On leaving the governor's house, the messenger, not without going astray a dozen times, made his way to Rue du Martroi, where our readers may remember that Pierre Peuquoy the armorer dwelt.
Gabriel's envoy found Pierre Peuquoy in his workshop more cast down even than Lord Wentworth in his palace. He was received with marked indifference by the armorer, who mistook him at first for a mechanic.
But when the new-comer announced himself as having come on behalf of Vicomte d'Exmès, the good burgher's face suddenly brightened up.
"From Vicomte d'Exmès!" he cried.
Then turning to one of his apprentices, who was within hearing, putting things to rights in the shop, he said carelessly,—
"Quentin, leave us and tell my cousin Jean that a messenger from Vicomte d'Exmès has arrived."
The discomfited apprentice left the room to obey his master's orders.
"Now you can speak, my friend," rejoined Pierre Peuquoy, eagerly. "Oh, we were sure that the noble lord would not forget us! Speak at once, I beg! What do you bring us from him?"
"His compliments and gratitude, this purse of gold, and these words, 'Remember the 5th!' which he said you would understand."
"Is that all?" asked Pierre Peuquoy.