"You in Paris!" I exclaimed, after we had exchanged greetings, "when did you arrive? How long have you been here?"
"An hour," he replied cheerfully. "Is your sister well, Edmond?"
"Quite well, thank you. She is on the way to Rochelle; but come to our room, where we can talk more privately."
He accompanied us to our room, and I told him the story as it has been set down here.
"You did right," said he thoughtfully! "Paris just now is no place for her. But this journey to Rochelle is a hazardous venture with only Jacques to protect her!"
"Jacques is a man of courage and discretion!" exclaimed Felix, with rather more heat than was necessary.
"Jacques is a brave fellow," agreed Roger, "but he is only one man. Edmond, with your leave, I will set out after the travellers, and assist Jacques in guarding your sister."
"You will have but a short stay in Paris," remarked Felix.
"I shall return quickly to offer my sword to your chief. From Edmond's story, I fancy he will have need of all his friends. I left my horse at an inn; it is a fine beast, and is thoroughly rested now. I will start immediately. No, I am not hungry; I have made a substantial meal. I shall come straight here on my return. Good-bye to you both. Directly I have placed Mademoiselle Jeanne in safety you will see me again?"
We had scarcely time to answer before he had gone, and from the window I saw him speeding along the street as if he feared the loss of a single second would overthrow all his plans.