"The rebels will be here before two o'clock in the morning." The duke made no response, but hastened to consult M.de Courtornieu.
He was striding toward his friend's house when, on hastily turning a corner, he saw two men talking in a doorway, and on seeing the glittering of the duke's epaulets, both of them took flight.
The duke instinctively started in pursuit, overtook one man, and seizing him by the collar, he asked, sternly: "Who are you?
What is your name ?" The man was silent, and his captor shook him so roughly that two pistols, which had been hidden under his long coat, fell to the ground.
"Ah, brigand!" exclaimed M.de Sairmeuse, "so you are one of the conspirators against the King!" Then, without another word, he dragged the man to the citadel, gave him in charge of the astonished soldiers, and again started for M.de Courtornieu's house.
He expected the marquis would be terrified; not in the least; he seemed delighted.
"At last there comes an opportunity for us to display our devotion and our zeal--and without danger! We have good walls, strong gates, and three thousand soldiers at our command.

These peasants are fools! But be grateful for their folly, my dear duke, and run and order out the Montaignac chasseurs----" But suddenly a cloud overspread his face; he knit his brows, and added: "The devil! I am expecting Blanche this evening.

She was to leave Courtornieu after dinner.

Heaven grant that she may meet with no misfortune on the way!".