“No, monsieur,” replied the girl; “the letter which I was carrying is safe.”
“Ah, they were after a letter! But how did they know you had a letter in your possession? Have they been following you?”
“They followed me, monsieur, from my mistress’s home to the house where I went to receive the letter, and from that house they followed me, always at a distance, till I reached the street where they attacked me. They asked me for the letter——”
“Ah, they asked you for the letter!”
“Yes, monsieur, promising to let me go free if I gave it to them.”
“And you?”
“I refused, monsieur.”
“Well, mademoiselle, your courage does you credit; and now take my arm, and I will see you safe back to your home. Mordieu, many a man would have given up letter and purse as well to escape from ruffians like those. What is thy name, little one?”
“Javotte,” replied the girl, taking his arm.
“Well, Mademoiselle Javotte, your troubles are now at an end, and your letter will arrive safely at its destination. Which way shall we turn?”