Itwouldbehooveme，therefore，tolookelsewhereforhelpandforsomeonetosweartomyidentity。
“DoyouknowthenameofthisKing’sCommissioner？”Iasked。
“ItisacertainComtedeChatellerault，agentlemanmansaidtostandveryhighinHisMajesty’sfavour。”
“Chatellerault！“Icriedinwonderingjoy。“Youknowhim？”
“Mostexcellently！“Ilaughed。“Weareveryintimatelyacquainted。”
“Why，then，monsieur，Iauguryouthisgentleman’sfriendship，andthatitmaypilotyouthroughyourtrouble。Although-“Beingmercifullyminded，hestoppedshort。
ButIlaughedeasily。“Indeed，mydearCaptain，Ithinkitwill。”
saidI;“althoughfriendshipinthisworldisathingofwhichtheunfortunateknowlittle。”
ButIrejoicedtoosoon，asyoushallhear。
Werodediligentlyon，ourwaylyingalongthefertilebanksoftheGaronne，nowyellowwiththerustlingcorn。TowardseveningwemadeourlasthaltatFenouillet，whenceacoupleofhours’ridingshouldbringustoToulouse。
Atthepost-houseweovertookacarriagethatseeminglyhadhaltedforrelays，butuponwhichIscarcebestowedaglanceasIalighted。
WhilstCastelrouxwenttoarrangeforfreshhorses，Istrodeintothecommonroom，andthereforsomemomentsIstooddiscussingtheviandswithourhost。WhenatlastIhadresolvedthatacoldpastyandabottleofArmagnacwouldsatisfyourwants，Ilookedaboutmetotakesurveyofthoseintheroom。OnegroupinaremotecornersuddenlyrivetedmyattentiontosuchadegreethatIremaineddeaftothevoiceofCastelroux，whohadjustentered，andwhostoodnowbesideme。InthecentreofthisgroupwastheComtedeChatelleraulthimself，athick-set，sombrefigure，dressedwiththatfunerealmagnificenceheaffected。
Butitwasnotthesightofhimthatfilledmewithamazement。Forthat，Castelroux’sinformationhadpreparedme，andIwellunderstoodinwhatcapacityhewasthere。Mysurprisesprangratherfromthefactthatamongstthehalf-dozengentlemenabouthim-andevidentlyinattendance-IbeheldtheChevalierdeSaint-Eustache。Now，knowingasIdid，theChevalier’streasonableleanings，therewasamplecauseformyastonishmentatfindinghiminsuchcompany。
Apparently，too，hewasonveryintimatetermswiththeCount，forinraisingmyglanceIhadcaughthimintheactofleaningovertowhisperfamiliarlyinChatellerault’sear。
Theireyes-indeed，forthatmattertheeyesoftheentirecompany-wereturnedinmydirection。
PerhapsitwasnotasurprisingthingthatChatelleraultshouldgazeuponmeinthatcuriousfashion，for，wasitnotprobablethathehadheardthatIwasdead？Besides，thefactthatIwaswithoutasword，andthatatmysidestoodaKing’sofficer，affordedevidenceenoughofmycondition，andwellmightChatelleraultstareatbeholdingmesomanifestlyaprisoner。
EvenasIwatchedhim，heappearedtostartatsomethingthatSaint-Eustachewassaying，andacuriouschangespreadoverhisface。
Itswhilomexpressionhadbeenratheroneofdismay;for，havingbelievedmedead，henodoubtaccountedhiswagerwon，whereasseeingmealivehaddestroyedthatpleasantconviction。Butnowittookonalookofreliefandofsomethingthatsuggestedmaliciouscunning。
“That。”saidCastelrouxinmyear，“istheKing’scommissioner。
DidInotknowit？Ineverwaitedtoanswerhim，but，stridingacrosstheroom，Iheldoutmyhandoverthetable-toChatellerault。
“MydearComte。”Icried，“youaremostchoicelymet。
Iwouldhaveaddedmore，buttherewassomethinginhisattitudethatsilencedme。Hehadturnedhalffromme，andstoodnow，handonhip，hisgreatheadthrownbackandtiltedtowardshisshoulder，hisexpressiononeoffreezinganddisdainfulwonder。
Now，ifhisattitudefilledmewithastonishmentandapprehension，considerhowthesefeelingswereheightenedbyhiswords。
“MonsieurdeLesperon，Icanbutexpressamazementatyoureffrontery。
Ifwehavebeenacquaintedinthepast，doyouthinkthatisasufficientreasonformetotakeyourhandnowthatyouhaveplacedyourselfinapositionwhichrendersitimpossibleforHisMajesty’sloyalservantstoknowyou？”
Ifellbackapace，mymindscarcegraspingyetthedepthsofthisinexplicableattitude。
“Thistome，Chatellerault？”Igasped。
“Toyou？”heblazed，stirredtoasuddenpassion。“Whatelsedidyouexpect，MonsieurdeLesperon？”
Ihaditinmetogivehimthelie，todenouncehimthenforalow，swindlingtrickster。Iunderstoodallatoncethemeaningofthiswondrousmake-believe。FromSaint-Eustachehehadgatheredthemistaketherewas，andforhiswager’ssakehewouldlettheerrorprevail，andhurrymetothescaffold。WhatelsemightIhaveexpectedfromthemanthathadluredmeintosuchawager-awagerwhichtheknowledgehepossessedhadmadehimcertainofwinning？
Wouldhewhohadcheatedatthedealingofthecardsneglectanopportunitytocheatagainduringtheprogressofthegame？
AsIhavesaid，Ihaditinmymindtocryoutthathelied-thatIwasnotLesperonthatheknewIwasBardelys。Butthefutilityofsuchanoutcrycametomesimultaneouslywiththethoughtofit。
And，Ifearme，Istoodbeforehimandhissatellites-themockingSaint-Eustacheamongstthem-averyfoolishfigure。
“Thereisnomoretobesaid。”Imurmuredatlast。
“Butthereis！“heretorted。“Thereismuchmoretobesaid。Youshallrenderyetanaccountofyourtreason，andIamafraid，mypoorrebel，thatyourcomelyheadwillpartcompanywithyourshapelybody。YouandIwillmeetatToulouse。WhatmoreistobesaidwillbesaidintheTribunalthere。”
Achillencompassedme。Iwasdoomed，itseemed。Thisman，rulingtheprovincependingtheKing’sarrival，wouldseetoitthatnonecameforwardtorecognizeme。Hewouldexpeditethecomedyofmytrial，andcloseitwiththetragedyofmyexecution。Myprofessionsofamistakeofidentity-ifIwastedbreathuponthemwouldbetreatedwithdisdainanddisregardedutterly。God！WhatapositionhadIgotmyselfinto，andwhataveinofcomedyranthroughit-
grim，tragiccomedy，ifyouwill，yetcomedytoallfaith。TheverywomanwhomIhadwageredtowedhadbetrayedmeintothehandsoftheverymanwithwhomIlaidmywager。
Buttherewasmoreinitthanthat。AsIhadtoldMironsacthatnightinParis，whenthethinghadbeetinitiated，itwasaduelthatwasbeingfoughtbetwixtChatelleraultandme-aduelforsupremacyintheKing’sgoodgraces。Wewererivals，andhedesiredmyremovalfromtheCourt。Tothisendhadheluredmeintoabargainthatshouldresultinmyfinancialruin，therebycompellingmetowithdrawfromthecostlylifeoftheLuxembourg，andleavinghimsupreme，thesoleanduncontestedrecipientofourmaster’sfavour。NowintohishandFatehadthrustastouterweaponandadeadlier:aweaponwhichnotonlyshouldmakehimmasterofthewealththatIhadpledged，butonewherebyhemightremovemeforalltime，athousandfoldmoreeffectivelythanthemereencompassingofmyruinwouldhavedone。
