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Updated: June 15, 2025
Therefore, when Clochonne was yet some leagues before us, we turned into a by-way, and stopped at an obscure inn at the end of a small village. This hostelry was a mere hut, consisting of a kitchen and one other apartment, and was kept by an old couple as stupid and avaricious as any of their class. The whole place, such as it was, was at our disposal.
Mademoiselle stood perfectly still and fixed her eyes on Marianne, awaiting the latter's answers with apparently as much interest as I myself felt. "Godeau went to Clochonne this morning with some eggs to sell, and learned that the governor arrived last night and occupies the chateau," said Marianne. "With how many men?" I asked.
De Berquin became more and more gaily disposed. He put no limit to the quantity imbibed by his men; yet he kept his eyes on me, and his dagger dangerously near my breast. When we heard the clock in Clochonne strike seven, he said to his men: "Straighten up, you dogs! In another hour we shall have work to do."
He spoke with some embarrassment, and I began to see why. Inasmuch as he had been at Clochonne but little more than one day, no more time had passed than would have been necessary for the arrangement of the ambush. Therefore it could not be honestly held that she had been tardy in fulfilling her mission; that is to say, when he told her that she was too late, he lied.
Just as I reached the cleared space, I saw the rider disappearing around a bend of the road which led to Clochonne. Though I saw only his back, I recognized him as mademoiselle's boy, Pierre, mounted on one of her horses. On the bench before the inn sat mademoiselle herself, alone. She gave a start of surprise when I came up to her.
When the spy shall have met La Tournoire, and learned his hiding-place, if he have a permanent one, one messenger shall bring the information to you at Bourges, that you may go to Clochonne to be near at hand for the final step. Having sent the first messenger, the spy shall fall ill, so as to have apparent reason for not going on to Guienne.
"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.
Had we, coming from the mountains, reached this spot before the troops coming from Clochonne reached it, we should have met them; but they had passed this spot long before we had seen them from the height. Blaise and the men, whom I had ordered to follow me, would nave left Maury soon after I had. Certainly they would not be there when the governor's troops should arrive.
To learn his hiding-place is at least something worth gaining, though the project accomplish nothing more. Moreover, the arrival of the first messenger will inform you that the spy is on the ground and has won La Tournoire's confidence, and that it is time for you to go to Clochonne.
Blaise, marshal the men, and follow when you can, by the forest path!" "Ah!" cried Blaise, overjoyed. "To Guienne, to join Henri of Navarre?" "No!" I answered. "To Clochonne, to join mademoiselle!" Maugert obediently and hastily brought me my breast-piece, and began to adjust it to my body. I already had my sword.
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