remember a deputy's time is not his own. You may be
from the provinces, citizen, and therefore I do not know you," said
Latour, as he closed and locked his door, and Seth noticed that he was
armed and prepared to use his pistol at a moment's notice.

"From Louisiana originally, from Virginia recently with my master,
Richard Barrington."

Latour remained standing by the door a moment, then moved to a chair by
the table, and sat down.

"I am interested. What do you want with me?" he said.

"I want to know where my master is."

Latour regarded him fixedly. If Seth expected to read this man's
thoughts in his face he was doomed to disappointment.

"Surely you come to a strange person to make such an inquiry," said
Latour, slowly.

"It will save time, monsieur, if I tell you at once that I am in my
master's confidence."

"Ah! Then you should be able to give me most interesting information."

"I think not, monsieur, nothing more than you know already. I am aware
that you and he planned to rescue Mademoiselle St. Clair, and that she
has escaped from the Abbaye Prison. I know that she is being looked for
in every corner of Paris, and that my master is suspected. It was to me
that Jacques Sabatier gave your message bidding my master go to the Chat
Rouge tavern in the Rue Charonne."

"You must be a faithful servant for your master."

"I am more, a man who loves him."

"Even so I doubt whether such confidence is wise," said Latour.

"Wise or not, it happens to serve a useful purpose on this occasion,"
Seth returned. "If he did not return, my master told me to take what
steps I thought fit, after waiting three days. You will know, monsieur,
that I have waited three days."

"So your first idea is to apply to me. It was natural."

"You think so, without taking any precaution?"

"Precaution! I do not follow you."

"It is easy," said Seth, a sudden inspiration coming to him, perhaps
because he was convinced that this man was bent on baffling inquiry. "To
come here was to put myself in your power. Monsieur Barrington has
trusted you, but I should be a fool to trust you without reason; indeed,
I have reason to distrust you since my master is missing. You could
easily have given word that he would be at the Chat Rouge at a certain
hour, and the doors of a Paris prison would close on him."

"Yes, that could have been done," said Latour, "and, faithful servant
though you be, I fail to see what counter stroke you could h