purpose you must be here, and I am to instruct you
to repair at once to the _Hotel Coligny_, at Paris. Is not this glorious
news?"

I had scarcely patience to finish the letter, feeling more inclined to
jump up and dance around the room; and yet the ending was full of
strange interest.

"A week ago, a man, closely muffled, who refused to give his name,
sought me out late at night. He wished, he said, to communicate with
you, but for a special reason preferred to send in an indirect way. He
finished by asking me to enclose a note the first time I was sending any
correspondence to Le Blanc. It sounded very mysterious, but thinking a
letter could not work much mischief I consented."

"That is odd," I thought, looking at the smaller packet, which bore no
address, and opening it I read in Renaud L'Estang's handwriting--

"Monsieur, I fear something has gone wrong. Did you
receive my letter? My messenger has not returned, and I
can hear no word of him. I am too busily engaged to leave
Monseigneur, and I do not care to send to you openly.
Cordel either suspects or knows that I am your friend.

D'ANGELY."

Calling Jacques, I handed the note to him, and asked his opinion.

"It does not help us a bit," he declared; "it explains nothing. If
L'Estang is a false friend, as I believe, he is merely trying by this
note to throw dust into your eyes. If, on the other hand, he was not a
party to the plot, the mystery remains the same."

"I fear you are right, Jacques. However, let us not trouble our heads
with the riddle; it will solve itself one of these days. I have other
news; can you guess what it is?"

"By your face, monsieur, it should be something pleasant: the king has
signed those tiresome papers!"

"Not exactly right," I answered laughing, "but I have hope of that
happening in time. We are going to Paris, Jacques. There is likely to be
war with Spain, and I am to receive the king's commission. It will be
better than fighting against those of our own race and blood; and if we
come through the campaign alive, Monsieur Cordel may even cast his eyes
on some other person's estates."

"When do we start?" asked Jacques eagerly.

"I have a few arrangements to make. Let us say the day after to-morrow."

"Very good, monsieur, but it is a long time to wait."

The lawyer was still absent from his house, but in case any of his spies
should carry information, Jacques let it be known the next mor