licorne had
installed himself in the chestnut-tree, in the very place Manicamp had
just left, determining within himself to succeed him in the one he now
occupied. Manicamp and Montalais descended a few rounds of the ladder,
Manicamp insisting, and Montalais laughing and objecting.

Suddenly Malicorne's voice was heard in tones of entreaty:

"I entreat you, Mademoiselle Montalais, not to leave me here. My
position is very insecure, and some accident will be certain to befall
me, if I attempt unaided to reach the other side of the wall; it does
not matter if Manicamp tears his clothes, for he can make use of M. de
Guiche's wardrobe; but I shall not be able to use even those belonging
to M. Manicamp, for they will be torn."

"My opinion," said Manicamp, without taking any notice of Malicorne's
lamentations, "is that the best thing to be done is to go and look for
De Guiche without delay, for, by and by, perhaps, I may not be able to
get to his apartments."

"That is my own opinion, too," replied Montalais; "so, go at once,
Monsieur Manicamp."

"A thousand thanks. Adieu Mademoiselle Montalais," said Manicamp,
jumping to the ground; "your condescension cannot be repaid."

"Farewell, M. Manicamp; I am now going to get rid of M. Malicorne."

Malicorne sighed. Manicamp went away a few paces, but returning to the
foot of the ladder, he said, "By the by, how do I get to M. de Guiche's
apartments?"

"Nothing easier. You go along by the hedge until you reach a place where
the paths cross."

"Yes."

"You will see four paths."

"Exactly."

"One of which you will take."

"Which of them?"

"That to the right."

"That to the right?"

"No, to the left."

"The deuce!"

"No, no, wait a minute--"

"You do not seem to be quite sure. Think again, I beg."

"You take the middle path."

"But there are _four_."

"So there are. All I know is, that one of the four paths leads straight
to Madame's apartments; and that one I am well acquainted with."

"But M. de Guiche is not in Madame's apartments, I suppose?"

"No, indeed."

"Well, then the path which leads to Madame's apartments is of no use to
me, and I would willingly exchange it for the one that leads to where M.
de Guiche is lodging."

"Of course, and I know that as well; but as for indicating it from where
we are, it is quite impossible."

"Well, let us suppose that I have succeeded in finding that fortunate
path."

"In that case, you are almost there