Iwasdoomed。Irealizeditfullyand，verybitterly。
Iwastogooutofthewaysofmenunnoticedandunmourned;asarebel，undertheobscurenameofanotherandbearinganother’ssinsuponmyshoulders，Iwastopassalmostunheededtothegallows。
BardelystheMagnificent-theMarquisMarcelSaint-PoldeBardelys，whosesplendourhadbeenabywordinFrance-wastogooutlikeagutteringcandle。
Thethoughtfilledmewiththeawfulfrenzythatsooftengoeswithimpotencysuchafrenzyasthedamnedinhellmayknow。Iforgotinthathourmypreceptthatundernoconditionsshouldagentlemangivewaytoanger。InablindaccessoffuryIflungmyselfacrossthetableandcaughtthatvillainouscheatbythethroat，beforeanytherecouldputoutahandtostopme。
Hewasaheavyman，ifashortone，andthestrengthofhisthick-setframewasathingabnormal。YetatthatmomentsuchnervouspowerdidIgatherfrommyrage，thatIswunghimfromhisfeetasthoughhehadbeenthepuniestweakling。Idraggedhimdownontothetable，andthereIgroundhisfacewithamostexcellentgood-willandrelish。
“Youliar，youcheat，youthief！“Isnarledlikeanycross-grainedmongrel。“TheKingshallhearofthis，youknave！ByGod，heshall！“
Theydraggedmefromhimatlast-thoselapdogsthatattendedhim-andwithmuchroughhandlingtheysentmesprawlingamongthesawdustonthefloor。ItismorethanlikelythatbutforCastelroux’sinterventiontheyhadmadeshortworkofmethereandthen。
ButwithabunchofMordious，Sangdious，andPo’CapdeDious，thelittleGasconflunghimselfbeforemyprostratefigure，andbadethemintheKing’sname，andattheirperil，tostandback。
Chatellerault，sorelyshaken，hisfacepurple，andwithbloodstreamingfromhisnostrils，hadsunkintoachair。Herosenow，andhisfirstwordswereincoherent，raginggasps。
“Whatisyourname，sir？”hebellowedatlast，addressingtheCaptain。
“AmedeedeMironsacdeCastelroux，ofChateauRougeinGascony。”
answeredmycaptor，withagrandmannerandaflourish，andadded，“Yourservant。”
“Whatauthorityhaveyoutoallowyourprisonersthisdegreeoffreedom？”
“Idonotneedauthority，monsieur。”repliedtheGascon。
“Doyounot？”blazedtheCount。“Weshallsee。WaituntilIaminToulouse，mymalapertfriend。”
Castelrouxdrewhimselfup，straightasarapier，hisfaceslightlyflushedandhisglanceangry，yethehadthepresenceofmindtorestrainhimself，partlyatleast。
“IhavemyordersfromtheKeeperoftheSeals，toeffecttheapprehensionofMonsieurdeLesperon;andtodeliverhimup，aliveordead，atToulouse。SothatIdothis，themannerofitismyownaffair，andwhopresumestocriticizemymethodscensoriouslyimpugnsmyhonourandaffrontsme。Andwhoaffrontsme，monsieur，behewhosoeverhemaybe，rendersmesatisfaction。Ibegthatyouwillbearthatcircumstanceinmind。”
Hismoustachesbristledashespoke，andaltogetherhisairwasveryfierceandtruculent。ForamomentItrembledforhim。ButtheCountevidentlythoughtbetterofitthantoprovokeaquarrel，particularlyoneinwhichhewouldbemanifestlyinthewrong，King’sCommissionerthoughhemightbe。TherewasanexchangeofquestionablecomplimentsbetwixttheofficerandtheCount，whereafter，toavoidfurtherunpleasantness，Castelrouxconductedmetoaprivateroom，wherewetookourmealingloomysilence。
Itwasnotuntilanhourlater，whenwewereagaininthesaddleanduponthelaststageofourjourney，thatIofferedCastelrouxanexplanationofmyseeminglymadattackuponChatellerault。
“Youhavedoneaveryrashandunwisething，monsieur。”hehadcommentedregretfully，anditwasinanswertothisthatIpouredoutthewholestory。Ihaddetermineduponthiscoursewhileweweresupping，forCastelrouxwasnowmyonlyhope，andaswerodebeneaththestarsofthatSeptembernighImadeknowntohimmytrueidentity。
ItoldhimthatChatelleraultknewme，andIinformedhimthatawagerlaybetweenus-withholdingtheparticularsofitsnature-whichhadbroughtmeintoLanguedocandintothepositionwhereinhehadfoundandarrestedme。Atfirsthehesitatedtobelieveme，butwhenatlastIhadconvincedhimbythevehemenceofmyassurancesasmuchasbytheassurancesthemselves，heexpressedsuchopinionsoftheComtedeChatelleraultasmademyheartgoouttohim。
“Yousee，mydearCastelroux，thatyouarenowmylasthope。”Isaid。
“Aforlornone，mypoorgentleman！“hegroaned。
“Nay，thatneednotbe。MyintendantRodenardandsometwentyofmyservantsshouldbesomewherebetwixtthisandParis。Letthembesoughtformonsieur，andletusprayGodthattheybestillinLanguedocandmaybefoundintime。”
“Itshallbedone，monsieur，Ipromiseyou。”heansweredmesolemnly。
“ButIimplore，younottohopetoomuchfromit。Chatelleraulthasitinhispowertoactpromptly，andyoumaydependthathewillwastenotimeafterwhathaspassed。”
“Still，wemayhavetwoorthreedays，andinthosedaysyoumustdowhatyoucan，myfriend。”
“Youmaydependuponme。”hepromised。
“Andmeanwhile，Castelroux。”saidI，“youwillsaynowordofthistoanyone。”
Thatassurancealsohegaveme，andpresentlythelightsofourdestinationgleamedouttogreetus。
ThatnightIlayinadankandgloomycelloftheprisonofToulouse，withneverahopetobearcompanyduringthosedark，wakefulhours。
AdullragewasinmysoulasIthoughtofmyposition，forithadnotneededCastelroux’srecommendationtorestrainmefrombuildingfalsehopesuponhischancesoffindingRodenardandmyfollowersintimetosaveme。SomelittlerayofconsolationIculled，perhaps，frommythoughtsofRoxalanne。Outofthegloomofmycellmyfancyfashionedhersweetgirlfaceandstampeditwithalookofgentlepity，ofinfinitesorrowformeandforthehandshehadhadinbringingmetothis。
ThatshelovedmeIwasassured，andIsworethatifIlivedIwouldwinheryet，inspiteofeveryobstaclethatImyselfhadraisedformyundoing。
CHAPTERXII
THETRIBUNALOFTOULOUSE
Ihadhopedtoliesomedaysinprisonbeforebeingbroughttotrial，andthatduringthosedaysCastelrouxmighthavesucceededindiscoveringthosewhocouldwitnesstomyidentity。Conceive，therefore，somethingofmydismaywhenonthemorrowIwassummonedanhourbeforenoontogopresentmyselftomyjudges。
>FromtheprisontothePalaceIwastakeninchainslikeanythief-forthelawdemandedthisindignitytobebornebyonechargedwiththecrimestheyimputedtome。Thedistancewasbutshort，yetIfounditover-long，whichisnotwonderfulconsideringthatthepeoplestoppedtolineupasIwentbyandtocastuponmeashowerofopprobriousderision-forToulousewasaveryfaithfulandloyalcity。ItwaswithinsometwohundredyardsofthePalacestepsthatIsuddenlybeheldafaceinthecrowd，atthesightofwhichIstoodstillinmyamazement。Thisearnedmeastabinthebackfromthebutt-endofthepikeofoneofmyguards。
