y
feet, with a little cry of relief. The joy of finding him must have
found expression in my eyes, in my eager clasping of his hand, for he
laughed.

"'Tis as though I was truly welcomed, Mademoiselle," he said, and
gravely enough. "Could I hope that you were even seeking me yonder?"

"It would be the truth, if you did," I responded frankly, "and I was
beginning to doubt your promise."

"Nor was it as easily kept as I supposed when given," he said under
his breath. "Come with me into this side room where we can converse
more freely--I can perceive Monsieur Cassion across the floor. No
doubt he is seeking you, and my presence here will give the man no
pleasure."

I glanced in the direction indicated, and although I saw nothing of
the Commissaire, I slipped back willingly enough through the lifted
curtain into the deserted room behind. It was evidently an office of
some kind, for it contained only a desk and some chairs, and was
unlighted, except for the gleam from between the curtains. The outer
wall was so thick a considerable space separated the room from the
window, which was screened off by heavy drapery. De Artigny appeared
familiar with these details, for, with scarcely a glance about, he led
me into this recess, where we stood concealed. Lights from below
illumined our faces, and revealed an open window looking down on the
court. My companion glanced out at the scene beneath, and his eyes and
lips smiled as he turned again and faced me.

"But, Monsieur," I questioned puzzled, "why was it not easy? You met
with trouble?"

"Hardly that; a mere annoyance. I may only suspect the cause, but an
hour after I left you my ticket of invitation was withdrawn."

"Withdrawn? by whom?"

"The order of La Barre, no doubt; an officer of his guard called on me
to say he preferred my absence."

"'Twas the work of Cassion."

"So I chose to believe, especially as he sent me word later to remain
at the boats, and have them in readiness for departure at any minute.
Some inkling of our meeting must have reached his ears."

"But how came you here, then?"

He laughed in careless good humor.

"Why that was no trick! Think you I am one to disappoint because of so
small an obstacle? As the door was refused me I sought other entrance
and found it here." He pointed through the open window. "It was not a
difficult passage, but I had to wait the withdrawal of the guards
below, which caused my late arrival. Yet this was compensat