordsgrindingandclashingtillsparksleaptfromthem。
Thedustroseuptoenvelopandalmostchokethem，andmorethanoncetheyslippedinthebloodwithwhichthefloorwasspattered，whilstpresentlyGarnachebarelyrecoveredandsavedhimselffromstumblingoverthebodyofoneofhisvictimsagainstwhichhisswiftlymovingfeethadhurtled。
AndtheDowager，whowatchedtheconflictandwhoknewsomethingofsword-play，realizedthat，tiredthoughGarnachemightbe，unlesshelpcamesoonorsomestrangechancegavethecaptaintheadvantage，Fortuniowouldbelaidlowwiththeothers。
HiscirclinghadbroughttheParisianround，sothathisbackwasnowtothewindow，hisfacetothedoorofthebedchamber，wheremademoisellestillwatchedinever-growinghorror。Hisrightshoulderwasinlinewiththedooroftheantechamber，whichmadameoccupied，andheneversawherquitMarius”ssideandcreepslylyintotheroomtospeedswiftlyroundbehindhim。
Theonlyonefromwhomhethoughtthathemighthavecausetofeartreacherywasthemanwhomhehaddroppedwithathighwound，andhewascarefultokeepbeyondthereachofanysuddensword-thrustfromthatfellow。
Butifhedidnotseethewoman”smovements，mademoisellesawthem，andthesightsethereyesdilatingwithanewfear。SheguessedtheDowager”streacherouspurpose。Andnosoonerhadsheguesseditthan，withachokingsob，shetoldherselfthatwhatmadamecoulddothatcouldshealso。
SuddenlyGarnachesawanopening；Fortunio”seyes，caughtbytheDowager”smovements，strayedforamomentpasthisopponent，andthethingwouldhavebeenfataltothecaptainbutthatinthatmoment，asGarnachewasonthepointoflunging，hefelthimselfcaughtfrombehind，hisarmspinionedtohissidesbyapairofslenderonesthattwinedthemselvesabouthim，andoverhisshoulder，thebreathofitfanninghishotcheek，cameaviciousvoice-
“Stabnow，Fortunio！“
Thecaptainaskednothingbetter。Heraisedhiswearysword-armandbroughthispointtothelevelofGarnache”sbreast，butinthatinstantitsweightbecameleaden。ImitatingtheMarquise，Valeriehadbeenintime。SheseizedFortunio”shalf-liftedarmandflungallherweightuponit。
Thecaptaincursedherhorridlyinafrenzyoffear，forhesawthatdidGarnacheshakeofftheMarquisetherewouldbeanendofhimself。
Hesoughttowrenchhimselffreeofherdetaininggrasp，andtheexertionbroughthimdown，wearyashewas，andwithherweighthangingtohim。Hesanktohisknees，andthegirl，stillclingingvaliantly，sankwithhim，callingtoGarnachethatsheheldthecaptainfast。
Puttingforthallhisremainingstrength，theParisiantwistedfromtheDowager”sencirclinggraspandhurledherfromhimwithaviolencehenowiseintended。
“Yours，madame，arethefirstwoman”sarmsthateverMartindeGarnachehasknown，“saidhe。“Andnevercouldembraceofbeautyhavebeenlesswelcome。”
Panting，hecaughtuponeoftheoverturnedchairs。Holdingitbythebackhemadeforthewindow。Hehaddroppedhissword，andhecalledtomademoiselletoholdthecaptainyetaninstantlonger。
Heswunghischairaloftanddasheditagainstthewindow。TherewasathunderingcrashofshiveredglassandacooldraughtofthatNovembernightcametosweetentheairthathadbeenfouledbythestampingofthefighters。
Againheswunguphischairanddasheditatthewindow，andyetagain，untilnowindowremained，butagreat，gapingopeningwithafringeofraggedglassandtwistedleadwork。
InthatmomentFortuniostruggledtohisfeet，freeofthegirl，whosank，almostinaswoon。HesprangtowardsGarnache。TheParisianturnedandflunghisnowshatteredchairtowardtheadvancingcaptain。
Itdroppedathisfeet，andhisflyingshinsstruckagainstanedgeofit，bringinghim，hurtandsprawling，totheground。Beforehecouldrecover，afigurewasflyingthroughtheopengapthatlatelyhadbeenawindow。
