The arquebusier tried to bring his weapon to bear on
Frojac, but Frojac dropped on his knees and, thrusting from below, ran
his sword into the man's belly. The man fell with a groan, dropping his
weapon and his match.
I looked around. The courtyard was empty. Were these four, then, the only
soldiers that had been left to guard the chateau? No, for these four had
been surprised to find the gate open. Some one else must have opened the
gate for mademoiselle. Moreover, the swordsman had spoken of a Lavigue.
"Take the arquebus and the match, Frojac," said I, "and come. There is
nothing to be done here at present."
He obeyed me, and we returned to the door of the chateau. Just as we were
about to enter, I heard steps as of one coming down a staircase within.
Then a man came out. He was a common soldier and he carried a halberd. At
sight of us he stopped, and stood in the greatest astonishment. Then he
looked towards the gate. His expression became one of the utmost
consternation.
A thought came to me. I recalled what the swordsman said.
"You are Lavigue?" said I to the soldier.
"Yes," he said, bewildered.
"You were on duty at that gate, but you left your post."
"Yes, but--"
"But you first opened the gate for a lady."
"It was not I, monsieur," he answered, as if anxious to exonerate
himself, although he knew not to whom he was talking. "It was my comrade.
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