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 A Knot of Blue
 
 LJ"
 
 A 
 
 KNOT of BLUE 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM R. A. WILSON 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 "A ROSE OF NORMANDY" 
 
 With Illustrations by 
 
 CHARLES GRUNWALD 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY 
 1905
 
 Copyright, 1905, 
 BY LITTLE, BROWN, & COMPANY 
 
 All Rights Reserved 
 Published April, 1905 
 
 Printed by 
 S. J. PABKHILL <fc Co., BOSTON, U. 8. A.
 
 TO ANOTHER AIMEE, 
 
 THE HEROINE OF MY OWN LIFE STORY, 
 
 MY CHUM, COMPANION, AND 
 
 MY WIFE 
 
 222!
 
 Due acknowledgment is hereby made to the 
 publishers of "Vogue" and "Munsey's 
 Magazine " for the use of two of the author's 
 poems, originally appearing in their pages
 
 FORE-WORD 
 
 THIS story is old, old as the human heart; and 
 new, new as this morning's sunrise; the story of 
 man's fickleness and woman's steadfast conquering 
 love. Since Creation's dawn men have wandered 
 away from their better selves, yet without taint or 
 blame, and when they awakened and the mists had 
 rolled away they have returned to find a feminine 
 heart still beating strong and true, patiently await- 
 ing their sure homecoming with a tenderness and 
 compassion almost divine. Thus has it always 
 been. Thus may it always be until the end.
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 PAGE 
 
 CONTAINS A STORM AT SEA, A QUARREL, A DEADLY PERIL, AND 
 A DESERTION .... i 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 WHEREIN THE DEAD RETURN TO LIFE AND CAUSE MUCH JOY 
 AND CONSTERNATION 18 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 A CHAPTER OF GLOOM IN WHICH AN ESCAPE is MADE ... 35 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 SHOWS How THE JOY OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP MAY BE 
 MINGLED WITH A SAD HOME-COMING 46 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 WHEREIN THE HERO AND HEROINE PICK UP THE THREADS OF 
 LIFE ONCE MORE 58 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 TREATS OF FOOLS, FAIRIES, AND CHILDISH FANCIES .... 72 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 IN WHICH A NEW ARRIVAL MAKES His Bow 83 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER DEALING WITH BALLS, LOVE-SIGHS, AND 
 CONFIDENCES 94 
 
 vii
 
 viii CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 DEALS WITH THE ACTIONS OF THE CLEVER STRANGER AND THE 
 FORMATION OF A CONSPIRACY no 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 REPEATS THE FAMILIAR HISTORY OF THE MOTH AND THE 
 CANDLE FLAME 120 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 IN WHICH A COUNTERPLOT Is PLANNED 132 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 WHEREIN THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES A BLOW ....... 142 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 WHICH NATURALLY PROVES UNLUCKY FOR THE HERO . .154 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 SHOWS How TIGHTLY A NET CAN BE DRAWN 168 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 DESCRIBES How AIMEE TOOK THE MIDNIGHT AIR IN A GOOD 
 CAUSE 180 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 ILLUSTRATES THE PROVERB: "THERE'S MANY A SLIP," ETC. . 196 
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 A CONVIVIAL CHAPTER DEVOTED TO SONG AND STORY .... 208 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 DISPLAYS THE FURY OF A WOMAN SCORNED AND THE SETTING 
 OF A NEW TRAP 221 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 A COMET AND AN EVIL FACE APPEAR TOGETHER 232
 
 CONTENTS ix 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 PAGE 
 
 IN WHICH THE HERO TAKES GREAT CHANCES AND LOSES . . 243 
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 WHEREIN THE MASK Is DROPPED AND THE SPELL Is BROKEN . 255 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 TREATS OF THE HERO'S SAD AWAKENING 274 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 CONTAINS AN UNEQUAL FIGHT, A CAPTURE, A DELIVERANCE, 
 AND A BOMBSHELL 287 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER IN WHICH A BIRD Is CAGED .... 300 
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 SHOWS How THE HERO PAID OFF OLD SCORES 319 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 WHEREIN A CONFESSION Is MADE AND A RESTITUTION OFFERED, 
 CLOSING WITH MILITARY STRAINS 328 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 DEALS WITH THE CAMP AND BATTLE-FIELD AND INCLUDES A 
 SAFE RETURN 339 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 THE LAST, WHICH Is STRICTLY PERSONAL 353
 
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
 
 "'And now,' she continued, 'you must weave 
 
 marvelous tales of knights and fair ladies ' " Frontispiece 
 
 " ' Messieurs, I propose the health of Monsieur 
 
 Gaspard Roguin ! " ' .... ... . Page 113 
 
 .. . 
 
 It will break my heart, Pere Philippe, for I 
 love him '" . ,- , ' .. . . " 191 
 
 His head dropped forward as he hung an in- 
 stant, transfixed by Raoul's blade " . " 323
 
 A Knot of Blue 
 
 Chapter One 
 
 CONTAINS A STORM AT SEA, A QUARREL, A DEADLY 
 PERIL, AND A DESERTION 
 
 EE a tiny speck upon an angry waste of 
 waters the dauntless little ship L'ficume 
 fled, quivering in every beam and timber 
 before the coming storm, on her long and tedious 
 voyage from La Rochelle to Quebec. The culmi- 
 nating tempest of a boisterous winter seemed about 
 to be let loose in one last, belated, passionate out- 
 burst of wind and wave. The vessel, true to her 
 name, danced lightly upon the crest of each 
 succeeding ridge, dipping down easily into the 
 intervening troughs only to rise again with jaunty 
 bow and dripping sails to meet the next advancing 
 wall of water. 
 
 Three days of fog had been succeeded by a 
 day of partial clearing, which gave way toward 
 nightfall to the signs of an impending tempest. 
 The master of the ship had urged its onward 
 course with all the sail he dared, hoping to get 
 within the sheltering entrance of the broad St. Law- 
 rence before the storm broke. This object he was
 
 2 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 unable wholly to accomplish, so, one by one, the 
 sails were taken in, and he and his hardy Breton 
 sailors busied themselves in putting the vessel in 
 the best possible trim to withstand the coming 
 trial. 
 
 Several hours passed. Daylight had disap- 
 peared entirely and blackest night had come. A? 
 they sped onward the anxious, watchful eyes of the 
 sailors detected a change in the wind that led them 
 to hope that they might after all escape the full 
 force of the gale. Accordingly a small sail was 
 shaken out which gave additional speed to the 
 little craft in her race against the elements. Soon 
 the waves seemed to shorten, and the pitching and 
 tumbling of the boat changed to a less rough 
 motion, albeit the wind still tore fiercely through 
 the resounding rigging, sweeping the deck with a 
 force difficult for even the seamen to withstand. 
 
 The passengers of this the King's ship were all 
 below. They were one hundred and fifty in num- 
 ber, consisting of a few soldiers to recruit the 
 outposts of New France; artisans and farming 
 peasants to aid in developing the natural re- 
 sources of the Colony; a few gentlemen of Quebec 
 returning from a visit to the gay world of Paris 
 and the Court; girls in charge of quiet-eyed nuns, 
 coming out to find husbands and homes in the new 
 land all eager for the safe ending of a disagree- 
 able and perilous journey. During the moments
 
 when the vessel's motion was most alarming many 
 prayers were said, beads counted, and votive can- 
 dles promised upon their safe arrival. But when 
 the force of the storm had somewhat abated many 
 of the passengers fell to work carefully packing 
 up their belongings in anticipation of a speedy 
 sighting of land and dropping of the huge anchor 
 in the peaceful basin before the frowning heights 
 of the queen city of the great continent. 
 
 However, in one of the cabins neither prayers 
 were said nor the perils of the deep feared, for 
 here a dozen men, officers and gentlemen passen- 
 gers, were congregated about a rough table beneath 
 the rays of a dimly burning, swaying ship's-lantern. 
 Sounds of merriment arose as tales of adventure 
 and gallantry were related, and glasses were raised 
 and emptied many times in jovial wishes for the 
 future, as though striving to overwhelm the de- 
 pressing din of the storm without by the noisy cheer 
 within. 
 
 As the night wore on the gaming spirit mani- 
 fested itself, and at one end of the table five of 
 the men were soon at play. One of them proved 
 himself a steady winner, and the pile of gold 
 before each player quickly melted away, while his 
 own increased. 
 
 " Confound you for a lucky dog," cried one, 
 whose handsome, boyish face, sunny enough before, 
 was now clouded with a petulant, vexed air, " there
 
 4 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 goes the last louts d'or I shall have until my first 
 pay day in this barbarous country whither we are 
 going, where, it is said, one sees more beaver 
 skins in a week used as money than he does good 
 yellow gold in a year." 
 
 " Say, rather, more red-skins," laughed one of 
 the other officers. " In the winter they feed on 
 the King's grain, and in the summer kill the 
 King's soldiers." 
 
 The winner smiled, apparently entering into the 
 spirit of his companions' conversation, but an ob- 
 server would have noticed that his participation 
 in their merriment did not prevent his keeping 
 a sharp eye upon his own cards and, perhaps, a 
 too keen glance at those of the other players. 
 
 " No lucky star was in the ascendant at my 
 birth," was his reply. " ' Luck follows the hope- 
 ful,' as we say in New France. But even the best 
 of luck turns; you may all have your revenge 
 yet." 
 
 A moment later one of the players threw down 
 his cards with an oath and arose from the table. 
 " Curse it ! " he cried. " My pocket is empty, 
 so I must desist; " then turning to one of the com- 
 pany he said : " Come, de Chatignac, take my 
 place, perhaps it will change the good fortune of 
 our friend here, who has won every night since we 
 left France." 
 
 The person addressed was a young man of some
 
 DEADLY PERIL AND DESERTION 5 
 
 five and twenty, pale as though from recent illness, 
 who wore no uniform yet was possessed of a mili- 
 tary bearing. He had been a ready hand during 
 the early part of the evening to join in either song 
 or story; his eyes sparkling with merriment while 
 his hearty laugh had seemed a safety valve to a 
 superabundance of good spirits. After the play 
 began, however, his mirth gradually subsided, his 
 brows contracted now and then with a frown, 
 while his long, white fingers beat with increasing 
 vigor a nervous tattoo upon the table. As the 
 game progressed his interest quickened, while the 
 signs of evident irritation increased. Several times 
 his lips opened and his hand was raised as if 
 to interfere, but whatever his purpose was he 
 postponed action. 
 
 " Not to-night," was his reply to the invita_tion. 
 " Gaspard Roguin is too lucky altogether to suit 
 my taste." The last words were accompanied 
 by a contemptuous curl of the lips as he glanced 
 across the table. 
 
 Gaspard Roguin saw the look, and flushed 
 angrily. " Your tone, Monsieur, has a savor of 
 offense to my ears; pray alter it." 
 
 " Not I," was the quick rejoinder, while, the 
 slender finger-tips drummed ominously on the 
 wood. " I repeat again, your luck has an ugly 
 look." 
 
 " Perhaps," interposed a third with an uneasy
 
 6 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 laugh as he saw the flashing eyes and detected an 
 approaching quarrel, " perhaps Roguin's luck has 
 its source in his having dabbled in the Black Art 
 while in Paris." 
 
 The winner, who had laid his cards face down 
 upon the table, looked about at the men clustered 
 around him. 
 
 " I call you gentlemen to witness this insult 
 received at the hands of de Chatignac. I shall 
 take the matter up when once we land, and demand 
 satisfaction." 
 
 " You shall have none from me," came the 
 contemptuous reply; " I refuse to cross swords 
 with a cheat, a card swindler." 
 
 With a cry of rage and a whitened face Gaspard 
 Roguin sprang up and, seizing his sword, vaulted 
 impetuously over the end of the table toward his 
 accuser. 
 
 Just at that moment there was the sound of a 
 terrible crash and the noise of splintering tim- 
 bers. The ship's progress was so suddenly 
 stopped that the shock sent the entire company in 
 the little cabin sprawling in a heap on the floor, 
 while the chairs and benches were overturned and 
 the lantern extinguished. One by one the men dis- 
 engaged themselves from the confused mass of 
 bodies, arms, and legs, and groped their way to 
 the door and up onto the deck. 
 
 Here everything was in confusion. The ship's
 
 DEADLY PERIL AND DESERTION 7 
 
 officers were running to and fro bawling orders, 
 cursing the men or belaboring them with knotted 
 ropes ends for showing cowardice or delay. The 
 mainmast had snapped off close to the deck and 
 lay athwart it amid a network of tangled rigging. 
 Here a group of seamen was busily engaged try- 
 ing to cut this heavy mass loose so as to right 
 the vessel, which was careened over badly to one 
 side; there a group labored hard preparing the 
 small boats for launching, while still others ran 
 hither and thither in their terror, doing nothing 
 but add to the confusion. 
 
 Passengers poured up from below decks and 
 stood huddled together in the darkness, women 
 crossing themselves and appealing to the saints 
 for succor, men wringing their hands in terror or 
 busily secreting about their persons the most val- 
 uable part of their little property. To all this 
 din was added the sound of the wind as it shrieked 
 and shrilled about them like an army of evil spirits 
 rejoicing in the mischief they had wrought, while 
 the booming of each succeeding wave as it angrily 
 crashed against the further side of the vessel over- 
 whelmed them with its woeful sound. 
 
 De Chatignac pressed his way through the con- 
 fusion to a point where the master of the ship 
 stood. There he heard an officer report that the 
 vessel had struck a submerged rock, which had 
 torn a jagged hole in her side some ten feet from
 
 8 r A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 her bow; that the ship had slipped off after the 
 first shock; that the water was pouring in at a 
 fearful rate; and that the vessel was slowly set- 
 tling at the bow, and all was lost. 
 
 " To the boats ! " was the cry, and a pitch torch 
 was lighted and placed on the lee side at the only 
 spot available for the launching of the frail craft 
 that were now the only hope of the doomed throng. 
 
 The first boat was lowered and the oars thrown 
 in, but a spiteful wave immediately swept it away 
 and it disappeared in the darkness. The next one 
 was made fast, and the order was given to the 
 passengers to embark. Before anyone could enter 
 a man was seen to jump upon the rail, his face 
 showing an ashen gray in the fitful glare of the 
 torch, but an officer stepping forward with the 
 cry: "Women first, you coward," dealt him a 
 blow on the jaw that sent him crashing to the 
 deck, where he lay stunned and bleeding. 
 
 The boat was soon filled and it started safely 
 on its journey over the perilous waters. Another 
 was hauled across the deck and launched success- 
 fully. At length the last one was ready and de 
 Chatignac was left apparently the only person 
 on the wreck beside the master of the ship. As 
 he was about to descend a woman's voice wailed 
 upward from the boat. 
 
 " For the love of le bon Dieu do not leave my 
 mistress behind! I saw her last in one of the
 
 DEADLY PERIL AND DESERTION 9 
 
 cabins praying beside the body of the nun who 
 died yesterday." 
 
 De Chatignac bade them wait, and bounded 
 down into the interior of the vessel again. Pick- 
 ing up a lighted lantern he hastened from one 
 cabin to another in a frantic search for the miss- 
 ing woman. Finally, when almost despairing, he 
 pushed open a door and beheld in the dim light 
 the figure of a young girl kneeling beside the dead 
 body of a sweet-faced nun. Her eyes were up- 
 lifted and her hands clasped upon an ivory cru- 
 cifix, seemingly oblivious to the sounds above her, 
 and her own danger. 
 
 At a glance de Chatignac saw that she was 
 young, that her face (which he did not remember 
 having seen before among the passengers) was, 
 even in the obscure light, pale and exceedingly 
 beautiful. Every evidence of grace and refine- 
 ment was present in her person although she was 
 clad in a simple, dark garb. With a cry of satis- 
 faction he sprang to her side and, laying his hand 
 upon her shoulder, said in a respectful tone: 
 
 " Come ! Mademoiselle, you have no time to 
 lose; we had almost gone without you." 
 
 The eyes of the girl turned slowly toward his 
 face, her lips moved, and in a voice scarcely audible 
 above the distant roar she replied : " Leave me, 
 Monsieur; it is God's will that I perish." 
 
 The sweet vibrating tones of her voice thrilled
 
 10 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 the young man. " Nay," he cried with enthu- 
 siasm, " it is God's will that you escape, and He has 
 sent me to save you. I beseech you, Mademoiselle, 
 that you hasten with me." 
 
 She shook her head sadly and turned again to 
 her devotions. De Chatignac, accustomed to quick 
 decisions, did not delay to argue, but, bending 
 down, seized her in his arms and bore her rapidly 
 away. He stumbled with his fair burden up the 
 narrow steps and across the deck to the spot where 
 he had left the boat awaiting him. Stopping with 
 a cry he placed the girl on her feet and looked 
 over the verge. The light of the torch showed 
 only a rushing, whirling mass of water that beafc 
 against the ship's side with an angry snarl as if 
 already balked too long of its prey. The boat 
 had disappeared. He shouted hoarsely, but the 
 only answer, save that of the infuriated elements, 
 was a groan from the gallant vessel as it struggled 
 stoutly in its death throes. "Gone!" he mut- 
 tered; "deserted! " 
 
 The girl, who had watched his face, divined 
 the situation. " Oh ! why," she cried, wringing 
 her hands, " did you not leave me to die, and 
 save yourself. Forgive me, Monsieur, for I have 
 been the unhappy cause of your destruction." 
 
 De Chatignac turned from the raging sea 
 toward his weeping companion, and a hearty smile 
 lighted his features as he replied; "Ma foi!
 
 DEADLY PERIL AND DESERTION 11 
 
 Mademoiselle, would you rob a soldier of the 
 delight of rescuing a comrade from the hands of 
 the enemy, even though it be by heading a forlorn 
 hope; or deprive a gentleman of the pleasure of 
 aiding Beauty in distress? Great dangers give 
 also great honors. You do not know me, Made- 
 moiselle, if you can believe I regret new peril;" 
 then adding proudly, with a bow, " I fought at 
 Fontenoy, and am a gentleman of New France." 
 
 A groan, clearly human, caused him to stoop 
 and examine the nearby shadows of the deck. He 
 soon discovered a prostrate form, and dragging 
 it within the circle of light beheld the features 
 of Gaspard Roguin. It was he who had been 
 struck down by the officer for his cowardice. De 
 Chatignac put a flask of brandy to his lips. The 
 man opened his eyes, and staggering to his feet, 
 looked wildly about him, then shuddered. When 
 he recognized de Chatignac a venomous light 
 flashed from his eyes. " You here? " he mut- 
 tered. 
 
 " Yes, Monsieur Roguih," said de Chatignac. 
 " We three are alone. The rest have departed 
 without us. I should have preferred that you had 
 gone with them. But this is no time or place to 
 choose one's company. Good counsel is better 
 often than a great army. What would you sug- 
 gest for our deliverance? " 
 
 Roguin made no reply, for the full horror of
 
 12 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 the situation had returned to him as he stood, 
 biting his nails, looking wildly over the dark 
 waters and shaking his head. 
 
 " I shall be the General then," continued de 
 Chatignac, " and you, Monsieur, together with 
 Mademoiselle here," he smiled almost gayly at 
 the girl who had been a silent spectator of all 
 that had just passed^ " will be my faithful and 
 obedient soldiers. First of all, we must have 
 courage. Hope is as cheap as despair, and makes 
 a man hold up his head." With these cheery 
 words he gave his attention to the relief of their 
 precarious condition. 
 
 He made a tour of investigation, hoping that 
 the condition of the sinking ship would warrant 
 them in remaining until morning. He found, 
 however, that the water had risen so rapidly that 
 it was a question of minutes rather than hours 
 before the vessel would sink. He thereupon has- 
 tened back to his companions and, directing the 
 young girl how to hold the torch, he seized an 
 ax and bade Roguin join him in the labor of 
 cutting the broken mast into lengths which, when 
 lashed together with broken spars, would make 
 a serviceable raft. Roguin obeyed sulkily, but fear 
 of death overcame his personal feeling against 
 de Chatignac and he, too, soon made the chips fly 
 about him. 
 
 A movement of the ship as it settled still fur-
 
 DEADLY PERIL AND DESERTION 13 
 
 ther in the water warned them that they must 
 hasten if they would avoid the danger of being 
 sucked down when it sank. Soon the improvised 
 raft was ready and launched. The three took 
 their places, the girl securely held by a couple 
 of turns of rope around her body; the line was 
 thrown off and they were swept swiftly away from 
 the wreck. Looking back they soon lost sight of 
 the dim outlines of the ship, the waning torch 
 being the only object visible in the all-encircling 
 blackness. They had left none too soon, for within 
 three minutes after their departure the good ves- 
 sel gave up the fruitless struggle, uttered one last 
 inarticulate, gurgling moan and sank beneath the 
 victorious waves against which it had battled so 
 bravely. The torch, a tiny point of light, was 
 extinguished, and the three castaways were left 
 alone with the night and the cruel water. 
 
 De Chatignac heartened his companions by call- 
 ing out cheerfully at intervals, telling them that 
 morning could not be very far off ; that they would 
 probably find they had drifted near shore, and 
 prophesied they would all dine the next evening 
 in some hospitable cabin before a blazing fire. 
 
 The night seemed interminable, but at length 
 the first faint streak of dawn appeared and with 
 it clearing skies. As they tossed helplessly about 
 upon the long swell that followed the storm all 
 three strained their eager eyes to see if land were
 
 14 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 near. Soon the sun appeared, a great red ball 
 of fire rising from the watery east, and all was 
 light once more. With a cry of joy Roguin 
 pointed out the low coast line far away in the 
 distance. But there was no sign anywhere of 
 their ship companions of the night before. 
 
 " If the kindly current will only set us in toward 
 the shore instead of being contrary minded and 
 carrying us out to sea, we are safe, as it will then 
 be only a question of time before we reach land," 
 said de Chatignac cheerily. " But for my part 
 I should prefer a good safe boat with a couple 
 of pairs of oars to any current however friendly 
 Pardieu! what is that? " he cried as he turned 
 and looked seaward. " Is that not a boat or does 
 the sun blind my eyes and fill them with black 
 specks? " 
 
 It was indeed a boat, floating lightly on the 
 swell, empty, but traveling landward so much 
 faster than the raft that it would undoubtedly 
 overtake them in a short time. Nearer and nearer 
 it came until they recognized it as the first boat 
 launched from the sinking ship and torn away by 
 the waves. When it reached what seemed the 
 nearest point de Chatignac prepared to swim for 
 it, but after taking a dozen strokes he returned 
 in evident pain. " Ma foil " he exclaimed as he 
 clambered onto the raft again, " my wound treats 
 me ill and will not let me swim even a beggarly
 
 DEADLY PERIL AND DESERTION 15 
 
 score of yards. Monsieur Roguin, it must be your 
 duty to reach yonder means of escape and bring 
 it to us." 
 
 Roguin obeyed with unwonted alacrity, and 
 swam rapidly toward the desired object. He soon 
 reached it, climbed in, seized the oars and with 
 a mocking "Adieu! mes amis; bon voyage!" 
 rowed steadily away alone. 
 
 For a moment de Chatignac stood motionless 
 with astonishment, scarcely believing the evidence 
 of his own eyes. Then came the full realization 
 of his late companion's perfidy. 
 
 " Curse him ! " he cried, wild with rage as he 
 shook his fist impotently after the rapidly disap- 
 pearing Roguin. " I should have known better 
 than to trust him in anything." Realizing the 
 necessity of concealing his despair from his part- 
 ner in misfortune he quickly regained control over 
 himself, and turning toward her with a smile he 
 said encouragingly : " Our escape is but delayed, 
 Mademoiselle." Then searching his pockets he 
 continued: " Here we have a bottle of fresh water 
 and a flask of brandy. To be sure solid food is 
 wanting, but we can get along for a short time 
 on liquid rations." 
 
 "Ah! Monsieur! " exclaimed the girl sorrow- 
 fully, " I have wrought worse than I dreamed. 
 To go down with the ship would have been hor- 
 rible enough, but to condemn you to a slow death
 
 16 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 by thirst and starvation is terrible to contemplate," 
 and she sobbed pitifully. 
 
 " Good liquor is both food and drink," said 
 de Chatignac light-heartedly. " This supply will 
 surely last us until we touch the rugged shore of 
 New France. As for Gaspard Roguin, we are 
 well rid of such a rascal, his hateful presence would 
 but retard our progress, while he would probably 
 drink up our stock of provisions at a single 
 draught, leaving nothing for us." Manfully he 
 strove to cheer the drooping spirits of his com- 
 panion, but his own heart misgave him as he saw 
 the slow progress they were making and realized 
 that when the tide turned it would carry them sea- 
 ward. Without rescue they might drift back and 
 forth within sight of land indefinitely. 
 
 All through that day he pretended to partake 
 of the brandy and water in equal measure with 
 the young girl, but in reality he only wet his lips. 
 Night came. De Chatignac's companion slept, 
 securely fastened as she was, but he remained 
 awake conquering as best he might the terrible 
 thirst that assailed him, vainly endeavoring to 
 think out some plan that would aid in their escape. 
 
 Morning dawned and the coast appeared nearer 
 than before, but even at the rate they were moving 
 it would take them at least two more days to reach 
 it. The cold, hunger, and the agony of unsatis- 
 fied thirst, combined with the weakness from his
 
 DEADLY PERIL AND DESERTION 17 
 
 partly healed wound, brought on a dangerous 
 faintness. He took the precaution of giving the 
 girl a liberal portion from his scanty store of 
 spirits to combat the effects of the cold and ex- 
 posure that had begun to manifest themselves. 
 There followed another night of watching and 
 struggling against physical hardships. After 
 dawn broke he called to his companion, but re- 
 ceived no answer. Alarmed at her silence, he 
 strove to drag himself to her side, A dizziness 
 overcame him; the light of day was blotted from 
 his sight; he fell back, rolled over the edge into 
 the water and was gone. 
 
 A few hours later a fishing boat came upon an 
 improvised raft on which was bound the uncon- 
 scious form of a young girl whose long hair, loos- 
 ened from its hood, streamed to and fro unnoticed 
 amid the gently lapping waves, her fair face 
 turned serenely heavenward; the apparently life- 
 less body of a man floated alongside, whose sword 
 was entangled in one of the ropes binding the parts 
 of the raft together.
 
