'Then it is not?' My heart began to beat faster. 'I did not say so. Remember that the alternative is Monsieur le Baron d'Ayen.' 'There is another.' 'And that is?' 'Death.' 'We are Huguenots,' he answered coldly, 'and believe in the word of God. We do not kill our souls.' 'Great heavens! man! Tell me if it is true or not? Do not draw this out. In so many words, is Madame de la Bidache pledged to de Gomeron?' 'Most certainly not, but Biron and her nearest relative, Tremouille, have urged it on her as a means of escape. She has, however, given no answer.' 'Then de Belin was wrong?' 'If you mean that the Compte de Belin said so, then he had no authority for the statement.' I took back the ribbons from the table and thrust them into their old resting-place, my face hot with shame at my unworthy suspicions. 'Palin,' I said, 'you were right. I am a fool.' 'You are,' he answered, 'exactly what your father was before you at your age.' 'My father--you knew him?' 'Yes--Raoul de Breuil, Sieur d'Auriac, and Governor of Provence. We were friends in the old days, and I owed him my life once, as did also Henry the Great, our King and master--in the days of his youth.' 'And you never told me this?' 'I have told you now. I owe the house of Auriac my life twice over, and I recognise in this, as in all things, the hand of God. Young man, I have watched you, and you are worthy--be of good courage.' He stretched out his hand, and I grasped it in silence. 'See here,' he continued, 'I have come to you like a thief in the twilight, because I have that to say which is for you alone. It is useless to appeal to the King. Our only chance is flight, and we have no one to rely on but you. Will you help us--help Madame?' 'Why need to ask? Have I not already said so? Am I not ready to die, if need be, to save her?' 'You are now,' he said, 'but I will not press that point. Then we, or rather I, can count on you?' 'To the end of my sword; but does not Madame know of this?' 'Not yet. Should it fall through, there would be only another bitter disappointment for her. It is, moreover, an idea that has but shaped itself with me to-day.' 'Where do you propose going?' 'To Switzerland. There we would be safe, and there they are of our faith.' 'Remember, Maitre Palin, that I am not' 'Look into your own heart and tell me that again at another time. Can you count on a sword or two?' 'If Jacques were only here!' I exclaimed. And then, remembering my new man's reputation, 'They say Ravaillac is good, and I have a friend'--I bethought me of Belin--'upon whom I think I could rely.' 'Better one blade of steel than two of soft iron, chevalier. We must do what we can with what we have.' 'When do you propose starting?' 'On the night of the fete at the Louvre.' 'And we meet?' 'Under the three limes in the Tuileries at compline.' 'I have but one horse at present--we must have more.'