CHAPTERXLII
THEGUARD-HOUSEOFTHERUESTE。ANNE
ThelittlecortegewasturningoutofthegreatgatesofthehouseofJustice。Itwasintenselycold；abitternorth-easterlygalewasblowingfromacrosstheheightsofMontmartre，drivingsleetandsnowandhalf-frozenrainintothefacesofthemen，andfindingitswayuptheirsleeves，downtheircollarsandroundthekneesoftheirthreadbarebreeches。
Armand，whosefingerswerenumbwiththecold，couldscarcelyfeelthereinsinhishands。Chauvelinwasridingdosebesidehim，butthetwomenhadnotexchangedonewordsincethemomentwhenthesmalltroopofsometwentymountedsoldiershadfiledupinsidethecourtyard，andChauvelin，withacurtwordofcommand，hadorderedoneofthetrooperstotakeArmand'shorseonthelead。
Ahackneycoachbroughtuptherearofthecortege，withamanridingateitherdoorandtwomorefollowingatadistanceoftwentypaces。Heron'sgaunt，uglyface，crownedwithabattered，sugar-loafhat，appearedfromtimetotimeatthewindowofthecoach。Hewasnohorseman，and，moreover，preferredtokeeptheprisonercloselyunderhisowneye。ThecorporalhadtoldArmandthattheprisonerwaswithcitizenHeroninsidethecoach——inirons。Beyondthatthesoldierscouldtellhimnothing；theyknewnothingoftheobjectofthisexpedition。VaguelytheymighthavewonderedintheirdullmindswhythisparticularprisonerwasthusbeingescortedoutoftheConciergerieprisonwithsomuchparaphernaliaandsuchanairofmystery，whentherewerethousandsofprisonersinthecityandtheprovincesatthepresentmomentwhoanonwouldbebundledupwholesaleintocartstobedraggedtotheguillotinelikeaflockofsheeptothebutchers。
Buteveniftheywonderedtheymadenoremarksamongthemselves。
Theirfaces，bluewiththecold，weretheperfectmirrorsoftheirownunconquerablestolidity。
ThetowerclockofNotreDamestrucksevenwhenthesmallcavalcadefinallymovedslowlyoutofthemonumentalgates。IntheeastthewanlightofaFebruarymorningslowlystruggledoutofthesurroundinggloom。Nowthetowersofmanychurchesloomedghostlikeagainstthedullgreysky，anddownbelow，ontheright，thefrozenriver，likeasmoothsheetofsteel，wounditsgracefulcurvesroundtheislandsandpastthefacadeoftheLouvrespalace，whosewallslookedgrimandsilent，likethemausoleumofthedeadgiantsofthepast。
Allaroundthegreatcitygavesignsofawakening；thebusinessofthedayreneweditscourseeverytwenty-fourhours，despitethetragediesofdeathandofdishonourthatwalkedwithithandinhand。FromthePlacedeLaRevolutiontheintermittentrollofdrumscamefromtimetotimewithitsmuffledsoundstrikingtheearofthepasser-by。Alongthequayoppositeanopen-aircampwasalreadyastir；men，women，andchildrenengagedinthegreattaskofclothingandfeedingthepeopleofFrance，armedagainsttyranny，werebendingtotheirtask，evenbeforethewintrydawnhadspreaditspalegreytintsoverthenarrowerstreetsofthecity。
Armandshiveredunderhiscloak。Thissilentridebeneaththeladensky，throughtheveilofhalf-frozenrainandsnow，seemedlikeadreamtohim。Andnow，astheoutridersofthelittlecavalcadeturnedtocrossthePontauChange，hesawspreadoutonhisleftwhatappearedlikethelivingpanoramaofthesethreeweeksthathadjustgoneby。HecouldseethehouseoftheRueSt。Germainl'AuxerroiswherePercyhadlodgedbeforehecarriedthroughtherescueofthelittleDauphin。Armandcouldevenseethewindowatwhichthedreamerhadstood，weavingnobledreamsthathisbrilliantdaringhadturnedintorealities，untilthehandofatraitorhadbroughthimdownto——towhat？Armandwouldnothavedaredatthismomenttolookbackatthathideous，vulgarhackneycoachwhereinthatproud，recklessadventurer，whohaddefiedFateandmockedDeath，sat，inchains，besidealoathsomecreaturewhoseverypropinquitywasanoutrage。
NowtheywerepassingundertheveryhouseontheQuaideLaFerraille，abovethesaddler'sshop，thehousewhereMargueritehadlodgedtendaysago，whitherArmandhadcome，tryingtofoolhimselfintothebeliefthattheloveof“littlemother“couldbedeceivedintoblindnessagainsthisowncrime。Hehadtriedtodrawaveilbeforethoseeyeswhichhehadscarcelydaredencounter，butheknewthatthatveilmustliftoneday，andthenacursewouldsendhimforth，outlawedandhomeless，awandereronthefaceoftheearth。
SoonasthelittlecortegewendeditswaynorthwardsitfiledoutbeneaththewallsoftheTempleprison；therewasthemaingatewithitssentrystandingatattention，therethearchwaywiththeguichetoftheconcierge，andbeyonditthepavedcourtyard。
Armandclosedhiseyesdeliberately；hecouldnotbeartolook。
Nowonderthatheshiveredandtriedtodrawhiscloakcloseraroundhim。Everystone，everystreetcornerwasfullofmemories。Thechillthatstrucktotheverymarrowofhisbonescamefromnooutwardcause；itwastheveryhandofremorsethat，asitpassedoverhim，frozethebloodinhisveinsandmadetherattleofthosewheelsbehindhimsoundlikeahellishknell。
Atlastthemorecloselypopulatedquartersofthecitywereleftbehind。OnaheadthefirstsectionoftheguardhadturnedintotheRueSt。Anne。Thehousesbecamemoresparse，intersectedbynarrowpiecesofterrainsvagues，orsmallweed-coveredbitsofkitchengarden。
Thenahaltwascalled。
Itwasquitelightnow。Aslightasitwouldeverbebeneaththisleadensky。Rainandsnowstillfellingusts，drivenbytheblast。
SomeoneorderedArmandtodismount。ItwasprobablyChauvelin。
Hedidashewastold，andatrooperledhimtothedoorofanirregularbrickbuildingthatstoodisolatedontheright，extendedoneithersidebyalowwall，andsurroundedbyapatchofuncultivatedland，whichnowlookedlikeaseaofmud。
Onaheadwasthelineoffortificationsdimlyoutlinedagainstthegreyofthesky，andinbetweenbrown，soddenearth，withhereandthereadetachedhouse，acabbagepatch，acoupleofwindmillsdesertedanddesolate。