“Whatailsyounow？”quoththemanirritably。“Forward，Monsieurletraite！“
Imovedon，scarceremarkingthefellow’sroughness;myeyeswerestilluponthatface-thewhite，piteousfaceofRoxalanne。I
smiledreassuranceandencouragement，butevenasIsmiledthehorrorinhercountenanceseemedtoincrease。Then，asIpassedon，shevanishedfrommysight，andIwaslefttoconjecturethemotivesthathadoccasionedherreturntoToulouse。HadthemessagethatMarsacwouldyesterdayhaveconveyedtohercausedhertoretraceherstepsthatshemightbenearmeinmyextremity;orhadsomeweightierreasoninfluencedherreturn？Didshehopetoundosomeoftheevilshehaddone？Alas，poorchild！Ifsuchwereherhopes，Isorelyfearedmetheywouldproveveryidle。
OfmytrialIshouldsaybutlittledidnottheexigenciesofmystoryrenderitnecessarytosaymuch。Evennow，acrossthegapofyears，mygorgerisesatthemockerywhich，intheKing’sname，thosegentlemenmadeofjustice。Icanallowforthetroubledconditionsofthetimes，andIcanrealizehowincasesofcivildisturbancesandrebellionitmaybeexpedienttodealsummarilywithtraitors，yetnotalltheallowancesthatIcanthinkofwouldsufficetocondonethemethodsofthattribunal。
ThetrialwasconductedinprivatebytheKeeperoftheSeals-alean，wizenedindividual，withanairasmustyanddryasthatoftheparchmentsamongwhichhehadspenthisdays。Hewassupportedbysixjudges，andonhisrightsattheKing’sCommissioner，MonsieurdeChatellerault-thebruisedconditionofwhosecountenancestilladvertisedthefactthatwehadmetbutyesterday。
Uponbeingaskedmynameandplaceofabode，Icreatedsomecommotionbyansweringboldly“IamtheSieurMarceldeSaint-Pol，MarquisofBardelys，ofBardelysinPicardy。”
ThePresident-thatistosay，theKeeperoftheSeals-turnedinquiringlytoChatellerault。TheCount，however，didnomorethansmileandpointtosomethingwrittenonapaperthatlayspreaduponthetable。ThePresidentnodded。
“MonsieurRenedeLesperon。”saidhe，“theCourtmayperhapsnotbeabletodiscriminatewhetherthisstatementofyoursisadeliberateattempttomisguideorfrustratetheendsofjustice，orwhether，eitherinconsequenceofyourwoundsorasavisitationofGodforyourtreason，youarethevictimofadeplorablehallucination。ButtheCourtwishesyoutounderstandthatitissatisfiedofyouridentity。Thepapersfounduponyourpersonatthetimeofyourarrest，besidesotherevidenceinourpower，removeallpossibilityofdoubtinthatconnection。Therefore，inyourowninterests，weimploreyoutoabandonthesefalsestatements，ifsobethatyouaremasterofyourwits。Youronlyhopeofsavingyourheadmustlieinyourtruthfullyansweringourquestions，andeventhen，MonsieurdeLesperon，thehopethatweholdouttoyouissoslightastobenohopeatall。”
Therewasapause，duringwhichtheotherjudgesnoddedtheirheadsinsageapprovaloftheirPresident’swords。Formyself，Ikeptsilent，perceivinghowlittleitcouldavailmetocontinuetoprotest，andawaitedhisnextquestion。
“Youwerearrested，monsieur，attheChateaudeLavedantwonightsagobyacompanyofdragoonsunderthecommandofCaptaindeCastelroux。Isthatso？”
“Itisso，monsieur。”
“Andatthetimeofyourarrest，uponbeingapprehendedasRenedeLesperon，youofferednorepudiationoftheidentity;onthecontrary，whenMonsieurdeCastelrouxcalledforMonsieurdeLesperon，yousteppedforwardandacknowledgedthatyouwerehe。”
“Pardon，monsieur。WhatIacknowledgedwasthatIwasknownbythatname。”
ThePresidentchuckledevilly，andhissatellitessmiledinpolitereflectionofhismood。
“Thisacutedifferentiatingispeculiar，MonsieurdeLesperon，topersonsofunsoundmentalcondition。”saidhe。“Iamafraidthatitwillservelittlepurpose。Amanisgenerallyknownbyhisname，ishenot？”Ididnotanswerhim。“ShallwecallMonsieurdeCastelrouxtoconfirmwhatIhavesaid？”
“Itisnotnecessary。SinceyouallowthatImayhavesaidIwasknownbythename，butrefusetorecognizethedistinctionbetweenthatandastatementthat’Lesperon’ismyname，itwouldservenopurposetosummontheCaptain。”
ThePresidentnodded，andwiththatthepointwasdismissed，andheproceededascalmlyasthoughthereneverhadbeenanyquestionofmyidentity。
“Youarecharged，MonsieurdeLesperon，withhightreasoninitsmostvirulentandmalignantform。YouareaccusedofhavingbornearmsagainstIbisMajesty。Haveyouanythingtosay？”
“Ihavetosaythatitisfalse，monsieur;thatHisMajestyhasnomorefaithfulorlovingsubjectthanamI。”
ThePresidentshruggedhisshoulders，andashadeofannoyancecrossedhisface。
“IfyouarecomeherefornootherpurposethantodenythestatementsthatImake，Iamafraidthatwearebutwastingtime。”
hecriedtestily。“Ifyoudesireit，IcansummonMonsieurdeCastelrouxtoswearthatatthetimeofyourarrestanduponbeingchargedwiththecrimeyoumadenorepudiationofthatcharge。”
“Naturallynot，monsieur。”Icried，somewhatheatedbythisseeminglystudiedignoringofimportantfacts，“becauseIrealizedthatitwasMonsieurdeCastelroux’smissiontoarrestandnottojudgeme。MonsieurdeCastelrouxwasanofficer，notaTribunal，andtohavedeniedthisorthattohimwouldhavebeensomuchwasteofbreath。”
“Ah！Verynimble;verynimble，intruth，MonsieurdeLesperon，butscarcelyconvincing。Wewillproceed。YouarechargedwithhavingtakenpartinseveraloftheskirmishesagainstthearmiesofMarshalsdeSchombergandLaForce，andfinally，withhavingbeenincloseattendanceuponMonsieurdeMontmorencyatthebattleofCastelnaudary。Whathaveyoutosay？”
“Thatitisutterlyuntrue。”
“Yetyourname，monsieur，isonalistfoundamongthepapersinthecapturedbaggageofMonsieurleDucdeMontmorency。”
“No，monsieur。”Ideniedstoutly，“itisnot。”
ThePresidentsmotethetableablowthatscatteredaflightofpapers。
“ParlamortDieu！“heroared，withamostindecentexhibitionoftemperinonesoplaced。“Ihavehadenoughofyourcontradictions。
Youforget，monsieur，yourposition-“
“Atleast。”Ibrokeinharshly，“nolessthanyouforgetyours。”
TheKeeperoftheSealsgaspedforbreathatthat，andhisfellowjudgesmurmuredangrilyamongstthemselves。Chatelleraultmaintainedhissardonicsmile，butpermittedhimselftoutternoword。
