Gaston shook the snow from his boots and cloak, and proceeded leisurely to examine the picture on the wall, never supposing that he had close to him three or four swords, which, at a sign from the polite host, would leave their sheaths to be plunged into his breast.
Tapin returned, saying, "Captain la Jonquiere waits for M. de Chanlay."
Gaston proceeded to the room where sat a man whom the host pointed out as Captain la Jouquiere, and—without being much of a physiognomist—he perceived at once that he was no bully.
Little, dry, gray-eyed, uneasy in his uniform, such appeared the formidable captain whom Gaston had been recommended to treat with so much consideration.
"This man is ugly, and looks like a sexton," thought Gaston; then, as the stranger advanced toward him—
"Have I the honor of speaking to Captain la Jonquiere?" asked Gaston.
"Himself," said Dubois; "and are you M. le Chevalier Gaston de Chanlay?"——"I am, monsieur."
"Have you the sign of recognition?" asked the false La Jonquiere.
"Here is the half of the gold piece."
"And here the other," said Dubois.