"Mademoiselle de Paradis, the greatest heiress in Poitou, but a Huguenot to her little finger-tips." "In that case, monsieur, the Queen's mantle of protection is likely to be a shroud." "You do not understand," he snapped. "Mademoiselle, or rather her lands, have attracted the attention of Diane de Poitiers and her brood of swallows. The Queen would give her right hand to thwart the mistress in this, and she, and only she, can save her. Montpensier will be here in a fortnight, and I shall be gone. You know, I think, what that means. I give you my word of honour, monsieur, that this lady's life is on a hair. Why I should trouble about it I don't know; but the Queen has commanded me in this, and Jean de Paradis, her father, was my old friend, and for his sake I would save his child. But you seem to be sniffing the air over this, M. Broussel----" "I was, monsieur! But now I accept the task." "Very well. You will arrange, then, to start at three. I shall see that mademoiselle is ready. You will have four good swords with you; and, remember, she is your prisoner, rescue or no rescue." I bowed, and was turning to go, when he stopped me. "A word more! Trust not a soul, King's man or Huguenot--do not even trust her. It is said that she is the promised wife of De Ganache. If that story is true I promise you trouble, but you have yourself to thank for it." And he rose and accompanied me to his door. It was the only allusion he made to what had happened on the tower, and never again did he refer to it. I had more than guessed who my prisoner was, though, of course, I was not sure, and the mention of De Ganache in connection with her had struck me like a blow. But it was hardly the time to think of matters like this, and putting it aside with a firm hand I hurried to my quarters, where to my annoyance I found the Capuchin Grigolet. I guessed his needs, and a brace of crowns to further the conversion of the Jewess rid me of the rascal. Then bidding Pierrebon be ready to start in a couple of hours I went in search of Sarlaboux. I found that worthy in the archway of the main gate playing at cards with Menorval. "Ogier beats you." And Menorval put down the knave of spades. "Out upon the knave! Here is Pallas." And Sarlaboux covered the knave with the queen. "And David, the king, takes the game," laughed Menorval as he picked up the stakes and began to shuffle once more. With an apology for interrupting them I showed Sarlaboux my order, whereupon, with many exclamations at my good luck, he led the way to the stable, followed by Menorval and myself. "_Morbleu_!" grumbled Menorval, "if this is the pay that royal messengers get, away with my gilt spurs, and give me the wings of Mercury to my heels."