CHAPTERV
REVENGE
Andfullofblackrage！Hadsheonlyreproachedme，or，turningonmeinthehourofMYvictory，saidallthatshehadnowsaidinthemomentofherown，Icouldhaveborneit。Shemighthaveshamedmethen，andImighthavetakentheshametomyselfandforgivenher。But，asitwas，Istoodthereinthegatheringdusk，betweenthedarkeninghedges，baffled，tricked，defeated！Andbyawoman！Shehadpittedherwitsagainstmine，herwoman'swillagainstmyexperience，andshehadcomeoffthevictor。Andthenshehadreviledme！AsItookitallin，andbegantocomprehendalsothemoreremoteresults，andhowcompletelyhermovehadmadefurtherprogressonmypartimpossible，Ihatedher。Shehadtrickedmewithhergraciouswaysandherslow-comingsmile。And，afterall——forwhatshehadsaid——itwasthisman'slifeormine。'WhathadIdonethatanothermanwouldnotdo？MONDIEU！inthefuturetherewasnothingIwouldnotdo。Iwouldmakehersmartforthosewordsofhers！Iwouldbringhertoherknees！
Still，hotasIwas，anhourmighthaverestoredmetocoolness。ButwhenIstartedtoreturn，Ifellintoafreshrage，forIrememberedthatIdidnotknowmywayoutofthemazeofridesandpathsintowhichshehaddrawnme；andthisandthemishapswhichfollowed，keptmyragehot。ForafullhourIwanderedinthewood，unable，thoughIknewwherethevillagelay，tofindanytrackwhichledcontinuouslyinonedirection。
Whenever，attheendofeachattempt，thethicketbroughtmeupshort，IfanciedthatIheardherlaughingonthefarthersideofthebrake；andtheignominyofthischancepunishment，andthecheckwhichtheconfinementplacedonmyrage，almostmaddenedme。InthedarknessIfell，androsecursing；Itoremyhandswiththorns；Istainedmysuit，whichhadsufferedsadlyoncebefore。Atlength，whenIhadalmostresignedmyselftolieinthewood，Icaughtsightofthelightsofthevillage，and，tremblingbetweenhasteandanger，pressedtowardsthem。InafewminutesIstoodinthelittlestreet。
Thelightsoftheinnshoneonlyfiftyyardsaway；butbeforeIcouldshowmyselfeventherepridesuggestedthatIshoulddosomethingtorepairmyclothes。I
stopped，andscrapedandbrushedthem；and，atthesametime，didwhatIcouldtocomposemyfeatures。ThenI
advancedtothedoorandknocked。Almostontheinstantthelandlord'svoicecriedfromtheinside，'Enter，Monsieur！'
Iraisedthelatchandwentin。Themanwasalone，squattingoverthefirewarminghishands。Ablackpotsimmeredontheashes，AsIenteredheraisedthelidandpeepedinside。Thenheglancedoverhisshoulder。
'Youexpectedme？'Isaiddefiantly，walkingtothehearth，andsettingoneofmydampbootsonthelogs。
'Yes，'heanswered，noddingcurtly。'Yoursupperisjustready。Ithoughtthatyouwouldbeinaboutthistime。'
Hegrinnedashespoke，anditwaswithdifficultyI
suppressedmywrath。
'MademoiselledeCocheforettoldyou，'Isaid，affectingindifference，'whereIwas？'
'Ay，Mademoiselle——orMadame，'hereplied，grinningafresh。
Soshehadtoldhim；whereshehadleftme，andhowshehadtrickedme！Shehad，mademethevillagelaughing-
stock！Myrageflashedoutafreshatthethought，and，atthesightofhismockingface，Iraisedmyfist。
Buthereadthethreatinmyeyes，andwasupinamoment，snarling，withhishandonhisknife。
'Notagain，Monsieur！'hecried，inhisvilepatois。
'Myheadissorestill。raiseyourhandandIwillripyouupasIwouldapig！'
'Sitdown，fool，'Isaid。'Iamnotgoingtoharmyou。
Whereisyourwife？'
'Aboutherbusiness。'
'Whichshouldbegettingmysupper，'Iretorted。
Herosesullenly，and，fetchingaplatter，pouredthemessofbrothandvegetablesintoit。Thenhewenttoacupboardandbroughtoutaloafofblackbreadandameasureofwine，andsetthemalsoonthetable。
'Youseeit，'hesaidlaconically。
'Andapoorwelcome！'Ireplied。
Heflamedintosuddenpassionatthat。Leaningwithbothhishandsonthetablehethrusthisruggedfaceandblood-shoteyesclosetomine。Hismoustachiosbristled，hisbeardtrembled。
'Harkye，sirrah！'hemuttered，withsullenemphasis，'becontent！Ihavemysuspicions。Andifitwerenotformylady'sordersIwouldputaknifeintoyou，fairorfoul，thisverynight。Youwouldliesnugoutside，insteadofinside，andIdonotthinkanyonewouldbetheworse。Butasitis，becontent。Keepastilltongue；andwhenyouturnyourbackonCocheforetto-morrowkeepitturned。'
'Tut！tut！'Isaid——butIconfessthatIwasalittleoutofcountenance。'Threatenedmenlivelong，yourascal！'
'InParis！'heansweredsignificantly。'Nothere，Monsieur。'
Hestraightenedhimselfwiththat，noddedonce，andwentbacktothefire；andIshruggedmyshouldersandbegantoeat，affectingtoforgethispresence。Thelogsonthehearthburnedsullenly，andgavenolight。Thepooroil-lamp，castingweirdshadowsfromwalltowall，servedonlytodiscoverthedarkness。Theroom，withitslowroofandearthenfloor，andfoulclothesflunghereandthere，reekedofstalemealsandgarlicandvilecooking。IthoughtoftheparlouratCocheforet，andthedaintytable，andthestillness，andthescentedpot-herbs；andthoughIwastoooldasoldiertoeattheworsebecausemyspoonlackedwashing，Ifeltthechange，andlaiditsavagelyatMademoiselle'sdoor。
Thelandlord，watchingmestealthilyfromhisplacebythehearth，readmythoughtsandchuckledaloud。
'Palacefare，palacemanners！'hemutteredscornfully。
'Setabeggaronhorseback，andhewillride——backtotheinn！'
'Keepaciviltongue，willyou！'Ianswered，scowlingathim。
'Haveyoufinished？'heretorted。
Irose，withoutdeigningtoreply，and，goingtothefire，drewoffmyboots，whichwerewetthrough。He，ontheinstant，sweptoffthewineandloaftothecupboard，andthen，comingbackfortheplatterIhadused，tookit，openedthebackdoor，andwentout，leavingthedoorajar。Thedraughtwhichcameinbeattheflameofthelampthiswayandthat，andgavethedingy，gloomyroomanairstillmoremiserable。Iroseangrilyfromthefire，andwenttothedoor，intendingtocloseitwithabang。
