important piece of advice. Do you know my son?"

"Certainly; we were formerly the best of comrades during our vacations."

"Very well. When you know my secret--for I shall confide it to you
without reserve--beware of Jean."

"What, sir?"

"Beware of Jean. I repeat it."

And he blushed deeply, as he added:

"Ah! it is a painful avowal for a father; but I have no confidence in my
own son. He knows no more in regard to my plans than I told him on the
day of his arrival. I deceive him, because I fear he might betray us.
Perhaps it would be wise to send him away; but in that case, what would
people say? Most assuredly they would say that I was very avaricious of
my own blood, while I was very ready to risk the lives of others. Still
I may be mistaken; I may misjudge him."

He sighed, and added:

"Beware!"



CHAPTER XIX

So it was really Maurice d'Escorval whom the Marquis de Sairmeuse had