Mademoisellesatupandscreamed。
“Youwillbekilled，MonsieurdeGarnache！DearGod，youwillbekilled！“andtheanguishinhervoicewasawful。
ItwasthelastthingthatreachedtheearsofMonsieurdeGarnacheashetumbledheadlongthroughthedarknessofthechillNovembernight。
CHAPTERXVIII
INTHEMOAT
FortunioandtheMarquisereachedthewindowsidebyside，andtheywereintimetohearadullsplashinthewatersfiftyfeetbelowthem。Therewasacloudoverthelittlesickleofmoon，andtotheireyes，freshfromtheblazeofcandle-light，thedarknesswasimpenetrable。
“Heisinthemoat，“criedtheMarquiseexcitedly，andValerie，whosatonthefloorwhithershehadslippedwhenFortunioshookheroff，rockedherselfinanagonyoffear。
Tothehorrorsabouther-thehuddledbodieslyingsostilluponthefloor，thebloodyfootprintseverywhere，theshatteredfurniture，andthegroansofthemanwiththewoundedthigh-toallthisshewasinsensible。Garnachewasdead，shetoldherself；hewassurelydead；anditseemedasiftheverythoughtofitwerekilling，too，apartofherownself。
Unconsciouslyshesobbedherfearsaloud。“Heisdead，“shemoaned；
“heisdead。”
TheMarquiseoverheardthatpiteouscry，andturnedtosurveythegirl，herbrowslifting，herlipspartinginanastonishmentthatforasecondeffacedthehorrorsofthatnight。Suspicionspreadlikeanoilstaininherevilmind。Shesteppedforwardandcaughtthegirlbyoneofherlimparms。Marius，palerthanhisstunninghadlefthim，leanedmoreheavilyagainstthedoor-post，andlookedonwithbloodshoteyes。Ifevermaidenavowedthesecretofherheart，itseemedtohimthatValerieavoweditthen。
TheMarquiseshookherangrily。
“Whatwashetoyou，girl？Whatwashetoyou？“shedemandedshrilly。
Andthegirl，nomorethanhalfconsciousofwhatshewassaying，madeanswer：
“Thebravestgentleman，thenoblestfriendIhaveeverknown。”
Pah！TheDowagerdroppedherarmandturnedtoissueacommandtoFortunio。Butalreadythefellowhaddeparted。Hisconcernwasnotwithwomen，butwiththemanwhohadescapedhim。HemustmakecertainthatthefallhadkilledGarnache。
Breathlessandwornashewas，allspatterednowwithbloodfromthescratchinhischeek，whichlenthimaterrificaspect，hedashedfromthatshamblesandacrosstheguard-room。Hesnatchedupalightedlanternthathadbeenleftinthedoorwayandleaptdownthestairsandintothecourtyard。HerehecameuponMonsieurdeTressanwithahalf-dozenfellowsathisheels，allmoreorlesshalfclad，butallveryfullyarmedwithswordsandknives，andoneortwowithmuskets。
Roughly，withlittlethoughtforthedignityofhishighoffice，hethrusttheLordSeneschalasideandturnedthemen。Someheorderedofftothestablestogethorses，forifGarnachehadsurvivedhisleapandswumthemoat，theymustgivechase。Whateverbetide，theParisianmustnotgetaway。HefearedtheconsequencesofthatasmuchforhimselfasforCondillac。Somefiveorsixofthemenhebadefollowhim，andneverpausingtoansweranyofTressan”sfearfulquestions，hespedacrossthecourtyard，throughthekitchens-whichwasthenearestway-intotheouterquadrangle。Neverpausingtodrawbreath，spentthoughhewas，hepursuedhisflightunderthegreatarchwayofthekeepandacrossthedrawbridge，theraisingofwhichhadbeenthatnightpostponedtoawaittheLordSeneschal”sdeparture。
Hereonthebridgehepausedandturnedinafrenzytoscreamtohisfollowersthattheyshouldfetchmoretorches。Meanwhilehesnatchedtheonlyoneathandfromtheman-at-armsthatcarriedit。
Hismensprangintotheguard-roomofthekeep，realizingfromhisalmosthystericalmannertheurgentneedforhaste。Andwhilehewaitedforthem，standingthereonthebridge，historchheldhigh，hescannedbyitsluridredlightthewaterasfaraseyecouldreachoneithersideofhim。
