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184 Lucette, who looked at the pair with curious eyes. Wondering what Dauban could be doing in such company, she followed at a distance and resolved to watch.

"Are we alone here?" asked Pascal.

"Quite. You need have no fear on that score."

"Those doors—are they locked? If not, lock them and bring the keys here."

All unsuspecting and wishing to win his companion's confidence, Dauban did so and laid the keys on the table before him. As if still doubting, Pascal glanced round the room for himself, taking advantage of the minute to loose his habit stealthily.

"Paper, monsieur," he said, and while Dauban's back was toward him he slipped off his habit and laughed.

At his laugh Dauban turned, and the colour fled from his face in the fright of the recognition.

"Now, Master Spy, we will have a little talk and an understanding," said Pascal. "Sit down there," pointing to a seat, "and if you give but one faint sign of resistance, I'll first break half the bones in your body up here, and then pitch you from the casement yonder for the courtyard stones to break the other half."

The spy sat staring open-eyed and agape at him, cursing himself for his blindness in not having recognized Pascal; and cudgelling his wits how to get out of the trap into which he had walked, and in abject fear for himself.

"You thought to trap me, Master Spy, and instead I've trapped you. Now understand, I'm in too dangerous a mood to bear any trifling and am in desperate haste. Do all I tell you and do it at once, and answer my questions plainly, and you'll save your life; but try to fool me and—well, I've told you what I'll do, and I'm a man of my word."

"I've no desire"

".Silence, till I bid you speak. This is your master's