"Enough!" cried the duke.

Now that danger was certain, his coolness returned; and his herculean
form, a trifle bowed by the weight of years, rose to its full height.

He gave the bell-rope a violent pull; a valet appeared.

"My uniform," commanded M. de Sairmeuse; "my pistols! Quick!"

The servant was about to obey, when the duke exclaimed:

"Wait! Let someone take a horse, and go and tell my son to come here
without a moment's delay. Take one of the swiftest horses. The messenger
ought to go to Sairmeuse and return in two hours."

Chupin endeavored to attract the duke's attention by pulling the skirt
of his coat. M. de Sairmeuse turned:

"What is it?"

The old poacher put his finger on his lip, recommending silence, but as
soon as the valet had left the room, he said:

"It is useless to send for the marquis."

"And why, you fool?"

"Because, Monsieur, because--excuse me--I----"