failed. How could I condemn to death this man who had freely risked his
life to comfort his mother's last moments?

"Monsieur," I said awkwardly, "listen to me. When I met you in the city,
I jumped to the conclusion that you had come to Rochelle as a spy. You
told me your story, and I believed it; but you have doubtless many
enemies who will laugh at it. They will say----"

"Nothing, monsieur; I shall go to the block without words. Renaud
L'Estang will find no mercy in Rochelle, and asks none."

There was no hint of bravado in his speech; it was but the expression of
a man of intrepid courage and iron will.

"Once more listen," I said. "Had you come to Rochelle as a spy I should
have handed you over to our troops without hesitation; but I am
regarding you, not as the servant of Anjou but as a tender and loving
son. I cannot have on my hands the blood of a man who has shown such
affection for his mother. I propose to accompany you to the gate, and
there to set you at liberty."

He stood like one suddenly stricken dumb. His limbs trembled, the
muscles of his face twitched convulsively; he gazed at me with unseeing
eyes.

"Monsieur," he said after a time, "I do not comprehend. Is it that you
give me, Renaud L'Estang, my life? No, I must have mistaken your words."

"You have made no mistake. As far as I am concerned you are free. I ask
but one thing, Renaud L'Estang. Some day you may be able to show mercy