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128 and carry this message to my cousin. In it I have urged him to bring up the troops with all despatch. If your courier of this morning gets first to hand, d'Alembert will be already preparing; if not, this urgent message will hurry him. If our messenger gets quickly to him some eight-and-forty hours should see him without the city here; and I have told him to ride straight in unless a messenger from me meets him with a further despatch. By nightfall, on the day after to-morrow at latest, he should be here; and within that short space no great harm can happen to either Mademoiselle de Malincourt or to me, let this Governor do what he will."

"'Twould be a shrewder plan to get her to ride with you to Cambrai and return with the troops," said Pascal.

"The thought has not escaped me; and it may come to it yet. We shall see. Failing it, I have this plan: Let Dubois or yourself choose some likely place in the city to which our fellows can be brought, so that at need, should trouble come, we can make a stand."

"That is more to my liking," said Pascal, gleefully.

"And lastly for yourself, Pascal. Don't return here, but don once more your monk's gown; and when the task I have given you is completed, go to the Castle and keep your eyes open. There, if anywhere, trouble may be looked for, and your ready wit will be most needed."

"You will at least let me be near you," said Pascal earnestly.

"I know your zeal and friendship too well to hesitate to send for you at the first touch of danger. But I look for none of any serious character. And now," he broke off, rising, "it is time for this visit to the Castle. I must find Mademoiselle de Malincourt."

Gabrielle was waiting for him and again urged him not to go.

"I have a presentiment," she said. "Let me dissuade you at the last moment from this ill-omened daring."