Thelonelinessofanunpopulatedoutlyingquarterofthegreatmothercity，auselesslimbofheractivebody，anostracisedmemberofhervastfamily。
MechanicallyArmandhadfollowedthesoldiertothedoorofthebuilding。HereChauvelinwasstanding，andbadehimfollow。A
smellofhotcoffeehunginthedarknarrowpassageinfront。
Chauvelinledthewaytoaroomontheleft。
Stillthatsmellofhotcoffee。EverafteritwasassociatedinArmand'smindwiththisawfulmorningintheguard-houseoftheRueSte。Anne，whentherainandsnowbeatagainstthewindows，andhestoodthereinthelowguard-roomshiveringandhalf-numbedwithcold。
Therewasatableinthemiddleoftheroom，andonitstoodcupsofhotcoffee。Chauvelinbadehimdrink，suggesting，notunkindly，thatthewarmbeveragewoulddohimgood。Armandadvancedfurtherintotheroom，andsawthattherewerewoodenbenchesallroundagainstthewall。OnoneofthesesathissisterMarguerite。
Whenshesawhimshemadeasudden，instinctivemovementtogotohim，butChauvelininterposedinhisusualbland，quietmanner。
“Notjustnow，citizeness，“hesaid。
Shesatdownagain，andArmandnotedhowcoldandstonyseemedhereyes，asiflifewithinherwasatastand-still，andashadowthatwasalmostlikedeathhadatrophiedeveryemotioninher。
“Itrustyouhavenotsufferedtoomuchfromthecold，LadyBlakeney，“resumedChauvelinpolitely；“weoughtnottohavekeptyouwaitinghereforsolong，butdelayatdepartureissometimesinevitable。“
Shemadenoreply，onlyacknowledginghisreiteratedinquiryastohercomfortwithaninclinationofthehead。
Armandhadforcedhimselftoswallowsomecoffee，andforthemomenthefeltlesschilled。Heheldthecupbetweenhistwohands，andgraduallysomewarmthcreptintohisbones。
“Littlemother，“hesaidinEnglish，“tryanddrinksomeofthis，itwilldoyougood。“
“Thankyou，dear，“shereplied。“Ihavehadsome。Iamnotcold。“
Thenadoorattheendoftheroomwaspushedopen，andHeronstalkedin。
“Arewegoingtobealldayinthisconfoundedhole？”hequeriedroughly。
Armand，whowaswatchinghissisterveryclosely，sawthatshestartedatthesightofthewretch，andseemedimmediatelytoshrinkstillfurtherwithinherself，whilsthereyes，suddenlyluminousanddilated，restedonhimlikethoseofacaptivebirduponanapproachingcobra。
ButChauvelinwasnottobeshakenoutofhissuavemanner。
“Onemoment，citizenHeron，“hesaid；“thiscoffeeisverycomforting。Istheprisonerwithyou？”headdedlightly。
Heronnoddedinthedirectionoftheotherroom。
“Inthere，“hesaidcurtly。
“Then，perhaps，ifyouwillbesogood，citizen，toinvitehimthither，Icouldexplaintohimhisfuturepositionandourown。“
Heronmutteredsomethingbetweenhisfleshylips，thenheturnedbacktowardstheopendoor，solemnlyspattwiceonthethreshold，andnoddedhisgauntheadonceortwiceinamannerwhichapparentlywasunderstoodfromwithin。
“No，sergeant，Idon'twantyou，“hesaidgruffly；“onlytheprisoner。“
AsecondortwolaterSirPercyBlakeneystoodinthedoorway；hishandswerebehindhisback，obviouslyhand-cuffed，butheheldhimselfveryerect，thoughitwasclearthatthiscausedhimamightyeffort。Assoonashehadcrossedthethresholdhisquickglancehadsweptrightroundtheroom。
HesawArmand，andhiseyeslitupalmostimperceptibly。
ThenhecaughtsightofMarguerite，andhispalefacetookonsuddenlyamoreashenhue。
Chauvelinwaswatchinghimwiththosekeen，light-colouredeyesofhis。Blakeney，consciousofthis，madenomovement，onlyhislipstightened，andtheheavylidsfellovertheholloweyes，completelyhidingtheirglance。
Butwhateventhemostastute，mostdeadlyenemycouldnotseewasthatsubtlemessageofunderstandingthatpassedatoncebetweenMargueriteandthemansheloved；itwasamagneticcurrent，intangible，invisibletoallsavetoherandtohim。Shewaspreparedtoseehim，preparedtoseeinhimallthatshehadfeared；theweakness，thementalexhaustion，thesubmissiontotheinevitable。Thereforeshehadalsoschooledherglancetoexpresstohimallthatsheknewshewouldnotbeallowedtosay——thereassurancethatshehadreadhislastletter，thatshehadobeyedittothelastword，savewhereFateandherenemyhadinterferedwithregardtoherself。
Withaslight，imperceptiblemovement——imperceptibletoeveryonesavetohim，shehadseemedtohandleapieceofpaperinherkerchief，thenshehadnoddedslowly，withhereyes——steadfast，reassuring——fixeduponhim，andhisglancegaveanswerthathehadunderstood。
ButChauvelinandHeronhadseennothingofthis。Theyweresatisfiedthattherehadbeennocommunicationbetweentheprisonerandhiswifeandfriend。
“Youarenodoubtsurprised，SirPercy，“saidChauvelinafterawhile，“toseeLadyBlakeneyhere。She，aswellascitizenSt。
Just，willaccompanyourexpeditiontotheplacewhereyouwillleadus。Wenoneofusknowwherethatplaceis——citizenHeronandmyselfareentirelyinyourhands——youmightbeleadingustocertaindeath，oragaintoaspotwhereyourownescapewouldbeaneasymattertoyourself。Youwillnotbesurprised，therefore，thatwehavethoughtfittotakecertainprecautionsbothagainstanylittleambuscadewhichyoumayhavepreparedforus，oragainstyourmakingoneofthosedaringattemptsatescapeforwhichthenotedScarletPimpernelissojustlyfamous。“
Hepaused，andonlyHeron'slowchuckleofsatisfactionbrokethemomentarysilencethatfollowed。Blakeneymadenoreply。
Obviouslyheknewexactlywhatwascoming。HeknewChauvelinandhisways，knewthekindoftortuousconceptionthatwouldfindorigininhisbrain；themomentthathesawMargueritesittingtherehemusthaveguessedthatChauvelinoncemoredesiredtoputherpreciouslifeinthebalanceofhisintrigues。
“CitizenHeronisimpatient，SirPercy，“resumedChauvelinafterawhile，“soImustbebrief。LadyBlakeney，aswellascitizenSt。
