Then permit me to say again, gentlemen, that I am much more surprised to see you than you can be to see me.

For when Monseigneur the Cardinal honoured me by sending me from Paris to conduct this matter, he gave me the fullest--the fullest powers, M.le Capitaine--to see the affair to an end.

I was not led to expect that my plans would be spoiled on the eve of success by the intrusion of half the garrison from Auch.' 'Oh, ho!' the Captain said softly--in a very different tone, and with a very different face.

'So you are the gentleman I heard of at Auch ?' 'Very likely,' I said drily.

'But I am from Paris, not from Auch.' 'To be sure,' he answered thoughtfully.