etween their
legs, the barrels resting against their shoulders. I drew back, and for
a moment paused to get my bearings. Then I made for a corner of the yard
where the wall was lowest, and, taking a run at it, caught the top, with
difficulty scrambled up, and speedily was over and floundering in the
mud. I knew well where I was, and at once started off in a northwesterly
direction, toward the St. Charles River, making for a certain farmhouse
above the town. Yet I took care, though it was dangerous, to travel a
street in which was Voban's house. There was no light in the street
nor in his house, nor had I seen any one abroad as I came, not even a
sentinel.

I knew where was the window of the barber's bedroom, and I tapped upon
it softly. Instantly I heard a stir; then there came the sound of flint
and steel, then a light, and presently a hand at the window, and a voice
asking who was there.

I gave a quick reply; the light was put out, the window opened, and
there was Voban staring at me.

"This letter," said I, "to Mademoiselle Duvarney," and I slipped ten
louis into his hand, also.

This he quickly handed back. "M'sieu'," said he, "if I take it I
would seem to myself a traitor--no, no. But I will give the letter to
ma'm'selle."

Then he asked me in; but I would not, yet begged him, if he could, to
have a canoe at my disposal at a point below the Falls of Montmorenci
two nights hence.

"M'sieu'," said he, "I will do so if I can, but I am watched. I would
not pay a sou for my life--no. Yet I will serve you, if there is a way."

Then I told him what I meant to do, and bade him repeat it exactly to
Alixe. This he swore to do, and I cordially grasped the good wretch's
shoulder, and thanked him with all my heart. I got from him a weapon,
also, and again I put gold louis into his hand, and bade him keep
it, for I might need his kind offices to spend it for me. To this he
consented, and I plunged into the dark again. I had not gone far when I
heard footsteps coming, and I drew aside into the corner of a porch.
A moment, then the light flashed full upon me. I had my hand upon the
hanger I had got from Voban, and I was ready to strike if there were
need, when Gabord's voice broke on my ear, and his hand caught at the
short sword by his side.

"'Tis dickey-bird, aho!" cried he. There was exultation in his eye and
voice. Here was a chance for him to prove himself against me; he had
proved himself for me more than once.