ered
in a hoarse voice.

"He said his father's name was Simon, his mother's name Francoise, and a
little sister was called Francinette, but he gave me no family name. I
did my best and found that the father had been killed in an engagement
among the mountains, the mother was burned in a fire set by the
Cossacks, the sister had disappeared; my little Fanfar was all alone. I
kept him, and did what I could for him. I taught him my profession. This
is the whole story. On one side good, brave people, on the other cowards
and assassins."

The Marquis was livid. There was now no doubt. It was Simon's son who
had been thus thrown in his path. He asked one more question.

"But could you not learn the father's name?"

"No, the village was burned, almost all the inhabitants had perished,
the Cossacks had done their work well. One of the peasants did tell me
that he always thought this Master Simon--he taught a school--was a
great lord in disguise, but there are always just such foolish stories,
and you know in those days great lords were not often killed in
defending France."

Fanfar entered somewhat abruptly.

"This is the lad, sir," said Gudel, drawing him to his side. "He is
good, he is honest, he is strong!"

"I wish to thank you, young man," said the Marquis, turning to Fanfar,
"for saving my life."

Fanfar answered courteously.

"You were in peril. I only did my duty."

"Do not forget that if I can ever serve you, you are to apply to me
without hesitation," said the Marquis, and bowing he left the room.

Fanfar and Gudel were now alone.

Cyprien waited for his master, who seized him by the arm and dragged him
into the room where they had talked together in the morning.

"Cyprien," he whispered, fiercely, "hell has come to our aid; this young
man who saved my life, this Fanfar--"

"Well?"

"Is the son of Simon Fougere--the son of my brother!"

My readers will please remember that only Francoise knew the secret of
the birth of little Jacques, who was supposed to be the son of Simon.
And of Francoise, the fire had destroyed every trace.

"At last!" exclaimed Cyprien.

"Hush! I have reflected. This young man must die, but his identity must
be perfectly clear. We require Gudel's testimony, and then, when all
this is plain, we can control Labarre."

Cyprien assented to the wisdom of the plan, but he wished a little
delay. He saw evidences of great impatience on the part of the Marquis.

"I am not so simp