第16章

Withthelastwordhefellonhiskneesonthestepbeforethewindow,andburstintosuchanagonyofunmanlytearsandsobbingsasIhadneverdreamedoforimagined,andleastofallintheKingofFrance.Hardlyknowingwhethertobemoreashamedorterrified,Iturnedatallrisks,andstealthilyliftingthecurtain,creptoutwithinfinitecare;andhappilywithsomuchgoodfortuneastoescapedetection.Therewasspaceenoughbetweenthetwocurtainstoadmitmybodyandnomore;andhereI

stoodashortwhiletocollectmythoughts.Then,strikingmyscabbardagainstthewall,asthoughbyaccident,andcoughingloudlyatthesamemoment,Itwitchedthecurtainasidewithsomeviolenceandre-entered,thinkingthatbythesemeansIhadgivenhimwarningenough.

ButIhadnotreckonedonthedarknessinwhichtheroomlay,ortheexcitablestateinwhichIhadlefthim.Heheardme,indeed,butbeingabletoseeonlyatall,indistinctfigureapproachinghim,hetookfright,andfallingbackagainstthemoonlitwindow,asthoughhesawaghost,thrustouthishand,gaspingatthesametimetwowords,whichsoundedtomelike"Ha!

Guise!"

Thenextinstant,discerningthatIfellonmykneewhereI

stood,andcamenonearer,herecoveredhimself.withaneffort,whichhisbreathingmadeveryapparent,heaskedinanunsteadyvoicewhoitwas.

"OneofyourMajesty"smostfaithfulservants,"Ianswered,remainingonmyknee,andaffectingtoseenothing.

Keepinghisfacetowardsme,hesidledtothelampandstrovetowithdrawtheshade.Buthisfingerstrembledsoviolentlythatitwassometimebeforehesucceeded,andsetfreethecheerfulbeams,which,suddenlyfillingtheroomwithradiance,disclosedtomywonderingeyes,insteadofdarknessandthecoldgleamofthemoon,aprofusionofriches,ofredstuffsandgemmedtriflesandgildedarmscrowdedtogetherinrecklessdisorder.Amonkeychainedinonecornerbegantogibberandmowatme.Acloakofstrangecut,stretchedonawoodenstand,deceivedmeforaninstantintothinkingthattherewasathirdpersonpresent;

whilethetable,heapedwithdollsandpowder-puff"s,dog-collarsandsweet-meats,amask,awoman"sslipper,apairofpistols,somepotions,ascourge,andanimmensequantityoflikelitter,hadasmelancholyanappearanceinmyeyesasthekinghimself,whosedisorderthelightdisclosedwithoutmercy.Histurbanwasawry,andbetrayedtheprematurebaldnessofhisscalp.Thepaintonhischeekswascrackedandstained,andhadsoiledthegloveshewore.Helookedfiftyyearsold;andinhisexcitementhehadtuggedhisswordtothefront,whenceitrefusedtobethrustback.

"Whosentyouhere?"heasked,whenhehadsofarrecoveredhissensesastorecogniseme,whichhedidwithgreatsurprise.

"Iamhere,sire,"Iansweredevasively,"toplacemyselfatyourMajesty"sservice."

"Suchloyaltyisrare,"heanswered,withabittersneer."Butstandup,sir.IsupposeImustbethankfulforsmallmercies,and,losingaMercoeur,begladtoreceiveaMarsac."

"Byyourleave,sire,"Irejoinedhardily,"theexchangeisnotsoadverse.YourMajestymaymakeanotherdukewhenyouwill.

Buthonestmenarenotsoeasilycomeby."

"So!so!"heanswered,lookingatmewithafiercelightinhiseyes."Youremindmeinseason,Imaystillmakeandunmake!I

amstillKingofFrance?Thatissosirrah,isitnot?"

"Godforbidthatitshouldbeotherwise!"Iansweredearnestly.

"ItistolaybeforeyourMajestycertainmeansbywhichyoumaygivefullereffecttoyourwishesthatIamhere.TheKingofNavarredesiresonly,sire——"

"Tut,tut!"heexclaimedimpatiently,andwithsomedispleasure,"Iknowhiswillbetterthanyou,man.Butyousee,"hecontinuedcunningly,forgettingmyinferiorpositionasquicklyashehadrememberedit,"Turennepromiseswell,too.AndTurenne——itistruehemayplaytheLorrainer.ButifItrustHenryofNavarre,andheprovefalsetome——"

Hedidnotcompletethesentence,butstrodetoandfroatimeortwo,hismind,whichhadanaturalinclinationtowardscrookedcourses,bentonsomeschemebywhichhemightplayofftheonepartyagainsttheother.Apparentlyhewasnotverysuccessfulinfindingone,however;orelsetheill-luckwithwhichhehadsupportedtheLeagueagainsttheHuguenotsrecurredtohismind.

Forhepresentlystopped,withasigh,andcamebacktothepoint.

"IfIknewthatTurennewerelying,"bemuttered,"thenindeed.

ButRosnypromisedevidence,andhehassentmenone."

"Itisathand,sire,"Ianswered,myheartbeginningtobeat,"YourMajestywillrememberthatM.deRosnyhonouredmewiththetaskofintroducingittoyou."

"Tobesure,"hereplied,awakingasfromadream,andlookingandspeakingeagerly.Mattersto-dayhavedriveneverythingoutofmyhead.Whereisyourwitness,man?Convinceme,andwewillactpromptly.WewillgivethemJarnacandMoncontouroveragain.Isheoutside?"

"Itisawoman,sire,"Imadeanswer,dashedsomewhatbyhissuddenandfeverishalacrity.

"Awoman,eh?Youhaveherhere?"

"No,sire,"Ireplied,wonderingwhathewouldsaytomynextpieceofinformation."SheisinBlois,shehasarrived,butthetruthis——IhumblycraveyourMajesty"sindulgence——sherefusestocomeorspeak.Icannotwellbringherherebyforce,andI

havesoughtyou,sire,forthepurposeoftakingyourcommandsinthematter."

Hestaredatmeintheutmostastonishment.

"Issheyoung?"heaskedafteralongpause.

"Yes,sire,"Ianswered."SheismaidofhonourtothePrincessofNavarre,andawardalsooftheVicomtedeTurenne."

"Gad!thensheisworthhearing,thelittlerebel!"hereplied.