ButwhenIreachedit，Isawsomething，betweendoorandjamb，whichstayedmyhand。Thedoorledtoashedinwhichthehousewifewashedpotsandthelike。Ifeltsomesurprise，therefore，whenIfoundalightthereatthistimeofnight；stillmoresurprisewhenIsawwhatshewasdoing。
Shewasseatedonthemudfloor，witharush-lightbeforeher，andoneithersideofherahigh-piledheapofrefuseandrubbish。Fromoneofthese，atthemomentIcaughtsightofher，shewassortingthings——horriblefilthysweepingsofroadorfloor——totheother；shakingandsiftingeacharticleasshepasseditacross，andthentakingupanotherandrepeatingtheactionwithit，andsoon——allminutely，warily，withanairofsomuchpatienceandpersistencethatIstoodwondering。Somethings——rags——sheheldupbetweenhereyesandthelight，someshepassedthroughherfingers，someshefairlytoreinpieces。Andallthetimeherhusbandstoodwatchinghergreedily，myplatterstillinhishand，asifherstrangeoccupationfascinatedhim。
Istoodlooking，also，forhalfaminute，perhaps；thentheman'seye，raisedforasinglesecondtothedoor-
way，metmine。Hestarted，mutteredsomethingtohiswife，and，quickasthought，hekickedthelightout，leavingtheshedindarkness。Cursinghimforanill-
conditionedfellow，Iwalkedbacktothefire，laughing。
Inatwinklinghefollowedme，hisfacedarkwithrage。
'VENTRE-SAINT-GRIS！'heexclaimed，thrustinghimselfclosetome。'Isnotaman'shousehisown？'
'Itis，forme，'Iansweredcoolly，shruggingmyshoulders。'Andhiswife：ifshelikestopickdirtyragsatthishour，thatisyouraffair。'
'Pigofaspy！'hecried，foamingwithrage。
Iwasangryenoughatbottom，butIhadnothingtogainbyquarrellingwiththefellow；andIcurtlybadehimrememberhimself。
'Yourmistressgaveyouorders，'Isaidcontemptuously。
'Obeythem。'
Hespatonthefloor，butatthesametimehegrewcalmer。
'Youarerightthere，'heansweredspitefully。'Whatmatter，afterall，sinceyouleaveto-morrowatsix？
Yourhorsehasbeensentdown，andyourbaggageisabove。'
'Iwillgotoit，'Iretorted。'Iwantnoneofyourcompany。Givemealight，fellow！'
Heobeyedreluctantly，and，gladtoturnmybackonhim，Iwentuptheladder，stillwonderingfaintly，inthemidstofmyannoyance，whathiswifewasaboutthatmychancedetectionofherhadsoenragedhim。Evennowhewasnotquitehimself。Hefollowedmewithabuse，and，deprivedbymydepartureofanyothermeansofshowinghisspite，felltoshoutingthroughthefloor，biddingmeremembersixo'clock，andbestirring；withothertaunts，whichdidnotceaseuntilhehadtiredhimselfout。
Thesightofmybelongings——whichIhadleftafewhoursbeforeattheChateau——strewnaboutthefloorofthisgarret，wentsomewaytowardsfiringmeagain。ButI
waswornout。Theindignitiesandmishapsoftheeveninghad，foronce，crushedmyspirit，andafterswearinganoathortwoIbegantopackmybags。
VengeanceIwouldhave；butthetimeandmannerIleftfordaylightthought。Beyondsixo'clockinthemorningIdidnotlookforward；andifIlongedforanythingitwasforalittleofthegoodArmagnacIhadwastedonthoseloutsofmerchantsinthekitchenbelow。Itmighthavedonemegoodnow。
Ihadwearilystrappeduponebag，andnearlyfilledtheother，whenIcameuponsomethingwhichdid，forthemoment，rousethedevilinme。Thiswasthetinyorange-colouredsachetwhichMademoisellehaddroppedthenightIfirstsawherattheinn，andwhich，itwillberemembered，Ipickedup。SincethatnightIhadnotseenit，andhadasgoodasforgottenit。Now，asI
foldedupmyotherdoublet，theoneIhadthenbeenwearing，itdroppedfrommypocket。
Thesightofitrecalledall——thatnight，andMademoiselle'sfaceinthelanternlight，andmyfineplans，andtheendofthem；and，inafitofchildishfury，theoutcomeoflongsuppressedpassion，Isnatchedupthesachetfromthefloorandtoreitacrossandacross，andflungthepiecesdown。Astheyfell，acloudoffinepungentdustburstfromthem，andwiththedust，somethingmoresolid，whichtinkledsharplyontheboards，asitfell。Ilookeddowntoseewhatthiswas——perhapsIalreadyrepentedofmyact；butforamomentIcouldseenothing。Thefloorwasgrimyanduninviting，thelightbad。
Incertainmoods，however，amanisobstinateaboutsmallthings，andImovedthetapernearer。AsIdidsoapointoflight，aflashingsparklethatshoneforasecondamongthedirtandrefuseonthefloor，caughtmyeye。Itwasgoneinamoment，butIhadseenit。I
stared，andmovedthelightagain，andthesparkflashedoutafresh，thistimeinadifferentplace。Muchpuzzled，Iknelt，and，inatwinkling，foundatinycrystal。Hardbyitlayanother——andanother；eachaslargeasafair-sizedpea。Itookupthethree，androsetomyfeetagain，thelightinonehand，thecrystalsinthepalmoftheother。
Theywerediamonds！Diamondsofprice！Iknewitinamoment。AsImovedthetapertoandfroabovethem，andwatchedthefireglowandtrembleintheirdepths，I
knewthatIheldinmyhandthatwhichwouldbuythecrazyinnandallitscontentsadozentimesover！Theywerediamonds！Gemssofine，andofsorareawater——orIhadneverseengems——thatmyhandtrembledasIheldthem，andmyheadgrewhotandmyheartbeatfuriously。
ForamomentIthoughtthatIdreamed，thatmyfancyplayedmesometrick；andIclosedmyeyesanddidnotopenthemagainforaminute。ButwhenIdid，theretheywere，hard，real，andangular。Convincedatlast，inamazeofjoyandfear，Iclosedmyhanduponthem，and，stealingontip-toetothetrap-door，laidfirstmysaddleonitandthenmybags，andoverallmycloak，breathingfastthewhile。
ThenIstoleback，and，takingupthelightagain，begantosearchthefloor，patiently，inchbyinch，withnakedfeet，everysoundmakingmetrembleasIcrepthitherandthitheroverthecreakingboards。Andneverwassearchmoresuccessfulorbetterpaid。InthefragmentsofthesachetIfoundsixsmallerdiamondsandapairofrubies。EightlargediamondsIfoundonthefloor。
One，thelargestandlastfound，hadboundedaway，andlayagainstthewallinthefarthestcorner。Ittookmeanhourtorunthatonetoearth；butafterwardsIspentanotherhouronmyhandsandkneesbeforeIgaveupthesearch，and，satisfiedatlastthatIhadcollectedall，satdownonmysaddleonthetrap-door，and，bythelastflickeringlightofacandlewhichIhadtakenfrommybag，gloatedovermytreasure——atreasureworthyoffabledGolconda。