“Iwould，gentlemen。”Icried，addressingthemall，“thatHisMajestywereheretoseehowyouconductyourtrialsanddefilehisCourts。Asforyou，MonsieurlePresident，youviolatethesanctityofyourofficeingivingwaytoanger;itisathingunpardonableinajudge。Ihavetoldyouinplainterms，gentlemen，thatIamnotthisRenedeLesperonwithwhosecrimesyouchargeme。Yet，inspiteofmydenials，ignoringthem，orsettingthemdowneithertoafutileattemptatdefenceortoanhallucinationofwhichyousupposemethevictim，youproceedtolaythosecrimestomycharge，andwhenIdenyyourchargesyouspeakofproofsthatcanonlyapplytoanother。
“HowshallthenameofLesperonhavingbeenfoundamongtheDukeofMontmorency’spapersconvictmeoftreason，sinceItellyouthatIamnotLesperon？Hadyoutheslightest，theremotestsenseofyourhighduty，messieurs，youwouldaskmerathertoexplainhow，ifwhatIstatebetrue，IcometobeconfoundedwithLesperonandarrestedin，hisplace。Then，messieurs，youmightseektotesttheaccuracyofwhatstatementsImaymake;buttoproceedasyouareproceedingisnottojudgebuttomurder。Justiceisrepresentedasavirtuouswomanwithbandagedeyes，holdingimpartialscales;
inyourhands，gentlemen，bymysoul，sheisbecomeaveryharlotclutchingaveil。”
Chatellerault’scynicalsmilegrewbroaderasmyspeechproceededandstirreduptherancourintheheartsofthoseaugustgentlemen。
TheKeeperoftheSealswentwhiteandredbyturns，andwhenI
pausedtherewasanimpressivesilencethatlastedforsomemoments。
AtlastthePresidentleantovertoconferinawhisperwithChatellerault。Then，inavoiceforcedlycalm-likethecalmofNaturewhenthunderisbrewing-heaskedme“Whodoyouinsistthatyouare，monsieur？”
“OncealreadyhaveItoldyou，andIventuretothinkthatmineisanamenoteasilyforgotten。IamtheSieurMarceldeSaint-Pol，MarquisofBardelys，ofBardelysinPicardy。”
Acunninggrinpartedhisthinlips。
“Haveyouanywitnessestoidentifyyou？”
“Hundreds，monsieur！“Iansweredeagerly，seeingsalvationalreadywithinmygrasp。
“Namesomeofthem。”
“Iwillnameone-onewhosewordyouwillnotdaretodoubt。”
“Thatis？”
“HisMajestytheKing。IamtoldthatheisonhiswaytoToulouse，andIbutask，messieurs，thatyouawaithisarrivalbeforegoingfurtherwithmytrial。”
“Istherenootherwitnessofwhomyoucanthink，monsieur？Somewitnessthatmightbeproducedmorereadily。Forifyoucan，indeed，establishtheidentityyouclaim，whyshouldyoulanguishinprisonforsomeweeks？”
Hisvoicewassoftandoily。Theangerhadalldepartedoutofit，whichI-likeafool-imaginedtobeduetomymentionoftheKing。
“Myfriends，MonsieurleGardedesSceaux，arealleitherinParisorinHisMajesty’strain，andsonotlikelytobeherebeforehim。
Thereismyintendant，Rodenard，andtherearemyservants-sometwentyofthem-whomayperhapsbestillinLanguedoc，andforwhomIwouldentreatyoutoseek。ThemyoumightsucceedinfindingwithinafewdaysiftheyhavenotyetdeterminedtoreturntoParisinthebeliefthatIamdead。”
Hestrokedhischinmeditatively，hiseyesraisedtothesunlitdomeofglassoverhead。
“Ah-h！“hegasped。Itwasalong-drawnsighofregret，ofconclusion，orofwearyimpatience。“ThereisnooneinToulousewhowillsweartoyouridentitymonsieur？”heasked。
“Iamafraidthereisnot。”Ireplied。“Iknowofnoone。”
AsIutteredthosewordsthePresident’scountenancechangedasabruptlyasifhehadflungoffamask。Fromsoftandcat-likethathehadbeenduringthepastfewmoments，hegrewofasuddensavageasatiger。Heleapttohisfeet，hisfacecrimson，hiseyesseemingtoblaze，andthewordshespokecamenowinahot，confused，andalmostincoherenttorrent。
“Miserable！“heroared，“outofyourownmouthhaveyouconvictedyourself。AndtothinkthatyoushouldhavestoodthereandwastedthetimeofthisCourt-HisMajesty’stime-withyourdamnablefalsehoods！Whatpurposedidyouthinktoservebydelayingyourdoom？Didyouimaginethathaply，whilstwesenttoParisforyourwitnesses，theKingmightgrowwearyofjustice，andinsomefitofclemencyannounceageneralpardon？Suchthingshavebeenknown，anditmaybethatinyourcunningyouplayedforsuchagainbaseduponsuchahope。Butjustice，fool，isnottobecozened。Hadyou，indeed，beenBardelys，youhadseenthathereinthiscourtsitsagentlemanwhoisveryintimatewithhim。Heisthere，monsieur;thatisMonsieurleComtedeChatellerault，ofwhomperhapsyoumayhaveheard。Yet，whenIaskyouwhetherinToulousethereisanyonewhocanbearwitnesstoyouridentity，youanswermethatyouknowofnoone。Iwillwastenomoretimewithyou，I
promiseyou。”
Heflunghimselfbackintohischairlikeamanexhausted，andmoppedhisbrowwithagreatkerchiefwhichhehaddrawnfromhisrobes。Hisfellowjudgeslaidtheirheadstogether，andwithsmilesandnods，winksandleers，theydiscussedandadmiredthemiraculoussubtletyandacumenofthisSolomon。Chatelleraultsat，calmlysmiling，insolemnmockery。
ForaspellIwastoothunderstrucktospeak，aghastatthiscatastrophe。Likeafool，indeed，IhadtumbledintothepitthathadbeendugformebyChatelleraultforIneverdoubtedthatitwasofhiscontriving。Atlast“Mymasters。”saidI，“theseconclusionsmayappeartoyoumostplausible，but，believeme，theyarefallacious。IamperfectlyacquaintedwithMonsieurdeChatellerault，andhewithme，andifheweretospeakthetruthandplaythemanandthegentlemanforonce，hewouldtellyouthatIam，indeed，Bardelys。ButMonsieurleComtehasendsofhisowntoserveinsendingmetomydoom。ItisinasensethroughhisagencythatIamatpresentinthisposition，andthatIhavebeenconfoundedwithLesperon。What，then，couldithaveavailedmetohavemadeappealtohim？Andyet，MonsieurlePresident，hewasbornagentleman，andhemaystillretainsomenotionofhonour。
Askhim，sir-askhimpoint-blank，whetherIamornotMarceldeBardelys。”
Thefirmnessofmytonescreatedsomeimpressionuponthosefeebleminds。Indeed，thePresidentwentsofarastoturnaninterrogativeglanceupontheCount。ButChatellerault，supremelymasterofthesituation，shruggedhisshoulders，andsmiledapitying，long-sufferingsmile。
“MustIreallyanswersuchaquestion，MonsieurlePresident？”heinquiredinavoiceandwithamannerthatclearlyimpliedhowlowwouldbehisestimateofthePresident’sintelligenceifhewere，indeed，constrainedtodoso。
“Butno，MonsieurleComte。”repliedthePresidentwithsuddenhaste，andinscornfulrejectionoftheidea。“Thereisnonecessitythatyoushouldanswer。”
“Butthequestion，MonsieurlePresident！“Ithundered，myhandoutstretchedtowardsChatellerault。“Askhim-ifyouhaveanysenseofyourduty-askhimamInotMarceldeBardelys。”
“Silence！“blazedthePresidentbackatme。“Youshallnotfoolusanylonger，younimble-wittedliar！“
Myheaddrooped。Thiscowardhad，indeed，shatteredmylasthope。
“Someday，monsieur。”Isaidveryquietly，“Ipromiseyouthatyourbehaviourandthesegratuitousinsultsshallcostyouyourposition。