"AwardOfTurenne"sisshe?Ho!ho!Andnowshewillnotspeak?MycousinofNavarrenowwouldknowhowtobringhertohersenses,butIhaveeschewedthesevanities.Imightsendandhaveherbrought,itistrue;butaverylittlethingwouldcauseabarricadeto-night."

"Andbesides,sire,"Iventuredtoadd,"sheisknowntoTurenne"speoplehere,whohaveoncestolenheraway.WereshebroughttoyourMajestywithanydegreeofopenness,theywouldlearnit,andknowthatthegamewaslost."

"Whichwouldnotsuitme,"heanswered,noddingandlookingatmegloomily."TheymightanticipateourJarnac;anduntilwehavesettledmatterswithoneortheotherourpersonisnottoosecure.Youmustgoandfetchher.Sheisatyourlodging.Shemustbebrought,man."

"Iwilldowhatyoucommand,sire,"Ianswered."ButIamgreatlyafraidthatshewillnotcome."

Helosthistemperatthat."Thenwhy,inthedevil"sname,haveyoutroubledmewiththematter?"hecriedsavagely."Godknows——Idon"t——whyRosnyemployedsuchamanandsuchawoman.

Hemighthaveseenfromthecutofyourcloak,sir,whichisfullsixmonthsbehindthefashion,thatyoucouldnotmanageawoman!

Waseversuchdamnablefollyheardofinthisworld?ButitisNavarre"sloss,notmine.Itishisloss.AndIhopetoHeavenitmaybeyourstoo!"headdedfiercely.

TherewassomuchinwhathesaidthatIbentbeforethestorm,andacceptedwithhumilityblamewhichwasasnaturalonhispartasitwasundeservedonmine.IndeedIcouldnotwonderathisMajesty"sanger;norshouldIhavewonderedatitinagreaterman.Iknewthatbutforreasons,onwhichIdidnotwishtodwell,Ishouldhavesharedittothefull,andspokenquiteasstronglyofthecapricewhichruinedhopesandlivesforawhim.

Thekingcontinuedforsometimetosaytomeallthehardthingshecouldthinkof.Weariedatlastbymypatience,hepaused,andcriedangrily."Well,haveyounothing;tosayforyourself?

Canyousuggestnothing?"

"IdarenotmentiontoyourMajesty,"Isaidhumbly,"whatseemstometobetheonlyalternative."

"YoumeanthatIshouldgotothewench!"heanswered——forhedidnotlackquickness.""SENONVAELOTEROAMAHOMA,VAYA

MAHOMAALOTERO,"asMendozasays.Butthesaucyquean,toforcemetogotoher!Didmywifeguess——butthere,Iwillgo.ByGodIwillgo!"headdedabruptlyandfiercely."IwilllivetoruinRetzyet!Whereisyourlodging?"

Itoldhim,wonderingmuchatthisflashoftheoldspirit,whichtwentyyearsbeforehadwonhimareputationhislaterlifedidnothingtosustain.

"Doyouknow,"heasked,speakingwithsustainedenergyandclearness,"thedoorbywhichM.deRosnyenteredtotalkwithme?Canyoufinditinthedark?"

"Yes,sire,"Ianswered,myheartbeatinghigh.

"Thenbeinwaitingtheretwohoursbeforemidnight,"hereplied.

"Bewellarmed,butalone.Ishallknowhowtomakethegirlspeak.Icantrustyou,Isuppose?"headdedsuddenly,steppingnearertomeandlookingfixedlyintomyeyes.

"IwillanswerforyourMajesty"slifewithmyown,"Ireplied,sinkingononeknee.

"Ibelieveyou,sir,"heansweredgravely,givingmehishandtokiss,andthenturningaway."Sobeit.Nowleaveme.Youhavebeenheretoolongalready.Notawordtoanyoneasyouvalueyourlife."

Imadefittinganswerandwasleavinghim;butwhenIhadmyheadalreadyonthecurtain,hecalledmeback."InHeaven"snamegetanewcloak!"hesaidpeevishly,eyeingmealloverwithhisfacepuckeredup."Getanewcloak,man,thefirstthinginthemorning.Itisworseseenfromthesidethanthefront.Itwouldruinthecleverestcourtierofthemall!"

CHAPTERXXIV.

AROYALPERIL.

TheelationwithwhichIhadheardthekingannouncehisresolutionquicklydiminishedoncoolerreflection.ItstoodinparticularataverylowebbasIwaited,anhourlater,atthelittlenorthposternoftheCastle,and,coweringwithintheshelterofthearchtoescapethewind,debatedwhetherhisMajesty"senergywouldsustainhimtothepointofaction,orwhetherhemightnot,inoneofthosefitsoftreacherousvacillationwhichhadagainandagainmarredhisplans,sendthosetokeeptheappointmentwhowouldgiveafinalaccountofme.ThelongerIconsideredhischaracterthemoredubiousI

grew.Thelonelinessofthesituation,thedarkness,theblackfront,unbrokenbyanyglimmeroflight,whichtheCastlepresentedonthisside,andtheunusualandgloomystillnesswhichlayuponthetown,allcontributedtoincreasemyuneasiness.ItwaswithapprehensionaswellasreliefthatI

caughtatlastthesoundoffootstepsonthestonestaircase,and,standingalittletooneside,sawastreakoflightappearatthefootofthedoor.

Onthelatterbeingpartiallyopenedavoicecriedmyname.I

advancedwithcautionandshowedmyself.Abriefconversationensuedbetweentwoorthreepersonswhostoodwithin;butintheend,amaskedfigure,whichIhadnodifficultyinidentifyingastheking,steppedbrisklyout.

"Youarearmed?"hesaid,pausingasecondoppositeme.

Iputbackmycloakandshowedhim,bythelightwhichstreamedfromthedoorway,thatIcarriedpistolsaswellasasword.

"Good!"heansweredbriefly;"thenletusgo.Doyouwalkonmylefthand,myfriend.Itisadarknight,isitnot?"

"Verydark,sire,"Isaid.

Hemadenoanswertothis,andwestarted,proceedingwithcautionuntilwehadcrossedthenarrowbridge,andthenwithgreaterfreedomandatabetterpace.TheslendernessoftheattendanceatCourtthatevening,andthecoldwind,whichswepteventhenarroweststreetsanddroveroisterersindoors,rendereditunlikelythatweshouldbestoppedormolestedbyanyexceptprofessedthieves;andfortheseIwasprepared.Thekingshowednoinclinationtotalk;andkeepingsilencemyselfoutofrespect,IhadtimetocalculatethechancesandtoconsiderwhetherhisMajestywouldsucceedwhereIhadfailed.

