In less than that time the man returned with the information that the secretary was away and would not return until two o'clock that afternoon. "Will that do?" asked Danton, turning to Tournay. "And it is now ten," said Tournay rather impatiently. "It will have to do, I am afraid." "I will send it to your lodgings the moment it comes in," said Danton, resuming his work. "Very well, do so, and many thanks. If I am not there have it left with the friend who shares my lodgings." Tournay quitted the office and hastened home, stopping on the way at a stable where his horse was quartered, to give instructions that the animal be saddled and brought to his door without delay. Reaching his house, he ran up the four flights of stairs that led to the little suite of rooms which he was sharing with his friend Gaillard. Gaillard was a versatile fellow; he had been a poet, an actor, and a journalist. Sometimes the one and sometimes the other, as inclination prompted or destiny decreed. Shortly after Tournay's first arrival at Paris, he had met Gaillard, who was then a journalist, at a public meeting. The chance acquaintance led to friendship. He had found the young writer in some financial straits and had rendered him such assistance as his own slender purse could afford. Gaillard, who never forgot the favor, was devoted to his friend. He watched his career as a soldier with interest and pride, and now that Tournay had come to Paris for a few days, Gaillard had insisted that his small chambers should have the honor of sheltering the gallant officer of the Republic. Gaillard was at present amusing crowds nightly at the Theatre of the Republic, where he was playing a series of comedy rôles. It was with satisfaction that Tournay, as he ascended the stairs, heard Gaillard's voice in the room, repeating the lines of his part for that evening's performance. "Well, my brave colonel, how goes the convention to-day?" said Gaillard, as Tournay entered the room. "Has the Tribunal done me the honor to request that I be shaved by the guillotine?" "I have not been to the convention to-day. Other business has prevented," replied Tournay, going into his bedroom and taking a pair of pistols from his wardrobe. "No? then I must wait until I get to the club before I learn the exact number of the nobility who are to patronize the national razor to-day." "Are you in the piece for to-night, Gaillard?" asked Tournay, hardly hearing what his friend was saying. "I am." "That's unfortunate, for I wanted to ask a great service of you," said Tournay, as he proceeded to clean and load the weapon. "Tell me what it is; I may be able to help you." "I am going at once to La Thierry." "La Thierry?" inquired Gaillard.