ere talking.

And then sounds below caught the boy's ear, the trampling of horses and
the _burr, burr_, of deep-toned voices, one of which said angrily:

"We had traces of the fugitives up to this place. Did they come here?"

"No," was the landlord's prompt reply.

"Well, we must remain here for the night."

"But, sir, I have no room in my poor inn for such a company as yours."

"What you have will serve," was the response, and the speaker entered
the inn, striding past the host.

Francis heard these last words.

"We must come to a great resolution, gentlemen," he said calmly. "We
must separate. Singly you may get through. You will leave me here as I
am ill. I will follow as best I can. Go."

"Never, Sire," said Leoni, and his one word had two echoes in the little
room.

"But--" began Francis, and he stopped, for there was a noise on the
stairs, and the landlord was heard exclaiming:

"I assure you, sir, that the room is not fit--"

"Well, there is a light in it anyway."

"It is empty, sir."

"I see a light under the door."

"But my guests cannot be disturbed."

"You said that the room was empty just now. Peste! Your word seems
doubtful. I will see for myself."

The landlord was silent.

"Stand out of the way, old man, and let me pass, if you value your
head."

The door was pushed roughly open, and the Captain of the Guard strode
in.

"Found!" he cried. "I shall save my credit at Court.--Gentlemen," he
went on, with the utmost courtesy and bowing low, "his Majesty the King,
disappointed with your abrupt leave-taking, has commanded me to escort
you back to his palace."

"It is impossible," cried Leoni sternly. "The Count was seriously
wounded as we left the gates. You see for yourself. He is faint and
weak."

"I am very sorry, sir," replied the captain sternly, "but I have his
Majesty's orders."

"But not to brutally slay the King's guest. I am a _chirurgien_, and
you may take my word."

The captain took a candle in his hand and held it over the rough pallet
where Francis lay, and satisfied himself that Leoni's words were true.

"Is the injury bad?" he said quietly.

"Bad, but not dangerous if he is left undisturbed."

"And if I consent to defer our departure till the morning, what then?"

"I cannot say for certain, sir," replied Leoni, "but I think it may be
possible, with care."

"Very well," said the captain; "but I give you warning, gentlemen, that
any attempt at