Thiscalculation,whichwasnotinconsistentwiththekeenestwatchfulnessonmypartwheneverweturnedacornerorpassedthemouthofanalley,wasbroughttoanendbyoursafearrivalatthehouse.Brieflyapologisingtothekingforthemeannessanddarknessofthestaircase,Ibeggedleavetoprecedehim,andrapidlymounteduntilImetMaignan.Whisperingtohimthatallwaswell,Ididnotwaittohearhisanswer,but,biddinghimbeonthewatch,Iledthekingonwithasmuchdeferenceaswaspossibleuntilwestood.atthedoorofmademoiselle"sapartment,whichIhaveelsewherestatedtoconsistofanouterandinnerroom.ThedoorwasopenedbySimonFleix,andhimI

promptlysentout.Then,standingasideanduncovering,Ibeggedthekingtoenter.

Hedidso,stillwearinghishatandmask,andIfollowedandsecuredthedoor.Alamphangingfromtheceilingdiffusedanimperfectlightthroughtheroom,whichwassmallerbutmorecomfortableinappearancethanthatwhichIrentedoverhead.I

observedthatFanchette,whoseharshcountenancelookedmoreforbiddingthanusual,occupiedastoolwhichshehadsetinastrangefashionagainsttheInnerdoor;butIthoughtnomoreofthisatthemoment,myattentionpassingquicklytomademoiselle,whosatcrouchingbeforethefire,envelopedinalargeoutdoorcloak,asifshefeltthecold.Herbackwastowardsus,andshewas,orpretendedtobe,stillignorantofourpresence.WithamutteredwordIpointedherouttotheking,andwenttowardsherwithhim.

"Mademoiselle,Isaidinalowvoice,"MademoiselledelaVire!

Ihavethehonour——"

Shewouldnotturn,andIstopped.Clearlysheheard,butshebetrayedthatshedidsoonlybydrawinghercloakmorecloselyroundher.Primedbymyrespectfortheking,Itouchedherlightlyontileshoulder."Mademoiselle!"Isaidimpatiently,"youarenotawareofit,but——"

SheshookherselffreefrommyhandwithsorudeagesturethatI

brokeoff,andstoodgazingfoolishlyather.Thekingsmiled,andnoddingtometostepbackapace,tookthetaskonhimself.

"Mademoiselle,"hesaidwithdignity,"Iamnotaccustomed——"

Hisvoicehadamagicaleffect.Beforehecouldaddanotherwordshesprangupasifshehadbeenstruck,andfacedus,acryofalarmonherlips.Simultaneouslywebothcriedouttoo,foritwasnotmademoiselleatall.Thewomanwhoconfrontedus,herhandonhermask,hereyesglitteringthroughtheslits,wasofatallerandfullerfigure.Westaredather.Thenalockofbrightgoldenhairwhichhadescapedfromthehoodofhercloakgaveustheclue."Madame!"thekingcried.

"MadamedeBruhl!"Iechoed,myastonishmentgreaterthanhis.

Seeingherselfknown,shebeganwithtremblingfingerstoundothefasteningsofhermask;buttheking,whohadhithertodisplayedatrustfulnessIhadnotexpectedinhim,hadtakenalarmatsightofher,asatathingunlookedfor,andofwhichI

hadnotwarnedhim."Howisthis?"hesaidharshly,drawingbackapacefromherandregardingmewithangeranddistrust.

"Isthissomeprettyarrangementofyours,sir?AmIanintruderatanassignation,oristhisatrapwithM.deBruhlinthebackground?Answer,sirrah!"hecontinued,workinghimselfrapidlyintoapassion."WhichamItounderstandisthecase?"

"Neither,sire,"IansweredwithasmuchdignityasIcouldassume,utterlysurprisedandmystifiedasIwasbyMadame"spresence."YourMajestywrongsMadamedeBruhlasmuchbytheonesuspicionasyouinjuremebytheother.Iamequallyinthedarkwithyou,sire,andaslittleexpectedtoseemadamehere."

"Icame,sire,"shesaidproudly,addressingherselftotheking,andignoringme,"outofnolovetoM.deMarsac,butasanypersonbearingamessagetohimmightcome.Norcanyou,sire,"

sheaddedwithspirit,"feelhalfasmuchsurpriseatseeingmehere,asIatseeingyourMajesty."

"Icanbelievethat,"thekinganswereddrily."Iwouldyouhadnotseenme."

"TheKingofFranceisseenonlywhenhechooses,"shereplied,curtseyingtotheground.

"Good,"heanswered."Letitbeso,andyouwillobligetheKingofFrance,madame.Butenough,"hecontinued,turningfromhertome;"sincethisisnottheladyIcametosee,M.deMarsac,whereisshe?"

"Intheinnerroom,sire,Iopine,"Isaid,advancingtoFanchettewithmoremisgivingatheartthanmymannerevinced.

"Yourmistressishere,isshenot?"Icontinued,addressingthewomansharply.

"Ay,andwillnotcomeout,"sherejoined,sturdilykeepingherplace.

"Nonsense!"Isaid."Tellher——"

"Youmaytellherwhatyouplease,"shereplied,refusingtobudgeaninch."Shecanhear."

"But,woman!"Icriedimpatiently,"youdonotunderstand.I

MUSTspeakwithher.Imustspeakwithheratonce!Onbusinessofthehighestimportance."

"Asyouplease,"shesaidrudely,stillkeepingherseat."I

havetoldyouyoucanspeak."

PerhapsIfeltasfoolishonthisoccasionaseverinmylife;

andsurelyneverwasmanplacedinamoreridiculousposition.

Afterovercomingnumberlessobstacles,andescapingasmanyperils,Ihadbroughtthekinghere,afeatbeyondmyhighesthopes——onlytobebaffledanddefeatedbyawaiting-woman!I

stoodirresolute;witlessandconfused;whilethekingwaitedhalfangryandhalfamused,andmadamekeptherplacebytheentrance,towhichshehadretreated.

Iwasdeliveredfrommydilemmabythecuriositywhichis,providentiallyperhaps,apartofwoman"scharacter,andwhichledmademoiselletointerfereherself.Keenlyonthewatchinside,shehadheardpartofwhatpassedbetweenus,andbeenrenderedinquisitivebythesoundofastrangeman"svoice,andbythedeferencewhichshecoulddiscernIpaidtothevisitor.

