s table was placed rather apart from the others, against a
pillar, and no gamesters sat on the side next the wall. It left but
scant space to sit between. There we took our places, and the lady
tumbled out a purse well filled with gold pieces, handed some to me and
bade me play. She laid her wagers, and won with the glee of a child,
her face alternate flushed and pale. I could see I wronged her by
supposing her in league with the place. She played in too feverish
earnest.

During this while I had observed the same two men who had met me on the
stair the previous night. They were walking about and carelessly
looking on at the different games. Yet for all their nonchalance there
was a well-defined method in their procedure, that attracted my
attention. The taller man scanned every person in the hall, and when
the lady and I came in he watched us intently.

His companion--the same as on the previous night--withdrew to talk.
After some consultation they reached a decision. Together they came
our way, and the tall man clapped his hand twice.

At the signal, for such it was, from every table rose a man or two, and
ranged themselves about him who called. I could also see a guard
suddenly stationed, as if by magic, at each point of exit. Where, here
and there, a cloak was thrown back, the gleam of a uniform showed
beneath.

"There, my lads, is our quarry; take them," commanded the tall man,
pointing to us.

I cursed myself for a silly fool to run again into such danger.

The dispatches in my bosom would hang me, and I dared not explain my
possession of them. It was plain, too, that the King's officers, as
well as Serigny, had their suspicions of the place. It was too late
now for penitence, it was time to act.

The lady arose so trembling and frightened that my courage all came
back to me. She forgot her gold pieces lying on the table in front of
her.

"My lord," she whispered, "you must protect me; it would be the scandal
of all France were I to be discovered in such a place."

Her appeal made me forget my own imminent danger, and I bethought
myself what best to do. They could approach me by but one side, and
while I considered a parley with the officers, heard a glad little cry
from the lady. She calmly gathered up her gold and restored it to her
purse, as if the matter were already settled, though I could see no
change in the front of those around us. As the soldiers would have
pulled the table a