Just，willaccompanyusonthisexpeditiontowhithersoeveryoumayleadus。Theywillbethehostageswhichwewillholdagainstyourowngoodfaith。Attheslightestsuspicion——ameresuspicionperhaps——thatyouhaveplayedusfalse，atahintthatyouhaveledusintoanambush，orthatthewholeofthisexpeditionhasbeenbutatrickonyourparttoeffectyourownescape，orifmerelyourhopeoffindingCapetattheendofourjourneyisfrustrated，thelivesofourtwohostagesbelongtous，andyourfriendandyourwifewillbesummarilyshotbeforeyoureyes。“
Outsidetherainpatteredagainstthewindow-panes，thegalewhistledmournfullyamongthestuntedtrees，butwithinthisroomnotasoundstirredthedeadlystillnessoftheair，andyetatthismomenthatredandlove，savagelustandsublimeself-abnegation——themostpowerfullpassionstheheartofmancanknow——heldthreemenhereenchained；eachaslavetohisdominantpassion，eachreadytostakehisallforthesatisfactionofhismaster。Heronwasthefirsttospeak。
“Well！”hesaidwithafierceoath，“whatarewewaitingfor？Theprisonerknowshowhestands。Nowwecango。“
“Onemoment，citizen，“interposedChauvelin，hisquietmannercontrastingstrangelywithhiscolleague'ssavagemood。“Youhavequiteunderstood，SirPercy，“hecontinued，directlyaddressingtheprisoner，“theconditionsunderwhichweareallofusabouttoproceedonthisjourney？”
“Allofus？”saidBlakeneyslowly。“AreyoutakingitforgrantedthenthatIacceptyourconditionsandthatIampreparedtoproceedonthejourney？”
“Ifyoudonotproceedonthejourney，“criedHeronwithsavagefury，“I'llstranglethatwomanwithmyownhands——now！”
Blakeneylookedathimforamomentortwothroughhalf-closedlids，anditseemedthentothosewhoknewhimwell，tothosewholovedhimandtothemanwhohatedhim，thatthemightysinewsalmostcrackedwiththepassionatedesiretokill。ThenthesunkeneyesturnedslowlytoMarguerite，andshealonecaughtthelook——itwasamereflash，ofahumbleappealforpardon。
Itwasalloverinasecond；almostimmediatelythetensiononthepalefacerelaxed，andintotheeyestherecamethatlookofacceptance——nearlyakintofatalism——anacceptanceofwhichthestrongalonearecapable，forwiththemitonlycomesinthefaceoftheinevitable。
Nowheshruggedhisbroadshoulders，andoncemoreturningtoHeronhesaidquietly：
“Youleavemenooptioninthatcase。Asyouhaveremarkedbefore，citizenHeron，whyshouldwewaitanylonger？Surelywecannowgo。“
CHAPTERXLIII
THEDREARYJOURNEY
Rain！Rain！Rain！Incessant，monotonousanddreary！Thewindhadchangedroundtothesouthwest。Itblewnowingreatguststhatsentweird，sighingsoundsthroughthetrees，anddrovetheheavyshowersintothefacesofthemenastheyrodeon，withheadsbentforwardagainstthegale。
Therain-soddenbridlesslippedthroughtheirhands，bringingoutsoresandblistersontheirpalms；thehorseswerefidgety，tossingtheirheadswithwearyingpersistenceasthewettrickledintotheirears，orthesharp，intermittenthailstonesstrucktheirsensitivenoses。
Threedaysofthisawfulmonotony，variedonlybythehaltsatwaysideinns，thechangingoftroopsatoneoftheguard-housesontheway，thereiteratedcommandsgiventothefreshsquadbeforestartingonthenextlapofthisstrange，momentousway；andallthewhile，audibleabovetheclatterofhorses'hoofs，therumblingofcoach-wheels——twoclosedcarriages，eachdrawnbyapairofsturdyhorses；whichwerechangedateveryhalt。Asoldieroneachboxurgedthemtoagoodpacetokeepupwiththetroopers，whowereallowedtogoataneasycanterorlightjog-trot，whatevermightproveeasiestandleastfatiguing。AndfromtimetotimeHeron'sshaggy，gauntheadwouldappearatthewindowofoneofthecoaches，askingtheway，thedistancetothenextcityortothenearestwaysideinn；cursingthetroopers，thecoachman，hiscolleagueandeveryoneconcerned，blasphemingagainsttheinterminablelengthoftheroad，againstthecoldandagainstthewet。
Earlyintheeveningontheseconddayofthejourneyhehadmetwithanaccident。Theprisoner，whopresumablywasweakandweary，andnotoversteadyonhisfeet，hadfallenupagainsthimastheywerebothabouttore-enterthecoachafterahaltjustoutsideAmiens，andcitizenHeronhadlosthisfootingintheslipperymudoftheroad。headcameinviolentcontactwiththestep，andhisrighttemplewasseverelycut。Sincethenhehadbeenforcedtowearabandageacrossthetopofhisface，underhissugar-loafhat，whichhadaddednothingtohisbeauty，butagreatdealtotheviolenceofhistemper。Hewantedtopushthemenon，toforcethepace，toshortenthehalts；butChauvelinknewbetterthantoallowslacknessanddiscontenttofollowinthewakeofover-fatigue。
Thesoldierswerealwayswellrestedandwellfed，andthoughthedelaycausedbylongandfrequenthaltsmusthavebeenjustasirksometohimasitwastoHeron，yetheboreitimperturbably，forhewouldhavehadnouseonthismomentousjourneyforahandfulofmenwhoseenthusiasmandspirithadbeenblownawaybytheroughnessofthegale，ordrownedinthefuryoftheconstantdownpourofrain。
OfallthisMargueritehadbeenconsciousinavague，dreamykindofway。Sheseemedtoherselflikethespectatorinamovingpanoramicdrama，unabletoraiseafingerortodoaughttostopthatfinal，inevitableending，thecataclysmofsorrowandmiserythatawaitedher，whenthedrearycurtainwouldfallonthelastact，andsheandalltheotherspectators——Armand，Chauvelin，Heron，theSoldiers——wouldslowlywendtheirwayhome，leavingtheprincipalactorbehindthefallencurtain，whichneverwouldbeliftedagain。
Afterthatfirsthaltintheguard-roomoftheRueSte。Anneshehadbeenbiddentoenterasecondhackneycoach，which，followedtheotheratadistanceoffiftymetresorso，andwas，likethatother，closelysurroundedbyasquadofmountedmen。
ArmandandChauvelinrodeinthiscarriagewithher；alldayshesatlookingoutontheendlessmonotonyoftheroad，onthedropsofrainthatpatteredagainstthewindow-glass，andrandownfromitlikeaperpetualstreamoftears。
