t from a man of
honour; but there is your servant! He is shrewd and capable, and will
fight to the death in your sister's defence."

"Yes," I exclaimed, "you judge him rightly."

"Do not start; keep a smile on your face, but understand all the time
that I am speaking of a matter of life and death. Invent what excuse you
like, but to-morrow morning send Jacques to Rochelle in charge of your
sister, and let him make no delay on the road. Brush aside all
objections; do not be influenced by any one; follow my advice, and I
pledge my word that you will not regret it."

"This is somewhat startling!" I exclaimed; "you must have some good
reasons for such advice as this. Can you not trust me?"

"Monsieur," he replied a little bitterly, "I have already told you that
I have my own code of honour. It sounds strange from the lips of an
adventurer, does it not? But I cannot betray the man whose bread I eat.
As a matter of fact, I know nothing; to-morrow I may know more--that is
why I am speaking to-night. Now I must leave you, but I say again with
all the earnestness I possess, send your sister to Rochelle in the
morning, even if you have to force her to go!"

Raising his voice he uttered some commonplace about the brilliancy of
the scene, smiled brightly, waved his hand, and disappeared, leaving me
lost in wonder and perplexity.

What was the meaning of this strange warning? He was in deadly earnest;
of that there could be no doubt, and yet he refused to give me the
slightest clue to the mystery. But perhaps that very refusal would help
to reveal the secret! I must discuss the matter with Felix, and
meanwhile try to bear myself as if nothing had happened.

As a matter of precaution, however, I told Jeanne I had received news
from Rochelle, and that it might be necessary for her to travel to that
town.

"There is nothing at which to be alarmed," I continued, "but we will
talk about it to-morrow. If it really becomes necessary for you to go, I
shall want you to depart without delay."

Jeanne was a brave girl. "Do you fear danger, Edmond?" she asked. "If
there is danger, I will stay and share it with you."

"What a queer fancy!" I exclaimed lightly. "It is just a little matter
in which you can be of assistance to the Cause"; at which she smiled,
saying, "Anything I can do for the Cause, Edmond, I will do willingly."

"Even leave Paris!" I laughed, and having driven away her fears I left
her.

Felix was very bright and j