下载辰思小说免费APP
"Cometothywife，"saidMichel，dragginghimtowardthegate;
"Delphine，thylittleone，islostonthesands。"
Thewholecrowdheardthewords，forMichel’svoicewaspitchedinahigh，shrillkey，whichrangabovetheclamourandthebabel。Therewasaninstanthush，everyonelisteningtoMichel，andeveryeyefasteneduponhim。Nicolasstaredblanklyathim，asifunabletounderstandhim，yetgrowingpassiveunderhissenseofbewilderment。
"ThechildrenwhowentoutwithDelphinethismorningarecomeback，"
continuedMichel，inthesameforcedtone;"theyarecomebackwithouther。Sheislostonthesands。Thenightisfalling，andthereisafog。Itellyouthelittleoneisalone，quitealone，uponthesands;
anditwillbehighwateratsixo’clock。Delphineisaloneandlostuponthesands！"
Themomentaryhushofthecrowdwasatanend。Thechildrenbegancrying，andthewomencallingloudlyuponSt。MichelandtheHolyVirgin。ThemengatheredaboutNicolasandMichel，andwentdowninacompactgrouptothecausewaybeyondthegate。Theretheluridsun，shiningdimlythroughthefog，madethemostsanguinelookgraveandshaketheirheadshopelesslybehindthefatherandmother。Thelattersatmotionless，lookingoutwithstrainingeyestoseeifDelphinewerenotcomingthroughthethickeningmist。
"/Maisquefaire！quefaire！/"criedNicolas，catchingatsomebody’sshoulderforsupportwithoutseeingwhoseitwas。ItwasMichel’s，whohadnotstirredfromhissidesincehehadfirstclaspedhisarm。
Michel’sfacewasaswhiteasthemother’s;buttherewasaresolutelightinhiseyesthatwasnottobeseeninhers。
"Nothingcanbedone，"answeredoneoftheoldestmeninanswertoNicolas’scry，"nothing，nothing！Wedonotknowwherethechildislost。See！thereareleaguesandleaguesofsand;andonemightwandermilesawayfromwherethepoorlittlecreatureisatthisinstant。ThegreatarchangelSt。Michelprotecther！"
"Iwillgo，"saidthemother，liftingherselfup;and，raisinghervoice，shecalledloudly，withacrythatrangandechoedagainstthewalls，"Phine！Phine！mylittlePhine，comebacktothypoormother！"
Buttherewasnoanswer，exceptthesobsandprayersofthewomenandchildrenclusteringbehindher。
"Thoucanstnotgo！"exclaimedNicolas;"thereareourotherlittleonestothinkof;norcanIleavetheeandthem。MyGod！istherethennoonewhowillgoandseekmylittleDelphine？"
"Iwillgo，"answeredMichel，standingoutfromamongthecrowd，andfacingitwithhiswhitefaceandresoluteeyes;"thereisonlyoneamongyouallupontheMontwhowillmissme。Ileavemymothertoyourcare。Thereisnotimeformetobidheradieu。IfIcomebackalive，well！ifIperish，thatwillbewellalso！"
Eventhentherewasnocordialityofresponseontheheartsofhisoldfriendsandneighbours。Thesuperstitionandprejudiceoflongyearscouldnotbebrokendowninonemomentandbyoneactofself-
sacrifice。TheywatchedMichelashelaidhisfullcreeldownfromhisshoulders，andthrewacrossthemthestrongsquarenetwithwhichhefishedintheebbingtide。Hissilencewasnolessexpressivethantheirs。Withoutasoundhepassedawaybarefooteddowntherudecauseway。Hisface，asthesunshoneonit，wassetandresolutewithadeterminationtofacetheend，whatevertheendmightbe。HemighthavesotroddenthepathtoCalvary。
Helongedtospeaktothem，tosayadieutothem;buthewaitedinvainforonevoicetobreakthesilence。Heturnedroundbeforehewastoofaraway，andsawthemstillclusteredwithoutthegate;everyoneofthemknowntohimfromhisboyhood，thestoryofwhoseliveshadbeenboundupwithhisownandformedapartofhishistory。Theywereallthere，excepthismother，whowouldsoonhearwhatperiloftheseaandperilofthenighthewasabouttoface。Tearsdimmedhiseyes，andmadethegroupgrowindistinct，asthoughthemisthadalreadygatheredbetweenhimandthem。Thenhequickenedhissteps，andthepeopleofMontSt。Michellostsightofhimbehindagreatbuttressoftheramparts。
ButforatimeMichelcouldstillseetheMontashehurriedalongitsbase，goingwestward，wherethemosttreacheroussandslie。Hishomewasontheeasternside，andhecouldseenothingofit。Butthegreatrockroseupprecipitouslyabovehim，andthenoblearchitectureuponitshighestpointglowedwitharuddytintinthesettinglight。Ashetrampledalongnosoundcouldbeheardbutthedistantsighofthesea，andthelow，sadsoughofthesandashisbarefeettrodit。Thefogbeforehimwasnotdense，onlyalighthaze，deceptiveandbeguiling;
forhereandthereheturnedaside，fancyinghecouldseeDelphine，butashedrewnearertothespothediscoverednothingbutapostdrivenintothesand。Therewasnofearthatheshouldlosehimselfuponthebewilderinglevel，forheknewhiswayaswellasifthesandhadbeenlaidoutinwell-definedtracks。HisdreadwaslestheshouldnotfindDelphinesoonenoughtoescapefromthetide，whichwouldsurelyoverwhelmthemboth。
Hescarcelyknewhowthetimespedby，butthesunhadsunkbelowthehorizon，andhehadquitelosttheMontinthefog。Thebrownsandandthegraydankmistwereallthathecouldsee，yetstillheploddedonwestward，towardthesea，callingintothegrowingdarkness。Atlasthecaughtthesoundofachild’ssobsandcrying，whichceasedforamomentwhenheturnedinthatdirectionandshouted，"Phine！"Callingtooneanother，itwasnotlongbeforehesawthechildwanderingforlornlyanddesolatelyinthemist。Sheransobbingintohisopenarms，andMichelliftedherupandheldhertohisheartwithastrangerapture。
"Itisthouthathastfoundme，"shesaid，clingingcloselytohim。
"Carrymebacktomymother。Iamsafenow，quitesafe。DidthearchangelSt。Michelsendthee？"
Therewasnotamomenttobelost;Michelknewthatfullwell。Themoanoftheseawasgrowingloudereveryminute，thoughhecouldnotseeitsadvancingline。Therewasnospotuponthesandthatwouldnotbecoveredbeforeanotherhourwasgone，andtherewasbarelytime，ifenough，togetbacktotheMont。Hecouldnotwastetimeorbreathintalkingtothechildheheldfastinhisarms。Apalegleamofmoonlightshonethroughthevapour，butoflittleusetohimsavetothrowaghostlyglimmeracrossthesands。Hestrodehurriedlyalong，breathinghardlythroughhisteethandclaspingDelphinesofastthatshegrewfrightenedathissilenceandhaste。
