light
in the window over the clock, I shall know that Colonel Roland
de Montrevel has pledged me his word of honor, and I shall boldly
present myself at the little door of the left wing of the palace,
opening on the garden. I shall strike three blows at intervals,
after the manner of the free-masons.

In order that you may know to whom you engage or refuse your word,
I sign a name which is known to you, that name having been, under
circumstances you have probably not forgotten, pronounced before
you.

MORGAN,
Chief of the Companions of Jehu.

Roland read the letter twice, thought it over for a few moments, then
rose suddenly, and, entering the First Consul's study, handed it to him
silently. The latter read it without betraying the slightest emotion,
or even surprise; then, with a laconism that was wholly Lacedaemonian, he
said: "Place the light."

Then he gave the letter back to Roland.

The next evening, at seven o'clock, the light shone in the window,
and at five minutes past the hour, Roland in person was waiting at the
little door of the garden. He had scarcely been there a moment when
three blows were struck on the door after the manner of the free-masons;
first two strokes and then one.

The door was opened immediately. A man wrapped in a cloak was sharply
defined against the grayish atmosphere of the wintry night. As for
Roland, he was completely hidden in shadow. Seeing no one, the man in
the cloak remained motionless for a second.

"Come in," said Roland.

"Ah! it is you, colonel!"

"How do you know it is I?" asked Roland.

"I recognize your voice."

"My voice! But during those few moments we were together in the
dining-room at Avignon I did not say a word."

"Then I must have heard it elsewhere."

Roland wondered where the Chief of the Companions of Jehu could have
heard his voice, but the other said gayly: "Is the fact that I know your
voice any reason why we should stand at the door?"

"No, indeed," replied Roland; "take the lapel of my coat and follow me.
I purposely forbade any lights being placed in the stairs and hall which
lead to my room."

"I am much obliged for the intention. But on your word I would cross the
palace from one end to the other, though it were lighted _a giorno_, as
the Italians say."

"You have my word," replied Roland, "so follow me without fear."

Morgan needed no encouragement; he followed his guide fearlessly. At
the head of the