A Mysterious Warning
It was the evening of August 20. The Louvre was brilliantly illuminated;
the gardens and the various apartments were crowded with the beauty and
nobility of France. Catholics and Huguenots mingled together on the
friendliest terms; everything pointed to peace and goodwill. Henry of
Navarre and his handsome queen were there, and so were Monseigneur and
Henry of Guise.
One could hardly think of danger in the midst of so much mirth and
gaiety, and yet, though unseen by us, the shadow of death was hovering
very near!
Felix and I had gone to the palace together, but, as he basely deserted
me for Jeanne, I was left to wander about alone. I was, however, by no
means depressed by my isolation. The lights, the music, the beauty of
the ladies, and the handsome uniforms of the men, all filled me with the
liveliest pleasure, and two hours rapidly slipped by.
Now and again I exchanged greetings with some cavalier whose
acquaintance I had made during my stay in the city, and amongst others I
met the Catholic officer who had befriended me on the night of my
arrival in Paris.
"This is far better than cutting each other's throats, monsieur," said
he, with a wave of his hand. "Your Henry of Navarre has proved a real
peacemaker!"
"And the king!" I responded, unwilling to be outdone in generosity. "We
must not forget his part in bringing about this happy state of affairs!"
"Nor the noble Coligny's. I expect the Admiral has had more to do with
it than both the others."
Now it was exceedingly pleasant to hear my patron praised in this way by
one of his opponents, and I began to think that after all our prospects
were less gloomy than the conversation of my comrades would lead one to
suppose.
Toward midnight I was crossing the hall in order to speak with Felix and
my sister, who were standing with the Countess Guichy and several
ladies, when I caught sight of Renaud L'Estang. He had been in
attendance upon Monseigneur, but was now at liberty. Turning aside, I
went to meet him, intending to thank him for his timely warning.
"Ah, monsieur," said he pleasantly, "I have been looking for you. I have
something to say, and one can talk without fear in a crowded room. But
do not let people guess by your face that I am saying anything serious.
That lady," and he glanced toward Jeanne, "is, I believe, your sister?"
"Yes," I replied, wondering what he could say which concerned Jeanne.
"Listen," he continued. "I have tried to keep the promise made to you
that miserable night in Rochelle."
"You have more than kept your promise," I interrupted eagerly.
"I have done what I could. It is not much, but enough perhaps to show I
am your friend. Now, ask me no questions; I cannot reply to them; but
for the love you bear your sister answer what I ask you. Can you make an
excuse to leave Paris?"
"And desert my patron?"
"No," said he thoughtfully, "it is too much to expect from a man of
honour; but there is your servant! He is shrewd and capable, and will
fight to the death in your sister's defence."
"Yes," I exclaimed, "you judge him rightly."
"Do not start; keep a smile on your face, but understand all the time
that I am speaking of a matter of life and death. Invent what excuse you
like, but to-morrow morning send Jacques to Rochelle in charge of your
sister, and let him make no delay on the road. Brush aside all
objections; do not be influenced by any one; follow my advice, and I
pledge my word that you will not regret it."
"This is somewhat startling!" I exclaimed; "you must have some good
reasons for such advice as this. Can you not trust me?"
"Monsieur," he replied a little bitterly, "I have already told you that
I have my own code of honour. It sounds strange from the lips of an
adventurer, does it not? But I cannot betray the man whose bread I eat.
As a matter of fact, I know nothing; to-morrow I may know more--that is
why I am speaking to-night. Now I must leave you, but I say again with
all the earnestness I possess, send your sister to Rochelle in the
morning, even if you have to force her to go!"
Raising his voice he uttered some commonplace about the brilliancy of
the scene, smiled brightly, waved his hand, and disappeared, leaving me
lost in wonder and perplexity.
What was the meaning of this strange warning? He was in deadly earnest;
of that there could be no doubt, and yet he refused to give me the
slightest clue to the mystery. But perhaps that very refusal would help
to reveal the secret! I must discuss the matter with Felix, and
meanwhile try to bear myself as if nothing had happened.
As a matter of precaution, however, I told Jeanne I had received news
from Rochelle, and that it might be necessary for her to travel to that
town.
"There is nothing at which to be alarmed," I continued, "but we will
talk about it to-morrow. If it really becomes necessary for you to go, I
shall want you to depart without delay."
Jeanne was a brave girl. "Do you fear danger, Edmond?" she asked. "If
there is danger, I will stay and share it with you."
"What a queer fancy!" I exclaimed lightly. "It is just a little matter
in which you can be of assistance to the Cause"; at which she smiled,
saying, "Anything I can do for the Cause, Edmond, I will do willingly."
"Even leave Paris!" I laughed, and having driven away her fears I left
her.
