As for the danger, it was to his liking. He was brave to the verge of recklessness, and the thought of tapping the Governor’s plans under his very nose as it were, pleased him hugely. As he was indifferent about encountering any of the search parties who were patrolling the city, he made no effort at concealment, and covered the distance between Malincourt and the Castle at a quick speed, thinking over the matter and laughing at the venture as a kind of pleasure jaunt. He resolved to make for the main entrance of the Castle, and had reached within short distance of it when he encountered one of the patrols. He was hurrying by, but the man in command challenged him. “Ho, there! Who are you and where are you going?” “To a mess of devil’s broth I expect, probably to arrest. I’ve just heard hell’s loose at the Castle, and I’m going for my share.” “Who are you?” “Not one of your men, sergeant. Ambroise Tourelle of Captain Bassot’s command.” “What were you doing in the city?” “Just seeing how you enjoy yourselves in Morvaix. You don’t manage badly. Is the gate open?” “Don’t you know the news? Some prisoners have broken out and half killed the Governor. The whole garrison’s in arms. You may look for a warm welcome if old Tiger hears you’ve been absent.” “Here’s deafness to him, then,” answered Pascal with a laugh. “I’ll hurry on.” “I’ll send a man back with you lest you lose your way,” returned the sergeant drily, and detailed one for the purpose. “Did you say you’re one of the new lot?” asked the soldier, as they went to the Castle. “I don’t know your face.” “Yet it’s one your Morvaix girls will know soon, I warrant,” laughed Pascal. “It’s more to the matter if you know what the punishment is for being out of the Castle without leave.” “It mayn’t be noticed at such a time, especially as you’re a new man. If you take my advice you’ll go straight to your captain and just tell him the truth.” “Yes, but where the devil shall I find him? To hell with the liquor and the women, say I; they get us into all the troubles.” “Ah, and leave us to scramble out for ourselves. I know it.” “I take to you, friend; we must see more of one another,” said Pascal, with a genial laugh. “I could show you some things in Morvaix,” chuckled the soldier. “Where have you been to-night?” “The devil seize me if I know, but you breed some pretty faces in this city of yours. Do you know a blue-eyed wench named Marguerite?” and Pascal went on to invent a story for his companion’s benefit, making him laugh and swear that Pascal was a man after his own heart. As they approached the Castle gates Pascal urged the soldier to go in with him and find Captain Bassot, and in this way he passed the gate and entered the guard-room without difficulty or question. But the captain could not be found, and, as his companion had to leave again to hurry after his party, they separated with mutual promises to meet again, and Pascal was left to his own devices.