Armandbelievedthatadirectmessagehadcometohimfromheaventosavehisbeloved。
　　Thereforeheforgothispromise——hisoath；heforgotthoseverythingswhichtheleaderhadentreatedhimtoremember——hisdutytotheothers，hisloyalty，hisobedience。Jeannehadfirstclaimonhim。Itweretheactofacowardtoremaininsafetywhilstshewasinsuchdeadlydanger。
　　NowheblamedhimselfseverelyforhavingquittedParis。EvenPercymusthavethoughthimacowardforobeyingquitesoreadily。
　　Maybethecommandhadbeenbutatestofhiscourage，ofthestrengthofhisloveforJeanne。
　　Ahundredconjecturesflashedthroughhisbrain；ahundredplanspresentedthemselvestohismind。ItwasnotforPercy，whodidnotknowher，tosaveJeanneortoguardher。ThattaskwasArmand's，whoworshippedher，andwhowouldgladlydiebesideherifhefailedtorescueherfromthreateneddeath。
　　Resolutionwasnotslowincoming。Atowerclockinsidethecitystruckthehourofsix，andstillnosignofPercy。
　　Armand，hiscertificateofsafetyinhishand，walkedboldlyuptothegate。
　　Theguardchallengedhim，buthepresentedthecertificate。Therewasanagonisingmomentwhenthecardwastakenfromhim，andhewasdetainedintheguard-roomwhileitwasbeingexaminedbythesergeantincommand。
　　Butthecertificatewasingoodorder，andArmand，coveredincoal-dust，withtheperspirationstreamingdownhisface，didcertainlynotlooklikeanaristocratindisguise。Itwasneververydifficulttoenterthegreatcity；ifonewishedtoputone'sheadinthelion'smouth，onewaswelcometodoso；thedifficultycamewhenthelionthoughtfittoclosehisjaws。
　　Armand，afterfiveminutesoftenseanxiety，wasallowedtocrossthebarrier，buthiscertificateofsafetywasdetained。HewouldhavetogetanotherfromtheCommitteeofGeneralSecuritybeforehewouldbeallowedtoleaveParisagain。
　　Thelionhadthoughtfittoclosehisjaws。
　　CHAPTERXVI
　　THEWEARYSEARCH
　　BlakeneywasnotathislodgingswhenArmandarrivedtherethatevening，nordidhereturn，whilsttheyoungmanhauntedtheprecinctsofSt。Germainl'Auxerroisandwanderedalongthequayshoursandhoursatastretch，untilhenearlydroppedundertheporticoofahouse，andrealisedthatifheloiteredlongerhemightloseconsciousnesscompletely，andbeunableonthemorrowtobeofservicetoJeanne。
　　HedraggedhiswearyfootstepsbacktohisownlodgingsontheheightsofMontmartre。HehadnotfoundPercy，hehadnonewsofJeanne；itseemedasifhellitselfcouldholdnoworsetorturesthanthisintolerablesuspense。
　　Hethrewhimselfdownonthenarrowpalliasseand，tirednatureassertingherself，atlastfellintoaheavy，dreamlesstorpor，likethesleepofadrunkard，deepbutwithoutthebeneficentaidofrest。
　　Itwasbroaddaylightwhenheawoke。Thepalelightofadamp，wintrymorningfilteredthroughthegrimypanesofthewindow。
　　Armandjumpedoutofbed，achingoflimbbutresoluteofmind。
　　TherewasnodoubtthatPercyhadfailedindiscoveringJeanne'swhereabouts；butwhereamerefriendhadfailedaloverwasmorelikelytosucceed。
　　Theroughclotheswhichhehadwornyesterdayweretheonlyoneshehad。Theywould，ofcourse，servehispurposebetterthanhisown，whichhehadleftatBlakeney'slodgingsyesterday。Inhalfanhourhewasdressed，lookingafairlygoodimitationofalaboureroutofwork。
　　Hewenttoahumbleeatinghouseofwhichheknew，andthere，havingorderedsomehotcoffeewithahunkofbread，hesethimselftothink。
　　Itwasquiteausualthingthesedaysforrelativesandfriendsofprisonerstogowanderingaboutfromprisontoprisontofindoutwherethelovedoneshappenedtobedetained。Theprisonswereoverfulljustnow；convents，monasteries，andpublicinstitutionshadallbeenrequisitionedbytheGovernmentforthehousingofthehundredsofso-calledtraitorswhohadbeenarrestedonthebarestsuspicion，oratthemeredenunciationofanevil-wisher。
　　ThereweretheAbbayeandtheLuxembourg，theerstwhileconventsoftheVisitationandtheSacre-Coeur，thecloisteroftheOratorians，theSalpetriere，andtheSt。Lazarehospitals，andtherewas，ofcourse，theTemple，and，lastly，theConciergerie，towhichthoseprisonerswerebroughtwhosetrialwouldtakeplacewithinthenextfewdays，andwhosecondemnationwaspracticallyassured。
　　Personsunderarrestatsomeoftheotherprisonsdidsometimescomeoutofthemalive，buttheConciergeriewasonlytheante-chamberoftheguillotine。
　　ThereforeArmand'sideawastovisittheConciergeriefirst。ThesoonerhecouldreassurehimselfthatJeannewasnotinimmediatedangerthebetterwouldhebeabletoenduretheagonyofthatheart-breakingsearch，thatknockingateverydoorinthehopeoffindinghisbeloved。
　　IfJeannewasnotintheConciergerie，thentheremightbesomehopethatshewasonlybeingtemporarilydetained，andthroughArmand'sexcitedbraintherehadalreadyflashedthethoughtthatmayhaptheCommitteeofGeneralSecuritywouldreleaseherifhegavehimselfup。
　　Thesethoughts，andthemakingofplans，fortifiedhimmentallyandphysically；heevenmadeagreatefforttoeatanddrink，knowingthathisbodilystrengthmustendureifitwasgoingtoheofservicetoJeanne。
　　HereachedtheQuaidel'Horlogesoonafternine。Thegrim，irregularwallsoftheChateletandthehouseofJusticeloomedfromoutthemantleofmistthatlayontheriverbanks。Armandskirtedthesquareclock-tower，andpassedthroughthemonumentalgatewaysofthehouseofJustice。
　　HeknewthathisbestwaytotheprisonwouldbethroughthehallsandcorridorsoftheTribunal，towhichthepublichadaccesswheneverthecourtwassitting。Thesittingsbeganatten，andalreadytheusualcrowdofidlerswereassembling——menandwomenwhoapparentlyhadnootheroccupationsavetocomedayafterdaytothistheatreofhorrorsandwatchthedifferentactsoftheheartrendingdramasthatwereenactedherewithakindofawfulmonotony。
　　Armandmingledwiththecrowdthatstoodaboutthecourtyard，andanonmovedslowlyupthegiganticflightofstonesteps，talkinglightlyonindifferentsubjects。Therewasquiteagoodlysprinklingofworkingmenamongstthiscrowd，andArmandinhistoil-stainedclothesattractednoattention。
　　Suddenlyawordreachedhisear——justanameflippantlyspokenbyspitefullips——anditchangedthewholetrendofhisthoughts。
　　SincehehadrisenthatmorninghehadthoughtofnothingbutofJeanne，and——inconnectionwithher——ofPercyandhisvainquestofher。Nowthatnamespokenbysomeoneunknownbroughthismindbacktomoredefinitethoughtsofhischief。
　　“Capet！”thename——intendedasaninsult，butactuallymerelyirrelevant——wherebytheuncrownedlittleKingofFrancewasdesignatedbytherevolutionaryparty。
　　Armandsuddenlyrecollectedthatto-daywasSunday，the19thofJanuary。Hehadlostcountofdaysandofdateslately，butthename，“Capet，“hadbroughteverythingback：thechildintheTemple；theconferenceinBlakeney'slodgings；theplansfortherescueoftheboy。Thatwastotakeplaceto-day——Sunday，the19th。TheSimonswouldbemovingfromtheTemple，atwhathourBlakeneydidnotknow，butitwouldbetoday，andhewouldbewatchinghisopportunity。