"Whereartthoutakingme，Michel/lediable/？"shesaid，beginningtostruggleinhisarms。"Letmedown;letmedown，Itellthee！/Maman/
hassaidImustneverlookatthee。Thoushaltnotcarrymeanyfarther。"
TherewasstrengthenoughinthechildandhervehementstrugglestofreeherselftohinderMichelinhisdesperatehaste。Hewasobligedtostandstillforaminuteortwotopacifyher，speakinginhisquiet，patientvoice，whichsheknewsowell。
"Betranquil，mylittlePhine，"hesaid。"Iamcometosavethee。AstheLordJesuscametoseekandtosavethosewhoarelost，soamI
cometoseektheeandcarrytheebacktothymother。Itisdarkhere，mychild，andtheseaisrisingquickly，quickly。Butthoushaltbesafe。Betranquil，andletmemakehastebacktotheMont。"
"DidtheLordsavetheeinthismanner？"askedDelphine，eagerly。
"Yes，Hesavedmelikethis，"answeredMichel。"HelaiddownHislifeformine。Nowthoumustletmesavethee。"
"Iwillbegoodandwise，"saidthechild，puttingherarmsagainabouthisneck，whilehestrodeon，strivingifpossibletoregainthefewmomentsthathadbeenlost。Butitwasnotpossible。Heknewthatbeforehehadgoneanotherkilometre，whenthroughthemistthererosebeforehimthedark，colossalformoftheMont，buttoofarawaystillforthembothtoreachitinsafety。Thirtyminuteswereessentialforhimtoreachthegateswithhisburden，butinlittlemorethantwentytheseawouldbedashingroundthewalls。Thetidewasyetoutofsightandthesandsweredry，butitwouldrushinbeforemanyminutes，andtheswiftestrunnerwithnoweighttocarrycouldnotoutrunit。Bothcouldnotbesaved;couldeitherofthem？Hehadforeseenthisdangerandprovidedforit。
"MylittlePhine，"hesaid，"thouwiltnotbeafraidifIplacetheewherethouwiltbequitesafefromthesea？See，hereismynet！Iwillputtheewithinit，andhangitononeofthesestrongstakes，andI
willstandbelowthee。Thouwiltbebraveandgood。Letusbequick，veryquick。Itwillbelikeaswingforthee，andthouwiltnotbeafraidsolongasIstandbelowthee。"
Evenwhilehespokehewasbusyfasteningthecornersofhisnetsecurelyoverthestake，hangingitabovethereachofthelasttide-
mark。Delphinewatchedhimlaughing。Itseemedonlyanotherpleasantadventure，likewanderingwithhimupontheramparts，ortakingshelterintheturret。Thenetheldhercomfortably，andbystoopingdownshecouldtouchwithheroutstretchedhandtheheadofMichel。Hestoodbelowher，hisarmsfastlockedaboutthestake，andhisfaceupliftedtoherinthefaintlight。
"Phine，"hesaid，"thoumustnotbeafraidwhenthewaterliesbelowthee，evenifIdonotspeak。Thouartsafe。"
"Artthousafealso，Michel？"sheasked。
"Yes，Iamquitesafealso，"heanswered;"butIshallbeveryquiet。I
shallnotspeaktothee。Yes;theLordChristiscaringforme，asI
forthee。HeboundHimselftothecrossasIbindmyselfhere。Thisismycross，Delphine。Iunderstanditbetternow。HelovedusandgaveHimselfforus。Tellthemto-morrowwhatIsaytothee。Iamassafeasthouart，tranquilandhappy。"
"Weshallnotbedrowned！"saidDelphine，halfinconfidenceandhalfindreadofthesea，whichwassurginglouderandlouderthroughthedarkness。
"Notthou！"heanswered，cheerily。"But，Phine，tellthemto-morrowthatIshallnevermorebesolitaryandsad。Ileavetheenow，andthenIshallbewithChrist。IwishIcouldhavespokentothem，butmyheartandtonguewereheavy。Hark！thereisthebellringing。"
Thebellwhichistolledatnight，whentravellersarecrossingthesands，toguidethemtotheMont，flungitsclear，sharpnotesdownfromthegreatindistinctrock，loomingthroughthedusk。
"Itislikeavoicetome，thevoiceofafriend;butitistoolate！"
murmuredMichel。"Artthouhappy，Delphine，mylittleone？WhenIceasetospeaktotheewiltthounotbeafraid？Ishallbeasleep，perhaps。
Saythypaternosternow，foritisgrowinglatewithme。"
Thebellwasstilltoiling，butwithaquick，hurriedmovement，asifthosewhorangitwerefeveredwithimpatience。Theroaringofthetide，asitnowpouredinrapidlyovertheplain，almostdrowneditsclang。
"Touchmewiththylittlehand，touchmequickly！"criedMichel。
"Remembertotellthemto-morrowthatIlovedthemallalways，andI
wouldhavegivenmyselfforthemasIdoforthee。Adieu，mylittlePhine。Comequickly，LordJesus！"
Thechildtoldafterwardthatthewaterrosesofastthatshedarednotlookatit，butshuthereyesasitspread，whiteandshimmering，inthemoonlightallaroundher。Shebegantorepeatherpaternoster，butsheforgothowthewordscame。ButsheheardMichel，inaloudclearvoice，saying"OurFather";onlyhealsoseemedtoforgetthewords，forhedidnotsaymorethan"Forgiveusourtrespasses，asweforgive——。"Thenhebecamequitesilent，andwhenshespoketohim，afteralongwhile，hedidnotanswerher。Shesupposedhehadfallenasleep，ashehadsaid，butshecouldnothelpcryingandcallingtohimagainandagain。Thesea-gullsflewpastherscreaming，buttherewasnosoundofanyvoicetospeaktoher。Inspiteofwhathehadsaidtoherbeforehandshegrewfrightened，andthoughtitwasbecauseshehadbeenunkindtoMichel/lediable/thatshewaslefttherealone，withtheseaswirlingtoandfrobeneathher。
ItwasnotformorethantwoorthreehoursthatDelphinehungcradledinMichel’snet，forthetidedoesnotlielongroundtheMontSt。
Michel，andflowsoutagainasswiftlyasitcomesin。Thepeoplefolloweditout，scatteringoverthesandsintheforlornhopeoffindingthedeadbodiesofMichelLorioandthechild，fortheyhadnoexpectationofmeetingwitheitherofthemalive。AtlasttwoorthreeofthemheardthevoiceofDelphine，whosawtheglimmeroftheirlanternsuponthesands，andcalledshrillyandloudlyforsuccour。
Theyfoundherswingingsafelyinhernet，untouchedbythewater。ButMichelhadsunkdownuponhisknees，thoughhisarmswerestillfastenedaboutthestake。Hisheadhadfallenforwarduponhisbreast，andhisthickwethaircoveredhisface。Theyliftedhimwithoutawordspoken。HehadsavedDelphine’slifeatthecostofhisown。
Allthetownspeopleweredownatthegate，waitingforthereturnofthosewhohadgoneouttoseekforthedead。Themoonhadrisenabovethefog，andshoneclearlydownuponthem。Delphine’smother，withheryoungerchildrenabouther，satonthestonewhereshehadbeensittingwhenMichelsetoutonhisperilousquest。Sheandtheotherwomencouldseeacrowdofthemencomingback，carryingsomeburdenamongthem。Butastheydrewneartothegate，Delphinesprangforwardfromamongthemandranandthrewherselfintohermother’sarms。"A
