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"Oh, he may speak, but not so loud as to be heard in the next chamber. Look to it, Frojac." "Very well, monsieur." For I did not wish, as yet, that Montignac should know what was going on. Through the closed door and the thick tapestried walls, only a loud cry, or some such sound as a stroke on the resonant bowl or tray, could have reached him.
And yet, how her eyes had moistened in dwelling on mine, how they had dropped before my look, how she had yielded to my embrace, how she had stood still and unresisting in my arms! No, no, they were wrong! De Berquin had lied, Blaise and Frojac were stolid fools, capable of making only the most obvious inference, and I was a contemptible wretch to falter in my faith in her for an instant!
He carried the arquebus that had belonged to the guardsman, and his match was burning. Risking all on the possible effect of a sudden surprise on the governor, I cried, sharply: "Fire on that man, Frojac, if he moves." La Chatre, completely startled, rose from his chair and turned about, forgetful of the stick and bowl.
"She will reach the chateau of Clochonne long before you do!" "Then I shall enter the chateau!" I answered, helping Maugert buckle on my armor. "And meet the governor and garrison!" said Blaise. "They will rejoice to see me!" "'Tis rushing into the lion's den, monsieur!" put in Frojac. "Let the lion look to himself," said I, standing forth at last, all armed and ready.
How beautiful is the world! I am too happy!" I heard rapid footsteps from outside the gate, and presently one of my men ran into the courtyard from the forest. It was Frojac, who had been all day in Clochonne in search of information. Seeing me, he stopped and stood still, out of breath from his run.
"On, Frojac!" I said, and on we went. We could make better speed now, for the road, though little used and in bad condition, was continuous and, unlike the forest path, comparatively free of intrusive vegetation. It was hard, too, for the weather had been dry for a long time. The loud clatter of the horses' hoofs was some relief to my eager heart.
"Hark!" said Frojac, suddenly. "Do you hear something?" I heard the sounds made by our riding, but no other. "Horsemen," he went on. "And men afoot, on the march!" "Where?" I asked. We continued to gallop forward. "Ahead," he answered. "Don't you hear, monsieur?" I listened. Yes, there was the far-off sound of many shod feet striking hard earth. "It is ahead," said I.
"Look to this man, Frojac," said I, and then hastened into the chateau. The moonlight through the open door showed a large vestibule, from which the staircase ascended towards the right. The man coming down this staircase was at the bottom step when I entered the vestibule. He stopped there, taken by surprise. I saw that he was of short stature and slight figure.
I could at that moment have believed the most incredible things, even that a woman had hidden herself in one of the ruined outbuildings; for what could have been more incredible than Frojac's account of an unknown woman riding from the chateau at the utmost speed? "Maugert is bringing him to you," said Frojac. "I ran ahead to apprise you of what had occurred."
He is one who talks little, but keeps his ears and eyes open." "Word from a boy?" I repeated, rather to myself. "Could De Berquin have found some peasant boy and despatched him to the governor?" "My comrade says that the boy was sent by a woman," said Frojac. "A woman!" I cried. "If it be true, then, malediction on her! Some covetous, spying wife of a farmer has found us out, perchance!"
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