"I have just come from there," said Gabriel.
"Well, what has occurred there?—ride by my side awhile and tell me."
Gabriel told the story of the sudden arrival of the Duc de Nemours, of his carrying the terrace and the drawbridge, of his own mediation between the parties, and the peaceful submission which had been its happy result.
"Pardieu!" exclaimed Pardaillan; "Monsieur de Nemours was in luck, and I should be glad to be equally fortunate myself. Do you know, Monsieur de Montgommery, against whom my own movements are directed at this moment?"
"La Renaudie, doubtless."
"Precisely. And do you know what La Renaudie is to me?"
"Why, your cousin, I believe,—yes, I remember."
"Yes, he is my cousin," Pardaillan said; "and more than that, he is my friend and my comrade-in-arms. Ah, do you know how bitter a thing it is to fight against one who has so often fought at one's side?"
"Yes, indeed," replied Gabriel; "but you are not sure of meeting him, are you?"
"Alas! I am only too sure!" returned Pardaillan. "My instructions are exact; and the reports of those who have betrayed him are only too accurate. See! after marching another fifteen minutes I shall find myself face to face with La Renaudie in the second path to the left."