“What were their names?” asked d’Argenson sharply. “The man was named Brujon,” answered the sacristan. “I do not remember the woman’s name.” I breathed again. We were still in time. “Very well,” said d’Argenson. “I will see the curé and find out about this other marriage.” “Pardon, Monsieur,” protested the man, “but the curé is very busy.” “You will tell him,” said d’Argenson grimly, “that the Comte d’Argenson, lieutenant of police, wishes to speak to him and at once.” The fellow’s face turned livid and he bowed to the ground. “Oh, M. d’Argenson,” he stammered, “that is another matter. Follow me, Messieurs, and I will conduct you to the curé.” He led the way along a side aisle to the sacristy at the rear. He tapped at the door, and a voice bidding us enter, he opened it and ushered us in. The curé was sitting at a table writing. “This is M. le Comte d’Argenson, M. le Curé,” said the sacristan, and went out, closing the door after him. The curé looked at us with alarmed and astonished eyes. “This is an honor,” he said, at last. “Will you not sit down, Messieurs?” “M. le Curé,” began d’Argenson abruptly, “you are to celebrate a marriage here at nine o’clock, are you not?” “Yes, Monsieur. A M. Briquet and a niece of M. Ribaut. It was to have taken place a week ago, but was postponed by the illness of the bride.” “That is it. Well, M. le Curé, this wedding must not take place, since it is believed to be a conspiracy to defraud the girl.” “A conspiracy, Monsieur?” gasped the curé. “Yes, a conspiracy. Will you require any further proof of it?” “Not if I have your word, M. d’Argenson,” answered the curé, readily. D’Argenson hesitated a moment. “M. le Curé,” he said, at last, “I will tell you candidly that we have no absolute proof of this conspiracy. For myself I do not doubt that it exists. In any event, I will assume all responsibility in the matter.” The curé bowed. “I will also assume full responsibility for anything that follows,” added d’Argenson. “What I may ask you to do will be somewhat irregular, Monsieur, but, believe me, it will be just.” “M. d’Argenson’s assurance is more than sufficient,” and the curé bowed again. “His passion for justice is well known.” Who could think of opposing the Lieutenant of Police--this man who carried all before him? Certainly not the curé of a small church! “I will tell you one thing more, Monsieur,” he added. “This girl has not been ill--she has been imprisoned. She will come to the altar faint and trembling, not from illness, but from horror. We are here to save her. I do not wish the parties to be forewarned. We will challenge them at the altar. A great deal will depend upon the completeness of the surprise.” “Very well, Monsieur.” “Is there any place in which we could remain concealed?” “You could pause behind the tapestry at the doorway, Monsieur. From there you could hear and see everything.” A tap at the door interrupted him and, at his bidding, the sacristan entered.