This time there was no mystery, there would be no puzzlement as to the meaning of this fresh attack. The air was full of those sounds that denote the presence of many horses and of many men; there was, too, the clinking of metal, the champing of steel bits, the brief words of command which proclaimed the men to be soldiers. They appeared to be all round the coach, for the noise of their presence came from everywhere at once. Already the Comte had put his head out of the window: "What is it now?" he asked again, more peremptorily this time. "In the name of the Emperor!" was the loud reply. "We do not halt in the name of an usurper," said the Comte. "En avant, Pierre!" "You urge those horses on at your peril, coachman," was the defiant retort. A quick word of command was given, there was more clanking of metal, snorting of horses, loud curses from Pierre on the box, and the commanding voice spoke again: "M. le Comte de Cambray!" "That is my name!" replied the Comte. "And who is it, pray, who dares impede peaceful travellers on their way?" "By order of the Emperor," was the curt reply. "I know of no such person in France!" "Vive l'Empereur!" was shouted defiantly in response. Whereupon M. le Comte de Cambray--proud, disdainful and determined to show no fear or concern, withdrew from the window and threw himself back against the cushions of the carriage. "What in the Virgin's name is the meaning of this?" murmured Mme. la Duchesse. "God in heaven only knows," sighed the Comte. But obviously the coach had not been stopped by a troop of mounted soldiers for the mere purpose of proclaiming the Emperor's name on the high road in the dark. The same commanding voice which had answered the Comte's challenge was giving rapid orders to dismount and to bring along one of the carriage lanthorns. The next moment the door of the coach was opened from without, and the light of the lanthorn held up by a man in uniform fell full on the figure and on the profile of Victor de Marmont. "M. le Comte, I regret," he said coldly, "in the name of the Emperor I must demand from you the restitution of his property." The Comte shrugged his shoulders and vouchsafed no reply. "M. le Comte," said de Marmont, more peremptorily this time, "I have twenty-four men with me, who will seize by force if necessary that which I herewith command you to give up voluntarily." Still no reply. M. le Comte de Cambray would think himself bemeaned were he to parley with a traitor. "As you will, M. le Comte," was de Marmont's calm comment on the old man's attitude. "Sergeant!" he commanded, "seize the four persons in this coach. Three of them are women, so be as gentle as you can. Go round to the other door first." "Father," now urged Crystal gently, "do you think that this is wise--or dignified?"