miracle！"criedsomevoicesamidthecrowd;amiraclewroughtbytheirpatronSt。Michel。IfMichelLorioweresafe，surelyhewouldbecomeagainagoodChristian，andreturntohisancientfaith。ButMichelLoriowasdead，andallthatcouldbedoneforhimwastocarryhisdeadbodyhometohisparalyticmother，andlayituponhisbedinthelittleloftwherehehadspentsomanyhoursofsorrowfulloneliness。
Itwasaperplexingproblemtothesimplepeople。SomesaidthatMichelhadbeenpermittedtosavethechildbyadiabolicagencywhichhadfailedhimwhenhesoughttosavehimself。OthersmaintainedthatitwasnootherthanthegreatarchangelSt。MichelwhohadsecurelyfastenedthenetuponthestakeandsopreservedDelphine，whilethehereticwaslefttoperish。Afewthoughtsecretly，andwhispereditinfear，thatMichelhaddoneanobledeed，andwonheaventhereby。Thecure，whocametolookuponthecalmdeadface，openedhislipsafterlongandprofoundthought：
"IfthismanhadbeenaChristian，"hesaid，"hewouldhavebeenasaintandamartyr。"
APERILOUSAMOUR
ANEPISODEADAPTEDFROMTHEMEMOIRSOF
MAXIMILIANDEBETHUNE，DUKEOFSULLY
BY
S。J。WEYMAN
Suchinbriefwerethereasonswhichwouldhaveledme，hadIfollowedthepromptingsofmyownsagacity，toopposethereturnoftheJesuits。
Itremainsformeonlytoaddthattheseargumentslostalltheirweightwhensetinthebalanceagainstthesafetyofmybelovedmaster。
Tothispleathekinghimselfforoncecondescended，andfoundthosewhoweremoststrenuoustodissuadehimtheleastabletorefuteit;
sincethemoreamanabhorredtheJesuits，themorereadyhewastoallowthattheking’slifecouldnotbesafefromtheirpracticeswhiletheedictagainstthemremainedinforce。ThesupportwhichIgavetothekingonthisoccasionexposedmetotheutmostodiumofmyco-
religionists，andwasinlatertimesill-requitedbytheorder。Butaremarkableincidentthatoccurredwhilethematterwasstillunderdebate，andwhichInowforthefirsttimemakepublic，provedbeyondquestionthewisdomofmyconduct。
Fontainebleaubeingatthistimeinthehandsofthebuilders，thekinghadgonetospendhisEasteratChantilly，whitherMademoiselled’Entragueshadalsorepaired。DuringhisabsencefromParisIwasseatedonemorninginmylibraryattheArsenal，whenIwasinformedthatFatherCotton，thesamewhoatMetzhadpresentedapetitionfromtheJesuits，andwhowasnowinParispursuingthatbusinessunderasafe-conduct，cravedleavetopayhisrespectstome。Iwasnotsurprised，forIhadbeenalittlebeforethisofsomeservicetohim。
Thepagesofthecourt，whileloiteringoutsidetheLouvre，hadraisedatumultinthestreets，andgrievouslyinsultedthefatherbyshoutingafterhim，"OldWool！OldCotton！"inimitationoftheParisstreetcry。Forthistheking，atmyinstigation，hadcausedthemtobesoundlywhipped，andIsupposedthattheJesuitnowdesiredtothankmeforadvice——given，intruth，ratheroutofregardtodisciplinethantohim。SoIbadethemadmithim。
Hisfirstwords，utteredbeforemysecretariescouldretire，indicatedthatthiswasindeedhiserrand;andforafewmomentsIlistenedtosuchstatementsfromhimandmadesuchanswersmyselfasbecameourseveralpositions。Then，ashedidnotgo，Ibegantoconceivethenotionthathehadcomewithafurtherpurpose;andhismanner，whichseemedonthisoccasiontolackease，thoughhewaswellgiftedwithskillandaddress，confirmedthenotion。Iwaited，therefore，withpatience，andpresentlyhenamedhisMajestywithmanyexpressionsofdevotiontohisperson。"Itrust，"saidhe，"thattheairofFontainebleauagreeswithhim，M。deRosny？"
"Youmean，goodfather，ofChantilly？"Ianswered。
"Ah，tobesure！"herejoined，hastily。"Heis，ofcourse，atChantilly。"
Afterthatherosetodepart，butwasdelayedbytherapturesintowhichhefellatsightofthefire，which，theweatherbeingcoldforthetimeofyear，Ihadcausedtobelit。"Itburnssobrightly，"saidhe，"thatitmustbeofboxwood，M。deRosny。"
"Ofboxwood？"Iexclaimed，insurprise。
"Ay，isitnotofboxwood？"quothhe，lookingatmewithmuchsimplicity。
"Certainlynot！"Imadeanswer，ratherpeevishly。"WhoeverheardofpeopleburningboxwoodinParis，father？"
Heapologisedforhisignorance——whichwasindeedmatterofwonder——onthegroundofhissouthernbirth，andtookhisdeparture，leavingmeinmuchdoubtastotherealpurportofhisvisit。IwasindeedmoretroubledbytheuncertaintyIfeltthananotherlessconversantwiththemethodsoftheJesuitsmighthavebeen，forIknewthatitwastheirhabittoletdropawordwheretheydarednotspeakplainly，andIfeltmyselfputonmymettletointerpretthefather’shint。Myperplexitieswereincreasedbythebeliefthathewouldnothaveintervenedinanymatterofsmallmoment，andbytheconviction，whichgrewuponmeapace，thatwhileIstoodidlebeforethehearthmydearestinterestsandthoseofFrancewereatstake。
"Michel，"Isaidatlast，addressingthe/doyen/ofmysecretaries，whochancedtobeaProvencal，"haveyoueverseenaboxwoodfire？"
Herepliedrespectfully，butwithsomeshowofsurprise，thathehadnot，addingthatthatwoodwasrenderedsovaluabletotheturnerbyitshardnessthatfewpeoplewouldbeextravagantenoughtouseitforfuel。Iassented，andfeltthemorecertainthattheJesuit’sremarkcontainedahiddenmeaning。TheonlyotherclueIhadconsistedintheapparentmistakethefatherhadmadeastotheking’sresidence，andthismighthavebeendroppedfromhiminpureinadvertence。YetIwasinclinedtothinkitintentional，andconstrueditasimplyingthatthematterconcernedthekingpersonally。Whichthemorealarmedme。
Ipassedthedayingreatanxiety，buttowardevening，actingonasuddeninspiration，IsentLaTrape，myvalet，atrustyfellowwhohadsavedmylifeatCahors，totheThreePigeons，alargeinninthesuburbs，atwhichsuchtravellersfromNorthtoSouthasdidnotwishtoenterthecitywereaccustomedtochangehorsesandsometimestosleep。AcquittinghimselfofthecommissionIhadgivenhimwithhisusualadroitness，hequicklyreturnedwiththenewsthatatravellerofrankhadpassedthroughthreedaysbefore，havingsentinadvancetoorderrelaysthereandatEssonnes。LaTrapereportedthatthegentlemanhadremainedinhiscoach，andthatnoneoftheinnservantshadseenhisface。
