sorry for him. The stain on his name does not prevent him from being a
brave man and a gentleman. Control yourself, Monsieur de Saumaise, and
the day will come when you will thank me for the advice. As you have
no incentive for running away, I will put you on your word, and the
vicomte also. You may go. While I admire the spirit which led you to
take up the Chevalier's cause, I deplore it. Who, then, will succeed
Monsieur le Marquis?"

"That is a question I can not answer. To the best of my knowledge, no
one will succeed Monsieur le Marquis de Périgny."

"So this is what brought him over here? What brought you?"

"Friendship for him, an empty purse and a pocketful of ambition."

The answer pleased De Lauson, and he nodded. "That is all."

"Thank you, Monsieur."

"I shall keep you in mind . . . if you escape the gibbet."

Monsieur de Saumaise, in displaying his teeth, signified that the least
of his worries was the thought of the gibbet.

And so concluded the interview.

The Chevalier remained in his room all day, putting aside his food, and
staring beyond the river. His eyes were dull and the lids discolored
from sleeplessness. Victor waited for him to heap reproach upon him;
but never a word did the Chevalier utter. The only sign he gave of the