es. We ascended a flight of stairs, went along a
narrow passage, and so into a room which had been prepared for my
reception.

At least, that was the conclusion I arrived at when two of the men
having gone out, the third said, "Monsieur, there is a bed of straw in
the corner, the door is bolted, the window barred, and I am going to
keep watch inside all night, while Pierre and Francois relieve each
other outside the door."

I could not see the speaker, as the room was in darkness, but his voice
sounded familiar, and I tried, but in vain, to remember where I had
heard it before. However, this did not matter, so I lay down on the
straw, and wondered what the adventure meant.

Who were my gaolers, and what did they intend to do with me? Presently
Maubranne's words flashed into my mind, and set me thinking that this
might be a move in the plot at which the mysterious note hinted. Just
how De Retz could make use of me I had not the faintest notion, but he
was a clever schemer, and had, presumably, laid his plans carefully.
However, as no amount of speculation on this head would improve
matters, I began to reflect on the best way of escape. My arms were
tightly bound, the door was well secured, the window barred, and a
gaoler, wide-awake and armed, sat between me and it. Altogether the
prospect was far from cheering.

"Sleep will perhaps bring counsel," I muttered, and, turning on my
side, I dozed off into a light, restless slumber.

With the coming of day I was able to make an inspection of my new
abode. The room was small, dirty, out of repair, and destitute of
furniture. In the corner opposite to mine was another heap of straw,
and on it sat the man whom long ago I had gagged and bound in the
chamber at La Boule d'Or, and who afterwards was my companion from
Aunay to Paris. Perceiving that I recognised him, the rascal showed
his teeth in a broad grin, and exclaimed, "The wheel has turned,
monsieur! It seems that we have changed parts."

"And you are uppermost this time," I answered, striving to speak
good-humouredly, for it is a bad plan to quarrel with one's gaoler.

Rising and taking a turn round the room, Pillot stood still at my side.

"Listen to me, monsieur," said he. "Some months ago I lost the game to
you and you acted like a lad of honour. When your own life was in
danger you remembered me, and I am still grateful. Now let me give you
a friendly warning. Of course, you are planning to get aw