"Andhehadcompanions？"Isaid。Mymindhadnotfailedalreadytoconceiveanaturalsuspicion。
"Onlyone，yourGrace。Therestwereservants。"
"Andthatone？"
"AmanintheyardfanciedthatherecognisedM。delaVarenne。"
"Ah！"Isaidnomore。Myagitationwasindeedsuchthat，beforegivingreinstoit，IbadeLaTrapewithdraw。Icouldscarcelybelievethat，perfectlyacquaintedasthekingwaswiththeplotswhichSpainandtheCatholicsweredailyweavingforhislife，andpossessingsuchunavowedbutpowerfulenemiesamongthegreatlordsasTremouilleandBouillon，tosaynothingofMademoiselled’Entragues’shalf-brother，theCountofAuvergne——IcouldhardlybelievethatwiththisknowledgehisMajestyhadbeensofoolhardyastotravelwithoutguardsorattendancetoFontainebleau。AndyetInowfeltanabsolutecertaintythatthiswasthecase。ThepresenceofLaVarennealso，theconfidantofhisintrigues，informedmeofthecauseofthiswildjourney，convincingmethathisMajestyhadgivenwaytothesoleweaknessofhisnature，andwasbentononeofthoseadventuresofgallantrywhichhadbeenmorebecominginthePrinceofBearnthaninthekingofFrance。NeitherwasIatalosstoguesstheobjectofhispursuit。Ithadbeenlatelywhisperedinthecourtthatthekinghadseenandfalleninlovewithhismistress’syoungersister，Susetted’Entragues，whosehomeatMalesherbeslaybutthreeleaguesfromFontainebleau，ontheedgeoftheforest。Thisplacedtheking’simprudenceinastrongerlight，forhehadscarcelyinFranceamoredangerousenemythanherbrotherAuvergne;norhadtheimmensesumswhichhehadsettledontheeldersistersatisfiedthemeanavariceorconciliatedthebrutishhostilityofherfather。
Apprisedofallthis，IsawthatFatherCottonhaddesiredtocommunicateittome。ButhismotiveIfounditlesseasytodivine。Itmighthavebeenawishtobalkthisnewpassionthroughmyinterference，andatthesametimetoexposemetotheriskofhisMajesty’sanger。Oritmightsimplyhavebeenadesiretoavertdangerfromtheking’sperson。Atanyrate，constanttomyruleofeverpreferringmymaster’sinteresttohisfavour，IsentforMaignan，myequerry，andbadehimhaveanequipagereadyatdawn。
Accordinglyatthathournextmorning，attendedonlybyLaTrape，withagroom，apage，andfourSwiss，Istarted，givingoutthatIwasboundforSullytoinspectthatdemesne，whichhadformerlybeenthepropertyofmyfamily，andofwhichtherefusalhadjustbeenofferedtome。
UndercoverofthisdestinationIwasenabledtoreachLaFerteAlaisunsuspected。There，pretendingthatthemotionofthecoachfatiguedme，Imountedtheledhorse，withoutwhichInevertravelled，andbiddingLaTrapeaccompanyme，gaveorderstotheotherstofollowattheirleisuretoPethiviers，whereIproposedtostaythenight。
LaFerteAlais，onthebordersoftheforest，issomefiveleagueswestwardofFontainebleau，andasfarnorthofMalesherbes，withwhichlastitisconnectedbyahighroad。HavingdisclosedmyintentionstoLaTrape，however，Ipresentlyleftthisroadandstruckintoapathwhichpromisedtoconductusintherightdirection。Butthedensenessoftheundergrowth，andthehugepilesofgrayrockswhichlieeverywherestrewnabouttheforest，madeitdifficulttokeepforanytimeinastraightline。Afterbeingtwohoursinthesaddleweconcludedthatwehadlostourway，andwereconfirmedinthisonreachingaclearing，andseeingbeforeusasmallinn，whichLaTraperecognisedasstandingaboutaleagueandahalfontheforestsideofMalesherbes。
WestillhadampletimetoreachFontainebleaubynightfall，butbeforeproceedingitwasabsolutelynecessarythatourhorsesshouldhaverest。Dismounting，therefore，IbadeLaTrapeseethesorrelwellbaited。Observingthattheinnwasapoorplace，andnoonecomingtowaituponme，Ientereditofmyownmotion，andfoundmyselfatonceinalargeroombetterfurnishedwithcompanythanaccommodation。Threemen，whohadtheappearanceofsuchrecklessswaggeringbladesasaregenerallytobefounddrinkingintheinnsontheoutskirtsofParis，andwhocomenotunfrequentlytotheirendsatMontfaucon，weretipplingandplayingcardsatatablenearthedoor。Theylookedupsullenlyatmyentrance，butrefrainedfromsalutingme，which，asI
wasplainlydressedandmuchstainedbytravel，wasinsomedegreepardonable。Bythefire，partakingofacoarsemeal，wasafourthmanofsosingularanappearancethatImustneedsdescribehim。Hewasofgreatheightandextremeleanness。Hisfacematchedhisform，foritwaslongandthin，terminatinginasmallpeakedbeardwhich，likehishairandmustachios，wasaswhiteassnow。Withallthis，hiseyesglowedwithmuchofthefireofyouth，andhisbrowncomplexionandsinewyhandsseemedstilltoindicaterobusthealth。Hewasdressedingarmentswhichhadoncebeenfashionable，butnowboremarksoflongandroughusage，andIremarkedthatthepointofhissword，which，ashesat，trailedonthestonesbehindhim，hadwornitswaythroughthescabbard。Notwithstandingthesesignsofpoverty，hesalutedmewiththeeaseandpolitenessofagentleman，andbademewithmuchcourtesytosharehistableandthefire。AccordinglyIdrewup，andcalledforabottleofthebestwine，beingmindedtodivertmyselfwithhim。
Iwaslittleprepared，however，fortheturnhisconversationtook，andthefurioustiradeintowhichhepresentlybroke，theobjectofwhichprovedtobenootherthanmyself！IdonotknowthatIhaveevercutsowhimsicalafigureaswhilehearingmynameloadedwithreproaches;
but，beingcertainthathedidnotknowme，Iwaitedpatiently，andsoonlearnedbothwhohewas，andthegrievancewhichhewasonhiswaytolaybeforetheking。HisnamewasBoisrose，andhehadbeentheleaderinthatgallantcaptureofFecamp，whichtookplacewhileIwasinNormandyastheking’srepresentative。Hisgrievancewasthat，notwithstandingpromisesinmyletters，hehadbeendeprivedofthegovernmentoftheplace。