Felix was very bright and joyous that night, and so merry in himself
that he failed to notice my thoughtfulness. I said nothing of
L'Estang's communication until we were alone in our room, when I told
him the story.
I had not to ask for his opinion. Almost before I had finished, he
exclaimed with decision, "Whatever this does or does not mean, Jeanne
must go to Rochelle. L'Estang has proved himself your friend; he can
have no reason for deceiving you."
"I will answer for L'Estang's loyalty."
"Then send Jeanne away; or, rather, take her yourself."
"That is impossible! If there is anything in L'Estang's story, it points
to a plot against our chief. He is evidently afraid of trouble, perhaps
of fierce fighting between the two parties, and thinks my sister would
be safer out of the city."
"He gave you no hint?"
"Not the slightest. He said he knew nothing, but had he known he would
not have betrayed his own party. We must remember that though he has
done so much for me, he belongs to the side of our opponents. It must
have cost him a struggle to tell what he did."
"Yes," said Felix thoughtfully, "between loyalty to his party and
friendship for you he was in a cleft stick! You will repeat the story to
our patron?"
"To what end? He has received dozens of warnings! Still, I will tell
him."
I obtained little sleep that night; spending the hours tossing
restlessly, turning from side to side, wondering what the danger was
which had induced L'Estang to give this indirect but ominous warning. As
soon as the household began to stir, I rose and dressed, eager to seek
an interview with Coligny.
He was already dressed and busy with Des Pruneaux, but he spoke to me
graciously and with the kindly interest that he ever showed.
"You must not keep me long, Le Blanc," he said, laying a hand on my
shoulder in his fatherly manner.
"My lord," I replied, "you shall have my story in the fewest possible
words. I think it is of the greatest importance, but in any case I am
bound to tell you! When we were in Rochelle, I did a simple service for
one of our opponents."
"A good deed ever brings forth good fruit, my boy."
"It did in this instance, my lord. The man, who is in the pay of
Monseigneur, has since proved a faithful friend in connexion with my
private affairs. I owe him my life. He is, I believe deep in the secrets
of his party, but these he has never revealed, and I have never asked
him."
"Quite right," observed the Admiral.
"Since the death of Queen Joan, my sister has lived in Paris with the
Countess Guichy. Last night this strange friend of mine advised me with
the utmost earnestness to have her conveyed to Rochelle. He gave me no
reason, but from his manner I am sure he fears something terrible is
about to happen. 'Invent what excuse you like,' said he, 'but to-morrow
morning send Jacques'--that is my servant--'to Rochelle in charge of
your sister, and let him make no delay on the road.' There must be some
grave reason for his advice, my lord."
"You have no doubt of this man's friendship?"
"Not a shadow of doubt; he has proved it to the hilt."
"Then your sister must leave Paris promptly, and she shall carry a
letter from me to the commandant. That will furnish an excuse for her
hurried departure. I will write it immediately."
"But, my lord," I said hesitatingly, for it ever required some courage
to hint that he should take measures for his personal safety, "it is of
the possible peril to yourself I am thinking."
"I do not believe there is any danger," he replied; "but I am in the
hands of God, Le Blanc. If He, in His wisdom, and for His own good
purpose, wills that I should die at my post, I am content. Now, Des
Pruneaux shall write the letter, and after breakfast you shall take it
to your sister."
I went out, and writing a note to Jeanne, bidding her get ready for an
early start, sent it off by Jacques.
"I wonder," said Felix, "if your friend's warning has anything to do
with the king's fresh move. Last night twelve hundred of the guards
marched into Paris, and are quartered near the Louvre."
"They may be wanted to overawe Guise and Anjou," I suggested. "If so, it
was a wise step to take."
"Yes, if so!" he agreed, but the tone of his voice did not imply much
confidence in my suggestion.
As soon as Jacques returned, I told him to prepare for a journey to
Rochelle, dwelling strongly upon the necessity for the greatest
expedition.
"There is some danger threatening you," exclaimed the trusty fellow.
"No more than there was yesterday, Jacques; but I am uneasy about my
sister, and would rather she were behind the walls of La Rochelle."
"I do not like leaving you, monsieur."
"You must, Jacques; there is no one else to whom I would care to entrust
my sister. But not a word to her of the real reason! She must imagine
she is doing us a service or she will not stir; so we are sending her
with a letter from the Admiral to the commandant at Rochelle."
When Felix and I went to the house, we were received by the countess,
who was not at all pleased by the news of Jeanne's approaching
departure. "What new conspiracy is this," she asked, "that you need a
young girl for an ally? Have you not men enough to do your work?"
"Ah," laughed Felix playfully, "you wish to discover our secrets. It is
quite useless, my lady; we are proof against all your wiles; but on her
return, Mademoiselle Jeanne shall tell you herself; you won't be able to
do any mischief then!"
