aoul. "The Duke of Orleans
has command of the gates, and I can request the officers on duty to
watch for Peleton. I shall leave Conde's name out, and make it a
personal favour."

"Meanwhile Humphreys and I will take a walk in the neighbourhood of
Notre Dame. We may possibly meet Henri on his way to visit the Abbe."

"Don't run too far into danger; the Abbe's parishioners are not the
most gentle of citizens."

The Englishman laughed lightly, and tapped his sword as if to say,
"This will prevent them from being too saucy."

We went down into the street, and Raoul, promising to return the next
evening, departed on his errand, while Humphreys and I turned in the
direction of the cathedral. The people, as usual, were in a high state
of excitement, but we met with no adventure worth relating, and
unfortunately saw nothing of my cousin.

"Never mind," said Humphreys, "the luck doesn't always come at the
first throw."

Next morning I paid a hurried visit to the Rue Crillon, where I
received a warm greeting from the ladies, who had already heard of my
release.

"At first the prince thought you were guilty," exclaimed Madame
Coutance. "It was stupid of him, but then, appearances were against
you."

"They certainly were," said I, "and even now there are people who
imagine I had a share in the plot."

"Not those in high quarters. They know the truth, but cannot prove it.
By the way, had you come last night you would have met your cousin."

"It is so long since I saw him that he is quite a stranger. Did he
inquire for me?"

"Yes," replied Marie, "and he was delighted to learn that you were free
of the Bastille. At least, he said so," and she looked at me with a
meaning smile.

It was apparent that both Marie and her aunt guessed the truth, but the
subject was a delicate one, and they did not dwell on it; only, as I
was leaving, Madame Coutance whispered, "Do not forget that the street
as well as the Bastille has its dangers."

"Thank you for the warning," I answered, "but I shall be more wary in
future."

The rest of the day I spent in prowling about the city, in asking
questions here and there, and in watching sharply for either Pillot or
my cousin, but the search proved fruitless, and towards the end of the
afternoon I returned to my rooms, jaded and weary.

CHAPTER XVIII.

The Fight on the Staircase.

About seven o'clock in the evening John Humphreys, who was just off
duty, joined me, and sh