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150 for much; but try to have them marked. They are two of this Tiger's claws and would scratch from behind given the chance."

Just then a noise behind them attracted Gerard's attention, and turning he saw de Proballe, with Dauban at his side, hurrying toward the apartments of the Governor.

"Ah, Gerard, I find you in good company here!" said de Proballe in a cordial tone, pausing on his way. "I have great news. It concerns you."

"How so, M. le Baron?"

"What a formal fellow you are, with your M. le Baron. We must get to closer terms than these. I'm taking my news to the Governor. Come with me. Give me your arm, lad."

"I thank you, monsieur, but it is not my wish."

"Oh, Gerard, Gerard," cried de Proballe, with a laugh. "You will never push your way in this good city of Morvaix while you show yourself so cold and indifferent. Well, well, come to the Duke or go to the—Church your own way. It's all one to me," and with a laugh he swept on. He was in high spirits.

"There is some meaning in this," muttered Gerard, gazing after him. "Go you, Dubois, and see to all I have said. I will make my way to the Duke. 'When de Proballe laughs there is the devil by his elbow,' was once a proverb in Paris, and it may be just as true in Morvaix."

Without appearing to hasten, he followed de Proballe, keeping a wary eye for all things as he passed along, and quickened his steps when he caught sight of the Governor in the distance in conference with de Proballe, while Gabrielle, her back toward him, was watching them closely.

The Governor had come down in response to de Proballe's urgent message in the firm belief that the news