I drew near the fellow with the lantern, in whom I recognised Ren?, the
hostler, and as I approached he flashed the light upon my face; then with a
gasp--"M. de Luynes," he exclaimed, remembering me from the time when I had
lodged at the Lys de France, three months ago.
"Sh!" I whispered, pressing a louis d'or into his hand. "Whose window is
that, Ren??" And I pointed towards the light.
"That," he replied, "is the room of the lieutenant and the gentleman in the
mask."
"I must take a look at them, Ren?, and whilst I am looking I shall search
my pocket for another louis. Now let me in."
"I dare not, Monsieur. Ma?tre Bernard may call me, and if the doors are
not closed--"
"Dame!" I broke in. "I shall stay but a moment."
"But--"
"And you will have easily earned a louis d'or. If Bernard calls you--
peste, tell him that you have let fall something, and that you are seeking
it. There, let me pass."
1 got past him at last, and made my way swiftly towards the other end of
the quadrangle.
As I approached, the sound of voices smote my ear, for the lighted window
stood open.
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