"Ah!" said Mayenne, with evident satisfaction. "But the living man; where is he?"
"In the barn, close by."
"Bring him to me, monsieur; and if you are a man of honor, promise me to ask him no questions."
"I am not curious, monsieur; and I wish to know no more of this affair than I know already."
The duke looked at him uneasily.
"Monsieur," said Ernanton, "will you charge some one else with the commission you have just given me?"
"I was wrong, monsieur, I acknowledge it; have the kindness to render me the service I ask of you."
Five minutes after, the soldier entered the stable. He uttered a cry on seeing the duke; but he put his finger on his lip, and the man was silent.
"Monsieur," said Mayenne to Ernanton, "my gratitude to you will be eternal; and, doubtless, some day we shall meet under more favorable circumstances. May I ask to whom I have the honor of speaking?"
"I am the Vicomte Ernanton de Carmainges, monsieur."