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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.
Suddenly, when the head of their long, somewhat straggling line had just reached the junction, and Blaise was but a short distance from it, came from their leader La Chatre's equerry, I think the order to halt, and then the clear, sharp cry: "Who goes there?" Before I could answer, a familiar voice near their leader cried out: "It is his company, La Tournoire's, I swear it!
"What man but La Tournoire would risk his life by declaring himself to be that proscribed gentleman?" "One of his followers might do so, if he thought that he might so throw an enemy off La Tournoire's track." "Then the possibility of my deceiving you on that point is but an additional risk you run, in return for the chance of your bagging the real game.
A better way for the Governor's soldiers to find La Tournoire's stronghold, if they but knew, would be to take the road along the river from Clochonne to Narjec, and to turn up the hill at the throne-shaped rock half-way between those towns. At the top of that hill is Maury, hidden by dense woods and thickets."
"You sent him word! You learned how to reach La Tournoire's hiding-place from the man you thought his friend, and you sent the secret to the governor, whom you knew to be his enemy? And yet you are not as bad as I can think you!" "I sent him word of your hiding-place; but he was not to seize you till I had arranged a meeting with you alone and informed him of it!" "You confess this!
How could I play the Delilah in your sight? It had been hard enough to question you about La Tournoire's hiding-place.
"But this Tournoire is doubtless worth three men in a fight, and his man will probably be worth two more. I don't think your offer sufficiently attractive. I think I would do better to kill you. Certainly, there are many reasons why you should die. If you should escape me now, as you are one of La Tournoire's people, you would immediately go to him and tell him of my presence here.
Montignac stood with folded arms and downcast eyes, attending carefully to La Chatre's words, but having too much tact to betray his interest. "And yet," said La Chatre, "you have been of some service to me in this matter, and I would in some measure reward you. You sent me information of La Tournoire's whereabouts, and for so much you deserve to be paid.
It would not be well for the boy, or any one else, to be the means of the governor's learning La Tournoire's hiding-place!" After which words, spoken with a kind of ominous menace, Blaise abruptly left the girl, and strode around the corner of the chateau. The maid stood still a few moments, then went into the chateau. Completely mystified, I crossed the courtyard and called Blaise.
I take back my promise, and give you back your own. I gave you word of La Tournoire's hiding-place, and so far resigned my honor. I abandon my hateful task unfinished, and so far I get my honor back. And, now, do as you will!" I could have shouted for joy! This, then, explained it all. She had undertaken to betray me, but it was to save her father! I remembered now.
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