"Don't run too far into danger; the Abbe's parishioners are not the most gentle of citizens." The Englishman laughed lightly, and tapped his sword as if to say, "This will prevent them from being too saucy." We went down into the street, and Raoul, promising to return the next evening, departed on his errand, while Humphreys and I turned in the direction of the cathedral. The people, as usual, were in a high state of excitement, but we met with no adventure worth relating, and unfortunately saw nothing of my cousin. "Never mind," said Humphreys, "the luck doesn't always come at the first throw." Next morning I paid a hurried visit to the Rue Crillon, where I received a warm greeting from the ladies, who had already heard of my release. "At first the prince thought you were guilty," exclaimed Madame Coutance. "It was stupid of him, but then, appearances were against you." "They certainly were," said I, "and even now there are people who imagine I had a share in the plot." "Not those in high quarters. They know the truth, but cannot prove it. By the way, had you come last night you would have met your cousin." "It is so long since I saw him that he is quite a stranger. Did he inquire for me?" "Yes," replied Marie, "and he was delighted to learn that you were free of the Bastille. At least, he said so," and she looked at me with a meaning smile. It was apparent that both Marie and her aunt guessed the truth, but the subject was a delicate one, and they did not dwell on it; only, as I was leaving, Madame Coutance whispered, "Do not forget that the street as well as the Bastille has its dangers." "Thank you for the warning," I answered, "but I shall be more wary in future." The rest of the day I spent in prowling about the city, in asking questions here and there, and in watching sharply for either Pillot or my cousin, but the search proved fruitless, and towards the end of the afternoon I returned to my rooms, jaded and weary. CHAPTER XVIII. The Fight on the Staircase. About seven o'clock in the evening John Humphreys, who was just off duty, joined me, and shortly afterwards Raoul arrived. "No news?" cried the latter, noticing my gloomy looks. "Well, there is no need to despair. I have so arranged that Peleton will find it difficult to slip through the gates, and I have heard something of your cousin. Young D'Arcy met him last evening in the Rue de Roi." "Then he has taken up his old quarters in La Boule d'Or and hidden Peleton there!" I exclaimed; but Raoul shook his head. "Conde's troopers have searched the house by now, and no doubt a watch is set. Still, we might walk that way." "Have you told Armand the story?" "Yes, he can be trusted; and he has a host of acquaintances." "Very well, let us go down to the Rue de Roi;" then, turning to Humphreys, I remarked, "we may have need of our swords to-night."