Atthismoment,shecriedout,accordingly,toknowwhowasthere;andFanchette,seemingtotakethisasacommand,roseanddraggedherstoolaside,sayingpeevishlyandwithoutanyincreaseofrespect,"There,Itoldyoushecouldhear."

"Whoisit?"mademoiselleaskedagain,inaraisedvoice.

Iwasabouttoanswerwhenthekingsignedtometostandback,and,advancinghimself,knockedgentlyonthedoor."Open,I

prayyou,mademoiselle,"hesaidcourteously.

"Whoisthere?"shecriedagain,hervoicetrembling.

"ItisI,theking,"heansweredsoftly;butinthattoneofmajestywhichbelongsnottotheman,buttothedescendant,andseemstobetheoutcomeofcenturiesofcommand.

Sheutteredanexclamationandslowly,andwithseemingreluctance,turnedthekeyinthelock.Itgrated,andthedooropened.Icaughtaglimpseforaninstantofherpalefaceandbrighteyes,andthenhisMajesty,removinghishat,passedinandclosedthedoor;andIwithdrewtothefartherendoftheroom,wheremadamecontinuedtostandbytheentrance.

Ientertainedasuspicion,Iremember,andnotunnaturally,thatshehadcometomylodgingasherhusband"sspy;butherfirstwordswhenIjoinedherdispelledthis."Quick!"shesaidwithanimperiousgesture."Hearmeandletmego!Ihavewaitedlongenoughforyou,andsufferedenoughthroughyou.Asforthat,womaninthere,sheismad,andherservanttoo!Now,listentome.Youspoketomehonestlyto-day,andIhavecometorepayyou.Youhaveanappointmentwithmyhusbandto-morrowatChaverny.Isitnotso?"sheaddedimpatiently.

Irepliedthatitwasso.

"Youaretogowithonefriend,"shewenton,tearingthegloveshehadtakenoff,tostripsinherexcitement,"Heistomeetyouwithonealso?"

"Yes,"Iassentedreluctantly,"atthebridge,madame."

"Thendonotgo,"sherejoinedemphatically."ShameonmethatI

shouldbetraymyhusband;butitwereworsetosendaninnocentmantohisdeath.Hewillmeetyouwithoneswordonly,accordingtohischallenge,buttherewillbethoseunderthebridgewhowillmakecertainwork.There,Ihavebetrayedhimnow!"shecontinuedbitterly."Itisdone.Letmego!"

"Nay,but,madame,"Isaid,feelingmoreconcernedforher,onwhomfromthefirstmomentofmeetingherIhadbroughtnothingbutmisfortune,thansurprisedbythisnewtreacheryonhispart,"willyounotrunsomeriskinreturningtohim?IstherenothingIcandoforyou——nostepIcantakeforyourprotection?"

"None!"shesaidrepellentlyandalmostrudely,"excepttospeedmygoing."

"Butyouwillnotpassthroughthestreetsalone?"

Shelaughedsobitterlymyheartachedforher."Theunhappyarealwayssafe,"shesaid.

RememberinghowshortatimeitwassinceIhadsurprisedherinthefirsthappinessofweddedlove,IfeltforherallthepityitwasnaturalIshouldfeel.ButtheresponsibilityunderwhichhisMajesty"spresenceandthechargeofmademoisellelaidmeforbademetoindulgeintheluxuryofevincingmygratitude.

GladlywouldIhaveescortedherbacktoherhome——evenifI

couldnotmakethathomeagainwhatithadbeen,orrestoreherhusbandtothepinnaclefromwhichIhaddashedhim——butIdarednotdothis.Iwasforcedtocontentmyselfwithless,andwasabouttooffertosendoneofmymenwithher,whenahurriedknockingattheouterdoorarrestedthewordsonmylips.

Signingtohertostandstill,Ilistened.Theknockingwasrepeated,andgreweachmomentmoreurgent.Therewasalittlegrille,stronglywired,intheupperpartofthedoor,andthisI

wasabouttoopeninordertolearnwhatwasamiss,whenSimon"svoicereachedmefromthefarthersideimploringmetoopenthedoorquickly.Doubtingthelad"sprudence,yetafraidtorefuselestIshouldlosesomewarninghehadtogive,Ipausedasecond,andthenundidthefastenings.Themomentthedoorgavewayhefellinbodily,cryingouttometobaritbehindhim.I

caughtaglimpsethroughthegapofaglareasoftorches,andsawbythislighthalfadozenflushedfacesintheactofrisingabovetheedgeofthelanding.Themenwhoownedthemraisedashoutoftriumphatsightofme,and,clearingtheupperstepsatabound,madearushforthedoor.Butinvain.Wehadjusttimetocloseitanddropthetwostoutbars.Inamoment,inasecond,thefierceoutcryfelltoadullroar;andsafeforthetime,wehadleisuretolookinoneanother"sfacesandlearnthedifferentaspectsofalarm.Madamewaswhitetothelips,whileSimon"seyesseemedstartingfromhishead,andheshookineverylimbwithterror.

Atfirst,onmyaskinghimwhatitmeant,hecouldnotspeak.

Butthatwouldnotdo,andIwasintheactofseizinghimbythecollartoforceananswerfromhimwhentheinnerdooropened,andthekingcameout,hisfacewearinganairofsomuchcheerfulnessasprovedbothhissatisfactionwithmademoiselle"sstoryandhisignoranceofallwewereabout.Inawordhehadnotyettakentheleastalarm;butseeingSimoninmyhands,andmadameleaningagainstthewallbythedoorlikeonedeprivedoflife,hestoodandcriedoutinsurprisetoknowwhatitwas.

"Ifearwearebesieged,sire,"Ianswereddesperately,feelingmyanxietiesincreasedahundredfoldbyhisappearance——"butbywhomIcannotsay.Thisladknows,however,"Icontinued,givingSimon,aviciousshake,"andheshallspeak.Now,trembler,"I

saidtohim,"tellyourtale?"

"TheProvost-Marshal!"hestammered,terrifiedafreshbytheking"spresence:forHenryhadremovedhismask."Iwasonguardbelow.Ihadcomeupafewstepstobeoutofthecold,whenIheardthementer.Therearearoundscoreofthem."

