Page:A courier of fortune (1904).djvu/323

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AT THE CITY GATES
305

cast sharply in all directions, despite his laughing manner and words.

"Do you think we shall get through? Poor Gabrielle is so anxious."

"Aye, that's one of the troubles. She's too anxious to play her part well, I fear. She's not like—Madame Burgher."

"Nor is M. Gerard like—Monsieur Burgher."

"Well, let us hope the husband and wife will get their two charges safely through. We shall reach Babillon's, at any rate," he said soon afterwards, as they came in sight of the house. "I pray we shall find better luck than last time."

But they did not. The house was closed, and when they knocked and Babillon's wife admitted them, it was to say that her husband had not been home all night.

"It's not a serious matter," said Pascal, making light of it, as he did of all difficulties. "Wait here, and I'll go and find a couple of horses somewhere."

"But Babillon could have given us news of how matters stand at the gates and a hundred other things," replied Gerard uneasily.

"All of which we shall now have to find out for ourselves instead," and learning where he was likely to procure horses, Pascal went off on his search. He was soon back, riding one horse and leading another.

"The city is much quieter this morning. I had a talk with the man where I got these," he reported, "and he says all the soldiers who were searching the city have been recalled to the Castle."

"And about the gates?"

"He knew nothing, and I could ask no more than a general question, or I might have stirred suspicion. Now, Madame Burgher," he said to Lucette, and there was some laughing between them over settling her in the pillion. But Gerard was in no mood to see any objects