For the first time, in reading these manuscripts, did I begin clearly to associate the name d'Ortez with the name used by the madman in his story at the old Norman ruin. With this new light, link by link did the whole knotted chain untangle. Curiously enough, the tale I had heard at the ruined castle tallied in the main with the monkish documents here preserved. Indeed it supplied me with knowledge of much which otherwise I would not have comprehended so completely. The horrible reality of that weird recital was still fresh and distinct before me, undimmed by time and unforgotten through all my troubles. I had sought refuge many times from brooding over my own affairs by turning to this for interest and occupation. Every further detail was supplied by a number of quaint documents, which Colonel d'Ortez had digested into this: TABLE SHOWING THE MALE DESCENDANTS OF HENRI d'ARTIN AND OF PEDRO ORTEZ. Henri Francois Placide Pedro d'Ortez, suicided 1604. d'Artin, died Aug. 28, Charles Pedro, killed ) Sons 1572. by Raoul 1602. ) of Bartholomew Pasquier (son Raoul, died 1618. ) above of above), died 1609. Charles Francis Peter (son of Bartholomew Placide ) Raoul), died without issue. Pasquier killed in ) Sons Pedro d'Ortez (brother to wars of the Fronde. ) of above), died 1663 Henri Louis John (brother ) above. Henry (son of above), killed to above), died 1654. ) in battle. Francois Rene Xavier de Pasquier Alphonze, killed in ) (ennobled), killed 1650. battle. ) Francois Rene Alois de Pasquier, Felix, died in infancy. ) Sons fled to America. Supposed to Raoul Armand Xavier ) of have been killed about 1681. d'Ortez, born 1641 ) above. No known descendants. Well (myself). Died ----. ) known to the Cure of St. No children. ) Martin's, Quebec. She who was born my daughter I disowned, and she died without issue. It appeared that the only thing to be done was to visit the good Cure of St. Martin's, and, enlisting him in the search, find whatever descendants might have been left by this Francois Rene Alois de Pasquier. The task need not be a difficult one, as many old people should still be living who might have known of the man.[2] I now bethought me of this enterprise as a fair excuse whereby I could leave Biloxi for a space. I would, therefore, call upon my old friend, and having obtained leave, matters now being safe with the colony, make the journey to Quebec. But, alas for the weakness of fallen humanity; my last act before putting myself out of temptation's way was to run full tilt into it.