HardlycouldIbelieveinitsreality，evennow。
RecallingthejewelswhichtheEnglishDukeofBuckinghamworeontheoccasionofhisvisittoParisin1625，andwhereoftherewassomuchtalk，Itookthesetobeasfine，thoughlessinnumber。Theyshouldbeworthfifteenthousandcrowns，moreorless。Fifteenthousandcrowns！AndIheldtheminthehollowofmyhand——I，whowasscarcelyworthtenthousandsous。
Thecandlegoingoutcutshortmyadmiration。Leftinthedarkwiththesepreciousatoms，myfirstthoughtwashourImightdisposeofthemsafely；whichIdid，forthetime，bysecretingthemintheliningofmyboot。
MysecondthoughtturnedonthequestionhowtheyhadcomewhereIhadfoundthem，amongthepowderedspiceandperfumesinMademoiselledeCocheforet'ssachet。
Aminute'sreflectionenabledmetocomeverynearthesecret，andatthesametimeshedafloodoflightonseveraldarkplaces，WhatClonhadbeenseekingonthepathbetweenthehouseandthevillage，whatthegoodwifeoftheinnhadsoughtamongthesweepingsofyardandfloor，Iknewnowthesachet——knew，too，whathadcausedthemarkedandsuddenanxietyIhadnoticedattheChateau——thelossofthissachet。
AndthereforawhileIcametoacheckButonestepmoreuptheladderofthoughtbroughtallinview。InaflashIguessedhowthejewelshadcometobeinthesachet；andthatitwasnotMademoisellebutM。deCocheforetwhohadmislaidthem。IthoughtthislastdiscoverysoimportantthatIbegantopacetheroomsoftly，unable，inmyexcitement，toremainstill。
Doubtlesshehaddroppedthejewelsinthehurryofhisstartfromtheinnthatnight！Doubtless，too，hehadcarriedtheminthatbizarrehiding-placeforthesakeofsafety，consideringitunlikelythatrobbers，ifhefellintotheirhands，wouldtakethesachetfromhim；
asstilllesslikelythattheywouldsuspectittocontainanythingofvalue。Everywhereitwouldpassforalove-gift，theworkofhismistress。
Nordidmypenetrationstopthere。Iguessedthatthegemswerefamilyproperty，thelasttreasureofthehouse；andthatM。deCocheforet，whenIsawhimattheinn，wasonhiswaytoconveythemoutofthecountry；
eithertosecurethemfromseizurebytheGovernment，ortoraisemoneybysellingthem——moneytobespentinsomelastdesperateenterprise。Foradayortwo，perhaps，afterleavingCocheforet，whilethemountainroadanditschancesoccupiedhisthoughts，hehadnotdiscoveredhisloss。Thenhehadsearchedfortheprecioussachet，missedit，andreturnedhot-footonhistracks。
ThelongerIconsideredthecircumstancesthemorecertainIwasthatIhadhitonthetruesolution；andallthatnightIsatwakefulinthedarkness，ponderingwhatIshoulddo。Thestones，unsetastheywere，couldneverbeidentified，neverbeclaimed。Thechannelbywhichtheyhadcometomyhandscouldneverbetraced。
Toallintentstheyweremine；mine，todowithasI
pleased！Fifteenthousandcrowns，perhapstwentythousandcrowns，andItoleaveatsixinthemorning，whetherIwouldorno！ImightleaveforSpainwiththejewelsinmypocket。Whynot？
IconfessIwastempted。AndindeedthegemsweresofinethatIdoubtnotsomeindifferentlyhonestmenwouldhavesoldsalvationforthem。But——aBeraulthishonour？No。Iwastempted，Isay；butnotforlong。
ThankGod，amanmaybereducedtolivingbythefortunesofthedice，andmayevenbecalledbyawoman'spy'and'coward，'withoutbecomingathief！Thetemptationsoonleftme——Itakecreditforit——andI
felltothinkingofthisandthatplanformakinguseofthem。OnceitoccurredtometotakethejewelstotheCardinalandbuymypardonwiththem；again，tousethemasatraptocaptureCocheforet；again，to——andthen，aboutfiveinthemorning，asIsatuponmywretchedpallet，whilethefirstlightstoleslowlyinthroughthecobwebbed，hay-stuffedlattice，therecametometherealplan，theplanofplans，onwhichIacted。
ItcharmedmeIsmackedmylipsoverit，andhuggedmyself，andfeltmyeyesdilateinthedarkness，asI
connedit。Itseemedcruel，itseemedmean；Icarednothing。Mademoisellehadboastedofhervictoryoverme，ofherwoman'switsandheracutenessandofmydullness。Shehadsaidthathergroomsshouldflogme。
ShehadratedmeasifIhadbeenadog。Verywell；wewouldseenowwhosebrainswerethebetter，whosewasthemastermind，whoseshouldbethewhipping。
TheonethingrequiredbymyplanwasthatIshouldgetspeechwithher；thatdone，Icouldtrustmyselfandmynew-foundweaponfortherest。Butthatwasabsolutelynecessary，and，seeingthattheremightbesomedifficultyaboutit，Ideterminedtodescendasifmymindweremadeuptogo；then，onpretenceofsaddlingmyhorse，Iwouldslipawayonfoot，andlieinwaitneartheChateauuntilIsawhercomeout。OrifI
couldnoteffectmypurposeinthatway——eitherbyreasonofthelandlord'svigilance，orforanyothercause——mycoursewasstilleasy。Iwouldrideaway，andwhenIhadproceededamileorso，tieupmyhorseintheforestandreturntothewoodenbridge。ThenceI
couldwatchthegardenandfrontoftheChateauuntiltimeandchancegavemetheopportunityIsought。
SoIsawmywayquiteclearly；andwhenthefellowbelowcalledme，remindingmerudelythatImustbegoing，andthatitwassixo'clock，Iwasreadywithmyanswer。I
shoutedsulkilythatIwascoming，and，afteradecentdelay，Itookupmysaddleandbagsandwentdown。
Viewedbythelightofacoldmorning，theinn-roomlookedmoresmoky，moregrimy，morewretchedthanwhenI
hadlastseenit。Thegoodwifewasnotvisible。Thefirewasnotlighted。Noprovision，notsomuchasastirrup-cuporbowlofporridgecheeredtheheart。
Ilookedround，sniffingthestalesmelloflastnight'slamp，andgrunted。
'Areyougoingtosendmeoutfasting？'Isaid，affectingaworsehumourthanIfelt。
Thelandlordwasstandingbythewindow，stoopingoveragreatpairoffrayedandfurrowedthigh-bootswhichhewaslabouringtosoftenwithcopiousgrease。
'Mademoiselleorderednobreakfast，'heanswered，withamaliciousgrin。
'Wellitdoesnotmuchmatter，'Irepliedgrandly。'I
shallbeatAuchbynoon。'
