But while his preparations were being made, behold, another messenger appeared, and demanded to speak with the Comte de Montgommery alone. He made no commotion, and, unlike his predecessor, had no escort. He came in silently and very modestly, and without uttering a sound, handed Gabriel a letter which he had in charge. Gabriel started as he thought that he recognized him as the same who had formerly brought him La Renaudie's invitation to attend the Protestant meeting in the Place Maubert. It was in fact the same man; and the letter bore the same signature. It said:-- FRIEND AND BROTHER,--I did not wish to leave Paris without having seen you; but I had no time, for events came thick and fast, and hurried me on. I must go now, and have not even pressed your hand, nor have I told you our plans and our hopes. But we know that you are with us, and I know what manner of man you are. With such as you there is no need of preparation, of meetings, and speech-making,--a word is sufficient. This is the word: We need you. Come. Be at Noizai near Amboise by the 10th or 12th of this month of March. You will find there your brave and noble friend De Castelnau. He will tell you what is going on, for I dare not trust it to paper. It is agreed that you are in no wise bound; that you have a perfect right to stand apart; and that you may always abstain from acting with us without incurring the least suspicion or receiving the slightest reproach. But in any event come to Noizai, I will meet you there, and we will seek your advice, if we cannot have your assistance. Then, too, can anything be accomplished by our party unless you are informed with regard to it? So adieu till we meet at Noizai. We rely upon your presence, at all events. L. R. P.S. If any troop of our friends should fall in with you _en route_, our password is, once more, _Genève_, and our countersign, _Gloire de Dieu_! "In an hour I set out," said Gabriel to the silent messenger, who bowed and took his leave. "What does all this signify?" Gabriel asked himself when he was alone; "and what is the meaning of these two appeals coming from parties so hostile, and appointing a rendezvous at almost the same place? But it makes no difference at all! My obligations toward the omnipotent duke and toward the oppressed Reformers are equally certain. My duty is to set out at once. Then come what come may! However difficult my position may become, my conscience knows well that I shall never turn traitor." An hour later Gabriel began his journey, accompanied only by André. But he hardly foresaw the extraordinary and terrible alternative by which his loyal soul was to be confronted. CHAPTER XXIII A PERILOUS CONFIDENCE