 Chapter Two 
 
 WHEREIN THE DEAD RETURN TO LIFE AND CAUSE 
 MUCH JOY AND CONSTERNATION 
 
 ALL Quebec put aside its pleasure and its 
 A\ gayety, and mourned. 
 
 -* Gaspard Roguin upon his arrival had 
 told the news of the disaster, and proclaimed him- 
 self the sole survivor from the ill-fated ship. He 
 became at once an object of universal interest, and 
 was compelled to rehearse again and again the 
 details of the awful event and his miraculous 
 escape. 
 
 Flattered by the attention bestowed upon him, 
 his self-love urged him to magnify his own deeds. 
 Like all liars when there is no chance of their 
 falsehood being refuted, he lied largely and well. 
 His story grew in telling until he appeared to his 
 hearers a veritable hero, who had coolly allayed the 
 general panic, skillfully superintended the launch- 
 ing of the boats, and then when all were filled 
 had generously refused to add his weight to the 
 tiny craft already overloaded, but had entrusted 
 his own safety to a frail spar. He was finally 
 providentially rewarded for his unselfish heroism 
 
 18
 
 WHEREIN DEAD RETURN TO LIFE 19 
 
 by finding an empty boat adrift, in which he 
 reached land unharmed. 
 
 The flagstaffs upon the Chateau, the Intend- 
 ant's Palace and other public buildings were 
 dressed in mourning, and a day was appointed 
 on which all the good inhabitants of the city were 
 bidden to repair to the Cathedral, where a solemn 
 mass was sung for the repose of the souls of those 
 lost at sea; then Quebec resumed once more its 
 struggles with living problems, leaving the dead 
 to slumber in their watery sepulcher. 
 
 Madame Fleurat, the Governor's housekeeper, 
 good, pious soul, had shed a tear at the Cathe- 
 dral and then hurried back to the Chateau to super- 
 intend the preparation of a meal that should tempt 
 the Governor's appetite, which, since the first news 
 of the wreck, had disappeared entirely. Her fifty 
 years of service in his family, both in France and 
 the New World, had made her devotion to him a 
 second nature, and all events or sorrows were of 
 small moment to her except as they affected him. 
 But all her painstaking was of no avail, for when 
 she entered the room to summon him to the meal 
 prepared with such loving care, she found him 
 seated alone before the fire, absorbed in gloomy 
 meditation. 
 
 " Come, your Excellency," she exclaimed in her 
 cheerful bustling manner, " your dinner is waiting 
 for you all hot and smoking. You will open your
 
 20 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 eyes when you see how many of your favorite 
 dishes I have prepared for you. You will injure 
 your health if you do not eat instead of moping 
 here in the dark and blinking at the fire for all the 
 world like one of those Gascon owls that used to 
 frighten you when a boy," and the good dame 
 patted him gently on the hand in much the same 
 motherly way as, when a young girl many years 
 ago, she had first taken charge of the little mother- 
 less child in the Chateau on the banks of the far-off 
 Garonne. 
 
 The Governor, however, shook his head sadly 
 as he seized her rough, withered hand and drew 
 her down until she sat beside him on a hassock. 
 
 " My heart is heavy to-night, ma chere am'ie, 
 and I need your comfort and sympathy as in the 
 old days, rather than your food. My thoughts 
 are sad indeed since le bon Dieu has taken from 
 me the one fair flower left blooming in the de- 
 serted garden of my life. For Aimee is gone, the 
 loving, happy-hearted Aimee, whose existence has 
 been the only bright ray of sunshine amid the 
 clouds of difficulties, dangers and perplexities that 
 have surrounded me since coming to New France. 
 My old heart had looked forward so eagerly to 
 welcoming her back from her two years' schooling 
 in Paris, no longer a child, but overflowing with 
 all the beauty, charm and grace of her full woman- 
 hood; and now now to think that she lies beneath
 
 WHEREIN DEAD RETURN TO LIFE 21 
 
 the cruel waters, her loving glances quenched, her 
 laughter stilled forever. But no, Dieu me par- 
 donne for these unhappy thoughts! I will not 
 think of her thus, but rather that her blessed 
 spirit is now in Paradise, looking down upon my 
 grieving heart in loving pity for its loneli- 
 ness." 
 
 A sympathetic pressure of the hand from the 
 good dame filled in a moment of silence. 
 
 " How well I remember," he continued in a 
 reminiscent tone, " the day of the big fight when, 
 hard pressed by the English officer, I would have 
 fallen had not my gallant friend Felix de Marsay, 
 Aimee's father, stepped between us and received 
 the fatal blow intended for me. How his dying 
 words ring in my ears even now: ' My little 
 flower, ma mignonne! you will guard her as your 
 very own, and be her father? ' And I promised 
 as he expired in my arms. I have tried to fulfill my 
 word. You remember how, thinking the gloomy 
 walls of the Chateau were unfitted for her bright 
 young life, I placed her in charge of her old nurse 
 in the little cottage beyond the Ursulines? and 
 how, after I found her father's affairs were help- 
 lessly entangled with those of that rascal Roguin, 
 I forbore to enter upon a hopeless legal fight but 
 abandoned everything to him, preferring to care 
 for her myself, making her my heir instead? And 
 how I have kept up the harmless fiction that her
 
 22 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 property was in keeping and thus satisfied her 
 proud spirit? Two years ago you know I sent her 
 to the convent in Paris that she might acquire the 
 finer touches and feminine accomplishments she 
 could not receive here, to fit her for the highest 
 station to which she might be called. It was her 
 own eagerness to return that led her to take pas- 
 sage in the ill-fated L'Ecume in company with 
 a maid and one of the nuns, rather than wait 
 until the spring storms were over. Ah me! the 
 ways of God are past finding out. He knows I 
 would gladly have given what remains of my old, 
 loveless life, loveless except for her, if by so doing 
 she could have been spared." 
 
 The gray head sank upon his breast and the old 
 soldier, valiant before a score of foes but now 
 weary and stricken with grief, surrendered to his 
 overpowering emotions. Thus the two aged 
 figures sat in the flickering firelight, the one with 
 his heart-strings torn and bleeding, the other 
 mute in deepest sympathy. There are moments 
 like these of profound affliction when the spirit, 
 leaving the outer world, withdraws into some hid- 
 den recess of the soul and sits alone communing 
 with its sorrow and obtains relief for its pent-up 
 feelings, surcease of its grief, and gathers fresh 
 spiritual vitality and strength from the vast store- 
 house of eternal pity and compassion. 
 
 The dropping of a burnt log in the fireplace,
 
 WHEREIN DEAD RETURN TO LIFE 23 
 
 the distant baying of a dog in the Lower Town, 
 the cry of the sentinel on guard these sounds 
 smote upon dulled ears. Suddenly the Governor 
 sat upright, his eyes raised, his figure tense and 
 vibrating with suppressed excitement. The sound 
 of a familiar voice seemingly near at hand thrilled 
 him. 
 
 " Pere Philippe! Pere Philippe! " it called. 
 
 " Aimee! Her voice! Did you not hear it? 
 'Tis her spirit calling to me with the name she 
 used as a little child." 
 
 There was the sound of hurrying footsteps 
 upon the hard polished floor of the adjoining room 
 and the clicking of a tiny pair of heels upon the 
 threshold; then the heavy door swung open and 
 an apparition stood in the half-light of the door- 
 way. 
 
 " Pere Philippe ! Pere Philippe ! Where are 
 you ? " resounded through the room, and the Gov- 
 ernor started up, overturning the chair in his 
 amazement, and faced about in the direction of 
 the door. Before the astonished man could move 
 the apparition darted across the room and flung 
 itself into his arms. 
 
 " Aimee ! My loved one ! Ma mlgnonne, 
 
 mon bijou, my little pigeon " and the man's 
 
 voice became an inarticulate murmur of sobs and 
 endearing names. At length he calmed himself 
 and holding the girl at arm's length exclaimed:
 
 24 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " It is then really you in the flesh and not your 
 spirit? " Then turning to Madame Fleurat, who 
 sat crouched on the hassock trembling with joy 
 and fright, " Come, come, arise and bring lights; 
 pile up the logs and broach a bottle of my best 
 wine, for this my night of mourning is turned into 
 a day of joy." 
 
 Seated about the table, with the delayed dinner 
 before them, they beamed upon each other with 
 loving glances while Madame Fleurat, rejoicing 
 in her master's happiness, bustled in and out, 
 scolded the servants and seemed to become sud- 
 denly twenty years younger. But little did the 
 Governor partake of the food set before him. His 
 meat was to devour with admiring gaze and misty 
 eye the features of his fair young companion, and 
 drink in as if with insatiable thirst every word fall- 
 ing from her lips and every glance that darted 
 from her sparkling lips. 
 
 Aimee told the story of her escape; how, when 
 she opened her eyes she found herself warmly 
 lodged in bed in the humble cabin of one of the 
 numerous settlers who cultivated the narrow strip 
 of land close to the river's edge, ekeing out their 
 slender means by occasional fishing expeditions; 
 how she had quickly recovered from the effects of 
 the cold and exposure and within a few days was 
 sitting up. Not so with her companion. For 
 days he tossed delirious, now chattering unintel-
 
 WHEREIN DEAD RETURN TO LIFE 25 
 
 ligibly, now living over again the terrible scenes 
 of the shipwreck. 
 
 " Again he talked of battle," she said, " of 
 siege and camp; and then he would seem to go 
 back to his childish days in Quebec and familiar 
 names came from his tongue, among them yours 
 and mine. And oh ! Pere Philippe, can I ever be 
 forgiven for my blindness! I recognized him 
 then as my old friend and playmate, Raoul de 
 Chatignac." 
 
 " Raoul de Chatignac ! Impossible ! He is not 
 expected home for some months yet." 
 
 " Impossible, perhaps, but nevertheless it was 
 he. Little wonder that I did not recognize him 
 during those hours of excitement, darkness and 
 misery, for he has changed wonderfully since leav- 
 ing us all seven years ago. Then he was but a 
 slight, stoop-shouldered lad, and now he is a tall, 
 broad, soldierly gallant with a most bewitching 
 mustache and only the same generous, hearty 
 smile to remind me of my former friend." 
 
 " And did he recognize you, ma cherie? " 
 
 " No, and no wonder, for I kept my head well 
 muffled in my capote because of the cold, so that 
 I do not believe he once caught a full view of my 
 face. I stayed and did what I could to allay his 
 discomfort until one morning, when they told me 
 he was himself again, I directed them to start me 
 on my journey to Quebec, not wishing him to
 
 26 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 recognize me under such circumstances. This they 
 gladly did, as one of the women folk was anxious 
 to come to the city to buy some finery, especially 
 as I promised them a goodly sum. After several 
 delays spent at the houses of some of their friends 
 upon the way to visit and repair the canoe, we 
 arrived to-night. I bade them leave me at the 
 gate of the Chateau and call on you in the morn- 
 ing for their pay." 
 
 " Pardieu! and they shall have it though it 
 were a king's ransom," cried the Governor as he 
 struck the table a ringing blow for sheer joy. 
 
 Thus did the old man and his foster-daughter 
 while away the dinner hour in earnest questionings 
 and glad replies. 
 
 Once more they sat before the fire as they had 
 so often done before, she with her head laid lov- 
 ingly upon his knee, his hand passing and repass- 
 ing through the mass of her golden hair; and they 
 were both content. 
 
 " You have grown more beautiful, little pigeon, 
 than I had even hoped for. Alas ! for the manly 
 hearts that will beat quicker at the sight of your 
 sweet face. You will have all the fine ladies of 
 Quebec mad with envy. Ah me! if I were but 
 twenty years younger I might try for the prize 
 myself." 
 
 ' You would come nearer winning, Pere Phil- 
 ippe, than any that I know." 

 
 WHEREIN DEAD RETURN TO LIFE 27 
 
 " What ! have I a better chance than your gal- 
 lant rescuer, Raoul de Chatignac? He must be a 
 fine fellow. His father was my warm friend and 
 a noble man. The boy gave every promise of 
 equaling him when he left and from all I can 
 learn he has indeed fulfilled his early promise. 
 He did splendid service in several campaigns until 
 finally Marechal Saxe took notice of him and had 
 him with him at Fontenoy, where he fought gal- 
 lantly, falling at last with several wounds. It 
 was shortly after that his father died and he is 
 now come back to take possession of the seigniory 
 and the wealth his father has left him. You could 
 certainly do much worse, ma mignonne, than wed 
 your old-time friend." 
 
 Aimee sat dreamily watching the tongues of 
 flame darting in and out among the logs before 
 replying. 
 
 " No gallants now for me, Pere Philippe ; I 
 want to make your life bright and happy once 
 more after deserting you for two long years." 
 
 " Nor do I wish to think of young gallants or 
 anything that means my ever losing you again. I 
 would think of naught to-night save that you are 
 back once more. Just before you entered I had 
 vowed my willingness to give up my own life for 
 you if it were necessary. Your father sacrificed 
 himself for me and I shall always stand ready to 
 pay the father's debt to his daughter. A life for
 
 28 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 a life, ma cherie; if ever you need it, it is yours. 
 I told you this the first evening on which I brought 
 you here, a little child. I renew my promise here 
 to-night, the night when you return to me a 
 
 woman." 
 
 A far different s.cene was being enacted in the 
 long, upper room of " The Silver Fox," kept by 
 the jolly, sharp-witted Etienne Lebas, who was 
 ever ready to serve a quip or jest with each bottle 
 of wine or mug of cider to his merry customers. 
 This inn, situated not over two hundred yards 
 from the gate of the Chateau, was the favorite 
 rendezvous for all the young officers and gal- 
 lants of Quebec. It served the purpose of a mod- 
 ern club, being the center of the male social life 
 of the city. It was the meeting place for the dis- 
 cussion of all matters of public, and, too often, 
 those of private interest; the breeding ground of 
 the thousand and one petty intrigues that sapped 
 the vitality of the colony; and the scene of many 
 of the innumerable personal quarrels arising over 
 cards or in minds overheated with wine. 
 
 The room was crowded. Several groups of 
 young men sat about small tables drinking and 
 laughing, while a number were engaged in friendly 
 games to while away the long evening. A knot 
 of spectators had collected about one table where 
 the interest in play was greatest. One of the
 
 WHEREIN DEAD RETURN TO LIFE 29 
 
 players, his back against the wall, seemed the 
 center of attraction. It was none other than Gas- 
 pard Roguin, his eyes flashing with the lust of 
 gain, his cheeks flushed with excitement and pleas- 
 ure. His winnings were already piled high and 
 were steadily increasing. He kept up a constant 
 fire of half-bantering, cynical remarks directed to 
 the other players, who, convulsed with laughter, 
 were often unable to direct their full attention 
 to their cards. Gradually the group increased, 
 attracted by the sounds of merriment until at least 
 a score of onlookers stood about the table. 
 
 The subject of conversation finally turned to the 
 event of the day, the service at the Cathedral. 
 
 " 'Tis well you escaped, Roguin," spoke up 
 Gaudais, one of his former boon companions, 
 " for if you had not we should have been obliged 
 to shed one more tear, and I for one could not 
 have done so; as it was I squeezed both my eyes 
 dry weeping for the others who were lost." 
 
 A burst of laughter met this sally, as it was 
 known to all that the speaker had not been near 
 the Cathedral that day. 
 
 " I am not ashamed to confess I wept heartily," 
 said one of the group stoutly, " for I felt deeply 
 the loss of my old playmate and companion, Raoul 
 de Chatignac, as gallant and true a friend as ever 
 breathed the air of New France, as many of you 
 can testify."
 
 30 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 Several of the group assented to this earnest 
 testimony to the worth of a lost comrade. 
 
 A spiteful look gleamed in the eye of Roguin 
 as he replied: 
 
 " I, too, wept at the thought of Raoul de Cha- 
 tignac, not because he was a friend of mine, but 
 because of my disappointment at finding him to be 
 unworthy of the high regard many of you have 
 held for him; a regard I once shared in. But 
 that is a story I have not yet told anyone. One 
 must speak only well of the dead; you know the 
 Latin proverb." 
 
 " Tell us about it, nevertheless," chimed in Ber- 
 thier, one of his satellites, who saw that his leader 
 only wished a little urging. 
 
 Roguin shook his head and sighed but did not 
 speak. 
 
 " As a friend of de Chatignac," replied Ar- 
 mand Boucard angrily, he who had just spoken 
 so warmly in his favor, " I insist that your cursed 
 innuendo demands a full explanation." 
 
 " As you will," replied Gaspard Roguin with a 
 shrug as he deftly dealt the cards around. " To 
 begin with," he continued, " I have never told the 
 true story of my escape." 
 
 A silence fell upon the group. Others drew 
 near and listened. 
 
 " The first boat launched was torn away by the 
 waves and floated off empty. Lucky it was for
 
 WHEREIN DEAD RETURN TO LIFE 31 
 
 me, for it was that same boat that I afterwards 
 found and escaped in. (Dumay, you have not 
 made your bet.) The second was ready to be 
 filled when our gallant hero, as you have consid- 
 ered him, started to jump in first before any of the 
 women. This lack of gallantry so enraged me 
 that I felled him with a blow. Not a pretty thing 
 to do, I admit, but justifiable under the circum- 
 stances. After all the boats were filled someone 
 called out that there was a young woman left 
 behind in one of the cabins. I hastened below to 
 find her and upon bringing her to the deck I found 
 the last boat had gone." 
 
 The speaker paused to gather in his win- 
 nings, and while the cards were dealt afresh, con- 
 tinued: 
 
 " I found our heroic friend still unconscious 
 from my blow, so after resuscitating him I begged 
 his assistance in making a raft. This with his 
 lordly air he refused to do. The work thereupon 
 all devolved upon me. (I double your bet, La 
 Briot.) With much difficulty I managed to get 
 the raft launched. After leaving the wrecl^ I dis- 
 covered that I had forgotten to bring any food 
 or water with us, hence you can imagine my sur- 
 prise at seeing de Chatignac take a bottle of water 
 stealthily from his pocket and help himself when 
 he thought neither the girl or myself were look- 
 ing. I suggested that he share it with us, but he
 
 32 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 stoutly denied having it in his possession. From 
 that moment I felt he meditated treachery. (You 
 have lost again Dumay; you should play more 
 carefully.) Finally, desperate with thirst, I again 
 demanded a portion of the water for myself and 
 our companion, whereupon he flew into a rage, 
 knocked me into the water, and loosening a small 
 spar, shoved it after me, telling me to shift for 
 myself. I managed with difficulty to cling to this 
 slight support. In the morning the raft, a frail 
 thing at best, had disappeared, sunk no doubt with 
 the weight of its two occupants, but I discovered 
 near at hand the drifting boat. I never saw him 
 again. He is now down below, a just punishment 
 for his faithlessness. We all did well to pray for 
 his soul to-day." 
 
 A breathless silence now filled the room. All 
 were astonished at the recital. Before anyone 
 could speak a voice, vibrating with intense emotion, 
 resounded in their ears. 
 
 " Gaspard Roguin, you lie I " 
 
 Roguin looked up angrily. The flush on his 
 face died away, and it became livid with terror. 
 Raoul de Chatignac, pale and weak, stood beside 
 the table with arms folded and blazing eyes. He 
 had entered the room unnoticed and during Ro- 
 guin's narrative had stood in the background. At 
 its close he had quietly pushed his way through 
 the crowd to the front.
 
 WHEREIN DEAD RETURN TO LIFE 33 
 
 A shout of wonder and glad recognition arose 
 on all sides. This he silenced with a gesture. 
 
 " Monsieur did not count upon any delay 
 through illness in my reaching Quebec, or he would 
 have waited a little longer to make sure of my 
 death before venturing upon this tale which is 
 a tissue of lies." 
 
 Gaspard Roguin, who had in a measure recov- 
 ered himself, smiled scornfully. " Of course you 
 will deny what I have said: that is but natural. 
 However, you cannot prove the falseness of my 
 story. One man's word is as good as another's. 
 As for the girl, if she be alive, her testimony would 
 be of little value, since you have had an excellent 
 opportunity of intimidating her. Come, gentle- 
 men, on with the game ! " and he turned to his 
 cards again. 
 
 " Messieurs," said Raoul de Chatignac, " allow 
 me to give you the true version of the affair," and 
 he modestly related the complete history of their 
 escape. Gaspard Roguin played on in silence with 
 a careless smile, betting heavily. 
 
 " I need no more additional testimony, I hope," 
 continued de Chatignac, " to prove the truth of 
 what I have related as against this liar, than to 
 tell you that at the time of the accident I had just 
 accused him before a roomful of witnesses of being 
 a swindler and card cheat. Judging by his win- 
 nings to-night he is at his old tricks again. I would
 
 34 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 therefore ask one of you to turn down one or both 
 of his cuffs!" 
 
 A murmur of indignation arose and angry looks 
 were cast at Gaspard Roguin, who, pale again, 
 arose to his feet excitedly. 
 
 " I will not submit further to your insults, Raoul 
 de Chatignac," he cried fiercely. " Be good 
 enough to appoint a time and place for the settle- 
 ment of this affair. My sword is ready to cross 
 your own." 
 
 De Chatignac's accusing finger pointed at one 
 of his enemy's sleeves was the only reply. Armand 
 Boucard stepped forward but Roguin turned men- 
 acingly upon him. " At your peril, Monsieur, or 
 I shall be under the necessity of killing you 
 likewise." 
 
 Boucard was not to be deterred. He motioned 
 to a man standing on the other side of Roguin, 
 and simultaneously they each seized a hand. Be- 
 fore the enraged victim could make a struggle 
 both cuffs had been turned down, disclosing several 
 cards behind each. With a cry like an infuriated 
 animal Roguin broke loose, and darting through 
 the crowd reached a window, threw it open and 
 leaped out into the darkness.
 
 Chapter Three 
 
 A CHAPTER OF GLOOM, IN WHICH AN ESCAPE IS 
 MADE 
 
 A OUT halfway to Beauport, set well back 
 from the road, with one side overlooking 
 from an eminence the waters of the St. 
 Lawrence, stood the manor-like house of Pierre 
 Roguin named by him La Maison Sombre. 
 Dark indeed was the house and darker still its 
 history and that of its builder. 
 
 Shortly after the close of the Great Louis's reign 
 two brothers had settled in Quebec, engaged in 
 trade with the Indians and prospered. At length 
 a quarrel arose and they separated, the younger en- 
 tering the great wilderness and taking up the 
 hardy but fascinating life of a coureur-de-bois. 
 The elder remained at Quebec and received a 
 small grant of land four arpents broad at the river- 
 edge and running back a full mile and a half. 
 This tract was too small to be let out profitably to 
 censitaires for cultivation. But the wily owner 
 wanted, as he declared, only a home whither he 
 could retire and enjoy his old age in comfort when 
 it came on. He built a huge stone house close to 
 the edge of the river and his old haunts knew him 
 no more. Some years passed. He emerged from 
 
 35
 
 36 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 his retreat long enough to marry the daughter of 
 a Montreal merchant with whom he had had deal- 
 ings in previous years, then returned and shut him- 
 self up with her in his lonely dwelling. 
 
 Strange stories were told by occasional passers- 
 by of mysterious lights and weird sounds emanat- 
 ing from the darksome pile at night. Others 
 talked of subterranean chambers beneath the 
 gloomy dwelling, of boats unloading and loading 
 on dark nights on the shore below, claiming that 
 the commercial instinct still survived in the owner 
 and that he continued thus to add to his fortune 
 by illicit trade which he dared not engage in 
 openly. 
 
 At about this time he assumed charge of the 
 vast estate of Felix de Marsay, who was absent 
 from Quebec most of the year on patriotic errands 
 to France on the business of the Colony, or trav- 
 eling about among the distant outposts, giving 
 their commanders freely of his vast engineering 
 knowledge, or drawing his sword or taking up 
 his rifle in defense of some fort against English 
 assault or Indian foray. Pierre Roguin superin- 
 tended the leasing of his farmlands, the collect- 
 ing of rents, the cutting of timber, in fact all the 
 duties incident to his position. Unfortunately 
 Felix de Marsay was a better soldier than he was 
 a man of business, so little by little his agent came 
 to exercise supreme control over his affairs with full
 
 WHEREIN DEAD RETURN TO LIFE 37 
 
 power to sell or buy as he saw fit, the owner being 
 content to receive the revenue from his property 
 without seemingly caring to know anything further 
 concerning it. 
 
 Roguin's brother finally returned, peace was 
 apparently established between them and they 
 dwelt together. One day he was missing and 
 there were secret whisperings of jealous anger on 
 the part of the husband who, it was reported, was 
 passionately fond of his girl-wife, of a moonlight 
 duel between the two brothers and a secret burial. 
 It was shortly after this event that a son was born 
 and the mother died. 
 
 After these tragic events the owner became 
 more and more a recluse, shunning all unnecessary 
 association with his fellow men, devoting his spare 
 time to the care and education of his child. His 
 ambition for his future was boundless and he began 
 adding little by little to his land by purchase, hop- 
 ing to be able to leave his son a large property 
 and money sufficient to maintain it and perhaps 
 purchase one of the new colonial titles of nobility 
 that the King offered at a good price. Occasion- 
 ally, after consultation with the crafty notary, 
 Potherie, he would through some legal quibble 
 oust a small owner from his property and quietly 
 annex it to his own estate, until finally his domains 
 extended far in all directions. 
 
 Along with his trickery and roguish dealings
 
 38 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 there developed a cynical philosophy that scoffed 
 at everything. Openly defying the Church and 
 its ministers, it is no wonder that he was accused 
 of all sorts of dealings with the Evil One, the cele- 
 bration of the Black Mass, and the housing of an 
 imp-child, the Devil's own, as a familiar spirit, 
 and it was said by many who had passed him on 
 the road on his wild midnight rides that a witch 
 bestrode his horse's tail. 
 