Therewasafaintmovementonthedark，oilysurfaceforallthatnowindstirred。NotmorethanfourorfiveminutescouldhaveelapsedsinceGarnache”sleap，anditwouldseemasifthelastripplefromthedisturbanceofhisplungehadnotyetrolleditselfout。Butotherwisetherewasnothinghere，nordidFortunioexpectaught。ThewindowoftheNorthernTowerabuttedontotheothersideofthechateau，anditwastherehemustlookfortracesofthefugitiveorforhisbody。
“Hasten！“heshoutedoverhisshoulder。“Followme！“Andwithoutwaitingforthemheranacrossthebridgeanddartedroundthebuilding，historchscatteringashowerofsparksbehindhimonthenight，andsendinglittlerillsofblood-redlightdowntheswordwhichhestillcarried。
HegainedthespotwhereGarnachemusthavefallen，andhestoodbelowtheradiancethatclovethenightfromtheshatteredwindowfiftyfeetabove，castingthelightofhistorchthiswayandthatovertheblackbosomofthemoat。Notaripplemovednowuponthateven，steelysurface。Voicessoundedbehindhim，andwiththemagreatglareofruddylightcametoheraldthearrivalofhismen。
Heturnedtothemandpointedwithhisswordawayfromthechateau。
“Spreadyourselves！“heshouted。“Makesearchyonder。Hecannothavegonefar。”
Andthey，butdimlyrealizingwhomtheysought，yetrealizingthattheysoughtaman，dashedoffandspreadthemselvesashehadbiddenthem，tosearchthestretchofmeadowland，whereillmustbetideanyfugitive，sincenocoveroffered。
Fortunioremainedwherehewasattheedgeofthemoat。Hestooped，andwavinghistorchalongthegroundhemovedtothefarangleofthechateau，examiningthesoft，oozyclay。Itwasimpossiblethatamancouldhaveclamberedoutoverthatwithoutleavingsomeimpression。Hereachedthecornerandfoundtheclayintact；atleast，nowherecouldhediscoveramarkofhandsorafootprintsetaswouldbethatofamanemergingfromthewater。
Heretracedhisstepsandwentbackuntilhehadreachedtheeasternangleofthechateau，yetalwayswiththesameresult。Hestraightenedhimselfatlast，andhismannerwasmorecalm；hisfrenziedhastewasgone，anddeliberatelyhenowraisedhistorchandletitslightshineagainoverthewaters。Heponderedthemamoment，hisdarkeyesmusingalmostregretfully。
“Drowned！“hesaidaloud，andsheathedhissword。
>Fromthewindowoverheadavoicehailedhim。HelookedupandsawtheDowager，and，behindher，thefigureofherson。Awayinthemeadowsthelightsofhismen”storchesdartedhitherandthitherlikeplayfuljack-o”-lanterns。
“Haveyougothim，Fortunio？“
“Yes，madame，“heansweredwithassurance。“Youmayhavehisbodywhenyouwill。Heisunderneathhere。”Andhepointedtothewater。
Theyappearedtotakehiswordforit，fortheyquestionedhimnofurther。TheMarquiseturnedtomademoiselle，whowasstillsittingonthefloor。
“Heisdrowned，Valerie，“shesaidslowly，watchingthegirl”sface。
Valerielookedup。Hereyeswereverywide，andherlipsmovedforasecond。Thenshefellforwardwithoutaword。Thislasthorror，treadingontheheelsofallthosethatalreadyhadassailedher，provedtoogreatastrainforherbravespirit。Shehadswooned。
Tressanenteredatthatmoment，fullofquestionsastowhatmightbetoward，forhehadunderstoodnothinginthecourtyard。TheMarquisecalledtohimtohelpherwiththegirl，Mariusbeingstilltoofaint，andbetweenthemtheyborehertoherchamber，laidheronthebed，and，withdrawing，closedthedooruponher。ThenshesignedtoMariusandtheSeneschal。
“Come，“shesaid；“letusgo。Thesightandsmelloftheplaceareturningmesick，althoughmystomachisstrongenoughtoenduremosthorrors。”