Icriedoutagreatoath,askinghimwhyhehadnotgoneupandwarnedMaignan,whowithhismenwasnowcutofffromusintheroomsabove."Youfool!"Icontinued,almostbesidemyselfwithrage,"ifyouhadnotcometothisdoortheywouldhavemountedtomyroomsandbesetthem!WhatisthisfollyabouttheProvost-Marshal?"

"Heisthere,"Simonanswered,coweringawayfromme,hisfaceworking.

Ithoughthewaslying,andhadmerelyfanciedthisinhisfright.Buttheassailantsatthismomentbegantohailblowsonthedoor,callingonustoopen,andusingsuchvolleysofthreatsaspenetratedeventhethicknessoftheoak;drivingthebloodfromthewomen"scheeks,andarrestingtheking"sstepinamannerwhichdidnotescapeme.AmongtheircriesIcouldplainlydistinguishthewords,"Intheking"sname!"whichboreoutSimon"sstatement.

AtthemomentIdrewcomfortfromthis;forifwehadmerelytodealwiththelawwehadthatonoursidewhichwasaboveit.

AndIspeedilymadeupmymindwhattodo."Ithinktheladspeaksthetruth,sire,"Isaidcoolly."ThisisonlyyourMajesty"sProvost-Marshal.Theworsttobefeared,therefore,isthathemaylearnyourpresenceherebeforeyouwouldhaveitknown.Itshouldnotbeamatterofgreatdifficulty,however,tobindhimtosilence,andifyouwillpleasetomask,Iwillopenthegrilleandspeakwithhim."

Theking,whohadtakenhisstandinthemiddleoftheroom,andseemeddazedandconfusedbythesuddennessofthealarmandtheuproar,assentedwithabriefword.AccordinglyIwaspreparingtoopenthegrillewhenMadamedeBruhlseizedmyarm,andforciblypushedmebackfromit.

"Whatwouldyoudo?"shecried,herfacefullofterror."Doyounothear?Heisthere."

"Whoisthere?"Isaid,startledmorebyhermannerthanherwords.

"Who?"sheanswered;"whoshouldbethere?Myhusband!Ihearhisvoice,Itellyou!Hehastrackedmehere!Hehasfoundme,andwillkillme!"

"Godforbid!"Isaid,doubtingifshehadreallyheardhisvoice.Tomakesure,IaskedSimonifhehadseenhim;andmyheartsankwhenIheardfromhimtoothatBruhlwasoftheparty.

ForthefirsttimeIbecamefullysensibleofthedangerwhichthreatenedus.Forthefirsttime,lookingroundtheill-litroomonthewomen"sterrifiedfaces,andtheking"smaskedfigureinstinctwithill-repressednervousness,Irecognisedhowhopelesslywewereenmeshed.FortunehadservedBruhlsowellthat,whetherheknewitornot,hehadusalltrapped——alikethekingwhomhedesiredtocompromise,andhiswifewhomhehated,mademoisellewhohadonceescapedhim,andmewhohadtwicethwartedhim.ItwaslittletobewonderedatifmycouragesankasIlookedfromonetoanother,andlistenedtotheominouscreakingofthedoor,asthestoutpanelscomplainedundertheblowsraineduponthem.Formyfirstduty,andthatwhichtookthePASofallothers,wastotheking——tosavehimharmless.

How,then,wasItobeanswerableformademoiselle,howprotectMadamedeBruhl?——how,inaword,redeemallthosepledgesinwhichmyhonourwasconcerned?

ItwasthethoughtoftheProvost-Marshalwhichatthismomentralliedmyfailingspirits.IrememberedthatuntilthemysteryofhispresencehereinalliancewithBruhlwasexplainedtherewasnoneedtodespair;andturningbrisklytothekingIbeggedhimtofavourmebystandingwiththewomeninacornerwhichwasnotvisiblefromthedoor.Hecompliedmechanically,andinamannerwhichIdidnotlike;butlackingtimetoweightrifles,I

turnedtothegrilleandopeneditwithoutmoreado.

Theappearanceofmyfaceatthetrapwasgreetedwithasavagecryofrecognition,whichsubsidedasquicklyintosilence.Itwasfollowedbyamomentarypushingtoandfroamongthecrowdoutside,whichinitsturnendedintheProvost-Marshalcomingtothefront."Intheking"sname!"hesaidfussily.

"Whatisit?"Ireplied,eyeingrathertheflushed,eagerfaceswhichscowledoverhisshouldersthanhimself.Thelightoftwolinks,bornebysomeoftheparty,shoneruddilyontheheadsofthehalberds,and,flaringupfromtimetotime,filledalltheplacewithwavering,smokylight."Whatdoyouwant?"I

continued,"rousingmylodgingatthistimeofnight?"

"Iholdawarrantforyourarrest,"herepliedbluntly.

"Resistancewillbevain.IfyoudonotsurrenderIshallsendforaramtobreakinthedoor."

"Whereisyourorder?"Isaidsharply."Theoneyouheldthismorningwascancelledbythekinghimself."

"Suspendedonly,"heanswered."Suspendedonly.Itwasgivenouttomeagainthiseveningforinstantexecution.AndIamhereinpursuanceofit,andcallonyoutosurrender."

"Whodeliveredittoyou?"Iretorted.

"M.deVillequier,"heansweredreadily."Andhereitis.Now,come,sir,"hecontinued,"youareonlymakingmattersworse.

Opentous."

"BeforeIdoso,"Isaiddrily,"IshouldliketoknowwhatpartinthepageantmyfriendM.deBruhl,whomIseeonthestairsyonder,proposestoplay.AndthereismyoldfriendFresnoy,"I

added."AndIseeoneortwootherswhomIknow,M.Provost.

BeforeIsurrenderImustknowamongotherthingswhatM.deBruhl"sbusinessishere."

"Itisthebusinessofeveryloyalmantoexecutetheking"swarrant,"theProvostansweredevasively."Itisyourstosurrender,andminetolodgeyouintheCastle."ButIamlothtohaveadisturbance.Iwillgiveyouuntilthattorchgoesout,ifyoulike,tomakeupyourmind.Attheendofthattime,ifyoudonotsurrender,Ishallbatterdownthedoor."

"Youwillgivethetorchfairplay?"Isaid,notingitscondition.

Heassented;andthankinghimsternlyforthisindulgence,I

closedthegrille.

CHAPTERXXV.

TERMSOFSURRENDER.

