\"Bewelcome！Guyot，gotothedevil。\"
Foramomentortwoafterthesoldier’sdeparturethewomenremainedintheshadow，then，attheCaptain’sinvitation，whichtheydarednotdisobey，theycameforwardintothehaloofcandle—light。
SimultaneouslyLaBoulayecaughthisbreath，andtookastepforward。
Thenhedrewbackagainuntilhisshoulderstouchedtheovermantelandthereheremained，staringatthenewcomers，whoasyet，didnotappeartohaveobservedhim。
Theyworenoheadgear，andtheirscarfswerethrownbackupontheirshoulders，revealingtothestrickengazeofLaBoulayethecountenancesoftheMarquisedeBellecourandherdaughter。
Andnow，astheyadvancedintothelight，Charlotrecognisedthemtoo。Intheactofofferingachairhestood，arrested，hiseyesdevouringfirstone，thentheotherofthen，withaglancethatseemedtohavegrownoddlysobered。Theflushdiedfromhisface，andhislipstwitchedlikethoseofamanwhoseekstocontrolhisemotions。Thenslowlythecolourcreptbackintohischeeks，acurlofmockeryappearedonthecoarsemouth，andtheeyesbeamedevilly。
Theytensesilencewasbrokenbythebangwithwhichhedroppedthechairhehadhalfraised。Asheleanedforwardnow，LaBoulayereadinhisfacethethoughtthathadleaptintotheCaptain’smind，andhaditbeenaquestionofanywomanotherthanZuzannedeBellecour，theDeputymighthaveindulgedintheconsiderationofwhatawonderfulretributionwastherehere。IntothehandsofthemanwhosebridetheMarquisdeBellecourhadtornfromhimwerenowdeliveredbyawonderfulchancethewifeanddaughterofthatsameBellecour。AndatBoisvertthisbrigandingCaptainwasasmuchto—nightthelordoflifeanddeath，andallbesides，ashadbeentheMarquisofBellecourofold。Butheponderednotthesethings，forallthatthesternironyofthecoincidencedidnotescapehim。
ThatevillookinCharlot’seyes，thatsinistersmileonCharlot’slips，morethansuggestedwhatmannerofvengeancetheCaptainwouldexact—andthat，forthetime，wasmatterenoughtoabsorbtheDeputy’swholeattention。
Andthewomendidnotseehim。Theyweretoomuchengrossedinthefigurefrontingthem，andagonisedly，withcheekswhiteandbosomsheaving，theywaited，intheirdreadsuspense。Atlast，drawinghimselftothefullofhisstalwartheight，theCaptainlaughedgrimlyandspoke。
\"Mesdames，\"saidhe，hisverytoneaninsultinitsbrutalderision，\"weRepublicanshaveabolishedGod，anduntiltonightIhaveheldtheRepublicright，arguingthatifaGodtherewas，Hisleaningsmustbearistocratic，sinceHeneverseemedtoconcernHimselfwiththemisfortunesofthelowly—born。Buttonight，mesdames，IknowthattheRepublicisatfault。ThereisaGod—aGodofjusticeandretribution，whohasdeliveredyou，ofallpeopleintheworld，intomyhands。Lookonmewell，Ci—devantMarquisedeBellecour，andyou，MademoiselledeBellecour。Lookinmyfaceandseeifyouknowmeagain。Notyou。Youneverheededmeasyourodebyinthoseprouddays。ButheardyouevertellofoneCharlotTardivet，abasevassalwhosewifeyourhusband，Madame，andyourfather，Mademoiselle，tookfromhimonhisbridalmorn？Heardyouevertellofthatpoorgirl—oneMarieTardivet—whodiedofgriefasaconsequenceofthatbrutality？Butno；suchmattersweretootrivialforyournoticeifyousawthem，orforyourmemoryifyoueverheardtellofthem。
Whatwasthelifeofapeasantmorethanthatofanyotheranimaloftheland，thattheconcernofitshouldperturbtheserenenessofyouraristocraticbeing？Mesdames，thatCharlotTardivetamI；thatMarieTardivetwasmywife。IknewnotwhomyouwerewhenIbadeyousupatmytablebutnowthatIknowit—whatdoyoulookforatmyhands？\"
ItwastheMarquisewhoansweredhim。Shewasdeathlypale，andherwordscamebreathlessly：forallthattheirimportwasverybold。
\"Welookfortherecollectionthatwearewomenandunlessyouareascowardlyas—\"
\"Citoyenne，\"hebrokeinharshly，answeringherashehadansweredLaBoulaye，\"wasmywifelessawomanthinkyou？Pah！Thereisyetanotherherewhowaswronged，\"heannounced，andhewavedhishandinthedirectionofLaBoulaye，whostood，stiffandpale，bythehearth。
Thewomenturned，andatsightoftheDeputyacryescapedSuzanne。
Itwasacryofhope，forherewasonewhowouldsurelylendthemaid。Itwasafact，shethought，uponwhichtheCaptainhadnotcounted。ButLaBoulayestoodstraightandcold，andnotbysomuchasaninclinationoftheheaddidheacknowledgethatgrimintroduction。Charlot，mistakingMademoiselle’sexclamation，laughedsoftly。
\"Wellmayyoucryout，Citoyenne，\"saidhe，\"forhimIseeyourecognise。Heisthemanwhosoughttorescuemywifefromtheclutchesofyourlordlyandmostnoblefather。Forhispainshewasfloggeduntiltheybelievedhimdead。Isitnotveryfittingthatheshouldbewithmenowtoreceiveyou？\"
\"Buthe，atleast，isinmydebt，\"criedMademoiselle，nowmakingastepforward，andsustainedbyanexcitementbornofhope。\"Whatevermaybemyfather’ssins，M。laBoulaye，atleast，willnotseektovisitthemuponthedaughter，forheoweshislifetome，andhewillnotforgetthedebt。\"
Charlot’sbrowsweresuddenlyknitwithvexation。Hehalf—turnedtoLaBoulaye，asiftospeak；buterehecouldutteraword—
\"Thedebthasbeenpaid，Citoyenne，\"saidCaronimpassively。
Beforethatcoldanswer，socoldlydelivered，Mademoisellerecoiled。
\"Paid！\"sheechoedmechanically。
\"Aye，paid，\"herejoined。\"Youclaimedyourbrother’slifeinpayment，andIgaveittoyou。Doyounotthinkthatwearequits？
Besides，\"heendedsuddenly，\"CaptainTardivetisthemasterhere。
Addressyourappealstohim，Citoyenne。\"
