He walked to the west gate and stood in the dusk, exchanging greetings with the soldiers on guard and with various vendors of hot soup, eau sucré, and coffee. Then he went on toward the Saint Antoine district, finding himself at last in the dingy alley where lived three people in whom he was deeply interested and whom he loved.
Rosanne overwhelmed him with questions. Her joy in the thought of Lisle’s safety made her almost like the happy girl who used to ride up and down the long driveway at Les Vignes.
“If only you could stay and tell us all about the hidden cellar!” she said as Dian came in bringing something almost like sunshine with him.
Humphrey Trail was as interested as Rosanne. His honest face glowed with pleasure when Dian said:
“The Little Master talked and talked of you, Humphrey. As soon as he knew about his mother and Mademoiselle he began to talk of you. 'Humphrey Trail is my friend. He saved Rosanne and he gave me good counsel which I was too proud to take. Dian, I want to show that I am his friend, too,’ he said.”
Dian took a piece of paper from his pocket and read what was written on it.
It was a copy of the note to Grigge which Raoul had taken through the gates. It read:
“When this reaches you, aid Champar to do all that may be needful for the family at Les Vignes. Go with Champar in the coach to Calais, and give this note which is inclosed to one Anastasius Grubb, who is skipper of a fishing smack called the Sandlass. He is thick set, and has a black beard, and has a scar over his left eye. Deliver the note into his hands and into no other’s. I trust you. I know that you will be guided. Consult Champar the coach driver in case of danger. Dian.”
What would those who trusted him say if they knew that he had sent this important note to the miserable boy who lived in a hovel at the gates of Les Vignes? Dian, in his wisdom, knew that he had done well. He had spent many a night in Pigeon Valley, when his eyes were blurred with weariness, teaching Grigge to read and write. He had kept up the boy’s courage when he had been in despair, and had given him a hold on life. He had strengthened his love for young and helpless animals. He trusted him now to do this one great service.