Latour listened. He was still convinced of
Barrington's deceit, but time was passing and mademoiselle was not
found.

"Even if he knows, the American is not a man to betray confidence. Under
like circumstances you would not speak yourself, citizen."

"True. I should go to the guillotine as he must."

"Not yet," said Sabatier. "Give him time and opportunity."

"Curse him," said Latour. "I want to hear no more about him, I only want
to know that mademoiselle is found."

In his daily visits to Barrington, Sabatier said little of what was
passing in Paris, but much to persuade him to patience; and as he went
along the streets he kept his eyes open hoping to see Seth. He did not
see him, yet another man gave him the clew and unwittingly directed him
to the house of Citizen Fargeau.

Seth went little abroad in these days. It was not fear which kept him
within doors, but the hope of receiving at any moment further word of
his master. Everything might depend on prompt action when the moment
came. Few men could remain so patiently inactive as Seth, once he was
convinced that inaction was the best course to pursue. This Latour had
not lied to him. The promised letter from Richard Barrington had been
given to him, he knew that it was genuine, and was content to obey that
letter. For the time being he was as little interested in politics as
Fargeau was, and the news of the king's trial which came into this quiet
retreat had an unreal sound about it, like a faint echo of something
happening a great way off. Richard Barrington filled Seth's mind, he had
little room for any other thoughts.

One evening there came a knock at his door and the servant of Monsieur
de Lafayette entered.

"News, at last," Seth said, and in a tone which showed that in spite of
his patience, the waiting had been weary work.

"A letter," the man answered.

Seth looked at it. It was addressed to Richard Barrington, just the
name written, that was all.

"How did you get it?" asked Seth.

"A girl brought it only to-day. She asked for my master, and when I told
her he was not in Paris, she asked where she could find Monsieur
Barrington. I did not tell her, but I said I could deliver the letter."

Seth nodded as he turned the letter over and over, a puzzled expression
in his face.

"She seemed doubtful about leaving it with me, but in the end did so,
saying it was a matter of life and death."

"It's good of you to have brought it," said Seth. "S