'Thatisasmaybe，'heansweredwithanothergrin。
Ididnotunderstandhim，butIhadsomethingelsetothinkabout，andIopenedthedoorandsteppedout，intendingtogotothestable。TheninasecondI
comprehended。Thecoldairladenwithwoodlandmoisturemetmeandwenttomybones；butitwasnotthatwhichmademeshiver。Outsidethedoor，intheroad，sittingonhorsebackinsilence，weretwomen。OnewasClon。
Theother，whohadasparehorsebytherein——myhorse——
wasamanIhadseenattheinn，arough，shock-headed，hard-bittenfellow。Bothwerearmed，andClonwasbooted。Hismaterodebarefoot，witharustyspurstrappedtooneheel。
ThemomentIsawthemasureandcertainfearcreptintomymind：itwasthatwhichmademeshiverButIdidnotspeaktothem。Iwentinagainandclosedthedoorbehindme。Thelandlordwasputtingonhisboots。
'Whatdoesthismean？'Isaidhoarsely——thoughIhadaclearprescienceofwhatwascoming。'Whyarethesemenhere？'
'Orders，'heansweredlaconically。
'Whoseorders？'Iretorted。
'Whose？'heansweredbluntly。'Well，Monsieur，thatismybusiness。Enoughthatwemeantoseeyououtofthecountry，andoutofharm'sway。'
'ButifIwillnotgo？'Icried。
'Monsieurwillgo，'heansweredcoolly。'Therearenostrangersinthevillageto-day，'headded，withasignificantsmile。
'Doyoumeantokidnapme？'Ireplied，inarage。
Butbehindtheragewassomethingelse——Iwillnotcallitterror，forthebravefeelnoterrorbutitwasnearakintoit。Ihadhadtodowithroughmenallmylife，buttherewasagrimnessandtruculenceintheaspectofthesethreethatshookme。WhenIthoughtofthedarkpathsandnarrowlanesandcliffsideswemusttraverse，whicheverroadwetook，Itrembled。
'Kidnapyou，Monsieur？'heanswered，withanevery-dayair。'Thatisasyoupleasetocallit。Onethingiscertain，however，'hecontinued，maliciouslytouchinganarquebusswhichhehadbroughtout，andsetuprightagainstachairwhileIwasatthedoor；ifyouattempttheslightestresistance，weshallknowhowtoputanendtoit，eitherhereorontheroad。'
Idrewadeepbreath，theveryimminenceofthedangerrestoringmetotheuseofmyfaculties。Ichangedmytoneandlaughedaloud。
'Sothatisyourplan，isit？'Isaid。'Thesoonerwestartthebetter，then。AndthesoonerIseeAuchandyourbackturned，themoreIshallbepleased。'
Herose。'Afteryou，Monsieur，'hesaid。
Icouldnotrestrainaslightshiver。Hisnew-bornpolitenessalarmedmemorethanhisthreats。Iknewthemanandhisways，andIwassurethatitbodedilltome。
ButIhadnopistols，andonlymyswordandknife，andI
knewthatresistanceatthispointmustbeworsethanvain。Iwentoutjauntily，therefore，thelandlordcomingaftermewithmysaddleandbags。
Thestreetwasempty，saveforthetwowaitinghorsemenwhosatintheirsaddleslookingdoggedlybeforethem，Thesunhadnotyetrisen，theairwasraw。Theskywasgrey，cloudy，andcold。MythoughtsflewbacktothemorningonwhichIhadfoundthesachet——atthatveryspot，almostatthatveryhour，andforamomentIgrewwarmagainatthethoughtofthelittlepacketIcarriedinmyboot。Butthelandlord'sdrymanner，thesullensilenceofhistwocompanions，whoseeyessteadilyrefusedtomeetmine，chilledmeagain。Foraninstanttheimpulsetorefusetomount，torefusetogo，wasalmostirresistible；then，knowingthemadnessofsuchacourse，whichmight，andprobablywould，givethementhechancetheydesired，Icrusheditdownandwentslowlytomystirrup。
'Iwonderyoudonotwantmysword，'Isaidbywayofsarcasm，asIswungmyselfup。
'Wearenotafraidofit，'theinnkeeperansweredgravely。'Youmaykeepit——forthepresent。'
Imadenoanswer——whatanswerhadItomake？——andwerodeatafootpacedownthestreet；heandIleading，Clonandtheshock-headedmanbringinguptherear。Theleisurelymodeofourdeparture，theabsenceofhurryorevenhaste，themen'sindifferencewhethertheywereseen，orwhatwasthought，allservedtosinkmyspiritsanddeepenmysenseofperil。Ifeltthattheysuspectedme，thattheymorethanhalfguessedthenatureofmyerrandatCocheforet，andthattheywerenotmindedtobeboundbyMademoiselle'sorders。Inparticular，IauguredtheworstfromClon'sappearance。
Hisleanmalevolentfaceandsunkeneyes，hisverydumbnesschilledme。Mercyhadnoplacethere。
Werodesoberly，sothatnearlyhalfanhourelapsedbeforewegainedthebrowfromwhichIhadtakenmyfirstlookatCocheforet。AmongthedwarfoakswhenceI
hadviewedthevalleywepausedtobreatheourhorses，andthestrangefeelingswithwhichIlookedbackonthescenemaybeimagined。ButIhadshorttimeforindulginginsentimentorrecollections。Acurtword，andweweremovingagain。
Aquarterofamilefartheron，theroadtoAuchdippedintothevalley。Whenwewerealreadyhalfwaydownthisdescenttheinnkeepersuddenlystretchedouthishandandcaughtmyrein。
'Thisway！'hesaid。
Isawthathewouldhavemeturnintoaby-pathleadingsouth-westwards——ameretrack，faintandlittletroddenandencroachedonbytrees，whichledIknewnotwhither。Icheckedmyhorse。
'Why？'Isaidrebelliously。'DoyouthinkIdonotknowtheroad？TheroadweareinisthewaytoAuch。'
'ToAuch——yes，'heansweredbluntly。'ButwearenotgoingtoAuch，'
'Whitherthen？'Isaidangrily。
'Youwillseepresently，'herepliedwithanuglysmile。
'Yes，butIwillknownow！'Iretorted，passiongettingthebetterofme。'Ihavecomesofarwithyou。Youwillfinditmoreeasytotakemefartherifyoutellmeyourplans。'
'Youareafool！'hecriedwithasnarl。
'Notso，'Ianswered。'IaskonlytoknowwhitherIamgoing。'
'IntoSpain，'hesaid。'Willthatsatisfyyou？'
'Andwhatwillyoudowithmethere？'Iasked，myheartgivingagreatbound。
'Handyouovertosomefriendsofours，'heansweredcurtly，'ifyoubehaveyourself。Ifnot，thereisashorterway，andonethatwillsaveussometravelling。
Makeupyourmind，Monsieur。Whichshallitbe？'
CHAPTERVI
Sothatwastheirplan。Twoorthreehourstothesouthward，thelong，white，glitteringwallstretchedeastandwestabovethebrownwoods。BeyondthatlaySpain。Onceacrosstheborder，I