　　NowArmandunderstoodeverything；agreatwaveofbitternesssweptoverhissoul。PercyhadforgottenJeanne！HewasbusythinkingofthechildintheTemple，andwhilstArmandhadbeeneatingouthisheartwithanxiety，theScarletPimpernel，trueonlytohismission，andimpatientofallsentimentthatinterferedwithhisschemes，hadleftJeannetopaywithherlifeforthesafetyoftheuncrownedKing。
　　Butthebitternessdidnotlastlong；onthecontrary，akindofwildexultationtookitsplace。IfPercyhadforgotten，thenArmandcouldstandbyJeannealone。Itwasbetterso！Hewouldsavethelovedone；itwashisdutyandhisrighttoworkforhersake。Neverforamomentdidhedoubtthathecouldsaveher，thathislifewouldbereadilyacceptedinexchangeforhers。
　　Thecrowdaroundhimwasmovingupthemonumentalsteps，andArmandwentwiththecrowd。Itlackedbutafewminutestotennow；soonthecourtwouldbegintosit。Intheoldendays，whenhewasstudyingforthelaw，ArmandhadoftenwanderedaboutatwillalongthecorridorsofthehouseofJustice。Heknewexactlywherethedifferentprisonsweresituatedaboutthebuildings，andhowtoreachthecourtyardswheretheprisonerstooktheirdailyexercise。
　　TowatchthosearistoswhowereawaitingtrialanddeathtakingtheirrecreationinthesecourtyardshadbecomeoneofthesightsofParis。Countrycousinsonavisittothecitywerebroughthitherforentertainment。Tallirongatesstoodbetweenthepublicandtheprisoners，andarowofsentinelsguardedthesegates；butifonewasenterprisingandeagertosee，onecouldglueone'snoseagainsttheironworkandwatchtheci-devantaristocratsinthreadbareclothestryingtocheattheirhorrorofdeathbyactingafarceoflight-heartednesswhichtheirwanfacesandtear-dimmedeyeseffectuallybelied。
　　AllthisArmandknew，andonthishecounted。ForalittlewhilehejoinedthecrowdintheSalledesPasPerdus，andwanderedidlyupanddownthemajesticcolonnadedhall。Heevenatonetimeformedpartofthethrongthatwatchedoneofthosequicktragediesthatwereenactedwithinthegreatchamberofthecourt。Anumberofprisonersbroughtin，inabatch；hurriedinterrogations，interruptedanswers，aquickindictment，monstrousinitsflaringinjustice，spokenbyFoucquier-Tinville，thepublicprosecutor，andlistenedtoinallseriousnessbymenwhodaredtocallthemselvesjudgesoftheirfellows。
　　TheaccusedhadwalkeddowntheChampsElyseeswithoutwearingatricolourcockade；theotherhadinvestedsomesavingsinanEnglishindustrialenterprise；yetanotherhadsoldpublicfunds，causingthemtodepreciaterathersuddenlyinthemarket！
　　Sometimesfromoneoftheseunfortunatesledthuswantonlytobutcherytherewouldcomeanexcitedprotest，orfromawomanscreamsofagonisedentreaty。Butthesewerequicklysilencedbyroughblowsfromthebutt-endsofmuskets，andcondemnations——
　　wholesalesentencesofdeath——werequicklypassedamidstthecheersofthespectatorsandthehowlsofderisionfrominfamousjuryandjudge。
　　Oh！themockeryofitall——theawful，thehideousignominy，theblotofshamethatwouldforeversullythehistoricnameofFrance。Armand，sickenedwithhorror，couldnotbearmorethanafewminutesofthismonstrousspectacle。ThesamefatemightevennowbeawaitingJeanne。Amongthenextbatchofvictimstothissacrilegiousbutcheryhemightsuddenlyspyhisbelovedwithherpalefaceandcheeksstainedwithhertears。
　　Hefledfromthegreatchamber，keepingjustasufficiencyofpresenceofmindtojoinaknotofidlerswhoweredriftingleisurelytowardsthecorridors。HefollowedintheirwakeandsoonfoundhimselfinthelongGaleriedesPrisonniers，alongtheflagstonesofwhichtwodaysagodeBatzhadfollowedhisguidetowardsthelodgingsofHeron。
　　Onhisleftnowwerethearcadesshutofffromthecourtyardbeyondbyheavyirongates。ThroughtheironworkArmandcaughtsightofanumberofwomenwalkingorsittinginthecourtyard。
　　Heheardamannexttohimexplainingtohisfriendthatthesewerethefemaleprisonerswhowouldbebroughttotrialthatday，andhefeltthathisheartmustburstatthethoughtthatmayhapJeannewouldbeamongthem。
　　Heelbowedhiswaycautiouslytothefrontrank。Soonhefoundhimselfbesideasentinelwho，withagood-humouredjest，madewayforhimthathemightwatchthearistos。Armandleanedagainstthegrating，andhiseverysensewasconcentratedinthatofsight。
　　Atfirsthecouldscarcelydistinguishonewomanfromanotheramongstthecrowdthatthrongedthecourtyard，andthecloseironworkhinderedhisviewconsiderably。Thewomenlookedalmostlikephantomsinthegreymistyair，glidingslowlyalongwithnoiselesstreadontheflag-stones。
　　Presently，however，hiseyes，whichmayhapweresomewhatdimwithtears，becamemoreaccustomedtothehazygreylightandthemovingfiguresthatlookedsolikeshadows。Hecoulddistinguishisolatedgroupsnow，womenandgirlssittingtogetherunderthecolonnadedarcades，somereading，othersbusy，withtremblingfingers，patchinganddarningapoor，torngown。Thentherewereotherswhowereactuallychattingandlaughingtogether，and——oh，thepityofit！thepityandtheshame！——afewchildren，shriekingwithdelight，wereplayinghideandseekinandoutamongstthecolumns。
　　And，betweenthemall，inandoutlikethechildrenatplay，unseen，yetfamiliartoall，thespectreofDeath，scytheandhour-glassinhand，wandered，majesticandsure。
　　Armand'sverysoulwasinhiseyes。Sofarhehadnotyetcaughtsightofhisbeloved，andslowly——veryslowly——arayofhopewasfilteringthroughthedarknessofhisdespair。
　　Thesentinel，whohadstoodasideforhim，chaffedhimforhisintentness。
　　“Haveyouasweetheartamongthesearistos，citizen？”heasked。
　　“Youseemtobedevouringthemwithyoureyes。“
　　Armand，withhisroughclothessoiledwithcoal-dust，hisfacegrimyandstreakedwithsweat，certainlylookedtohavebutlittleincommonwiththeci-devantaristoswhoformedthehulkofthegroupsinthecourtyard。Helookedup；thesoldierwasregardinghimwithobviousamusement，andatsightofArmand'swild，anxiouseyeshegaveventtoacoarsejest。
　　“HaveImadeashrewdguess，citizen？”hesaid。“Issheamongthatlot？”
　　“Idonotknowwheresheis，“saidArmandalmostinvoluntarily。
　　“Thenwhydon'tyoufindout？”queriedthesoldier。
　　Themanwasnotspeakingaltogetherunkindly。Armand，devouredwiththemaddeningdesiretoknow，threwthelastfragmentofprudencetothewind。Heassumedamorecarelessair，tryingtolookaslikeacountrybumpkininloveashecould。
　　“Iwouldliketofindout，“hesaid，“butIdon'tknowwheretoinquire。Mysweethearthascertainlyleftherhome，“headdedlightly；“somesaythatshehasbeenfalsetome，butIthinkthat，mayhap，shehasbeenarrested。“
　　“Well，then，yougaby，“saidthesoldiergood-humouredly，“gostraighttoLaTournelle；youknowwhereitis？
　　Armandknewwellenough，butthoughtitmoreprudenttokeepuptheairoftheignorantlout。
　　“Straightdownthatfirstcorridoronyourright，“explainedtheother，pointinginthedirectionwhichhehadindicated，“youwillfindtheguichetofLaTournelleexactlyoppositetoyou。Asktheconciergefortheregisteroffemaleprisoners——everyfreeborncitizenoftheRepublichastherighttoinspectprisonregisters。
