'I cannot tell, monsieur. It comes and goes like the wind. There is a Fear that falls on me--a Fear and something, I know not what, beside; but all before my eyes is red--red as if it rained blood--and then a myriad of devils are whispering in my ears, and there is no safety for me but the cross and prayer. It has passed now--God be thanked! Will Monsieur not take his sword?' His voice dropped again to its low, soft note as he ended, and handed me my rapier. I buckled it on, thinking to myself, 'My friend, you are either a lunatic at large or a finished actor. In either case you won't do for me.' I said no more, however, but when he gave me my hat he asked: 'Will Monsieur require me in attendance?' 'Yes. I go to the Hotel de Belin, and I trust this will be the last of your attacks whilst you are with me. The Compte told me you had been a Flagellant, but had recovered.' 'I have been well for a long time, monsieur,' he answered, taking my humour--'I will try and get ill no more.' 'I am glad of that. Saddle Couronne. I go out at once--you can follow on foot.' 'Monsieur.' The next moment he was gone, and I heard him running down the stairs. It would take a few minutes to get Couronne ready, but I followed him down at once, as I had an inquiry to make from Madame Pantin. I heard someone moving below in the kitchen, and, thinking it was dame Annette, called down the winding stair: 'Madame--Madame Pantin!' 'Madame is out; but is there anything I can do for Monsieur?' And the notary appeared below, a dim outline, clad in his dressing-gown, with a woollen cap on his head. I went down to him and asked: 'Pantin, do you know if Ravaillac was out last night?' 'I would have told Monsieur there and then when he came in from his swim in the Seine. No, for I watched and saw him sleeping in the loft.' 'Are you sure?' 'As I am of being here.' 'Thanks! Madame is out early?' 'She has gone to the Rue Varenne; but, monsieur, be careful of that Ravaillac.' I nodded my head, and then, raising my voice: 'I dine at the Two Ecus as usual--good day!' 'Good day, monsieur!' Couronne was at the door, Ravaillac at her head, and, mounting, I went at a walking pace towards the Pont au Change, my servant a yard or so behind. It was my intention to see de Belin, to ask him to find out if I was in any danger owing to last night's folly or misadventure--call it what you will--and to beg his advice on the course I was to pursue. I had been recognised by d'Ayen. My name was known to those with him, and any trouble with the Hotel de Ville meant hopeless disaster. I had almost made up my mind to conceal myself somewhere until the day of flight; but, before taking any action, thought it advisable to consult my friend, and to return Ravaillac to his service.