Withterrorwrittenonherface，sheturnedfromhimtomeettheflushedcountenanceofCharlot，who，witharmsakimboandhisheadononeside，wasregardingheratoncewithmockeryandsatisfaction。
\"Whatdoyouintendbyus，Monsieur？\"shequestionedinachokingvoice。
Hesmiledinscrutably。
\"Allayyourfears，Citoyenne；youwillfindmeverygentle。\"
\"Iknewyouwouldprovegenerous，\"shecried。
\"But，yes，Citoyenne，\"herejoined，inthetonesweemploytothosewhofearunreasonably。\"Ishallprovegenerous；asgenerousas—aswasmylordyourfather。\"
LaBoulayetrembled，buthisfaceremainedcalmlyexpressionlessashewatchedthatgrimscene。
\"Monsieur！\"Suzannecriedoutinhorror。
\"Youwillnotdare，youscum！\"blazedtheMarchioness。
Charlotshruggedhisshouldersandlaughed，whereuponMadamedeBellecourseemedtobecomeabeingtransformed。Herampleflesh，whichbutamomentbackhadquiveredinfear，quiverednowmoreviolentlystillinanger。Thecolourflowedbackintohercheeksuntiltheyflamedanangrycrimson，andhervituperationsranginsoloudandfierceavoicethatatlast，puttinghishandstohisears，Charlotcrossedtothedoor。
\"Silence！\"heroaredather，sosavagelythatherspiritforsookherontheinstant。\"Iwillputanendtothis，\"heswore，asheopenedthedoor。\"Holdthere！IsGuyotbelow？\"
\"Here，Captain，\"cameavoice。
Charlotretracedhissteps，leavingthedoorwide，hiseyesdwellinguponSuzanneuntilsheshrankunderitsgaze，asshemighthavedonefromthetouchofsomeuncleanthing。Shedrewneartohermother，inwhomthebriefparoxysmofragewasnowsucceededbyanolessviolentparoxysmofweeping。OnthestairssoundedGuyot’sascendingsteps。
\"Mother，\"whisperedSuzanne，settingherarmsaboutherinavainattempttocomfort。ThensheheardCharlot’svoicecurtlybiddingGuyottoreconducttheMarquisetohercarriage。
MadamedeBellecourhearditalso，androusedherselfoncemore。
\"Iwillnotgo，\"shestormed，angerflashingagainfromthetear—ladeneyes。\"Iwillnotleavemydaughter。\"
Charlotshruggedhisshoulderscallously。
\"Takeheraway，Guyot，\"hesaid，shortly，andthesturdysoldierobeyedhimwitharoughnessthattooknoaccountofeitherbirthorsex。
WhentheMarquise’slastscreamhaddiedawayinthedistance，CharlotturnedoncemoretoSuzanne，anditseemedthathesoughttocomposehisfeaturesintoanexpressionofgentlenessbeyondtheirruggedlimitations。Buttheglanceofhisblueeyeswaskind，andmistakingthepurportofthatkindness，Mademoisellebegananappealtohisbetterfeelings。
Straightandtall，paleanddelicateshestood，herbeautyrendered，perhaps，themoreappealingbyvirtueofthefearreflectedonhercountenance。Herblueeyeswereveiledbehindtheirlongblacklashes，herlipsweretremulous，andherhandsclaspedandunclaspedasshenowmadeherprayertotheRepublican。ButinthehardenedheartofCharlotnobreathofpitystirred。Hebeheldherbeautyandhebethoughthimofhiswrongs。Fortherest，perhaps，hadshebeenlesscomelyhehadbeenlessvengeful。
AndyonderbythehearthstoodLaBoulayelikeastatue，unmovedandimmovable。TheCaptainwasspeakingtoher，gentlyandsoothingly，butherthoughtsbecamemoretakenwiththesilenceofLaBoulayethanwiththespeechofCharlot。Eveninthatparlousmomentshehadleisuretodespiseherselfforhavingonce—onthedayonwhich，inanswertoherintercessions，hehadsparedherbrother’slife—entertainedakindly，almostwistful，thoughtconcerningthismanwhomshenowdeemedadastard。
CHAPTERX
THEBAISERLAMOURETTE
PresentlyCharlotturnedtoLaBoulaye，andforallthatheutterednoword，hisglanceleftnothingtobesaid。InresponsetoitCaronstirredatlast，andcameleisurelyovertothetable。
\"Amouthfulofwine，andI’mgone，Charlot，\"saidheinlevel，colourlesstones，astakingupaflagonhefilledhimselfagoblet。
\"Fillforme，too，\"criedtheCaptain；\"aye，andfortheCitoyennehere。Come，mygirl，acupofwinewillrefreshyou。\"
ButSuzanneshrankfromtheinvitationasmuchasfromthetenorofitandtheepithethehadappliedtoher。Observingthis，helaughedsoftly。
\"Oh！Asyouwill。Butthewineisgood—fromcellarofaci—devantDuke。Myservicetoyou，Citoyenne，\"hepledgedher，andraisinghiscup，hepouredthewinedownathroatthatwasparchedbythemuchthathehaddrunkalready，Buterethegobletwashalf—empty，asharp，suddencryfromLaBoulayecametointerrupthisquaffing。
Heglancedround，andatwhathesawhespilledthewinedownhiswaistcoat，thenletthecupfalltotheground，aswithanoathheflunghimselfuponthegirl。
Shehadapproachedthetablewhilstbothmenweredrinking，andquietlypossessedherselfofaknife；and，butthatitwastooblunttodotheservicetowhichsheputit，Charlot’sinterventionwouldhavecometoolate。Asitwashecaughtherwristintime，andinaragehetoretheweaponfromherfingers，andflungitfaracrosstheroom。
\"So，prettylady！\"hegasped，nowgrippingbothherwrists。\"So！
wearesuicidallyinclined，arewe！WewouldcheatCaptainCharlot，wouldwe？Fidonc！\"hecontinuedwithhorridplayfulness。\"Toshedabloodsoblueuponafloorsounclean！Nameofanameofaname！\"
Accountingherselfbaffledateverypoint，thisgirl，whohadhithertoborneherselfsostoutlyastohavestoicallysoughtdeathasalastmeansofescape，begantoweepsoftly。Whereupon：
\"Nay，nay，little—woman，\"murmuredtheCaptain，insuchaccentsasareemployedtoapettedchild，andinstinctively，inhisintenttosoothehedrewhernearer。Andnowtheclosecontactthrilledhim；