mightbedetained，ifnoworsehappenedtome，asaprisonerofwar；forwewerethenatwarwithSpainontheItalianside。OrImightbehandedovertooneofthesavagebands，halfsmugglers，halfbrigands，thatheldthepasses；orbedelivered，worsefateofall，intothepoweroftheFrenchexiles，ofwhomsomewouldbelikelytorecognisemeandcutmythroat。
'ItisalongwayintoSpain，'Imuttered，watchinginakindoffascinationClonhandlinghispistols。
'Ithinkyouwillfindtheotherroadlongerstill，'thelandlordansweredgrimly。'Butchoose，andbequickaboutit。'
Theywerethreetoone，andtheyhadfirearms。IneffectIhadnochoice。
'Well，ifImustImust？'Icried，makingupmymindwithseemingrecklessness。'VOGUELAGALERE！Spainbeit。ItwillnotbethefirsttimeIhaveheardthedonstalk。'
Themennodded，asmuchastosaythattheyhadknownwhattheendwouldbe；thelandlordreleasedmyrein；andinatricewewereridingdownthenarrowtrack，withourfacessettowardsthemountains。
Ononepointmymindwasnowmoreeasy。Themenmeantfairlybyme，andIhadnolongertofear，asIhadfeared，apistol-shotinthebackatthefirstconvenientravine。Asfarasthatwent，Imightrideinpeace。Ontheotherhand，ifIletthemcarrymeacrossthebordermyfatewassealed。Amansetdownwithoutcredentialsorguardsamongthewilddesperadoeswhoswarmedinwar-timeintheAsturianpassesmightconsiderhimselffortunateifaneasydeathfelltohislot。InmycaseIcouldmakeashrewdguesswhatwouldhappen。Asinglenodofmeaning，onemutteredword，droppedamongthesavagemenwithwhomIshouldbeleft，andthediamondshiddeninmybootwouldgoneithertotheCardinalnorbacktoMademoiselle——norwoulditmattertomewhithertheywent。
Sowhiletheotherstalkedintheirtaciturnfashion，orsometimesgrinnedatmygloomyface，Ilookedoutoverthebrownwoodswitheyesthatsawyetdidnotsee。Theredsquirrelswarmingupthetrunk，thestartledpigsthatrushedawaygruntingfromtheirfeastofmast，thesolitaryriderwhometus，armedtotheteeth，andpassednorthwardsafterwhisperingwiththelandlord——alltheseIsaw。Butmymindwasnotwiththem。
Itwasgropingandfeelingaboutlikeahuntedmoleforsomewayofescape。Fortimepressed。Theslopewewereonwasgrowingsteeper。By-and-bywefellintoasouthwardvalley，andbegantofollowitsteadilyupwards，crossingandrecrossingaswiftlyrushingstream。Thesnowpeaksbegantobehiddenbehindtherisingbulkofhillsthatoverhungus，andsometimeswecouldseenothingbeforeorbehindbutthewoodedwallsofourvalleyrisingsheerandgreenathousandpaceshighoneitherhand；withgreyrockshalfmaskedbyfernandivyjuttinghereandtherethroughthefirsandalders。
Itwasawildandsombresceneevenatthathour，withthemid-
daysunshiningontherushingwateranddrawingthescentoutofthepines；butIknewthattherewasworsetocome，andsoughtdesperatelyforsomerusebywhichImightatleastseparatethemen。Threeweretoomany；withoneImightdeal。Atlast，whenIhadcudgelledmybrainforanhour，andalmostresignedmyselftoasuddenchargeonthemensingle-handed——alastdesperateresort——Ithoughtofaplan：dangerous，too，andalmostdesperate，butwhichstillseemedtopromisesomething。Itcameofmyfingersresting，astheylayinmypocket，onthefragmentsoftheorangesachet；which，withouthavinganyparticulardesigninmymind，Ihadtakencaretobringwithme。Ihadtornthesachetintofourpieces——fourcorners。AsIplayedmechanicallywiththem，oneofmyfingersfittedintoone，asintoaglove；asecondfingerintoanother。Andtheplancame。
BeforeIcouldmoveinit，however，Ihadtowaituntilwestoppedtobaittheflagginghorses，whichwedidaboutnoonattheheadofthevalley。Then，pretendingtodrinkfromthestream，Imanagedtosecureunseenahandfulofpebbles，slippingthemintothesamepocketwiththemorselsofstuff。Ongettingtohorseagain，Icarefullyfittedapebble，nottootightly，intothelargestscrap，andmadereadyfortheattempt。
Thelandlordrodeonmyleft，abreastofme；theothertwoknavesbehind。Theroadatthisstagefavouredme，forthevalley，whichdrainedthebareuplandsthatlaybetweenthelowerhillsandthebaseoftherealmountains，hadbecomewideandshallow。
Herewerenotrees，andthepathwasameresheep-trackcoveredwithshort，crispgrass，andrunningsometimesonthisbankofthestreamandsometimesonthat。
Iwaiteduntiltheruffianbesidemeturnedtospeaktothemenbehind。Themomenthedidso，andhiseyeswereaverted，I
slippedoutthescrapofsatininwhichIhadplacedthepebble，andbalancingitcarefullyonmyrightthighasIrode，Iflippeditforwardwithallthestrengthofmythumbandfinger。Imeantittofallafewpacesbeforeusinthepath，whereitcouldbeseen。Butalasformyhopes！Atthecriticalmomentmyhorsestarted，myfingerstruckthescrapaslant，thepebbleflewout，andthebitofstuffflutteredintoawhin-bushclosetomystirrup——andwaslost！
Iwasbitterlydisappointed，forthesamethingmighthappenagain，andIhadnowonlythreescrapsleft。Butfortunefavouredme，byputtingitintomyneighbour'sheadtoplungeintoahotdebatewiththeshock-headedmanonthenatureofsomeanimalsseenonadistantbrow；whichhesaidwereizards，whiletheothermaintainedthattheywerecommongoats。Hecontinued，onthisaccount，toridewithhisfaceturnedfromme，andIhadtimetofitanotherpebbleintothesecondpieceofstuff。
Slidingitontomythigh，Ipoisedit，andflippedit。
Thistimemyfingerstruckthetinymissilefairlyinthemiddle，andshotitsofarandsotrulythatitdroppedexactlyinthepathtenpacesinfrontofus。ThemomentIsawitfallIkickedmyneighbour'snagintheribs；itstarted，andhe，turninginarage，hitit。Thenextinstanthepulleditalmostontoitshaunches。
'SAINTGRIS！'hecried；andsatglaringatthebitofyellowsatin，withhisfaceturnedpurpleandhisjawfallen。
'Whatisit！'Isaid，staringathiminturn，'Whatisthematter，fool？'
'Matter？'heblurtedout。'MONDIEU！'
ButClon'sexcitementsurpassedevenhis。Thedumbmannosoonersawwhathadattractedhiscomrade'sattention，thanheutteredaninarticulateandhorriblenoise，andtumblingoffhishorse，morelikeabeastthanamanthrewhimselfbodilyonthepreciousmorsel。
