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280 was to draw up some testamentary document of importance, and that as Monsieur Le Moine was absent he must supply his place as well as he could. Equipping himself, therefore, in haste, and thrusting a sheet of parchment in his pocket, without stopping to ask more questions, he set off after the stranger, who at a rapid pace conducted him to the house to which Julie had followed them, pushed open the door, and without even waiting to shut it, ascended the stairs by the light of a small lantern which he drew from under his cloakunlocked a chamber door, made a sign to Valentine to enter, which he had no sooner done, than he instantly closed it upon him, saying, 'You'll see what's necessary;' and turning the key, was heard descending the stairs as fast as he had mounted them.

"Alarmed by so strange an adventure, and fearing he had been lured into a snare by a villain for some desperate purpose, he used every effort to open the door; but in vain. He then rushed to the window, threw it open, and called as loudly as he could for aid, but no sound answered his appeal.

"Whilst he was still looking out of the window, endeavouring to discover by the imperfect