herbeauty，andsomesubtleperfumethatreachedhimfromher，playedhavocwithhissenses。Nearerhedrewherinsilence，hisfacewhiteandclammy，andhishot，wineladenbreathcomingquickereverysecond。Andunresistingshesubmitted，forshewasbeyondresistancenow，beyondtearseven。Frombetweenwetlasheshergreateyesgazedintohiswithalookofdeadly，piteousaffright；herlipswereparted，hercheeksashen，andhermindwasdimlystrivingtoformulateaprayertotheHolyMother，thenaturalprotectressofallimperilledvirgins。
Nearershefeltherselfdrawntohertormentor，inwhosethoughtstheredweltnowlittlerecollectionofthevengefulcharacterofhispurpose。Forasecondherwristswerereleased；thenshefelthisarmsgoingroundherasthecoilsofasnakegorounditsprey。
Withasuddenreassertionofself，withapantinggaspofhorror，shetoreherselffree。Anoathbrokefromhimashesprangafterher。Thentheunexpectedhappened。Abovehisheadsomethingbrightflashedup，thendown。Therewasadullcrack，andtheCaptainstoppedshortinhisrush；hishandswerejerkedtotheheightofhisbreast，andlikeapole—axedbeasthedroppedandlayproneatherfeet。
AcrosshisfallenbodyshebeheldLaBoulayestandingimpassively，theghostofasmileonhisthinlips，andinhishandoneoftheheavysilvercandlesticksfromthetable。
Whilstamanmightcountadozentheystoodsowithnowordspoken。
Then：
\"Itwasacowardlyblow，Citoyenne，\"saidtheDeputyinaccentsofregret；\"butwhatchoicehadI？\"Hesetdownthecandlestick，andkneelingbesideCharlot，hefeltfortheCaptain’sheart。\"Thedoor，Citoyenne，\"hemuttered。\"Lockit。\"
Mechanically，andwithoututteringaword，shehastenedtodohisbidding。Asthekeygratedinthelockherose。
\"Ithasonlystunnedhim，\"heannounced。\"Nowtoprepareanexplanationforit。\"
Hedrewachairundertheoldbrasslamp，thathungfromtheceiling。
Hemountedthechair，andwithbothhandsheseizedthechainimmediatelyabovethelamp。Drawinghimselfup，heswungthereforjustasecond；thenthehookgaveway，andamidashowerofplasterLaBoulayehalf—tumbledtotheground。
\"There，\"saidhe，ashedroppedthelampwithitschainandhookuponthefloorbyCharlot。\"Itmaynotbeasconvincingaswemightwish，butIthinkthatitwillproveconvincingenoughtothedullwitsofthelandlady，andofsuchofCharlot’sfollowersasmayenterhere。Iamafraid，\"hedeplored，\"thatitwillbesometimebeforeherecovers。Hewassofargoneinwinethatitneededlittleweighttofellhim。\"
Herglancemethisoncemore，andshetookasteptowardshimwithhandsoutstretched。
\"Monsieur，Monsieur！\"shecried。\"IfyoubutknewhowinmythoughtsIwrongedyoualittlewhileago。\"
\"Youhadallreasonto，\"heanswered，takingherhands，andtherecametheleastsofteningofhissterncountenance。\"Itgrievedmetoaddtoyouraffliction。ButhadIpermittedhimtodosomuchassuspectthatIwasanythingbutyourimplacableenemy，Ihadnochanceofsavingyou。Hewouldhavedismissedme，andImusthaveobeyedorbeencompelled，forheismasterhere，andhasmenenoughtoenforcewhathedesires。\"
Andnowshewouldhavethankedhimforhavingsavedher，buthecuthershortalmostroughly。
\"Youowemenothanks，\"hesaid。\"Ihavebutdoneforyouwhatmymanhoodmusthavebiddenmedoforanywomansimilarlysituated。Forto—nightIhavesavedyou，Citoyenne。IshallmakeanefforttosmuggleyouandyourmotheroutofBoisvertbeforemorning，butafterthatyoumusthelpyourselves。\"
\"Youwilldothis？\"shecried，hereyesglistening。
\"Iwillattemptit。\"
\"Bywhatmeans，MonsieurCaron？\"
\"Idonotyetknow。Imustconsider。Inthemeantimeyouhadbestreturntoyourcoach。Laterto—nightIshallhaveyouandyourmotherbroughttome，andIwillendeavourtosoarrangemattersthatyoushallnotagainreturntoyourcarriage。
\"Notreturntoit？\"sheexclaimed。\"Butarewethentoleaveithere？\"
\"Iamafraidthereisnohelpforthat。\"
\"But，Monsieur，youdonotknow；thereisatreasureinthatcarriage。
Allthatwehaveispackedinit，andifwegowithoutitwegodestitute。\"
\"Better，perhaps，togodestitutethannottogoatall，Mademoiselle。
Iamafraidthereisnochoiceforyou。\"
Hismannerwasatrifleimpatient。Itirritatedhimthatinsuchamomentsheshouldgivesomuchthoughttohervaluables。Butinrealityshewasthinkingoftheminasmuchastheyconcernedhermother，whowasbelow，andherfatherandbrotherwhoawaitedtheminPrussia，whithertheyhadseparatelyemigrated。Theimpatienceinhistonestungherintoafeelingofresentment，thatforthemomentseemedtoblotoutthemuchthatsheowedhim。Areproachfulwordwastremblingonherlips，whensuddenlyheputouthishand。
\"Hist！\"hewhispered，theconcentratedlookofonewholistensstampeduponhisface。Hissharpearshaddetectedsomesoundwhich—perhapsthroughherpreoccupation—shehadnotnoticed。HesteppedquicklytotheCaptain’sside，andtakingupthelampbyitschain，heleaptintotheairlikeaclown，andcamedownonhisheelswithathudthatshookthechamber。Simultaneouslyhedroppedthelampwithaclatter，andsentashoutre—echoingthroughthehouse。
Thegirlstaredathimwithpartedlipsandtheleastlookoffearinhereyes。Washegonecleanmadofasudden？
Butnowthesoundwhichhadwarnedhimofsomeone’sapproachreachedherearsaswell。Therewerestepsonthestairs，whichatthatalarmingnoisewereinstantlyquickened。YeteretheyhadreachedthetopLaBoulayewasatthedoorvociferatingwildly。
Intotheroomcamethehostess，breathlessandgrinningwithanxiety，andbehindhercameGuyot，who，startledbythedin，hadhasteneduptoinquireintoitscause。
