Rather to my surprise, I discovered that the royal troops had committed little damage, and in a few days, through the willing labours of the villagers, everything was restored to its former condition.  Several of my father’s old servants were eager to return, but, knowing how uncertain the future was, I decided to manage with as few as possible.

“I fear, monsieur,” said Jacques one evening, about a week after our return, “that we must expect trouble.”

“How so?” I asked.

“Cordel has been in the village, and has gone off in a towering passion.  It seems he has only just learned of your arrival, and has let fall several threats to old Pierre.”

“Pshaw!” I exclaimed, “what harm can the fellow do us?”

“I do not know, monsieur; but he is a false knave and full of cunning.  He will play you a nasty trick if he can find a way!”

“We will wait till that time comes,” I replied cheerfully, thinking Jacques had magnified the danger.

Cordel did not tax my patience long.  The very next afternoon an officer with an escort of twenty troopers, clattering up to the drawbridge, demanded admittance in the king’s name.  He was accompanied by the lawyer, and, knowing it would be folly to offer resistance, I ordered the bridge to be lowered.

“Edmond Le Blanc?” said the officer brusquely.

“Permit me to put you right,” I replied:  “the Sieur Le Blanc!”

He looked at Cordel, who said, “No one bears that name now.  His father was outlawed, and his estate confiscated.  The castle belongs to the king; this fellow has no right here, and,” viciously, “I doubt if he has a right to his life.  In any case, as the king’s representative, I order you to arrest him!”

“You will be responsible?” asked the officer, who seemed suddenly to have become somewhat timorous.  “You will give me an order in writing?”

“I tell you,” exclaimed Cordel furiously, taken aback by this question, “that I am carrying out the wishes of Monseigneur.  If you desire to make an enemy of him, you must.”

“But Monseigneur is not the king,” said the perplexed officer.

“You must choose between them,” I remarked, rather enjoying his dilemma.  “This man appears to shelter himself under the authority of Monseigneur; I am here at the express command of his majesty, to whom, as you wear his uniform, I suppose you are responsible.  However, the business is none of mine, but when the king calls you to account, remember that I gave you warning.”

“A plague on you both!” cried the officer, now thoroughly exasperated.  “To offend Monseigneur will be bad; to offend the king may be worse.  Do I understand, monsieur, that you are here by the king’s wish?”

“I am acting on his instructions.  Of course, if you force me to accompany you, I must submit, but it will be at your own peril.”

He drew Cordel aside, and the two conversed earnestly together for several minutes.  Then, turning to me, he said, “I am going away, monsieur; when I return it will be with his majesty’s order in my pocket.”