PrayGodtheydonotcostyoualsoyourhead！“
Mywordstheytreatedasonemighttreatthethreatsofachild。
ThatIshouldhavehadthetemeritytoutterthemdidbutservefinallytodecidemydoom，if，indeed，anythinghadbeenwanting。
Withmanyepithetsofopprobrium，suchasareappliedtomalefactorsofthelowestdegree，theypassedsentenceofdeathuponme，andwithdroopingspirits，givingmyselfupforlostandassuredthatIshouldbeledtotheblockbeforemanyhoursweresped，I
permittedthemtoreconductmethroughthestreetsofToulousetomyprison。
IcouldentertainyouatlengthuponmysensationsasIwalkedbetweenmyguards，amanonthethresholdofeternity，withhundredsofmenandwomengapingatme-menandwomenwhowouldliveforyearstogapeuponmanyanotherwretchinmyposition。Thesunshonewithabrilliancethattosucheyesasminewasaverymockery。
Thuswoulditshineonthroughcenturies，andlightmanyanotherunfortunatetothescaffold。Theveryskyseemedpitilessintheintensityofitscobalt。UnfeelingIdeemedthenotethateverywherewasstruckbymanandNature，sodiscordantwasitwithmygloomyoutlook。Ifyouwouldhavefoodforreflectionupontheevanescentqualityoflife，uponthenothingnessofman，upontheempty，heartlessegoismimplicitinhumannature，getyourselvessentencedtodeath，andthenlookaroundyou。Withsuchaforcewasallthisborneinuponme，andwithsuchsufficiency，thatafterthefirstpangwasspentIwentneartorejoicingthatthingswereastheywere，andthatIwastodie，haplybeforesunset。Itwasbecomesuchaworldasdidnotseemworthaman’swhiletolivein:aworldofvainness，ofhollowness，ofmeanness，ofnothingbutillusions。
TheknowledgethatIwasabouttodie，thatIwasabouttoquitallthis，seemedtohavetornsomeveilfrommyeyes，andtohavepermittedmetorecognizetheworthlessqualityofwhatIleft。
Wellmayitbethatsucharebutthethoughtsofaman’sdyingmoments，whisperedintohissoulbyamercifulGodtopredisposehimforthewrenchandagonyofhispassing。
Ihadbeenahalf-hourinmycellwhenthedoorwasopenedtoadmitCastelroux，whomIhadnotseensincethenightbefore。Hecametocondolewithmeinmyextremity，andyettobidmenotutterlylosehope。
“Itistoolateto-daytocarryoutthesentence。”saidhe，“andasto-morrowwillbeSunday，youwillhaveuntilthedayafter。Bythenmuchmaybetide，monsieur。Myagentsareeverywherescouringtheprovinceforyourservants，andletusprayHeaventhattheymaysucceedintheirsearch。”
“Itisaforlornhope，MonsieurdeCastelroux。”Isighed，“andI
willpinnofaithtoitlestIsufferadisappointmentthatwillembittermylastmoments，andperhapsrobmeofsomeofthefortitudeIshallhaveneedof。”
Heansweredme，nevertheless，withwordsofencouragement。Noeffortwasbeingspared，andifRodenardandmymenwerestillinLanguedocthemwaseverylikelihoodthattheywouldbebroughttoToulouseintime。Thenheaddedthatthat，however，wasnotthesoleobjectofhisvisit。AladyhadobtainedpermissionoftheKeeperoftheSealstovisitme，andshewaswaitingtobeadmitted。
“Alady？”Iexclaimed，andthethoughtofRoxalanneflittedthroughmymind。“MademoiselledeLavedan？”Iinquired。
Henodded。“Yes。”saidhe;thenadded，“Sheseemsinsoreaffliction，monsieur。”
Ibesoughthimtoadmitherforthwith，andpresentlyshecame。
Castelrouxclosedthedoorashewithdrew，andwewereleftalonetogether。Assheputasidehercloak，anddisclosedtomethepallorofherfaceandthedisfiguringredabouthergentleeyes，tellingoftearsandsleeplessness，allmyowntroubleseemedtovanishinthecontemplationofheraffliction。
Westoodamomentconfrontingeachotherwithnowordspoken。Then，droppingherglance，andadvancingastep，inafaltering，hesitatingmanner“Monsieur，monsieur。”shemurmuredinasuffocatingvoice。
InaboundIwasbesideher，andIhadgatheredherinmyarms，herlittlebrownheadagainstmyshoulder。
“Roxalanne！“IwhisperedassoothinglyasImight-“Roxalanne！“
Butshestruggledtobefreeofmyembrace。
“Letmego，monsieur。”shepleaded，acuriousshrinkinginherveryvoice。“Donottouchme，monsieur。Youdonotknow-youdonotknow。”
Foranswer，Ienfoldedhermoretightlystill。
“ButIdoknow，littleone。”Iwhispered;“andIevenunderstand。”
Atthat，herstrugglesceasedupontheinstant，andsheseemedtolielimpandhelplessinmyarms。
“Youknow，monsieur。”shequestionedme-“youknowthatIbetrayedyou？”
“Yes。”Iansweredsimply。
“Andyoucanforgiveme？Iamsendingyoutoyourdeathandyouhavenoreproachesforme！Oh，monsieur，itwillkillme！“
“Hush，child！“Iwhispered。“WhatreproachescanIhaveforyou？
Iknowthemotivesthatimpelledyou。”
“Notaltogether，monsieur;youcannotknowthem。Ilovedyou，monsieur。Idoloveyou，monsieur。Oh！thisisnotatimetoconsiderwords。IfIamboldandunmaidenly，I-I-“
“Neitherboldnorunmaidenly，but-oh，thesweetestdamselinallFrance，myRoxalanne！“Ibrokein，comingtoheraid。“Minewasaleprous，sinfulsoul，child，whenIcameintoLanguedoc。Ihadnofaithinanyhumangood，andIlookedaslittleforanhonestmanoravirtuouswomanasonelooksforhoneyinanettle。Iwassoured，andmylifehadhardlybeensuchalifeasitwasmeettobringintocontactwithyourown。Then，amongtherosesatLavedan，inyourdearcompany，Roxalanne，itseemedthatsomeofthegood，someofthesweetness，someofthepurityaboutyouwereinfusedanewintomyheart。Ibecameyoungagain，andIseemedoddlycleansed。In，thathourofmyrejuvenationIlovedyou，Roxalanne。”
HerfacehadbeenraisedtomineasIspoke。Therecamenowaflutteroftheeyelids，acurioussmileaboutthelips。Thenherheaddroopedagainandwaslaidagainstmybreast;asighescapedher，andshebegantoweepsoftly。
“Nay，Roxalanne，donotfret。Come，child，itishotyourwaytobeweak。”
“Ihavebetrayedyou！“shemoaned。“Iamsendingyoutoyourdeath！“
“Iunderstand，Iunderstand。”Ianswered，smoothingherbrownhair。
“Notquite，monsieur。Ilovedyouso，monsieur，thatyoucanhavenothoughtofhowIsufferedthatmorningwhenMademoiselledeMarsaccametoLavedan。
“Atfirstitwasbutthepainofthinkingthat-thatIasabouttoloseyou;thatyouweretogooutofmylife，andthatIshouldseeyounomore-youwhomIhadenshrinedsoinmyheart。
“Icalledmyselfalittlefoolthatmorningforhavingdreamedthatyouhadcometocareforme;myvanityIthoughthaddeludedmeintoimaginingthatyourmannertowardsmehadatendernessthatspokeofaffection。Iwasbitterwithmyself，andIsufferedoh，somuch！Thenlater，whenIwasintherosegarden，youcametome。
“Yourememberhowyouseizedme，andhowbyyourmanneryoushowedmethatitwasnotvanityalonehadmisledme。Youhadfooledme，Ithought;eveninthathourIimaginedyouwerefoolingme;youmadelightofme;andmysufferingswerenaughttoyousothatI
