ur. You see, I have a very bad memory," and
he laughed.

"Then you must be kept here. I am sorry; I have no wish to hurt you,
but there is no other way."

"As you please," he replied, and submitted quietly to be bound with
strips torn from the bedclothes.

I fastened the knots securely, yet so as to cause him the least
suffering, and then proceeded to improvise a gag. At this point his
calmness disappeared, and for a short time he looked both surprised and
angry.

[Transcriber's note: illustration missing from book]

However, he soon recovered his spirits, and said admiringly, "Surely
monsieur must be a gaoler by profession; he knows all the tricks of the
trade."

"Ah," said I, laughing, "you did not expect this?"

He shook his head disconsolately.

"But it is necessary."

"It may be for you."

"Let us say for both, since you will be prevented from getting into
mischief. But come; I will make you comfortable."

The man's eyes twinkled, and any one outside hearing him laugh would
have thought we were engaged in a humorous game.

"_Ma foi!_" he exclaimed, "you are politeness itself. First I am to be
bound and gagged, and then made comfortable. But there is just one
thing which troubles me."

"Speak out; I may be able to set your mind at ease."

"It is just possible that some one, not knowing your good points, may
cut off your head."

"Well?"

"In that case, with a gag in my mouth, I shall be unable to express my
sorrow."

"Have no fear," I replied, catching his meaning. "Whatever happens to
me, and the venture is certainly risky, I promise you shall be released
in the morning."

"Thanks, monsieur," he said, looking considerably relieved, "you
certainly play the game like a gentleman."

I was really sorry to treat the man so scurvily, but, as a single word
from him would upset my plans, it was necessary to prevent him from
giving warning. So, carefully inserting the gag and repeating the
promise to set him at liberty as soon as possible, I put my pistols in
order, took my hat, and went out, closing and fastening the door.

The sight of the innkeeper in the narrow passage reminded me that he
might be wondering what had become of the messenger, so I stopped and
said, "If the dwarf returns before me, tell him to come again in the
morning."

"Certainly, monsieur," he replied, holding the door open while I passed
into the courtyard.

As usual the Rue de Roi was crowded, and I thought some