“Monseigneur! Let us hasten. Every moment is full of peril.” He did not understand my confusion; but he waved an airy farewell toward Orleans. “Free! Free!” he exclaimed. “Thank God and my good friends! Come, Vibrac!” And we galloped on again, black care on my shoulders; but he, he the betrayed, was happy as a lark in spring, and as we rode through the brightening day, he broke into song, his voice, mellow and rich, echoing through the ringing woods. Each joyous note stabbed me like a knife, as I thought how soon that song would be changed to a wail of lamentation. In the crowd of thoughts that surged upon me, my confused brain fluttered hither and thither, like a netted bird seeking chance for escape. It came upon me to warn the Prince while there was yet time, to stop him, tell him what I was, and bid him ride to the Constable’s camp for dear life. But that would not save the others! Alas! the pitfalls were too surely dug! And then the shame of it choked me. I could not. I dared not; and so I let the precious moments pass. And now a momentary strength came, and I nerved myself with a mighty effort. It should be done, come what may! With a gasp I called out: “Monseigneur! Monseigneur!” He turned and reined up, following my example, looking at me with curious eyes as we halted, facing each other. But somehow I could not speak. I made an effort, hesitated, and stopped, looking helplessly about me. “What is it, de Vibrac?” “I thought some one was lurking here,” I said desperately, to gain time as I peered into the woods. Condé bent forward and took a pistol from his holster. “Perhaps I was foolish to sing,” he said, and began to look too. But there was nothing, and as I gazed I became aware that we were on the spot where I had parted from Marie. I could almost see her before me, her eyes flashing, the jewelled whip swinging to and fro in her hand, and her lips curled in scorn as she flung her taunts at me. Once more her words rang in my ears, and rang with them the death-knell of my resolve. Loyalty, honor, an unsullied name--all these I had sold to my evil desires, and should I not be paid? No! I would not go back. I would have the price of my soul. I would have my revenge, betide what may! I made a movement as if to go on, saying: “There is nothing. I was mistaken.” “I think not, Vibrac. Hark!” And as Condé spoke, from within the dark woods a horse neighed shrilly. I felt on the instant what that meant, and answered hurriedly: “’Tis from St. Loup. See, monseigneur!” And pointing before us, a little to our left, I showed him the face of the château with its two pepper-box towers rising above the trees. “To think I should not have noticed it!” he exclaimed. “Why, we are almost there!” “We will be there in ten minutes.” I answered, as we trotted forward, my eyes here, there, and everywhere, seeking for those who were to take part in the final scene that would give me my desire.