I sprang up the stair and found that the hall above was also strangely empty. There was no time for hesitation. Beneath the third door to the left I perceived a ray of light. I strode to it and knocked sharply. “Who is there?” called a voice which thrilled me. “It is I, Tavernay, mademoiselle,” I answered, trying to speak calmly. “Dress yourself at once----” “I have not yet undressed,” she said, and threw open the door. “What is wrong, monsieur?” “The house is being surrounded by the Blues,” I said rapidly. “But mademoiselle you must put on a heavier gown than that and stouter shoes. We may have to flee--to hide in the woods--and the night is cold.” “Very well, monsieur,” she answered; and my heart thrilled again at the calmness of her tone. “I shall be ready in a moment.” “When you have finished,” I said, “blow out your light as though you were retiring. Then wait for me here at your door with your maid----” “My maid has disappeared,” she interrupted. “Disappeared?” “At least I cannot find her. No one answers the bell.” “So much the better,” I assured her, though my heart was heavy with foreboding. “The smaller the party the greater our chance of escape. Which is M. le Comte’s apartment?” “At the end of the corridor.” “I shall return at once,” I said, seized her hand, kissed it and passed on. M. le Comte opened his door instantly in answer to my knock, and at the first glimpse of my face stepped out into the corridor and closed the door behind him. “What is it, Tavernay?” he asked. “What has happened?” “The Blues have arrived,” I answered rapidly; “they are posting sentries about the house. I recognized Dubosq, their leader--the same fellow who tried to trap you this morning. This time he is making certain that you shall not escape.” “Nor is that all,” said a low voice behind me. I turned quickly. It was Pasdeloup. “Pasdeloup!” cried his master. “What do you here?” “I come to warn M. le Comte.” “Of what?” “The _canaille_ of Dange are on their way to sack the château.” “Nonsense!” “It is to be turned over to them as soon as M. le Comte and the women are taken prisoner,” continued Pasdeloup without noticing the interruption. “Nor is that all. They are to be permitted to seize M. le Comte and to use him as the mob of Paris has already used so many.” “Nonsense, Pasdeloup!” repeated his master; but his face had paled a little. “Where did you hear such absurdities?” For answer, Pasdeloup pointed along the empty corridor. “Where are your people, M. le Comte?” he asked. “None here--none below--search the whole house and you will find not one. An hour ago they stole away along the road to Dange. I alone could not be bribed or frightened into joining them.” His master stared at him for a moment, then down the empty corridor, his face of a sudden gray and haggard, as the truth was borne in upon him. “All?” he repeated hoarsely. “All? Even Joseph? Even Marcelle?”