mightgiveyousomeamusementtopasstheleisureandmonotonyofyoursojournwithus。”
“Roxalanne-mypoorRoxalanne！“Iwhispered。
“Thenmybitternessandsorrowallturnedtoangeragainstyou。
Youhadbrokenmyheart，andIthoughtthatyouhaddoneitwantonly。ForthatIburnedtopunishyou。Ah！andnotonlythat，perhaps。Ithink，too，thatsomejealousydrovemeon。Youhadwooedandslightedme，yetyouhadmademeloveyou，andifyouwerenotformeIsworeyoushouldbefornoother。Andso，whilemymadnessendured，IquittedLavedan，andtellingmyfatherthatIwasgoingtoAuch，tohissister’shouse，IcametoToulouseandbetrayedyoutotheKeeperoftheSeals。
“ScarcewasthethingdonethanIbeheldthehorrorofit，andI
hatedmyself。Inmydespair，IabandonedallideaofpursuingthejourneytoAuch，butturnedandmademywaybackinhaste，hopingthatImightstillcometowarnyou。ButatGrenadeImetyoualreadyinchargeofthesoldiers。AtGrenade，tooIlearntthetruth-thatyouwerenotLesperon。Canyounotguesssomethingofmyanguishthen？Alreadyloathingmyact，andbesidemyselfforhavingbetrayedyou，thinkintowhatdespairIwasplungedbyMonsieurdeMarsac’sintimation。
“ThenIunderstoodthatforreasonsofyourownyouhadconcealedyouridentity。Youwerenotperhaps，betrothed;indeed，Irememberedthenhow，solemnlyyouhadswornthatyouwerenot;andsoI
bethoughtmethatyourvowstomemayhavebeensincereandsuchasamaidmighthonourablylistento。”
“Theywere，Roxalanne！theywere！“Icried。
Butshecontinued“ThatyouhadMademoiselledeMarsac’sportraitwassomethingthatIcouldnotexplain;butthenIhearthatyouhadalsoLesperon’spapersuponyou;sothatyoumayhavebecomepossessedoftheonewiththeothers。Andnow，monsieur-“
Sheceased，andthereagainstmybreastshelayweepingandweepinginherbitterpassionofregret，untilitseemedtomeshewouldneverregainherself-control。
“Ithasbeenallmyfault，Roxalanne。”saidI，“andifIamtopaythepricetheyareexacting，itwillbenonetoohigh。Iembarkeduponadastardlybusiness;whichbroughtmetoLanguedocunderfalsecolours。Iwish，indeed，thatIhadtoldyouwhenfirsttheimpulsetotellyoucameuponme。Afterwardsitgrewimpossible。”
“Tellmenow。”shebegged。“Tellmewhoyouare。”
SorelywasItemptedtorespond。AlmostwasIonthepointofdoingso，whensuddenlythethoughtofhowshemightshrinkfromme，ofhow，eventhen，shemightcometothinkthatIhadbutsimulatedloveforhetforinfamouspurposesofgain，restrainedandsilencedme。DuringthefewhoursoflifethatmightbeleftmeIwouldatleastbelordandmasterofherheart。WhenIwasdead-forIhadlittlehopeofCastelroux’sefforts-itwouldmatterless，andperhapsbecauseIwasdeadshewouldbemerciful。
“Icannot，Roxalanne。Notevennow。Itistoovile！If-iftheycarryoutthesentenceonMonday，Ishallleavealetterforyou，tellingyoueverything。”
Sheshuddered，andasobescapedher。Frommyidentityhermindfledbacktothemoreimportantmatterofmyfate。
“Theywillnotcarryitout，monsieur！Oh，theytillnot！Saythatyoucandefendyourself，thatyouarenotthemantheybelieveyoutobe！“
“WeareinGod’shands，child。ItmaybethatIshallsavemyselfyet。IfIdo，Ishallcomestraighttoyou，andyoushallknowallthatthereistoknow。But，remember，child“-andraisingherfaceinmyhands，Ilookeddownintotheblueofhertearfuleyes-
“remember，littleone，thatinonethingIhavebeentrueandhonourable，andinfluencedbynothingbutmyheart-inmywooingofyou。Iloveyou，Roxalanne，withallmysoul，andifIshoulddieyouaretheonlythinginallthisworldthatIexperiencearegretatleaving。”
“Idobelieveit;Ido，indeed。Nothingcaneveraltermybeliefagain。Willyounot，then，tellmewhoyouare，andwhatisthisthing，whichyoucalldishonourable，thatbroughtyouintoLanguedoc？”
AmomentagainIpondered。ThenIshookmyhead。
“Wait，child。”saidI;andshe，obedienttomywishes，askednomore。
ItwasthesecondtimethatIneglectedafavourableopportunityofmakingthatconfession，andasIhadregrettedhavingallowedthefirstoccasiontopassunprofited，sowasI，andstillmorepoignantly，toregretthissecondsilence。
Alittlewhileshestayedwithmeyet，andIsoughttoinstilsomemeasureofcomfortintohersoul。IspokeofthehopesthatI
baseduponCastelroux’sfindingfriendstorecognizeme-hopesthatwerepassingslender。Andshe，poorchild，soughtalsotocheermeandgivemecourage。
“IfonlytheKingwerehere！“shesighed。“Iwouldgotohim，andonmykneesIwouldpleadforyourenlargement。ButtheysayheisnonearerthanLyons;andIcouldnothopetogetthereandbackbyMonday:。IwillgototheKeeperoftheSealsagain，monsieur，andIwillbeghimtobemerciful，andatleasttodelaythesentence。”
Ididnotdiscourageher;Ididnotspeakofthefutilityofsuchastep。ButIbeggedhertoremaininToulouseuntilMonday，thatshemightvisitmeagainbeforetheend，iftheendweretobecomeinevitable。
ThenCastelrouxcametoreconducther，andweparted。Butsheleftmeagreatconsolation，agreatstrengtheningcomfort。IfIweredestined，indeed，towalktothescaffold，itseemedthatIcoulddoitwithabettergraceandagladdercouragenow。
CHAPTERXIII
THEELEVENTHHOUR
Castelrouxvisitedmeuponthefollowingmorning，buthebroughtnonewsthatmightbeaccountedencouraging。Noneofhismessengerswereyetreturned，norhadanysentwordthattheywereuponthetrailofmyfollowers。Myheartsankalittle，andsuchhopeasI
stillfosteredwasfastperishing。Indeed，soimminentdidmydoomappearandsounavoidable，thatlaterinthedayIaskedforpenandpaperthatImightmakeanattemptatsettingmyearthlyaffairstorights。Yetwhenthewritingmaterialswerebroughtme，Iwrotenot。Isatinsteadwiththefeatheredendofmyquillbetweenmyteeth，andthusponderedthematterofthedisposalofmyPicardyestates。
ColdlyIweighedthewordingofthewagerandtheeventsthathadtranspired，andIcameatlengthtotheconclusionthatChatelleraultcouldnotbeheldtohavetheleastclaimuponmylands。Thathehadcheatedattheveryoutset，asIhaveearliershown，wasoflessaccountthanthathehadbeeninstrumentalinviolentlyhinderingme。
Itookatlasttheresolvetoinditeafullmemoirofthetransaction，andtorequestCastelrouxtoseethatitwasdeliveredtotheKinghimself。Thusnotonlywouldjusticebedone，butIshould-thoughtardily-beevenwiththeCount。NodoubtherelieduponhispowertomakeathoroughsearchforsuchpapersasImightleave，andtodestroyeverythingthatmightaffordindicationofmytrueidentity。