 Long solitary drinking bouts aged him rapidly 
 after his employer's death and he had little with 
 which to occupy his time. Finally, one stormy 
 night, after driving the servants out into the rain, 
 he ordered his horse saddled and when asked 
 whither he was going, responded " To hell," and 
 dashed cursing and screaming down the driveway. 
 His horse returned with empty saddle and next 
 day his body was found beneath the fallen limb 
 of a giant tree near Beauport. He was brought 
 home and buried, according to written directions 
 left behind, ten feet below the floor of the great 
 hall in front of the fireplace, his resting place 
 being covered with a huge stone slab on which 
 was cut: 
 
 I WAS NOT, AND I BECAME; I WAS, AND 
 AM NO MORE. THIS MUCH IS TRUE; 
 WHO SAYS OTHER, LIES; FOR I SHALL 
 NOT BE. AND THOU WHO LIVEST, 
 DRINK, PLAY, COME 1
 
 A CHAPTER OF GLOOM 39 
 
 Such was the history in brief of the elder Ro- 
 guin. Such was the dark inheritance of the son, 
 growing up to manhood under the care of Marie 
 Girol, his father's housekeeper and his own nurse 
 since his birth. Amid these dismal surroundings 
 it would have been small wonder had he become 
 a gloomy, morose man. 
 
 This was not the case. His only heritage from 
 his mother was a love for all the bright things of 
 life, its levity and gayety; with this was coupled 
 all the bad traits of the father. Hence he became 
 a man crafty, unscrupulous, sensual; fearless of 
 divine anger, and dreading man's only when there 
 was a likelihood of consequences fatal to himself, 
 for he loved life passionately, although in other 
 respects not a coward. He longed to taste to the 
 full its various experiences. Loving wealth he 
 found it easy to add to it, as well as to gratify his 
 passion for gambling, by dishonest methods at 
 cards. 
 
 Although of average height his frame seemed 
 slight, which, coupled with light hair, a smoothly 
 shaven face and fair complexion, gave an effem- 
 inate touch to his general appearance. He lived 
 alone in his gloomy dwelling save for the frequent 
 companionship of a few kindred spirits whom he 
 had gathered around him. He mixed in the social 
 life of the city only when by so doing he could 
 further some plan of his own. Although about
 
 40 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 the same age, Raoul de Chatignac and himself had 
 known but little of each other as children. He 
 had always secretly envied the other's qualities, 
 so different from his own, the esteem in which he 
 was held, the success he had achieved at Paris. 
 It was this feeling of envy that had induced him, 
 poor sailor that he was, to cross the stormy seas 
 and spend a year in France. It was with no desire 
 for a soldier's life or military honors, but rather 
 that he might see the beau monde and discover 
 fresh channels of pleasure and also pick up any 
 new ideas that might be of service to him in 
 Quebec. 
 
 When confronted before the eyes of his asso- 
 ciates with proof of his duplicity, his one thought 
 was of flight. Landing safely in a flower bed in 
 the inn yard, he quickly got his horse and set out 
 for home. He rode recklessly along, cursing de 
 Chatignac and his own mistake in not waiting to 
 indulge his slanderous tongue until a sufficient 
 length of time had elapsed to preclude all chance 
 of de Chatignac's return. 
 
 Upon reaching the house he entered the great 
 hall and threw himself sprawling into a chair 
 before the fire. Again he cursed his luck, for 
 little as he valued the regard of the world at large, 
 it was vital to the success of his many schemes 
 that he should stand well among the men of the 
 community. He rang for wine and gulped down
 
 A CHAPTER OF GLOOM 41 
 
 several gobletsful. This only seemed to increase 
 his ill temper, for he stamped his foot and struck 
 savagely at the lettering on the stone slab before 
 him: 
 
 I WAS, AND AM NO MORE. 
 
 The inscription seemed to mock him in his present 
 state of mind. The carved faces about the stone 
 fireplace seemed to grin with delight at his despair. 
 Maddened, he poured out more wine, drank it, 
 and then, throwing the emptied glass upon the 
 floor, stamped savagely upon the pieces, grind- 
 ing them into dust with the heel of his riding 
 boot. 
 
 Just then his glance fell upon a rusty set of 
 mailed armor standing against the wall like some 
 old sentinel. In his madness he fancied he could 
 detect a gleam as from a human eye peering at 
 him from beneath the closed visor. 
 
 He dashed to it and struck the helmet vigor- 
 ously with the butt of his whip. A wailing cry 
 issued from the interior and the arms were raised 
 as though to remove the heavy headpiece. Gas- 
 pard was startled for an instant, then fell to pull- 
 ing at the helmet. A few vigorous tugs and it 
 came off, revealing a human head which bore the 
 wild, frightened face of a man about Roguin's 
 own age, with a weazened look of untimely matur- 
 ity. Its eyes burned with a strange, uncanny fire,
 
 42 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 while the hair hung in long unkempt locks about 
 the head, giving the general appearance of some 
 rude creature of the wood, scarce human in its 
 grotesque aspect. 
 
 " Peste! So it's you, Farouche, you fool ! 
 What mean you by this mummery? Off with this 
 mail at once or it will be worse for you." 
 
 The figure obeyed, taking off the armor piece 
 by piece, until it stood trembling in its ragged 
 clothes before the angry man. 
 
 " So you were spying upon me," exclaimed Gas- 
 pard, cutting him savagely across the thinly clad 
 legs with his whip. " Take that, and that, and 
 that," and he rained a dozen blows first on one 
 leg and then on the other. 
 
 " Oh! oh! " cried the unfortunate, writhing at 
 every stroke and dancing up and down. "Oh! 
 oh! Pardon, Monsieur, but I was not spying. I 
 had fled oh! oh! from Marie Girol who was 
 angry with me oh ! oh ! for burying two of 
 her fine chickens head downward in the ground 
 oh! oh! to see if they would not change into 
 fairies. So I ran and hid in here so that she could 
 not find me oh! oh! I knew she would not be 
 afraid of Farouche the Fool, but if she found a 
 knight all clad in armor she would run and I 
 would chase her." 
 
 The picture presented to his mind of Marie 
 Girol fleeing, pursued by the ungainly mailed
 
 A CHAPTER OF GLOOM 43 
 
 figure before him, caused Roguin to be suddenly 
 seized with a hearty fit of merriment and he 
 laughed boisterously until too weak to stand. His 
 companion's mood changing too from fear to 
 mirth he joined with his " Hi-yi " in a voice of 
 childish treble. 
 
 " Farouche," said Gaspard with a sudden start, 
 " you have given me a thought with all your fool- 
 ery that has solved my difficulties. A wise man 
 may learn much even from a fool. A toll " as 
 he filled a goblet, raised and emptied it. " Your 
 folly has taught me wisdom. You deserve a beat- 
 ing, but I will let you off this time. Now, listen. 
 I am going away to-night and I want you to go 
 down to the river and get a canoe ready to take 
 me across. When you have done this return to 
 me here." So saying he pushed the fool out of 
 the room. 
 
 His spirits seemed to have returned, for he 
 instantly busied himself in preparing for a long 
 journey. He chuckled to himself frequently dur- 
 ing these preparations and laughed, smiting his 
 thigh a succession of resounding blows. By the 
 time he had completed his arrangements his com- 
 panion returned and announced that all was in 
 readiness. Roguin then wrapped a cloak about 
 him and stretched himself in the chair, first extin- 
 guishing the light. " I shall take some rest, 
 Farouche. Do you stay awake and watch and
 
 44 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 when the first sign of day appears, waken me and 
 we will be off. If you doze, remember, I have a 
 whip." So saying he fell asleep. 
 
 Like a faithful dog, Farouche crouched by the 
 window peering out for the first glimpse of dawn 
 which was yet several hours away. Farouche the 
 Fool. Who he was or whence he came, no one 
 seemed to know, not even himself. As long as 
 Gaspard Roguin could remember anything he had 
 always had Farouche at hand to fetch and carry 
 for him, or to cuff and beat if the mood seized 
 him. His hair was always long and tempting for 
 mischievous hands to pull and he never resented 
 it. Farouche the Fool! None of the servants 
 about the place could tell anything about him, for 
 he was a fixture there when the oldest had first 
 come. Handy to draw water, make fires, and run 
 errands he was indeed, but always in the way; one 
 who must of necessity be beaten and kicked in 
 order to teach him his proper place. Farouche 
 the Fool! No one in Quebec knew of his origin, 
 yet everyone seemed unable to recollect the time 
 when he was not seen wandering about the streets 
 or chattering wildly from some corner where he 
 had been brought to bay by a crowd of small-boy 
 tormentors, who knew he would not harm them 
 and hence felt safe in perfecting their marksman- 
 ship by throwing stones at him. Farouche the 
 Fool ! Ask Marie Girol and perhaps the thin lips
 
 A CHAPTER OF GLOOM 45 
 
 would open to tell what she knew, and perhaps 
 they would only compress the tighter when she 
 caught sight of him and her hand reach for the 
 birchen switch and bring it down sharply across 
 the shoulder-blades showing plainly through the 
 rags that made so sorry a pretense of covering 
 them. Yet with all these delicate attentions from 
 the world at large I doubt if a more contented 
 heart could have been found in all New France 
 than his as he danced alone under the trees in the 
 moonlight, or sang away at some elfin melody 
 when night had come and he had crawled into 
 his little house, built in the yard from the ruins 
 of a large dog kennel to eat the scraps of food 
 the servants could not use, and curl himself up 
 there for rest in the straw. Farouche the Fool I 
 At length his patient watching was rewarded 
 by the appearance of a faint streak of gray upon 
 the eastern horizon. He quietly crossed the room 
 and awakened the sleeper. The two then passed 
 noiselessly to the river's edge and soon were shoot- 
 ing rapidly across its surface. Reaching the far- 
 ther shore at a point opposite Quebec, Gaspard 
 Roguin got out, ordered the fool homeward, and 
 after shaking his fist at the sleeping city, plunged 
 into the forest just as the first sunbeam kissed the 
 tree-tops above him.
 
 Chapter Four 
 
 SHOWS HOW THE JOY OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP 
 MAY BE MINGLED WITH A SAD HOME-COMING 
 
 RVOUL DE CHATIGNAC disappeared 
 from " The Silver Fox " as mysteriously 
 as he had come, before his companions had 
 recovered from their amazement. He stopped in 
 the city only long enough to hire a horse and then 
 slowly and painfully rode along the western road 
 toward Sillery on his way to his old home. He 
 was weak, the animated scene at the tavern having 
 exhausted what little strength he had. His 
 wound, too, was painful and he winced frequently 
 as his horse stumbled along the dark highway. 
 Leaving the care of the kindly habitant under 
 whose roof he had been cared for in rough but 
 sympathetic fashion a couple of days after Aimee's 
 departure, he had pushed forward so rapidly in 
 his canoe that he reached Quebec at almost the 
 same time as she. He had intended reporting to 
 his old friend the Governor of his safe arrival, or 
 at least stopping over night at the house of a 
 friend; some chance, however, had led his steps 
 to " The Silver Fox " only to overhear the calum- 
 
 46
 
 JOY OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP 47 
 
 nies uttered by Gaspard Roguin. Feeling ill and 
 weak after this spirited scene, he determined to 
 reach his home as rapidly as possible. 
 
 His father, Leon de Chatignac, a stanch roy- 
 alist under Louis XIV, had resented the regency 
 of Philip of Orleans, believing that the interests 
 of the young king were suffering at his hands. 
 
 He had become entangled in one of the many 
 plots to remove the Regent, which was discovered. 
 Although he and his companions were pardoned 
 by the easy-going Duke, he preferred a voluntary 
 exile, and was permitted to emigrate to New 
 France. Having sold his estate in Gascony he 
 was enabled to purchase a large tract of land, 
 which he carefully improved until his seigniory 
 became one of the largest and finest to be found 
 anywhere on the river between Quebec and Mon- 
 treal. Fields yellow with grain bowed to the 
 attack of the harvesters; a hundred censitaires 
 tilled these many acres and brought him yearly 
 tribute. While his wife lived he was content to 
 superintend the development of his large estate 
 and the early education of his young son. 
 
 Shortly after her death, an old-time friend 
 coming to the Colony as Governor, Leon de Chati- 
 gnac mingled more in the active life of the growing 
 town, seeking consolation in his companionship 
 and that of the valiant soldier and honorable 
 gentleman, Felix de Marsay, Aimee's father. It
 
 48 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 was his earnest wish that his child should have 
 every advantage possible that should best fit him 
 to add luster to his name. When the youth 
 reached the age of eighteen and had absorbed all 
 the teaching of the new country, he had dispatched 
 him to Paris to the care of a distant relative, 
 there to receive the best of military training and 
 to acquire the grace and polish that only life at 
 court could give. Desiring that he should gain 
 the experience of an active campaign before re- 
 turning, he had insisted on his remaining longer, 
 until finally seven years had passed. On learning 
 that he had distinguished himself nobly as aide 
 to Marechal Saxe at Fontenoy, his heart was filled 
 with satisfaction, and feeling that now that the 
 son was fitted to take his place he had nothing 
 more to live for, he committed his soul to God 
 and his estate to Raoul, and lay down and 
 died. 
 
 Although thus aided by the influence of his 
 father's friends and name, Raoul had really won 
 his way by the force of his own personality. Brave 
 and clever, with a cheerful, kindly disposition and 
 a determination to achieve success, he had made 
 many friends and few enemies. The praise of his 
 superiors in rank did not fill his heart with selfish 
 pride but rather spurred him on to greater achieve- 
 ments. Tall, lithe, handsome, courteous ever, he 
 was assailed on all sides by the coquettish glances
 
 JOY OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP 49 
 
 and lovelorn sighs of the weaker sex without his 
 head being in the leastwise turned. Still a stran- 
 ger to the supreme affection of the heart he met 
 them all with a twinkle of his dark brown eyes 
 and a merry jest. Although placed in the midst 
 of a corrupt court the manly ideals instilled into 
 his mind by his father, together with a nice sense 
 of honor, steadied him amid a multitude of youth- 
 ful temptations and follies. His only vice was 
 that of gaming, a gentlemanly failing and one 
 that did him no harm as yet, since he had abun- 
 dant means to lose. The news of his father's 
 death had made the scenes in which he moved 
 distasteful, and he became anxious to return. 
 Desire outstripping caution, he had taken the first 
 available ship home before his wounds had fairly 
 healed. 
 
 A thousand sad fancies filled his mind as he 
 jogged along. A sense of loneliness was upper- 
 most which the unfamiliarity of his surroundings 
 only served to increase. Plans for the future he 
 had none save that of living his life in his father's 
 stead, one that would redound to his own honor 
 and be worthy of the family name. His chief de- 
 sires now were to reach the old home with its ten- 
 der associations and memories, to visit with filial 
 affection his father's grave, and to rest for the 
 feeling of weariness and exhaustion was well-nigh 
 overpowering.
 
 50 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 His train of thought was rudely interrupted 
 by the clatter of horse's hoofs approaching 
 through the darkness behind him, while a distant 
 halloo reached his ears. Thinking it was prob- 
 ably some jovial spirit returning homeward, giv- 
 ing vent to a tipsy shout, Raoul turned aside and 
 waited to let him pass. Soon the plunging figure 
 of a horse was dimly outlined in the gloom. As 
 soon as the motionless form of the young man 
 was spied, the oncoming animal was pulled in so 
 suddenly that he reared high in the air while his 
 skillful rider cried out: 
 
 " Raoul de Chatignac, is that you? It is I, 
 your old companion Armand Boucard." 
 
 Raoul put out his hand and grasped warmly 
 that of Armand, who was none other than the 
 brave heart who had defended his memory so 
 stoutly before Roguin's sneering words. 
 
 " I thought I had lost you, mon ami," he con- 
 tinued. " Seeing you so pale and ill I followed 
 you as quickly as possible from the inn, but you 
 had disappeared. I lost a good quarter of an 
 hour making inquiries before I struck your trail. 
 However, here I am, still dazed with the joy of 
 finding you alive when we had already mourned 
 you as dead, ready to take you back with me to 
 my own roof or to accompany you home and there 
 accord you a hearty welcome." 
 
 " Many thanks, old comrade," was Raoul's cor-
 
 JOY OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP 51 
 
 dial reply as they both started onward side by 
 side. " I am sorely in need of your friendship. 
 I fear the warmth of my meeting with that miser- 
 able cheat Roguin was more than my strength 
 could bear, but your sympathetic presence will 
 cheer and invigorate me I know." 
 
 " Mon Dieuf " was Armand's indignant reply, 
 " but you have done us all a favor in exposing 
 him if those are the tricks he has come back to 
 practice on us. He will not dare show his face 
 in Quebec again for a long time." Then, as he 
 leaned toward his companion, he reached out in 
 the darkness and grasped his arm, squeezing it 
 affectionately, adding: u But your greatest serv- 
 ice, mon ami, has been in your returning and giv- 
 ing us yourself again. We have missed you sadly 
 but have been proud of you when we heard of 
 your valor and renown across the sea. Your illus- 
 trious father did not allow anyone in Quebec 
 to remain long in ignorance of your rapid 
 progress." 
 
 " Dear, noble-hearted man, I fear his great 
 affection for me prompted him to value my modest 
 achievements more highly than he should. I pray 
 le bon Dleu that I may yet do something worthy 
 of his great love." 
 
 '* You have already accomplished something, 
 for, some of us, roused by your example, have 
 tried to imitate your bravery. You remember
 
 52 
 
 Ambroise Pelletier, whom we used to pity for his 
 physical weakness and apparent cowardice? Well, 
 he fell after inciting his handful of men to attack 
 a hundred of the heretic English; his example 
 turned defeat into victory and he lived long 
 enough to see the enemy run. Then there was 
 Blondet, whom we all thought would enter the 
 church; he developed a sudden warlike spirit and 
 did splendid service in a campaign against the 
 Iroquois only to be scalped by the murderous 
 redskins." 
 
 " Ma foil " exclaimed Raoul with a ring of 
 satisfaction in his voice, "it is good news indeed 
 if my poor showing in warlike deeds has borne 
 such fruits. With so many gallant blades astir 
 I shall find a goodly company for my own sword 
 to join in the expected war, mutterings of which I 
 heard before I left Paris." 
 
 " Not, however, until you are well once more, 
 mon ami, and have had ample opportunity to 
 gather new strength from your native air." 
 
 " But how about yourself? I hear no tale of 
 deeds of daring from your own modest lips, 
 although I warrant I shall hear plenty from 
 your friends in Quebec." 
 
 Armand laughed. " There is little to say," he 
 replied. " To be sure I have seen some service, 
 and have acquitted myself as well as I knew 
 how."
 
 JOY OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP 53 
 
 " Then I will vouch for it that it was such 
 service as only a true and gallant soldier could 
 render," was the hearty rejoinder. 
 
 " Your praise, like your regard, is sweet to me, 
 mon cher Raoul, but I fear it is greater than I 
 deserve. But," he added in a lowered voice, 
 " there are others of your old-time friends beside 
 your fellow soldiers who will be rejoiced to watch 
 your career after your return." 
 
 " Ah, yes ! you mean the Governor. He has 
 always been a true, good friend to me and to my 
 house. I know he will be glad to see me. I should 
 have stopped at the Chateau to visit him to-night 
 had I not felt an overwhelming desire to get 
 home." 
 
 " Nay, nay, Raoul, not the Governor, although 
 he will glory over you as though you were his own 
 son. The one I mean will not mark your future 
 course from earth, but heaven. Nor do I mean 
 your father or mother either. For shame, old 
 friend ! Have the din of the camp and the glamour 
 of the Court occupied your mind to the exclusion 
 of all the tender recollections of childhood affec- 
 tion? Or has some fair dame's languishing eyes 
 so bewitched you that you forget all others of her 
 sex? Do you not remember our little playmate, 
 Aimee de Marsay? You must have met her on 
 that ill-fated vessel." 
 
 " Aimee de Marsay I Forget Aimee de Mar-
 
 54 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 say with her gentle, loving ways? Never! But 
 what mean you, Armand," here he halted his 
 horse sharply and peered at his friend through 
 the darkness, " prating about Heaven and that 
 ill-fated ship in connection with her? " 
 
 "Peste! " replied Armand in a voice of wonder 
 tinged with impatience, " are you so ill that your 
 mind wanders? She was on board L'Ecume with 
 you. You ought to be the one to tell me about 
 her!" 
 
 " Aimee de Marsay with me on L'Ecume? " 
 repeated Raoul in a hesitating tone as though he 
 did not fully grasp the meaning of the words. 
 
 " Yes, mon ami/' said Armand, with tender- 
 ness for his friend's grief, " but we will not talk 
 of her now." 
 
 "Yes, but we will," exclaimed Raoul. "Oh! 
 my poor head that will not let me understand." 
 
 " Well, then, since you wish me I will tell you 
 all I know. Aimee de Marsay was sent by the 
 Governor to Paris two years ago to finish her 
 education in a convent. She returned on the same 
 ship as yourself. You and that rascal Roguin 
 were the sole survivors. Hence our gentle, happy- 
 hearted Aimee was lost." 
 
 " Aimee in Paris convent same ship lost," 
 murmured Raoul disconnectedly. " Ah, no I you 
 are mistaken ; it cannot be ; I would have seen her 
 if she had been there."
 
 JOY OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP 55 
 
 " Would to Heaven I were," replied Armand 
 in a mournful voice. " The Governor himself 
 told me, and we together mourned for her as well 
 as yourself in the Cathedral this morning." 
 
 They had turned mechanically during their con- 
 versation and were now wending their way under 
 the arching trees toward the house that soon ap- 
 peared, a dark mass of shadow before them. 
 Armand's companion did not reply but, lurching 
 toward him, fell unconscious in his friendly 
 arms. 
 
 The limit of strength had been reached and 
 passed. With the shock of the news of his old- 
 time friend's death he had fainted. Armand held 
 him tenderly upright in his saddle and guided 
 both horses to the door of the house upon which 
 he beat lustily with his riding whip, shouting: 
 
 "Hilloa! Within there! Open in God's 
 name ! " In a moment or two a window was raised 
 and a feeble voice exclaimed: 
 
 " Who are you, to wake honest folk from their 
 sleep? Ride on, we have no heart to entertain 
 drunken roisterers. Leave us to our grief." 
 
 " Come down at once," was Armand's impa- 
 tient reply. " Open and let your master in. We 
 are no drunken roisterers." 
 
 " Now I know you for a pair of robbers, in- 
 deed," came in indignant tones from above, 
 " when you speak thus. We have buried our
 
 56 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 old lord this six-month, and to-day have mourned 
 for the loss of our young master." 
 
 " For shame, Fidette," replied Armand angrily. 
 " It is Armand Boucard; do you not know my 
 voice? I tell you your young master is here and 
 alive. He is sick and has fainted. Hasten, or 
 I shall be forced to break my way in." 
 
 A tremulous cry of mingled alarm and joy was 
 heard and the window was closed. Soon the feeble 
 flickering of a light was seen approaching the door. 
 Armand dismounted and took Raoul's limp form 
 in his arms. The door opened and there appeared 
 upon the threshold the figure of an old man in 
 bare feet, nightcap, and gown. The instant the 
 rays of the candle fell upon Raoul's pallid fea- 
 tures his look of perplexity and fear gave way 
 to that of joy, and he sprang with all the agility 
 of a young man to a bell which he sounded clam- 
 orously, shouting meanwhile at the top of his 
 thin cracked voice: 
 
 " Help! Awake, you dullards; the master has 
 returned ! " Soon the forms of a half dozen 
 startled servants appeared, who hastened to fetch 
 lights and prepare to aid the unconscious Raoul. 
 The old man, who was the major-domo of the 
 establishment, bustled about in great confusion, 
 scarcely knowing what he was doing, wringing his 
 hands and crying: 
 
 " Grace a Dieu! The young master is back
 
 JOY OF RENEWED FRIENDSHIP 57 
 
 yes, it is he how pale he looks so ill and weak 
 what a sad home-coming! " 
 
 And Raoul, just returning to consciousness, re- 
 peated his words in a weak murmur: 
 
 " What a sad home-coming! "
 
 Chapter Five 
 
 WHEREIN THE HERO AND HEROINE PICK UP THE 
 THREADS OF LIFE ONCE MORE 
 
 R\OUL sank quickly into the deep sleep of 
 exhaustion, after partaking of a little wine 
 that Fidette brought him. In the morn- 
 ing Armand awakened early and after noiselessly 
 dressing sat down beside the bed to watch his 
 friend. As he waited, his mind ran back to the 
 time when he, the son of one of the officers sta- 
 tioned at Quebec, used to join Raoul and Aimee in 
 their play. He recollected how even at that early 
 age they had both been enchanted by her winning 
 ways and were indeed her willing subjects, while 
 she, the little witch, had queened it over them with 
 a truly feminine capriciousness, now showing some 
 mark of her favor to one, and then to the other 
 without apparent discrimination. Neither of the 
 boys had ever wavered one whit in his allegiance 
 to her, and both dreamed of the day when they 
 would be her knights like the brave men in the 
 stories they told, and ride forth together to slay 
 her foes or be slain in her defense, if need be. 
 Once, while playing together beside a tiny brook 
 
 58
 
 THREADS OF LIFE PICKED UP 59 
 
 that babbled its way through the ground near 
 Raoul's home, Armand slipped, and rolling down 
 the bank stopped just short of the brink that 
 overhung a quiet pool. Aimee shrieked in alarm, 
 but on seeing him unharmed ordered him imper- 
 iously to climb back and not be so careless again. 
 Armand asked her what she would have done 
 had he fallen into the water. " Sent Raoul after 
 you," she answered. " But suppose Raoul had 
 been the one in danger? " " Oh, then I should 
 have jumped in myself to save him," was the 
 reply. 
 
 Thus did Armand bitterly learn her preference 
 at an early day. But there was no room in his 
 childish heart for feelings of envy or resentment. 
 He merely submitted to her will and served her 
 faithfully as before. After Raoul's departure for 
 Paris he had seen a great deal of their erstwhile 
 queen, growing even more queenly and lovely, and 
 the allegiance of many years was strengthened, 
 and service rendered with greater fidelity. Yet 
 through this long period he could still see that 
 Raoul was first as in days of yore. She accepted 
 his devotion as a matter of course with all the 
 assurance of her right to the same that a sister 
 would have shown. It was of Raoul, his doings, 
 his success, his return, that they both talked most 
 frequently when they met. Whenever Armand 
 hastened to her with some news of their mutual
 
 60 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 friend, then it was that his welcome, always cor- 
 dial, was warmest. 
 
