He stooped again and listened more closely, scarcely breathing.

There were voices as well as feet to be heard now; one voice--he thought it was Peridol's--which held on long, now low, now rising into violence.

Others were audible at intervals, but only in a growl or a bitter exclamation, that told of minds made up and hands which would not be restrained.

He caught his own name, _Tavannes_--the mask was useless, then! And once a noisy movement which came to nothing, foiled, he fancied, by Peridol.
He knew enough.

He rose to his full height, and his eyes seemed a little closer together; an ugly smile curved his lips.