Shetookuponeofthecandle-branchestolightthem，andtheywentbelowandmadetheirwaytothehall，wheretheyfoundMarius”spage，Gaston，lookingverypaleandscaredatthedinthathadfilledthechateauduringthepasthalf-hourorso。WithhimwasMarius”shound，whichthepoorboyhadkeptbyhimforcompanyandprotectioninthatdreadfultime。
TheMarquisespoketohimkindly，andshestoopedtopatthedog”sglossyhead。ThenshebadeGastonsetwineforthem，andwhenitwasfetchedthethreeofthemdrankinbrooding，gloomysilence。
ThedraughtinvigoratedMarius，itcheeredTressan”sdroopingspirits，anditquenchedtheDowager”sthirst。TheSeneschalturnedtoheragainwithhisunansweredquestionstouchingtheendofthatbutcheryabove-stairs。ShetoldhimwhatFortuniohadsaidthatGarnachewasdrownedasaconsequenceofhismadleapfromthewindow。
IntoTressan”smindtheresprangthememoryofthethingGarnachehadpromisedshouldbefallhiminsuchacase。Itdrovethecolourfromhischeeksandbroughtgreatlinesoffearfulcareintosharpreliefabouthismouthandeyes。
“Madame，weareruined！“hegroaned。
“Tressan，“sheansweredhimcontemptuously，“youarechicken-hearted。
Listentome。DidhenotsaythathehadlefthismanbehindhimwhenhecametoCondillac？Wherethinkyouthathelefthisman？“
“MaybeinGrenoble，“answeredtheSeneschal，staring。
“Findout，“shetoldhimimpressively，hereyesonhis，andcalmasthoughtheyhadneverlookeduponsuchsightsasthatverynighthadofferedthem。“IfnotinGrenoble，certainly，atleast，somewhereinthisDauphinyofwhichyouaretheKing”sLordSeneschal。Turnthewholeprovinceinsideout，man，butfindthefellow。Yoursisthepowertodoit。Doit，then，andyouwillhavenoconsequencestofear。Youhaveseentheman？“
“Ay，Ihaveseenhim。Irememberhim；andhisname，Ibethinkme，isRabecque。”
Hetookcourage；hisfacelookedlessdejected。
“Youoverlooknothing，madame，“hemurmured。“Youaretrulywonderful。Iwillstartthesearchthisverynight。MymenarealmostallatMontelimarawaitingmycommands。I”lldispatchamessengerwithordersthattheyaretospreadthemselvesthroughoutDauphinyuponthisquest。”
Thedooropened，andFortunioentered。Hewasstillunwashedandterribletolookupon，allblood-bespattered。ThesightofhimdroveashudderthroughTressan。TheMarquisegrewsolicitous。
“Howisyourwound，Fortunio？“washerfirstquestion。
Hemadeagesturethatdismissedthematter。
“Itisnothing。Iamoverfull-blooded，andifIamscratched，I
bleed，withoutperceivingit，enoughtodrainanotherman。”
“Here，drink，moncapitaine，“sheurgedhim，veryfriendly，fillinghimacupwithherownhands。“Andyou，Marius？“sheasked。“Areyourecoveringstrength？“
“Iamwell，“answeredMariussullenly。Hisdefeatthateveninghadlefthimglumandmorose。Hefeltthathehadcutasorryfigureintheaffair，andhisvanitywaswounded。“IdeploreIhadsolittleshareinthefight，“hemuttered。
“ThelustiestfighteverIoranymanbeheld，“sworeFortunio。
“Dieu！Buthewasafighter，thatMonsieurdeGarnache，andhedeservedabetterendthandrowning。”
“Youarequitesurethatheisdrowned？“
Fortuniorepliedbygivinghisreasonsforthatconclusion，andtheyconvincedboththeMarquiseandhersonindeedtheyhadneverdeemeditpossiblethattheParisiancouldhavesurvivedthatawfulleap。TheDowagerlookedatMarius，andfromhimtothecaptain。
“Doyouthink，youtwo，thatyouwillbefitfortomorrow”sbusiness？“
“Formyself，“laughedFortunio，“Iamreadyforitnow。”
“AndIshallbewhenIhaverested，“answeredMariusgrimly。
“Thengetyoubothtorest，youwillbeneedingit，“shebadethem。
“AndI，too，madame，“saidtheSeneschal，bendingoverthe，handsheheldouttohim。“Good-nighttoyouall。”Hewouldhaveaddedawordtowishthemluckinthemorrow”sventure；butforthelifeofhimhedarednot。Heturned，madeanotherofhisbows，androlledoutoftheroom。
