embraced him again but that he shivered and drew back.

"No, no, monseigneur," he whispered fearfully. "It is a great
honour, but it - it pains me to be touched."

"Then take the will for the deed. And now for these gentlemen below
stairs." I rose and moved to the door.

"Order Gilles to beat their brains out," was Ganymede's merciful
suggestion.

I shook my head. "We might be detained for doing murder. We have
no proof yet of their intentions - I think - " An idea flashed
suddenly across my mind. "Go back to your room, Ganymede," I bade
him. "Lock yourself in, and do not stir until I call you. I do
not wish their suspicions aroused."

I opened the door, and as Ganymede obediently slipped past me and
vanished down the passage "Monsieur l'Hote," I called. "Ho, there,
Gilles!"

"Monsieur," answered the landlord.

"Monseigneur," replied Gilles; and there came a stir below.

"Is aught amiss?" the landlord questioned, a note of concern in his
voice.

"Amiss?" I echoed peevishly, mincing my words as I uttered them.
"Pardi! Must I be put to it to undress myself, whilst those two