moi Ribaumont’ round it.  Could it then be Berenger’s own castle, and was it thus that he was approaching it?  He himself had not looked up; he was utterly spent with fatigue, dejection, and the severe headache brought on by the heat of the sun, and was only intent on rallying his powers for the crisis of fate that was probably approaching; and thus scarcely took note of the court into which he rode, lying between the gateway and the corps de logis, a building erected when comfort demanded more space than was afforded by the old keep, against which one end leant; but still, though inclosed in a court, the lower windows were small and iron-barred, and all air of luxury was reserved for the mullioned casements of the upper storey.  The court was flagged, but grass shot up between the stones, and the trim air of ease and inhabited comfort to which the brothers were used at home was utterly wanting.  Berenger was hustled off his horse, and roughly pushed through a deep porch, where the first thing he heard was the Chevalier de Ribaumont’s voice in displeasure.

’How now, sir; hands off!  Is this the way you conduct my nephew?

’He resisted, sir.

‘Sir,’ said Berenger, advancing into the hall, ’I know not the meaning of this.  I am peacefully traveling with a passport from the King, when I am set upon, no warrant shown me, my faithful servant slain, myself and my brother, an English subject, shamefully handled.

’The violence shall be visited on whatever rascal durst insult a gentleman and my nephew,’ said the Chevalier.  ’For release, it shall be looked to; but unfortunately it is too true that there are orders from the Queen in Council for your apprehension, and it was only on my special entreaty for the honour of the family, and the affection I bear you, that I was allowed to receive you here instead of your being sent to an ordinary prison.

‘On what pretext?’ demanded Berenger.

’It is known that you have letters in your possession from escaped traitors now in England, to La Noue, Duplessis Mornay, and other heretics.

‘That is easily explained,’ said Berenger.  ’You know well, sir, that they were to facilitate my search at La Sablerie.  You shall see them yourself, sir.

‘That I must assuredly do,’ replied the Chevalier, ’for it is the order of her Majesty, I regret to say, that your person and baggage be searched;’ then, as indignant colour rushed into Berenger’s face, and an angry exclamation was beginning, he added, ’Nay, I understand, my dear cousin, it is very painful, but we would spare you as much as possible.  It will be quite enough if the search is made by myself in the presence of this gentleman, who will only stand by for form’s sake.  I have no doubt it will enable us quickly to clear up matters, and set you free again.  Do me the honour to follow me to the chamber destined for you.

‘Let me see the order for my arrest,’ said Berenger, holding his head high.