 Hence it was that he felt his heartstrings tighten 
 painfully when he recollected that, although ignor- 
 ant of her death, Raoul had found time to talk 
 of many things, and yet had forgotten to think or 
 inquire of their little friend. He pictured to him- 
 self what he would have done had he been in 
 Raoul's place. How eagerly he would have in- 
 quired, what affectionate messages he would have 
 sent her. He sighed wearily. After all, it was 
 all over now, and he had the satisfaction of know- 
 ing that he had been the trusted slave of the one 
 and the devoted friend of the other; had been able 
 to bear the fact that he was second where he 
 would have given worlds to have been first, with- 
 out betraying his disappointment or grief to either. 
 One was now beyond further service; he would 
 endeavor to do double duty to the one remaining. 
 
 He started half-guiltily on looking at his 
 friend's face, to see that he lay there with his 
 eyes open, watching him. 
 
 ' Your thoughts are serious, mon ami," Raoul 
 cried out cheerily, "but so are mine. I am hun- 
 gry and want breakfast. Ring for Fidette and 
 see what he can bring. I have a confused remem- 
 brance that we made a rather dramatic entrance 
 last night. Perhaps he has not recovered yet 
 from its effects."
 
 THREADS OF LIFE PICKED UP 61 
 
 The old servant appeared and soon the two 
 friends were eating heartily, after which Raoul 
 insisted upon rising and dressing. He then 
 walked about the room, looking at the pictures 
 and other familiar objects. Stopping at an old 
 escritoire he pulled open one of the drawers. 
 
 " Hein! what trash!" he exclaimed, and was 
 about to close it again when something caught his 
 eye. He picked up a bit of gold attached to a 
 narrow blue ribbon. " Who would have imag- 
 ined," he continued thoughtfully, " that this would 
 have been one of the first objects to welcome me? 
 See the curious thing! It is half of a louis d'or 
 that Aimee de Marsay received from the Gover- 
 nor as a birthday present just before I left. She 
 had me cut it in two and bore a hole in each piece. 
 One she gave me and one she kept, promising to 
 wear it about her neck until my return; while I 
 I promised to do the same. In the confusion of 
 preparing for my departure I must have forgotten 
 it and tossed it in yonder drawer. Poor little 
 girl! I wonder if she wears hers now! " 
 
 Armand turned quickly away in order not to 
 show the tears of mingled grief and shame for 
 his friend's thoughtlessness that dimmed his eyes, 
 all the while thinking that if the trinket had only 
 been given to him he would have worn it even 
 though it had burnt a hole in his breast. 
 
 A week of care and rest passed rapidly by.
 
 62 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 The morning of the eighth day found the two 
 friends in their saddles making their way over 
 the league of road separating them from Quebec. 
 Parting when they reached the town, Armand 
 rode off homewards, while Raoul made his way to 
 the Chateau. He was told, on entering, that the 
 Governor was busy pver some important matter 
 and he was asked to wait in one of the anterooms. 
 He was alone and wandered about looking at the 
 familiar objects on the wall and tables. Stopping 
 before a window, he lazily watched the sentry 
 passing to and fro upon the rampart, and he re- 
 called the time when that post had been the height 
 of his ambition; he smiled at the thought, for he 
 had now put away all childish things. 
 
 As he stood there musing, he became conscious 
 of the sound of rustling skirts which drew near 
 and suddenly stopped. He turned and beheld the 
 figure of a young girl standing in the doorway. A 
 little above the average height she was, yet her 
 whole appearance gave that effect of daintiness 
 that one naturally associates only with small 
 people. Like a miniature was her face blue eyes 
 that could shoot a glance of mischief for all their 
 innocence; nostrils that could curl with pride or 
 disdain at will; tiny ears all but hidden by the 
 abundant locks of her light golden hair; mouth 
 so demurely set that it was a temptation, suggest- 
 ing only one possible use to a masculine observer
 
 THREADS OF LIFE PICKED UP 63 
 
 all its parts bewitchingly framed and wreathed 
 in a bewildering combination of ribbons, laces, 
 and feathers that did service for a head covering. 
 Her gown, of white silk, overshot with tiny blue 
 fleur-de-lis, was partly hidden by a dark, velvet 
 mantle that almost touched the tips of a very 
 tiny pair of feet that peeped saucily out from 
 beneath her petticoat. About her neck and half- 
 obscuring her face was a collar of beautiful fur. 
 Her cheeks were reddened with exercise, and her 
 whole figure seemed aglow with life and vitality. 
 She advanced several paces into the room and 
 tossed her mantle over a chair before she showed 
 any consciousness of Raoul's admiring gaze. 
 Then blushing prettily, she curtsied and said 
 apologetically : 
 
 " Pardon, Monsieur; I did not mean to intrude. 
 I thought the room was empty." 
 
 Raoul bowed gallantly. " It shall be so if you 
 wish, Mademoiselle," and picking up his hat he 
 made as if to leave the room. He had nearly 
 reached the door when he was halted by : 
 
 " Oh ! Monsieur, I beg of you, do not leave 
 on my account. I do not object to your presence. 
 Besides," in an appealing tone, " I am almost 
 afraid to be left in this gloomy room alone." 
 
 " But, Mademoiselle, pardon me, you just ad- 
 mitted that you voluntarily entered the room, 
 thinking it to be empty," smiled Raoul.
 
 64 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 "Oh! what a stupid man! Of course I did. 
 I came in and finding it empty, as I supposed, I 
 was becoming alarmed and was thinking of leav- 
 ing when I saw " 
 
 " When you saw me? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "At which sight you were further alarmed " 
 
 " No, reassured." 
 
 " But you blushed and looked confused." 
 
 " At finding myself in the presence of one who 
 has become interesting to everyone because of the 
 perils he has so recently escaped." 
 
 " Interesting to everyone? Do you mean that, 
 Mademoiselle? " 
 
 " Certainement." 
 
 " Without exception? " 
 
 " Excepting no one." 
 
 " Not even your own fair self? " 
 
 " You grow personal, Monsieur. Pray remem- 
 ber you are no longer at Court. Monsieur Raoul 
 de Chatignac should not attempt flatteries of Paris 
 upon the rustic maidens of New France," and she 
 dropped her eyes demurely. 
 
 ' You know my name? I have seen your face 
 before; it is strangely familiar, but I cannot place 
 it. Your name may I not learn yours, Made- 
 moiselle " 
 
 " Mademoiselle Mademoiselle." 
 
 " You are jesting."
 
 THREADS OF LIFE PICKED UP 65 
 
 " That is my name, Mademoiselle Mademoi- 
 selle; at least to you." 
 
 " Never mind, I shall ask my friend the Gov- 
 
 ernor." 
 
 " And I shall forbid his telling you. You see 
 I have the advantage over you. Very few would 
 care to know the name of an obscure " 
 
 " Beauty." 
 
 " Do not interrupt, Monsieur. Of an obscure 
 maiden of Quebec, while everyone knows yours 
 and of your gallant rescue of a fair damsel " 
 
 " You know that, too? " 
 
 "Who does not? Tell me, Monsieur, how 
 looked she? Was she pretty? " 
 
 " I cannot say, Mademoiselle; one forgets all 
 other women in your presence." 
 
 " Was she tall or short, dark or fair? " 
 
 " I do not know, Mademoiselle; I only remem- 
 ber that she wore dark clothes, and and had 
 sad eyes. But you " 
 
 " Never mind me. Did she look anything like 
 this?" and throwing off her furs, she stooped 
 and picked up her dark-blue mantle and covering 
 her hat and head and shoulders with it, turned 
 her eyes sorrowfully upward. 
 
 "Ma foil Do my eyes deceive me? No! 
 Yes! It is the same! Forgive me, Mademoi- 
 selle, for not recognizing you at once." 
 
 " I should never have forgiven you if you had.
 
 66 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 A pretty blow to my vanity it would have been 
 if, after seeing me with my head wrapped up in 
 an ugly brown nun's capote on board a sinking 
 ship, you had picked me out at once, here in the 
 Governor's home, dressed in my best. However, 
 Monsieur, I must say that it has taken a long 
 time for us to become acquainted. Had I not 
 desired to express to you my thanks for deliver- 
 ing me from a watery tomb, I certainly should 
 not have persevered." 
 
 "Ah! Mademoiselle, I should rather thank 
 you for having allowed me to serve you. I feel 
 that I am the debtor." 
 
 " Ma foil Mademoiselle," mimicked the girl 
 in a gruff voice, " would you rob a soldier of the 
 delight of rescuing a comrade, or deprive a gen- 
 tleman of the pleasure of aiding Beauty in dis- 
 tress? " 
 
 " You are cruel, Mademoiselle, to jest at my 
 feelings. I meant every word I said to you upon 
 the wreck," replied Raoul, rather crestfallen. 
 
 " I believe you, Monsieur. Pardon my levity. 
 It would ill become me above all others to mock 
 at the generous sentiments expressed under such 
 trying circumstances," replied the girl, leaving off 
 her bantering tone and coquettish manner, a kindly 
 light appearing in her eyes and a thrill of sym- 
 pathy in her voice. " But I fear my presence here 
 is disturbing to you. Your thoughts were sad
 
 THREADS OF LIFE PICKED UP 67 
 
 when you stood looking out of tne window. You 
 see I caught a glimpse of you before you saw me," 
 and she seated herself near Raoul. 
 
 " They were sad, Mademoiselle, for they were 
 thoughts of the past, a past filled with gracious 
 memories. I was thinking how I could best meet 
 the Governor when he appeared, for we have both 
 suffered a loss in the wrecked ship, a loss I have 
 but recently discovered." 
 
 " Some friend or relative? Why did you not 
 save her instead of me, Monsieur? " asked his 
 companion, in a tone of sympathy and distress. 
 
 " I did not even know that she was on the vessel. 
 She was a foster-daughter of the Governor and 
 an old, old friend of mine. She was but a little 
 thing when I last saw her seven years ago. She 
 should have looked something like yourself, 
 Mademoiselle; your winning manners and tender, 
 sympathetic heart remind me of her. We were 
 playmates and sworn friends. Had Aimee de 
 Marsay lived I know I should have loved her. 
 But enough of my sad thoughts, Mademoiselle, 
 I will not weary you," continued Raoul, endeavor- 
 ing to throw aside his gloom. Then gayly: "I 
 know I should have loved her if she resembled 
 you." 
 
 " A truce to your compliments, Monsieur. Tell 
 me more of your little friend. I am interested. 
 Do you think I am so utterly frivolous I cannot
 
 68 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 sympathize with a friend in a friend's misfor- 
 tune? " 
 
 The reproach in her voice made Raoul serious 
 again. " We were boon companions, Made- 
 moiselle, and she was gentle, sweet, lovable and 
 faithful, while I I can only reproach myself." 
 
 " Reproach yourself? " 
 
 " Yes, it was in this wise. Before I left Quebec 
 seven years ago we split a golden louis into 
 halves ; she to wear one piece and I the other. A 
 childish fancy perhaps, but it was sincere. She 
 wore hers I know, from her true, faithful 
 nature " 
 
 " While you, Monsieur? " 
 
 " While I, Mademoiselle, in the confusion of 
 departure, dropped it in a drawer where it lay 
 forgotten until my return. I found it there 
 shortly after learning of her death. Although 
 in the presence of my good friend Armand when 
 I made the discovery I was able to pass it off as 
 a trifling fancy, yet it brought up before me all 
 the past and what she had been to me in that past, 
 and the future and what she might have become 
 to me in the future had she lived. My life in 
 France was filled to the brim with events and 
 scenes that, I am ashamed to confess it, for the 
 time being caused me to forget many things I 
 should have remembered." 
 
 " They say one meets many fair women at
 
 THREADS OF LIFE PICKED UP 69 
 
 Court. Perhaps it was the pretty face of one 
 of them " 
 
 "No, Mademoiselle, parole d'honneur, no! 
 Fair was many a face, but I knew the heart to be 
 false or corrupt. My own heart was unmoved; 
 no feminine charms stirred me. I would not have 
 exchanged her, pure, lovely, and true as I knew 
 she was, for all the powdered, patched, and 
 rouged beauties to be found in all France," and 
 he turned his head aside, half ashamed of his 
 emotion, and looked mistily out again through 
 the window. 
 
 The girl gave a silent, tremulous sigh of relief; 
 a look of joy and triumph flashed in her eye. 
 There was silence for a moment, then she said 
 hesitatingly : . v 
 
 : ' What was the childish token like? Was it 
 anything similar to this? " 
 
 Raoul wheeled about with a start. His compan- 
 ion had risen and come forward toward the light 
 pulling at a tiny ribbon about her neck until there 
 appeared in her fingers the half of a louis d'or, 
 rudely cut, with a hole through which the ribbon 
 passed. Raoul gazed at it an instant, then 
 leaned forward and stared wildly into the girl's 
 face. She smiled, and at the smile the young 
 man gave a cry: 
 
 "Aimed" 
 
 "Raoul!"
 
 70 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 He passed his hands hastily across his eyes. 
 " Mon Dieu! What devil's work is this to mock 
 and taunt me? I leave her here I return to 
 find she too has been in France, nay, has even 
 perished on the same ship from which I escaped. 
 Armand, who cannot lie, told me she was dead; 
 that he and the Governor had prayed for the 
 repose of her soul in the Cathedral that very day. 
 And now you seem to prove by yonder bit of 
 gold that you, beautiful creature, that you are 
 she; that she is not dead after all. Mon Dieu! 
 Mon Dieu! " he cried, burying his face in his 
 hands. " Awaken me from this mocking dream ! 
 The dread reality were better far than this 
 torture ! " 
 
 Aimee de Marsay laid her hand upon his head 
 and spoke softly: 
 
 " Raoul, mon cher Raoul, it is indeed I, your 
 old playmate and friend. It was I you saved, lit- 
 tle thinking, when in your generous and unselfish 
 spirit you risked your life for the poor aban- 
 doned girl, that you were saving a life you already 
 valued for childhood's sake. Forgive me, mon 
 cher ami, for trying you and testing your remem- 
 brance of me. Your forgetting the childish trin- 
 ket was a small matter. Your heart is the metal 
 that rings true; it is that which you have kept 
 untarnished." 
 
 Raoul arose and his eyes were filled with tears
 
 of joy as he seized her hands and kissed them 
 again and again, saying tenderly: " Aimee, you 
 are indeed my little friend, little no longer, nor a 
 child, but a woman grown ; and just such a woman 
 as I should have hoped and wished my playmate 
 to become." He would have kissed her lips, but 
 she drew gently back saying: "No, Raoul, we 
 are children no longer." 
 
 " At least we can be friends, as good true 
 friends as once we were, Aimee? Grace a Dieuf 
 You are spared so that I can still be your com- 
 panion, subject, knight and " 
 
 " Friend," interrupted the girl gently. 
 
 The room seemed far too small for the relief 
 of his emotions. " Come," he cried, glancing out 
 of the window, " let us go, little playmate, to the 
 rampart where we have been together so many 
 times before ! " 
 
 And there the old Governor, coming up un- 
 noticed an hour later, found them talking, laugh- 
 ing and delighting in their reunited companion- 
 ship as simply as two children playing together 
 upon the sands of the seashore.
 
 Chapter Six 
 
 TREATS OF FOOLS, FAIRIES, AND CHILDISH 
 FANCIES 
 
 FAROUCHE THE FOOL trudged wear- 
 ily along the rough road. Fatigued in 
 body he was, for he had been busy all the 
 morning filling and emptying the washtubs, carry- 
 ing the water all the way from the river up the 
 steep bank to the house; gathering firewood for 
 the kitchen, and fulfilling a half-dozen other ardu- 
 ous duties imposed upon him by his hard task- 
 mistress. Since the departure of Gaspard Roguin 
 she had had ampler opportunity than formerly 
 to vent her spite upon his hapless head. When 
 his master was home a goodly portion of his time 
 was employed in carrying messages to the various 
 censitaires upon the estate, or delivering notes to 
 some of Roguin's cronies in the city, taking as 
 much time as he chose for the return journey, 
 loitering beneath the trees or throwing himself 
 down beside a wayside brook to try to catch a 
 glimpse of the water-sprites or other fairy crea- 
 tures which his silly imagination fondly assured 
 him people the natural world. But now his 
 duties kept him nearer home, where he fell a vic- 
 
 72
 
 TREATS OF FOOLS AND FAIRIES 73 
 
 tim to the vindictive spite of Marie Girol, who 
 hurried him through one task only to impose 
 another more laborious than the last. The sight 
 of his ungainly figure always seemed to arouse 
 her anger and give fresh occasion for a torrent 
 of vituperation from her abusive tongue. 
 
 Sent dinnerless to Quebec to purchase some 
 necessaries for the household, he was now return- 
 ing with a small parcel tucked carefully under 
 his arm, his bare head receiving the grateful 
 warmth of the midday sun of early spring, sing- 
 ing softly to himself the wordless air of a song 
 of his own devising. Perplexed in mind he was, 
 too, with the omnipresent problem of the fairies, 
 whose illusive forms continued to evade his watch- 
 ful glances. His thoughts were finally inter- 
 rupted by the steady beat of horse's feet coming 
 rapidly along the road behind him. An instinc- 
 tive desire not to meet strangers led him to en- 
 sconce himself -behind a bush bordering the high- 
 way, through whose branches he furtively peered 
 in the direction of the approaching sound. 
 
 The sight that came in view around a bend of 
 the road brought a sparkle of admiration and 
 delight to his dull-witted eyes. A coal-black horse 
 appeared, exulting in all the strength of his noble 
 frame; his coat glistened in the sunlight, his deli- 
 cate nostrils splashed with foam. Loving all ani- 
 mals as he did, especially horses, the heart of
 
 74 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 Farouche beat rapidly with pleasure at the sight. 
 His gaze shifted to the rider as they drew nearer, 
 and his look deepened into one of intense joy. 
 
 Seated easily in the saddle was the figure of a 
 young girl who might have been, such was her 
 skill, a female Centaur roaming fearlessly through 
 some primeval region as yet unseen by human 
 eye. Her hat had slipped off and hung unnoticed, 
 held only by its lengthened band of gayly-colored 
 ribbon, while her hair, partly disarranged by the 
 wind, framed her face in a wreath of gold. She 
 was indeed an object of beauty, a challenge alike 
 to the admiration of angels and of men. At times 
 she patted the horse's neck affectionately and 
 spoke gently in praise or warning, to all of which 
 the animal replied with a toss of the head or a 
 prouder curve of the neck, as though in conscious 
 understanding of the words. 
 
 While yet a dozen yards away, the horse 
 stumbled, but o^ickly recovered himself, limping 
 slightly as he went on. The eye of the rider, alert 
 to his every movement, noticed the change and, 
 reining him in, she halted directly opposite the 
 opening in the bush where Farouche lay concealed. 
 
 " How now, my good Rex? " she queried anx- 
 iously in a gentle tone. " Have you forgotten 
 how to lift your feet, while your mistress has 
 been away, or did one of those pretty hoofs pick 
 up a stone that you cannot rid yourself of? "
 
 TREATS OF FOOLS AND FAIRIES 75 
 
 Farouche could no longer contain himself at 
 the sight of the adorable picture before him, but 
 yielded to the impulse that overwhelmed him. 
 Springing into the road he knelt before the beau- 
 tiful apparition and cried: 
 
 " At last I have found you, the Fairy Queen ! " 
 
 The highly-strung animal shied at his unex- 
 pected appearance, while his rider herself involun- 
 tarily raised her riding whip. 
 
 "Strike me if you will, oh! Fairy Princess. 
 Your blows will only give me pleasure now that I 
 have found you," continued the kneeling figure. 
 
 The girl quickly recovered from her slight con- 
 fusion, steadied her horse, and with a smile of 
 kindly encouragement and pity rippling over her 
 features as she recognized who it was she had to 
 deal with, exclaimed: 
 
 " Ah I Farouche, is that you ? How you startled 
 Rex and me. Arise my poor fellow. What say 
 you of fairies? " 
 
 Farouche obeyed and stood still wonderingly. 
 " Are you not the Queen of the Fairies I have 
 sought for so long? " he stammered with a shade 
 of disappointment showing in his voice. 
 
 The girl laughed merrily. " Nay, no Queen 
 of the Fairies, but only Aimee de Marsay, a sim- 
 ple mortal like yourself. Do you not remember 
 me?" Then seeing by his blank look that her 
 two years' absence had effaced all recollection of
 
 76 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 her from the mind of the unfortunate, she con- 
 tinued as she laid her hand sympathetically upon 
 his head: 
 
 " My poor Farouche, have you then never seen 
 the fairies? " 
 
 " No, Mademoiselle," replied her companion 
 sadly, " although I have searched for them every- 
 where. I have often found the rings on the grass 
 at sunrise where they had danced in the moonlight 
 all night long. I have watched for them in the 
 woods at midnight and have tried to surprise them 
 bathing in the brook or drying themselves after- 
 wards with the moonbeams, but I have always 
 come too late or made a noise and frightened 
 them away. I fear," he continued disconsolately, 
 " that I shall never find them." 
 
 " But did you not know," said Aimee, wishing 
 to humor his fancy, " that those who claim to 
 have seen them say that they are tiny folk not 
 half as high as my knee? " 
 
 ' Yes, Mademoiselle," was the quick reply, 
 " but they say that they are very beautiful. You 
 are the most beautiful being I have ever seen, so 
 I thought you might be their queen. If so, I 
 wished to tell you how I love the fairies and offer 
 to serve you if I might." 
 
 The girl was touched by his simple faith and 
 earnestness. 
 
 " Do not be cast down, Farouche," she said
 
 TREATS OF FOOLS AND FAIRIES 77 
 
 kindly; " nor abandon your search for the fairies. 
 Some day I know you will see them. In the mean- 
 time you can serve me, if you will, even though I 
 am not the Fairy Queen. Rex, I fear, has a stone 
 in one of his hoofs. Will you not take it out? " 
 
 Farouche, captivated by her smile, bent down, 
 quickly found the offending stone and removed it. 
 
 " Now, Farouche, I must be returning," said 
 Aimee when she had thanked him. " Will you 
 not take this and keep it to remember me by? 
 Some day you may need it," and opening a tiny 
 chatelaine she took out a louis and placed it in 
 his palm. " Come to me at the Chateau if you 
 ever need assistance, Farouche. Although I am 
 not the Fairy Queen, as you supposed, yet I can 
 be your friend. Will you not take my hand? " 
 and drawing off her glove she extended her right 
 hand toward him. 
 
 Farouche gazed an instant at its soft whiteness, 
 then at his own rough, grimy paw. He thrust 
 his hands suddenly behind him and bending for- 
 ward, reverently kissed hers. With a farewell 
 wave of her whip and a parting friendly smile 
 Aimee wheeled her horse about and was gone, 
 while Farouche the Fool stood in the middle of 
 the road gazing wistfully after her. 
 
 When horse and rider had disappeared from 
 view he looked at the bright bit of gold in his 
 hand. He had but a very general idea of its
 
 78 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 value, knowing it to be worth much more than 
 copper or silver. Although often taking money 
 with him to the city when on various errands for 
 his master, he had never in his life before owned 
 so much as a sou. Dazed by the recent event he 
 seated himself on a nearby stone and again felt 
 and inspected his treasure. At last he drew from 
 his neck a cord from which hung a tiny bag of 
 cloth. Opening this he took out a small stone 
 pierced by a smooth round hole, which he had 
 worn to keep off bad fairies, for some he knew 
 were evil-minded towards mortals as well as 
 good, and threw it away, slipping into its place 
 the golden gift of his benefactress. 
 
 Strange indeed had been the experience through 
 which he had just passed. Never before had any- 
 one spoken to him kindly; never before had hu- 
 man hand been laid upon him save in punishment 
 or anger. His poor starved heart had received 
 unlimited abuse, but never a sympathetic word; 
 his gaunt, starved frame had felt many a blow, 
 but never a caress. And so it happened that a 
 strange sensation stole over him, one entirely un- 
 known before: a feeling of fullness in the breast, 
 a choking in the throat. For the first time his 
 heartstrings, swept by a loving, sympathetic hand, 
 yielded a strange thrill of human affection. The 
 momentary overflow of Aimee de Marsay's gra- 
 cious nature had opened a window in the dark-
 
 ened soul of the fool, letting in a ray of pure, 
 sweet light, and conquered him, binding him to 
 her in bonds of loving service, a willing slave. 
 
 The young girl had galloped but a short dis- 
 tance on her homeward journey when she met 
 Raoul de Chatignac riding toward her. He 
 greeted her gayly: 
 
 " Bonjour, ma chere amie. What a glorious 
 day this is. The air of New France, fresh from 
 the wooded wilderness, is restoring my strength 
 more rapidly than I had hoped. I learned at the 
 Chateau the direction you had taken and set out 
 trusting to meet or overtake you," and the young 
 man gazed admiringly at his friend's fresh beauty. 
 " How beautiful you are, Aimee ! " he exclaimed 
 impulsively." One hardly knows whether to 
 compare you to Venus, or Diana on horse- 
 back." 
 
 " Your comparisons are trite, Monsieur, and 
 savor of the insincere commonplaces of the 
 Court," replied Aimee de Marsay archly. " One 
 with a hundredth part of your brains has just mis- 
 taken me for the Queen of the Fairies, a far more 
 original, and for the surroundings a more appro- 
 priate simile," and she related her meeting with 
 Farouche. 
 
 " Ma foil the fool was right. Queen Titania 
 you are in very truth: that fairy queen concern- 
 ing whom the great poet of the heretic English
 
 80 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 has written a merry play ; I read it while in Paris. 
 Listen to what he says: 
 
 " I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, 
 Where ox-lips and the nodding violet grows; 
 Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, 
 With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine. 
 
 All of which, when translated out of their bar- 
 barous tongue into our musical speech, means that 
 if we follow this path to the right a short distance 
 we will find an open spot through which a pretty 
 brook flows with a mossy seat upon its bank and 
 fresh green grass for our horses to browse upon. 
 I discovered it on my way hither. Come, Aimee, 
 mon amie, let us be children again for one day as 
 we were years ago." 
 
 " Agreed ! " cried Aimee with enthusiasm. 
 
 In a few moments the path down which they 
 turned opened into just such a spot as Raoul had 
 described. Dismounting, they left their horses 
 to graze, and approached the brookside. 
 
 " Now, I shall sit here while you gather an 
 armful of those flowers yonder r and bring them 
 to me to weave into a chain for my neck and a 
 chaplet for your brow," was the imperious com- 
 mand of the young queen. 
 
