f a panther
he twisted himself out of the grasp of the habitans, and drawing his
sword, before any man could stop him, thrust it to the hilt through the
body of the Bourgeois, who, not expecting this sudden assault, had not
put himself in an attitude of defense to meet it.

The Bourgeois fell dying by the side of the bleeding man who had just
received his alms, and in whose protection he had thus risked and lost
his own life.

"Bravo, Le Gardeur!" exclaimed De Pean; "that was the best stroke ever
given in New France. The Golden Dog is done for, and the Bourgeois has
paid his debt to the Grand Company."

Le Gardeur looked up wildly. "Who is he, De Pean?" exclaimed he. "What
man have I killed?"

"The Bourgeois Philibert, who else?" shouted De Pean with a tone of
exultation.

Le Gardeur uttered a wailing cry, "The Bourgeois Philibert! have I slain
the Bourgeois Philibert? De Pean lies, Angelique," said he, suddenly
turning to her. "I would not kill a sparrow belonging to the Bourgeois
Philibert! Oh, tell me De Pean lies."

"De Pean does not lie, Le Gardeur," answered she, frightened at his
look. "The Bourgeois struck you first. I saw him strike you first with
his staff. You are a gentleman and would kill the King if he struck you
like a dog with his staff. Look where they are lifting him up. You see
it is the Bourgeois and no other."

Le Gardeur gave one wild look and recognized the well-known form and
features of the Bourgeois. He threw his sword on the ground, exclaiming,
"Oh! oh! unhappy man that I am! It is parricide! parricide! to have
slain the father of my brother Pierre! Oh, Angelique des Meloises! you
made me draw my sword, and I knew not who it was or what I did!"

"I told you, Le Gardeur, and you are angry with me. But see! hark! what
a tumult is gathering; we must get out of this throng or we shall all
be killed as well as the Bourgeois. Fly, Le Gardeur, fly! Go to the
Palace!"

"To hell sooner! Never shall the Palace see me again!" exclaimed he
madly. "The people shall kill me if they will, but save yourself,
Angelique. De Pean, lead her instantly away from this cursed spot, or
all the blood is not spilt that will be spilt to-day. This is of your
contriving, De Pean," cried he, looking savagely, as if about to spring
upon him.

"You would not harm me or her, Le Gardeur?" interrupted De Pean, turning
pale at his fierce look.

"Harm her, you fool, no! but I will harm you if you do not instantly
t