You can conceive with what joy I read this message, with its plan of escape so admirably mapped out. At first glance it seemed quite easy, but as I considered it various difficulties appeared. However, I am not one who borrows trouble, and I put these doubts behind me. For, after all, here was hope in place of black despair--hope--and then, of a sudden, I saw that it was not hope at all--at least, not for me. We might escape,--we three,--but what of Claire? Would I not be deserting her to the mercy of this monster who knew no mercy? Well, we should see. At the worst, I could seek out this devil, sword in hand, and cut him down ere he could summon aid. I could see the others safely down the cliff and then turn back upon my errand. That would mean death for me also--but if there were no other way, it would at least save Claire from the insult of his caresses. I read the message through a second time, and found myself wondering--who was this traitor in Roquefort’s household? No ordinary man, certainly, and one who kept his secret well. I knew so little of Roquefort’s followers--and I had caught but a glimpse of the messenger’s face. Well, M. le Comte would reward him. Those hours of waiting were the longest I have ever known. I was eager to strike in the first flush of confidence,--that is ever my way, for I grow timid, sometimes, on second thought,--but now I must worry through three mortal hours. Worry through them I did, somehow--but it was with quivering nerves I heard Drouet at last throw the bolts. As the door opened, I caught a glimpse of the sentry in the corridor. Drouet set my platter on the floor. “There’s your supper,” he said. “And the last that I shall eat here,” I added laughingly. “Will you not be sorry to bid me adieu?” “Bid you adieu?” he asked. “How is that?” “I am to be released to-morrow morning,” I explained, “so soon as M. le Duc and Mademoiselle de Brissac are married. He has given his word.” “So he is to have her at last, is he?” grinned Drouet. “Well, my faith, he has waited long enough. Had I been he, I would have had her months ago, and without troubling for a priest’s blessing. That is the safest way, for he may weary of her--he may in time see some one younger, fresher,” and he leered at me in a way that sent the blood to my face. “He has pursued her long, then?” I asked, with what indifference I could muster.