AtsightoftheCaptainstretcheduponthefloortherewasascreamfromMotherCapouladeandanoathfromthesoldier。
\"MonDieu！whathashappened？\"shecried，hurryingforward。
\"Miserable！\"exclaimedLaBoulaye，withwell—feignedanger。\"Itseemsthatyourwretchedhovelistumblingtopieces，andthatmenarenotsafebeneathitsroof。\"Andheindicatedthebrokenplasterandthefallenlamp。
\"Howdidithappen，Citoyenne—deputy？\"askedGuyot；forallthathedrewtheonlypossibleinferencefromwhathesaw。
\"Canyounotseehowithappened？\"returnedLaBoulaye，impatiently。
\"Asforyou，wretchedwoman，youwillsufferforit，Ipromiseyou。
ThenationislikelytodemandahighpriceforCaptainCharlot’sinjuries。\"
\"But，bonDieu，howamItoblame？\"wailedthefrightenedwoman。
\"Toblame，\"echoedLaBoulaye，inafuriousvoice。\"Areyounottoblamethatyouletroomsinacrazyhovel？Letthemtoemigresasmuchasyouwill，butifyouletthemtogoodpatriotsandtherebyendangertheirlivesyoumusttaketheconsequences。Andtheconsequencesinthiscasearelikelytobesevere，malheureuse。\"
HeturnednowtoGuyot，whowaskneelingbytheCaptain，andlookingtohishurt。
\"Here，Guyot，\"hecommandedsharply，\"reconducttheCitoyennetohercoach。Iwillperhapsseeheragainlater，whentheCaptainshallhaverecoveredconsciousness。You，CitoyenneCapoulade，assistmetocarryhimtobed。\"
Eachobeyedhim，Guyotreadily，asbecameasoldier，andthehostesstremblingwiththedreadwhichLaBoulaye’swordshadinstilledintoher。TheygotCharlottobed，andwhenahalf—hourorsolaterherecoveredconsciousness，itwastofindGuyotwatchingathisbed—side。
Bewildered，hedemandedanexplanationofhispresentpositionandofthepaininhishead，whichbroughthimthememoryofasuddenandunaccountableblowhehadreceived，whichwasthelastthingthatheremembered。Guyot，whohadneverforamomententertainedadoubtofthegenuinenessofthemise—en—sceneLaBoulayehadprepared，answeredhimwiththeexplanationofhowhehadbeenstruckbythefallinglamp，whereuponCharlotfelltocursinglampsandcrumblingswithhorridvolubility。Thatdonehewouldhaverisen，butthatLaBoulaye，enteringatthatmoment，insistedthatheshouldremainabed。
\"Areyoumad？\"theDeputyexpostulated，\"orisitthatyoudonotappreciatethenatureofyourhurt？Diable！Ihaveknownamandiethroughinsistingtobeaboutwithacrackedskullthatwasasnothingtoyours。\"
\"Nameofaname！gaspedCharlot，whoinsuchmatterswasprofoundlyignorantandcorrespondinglycredulous。\"Isitsoserious？\"
\"Notseriousifyouliestillandsleep。Youwillprobablybequitewellbyto—morrow。Butifyoumoveto—nighttheconsequencesmaywellbefatal。\"
\"ButIcannotsleepatthishour，\"theCaptaincomplained。\"Iamverywakeful，\"
\"Wewilltrytofindyouasleepingpotion，then，\"saidLaBoulaye。
\"Ihopethehosteenmayhavesomethingthatwillanswerthepurpose。
Meanwhile，Guyot，donotallowtheCaptaintotalk。Ifyouwouldhavehimwellto—morrow，rememberthatitisofthefirstimportancethatheshouldhaveutterresttonight。\"
WiththathewentinquestofDameCapouladetoascertainwhethershepossessedanypotionthatwouldinducesleep。HetoldherthattheCaptainwasseriouslyinjured，andthatunlessheslepthemightdie，and，quickenedbytheterrorofwhatmightbefallherinsuchacase，thewomanpresentlyproducedasmallphialfullofabrown，viscousfluid。Whatitmightbehehadnonotion，beingallunversedinthemysteriesofthepharmacopoeia；butshetoldhimthatithadbelongedtohernowdefuncthusband，whohadalwayssaidthattendropsofitwouldmakeamansleeptheclockround。
HeexperimentedontheCaptainwithtendrops，andwithinaquarterofanhouroftakingthedraughtofredwineinwhichitwasadministered，Charlot’sdeepbreathingproclaimedhimfastasleep。
Thatdone，LaBoulayesentGuyotbelowtohispostoncemore，andreturningtotheroominwhichtheyhadsupped，hepacedupanddownforafullhour，revolvinginhismindthematterofsavingMademoiselleandhermother。Atlast，towardsteno’clock，heopenedthecasement，andcallingdowntoGuyot，asCharlothaddone，hebadehimbringthewomenupagain。NowGuyotknewofthehighpositionwhichCaronoccupiedintheConvention，andhehadseentheintimaterelationsinwhichhestoodtoTardivet，sothatunhesitatinglyhenowobeyedhim。
LaBoulayeclosedthewindow，andcrossedslowlytothefire。Hestirredtheburninglogswithhisboot，thenstoodtherewaiting。
Presentlythestairscreaked，nextthedooropened，andGuyotusheredinMademoiselle。
\"Theeldercitoyennerefusestocome，Citizen—deputy，\"saidthesoldier。\"Theybothinsistedthatitwasnotnecessary，andthattheCitoyenneherewouldansweryourquestions。\"
AlmostonthepointofcommandingthesoldiertoreturnfortheMarquise，Caroncaughtthegirl’seye，andherglancewassosignificantthathethoughtitbesttohearfirstwhatmotivesshehadforthusdisobeyinghim。
\"Verywell，\"hesaidshortly。\"Youmaygobelow，Guyot。ButholdyourselfinreadinesslestIshouldhaveneedofyou。\"
Thesoldiersalutedanddisappeared。ScarcewashegonewhenMademoisellecamehurryingforward。
\"MonsieurCaron，\"shecried\"Heavenissurelybefriendingus。Thesoldiersaredrinkingthemselvesoutoftheirwits。Theywillbekeepingaslackwatchpresently。\"
Helookedatherforamoment，fathomingthepurportofwhatshesaid。
\"But，\"hedemandedatlast，\"whydidnottheMarquiseobeymysummons，andaccompanyyou？\"
\"Shewasafraidtoleavethecoach，Monsieur。Moreover，sheagreedwithmethatitwouldnotbenecessary。\"
