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ur. You see, I have a very bad memory," and he laughed. "Then you must be kept here. I am sorry; I have no wish to hurt you, but there is no other way." "As you please," he replied, and submitted quietly to be bound with strips torn from the bedclothes. I fastened the knots securely, yet so as to cause him the least suffering, and then proceeded to improvise a gag. At this point his calmness disappeared, and for a short time he looked both surprised and angry. [Transcriber's note: illustration missing from book] However, he soon recovered his spirits, and said admiringly, "Surely monsieur must be a gaoler by profession; he knows all the tricks of the trade." "Ah," said I, laughing, "you did not expect this?" He shook his head disconsolately. "But it is necessary." "It may be for you." "Let us say for both, since you will be prevented from getting into mischief. But come; I will make you comfortable." The man's eyes twinkled, and any one outside hearing him laugh would have thought we were engaged in a humorous game. "_Ma foi!_" he exclaimed, "you are politeness itself. First I am to be bound and gagged, and then made comfortable. But there is just one thing which troubles me." "Speak out; I may be able to set your mind at ease." "It is just possible that some one, not knowing your good points, may cut off your head." "Well?" "In that case, with a gag in my mouth, I shall be unable to express my sorrow." "Have no fear," I replied, catching his meaning. "Whatever happens to me, and the venture is certainly risky, I promise you shall be released in the morning." "Thanks, monsieur," he said, looking considerably relieved, "you certainly play the game like a gentleman." I was really sorry to treat the man so scurvily, but, as a single word from him would upset my plans, it was necessary to prevent him from giving warning. So, carefully inserting the gag and repeating the promise to set him at liberty as soon as possible, I put my pistols in order, took my hat, and went out, closing and fastening the door. The sight of the innkeeper in the narrow passage reminded me that he might be wondering what had become of the messenger, so I stopped and said, "If the dwarf returns before me, tell him to come again in the morning." "Certainly, monsieur," he replied, holding the door open while I passed into the courtyard. As usual the Rue de Roi was crowded, and I thought some
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