Theinnkeeperwasnotfarbehindhim。Aninstantandhewasdown，too，peeringatthething；andforaninstantIthoughtthattheywouldfightoverit。However，thoughtheirjealousywasevident，theirexcitementcooledalittlewhentheydiscoveredthatthescrapofstuffwasempty；for，fortunately，thepebblehadfallenoutofit。Still，itthrewthemintosuchafeverofeagernessasitwaswonderfultowitness。Theynosedthegroundwhereithadlain，theypluckedupthegrassandturf，andpasseditthroughtheirfingers，theyrantoandfrolikedogsonatrail；and，glancingaskanceatoneanother，camebackalwaystogethertothepointofdeparture。Neitherinhisjealousywouldsuffertheothertobetherealone。
Theshock-headedmanandIsatourhorsesandlookedon；hemarvelling，andIpretendingtomarvel。Asthetwosearchedupanddownthepath，wemovedalittleoutofittogivethemspace；andpresently，whenalltheirheadswereturnedfromme，I
letasecondmorseldropunderagorse-bush。Theshock-headedman，by-and-by，foundthis，andgaveittoClon；andasfromthecircumstancesofthefirstdiscoverynosuspicionattachedtome，Iventuredtofindthethirdandlastscrapmyself。Ididnotpickitup，butIcalledtheinnkeeper，andhepounceduponitasIhaveseenahawkpounceonachicken。
Theyhuntedforthefourthmorsel，but，ofcourse，invain，andintheendtheydesisted，andfittedthethreetheyhadtogether；
butneitherwouldlethisownportionoutofhishands，andeachlookedattheotheracrossthespoilwitheyesofsuspicion。Itwasstrangetoseetheminthatwide-stretchingvalley，whencegreyboar-backsofhillsswelledupintothesilenceofthesnow——itwasstrange，Isay，inthatvastsolitude，toseethesetwo，meredotsonitsbosom，circlingroundoneanotherinfierceforgetfulnessoftheoutsideworld，glaringandshiftingtheirgroundlikecocksabouttoengage，andwhollyengrossed——bythreescrapsoforange-colour，invisibleatfiftypaces！
Atlasttheinnkeepercriedwithanoath，'Iamgoingback。Thismustbeknowndownyonder。Givemeyourpieces，man，anddoyougoonwithAntoine。Itwillbeallright。'
ButClon，wavingascrapofthestuffineitherhand，andthrustinghisghastlymaskintotheother'sface，shookhisheadinpassionatedenial。Hecouldnotspeak，buthemadeitasclearasdaylightthatifanyonewentbackwiththenews，hewasthemantogo。
'Nonsense！'thelandlordrejoinedfiercely，'WecannotleaveAntoinetogoonalonewithhim。Givemethestuff。'
ButClonwouldnot。Hehadnothoughtofresigningthecreditofthediscovery；andIbegantothinkthatthetwowouldreallycometoblows。Buttherewasanalternative——analternativeinwhichIwasconcerned；andfirstoneandthentheotherlookedatme。Itwasamomentofperil，andIknewit。Mystratagemmightreactonmyself，andthetwo，toputanendtotheirdifficulty，agreetoputanendtome。ButIfacedthemsocoolly，andshowedsoboldafront，andthegroundwherewestoodwassoopen，thattheideatooknoroot。Theyfelltowranglingagainmoreviciouslythanbefore。Onetappedhisgunandtheotherhispistols。Thelandlordscolded，thedumbmangurgled。AtlasttheirdifferenceendedasIhadhopeditwould。
'Verywellthen，wewillbothgoback！'theinnkeepercriedinarage。'AndAntoinemustseehimon。Buttheblamebeonyourhead。Doyougivetheladyourpistols。'
Clontookonepistol，andgaveittotheshock-headedman。
'Theother！'theinnkeepersaidimpatiently。
ButClonshookhisheadwithagrimsmile，andpointedtothearquebuss。
Byasuddenmovement，thelandlordsnatchedthepistol，andavertedClon'svengeancebyplacingbothitandthegunintheshock-headedman'shands。
'There！'hesaid，addressingthelatter，'nowcanyoudo？IfMonsieurtriestoescapeorturnback，shoothim！Butfourhours'ridingshouldbringyoutotheRocaBlanca。Youwillfindthementhere，andwillhavenomoretodowithit。'
Antoinedidnotseethingsquiteinthatlight，however。Helookedatme，andthenatthewildtrackinfrontofus；andhemutteredanoathandsaidhewoulddieifhewould。
Butthelandlord，whowasinafrenzyofimpatience，drewhimasideandtalkedtohim，andintheendseemedtopersuadehim；
forinafewminutesthematterwassettled。
Antoinecameback，andsaidsullenly，'Forward，Monsieur，'thetwoothersstoodononeside，Ishruggedmyshouldersandkickedupmyhorse，andinatwinklingwetwowereridingontogether——mantoman。Iturnedonceortwicetoseewhatthosewehadleftbehindweredoing，andalwaysfoundthemstandinginapparentdebate；butmyguardshowedsomuchjealousyofthesemovementsthatIpresentlyshruggedmyshouldersagainanddesisted。
Ihadrackedmybrainstobringaboutthisstateofthings。
Strangetosay，nowIhadsucceeded，IfounditlesssatisfactorythanIhadhoped。Ihadreducedtheoddsandgotridofmymostdangerousantagonists；butAntoine，lefttohimself，provedtobeasfullofsuspicionasaneggofmeat。Herodealittlebehindme，withhisgunacrosshissaddlebow，andapistolnearhishand；andattheslightestpauseonmypart，orifIturnedtolookathim，hemutteredhisconstant'Forward，Monsieur！'inatonewhichwarnedmethathisfingerwasonthetrigger。Atsuchadistancehecouldnotmiss；andIsawnothingforitbuttogoonmeeklybeforehimtotheRocaBlanca——andmyfate。
Whatwastobedone？Theroadpresentlyreachedtheendofthevalleyandenteredanarrowpine-claddefile，strewnwithrocksandboulders，overwhichthetorrentplungedandeddiedwithadeafeningroar。Infrontthewhitegleamofwaterfallsbrokethesombreranksofclimbingtrunks。Thesnowlinelaylessthanhalfamileawayoneitherhand；andcrowningall——attheendofthepass，asitseemedtotheeye——rosethepurewhitepillarofthePicduMidishootingupsixthousandfeetintotheblueofheaven。Suchascenesosuddenlydisclosed，wasenoughtodrivethesenseofdangerfrommymind；andforamomentIreinedinmyhorse。But'Forward，Monsieur！'camethegratingorder。Ifelltoearthagain，andwenton。Whatwastobedone？