\"Notnecessary？\"heechoed。\"Butitisnecessary。WhenlastyouwerehereItoldyouIdidnotintendyoushouldreturntothecoach。
Thisismyplan，Citoyenne。IshallkeepGuyotwaitingbelowwhileyouandyourmotherarefortifyingyourselvesbysupperhere。ThenIshalldismisshimwitharecommendationthathekeepaclosewatchuponthecarriage，andtheinformationthatyouwillnotbereturningtoitto—night。Ahalf—hourlaterorso，whenthingsarequiet，I
shallfindawayoutforyoubytheback，afterwhichtherestmustremaininyourhands。MoreIcannotdo。\"
\"Youcan，\"shecried；\"youcan。\"
\"Ifyouwillenlightenme，\"saidhe，withthefaintesttouchofirony。
Shelookedathisstern，sardonicfaceandsolemngreyeyes，andforamomentitalmostseemedtoherthatshehatedhimmorethananybodyintheworld。Hewassopassionless，somasterofhimself，andheaddressedherinatonewhich，whilstitsuggestedthatheaccountedhimselfmostfullyherequal，madeherfeelthathewasreallyherbetterbymuch。Ifoneofthesetwowasanaristocrat，surelythatonewastheCitizen—deputyLaBoulaye。
\"Ifyouhadbutthewillyouwoulddoit，Monsieur，\"sheansweredhim。\"Itisnotminetoenlightenyou；Iknownothow。\"
\"Ihavetheverybestwillintheworld，Citoyenne，\"saidhe。\"OfthatIthinkthatIamgivingproof。\"
\"Aye，thewilltodonothingthatwillshameyourmanhood，\"sherejoined。\"Thatisallyouthinkof。Itwasbecauseyourmanhoodbadeyouthatyoucametomyrescue—soyousaidwhenyoudeclinedmythanks。Itisthismanhoodofyours，Imakenodoubt，thatisnowprevailinguponyoutodelivertwounprotectedwomenoutofthehandsofthesebrigands。\"
\"InHeaven’sname，Citoyenne，\"quoththeastonishedDeputy，\"outofwhatsentimentwouldyouhavemeact，and，indeed，sothatIsaveyou，howcanitconcernyoubywhatsentimentIamprompted？\"
Shepausedamomentbeforereplying。Hereyesweredowncast，andsomeofthecolourfadedfromhercheeks。Shecarneastepnearer，whichbroughtherveryclosetohim。
\"Monsieur，\"shefalteredveryshyly，\"intheolddaysatBellecouryouwouldhaveservedmeoutofothersentiments。\"
Hestartednowinspiteofhimself，andeyedherwithasuddengleamofhope，ortriumph，ormistrust，orperhapsofallthree。Thenhisglancefell，andhisvoicewaswistful。
\"Buttheolddaysaredead，Mademoiselle。\"
\"Thedays，yes，\"sheanswered，takingcouragefromhistone。\"ButloveMonsieur，iseverlasting—itneverdies，theysay。\"
AndnowitwasLaBoulayewhodrewcloser，andthismanwhohadsorigidlyschooledhimselfoutofallemotions，felthisbreathquickening，andhispulsesthrobbingfasterandfaster。Tohimitseemedthatshewasright，andthatloveneverdied—fortheloveforher，whichhebelievedhehadthrottledoutofexistencelongago，seemedofasuddentotakelifeasvigorouslyasever。AndthenitwasasifsomebreezeoutofthepastboretohisnostrilsthesmellofthevioletsandofthemoistearthofthatAprilmorningwhenshehadrepulsedhiminthewoodsofBellecour。Hisemotiondieddown。Hedrewback，andstoodrigidbeforeher。
\"Andifitweretolive，Citoyenne，\"hesaid—theresumptionoftheRepublicanformofaddressshowedthathehadsteppedbackintothespiritaswellasintheflesh\"whatmanneroffoolwereItoagainsubmitittothelashofscornitearnedwhenfirstitwasdiscovered？\"
\"Butthatbelongedtotheolddays，\"shecried，\"anditisdeadwiththeolddays。’
\"Itisvaintogoback，Citoyenne，\"hecutin，andhisvoicerangharshwithdetermination。
Shebitherlipundercoverofherbenthead。Ifshehadhatedhimbeforehowmuchmoredidshenothatehimnow？Andbutamomentbackithadseemedtoherthatshehadlovedhim。Shehadheldoutherhandstohimandhehadscornedthem；inhereagernessshehadbeenunmaidenly，andallthatshehadearnedhadbeenhumiliation。
Shequiveredwithshameandanger，andsinkingintothenearestchairsheburstintoapassionoftears。
ThusbyaccidentdidshestumbleupontheveryweaponwherewithtomakeanutterroutofallCaron’sresolutions。Forknowingnothingofthefountainfromwhichthosetearswerespringing，anddeemingthemtheexpressionofagriefpureandunalloyed—saving，perhaps，byaworthypenitence—hesteppedswiftlytoherside。
\"Mademoiselle，\"hemurmured，andhistonewasasgentleandbeseechingasithadlatelybeenimperious。\"Nay，Mademoiselle，Iimploreyou！\"
Buthertearscontinued，andhersobsshooktheslenderframeasiftoshatterit。Hedroppeduponhisknees。Scarcelyknowingwhathedid，hesethisarmaboutherwaistinacaressofprotection。
Alongcurlofherblack，unpowderedhairlayagainsthischeek。
\"Mademoiselle，\"hemurmured，andshetookcomfortatthesoothingtone。
>Fromitshejudgedhimmalleablenow，thathadbeensosternandunyieldingbefore。Sheraisedhereyes，andthroughhertearssheturnedtheirheavenlybluefulluponthegreydepthsofhis。
\"Youwillnotbelieveme，Monsieur，\"shecomplainedsoftly。\"YouwillnotbelievethatIcanhavechangedwiththetimes；thatIseethingsdifferentlynow。IfyouweretocometomeagainasinthewoodsatBellecour—\"Shepausedabruptly，hercheeksflamedscarlet，andshecoveredthemwithherhands。
\"Suzanne！\"hecried，seekingtodrawthosehandsaway。\"Isittrue，this？Youcare，beloved！\"
Sheuncoveredherfaceatlast。Againtheireyesmet。
\"Iwasright，\"shewhispered。\"Loveneverdies，yousee。\"
\"Andyouwillmarryme，Suzanne？\"heaskedincredulously。
Sheinclinedherhead，smilingthroughhertears，andhewouldhavecaughthertohimbutthatsheroseofasudden。
\"Hist！\"shecried，raisingherfinger：\"someoneiscoming。\"