 Raoul, an obedient subject as in the olden days, 
 plucked generous handfuls of the sweet-scented 
 spring blossoms and tossed them in her lap.
 
 TREATS OF FOOLS AND FAIRIES 81 
 
 " And now," she continued, " while I am busy 
 with my fingers, you must use your tongue and 
 weave marvelous tales of knights and fair ladies, 
 dragons that haunt the gloomy forest, and rob- 
 bers bold and evil knights who do dark deeds and 
 in the end are punished for them." 
 
 And Raoul, entering with zest into the spirit 
 of the play as he reclined near by upon the soft, 
 lush grass, recited once more the tales of child- 
 hood, tales drawn from the dreamy, poetic days 
 of chivalry, embellishing them now and then with 
 realistic touches gained from his own warlike 
 experiences in the great world beyond seas. His 
 playmate hummed softly a light accompaniment 
 to his narrative as her nimble fingers busied them- 
 selves with the flowers. 
 
 " One more, Sir," she commanded as he ceased. 
 " My favorite about the beautiful maiden stolen 
 by the robber baron and her deliverance by the 
 hero, whom she knighted after hearing his solemn 
 vows." 
 
 This, too, he told, and when he had finished, as 
 he had so often done before, with: " And so, fair 
 lady, do I vow my strong right arm and trusty 
 sword to thy service. Come danger, come death, 
 come even the Foul Fiend himself, yet will you 
 find me ready at your call. Crown me thy Knight, 
 sweet mistress; behold me, here I kneel," he knelt 
 before her.
 
 82 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 She then placed the completed chaplet on his 
 brow and striking him lightly on the shoulder 
 with her whip responded on her part: 
 
 " Arise, Sir Knight, and gird your armor on. 
 Be ever valiant, be noble, true. A recreant knight 
 is worthy no fair woman's favor. And now, be- 
 gone upon your quest, for, ere these blossoms 
 fade, your battles will begin." 
 
 Thus wore the long afternoon away, filled with 
 childish game or story. Finally, after a wild, 
 romping chase, they stopped, breathless with 
 laughter, and, mounting their waiting steeds, rode 
 in the full glow of the slanting sunshine back to 
 the city. 
 
 That night the moon glanced shamefacedly into 
 a room at the Chateau and saw Aimee de Marsay 
 smiling contentedly in her sleep; then peered 
 boldly in at the face of Raoul upon his pillow 
 and surprised a glow of happiness upon it as he 
 dreamed that he, an errant knight, delivered his 
 fair playmate from the cruel custody of some 
 fell ruffian; then, last of all, he peeped through 
 the cracks in the roof of the old dog-kennel and 
 beheld Farouche the Fool on his straw bed dream- 
 ing of a ride through space in the chariot of the 
 Fairy Queen, whose features strongly resembled 
 those of Aimee de Marsay, with a host of elves 
 and fairies in their train.
 
 Chapter Seven 
 
 IN "WHICH A NEW ARRIVAL MAKES HIS BOW 
 
 THE next few weeks passed busily enough 
 for Raoul de Chatignac. Although his 
 father's affairs had been left in excellent 
 condition, yet he found much to do, familiarizing 
 himself with the workings of his large estate, be- 
 coming acquainted with his numerous censitaires, 
 riding over the farms inspecting the land and tim- 
 ber, in short, assuming complete control of his 
 inheritance. Armand often joined him in his rides 
 and the old friendship was strengthened anew by 
 this intimacy. The years of separation appeared 
 to melt away and they seemed never to have parted, 
 but to have grown from child's estate to manhood 
 bound by the same brotherly bond that now held 
 them fast. A Damon and Pythias friendship of 
 the New World it was, builded upon the solid foun- 
 dation of mutual appreciation and manly love. 
 
 Raoul often sought the advice of his old friend 
 the Governor, whose eyes dimmed with delight as 
 he beheld the almost filial respect accorded him. 
 In his frequent visits to the Chateau he was able 
 
 83
 
 84 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 to meet Aimee de Marsay and enjoy the pleasure 
 of her warm, sympathetic friendship. He never 
 attempted to analyze his feelings toward her. His 
 mind was tinged with the recollections of their rela- 
 tions of other days, and he accepted the present as 
 merely an extension of the past with a few neces- 
 sary modifications. Her attitude was the same as 
 it had always been, save that she deftly turned 
 aside some of his former childish familiarities with 
 a gentle dignity that gave no offense. 
 
 No conscious thought of love for her entered 
 his mind, for, as a result of his life in Paris, where 
 the tender passion was spoken of in the high-flown, 
 strained, artificial language of the time, its pres- 
 ence in the human heart had become associated 
 in his thoughts with a fevered restlessness, broken 
 sleep, love-sonnets to the fair one's eyebrows, and 
 an overweening desire to fight a duel or perform 
 some deed of daring to prove to the world the 
 depth of a man's passion. On the contrary, none 
 of these conditions existed. In fact, wearied at 
 night with the duties of the day, he slept unusually 
 well; no fervent poem dropped unbidden from his 
 pen, although he possessed some proficiency in 
 verse-making; while so far from being filled with 
 murderous desires, he was at peace with all men, 
 save perchance the absent Roguin. 
 
 He admired his former playmate's unusual 
 beauty, thoroughly enjoyed the hours passed in her
 
 A NEW ARRIVAL MAKES HIS BOW 85 
 
 society, and reverenced her for her gentle woman- 
 nature. He made no effort to extol her virtues, 
 for it never occurred to him that they were not 
 evident to all. He looked forward to their meet- 
 ings with pleasure, and came away refreshed and 
 strengthened. Had he been called upon to per- 
 form any deed in her behalf, no matter how ardu- 
 ous or brave, he would have accepted the doing 
 of the same as a welcome opportunity of demon- 
 strating his friendship. No sacrifice would have 
 been too great to have made for her sake, for 
 was it not Aimee, his life-long friend? And that 
 word friend carried him as far as he had yet gone 
 in his life's experience. On the other hand there 
 was no one to whom he would have turned for aid 
 or counsel more willingly or naturally, knowing 
 full well that his need, however great, would meet 
 with a ready, affectionate response. 
 
 It was upon one of these visits to the Chateau 
 that Raoul was interrupted in his chat by a sum- 
 mons from the Governor requesting his presence. 
 Upon entering the room he found him seated at 
 his desk with a strange gentleman. 
 
 " I have sent for you, mon cher Raoul, to make 
 the acquaintance of Monsieur du Tillet." 
 
 The stranger, a young man of medium height, 
 rose from his chair and bowed politely. Raoul 
 returned the salutation with equal ceremony. He 
 saw a frame well filled out, dark hair, small black
 
 86 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 mustache and a short hairy growth below the lip, 
 together with a very swarthy complexion, tanned 
 by long exposure to the sun. A broad scar, as 
 though caused by a saber cut, marred his left 
 cheek. 
 
 " Monsieur du Tillet, is seems, is the nephew of 
 an almost forgotten boyhood friend of mine, as 
 this letter shows," resumed the Governor, " and 
 one who has been commended to me by several of 
 my acquaintances in Paris. He has just arrived 
 from New York by way of Albany and Lake 
 Champlain, being somewhat of a traveler and hav- 
 ing a touch of the explorer in his blood, as he is 
 distantly related to the family of our famous La 
 Salle." 
 
 " I trust Monsieur du Tillet encountered no 
 hardships on his journey northward?" remarked 
 Raoul suavely. 
 
 " Merci, Monsieur," was the reply given in a 
 drawling tone. " I found traveling in this new 
 land a delight rather than a danger, thanks to the 
 guide furnished me by some of the Dutch traders 
 at Albany, whom I found to be far from the pipe- 
 smoking boors my fancy pictured, although," he 
 added with a wry face, " I found them rather fond 
 of driving a hard bargain." 
 
 ' They certainly have that reputation among the 
 Indians," laughed the Governor. 
 
 " For many years," said Monsieur du Tillet,
 
 A NEW ARRIVAL MAKES HIS BOW 87 
 
 " my mind has been fired with a desire to see and 
 enjoy the bold, free life of New France. I was 
 also curious to study the colonial conditions exist- 
 ing among the English hence my voyage in an 
 English vessel to New York." 
 
 " A beautiful land they occupy," remarked the 
 Governor, " and one that I still hope to see an- 
 nexed to the French crown. By a strange coin- 
 cidence," he continued, turning to Raoul, " Mon- 
 sieur du Tiller, fell in with Gaspard Roguin, who, 
 it seems, fled to New York after your exposure." 
 
 " Yes," explained the stranger, " I met him at 
 the house of the English commandant. Learning 
 of my intention of proceeding to Quebec and pos- 
 sibly remaining there if I could find a suitable 
 property where I might settle down and end my 
 days in delightful intercourse with Nature, he in- 
 formed me that he had been obliged to leave these 
 northern latitudes on account of his health, the 
 winters being too severe." 
 
 At the mention of the name of Gaspard Roguin 
 a slight scowl darkened the face of Raoul. " It 
 was indeed for the sake of his health that he left," 
 he muttered. 
 
 The stranger, not noticing his remark, con- 
 tinued : 
 
 " He described to me the beauty of his own 
 estate in glowing terms and offered to part with it 
 at what seemed to me a very reasonable price. He
 
 88 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 confessed to me privately that he was in need of 
 ready money, and offered to rent the place for a 
 year with the understanding that I could buy it 
 at the end of that period if I so desired. The 
 English commandant, a fine fellow by the way, 
 assured me that he was in every way worthy of 
 confidence, so I deposited with him the first half- 
 year's rent, instructing him to pay over the same 
 to Monsieur Roguin if at the end of two months 
 he did not hear from me to the contrary." 
 
 " Here are all the papers," said the Governor, 
 pointing to his desk, " which I have carefully exam- 
 ined and find to be properly drawn, signed, and 
 witnessed after the English fashion. I have also a 
 letter from Monsieur Roguin requesting me to see 
 that Monsieur du Tillett be given full possession 
 without delay." 
 
 " You will find the property a handsome one," 
 said Raoul cordially, for the manner of the stran- 
 ger was pleasing to him. " Albeit the house, I 
 believe, is a trifle gloomy." 
 
 " I understand that your estate lies but a short 
 distance from the city," remarked Monsieur du 
 Tillet with equal interest. " I trust we shall be 
 close friends as well as neighbors." 
 
 " Unfortunately," replied Raoul, " they lie in 
 opposite directions from Quebec, although both 
 are about equidistant from it. But with a good 
 horse one does not mind a little riding to and fro."
 
 A NEW ARRIVAL MAKES HIS BOW 89 
 
 " Monsieur du Tillet has expressed a desire to 
 go at once to his future abode, Raoul," said the 
 Governor, " hence I sent for you, knowing that you 
 would be pleased to accompany him. He can ride 
 my horse. I will send a man over with the packs 
 he brought with him, a little later in the day. At 
 least, if that will suit Monsieur du Tillet? " 
 
 " Certainement! " was the reply with a pleas- 
 ing smile. " I am in your courteous hands, Mes- 
 sieurs. Besides, it will be plesanter to take my 
 first ride in New France unencumbered." 
 
 " I shall indeed be glad to go with you, Mon- 
 sieur, and show you the way to your new home," 
 said Raoul heartily, " and shall stand ready later 
 to show you our city of which we are not a 
 little proud, and introduce you to some of its 
 people." 
 
 " Merci! Mercif you are kindness itself," an- 
 swered the newcomer. " If all the young blood of 
 New France is as generous I can well understand 
 how glorious a future awaits her." 
 
 Thus did the three men chat pleasantly among 
 themselves for a time until the horses were ready. 
 As they walked across the room Raoul noticed 
 that his companion limped slightly. " You, too, 
 are suffering from a battle wound? " he queried in 
 good-natured concern. 
 
 " No," laughed Monsieur du Tillet, " it is but 
 a lasting remembrance of a meeting years ago with
 
 90 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 the husband of a fair dame whose merry eyes lured 
 me into some indiscreet attentions." 
 
 After bidding the Governor farewell, they rode 
 away toward the former home of Gaspard Roguin. 
 Monsieur du Tillet could find nothing but praise 
 for all that he saw, especially the distant view of 
 Quebec. 
 
 " This noble sight," he exclaimed after halting 
 his horse and turning about in his saddle, " alone 
 ought to determine me to remain and cast in my lot 
 with those who will some day make yonder proud 
 city the mistress of a continent." 
 
 This sentiment pleased Raoul greatly. "Ah! 
 Monsieur," he replied, " you little know how those 
 of us who have been born here love and reverence 
 New France. Our feeling for her is second only 
 to our loyalty to the King. I trust that you your- 
 self will ere long share in our love." 
 
 " Have no fear, Monsieur," was the spirited 
 answer of his companion; " one cannot breathe this 
 glorious air in company with such noble hearts as 
 yours, before ere long he drinks in patriotism with 
 every breath. You spoke of the King. Have you 
 ever seen him? " 
 
 " Yes, many times, for I have just returned from 
 a seven years' absence in Paris." 
 
 " You have seen some service then? " 
 
 " Yes, under Marechal Saxe at Fontenoy." 
 
 Monsieur du Tillet stopped suddenly in blank
 
 A NEW ARRIVAL MAKES HIS BOW 91 
 
 astonishment. " What! " he exclaimed, " you are 
 not the de Chatignac who fought so nobly in that 
 battle ? the one Marechal Saxe referred to when he 
 said that with ten regiments of men like you he 
 could conquer Europe. All France rang with 
 your praises and even in my far distant corner I 
 caught some of the echoes of your fame. Mon- 
 sieur, I salute you," and removing his hat he 
 bowed low. 
 
 " What you heard, Monsieur," was Raoul's re- 
 joinder, " was doubtless exaggerated. I did no 
 more than a score of others." 
 
 " I am indeed fortunate to meet with you, and 
 doubly so in having the Governor place me in your 
 hands. Under your guidance I shall feel myself 
 secure in meeting only congenial people in Quebec. 
 Will you not assist me in forming my circle of 
 acquaintances? " 
 
 " Certainement! But the city is so small that 
 you will probably meet everyone in a short time 
 with but little aid from me; for instance, at the 
 Governor's ball next week you will see the bravest 
 and the fairest in the Colony." 
 
 " Ah ! the fairest ! I had forgotten to inquire 
 about the women. But I am sure that along with 
 such men, you have also beauty, wit, and intelli- 
 gence amongst the fairer sex." 
 
 4 True, Monsieur, and I shall take pleasure in 
 presenting you to two of the most beautiful women
 
 92 'A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 in New France, if not the world. The fairest of 
 all, the ward of the Governor, is an old-time friend 
 of mine. The other, Madame Duvivier, is a new- 
 comer who arrived at Quebec only ten days ago. 
 She is a widow of twenty-six who has been ordered 
 by her Paris leech to try our bracing northern air. 
 I have met her but twice and then only casually, 
 but my eyes can bear witness to her beauty, while 
 those who know her more intimately than I vouch 
 for her wit and intelligence." 
 
 "What lucky star directed my steps hither! " 
 exclaimed Monsieur du Tillet in delight. " With 
 a beautiful home and such charming companion- 
 ship, he would be a fool indeed who could not find 
 contentment." 
 
 The time occupied on their journey was thus 
 filled with genial discourse. After reaching La 
 Maison Sombre and introducing his new friend 
 to Marie Girol, the old housekeeper, Raoul turned 
 to leave. 
 
 " Pardieu! Why this haste? " exclaimed Mon- 
 sieur du Tillet regretfully. " Will you not enter, 
 Monsieur, and take a glass of wine to help relieve 
 you of the fatig ic of our ride? " 
 
 " Merti, Monsieur," replied Raoul, " but I be- 
 lieve I will not stop. I must return with the Gov- 
 ernor's horse. Adieu ! " and, mounting, he rode 
 away, receiving a friendly wave from his late com- 
 panion as he disappeared down the avenue of trees
 
 A NEW ARRIVAL MAKES HIS BOW 93 
 
 that led to the house. His pride had been flat- 
 tered by the open-hearted appreciation of his valor 
 on the part of du Tillet, and he passed most of the 
 time on the road back to the city thinking of his 
 many pleasant ways, and congratulating himself 
 on having made such a charming acquaintance.
 
 Chapter Eight 
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER, DEALING WITH BALLS, 
 LOVE-SIGHS, AND CONFIDENCES 
 
 THE night of the Governor's ball had 
 arrived. Being the social event of the 
 year it drew many people from homes 
 situated far distant from Quebec. From Beauport, 
 Beaupre, and the other settlements and seigniories 
 down the river; from Sillery and the many inter- 
 vening estates; even from Montreal itself the 
 people came, young and old, to pay their respects 
 to the representative of the King and bask for a 
 brief period in the sunshine of his mimic court. 
 The men had an ear open for bits of news that 
 might indicate the ultimate trend of events in the 
 delicate political situation then existing between 
 England and France ; their wives, each laden with 
 her little burden of gossip, eagerly sought out old 
 acquaintances in order to barter what they knew 
 about Madame A. for what others knew or thought 
 they knew about Madame B.; the young people, 
 always glad to exchange the monotonous life of the 
 settlement for a short whirl of gayety in the capi- 
 tal city, brought their bright faces and merry 
 
 94
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER 95 
 
 laughter to awaken the echoes in the narrow streets 
 of Quebec and lighten up the walls of the somber 
 old Chateau. 
 
 A democratic gathering it was, too, the Gover- 
 nor of Montreal having to elbow his way through 
 a throng of mingled fur-traders, army-officers, and 
 members of the noblesse of New France, in order 
 to greet the Governor of Quebec and compliment 
 him upon the success with which he managed to 
 keep at bay the ravages of Time. The style of 
 dress was varied. That of the ladies of fashion 
 in Quebec was only a year behind the prevailing 
 mode in Paris, while that of the women from other 
 districts was two, three, or four years old, accord- 
 ing to their distance from the center of fashion of 
 the Colony. 
 
 The court of the Chateau, well illuminated by 
 lanterns, was filled with the noise and confusion 
 of the arriving guests. Within, the place was 
 ablaze with candles; the rooms, destitute of most 
 of their furniture, were decorated with spring 
 flowers and leafy boughs, while the floors were 
 well waxed for dancing. Five musicians, securely 
 ensconced in the bay of a window with a huge 
 pitcher of Norman cider and glasses on a con- 
 venient stand in their midst, discoursed a melo- 
 dious greeting to the assembled company. 
 
 The people were not late in arriving, for state 
 balls were such rare occurrences that each one felt
 
 96 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 in duty bound to try to be the first guest to arrive 
 and the last to leave. Raoul de Chatignac brought 
 his new-found friend Monsieur du Tillet and early 
 introduced him to a number of the young men. 
 His reception was cordial, as the hearty laughter 
 and polite bowing going on in the vicinity of his 
 rather stout but passably graceful figure testified. 
 He endeavored to be gracious to all, and his pol- 
 ished manner, gentlemanly bearing, ready wit, and 
 ridiculous drawling speech made him an instant 
 favorite. Raoul and he worked their way grad- 
 ually to the center and were warmly welcomed by 
 the Governor and by Aimee de Marsay, who stood 
 near him. She was resplendent in her youthful 
 bloom, enhanced as it was by the simple, daintily- 
 fitting gown that she wore, and the single orna- 
 ment, a pink blossom that nestled shyly in her hair. 
 The two men were soon obliged to pass on to make 
 room for those crowding up behind them. 
 
 " Ma foil she is adorable," exclaimed du Tillet 
 in Raoul's ear, u but I do not wish to poach upon 
 your preserves, mon ami. Take me to beauty 
 number two, the peerless widow you told me of." 
 
 Raoul smiled, well pleased at hearing this 
 tribute to Aimee's loveliness from one who had 
 seen much of the world and was a competent judge. 
 He thereupon led the way into an adjoining room 
 in search of the beautiful widow. 
 
 Madame Duvivier's beauty was the complement
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER 97 
 
 of that of Aimee de Marsay in every way. Tall 
 and slender, with dark eyes and hair, black as the 
 proverbial raven's wing, a sadly curved mouth, 
 nose strongly aquiline, a glance languid, yet with 
 an occasional gleam of boldness, a complexion of 
 striking pallor, these features made up an extra- 
 ordinary picture of feminine comeliness, sensuous, 
 unspiritual, attractive to most men, maddening to 
 many. She possessed all the physical attributes 
 foreign to the French type, rather that found be- 
 yond the Pyrenees; a beautiful woman indeed, 
 alluring, lovable when in repose, but a possible 
 demon when aroused. 
 
 She was surrounded by a cluster of young men 
 each vying with each in his efforts at paying court 
 to her beauty and her wit. She skillfully held the 
 allegiance of all, bestowing an enchanting smile 
 or jesting word on every one in turn in such a 
 manner that every man thought himself favored 
 above his fellows. Du Tillet gazed at her with 
 undisguised interest. When an opportunity pre- 
 sented itself the two men entered the charmed 
 circle. She instantly recognized Raoul and greeted 
 him in a playfully chiding tone : 
 
 " Ah ! here comes Monsieur de Chatignac, a 
 tardy cavalier indeed. Did your life at Court im- 
 part such dilatory habits, Monsieur? " 
 
 " Nay, Madame," was Raoul's quick reply, " I 
 did but wait until I could bring another captive
 
 98 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 to chain to your triumphal car as proof of my 
 homage and allegiance to the Queen of Beauty." 
 
 " You will be merciful and forgive, Madame," 
 said du Tillet with a low bow, " for the sake of 
 one who hastens from the shrine of English and of 
 Dutch beauty to do reverence at your own, as a 
 moth gladly leaves the outer darkness for the 
 candle flame." 
 
 " Your metaphors are mixed, Monsieur, while 
 the last one is unfortunately chosen as well. The 
 moth meets the flame but to be shriveled up and 
 die." 
 
 " A glorious ending indeed to its useless life," 
 was the gallant rejoinder. " But many, blinded 
 by the light, are only singed and fall stunned, will- 
 ing captives to the light." 
 
 Raoul, seeing that his new friend was well cared 
 for, withdrew with a bow and mingled with the 
 crowd again. One by one the circle of admirers 
 left also, inwardly cursing du Tillet, until he and 
 the fair widow were left alone. 
 
 ' Your dexterity at verbal fence, in contrast with 
 the awkward skill with which the rest use their 
 rustic blades, betrays long practice at Court, Mon- 
 sieur," said Madame Duvivier with a ravishing 
 smile. 
 
 ' The same words apply to your comely self. 
 Never before have I met so formidable an antago- 
 nist at Court or in Colony, who could spur me on
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER 99 
 
 to my best efforts. But tell me, Madame, why 
 did I not behold you among the beauties that form 
 so lovely a circle about his gracious majesty, the 
 King, when I was in Paris last year? " 
 
 " Alas ! Monsieur, I was in retirement then, 
 mourning the death of my husband, who fell, brave 
 soldier that he was, in Italy fighting under the 
 Prince de Conde." 
 
 During their conversation du Tillet had been 
 covertly studying every expression of his com- 
 panion's face. 
 
 " Alas ! " he echoed in sympathetic tones, " how 
 sad for one so young and beautiful to meet with 
 such deep affliction. But I doubt not I could recall 
 to your mind a deeper sorrow." 
 
 The woman glanced at him anxiously. " A 
 deeper sorrow? " she repeated. 
 
 " Yes, I can recall it by a word," and leaning 
 toward her he spoke a name in a low, malicious 
 tone. 
 
 His companion gave a start of astonishment, 
 and replied in a voice of alarm: " What mean you 
 by that word, Monsieur? " at the same time fixing 
 on him a piercing look in which fear struggled with 
 anger for the mastery. 
 
 " Hush ! " exclaimed du Tillet, " someone is 
 approaching to speak to you. Leave the ball 
 within a half-hour on the plea of illness and go 
 home; I shall also excuse myself. Instruct your
 
 100 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 servant to admit me when I come and you shall 
 know all. Do not fail me," he added sternly, then, 
 with a smile and a ceremonious bow he said aloud : 
 " Adieu ! Madame, I leave you in better company," 
 and he strolled off unconcernedly. 
 
 Raoul had wandered back to Aimee, who still 
 stood near the Governor, looking very tired. 
 
 " Come, mon amie," he cried cheerily as he ap- 
 proached, " let us try to find some quiet spot where 
 you can rest. The Governor can spare you now. 
 You have done your duty to the crowd whose only 
 interest is in staring at your beauty. Pray turn 
 your attention to one " 
 
 " Who, sated with all the complimentary 
 speeches he has heard, wishes to add me to the 
 company of his flatterers? I shall disappoint you, 
 for I shall do nothing but scold," was the rejoinder 
 as they moved away. 
 
 " Say, rather, one who like the bird after dis- 
 porting himself all day amongst the butterflies and 
 gaudy birds of paradise, flies joyfully home- 
 ward 
 
 " To his sober, homely little mate for supper 
 and a resting place." 
 
 They had escaped the crowd and entered a room 
 which was almost deserted, far from the music. 
 Finding a small settle in one corner they seated 
 themselves. 
 
 " Nay, nay, Mademoiselle Torment," laughed
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER 101 
 
 Raoul. " Say, rather, to one whose presence seems 
 like the cool, restful, strengthening atmosphere of 
 a mountain-top after mingling with the noisy, jost- 
 ling crowd in the plain below." 
 
 "Good! Monsieur Poet," replied Aimee, "try 
 again." 
 
 " Still better, to enter your presence is like pass- 
 ing from the light of the ballroom with its 
 smoking, flickering candles, into the bright, clear 
 sunshine." 
 
 " That will do. You see I can make you say 
 the same pretty speeches to me, your friend, that 
 you whisper when making love to the beauties of 
 the Court." 
 
 " With this difference, petite, that in your case 
 I mean them." 
 
 " Well then, mon ami, if you really mean what 
 you say you will heed words of warning from me." 
 
 "Warning?" 
 
 " Yes, against your new friend, Monsieur du 
 Tiller." 
 
 " Why, the Governor himself commended him 
 to me." 
 
 ' That may well be, but no man, even though a 
 Governor, can detect what a woman's intuition 
 teaches her. For all his pleasant manner I have 
 formed an instinctive dread of him. Take care, 
 mon ami, that your intimacy with him lead you 
 not into danger."
 
