ke a very searching investigation of that aristocrat's papers,
securing any documents that you may consider of a nature
treasonable to the French Republic, One and Indivisible.

The letter ended with the usual greetings and Robespierre's signature.

La Boulaye swore softly to himself as he folded the epistle.

"It seems," he muttered to Charlot, "that I am to turn catch-poll in the
service of the Republic."

"To a true servant of the Nation," put in the courier, who had overheard
him, "all tasks that may tend to the advancement of the Republic should
be eagerly undertaken. Diable! Have not I ridden in the rain these six
hours past?"

La Boulaye paid no heed to him; he was too inured to this sort of
insolence since the new rule had levelled all men. But Charlot turned
slowly to regard the fellow.

He was a tall man of rather slender stature, but indifferently dressed
in garments that were splashed from head to foot with mud, and from
which a steam was beginning to rise as he stood now with his back to the
fire. Charlot eyed him so narrowly that the fellow shifted his position
and dropped his glance in some discomfort. His speech, though rough of
purport, had not been ungentle of delivery. But his face was dirty--the
sure sign of an ardent patriot--his hair hung untidy about his face,
and he wore that latest abomination of the ultra-revolutionist, a dense
black beard and moustache.

"My friend," said Charlot, "although we are ready to acknowledge you our
equal, we should like you to understand that we do not take lessons in
duty even from our equals. Bear you that in mind if you seek to have a
peaceful time while you are here, for it so happens that I am
quartered at this inn, and have a more important way with me than this
good-natured Deputy here."

The fellow darted Charlot a malevolent glance.

"You talk of equality and you outrage equality in a breath," he growled.
"I half suspect you of being a turncoat aristocrat." And he spat
ostentatiously on the ground.

"Suspect what you will, but voice no suspicions here, else you'll become
acquainted with the mighty short methods of Charlot Tardivet. And as for
aristocrats, my friend, there are none so rabid as the newly-converted.
I wonder how long it is since you became a patriot?"

Before the fellow could make any answer the corporal in command of
La Boulaye's escort entered to inform Caron that the men were in the
saddle.

At that the Deputy hurriedly t