of piquet. Let's go at once to the castle you spoke of, where I have
to slip in without being seen."

That was good advice, and after we had drunk the wine to the last
drop we took the road, all three of us, to the Cross of the Sablons.
I walked with M. d'Anquetil. My good tutor, hindered by the water
his breeches had soaked in, followed us, crying, moaning and
disgusted.




CHAPTER XVIII

Our Return--We smuggle M. d'Anquetil in--M. d'Asterac on Jealousy--
M. Jerome Coignard in Trouble--What happened while I was in the
Laboratory--Jahel persuaded to elope.


The morning light already pricked our jaded eyes when we reached the
green door to the park. We had not to use the knocker, as some time
ago the porter had given us the keys of his domain. It was agreed
that my good tutor, with d'Anquetil, should cautiously advance in
the shadow of the lane, and that I should remain behind on the
lookout for the faithful Criton, and the kitchen boys who might
perhaps see us coming along. This arrangement, which was nothing but
reasonable, was to turn out rather badly for me. My two companions
had gone up without being discovered, and reached my room, where we
had decided to hide M. d'Anquetil until the moment of escape in the
post-chaise, but as I was climbing the second flight of steps I met