So I told Eustace and Roger, as they led the horses to the stable, to keep the saddles on for the present; and I slipped away round to the back of the house, and got my ear close to the open window of the kitchen.

I got there just as the landlord came in, saying:" [Illustration: Pierre listens at the open window of the inn.] "'These are the people, wife, that we were told of three hours ago.
There are the same number of men, though they have no women with them, as I was told might be the case.

Their leader is a fine-looking young fellow, and I am sorry for him, but that I can't help.

I was told that, if they came here, I was to send off a messenger at once to Nevers; and that, if I failed to do so, my house should be burnt over my head, and I should be hung from the tree opposite, as a traitor to the king.

Who he is I don't know, but there can be no doubt he is a Huguenot, and that he has killed two nobles.