to one of your foes. Should such a time arrive, remember that once mercy
was not withheld from you."

He did not speak, but motioned me with his hand to follow him. We
entered the chamber of death, and he knelt reverently by the bedside.
Then, in low, passionate tones, calling on the dead woman by name, he
made a solemn vow that, should it ever be in his power, he would repay
the debt he owed me, even at the sacrifice of life and all he held most
dear.

"I must fight for my side," he said, "but no Huguenot shall ever seek
quarter from me in vain."

He buckled on his sword, and we went out together in the dull grey
morning. Few persons were abroad, and none presumed to question one of
the Admiral's household. My companion fetched his horse from the inn,
and I walked with him until we were well beyond the walls of the town.

Then I came to a halt, saying: "Here we part; now you must depend on
yourself for safety."

He doffed his plumed hat. "Monsieur," he said, "the friends of Renaud
L'Estang would laugh on being told he was at a loss for words; yet it is
true. I cannot express my gratitude; I can but pray that I may have an
opportunity of proving it. Good-bye!"

"Good-bye!" I replied, and when he had ridden some distance I returned
thoughtfully to the city.

Felix, who was on duty at the hotel, looked at me curiously. "Where have