"No," said Jacques, "I do not think the poor fellow was a messenger from Mademoiselle Jeanne."
"There is Monsieur Bellièvre! He is at Court and aware of what is going on there. Is it likely that he has heard some favourable news, and—"
"Ah, monsieur," Jacques broke in hastily, "our thoughts are the same. These cut-throats are in the pay of Etienne Cordel, and in killing this poor fellow they have struck at you. But how, I cannot understand."
"We know that Cordel has friends at Court," I continued. "Let us suppose for an instant that the king has agreed to sign the papers; the lawyer would learn the news quickly enough."
"Yes, monsieur," agreed Jacques, "that is so. But how does that help us?"
"Thus. Monsieur Bellièvre or the Admiral writes, giving me the information, and advising me to return. I arrive at Blois, or wherever the Court may be; the papers are signed, and Cordel's chance of the estates has vanished. He certainly might kill me afterwards, but it could be only in revenge."
"But, monsieur, the news could not have been kept from you for long. Besides, the journey to Blois would have given the lawyer the very chance he wanted. It would have suited him better for the letter to have reached you. Then his ruffians would have waited, and have waylaid you on the road."
"He might not have thought of that!"
"It would not have needed much cunning, monsieur!"
"There is just one other solution possible," I said. "You remember the man who came here on the night of the wild storm? You did not recognize him, but—"