ButhehadnotcounteduponthegoodfeelingthathadsprungupbetwixtthelittleGasconcaptainandme，noryetuponmyhavingcontrivedtoconvincethelatterthatIwas，indeed，Bardelys，andhelittledreamtofsuchastepasIwasabouttotaketoensurehispunishmenthereafter。
Resolvedatlast，Iwascommencingtowritewhenmyattentionwasarrestedbyanunusualsound。Itwasatfirstnomorethanamurmuringnoise，asofatseabreakinguponitsshore。Graduallyitgrewitsvolumeandassumedtheshapeofhumanvoicesraisedinlustyclamour。Then，abovethedinofthepopulace，agunboomedout，thenanother，andanother。
Isprangupatthat，and，wonderingwhatmightbetoward，Icrossedtomybarredwindowandstoodtherelistening。Ioverlookedthecourtyardofthejail，andIcouldseesomecommotionbelow，insympathy，asitwere，withthegreatercommotionwithout。
Presently，asthepopulacedrewnearer，itseemedtomethattheshoutingwasofacclamation。NextIcaughtablareoftrumpets，and，lastly，Iwasabletodistinguishabovethenoise，whichhadnowgrowntomonstrousproportions，theclatteringhoofsofsomecavalcadethatwasridingpasttheprisondoors。
ItwasborneinuponmethatsomegreatpersonagewasarrivinginToulouse，andmyfirstthoughtwasoftheKing。AttheideaofsuchapossibilitymaybrainwhirledandIgrewdizzywithhope。ThenextmomentIrecalledthatbutlastnightRoxalannehardtoldmethathewasnonearerthanLyons，andsoIputthethoughtfromme，andthehopewithit，for，travellinginthatleisurely，indolentfashionthatwascharacteristicofhiseveryaction，itwouldbeamiracleifHisMajestyshouldreachToulousebeforetheweekwasout，andthisbutSunday。
Thepopulacepassedon，thenseemedtohalt，andatlasttheshoutsdieddownonthenoontideair。Iwentbacktomywriting，andtowaituntilfrommyjailer，whennextheshouldchancetoappear，I
mightlearnthemeaningofthatuproar。
Anhourperhapswentby，andIhadmadesomeprogresswithmymemoir，whenmydoorwasopenedandthecheeryvoiceofCastelrouxgreetedmefromthethreshold。
“Monsieur，Ihavebroughtafriendtoseeyou。”
Iturnedinmychair，andoneglanceatthegentle，comelyfaceandthefairhairoftheyoungmanstandingbesideCastelrouxwasenoughtobringmeofasuddentomyfeet。
“Mironsac！“Ishouted，andsprangtowardshimwithhandsoutstretched。
Butthoughmyjoywasgreatandmysurpriseprofound，greaterstillwasthebewildermentthatinMironsac’sfaceIsawdepicted。
“MonsieurdeBardelys！“heexclaimed，andahundredquestionswerecontainedinhisastonishedeyes。
“Po’CapdeDiou！“growledhiscousin，“Iwaswelladvised，itseems，tohavebroughtyou。”
“But。”Mironsacaskedhiscousin，ashetookmyhandsinhisown，“whydidyounottellme，Amedee，thatitwastoMonsieurleMarquisdeBardelysthatyouwereconductingme？”
“Wouldyouhavehadmespoilsopleasantasurprise？”hiscousindemanded。
“Armand。”saidI，“neverwasamanmorewelcomethanareyou。Youarebutcomeintimetosavemylife。”
Andthen，inanswertohisquestions，ItoldhimbrieflyofallthathadbefallenmesincethatnightinPariswhenthewagerhadbeenlaid，andofhow，throughthecunningsilenceofChatellerault，I
wasnowupontheverythresholdofthescaffold。Hiswrathburstforthatthat，andwhathesaidoftheCountdidmegoodtohear。
AtlastIstemmedhisinvective。
“Letthatbeforthepresent，Mironsac。”Ilaughed:。“Youarehere，andyoucanthwartallChatellerault’sdesignsbywitnessingtomyidentitybeforetheKeeperoftheSeals。”
Andthenofasuddenadoubtclosedlikeacoldhanduponmybrain。
IturnedtoCastelroux。
“MonDieu！“Icried。“Whatiftheyweretodenymeafreshtrial？”
“Denyityou！“helaughed。“Theywillnotbeaskedtograntyouone。”
“Therewillbenoneed。”addedMironsac。“IhavebuttotelltheKing-“
“But，myfriend。”Iexclaimedimpatiently，“Iamtodieinthemorning！“
“AndtheKingshallbetoldto-day-now，atonce。Iwillgotohim。”
Istaredaskanceamoment;thenthethoughtoftheuproarthatI
hadheardrecurringtome“HastheKingarrivedalready？”Iexclaimed。
“Naturally，monsieur。HowelsedoIcometobehere？IaminHisMajesty’strain。”
AtthatIgrewagainimpatient。IthoughtofRoxalanneandofhowshemustbesuffering，andIbethoughtmethateverymomentMironsacnowremainedinmycellwasanothermomentoftortureforthatpoorchild。SoIurgedhimtobegoneatonceandcarrynewsofmyconfinementtoHisMajesty。Heobeyedme，andIwasleftaloneoncemore，topaceupanddowninmynarrowcell，apreytoanexcitementsuchasIshouldhavethoughtIhadoutlived。
Attheendofahalf-hourCastelrouxreturnedalone。
“Well？”Icriedthemomentthedooropened，andwithoutgivinghimsomuchastimetoenter。“Whatnews？”
“MironsactellsmethatHisMajestyismoreoverwroughtthanhehaseverseenhim。YouaretocometothePalaceatonce。IhaveanorderherefromtheKing。”
Wewentinacoach，andwithallprivacy，forheinformedmethatHisMajestydesiredtheaffairtobekeptsecret，havingendsofhisowntoservethereby。
Iwaslefttowaitsomemomentsinanante-chamber，whilstCastelrouxannouncedmetotheKing;thenIwasusheredintoasmallapartment，furnishedverysumptuouslyincrimsonandgold，andevidentlysetapartforHisMajesty’sstudiesordevotions。AsI
entered，Louis’sbackwastowardsme。Hewasstanding-atall，sparefigureinblack-leaningagainsttheframeofawindow，hisheadsupportedonhisraisedleftarmandhiseyesintentuponthegardensbelow。
HeremainedsountilCastelrouxhadwithdrawnandthedoorhadclosedagain;then，turningsuddenly，heconfrontedme，hisbacktothelight，sothathisfacewasinashadowthatheighteneditsgloomandwontedweariness。
“Voila’，MonsieurdeBardelys！“washisgreeting，andunfriendly。
“Seethepasstowhichyourdisobedienceofmycommandshasbroughtyou。”
“Iwouldsubmit，Sire。”Ianswered，“thatIhavebeenbroughttoitbytheincompetenceofYourMajesty’sjudgesandtheill-willofotherswhomYourMajestyhonourswithtoogreataconfidence，ratherthanbythissamedisobedienceofmine。”
“Theoneandtheother，perhaps。”hesaidmoresoftly。“Though，afterall，theyappeartohavehadaverykeennoseforatraitor。
Come，Bardelys，confessyourselfthat。”
“I？Atraitor？”
Heshruggedhisshoulders，andlaughedwithoutanyconspicuousmirth。
“Isnotatraitoronewhorunscountertothewishes;ofhisKing？
Andareyounot，therefore，atraitor，whethertheycallyouLesperonorBardelys？Butthere。”heendedmoresoftlystill，andflinginghimselfintoachairashespoke，“Ihavebeensoweariedsinceyouleftme，Marcel。Theyhavethebestintentionsintheworld，thesedullards，andsomeofthemlovemeeven;buttheyaretiresomeall。
EvenChatellerault，whenhehasafancyforajest-asinyourcaseperpetratesitwiththegraceofabear，thesprightlinessofanelephant。”
“Jest？”saidI。
