ounds, and mine, I know, is mortal. Try,
therefore, either to carry me to some place where I may see a priest
or take the trouble to send one to me here. It is my soul that must be
saved; as for my body, it is lost."

"To die whilst doing a good deed! It is impossible. God will help you."

"Gentlemen, in the name of Heaven!" said the wounded man, collecting
all his forces, as if to get up, "let us not lose time in useless
words. Either help me to gain the nearest village or swear to me on
your salvation that you will send me the first monk, the first cure, the
first priest you may meet. But," he added in a despairing tone, "perhaps
no one will dare to come for it is known that the Spaniards are ranging
through the country, and I shall die without absolution. My God! my God!
Good God! good God!" added the wounded man, in an accent of terror which
made the young men shudder; "you will not allow that? that would be too
terrible!"

"Calm yourself, sir," replied De Guiche. "I swear to you, you shall
receive the consolation that you ask. Only tell us where we shall find a
house at which we can demand aid and a village from which we can fetch a
priest."

"Thank you, and God reward you! About half a mile from this, on the same
road, there is an inn, and about a mile further on, after leaving the
inn, you will reach the village of Greney. There you must find the
curate, or if he is not at home, go to the convent of the Augustines,
which is the last house on the right, and bring me one of the brothers.
Monk or priest, it matters not, provided only that he has received from
holy church the power of absolving in articulo mortis."

"Monsieur d'Arminges," said De Guiche, "remain beside this unfortunate
man and see that he is removed as gently as possible. The vicomte and
myself will go and find a priest."

"Go, sir," replied the tutor; "but in Heaven's name do not expose
yourself to danger!"

"Do not fear. Besides, we are safe for to-day; you know the axiom, 'Non
bis in idem.'"

"Courage, sir," said Raoul to the wounded man. "We are going to execute
your wishes."

"May Heaven prosper you!" replied the dying man, with an accent of
gratitude impossible to describe.

The two young men galloped off in the direction mentioned and in ten
minutes reached the inn. Raoul, without dismounting, called to the host
and announced that a wounded man was about to be brought to his house
and begged him in the meantime to prepare everythi