e is heir to
nothing here.'

'Enough, sir. Words against the King's justice will be reckoned against
you,' said the officer. 'I shall do myself the honour of attending the
funeral the day after to-morrow, and then I shall convey you to Tours,
to answer for this deed at your leisure. Monsieur le Marquis, are the
prisoners secure here, or would you have them _garde a vue_.'

'No need for that,' said Narcisse, lightly; 'had there been any exit
they would have found it long ago. Your good fellows outside the door
keep them safe enough. M. le Baron de Ribaumont, I have the honour to
wish you a good morning.'

Berenger returned his bow with one full of defiance, and the door was
again locked upon the prisoners; while Philip exclaimed, 'The cowardly
villain, Berry; is it a hanging matter?'

'Not for noble blood,' said Berenger. 'We are more likely to be brought
to no trial, but to lie prisoners for life;' then, as Philip grew white
and shivered with a sick horror, he added bravely, 'But they shall not
have us, Philip. We know the vaults well enough to play at hide and seek
with them there, and even if we find no egress we may hold out till they
think us fled and leave open the doors!'

Philip's face lighted up again, and they did their best by way of
preparation, collecting wood for torches, and putting aside food at
their meals. It was a very forlorn hope, but the occupation it caused
was effectual in keeping up Philip's spirits, and saving him from
despondency.




CHAPTER XXXIX. THE PEDLAR'S PREDICTION



     But if ne'er so close you wall him,
        Do the best that you may;
     Blind Love, if so you call him,
        Will find out his way.
                      --OLD SONG


'Too late,' muttered Berenger to himself, as he stood by the fire in his
prison-chamber. Humfrey and Philip were busy in the vaults, and he was
taking his turn in waiting in the sitting-room to disarm suspicion. 'It
is too late now, and I thank God that so it is.'

'Do you indeed, M. le Baron?' said a low voice close beside him; and,
as he t