Thereweretwohaltscalledduringtheday——onefordinnerandonemidwaythroughtheafternoon——whensheandArmandwouldstepoutofthecoachandbeled——alwayswithsoldiersclosearoundthem——tosomewaysideinn，wheresomesortofamealwasserved，wheretheatmospherewascloseandstuffyandsmeltofonionsoupandofstalecheese。
ArmandandMargueritewouldinmostcaseshavearoomtothemselves，withsentinelspostedoutsidethedoor，andtheywouldtryandeatenoughtokeepbodyandsoultogether，fortheywouldnotallowtheirstrengthtofallawaybeforetheendofthejourneywasreached。
Forthenighthalt——onceatBeauvaisandthesecondnightatAbbeville——theywereescortedtoahouseintheinteriorofthecity，wheretheywereaccommodatedwithmoderatelycleanlodgings。
Sentinels，however，werealwaysattheirdoors；theywereprisonersinallbutname，andhadlittleornoprivacy；foratnighttheywerebothsotiredthattheyweregladtoretireimmediately，andtoliedownonthehardbedsthathadbeenprovidedforthem，evenifsleepfledfromtheireyes，andtheirheartsandsoulswereflyingthroughthecityinsearchofhimwhofilledtheireverythought。
OfPercytheysawlittleornothing。Inthedaytimefoodwasevidentlybroughttohiminthecarriage，fortheydidnotseehimgetdown，andonthosetwonightsatBeauvaisandAbbeville，whentheycaughtsightofhimsteppingoutofthecoachoutsidethegatesofthebarracks，hewassosurroundedbysoldiersthattheyonlysawthetopofhisheadandhisbroadshoulderstoweringabovethoseofthemen。
OnceMargueritehadputallherpride，allherdignityby，andaskedcitizenChauvelinfornewsofherhusband。
“Heiswellandcheerful，LadyBlakeney，“hehadrepliedwithhissarcasticsmile。“Ah！”headdedpleasantly，“thoseEnglishareremarkablepeople。We，ofGallicbreed，willneverreallyunderstandthem。TheirfatalismisquiteOrientalinitsquietresignationtothedecreeofFate。Didyouknow，LadyBlakeney，thatwhenSirPercywasarrestedhedidnotraiseahand。I
thought，andsodidmycolleague，thathewouldhavefoughtlikealion。Andnow，thathehasnodoubtrealisedthatquietsubmissionwillservehimbestintheend，heisascalmonthisjourneyasI
ammyself。Infact，“heconcludedcomplacently，“wheneverIhavesucceededinpeepingintothecoachIhaveinvariablyfoundSirPercyBlakeneyfastasleep。“
He——“shemurmured，foritwassodifficulttospeaktothiscallouswretch，whowasobviouslymockingherinhermisery——
“he——you——youarenotkeepinghiminirons？”
“No！Ohno！”repliedChauvelinwithperfecturbanity。“Yousee，nowthatwehaveyou，LadyBlakeney，andcitizenSt。JustwithuswehavenoreasontofearthatthatelusivePimpernelwillspirithimselfaway。“
AhotretorthadrisentoArmand'slips。ThewarmLatinbloodinhimrebelledagainstthisintolerablesituation，theman'ssneersinthefaceofMarguerite'sanguish。Butherrestraining，gentlehandhadalreadypressedhis。Whatwastheuseofprotesting，ofinsultingthisbrute，whocarednothingforthemiserywhichhehadcausedsolongashegainedhisownends？
AndArmandheldhistongueandtriedtocurbhistemper，triedtocultivatealittleofthatfatalismwhichChauvelinhadsaidwascharacteristicoftheEnglish。Hesatbesidehissister，longingtocomforther，yetfeelingthathisverypresencenearherwasanoutrageandasacrilege。Shespokesoseldomtohim，evenwhentheywerealone，thatattimestheawfulthoughtwhichhadmorethanoncefoundbirthinhiswearybrainbecamecrystallisedandmorereal。DidMargueriteguess？Hadshetheslightestsuspicionthattheawfulcataclysmtowhichtheyweretendingwitheveryrevolutionofthecreakingcoach-wheelshadbeenbroughtaboutbyherbrother'streacheroushand？
Andwhenthatthoughthadlodgeditselfquitesnuglyinhismindhebegantowonderwhetheritwouldnotbefarmoresimple，farmoreeasy，toendhismiserablelifeinsomemannerthatmightsuggestitselfontheway。Whenthecoachcrossedoneofthosedilapidated，parapetlessbridges，overabyssesfiftymetresdeep，itmightbesoeasytothrowopenthecarriagedoorandtotakeonefinaljumpintoeternity。
Soeasy——butsodamnablycowardly。
Marguerite'snearpresencequicklybroughthimbacktohimself。
Hislifewasnolongerhisowntodowithashepleased；itbelongedtothechiefwhomhehadbetrayed，tothesisterwhomhemustendeavourtoprotect。
OfJeannenowhethoughtbutlittle。Hehadputeventhememoryofherby——tenderly，likeasprigoflavenderpressedbetweenthefadedleavesofhisownhappiness。Hishandwasnolongerfittoholdthatofanypurewoman——hishandhadonitadeepstain，immutable，likethebrandofCain。
YetMargueritebesidehimheldhishandandtogethertheylookedoutonthatdreary，drearyroadandlistenedtoofthepatteroftherainandtherumblingofthewheelsofthatothercoachonahead——anditwasallsodismalandsohorrible，therain，thesoughingofthewindinthestuntedtrees，thislandscapeofmudanddesolation，thiseternallygreysky。
CHAPTERXLIV
THEHALTATCRECY
“Now，then，citizen，don'tgotosleep；thisisCrecy，ourlasthalt！”
Armandwokeupfromhislastdream。TheyhadbeenmovingsteadilyonsincetheyleftAbbevillesoonafterdawn；therumbleofthewheels，theswayingandrockingofthecarriage，theinterminablepatteroftherainhadlulledhimintoakindofwakefulsleep。
Chauvelinhadalreadyalightedfromthecoach。HewashelpingMargueritetodescend。Armandshookthestiffnessfromhislimbsandfollowedinthewakeofhissister。Alwaysthosemiserablesoldiersroundthem，withtheirdankcoatsofroughbluecloth，andtheredcapsontheirheads！ArmandpulledMarguerite'shandthroughhisarm，anddraggedherwithhimintothehouse。
Thesmallcitylaydampandgreybeforethem；theroughpavementofthenarrowstreetglistenedwiththewet，reflectingthedull，leadenskyoverhead；therainbeatintothepuddles；theslate-roofsshoneinthecoldwintrylight。
ThiswasCrecy！Thelasthaltofthejourney，soChauvelinhadsaid。Thepartyhaddrawnreininfrontofasmallone-storiedbuildingthathadawoodenverandahrunningthewholelengthofitsfront。
