We were returning in a body to the hôtel, Felix and I being the last of the company, when a man slipped a paper into my hand and instantly disappeared.
"Another warning from your strange friend, I suppose," said Felix.
I opened the paper and read hurriedly: "Bring Monsieur Bellièvre with you shortly after midnight, and meet me at the little gate of the Louvre where I saw you before. Wrap yourselves up closely, and attract as little attention as possible. Do not fail to come, as I have important news.—D'ANGELY."
"Are you sure this is not a second invitation from the lawyer?" my comrade asked.
"It appears to be L'Estang's handwriting."
"So did the other note."
"True, but Etienne Cordel would not bait a trap for you. He bears you no grudge, and besides you would only be in his way!"
"Yes," said my comrade, "there is something in that. Will you go?"
"Why not? We may learn something that will be useful to our chief. L'Estang wishes me well, and in order to save my life he may be tempted to disclose what he knows of Guise's conspiracy; for I feel sure there is one."