'Do you know to whom the chateau belongs?'
'To the Vicomte de Turenne.'
'And that Mademoiselle de la Vire is his relation?'
'Yes,' I said.
'Mon Dieu!' he exclaimed again. And he looked at me open-mouthed.
'What is the matter?' I asked, though I had an uneasy consciousness that I knew--that I knew very well.
'Man, he will crush you as I crush this hat!' he answered in great excitement. 'As easily. Who do you think will protect you from him in a private quarrel of this kind? Navarre? France? our good man? Not one of them. You had better steal the king's crown jewels--he is weak; or Guise's last plot--he is generous at times; or Navarre's last sweetheart--he is as easy as an old shoe. You had better have to do with all these together, I tell you, than touch Turenne's ewe-lambs, unless your aim be to be broken on the wheel! Mon Dieu, yes!'
'I am much obliged to you for your advice,' I said stiffly, 'but the die is cast. My mind is made up. On the other hand, if you are afraid, M. Fresnoy----'
'I am afraid; very much afraid,' he answered frankly.
'Still your name need not be brought into the matter,' I replied, 'I will take the responsibility. I will let them know my name here at the inn, where, doubtless, inquiries will be made.'