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