"Well, this must be avoided, and that is why I have written this letter. Believing that I have died from brain fever my brother will not seek to avenge me, and my mother will be the more easily consoled, knowing it was the will of God, and that I did not fall by the hand of man. At least----" "At least what?" I repeated. "Oh, nothing," replied Louis. "I hope that will not come to pass." I saw that he was referring to some personal fear, and I did not insist farther. At this moment the door opened, and the Baron de Giordano entered. "My dear de Franchi," he said, "I respect your privacy more than anything, but it is past eight, and the meeting is appointed for nine; we have quite a league and a half to drive, and we should start at once." "I am ready, my dear fellow," said Louis. "I have told my friend here all I had to say to him." He put his finger on his lips as our eyes met. "For you, my friend," he continued, turning to the table and taking up a sealed letter, "there is this; if anything should happen to me read this letter, and I pray you to carry out my request contained in it." "To the very letter," replied the Baron. "You were to provide the arms," said Louis. "Yes," I replied, "but just as I was coming away I found that one of the dogs did not bark properly, so we shall be obliged to get a case of pistols from Devisme." Louis looked at me, smiled, and held out his hand. He knew quite well that I did not wish to see him killed with my pistols. "Have you a carriage?" he asked; "if not I will send Joseph for one." "My coupé is here," said the Baron, "and can carry three at a pinch; besides, my horses will take us more quickly than a _fiacre._" "Let us go," said Louis. We went downstairs. Joseph was waiting at the door. "Shall I accompany you, sir?" he said. "No, Joseph," replied his master, "I shall not require your services to-day." Then, stepping back a pace and pressing a roll of gold into the man's hand, he said, "Take this, and if at any time I have appeared brusque to you, pardon my ill-humour." "Oh, monsieur!" said Joseph, with tears in his eyes, "what is the meaning of this?" "Chut!" said Louis, and he sprang into the carriage. "He is a good servant," he murmured, "and if either of you can ever be of use to him I shall be obliged." "Is he about to leave you?" said the Baron. "No," said Louis, smiling; "I am leaving him, that is all!" We stopped at Devismes just long enough to secure a case of pistols, powder and bullets, and then resumed our way at a brisk trot. CHAPTER XVII. WE reached Vincennes at five minutes to nine. Another carriage, that of Chateau Renaud, arrived at the same time. We proceeded into the wood by different paths. Our carriages were to await us in the broad avenue. A few minutes later we met at the rendezvous. "Gentlemen," said Louis, "recollect that no arrangement is possible now." "Nevertheless----," I said