d did not whine when the luck was against him, as he had shown at La
Boule d'Or. Altogether, I could not help feeling a sort of liking for
the rogue.

The chamber to which the innkeeper showed me after supper was small,
dark, and low in the ceiling, but, as I have mentioned, the inn itself
was a poor place. I looked to the fastenings of the door; they were
very slight, and completely useless as a protection.

"Take no notice, monsieur," whispered Pillot, rapidly. "The boor has
given me a sleeping place downstairs, but presently I shall return here
quietly, and then--ah well, we shall see."

Then he wished me good-night loudly, and followed the landlord
downstairs, while I, blowing out the light, lay fully dressed on the
bed, and with my weapons close at hand. In spite of Pillot's warning I
fell asleep, but it was still dark when I wakened with a curious
feeling that something was happening. Being unable to see, I lay still
and listened intently.

Creak! Creak! The sound was very low, but I recognised that some one
was opening the door from the outside. Another creak, and then
silence. Very quietly I reached for my sword and prepared to spring
from the bed. Presently, as if satisfied that the sound had not
disturbed me, my uninvited guest pushed the door ajar and slipped into
the room. I could not perceive him, yet I knew he was creeping closer
to my side.

"_Pouf!_" I thought to myself, "there will be an unwelcome surprise for
you in a moment, my friend."

Suddenly the silence was broken by a loud and terrified cry, followed
by a harsh laugh. Then there was a rush of feet towards the door, and,
jumping to the ground, I groped for the tinder-box and procured a
light. Running to the landing and holding up the candle, I was just in
time to behold a most comical sight. One of the villagers was running
down the stairs as fast as his legs would carry him, and screaming with
fright, while Pillot clung firmly to his back.

"Help! help!" shouted the fellow; "help! the Evil One has got me," and
very soon every one in the house was running to discover the cause of
the tumult. At the bottom of the stairs the two passed from sight, but
the screams continued, and presently we heard a smash as if a door had
been burst open.

"What is it?" cried one of the trembling servants.

"It was Pierre Angin who called," said another, "I would swear to his
voice."

The innkeeper turned to me appealingly, and willing to