.

"In the first place," said he, "we will tell you who _we_ are. My
friend here is the Viscount of Braguelonne, and I am the Count de
Guiche. It is no mere caprice that induces us to question you; we are
seeking spiritual aid for a dying man. If you are a priest, I call
upon you in the name of humanity to afford him the assistance he
implores; if, on the other hand, you are not in orders, I warn you to
expect the chastisement which your impertinence merits."

The monk's pale face became livid, and a smile of so strange an
expression overspread it, that Raoul, whose eyes were fixed upon him,
felt an involuntary and unaccountable uneasiness.

"He is some spy of the Imperialists," said the viscount, putting his
hand upon his pistols. A stern and menacing glance from the monk
replied to the accusation.

"Well, sir," said De Guiche, "will you answer?"

"I am a priest," replied the young man, his face resuming its former
calm inexpressiveness.

"Then, holy father," said Raoul, letting his pistol fall back into the
holster, and giving a tone of respect to his words, "since you are a
priest, you have now an opportunity of exercising your sacred
functions. A man wounded to death is at the little inn which you will
soon find upon your road, and he implores the assistance of one of
God's ministers."

"I will go to him," said the monk calmly, setting his mule in motion.

"If you do not, sir," said De Guiche, "remember that our horses will
soon overtake your mule, that we possess sufficient influence to have
you seized wherever you go, and that then your trial will be very
short. A tree and a rope are to be found every where."

The eyes of the monk emitted an angry spark, but he merely repeated
the words, "I will go to him," and rode on.

"Let us follow," said De Guiche; "it will be the surest plan."

"I was about to propose it," said Raoul. And the young men followed
the monk at pistol-shot distance.

On arriving in sight of the roadside tavern, they saw their servants
approaching it from the opposite direction, leading their horses, and
carrying the wounded man. On perceiving the monk, an expression of joy
illuminated the countenance of the sufferer.

"And now," said Raoul, "we have done all we can for you, and must
hasten onwards to join the prince's army. There is to be a battle
to-morrow, it is said, and we would not miss it."

The host had got everything ready, a bed, lint and bandages, and a
messenger had b