hich he usually, affected, that I only grew more alarmed. I
glanced at Simon Fleix, but he kept his face averted, and I could gather
nothing from it; though I observed that he, too, was dressed for the
road, and wore his arms. I listened, but I could hear no sounds which
indicated that the Provost-Marshal was approaching. Then on a sudden I
thought of Mademoiselle de la Vire. Could it be that Maignan had proved
unequal to his task?

I started impetuously from my stool under the influence of the emotion
which this thought naturally aroused, and seized M. d'Agen by the arm.
'What has happened?' I exclaimed. 'Is it Bruhl? Did he break into my
lodgings last night? What!' I continued, staggering back as I read the
confirmation of my fears in his face. 'He did?'

M. d'Agen, who had risen also, pressed my hand with convulsive energy.
Gazing into my face, he held me a moment thus embraced, His manner a
strange mixture of fierceness and emotion. 'Alas, yes,' he answered, 'he
did, and took away those whom he found there! Those whom he found there,
you understand! But M. de Rambouillet is on his way here, and in a
few minutes you will be free. We will follow together. If we overtake
them--well. If not, it will be time to talk.'

He broke off, and I stood looking at him, stunned by the blow, yet in
the midst of my own horror and surprise retaining sense enough to wonder
at the gloom on his brow and the passion which trembled in his words.
What had this to do with him? 'But Bruhl?' I said at last, recovering
myself with an effort--'how did he gain access to the room? I left it
guarded.'

'By a ruse, while Maignan and his men were away,' was the answer. 'Only
this lad of yours was there. Bruhl's men overpowered him.'

'Which way has Bruhl gone?' I muttered, my throat dry, my heart beating
wildly.

He shook his head. 'All we know is that he passed through the south gate
with eleven horsemen, two women, and six led horses, at daybreak this
morning,' he answered. 'Maignan came to my uncle with the news, and M.
de Rambouillet went at once, early as it was, to the king to procure
your release. He should be here now.'

I looked at the barred window, the most horrible fears at my heart;
from it to Simon Fleix, who stood beside it, his attitude expressing
the utmost dejection. I went towards him. 'You hound!' I said in a low
voice, 'how did it happen?'

To my surprise he fell in a moment on his knees, and raised his arm as
though t