Fiveminuteslaterthedrawbridgewasbeingraisedafterhisdeparture，andFortuniowasissuingorderstothemenhehadrecalledfromtheirfutilesearchtogocleartheguard-roomandantechamberoftheNorthernTower，andtobearthedeadtothechapel，whichmustserveasamortuaryforthetime。Thatdonehewentofftobed，andsoonafterthelightswereextinguishedinCondillac；andsaveforArsenio，whowas，onguard，sorelyperturbedbyallthathadbefallenandmarvellingattherashnessofhisfriend“Battista“-
forhehadnofullparticularsofthebusiness-theplacewaswrappedinsleep。
HadtheybeenlesssurethatGarnachewasdrowned，maybetheyhadslumberedlesstranquillythatnightatCondillac。Fortuniohadbeenshrewdinhisconclusions，yetatriflehasty；forwhilst，asamatteroffact，hewascorrectisassumingthattheParisianhadnotcrawledoutofthemoat-neitheratthepointhehadsearched，norelsewhere-yetwasheutterlywrongtoassumehimatthebottomofit。
Garnachehadgonethroughthatwindowpreparedtoleapintoanother-and，hehoped，abetterworld。Hehadspunroundtwiceintheairandshotfeetforemostthroughthechillwatersofthemoat，anddownuntilhistoescameincontactwithalessyieldingsubstance，yetyieldingnevertheless。Marvellingthatheshouldhaveretaineduntilnowhissenses，herealizedbetimesthathewastouchingmud-thathewasreallyankledeepinit。Avigorous，frantickickwithbothlegsatoncereleasedhim，andhefelthimselfslowlyre-ascendingtothesurface。
Ithasbeenoftensaidthatadrowningmaninhisstrugglesseeshiswholelifemirroredbeforehim。IntheinstantsofGarnache”sascentthroughthehalfstagnantwatersofthatmoathehadreviewedtheentiresituationanddetermineduponthecourseheshouldpursue。
Whenhereachedthesurface，hemustseetoitthathebrokeitgently，foratthewindowaboveweresuretobewatchers，lookingtoseehowhehadfared。Madame，heremembered，hadsentTressanformuskets。Ifhehadreturnedwiththemandtheyshouldperceivehimfromabove，abulletwouldbesenttodisposeofhim，anditwereapitytobeshotnowafterhavingcomethroughsomuch。
Hisheadbrokethesurfaceandemergedintothechilldarknessofthenight。Hetookadeepbreathofcoldbutverywelcomeair，andmovinghisarmsgentlyunderwater，heswamquietly，nottotheedgeofthemoatbuttothechateauwall，closeunderwhichhethoughthewouldbesecurefromobservation。Hefoundbygoodfortuneacrevicebetweentwostones；hedidnotseeit，hisfingersfounditforhimastheygropedalongthatgranitesurface。Heclungthereamomentandponderedthesituation。Heheardvoicesabove，andlookinguphesawtheglareoflightthroughtheopeninghehadbattered。
Andnowhewassurprisedtofeelnewvigourrunningthroughhim。Hehadhurledhimselffromthatwindowwithscarcethepowertoleap，bathedinperspirationanddeeminghisstrengthutterlyspent。Theice-coldwatersofthemoathadserved，itwouldseem，tobracehim，towashawayhisfatigue，andtorenewhisenergies。Hismindwassingularlyclearandhissensesrenderedsuperacute，andhesethimselftoconsiderwhathehadbestdo。
Swimtotheedgeofthemoatand，clamberingout，taketohislegswasnaturallythefirstimpulse。But，reflectingupontheopennatureoftheground，herealizedthatthatmustmeanhisruin。
Presentlytheywouldcometoseehowhehadfared，andfailingtofindhiminthewatertheywouldsearchthecountryroundabout。Hesethimselfintheirplace。Hetriedtothinkastheywouldthink，thebetterthathemightrealizehowtheywouldact，andthenanideacametohimthatmightbeworthheeding。Inanycasehissituationwasstillverydesperate；onthatscoreheallowedhimselfnoillusions。Thattheywouldtakehisdrowningforgranted，andnevercometosatisfythemselves，hewasnotoptimistenoughtoassume。
