ff young De Repentigny as a cat
does her kitten."

"What, in his mouth, Master Pothier?"

"None of your quips, Jean; keep cool!" Master Pothier's own face
grew red. "Never ring the coin that is a gift, and do not stretch my
comparisons like your own wit to a bare thread. If I had said in his
mouth, what then? It was by word of mouth, I warrant you, that he
carried him away from Beaumanoir. Pity he is not here to take him away
from the Tilly Arms!"

The sound of voices, the rattle and clash of the dice-box in the distant
parlor, reached his ear amidst the laughter and gabble of the common
room. The night was a hard one in the little inn.

In proportion as the common room of the inn grew quiet by the departure
of its guests, the parlor occupied by the gentlemen became more noisy
and distinct in its confusion. The song, the laugh, the jest, and jingle
of glasses mingled with the perpetual rattle of dice or the thumps which
accompanied the play of successful cards.

Paul Gaillard, the host, a timid little fellow not used to such high
imperious guests, only ventured to look into the parlor when summoned
for more wine. He was a born censitaire of the house of Tilly, and felt
shame and pity as he beheld the dishevelled figure of his young Seigneur
shaking the dice-box and defying one and all to another cast for love,
liquor, or whole handfuls of uncounted coin.

Paul Gaillard had ventured once to whisper something to Le Gardeur about
sending his caleche to the Manor House, hoping that his youthful master
would consent to be driven home. But his proposal was met by a wild
laugh from Le Gardeur and a good-humored expulsion from the room.

He dared not again interfere, but contented himself with waiting until
break of day to send a message to the Lady de Tilly informing her of the
sad plight of his young master.

De Pean, with a great object in view, had summoned Le Mercier and Emeric
de Lantagnac from the city,--potent topers and hard players,--to assist
him in his desperate game for the soul, body, and fortune of Le Gardeur
de Repentigny.

They came willingly. The Intendant had laughingly wished them bon voyage
and a speedy return with his friend Le Gardeur, giving them no other
intimation of his wishes; nor could they surmise that he had any other
object in view than the pleasure of again meeting a pleasant companion
of his table and a sharer of their pleasures.

De Pean had no difficulty in enticing Le Gardeur dow