TheusuallownarrowroomgreetedArmandandMargueriteastheyentered；theusualmildewedwalls，withthecolourwashflowingawayinstreaksfromtheunsympatheticbeamabove；thesamedevice，“Liberte，Egalite，Fraternite！”scribbledincharcoalabovetheblackironstove；theusualmusty，closeatmosphere，theusualsmellofonionandstalecheese，theusualhardstraightbenchesandcentraltablewithitssoiledandtatteredcloth。
Margueriteseemeddazedandgiddy；shehadbeenfivehoursinthatstuffycoachwithnothingtodistractherthoughtsexcepttherain-soddenlandscape，onwhichshehadceaselesslygazedsincetheearlydawn。
Armandledhertothebench，andshesankdownonit，numbandinert，restingherelbowsonthetableandherheadinherhands。
“Ifitwereonlyallover！”shesighedinvoluntarily。Armand，attimesnowIfeelasifIwerenotreallysane——asifmyreasonhadalreadygivenway！Tellme，doIseemmadtoyouattimes？”
Hesatdownbesideherandtriedtochafeherlittlecoldhands。
Therewasaknockatthedoor，andwithoutwaitingforpermissionChauvelinenteredtheroom。
“Myhumbleapologiestoyou，LadyBlakeney，“hesaidinhisusualsuavemanner，“butourworthyhostinformsmethatthisistheonlyroominwhichhecanserveameal。ThereforeIamforcedtointrudemypresenceuponyou。“
Thoughhespokewithoutwardpoliteness，histonehadbecomemoreperemptory，lessbland，andhedidnotawaitMarguerite'sreplybeforehesatdownoppositetoherandcontinuedtotalkairily。
“Anill-conditionedfellow，ourhost，“hesaid——“quiteremindsmeofourfriendBrogardattheChatGrisinCalais。Yourememberhim，LadyBlakeney？”
“Mysisterisgiddyandover-tired，“interposedArmandfirmly。“I
prayyou，citizen，tohavesomeregardforher。“
“Allregardintheworld，citizenSt。Just，“protestedChauvelinjovially。“Methoughtthatthosepleasantreminiscenceswouldcheerher。Ah！herecomesthesoup，“headded，asamaninblueblouseandbreeches，withsabotsonhisfeet，slouchedintotheroom，carryingatureenwhichheincontinentlyplaceduponthetable。“IfeelsurethatinEnglandLadyBlakeneymissesourexcellentcroutes-au-pot，thegloryofourbourgeoiscookery——LadyBlakeney，alittlesoup？”
“Ithankyou，sir，“shemurmured。
“Dotryandeatsomething，littlemother，“Armandwhisperedinherear；“tryandkeepupyourstrengthforhissake，ifnotformine。“
Sheturnedawan，palefacetohim，andtriedtosmile。
“I'lltry，dear，“shesaid。
“Youhavetakenbreadandmeattothecitizensinthecoach？”
Chauvelincalledouttotheretreatingfigureofminehost。
“H'm！”gruntedthelatterinassent。
“Andseethatthecitizensoldiersarewellfed，ortherewillbetrouble。“
“H'm！”gruntedthemanagain。Afterwhichhebangedthedoortobehindhim。
“CitizenHeronisloathtolettheprisoneroutofhissight，“
explainedChauvelinlightly，“nowthatwehavereachedthelast，mostimportantstageofourjourney，soheissharingSirPercy'smid-daymealintheinteriorofthecoach。“
Heatehissoupwitharelish，ostentatiouslypayingmanysmallattentionstoMargueriteallthetime。Heorderedmeatforher——bread，butter——askedifanydaintiescouldbegot。Hewasapparentlyinthebestoftempers。
Afterhehadeatenanddrunkheroseandbowedceremoniouslytoher。
“Yourpardon，LadyBlakeney，“hesaid，“butImustconferwiththeprisonernow，andtakefromhimfulldirectionsforthecontinuanceofourjourney。AfterthatIgototheguard-house，whichissomedistancefromhere，rightattheotherendofthecity。Wepickupafreshsquadhere，twentyhardenedtroopersfromacavalryregimentusuallystationedatAbbeville。Theyhavehadworktodointhistown，whichisahot-bedoftreachery。I
mustgoinspectthemenandthesergeantwhowillbeincommand。
CitizenHeronleavesalltheseinspectionstome；helikestostaybyhisprisoner。Inthemeanwhileyouwillbeescortedbacktoyourcoach，whereIprayyoutoawaitmyarrival，whenwechangeguardfirst，thenproceedonourway。“
Margueritewaslongingtoaskhimmanyquestions；onceagainshewouldhavesmotheredherprideandbeggedfornewsofherhusband，butChauvelindidnotwait。Hehurriedoutoftheroom，andArmandandMargueritecouldhearhimorderingthesoldierstotakethemforthwithbacktothecoach。
Astheycameoutoftheinntheysawtheothercoachsomefiftymetresfurtherupthestreet。ThehorsesthathaddonedutysinceleavingAbbevillehadbeentakenout，andtwosoldiersinraggedshirts，andwithcrimsoncapssetjauntilyovertheirleftear，wereleadingthetwofreshhorsesalong。Thetrooperswerestillmountingguardroundboththecoaches；theywouldberelievedpresently。
Margueritewouldhavegiventenyearsofherlifeatthismomentfortheprivilegeofspeakingtoherhusband，orevenofseeinghim——ofseeingthathewaswell。Aquick，wildplansprangupinhermindthatshewouldbribethesergeantincommandtograntherwishwhilecitizenChauvelinwasabsent。Themanhadnotanunkindface，andhemustbeverypoor——peopleinFrancewereverypoorthesedays，thoughtherichhadbeenrobbedandluxurioushomesdevastatedostensiblytohelpthepoor。
ShewasabouttoputthissuddenthoughtintoexecutionwhenHeron'shideousface，doublyhideousnowwiththatbandageofdoubtfulcleanlinesscuttingacrosshisbrow，appearedatthecarriagewindow。
Hecursedviolentlyandatthetopofhisvoice。
“Whatarethosed——daristosdoingoutthere？”heshouted。
“Justgettingintothecoach，citizen，“repliedthesergeantpromptly。
AndArmandandMargueritewereimmediatelyorderedbackintothecoach。
Heronremainedatthewindowforafewmomentslonger；hebadatoothpickinhishandwhichhewasusingveryfreely。
“Howmuchlongerarewegoingtowaitinthiscursedhole？”hecalledouttothesergeant。
“Onlyafewmomentslonger，citizen。CitizenChauvelinwillbebacksoonwiththeguard。“
