“Then there came a deuce of a commotion in the Castle, caused, as I judged, by the fact that you had escaped some other way and the fact had been discovered. So I drew off and made my way here. I was sorely puzzled, on my word. I heard you had not come to Malincourt, and I posted the men in the woods. I judged that Malincourt would be the first place to be searched for you, and thought that if we could let the Governor feel satisfied no one was here, it might make it all the safer as a hiding place when you did come; whereas, had I resisted the search, I should only have brought his troops swarming here and so have made it impossible for you to get in at all, besides subjecting the house to be knocked about for no good.” “It was cleverly thought, Pascal,” said Gerard, with a smile. “It was more a lucky guess than aught else, but the guess was right. His men came and satisfied themselves you were not here and left a guard behind strong enough to overawe the household, but weak enough for me to deal with in a few moments. I was growing desperate at the approach of daylight and still no news of you, when that good fellow, Babillon, who had helped me before as it turns out, arrived with your message. Then I had up a force strong enough to put the Governor’s guard in the cellars and came to meet you.” “Can we hold the house?” asked Dubois quickly. “The walls are strong and we have close upon a hundred men, but----” and he shrugged his shoulders. “But what?” was Gerard’s eager answer. “I would give half the men and choose a weaker house for more arms and powder.” The other two were silent for a while at this ominous reply. “Do you mean we can’t stand our ground even for the hours until my cousin can arrive?” “We are men and can try. But it depends on the Governor--if he learns that you are here, and when he learns it, and what he does when he knows.” “He thinks we are in hiding in the city. We had a brush with a search party near the walls, and they will soon carry the news to the Castle.” “Let us pray that he remains in that belief; for if he swoops down on this place with a strong force it will be an ugly business. We could not hope to resist for many hours.” “Let us go round and see, Dubois,” said Gerard. Dubois and Pascal went out and Gerard stayed a moment with Gabrielle, who had listened with intense interest to the discussion. “So even Malincourt is not to be a refuge, Gerard,” she said. “We are far from beaten yet. Have courage.” “I have courage; but how bitterly I regret that moment of cowardice when I could not face that descent with you.” “It would have made no difference. The watch was already set on the city walls and we should have come straight here with Pascal--when matters would have been at an even worse pass. We have gained hours that may prove invaluable.” “You are brave to be so hopeful.” [Illustration: “GOD BLESS YOU, GABRIELLE, FOR THIS FAITH OF YOURS”]