Istillhadmyhandonthetrapwhenatouchontheshouldercausedmetoturn,andinamomentapprisedmeoftheimminenceofanewperil;aperilofsuchakindthat,summoningallmyresolution,Icouldscarcelyhopetocopewithit.Henrywasatmyelbow.Hehadtakenofhismask,andasingleglanceathiscountenancewarnedmethatthathadhappenedofwhichIhadalreadyfeltsomefear.Theglitterofintenseexcitementshoneinhiseyes.Hisface,darkly-flushedandwetwithsweat,betrayedovermasteringemotion,whilehisteeth,tightclenchedintheefforttorestrainthefitoftremblingwhichpossessedhim,showedbetweenhislipslikethoseofacorpse.Thenoveltyofthedangerwhichmenacedhim,theabsenceofhisgentlemen,andofallthefamiliarfacesandsurroundingswithoutwhichhenevermoved,thehour,themeanhouse,andhisisolationamongstrangers,hadprovedtoomuchfornerveslongweakenedbyhiscourseofliving,andforacourage,provedindeedinthefield,butunequaltoasuddenstress.Thoughhestillstrovetopreservehisdignity,itwasalarminglyplaintomyeyesthathewasonthepointoflosing,ifhehadnotalreadylost,allself-

command.

"Open!"hemutteredbetweenhisteeth,pointingimpatientlytothetrapwiththehandwithwhichhehadalreadytouchedme.

"Open,Isay,sir!"

Istaredathim,startledandconfounded."ButyourMajesty,"I

venturedtostammer,"forgetsthatIhavenotyet——"

"Open,Isay!"herepeatedpassionately."Doyouhearme,sir?

Idesirethatthisdoorbeopened."Hisleanhandshookaswiththepalsy,sothatthegemsonittwinkledinthelightandrattledashespoke.

Ilookedhelplesslyfromhimtothewomenandbackagain,seeinginaflashall.thedangerswhichmightfollowfromthediscoveryofhispresencethere——dangerswhichIhadnotbeforeformulatedtomyself,butwhichseemedinamomenttorangethemselveswiththeutmostclearnessbeforemyeyes.AtthesametimeIsawwhatseemedtometobeawayofescape;andemboldenedbytheoneandtheother,Ikeptmyhandonthetrapandstrovetoparleywithhim.

"Nay,but,sire,"Isaidhurriedly,yetstillwithasmuchdeferenceasIcouldcommand,"IbegyoutopermitmefirsttorepeatwhatIhaveseen.M.deBruhliswithout,andIcountedsixmenwhomIbelievetobehisfollowing.Theyareruffiansripeforanycrime;andIimploreyourMajestyrathertosubmittoashortimprisonment——"

Ipausedstruckdumbonthatword,confoundedbythepassionwhichlightenedintheking"sface.Myill-chosenexpressionhadindeedappliedthesparktohiswrath.Predisposedtosuspicionbyahundredtreacheries,heforgottheperilsoutsideintheoneideawhichontheinstantpossessedhismind;thatIwouldconfinehisperson,andhadbroughthimhitherfornootherpurpose.Heglaredroundhimwitheyesfullofrageandfear,andhistremblinglipsbreathedratherthanspoketheword"Imprison?"

Unluckily,atriflingoccurrenceaddedatthismomenttohisdisorder,andconverteditintofrenzy.Someoneoutsidefellheavilyagainstthedoor;this,causingmadametoutteralowshriek,seemedtoshatterthelastremnantoftheking"sself-

control.Stampinghisfootonthefloor,hecriedtomewiththeutmostwildnesstoopenthedoor——bywhichIhadhithertokeptmyplace.

But,wronglyorrightly,Iwasstilldeterminedtoputoffopeningit;andIraisedmyhandswiththeintentionofmakingalastappealtohim.Hemisreadthegesture,andretreatingastep,withthegreatestsuddennesswhippedouthissword,andinamomenthadthepointatmybreast,andhiswristdrawnbacktothrust.

Ithasalwaysbeenmybeliefthathewouldnothavedealttheblow,butthatthemeretouchofthehilt,awakingthecouragewhichheundoubtedlypossessed,andwhichdidnotdeserthiminhislastmoments,wouldhaverecalledhimtohimself.Buttheopportunitywasnotgivenhim,forwhilethebladeyetquivered,andIstoodmotionless,controllingmyselfbyaneffort,mykneehalfbentandmyeyesonhis,MademoiselledelaViresprangforwardathisback,andwithaloudscreamclutchedhiselbow.

Theking,surprised,andignorantwhoheldhim,flunguphispointwildly,andstrikingthelampabovehisheadwithhisblade,shattereditinaninstant,bringingdownthepotterywithacrashandreducingtheroomtodarkness;whilethescreamsofthewomen,andtheknowledgethatwehadamadmanamongus,peopled,theblacknesswithahundredhorrors.

Fearingaboveallformademoiselle,ImademywayassoonasI

couldrecovermywitstotheembersofthefire,andregardlessoftheking"ssword,whichIhadavagueideawasdartingaboutinthedarkness,Isearchedforandfoundahalf-burntstick,whichIblewintoablaze.Withthis,stillkeepingmybacktotheroom,IcontrivedtolightataperthatIhadnoticedstandingbythehearth;andthen,andthenonly,IturnedtoseewhatIhadtoconfront.

MademoiselledelaVirestoodinacorner,half-fierce,half-

terrified,andwhollyflushed.Shehadherhandwrappedupina"kerchiefalreadystainedwithblood;andfromthisIgatheredthatthekinginhisfrenzyhadwoundedherslightly.Standingbeforehermistress,withherhairbristling,likeawild-cat"sfur,andherarmsakimbo,wasFanchette,herharshfaceandsquareforminstinctwithfuryanddefiance.MadamedeBruhlandSimoncoweredagainstthewallnotfarfromthem;andinachair,intowhichhehadapparentlyjustthrownhimself,sattheking,huddledupandcollapsed,thepointofhisswordtrailingonthegroundbesidehim,andhisnervelesshandscarceretainingforcetogripthepommel.

InamomentImadeupmymindwhattodo,andgoingtohiminsilence,Ilaidmypistols,sword,anddaggeronastoolbyhisside.ThenIknelt.

"Thedoor,sire,"Isaid,"isthere.ItisforyourMajestytoopenitwhenyouplease.Here,too,sire,aremyweapons.Iamyourprisoner,theProvost-Marshalisoutside,andyoucanataworddelivermetohim.OnlyonethingIbeg,sire,"Icontinuedearnestly,"thatyourMajestywilltreat;asadelusiontheideathatImeditatedforamomentdisrespectorviolencetoyourperson."

