The traveller hesitated a second; but realizing that he had to do with a gentleman of engaging countenance and pleasant manners, he removed his hat, and rode forward, smiling. "Here I am, at your service, monsieur," he said; "what can I do for you?" "Come still nearer, monsieur," continued he at the window; "or what I have to tell you cannot be told aloud. Put on your hat, for we must make them think that we are old acquaintances, and that you were coming to this inn to see me." "But I don't understand, monsieur," said the traveller. "You will understand directly; meanwhile put on your hat--good! Now come near, nearer! Give me your hand! That's it! Delighted to see you! Now listen; do not ride on beyond this inn, or you are lost!" "What's the matter? Really, you terrify me," said the traveller, with a smile. "The matter is that you are on your way to yonder little house where we see the light, are you not?" The horseman started. "Well, on the road to that house, at the bend in the road, in yonder dark thicket, four men are lying in wait for you." "Oho!" exclaimed the traveller, gazing with all his eyes at the young man, who was quite pale. "Indeed! you are sure?" "I saw them ride up, one after another, get down from their horses, and hide,--some behind the trees, others behind rocks. Lastly, when you rode out of the village just now, I heard them cock their muskets." "The devil!" exclaimed the traveller, beginning to take alarm. "Yes, monsieur, it's just as I tell you," continued the young man at the window; "if it were only not quite so dark you could see them, and perhaps recognize them." "Oh! I have no need to see them; I know perfectly well who they are. But who told you that I was going to that house, monsieur, and that it is I they are watching for?" "I guessed it." "You are a very charming Œdipus; thanks! Ah! they propose to shoot me; how many of them are assembled for that praiseworthy purpose?" "Four; one of whom seemed the leader." "He is older than the others, isn't he?" "Yes, as well as I could judge from here." "Does he stoop?" "He is round-shouldered, wears an embroidered doublet, white plume, brown cloak; his gestures are infrequent but imperative." "As I thought; it's the Duc d'Épernon." "The Duc d'Épernon!" "Well, well, here I am telling you my business," said the traveller with a laugh. "I never do so with others; but no matter, you have done me so great a service that I don't care so much what I say to you. How are the men dressed who are with him?" "Gray helmets." "Just so; they are his staff-bearers." "Become musket-bearers for to-day." "In my honor; thanks! Now, do you know what you ought to do, my young gentleman?" "No; but tell me your opinion, and if what I ought to do can be of any service to you, I am ready in advance to undertake it." "You have weapons?" "Why--yes; I have a sword." "You have your servant?" "Of course; but he is not here; I sent him to meet some one whom I expect."