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96 I would choose that which has the more spice in it, and devil take the danger. But you and I stand on different footings, Gerard, and I would not so counsel you."

"Counsel or no counsel, I stay, Pascal. We will have the troops up when the need calls for them. But I will follow the spirit of your advice. I'll write to my cousin d'Alembert, at Cambrai, bidding him be prepared to march hither at an hour's notice; and to-morrow early you must find means to despatch a messenger to him. Then seek out Dubois, and tell him to keep in close touch with the hundred we brought into the city as monks, so as to assemble them at any moment. Do you know how the hundred we played at presenting to this Governor have been bestowed?"

"That was a shrewd step," answered Pascal, with a laugh. "They are enrolled among the castle guards, in accordance with the suggestion Dubois handed on from his Eminence—yourself, Gerard. Pray Heaven, they do but keep discreet tongues. They are tough fighters, and every man would gladly give his life for you; but like soldiers, they love their liquor."

"To-morrow, or at any rate the day following, should see all in readiness for us to act. Now let me write my letter—a task I loathe."

While Gerard wrote, Pascal left the room, wishful in case of emergencies to learn his way better about the great house, and he came back just as the seal was set to the paper.

"Gerard, that sharp-eyed beauty, Mdlle. Lucette, wishes a word with you. I met her on the watch in the corridor as I returned."

Gerard went out to her.

"May I put a question to you, M. de Cobalt?" was how she met him.

"Certainly, mademoiselle. Can I help you? You look sorely troubled."