The Grey Cloak - Page 21/256

"Matter?" repeated the valet. "Matter? Nothing, Monsieur, nothing!"

quickly. "I will this instant announce your return to monseigneur."

"One would think that I had been trying to run away," mused the

Chevalier, following the valet.

Meanwhile a lackey dressed in no particular livery entered the Hôtel of

the Silver Candlestick and inquired for Monsieur Breton, lackey to

Monsieur le Chevalier du Cévennes. He was directed to the floor above.

On hearing a knock, Breton hastily closed the book he was reading and

went to the door. The hallway was so dark that he could distinguish no

feature of his caller.

"Monsieur Breton?" the strange lackey inquired, "Are you seeking me?" Breton asked diplomatically.

"I was directed to deliver this to you. It is for your master," and

the stranger placed a bundle in Breton's hands. Immediately he turned

and disappeared down the stairs. Evidently he desired not to be

questioned.

Breton surveyed the bundle doubtfully, turned it this way and that. On

opening it he was greatly surprised to find his master's celebrated

grey cloak. He examined it. It was soiled and rent in several places.

Breton hung it up in the closet, shaking his head.

"This is very irregular," he muttered. "Monsieur de Saumaise would

never have returned it in this condition; besides, Hector would have

been the messenger. What will Monsieur Paul say when he sees it?"

And, knowing that he had no cause to worry, and having not the

slightest warning that his master's liberty was in danger, Breton

reseated himself by the candles and continued his indulgence in stolen

sweets; that is to say, he renewed the adventures of that remarkable

offspring of Gargantua.