Helistened，holdinghisbreath，butnosoundstirred。Hewenttothedoorandpeeredout。Allwasstill。Buttheinterruptionservedtoimpresshimwiththefactthattimewasspeeding，andthatallunsuspiciousthoughGuyotmightbeasyet，itwasmorethanpossiblethathissuspicionswouldbearousedifsheremainedtheremuchlonger。
Hementionedthis，andhewasbeginningtorefertohisplanfortheirescapewhenshethrustitaside，insistingthattheymustdepartintheircoach，sothattheirtreasuremightalsobesaved。\"
\"Bereasonable，Suzanne，\"hecried。\"Itisimpossible。\"
Acloudofvexationsweptacrossheravertedface。
\"Nay，surelynotimpossible，\"sheanswered。\"Listen，Caron，therearetwotreasuresinthatcoach。Oneisinmoneyandingoldandsilverplate；theotherisingems，andamountstothricethevalueoftherest。Thislatterismydowry。ItisafortunewithwhichwecanquitFranceandbetakeourselveswhereverourfancyleadsus。
Wouldyouaskmetoabandonthatandcometoyoupenniless，compelledtherebytoliveinperpetualterrorinacountrywhereatanymomentanenemymightcastatmethewordaristocrate，andtherebyruinme？\"
TherewasnocupidityinLaBoulaye’snature，andeventheprospectofanindependentfortunewouldhaveweighedlittlewithhimhaditnotbeenbackedbytheotherargumentsheemployedtouchingtheterrorthatwouldbeeverwithherdidtheydwellinFrance。
Hestooddeepinthought，hishandtohisbrow，thrustingbackthelongblackhairfromhiswhiteforehead，whattimesherecapitulatedherargument。
\"Buthow？\"heexclaimed，inexasperation\"Tellmehow？\"
\"Thatisforyoutodiscover，Caron。\"
Hethrusthishandsdeepintohispockets，andsethimselftopacethechamber。Andnowhisfingerscameincontactwithsomethingforeign。Idlyhedrewitforth，anditprovedtobethephialMotherCapouladehadgivenhim，andfromwhichhehadpouredthetendropsfortheCaptain’ssleepingpotion。Hiseyesbrightenedwithinspiration。Herewasatoolwhosepossibilitieswerevast。
Thenhisbrowswereknitagain。
\"Wait，\"hesaidslowly。\"Letmethink。\"
CHAPTERXI
THEESCAPE
Restinghiselbowonthetable，andwithhishandtohisbrow，Caronsatdeepinthought，hisforefingerandthumbpressedagainsthisclosedeyelids。FrombeyondtheboardMademoisellewatchedhimanxiouslyandwaited。Atlasthelookedup。
\"IthinkIhaveit，\"heannounced，rising。\"Yousaythatthemenaredrinkingheavily。Thatshouldmateriallyassistus。\"
Sheaskedhimwhatplanhehadconceived，butheurgedthattimepressed；sheshouldknowpresently；meanwhile，shehadbestreturnimmediatelytohercarriage。HewenttothedoortocallGuyot，butshestayedhim。
\"No，no，Monsieur，\"sheexclaimed。\"Iwillnotpassthroughthecommon—roomagaininthatfellow’scompany。Theyareallinthere，carousing，and—andIdarenot。\"
Asiftoconfirmherwords，nowthatheheldthedooropen，hecaughtsomesoundsofmirthandthedroneofvoicesfrombelow。
\"Comewithme，then，\"saidhe，takinguponeofthecandles。\"Iwillescortyou。\"
Togethertheydescendedthenarrowstaircase，LaBoulayegoingfirst，toguideher，sincetwomightnotgoabreast。Atthefoottherewasadoor，whichheopened，andthen，attheendofashortpassage—inwhichthedroneofvoicessoundedveryloudandinparticularone，crackedvoicethatwasraisedinsong—theygainedthedoorofthecommon—room。AsLaBoulayepusheditopentheycameuponasceneofBacchanalianrevelry。OnachairthathadbeensetuponthetabletheybeheldMotherCapouladeenthronedlikeaGoddessofLiberty，andwearingaPhrygiancaponherdishevelledlocks。Heryellowcheekswereflushedandhereyeswatery，whilstherswasthecrazyvoicethatsang。
Aroundthetable，ineveryconceivableattitudeofabandonment，satCaptainCharlot’sguard—everymanoftheten—andwiththemthesixmenandthecorporalofLaBoulaye’sescort，allmoreorlessinaconditionofdrunkenness。
\"Lejourdegloireestarrive？\"sangthecroakingvoiceofDameCapoulade，andthereitstoppedabruptlyuponcatchingsightofLaBoulayeandhiscompanioninthedoorway。Mademoiselleshiveredoutofloathing；butLaBoulayefelthispulsesquickenedwithhope，forsurelyallthiswascalculatedtoassisthiminhispurpose。
Attheabruptinterruptionofthelandlady’sversionofthe\"Marseillaise\"themenswunground，anduponseeingtheDeputytheysoughtinludicroushastetorepairthedisorderoftheirappearance。
\"So！\"thunderedCaron。\"Thisisthewatchyoukeep？Thisishowyouaretobetrusted？Andyou，Guyot，\"hecontinued，pointinghisfingerattheman。\"DidInotbidyouawaitmyorders？Isthishowyouwait？YouseethatIamcompelledtoreconducttheCitoyennemyself，forImighthavecalledyouinvainallnight。\"
Guyotcameforwardsheepishly，andatrifleunsteadyinhisgait。
\"Ididnothearyoucall，Citizen，\"hemuttered。
\"Ithadbeenamiracleifyouhadwiththisdin，\"answeredLaBoulaye。
\"Here，taketheCitoyennebacktohercarriage。\"
ObedientlyGuyotledtheCitoyenneacrosstheroomandoutintothecourtyard，andthemen，restrainedbyLaBoulaye’sseverepresence，daredscarcelysomuchasraisetheireyestoherasshepassedout。
\"Andnowtoyourposts，\"wasCaron’ssterncommand。\"Bymysoul，ifyouweremenofmineIwouldhaveyoufloggedforthis。Outwithyou！\"Andhepointedimperiouslytothedoor。
\"Itisabitternight，Citizen，\"grumbledoneofthem。
\"Doyoucallyourselfsoldiers，anddoesatouchoffrostmakecowardsofyou？Outside，youoldwives，atonce！I’llseeyouatyourpostbeforeIgotobed。\"
