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.”