taking his master’s side; but at the sight of that familiar face, he felt his heart swell with joy and love and veneration.  For intuition told him why Monsieur le Marquis was in Quebec.  It was to seek Monsieur le Chevalier.  And together they would all go back to France, beautiful France.  He burst into hysterical tears, regardless of the wonder which he created.  And there was the kindly Jehan, who had dandled him on his knee, long years ago before trouble had cast its blighting shadow over the House of Perigny.  Blessed day!

Very slowly and with infinite pains the marquis climbed from the boat to the wharf.  It was evident to Breton that the long voyage at sea had sapped his vitality and undermined his vigor.  He was still erect, but, ah! how lean and frail!  But his eye was still the eye of the proud eagle, and it swept the crowd, searching for a familiar face.  Breton dared not make himself known because of that eye.  An officer who had formerly resided in Rochelle recognized the marquis instantly, and he pressed forward.

“Monsieur le Marquis in Quebec?” he cried.

“You are of the fort?” replied the marquis.  His voice was thin and high, like that of old men whose blood is turning to water.

“Yes, Monsieur,” answered the officer.

“Will you lead me to his Excellency the governor?  I have letters to present from her Majesty the queen.”

“Follow me, Monsieur;” and the officer conducted the marquis through the crowd, politely but firmly brushing aside those who blocked his path.  He found the governor quickly.  “Your Excellency, the Marquis de Perigny wishes to present to you letters from her august Majesty.”

“Monsieur le Marquis here?” exclaimed the governor.  He embraced the old nobleman, whom he held in genuine regard.

“So your Excellency remembers me?” said the marquis, pleased.

“One does not forget a man such as you are, Monsieur.  And I see you here in Quebec?  What twist of fortune brings you to my household?”

“I have come in search of a prodigal son, Monsieur,” smiling.  “Know you one who calls himself the Chevalier du Cevennes?”

“The Chevalier du Cevennes?” The governor was nonplussed.  The marquis here in search of the Chevalier?

“I see that he is here,” said the marquis, with a note of satisfaction.

“No, Monsieur; not here, but has been.”

“He can be found?”

“Within sixty hours.”

“That is well.  I am very fortunate.”

“You will be my guest during your stay?” suggested the governor.

“Her Majesty asks that good favor of you.”

“A great honor, Monsieur, truly;” and the governor was elated at the thought of having so distinguished a guest at his table.

The marquis turned to the patient Jehan.  “Jehan, you will see to the portmanteaus.”

“Yes, Monsieur.”