"You are a saucy boy!" exclaimed the countess, pinching his ear. "And
pray, which of you is to be Jeanne's escort?"
"I am sending my servant," I answered. "He is very trustworthy, and will
guard her with his own life."
"Do you intend your sister to walk to Rochelle?" she asked, the humorous
twinkle coming back to her eyes.
"I am going to procure a carriage."
"You will do nothing of the kind!" she declared emphatically. "I am not
supposed to be acquainted with your stupid plots, and your sister shall
go to Rochelle in my carriage, drawn by my horses, and driven by my
coachman. The poor beasts will probably die of the plague in that gloomy
hole, but they must take their chance. Now, do not speak! I am not to be
lectured by two giddy boys. And do not kiss me, Felix! What I am doing
is for Jeanne. Perhaps when they cut off my head for joining in your
horrid conspiracy you will be sorry. Now, have the horses put into the
carriage, while I see Jeanne."
"She is a generous soul!" exclaimed Felix, as we left the room. "She has
many strange whims, but no one could be more loyal to a friend, and she
has grown to love Jeanne very dearly."
"She is exceedingly kind," I said, "and the more so since we have no
claims on her generosity."
By the time Jacques arrived everything was ready, and we had only to bid
my sister good-bye. She bore up bravely, but the parting was a painful
one, for in our hearts both Felix and I had an uneasy feeling that we
were saying farewell to her for ever. Of this, fortunately, she had no
suspicion, and she promised the countess to return directly the business
with the commandant was finished.
"Remember," I whispered to Jacques, as the coachman gathered up the
reins, "there must be no delay. Reach Rochelle as quickly as possible,
and keep your mistress there until I send to you. The commandant, who
will understand the real purpose of the journey, will help you."
Jacques drew up beside the carriage; Jeanne, leaning out, fluttered her
dainty handkerchief; we waved our hands in response, and she was gone.
"Jeanne is a brave girl and a good girl," said the countess. "I wish she
were my daughter. And now, you two villains, who have deprived an old
woman of her only pleasure in life, leave me. I am going to my room,
where I can cry comfortably. I am not so young that tears will spoil my
eyes."
On our way back to the _Hôtel Coligny_ we encountered Monseigneur, with
a body of his gentlemen, riding through the city. Numerous persons were
in the streets, and as he passed by, bowing and smiling graciously, they
greeted him with cheers.
"Anjou has some purpose in doing that," remarked Felix; but I made no
answer, being occupied in watching L'Estang, who rode in the very rear
of the cavalcade. He had caught sight of me, and while still looking
straight before him he raised his hand, pointing significantly to the
west. I nodded my head, and with a smile of satisfaction he rode on.
"Did you notice that?" I asked.
"Yes," replied Felix, "but without understanding."
"The meaning was plain enough. He was asking if Jeanne had gone, and I
answered 'Yes.'"
"He takes a great interest in your sister," said Felix a trifle
discontentedly.
"Because she is my sister," I replied. "Listen, the worthy citizens are
cheering for Guise now."
"I suppose he is parading the streets as well. What a pack of fools
these Parisians are!"
"If they cheered for Coligny," I laughed, "you would credit them with
all the wisdom under the sun. So much depends on one's point of view!"
"Edmond! Felix! Why do you look so astonished? Do you fancy I am a
spirit? Feel my hand; that is substantial enough, is it not?" and Roger
Braund laughed heartily as he crossed the lobby of the Admiral's house
toward us.
"You in Paris!" I exclaimed, after we had exchanged greetings, "when did
you arrive? How long have you been here?"
"An hour," he replied cheerfully. "Is your sister well, Edmond?"
"Quite well, thank you. She is on the way to Rochelle; but come to our
room, where we can talk more privately."
He accompanied us to our room, and I told him the story as it has been
set down here.
"You did right," said he thoughtfully! "Paris just now is no place for
her. But this journey to Rochelle is a hazardous venture with only
Jacques to protect her!"
"Jacques is a man of courage and discretion!" exclaimed Felix, with
rather more heat than was necessary.
"Jacques is a brave fellow," agreed Roger, "but he is only one man.
Edmond, with your leave, I will set out after the travellers, and assist
Jacques in guarding your sister."
"You will have but a short stay in Paris," remarked Felix.
"I shall return quickly to offer my sword to your chief. From Edmond's
story, I fancy he will have need of all his friends. I left my horse at
an inn; it is a fine beast, and is thoroughly rested now. I will start
immediately. No, I am not hungry; I have made a substantial meal. I
shall come straight here on my return. Good-bye to you both. Directly I
have placed Mademoiselle Jeanne in safety you will see me again?"
We had scarcely time to answer before he had gone, and from the window I
saw him speeding along the street as if he feared the loss of a single
second would overthrow all his plans.