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Count Hannibal - A Romance of the Court of France by Stanley John Weyman
page 35 of 411 (08%)
top, however, he stood, an oath on his lips. Two men had entered by the
open door below--even as he had entered! And as quietly!

The imprudence of it! The imprudence of leaving the door so that it
could not be closed! He turned, and descended to meet them, his teeth
set, his hand on his sword, one conjecture after another whirling in his
brain. Was he beset? Was it a trap? Was it a rival? Was it chance?
Two steps he descended; and then the voice he had heard before cried
again, but more imperatively--

"No, Monsieur, this way! Did you not hear me? This way, and be quick,
if you please. By-and-by there will be a crowd, and then the more we
have dealt with the better!"

He knew now that he had made a mistake, that he had entered the wrong
house; and naturally his impulse was to continue his descent and secure
his retreat. But the pause had brought the two men who had entered face
to face with him, and they showed no signs of giving way. On the
contrary.

"The room is above, Monsieur," the foremost said, in a matter-of-fact
tone, and with a slight salutation. "After you, if you please," and he
signed to him to return.

He was a burly man, grim and truculent in appearance, and his follower
was like him. Tignonville hesitated, then turned and ascended. But as
soon as he had reached the landing where they could pass him, he turned
again.

"I have made a mistake, I think," he said. "I have entered the wrong
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