and was hardly likely to assist him. Remembering these
things, I answered without hesitation, "In my doublet."

"A poor hiding-place, monsieur," said he; "one always looks there
first. Stay here a few minutes and I will show you a trick."

With that he stole out of the room, and closed the door, leaving me in
a state of wondering excitement. He could certainly show me a trick
now if he pleased, and an ugly one too, by returning with Captain
Courcy. I confess that the idea did cross my mind, but I would not
heed it, and in less than half-an-hour the dwarf returned alone.

"Now, monsieur," said he, "take off one of your riding-boots. Quick,
we may be interrupted. Is it a large packet?"

"No," I answered, giving him the boot, "it is nothing more than a slip
of paper."

With a sharp instrument he made a tiny slit at the back of the boot on
the inside, just large enough to allow of the paper being inserted, and
then with some shoemaker's implements sewed the edges together so
neatly that one could hardly detect the joinings.

"There, monsieur," he exclaimed chuckling; "I doubt if Captain Courcy
will be clever enough to discover that. Now, listen to me, monsieur.
Your only plan is boldness. It is known you are in Rheims, and without
a doubt the gates will be watched, while the captain will keep an eye
on this inn."

"Well?" I exclaimed rather impatiently.

"Go into the common room, and show yourself as if you had nothing to
fear. Do not hurry in the morning, but about ten o'clock ride out of
the town. The others will follow, but they are not likely to attempt
anything till nightfall. By keeping along the highroad to Mezieres,
you will reach a village called Verdu. By that time, your horse will
be tired, and you must ask the innkeeper if he knows of a horse for
sale. Should he request you to go to the stables, invite your friends
to accompany you."

"My friends?"

"Why, yes," exclaimed Pillot, "by then you will probably have three
friends."

"Oh," said I, beginning to understand, "go on."

"The animal will not be worth buying, and you will return to your room.
Since monsieur cannot leave Verdu without a horse, he may as well sit
up late; there will be agreeable company."

"Now I am puzzled again."

Pillot laughed. "It is a child's trick, monsieur. When it is getting
very late a man from the village will arrive with a fresh horse. After
some delay you will go out and instruct him to call in th