"We will do the best we can. But go, go, my dear Lignières! here is our man."
In fact, Lignières had but just time to make his escape when a man entered, pale and trembling with nervous excitement, escorted, indeed, almost carried, by Master Arpion.
It was Pierre des Avenelles, the advocate, whom we first-met with Sieur Lignières, at the meeting in the Place Maubert, where he made the success of the evening, if our readers remember, with his courageously timid speech.
CHAPTER XIX
AN INFORMER
On the occasion of this, our second meeting with Pierre des Avenelles, he was all timidity, and had lost his courage.
After bowing to the floor before Démocharès and De Braguelonne, he began in a faltering voice,—
"I am, I presume, in the presence of Monsieur le Lieutenant de Police?"
"And of Monsieur le Grand Inquisiteur de la Foi," added De Braguelonne, waving his hand toward De Mouchy.
"Oh, Holy Virgin!" cried poor Des Avenelles, turning still paler if that were possible. "Messeigneurs, you see, being a very great culprit,—alas! one who has been too guilty,—may I hope for mercy? I know not. Can my sincere wish to atone for my sins help me to lighten their punishment? It is for your clemency to reply."