ted violently, and
left, while Repentigny's face became clouded with an unspeakable torture
of sadness.

The Chevalier de Villerai, who was next on de Lotbiniere's list, was one
of the quartermasters of Louis' company, and de Lotbiniere, to see him,
would have had to journey to Chalons, some fifty miles away. Being a
relative, he instead wrote him. He received a reply, enclosing one from
de Lery, who was lying ill of his wound. From the embittered sentences
of his nephew, de Lotbiniere learned of the insistence of his comrades
on his sending Lecour the challenge, and of the result to de Lery's
right arm. Louis vowed that he would more willingly seek him the next
time, and that the fight would be at sight without any formalities. He
told nothing of Lecour's act of mercy, of which he was apparently
uninformed.

The quartermaster was an easy-going, large-framed man who regarded most
things as an occasion for drinking and joking. He willingly undertook
to assist de Lotbiniere to act for the de Lery party among the
Guardsmen, and to take charge of any petitions which might need to be
presented to a military court. He protested good-humouredly, however,
that "he was a _sabreur_, not an advocate." De Lotbiniere, having made
these arrangements, went to Versailles and saw the Count de Vaudreuil.
The Count blandly alleged himself "ready to oblige Monsieur de
Lotbiniere in any manner in his power."

The Genealogist of France was much interested in the Marquis's story,
and certified in writing that the family name of the Repentignys was not
Lecour, but Le Gardeur.

The Marquis now went to the Prince. He asked for a private audience and
was admitted. Though Poix had not the remotest idea in the world who he
was, yet he received him with obliging courtesy, combined with a certain
customary hauteur.

"'Lecour,' you say, Monsieur? Is that the name?"

"Yes, Prince," the Marquis returned.

"I do not know any such person."

"His stolen appellation is Lecour de Repentigny."

"Repentigny? ah, I know, I know."

"As I have said, sir, the man is a cheat. Here in my hands are proofs of
it, and I, myself, am personal witness against him."

"Ah, this is serious, this is serious," repeated the Prince in a
disturbed tone.

"Your Excellency will, then, order his expulsion from the company?"

"Ah, you ask much, you ask much. I refer you to my adjutant. He manages
those things," and with a slightly impatient gesture the Prince bowed,