his thoughts, and then
continued,--

"I can answer for all, except for your life. So many are interested in
your disappearance from this world, that every effort will be made to
get rid of you. Do not cease your caution for an instant. Never eat
twice running at the same restaurant, throw away food that has the
slightest strange taste. Avoid crowds in the street; do not get into a
cab; never lean from a window before ascertaining that its supports are
solid; in a word, fear and suspect everything."

For a moment longer Lecoq detained the young artist.

"Tell me," said he, "have you the mark of a wound on your shoulder or
arm?"

"I have, sir; the scar of a very severe scald."

"I thought so; yes, I was almost certain of it," said Lecoq
thoughtfully; and as he conducted the young man to the door, he took
leave of him with the same words that Mascarin had often used to Paul,--

"Farewell for the present, Duke de Champdoce."

CHAPTER XXXIII.

THROUGH THE AIR.

At these last words Andre turned round, but the door closed, and he
heard the key grate in the lock. He passed through the outer office,
where the superintendent, his two clerks, and his late adversary all
seemed to gaze upon him with a glance of admiration and esteem.

He gained the open street.

What did those last words of Lecoq mean? He was a foundling, it is true;
but what foundling has not had lofty aspirations, and felt that, for all
he knew, he might be the scion of some noble house.

As soon as Lecoq thought that the coast was clear, he opened the door,
and called the agent, Palot.

"My lad," said the great man, "you saw that young man who went out just
now? He is a noble fellow, full of good feeling and honor. I look upon
him as my friend."

Palot made a gesture signifying that henceforth his late antagonist was
as something sacred in his eyes.

"You will be his shadow," pursued Lecoq, "and keep near enough to him to
rush to his aid at a moment of danger. That gang, of which Mascarin is
the head, want his life. You are my right-hand man, and I trust him to
you. I have warned him, but youth is rash; and you will scent danger
where he would never dream that it lurked. If there is any peril, dash
boldly forward, but endeavor to let no one find out who you are. If you
must speak to him--but only do so at the last extremity--whisper my name
in his ear, and he will know you have come from me. Remember, you are
answerable for him; but change