Aquarterofanhourlatertheclatterofcavalryhorsesontherough，unevenpavementdrewMarguerite'sattention。Sheloweredthecarriagewindowandlookedout。Chauvelinhadjustreturnedwiththenewescort。Hewasonhorseback；hishorse'sbridle，sincehewasbutanindifferenthorseman，washeldbyoneofthetroopers。
Outsidetheinnhedismounted；evidentlyhehadtakenfullcommandoftheexpedition，andscarcelyreferredtoHeron，whospentmostofhistimecursingatthemenortheweatherwhenhewasnotlyinghalf-asleepandpartiallydrunkintheinsideofthecarriage。
Thechangingoftheguardwasnowaccomplishedquietlyandinperfectorder。Thenewescortconsistedoftwentymountedmen，includingasergeantandacorporal，andoftwodrivers，oneforeachcoach。Thecortegenowwasfiledupinmarchingorder；aheadasmallpartyofscouts，thenthecoachwithMargueriteandArmandcloselysurroundedbymountedmen，andatashortdistancethesecondcoachwithcitizenHeronandtheprisonerequallywellguarded。
Chauvelinsuperintendedallthearrangementshimself。Hespokeforsomefewmomentswiththesergeant，alsowiththedriverofhisowncoach。Hewenttothewindowoftheothercarriage，probablyinordertoconsultwithcitizenHeron，ortotakefinaldirectionsfromtheprisoner，forMarguerite，whowaswatchinghim，sawhimstandingonthestepandleaningwellforwardintotheinterior，whilstapparentlyhewastakingnotesonasmalltabletwhichhehadinhishand。
Asmallknotofidlershadcongregatedinthenarrowstreet；meninblousesandboysinraggedbreechesloungedagainsttheverandahoftheinnandgazedwithinexpressive，stolideyesonthesoldiers，thecoaches，thecitizenwhoworethetricolourscarf。Theyhadseenthissortofthingbeforenow——aristosbeingconveyedtoParisunderarrest，prisonersontheirwaytoorfromAmiens。TheysawMarguerite'spalefaceatthecarriagewindow。
Itwasnotthefirstwoman'sfacetheyhadseenunderlikecircumstances，andtherewasnospecialinterestaboutthisaristo。Theyweresmokingorspitting，orjustloungingidlyagainstthebalustrade。Margueritewonderedifnoneofthemhadwife，sister，ormother，orchild；ifeverysympathy，everykindoffeelinginthesepoorwretcheshadbeenatrophiedbymiseryorbyfear。
Atlasteverythingwasinorderandthesmallpartyreadytostart。
“DoesanyonehereknowtheChapeloftheHolySepulchre，closebytheparkoftheChateaud'Ourde？”askedChauvelin，vaguelyaddressingtheknotofgaffersthatstoodclosesttohim。
Themenshooktheirheads。SomehaddimlyheardoftheChateaud'Ourde；itwassomewayintheinterioroftheforestofBoulogne，butnooneknewaboutachapel；peopledidnottroubleaboutchapelsnowadays。Withtheindifferencesopeculiartolocalpeasantry，thesemenknewnomoreofthesurroundingcountrythanthetwelveorfifteenleaguecirclethatwaswithinawalkoftheirsleepylittletown。
OneofthescoutsonaheadturnedinhissaddleandspoketocitizenChauvelin：
“IthinkIknowthewayprettywell；citizenChauvelin，“hesaid；
“atanyrate，IknowitasfarastheforestofBoulogne。“
Chauvelinreferredtohistablets。
“That'sgood，“hesaid；“thenwhenyoureachthemile-stonethatstandsonthisroadattheconfineoftheforest，bearsharplytoyourrightandskirtthewooduntilyouseethehamletof——Le——
something。Le——Le——yes——LeCrocq——that'sitinthevalleybelow。“
“IknowLeCrocq，Ithink，“saidthetrooper。
“Verywell，then；atthatpointitseemsthatawideroadstrikesatrightanglesintotheinterioroftheforest；youfollowthatuntilastonechapelwithacolonnadedporchstandsbeforeyouonyourleft，andthewallsandgatesofaparkonyourright。Thatisso，isitnot，SirPercy？”headded，oncemoreturningtowardstheinteriorofthecoach。
Apparentlytheanswersatisfiedhim，forhegavethequickwordofcommand，“Enavant！”thenturnedbacktowardshisowncoachandfinallyenteredit。
“DoyouknowtheChateaud'Ourde，citizenSt。Just？”heaskedabruptlyassoonasthecarriagebegantomove。
Armandwoke——aswashabitualwithhimthesedays——fromsomegloomyreverie。
“Yes，citizen，“hereplied。“Iknowit。“
“AndtheChapeloftheHolySepulchre？”
“Yes。Iknowittoo。“
Indeed，heknewthechateauwell，andthelittlechapelintheforest，whitherthefisher-folkfromPortelandBoulognecameonapilgrimageonceayeartolaytheirnetsonthemiracle-workingrelic。Thechapelwasdisusednow。Sincetheownerofthechateauhadflednoonehadtendedit，andthefisher-folkwereafraidtowanderout，lesttheirsuperstitiousfaithbecountedagainstthembytheauthorities，whohadabolishedlebonDieu。
ButArmandhadfoundrefugethereeighteenmonthsago，onhiswaytoCalais，whenPercyhadriskedhislifeinordertosavehi——Armand——fromdeath。Hecouldhavegroanedaloudwiththeanguishofthisrecollection。ButMarguerite'sachingnerveshadthrilledatthename。
TheChateaud'Ourde！TheChapeloftheHolySepulchre！ThatwastheplacewhichPercyhadmentionedinhisletter，theplacewherehehadgivenrendezvoustodeBatz。SirAndrewhadsaidthattheDauphincouldnotpossiblybethere，yetPercywasleadinghisenemiesthither，andhadgiventherendezvoustheretodeBatz。
Andthisdespitethatwhateverplans，whateverhopes，hadbeenborninhismindwhenhewasstillimmuredintheConciergerieprisonmusthavebeensetatnaughtbytheclevercounterplotofChauvelinandHeron。
“Atthemerestsuspicionthatyouhaveplayedusfalse，atahintthatyouhaveledusintoanambush，orifmerelyourhopesoffindingCapetattheendofthejourneyarefrustrated，thelivesofyourwifeandofyourfriendareforfeittous，andtheywillbothbeshotbeforeyoureyes。“
Withthesewords，withthisprecaution，thosecunningfiendshadeffectuallynotonlytiedtheschemer'shands，butforcedhimeithertodeliverthechildtothemortosacrificehiswifeandhisfriend。
Theimpassewassohorriblethatshecouldnotfaceiteveninherthoughts。Astrange，fever-likeheatcoursedthroughherveins，yetleftherhandsicy-cold；shelongedfor，yetdreaded，theendofthejourney——thatawfulgrapplingwiththecertaintyofcomingdeath。Perhaps，afterall，Percy，too，hadgivenupallhope。
