"Well," continued Gabriel, in a voice of thunder, addressing him,—"well! you recognize me, do you?"
Arnauld, after hesitating a moment, had quickly reckoned up his chances, and decided upon the course he should take.
"To be sure," said he, in a trembling voice which he struggled to control,—"to be sure I recognize Monsieur le Vicomte d'Exmès, from having sometimes seen him at the Louvre when I was in the service of Monsieur de Montmorency; but I cannot believe that Monseigneur would recognize me, the poor and obscure servant of the constable."
"You forget," said Gabriel, "that you have been my servant as well."
"What, I?" cried Arnauld, feigning the most extreme amazement. "Oh, pardon, Monseigneur is surely mistaken!"
"I am so certain that I am not mistaken," retorted Gabriel, calmly, "that I without hesitation call upon the judge of Artigues, here present, to cause your immediate arrest and imprisonment. Is that sufficiently clear?"
There was a movement of affright among the guests. The wondering judge drew near. Arnauld alone retained his appearance of tranquillity.
"May I not at least know of what crime I am accused?" he asked.
"I accuse you," replied Gabriel, firmly, "of having wickedly substituted yourself for my squire, Martin-Guerre, and of having basely and treacherously stolen his name, his house, and his wife, by means of a resemblance so exact that it passes understanding."
Upon hearing this concisely stated accusation, the guests exchanged looks of stupefied bewilderment.