ations are here contained. I will myself seek the King, and
with these am sure to gain his own ear."

Jerome all this while uttered no other word, nervously flicking the mud
splotches off his boots, and lifting an earnest look now and anon to
Serigny.

My own mind was busy devising means to foil any contemplated treachery
upon his part, and wondering whether it was not my duty to acquaint
Serigny with the whole truth of the matter. The test came when I least
expected it. When all our adventures had been detailed again and
again, his dozens of incisive questions answered, our conversation
naturally drifted toward the future. My mission in France completed,
there was nothing now but a return to the colonies, and the
uncertainties of a campaign which I no longer doubted was imminent.
Somehow the thought of a great and glorious war did not appeal to me so
forcibly as such a prospect would have done some few weeks agone.

There was ever a shy little face, a brave girlish figure which stood
resolute and trembling before me in the park, that intruded between me
and the barbaric splendor of our western wars. Nor did I raise a hand
to brush the vision aside. It toned down the innate savagery of man,
softened the stern, callous impulses of the soldier, and all the
currents of my being trickled through quieter, sweeter channels of life
and love. Even the shame of it made not the thought less sweet.

There was but trifling period to spare for such gentler musings, for
Serigny, by a gesture, called attention to his well packed luggage.

"See, I am ready. I only waited your coming and report to put out at
once for le Dauphin. My people have already gone forward to arm and
provision her for the struggle. We must be prompt. There is much to
lose in a day. I myself will go on to-morrow and have all in complete
readiness for the voyage, and, who knows, for the fighting on the other
side. Now give heed Placide--Captain de Mouret," for he was always
particular to distinguish the man from the soldier, and in giving
orders to address me by my proper title. "The war has been decided
upon; you will remain here and watch developments"--he was proceeding
to acquaint me with what was expected of me. I knew not what he might
say, but felt impelled to throw out a silent warning, which even though
he understood it not, he was quick enough to take. He paused and
looked me inquisitively in the face. I glanced awkwardly from him to