Longagohehadconsecratedhislifetotheattainmentofhisownideals；andtherewasaveinoffatalisminhim；perhapshehadresignedhimselftotheinevitable，andhisonlydesirenowwastogiveuphislife，ashehadsaid，intheopen，beneathGod'ssky，todrawhislastbreathwiththestorm-cloudstossedthroughinfinityabovehim，andthemurmurofthewindinthetreestosinghimtorest。
Crecywasgraduallyfadingintothedistance，wrappedinamantleofdampandmist。ForalongwhileMargueritecouldseetheslopingslateroofsglimmeringlikesteelinthegreyafternoonlight，andthequaintchurchtowerwithitsbeautifullantern，throughthepiercedstoneworkofwhichshonepatchesoftheleadensky。
Thenasuddentwistoftheroadhidthecityfromview；onlytheoutlyingchurchyardremainedinsight，withitswhitemonumentsandgranitecrosses，overwhichthedarkyews，wetwiththerainandshakenbythegale，sentshowersofdiamond-likesprays。
CHAPTERXLV
THEFORESTOFBOULOGNE
Progresswasnoteasy，andveryslowalongthemuddyroad；thetwocoachesmovedalonglaboriously，withwheelscreakingandsinkingdeeplyfromtimetotimeinthequagmire。
Whenthesmallpartyfinallyreachedtheedgeofthewoodthegreyishlightofthisdismaldayhadchangedinthewesttoadullreddishglow——aglowthathadneitherbrilliancenorincandescenceinit；onlyaweirdtintthathungoverthehorizonandturnedthedistanceintolinesofpurple。
Thenearnessoftheseamadeitselfalreadyfelt；therewasabrinytasteinthedampatmosphere，andthetreesallturnedtheirbranchesawayinthesamedirectionagainsttheonslaughtoftheprevailingwinds。
Theroadatthispointformedasharpfork，skirtingthewoodoneitherside，theforestlyinglikeablackclosemassofspruceandfirsontheleft，whiletheopenexpanseofcountrystretchedoutontheright。Thesouth-westerlygalestruckwithfullviolenceagainstthebarrierofforesttrees，bendingthetallcrestsofthepinesandcausingtheirsmalldeadbranchestobreakandfallwithasharp，crispsoundlikeacryofpain。
Thesquadhadbeenfreshatstarting；nowthemenhadbeenfourhoursinthesaddleunderpersistentrainandgustywind；theyweretired，andtheatmosphereoftheclose，blackforestsoneartheroadwasweighingupontheirspirits。
Strangesoundscametothemfromoutthedensenetworkoftrees——thescreechingofnight-birds，theweirdcalloftheowls，theswiftandfurtivetreadofwildbeastsontheprowl。Thecoldwinterandlackoffoodhadluredthewolvesfromtheirfastnesses——hungerhademboldenedthem，andnow，asgraduallythegreylightfledfromthesky，dismalhowlscouldbeheardinthedistance，andnowandthenapairofeyes，brightwiththereflectionoftheluridwesternglow，wouldshinemomentarilyoutofthedarknessliketinyglow-worms，andasquicklyvanishaway。
Themenshivered——morewithvaguesuperstitiousfearthanwithcold。Theywouldhaveurgedtheirhorseson，butthewheelsofthecoachesstuckpersistentlyinthemud，andnowandagainahalthadtobecalledsothatthespokesandaxlesmighthecleared。
Theyrodeoninsilence。Noonehadamindtospeak，andthemournfulsoughingofthewindinthepine-treesseemedtocheckthewordsoneverylip。Thedullthudofhoofsinthesoftroad，theclangofsteelbitsandbuckles，thesnortingofthehorsesaloneansweredthewind，andalsothemonotonouscreakingofthewheelsploughingthroughtheruts。
Soontheruddyglowinthewestfadedintosoft-tonedpurpleandthenintogrey；finallythattoovanished。Darknesswasdrawinginoneverysidelikeawide，blackmantlepulledtogethercloserandcloseroverheadbyinvisiblegianthands。
Therainstillfellinathindrizzlethatsoakedthroughcapsandcoats，madethebridlesslimyandthesaddlesslipperyanddamp。
Aveilofvapourhungoverthehorses'cruppers，andwasrenderedfullerandthickereverymomentwiththebreaththatcamefromtheirnostrils。Thewindnolongerblewwithgustyfury——itsstrengthseemedtohavebeenspentwiththegreylightofday——
butnowandthenitwouldstillcomesweepingacrosstheopencountry，anddashitselfuponthewallofforesttrees，lashingagainstthehorses'ears，catchingthecornerofamantlehere，anill-adjustedcapthere，andwreakingitsmischievousfreakforawhile，thenwithasighofsatisfactiondie，murmuringamongthepines。
Suddenlytherewasahalt，muchshouting，avolleyofoathsfromthedrivers，andcitizenChauvelinthrusthisheadoutofthecarriagewindow。
“Whatisit？”heasked。
“Thescouts，citizen，“repliedthesergeant，whohadbeenridingclosetothecoachdoorallthiswhile；“theyhavereturned。“
“Tellonemantocomestraighttomeandreport。“
Margueritesatquitestill。Indeed，shehadalmostceasedtolivemomentarily，forherspiritwasabsentfromherbody，whichfeltneitherfatigue，norcold，norpain。Butsheheardthesnortingofthehorseclosebyasitsriderpulledhimupsharplybesidethecarriagedoor。
“Well？”saidChauvelincurtly。
“Thisisthecross-road，citizen，“repliedtheman；“itstrikesstraightintothewood，andthehamletofLeCrocqliesdowninthevalleyontheright。“
“Didyoufollowtheroadinthewood？”
“Yes，citizen。Abouttwoleaguesfromherethereisaclearingwithasmallstonechapel，morelikealargeshrine，nestlingamongthetrees。Oppositetoittheangleofahighwallwithlargewrought-irongatesatthecorner，andfromtheseawidedriveleadsthroughapark。“
“Didyouturnintothedrive？”
“Onlyalittleway，citizen。Wethoughtwehadbestreportfirstthatallissafe。“
“Yousawnoone？”
“Noone。“
“Thechateau，then，liessomedistancefromthegates？”
“Aleagueormore，citizen。Closetothegatesthereareouthousesandstabling，thedisusedbuildingsofthehomefarm，I
shouldsay。“
“Good！Weareontherightroad，thatisclear。Keepaheadwithyourmennow，butonlysometwohundredmetresorso。Stay！”headded，asifonsecondthoughts。“Ridedowntotheothercoachandasktheprisonerifweareontherighttrack。“