Heabandonedhisgripofthewallandbegantoswimgentlytowardtheeasternangle。Iftheycameout，theymustlowerthebridge；
hewouldplacehimselfsothatinfallingitshouldcoverhimandscreenhimfromtheirsight。Heroundedtheangleofthebuilding，andnowthefriendlycloudthathadhungacrossthemoonmovedby，andafaint，silverradiancewasuponthewaterunderhiseyes。Butyonder，aheadofhim，somethingblacklayathwartthemoat。Atonceheknewitforthebridge。Itwasdown。AndhehadtheexplanationinthatherememberedthattheLordSeneschalhadnotyetleftCondillac。Itmatteredlittletohimonewayortheother。Thebridgewasthere，andhemadethebestofit。
Afewswift，silentstrokesbroughthimtoit。Hehesitatedamomentbeforeventuringintothedarknessunderneath；then，bethinkinghimthatitwasthatordiscovery，hepassedunder。Hemadeforthewall，andashegropedalonghefoundachaindependingandreachingdownintothewater。Hecaughtatitwithbothhandsandhungbyittoawaitevents。
Andnow，forthefirsttimethatnight，hispulsesreallyquickened。
Thereinthedarkhewaited，andthemomentsthatspedseemedverylongtohim，andtheywereveryanxious。Hehadnogoodswordwherewithtodefendhimselfwereheattacked，nogood，solidgroundonwhichtotakehisstand。Ifhewerediscovered，hewashelpless，attheirmercy，toshoot，ortake，orbeattodeathasbesttheylisted。Andsohewaited，hispulsesthrobbing，hisbreathcomingshortandfast。Thecoldwaterthathadinvigoratedhimsomeminutesagowasnumbinghimnow，andseemedtobefreezinghiscourageasitfrozethebloodinhisveins，theverymarrowinhisbones。
Presentlyhisearscaughtarushoffeet，asoundofvoices，andFortunio”sraisedabovetheothers。Heavystepsrangonthebridgeoverhishead，andthethudoftheirfallwaslikethundertothemanbeneath。Acrimsonsplashoflightfellonthemoatoneithersideofhim。Thefellowonthebridgehadhalted。Thenthestepswenton。Thelightflaredthiswayandthat，andGarnachealmosttrembled，expectingateverymomentthatitsrayswouldpenetratethespotwherehewashangingandrevealhimcoweringtherelikeafrightenedwater-rat。Butthemanmovedon，andhislightflarednolonger。
Thenothersfollowedhim。Garnacheheardthesoundsoftheirsearch。
Sooverwroughtwashethattherewasamomentwhenhethoughtofswimmingtotheedgeandmakingacrossthecountrytothenorthwhiletheywerehuntingthemeadowstotheeast；butherepressedtheimpulseandstayedon。Aneternitydiditseembeforethosemenreturnedandmarchedoncemoreoverhishead。AfurthereternitywasituntiltheclatterofhoofsonthecourtyardstonesandtheirthunderontheplanksabovehimbroughthimthenewsthatTressanwasridinghome。Heheardthehoofsquicken，andtheirloudrattleontheroadthatleddowntotheIsere，ahalf-mileaway；andthen，whenthehoof-beatsgrewmoredistant，therecameagaintheechoofvoicesupabove。
Wasitnotoveryet？DearGod！woulditneverend？Hefeltthatafewmomentsmoreofthisimmersionandheshouldbedoneforutterly；
hisnumbnessmustrobhimofthepowertocrossthemoat。
Suddenlythefirstwelcomesoundhehadheardthatnightcametohisears。Chainscreaked，hingesgroaned，andthegreatblackpallabovehimbegangraduallytorise。Fasteritwent，till，atlast，itfellbackintoposition，flatwiththewallofthechateau，andsuchlittlelightastherewasfromthemoonwasbeatingdownuponhisfrozenface。
Heletthechaingo，and，withstrokesswiftandsilentashecouldcontrive，hecrossedthewater。Heclamberedupthebank，almostbereftofstrength。Amomenthecrouchedtherelistening。Hadhemovedtoosoon？Hadhebeenincautious？