　　Itisanewdecreeframedforsafeguardingthelibertyofthepeople。Butifyoudonotpresshalfalivreinthehandoftheconcierge，“headded，speakingconfidentially，“youwillfindthattheregisterwillnotbequitereadyforyourinspection。“
　　“Halfalivre！”exclaimedArmand，strivingtoplayhisparttotheend。“Howcanapoordevilofalabourerhavehalfalivretogiveaway？”
　　“Well！afewsouswilldointhatcase；afewsousarealwayswelcomethesehardtimes。“
　　Armandtookthehint，andasthecrowdhaddriftedawaymomentarilytoafurtherportionofthecorridor，hecontrivedtopressafewcoppercoinsintothehandoftheobligingsoldier。
　　Ofcourse，heknewhiswaytoLaTournelle，andhewouldhavecoveredthedistancethatseparatedhimfromtheguichettherewithstepsflyinglikethewind，but，commendinghimselfforhisownprudence，hewalkedasslowlyashecouldalongtheinterminablecorridor，pasttheseveralminorcourtsofjustice，andskirtingthecourtyardwherethemaleprisonerstooktheirexercise。
　　Atlast，havingstrucksharplytohisleftandascendedashortflightofstairs，hefoundhimselfinfrontoftheguichet——anarrowwoodenbox，whereintheclerkinchargeoftheprisonregisterssatnominallyatthedisposalofthecitizensofthisfreerepublic。
　　ButtoArmand'salmostoverwhelmingchagrinhefoundtheplaceentirelydeserted。Theguichetwascloseddown；therewasnotasoulinsight。Thedisappointmentwasdoublykeen，comingasitdidinthewakeofhopethathadrefusedtobegainsaid。Armandhimselfdidnotrealisehowsanguinehehadbeenuntilhediscoveredthathemustwaitandwaitagain——waitforhours，alldaymayhap，beforehecouldgetdefinitenewsofJeanne。
　　Hewanderedaimlesslyinthevicinityofthatsilent，deserted，cruelspot，whereaclosedtrapdoorseemedtoshutoffallhishopesofaspeedysightofJeanne。Heinquiredofthefirstsentinelswhomhecameacrossatwhathourtheclerkoftheregisterswouldbebackathispost；thesoldiersshruggedtheirshouldersandcouldgivenoinformation。ThenbeganArmand'saimlesswanderingsroundLaTournelle，hisfruitlessinquiries，hiswild，excitedsearchforthehide-boundofficialwhowaskeepingfromhimtheknowledgeofJeanne。
　　Hewentbacktohissentinelwell-wisherbythewomen'scourtyard，butfoundneitherconsolationnorencouragementthere。
　　“Itisnotthehour——quoi？”thesoldierremarkedwithlaconicphilosophy。
　　Itapparentlywasnotthehourwhentheprisonregisterswereplacedatthedisposalofthepublic。Aftermuchfruitlessinquiry，Armandatlastwasinformedbyabonbourgeois，whowaswanderingaboutthehouseofJusticeandwhoseemedtoknowitsmultifariousrules，thattheprisonregistersalloverPariscouldonlybeconsultedbythepublicbetweenthehoursofsixandsevenintheevening。
　　Therewasnothingforitbuttowait。Armand，whosetempleswerethrobbing，whowasfootsore，hungry，andwretched，couldgainnothingbycontinuinghisaimlesswanderingsthroughthelabyrinthinebuilding。Forcloseuponanotherhourhestoodwithhisfacegluedagainsttheironworkwhichseparatedhimfromthefemaleprisoners'courtyard。OnceitseemedtohimasiffromitsfurtherendhecaughtthesoundofthatexquisitelymelodiousvoicewhichhadrungforeverinhisearsincethatmemorableeveningwhenJeanne'sdaintyfootstepshadfirstcrossedthepathofhisdestiny。Hestrainedhiseyestolookinthedirectionwhencethevoicehadcome，butthecentreofthecourtyardwasplantedwithasmallgardenofshrubs，andArmandcouldnotseeacrossit。Atlast，drivenforthlikeawanderingandlostsoul，heturnedbackandoutintothestreets。Theairwasmildanddamp。Thesharpthawhadpersistedthroughtheday，andathin，mistyrainwasfallingandconvertingtheill-pavedroadsintoseasofmud。
　　ButofthisArmandwaswhollyunconscious。Hewalkedalongthequayholdinghiscapinhishand，sothatthemildsouthwindshouldcoolhisburningforehead。
　　Howhecontrivedtokillthoselong，wearyhourshecouldnotafterwardshavesaid。Oncehefeltveryhungry，andturnedalmostmechanicallyintoaneating-house，andtriedtoeatanddrink。
　　Butmostofthedayhewanderedthroughthestreets，restlessly，unceasingly，feelingneitherchillnorfatigue。Thehourbeforesixo'clockfoundhimontheQuaidel'HorlogeintheshadowofthegreattowersoftheHallofJustice，listeningfortheclangoftheclockthatwouldsoundthehourofhisdeliverancefromthisagonisingtortureofsuspense。
　　HefoundhiswaytoLaTournellewithoutanyhesitation。Therebeforehimwasthewoodenbox，withitsguichetopenatlast，andtwostandsuponitsledge，onwhichwereplacedtwohugeleather-boundbooks。
　　ThoughArmandwasnearlyanhourbeforetheappointedtime，hesawwhenhearrivedanumberofpeoplestandingroundtheguichet。
　　Twosoldiersweretherekeepingguardandforcingthepatient，long-sufferinginquirerstostandinaqueue，eachwaitinghisorherturnatthebooks。
　　Itwasacuriouscrowdthatstoodthere，insinglefile，asifwaitingatthedoorofthecheaperpartofatheatre；meninsubstantialclothclothes，andothersinraggedblouseandbreeches；therewereafewwomen，too，withblackshawlsontheirshouldersandkerchiefsroundtheirwan，tear-stainedfaces。
　　Theywereallsilentandabsorbed，submissiveundertheroughhandlingofthesoldiery，humbleanddeferentialwhenanontheclerkoftheregistersenteredhisbox，andpreparedtoplacethosefatefulbooksatthedisposalofthosewhohadlostalovedone——father，brother，mother，orwife——andhadcometosearchthroughthosecruelpages。
　　Frominsidehisboxtheclerkdisputedeveryinquirer'srighttoconsultthebooks；hemadeasmanydifficultiesashecould，demandingtheproductionofcertificatesofsafety，orpermitsfromthesection。Hewasasinsolentashedared，andArmandfromwherehestoodcouldseethatacontinuousifsomewhatthinstreamofcoppersflowedfromthehandsoftheinquirersintothoseoftheofficial。
　　Itwasquitedarkinthepassagewherethelongqueuecontinuedtoswellwithamazingrapidity。Onlyontheledgeinfrontoftheguichettherewasagutteringtallowcandleatthedisposaloftheinquirers。
　　NowitwasArmand'sturnatlast。Bythistimehisheartwasbeatingsostronglyandsorapidlythathecouldnothavetrustedhimselftospeak。Hefumbledinhispocket，andwithoutunnecessarypreliminariesheproducedasmallpieceofsilver，andpushedittowardstheclerk，thenheseizedontheregistermarked“Femmes“
　　withvoraciousavidity。
　　Theclerkhadwithstolidindifferencepocketedthehalf-livre；helookedonArmandoverapairoflargebone-rimmedspectacles，withtheairofanoldhawkthatseesahelplessbirdandyetistoosatiatedtoeat。HewasapparentlyvastlyamusedatArmand'stremblinghands，andtheclumsy，aimlesswaywithwhichhefingeredthebookandheldupthetallowcandle。
　　“Whatdate？”heaskedcurtlyinapipingvoice。
　　“Whatdate？”reiteratedArmandvaguely。
　　“Whatdayandhourwasshearrested？”saidtheman，thrustinghisbeak-likenoseclosertoArmand'sface。Evidentlythepieceofsilverhaddoneitsworkwell；hemeanttobehelpfultothiscountrylout。