Theriderturnedhishorsesharplyround。Margueriteheard-theclangofmetalandthesoundofretreatinghoofs。
Afewmomentslaterthemanreturned。
“Yes，citizen，“hereported，“theprisonersaysitisquiteright。
TheChateaud'Ourdeliesafullleaguefromitsgates。Thisisthenearestroadtothechapelandthechateau。Hesaysweshouldreachtheformerinhalfanhour。Itwillbeverydarkinthere，“
headdedwithasignificantnodinthedirectionofthewood。
Chauvelinmadenoreply，butquietlysteppedoutofthecoach。
Margueritewatchedhim，leaningoutofthewindow，followinghissmalltrimfigureashepushedhiswaypastthegroupsofmountedmen，catchingatahorse'sbitnowandthen，oratabridle，makingawayforhimselfamongsttherestless，champinganimals，withouttheslightesthesitationorfear。
Soonhisretreatingfigurelostitssharpoutlinesilhouettedagainsttheeveningsky。Itwasenfoldedintheveilofvapourwhichwasblownoutofthehorses'nostrilsorrisingfromtheirdampcruppers；itbecamemorevague，almostghost-like，throughthemistandthefast-gatheringgloom。
Presentlyagroupoftroopershidhimentirelyfromherview，butshecouldhearhisthin，smoothvoicequiteclearlyashecalledtocitizenHeron。
“Weareclosetotheendofourjourneynow，citizen，“sheheardhimsay。“IftheprisonerhasnotplayedusfalselittleCapetshouldbeinourchargewithinthehour。“
Agrowlnotunlikethosethatcamefromoutthemysteriousdepthsoftheforestansweredhim。
“Ifheisnot，“andMargueriterecognisedtheharshtonesofcitizenHeron——“ifheisnot，thentwocorpseswillberottinginthiswoodtomorrowforthewolvestofeedon，andtheprisonerwillbeonhiswaybacktoPariswithme。“
Someonelaughed。Itmighthavebeenoneofthetroopers，morecallousthanhiscomrades，buttoMargueritethelaughhadastrange，familiarringinit，theechoofsomethinglongsincepastandgone。
ThenChauvelin'svoiceoncemorecameclearlytoherear：
“Mysuggestion，citizen，“hewassaying，“isthattheprisonershallnowgivemeanorder——couchedinwhatevertermshemaythinknecessary——butadistinctordertohisfriendstogiveupCapettomewithoutanyresistance。Icouldthentakesomeofthemenwithme，andrideasquicklyasthelightwillallowuptothechateau，andtakepossessionofit，ofCapet，andofthosewhoarewithhim。Wecouldgetalongfasterthus。Onemancangiveuphishorsetomeandcontinuethejourneyontheboxofyourcoach。
Thetwocarriagescouldthenfollowatfootpace。ButIfearthatifwesticktogethercompletedarknesswillovertakeusandwemightfindourselvesobligedtopassaveryuncomfortablenightinthiswood。“
“Iwon'tspendanothernightinthissuspense——itwouldkillme，“
growledHerontotheaccompanimentofoneofhischoicestoaths。
“Youmustdoasyouthinkright——youplannedthewholeofthisaffair——seetoitthatitworksoutwellintheend。“
“HowmanymenshallItakewithme？Ouradvanceguardishere，ofcourse。“
“Icouldn'tspareyoumorethanfourmoremen——Ishallwanttheotherstoguardtheprisoners。“
“Fourmenwillbequitesufficient，withthefouroftheadvanceguard。Thatwillleaveyoutwelvemenforguardingyourprisoners，andyoureallyonlyneedtoguardthewoman——herlifewillanswerfortheothers。“
Hehadraisedhisvoicewhenhesaidthis，obviouslyintendingthatMargueriteandArmandshouldhear。
“ThenI'llahead，“hecontinued，apparentlyinanswertoanassentfromhiscolleague。“SirPercy，willyoubesokindastoscribblethenecessarywordsonthesetablets？”
Therewasalongpause，duringwhichMargueriteheardplainlythelonganddismalcryofanightbirdthat，mayhap，wasseekingitsmate。ThenChauvelin'svoicewasraisedagain。
“Ithankyou，“hesaid；“thiscertainlyshouldbequiteeffectual。
Andnow，citizenHeron，Idonotthinkthatunderthecircumstancesweneedfearanambuscadeoranykindoftrickery——youholdthehostages。AndifbyanychanceIandmymenareattacked，orifweencounterarmedresistanceatthechateau，Iwilldespatchariderbackstraightwaytoyou，and——well，youwillknowwhattodo。“
Hisvoicediedaway，mergedinthesoughingofthewind，drownedbytheclangofmetal，ofhorsessnorting，ofmenlivingandbreathing。MargueritefeltthatbesideherArmandhadshuddered，andthatinthedarknesshistremblinghandhadsoughtandfoundhers。
Sheleanedwelloutofthewindow，tryingtosee。Thegloomhadgatheredmorecloselyin，androundhertheveilofvapourfromthehorses'steamingcruppershungheavilyinthemistyair。Infrontofherthestraightlinesofafewfirtreesstoodoutdenseandblackagainstthegreynessbeyond，andbetweentheselinespurpletintsofvarioustonesandshadesmingledonewiththeother，mergingthehorizonlinewiththesky。HereandthereamoresolidblackpatchindicatedthetinyhousesofthehamletofLeCrocqfardowninthevalleybelow；fromsomeofthesehousessmalllightsbegantoglimmerlikeblinkingyelloweyes。
Marguerite'sgaze，however，didnotrestonthedistantlandscape——
ittriedtopiercethegloomthathidherimmediatesurroundings；
themountedmenwereallroundthecoach——morecloselyroundherthanthetreesintheforest。Butthehorseswererestless，movingallthetime，andastheymovedshecaughtglimpsesofthatothercoachandofChauvelin'sghostlikefigure，walkingrapidlythroughthemist。Justforonebriefmomentshesawtheothercoach，andHeron'sheadandshouldersleaningoutofthewindow。Ifissugar-loafhatwasonhishead，andthebandageacrosshisbrowlookedlikeasharp，palestreakbelowit。
“Donotdoubtit，citizenChauvelin，“hecalledoutloudlyinhisharsh，raucousvoice，“Ishallknowwhattodo；thewolveswillhavetheirmealto-night，andtheguillotinewillnotbecheatedeither。“
Armandputhisarmroundhissister'sshouldersandgentlydrewherhackintothecarriage。
“Littlemother，“hesaid，“ifyoucanthinkofawaywherebymylifewouldredeemPercy'sandyours，showmethatwaynow。“
Butsherepliedquietlyandfirmly：
“Thereisnoway，Armand。Ifthereis，itisinthehandsofGod。“