"Ah, Citizen St. Hilaire," repeated Tournay. "He is a man who should well know good wine; but you said he has been living overhead. Is he not there now?" "Three days ago he disappeared. He left a note for the Citizeness Ribot with the money due for rent, and stated that he should not return. His action was explained next morning when a gendarme from the section made his appearance and inquired for Citizen St. Hilaire. Since then his chamber is watched night and day. I doubt if he returns." "He is quite capable of keeping out of danger or getting into it, as the fancy suits him, if he is the man I once knew," remarked Tournay. Gaillard filled the glasses again. "Let us not talk about him in too loud a tone," he said, "but quietly pledge him in his own Burgundy." Tournay took the proffered glass. The gentle gurgle down two throats told that St. Hilaire's health was drunk fervently if silently. "With your permission I will propose a toast," said Tournay, as Gaillard emptied the last of the bottle into their glasses. The actor nodded. "To the French Republic," exclaimed Tournay. "May victory still perch upon her banners." "To the Republic," echoed Gaillard. Again the glasses clinked over the small wooden table. "As long as we have victory," continued Tournay, "what care we whether we be colonels, generals, or soldiers of the line? Our victories are the nation's. All are sharers in its glory." "Long live the Republic!" they cried in concert, and set down their empty wineglasses. "Now I must fly to the theatre," exclaimed Gaillard; "you have made me late with your republics"-- "And I must to bed," said Tournay. "This morning's dawn found me in the saddle in order to reach the convention at an early hour." "You have made a mistake, citizen sergeant," exclaimed Gaillard suddenly, as an officer of gendarmerie appeared at the open door. "The floor above is where you want to go." "I want to see the Citizen Colonel Tournay," was the reply. "I am he," said Tournay. The sergeant awkwardly gave the military salute. "Here is a letter for you, citizen colonel." Tournay took the paper, and the sergeant turned toward the door. "Is there any answer required?" asked Tournay, as he broke the seal. "None through me. Good-night, citizen colonel." And the heavy jack-boots were heard descending the stairs. Gaillard began hurriedly to make a bundle of his theatrical costume, while Tournay broke the seal and glanced over the contents of the letter. "Read this," he said, passing the paper to Gaillard, who stood by his side, bundle under arm. Gaillard read:-- To CITIZEN COLONEL ROBERT TOURNAY, Rue des Mathurins 15. Will the patriotic citizen colonel call upon the humble and none the less patriotic citizen, Maximilian Robespierre, this evening at seven, to discuss affairs pertaining to the good of the nation? If the Citizen Tournay can come, no answer need be sent. (Signed) MAXIMILIAN ROBESPIERRE.