"Look, Agatha," said Edmé, "morning is coming, the sun is about to rise."
Suddenly the glow leaped into a broad flame which lit up the whole sky.
"'Tis the château on fire!" cried both women in one breath, and clinging to each other they stood and watched it burn.
CHAPTER VII
GAILLARD GOES ON A JOURNEY
The first object that Robert Tournay saw as he rode into the inn yard at La Thierry was a horse reeking with sweat. The next moment he was greeted by the smiling face of Gaillard, who came out of the inn. "Have you brought the passport?" cried Tournay eagerly, as he grasped his friend by the hand.
For reply Gaillard took a paper from his pocket, unfolded it, and disclosed the seal of the Committee of Public Safety. "Am I in time?" he asked. "I have ridden post haste to get here with it. Can I serve you further?"
"Come into the inn, and I'll tell you," replied Tournay. "I am almost exhausted and must have something to eat."
Ordering some supper and a bottle of wine, which were brought at once, Tournay helped Gaillard and himself bountifully. They ate and drank for a few minutes in silence, Gaillard waiting for him to speak.