We were returning late one evening, walking quietly along the Rue de Bethisy, at the corner of which stood the Admiral's house, when a man, who had evidently been watching the approaches to the building, tapped me on the shoulder and whispered "Monsieur Le Blanc!"
He wore a large plumed hat which was drawn partly over his forehead, and he was, besides, closely muffled, but I had no difficulty in recognizing him as Renaud L'Estang. Telling Felix I would follow in a few minutes, I turned aside with the adventurer into the courtyard of a large house where we were not likely to be interrupted.
"I learned yesterday you were in Paris," he remarked, "and have been watching for you. Did your friend send you my note?"
"Yes, but it was difficult to answer. Your first messenger was killed; your second was a traitor. That is why I did not meet you at Poictiers."
"My second messenger!" he exclaimed in a tone of surprise. "Poictiers! Either you or I must be dreaming! I sent but one man, and he vanished. Why should you expect to meet me at Poictiers?"
"At your own invitation!" I replied.
"But, monsieur, this is a puzzle! I do not understand; it is beyond me."
"Perhaps," I remarked drily, "you have forgotten Casimir!"
At that he drew a long breath. "Casimir!" he exclaimed; "ah, that lets in a little light. Monsieur, will you tell me the story? We shall get at something surprising."
He listened attentively while I related what had happened, and then "Truly," he said, "this Cordel is a clever rogue, and Casimir an able tool. I have found him useful myself before now."