"Not a hundred feet off. Follow the path; you'll find it at the
turn of the road, at the foot of that enormous bowlder you see."

"My lord," said Roland, "you are the best guide I know; thanks!"

And, with a friendly wave of the hand, he went off in the direction
of the fountain, humming the charming pastoral of Philippe Desportes
beneath his breath:

"'Rosette, a little absence
Has turned thine heart from me;
I, knowing that inconstance,
Have turned my heart from thee.
No wayward beauty o'er me
Such power shall obtain;
We'll see, my fickle lassie,
Who first will turn again.'"

Sir John turned as he heard the modulations of that fresh sweet
voice, whose higher notes had something at a feminine quality. His
cold methodical mind understood nothing of that nervous impulsive
nature, save that he had under his eyes one of the most amazing
organisms one could possibly meet.

The other two young men were waiting for him; the surgeon stood
a little apart. Sir John carried his box of pistols in his hands.
Laying it upon a table-shaped rock, he drew a little key from
his pocket, apparently fashioned by a goldsmith rather than a
locksmith, and opened the box. The weapons were magnificent,
although of great simplicity. They came from Manton's workshop,