youth gave me. I wish now that I had killed the son of the man
who dares bring me such a message."

For a moment I had forgotten Alixe, everything, in the wildness of my
anger. I choked with rage; I could have struck him.

"I mean nothing against you," he urged, with great ruefulness. "I
suggest nothing. I bring the Governor's message, that is all. And let me
say," he added, "that I have not thought you a spy, nor ever shall think
so."

I was trembling with anger still, and I was glad that at the moment
Gabord opened the door, and stood waiting.

"You will not part with me in peace, then?" asked the Seigneur slowly.

"I will remember the gentleman who gave a captive hospitality," I
answered. "I am too near death to let a late injury outweigh an old
friendship. I am ashamed, but not only for myself. Let us part in
peace--ay, let us part in peace," I added with feeling, for the thought
of Alixe came rushing over me, and this was her father!

"Good-by, Moray," he responded gravely. "You are a soldier, and brave;
if the worst comes, I know how you will meet it. Let us waive all bitter
thoughts between us. Good-by."

We shook hands then, without a word, and in a moment the dungeon door
closed behind him, and I was alone; and for a moment my heart was heavy
beyond telling, and a terrible darkness settled on my spirit. I sat on
my couch and buried my head in my hands.

XI. THE COMING OF DOLTAIRE

At last I was roused by Gabord's voice.

He sat down, and drew the leaves of faded corn between his fingers.
"'Tis a poor life, this in a cage, after all--eh, dickey-bird? If a
soldier can't stand in the field fighting, if a man can't rub shoulders
with man, and pitch a tent of his own somewhere, why not go travelling
with the Beast--aho? To have all the life sucked out like these--eh? To
see the flesh melt and the hair go white, the eye to be one hour
bright like a fire in a kiln, and the next like mother on working
vinegar--that's not living at all--no."

The speech had evidently cost him much thinking, and when he ended, his
cheeks puffed out and a soundless laugh seemed to gather, but it burst
in a sort of sigh. I would have taken his hand that moment, if I had not
remembered when once he drew back from such demonstrations. I did not
speak, but nodded assent, and took to drawing the leaves of corn between
my fingers as he was doing.

After a moment, cocking his head at me as might a surly schoolmaster in
a p