"Amen to that!" said I, wiping the blood from my dagger.
A terrible pounding shook the door, and from without came cries of "Open." Mademoiselle ran to my side, her dagger ready for her breast. I put my left arm around her.
"And now, God have mercy on you!" shouted La Chatre, triumphantly; for the door flew from its place, and armed men surged into the chamber, crowding the open doorway.
"Are we in time, my captain?" roared their leader, looking from the governor to me.
And La Chatre tottered back to the fireplace, dumbfounded, for the leader was Blaise and the men were my own.
Julie gave a glad little cry, and, dropping her dagger, sank to her knees exhausted.
"Good-night, monsieur!" I said to La Chatre. "We thank you for your hospitality!"
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE RIDE TOWARDS GUIENNE
I ordered the men to return to the courtyard, and, supporting Julie, I followed them from the chamber, leaving M. de la Chatre alone with his chagrin and the dead body of his secretary.