At the 'Hotel des Trois Rois,' Treves."

He announced the completion of his task, and La Boulaye bade him go
join Des Cadoux at the next table and take some food before setting out,
whilst the Deputy himself now sat down to write.

"Citoyenne," he wrote, "the man to whom you are betrothed, for whose
sake you stooped to treachery and attempted murder, is in my hands. Thus
has Heaven set it in my power to punish you, if the knowledge that he
travels to the guillotine is likely to prove a punishment. If you would
rescue him, come to me in Paris, and, conditionally, I may give you his
life."

That, he thought should humble her. He folded his letter round
Ombreval's and having sealed the package, he addressed it as Ombreval
had addressed his own missive.

"Garin," he commanded briefly, "remove the Citizen Ombreval."

When he had been obeyed, and Garin had conducted the Vicomte from the
room, La Boulaye turned again to Des Cadoux. They were alone, saving the
two soldiers guarding the door.

The old man rose, and making the sign of the cross, he stepped forward,
calm and intrepid of bearing.

"Monsieur," he announced to La Boulaye, who was eyeing him with the
faintest tinge of surprise, "I am quite ready."

"Have you always been so devout, Citizen?" inquired the Deputy.

"Alas! no Monsieur. But there comes a time in the life of every man
when, for a few moments at least, he is prone to grow mindful of the
lessons learnt in childhood."

The surprise increased in La Boulaye's countenance. At last he shrugged
his shoulders, after the manner of one who abandons a problem that has
grown too knotty.

"Citizen des Cadoux," said he, "I have deliberated that since I have
received no orders from Paris concerning you, and also since I am not by
profession a catch-poll there is no reason whatever why I should
carry you to Paris. In fact, Citizen, I know of no reason why I should
interfere with your freedom at all. On the contrary when I recall the
kindness you sought to do me that day, years ago, at Bellecour, I find
every reason why I should further your escape from the Revolutionary
tribunal. A horse, Citizen, stands ready saddled for you, and you are
free to depart, with the one condition, however, that you will consent
to become my courier for once, and carry a letter for me--a matter which
should occasion you, I think, no deviation from your journey."

The old dandy, in whose intrepid spirit the death which he had belie