"Heleadsthekingbytheear！"hedeclaimedloudly，inanaccentwhichmarkedhimforaGascon。"ThatvillainofaDeRosny！ButIwillshowhimup！Iwilltrouncehim！"Withthathedrewthehiltofhislongrapiertothefrontwithagesturesotruculentthatthethreebullies，whohadstoppedtolaughathim，resumedtheirgameindisorder。
Notwithstandinghishatredforme，Iwaspleasedtomeetwithamanofsosingularatemper，whomIalsoknewtobetrulycourageous;andI
waswillingtoamusemyselffurtherwithhim。"But，"Isaid，modestly，"IhavehadsomeaffairswithM。deRosny，andIhaveneverfoundhimcheatme。"
"Donotdeceiveyourself！"heroared，slappingthetable。"Heisarascal！"
"Yet，"Iventuredtoreply，"Ihaveheardthatinmanyrespectsheisnotabadminister。"
"Heisavillain！"herepeated，soloudlyastodrownwhatIwouldhaveadded。"Donottellmeotherwise。Butrestassured！behappy，sir！I
willmakethekingseehiminhistruecolours！Restcontent，sir！I
willtrouncehim！HehastodowithArmanddeBoisrose！"
Seeingthathewasnotopentoargument，——for，indeed，beingopposed，hegrewexceedinglywarm，——Iaskedhimbywhatchannelheintendedtoapproachtheking，andlearnedthatherehefeltadifficulty，sincehehadneitherafriendatcourtnormoneytobuyone。Beingassuredthathewasanhonestfellow，andknowingthatthenarrativeofourrencontreanditssequelwouldvastlyamusehisMajesty，wholovedajestofthiskind，IadvisedBoisrosetogoboldlytotheking，which，thankingmeasprofuselyashehadbeforereproachedme，heagreedtodo。WiththatIrosetodepart。
AtthelastmomentitoccurredtometotryuponhimtheshibbolethwhichinFatherCotton’smouthhadsomystifiedme。
"Thisfireburnsbrightly，"Isaid，kickingthelogstogetherwithmyriding-boot。"Itmustbeofboxwood。"
"Ofwhat，sir？"quothhe，politely。
"Ofboxwood，tobesure，"Ireplied，inaloudertone。
"Mycertes！"heexclaimed。"Theydonotburnboxwoodinthiscountry。
Thosearelarchtrimmings——neithermorenorless！"
Whilehewonderedatmyignorance，Iwaspleasedtodiscoverhis，andsofarIhadlostmypains。Butitdidnotescapemethatthethreegamestershadceasedtoplayandwerelisteningintentlytoourconversation。Moreover，asImovedtothedoor，theyfollowedmewiththeireyes;andwhenIturned，afterridingahundredyards，Ifoundthattheyhadcometothedoorandwerestillgazingafterus。
Thispreventedmeatonceremarkingthatahoundwhichhadwhichhadbeenlyingbeforethefirehadaccompaniedus，andwasnowrunninginfront，nowgambollingroundus，asthemannerofdogsis。When，however，afterridingabouttwothirdsofaleague，wecametoaplacewheretheroadsforked，Ihadoccasionparticularlytonoticethehound，for，choosingoneofthepaths，itstoodinthemouthofit，waggingitstail，andinvitingustotakethatroad;andthissopertinaciouslythat，thoughthedirectionswehadreceivedattheinnwouldhaveledustoprefertheother，wedeterminedtofollowthedogasthemoretrustworthyguide。
WehadproceededaboutfourhundredpaceswhenLaTrapepointedoutthatthepathwasgrowingmorenarrowandshowedfewsignsofbeingused。Socertaindiditseem——thoughthedogstillranconfidentlyahead——thatwewereagainastray，thatIwasabouttodrawreinandreturn，whenIdiscoveredwithsomeemotionthattheundergrowthontherightofthepathhadassumedthecharacterofathickhedgeofbox。
Thoughlesspronethanmostmentoputfaithinomens，Iacceptedthisasone，and，notwithstandingthatitwantedbutanhourofsunset，I
rodeonsteadily，remarkingthat，witheachturninthewoodlandpath，thescrubonmyleftalsogaveplacetothesturdytreewhichhadbeeninmymindallday。Finallywefoundourselvespassingthroughanalleyofbox，——which，nolongtimebefore，hadbeenclippedanddressed，——
untilafinalturnbroughtmeintoacul-de-sac，akindofarbor，carpetedwithgrass，andsothicklysetaboutastoaffordnoexitsavebytheentrance。Herethedogplacidlystoodandwaggeditstail，lookingupatus。
Imustconfessthatthisterminationoftheadventureseemedsosurprising，andtheeveninglightshiningonthewallsofgreenrounduswassofullofasolemnquiet，thatIwasnotsurprisedtohearLaTrapemutterashortprayer。Formypart，assuredthatsomethingmorethanchancehadbroughtmehither，Idismounted，andspokeencouragementtothehound;butitonlyleapeduponme。ThenIwalkedroundtheenclosure，andpresentlyremarked，closetothehedge，threesmallpatcheswherethegrasswasslightlytroddendown。Anotherglancetoldmemuch，forIsawthatattheseplacesthehedge，aboutthreefeetfromtheground，boretracesoftheaxe。Choosingthenearestspot，Istooped，untilmyeyeswerelevelwiththeholethusmade，anddiscoveredthatIwaslookingthroughafunnelskilfullycutinthewallofbox。Atmyendtheopeningwasratherlargerthanaman’sface;
attheotherendaboutaslargeasthepalmofthehand。Thefunnelrosegradually，sothatItookthefurtherextremityofittobeaboutsevenfeetfromtheground，andhereitdisclosedafeatherdanglingonaspray。Fromthelightfallingstronglyonthis，Ijudgedittobenotinthehedge，butapaceortwofromitonthehithersideofanotherfenceofbox。OnexaminingtheremainingloopholesIdiscoveredthattheyboreuponthesamefeather。
Myownmindwasatoncemadeup，butIbademyvaletgothroughthesameinvestigation，andthenaskedhimwhetherhehadeverseenanambushofthiskindlaidforgame。Herepliedatoncethattheshotwouldpassoverthetalleststag;and，fortifiedbythis，Imountedwithoutsayingmore，andweretracedoursteps。Thehoundpresentlyslippedaway，andwithoutfurtheradventurewereachedFontainebleaualittleaftersunset。
Iexpectedtobereceivedbythekingwithcoldnessanddispleasure，butitchancedthatacatarrhhadkepthimwithindoorsallday，and，unabletohuntortovisithisnewflame，hehadbeenatleisureinthispalacewithoutacourttoconsidertheimprudencehewascommitting。Hereceivedme，therefore，withtheheartylaughofaschool-boydetectedinapettyfault;andasIhastenedtorelatetohimsomeofthethingswhichM。deBoisrosehadsaidoftheBarondeRosny，Isoonhadthegratificationofperceivingthatmypresencewasnottakenamiss。HisMajestygaveordersthatbeddingshouldbefurnishedformypavilion，andthathishouseholdshouldwaitonme，andhimselfsentmefromhistableacoupleofchickensandafinemelon，biddingmeatthesametimetocometohimwhenIhadsupped。
