"This is quite another thing," said he.
Then making a sign to his companions to follow, he stepped aside with them, and after saying a few words, they disappeared.
"Conceal that ring," murmured Geneviève; "it is known by every one here."
Maurice quickly drew the ring from his finger, and slipped it into his waistcoat-pocket.
A moment afterward the door of the pavilion opened, and Dixmer, unarmed, advanced toward Maurice.
"Pardon me, Citizen," said he, "that I did not know sooner the obligation I am under to you. My wife, while retaining a grateful remembrance of the service you rendered her on the 10th of March, had forgotten your name. We were therefore completely in ignorance with whom we were concerned; otherwise, believe me, we should not for a moment have entertained suspicion either of your honor or intentions. I therefore again ask your pardon."
Maurice was bewildered; with the greatest difficulty he preserved his equilibrium; he felt his head turn round, and was near falling. He supported himself against the mantel-piece.
"Why on earth did you wish to kill me?" he asked.
"This is the secret, Citizen," said Dixmer; "I confide it to your keeping. I am, as you already know, a tanner, and principal in this concern. The greater part of the acids I employ in the preparation of my skins are prohibited goods. Now the smugglers have received intelligence of an information laid before the counsel-general. I feared you were an informer. My smugglers were more alarmed than myself at your bonnet-rouge and formidable appearance, and I do not conceal from you that your death was resolved upon."
"Pardieu! and well I know it," said Maurice; "you tell me no news. I heard your consultation, and have seen your carbine."