e long; I shall sail to our colony in America,
where one can at least worship God in peace."

"Yes," he said musingly, "you can do that"; and then as if the thought
had but just occurred to him, "it will be a terribly rough life for
Jeanne--I mean for your sister."

"I had forgotten Jeanne. Well, that plan must be given up."

"There is one way out of the difficulty," he continued, coming finally
to the point toward which he had been leading. "I am rich, and my own
master. I have a good estate in England."

"Yes," I said, leaving him, rather ungenerously, to flounder through as
best he could.

"I love your sister," he blurted out. "I wish to make her my wife. Do
you object to having me for a brother, Edmond?"

Now, I was very fond of my English friend; he was a gallant gentleman,
and the soul of honour. To be quite frank, I had once hoped that Jeanne
would marry Felix, but he, poor fellow, was dead.

I gave Roger my hand, saying, "There is no one living to whom I would
rather trust my sister's happiness. Besides, that gets rid of all our
difficulties at once. With you to protect Jeanne, I can carry out my
plans."

"Not so fast, Edmond," he interposed. "Jeanne is willing to be my wife,
but she is not willing to part from you. She still blames herself for
leaving you in Paris, though that, of course, is nonsense. She could not
have done you any good."

"Most probably, had she stayed, both of us would have been killed.
However, to return to our point; I cannot ask you to cross the ocean
with us."

"It is unnecessary," said he, smiling cheerfully; "I can ask you to
cross the Channel with me. No, don't speak yet. The scheme has several
advantages. You will be out of Cordel's way, and yet close at hand.
Things are bound to change. The king may die, or Henry of Navarre may
obtain greater influence. He cannot be kept a prisoner all his life, and
the time may come when he is once more at the head of an army. That
will be your opportunity. A few days will take you across the water, and
with Navarre as your friend--for he is not likely to go back on his
pledged word--you can hope for justice."

"There is something in that," I said thoughtfully.

"There is everything, my dear fellow. Now, on the other hand, by sailing
to the New World, you will cut yourself off from France for ever; and
lose all chance of regaining your estates. The rascally lawyer will be
left to enjoy his stolen property in peace."

This was an ar