Ididso，andfoundhimaloneinhiscloset，awaitingmewithimpatience，forhehadalreadydivinedthatIhadnotmadethisjourneymerelytoreproachhim。Beforeinforminghim，however，ofmysuspicions，Icravedleavetoaskhimoneortwoquestions，and，inparticular，whetherhehadbeeninthehabitofgoingtoMalesherbesdaily。
"Daily，"headmitted，withagrimace。"Whatmore，grandmaster？"
"Bywhatroad，sire？"
"IhavecommonlyhuntedinthemorningandvisitedMalesherbesatmidday。Ihavereturnedasarulebythebridle-path，whichcrossestheRockoftheSerpents。"
"Patience，sir，onemoment，"Isaid。"Doesthatpathrunanywherethroughaplantationofbox？"
"Tobesure，"heanswered，withouthesitation。"AbouthalfamileonthissideoftherockitskirtsMadameCatherine’smaze。"
ThereonItoldthekingwithoutreserveallthathadhappened。Helistenedwiththeairofapparentcarelessnesswhichhealwaysassumedwhenthemanyplotsagainsthislifewereunderdiscussion;butattheendheembracedmeagainandagainwithtearsinhiseyes。
"Franceisbeholdentoyou，"hesaid。"Ihaveneverhad，norshallhave，suchanotherservantasyou，Rosny！Thethreeruffiansattheinn，"hecontinued，"arethetools，ofcourse，andthehoundhasbeeninthehabitofaccompanyingthemtothespot。Yesterday，Iremember，I
walkedbythatplacewiththebridleonmyarm。"
"Byaspecialprovidence，sire，"Isaid，gravely。
"Itistrue，"heanswered，crossinghimself，athingIhadneveryetknownhimtodoinprivate。"Butnow，whoisthecraftsmanwhohascontrivedthisprettyplot？Tellmethat，grandmaster。"
Onthispoint，however，thoughIhadmysuspicions，IbeggedleavetobeexcusedspeakinguntilIhadsleptuponit。"Heavenforbid，"Isaid，"thatIshouldexposeanymantoyourMajesty’sresentmentwithoutcause。Thewrathofkingsistheforerunnerofdeath。"
"Ihavenotheard，"thekinganswered，drily，"thattheDukeofBouillonhascalledinaleechyet。"
BeforeretiringIlearnedthathisMajestyhadwithhimascoreoflighthorse，whomLaVarennehadrequisitionedfromMelun，andthatsomeofthesehadeachdayawaitedhimatMalesherbes，andreturnedwithhim。Further，thatHenryhadbeeninthehabitofwearing，whenridingbackintheevening，apurplecloakoverhishunting-suit;afactwellknown，Ifeltsure，totheassassins，who，unseenandinperfectsafety，couldfireattheexactmomentwhenthecloakobscuredthefeather，andcouldthenmaketheirescape，securedbythestoutwallofbox，fromimmediatepursuit。
IwasarousedinthemorningbyLaVarennecomingtomybedsideandbiddingmehastentotheking。Ididso，andfoundhisMajestyalreadyinhisbootsandwalkingontheterracewithCoquet，hismasterofthehousehold，Vitry，LaVarenne，andagentlemanunknowntome。Onseeingmehedismissedthem，and，whileIwasstillagreatwayoff，calledout，chidingmeformylaziness;thentakingmebythehandinthemostobligingmanner，hemademewalkupanddownwithhim，whilehetoldmewhatfurtherthoughtshehadofthisaffair;and，hidingnothingfromme，evenashebademespeaktohimwhateverIthoughtwithoutreserve，herequiredtoknowwhetherIsuspectedthattheEntraguesfamilywerecognizantofthis。
"Icannotsay，sire，"Ianswered，prudently。
"Butyoususpect？"
"InyourMajesty’scauseIsuspectall，"Ireplied。
Hesighed，andseeingthatmyeyeswanderedtothegroupofgentlemenwhohadbetakenthemselvestotheterracesteps，andwerethencewatchingus，heaskedmeifIwouldanswerforthem。"ForVitry，whosleepsatmyfeetwhenIliealone？ForCoquet？"
"ForthreeofthemIwill，sire，"Ianswered，firmly。"ThefourthIdonotknow。"
"HeisM。Louisd’Entragues。"
"Ah！thecountofAuvergne’shalf-brother？"Imuttered。"AndlatelyreturnedfromserviceinSavoy？Idonotknowhim，yourMajesty。Iwillanswerto-morrow。"
"Andto-day？"thekingasked，withimpatience。
ThereuponIbeggedhimtoactashehaddoneeachdaysincehisarrivalatFontainebleau——tohuntinthemorning，totakehismiddaymealatMalesherbes，totalktoallasifhehadnosuspicion;onlyonhisreturntotakeanyroadsavethatwhichpassedtheRockoftheSerpents。
Thekingturningtorejointheothers，Ifoundthattheirattentionwasnolongerdirectedtous，buttoasingularfigurewhichhadmadeitsappearanceontheskirtsofthegroup，andwasseeminglypreventedfromjoiningitoutrightonlybytheevidentmerrimentwithwhichthreeofthefourcourtiersregardedit。Thefourth，M。d’Entragues，didnotseemtobeequallydivertedwiththestranger’squaintappearance，nordidIfailtonotice，beingatthemomentquicktoperceivetheslightestpointinhisconduct，that，whiletheotherswerenudgingoneanother，hiscountenance，darkenedbyanItaliansun，gloomedonthenew-comerwithanaspectofangrydiscomfiture。Onhisside，M。deBoisrose——forheitwas，theagedfashionofhisdressmoreconspicuousthanever——stoodeyeingthegroupinmingledprideandresentment，until，awareofhisMajesty’sapproach，andseeingmeinintimateconversewithhim，hejoyfullysteppedforward，alookofrelieftakingplaceofallothersonhiscountenance。
"Ha，wellmet！"quoththekinginmyear。"Itisyourfriendofyesterday。Nowwewillhavesomesport。"
Accordingly，theoldsoldierapproachingwithmanylowbows，thekingspoketohimgraciously，andbadehimsaywhathesought。IthappenedthenasIhadexpected。Boisrose，aftertellingthekinghisname，turnedtomeandhumblybeggedthatIwouldexplainhiscomplaint，whichIconsentedtodo，anddidasfollows：
"This，sire，"Isaid，gravely，"isanoldandbravesoldier，whoformerlyservedyourMajestytogoodpurposeinNormandy;buthehasbeencheatedoutoftherecompensewhichhethereearnedbythetrickeryandchicaneryofoneofyourMajesty’scounsellors，theBarondeRosny。"
Icouldnotcontinue，forthecourtiers，onhearingthisfrommymouth，andondiscoveringthatthestranger’soddappearancewasbutapreludetotherealdiversion，couldnotrestraintheirmirth。Theking，concealinghisownamusement，turnedtothemwithanangryair，andbadethembesilent;andtheGascon，encouragedbythis，andbytheboldmannerinwhichIhadstatedhisgrievance，scowledatthemgloriously。
"Healleges，sire，"Icontinued，withthesamegravity，"thattheBarondeRosny，afterpromisinghimthegovernmentofFecamp，bestoweditonanother，beingbribedtodoso，andhasbesidesbeenguiltyofmanybaseactswhichmakehimunworthyofyourMajesty’sconfidence。That，I
