s of the upper
storey. The court was flagged, but grass shot up between the stones, and
the trim air of ease and inhabited comfort to which the brothers were
used at home was utterly wanting. Berenger was hustled off his horse,
and roughly pushed through a deep porch, where the first thing he heard
was the Chevalier de Ribaumont's voice in displeasure.

'How now, sir; hands off! Is this the way you conduct my nephew?

'He resisted, sir.

'Sir,' said Berenger, advancing into the hall, 'I know not the meaning
of this. I am peacefully traveling with a passport from the King, when I
am set upon, no warrant shown me, my faithful servant slain, myself and
my brother, an English subject, shamefully handled.

'The violence shall be visited on whatever rascal durst insult a
gentleman and my nephew,' said the Chevalier. 'For release, it shall be
looked to; but unfortunately it is too true that there are orders
from the Queen in Council for your apprehension, and it was only on my
special entreaty for the honour of the family, and the affection I bear
you, that I was allowed to receive you here instead of your being sent
to an ordinary prison.

'On what pretext?' demanded Berenger.

'It is known that you have letters in your possession from escaped
traitors now in England, to La Noue, Duplessis Mornay, and other
heretics.

'That is easily explained,' said Berenger. 'You know well, sir, that
they were to facilitate my search at La Sablerie. You shall see them
yourself, sir.

'That I must assuredly do,' replied the Chevalier, 'for it is the
order of her Majesty, I regret to say, that your person and baggage be
searched;' then, as indignant colour rushed into Berenger's face, and an
angry exclamation was beginning, he added, 'Nay, I understand, my dear
cousin, it is very painful, but we would spare you as much as possible.
It will be quite enough if the search is made by myself in the presence
of this gentleman, who will only stand by for form's sake. I have no
doubt it will enable us quickly to clear up matters, and set you free
again. Do me the honour to follow me to the chamber destined for you.

'Let me see the order for my arrest,' said Berenger, holding his head
high.

'The English scruple must be gratified,' said the Chevalier. And
accordingly the gendarme captain unfolded before him a paper, which was
evidently a distinct order to arrest and examine the person of Henri
Beranger Eustache, Baron de Ribaumont and Si