

'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.

'The English scruple must be gratified,' said the Chevalier. And
accordingly the gendarme captain unfolded before him a paper, which was
evidently a distinct order to arrest and examine the person of Henri
Beranger Eustache, Baron de Ribaumont and Sieur de Leurre, suspected of
treasonable practices--and it bore the signature of Catherine.

'There is nothing here said of my step-father's son, Philip Thistlewood,
nor of my servant, Humfrey Holt,' said Berenger, gathering the sense
with his dizzy eyes as best he could. 'They cannot be detained, being
born subjects of the Queen of England.

'They intercepted the justice of the King,' said the captain, laying
his hand on Philip's shoulder. 'I shall have them off with me to the
garrison of Lugon, and deal with them there.

'Wait!' said the Chevalier, interposing before Berenger's fierce,
horror-struck expostulation could break forth; 'this is an honourable
young gentleman, son of a chevalier of good reputation in England, and
he need not b