think，isyourcomplaint，M。deBoisrose？"Iconcluded，turningtothesoldier，whommydeepseriousnesssomisledthathetookupthestory，and，pouringouthiswrongs，didnotfailtothreatentotrounceme，ortoaddthatIwasavillain！
Hemighthavesaidmore，butatthisthecourtiers，perceivingthatthekingbrokeintoasmile，lostallcontroloverthemselves，and，givingventsuddenlytoloudpealsoflaughter，claspedoneanotherbytheshoulders，andreeledtoandfroinanecstasyofenjoyment。Thisledthekingtogivewayalso，andhelaughedheartily，clappingmeagainandagainontheback;sothat，infine，therewereonlytwoseriouspersonspresent——thepoorBoisrose，whotookallforlunatics，andmyself，whobegantothinkthatperhapsthejesthadbeencarriedfarenough。
Mymasterpresentlysawthis，and，collectinghimself，turnedtotheamazedGascon。
"Yourcomplaintisone，"hesaid，"whichshouldnotbelightlymade。DoyouknowtheBarondeRosny？"
Boisrose，bythistimevastlymystified，saidhedidnot。
"Then，"saidtheking，"Iwillgiveyouanopportunityofbecomingacquaintedwithhim。Ishallreferyourcomplainttohim，andhewilldecideuponit。More，"hecontinued，raisinghishandforsilenceasBoisrose，startingforward，wouldhaveappealedtohim，"Iwillintroduceyoutohimnow。ThisistheBarondeRosny。"
Theoldsoldierglaredatmeforamomentwithstartingeyeballs，andadreadfuldespairseemedtosettleonhisface。Hethrewhimselfonhiskneesbeforetheking。
"Then，sire，"saidhe，inaheartrendingvoice，"amIruined！Mysixchildrenmuststarve，andmyyoungwifediebytheroadside！"
"That，"answeredtheking，gravely，"mustbefortheBarondeRosnytodecide。Ileaveyoutoyouraudience。"
Hemadeasigntotheothers，and，followedbythem，walkedslowlyalongtheterrace;thewhileBoisrose，whohadrisentohisfeet，stoodlookingafterhimlikeonedemented，shaking，andmutteringthatitwasacrueljest，andthathehadbledfortheking，andthekingmadesportofhim。
PresentlyItouchedhimonthearm。
"Come，haveyounothingtosaytome，M。deBoisrose？"Iasked，quietly。"Youareabravesoldier，andhavedoneFranceservice;whythenneedyoufear？TheBarondeRosnyisoneman，theking’sministerisanother。Itisthelatterwhospeakstoyounow。Theofficeoflieutenant-generaloftheordnanceinNormandyisempty。Itisworthtwelvethousandlivresbytheyear。Iappointyoutoit。"
HeansweredthatImockedhim，andthathewasgoingmad，sothatitwaslongbeforeIcouldpersuadehimthatIwasinearnest。WhenIatlastsucceeded，hisgratitudeknewnobounds，andhethankedmeagainandagainwiththetearsrunningdownhisface。
"WhatIhavedoneforyou，"Isaid，modestly，"istherewardofyourbravery。Iaskonlythatyouwillnotanothertimethinkthattheywhorulekingdomsareasthosegaypopinjaysyonder。"
Inatransportofdelighthereiteratedhisoffersofservice，and，feelingsurethatIhadnowgainedhimcompletely，IaskedhimonasuddenwherehehadseenLouisd’Entraguesbefore。Intwowordsthetruthcameout。HehadobservedhimonthepreviousdayinconferenceattheforestinnwiththethreebullieswhomIhadremarkedthere。I
wasnotsurprisedatthis;D’Entragues’snearkinshiptotheCountofAuvergne，andthemingledfeelingswithwhichIknewthatthefamilyregardedHenry，preparingmetoexpecttreacheryinthatquarter。
Moreover，thenatureoftheambushwasproofthatitsauthorresidedintheneighbourhoodandwasintimatelyacquaintedwiththeforest。I
shouldhavecarriedthisinformationatoncetomymaster，butI
learnedthathehadalreadystarted，andthusbaffled，andbelievingthathisaffectionforMademoiselled’Entragues，ifnotforhersister，wouldleadhimtoactwithundueleniency，Iconceivedandarrangedaplanofmyown。
Aboutnoon，therefore，Isetoutasifforaride，attendedbyLaTrapeonly，butatsomedistancefromthepalacewewerejoinedbyBoisrose，whomIhadbiddentobeatthatpointwellarmedandmounted。Thusreinforced，fortheGasconwasstillstrong，andincourageaGrillon，IproceededtoMalesherbesbyacircuitousroutewhichbroughtmewithinsightofthegatesaboutthemiddleoftheafternoon。Ithenhaltedundercoverofthetrees，andwaiteduntilIsawtheking，attendedbyseveralladiesandgentlemen，andfollowedbyeighttroopers，issuefromthechateau。HisMajestywaswalking，hishorsebeingledbehindhim;andseeingthisIrodeoutandapproachedthepartyasifIhadthatmomentarrivedtomeettheking。
Itwouldnotillbecomemeonthisoccasiontomakesomereflectionsonthehollownessofcourtlife，whichhasseldombeenbetterexemplifiedthaninthescenebeforeme。Thesunwaslow，butitswarmbeams，fallingaslantonthegailydressedgroupatthegatesandonthefloweredterracesandgraywallsbehindthem，seemedtopresentapictureatoncepeacefulandjoyous。YetIknewthattreacheryanddeathwerelurkinginthemidst，anditwasonlybyaneffortthat，asIrodeup，IcouldmakeanswertothethousandobligingthingswithwhichIwasgreeted，andofwhichnottheleastpoliteweresaidbyM。
d’Entraguesandhisson。ItookpainstoobserveMademoiselleSusette，abeautifulgirlnotoutofherteens，butnowayscomparable，asitseemedtome，inexpressionandvivacity，withherfamoussister。Shewaswalkingbesidetheking，herhandsfullofflowers，andherfaceflushedwithexcitementandtimidity，andIcamequicklytotheconclusionthatsheknewnothingofwhatwasintendedbyherfamily，who，havingmadetheonesisterthemeansofgratifyingtheiravarice，werenowbaitingthetrapoftheirrevengewiththeother。
Henrypartedfromheratlength，andmountedhishorseamidarippleoflaughterandcompliments，D’Entraguesholdingthestirrupandhissonthecloak。Iobservedthatthelatter，asIhadexpected，waspreparedtoaccompanyus，whichrenderedmyplanmorefeasible。OurroadlayforaleagueinthedirectionoftheRockoftheSerpents，thetrackwhichpassedthelatterpresentlydivergingfromit。Forsomedistancewerodealongineasytalk，but，onapproachingthepointofseparation，thekinglookedatmewithawhimsicalair，asthoughhewouldlayonmetheburdenoffindinganexcuseforavoidingtheshorterwayhome。I
