in spite of his longing to be
upon the road he dared not suggest such a thing to the King in his
intervals of consciousness, when he questioned about his state and where
they were, for his hurt was too serious for any risk to be run.

So Leoni tended his wounded sovereign night and day, while, quite as
impatiently as he, Denis and Saint Simon tried to while away the time by
giving extra attention to the horses, and feeding them up ready for a
severe test of their powers when they once more continued their flight.

They too watched the road each way without attempting to leave the inn,
lest troubles should arise and they not be there.

It was late in the afternoon of the fourth day, and the impatience and
anxiety of the King's followers had grown unbearable; but they had this
consolation, that the wound was doing well, and that though weak Francis
was conscious and ready to talk as much as Leoni would permit about
Fontainebleau and the journey home.

But he always avoided making any mention of the jewel, or of his
dissatisfaction at having attempted so wild an escapade.

It was, then, late in the afternoon of this fourth day, when after
Francis had had a light meal he sank into a profound and restful sleep,
thanks to Leoni's dressing of the wound; and as soon as his attendant
had satisfied himself that the sleep was deep, he went down to the
shabby little room occupied by Denis and Saint Simon, who sat dolefully
comparing their quarters with those they had so lately left.

"He is better, then?" cried Denis, springing up as Leoni entered; and
then he looked wonderingly at Leoni, who stood perfectly still, rapt of
manner and silent, gazing fixedly at him with that expressionless stony
eye, while with the other he seemed to be looking Saint Simon through
and through.

"Yes," said the doctor at last, as if dragging himself back from where
his thoughts had wandered away; "better--much."

"He is ready to start, then?" said Denis eagerly.

"No, nor near it. We are quite lost sight of here in this lonely place.
I think we can do so with safety, so we will stay another night. I
dare not risk another breakdown on the road."

"Oh," ejaculated Denis, "you surely do not advise that we should keep
his--the Comte in this squalid place another night?"

"Not from choice, boy, but from necessity. Another such a night as he
has just had, and he may be fit to start. To leave to-day would
aggravate his wound."

"Oh," cried