"Well, Monsieur," not over warmly, "what is it you have to say to me
which necessitates my coming so far? I believed we had not much more
to say." There was no distrust in her eyes, only a cold inquiry. "Are
you going to apologize for applying to me the term 'dishonest'?"
The joy vanished from his face, to be replaced by an anxiety which
lightened the tan on his cheeks. "Madame, it was your note which
brought me here. Read it."
"A clumsy imitation," quickly; "it is not my writing. I suppose, then,
that this is also a forgery?" handing him a note which was worded
identically the same as his own, "Some one has been playing us a sorry
trick." She was angered.
"Let us go back immediately, Madame. We stand in the midst of some
secret danger."
But even as he spoke she uttered a suppressed cry and clutched his arm.
The Chevalier saw four men advancing with drawn swords. They formed a
semicircle around the hut, cutting off all avenues of escape. Quickly
he thrust madame into the hut, whipped out his blade, bared his arm,
and waited just inside the doorway. Everything was plain to him. Eh!
well, some one would take the journey with him; he would not set out
alone. And madame! He was unnerved for a moment.
"Diane," he said, "forgive me as easily as I forgive you," he said
quietly. "And pray for us both. I shall be too busy."
She fell upon her knees, folding her hands across her heaving bosom.
Her lips moved, but without sound. She saw, possibly, farther into
this dark design than the Chevalier. Women love brave men, even as
brave men love woman's beauty; and persistently into her prayers stole
the thought that this man who was about to defend her honor with his
life was among the bravest. A sob choked her.
"D'Hérouville, you black scoundrel, why do you come so slowly?"
challenged the Chevalier. "The single window is too small for a man to
crawl through. Think you to pass this way?"
"I am going to try!" cried D'Hérouville, triumphantly. How well
everything had turned out. "Now, men, stand back a little; there will
be some sword play."
"I'll engage the four of you in the open, if madame is permitted to go
free." The Chevalier urged, this simply to gain time. He knew what
the answer would be.
D'Hérouville appealed to Corporal Frémin. "Is that not an excellent
joke, my Corporal?"
"Eye of the bull, yes!"
"Ho! D'Hérouville, wait for me!"
Madame sprang to her feet screaming: "Vicomte, save us!" She flew to
the door.
"Back, Madame," warned the Chevalier, "or you will have me killed."
With his left arm he barred the door.