My forehead grew hot with shame and anger, as I looked from one to another, and then, like a criminal before a judge, I faced the old man and told him exactly what had happened--all except one thing; that I kept back. At the mention of Ravaillac's name, and of his identity with the Capuchin, the Vicompte de Belin swore bitterly under his moustache; and but for that exclamation my story was heard in stillness to its bitter end. For a moment one might have heard a pin fall, and then Palin said, 'And you left her--there!' The dry contempt of his manner stung me; but I could say nothing, save mutter-- 'I did what I could.' 'The one ewe-lamb of the fold--the last and the best beloved,' he said, as if speaking to himself; and then in a sudden fury he sprang to his feet. 'But why do we stand prating here? There are five of us, and we know where she is--come.' But Belin put his hand on his shoulder. 'Patience, Maitre Palin--patience.' 'I have had enough of patience and enough of trusting others,' and the Huguenot shook off his hand and looked at me with a scowl. 'Come, Monsieur d'Auriac; if you would make amends, lead me to this Toison d'Or and we will see what an old arm can do.' 'I am ready,' I answered. But Belin again interfered. 'Messieurs, this is madness. From what I have gathered d'Auriac will prove but a blind guide back. We are not, moreover, sure that Madame is there. Sit still here, you Palin; neither you nor d'Auriac are fit to think. Fore Gad! it was lucky I thought of this for our meeting-place tonight, Palin. Sit still and let me think.' 'I can think well enough,' I cut in, 'and I have my plan; but I should like to ask a question or two before I speak.' 'And these questions are?' 'I presume I am suspected of this abduction?' 'And of more. _Nom de dieu!_ Man! your mare was found dead, and beside her one of the Marshal's guards, run through the heart,' answered de Belin. 'Then of course if I am seen I am in danger?' 'A miracle only could save you. The King is enraged beyond measure, and swears he will let the Edict go in its full force against you. The Camarguer has made a fine story of it, saying how he tried to stop the abduction, but failed in the attempt.' 'In short, then, it would ruin all chances if we adopt Maitre Palin's suggestion?' 'You are saving me the trouble of thinking.' 'Again,' I went on, 'it is not certain if Madame is still at the Toison d'Or, and apart from that I doubt if I could find my way back there to-night, unless anyone could guide me,' and I looked at the Pantins, who shook their heads sorrowfully. 'This settles our going out to-night,' I went on; 'there is but one thing to do to-morrow--to find the house. It will be easy to discover if Madame is within. After that I propose a rescue by the ordinary means of the law.' 'Would it not be as simple to have recourse to Villeroi the first thing to-morrow?' asked Belin.