“Mordieu! yet it is annoying to give up.”
“Yes; but it can be put off. I told your highness that the house is taken for a year; we know the lady lodges on the first story. We have gained her maid, and have a key which opens the door: you may wait safely.”
“You are sure that the door yielded?”
“Yes, at the third key I tried.”
“Are you sure you shut it again?”
“Yes, monseigneur.”
Aurilly did not feel sure, as he said, but he did not choose to admit it.
“Well, I will go; I shall return some other time.” And the duke went away, promising to payoff the gentlemen for their interruption.
They had hardly disappeared, when the five companions saw approach a cavalier wrapped in a large cloak. The steps of his horse resounded on the frozen ground, and they went slowly and with precaution, for it was slippery.
“This time,” said Quelus, “it is he.”