t wait a moment, but went at once to the jewel-case. She took
from it a gold ring--a heavy seal ring. She held this out to me in the
most matter-of-fact way--scarcely turning, in fact. "Put it on your
finger," she said hurriedly. "If you are stopped by soldiers, or if
they will not give you a boat to cross the river, say boldly that you
are on the king's service. Call for the officer and show that ring.
Play the man. Bid him stop you at his peril!"

I hastily muttered my thanks, and she as hastily took something from a
drawer, and tore it into strips. Before I knew what she was doing she
was on her knees by me, fastening a white band of linen round my left
sleeve. Then she took my cap, and with the same precipitation fixed a
fragment of the stuff in it, in the form of a rough cross.

"There," she said. "Now, listen, M. de Caylus. There is more afoot
to-night than you know of. Those badges will help you across to St.
Germain, but the moment you land tear them off: Tear them off,
remember. They will help you no longer. You will come back by the
same boat, and will not need them. If you are seen to wear them as you
return, they will command no respect, but on the contrary will bring
you--and perhaps me into trouble."

"I understand," I said, "but--"

"You must ask no questions," she retorted, waving one snowy finger
before my eyes. "My knight-errant must have faith in me, as I have in
him; or he would not be here at this time of night, and alone with me.
But remember this also. When you meet Pavannes do not say you come
from me. Keep that in your mind; I will explain the reason afterwards.
Say merely that his wife is found, and is wild with anxiety about him.
If you say anything as to his danger he may refuse to come. Men are
obstinate."

I nodded a smiling assent, thinking I understood. At the same time I
permitted myself in my own mind a little discretion. Pavannes was not a
fool, and the name of the Vidame--but, however, I should see. I had
more to say to him than she knew of. Meanwhile she explained very
carefully the three turnings I had to take to reach the river, and the
wharf where boats most commonly lay, and the name of the house in which
I should find M. de Pavannes.

"He is at the Hotel de Bailli," she said. "And there, I think that is
all."

"No, not all," I said hardily. "There is one thing I have not got.
And that is a sword!"

She followed the direction of my eyes, started, a