Andwiththathesethimselftodrivethemout，andtheywent，untilnonebuthisownhalf—dozenremained。Thesehebadedisposethemselvesaboutthehearth，inwhichtheyveryreadilyobeyedhim。
Onaside—tablestoodahugesteamingcanwhichhadattractedLaBoulaye’sattentionfromthemomentthathehadenteredtheroom。
Hewenttopeerintothis，andfounditfullalmosttothebrimofmulledredwine。
Withhisbacktothoseintheroom，soastoscreenhisactions，hehaduncorkedthephialashewasapproachingthecan。Now，ashemadepretencefirsttopeerintoitandthentosmellitscontents，hesurreptitiouslyemptiedthepotionintoit，wonderingvaguelytohimselfwhetherthemenwouldeverwakeagainiftheyhaddrunkit。
SlippingthephialintohissashheturnedtoMotherCapoulade，whohaddescendedfromthetableandstoodlookingveryfoolish。
\"Whatisthis？\"hedemandedangrily。
\"Itwasalastcupofwineforthemen，\"shefaltered。\"Thenightisbitterlycold，Citizen，\"sheadded，bywayofexcusingherself。
\"Bah！\"snarledCaron，andforamomenthestoodthereasifdeliberating。\"Iammindedtoemptyitintothekennel，\"heannounced。
\"Citizen！\"criedthewoman，inalarm。\"Itisgoodwine，andIhavespicedit。\"
\"Well，\"herelented，\"theymayhaveit。Butseethatitisthelastto—night。\"
Andwiththathestrodeacrosstheroom，andwithasurly\"Good—night\"
tohismen，hemountedthestairsoncemore。
Hewaitedperhapstenminutesinthechamberabove，thenhewenttothecasement，andsoftlyopenedthewindow。Itwasasheexpected。
Withtheexceptionofthecoachstandinginthemiddleoftheyard，andjustdiscerniblebytheglowofthesmoulderingfiretheyhadbuilttherebutallowedtoburnlow，theplacewasuntenanted。
Believinghimtohaveretiredforthenight，themenwerebackagaininthemorecongenialatmosphereofthehostelry，drinkingthemselvesnodoubtintoastuporwiththatlastcanofdruggedwine。Hesatdowntoquietlymaturehisplans，andtothinkouteverydetailofwhathewasabouttodo。Attheendofahalf—hour，silencereigningthroughoutthehouse，herose。HecreptsoftlyintoCharlot’schamberandpossessedhimselfoftheCaptain’soutergarments。Thesehecarriedbacktothesitting—room，andextractedfromthecoatpockettwohugekeystiedtogetherwithapieceofstring。Heneverdoubtedthattheywerethekeyshesought，oneopeningthestabledoorandtheotherthegatesoftheporte—cochere。
Hereplacedthegarments，andthentomakedoublysure，hewaitedyet—inafeverofimpatience—anotherhalf—hourbyhiswatch。
Itwantedafewminutestomidnightwhen，takinguphiscloakandalanternhehadlighted，hewentbelowoncemore。Inthecommon—roomhefoundpreciselythescenehehadexpected。BothCharlot’smenandhisownfollowerslayaboutthefloorinallconceivablemannerofattitudes，theirsenseslockeddeepinthedrunkenstuporthatpossessedthem。Twoorthreehadremainedseated，andhadfallenacrossthetable，whenovercome。OfthesewasMotherCapoulade，whoseheadlaysidewaysonhercurledarms，andfromwhosethroatthereissuedaresonantandmelodioussnore。
MostofthefacesthatLaBoulayecouldseewerehorriblylividandbedewedwithsweat，andagainitcameintohismindtowonderwhetherhehadoverdonethings，andtheywouldwakenomore。Ontheotherhand，anevengreaterfearbesethim，thatthedrugmighthavebeeninsufficient。Bywayoftestingit，hecaughtonefellowwholayacrosshispathaviolentkickintheside。Themangruntedinhissleep，andstirredslightly，torelapsealmostatonceintohishelplessattitude，andtoresumehisregularbreathing，whichtheblowhadinterrupted。
LaBoulayesmiledhissatisfaction，andwithoutfurtherhesitancypassedoutintotheyard。HehadyetagooddealtosaytoMademoiselle，buthecouldnotbringhimselftospeaktoherbeforehermother，particularlyasherealisedhowmuchtheMarquisemightbeopposedtohim。Heopenedthecarriagedoor。
\"Mademoiselle，\"hecalledsoftly，\"willyoudomethefavourtoalightforaninstant？Imustspeaktoyou。\"
\"Canyounotsaywhatyouhavetosaywhereyouare？\"cametheMarquise’svoice。
\"No，Madame，\"answeredLaBoulayecoldly，\"Icannot。\"
\"Oh，itis’Madame’and’Mademoiselle’now，eh？Whathaveyoudonetotheman，child，tohaveearnedussomuchdeference。\"
\"MayIremindMademoiselle，\"putinLaBoulayefirmly，\"thattimepresses，andthatthereismuchtobedone？\"
\"Iamhere，Monsieur\"sheanswered，aswithoutmoreado，andheedlessofhermother’sfreshremarks，shesteppedfromthecarriage。
LaBoulayeprofferedhiswristtoassisthertoalight，thenreclosedthedoor，andledherslowlytowardsthestable。
\"Wherearethesoldiers？\"shewhispered。
\"Everysoulintheinnisasleep，\"heanswered。\"Ihavedruggedthemall，fromtheCaptaindowntothehostess。Theonlyoneleftistheostler，whoissleepinginoneoftheouthouseshere。Himyoumusttakewithyou，notonlybecauseitisnotpossibletodrughimaswell，butalsobecausetheblameofyourescapemustrestonsomeone，anditmayaswellrestonhimasanother。\"
\"Butwhynotonyou？\"sheasked。
\"BecauseImustremain。\"
\"Ah！\"Itwasnomorethanabreathofinterrogation，andherfacewasturnedtowardshimassheawaitedanexplanation。
\"Ihavegivenitmuchthought，Suzanne，andunlesssomeoneremainstocover，asitwere，yourretreat，Iamafraidthatyourflightmightbevain，andthatyouwouldrunanoverwhelmingriskofrecapture。Youmustremembertheresourcefulnessofthisfellow，Tardivet，andhispowerinthecountryhere。IfheweretoawaketothediscoverythatIhaddupedhim，hewouldbeupandafterus，andImakelittledoubtthatitwouldnotbelongerehefoundthescentandranustoearth。TomorrowIshalldiscoveryourflightandthevillainyoftheostler，andIshallsoorganisethepursuitthatyoushallnotbeovertaken。\"
