be known to the Vicomte and to his family.

Presently he called the old man to my bedside and I heard them
talking of my condition.

"You think, then, Anatole," he said in the end, "that in three or
four days Monsieur de Lesperon may be able to rise?"

"I am assured of it," replied the old servant.

Whereupon, turning to me, "Be therefore of good courage, monsieur,"
said Lavedan, "for your hurt is none so grievous after all."

I was muttering my thanks and my assurances that I was in excellent
spirits, when we were suddenly disturbed by a rumbling noise as of
distant thunder.

"Mort Dieu!" swore the Vicomte, a look of alarm coming into his
face. With a bent head, he stood in a listening attitude.

"What is it?" I inquired.

"Horsemen - on the drawbridge," he answered shortly. "A troop, by
the sound."

And then, in confirmation of these words, followed a stamping and
rattle of hoofs on the flags of the courtyard below. The old servant
stood wringing his hands in helpless terror, and wailing, "Monsieur,
monsieur!"