because they could get a
recherche dinner there, the mother of the highly respectable landlord
being a singularly good cook. Villemet knew the place well, and had been
often there. Thither he proceeded one afternoon on a day when he knew
few, if any, from the barracks would be there, and had some dinner all by
himself in the familiar parlour. Then he sat down in the well-worn arm-
chair, and rang for a cigar. "If anybody calls to see me," he said to
the waiting-maid, "shew him in here, and mind you don't let anyone
disturb me while he is here. Now don't you forget," he added with a
severe look the girl had never seen before in the merry fellow's face;
"nobody whatever is to come in while we are talking."

In the evening of the same day, as it began to get dark, Tournier, who
had been spending the day with Cosin, was on the point of getting up to
return to the barracks, when the landlord of the "Wheat Sheaf" was
announced. He had asked to see Tournier.

"Tell him to come in here," said Cosin, "and I will leave you to
yourselves."

"Pray don't," said the other laughing; "I have no secrets with the worthy
host of the 'Wheat Sheaf.'"

"I have brought bad news, gentlemen," said the man hurriedly; "your
friend, Mr. Villemet, has made away with himself--"

"What! killed himself?" both exclaimed in horror.

"Not quite so bad as that, though it may end in something quite as bad.
He has bolted, and never means to come back alive."

"How do you know?"

"My servant girl took it into her head to listen at the door, while a
stranger, who had called upon the gentleman, was talking with him in the
parlour; and she heard him mention something about a brace of pistols he
had brought; and also, which was the best way to the Lincolnshire coast;
and whether he could find him up a horse somewhere, she couldn't catch
the name of the place. My wife and I were out at the time, but when we
came home she let out all about it."

Well might they both look grave.

"How long ago did you first hear about this?"

"Less than two hours. I started directly. If the girl had only repeated
some tittle-tattle I should have taken no notice of course, but as it
was, I felt bound to let you know."

"Had Mr. Villemet left before you came away?"

"Oh, certainly: full an hour before."

"Don't let anyone know about it. It will be better for _you_ not to
mention it. It might spoil your custom."

Thus cautioned, the worthy landlord went