Therewasamoment’spause，duringwhichLaBoulayeseemedtoexpectsomequestion。Butnonecame，soheproceeded：
\"YouroriginalintentionwastomakeforPrussia，whereyousaythatyourfatherandyourbrotherareawaitingyou。\"
\"Yes，Monsieur。BeyondtheMoselle—atTreves。\"
\"Youmustalteryourplans，\"saidheshortly。\"Yourmother，nodoubt，willinsistuponrepairingthither，andIwillseethattheroadisleftopenforherescape。AtSoigniesyou，Suzanne，canhireyourselfaberline，thatwilltakeyoubacktoFrance。\"
\"BacktoFrance？\"sheechoed。
\"Yes，backtoFrance。Thatistheunlikeliestroadonwhichtothinkofpursuingyou，andthusyouwillbaffleCharlot。LetyourmotherproceedonherjourneytoPrussia，buttellhertoavoidCharleroi，andtogoroundbyLiege。ThusonlycanshehopetoescapeTardivet’smenthatarepatrollingtheroadfromFrance。
Asforyou，Suzanne，youhadbestgoNorthasfarasOudenarde，soastocircumventtheCaptain’sbrigandsonthatside。ThenmakestraightforRoubaix，andawaitmeatthe’HoteldesCloches。’\"
\"But，Monsieur，Ishudderattheverythoughtofre—enteringFrance。\"
\"AsMademoiselledeBellecour，aproscribedaristocrat，thatiseveryreasonforyourfears。ButIhavegiven。thematterthoughtandIcanpromiseyouthatastheCitoyenneLaBoulaye，wifeoftheCitizen—deputyCaronLaBoulaye，youwillbeassafeasIshouldbemyself，ifyouarequestioned，and，inresponse，youwillfindnothingbuteagernesstoserveyouoneveryhand。\"
Shespokenowofthedifficultieshermotherwouldmake，buthedismissedthematterbyremindingherthathermothercouldnotdetainherbyforce。Againshealludedtoherdowry，butthatalsohedismissed，biddingherleaveitbehind。Herfamilywouldneedthemoney，toberealisedbythejewels。Asforherself，heassuredherthatashiswifeshewouldnotwant，andshowedherhowidlewasherdreadoflivinginFrance。
\"Andnow，Mademoiselle，\"hesaid，morebriskly，\"letusseetothisostler。\"
Heopenedthedooroftheouthouse，anduncoveringhislanternheraiseditabovehishead。Itsyellowlightrevealedtothemasleeperonthestrawinacorner。LaBoulayeenteredandstirredthemanwithhisfoot。
Thefellowsatupblinkingstupidlyanddraggingoddwispsofstrawfromhisgreyhair。
\"What’samiss？\"hegrunted。
AsbrieflyasmightbeLaBoulayeinformedhimthathewastoreceiveamatteroffivehundredfrancsifhewouldjourneyintoPrussiawiththeci—devantMarquisedeBellecour。
Fivehundredfrancs？Itwasavastsum，thetenthofwhichhadneverbeenhisatanyonetimeofhiswretchedlife。ForfivehundredfrancshewouldhavejourneyedintoHades，andLaBoulayefoundhimwillingenoughtogotoPrussia，andhadnoneedtoresorttothemoreforciblemeasureshehadcomepreparedtoemploy。
Accompaniedbytheostler，theynowpassedtothestables，andwhenLaBoulayehadunlockedthedoorandcutthebondsthatpinionedtheMarquis’scoachman，theygotthehorses，andtogethertheyharnessedthemasquietlyasmightbe。
Thenworkingwithinfiniteprecaution，andaslittlesoundaspossible，theybroughtthemoutintotheyardandsetthemintheshaftsofthecarriage。Therestwaseasywork，andaquarterofanhourlatertheheavyvehiclerumbledthroughtheporte—cochereandstartedonitswaytoSoignies。
LaBoulayedroppedthekeysintoabucketandwentwithin。Inthecommon—roomnothinghadchanged，andthemenlayaboutpreciselyashehadleftthem。Reassured，hewentaboveandtookapeepattheCaptain，whomhefoundsnoringlustily。
Satisfiedthatallwaswell，Caronpassedquietlytohisownchamber，andwithanelationofsoulsuchashadneverbeenhissinceboyhood，hefellasleepamidvisionsofSuzanneandthenewlifehewastoenteruponinhersweetcompany。
CHAPTERXII
THEAWAKENING
LaBoulayeawakenedbetimesnextmorning。Itmaybethatthematteronhismindandthebusinessthatwastowardarousedhim；certainlyitwasnoneofthesoundsthatarecommontoaninnatearlymorn，fortheplacewasassilentasatomb。
Somesecondsheremainedonhisback，staringatthewhitewashedceilingandlisteningtothepatteroftherainagainsthiswindow。
Then，ashismindgatheredupthethreadsofrecollection，heleaptfromhisbedandmadehastetoassumeagarmentortwo。
Hestoodamomentathiscasement，lookingoutintotheemptycourtyard。Fromaleadenskytherainwasdescendinginsheets，andthegargoyleattheendoftheeavesoverheadwasdischargingasteadycolumnofwaterintotheyard。CaronshiveredwiththecoldofthatgloomyFebruarymorning，andturnedawayfromthewindow。
AfewmomentslaterhewasinTardivet’sbedchamber，vigorouslyshakingthesleepingCaptain。
\"Up，Charlot！Awake！\"heroaredintheman’sear。
\"Whato’clock？\"heaskedwithayawn。Thenasuddengroanescapedhim，andheputhishandtohishead。\"Thousanddevils！\"heswore，\"whataheadache！\"
ButLaBoulayewasnotthereonanymissionofsympathy，nordidhewastewordsinconveyinghisnews。
\"Thecoachisgone，\"heannouncedemphatically。
\"Coach？Whatcoach？\"askedtheCaptain，knittinghisbrows。
\"Whatcoach？\"echoedLaBoulayetestily。\"Howmanycoacheswerethere？Why，theBellecourcoach；thecoachwiththetreasure。\"
AtthatCharlotgrewverywide—awake。Heforgothisheadacheandhisinterestinthetimeofday。
\"Gone？\"hebellowed。\"Howgone？Pardieu，itisnotpossible！\"
\"Lookforyourself，\"wasLaBoulaye’sanswerashewavedhishandinthedirectionofthewindow。\"Idon’tknowwhatmannerofwatchyourmencanhavekeptthatsuchathingshouldhavecomeabout。
