gth, which had been
sorely taxed by his journey. While half asleep, he had heard steps on
the roof, and with a vague belief that the whole hospital force were in
pursuit of him, he resolved to brave them. Fate had brought to him,
however, his two best friends--Gudel and Fanfar.

After they had heard this explanation, it became Bobichel's turn to
question.

"Let Fanfar tell you," said Gudel. "I really know nothing except that he
bade me fly, that my neck has been nearly broken, and that he saved my
life; but why I have been obliged to run about over roofs in this way, I
really can't say."

"Perhaps you are still conspiring?" asked Bobichel, innocently.

Fanfar shouted with laughter. "Yes," he replied, "and more than ever!"

"Tell me," asked the clown, "is it a difficult trade? I have nothing in
the world to do, and I must have some occupation, of course."

"We will see about that later."

"You have said nothing about Mademoiselle Caillette."

"She is in safety. She knew nothing of the pursuit of the police.
To-morrow, before she begins to be uneasy, we will send her word where
we are, and bid her come to us."

The clock struck two.

"Do you hear that, Bobichel?" said Fanfar. "You are far from strong, and
must rest."

"No, no. I have found you, and there is rest in that!"

"My dear fellow, you must get yourself into the best possible condition
if you join us. You will need your legs, I assure you. Sleep, Bobichel,
sleep."

The truth was that, in spite of his good intentions, Bobichel was dead
with sleep, and presently he tumbled upon his mattress, and loud snores
informed the two friends that he had succumbed to their entreaties.
Then, and not until then, Fanfar leaned toward Gudel.

"You will admit," he said, "that I do not easily become a prey to
illusions, but the truth is, that I am greatly disturbed by something
that has happened. Will you answer a few questions?"

"Certainly, my boy--any questions."

"You know, my second father, the strange accident by which I was thrown
in your way. You have told me of the researches you made in the village
of Leigoutte. You learned, did you not, that my mother perished in a
fire?"

"Yes--a fire set by the Cossacks."

"And my father?"

"Died on the field of battle, in the defence of France!"

"I am haunted by a dim remembrance of a flight through the darkness,
leading my little sister by my side, and then she seemed to vanish."

"And you have never seen