 102 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " Merci for your thoughtfulness for me, but 
 do not fear. I shall keep my eyes open in that 
 quarter." 
 
 " One warning more and I am through. That 
 woman with whom he was talking as we passed, 
 Madame Duvivier: do not, I beg of you, place 
 yourself within the circle of her influence. How- 
 ever we may be mistaken in our estimate of a man, 
 trust a woman to detect what is dangerous in 
 another woman. We are not blinded by the 
 artifices of feminine skill and cunning as men are." 
 
 " As regards the man, I believe you are mis- 
 taken. But the woman she can have no power 
 over me. That she is beautiful I must admit, but 
 with you close at hand to warn me, my guardian 
 angel, with your wholesome presence to counteract 
 the noxious, tainted air of evil, with your " 
 
 He stooped, and picking up the flower that had 
 dropped from her hair he held it in his hand and 
 examined it thoughtfully. 
 
 " So sweet, so innocent, so pure; with a mission 
 to turn the minds of men Godward in thanksgiv- 
 ing for its beauty, its tender grace, its perfume! 
 How like your own dear self, Aimee, it is. Look- 
 ing at it I am moved to love this little blossom 
 that has nestled in your hair to-night, for its mes- 
 sage of goodness and truth, its delicacy, its soft 
 beauty. May I not keep it? And beholding your 
 gentle loveliness my heart is moved to "
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER 103 
 
 " Ah ! here you are, mon bijou," interrupted the 
 voice of the Governor, who had just entered. 
 "Will you not come with me? One of our 
 guests, Madame Duvivier, is indisposed and is 
 leaving," and slipping the girl's arm into his own 
 he bore her away with him, leaving Raoul ruefully 
 twirling the flower between his fingers. 
 
 Shortly after the departure of Madame Duvivier 
 from the ball, Monsieur du Tillet made his adieus 
 and was soon knocking at her door. He was at 
 once admitted to the room where she, having re- 
 moved her wraps, was standing awaiting his arrival 
 with a look of mingled fear and scorn. He bowed 
 politely. She pointed to a chair and seated herself 
 on a couch. 
 
 " Pray what is the reason for this mysterious 
 interview, Monsieur? You, a stranger, whisper 
 an unknown name in my ear and then command me 
 to grant you an audience at my home at once. I 
 saw fit to humor your whim. Proceed, or my mood 
 may change. Why have you come? " 
 
 " To relate to you a story." 
 
 " What ! at this time of night? " 
 
 " It will interest you, Madame, I assure you. 
 To begin with I will say it is about a young French 
 girl whose beauty captivated a poor army officer 
 who married her and loved her devotedly. She 
 soon became indifferent to him and found a younger 
 and more x pleasing lover. She possessed other
 
 104 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 powers besides those of beauty; she was learned 
 in the mysteries of the Black Art; the secrets of 
 the alchemist were known to her and she was skilled 
 in the uses of all deadly poisons. Finally, in an 
 evil hour, she stole a sum of money with which to 
 clothe herself more gorgeously to please her lover's 
 eye. Fearing detection and wishing to marry him 
 before her exposure, she poisoned her husband. 
 He died without any suspicion being attached to 
 her but, pardon me, does the tale interest you? " 
 and du Tillet stopped with a malevolent glance 
 at his companion. 
 
 The woman had sat staring wildly at him dur- 
 ing this recital. She signified " Go on," although 
 no sound came from her lips. Du Tillet bowed 
 and proceeded. 
 
 " She was finally obliged to face the conse- 
 quences of her first crime, escaping the galleys, but 
 was branded as a thief. Her lover naturally for- 
 sook her. Vague rumors connecting her with her 
 husband's death, together with stories concerning 
 her dealings with the Evil One, caused her to dis- 
 appear. After her flight, proof of the murder 
 of her husband was discovered. Were she to be 
 found anywhere beneath the French flag she would 
 be at once arrested, transported to France, tried 
 and executed. I alone know her whereabouts. 
 The name I whispered to you to-night was the 
 name of the murdered officer, and you "
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER 105 
 
 "I?" came in harsh, raucous tones from Ma- 
 dame Duvivier's throat. 
 
 " You are his wife." 
 
 For a moment the woman seemed stunned by his 
 accusation, then, with a moan, fell back upon the 
 couch unconscious. Du Tillet, smiling compla- 
 cently, arose and going to her prostrate form took 
 a small knife lying on the table and slit her right 
 sleeve near the shoulder. There, clearly outlined 
 upon the ivory white of her skin, a small, dull-red 
 fleur-de-lis glowed. With a look of satisfaction 
 he sat down and waited for her to regain con- 
 sciousness. Finally she stirred, opened her eyes, 
 and looked at him with a shudder. 
 
 " Your proof! " she cried faintly. 
 
 " The history of your crimes I heard when in 
 Paris. A recent letter received from a friend there 
 contained a description of you and told of a sus- 
 picion that you had escaped to New France. Your 
 features and form tally exactly." 
 
 " A mistaken resemblance, that is all," cried 
 Madame Duvivier wildly. "Your proof! Your 
 proof! You have none." 
 
 Du Tillet pointed silently to the cut sleeve with 
 the bare arm showing its tell-tale mark. The 
 woman's eyes followed the direction of his finger 
 and comprehended. Angry tears came to her eyes 
 as she said scornfully: 
 
 " I hope, Monsieur, you are proud of your work
 
 108 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 to-night, in hunting down a defenseless woman! 
 I suppose I am at your mecry. What do you pur- 
 pose doing? " 
 
 "One of two things; report you to the Gov- 
 ernor, who will have you in a cell within an hour, 
 
 " Name your alternative." 
 
 " Form a pact with you and allow you to live 
 unknown and unmolested." 
 
 " What ia the nature of the pact you propose? " 
 
 " Merely to place at my disposal your strange 
 powers and to use your beauty to lead on and en- 
 trap whomsoever I shall point out to you. I have 
 a game to play; one of revenge and gain. You 
 can be of assistance to me. I give you in exchange 
 your life, my friendship, and protection." 
 
 Madame Duvivier smiled contemptuously. 
 
 " Revenge ! " she cried. " What do your puny 
 men-natures know of the terrible thirst for revenge ! 
 Revenge is the air I breathe; it flows mingled with 
 my blood; it is my one daily thought; my dream 
 by night; for that, rather than to save my miser- 
 able life, I came to Quebec; for that I live; for it 
 I would gladly die." 
 
 Du Tillet, struck by her vehemence, was silent. 
 
 ' You cannot know the meaning of the word, 
 you, with some petty spite against a man for fan- 
 cied slight ; against a woman, for spurning the sel- 
 fish attention you call love. But I - 1 Come,
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER 107 
 
 Monsieur, on one condition will I enter into alli- 
 ance with you, otherwise you are welcome to take 
 me before the Governor this very night and tell 
 him all you know. The condition is that you, in 
 turn, aid me to find and deliver into my hands the 
 creature that I seek. He is somewhere on this 
 continent. But be he in city or in trader's camp; 
 on land or on stream, I shall hunt him down with- 
 out mercy and when I find him I shall kill him 
 kill him ! But before that I shall enjoy one hour 
 of sweet revenge and torture his body as he has 
 tortured my soul; shall sear him with red-hot 
 irons and laugh at his screams; shall cut him up 
 inch by inch if need be, until he undergoes every 
 possible degree of pain and torment," and the 
 woman, borne along on the flood-tide of her evil 
 emotions, stretched forth her clenched fists and 
 beat the air, while her face became contorted with 
 malignant passions. 
 
 " It is well," said du Tillet when she ceased 
 speaking. " We can then help each other. Who 
 is this fellow over whose destruction you thus 
 wish to gloat? " 
 
 " My false lover for whose sake I stole and 
 murdered; because of whom I am what I am, 
 
 Gaspard Roguin " and she bent forward and 
 
 fairly hissed the name in his face. 
 
 Du Tillet started back as though struck. 
 
 " You may well be surprised," she continued,
 
 108 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " for he is the very man from whom you rent the 
 house you occupy." 
 
 Du Tillet recovered himself: " A strange fatal- 
 ity places him in my power," he said, as he rubbed 
 his hands together. " At the end of my first six 
 months' occupancy of his estate I can send for him 
 on the pretext that I am willing to purchase the 
 land. He will come, for he will be anxious to get 
 the gold and go back to France. If you have 
 aided me by that time as I wish you to do I will 
 engage to deliver him up to you. We can thus 
 both gain the ends we seek. However, I do not 
 wish to force you, and will give you the remainder 
 of the night to think the matter over. Remember, 
 you are to enter with all your powers into my 
 plans; you are to be accessible to me at all times, 
 giving me a key to the back entrance of the house 
 so I can slip in to consult with you unknown to 
 anyone. On my side I will promise to keep my 
 part of the bargain. I shall ride by in the morn- 
 ing. If I see a white handkerchief fluttering from 
 your window I shall know that you have accepted 
 my terms, and I shall stop. If not, then I shall 
 go on to the Chateau and relate the same tale to 
 the Governor I have told you to-night. I war- 
 rant he will be interested. Till then, adieu 1 
 Sweet dreams! " he added mockingly as he left 
 the room. 
 
 Once outside he stopped in the nearest shadow
 
 A FRIVOLOUS CHAPTER 109 
 
 and with nervous hand mopped his forehead. The 
 last half-hour had been an intense strain on him. 
 He had tried for high stakes, and won. " Par- 
 dieul " he exclaimed. " One must play his cards 
 well who has a she-devil for a partner."
 
 Chapter Nine 
 
 DEALS WITH THE ACTIONS OF THE CLEVER STRAN- 
 GER, AND THE FORMATION OF A CONSPIRACY 
 
 UPON reaching the city next morning du 
 Tillet directed his steps past the home of 
 Madame Duvivier. From the sill of a 
 window on the second floor a tiny lace handker- 
 chief floated in the breeze. Seeing this, he knocked, 
 and in a few moments was standing before his 
 victim. 
 
 " Well, Madame, your signal told me of your 
 wise decision. I am relieved, for it would have 
 been a distasteful task, that of turning you over 
 to the tender mercies of the law. I much prefer 
 that we should travel the same road, hand in hand, 
 toward the common goal of our desires revenge." 
 
 Madame Duvivier, pale and beautiful as ever, 
 and perfectly composed, showed no traces of the 
 stormy scene of the previous evening. She smiled 
 as the man ceased speaking, and replied: 
 
 " As you say, it is better that we unite our for- 
 tunes. There is my hand to seal the bargain." 
 After they had clasped hands she continued: 
 " Here is the key to the rear entrance, as you 
 requested, to use whenever you wish to escape ob- 
 
 110
 
 ACTIONS OF THE STRANGER 111 
 
 servation. Follow up the stairs, and this smaller 
 key will open the door of the adjoining room. I 
 await your instructions." 
 
 " They will be forthcoming when my plans are 
 matured. Till then hold yourself in readiness, 
 my charming conspirator," and du Tillet playfully 
 blew a kiss to his companion as he left the room. 
 
 Upon reaching home he wrote carefully a note 
 as follows: 
 
 " Monsieur du Tillet begs Monsieur Gaudais to 
 favor him greatly with his presence at dinner 
 to-night at La Maison Sombre." 
 
 Two similar notes, addressed to Monsieur 
 Berthier and Lieutenant Liotot, followed the first. 
 Then he rang for Farouche, directing him to 
 deliver them at once, next for Marie Girol, order- 
 ing her to serve the choicest wines to the expected 
 company. The remainder of the afternoon he 
 spent in walking up and down the large hall, in 
 deep meditation. 
 
 Evening came, and the three guests overtook 
 one another on the road to La Maison Sombre. 
 On their arrival all were cordially greeted by their 
 host. 
 
 " Ah ! Welcome, Messieurs," he cried, extend- 
 ing to each a hearty grasp of the hand. " I am 
 indebted to you for this pleasure. I felt lonely
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 to-day, and, on thinking over all the gentlemen I 
 had met, it occurred to me that you were the best 
 with whom to spend a few congenial hours." 
 
 The three men bowed in turn, secretly flattered 
 at the words of du Tillet. Soon they were seated 
 about the table where tempting dishes, prepared 
 under the direction of Marie Girol, disappeared 
 under the onslaught of their healthy appetites. 
 The wine quickly loosened their tongues and they 
 were ere long talking as freely with their host as 
 though they had known him always. He regaled 
 them with stories of life in Paris, tales tainted with 
 the depraved atmosphere of the Court, which met 
 with their boisterous appreciation, while the rela- 
 tion of his adventures among the English, told 
 with his inimitable drawl, were vastly entertaining. 
 
 " Since we are talking about New York," he 
 said in a meditative manner, " what sort of a man 
 is Monsieur Gaspard Roguin, my landlord, whom 
 I met there? You all knew him well, did you 
 not?" 
 
 " None better, Monsieur; it happens that we 
 three were his best friends," exclaimed Gaudais. 
 
 " As fine a fellow as ever walked the streets of 
 Quebec! " cried Berthier with an oath. " A vic- 
 tim to the hatred of his enemies." 
 
 " One whom we would gladly welcome back as 
 a brother-in-arms," said Lieutenant Liotot. 
 
 " You are his loyal friends, I see," said du Tillet
 
 ACTIONS OF THE STRANGER 113 
 
 smilingly. " For my part I thoroughly liked him, 
 and only regretted that our acquaintance could not 
 have been continued. Inasmuch as we are sitting 
 at his table and enjoying his wine, it is only fitting 
 that he should be remembered by us all. Mes- 
 sieurs, I propose the health of Monsieur Gaspard 
 Roguin ! " 
 
 All sprang to their feet, and du Tillet emptied 
 his glass with the rest. 
 
 ' To his success and happiness ! " 
 
 " To his quick return ! " 
 
 " And confusion to his enemies! " 
 
 Thus the three guests in order murmured their 
 sentiments before drinking. 
 
 Other toasts quickly followed: the King, du 
 Tillet, New France, and all good comrades. 
 Finally they withdrew to the large hall and, sitting 
 about the table with the fragrant tobacco smoke 
 wreathing itself above their heads and a filled glass 
 at each elbow, stretched their legs out comfortably 
 toward the open fire. 
 
 Berthier, at one end of the group, was a young 
 man possessed of a considerable fortune left him 
 by his father, who had accumulated it in the days 
 when the fur trade was at its best. With it he had 
 inherited his father's miserly habits, never spend- 
 ing a sou without trying to gain the best of the 
 bargain. He rarely drank or played, because of 
 the expense incurred. These characteristics were
 
 114 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 well known to all his friends, yet among them he 
 was popular for his easy disposition, his ability to 
 sing a rollicking song, and his quickness of re- 
 partee. 
 
 Next to him sat Gaudais, a ne'er-do-well, divid- 
 ing his time between the wineglass and card table, 
 the latter apparently furnishing him his only means 
 of support. He was well liked by a few for his 
 open-handedness when he had money, and toler- 
 ated by the remainder for his wit and his power 
 of entertainment in mimicking the speech N and man- 
 ner of anyone with comical skill. 
 
 The last of the three guests, Lieutenant Liotot, 
 was an officer in the Colonial army stationed at 
 Quebec, whose habits of life rendered his small 
 pay inadequate. He was continually in need of 
 money, and it was rumored by some that he had 
 an interest in the business of one of the smaller 
 traders, a thing expressly forbidden by the King. 
 He was considerably older than the others, was 
 reputed to have seen much service in the army in 
 France, and was withal a great blusterer, contin- 
 ually giving vent to explosive oaths of his own 
 coining accompanied by a fierce look and a tugging 
 at his iron-gray mustache when excited. 
 
 The conversation flagged a little as that com- 
 fortable sense of ease and quiet that follows close 
 upon an enjoyable dinner, washed down with gen- 
 erous draughts of good wine, pervaded their
 
 ACTIONS OF THE STRANGER 115 
 
 frames. At length du Tillet, turning to Berthier, 
 inquired : 
 
 " You said something at dinner about Mon- 
 sieur Gaspard Roguin that puzzles me. You re- 
 marked that he was the victim of his enemies. 
 What meant you? Is it possible that in New 
 France one meets with the same intriguing and 
 plotting that one does in Paris? " 
 
 " Worse," was the rejoinder, " for here we are 
 at close quarters, and cannot escape each other. 
 It was through a personal quarrel with Raoul de 
 Chatignac that his departure came about." 
 
 " De Chatignac? " exclaimed du Tillet in sur- 
 prise. u I did not suppose one with his frank and 
 open nature would be guilty of hounding a com- 
 rade from the Colony." 
 
 " You do not know Raoul de Chatignac well," 
 sneered Gaudais, " or you would not wonder. 
 With his intimate relations with the Governor he is 
 in a position to do harm to whomsoever he likes." 
 
 " Bombs and bullets ! The unbearable ass ! " 
 growled Lieutenant Liotot. " Since his return he 
 seems to think that we Colonial soldiers know 
 nothing of fighting. Mon Dieu! Fontenoy! As 
 though that were the only battle ever fought ! " 
 
 Du Tillet again expressed his surprise, and re- 
 mained silent for a few moments, gazing thought- 
 fully at each of his companions. 
 
 " I have a proposition to make to you, Mes-
 
 116 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 sieurs," he said at length, bluntly, discontinuing 
 their former topic of conversation. " I take it that 
 you would all like to grow rich if it could be done 
 safely; that you would not mind taking part in a 
 small intrigue, if it paid you well; and that if we 
 could incidentally pull Monsieur de Chatignac 
 from his haughty seat it would give you all con- 
 siderable satisfaction." 
 
 His companions looked at him wonderingly, and 
 nodded. 
 
 " I am naturally averse to sitting still and doing 
 nothing, believing as I do that I am well fitted 
 for action along certain lines, especially when those 
 lines bring indisputable gain and excitement. 
 While tarrying at Albany I arranged with one 
 of the Dutch traders to supply him with some 
 commodities he needs, in exchange for other things 
 that will yield me great profit. His trusted 
 agents are to bring the goods to a certain point 
 on the river above Quebec, where we can meet 
 them regularly and make the exchange. The rea- 
 son I rented this place from Monsieur Roguin 
 was because I learned from him of its close prox- 
 imity to the river, and the easy landing place for 
 canoes. All our movements can be made at night, 
 without anyone being the wiser. In addition, I 
 concluded terms with the English commander at 
 New York whereby I and my companions are to 
 furnish him by messenger with all news relating
 
 ACTIONS OF THE STRANGER 117 
 
 to the state of affairs in Quebec, the arrival of 
 fresh soldiers and munitions of war, or changes 
 in the fortifications. He is to pay for this hand- 
 somely, in French gold. What think you, gentle- 
 men, of my plans? Will you join me? " 
 
 The three men responded to his early words 
 with looks of intense satisfaction, but the latter 
 portion of his scheme brought a shadow of doubt 
 to their faces. 
 
 " Raw head and bloody bones! That is trea- 
 son ! " exclaimed the officer fiercely. 
 
 " No, trade! " was the quick rejoinder; " a fair 
 exchange: our information for their gold, gold, 
 gold, Messieurs," and he pronounced these last 
 words with marked emphasis, and a tantalizing 
 smile. "You hesitate?" he continued, with a 
 frown, as his companions remained silent. " It 
 is too late for that! You have learned my secret, 
 
 and you must join me, or " Here he opened a 
 
 drawer in the table and taking out three slips of 
 paper handed one to each of his friends. u I will 
 demonstrate one of my useful accomplishments. 
 Do you recognize your various signatures? " 
 
 The young men's dazed looks showed plainly 
 their astonishment and alarm. 
 
 " I have written them rather well, eh ! mes amis? 
 I have already prepared a paper purporting to be 
 an agreement between you three to conspire against 
 the life of the Governor. Your names, writ as
 
 118 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 s 
 
 neatly as those before you, are subscribed to the 
 written plot. A very clever forgery it is. If 
 placed accidentally in the hands of one of the 
 Governor's friends, Monsieur Raoul de Chatignac, 
 for example, should you refuse to join me, it 
 might cause considerable trouble for you all." 
 
 "Trapped! by the great wart of Saint Louis," 
 cried Lieutenant Liotot, as he twisted the ends of 
 his mustache nervously. The other two were 
 silent. 
 
 " But come, Messieurs, no harm shall happen 
 to you. I only wanted to safeguard myself." 
 
 Du Tillet smiled complacently as he watched 
 their consternation. 
 
 " Do you require further proof, Messieurs, that 
 I can be a useful friend, but a dangerous enemy? " 
 
 "No, no!" cried his companions together. 
 " We will join you." 
 
 " Well spoken, comrades," said du Tillet; " your 
 hands upon it," and he grasped the right hand of 
 each in turn. " We shall have some excitement 
 out of this alliance, our pockets will be lined with 
 gold, and, perchance, you may have an opportunity 
 of humbling this upstart, de Chatignac. Our inter- 
 ests are one. He is the enemy of Gaspard Roguin, 
 my friend. Henceforward he is my own enemy. 
 I hate him already for his cursed, condescending 
 ways. After one glass more to the success of * The 
 Royal Four,' as we can call ourselves, you must
 
 ACTIONS OF THE STRANGER 119 
 
 return quietly to the city, and guard our secret 
 well." 
 
 Long after the departure of his friends du Tillet 
 sat meditating beside the fire. He smiled with 
 satisfaction, and rubbed his hands together softly, 
 murmuring : 
 
 " All goes well ; the net is spreading for the 
 catch." Then, with a frown: "The assistance of 
 Madame Duvivier is essential, although an element 
 of danger. I must make no false moves, and walk 
 carefully. But, Peste! that only adds excitement 
 to the game."
 
 Chapter Ten 
 
 THE second day after the Governor's ball 
 was a busy time for Raoul de Chatignac. 
 A long, hard trip over his estate lay 
 before him when he set out in the morning, entirely 
 unconscious of the machinations of enemies, or 
 the gathering clouds of intrigue that were mass- 
 ing in the distance. Unoppressed by any anxiety 
 for the future, he was free to enjoy his thoughts 
 as he rode along, and drink in with appreciative 
 eye the beauties of Nature everywhere about him. 
 The verdure-clad forest, the blue sky above him, 
 the joyous call of bird, the sparkle of the waters, 
 the nodding heads of many-tinted blossoms, the 
 elastic tread of the proud animal he rode all 
 served to lead his mind away from the sordid, 
 ignoble, and artificial things of life, directing it 
 toward that which was pure and beautiful. 
 Strangely, too, whenever his thoughts were guided 
 along such channels the image of Aimee de Mar- 
 say, with her genuine, friendly glance, always 
 appeared before him 
 
 120
 
 THE MOTH AND THE FLAME 
 
 And, as he mused, the scene at the ball, when he 
 had almost declared a passion the existence of 
 which he had never suspected, came before his 
 eyes. The inevitable comparison between her 
 fresh, clear beauty, unearthly in the sense that it 
 disclosed the existence of a nature refined and 
 spiritual in its essence, and that of the mere fleshly, 
 sensual types visible on all sides, and especially 
 exemplified by Madame Duvivier; the striking 
 resemblance between her nature and the simple 
 blossom she wore; both of these causes led him 
 along unconscious mental stages to the conclusion 
 he was about to express when so inopportunely 
 interrupted by the Governor. But why inoppor- 
 tunely? If the word lay ready to be uttered, why 
 should it be suppressed? Might it not be true 
 that these feelings of reverence, good fellowship, 
 devotion to her interest and welfare, this oneness 
 of thought, feeling, and desire which had existed 
 between them since childhood, but which, since his 
 return, had vastly increased might not this be 
 love in disguise? Was not the calm delight in 
 her presence as sure a sign of its existence as the 
 restless fever he had imagined necessary? His 
 life could never be self-sufficient. Would not her 
 constant, loving association make it complete? 
 What would be his condition were she to pass out 
 of his life? This last question had never arisen 
 before, and as he considered it his heart was
 
 122 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 filled with consternation. The thought frightened 
 him. 
 
 He glanced upward and beheld a bird hopping 
 in restless activity from branch to branch about its 
 nest, venting its anxiety and loneliness in short, 
 quick cries. How like his own condition it was, 
 purposeless, disquieted, unhappy, if their long, 
 sweet companionship were to end. And as he 
 watched, the bird's note changed in tone to one of 
 joy, as with a whirring of its little wings her mate 
 darted through the branches to her side, while she, 
 the former lonely disturbed creature, now flew 
 to her tiny abiding-place among the leaves and 
 settled down with a musical chirp of happiness and 
 contentment. Raoul smiled at the sight as he real- 
 ized that with Aimee's dear companionship and 
 love his life would be completely filled, his mind 
 forever at rest, replete with joy and peace. 
 
 Then, as if by magic, all the sights and sounds of 
 Nature took upon themselves a new and merry 
 guise. The singing of mating birds swelled 
 upward in a blissful chorus of delight. The 
 tender leaves trembled with joy at the embrace of 
 the eager morning breeze. The blue sky smiled 
 kindly down between the floating clouds at the 
 river that purled and rippled with satisfaction. 
 The blossoms, half-blown, raised their heads 
 heavenward and dried their dew-tears in the warm 
 kiss of their aged lover, the sun.
 
 Raoul's heart leaped and sang within him in a 
 transport of gladness, for he had found the key 
 to storehouses of sweet delight, of noble, self-deny- 
 ing purpose, and glorious achievement: the old, 
 time-rusted key of earnest love. Possessing it, a 
 man though poor is rich, clad in priceless garb, 
 proof against the buffetings of Fate and piercing 
 blasts of misfortune; but lacking it, the richest be- 
 comes needy, feebly wrapping about his shivering 
 form the vain rags of his loveless wealth. Filled 
 with this strange, glad experience, the young man 
 abandoned the further business of the day, and 
 turned his horse's head toward the city, bent upon 
 seeking out his loved one and pouring into her 
 ears as best he might the chaotic words and 
 thoughts that surged through his mind. 
 
 Before reaching Quebec his light-heartedness 
 had disappeared before a sudden thought: what 
 if his feelings met with no response? The idea 
 staggered him. This difficulty had never before 
 entered his mind. They had seemed so united in 
 thought and feeling, but now although he could 
 remember many instances when they had seemed 
 to be at one in a generous, happy friendship, yet 
 from Aimee de Marsay had he received no sign 
 that could possibly be construed as evidence on 
 her part of any deeper emotion. In fact, he could 
 recollect a score of times when she had, with quiet 
 emphasis, shown him by a look, a word, that they
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 were children no longer; that, whereas before an 
 innocent, childish friendship had been uppermost, 
 now other things, maidenly modesty and reserve, 
 had intervened and made a perceptible difference 
 in their relationship. 
 