Nothingstirredbehindhimtoconfirmhisfears。Hecreptsoftlyacrossthehardgroundoftheroadwherehehadlanded。Then，whentheyielding，silentturfwasunderhisfeet，hegavenotanotherthoughtforhisnumbness，butstartedtorunasamanrunsinanightmare，solittledidthespeedofhismovementsmatchthepaceofhisdesiretosetadistancebetweenhimselfandCondillac。
CHAPTERXIX
THROUGHTHENIGHT
ItwantedsomethingoveranhourtomidnightwhenMonsieurdeGarnachestartedoutinhissoddenclothestorunfromCondillac。
Heboreawaytothenorth，andcontinuedrunninguntilhehadcoveredamileorso，whenperforcehemustslackenhispacelestpresentlyheshouldhavetogivewaytoutterexhaustion。Hetrudgedonbravelythereafter，atagood，swingingpace，realizingthatinmovingbrisklylayhissalvationfromsuchilleffectsasmightotherwiseattendhistoolongimmersion。Hisrunhadsetapleasantglowuponhisskinandseemedtohavethawedthefrozenconditionofhisjoints。Yethecouldnotdisguisefromhimselfthathewassorelywornbythatnight”shappenings，andthat，ifhewouldreachhisgoal，hemustcarefullyhusbandsuchstrengthasyetremainedhim。
ThatgoalofhiswasVoiron，somefourleaguesdistanttothenorth，where，attheinnoftheBeauPaon，hisman，Rabecque，shouldbelodged，readyforhiscomingatanytime。Oncealready，whenrepairingtoCondillac，hehadtravelledbythatroad，anditwassodirectthatthereseemedscantfearofhismistakingit。Onheploddedthroughthenight，hiswaylightedforhimbythecrescentmoon，theairsostillthat，despitehiswetgarments，beingwarmedashewasbyhisbriskmovements，heneverfeltthecoldofit。
HehadoverheardenoughofwhathadbeensaidbyMariustoValerietounderstandthebusinessthatwasafootforthemorrow，andhedoubtedhimthathehadnotsufficientlyinjuredtheDowager”ssontomakehimrefrainfromoradjournhismurderousrideacrosstheborderintoSavoy。
Garnache”spurposenowwastoreachVoiron，theretosnatchabriefrest，andthen，equippedanewtosetoutwithhismanforLaRochetteandanticipatethefellplansofMariusandFortunio。
HemighthaveexperiencedelationathisalmostmiraculousescapeandatthecircumstancethathewasstillatlargetocarrythisduelwiththeCondillacstoafittingfinish，wereitnotforthereflectionthatbutforhisbesettingsinofhastinesshemightnowbetravellingindrygarmentstowardLaRochette，withmademoisellebesidehim。Onceagainthatrashtemperofhishadmarredanenterprisethatwasonthepointofsucceeding。Andyet，evenasheregrettedhisrashness，ragestirredhimagainatthethoughtofMariuscrushingthatslendershapeagainsthimandseekingtoforcehisodiouskissesuponherpure，immaculatelips。Andthenthethoughtofher，leftbehindatCondillacatthemercyofMariusandthatshe-deviltheMarquise，andthefearsthatofasuddenleaptupinhismind，broughthimtoastandstill，asthoughhewerecontemplatingtheincomparablefollyofareturn。Hebeathishandstogetherforamomentinafrenzyofanguish；hethrewbackhisheadandraisedhiseyestotheskyabovewithaburstofimprecationsonhislips。Andthenreflectionbroughthimpeace。No，no；theydareofferhernohurt。TodosomustirrevocablylosethemLaVauvraye；anditwastheircovetousnesshadmadethemvillains。
Uponthatcovetousnessdidtheirvillainyrest，andheneedfearfromthemnowantonruthlessnessthatshouldendangertheirchanceofprofit。
Hetrudgedon，reassured。Hehadbeenafoolsotogivewaytofear；asgreatafoolashehadbeenwhenThehadlaidhandsonMariustoquellhisexcessiveamorousness。Dieu！Washebewitched？
Whatailedhim？Againhepausedthereinthenighttothinkthesituationout。
Adozenthoughts，allcenteringaboutValerie，camecrowdinginuponhisbrain，tillintheendagreatburstoflaughter-thelaughterofamadmanalmost，eerieandterrificasitranguponthesilentnightbrokefromhispartedlips。Thatbriefmomentofintrospectionhadrevealedhimtohimself，andtherevelationhadfetchedthatpealofmockinglaughterfromhim。
