ever, I do not suppose that your highness will
object to my dedicating part of it to lansquenet." And he stretched out
his long arm, seized the purse, and with one dexterous movement, like a
juggler, chucked it jingling into the depths of his pocket.

"It is understood then, my lord duke, that I retire from the affair so
far as the Baron de Sigognac is concerned," continued Lampourde, "but,
if agreeable to your highness, it will be taken in hand by my 'alter
ego,' the Chevalier Malartic, who is worthy to be intrusted with the
most delicate and hazardous enterprises, because of his remarkable
adroitness and superior ability, and he is one of the best fellows
in the world into the bargain. I had sketched out a scheme for the
abduction of the young actress, in whom your highness condescends
to take an interest, which Malartic will now carry out, with all the
wonderful perfection of detail that characterizes his clever way of
doing things. Merindol here, who knows him, will testify to his rare
qualifications, my lord duke, and you could not find a better man
for your purpose. I am presenting a real treasure to your lordship in
tendering Malartic's services. When he is wanted your highness has only
to send a trusty messenger to mark a cross in chalk on the left-hand
door-post of the Crowned Radish. Malartic will understand, and repair at
once, in proper disguise, to this house, to receive your lordship's last
orders."

Having finished this triumphant address, Maitre Jacquemin Lampourde
again saluted the duke as before, then put his hat on his head and
stalked majestically out of the room, exceedingly well satisfied with
his own eloquence, and what he considered courtly grace, in the presence
of so illustrious a nobleman. His oddity and originality, together
with his strange mingling of lofty notions of honour and rascality, had
greatly amused and interested the young Duke of Vallombreuse, who was
even willing to forgive him for not having despatched de Sigognac; for,
if even this famous professional duellist could not get the better of
him, he really must be invincible, and in consequence the thought of his
own defeat became less galling and intolerable to his pride and
vanity. Moreover, he had not been able to get rid of an uncomfortable
consciousness, even in his most angry mood, that his endeavouring to
compass de Sigognac's assassination was rather too great an enormity,
not on account of any conscientious scruples, but