After supper I leaned back in my chair, musing over the strange event that had occurred outside. But for one thing I should soon have banished all thoughts of Captain Courcy from my mind. He was, I imagined, a gentleman who, either through ill-luck or his own folly, had come to grief in the world, and was at present reduced to borrowing money from his acquaintances.
But if this were so, why had Pillot acted in such a strange manner? Why, indeed, was he in Rheims at all? I had ordered him to proceed to Aunay, which it was certain he had not done. I was still turning these things over in my mind when the door was pushed open softly, and Pillot himself entered. He glanced round the room cautiously, and finding me alone closed the door behind him.
"Monsieur is in danger," said he quietly, and without wasting any time in greeting; "his errand is known, and Condé's friends are tracking him."
I gave a start of surprise, and thought instantly of the man who had accosted me outside the inn; but Pillot, not allowing me time to speak, continued, "You were unlucky in choosing this street, monsieur. Captain Courcy with two others have ridden straight from Paris expecting to overtake you on the road. They were unaware that you had gone to Aunay, disguised in a blue over-all and a workman's cap."
"If Mazarin ever returns to power, Pillot, I will ask him to put you at the head of police. How did you discover that secret?"
"It was whispered to me just after the funeral of monsieur's cousin. Monsieur will be pleased to hear that the Abbé himself performed the last rites."
"He could do little less, considering what my cousin had done for him. But now, about this other business! Has Captain Courcy recognised me?"
"Yes, and he is at present informing his friends of the discovery. But I had better begin at the beginning. After you had received the note—oh, it is well known, monsieur!—this Courcy and two others of his stamp were sent in pursuit. Concluding that you had gone straight to Bruhl, they rode day and night, changing horses on the road, through Rheims and almost as far as Mézieres. Naturally they were unsuccessful, and, not knowing what else to do, they returned here."
"And you followed them?"
"As far as Rheims, but no farther. Knowing you had gone to Aunay, I felt confident you could not be in front of us."