Herealizednow，atlast，thatnotbecausetheQueenhadorderedhimtoprocureMademoiselledeLaVauvraye”senlargementhadhesubmittedtoassumeafilthytravesty，tosethisneckinjeopardy，toplaythelackeyandthespy。ItwasbecausesomethinginValerie”seyes，somethinginherpure，lilyfacehadmovedhimtoit；andsimultaneouslyhadcomethethoughtoftherelationinwhichshestoodtothatmanatLaRochettewhoselifehenowsoughttosaveforher，andithadstabbedhimwithabitternessnomisfortune，nofailureyethadbroughthim。
Hetrudgedon，knowinghimselfforwhathewasafoolwho，aftercloseuponfortyyearsofastrenuouslifeinwhichnopetticoathadplayedapart，wascomeunderthespellofapairofinnocenteyesbelongingtoachildalmostyoungenoughtohavebeenhisdaughter。
Hedespisedhimselfalittleforhisweakness；hedespisedhimselfforhisapostasyfromthefaiththathadgovernedhislife-thefaithtokeephimselfimmunefromthefollytowhichwomanhoodhaddrivensomanyastoutman。
Andyet，mockhimself，despisehimselfashewould，agreattenderness，agreatdesiregrewstronginhissoulthatnightashetrudgedontowarddistantVoiron。Mileaftermileherimagekepthimcompany，andonce，whenhehadleftVoreppebehindhim，thegreaterportionofhisjourneydone，somedevilwhisperedinhisearthathewasweary；thathewouldbeover-wearyonthemorrowforanyridetoLaRochette。Hehaddoneallthatmortalmancoulddo；lethimrestto-morrowwhilstMariusandFortunioaccomplishedbyFlorimondwhatthefeverhadbegun。
Acoldperspirationbrokeonhimashewrestledwiththatgrimtemptation。Valeriewashis；shebelongedtohimbytherightofdangersshared；neverhadmotherinherlaboursbeennearerdeathfortheoffspring”ssakethanhadheforValerieduringthedaysthatwerespedandthehoursthatwerebutgone。Shebelongedtohimbythetitleofthosedangershehadbeenthrough。WhathadFlorimonddonetoestablishhisclaimtoher？Hehadremainedabsentduringlongyears，a-warringinaforeignland。Withhowmanybanallovesmightnotthefellowinthattimehavestrewnhissoldier”spath！GarnacheknewwellhowclosedoesCupidstalkinthewakeofMars，knewwellthewayofthesegaysoldiersandthelightnessoftheirloves。
Was，then，thisfellowtocomenowandclaimher，whenperilswerepast，whentherewasnaughtlefttodobutleadhertothealtar？
Couldhebeworthyofsuchapearlofwomanhood，thislaggardwho，becauseafevertouchedhim，sathimdowninaninnwithinafewhours”rideofhertoresthim，asthoughtheworldheldnosuchwomanasValerie？
Andshe，herself，bywhattieswassheboundtohim？Bythetiesofanoldpromise，givenatanagewhensheknewnotwhatlovemeant。
Hehadtalkedofitwithher，andheknewhowdispassionatelysheawaitedFlorimond”sreturn。Florimondmightbebetrothedtoher-herfatherandhishadencompassedthatbetweenthem-butnoloverofherswashe。
Thusfardidhisthoughtsjourney，andtemptationgrippedhimevermoreandmorestrongly。Andthenhismanhoodandhishonourawokewithashudder，asawakensamanfromanuglydream。Whatmanneroffoolwashe？heaskedhimselfagain。Uponwhatpresumptionsdidhebasehissillymusings？DidhesupposethatevenweretherenoFlorimond，itwouldbeleftforaharsh，war-wornoldgreybeardsuchashetoawakentendernessinthebosomofthatchild？Thetendernessoffriendshipperhaps-shehadconfessedtothat；butthetendernessofhersweetlovemustbewonbyayounger，comelierman。
Iflovehadindeedtouchedhimatlast，lethimbeworthyofitandofherwhoinspiredit。Lethimstraineverysinewinherservice，askingnoguerdon；lethimsavethelifeofthemantowhomshewasaffianced；lethimsaveherfromtheclutchesoftheMarquisedeCondillacandherbeautiful，unscrupulousson。