But to-night! Dupes and fools, indeed! He stumbled on through the drifts.

The green lantern at last: was he too late?
He rushed into the tavern, thence into the private assembly, his rapier still in his hand.

The cold air yet choked his lungs, forcing him to breathe noisily and rapidly.

He cast about a nervous, hasty glance.
"You are alone, Paul ?" "Alone ?" cried the Chevalier, astonished as much by the question as by Victor's appearance.

"Yes.