he task."

"Very well. You will arrange, then, to start at three. I shall see
that mademoiselle is ready. You will have four good swords with you;
and, remember, she is your prisoner, rescue or no rescue."

I bowed, and was turning to go, when he stopped me.

"A word more! Trust not a soul, King's man or Huguenot--do not even
trust her. It is said that she is the promised wife of De Ganache. If
that story is true I promise you trouble, but you have yourself to
thank for it." And he rose and accompanied me to his door. It was the
only allusion he made to what had happened on the tower, and never
again did he refer to it.

I had more than guessed who my prisoner was, though, of course, I was
not sure, and the mention of De Ganache in connection with her had
struck me like a blow. But it was hardly the time to think of matters
like this, and putting it aside with a firm hand I hurried to my
quarters, where to my annoyance I found the Capuchin Grigolet. I
guessed his needs, and a brace of crowns to further the conversion of
the Jewess rid me of the rascal. Then bidding Pierrebon be ready to
start in a couple of hours I went in search of Sarlaboux.

I found that worthy in the archway of the main gate playing at cards
with Menorval.

"Ogier beats you." And Menorval put down the knave of spades.

"Out upon the knave! Here is Pallas." And Sarlaboux covered the knave
with the queen.

"And David, the king, takes the game," laughed Menorval as he picked up
the stakes and began to shuffle once more.

With an apology for interrupting them I showed Sarlaboux my order,
whereupon, with many exclamations at my good luck, he led the way to
the stable, followed by Menorval and myself.

"_Morbleu_!" grumbled Menorval, "if this is the pay that royal
messengers get, away with my gilt spurs, and give me the wings of
Mercury to my heels."

And so, laughing, we reached the stables, where Sarlaboux bid me take
my choice, his face falling a little when he saw me halt before the dun
mare. From her looks I saw she was likely to carry me well; and then,
there was Montluc's own recommendation.

"I will take Lizette," I said.

"Then you take the best horse in all Poitou." And Menorval then and
there offered me a hundred crowns for her, which, needless to say, I
refused.

At the appointed time, accompanied by Pierrebon, I rode into the
courtyard of the priory, and found there the men whom Montluc had
promised me. The