　　“OnFridayevening，“murmuredtheyoungman。
　　Theclerk'shandsdidnotincharactergainsaytherestofhisappearance；theywerelongandthin，withnailsthatresembledthetalonsofahawk。Armandwatchedthemfascinatedasfromabovetheyturnedoverrapidlythepagesofthebook；thenonelong，grimyfingerpointedtoarowofnamesdownacolumn。
　　“Ifsheishere，“saidthemancurtly，“hernameshouldbeamongstthese。“
　　Armand'svisionwasblurred。Hecouldscarcelysee。Therowofnameswasdancingawilddanceinfrontofhiseyes；perspirationstoodoutonhisforehead，andhisbreathcameinquick，stertorousgasps。
　　HeneverknewafterwardswhetherheactuallysawJeanne'snamethereinthebook，orwhetherhisfeveredbrainwasplayinghisachingsensesacruelandmockingtrick。Certainitisthatsuddenlyamongstarowofindifferentnamesherssuddenlystoodclearlyonthepage，andtohimitseemedasiftheletterswerewritoutinblood。
　　582。Belhomme，Louise，agedsixty。Discharged。
　　Andjustbelow，theotherentry：
　　583。Lange，Jeanne，agedtwenty，actress。SquareduRouleNo。5。Suspectedofharbouringtraitorsandci-devants。
　　Transferred29thNivosetotheTemple，cell29。
　　Hesawnothingmore，forsuddenlyitseemedtohimasifsomeoneheldavividscarletveilinfrontofhiseyes，whilstahundredclaw-likehandsweretearingathisheartandathisthroat。
　　“Clearoutnow！itismyturn——what？Areyougoingtostandthereallnight？”
　　Aroughvoiceseemedtobespeakingthesewords；roughhandsapparentlywerepushinghimoutoftheway，andsomeonesnatchedthecandleoutofhishand；butnothingwasreal。Hestumbledoveracornerofalooseflagstone，andwouldhavefallen，butsomethingseemedtocatchboldofhimandtoleadhimawayforalittledistance，untilabreathofcoldairblewuponhisface。
　　Thisbroughthimbacktohissenses。
　　JeannewasaprisonerintheTemple；thenhisplacewasintheprisonoftheTemple，too。Itcouldnotbeverydifficulttorunone'sheadintothenoosethatcaughtsomanynecksthesedays。A
　　fewcriesof“Viveleroi！”or“Abaslarepublique！”andmorethanoneprisondoorwouldgapeinvitinglytoreceiveanotherguest。
　　ThehotbloodhadrushedintoArmand'shead。Hedidnotseeclearlybeforehim，nordidheheardistinctly。Therewasabuzzinginhisearsasofmyriadsofmockingbirds'wings，andtherewasaveilinfrontofhiseyes——aveilthroughwhichhesawfacesandformsflittingghost-likeinthegloom，menandwomenjostlingorbeingjostled，soldiers，sentinels；thenlong，interminablecorridors，morecrowdandmoresoldiers，windingstairs，courtyardsandgates；finallytheopenstreet，thequay，andtheriverbeyond。
　　Anincessanthammeringwentoninhistemples，andthatveilneverliftedfrombeforehiseyes。Nowitwasluridandred，asifstainedwithblood；anonitwaswhitelikeashroudbutitwasalwaysthere。
　　ThroughithesawthePont-au-Change，whichhecrossed，thenfardownontheQuaidel'EcoletotheleftthecornerhousebehindSt。Germainl'Auxerrois，whereBlakeneylodged——Blakeney，whoforthesakeofastrangerhadforgottenallabouthiscomradeandJeanne。
　　ThroughithesawthenetworkofstreetswhichseparatedhimfromtheneighbourhoodoftheTemple，thegardensofruinedhabitations，theclosely-shutteredandbarredwindowsofducalhouses，thenthemeanstreets，thecrowdeddrinkingbars，thetumble-downshopswiththeirdilapidatedawnings。
　　Hesawwitheyesthatdidnotsee，heardthetumultofdailyliferoundhimwithearsthatdidnothear。JeannewasintheTempleprison，andwhenitsgrimgatesclosedfinallyforthenight，he——Armand，herchevalier，herlover，herdefender——wouldbewithinitswallsasneartocellNo。29asbribery，entreaty，promiseswouldhelphimtoattain。
　　Ah！thereatlastloomedthegreatbuilding，thepointedbastionscutthroughthesurroundinggloomaswithasableknife。
　　Armandreachedthegate；thesentinelschallengedhim；hereplied：
　　“Viveleroi！”shoutingwildlylikeonewhoisdrunk。
　　Hewashatless，andhisclothesweresaturatedwithmoisture。Hetriedtopass，butcrossedbayonetsbarredtheway。Stillheshouted：
　　“Viveleroi！”and“Abaslarepublique！”
　　“Allons！thefellowisdrunk！”saidoneofthesoldiers。
　　Armandfoughtlikeamadman；hewantedtoreachthatgate。Heshouted，helaughed，andhecried，untiloneofthesoldiersinafitofragestruckhimheavilyonthehead。
　　Armandfellbackwards，stunnedbytheblow；hisfootslippedonthewetpavement。Washeindeeddrunk，orwashedreaming？Heputhishanduptohisforehead；itwaswet，butwhetherwiththerainorwithbloodhedidnotknow；butforthespaceofonesecondhetriedtocollecthisscatteredwits。
　　“CitizenSt。Just！”saidaquietvoiceathiselbow。
　　Then，ashelookedrounddazed，feelingafirm，pleasantgriponhisarm，thesamequietvoicecontinuedcalmly：
　　“Perhapsyoudonotrememberme，citizenSt。Just。IhadnotthehonourofthesameclosefriendshipwithyouasIhadwithyourcharmingsister。MynameisChauvelin。CanIbeofanyservicetoyou？”
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　CHAUVELIN
　　Chauvelin！Thepresenceofthismanhereatthismomentmadetheeventsofthepastfewdaysseemmoreabsolutelylikeadream。
　　Chauvelin！——themostdeadlyenemyhe，Armand，andhissisterMargueritehadintheworld。Chauvelin！——theevilgeniusthatpresidedovertheSecretServiceoftheRepublic。Chauvelin——thearistocratturnedrevolutionary，thediplomatturnedspy，thebaffledenemyoftheScarletPimpernel。
　　Hestoodtherevaguelyoutlinedinthegloombythefeebleraysofanoillampfixedintothewalljustabove。Themoistureonhissableclothesglistenedintheflickeringlightlikeathinveilofcrystal；itclungtotherimofhishat，tothefoldsofhiscloak；therufflesathisthroatandwristhunglimpandsoiled。
　　HehadreleasedArmand'sarm，andheldhishandsnowunderneathhiscloak；hispale，deep-seteyesrestedgravelyontheyoungerman'sface。
　　“Ihadanidea，somehow，“continuedChauvelincalmly，“thatyouandIwouldmeetduringyoursojourninParis。IheardfrommyfriendHeronthatyouhadbeeninthecity；he，unfortunately，lostyourtrackalmostassoonashehadfoundit，andI，too，hadbeguntofearthatourmutualandeverenigmaticalfriend，theScarletPimpernel，hadspiritedyouaway，whichwouldhavebeenagreatdisappointmenttome。“
　　NowheoncemoretookholdofArmandbytheelbow，butquitegently，morelikeacomradewhoisgladtohavemetanother，andispreparingtoenjoyapleasantconversationforawhile。Heledthewaybacktothegate，thesentinelsalutingatsightofthetricolourscarfwhichwasvisibleunderneathhiscloak。UnderthestonerampartChauvelinpaused。
　　Itwasquietandprivatehere。Thegroupofsoldiersstoodatthefurtherendofthearchway，buttheywereoutofhearing，andtheirformswereonlyvaguelydiscernibleinthesurroundingdarkness。
　　Armandhadfollowedhisenemymechanicallylikeonebewitchedandirresponsibleforhisactions。WhenChauvelinpausedhetoostoodstill，notbecauseofthegriponhisarm，butbecauseofthatcuriousnumbingofhiswill。