Iwasatmywits'endtoknow。Themanrefusedtotalk，refusedtorideabreastofme，wouldhavenodismounting，nohalting，nocommunicationatall。Hewouldhavenothingbutthissilent，lonelyprocessionoftwo，withthemuzzleofhisgunatmyback。
Andmeanwhilewewerefastclimbingthepass。Wehadlefttheothersanhour——nearlytwo。Thesunwasdeclining；thetime，I
supposed，abouthalf-pastthree。
Ifhewouldonlyletmecomewithinreachofhim！Orifanythingwouldfallouttotakehisattention！Whenthepasspresentlywidenedintoabareanddrearyvalley，strewnwithhugebouldersandwithsnowlyinghereandthereinthehollows，Ilookeddesperatelybeforeme，andscannedeventhevastsnow-fieldsthatoverhungusandstretchedawaytothebaseoftheice-peak。ButIsawnothing。Nobearswungacrossthepath，noizardshoweditselfonthecliffs。Thekeen，sharpaircutourcheeksandwarnedmethatwewereapproachingthesummitoftheridge。Onallsidesweresilenceanddesolation。
MONDIEU！AndtheruffiansonwhosetendermerciesIwastobethrownmightcometomeetus！Theymightappearatanymoment。
InmydespairIloosenedmyhatonmyhead，andletthefirstgustcarryittotheground，andthenwithanoathofannoyancetossedmyfeetfromthestirrupstogoafterit。Buttherascalroaredtometokeepmyseat。
'Forward，Monsieur！'heshoutedbrutally。'Goon！'
'Butmyhat！'Icried。'MILLETONNERRES，man！Imust——'
'Forward，Monsieur，orIshoot！'herepliedinexorablyraisinghisgun。'One——two——'
AndIwenton。But，ah，Iwaswrathful！ThatI，GildeBerault，shouldbeoutwitted，andledbythenoselikearingedbull，bythisGasconlout！ThatI，whomallParisknewandfeared——ifitdidnotlove——theterrorofZaton's，shouldcometomyendinthisdismalwasteofsnowandrock，donetodeathbysomepitifulsmugglerorthief！Itmustnotbe。SurelyinthelastresortI
couldgiveanaccountofoneman，thoughhisbeltwerestuffedwithpistols。
Buthow？Only，itseemed，byopenforce。MyheartbegantoflutterasIplannedit；andthengrewsteadyagain。Ahundredpacesbeforeusagullyorravineontheleftranupintothesnow-field。Oppositeitsmouthajumbleofstonesandbrokenrockscoveredthepath，Imarkedthisfortheplace。Theknavewouldneedbothhishandstoholduphisnagoverthestones，and，ifIturnedonhimsuddenlyenough，hemighteitherdrophisgunorfireitharmlessly。
But，inthemeantime，somethinghappened；as，atthelastmoment，thingsdohappen。Whilewewerestillfiftyyardsshortoftheplace，Ifoundhishorse'snosecreepingforwardonalevelwithmycrupper；and，stilladvancing，stilladvancing，untilIcouldseeitoutofthetailofmyeye，andmyheartgaveagreatbound。Hewascomingabreastofme：hewasgoingtodeliverhimselfintomyhands！Tocovermyexcitement，Ibegantowhistle。
'Hush！'hemutteredfiercely，hisvoicesoundingsostrangeandunnatural，thatmyfirstthoughtwasthathewasill；andI
turnedtohim。Butheonlysaidagain，——
'Hush！Passbyherequietly，Monsieur。'
'Why？'Iaskedmutinously，curiositygettingthebetterofme。
ForhadIbeenwiseIhadtakennonotice；everysecondhishorsewascomingupwithmine。Itsnosewaslevelwithmystirrupalready。
'Hush，man！'hesaidagain。Thistimetherewasnomistakeaboutthepanicinhisvoice。'TheycallthistheDevil'sChapel，Godsendussafebyit！Itislatetobehere。Lookatthose！'hecontinued，pointingwithafingerwhichvisiblyshook。
Ilooked。Atthemouthofthegully，inasmallspacepartlyclearedofstones，stoodthreebrokenshafts，raisedonrudepedestals。
'Well？'Isaidinalowvoice。Thesun，whichwasnearsetting，flushedthegreatpeakabovetothecolourofblood；butthevalleywasgrowinggreyandeachmomentmoredreary。'Well，whatofthose？'Isaid。
InspiteofmyperilandtheexcitementofthecomingstruggleI
feltthechillofhisfear。NeverhadIseensogrim，sodesolate，soGod-forsakenaplace！InvoluntarilyIshivered。
'Theywerecrosses，'hemutteredinavoicelittleaboveawhisper，whilehiseyesrovedthiswayandthatinterror。'TheCureofGabasblessedtheplace，andsetthemup。Butnextmorningtheywereasyouseethemnow。Comeon，Monsieur；comeon！'hecontinued，pluckingatmyarm。'Itisnotsafehereaftersunset。PrayGod，Satanbenotathome！'
Hehadcompletelyforgotteninhispanicthathehadanythingtofearfromme。Hisgundroppedlooselyacrosshissaddle，hislegrubbedmine。Isawthis，andIchangedmyplanofaction。AsourhorsesreachedthestonesIstooped，asiftoencouragemine，and，withasuddenclutch，snatchedthegunbodilyfromhishand，atthesametimethatIbackedmyhorsewithallmystrength。Itwasdoneinamoment！AsecondandIhadhimattheendofthegun，andmyfingerwasonthetrigger。Neverwasvictorymoreeasilygained。
Helookedatmebetweenrageandterror，hisjawfallen。
'Areyoumad？'hecried，histeethchatteringashespoke。Eveninthisstraithiseyesleftmeandwanderedroundinalarm。
'No，sane！'Iretortedfiercely。'ButIdonotlikethisplaceanybetterthanyoudo。'Whichwastrueenough，ifnotquitetrue。'So，byyourright，quickmarch！'Icontinuedimperatively。'Turnyourhorse，myfriend，ortaketheconsequences。'
Heturnedlikealamb，andheadeddownthevalleyagain，withoutgivingathoughttohispistols。Ikeptclosetohim，andinlessthanaminutewehadlefttheDevil'sChapelwellbehindus，andweremovingdownagainaswehadcomeup。OnlynowIheldthegun。
Whenwehadgonehaveamileorso——untilthenIdidnotfeelcomfortablemyself，andthoughIthankedheaventhattheplaceexisted，IthankedheavenalsothatIwasoutofit——Ibadehimhalt。
'Takeoffyourbelt，'Isaidcurtly，'andthrowitdown。But，markme，ifyouturnIfire。'
Thespiritwasquitegoneoutofhim，andheobeyedmechanically。
Ijumpeddown，stillcoveringhimwiththegun，andpickedupthebelt，pistolsandall。ThenIremounted，andwewenton。By-
and-byheaskedmesullenlywhatIwasgoingtodo。
'Goback，'Isaid，'andtaketheroadtoAuchwhenIcometoit。'
'Itwillbedarkinanhour，'heansweredsulkily。
'Iknowthat，'Iretorted。'Wemustcampanddothebestwecan。'
