"For in fact," he resumed, "he assisted me; and consequently, when an opportunity presents itself, I ought to help him. And it seems to me that the opportunity has now arrived, or it never will do so." Chicot was resolute and generous, and curious into the bargain; he unfastened his long sword, placed it under his arm, and hurriedly ran down the staircase. He could open his door noiselessly, which is an indispensable piece of knowledge for any one who may wish to listen with advantage. Chicot glided under the balcony, then behind a pillar, and waited. Hardly had he installed himself there, when the door opposite was opened immediately the unknown had whispered a word through the keyhole, and yet he did not venture beyond the threshold. A moment afterward the lady appeared within the doorway. She took hold of the cavalier's arm, who led her to the litter, closed the door of it, and then mounted his horse. "There is no doubt on the subject," said Chicot, "it is the husband, a good-natured fellow of a husband after all, since he does not think it worth his while to explore the house in order to be revenged on my friend Carmainges." The litter then moved off, the cavalier walking his horse beside the door of it. "Pardieu!" said Chicot, "I must follow those people and learn who they are, and where they are going; I shall at all events draw some solid counsel from my discovery for my friend Carmainges." Chicot accordingly followed the cortege, observing the precaution, however, of keeping in the shadow of the walls, and taking care that the noise made by the footsteps of the men and of the horses should render the sound of his own inaudible. Chicot's surprise was by no means slight when he saw the litter stop at the door of the "Brave Chevalier." Almost immediately afterward, as if some one had been on the watch, the door was opened. The lady, still veiled, alighted; entered and mounted to the turret, the window of the first story of which was lighted. The husband followed her, both being respectfully preceded by Dame Fournichon, who carried a flambeau in her hand. "Decidedly," said Chicot, crossing his arms on his chest, "I cannot understand a single thing of the whole affair." CHAPTER LXXXIII. SHOWING HOW CHICOT BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND THE PURPORT OF MONSIEUR DE GUISE'S LETTER. Chicot fancied that he had already certainly seen, somewhere or another, the figure of this courteous cavalier; but his memory, having become a little confused during his journey from Navarre, where he had met with so many different figures, did not, with its usual facility, furnish him with the cavalier's name on the present occasion.