　　Vague，confusedthoughtswerefloatingthroughhisbrain，themostdominantoneamongthembeingthatFatehadeffectuallyordainedeverythingforthebest。HerewasChauvelin，amanwhohatedhim，who，ofcourse，wouldwishtoseehimdead。Well，surelyitmustbeaneasiermatternowtobarterhisownlifeforthatofJeanne；
　　shehadonlybeenarrestedonsuspicionofharbouringhim，whowasaknowntraitortotheRepublic；then，withhiscaptureandspeedydeath，hersupposedguiltwould，hehoped，beforgiven。Thesepeoplecouldhavenoill-willagainsther，andactorsandactresseswerealwayslenientlydealtwithwhenpossible。Thensurely，surely，hecouldserveJeannebestbyhisownarrestandcondemnation，thanbyworkingtorescueherfromprison。
　　InthemeanwhileChauvelinshookthedampfromoffhiscloak，talkingallthetimeinhisownpeculiar，gentlyironicalmanner。
　　“LadyBlakeney？”hewassaying——“Ihopethatsheiswell！”
　　“Ithankyou，sir，“murmuredArmandmechanically。
　　“Andmydearfriend，SirPercyBlakeney？IhadhopedtomeethiminParis。Ah！butnodoubthehasbeenbusyverybusy；butIliveinhopes——Iliveinhopes。SeehowkindlyChancehastreatedme，“
　　hecontinuedinthesameblandandmockingtones。“Iwastakingastrollintheseparts，scarcehopingtomeetafriend，when，passingthepostern-gateofthischarminghostelry，whomshouldI
　　seebutmyamiablefriendSt。Juststrivingtogainadmission。
　　But，la！hereamItalkingofmyself，andIamnotre-assuredastoyourstateofhealth。Youfeltfaintjustnow，didyounot？
　　Theairaboutthisbuildingisverydankandclose。Ihopeyoufeelbetternow。Commandme，pray，ifIcanbeofservicetoyouinanyway。“
　　WhilstChauvelintalkedhehaddrawnArmandafterhimintothelodgeoftheconcierge。Theyoungmannowmadeagreatefforttopullhimselfvigorouslytogetherandtosteadyhisnerves。
　　Hehadhiswish。HewasinsidetheTempleprisonnow，notfarfromJeanne，andthoughhisenemywasolderandlessvigorousthanhimself，andthedooroftheconcierge'slodgestoodwideopen，heknewthathewasin-deedaseffectuallyaprisoneralreadyasifthedoorofoneofthenumerouscellsinthisgiganticbuildinghadbeenboltedandbarreduponhim。
　　Thisknowledgehelpedhimtorecoverhiscompletepresenceofmind。Nothoughtoffightingortryingtoescapehisfateenteredhisheadforamoment。Ithadbeenuselessprobably，andundoubtedlyitwasbetterso。IfheonlycouldseeJeanne，andassurehimselfthatshewouldbesafeinconsequenceofhisownarrest，then，indeed，lifecouldholdnogreaterhappinessforhim。
　　Aboveallnowhewantedtobecoolandcalculating，tocurbtheexcitementwhichtheLatinbloodinhimcalledforthateverymentionofthelovedone'sname。HetriedtothinkofPercy，ofhiscalmness，hiseasybanterwithanenemy；heresolvedtoactasPercywouldactunderthesecircumstances。
　　Firstly，hesteadiedhisvoice，anddrewhiswell-knit，slimfigureupright。HecalledtomindallhisfriendsinEngland，withtheirrigidmanners，theirimpassivenessinthefaceoftryingsituations。TherewasLordTony，forinstance，alwaysreadywithsomeboyishjoke，withboyishimpertinencealwayshoveringonhistongue。ArmandtriedtoemulateLordTony'smanner，andtoborrowsomethingofPercy'scalmimpudence。
　　“CitizenChauvelin，“hesaid，assoonashefeltquitesureofthesteadinessofhisvoiceandthecalmnessofhismanner，“Iwonderifyouarequitecertainthatthatlightgripwhichyouhaveonmyarmissufficienttokeepmeherewalkingquietlybyyoursideinsteadofknockingyoudown，asIcertainlyfeelinclinedtodo，forIamayounger，morevigorousmanthanyou。“
　　“H'm！”saidChauvelin，whomadepretencetoponderoverthisdifficultproblem；“likeyou，citizenSt。Just，Iwonder——“
　　“Itcouldeasilybedone，youknow。“
　　“Fairlyeasily，“rejoinedtheother；“butthereistheguard；itisnumerousandstronginthisbuilding，and——“
　　“Thegloomwouldhelpme；itisdarkinthecorridors，andadesperatemantakesrisks，remember——“
　　“Quiteso！Andyou，citizenSt。Just，areadesperatemanjustnow。“
　　“MysisterMargueriteisnothere，citizenChauvelin。Youcannotbartermylifeforthatofyourenemy。“
　　“No！no！no！”rejoinedChauvelinblandly；“notforthatofmyenemy，Iknow，but——“
　　Armandcaughtathiswordslikeadrowningmanatareed。
　　“Forhers！”heexclaimed。
　　“Forhers？”queriedtheotherwithobviouspuzzlement。
　　“MademoiselleLange，“continuedArmandwithalltheegoisticardouroftheloverwhobelievesthattheattentionoftheentireworldisconcentrateduponhisbeloved。
　　“MademoiselleLange！YouwillsetherfreenowthatIaminyourpower。“
　　Chauvelinsmiled，hisusualsuave，enigmaticalsmile。
　　“Ah，yes！”hesaid。“MademoiselleLange。Ihadforgotten。“
　　“Forgotten，man？——forgottenthatthosemurderousdogshavearrestedher？——thebest，thepurest，thisvile，degradedcountryhaseverproduced。Sheshelteredmeonedayjustforanhour。I
　　amatraitortotheRepublic——Iownit。I'llmakefullconfession；
　　butsheknewnothingofthis。Ideceivedher；sheisquiteinnocent，youunderstand？I'llmakefullconfession，butyoumustsetherfree。“
　　Hehadgraduallyworkedhimselfupagaintoastateoffeverishexcitement。ThroughthedarknesswhichhungaboutinthissmallroomhetriedtopeerinChauvelin'simpassiveface。
　　“Easy，easy，myyoungfriend，“saidtheotherplacidly；“youseemtoimaginethatIhavesomethingtodowiththearrestoftheladyinwhomyoutakesodeepaninterest。YouforgetthatnowIambutadiscreditedservantoftheRepublicwhomIfailedtoserveinherneed。Mylifeisonlygrantedmeoutofpityformyefforts，whichweregenuineifnotsuccessful。Ihavenopowertosetanyonefree。“
　　“Nortoarrestmenow，inthatcase！”retortedArmand。
　　Chauvelinpausedamomentbeforeherepliedwithadeprecatingsmile：
　　“Onlytodenounceyou，perhaps。IamstillanagentoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurity。“
　　“Thenallisforthebest！”exclaimedSt。Justeagerly。“YoushalldenouncemetotheCommittee。Theywillbegladofmyarrest，I
　　assureyou。Ihavebeenamarkedmanforsometime。IhadintendedtoevadearrestandtoworkfortherescueofMademoiselleLange；butIwillgivetipallthoughtofthat——I
　　willdelivermyselfintoyourhandsabsolutely；nay，more，IwillgiveyoumymostsolemnwordofhonourthatnotonlywillImakenoattemptatescape，butthatIwillnotallowanyonetohelpmetodoso。Iwillbeapassiveandwillingprisonerifyou，ontheotherhand，willeffectMademoiselleLange'srelease。“
　　“H'm！”musedChauvelinagain，“itsoundsfeasible。“
　　“Itdoes！itdoes！”rejoinedArmand，whoseexcitementwasatfever-pitch。“Myarrest，mycondemnation，mydeath，willbeofvastdealmoreimportancetoyouthanthatofayoungandinnocentgirlagainstwhomunlikelychargeswouldhavetobetrickedup，andwhoseacquittalmayhappublicfeelingmightdemand。Asforme，Ishallbeaneasyprey；myknowncounter-revolutionaryprinciples，mysister'smarriagewithaforeigner——“
　　“YourconnectionwiththeScarletPimpernel，“suggestedChauvelinblandly。
　　“Quiteso。Ishouldnotdefendmyself——“
