sudden appearance, and the quick and decisive _qui vive_ of their
brave young Captain St. Leger, disconcerted Develour for a moment; but
Caleb whispered to him--

"Halt the men, while I give this young fire-eater the watchword, which
he begins to suspect is not in our possession."

Then advancing a few steps, he, in a low tone, but loud enough for the
officer to hear, spoke the word "_Philippe and Amelia_;" then
immediately resumed his former position, while he said "Pass, guard of
the throne." Develour's band then turned into the Ruelle de Quatre
Chemins, and marched up the Rue de Trois Chandelles until they came to
an alley, into which they went. About the middle of the alley, they
halted before a massive gate, which opened into the garden of Madame
Georgiana's _pied a terre_. Here a whispered conversation took place as
to the best mode of gaining entrance into the garden They had expected
to find it open; for so their spy had reported it to have been at an
early hour of the evening. Disappointed, some proposed to break it down;
but this was rejected, on account of the noise which would attend such
an effort, and might give the alarm to the revelers. Others proposed to
send for a locksmith; but this was considered as consuming too much
time, when every moment was of the greatest value. At last Bertram, who,
with Caleb, had taken no part in the discussion, said--

"If the _grille_ is not surmounted with spikes too large to cross, I
will soon have it open. At any rate, I will try. Come, Pere Tranchard,
let us have your ladder."

The silken cords were soon uncoiled, and Bertram, with one dextrous
throw, fastened the hooks around the cross-bars between the spikes. He
then mounted the ladder, and bade the pere follow him. Poor Pere
Tranchard, notwithstanding his many excuses, was compelled to share the
perilous ascent When the two had reached the top, Bertram ordered his
frightened companion to crawl along the _grille_ to the wall, and there,
perched in a very uneasy position, remain a sentinel in the avenues from
the house; he then coolly surveyed the ground on the other side of the
gate, and, after a few seconds of deliberation, drew the ladder after
him, and lowered it into the garden. Not the slightest noise betrayed
the presence of a living being, and he congratulated himself already
upon his success while descending the lowest rounds, when his progress
was suddenly arrested by some one who seized the collar of hi