“Youfinditnojest，Marcel？Pardieu，whoshallblameyou？Hewouldbeamanofunhealthyhumourthatcouldrelishsuchapleasantryasthatofbeingsentencedtodeath。Buttellmeofit。
Thewholestory，Marcel。Ihavenotheardastoryworththelisteningtosince-sinceyouleftus。”
“Woulditpleaseyou，Sire，tosendfortheComtedeChatelleraultereIbegin？”Iasked。
“Chatellerault？No，no。”Heshookhisheadwhimsically。
“Chatelleraulthashadhislaughalready，and，liketheill-mannereddogheis，hehaskeptittohimself。Ithink，Marcel，thatitisourturnnow。IhavepurposelysentChatelleraultawaythathemaygainnonotionofthecatastrophicjestwearepreparinghiminreturn。”
Thewordssetmeintheverybestofhumours，andtothatitmaybeduethatpresently，asIwarmedtomynarrative，IlentitavigourthatdrewHisMajestyoutofhiswontedapathyandlistlessness。HeleanedforwardwhenItoldhimofmyencounterwiththedragoonsatMirepoix，andhowfirstIhadcommittedthefalsestepofrepresentingmyselftobeLesperon。
Encouragedbyhisinterest，Iproceeded，andItoldmystorywithasmuchpiquancyasIwasmasterof，repressingonlythoseslightmatterswhichmightreflectuponMonsieurdeLavedan’sloyalty，butotherwisedealingfranklywithHisMajesty，evendowntothegenuinenessofthefeelingsIentertainedforRoxalanne。Oftenhelaughed，moreoftenstillhenoddedapprovingly，inunderstandingandsympathy，whilstnowandthenhepurredhisapplause。Buttowardstheend，whenIcametothematteroftheTribunalofToulouse，ofhowmytrialwasconducted，andofthepartplayedinitbyChatellerault，hisfacegrewsetandhard。
“Itistrue-allthisthatyoutellme？”hecriedharshly。
“AstrueastheGospels。Ifyoudeemanoathnecessary，Sire，I
swearbymyhonourthatIhaveutterednothingthatisfalse，andthat，inconnectionwithMonsieurdeChatellerault，evenasIhavesuppressednothing，soalsohaveIexaggeratednothing。”
“Thedastard！“hesnapped。“Butwewillavengeyou，Marcel。Neverfearit。”
Thenthetrendofhisthoughtsbeingchanged，hesmiledwearily。
“Bymyfaith，youmaythankGodeverynightofyourworthlesslifethatIcamesoopportunelytoToulouse，andsomaythatfairchildwhosebeautyyouhavelimnedwithsuchalover’sardour。Nay，neverredden，Marcel。What？Atyourage，andwith:，suchaheavyscoreofaffairestoyourcredit，hasitbeenleftforasimpleLanguedocmaidentocallablushtoyourcallouscheek？Mafoi，theysaytrulythatloveisagreatregenerator，agreatrejuvenator！“
Imadehimnoanswerotherthanasigh，forhiswordssetmethinking，andwiththoughtcameatemperingofthegayhumourthathadpervadedme。Remarkingthis，andmisreadingit，helaughedoutright。
“There，Marcel，neverfear。Wewillnotberigorous。Youhavewonboththemaidandthewager，and，bytheMass，youshallenjoyboth。”
“Helas，Sire。”Isighedagain，“whentheladycomestoknowofthewager-“
“Wastenotimeintellingher，Marcel，andcastyourselfuponhermercy。Nay，gonotwithsogloomyaface，myfriend。Whenwomanloves，shecanbeverymercifulleastways，theytellmeso。”
Then，histhoughtsshiftinggroundoncemore，hegrewsternagain。
“ButfirstwehaveChatelleraulttodealwith。Whatshallwedowithhim？”
“ItisforYourMajestytodecide。”
“Forme？”hecried，hisvoiceresumingtheharshnessthatwasneverfarfromit。“Ihaveafancyforhavinggentlemenaboutme。ThinkyouIwillseteyesagainuponthatdastard？Iamalreadyresolvedconcerninghim，butitenteredmymindthatitmightpleaseyoutobetheinstrumentofthelawforme。”
“Me，Sire？”
“Aye，andwhynot？Theysayyoucanplayaverydeadlysworduponnecessity。Thisisanoccasionthatdemandsanexceptionfromouredict。YouhavemysanctiontosendtheComtedeChatelleraultachallenge。Andseethatyoukillhim，Bardelys！“hecontinuedviciously。“For，bytheMass，ifyoudon’t，Iwill！Ifheescapesyoursword，orifhesurvivessuchhurtasyoumaydohim，theheadsmanshallhavehim。Mordieu！isitfornothingthatIamcalledLouistheJust？”
Istoodinthoughtforamoment。Then-
“IfIdothisthing，Sire。”Iventured，“theworldwillsayofmethatIdidsotoescapethepaymentIhadincurred。”
“Fool，youhavenotincurredit。Whenamancheats，doeshenotforfeitallhisrights？”
“Thatisverytrue。Buttheworld-“
“Peste！“hesnappedimpatiently，“youarebeginningtowearyme，Marcel-andalltheworlddoesthatsoexcellentlythatitredsnotyourcollaboration。Goyourways，man，anddoasyouelect。ButtakemysanctiontoslaythisfellowChatellerault，andIshallbethebetterpleasedifyouavailyourselfofit。HeislodgedattheAubergeRoyale，whereprobablyyouwillfindhimatpresent。Now，go。Ihavemorejusticetodispenseinthisrebelliousprovince。”
Ipausedamoment。
“ShallInotresumemydutiesnearYourMajesty？”
Heponderedamoment，thenhesmiledinhiswearyway。
“Itwouldpleasemetohaveyou，forthesecreaturesaresodismallydull，allofthem。Jem’ennuietellement，Marcel！“hesighed。
“Ough！But，no，myfriend，Idonotdoubtyouwouldbeasdullasanyofthematpresent。Amaninloveistheweariestandmostfutilethinginallthisweary，futileworld。WhatshallIdowithyourbodywhattimeyoursoulisatLavedan？Idoubtmeyouareinhastetogetyouthere。Sogo，Marcel。Getyouwed，andliveoutyouramorousintoxication;marriageisthebestantidote。Whenthatisdone，returntome。”
“Thatwillbenever，Sire。”Iansweredslyly。
“Sayyouso，MasterCupidBardelys？”Andhecombedhisbeardreflectively。“Benottoosure。Therehavebeenotherpassions-
aye，asgreatasyours-yethavetheystaled。Butyouwastemytime。Go，Marcel;youareexcusedyourdutiesbymeforaslongasyourownaffairsshallholdyouelsewhere-foraslongasyouplease。Wearehereuponagloomybusiness-asyouknow。TherearemycousinMontmorencyandtheotherstobedealtwith，andweareholdingnolevees，countenancingnorevels。Butcometomewhenyouwill，andIwillseeyou。Adieu！“。
Imurmuredmythanks，andverydeepandsincerewerethey。Then，havingkissedhishand，Ilefthim。
LouisXIIIisamanwholacksnotmaligners。Ofhowhistorymaycometospeakofhimitisnotminetohazard。ButthisIcansay，thatI，atleast，didneverfindhimotherthanajustandkindlymaster，anuprightgentleman，capriciousattimesandwilful，asmustinevitablybethecasewithsuchspoiltchildrenoffortuneasareprinces，butofloftyidealsandhighprinciples。Itwashisworstfaultthathewasalwaystired，andthroughthateverlastingwearinesshecametoentrustthedeterminingofmostaffairstoHisEminence。Hencehasitresultedthatthecensureformanyquestionableactsofhisreign，whichweretheworkofmyLordCardinal，hasrecoileduponmyaugustmaster’shead。
Buttome，withallthefaultsthatmaybeassignedhim，hewaseverLouistheJust，andwhereverhisnamebementionedinmyhearing，I
baremyhead。