　　“Andyourenigmaticalfriendwouldnotattemptyourrescue。C'estentendu，“saidChauvelinwithhiswontedblandness。“Then，mydear，enthusiasticyoungfriend，shallweadjourntotheofficeofmycolleague，citizenHeron，whoischiefagentoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurity，andwillreceiveyour——didyousayconfession？——andnotetheconditionsunderwhichyouplaceyourselfabsolutelyinthehandsofthePublicProsecutorandsubsequentlyoftheexecutioner。Isthatit？”
　　Armandwastoofullofschemes，toofullofthoughtsofJeannetonotethetoneofquietironywithwhichChauvelinhadbeenspeakingallalong。Withtheunreasoningegoismofyouthhewasquiteconvincedthathisownarrest，hisownaffairswereasimportanttothisentirenationinrevolutionastheyweretohimself。Atmomentsliketheseitisdifficulttoenvisageadesperatesituationclearly，andtoayoungmaninlovethefateofthebelovedneverseemsdesperatewhilsthehimselfisaliveandreadyforeverysacrificeforhersake。“Mylifeforhers“isthesublimeifoftenfoolishbattle-crythathassooftenresultedinwhole-saledestruction。Armandatthismoment，whenhefondlybelievedthathewasmakingabargainwiththemostastute，mostunscrupulousspythisrevolutionaryGovernmenthadinitspay——Armandjustthenhadabsolutelyforgottenhischief，hisfriends，theleagueofmercyandhelptowhichhebelonged。
　　Enthusiasmandthespiritofself-sacrificewerecarryinghimaway。Hewatchedhisenemywithglowingeyesasonewholooksonthearbiterofhisfate。
　　Chauvelin，withoutanotherword，beckonedtohimtofollow。Heledthewayoutofthelodge，then，turningsharplytohisleft，hereachedthewidequadranglewiththecoveredpassagerunningrightroundit，thesamewhichdeBatzhadtraversedtwoeveningsagowhenhewenttovisitHeron。
　　Armand，withalightheartandspringystep，followedhimasifheweregoingtoafeastwherehewouldmeetJeanne，wherehewouldkneelatherfeet，kissherhands，andleadhertriumphantlytofreedomandtohappiness。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　THEREMOVAL
　　ChauvelinnolongermadeanypretencetoholdArmandbythearm。
　　Bytemperamentaswellasbyprofessionaspy，therewasonesubjectatleastwhichhehadmasteredthoroughly：thatwasthestudyofhumannature。Thoughoccasionallyanexceptionallycomplexmentalorganisationbaffledhim——asinthecaseofSirPercyBlakeney——hepridedhimself，andjustly，too，onreadingnatureslikethatofArmandSt。Justashewouldanopenbook。
　　TheexcitabledispositionoftheLatinracesheknewoutandout；
　　heknewexactlyhowfarasentimentalsituationwouldleadayoungFrenchmanlikeArmand，whowasbydispositionchivalrous，andbytemperamentessentiallypassionate。Aboveallthings，heknewwhenandhowfarhecouldtrustamantodoeitherasublimeactionoranessentiallyfoolishone。
　　Thereforehewalkedalongcontentedlynow，notevenlookingbacktoseewhetherSt。Justwasfollowinghim。Heknewthathedid。
　　Histhoughtsonlydweltontheyoungenthusiast——inhismindhecalledhimtheyoungfool——inordertoweighinthebalancethemightypossibilitiesthatwouldaccruefromthepresentsequenceofevents。Thefixedideaeverworkingintheman'sschemingbrainhadalreadytransformedavaguebeliefintoacertainty。
　　ThattheScarletPimpernelwasinParisatthepresentmomentChauvelinhadnowbecomeconvinced。HowfarhecouldturnthecaptureofArmandSt。Justtothetriumphofhisownendsremainedtobeseen。
　　Butthishedidknow：theScarletPimpernel——themanwhomhehadlearnedtoknow，todread，andeveninagrudgingmannertoadmire——wasnotliketoleaveoneofhisfollowersinthelurch。
　　Marguerite'sbrotherintheTemplewouldbethesurestdecoyfortheelusivemeddlerwhostill，andinspiteofallcareandprecaution，continuedtobafflethearmyofspiessetuponhistrack。
　　ChauvelincouldhearArmand'slight，elasticfootstepsresoundingbehindhimontheflagstones。Aworldofintoxicatingpossibilitiessurgedupbeforehim。Ambition，whichtwosuccessivedirefailureshadatrophiedinhisbreast，oncemoreroseupbuoyantandhopeful。OncehehadsworntolaytheScarletPimpernelbytheheels，andthatoathwasnotyetwhollyforgotten；ithadlaindormantafterthecatastropheofBoulogne，butwiththesightofArmandSt。Justithadre-awakenedandconfrontedhimagainwiththestrengthofalikelyfulfilment。
　　Thecourtyardlookedgloomyanddeserted。Thethindrizzlewhichstillfellfromapersistentlyleadenskyeffectuallyheldeveryoutlineofmasonry，ofcolumn，orofgatehiddenasbeneathashroud。Thecorridorwhichskirteditallroundwasill-lightedsavebyanoccasionaloil-lampfixedinthewall。
　　ButChauvelinknewhiswaywell。Heron'slodgingsgaveonthesecondcourtyard，theSquareduNazaret，andthewaythitherledpastthemainsquaretower，inthetopfloorofwhichtheuncrownedKingofFranceekedouthismiserableexistenceastheplaythingofaroughcobblerandhiswife。
　　JustbeneathitsfrowningbastionsChauvelinturnedbacktowardsArmand。Hepointedwithacarelesshandup-wardstothecentraltower。
　　“WehavegotlittleCapetinthere，“hesaiddryly。“YourchivalrousScarletPimpernelhasnotventuredintheseprecinctsyet，yousee。“
　　Armandwassilent。Hehadnodifficultyinlookingunconcerned；
　　histhoughtsweresofullofJeannethathecaredbutlittleatthismomentforanyBourbonkingorforthedestiniesofFrance。
　　Nowthetwomenreachedtheposterngate。Acoupleofsentinelswerestandingby，butthegateitselfwasopen，andfromwithintherecamethesoundofbustleandofnoise，ofagooddealofswearing，andalsoofloudlaughter。
　　Theguard-roomgaveontheleftofthegate，andthelaughtercamefromthere。Itwasbrilliantlylighted，andArmand，peeringin，inthewakeofChauvelin，couldseegroupsofsoldierssittingandstandingabout。Therewasatableinthecentreoftheroom，andonitanumberofjugsandpewtermugs，packetsofcards，andoverturnedboxesofdice。
　　Butthebustledidnotcomefromtheguard-room；itcamefromthelandingandthestonestairsbeyond。
　　Chauvelin，apparentlycurious，hadpassedthroughthegate，andArmandfollowedhim。Thelightfromtheopendooroftheguard-roomcutsharplyacrossthelanding，makingthegloombeyondappearmoredenseandalmostsolid。Fromoutthedarkness，fitfullyintersectedbyalanthornapparentlycarriedtoandfro，movingfiguresloomedoutghost-likeandweirdlygigantic。SoonArmanddistinguishedanumberoflargeobjectsthatencumberedthelanding，andasheandChauvelinleftthesharplightoftheguard-room'behindthem，hecouldseethatthelargeobjectswerepiecesoffurnitureofeveryshapeandsize；awoodenbedstead——dismantled——leanedagainstthewall，ablackhorsehairsofablockedthewaytothetowerstairs，andtherewerenumberlesschairsandseveraltablespiledoneonthetopoftheother。
　　Inthemidstofthislitterastout，flabby-cheekedmanstood，apparentlygivingdirectionsastoitsremovaltopersonsatpresentunseen。
　　“Hola，PapaSimon！”exclaimedChauvelinjovially；“movingoutto-day？What？”
　　“Yes，thanktheLord！——iftherebeaLord！”retortedtheothercurtly。“Isthatyou，citizenChauvelin？”
　　“Inperson，citizen。Ididnotknowyouwereleavingquitesosoon。IscitizenHeronanywhereabout？”