 What lover in the first dim consciousness of his 
 passion has not seized upon the nearest plausible 
 argument wherewith to torment himself? Hence 
 as he passed along the city streets Raoul's pace 
 slackened and his purpose faltered. 
 
 He involuntarily glanced up at the window of 
 a house he was passing, and saw a face he recog- 
 nized as that of Madame Duvivier, who smiled, 
 and beckoned to him. He hesitated an instant. He 
 did not care to stop, yet in his uncertain state of 
 mind the summons came as a diversion, something 
 that would give him further time for his decision. 
 
 The door was opened by the old deaf servant 
 who took care of the house. He was ushered into 
 the sitting room, and was warmly greeted by 
 Madame Duvivier, who had early that morning 
 received her instructions from du Tiller.. 
 
 "How fortunate, Monsieur!" she exclaimed. 
 ' You are undoubtedly going to the Chateau, and 
 I am just finishing a note I wish taken to the Gov- 
 ernor. Will you not deliver it for me? " 
 
 Raoul bowed his acceptance of the commission. 
 
 " Sit here, in this easy chair, while you wait," 
 continued his vivacious companion, and pushing
 
 THE MOTH AND THE FLAME 125 
 
 it forward she arranged a soft cushion behind his 
 head, and sat down herself at an open desk. 
 
 " I am merely explaining to the Governor," she 
 remarked as she sealed the note, " the cause of my 
 early departure from the ball. I am frequently 
 subject to fainting fits. The crowd and the heat of 
 the rooms that night undoubtedly accounted for 
 the attack I felt coming on, hence my desire to 
 get out into the fresh, cool air. These attacks used 
 to be so terrifying to my husband." Then, with the 
 least bit of a regretful sigh: " Monsieur du Tillet 
 told me that he had met my husband in Paris; 
 perhaps you did, also, without remembering his 
 name. I will show you a miniature I have of 
 him," and opening a drawer she took out a small 
 frame and handed it to Raoul. 
 
 It was the likeness of a middle-aged man in full 
 uniform, with a pleasant face and drooping mus- 
 tache, but (so Raoul thought as he examined it 
 closely) with a chin perhaps a trifle heavy, and 
 
 eyes a little too staring A sudden drowsiness, 
 
 sweet, but overpowering, assailed him. He 
 struggled to raise his eyelids, but could not. He 
 was unable to see the woman standing before him, 
 gazing upon his face, with all the intensity of her 
 mind concentrated within her glance, nor did he 
 see the imperious movement of her white hand 
 through the air above his brow, nor hear the com- 
 mand, uttered in a low, earnest tone: " Sleep! "
 
 126 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 Despite his struggles, he was forced to yield, and 
 lay back in the chair, apparently slumbering peace- 
 fully. 
 
 " Do you know who I am? " was the woman's 
 first question. 
 
 " Yes," came in low but distinct tones from the 
 unconscious Raoul. 
 
 " And are you ready to be obedient to my will? " 
 
 " Yes," after a pause. 
 
 " Hear, then, what I have to say. You are to 
 come to me here whenever I command you in my 
 mind to do so, no matter where you may be, or 
 what you may be doing. Will you obey? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 ' You will become fascinated with my beauty, 
 seek my companionship frequently, and show your 
 devotion by willing obedience to my slightest wish. 
 Do you understand? " 
 
 " I do." 
 
 " If any other woman has gained your love you 
 will grow cold toward her, and transfer your alle- 
 giance to me. Will you ? " 
 
 No answer. The man's brow knit as though 
 he struggled hard against this last command. 
 Madame Duvivier stamped her foot impatiently 
 as she renewed the effort of her will to overcome 
 his resistance. The contest ended. 
 
 " I will," came at length the answer, with a 
 groan as though wrung from him by sheer force.
 
 THE MOTH AND THE FLAME 127 
 
 " You will increase your intimacy with Mon- 
 sieur du Tillet. He is a fine comrade, 'and your 
 true friend. Will you obey in this? " 
 
 " Yes." 
 
 " You will awaken in two minutes, and imagine 
 you have fainted. You will then, leave me, and 
 hold yourself ready to do my bidding, or respond 
 to my call. Do you understand? " 
 
 " Perfectly." 
 
 Madame Duvivier then poured out a glass of 
 wine, and stood beside the chair. Raoul opened 
 his eyes. His companion smiled sweetly as she 
 offered it, saying: " Try a little of this, Monsieur, 
 it will revive you. I little imagined when I talked 
 of fainting that it would affect you in this way." 
 
 Raoul drank mechanically, and looked at her 
 in a daze. 
 
 " I fear that something may be the matter with 
 your heart," she continued gayly. u In fact, from 
 what I hear, I am persuaded that you have no 
 heart at all, but have left it in the Chateau for 
 safe keeping." 
 
 Raoul did not reply to her raillery save by a 
 smile. Was it the light falling on her face, or was 
 it the pose she chanced to be in ? Certainly he had 
 never been so attracted by her beauty before. 
 How perfect the curve of her neck! What an 
 exquisitely chiseled chin ! He had never noticed 
 the sad, dreamy, tender look of her eyes, nor the
 
 128 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 graceful, wavy outline of her hair as it wreathed 
 itself about her face. He sat silently drinking in 
 the intoxicating draught of her loveliness. His 
 eyes sparkled with admiration as he said earnestly: 
 
 " You are very beautiful, Madame. In fact 
 the most beautiful woman I have ever seen," and 
 with an impulsive movement he lightly kissed the 
 hand that proffered him the note, and was gone. 
 
 Meanwhile the three friends of du Tillet were 
 pondering over the strange state of affairs that 
 had arisen. They were secretly afraid of his 
 power, fearful lest he turn it upon themselves 
 in a moment of anger or treachery. The desire 
 for gain, however, overpowered their secret mis- 
 giving, and they comforted themselves with the 
 thought that if they heartily assisted him he could 
 not be otherwise than friendly. They therefore 
 proceeded to carry out his directions, given them 
 the next day, to purchase small quantities of goods, 
 paying for them with the money he provided, and 
 sending them in canoes by night, in care of a trusty 
 boatman, to the landing-place below the frowning 
 walls of La Maison Sombre. These goods were 
 carefully stowed away in one of the subterranean 
 rooms, ostensibly to await the time when they 
 should be sent to the appointed spot on the oppo- 
 site shore above Quebec. In truth they remained 
 where they were placed, du Tillet's arrangements 
 with the Dutch trader being purely mythical.
 
 THE MOTH AND THE FLAME 129 
 
 Du Tillet appeared but seldom in the city, only 
 often enough to retain his popularity. When he 
 met his three confederates in public he gave them 
 the same smile and nod of recognition that the 
 merest acquaintance received. 
 
 Thus passed two weeks, and the three found 
 themselves one evening wending their way to the 
 home of the arch-conspirator, in obedience to his 
 summons. He greeted them with warmth as they 
 entered the hall. " Welcome ! mes braves con- 
 spirateurs, to the first business meeting of ' The 
 Royal Four.' The stock of goods you have so 
 faithfully collected has been delivered, and we have 
 now only to share the profits," and he pointed to 
 three piles of gold upon the table. " Fifty louls 
 apiece for your labor is not bad pay. Who says 
 now that trade with the sleepy Dutch is not 
 profitable?" 
 
 His three companions stared at the coins in 
 amazement, hardly daring to realize the actuality 
 of what had seemed but a golden dream. Soon 
 each one was clinking his share in his pocket. 
 
 " You must be a magician, mon cher du Tillet," 
 said Berthier with enthusiasm, " and can transmute 
 the baser metals into gold." 
 
 " This is but a foretaste of what will follow," 
 smiled du Tillet, " if you remain faithful." 
 
 "But where is your portion?" remarked 
 Gaudais.
 
 130 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " My share," was the smiling rejoinder, " will 
 come in the shape of personal gratification in 
 achieving the downfall of de Chatignac, and what 
 I may be able to squeeze out of him. I am willing 
 to have no part in the profits of our trading so long 
 as I get the other. That is satisfactory, is it not? " 
 
 " Parbleu! You are generous indeed," replied 
 Berthier, while the other two nodded a gratified 
 assent. 
 
 " And now regarding a scheme of action against 
 de Chatignac I have worked out," said du Tillet. 
 " Who among you knows where a copy of the 
 plans of the fortifications can be found? " 
 
 " There are no copies in existence," replied 
 Lieutenant Liotot. " The original is carefully 
 hidden in the Governor's desk at the Chateau. 
 I saw him put it away one day when I called to 
 make a report. Several times when I have been 
 there he has been called out of the room. Dirks 
 and daggers ! The same thing will happen again. 
 I shall watch my opportunity, and secure the 
 plans." 
 
 " Ma fol! " said du Tillet, with a slightly satiri- 
 cal smile, " how ready my fellow-partners are to 
 perform the arduous tasks I impose upon them. 
 However, you are all interested, I know, in the 
 destruction of Raoul de Chatignac. There will 
 soon be work for the rest of you. I shall not 
 divulge the details of my plot. Suffice it to say
 
 THE MOTH AND THE FLAME 131 
 
 that suspicious actions will be observed, and incrim- 
 inating documents found upon him, that will cause 
 Monsieur Raoul to stand up and face a row of 
 gun-muzzles on the Place d'Armes some fine morn- 
 ing at sunrise. Hold yourselves in readiness to 
 play any part that may be assigned to you. Your 
 work, Lieutenant Liotot, must be done at once. 
 Secure the plans as soon as possible, as I wish to 
 make a copy of them to use on our own private 
 business with the English commandant. And 
 now, mes amis, a farewell glass to our success, and 
 the ruin of our common enemy." 
 
 After they had gone, their host sat watching the 
 flaring candles on the table. " The plot should 
 succeed. Then, good-by, Monsieur Raoul, to 
 this wicked world," and du Tillet laughed silently, 
 distorting his features in diabolical mirth. 
 
 A full half-hour he remained motionless, in deep 
 thought; then, after yawning several times, he 
 arose, and, blowing out all the candles except one, 
 he seized that, and left the room to the flickering 
 light of the burning logs and their wavering 
 shadows. Yet not entirely to them, for when still- 
 ness reigned throughout the house, the old suit 
 of armor standing immobile in its dim corner, 
 stirred, and after many contortions a human figure 
 emerged, and the form of Farouche the Fool stole 
 noiselessly away.
 
 Chapter Eleven 
 
 IN WHICH A COUNTERPLOT IS PLANNED 
 
 THE sudden revelation of Madame Du- 
 vivier's charms bewildered Raoul as he 
 trudged on toward the Chateau in a sort 
 of waking dream. On his arrival he found both 
 Aimee and the Governor absent, so, leaving the 
 note, he turned mechanically homeward. The 
 next day while completing his interrupted rounds 
 he suddenly felt an irresistible desire to see 
 Madame Duvivier again, so he quickly abandoned 
 his work and rode to Quebec. He soon found 
 himself in the society of his charmer, who seemed to 
 have expected him. More fascinating than ever, 
 she gayly laughed and chatted with him of Paris 
 and the Court, and her early impressions of New 
 France, her loneliness since her husband's death, 
 and her appreciation of the attention received from 
 a few congenial persons she had met in Quebec. 
 Something in her tone told Raoul that he was in- 
 cluded in that number, and his heart warmed with 
 intense satisfaction at the thought. When he took 
 his leave he was more deeply entangled in the 
 meshes of her net than ever. 
 
 132
 
 A COUNTERPLOT IS PLANNED 133 
 
 It soon happened that he spent more time in the 
 city, a victim to the enchantment of Madame Du- 
 vivier, than he did in the care of his estate, until 
 finally he was unhappy unless he saw her for at 
 least a few moments every day. As a proof of his 
 devotion he strove to anticipate her every wish, 
 purchasing all sorts of costly gifts that he thought 
 might please her fancy; rode with her, accom- 
 panied her to the Cathedral, and in short became 
 her willing slave. At first he feebly struggled to 
 return to the ways and associations of his old life, 
 but that strange, subtle power, stronger than his 
 own will, ever mastered him again. Meanwhile 
 his visits to the Chateau diminished in frequency, 
 and dwindled down to an occasional perfunctory 
 call. While he was with Aimee he appeared pre- 
 occupied, moody, and distrait; at times he arose and 
 left on the plea of urgent business in connection 
 with his property. 
 
 Aimee, quick to detect this change in her friend, 
 at first wondered if she were to blame, and 
 searched her memory carefully for any recollection 
 of word or deed of hers that could have given 
 offense. 
 
 Soon, however, she became aware of the true 
 state of affairs, for one day, when hurrying home 
 from the Cathedral, she met Raoul and Madame 
 Duvivier walking together on the street. The lat- 
 ter was clad in her most becoming costume, and
 
 134 'A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 was talking lightly to her companion as they 
 passed. He, intent upon her beauty, did not see 
 his friend, although their elbows almost touched. 
 Madame Duvivier returned Aimee's bow by a 
 smile, and a glance of triumph that was not lost 
 upon her. 
 
 The young girl hurried home and, seeking refuge 
 in her own room, wept long and bitterly. She was 
 sorely wounded at heart that her old friend, over 
 whom she had formerly exercised a guiding and 
 restraining influence, should so suddenly fall a vic- 
 tim to one against whom she had carefully warned 
 him. Her gentle, innocent nature had instinctively 
 recoiled at her first meeting with Madame Duvi- 
 vier, being convinced from the beginning that she 
 was a dangerous companion for Raoul. Several 
 times she had questioned herself closely as to the 
 cause for this feeling, but could find no valid reason. 
 A subtle something within her said that the arts of 
 fascination Madame Duvivier employed were those 
 of the siren, rather than the innocent wiles of a 
 worldly woman whose vanity fed upon the attention 
 of the stronger sex. 
 
 She dared not analyze more deeply her own feel- 
 ing, but chose to attribute her anxiety over Raoul's 
 welfare to her long friendship for him; this was 
 surely an adequate reason for her distress. She 
 had come of fighting stock, and there arose within 
 her the firm determination to accept the challenge
 
 A COUNTERPLOT IS PLANNED 135 
 
 she had seen in her opponent's eyes. Her father 
 had battled for his country's cause, and fell that he 
 might save for his King's service one whose ability 
 and sterling worth was sorely needed in those 
 troublous times. She, too, would fight to win for 
 future usefulness a man whose innate nobility of 
 mind and character were well worth any sacrifice 
 or exertion on her part. Her father had fought 
 valiantly against the enemy to save a man's life; 
 she and this strange woman would pit themselves 
 each against the other in a battle royal for a man's 
 soul. 
 
 This worthy determination once made, her mo- 
 mentary womanly weakness disappeared. Her 
 tears were quickly dried, and she was all eagerness 
 to begin the struggle. Careful planning was nec- 
 essary, and she longed for the fresh air and sun- 
 shine to give her thoughts clearness. She thereupon 
 ordered her horse, and was soon galloping along 
 the road toward Beauport, in keen physical enjoy- 
 ment of the invigorating exercise. As her mind 
 became more quiet she realized the magnitude 
 of the struggle before her and her own weakness. 
 An ally was indispensable. At the thought she 
 chanced to raise her eyes, and her heart leaped for 
 joy as she recognized the figure of Armand riding 
 toward her. 
 
 " Ah, mon amte" he cried, " my happiness is 
 now complete. I felt that good companionship
 
 136 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 was only necessary to make my ride one of perfect 
 enjoyment." 
 
 " I cannot stop with you to-day for mere pleas- 
 ure's sake," replied Aimee, with a mischievous 
 smile. " I ride afield in search of some champion 
 to join me in a worthy cause. Aside, Monsieur, 
 and let me pass." 
 
 Armand gasped. " You, Mademoiselle, in need 
 of a champion, and wish to pass me by? You 
 surely are not serious. I may not be worthy in 
 your eyes of any great deeds, but you must know 
 from our lifelong friendship that my heart would 
 be always willing and my hand ever ready to answer 
 any call to your service." 
 
 " Mon cher Armand," answered Aimee soberly, 
 " I was but jesting. You are the very person I 
 wished most to see, for I do really need your aid." 
 
 Armand's eyes lighted up with joy. Hopeless 
 as he knew his worship to be, he grasped eagerly 
 at every slight indication of favor at her hands, 
 although he remained firm in his determination to 
 take no step that would be at all disloyal to Raoul. 
 He had noticed his marked public attentions to 
 Madame Duvivier, and had heard the numerous 
 rumors that such devotion had aroused. For the 
 moment his heart beat faster as he beheld his com- 
 panion's beauty, and the unbecoming hope flashed 
 across his mind that Raoul's actions might clear the 
 way for the realization of his own fond dreams. It
 
 A COUNTERPLOT IS PLANNED 137 
 
 was only a moment, however, before he put the 
 thought ruthlessly aside, and dropped his eyes in 
 shame of his baseness in the presence of the sweet 
 nobility looking at him in his companion's gaze. 
 
 " It is about our old friend Raoul," continued 
 Aimee. " Have you not noticed a change in him 
 of late?" 
 
 Armand's heart sank. Raoul, always Raoul 1 
 Then, with an effort to throw off the unworthy 
 feeling, he replied: 
 
 " Truly, he has seemed to avoid me for some 
 weeks past, for no reason that I am conscious of. 
 I have ridden frequently out to see him, but always 
 found that he was in the city. He spends much 
 of his time with Monsieur Tillet and his friends, 
 whom, I must confess, I do not like. I suspect, too, 
 he indulges more freely in wine and play than is 
 good for him. I also fear for the consequences of 
 his friendship for Madame Duvivier. She is very 
 beautiful but, mon Dieuf deliver me from the toils 
 of these fascinating widows who come to New 
 France from goodness knows where for the benefit 
 of their health." 
 
 Aimee trembled as she realized that Raoul's 
 attentions to this woman must be observed and 
 known to all, but replied bravely : 
 
 " Mon cher Armand, we must not judge too 
 harshly. There are so few pretty women in Que- 
 bec that perhaps he is not to be blamed for being
 
 138 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 dazzled by this new arrival, while, as for his other 
 friends, they may not be so bad as you think. 
 However, I agree with you in the main, and feel 
 that if we are truly his friends we ought to use 
 all our efforts to woo him away from any undesir- 
 able acquaintances, and thus save him from him- 
 self. I can do something; you can do a great 
 deal." 
 
 " I will gladly join you for his sake, as well as 
 from my regard for you. Your charms ought 
 surely to win him from the control of Venus her- 
 self, while I " 
 
 " While you can share with him his new-made 
 friends. Go with him into their gatherings, watch 
 and see if they be indeed friends; stay at his elbow 
 to warn him, and thus, perchance, reassert your 
 former influence, and gradually lead him back to 
 his old life of simpler joys and more healthful 
 pleasures. Le bon Dteu will surely prosper us in 
 our undertaking." 
 
 All jealous feeling had been swept away; the 
 momentary sway of an unworthy thought had 
 ceased; Armand had once more won the victory 
 over himself. 
 
 " Agreed ! " he cried earnestly. And, as their 
 hands clasped, his eyes could meet hers with a 
 glance that was open and unafraid. 
 
 On parting from her friend, Aimee urged him 
 to repair to the city at once and begin his task, say-
 
 A COUNTERPLOT IS PLANNED 139 
 
 ing that she herself would ride on alone in order to 
 think out some plan for her own actions. 
 
 Her heart was reassured, and her purpose was 
 strengthened by the interview, for she knew that 
 she could depend on Armand's most unselfish efforts 
 in the coming struggle. But a reaction set in 
 shortly. A feeling of desolation and loneliness 
 surged through her mind. Poor motherless girl! 
 she had never realized her helpless state so fully 
 before. Hitherto when she had needed counsel 
 she had gone to the Governor, and had received a 
 father's advice. But now she craved a feminine 
 mind, a mother's heart, to understand her motives 
 (no man could do that), and to help her avoid 
 anything unmaidenly and yet effect her purpose. 
 With no one to whom she could turn, her burdened 
 heart sought the sympathy of her brute com- 
 panion. 
 
 " Ah ! Rex, dear Rex," she murmured, burying 
 her face in his silky mane, " you would help me if 
 you could." The intelligent animal tossed his head 
 in sympathetic reply, and stamped his forefeet un- 
 easily, as though rendered uncomfortable by his 
 mistress's distress. 
 
 Presently a slight movement of surprise on his 
 part caused her to look up, and she beheld 
 Farouche the Fool standing near with ragged cap 
 in hand and a troubled look upon his face. Aimee 
 smiled encouragingly at him.
 
 140 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " You did not take me for a fairy this time, did 
 you, my good Farouche? " 
 
 " No, Madamoiselle, for you look unhappy. 
 The fairy folk are always joyful. Tell me," he 
 continued earnestly, pointing up the road in the 
 direction taken by Armand, " did he make you 
 sad?" 
 
 Aimee smiled. "Armand? No, indeed, he is 
 one of my best friends." 
 
 " Was it the Governor? " Farouche was 
 racking his poor distraught brain to remember any- 
 one with whom he could possibly connect his beau- 
 ful divinity before him. Aimee laughed this time 
 heartily. " Poor dear Pere Philippe, who has 
 been a father to me, and would lie down and let me 
 walk over him if he thought it would give me any 
 pleasure? " 
 
 " So would I," was the quick reply, as a jealous 
 glance shot from the man's eye. 
 
 " I know you would, and perhaps you may 
 be able to serve me some day," returned Aimee 
 gently. 
 
 But the mind of Farouche, unsatisfied, returned 
 to his first train of thought. " Was it the young 
 
 man I see so often, Monsieur de , he with 
 
 the bright eyes, just returned from France? " 
 ' You mean Raoul de Chatignac? " 
 ' Yes, yes," eagerly. 
 
 " No. Raoul de Chatignac is another good
 
 A COUNTERPLOT IS PLANNED 141 
 
 friend. It was my anxiety over his future that per- 
 haps made me appear unhappy." 
 
 " Your friend? Then you do not know? " 
 
 "Know what?" 
 
 Farouche's face lighted up with a sudden glow. 
 He struggled to express the idea that was upper- 
 most in his mind, but unsuccessfully. 
 
 " Monsieur Roguin, bad man his enemy. He 
 try to Monsieur Roguin, I mean Monsieur du 
 Tillet, no, Monsieur Roguin " And Fa- 
 rouche stopped helplessly. 
 
 Again his thought labored to find utterance, and 
 again he failed. Laying his hand upon his brow, 
 he murmured piteously: " My poor head! Mon- 
 sieur Roguin " Before he could complete his 
 
 sentence his quick ear caught the sound of an ap- 
 proaching horse, and he disappeared behind a bush. 
 In another moment Monsieur du Tillet appeared, 
 riding leisurely. As he passed Aimee he greeted 
 her with a polite bow and an admiring glance. 
 After he had gone she called Farouche, but he did 
 not appear. Turning her horse's head homeward 
 she rode on with a new apprehensive fear in her 
 heart, aroused by the fool's words.
 
 Chapter Twelve 
 
 WHEREIN THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES A BLOW 
 
 SUMMER days came with their wealth of 
 sunshine and soft breezes, and with their 
 coming Raoul's infatuation increased. The 
 supervision of his estate was entirely neglected. His 
 days were spent mainly in the society of Madame 
 Duvivier, walking, or driving, or picnicking with a 
 merry party on the lawn in front of his house. His 
 evenings usually found him at La Maison Som- 
 bre, with Monsieur du Tillet and his friends, or 
 in the upper room of " The Silver Fox," where the 
 wine flowed freest, the songs were the loudest, the 
 stakes the highest. True to his promise to Aimee, 
 Armand overcame his personal dislike for many of 
 Raoul's companions, and mingled freely with them, 
 ever at his friend's side, warning him against reck- 
 less play, and urging him to return home early 
 before the wine had robbed him of his reason. 
 Toward him Raoul retained a friendly feeling, al- 
 though the former close companionship was gone. 
 Sometimes he seemed to chafe at his interference, 
 waving him aside with an impatient word. Again, 
 
 142
 
 THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES BLOW 143 
 
 he was overcome with shame and regret when he 
 awakened in the morning after a wild night and 
 found himself in Armand's room and realized that 
 it had been necessary for his friend to escort him 
 there. Promises of better conduct were made, only 
 to be broken as soon as he felt the mysterious 
 power calling him to the side of Madame Du- 
 vivier, or forcing him to spend another evening 
 with his gay companions. 
 
 Aimee, on her part, redoubled her efforts to aid 
 him. Frequently she prevailed upon him to spend 
 an hour with her at the Chateau. At these times 
 she met him with all her old frankness, and 
 strove earnestly to recall him to his better self. 
 Sometimes he appeared to regain his normal condi- 
 tion, and would then seem to be the bright, affec- 
 tionate Raoul of yore, as they talked of their child- 
 hood happiness, with all its pleasant memories. 
 Often she would be happy and contented after his 
 departure, fondly hoping that she was making some 
 lasting progress with him, only to see him soon re- 
 lapse again under the malign influence that over- 
 shadowed his life. Several times, while in the 
 midst of a merry hour together, he had suddenly 
 ceased talking, a strange look had come over his 
 face, and he had risen and hastily made his adieux, 
 as though in obedience to some unseen call. 
 
 It was after one of these unsatisfactory inter- 
 views one evening that she stole, weary and sick
 
 144 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 at heart, into the Governor's room, where he sat in 
 his easy chair, and kneeling by his side laid her 
 head upon his knee, as she had often done before. 
 The fatherly caress and the sympathetic tone 
 of his voice always soothed her and gave her 
 courage. 
 
 " Ah ! my little pigeon ! " he exclaimed affection- 
 ately as she nestled close, " it is you, is it? I 
 was longing to have you with me again, but" 
 here he pinched her ear mischievously " I 
 thought Raoul de Chatignac was with you, and did 
 not suppose you would leave your youthful admirer 
 for such a surly old bear as I, no matter how fond 
 I might be of you." 
 