Helookedatmedully,hisfacepale,hiseyesfish-like.

"Sanctus,man!"hemuttered,"whydidyouraiseyourhand?"

"OnlytoimploreyourMajestytopauseamoment,"Ianswered,watchingtheintelligencereturnslowlytohisface."IfyouwilldeigntolistenIcanexplaininhalfadozenwords,sire.

M.deBruhl"smenaresixorseven,theProvosthaseightornine;buttheformerarethewilderblades,andifM.deBruhlfindyourMajestyinmylodging,andinferhisowndefeat,hewillbecapableofanydesperatestroke.Yourpersonwouldhardlybesafeinhiscompanythroughthestreets.Andthereisanotherconsideration,"Iwenton,observingwithjoythatthekinglistened,andwasgraduallyregaininghiscomposure."Thatis,thesecrecyyoudesiredtopreserve,sire,untilthismattershouldbewelladvanced.M.deRosnylaidthestrictestinjunctionsonmeinthatrespect,fearinganEMEUTEinBloisshouldyourMajesty"splansbecomeknown."

"Youspeakfairly,"thekingansweredwithreturningenergy,thoughheavoidedlookingatthewomen."Bruhlislikelyenoughtoraiseone.ButhowamItogetout,sir?"hecontinued,querulously."Icannotremainhere.Ishallbemissed,man!I

amnotahedge-captain,neithersoughtnorwanted!"

"IfyourMajestywouldtrustme?"Isaidslowlyandwithhesitation.

"Trustyou!"heretortedpeevishly,holdinguphishandsandgazingintentlyathisnails,oftheshapeandwhitenessofwhichhewasprouderthananywoman."HaveInottrustedyou?IfIhadnottrustedyou,shouldIhavebeenhere?ButthatyouwereaHuguenot——Godforgivemeforsayingit!——IwouldhaveseenyouinhellbeforeIwouldhavecomeherewithyou!"

IconfesstohavingheardthistestimonytotheReligionwithapridewhichmademeforgetforamomenttheimmediatecircumstances——theperilinwhichwestood,thegloomyroomdarklylightedbyasinglecandle,thescaredfacesinthebackground,eventheking"shuddledfigure,inwhichdejectionandpridestruggledforexpression.Foramomentonly;thenI

hastenedtoreply,sayingthatIdoubtednotIcouldstillextricatehisMajestywithoutdiscovery.

"InHeaven"snamedoit,then!"heansweredsharply."Dowhatyoulike,man!Onlygetmebackintothecastle,anditshallnotbeaHuguenotwillenticemeoutagain.Iamoveroldfortheseadventures!"

Afreshattackonthedoortakingplaceashesaidthisinducedmetolosenotimeinexplainingmyplan,whichhewasgoodenoughtoapprove,afteragainupbraidingmeforbringinghimintosuchadilemma.Fearinglestthedoorshouldgivewayprematurely,notwithstandingthebarsIhadprovidedforit,andgoadedonbyMadamedeBruhl"sface,whichevincedtheutmostterror,ItookthecandleandattendedhisMajestyintotheinnerroom;whereIplacedmypistolsbesidehim,butsilentlyresumedmyswordanddagger.Ithenreturnedforthewomen,andindicatingbysignsthattheyweretoenter,heldthedooropenforthem.

Mademoiselle,whosebandagedhandIcouldnotregardwithoutemotion,thoughtheking"spresenceandtherespectIowedhimforbademetouttersomuchasaword,advancedreadilyuntilshereachedthedoorwayabreastofme.There,however,lookingback,andseeingMadamedeBruhlfollowingher,shestoppedshort,anddartingahaughtyglanceatme,muttered,"And——thatlady?Arewetobeshutuptogether,sir?"

"Mademoiselle,"Iansweredquicklyinthelowtoneshehadusedherself,"haveIeveraskedanythingdishonourableofyou?"

Sheseemedbyaslightmovementoftheheadtoanswerinthenegative.

"NordoInow,"Irepliedwithearnestness."IentrusttoyourcarealadywhohasriskedgreatperilforUS;andtherestI

leavetoyou."

Shelookedmeverykeenlyinthefaceforasecond,andthen,withoutanswering,shepassedon,MadameandFanchettefollowingherinthatorder.IclosedthedoorandturnedtoSimon;whobymydirectionhadblowntheembersofthefireintoablazesoastopartiallyilluminetheroom,inwhichonlyheandInowremained.Theladseemedafraidtomeetmyeye,andowingtothesceneatwhichhehadjustassisted,ortotheonslaughtonthedoor,whichgreweachmomentmorefurious,betrayedgreaterrestlessnessthanIhadlatelyobservedinhim.Ididnotdoubthisfidelity,however,orhisdevotiontomademoiselle;andtheordersIhadtogivehimweresimpleenough.

"Thisiswhatyouhavegottodo,"Isaid,myhandalreadyonthebars."ThemomentIamoutsidesecurethisdoor.Afterthat,opentonooneexceptMaignan.Whenheapplies,lethiminwithcaution,andbidhim,ashelovesM.deRosny,takehismenassoonasthecoastisclear,andguardtheKingofFrancetothecastle.Chargehimtobebraveandwary,forhislifewillanswerfortheking"s."

TwiceIrepeatedthis;thenfearinglesttheProvost-Marshalshouldmakegoodhiswordandapplyaramtothedoor,Iopenedthetrap.Adozenangryvoiceshailedmyappearance,andthiswithsomuchviolenceandimpatiencethatitwassometimebeforeIcouldgetahearing;theknavesthreateningmeifIwouldnotinstantlyopen,andpersistingthatIshoulddosowithoutmorewords.Theirleaderatlengthquietedthem,butitwasplainthathispatiencetoowaswornout."Doyousurrenderordoyounot?"hesaid."Iamnotgoingtostayoutofmybedallnightforyou!"

"Iwarnyou,"Ianswered,"thattheorderyouhavetherehasbeencancelledbytheking!"

"Thatisnotmybusiness,"herejoinedhardily.

"No,butitwillbewhenthekingsendsforyouto-morrowmorning,"Iretorted;atwhichhelookedsomewhatmoved.

"However,Iwillsurrendertoyouontwoconditions,"I

continued,keenlyobservingthecoarsefacesofhisfollowing.