　　“Justleft，“repliedSimon。“HehadalastlookatCapetjustbeforemywifelockedthebratupintheinnerroom。Nowhe'sgonebacktohislodgings。“
　　Amancarryingachest，emptyofitsdrawers，onhisbacknowcamestumblingdownthetowerstaircase。MadameSimonfollowedcloseonhisheels，steadyingthechestwithonehand。
　　“Wehadbetterbegintoloadupthecart，“shecalledtoherhusbandinahigh-pitchedquerulousvoice；“thecorridorisgettingtoomuchencumbered。“
　　ShelookedsuspiciouslyatChauvelinandatArmand，andwhensheencounteredtheformer'sbland，unconcernedgazeshesuddenlyshiveredanddrewherblackshawlcloserroundhershoulders。
　　“Bah！”shesaid，“IshallbegladtogetoutofthisGod-forsakenhole。Ihatetheverysightofthesewalls。“
　　“Indeed，thecitizenessdoesnotlookoverrobustinhealth，“saidChauvelinwithstudiedpoliteness。“Thestayinthetowerdidnot，mayhap，bringforthallthefruitsofprosperitywhichshehadanticipated。“
　　Thewomaneyedhimwithdarksuspicionlurkinginherholloweyes。
　　“Idon'tknowwhatyoumean，citizen，“shesaidwithashrugofherwideshoulders。
　　“Oh！Imeantnothing，“rejoinedChauvelin，smiling。“Iamsointerestedinyourremoval；busymanasIam，ithasamusedmetowatchyou。Whomhaveyougottohelpyouwiththefurniture？”
　　“Dupont，theman-of-all-work，fromtheconcierge，“saidSimoncurtly。“CitizenHeronwouldnotallowanyonetocomeinfromtheoutside。“
　　“Rightlytoo。Havethenewcommissariescomeyet？
　　“OnlycitizenCochefer。Heiswaitingupstairsfortheothers。“
　　“AndCapet？”
　　“Heisallsafe。CitizenHeroncametoseehim，andthenhetoldmetolockthelittleverminupintheinnerroom。CitizenCocheferhadjustarrivedbythattime，andhehasremainedincharge。“
　　Duringallthiswhilethemanwiththechestonhisbackwaswaitingfororders。Bentnearlydouble，hewasgrumblingaudiblyathisuncomfortableposition。
　　“Doesthecitizenwanttobreakmyback？”hemuttered。
　　“Wehadbestgetalong——quoi？”
　　Heaskedifheshouldbegintocarrythefurnitureoutintothestreet。
　　“TwosoushaveIgottopayeverytenminutestotheladwhoholdsmynag，“hesaid，mutteringunderhisbreath；“weshallbeallnightatthisrate。“
　　“Begintoloadthen，“commandedSimongruffly。“Here！——beginwiththissofa。“
　　“You'llhavetogivemeahandwiththat，“saidtheman。“Waitabit；I'lljustseethateverythingisallrightinthecart。I'llbebackdirectly。“
　　“Takesomethingwithyouthenasyouaregoingdown，“saidMadameSimoninherquerulousvoice。
　　Themanpickedupabasketoflinenthatstoodintheanglebythedoor。Hehoisteditonhisbackandshuffledawaywithitacrossthelandingandoutthroughthegate。
　　“HowdidCapetlikepartingfromhispapaandmaman？”askedChauvelinwithalaugh。
　　“H'm！”growledSimonlaconically。“Hewillfindoutsoonenoughhowwelloffhewasunderourcare。“
　　“Havetheothercommissariescomeyet？”
　　“No。Buttheywillbeheredirectly。CitizenCocheferisupstairsmountingguardoverCapet。“
　　“Well，good-bye，PapaSimon，“concludedChauvelinjovially。
　　“Citizeness，yourservant！
　　Hebowedwithunconcealedironytothecobbler'swife，andnoddedtoSimon，whoexpressedbyavolleyofmotleyoathshisexactfeelingswithregardtoalltheagentsoftheCommitteeofGeneralSecurity。
　　“Sixmonthsofthispenalservitudehavewehad，“hesaidroughly，“andnothanksorpension。Iwouldassoonserveaci-devantaristoasyouraccursedCommittee。“
　　ThemanDuponthadreturned。Stolidly，afterthefashionofhiskind，hecommencedtheremovalofcitizenSimon'sgoods。Heseemedaclumsyenoughcreature，andSimonandhiswifehadtodomostoftheworkthemselves。
　　Chauvelinwatchedthemovingformsforawhile，thenheshruggedhisshoulderswithalaughofindifference，andturnedonhisheel。
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　ITISABOUTTHEDAUPHIN
　　Heronwasnotathislodgingswhen，atlast，aftervigorouspullsatthebell，agreatdealofwaitingandmuchcursing，Chauvelin，closelyfollowedbyArmand，wasintroducedinthechiefagent'soffice。
　　ThesoldierwhoactedasservantsaidthatcitizenHeronhadgoneouttosup，butwouldsurelybehomeagainbyeighto'clock。
　　Armandbythistimewassodazedwithfatiguethathesankonachairlikealog，andremainedtherestaringintothefire，unconsciousoftheflightoftime。
　　AnonHeroncamehome。HenoddedtoChauvelin，andthrewbutacursoryglanceonArmand。
　　“Fiveminutes，citizen，“hesaid，witharoughattemptatanapology。“Iamsorrytokeepyouwaiting，butthenewcommissarieshavearrivedwhoaretotakechargeofCapet。TheSimonshavejustgone，andIwanttoassuremyselfthateverythingisallrightintheTower。Cocheferhasbeenincharge，butI
　　liketocastaneyeoverthebrateverydaymyself。“
　　Hewentoutagain，slammingthedoorbehindhim。Hisheavyfootstepswereheardtreadingtheflagstonesofthecorridor，andgraduallydyingawayinthedistance。Armandhadpaidnoheedeithertohisentranceortohisexit。Hewasonlyconsciousofanintenseweariness，andwouldatthismomentgladlyhavelaidhisheadonthescaffoldifonithecouldfindrest。
　　Awhite-facedclockonthewalltickedoffthesecondsonebyone。
　　Fromthestreetbelowcamethemuffledsoundsofwheeledtrafficonthesoftmudoftheroad；itwasrainingmoreheavilynow，andfromtimetotimeagustofwindrattledthesmallwindowsintheirdilapidatedframes，orhurledashowerofheavydropsagainstthepanes。
　　TheheatfromthestovehadmadeArmanddrowsy；hisheadfellforwardonhischest。Chauvelin，withhishandsheldbehindhisback，pacedceaselesslyupanddownthenarrowroom。
　　SuddenlyArmandstarted——wideawakenow。Hurriedfootstepsontheflagstonesoutside，ahoarseshout，abangingofheavydoors，andthenextmomentHeronstoodoncemoreonthethresholdoftheroom。Armand，withwide-openedeyes，gazedonhiminwonder。Thewholeappearanceofthemanhadchanged。Helookedtenyearsolder，withlank，dishevelledhairhangingmattedoveramoistforehead，thecheeksashen-white，thefulllipsbloodlessandhanging，flabbyandparted，displayingbothrowsofyellowteeththatshookagainsteachother。Thewholefigurelookedbowed，asifshrunkwithinitself。
　　Chauvelinhadpausedinhisrestlesswalk，Hegazedonhiscolleague，afrownofpuzzlementonhispale，setface。
　　“Capet！”heexclaimed，assoonashehadtakenineverydetailofHeron'salteredappearance，andseenthelookofwildterrorthatliterallydistortedhisface。
　　Heroncouldnotspeak；histeethwerechatteringinhismouth，andhistongueseemedparalysed。Chauvelinwentuptohim。Hewasseveralinchesshorterthanhiscolleague，butatthismomentheseemedtobetoweringoverhimlikeanavengingspirit。Heplacedafirmhandontheother'sbowedshoulders。
　　“Capethasgone——isthatit？”hequeriedperemptorily。
　　ThelookofterrorincreasedinHeron'seyes，givingitsmutereply。
　　“How？When？”
　　Butforthemomentthemanwasspeechless。Analmostmaniacalfearseemedtoholdhiminitsgrip。WithanimpatientoathChauvelinturnedawayfromhim。
　　“Brandy！”hesaidcurtly，speakingtoArmand。
