e I remember, though I cannot say who you are or what service I did
you. For the future, however, count on me. I love a man who is brave as
well as modest, and know no better friend than a stout swordsman.'

I was answering him in fitting terms--while the fickle crowd, which a
few minutes earlier had been ready to tear me, viewed us from a distance
with respectful homage--when the masked gentleman who had before been in
his company drew near and saluted me with much stateliness.

'I congratulate you, sir,' he said, in the easy tone of a great man
condescending. 'You use the sword as few use it, and fight with your
head as well as your hands. Should you need a friend or employment,
you will honour me by remembering that you are known to the Vicomte de
Turenne.'

I bowed low to hide the start which the mention of his name caused
me. For had I tried, ay, and possessed to aid me all the wit of M.
de Brantome, I could have imagined nothing more fantastic than this
meeting; or more entertaining than that I, masked, should talk with the
Vicomte de Turenne masked, and hear in place of reproaches and threats
of vengeance a civil offer of protection. Scarcely knowing whether I
should laugh or tremble, or which should occupy me more, the diverting
thing that had happened or the peril we had barely escaped, I made shift
to answer him, craving his indulgence if I still preserved my incognito.
Even while I spoke a fresh fear assailed me: lest M. de Crillon,
recognising my voice or figure, should cry my name on the spot, and
explode in a moment the mine on which we stood.

This rendered me extremely impatient to be gone. But M. le Vicomte
had still something to say, and I could not withdraw myself without
rudeness.

'You are travelling north like everyone else?' he said, gazing at me
curiously. 'May I ask whether you are for Meudon, where the King of
Navarre lies, or for the Court at St. Cloud?'

I muttered, moving restlessly under his keen eyes, that I was for
Meudon.

'Then, if you care to travel with a larger company,' he rejoined, bowing
with negligent courtesy, 'pray command me. I am for Meudon also, and
shall leave here three hours before noon.'

Fortunately he took my assent to his gracious invitation for granted,
and turned away before I had well begun to thank him. From Crillon I
found it more difficult to escape. He appeared to have conceived a
great fancy for me, and felt also, I imagine, some curiosity as to
my i