“I can get what you need,” she said, and hurried away, to return quickly with a couple of men with manacles. Pascal gave them his orders, and placing the gyves on Dauban’s wrists--none too gently, for the spy was hated by every one--they carried him away. “Now, mademoiselle, you must find a place of security for these,” said Pascal, giving Lucette the papers. “De Proballe may come in search of his precious spy, and he must not find these, nor must any one know aught of the spy’s whereabouts. If my advice be followed I would clap the master in the next cellar to this man; but that as you please. Now, how to find Mademoiselle de Malincourt?” “She is still at the Governor’s Castle. You can seek her there.” “Nay, by your leave, that can I do only in the last extreme. Suspicion is all over the place, and if they were to clap me by Dubois’ side there would be more to pay than we can just now afford.” “Dubois? Who is he?” “Another of this Governor’s prisoners, and while he’s in I must keep out. Will you go to miladi?” “Of course I will. What shall I tell her?” “That the liberty and perhaps the lives of the prisoners depends upon her seeing me instantly.” “Who shall I say you are?” “Say what you like--that I am close in my master’s confidence and have a plan for liberating him, if she will but come to me quickly.” It was this conversation which sent Lucette hurrying in hot haste to seek Gabrielle at the Castle, while Pascal employed the time of her absence in examining Malincourt with an eye to putting it in the best condition of defence. CHAPTER XVII GABRIELLE PLEADS Gabrielle heard Lucette’s story with intense interest, and saw that with help from Pascal outside it might be possible to get Gerard away from Morvaix without concealing him first in the Duchess’s apartments; and she resolved to go immediately to Malincourt to consult with Pascal. But she found the Duchess opposed to this. “If you go and then return to me, Gabrielle, it may provoke notice and start suspicion.” “But I must see Pascal,” she urged. “Then safer to see him here. Let him come as if to me. I have frequent messengers from friends; and his coming will cause no talk. He can come as with a message, say, from the Count and Countess d’Auvaine, and no questions will be asked.” “He is known to some in the Castle. M. de Proballe, for instance, and others; and recognition would be ruin.” “It would be worse, child, if a watch were set on yourself and so the way to the prison quarters blocked. If this gentleman is loath to risk coming here, let it be known that you are staying with me for a few days--as you have done before--and let Lucette carry your messages. There is reason for her passing to and fro, as you will need many things for your stay here.” “You are right; I will go and tell Lucette.” She was about to leave when Pauline returned.