　　Abottleandglasswerefoundinthecupboard。ItwasSt。JustwhopouredoutthebrandyandheldittoHeron'slips。Chauvelinwasoncemorepacingupanddowntheroominangryimpatience。
　　“Pullyourselftogether，man，“hesaidroughlyafterawhile，“andtryandtellmewhathasoccurred。“
　　Heronhadsunkintoachair。Hepassedatremblinghandonceortwiceoverhisforehead。
　　“Capethasdisappeared，“hemurmured；“hemusthavebeenspiritedawaywhiletheSimonsweremovingtheirfurniture。ThataccursedCocheferwascompletelytakenin。“
　　Heronspokeinatonelessvoice，hardlyaboveawhisper，andlikeonewhosethroatisdryandmouthparched。Butthebrandyhadrevivedhimsomewhat，andhiseyeslosttheirformerglassylook。
　　“How？”askedChauvelincurtly。
　　“IwasjustleavingtheTowerwhenhearrived。Ispoketohimatthedoor。IhadseenCapetsafelyinstalledintheroom，andgaveorderstothewomanSimontoletcitizenCocheferhavealookathim，too，andthentolockupthebratintheinnerroomandinstallCocheferintheantechamberonguard。IstoodtalkingtoCocheferforafewmomentsintheantechamber。ThewomanSimonandtheman-of-all-work，Dupont——whomIknowwell——werebusywiththefurniture。Therecouldnothavebeenanyoneelseconcealedabouttheplace——thatI'llswear。Cochefer，afterhetookleaveofme，wentstraightintotheroom；hefoundthewomanSimonintheactofturningthekeyinthedooroftheinnerchamber。I
　　havelockedCapetinthere，'shesaid，givingthekeytoCochefer；
　　'hewillbequitesafeuntilto-night；whentheothercommissariescome。'
　　“Didn'tCochefergointotheroomandascertainwhetherthewomanwaslying？”
　　“Yes，hedid！Hemadethewomanre-openthedoorandpeepedinoverhershoulder。Shesaidthechildwasasleep。Hevowsthathesawthechildlyingfullydressedonaruginthefurthercorneroftheroom。Theroom，ofcourse，wasquiteemptyoffurnitureandonlylightedbyonecandle，buttherewastherugandthechildasleeponit。Cocheferswearshesawhim，andnow——whenIwentup——“
　　“Well？”
　　“Thecommissarieswereallthere——CocheferandLasniere，LorinetandLegrand。Wewentintotheinnerroom，andIhadacandleinmyhand。Wesawthechildlyingontherug，justasCocheferhadseenhim，andforawhilewetooknonoticeofit。Thensomeone——IthinkitwasLorinet——wenttohaveacloserlookatthebrat。Hetookupthecandleandwentuptotherug。Thenhegaveacry，andweallgatheredroundhim。Thesleepingchildwasonlyabundleofhairandofclothes，adummy——what？”
　　Therewassilencenowinthenarrowroom，whilethewhite-facedclockcontinuedtotickoffeachsucceedingsecondoftime。Heronhadoncemoreburiedhisheadinhishands；atrembling——likeanattackofague——shookhiswide，bonyshoulders。Armandhadlistenedtothenarrativewithglowingeyesandabeatingheart。
　　ThedetailswhichthetwoTerroristsherecouldnotprobablyunderstandhehadalreadyaddedtothepicturewhichhismindhadconjuredup。
　　HewasbackinthoughtnowinthesmalllodgingintherearofSt。
　　Germainl'Auxerrois；SirAndrewFfoulkeswasthere，andmyLordTonyandHastings，andamanwasstridingupanddowntheroom，lookingoutintothegreatspacebeyondtheriverwiththeeyesofaseer，andafirmvoicesaidabruptly：
　　“ItisabouttheDauphin！”
　　“Haveyouanysuspicions？”askedChauvelinnow，pausinginhiswalkbesideHeron，andoncemoreplacingafirm，peremptoryhandonhiscolleague'sshoulder。
　　“Suspicions！”exclaimedthechiefagentwithaloudoath。
　　“Suspicions！Certainties，youmean。Themansatherebuttwodaysago，inthatverychair，andbraggedofwhathewoulddo。I
　　toldhimthenthatifheinterferedwithCapetIwouldwringhisneckwithmyownhands。“
　　Andhislong，talon-likefingers，withtheirsharp，grimynails，closedandunclosedlikethoseoffelinecreatureswhentheyholdthecovetedprey。
　　“Ofwhomdoyouspeak？”queriedChauvelincurtly。
　　“Ofwhom？OfwhombutthataccurseddeBatz？HispocketsarebulgingwithAustrianmoney，withwhich，nodoubt，hehasbribedtheSimonsandCocheferandthesentinels——“
　　“AndLorinetandLasniereandyou，“interposedChauvelindryly。
　　“Itisfalse！”roaredHeron，whoalreadyatthesuggestionwasfoamingatthemouth，andhadjumpedupfromhischair，standingatbayasifpreparedtofightforhislife。
　　“False，isit？”retortedChauvelincalmly；“thenbenotsoquick，friendHeron，inslashingoutwithsenselessdenunciationsrightandleft。You'llgainnothingbydenouncinganyonejustnow。
　　Thisistoointricateamattertobedealtwithasledge-hammer。
　　IsanyoneupintheToweratthismoment？”heaskedinquiet，business-liketones。
　　“Yes。Cocheferandtheothersarestillthere。Theyaremakingwildschemestocovertheirtreachery。Cocheferisawareofhisowndanger，andLasniereandtheothersknowthattheyarrivedattheTowerseveralhourstoolate。Theyareallatfault，andtheyknowit。AsforthatdeBatz，“hecontinuedwithavoicerenderedraucouswithbitterpassion，“IsworetohimtwodaysagothatheshouldnotescapemeifhemeddledwithCapet。I'monhistrackalready。I'llhavehimbeforethehourofmidnight，andI'lltorturehim——yes！I'lltorturehim——theTribunalshallgivemeleave。Wehaveadarkcelldownbelowherewheremymenknowhowtoapplytorturesworsethantherack——wheretheyknowjusthowtoprolonglifelongenoughtomakeitunendurable。I'lltorturehim！I'lltorturehim！”
　　ButChauvelinabruptlysilencedthewretchwithacurtcommand；
　　then，withoutanotherword，hewalkedstraightoutoftheroom。
　　InthoughtArmandfollowedhim。Thewilddesirewassuddenlyborninhimtorunawayatthismoment，whileHeron，wrappedinhisownmeditations，waspayingnoheedtohim。Chauvelin'sfootstepshadlongagodiedawayinthedistance；itwasalongwaytotheupperflooroftheTower，andsometimewouldbespent，too，ininterrogatingthecommissaries。ThiswasArmand'sopportunity。
　　Afterall，ifhewerefreehimselfhemightmoreeffectuallyhelptorescueJeanne。Heknew，too，nowwheretojoinhisleader。
　　Thecornerofthestreetbythecanal，whereSirAndrewFfoulkeswouldbewaitingwiththecoal-cart；thentherewasthespinneyontheroadtoSt。Germain。Armandhopedthat，withgoodluck，hemightyetovertakehiscomrades，tellthemofJeanne'splight，andentreatthemtoworkforherrescue。
　　Hehadforgottenthatnowhehadnocertificateofsafety，thatundoubtedlyhewouldbestoppedatthegatesatthishourofthenight；thathisconductprovingsuspecthewouldinallprobabilityhedetained，and，mayhap，bebroughtbacktothisself-sameplacewithinanhour。Hehadforgottenallthat，fortheprimevalinstinctforfreedomhadsuddenlybeenaroused。Herosesoftlyfromhischairandcrossedtheroom。Heronpaidnoattentiontohim。Nowhehadtraversedtheantechamberandunlatchedtheouterdoor。
　　Immediatelyacoupleofbayonetswerecrossedinfrontofhim，twomorefurtheronaheadscintillatedfeeblyintheflickeringlight。
　　Chauvelinhadtakenhisprecautions。TherewasnodoubtthatArmandSt。Justwaseffectuallyaprisonernow。
　　Withasighofdisappointmenthewentbacktohisplacebesidethefire。Heronhadnotevenmovedwhilsthehadmadethisfutileattemptatescape。FiveminuteslaterChauvelinre-enteredtheroom。