It was, if at all possible,
easier, and would cost the governor no lives.
Now, if the plan suggested by Montignac was being carried out, the
governor's arrival at Clochonne meant that his spy had sent him word of
my hiding-place. But could De Berquin have done so? He had previously
shown some skill in secret pursuit. Had he eluded the vigilance of my
sentinels, learned that we were at Maury, and sent one of his men to the
governor with the information? It was improbable, yet nothing occurs more
often than the improbable. So I asked Marianne:
"Have you seen anything of the five men who drank with me the night you
carried wine to us from the inn?"
"Not since that night, monsieur."
"And you have no more news than you have told me?"
"Nothing more, monsieur; so, if you please, I will hurry back, for
my old man is sure to have fallen asleep, and it would be a pity if
the governor's men should come by the forest road without being
seen. Be sure, if they come after I reach home, you shall know of it
in good time."
I bade her go, and turned to mademoiselle.
She was as pale as a white lily. As soon as my eye met hers, she said, in
a faint voice:
"I am going in, monsieur. I am tired. No, I can go alone. Do not be
concerned about me. I shall soon feel better."
And she went rapidly into the chateau, giving me no time in which to
assure her that there was no reason for immediate alarm.
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