AndasIsaid，wedid。Thedaylighthelduntilwegainedtheskirtsofthepine-woodattheheadofthepass。HereIchoseacorneralittleoffthetrack，andwellshelteredfromthewind，andbadehimlightafire。Itetheredthehorsesnearthisandwithinsight。Thenitremainedonlytosup。Ihadapieceofbread：hehadanotherandanonion。Weateinsilence，sittingonoppositesidesofthefire。
ButaftersupperIfoundmyselfinadilemma；IdidnotseehowI
wastosleep。Theruddylightwhichgleamedontheknave'sswartfaceandsinewyhandsshowedalsohiseyes，black，sullen，andwatchful。Iknewthatthemanwasplottingrevenge；thathewouldnothesitatetoplanthisknifebetweenmyribsshouldI
givehimthechance；andIcouldfindonlyonealternativetoremainingawake。HadIbeenbloody-minded，Ishouldhavechosenitandsolvedthequestionatonceandinmyfavourbyshootinghimashesat。
ButIhaveneverbeenacruelman，andIcouldnotfinditinmyhearttodothis。Thesilenceofthemountainandthesky-whichseemedathingapartfromtheroarofthetorrentandnottobebrokenbyit——awedme。Thevastnessofthesolitudeinwhichwesat，thedarkvoidabove，throughwhichthestarskeptshooting，theblackgulfbelowinwhichtheunseenwatersboiledandsurged，theabsenceofotherhumancompanyorothersignsofhumanexistence，putsuchafaceuponthedeedthatIgaveupthethoughtofitwithashudder，andresignedmyself，instead，towatchthroughthenight——thelong，cold，Pyreneannight。
Presentlyhecurledhimselfuplikeadogandsleptintheblaze，andthenforacoupleofhoursIsatoppositehim，thinking。ItseemedyearssinceIhadseenZaton'sorthrownthedice。Theoldlife，theoldemployments——shouldIevergobacktothem？——
seemeddimanddistant。WouldCocheforet，theforestandthemountain，thegreyChateauanditsmistresses，seemonedayasdim？Andifonebitoflifecouldfadesoquicklyattheunrollingofanother，andseeminamomentpaleandcolourless，wouldalllifesomedayandsomewhere，andallthethingswe——Butenough！Iwasgrowingfoolish。Isprangupandkickedthewoodtogether，and，takingupthegun，begantopacetoandfrounderthecliff。Strangethatalittlemoonlight，afewstars，abreathofsolitudeshouldcarryamanbacktochildhoodandchildishthings……
Itwasthreeintheafternoonofthenextday，andthesunlayhotontheoakgroves，andtheairwasfullofwarmthaswebegantoclimbtheslope，midwayupwhichtheroadtoAuchshootsoutofthetrack。Theyellowbrackenandthefallenleavesunderfootseemedtothrowuplightofthemselves；andhereandthereapatchofruddybeechlaylikeabloodstainonthehillside。Infrontaherdofpigsroutedamongthemast，andgruntedlazily；
andhighaboveusaboylaywatchingthem。'Weparthere，'I
saidtomycompanion。
ItwasmyplantoridealittlewayalongtheroadtoAuchsoastoblindhiseyes；then，leavingmyhorseintheforest，IwouldgoonfoottotheChateau。'Thesoonerthebetter！'heansweredwithasnarl。'AndIhopeImayneverseeyourfaceagain，Monsieur。'
Butwhenwecametothewoodencrossattheforkoftheroads，andwereabouttopart，theboywehadseenleaptoutofthefernandcametomeetus。
'Hollo！'hecriedinasing-songtone。
'Well，'mycompanionanswered，drawingreinimpatiently。'Whatisit？'
'Therearesoldiersinthevillage。'
'Soldiers"Antoinecriedincredulously。
'Ay，devilsonhorseback，'theladanswered，spittingontheground。'Threescoreofthem。FromAuch。'
Antoineturnedtome，hisfacetransformedwithfury。
'Curseyou！'hecried。'Thisissomeofyourwork。Nowweareallundone。Andmymistresses？SACRE！ifIhadthatgunI
wouldshootyoulikearat。'
'Steady，fool，'Iansweredroughly。'Iknownomoreofthisthanyoudo。'
Whichwassotruethatmysurprisewasatleastasgreatashis，andbettergrounded。TheCardinal，whorarelymadeachangeoffront，hadsentmehitherthathemightnotbeforcedtosendsoldiers，andruntheriskofallthatmightarisefromsuchamovement。Whatofthisinvasion，then，thanwhichnothingcouldbelessconsistentwithhisplans？Iwondered。Itwaspossiblethatthetravellingmerchants，beforewhomIhadplayedattreason，hadreportedthefacts；andthatonthistheCommandantatAuchhadacted。Butitseemedunlikelysincehehadhadhisorderstoo，andundertheCardinal'sruletherewassmallplaceforindividualenterprise。FranklyIcouldnotunderstandit，andfoundonlyonethingclear；ImightnowenterthevillageasIpleased。
'Iamgoingontolookintothis，'IsaidtoAntoine。'Come，myman。'Heshruggedhisshoulders，andstoodstill。
'NotI！'beanswered，withanoath。'NosoldiersformeIhavelainoutonenight，andIcanlieoutanother。'
Inoddedindifferently，forInolongerwantedhim；andweparted。Afterthis，twentyminutes'ridingbroughtmetotheentranceofthevillage，andherethechangewasgreatindeed。
Notoneoftheordinarydwellersintheplacewastobeseen：
eithertheyhadshutthemselvesupintheirhovels，or，likeAntoine，theyhadfledtothewoods。Theirdoorswereclosed，theirwindowsshuttered。Butloungingaboutthestreetwereascoreofdragoons，inbootsandbreastplates，whoseshort-
barrelledmuskets，withpouchesandbandoliersattached，werepiledneartheinndoor。Inanopenspace，wheretherewasagapinthestreet，alongrowofhorses，linkedheadtohead，stoodbendingtheirmuzzlesoverbundlesofroughforage；andonallsidesthecheerfuljingleofchainsandbridlesandthesoundofcoarsejokesandlaughterfilledtheair。
AsIrodeuptotheinndooranoldsergeant，withsquintingeyesandhistongueinhischeek，scannedmeinquisitively，andstartedtocrossthestreettochallengeme。Fortunately，atthatmomentthetwoknaveswhomIhadbroughtfromPariswithme，andwhomIhadleftatAuchtoawaitmyorders，cameup。Imadethemasignnottospeaktome，andtheypassedon；butIsupposethattheytoldthesergeantthatIwasnotthemanhewanted，forIsawnomoreofhim。
Afterpicketingmyhorsebehindtheinn——Icouldfindnobetterstable，everyplacebeingfull——Ipushedmywaythroughthegroupatthedoor，andentered。Theoldroom，withthelow，grimyroofandthereekingfloor，washalffullofstrangefigures，andforafewminutesIstoodunseeninthesmokeandconfusion。Thenthelandlordcamemyway，andashepassedmeIcaughthiseye。
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