"I think so too, monsieur. But now, allow me to advise you. It would not be prudent for you to go out in uniform. The popular effervescence has not yet cooled down. I shall supply you with a coat and hat, and, in the company of one of my friends, you will be able to return to your own residence without any difficulty, or running any danger." "Monsieur! You can not mean that! To disguise myself--that would be cowardice!" "If you please, monsieur! No exaggerated scruples! Have you not the consciousness of having fought with intrepidity to the very end?" "Yes; but of having been disarmed--by--" But the Count of Plouernel checked himself, and offering his hand to the merchant said: "Pardon me, monsieur--I forgot myself; besides, I am vanquished. It shall be as you say. I shall take your advice. I shall assume the disguise without feeling that I am committing an act of cowardice. A man whose conduct is as worthy as yours must be a good judge in matters of honor." A minute later the Count of Plouernel was in bourgeois dress, thanks to the clothes that the merchant lent him. The Count then pointed to his battered casque which lay on top of his uniform, that had been torn in several places during the struggle, and said to Monsieur Lebrenn: "Monsieur, I request you to keep my casque, in default of my sword, which I would have preferred to leave with you as a souvenir from a soldier whose life you generously saved--as a token of gratitude." "I accept it, monsieur," answered the linendraper. "I shall join the casque to several other souvenirs which have come down to me from your family." "From my family!" exclaimed the Count of Plouernel in amazement. "From my family! Do you know my family?" "Alas, monsieur," answered the merchant in melancholy tones, "this was not the first time that, in the course of the centuries, a Neroweg of Plouernel and a Lebrenn met, arms in hand." "What is that you say, monsieur?" asked the Count with increasing wonderment. "I pray you, explain yourself." Two raps at the door interrupted the conversation of Monsieur Lebrenn and his guest. "Who is there?" demanded the merchant. "I, father." "Walk in, my boy!" "Father," said Sacrovir in great glee, "several friends are downstairs. They come from the City Hall. They want to see you." "My boy," said Monsieur Lebrenn, "you are known as well as myself in the street. I wish you to escort our guest home. Take the back stairs in order to avoid going out by the shop door. Do not leave Monsieur Plouernel until he is safe at home." "Rest assured, father. I have already crossed the barricade twice. I answer for monsieur's safety." "Excuse me, monsieur, if I now leave you," said the merchant to the Count of Plouernel. "My friends are waiting for me."