been assumed.

And presently as I recalled what talks we had had, and one in particular
from which it now appeared to me that her coldness had sprung, a light
seemed suddenly to break upon my mind, as perchance it hath long ago
broken upon the minds of those who may happen upon these pages, and
whose wits in matters amorous are of a keener temper than were mine.

I who in all things had been arrogant, presumptuous, and self-satisfied,
had methought erred for once through over-humility.

And, indeed, even as I sat and pondered on that June day, it seemed to
me a thing incredible that she whom I accounted the most queenly and
superb of women should have deigned to grant a tender thought to one so
mean, so far beneath her as I had ever held myself to be.

CHAPTER XXVI. REPARATION

Things came to pass that night as I had planned, and the fates which of
late had smiled upon me were kind unto the end.

Soon after ten, and before the moon had risen, a silent procession
wended its way from the chateau to the river. First went Montresor and
two of his men; next came the Chevalier with Mademoiselle, and on either
side of them a trooper; whilst I, in head-piece and back and breast of
steel, went last with Mathurin, the sergeant--who warmly praised the
plan I had devised for the conveyance of M. de Canaples to Paris without
further loss of time.

Two boats which I had caused to be secretly procured were in readiness,
and by these a couple of soldiers awaited us, holding the bridles of
eight horses, one of which was equipped with a lady's saddle. Five of
these belonged--or had belonged--to the Chevalier, whilst the others
were three of those that had brought the troop from Paris, and which I,
in the teeth of all protestations, had adjudged sufficiently recovered
for the return journey.

The embarkation was safely effected, M. de Canaples and Mademoiselle
in one boat with Montresor, Mathurin, and myself; the sergeant took the
oars; Montresor and I kept watch over our prisoner. In the other boat
came the four troopers, who were to accompany us, and one other who
was to take the boats, and Montresor in them, back to Canaples. For the
lieutenant was returning, so that he might, with the remainder of the
troop, follow us to Paris so soon as the condition of the horses would
permit it.

The beasts we took with us were swimming the stream, guided and upheld
by the men in the other boat.

Just as the moon began to show h