“This is no brawler’s tavern,” cried d’Estelle, insolently. “You are out of your element here.” “Peace,” interposed Dubois, in his sonorous tones. “Be careful of such wanton provocation. I have known men’s blood to flow for less. You should guard your tongue, young sir.” “All right, bald pate,” cried d’Estelle with a flippant laugh. “You have said nothing, monsieur,” said Gerard to Antoine. “Peace, my son, peace,” said Dubois again, laying his hand on Gerard’s shoulder. “Would you, too, provoke strife?” “Good, old Tell-your-beads. What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for such a gander,” exclaimed d’Estelle, with another laugh. “These gentlemen and I have met before, father,” said Gerard. “I prevented them from murdering a man, and they bear me ill-will in consequence.” “It was no murder but a fair quarrel, monsieur,” said Antoine. “Fair? With two swords to one?” “I caught M. St. Jean maltreating a lady who is dear to me, and did but seek to punish him as he deserved.” “When I see a liar I watch his lips and listen. I am watching yours, monsieur,” said Gerard, contemptuously. “You were set to murder him and for that purpose rode after him yester morning.” Antoine changed colour and d’Estelle was silent. “Be careful what you say, monsieur,” replied Antoine, hoarsely. “We are the Duke’s followers and this is his lordship’s Castle.” “If you do not like my words, monsieur, there is an alternative which men of honour understand,” retorted Gerard, in a deliberate tone, and with a look which Antoine had little mind to face. “If I do not seek a fight with you, it is not because I fear you,” he answered, in none too firm a tone; “but because there may be a way more useful to my master to deal with you.” “I appreciate your discretion, and should I need a spy, may send in quest of your services.” Then turning his back upon the pair he added to Dubois: “Now, father, we will resume our discussion of that point about Thomas à Kempis. I was arguing in regard to the warning against apostasy that----” “Those vermin may be dangerous. They suspect,” put in Dubois as they passed out of earshot. “A risk or so more or less at this crisis does not count for much; but try to have them marked. They are two of this Tiger’s claws and would scratch from behind given the chance.” Just then a noise behind them attracted Gerard’s attention, and turning he saw de Proballe, with Dauban at his side, hurrying toward the apartments of the Governor. “Ah, Gerard, I find you in good company here!” said de Proballe in a cordial tone, pausing on his way. “I have great news. It concerns you.” “How so, M. le Baron?” “What a formal fellow you are, with your M. le Baron. We must get to closer terms than these. I’m taking my news to the Governor. Come with me. Give me your arm, lad.” “I thank you, monsieur, but it is not my wish.”