while the dispatches
for which we had risked so much lay safe in my breast. I rather
hesitated to produce them, dreading what the hot-headed fellow might do
to get a hold upon that which peradventure would cause trouble to his
lady love. I could not decline when Serigny asked for them, but hauled
out both packets, one taken from Yvard, the other from Broussard,
casting them upon the table. Jerome eyed them so I that knew from the
look his late fury was not yet dead, and I watched him in readiness for
any move he might make to repossess them.

He sat as unconcerned as if the whole affair interested him no further,
now that the main object of his solicitude was safe in the keeping of
his superior. I misdoubted whether this was not all a sham, and could
hardly believe him the same frenzied Jerome who had pleaded so hard,
and fought so desperately for this self-same packet of Yvard's, which
at this time reposed within easy reach of his hand. Once he reached
out and took it up negligently, inspected the seals and marks, then
replaced it. His examination seemed one of mere idle curiosity, or
would have so appeared had I not known that he was already perfectly
acquainted with every mark borne by our charge. The eyes, half closed
in dreamy contemplation, spoke apparently of a man who has been
relieved of some grave responsibility and enjoys the relaxation, yet,
for all of that, he was listening most intently to what Serigny and I
were talking of. Serigny was now fondling the instruments which were
to be the restoration of his own and his brother's influence. His
words were addressed to neither of us in particular.

"Here is the seal of Spain. Cellemare again, Egad! They are bold, or
must have great confidence in their emissaries. Here, too, is Madame.
Ah, my clever little lady, you have outdone your own cleverness at
last. I fancy even the King's old love for his son's mother will not
save you now. I would I knew what was in them."

"We can easily see, and close them snug again," ventured Jerome, but
noting Serigny's frown, he turned it off with a laugh, "or so our
friend Madame would advise."

It thus became manifest he had not abandoned his idea of intercepting
whatever might compromise Madame de Chartrain.

Serigny continued: "These must be placed before the King unopened by
any of us. Yes, it's a risk," he caught Jerome's knotted brow of
indecision, "I grant you it is a risk, for I know not what
complic