before they had the
significance they now possess," answered the steward; "and it is only
thus that many who hate the papal system can give expression to their
sentiments. Before long, however, I fear that they will be prohibited,
or those who sing them will be marked as suspected. Alas, alas! our
lovely France will be deprived of all freedom of thought, opinion, and
action."

The worthy Maitre Leroux seemed greatly out of spirits as they took
their way back to the inn. They parted at the door, for Nigel felt no
inclination to go forth again, and the steward had business, he said, to
attend to. He promised to call for Nigel at an early hour the next
morning to set out for Meaux, undertaking to direct Jacques Cochut to
have his horses in readiness.

CHAPTER THREE.

THE VISIT TO THE ADMIRAL.

Maitre Leroux did not call at as early an hour as Nigel expected. His
own horse and attendant had been at the door for some time before the
steward made his appearance. He had an ample apology to offer, having
been employed in an important matter till late at night.

"Come," he said, "we will make up for it. The lateness of the hour
matters not, for, with your permission, we will halt on the road, so as
to arrive early at the chateau to-morrow."

They set out, followed by their two attendants. After leaving the gates
of Paris they continued some distance along the banks of the Marne. The
road was rough in places, and often deep in dust; full of holes and ruts
in others, which made it necessary for the riders to hold a tight rein
on their steeds, and prevented them generally from going out of a walk.

Maitre Leroux carried a brace of huge pistols in his holsters, while
Nigel had a sword and a light arquebus, both their attendants being also
armed; so that they were well able to defend themselves against any
small party of marauders such as infested the roads in the neighbourhood
of the capital.

"We must make but a short stage to-day," said Maitre Leroux. "In truth,
I am unwilling to travel late in the evening, and prefer stopping at the
house of a friend to taking up our quarters at an inn where we might
meet with undesirable companions."

"But I shall be intruding on your friend," said Nigel.

"Pardon me; you will, on the contrary, be heartily welcomed. I am very
sure of your principles, and they agree with those of our host and his
family, so you need not be under the restraint which would be necessary
w