Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 19, 2025
The streets were for the most part deserted; but in spite of the late hour it was not dark. "Listen!" exclaimed Felix suddenly, "there is some one following us; he is coming at a quick pace, as if trying to overtake us. Perhaps it is your quixotic adventurer friend, with a further warning." "No," I replied, "L'Estang is not so heavy; he is more cat-footed.
L'Estang was not present, but seeing one of Anjou's guards I asked if he could find my friend for me, which he did. "The palace is not a safe place for you to-night," said L'Estang as he came to meet me. "As safe as any part of the city," I answered. "It seems I did well in taking your advice and sending my sister away. You have heard of this morning's dastardly crime?"
It was still dark when Jacques undid the fastenings of the gate, and I bade my guest farewell. "Remember my warning!" he whispered, "and keep free from Cordel's clutches." "A short visit, monsieur," commented Jacques, as L'Estang rode off. "But full of interest, nevertheless.
It was at Ivri, right at the moment of triumph, I lost Jacques, who, through good and ill, had followed my fortunes with a loyalty and devotion that no man ever exceeded, and fell just when I had the power to reward his services. Renaud L'Estang I rarely met after my return.
But that is not to the point. My name is Renaud L'Estang. My father was a gentleman, poor and without influence; I had good blood in my veins but no money in my purse. My only chance of wealth lay in my sword. I sold it to the highest bidder. In short, monsieur, I am an adventurer, no better and no worse than thousands of others." "And in the pay of the League!"
When I met you in the city, I jumped to the conclusion that you had come to Rochelle as a spy. You told me your story, and I believed it; but you have doubtless many enemies who will laugh at it. They will say " "Nothing, monsieur; I shall go to the block without words. Renaud L'Estang will find no mercy in Rochelle, and asks none."
Renaud L'Estang stood before me, his face drawn and haggard, and heavy with a great grief. He had stolen in noiselessly; his sword and pistol lay within reach of his hand; he might have killed me without effort, and saved his own life. The thought flashed into my mind, but died away instantly. From the moment when he told his story I had never once mistrusted him. "Your mother has passed away?"
"Let Urie bring an iron bar," he laughed, "and a man need wear a thick steel cap to save his skull!" I went to bed hoping to obtain a good night's rest, but the startling tragedy had weakened my nerves more than I guessed, and I lay awake a long time, wondering what the secret was that the dead man had carried with him to the grave. Was he really a messenger from L'Estang?
"Yes," said my comrade, "there is something in that. Will you go?" "Why not? We may learn something that will be useful to our chief. L'Estang wishes me well, and in order to save my life he may be tempted to disclose what he knows of Guise's conspiracy; for I feel sure there is one." "If it will serve the Admiral," said Felix hesitatingly. "It may.
"Here am I, in the service of Anjou, accepting the hospitality of one of Coligny's attendants. We ought really to be cutting each other's throats!" "There can be no question of strife between you and me, L'Estang." "No," he said slowly, "I am too much in your debt. I have not forgotten." "You repaid me at D'Angely, and now I fancy I shall be in your debt.
Word Of The Day
Others Looking