This inner courtyard was little tenanted at that time of day, and the sentry at the door of the tower was only placed there at nightfall.

Alongside this there stood another door, opening into a passage from which access might be gained to any part of the chateau.

Thrusting behind that door the earthenware vessel that he carried, Garnache sped swiftly down the corridor on his eavesdropping errand.

Still his mind was in conflict.

At times he cursed his slowness, at times his haste and readiness to undertake so dirty a business, wishing all women at the devil since by the work of women was he put to such a shift as this..