From the course into which they had slipped, my thoughts were diverted,
when I was within half a mile of the ch?teau, by the sight of a horseman
stationed, motionless, among the trees that bordered the road. It occurred
to me that men take not such a position without purpose--usually an evil
one. I slackened speed somewhat and rode on, watching him sharply. As I
came up, he walked his horse forward to meet me, and I beheld a man in the
uniform of the gardes du corps, in whom presently I recognised the little
sparrow Malpertuis, with whom I had exchanged witticisms at Choisy. He was
the one man wanting to complete the trinity that had come upon us at the
inn of the Conn?table.
It flashed across my mind that he might be the officer charged with my
arrest, and that he had arrived sooner than had been expected. If so, it
was likely to go ill with him, for I was not minded to be taken until St.
Auban's soul sped hellwards.
He hailed me as I advanced, and indeed rode forward to meet me.
"You are come at last, M. de Luynes," was his greeting. "I have waited for
you this hour past.
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