I knew that my own strange fear was his.

On the way to Vincennes Baron Giordano stopped to get a case of pistols, powder, and balls, and we arrived at our destination just as M. de Chateau-Renard’s carriage drove up.  At M. de Chateaugrand’s suggestion we all made our way to a certain glade away from the public pathway.

Martelli and Chateaugrand measured, the distance together, while Louis bade me farewell, asking me to accept his watch, and begging me to keep the duel out of the papers, and to prevail upon Giordano not to let any word of the matter reach Sullacro.

M. Chateau-Renard was at his post.  Baron Giordano gave Louis his pistol.

Chateaugrand called out, “Gentlemen, are you ready?” Then he clapped his hands “One, two, three.”

Two shots went off at the same moment, and Louis de Franchi fell.  His opponent was unhurt.  I rushed to Louis and raised him up.  Blood came to his lips.  It was useless to send for a surgeon.

Chateau-Renard had withdrawn, but his seconds hastened to express their horror at the fatal ending of the combat.

Chateaugrand added that he hoped M. de Franchi bore no malice against his opponent.

“No, no, I forgive him!” said Louis.  “But tell him to leave Paris.  He must go.”

The dying man spoke with difficulty.  He reminded me of my promise, and asked me, as he fell back, to look at my watch.

It was exactly ten minutes past nine, and Louis was dead.

We carried the body back to the house, and Giordano made the required statement to the District Commissioner of Police.  Then the house was sealed by the police, and Louis de Franchi was laid to rest in Pere-La-chaise.  But M. de Chateau-Renard could not be persuaded to leave Paris, though MM. de Boissy and de Chateaugrand both did their best to induce him to go.

IV.—­Lucien Takes Vengeance

One night, five days after the funeral, I was working late at my writing-table, when my servant entered, and told me in a frightened tone that M. de Franchi wanted to speak to me.

“Who?” I said, in astonishment.

“M. de Franchi, sir, your friend—­the gentleman who has been here once or twice to see you.”

“You must be out of your senses, Victor!  Don’t you know that he died five days ago?”

“Yes, sir; and that’s why I am so upset.  I heard a ring at the bell, and when I opened the door, he walked in, asked if you were at home, and told me to tell you that M. de Franchi desired to speak with you.”

“Are you out of your mind, my good man?  I suppose the hall is badly lit, and you were half-asleep and heard the name wrong.  Go back and ask the name again.”

“No, sir, I will swear that I’m not mistaken.  I’m sure I heard and saw perfectly.”

“Very well, then, show him in.”

Victor went back to the door, trembling all the time, and said, “Please step in, sir.”