.

A COUP-D'ETAT.
As the Marquis de Gemosac's step was already on the stairs, Barebone was spared the necessity of agreeing in words to the inevitable.
A moment later the old man hurried into the room.

He had not even waited to remove his coat and gloves.

A few snow-flakes powdered his shoulders.
"Ah!" he cried, on perceiving Barebone.

"Good--you are safe!" He turned to speak to some one who was following him up the stairs with the slower steps of one who knew not his way.
"All is well!" he cried.