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The wind and the direction of the river continuing the same, we were obliged to advance by the cordel. The country continued fine and well cultivated, and we passed several large and beautiful islands. In walking along the shore, saw at a distance a large castle, lately occupied by the brigands; on visiting it, found it capable of accommodating at least a thousand men.

"I fear, monsieur," said Jacques one evening, about a week after our return, "that we must expect trouble." "How so?" I asked. "Cordel has been in the village, and has gone off in a towering passion. It seems he has only just learned of your arrival, and has let fall several threats to old Pierre." "Pshaw!" I exclaimed, "what harm can the fellow do us?"

He drew Cordel aside, and the two conversed earnestly together for several minutes. Then, turning to me, he said, "I am going away, monsieur; when I return it will be with his majesty's order in my pocket." "You will find me always ready to obey his majesty's commands," I answered, and at that the whole body rode off, Cordel turning round to give me a glance of bitter and vindictive hatred.

Cordel either suspects or knows that I am your friend. Calling Jacques, I handed the note to him, and asked his opinion. "It does not help us a bit," he declared; "it explains nothing. If L'Estang is a false friend, as I believe, he is merely trying by this note to throw dust into your eyes. If, on the other hand, he was not a party to the plot, the mystery remains the same."

In every coterie of water-carriers, or mozos de cordel, there will be one found innocent enough to believe that the Magi are coming to Madrid that night, and that a proper respect to their rank requires that they must be met at the city gate.

I cried; "this must be stopped. Cordel has influence enough to have every one of them broken on the wheel. Look alive, man!" Putting on my boots hastily, I followed him to the stables, when we saddled the horses and led them out. I was in a fever of excitement lest we should not arrive at the house in time, since it was necessary for us to take the longer route by the road.

I cried hastily, for his companions had begun to cheer, "you must not interfere with Monsieur Cordel, or you will get into trouble. I have returned to Le Blanc by the king's instructions, but his majesty has not yet signed the necessary papers permitting me to take possession of my property. That will come in time, but meanwhile we must be patient and give no cause of offence."

There is likely to be war with Spain, and I am to receive the king's commission. It will be better than fighting against those of our own race and blood; and if we come through the campaign alive, Monsieur Cordel may even cast his eyes on some other person's estates." "When do we start?" asked Jacques eagerly. "I have a few arrangements to make. Let us say the day after to-morrow."

Wrap yourselves up closely, and attract as little attention as possible. Do not fail to come, as I have important news. "Are you sure this is not a second invitation from the lawyer?" my comrade asked. "It appears to be L'Estang's handwriting." "So did the other note." "True, but Etienne Cordel would not bait a trap for you. He bears you no grudge, and besides you would only be in his way!"

I had this man's life in my hand, and spared it." Jacques shrugged his shoulders as if to imply that he had hardly thought me capable of acting so foolishly. "He is in Monseigneur's service, and, as you know, came to warn me against Etienne Cordel. He promised, if he could ferret out the lawyer's schemes, to write to me." "Do you really trust this fellow, monsieur?"