A hundred yards away from the house, Despard, terrified at the nearing steps, turned into a side alley, and at last tore through a thicket to the left.
In an instant François had him by the collar. The captured man screamed like a child in a panic of alarm, while François shook him as a terrier shakes a rat.
"Mille tonnerres! idiot, keep quiet! Don't kick; it is no use. Thou wilt have the whole house after thee. 'T is I—François. Keep quiet! Look at me—François. Dost not hear?" At last he was quieted.
"What scared thee, mon ami?"
"I saw him—I saw the marquis! I saw him!"
"Monsieur—the marquis? He is thrice that fellow's size."
They were now seated on the ground, Despard panting, and darting quick glances to right and left like a frightened animal.
"Come, Pierre, tell me what all this means. Art gone clean out of thy wits?"
"Why dost thou ask? Thou dost know well enough. I have waited—waited. Now I have him."
"Dame! Thou? Thou wilt never face him. Thou art afraid."