"First,thatyouletmekeepmyarmsuntilwereachthegate-

house,Igivingyoumyparoletocomewithyouquietly.Thatisnumberone."

"Well,"theProvost-Marshalsaidmorecivilly,"Ihavenoobjectiontothat."

"Secondly,thatyoudonotallowyourmentobreakintomylodgings.Iwillcomeoutquietly,andsoanend.Yourorderdoesnotdirectyoutosackmygoods."

"Tut,tut!"hereplied;"Iwant,youtocomeout.Idonotwanttogoin."

"Thendrawyourmenbacktothestairs,"Isaid."Andifyoukeeptermswithme,Iwillupholdyouto-morrow,Foryourorderswillcertainlybringyouintotrouble.M.deRetz,whoprocureditthismorning,isaway,youknow.M.deVillequiermaybegoneto-morrow.Butdependuponit,M.deRambouilletwillbehere!"

Theremarkwaswelltimedandtothepoint.ItstartledthemanasmuchasIhadhopeditwould.Withoutraisinganyobjectionheorderedhismentofallbackandguardthestairs;andIonmysidebegantoundothefasteningsofthedoor.

Thematterwasnottobesoeasilyconcluded,however;forBruhl"srascals,inobedience,nodoubt,toasigngivenbytheirleader,whostoodwithFresnoyontheupperflightofstairs,refusedtowithdraw;andevenhustledtheProvost-Marshal"smenwhenthelatterwouldhaveobeyedtheorder.Theofficer,alreadyheatedbydelay,repliedbylayingabouthimwithhisstaff,andinatwinklingthereseemedtobeeveryprospectofaveryprettyMELEE,theendofwhichitwasimpossibletoforesee.

Reflecting,however,thatifBruhl"smenroutedtheiropponentsourpositionmightbemadeworseratherthanbetter,Ididnotactonmyfirstimpulse,whichwastoseethematteroutwhereI

was.Instead,Iseizedtheopportunitytoletmyselfout,whileSimonfastenedthedoorbehindme.TheProvost-MarshalwasengagedatthemomentinawordydisputewithFresnoy;whosevillainouscountenance,scarredbythewoundwhichIhadgivenhimatChize,andflushedwithpassion,lookeditsworstbythelightofthesingletorchwhichremained.Inonerespectthevillainhadprofitedbyhispresentpatronage,forhewasdeckedoutinastyleoftawdrymagnificence.ButIhavealwaysremarkedthisaboutdress,thatwhileashabbyexteriordoesnotentirelyobscureagentleman,theextremeoffashionispowerlesstogildaknave.

SeeingmeonasuddenattheProvost"selbow,herecoiledwithachangeofcountenancesoludicrousthatthatofficerwashimselfstartled,andonlyheldhisgroundonmysalutinghimcivillyanddeclaringmyselfhisprisonerIaddedawarningthatheshouldlooktothetorchwhichremained;seeingthatifitfailedwewerebothliketohaveourthroatscutintheconfusion.

Hetookthehintpromptly,andcallingthelink-mantohissidepreparedtodescend,biddingFresnoyandhismen,whoremainedclumpedattheheadofthestairs,makewayforuswithoutado.

Theyseemedmuchinclined,however,todisputeourpassage,andreplyingtohisinvectiveswithroughtaunts,displayedsohostileademeanourthattheProvost,betweenregardforhisownimportanceandrespectforBruhl,appearedforamomentatalosswhattodo;andseemedratherrelievedthanannoyedwhenIbeggedleavetosayawordtoM.deBruhl.

"Ifyoucanbringhismentoreason,"herepliedtestily,"speakyourfilltohim!"

Steppingtothefootoftheupperflight,onwhichBruhlretainedhisposition,Isalutedhimformally.Hereturnedmygreetingwithasurly,watchfullookonly,anddrawinghiscloakmoretightlyroundhimaffectedtogazedownatmewithdisdain;whichillconcealed,however,boththetriumphhefeltandthehopesofvengeanceheentertained.Iwasespeciallyanxioustolearnwhetherhehadtrackedhiswifehither,orwasmerelyhereinpursuanceofhisgeneralschemesagainstme,andtothisend.I

askedhimwithasmuchironyasIcouldcompasstowhatIwastoattributehispresence."IamafraidIcannotstaytoofferyouhospitality,"Icontinued;"butforthatyouhaveonlyyourfriendM.Villequiertothank!"

"Iamgreatlyobligedtoyou,"heansweredwithadevilishsmile,"butdonotletthataffectyou.WhenyouaregoneIproposetohelpmyself,myfriend,towhatevertakesmytaste."

"Doyou?"Iretortedcoolly——notthatIwasunaffectedbythethreatandthevillainoushintwhichunderlaythewords,butthat,fullyexpectingthem,Iwasreadywithmyanswer."Wewillseeaboutthat."AndtherewithIraisedmyfingerstomylips,and,whistlingshrilly,cried"Maignan!Maignan!"inaclearvoice.

Ihadnoneedtocrythenameathirdtime,forbeforetheProvost-Marshalcoulddomorethanstartatthisunexpectedaction,thelandingaboveusrangunderaheavytread,andthemanIcalled,descendingthestairsswiftly,appearedonasuddenwithinarm"slengthofM.deBruhl;who,turningwithanoath,sawhim,andinvoluntarilyrecoiled.AtalltimesMaignan"shardyandconfidentbearingwasofakindtoimpressthestrong;

butonthisoccasiontherewasanaddeddashofrecklessnessinhismannerwhichwasnotwithoutitseffectonthespectators.

AshestoodtheresmilingdarklyoverBruhl"shead,whilehishandtoyedcarelesslywithhisdagger,andthetorchshoneruddilyonhisburlyfigure,hewassoclearlyanantagonistinathousandthat,hadIsoughtthroughBlois,ImightnothavefoundhisfellowforstrengthandSANG-FROID.Helethisblackeyesrovefromonetotheother,buttookheedofmeonly,salutingmewitheffusionandatouchoftheGasconwhichwasinplacehere,ifever.

IknewhowM.deRosnydealtwithhim,andfollowedthepatternasfarasIcould."Maignan!"Isaidcurtly,"Ihavetakenalodgingforto-nightelsewhere.ThenIamgoneyouwillcalloutyourmenandwatchthisdoor.Ifanyonetriestoforceanentranceyouwilldoyourduty."

"Youmayconsideritdone,"hereplied.

"EvenifthepersonbeM.deBruhlhere,"Icontinued.