hadforeseenthis，andlookedroundtoascertainthepositionofourcompany。IfoundthatLaVarenneandD’Entragueswereclosebehindus，whilethetroopers，withLaTrapeandBoisrose，wereahundredpacesfarthertotherear，andVitryandCoquethaddroppedoutofsight。
Thisbeingso，IsuddenlyreinedinmyhorsesoastobackitintothatofD’Entragues，andthenwheeledroundonthelatter，takingcaretobebetweenhimandtheking。
"M。Louisd’Entragues，"Isaid，droppingthemaskandaddressinghimwithallthescornanddetestationwhichIfelt，andwhichhedeserved，"yourplotisdiscovered！IfyouwouldsaveyourlifeconfesstohisMajestyhereandnowallyouknow，andthrowyourselfonhismercy！"
IconfessthatIhadfailedtotakeintoaccountthepitchtowhichhisnerveswouldbestrungatsuchatime，andhadexpectedtoproduceagreatereffectthanfollowedmywords。Hishandwentindeedtohisbreast，butitwashardtosaywhichwasthemorediscomposed，LaVarenneorhe。Andthemannerinwhich，withscornanddefiance，heflungbackmyaccusationinmyteeth，lackedneithervigournorthesemblanceofinnocence。WhileHenrywaspuzzled，LaVarennewasappalled。IsawthatIhadgonetoofar，ornotfarenough，andatoncecallingintomyfaceandformallthesternnessinmypower，Ibadethetraitorremainwherehewas，thenturningtohisMajestyIcravedleavetospeaktohimapart。
Hehesitated，lookingfrommetoD’Entragueswithanairofdispleasurewhichembracedusboth，butintheend，withoutpermittingM。Louistospeak，hecomplied，and，goingasidewithme，bademe，withcoldness，speakout。
Assoon，however，asIhadrepeatedtohimBoisrose’swords，hisfaceunderwentachange，forhe，too，hadremarkedthediscomfiturewhichthelatter’sappearancehadcausedD’Entraguesinthemorning。
"Ha！thevillain！"hesaid。"Idonotnowthinkyouprecipitate。Arresthimatonce，butdohimnoharm！"
"Ifheresist，sire？"Iasked。
"Hewillnot，"thekinganswered。"Andinnocaseharmhim！Youunderstandme？"
Ibowed，havingmyownthoughtsonthesubject，andtheking，withoutlookingagainatD’Entragues，rodequicklyaway。M。Louistriedtofollow，andcriedloudlyafterhim，butIthrustmyhorseintheway，andbadehimconsiderhimselfaprisoner;atthesametimerequestingLaVarenne，withVitryandCoquet，whohadcomeupandwerelookingonlikementhunderstruck，totakefouroftheguardsandfollowtheking。
"Then，sir，whatdoyouintendtodowithme？"D’Entraguesasked，theairoffiercenesswithwhichhelookedfrommetothesixmenwhoremainedbarelydisguisinghisapprehensions。
"Thatdepends，M。Louis，"Ireplied，recurringtomyusualtoneofpoliteness，"onyouranswerstothreequestions。"
Heshruggedhisshoulders。"Askthem，"hesaid，curtly。
"DoyoudenythatyouhavelaidanambushforthekingontheroadwhichpassestheRockoftheSerpents？"
"Absolutely。"
"Orthatyouwereyesterdayataninnnearhereinconversewiththreemen？"
"Absolutely。"
"Doyoudenythatthereissuchanambushlaid？"
"Absolutely，"herepeated，withscorn。"Itisanoldwives’story。I
wouldstakemylifeonit。"
"Enough，"Ianswered，slowly。"Youhavebeenyourownjudge。Theeveninggrowscold，andasyouaremyprisonerImusthaveacareofyou。Kindlyputonthiscloakandprecedeme，M。d’Entragues。WereturntoFontainebleaubytheRockoftheSerpents。"
Hiseyesmeetingmine，itseemedtomethatforasecondheheldhisbreathandhesitated，whileacoldshadowfellanddweltuponhissallowface。Butthestern，gloomycountenancesofLaTrapeandBoisrose，whohadriddenuptohisrein，andwereawaitinghisanswerwiththeirswordsdrawn，determinedhim。Withaloudlaughhetookthecloak。"Itisnew，Ihope？"hesaid，lightly，ashethrewitoverhisshoulders。
Itwasnot，andIapologised，adding，however，thatnoonebutthekinghadwornit。Onthishesettleditabouthim;andhavingheardmestrictlychargethetwoguardswhofollowedwiththeirarquebusesready，tofireonhimshouldhetrytoescape，heturnedhishorse’sheadintothepathandrodeslowlyalongit，whilewefollowedafewpacesbehindindoublefile。
Thesunhadset，andsuchlightasremainedfellcoldandgraybetweenthetrees。Thecracklingofastickunderahorse’shoof，ortheringofaspuragainstascabbard，weretheonlysoundswhichbrokethestillnessofthewoodasweproceeded。WehadgonesomelittlewaywhenM。Louishalted，and，turninginhissaddle，calledtome。
"M。deRosny，"hesaid，——thelighthadsofarfailedthatIcouldscarcelyseehisface，——"IhaveameetingwiththeViscountdeCaylusonSaturdayaboutalittlematterofalady’sglove。Shouldanythingpreventmyappearance——"
"Iwillseethataproperexplanationisgiven，"Ianswered，bowing。
"OrifM。d’Entragueswillpermitme，"eagerlyexclaimedtheGascon，whowasridingbymyside，"M。deBoisroseofSt。Palais，gentlyborn，throughbeforeunknowntohim，IwillappearinhisplaceandmaketheViscountdeCaylusswallowtheglove。"
"Youwill？"saidM。Louis，withpoliteness。"Youareagentleman。Iamobligedtoyou。"
HewavedhishandwithagesturewhichIafterwardwellremembered，and，givinghishorsetherein，wentforwardalongthepathatabriskwalk。Wefollowed，andIhadjustremarkedthataplantofboxwasbeginninghereandtheretotaketheplaceoftheusualundergrowth，whenasheetofflameseemedtoleapoutthroughthedusktomeethim，and，hishorserearingwildly，hefellheadlongfromthesaddlewithoutwordorcry。Mymenwouldhavesprungforwardbeforethenoiseofthereporthaddiedaway，andmightpossiblyhaveovertakenoneormoreoftheassassins;butIrestrainedthem。WhenLaTrapedismountedandraisedthefallenman，thelatterwasdead。
Suchwerethecircumstances，nowforthefirsttimemadepublic，whichattendedthediscoveryofthis，theleastknown，yetoneofthemostdangerous，ofthemanyplotswhichweredirectedagainstthelifeofmymaster。ThecoursewhichIadoptedmaybeblamedbysome，butitisenoughformethatafterthelapseofyearsitisapprovedbymyconscienceandbythecourseofevents。Foritwaseverthemisfortuneofthatgreatkingtotreatthosewithleniencywhomnoindulgencecouldwin;andIbearwithmetothisdaythebitterassurancethat，hadthefatewhichovertookLouisd’Entraguesembracedthewholeofthatfamily，theblowwhichtenyearslatercutshortHenry’scareerwouldneverhavebeenstruck。
