The city gates had been shut again and the Governor’s troops were once more searching the city; this time systematically from house to house, and the efforts of the search parties were being in the first place concentrated on that part of the city in which Babillon’s house stood. “I passed them at their work,” he said, “and only wonder I was not stopped. You cannot stay here, or you will be trapped.” “There is but one course then,” decided Gerard. “We must get back to Malincourt.” “There is a better plan,” said Gabrielle. “Do you go alone, Gerard, in your monk’s gabardine. He has passed the soldiers, and you will do so. I will wait for their coming. We know from what Babillon told us yesterday and what Captain Dubois has heard from the burghers, that no harm can come to me. Please.” “No,” answered Gerard firmly. “One thing I will not do. I will not leave you within that madman’s reach.” “But it is you he seeks. Would it not be safer, Captain Dubois, for him to go alone? And you, M. Pascal, what say you?” “It would be safer,” agreed the captain. “Dubois!” exclaimed Gerard. “I speak but my opinion, my lord. I should take miladi’s advice. I will answer for her safety.” “I cannot consent.” “It will be too late to do anything if we dally in talking,” said Dubois. “We will go together, but I will change my burgher’s dress for a monk’s,” and he hurried from the room. “I am only a monk outwardly, and it may be well to have an officer among the party,” said Dubois, slipping off his gabardine and revealing his uniform under it. “It’s too late,” said Pascal, who was at the window as Gerard re-entered. “The soldiers are already in the street. The chance is gone.” Gerard looked very grave and Dubois smothered an oath in his moustache. “We are going to pay a heavy price for our mistake in leaving Malincourt,” exclaimed Gerard. “Still, we can but make the attempt. Come, Gabrielle.” “Monsieur, may I suggest?” put in Lucette hurriedly. “There is a chance that these searchers may not know Gabrielle. Let M. Pascal and me remain here to wait for them, playing your parts, while you hide somewhere in the house. When they find us, they may be satisfied to search no further than this room, and you will be free to leave when they have gone. If M. Pascal will?” “It is well suggested,” declared Pascal. “If they will not know you, mademoiselle,” he added, with a quizzing glance. “I do not know all the officers, monsieur,” she retorted. Gerard and Gabrielle both protested against the plan on the ground of its danger to Lucette; but this was overborne, and the two were left alone, while Gerard, Gabrielle and Dubois went with Madame Babillon to an upper part of the house. “Rather reversing the due order, this, Lucette,” said Pascal lightly. “Due order?” “Man and wife an hour or two back, and now we’re only betrothed, you see.” “M. Pascal!” she cried, laughing and blushing. “By your leave, not Pascal, but Gerard--Gabrielle.”