were early afoot; by four o'clock in the afternoon we
had reached Orleans, whence--with fresh horses--we pursued our journey
as far as Meung, where we lay that night.

There we were joined by a sturdy rascal whom Michelot enlisted into my
service, seeing that not only did my means allow, but the enterprise
upon which I went might perchance demand another body servant. This
recruit was a swart, powerfully built man of about my own age; trusty,
and a lover of hard knocks, as Michelot--who had long counted him among
his friends--assured me. He owned the euphonious name of Abdon.

I spent twenty pistoles in suitable raiment and a horse for him, and as
we left Meung next day the knave cut a brave enough figure that added
not a little to my importance to have at my heels.

This, however, so retarded our departure, that night had fallen by the
time we reached Blois. Still our journey had been a passing swift one.
We had left Paris on a Monday, the fourth of June--I have good cause to
remember, since on that day I entered both upon my thirty-second year
and my altered fortunes; on the evening of Wednesday we reached Blois,
having covered a distance of forty-three leagues in less than three
days.

Bidding Michelot carry my valise to the hostelry of the Vigne d'Or,
and there await my coming, I called to Abdon to attend me, and rode on,
jaded and travel-stained though I was, to Canaples, realising fully that
there was no time to lose.

Old Guilbert, who came in answer to my knock at the door of the
chateau, looked askance when he beheld me, and when I bade him carry my
compliments to the Chevalier, with the message that I desired immediate
speech of him on a matter of the gravest moment, he shook his grey head
and protested that it would be futile to obey me. Yet, in the end,
when I had insisted, he went upon my errand, but only to return with a
disturbed countenance, to tell me that the Chevalier refused to see me.

"But I must speak to him, Guilbert," I exclaimed, setting foot upon the
top step. "I have travelled expressly from Paris."

The man stood firm and again shook his head.

"I beseech you not to insist, Monsieur. M. le Chevalier has sworn to
dismiss me if I permit you to set foot within the chateau."

"Mille diables! This is madness! I seek to serve him," I cried, my
temper rising fast. "At least, Guilbert, will you tell Mademoiselle that
I am here, and that I--"

"I may carry no more messages for you, Monsieu