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This apprehension ledto gather froes I learnt then that besides the ordinary Tribunal, a Commissioner had been dispatched by His Majesty, and was hourly expected to arrive at Toulouse It would be hisplace It was said, he added, that the King himself was on his way thither, to be present at the trial of Monsieur le Duc de Montes, and was not yet expected for some days My heart, which had leapt at the news, as suddenly sank again with the consideration that I should probably be disposed of before the King's arrival It would behoove me, therefore, to look elsewhere for help and for some one to swear to 's Commissioner?" I asked

"It is a certain Coh in His Majesty's favour"

"Chatellerault!" I cried in wondering joy

"You know hihed "We are very intientleh your trouble Although--" Being hed easily "Indeed, h friendship in this world is a thing of which the unfortunate know little"

But I rejoiced too soon, as you shall hear

We rode diligently on, our way lying along the fertile banks of the Garonne, now yelloith the rustling corn Towards evening we made our last halt at Fenouillet, whence a couple of hours' riding should bring us to Toulouse

At the post-house we overtook a carriage that seely had halted for relays, but upon which I scarce bestowed a glance as I alighted

Whilst Castelroux went to arrange for fresh horses, I strode into the co the viands with our host When at last I had resolved that a cold pasty and a bottle of Arnac would satisfy our wants, I looked about roup in a reree that I remained deaf to the voice of Castelroux, who had just entered, and who stood now beside roup was the Coure, dressed with that funereal ht of him that filled me with amazement For that, Castelroux's information had prepared me, and I well understood in what capacity he was there My surprise sprang rather froentlemen about him--and evidently in attendance--I beheld the Chevalier de Saint-Eustache Now, knowing as I did, the Chevalier's treasonable leanings, there was a him in such company Apparently, too, he was on very intiht hi over to whisper familiarly in Chatellerault's ear