 Aimee gave his big hand a squeeze as she re- 
 plied : " For shame, Pere Philippe, have you not yet 
 learned that I care for my old friends best of all? 
 The younger ones have not been tested and found 
 true, as you have been. Raoul stayed but a short 
 time, saying he had another call to make. I fear 
 he finds that the bonds of our old friendship chafe 
 him. I see him but seldom now," she added a 
 little wearily. 
 
 The Governor frowned. " True, I have noticed 
 him here but little of late. I hear, too, that he is 
 fascinated by the beauty of Madame Duvivier. I 
 hope to be able to disillusion him some day in that 
 direction, if it should ever become necessary." 
 
 Aimee looked up quickly. "Why? Do you
 
 THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES BLOW 145 
 
 know anything against her? Did she not come 
 well recommended? " 
 
 " Yes, but I have not lived in the world thus 
 long not to recognize the arts of an intriguing 
 woman. Several suspicious matters have come to 
 my notice. I intend to send by the next ship for 
 further information concerning this dark-haired 
 beauty. However, until I can offer some substan- 
 tial evidence against her it would be folly to speak 
 to Raoul. I am a little worried about him in 
 another direction, also. I am told he is spending 
 too much of his time with companions who, al- 
 though they may do him no real harm, at the same 
 time can do him little good. He should be awak- 
 ing to the serious things of life, instead of throwing 
 in his lot with a parcel of gay rakes such as I am 
 bound to say many of our young men are. I shall 
 send for him ere long and give him a little fatherly 
 advice. He is too noble and fine a fellow for me to 
 allow him to drift into unworthy channels. I have 
 been much occupied recently with fresh anxieties 
 concerning the Colony, and have, I fear, neglected 
 my duty both to you and to Raoul. I am especially 
 baffled in trying to account for the recent myster- 
 ious disappearance from its hiding place in my desk 
 of the plans of the fortifications, old and new, of 
 the city. I cannot but believe that they have been 
 stolen. If so, then undoubtedly for a purpose. I 
 hesitate and shudder at the thought of possible
 
 146 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 traitors in our midst. A secret enemy is more dan- 
 gerous than a hundred open foes. When this mat- 
 ter is satisfactorily settled I shall have my mind 
 more at rest." 
 
 " Tell me, Pere Philippe," said Aimee earnestly, 
 " what sort of a man was Raoul's father? I have 
 only my childish recollection of him the last few 
 years of his life he lived in such retirement I seldom 
 saw him." 
 
 " Leon de Chatignac," replied the Governor in 
 a meditative tone as his mind went back over the 
 long years, " was the only man, except your own 
 father, I have ever known who was of a metal that 
 rang true to every blow. These two, my nearest 
 and warmest friends, although of differing tem- 
 peraments, were alike in many particulars. They 
 were both God-fearing men, loyal with an unswerv- 
 ing loyalty to the King, holding honor and truth 
 above all else. Hence, knowing the father as I did, 
 I have no fear that the son will ever be unworthy of 
 the sire. The thoughtless follies of youth might 
 sway him for the moment, but I would stake my life 
 upon it he could never do anything dishonorable 
 or disloyal." 
 
 The door opened, and the figure of Lieutenant 
 Liotot appeared upon the threshold. From his 
 troubled face Aimee guessed he had matters of im- 
 portance to discuss with the Governor, so she 
 slipped silently from the room.
 
 THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES BLOW 147 
 
 " Are we alone? " the man asked anxiously, clos- 
 ing the door carefully after Aimee's departure, 
 and looking furtively at the gloomy corners. 
 
 " Certainement! " replied the Governor rather 
 testily, for his appearance proclaimed him the 
 bearer of evil tidings. " But why this need of 
 secrecy? Have the Indians advanced upon the 
 city and surprised it, or have you unearthed a plot 
 to assassinate all the King's officers? " 
 
 " Nay, your Excellency," was the answer, " it 
 is on a question of conflicting duties that I desire 
 your counsel." 
 
 " Ah 1 you wish advice 1 " said the Governor in a 
 relieved tone. " State your difficulty and I will 
 try to help you." 
 
 " I that is well you see," was the stam- 
 mered reply, " one of my best friends and com- 
 rades lies under suspicion in my mind of doing an 
 act which my duty as a soldier obliges me to con- 
 demn. It is this conflict between my friendship for 
 i the man and my loyalty to the King that is disturb- 
 ing my mind. The former causes me to hesitate 
 ? before doing anything that might harm him, while 
 the latter tells me plainly that I ought to speak of 
 the matter to those higher in authority. Hence I 
 have taken it upon myself to seek your Excellency's 
 advice." 
 
 " If it be a matter of tale-bearing concerning 
 some slight infraction of the regulations by a fel-
 
 148 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 low-officer, your own good sense should guide you. 
 If it be an act of personal folly, you had best plead 
 with your friend as only a friend can. On the 
 contrary, if it be aught affecting the interests of the 
 King, you would indeed do well to sink your per- 
 sonal feelings out of sight and follow your sworn 
 duty as a loyal subject and a soldier." 
 
 " Thanks, your Excellency, for your true words, 
 which have made my duty plain to me. I felt I 
 was doing right in coming to you, for the impor- 
 tance of the affair, I believe, justifies me. But I 
 confess that my personal interest in the man made 
 me hesitate in deciding which was the better course 
 to follow." 
 
 " Well, Lieutenant, to the point of your story," 
 said the Governor impatiently. 
 
 " While walking to-day near the Place d'Armes 
 I saw the figure of my friend ahead me, and has- 
 tened my pace to overtake him, but he turned the 
 corner before I had approached near enough to 
 speak. Just before doing so, he pulled his hand- 
 kerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow, for 
 he was walking rapidly, and at the same instant a 
 paper fell to the ground. I picked it up and fol- 
 lowed him, but on turning the corner he was no- 
 where to be seen. The paper was half unfolded, 
 and my eye caught sight of the signature. You 
 can yourself see why my curiosity led me to read 
 the letter, and why I brought it to you," and so
 
 THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES BLOW 149 
 
 saying he handed the paper in question to the Gov- 
 ernor. 
 
 As the latter glanced over the written page his 
 heart sank within him and his lips formed the in- 
 audible word " Treason ! " 
 
 " You have indeed done well, Lieutenant," he 
 continued in a steady voice, " and I shall not for- 
 get your services. Have you mentioned the matter 
 to anyone else? " 
 
 " Not a soul, your Excellency." 
 
 " That is also well. Continue to be silent upon 
 the subject. And now, what is the name of your 
 friend whose act lays him open to very grave doubts 
 of his loyalty and honor?" 
 
 " Raoul de Chatignac," was the quiet answer. 
 
 The Governor started violently, as though 
 struck. His heart gave one convulsive leap, and 
 then stood still an instant, while the room seemed 
 to grow dark and the objects in it sway dimly before 
 his eyes. The unengaged hand, striking against 
 the table, clutched its edges for support. By a su- 
 preme effort he recovered himself. 
 
 " I will attend to the matter. Again my thanks 
 for your service to the King." He spoke slowly, 
 but with a dry, strained voice, as he dismissed the 
 officer with a bow. 
 
 When he was alone he stumbled to his chair and 
 fell wearily into it. His chin lay upon his breast, 
 his eyes were sunken, the lines about his noble fore-
 
 150 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 head and lips were deepened visibly; he had aged 
 ten years in as many minutes. The first blow had 
 partly stunned his sensibility, now he gradually 
 awoke with a shudder to the horrid reality of the 
 affair. Picking up the crumpled sheet from the 
 floor he spread it out carefully on the table, and 
 lighted another candle. He then opened a drawer, 
 took out a document and, laying it beside the other, 
 carefully compared the two signatures. ' The 
 name of the British commandant," he muttered, 
 " they are the same." He then took up the fatal 
 paper and read it carefully, now and then uttering 
 his comment in a broken voice. 
 
 " I congratulate you on the success of your pre- 
 vious efforts in obtaining information for us. (So 
 he has had dealings with him before!) All we 
 lack is an accurate plan of the fortifications com- 
 plete in every particular. (They are evidently 
 making careful preparations for an attack; I now 
 understand why the plan is missing from my desk. 
 A copy is being made.) A messenger will await 
 you at the usual point on the river just after sunset 
 on the evening of the 7th. (That is to-morrow 
 night.)" 
 
 He could go no further, but bowed his head in 
 anguish, while the hot tears trickled down his 
 cheeks. "Ah! Raoul, Raoul," he moaned pit- 
 eously, " this would have broken thy father's heart. 
 Would that I could see thee stretched at my feet,
 
 THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES BLOW 151 
 
 pierced by an Indian arrow or the bullet of the 
 enemy, thy handsome face pale in death; yes, pale 
 in death, death with honor, rather than this," 
 clutching the edge of the incriminating letter 
 " for this means Mon Dieu! this, too, means 
 death, but one of infamy and dishonor. Thy so- 
 journ, in the early flush of impressionable young 
 manhood, amid the blighting influences of a cor- 
 rupt and intriguing Court, has been the cause of 
 thy fall. And now, hardest of all, I, your friend, 
 your father's friend, loving you for his sake as 
 well as your own, cannot speak to warn you of 
 your danger ere you commit yourself by an overt 
 act of treason. I am also the friend and trusted 
 servant of the King, the sworn guardian and de- 
 fender of New France against the plots and evil 
 designs of her enemies, among whom you are 
 about to array yourself. How glibly I talked to 
 Lieutenant Liotot of yielding all personal feelings 
 when they conflicted with duty! Little did I 
 imagine that I, too, should be put to the test! " 
 
 Suddenly he struck the table a blow with his 
 fist, and his eye sparkled again with hope. 
 
 "Peste! Here I am taking everything for 
 granted, and looking upon the very darkest side 
 of the affair. Perhaps Raoul will miss this paper, 
 and fear to keep the appointment. Possibly the 
 Lieutenant was mistaken in the identity of the per- 
 son who dropped the letter. It contains no ad-
 
 152 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 dress. Perhaps after all Raoul is innocent; I be- 
 lieve he is, and shall until incontrovertible proof of 
 his guilt is forthcoming. Perhaps a dozen things 
 may prove him guiltless. My duty only demands 
 that he be watched, to see if he goes to meet the 
 messenger of the enemy. If not, then I must seek 
 for other clues. Until then I can but wait. Aimee, 
 poor child, must be kept in ignorance." 
 
 Late he sat, pondering hopefully over the mat- 
 ter, seeking a solution that would exonerate the son 
 of his old friend from all wrong-doing. At length 
 he sought repose, only to toss restlessly through the 
 night, crying out continually in his sleep as a father 
 for a son, " Pray God he does not go ! " 
 
 Immediately upon leaving the Chateau, Lieuten- 
 ant Liotot walked rapidly toward the Cathedral. 
 There he joined a dark figure concealed in the 
 shadows, saying with a laugh, " Well, it is done." 
 
 " How did he take the news? " 
 
 " He swallowed my story whole, without a ques- 
 tion. When I gave him the name he staggered like 
 a bull that has been hit between the eyes with a 
 hammer, but he shook himself together, and I left 
 him to devise a plan to entrap the bird." 
 
 The two then parted; the dark figure stopped at 
 Madame Duvivier's for a few hurried words of 
 instruction, then, taking horse and guided by the 
 rays of the moon, set out upon the Beauport 
 road,
 
 THE GOVERNOR RECEIVES BLOW 153 
 
 More than one mind in Quebec anxiously awaited 
 the outcome of the morrow, while the unsuspecting 
 victim of it all sat in the upper room of " The Sil- 
 ver Fox," winning heavily from his good friend 
 Berthier.
 
 Chapter Thirteen 
 
 WHICH NATURALLY PROVES UNLUCKY FOR THE 
 HERO 
 
 THE Governor arose next morning, weary 
 and worn. Aimee, noticing his haggard 
 face, ran to him and, putting her arms 
 about his neck, pulled his head down and kissed 
 him on the brow. 
 
 " There ! " she exclaimed, " I will smooth out 
 all the wrinkles. You must have had anxious news 
 last night after I left you, for I would swear there 
 are a dozen more now than there were yesterday." 
 
 The Governor, taking her face between his 
 hands, looked earnestly into her eyes. " You 
 speak truly, child," he said, with emotion. " I 
 received grave news, indeed, and to-day will be a 
 time of constant anxiety. You can perhaps aid me 
 if you will spend the forenoon at the Cathedral 
 praying that le bon Dieu will turn aside the 
 calamity that overhangs us all." 
 
 Raoul received word early at his home that 
 Madame Duvivier was indisposed, but would be 
 glad to see him at her house late in the afternoon. 
 
 154
 
 UNLUCKY FOR THE HERO 155 
 
 He therefore spent the morning wandering about 
 under the trees, chafing at the delay in again be- 
 holding the siren who was luring him mercilessly 
 upon the rocks. He feared lest her health was 
 failing under the cool breezes of New France, and 
 shuddered as he thought of the long, harsh winter 
 that was but a few months distant. When the 
 hour approached for his visit he started for the 
 city, bearing an assortment of flowers he had or- 
 dered Fidette to pick. But as she entered the room 
 to greet him his fears regarding her health van- 
 ished; never had she appeared to him to look so 
 beautiful, as she thanked him graciously for the 
 flowers and for his thoughtfulness. 
 
 " It is the part of a slave to do aught he can for 
 Beauty's comfort or delight," he murmured gal- 
 lantly, while his eyes fell upon a curiously flashing 
 stone, set in a brooch at her delicately molded 
 throat. She motioned him to a chair, and he 
 obeyed, still watching the strange, lambent flame 
 that played about the jewel. He was about to 
 speak, but the fantastic thing seemed to fascinate 
 him. A moment later the hand of the woman was 
 raised, a light command was given and the young 
 men sank back unconscious. 
 
 As soon as she was assured that he slept, she 
 knelt quickly down and removed one of his shoes. 
 Drawing a folded paper from her bosom, she laid 
 it carefully in the bottom, and slipped it on again.
 
 156 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 Then regaining her feet, she approached him and 
 spoke in a low, melodious voice : 
 
 " You will not feel the presence of anything un- 
 usual in your shoe. You will carry out the sug- 
 gestions I shall make to you, and you will never 
 associate me in any way with whatever consequences 
 may follow. In one minute you will awake." 
 Leaving him, she crossed the room and busied her- 
 self in taking the flowers he had brought out of 
 the box and arranging them carefully in a large 
 vase. He opened his eyes and watched her 
 dreamily. 
 
 " As I was saying," she began, without looking 
 at him, as though continuing a conversation that 
 had not been interrupted, " you are more than kind 
 to take the trouble to bring me these lovely blos- 
 soms. I appreciate them more than I can tell. 
 However, I am anxious to behold the pale pink 
 flower you have told me about that is so rare in this 
 neighborhood, and I shall hold you to your 
 promise some day to get me a large cluster." 
 
 ' Yes, I remember," he replied eagerly, " they 
 grow only in one spot, a point of land a half-league 
 up the river on the other side. Would you like 
 them to-night? They wilt if picked before sunset, 
 but if you gather them immediately after the sun 
 goes down, they will last with care for several 
 days. If I leave now I can return shortly after 
 dark,"
 
 UNLUCKY FOR THE HERO 157 
 
 " Oh ! I do not wish to trouble you so much, 
 Monsieur," she replied in a deprecating tone. 
 " There is no hurry. Besides it is far, and you 
 may be weary." 
 
 " I am never weary in your service, Madame," 
 Raoul answered, rising. " I am rejoiced to learn 
 your lightest wish," and he seized the beautiful 
 hand that was extended toward him, accompanied 
 by a tantalizing smile, and kissed it feverishly. 
 
 The great sun sank slowly to rest, loth to leave 
 the world he loved, glowing with indignation as 
 though apprehending in his fiery heart the deeds 
 of treachery and wickedness that would be enacted 
 after he had disappeared and left the earth to the 
 care of the twilight shadows. Life suddenly be- 
 came tense to those hearts who awaited expectantly 
 the events of the next few hours. The supreme 
 moment of activity was nearly come. 
 
 A horseman rode rapidly through the gathering 
 dusk toward La Maison Sombre, and on enter- 
 ing the great hall greeted the look of inquiry from 
 the expectant du Tillet with : 
 
 " All goes well. I have sent Gaudais on ahead 
 to act the part of the hidden messenger. The 
 Governor has an officer and two men ready to fol- 
 low our honest friend in his voyage up the river." 
 
 Alone in a room of the Chateau, the Governor 
 strode up and down, watching impatiently the sink- 
 ing light of day. A few hours, and his hopes or
 
 158 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 his fears would be realized. His fatherly heart 
 yearned toward the boy, whom he had always 
 loved. The stern mind of the soldier and patriot 
 steeled itself for the unimpeded performance of its 
 duty. Alone in the dim Cathedral, Aimee still 
 lingered, praying on in an agony of apprehensive 
 fear. 
 
 Raoul, all unsuspicious of the imminent danger 
 he was in, seated himself in his canoe and started 
 off with light heart. A strange intoxication filled 
 his mind. As yet no words of love, only admira- 
 tion of his charmer's beauty, had escaped him. 
 The torment of the morning, when he was pre- 
 vented from seeing the object of his strange infatu- 
 ation, had taught him that he must not delay 
 further. He was determined to woo and win her 
 if possible that very night on his return from his 
 quest. The air was filled with a strange, unnat- 
 ural, golden haze; his heart's blood pulsed hotly 
 along, while he sang softly to himself a gay chan- 
 son, keeping time to the measure deftly with his 
 paddle. 
 
 Oblivious as he was to the outside world, it is 
 not strange that he did not notice another canoe 
 creeping along after him in the gathering shadows 
 of the opposite bank. When he, too, entered these 
 shadows as he approached the end of his journey, 
 this strange canoe, with three soldiers in it, drew 
 nearer and nearer. Finally he ran into shore,
 
 UNLUCKY FOR THE HERO 159 
 
 leaped out and turned toward the flowering shrubs, 
 situated only a few yards from the water, to gather 
 the blossoms he sought. He did not hear the 
 ripple of the approaching canoe, nor did his ear 
 detect the slight grating sound it made as it touched 
 the land. Just then he did hear a somewhat 
 familiar voice issuing from the thicket in front of 
 him: 
 
 " Is that you, de Chatignac? Have you brought 
 me the plans? " 
 
 He stopped, wonderingly, his arms filled with 
 the first few flowers he had plucked, and started in 
 amazement as a hand was laid upon his shoulder 
 and the voice of the officer who had arrived in the 
 other canoe sounded in his ear: 
 
 " I arrest you, Raoul de Chatignac, in the King's 
 name." 
 
 At these words a crashing was heard in the 
 bushes as the owner of the first voice took sudden 
 flight. 
 
 " Arrest me? " Raoul exclaimed in anger as he 
 peered into the faces of the three soldiers before 
 him. 
 
 ' Yes, in the King's name. Will you return to 
 Quebec with us peaceably? " 
 
 " There must be some mistake," was his dazed 
 reply. " I have done nothing." 
 
 The officer shrugged his shoulders, and pointed 
 to his canoe. He entered it with the prisoner,
 
 160 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 while the other two soldiers paddled alongside in 
 the one in which Raoul had set forth. 
 
 Stunned, confused, angry, Raoul sat silent, his 
 hands unconsciously clasping the gathered blos- 
 soms. Still perplexed, he got out when they 
 reached the city and walked quietly with his guard 
 toward the Chateau. On entering, the officer left 
 the others for a moment while he sought the Gov- 
 ernor. " Did you find him? " asked the old man 
 eagerly, and a world of fear and hope breathed 
 through his words. " We did, your Excellency," 
 was the crushing reply. 
 
 In a few moments they were all assembled in the 
 Governor's room. Pale and agitated, he sat in 
 his great chair beside the table, trying hard to be 
 stern, repressing an almost over-mastering desire 
 to cast himself upon the neck of Raoul in an 
 agony of pity and grief. 
 
 Before him were the prisoner, the three soldiers, 
 and Lieutenant Liotot, whom he had summoned 
 to attend. The former stood frowning with a 
 defiant air, endeavoring to appear calm amidst a 
 storm of angry feelings. 
 
 " Monsieur Raoul de Chatignac," began the 
 Governor in a voice he strove to render firm, but 
 which trembled with emotion, " you are among 
 your friends and well-wishers." 
 
 "Is it the part of friends and well-wishers, your 
 Excellency," replied Raoul in a bitter tone, " to
 
 UNLUCKY FOR THE HERO 161 
 
 track an innocent man to the woods, arrest him on 
 an unknown charge, and then humiliate him by 
 bringing him through the streets of Quebec under 
 guard at early evening? There are some mistakes 
 that are too grievous for even friends and well- 
 wishers to make." 
 
 " But," continued the Governor without seeming 
 to notice his reply, " you are also in the presence of 
 those who are sworn to preserve the Colony, whose 
 first duty is toward the King and their own honor- 
 able oath." 
 
 Raoul's lips curled. " Of what crime or crimes 
 am I accused, and who are my accusers? " he said 
 proudly. 
 
 The Governor picked up from the table the let- 
 ter of the British commandant at New York, and 
 passed it to him. " Did you ever see this before ? " 
 he asked anxiously. 
 
 Raoul glanced at the signature and returned it. 
 " Certainly not. Why?" 
 
 " Grace a Dieu! " cried the Governor, " I did 
 not believe you had; but read it carefully." 
 
 Raoul took the document close to the light. As 
 he read his hand trembled with' agitation, and his 
 eyes flashed. When he had finished he exclaimed 
 warmly : 
 
 " Mon Dieu! your Excellency, this is treason I 
 There are traitors in the city who are corresponding 
 with the English." He looked at the silent faces
 
 162 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 about him wonderingly, then at the Governor. 
 " What has this to do with me? " 
 
 For reply, the Governor motioned to Lieutenant 
 Liotot, who stepped forward and in a few words 
 related the manner in which the paper had come 
 into his possession. At the end of his recital he 
 burst into hypocritical tears, and murmuring, " My 
 poor, poor Raoul ! " retreated to his former 
 position. 
 
 Raoul gasped in astonishment as the meaning of 
 this testimony flashed over him. " I, the owner of 
 that vile thing?" he cried. "Impossible! You 
 who are my friends and well-wishers, as the Gov- 
 ernor has truly said, cannot believe that for an in- 
 stant. A de Chatignac traitor to his King and 
 country? Absurd! " and Raoul laughed scornfully 
 at the thought. 
 
 " No, Raoul," said the Governor kindly, " no 
 one here believes you have anything to do with it. 
 We feel assured that you can explain away all un- 
 fortunate circumstances, and we will rejoice to hear 
 you do so. That is why I had you brought here, 
 feeling sure that at this private hearing your appar- 
 ent connection with this letter would be satisfac- 
 torily accounted for. To begin with, there is 
 probably a mistake in identity. Lieutenant Liotot 
 saw only the back of the person who dropped it, 
 and at some distance, too. Where were you at 
 the hour mentioned by him? Probably at home
 
 UNLUCKY FOR THE HERO 165 
 
 attending to your affairs? " and the old man's voice 
 trembled in his anxiety to find some loophole for 
 the escape of his beloved friend. 
 
 Raoul's eyes fell and he was silent a moment. 
 Then he looked up, " No, your Excellency," he 
 said frankly; " Lieutenant Liotot was correct. I 
 did pass along the street mentioned, and turned 
 the corner at the time he claims to have seen 
 me." 
 
 The Governor's face paled. " Where were 
 you going? " 
 
 " To to make a call," after some hesitation. 
 
 The Governor was silent in turn. Then in an 
 altered tone he went on: 
 
 " It is very unfortunate you cannot prove your- 
 self to have been elsewhere at that hour. You 
 will see by this letter that a time and place were 
 appointed for the delivery of the plans referred to. 
 How do you explain the fact that you reached a 
 spot on the river on the day and hour appointed 
 in this letter, where a messenger was in waiting who 
 called you by name and asked about the plans also 
 mentioned in the letter? " 
 
 " A coincidence merely, your Excellency; I went 
 to that particular spot to gather flowers for a 
 friend." 
 
 The Governor frowned. He guessed who the 
 friend referred to might be. Raoul was silent. 
 The evidence pointing to his guilt was forcing its
 
 164 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 weight upon his mind. The Governor misinter- 
 preted his silence. 
 
 " No other person was seen approaching the spot 
 where the emissary of the English lay in wait, save 
 yourself. However, all the evidence is purely 
 circumstantial. Only one witness claims to have 
 seen you drop the letter, and he admits he was 
 walking some distance behind; therefore it is very 
 possible he was mistaken as to the identity of the 
 person. You can probably prove from your friend 
 that you set out with the determination to gather 
 flowers. The men who followed you have said 
 that you were busily engaged in that occupation 
 when they landed. They may be mistaken in the 
 name uttered by the hidden messenger ; the English 
 make but a poor mouth at pronouncing French, at 
 the best. I would, therefore, encourage you by 
 saying that while your position is extremely unfor- 
 tunate, yet nothing has been brought forth that can- 
 not possibly be explained." 
 
 At this juncture the officer who had captured 
 Raoul advanced and whispered something in the 
 Governor's ear, who flushed and nodded, then re- 
 sumed in an apologetic tone: 
 
 " Nothing has been presented which justifies me 
 in doing anything other than release you. I should 
 not be doing my whole duty, however, if I 
 omitted a very unpleasant task. I would spare 
 you if I could. It will be necessary to search you.
 
 UNLUCKY FOR THE HERO 165 
 
 It is a mere form, but it will put you in a better 
 light to be searched, and nothing of an incriminat- 
 ing nature found. A man who sets out to deliver 
 a set of plans would naturally carry them with 
 him." The Governor breathed more easily. He 
 would now be able to dismiss the affair, and noth- 
 ing further need be known about the matter. 
 
 Raoul started as though stung, and reddened 
 visibly at this humiliation, but said nothing. At a 
 sign from the Governor the officer approached and 
 began his work. Raoul assisted him as much as 
 possible. 
 
 An oppressive silence ensued, broken only by the 
 sounds made by the officer engaged at his disagree- 
 able task. The flickering light of the candles 
 showed the pale, drawn face of the Governor, his 
 teeth set, his hands clasped tightly over the chair- 
 arms, and the look of an awful suspense in his eyes. 
 The two soldiers stood motionless. Lieutenant 
 Liotot from his shadow looked silently on, a faint 
 smile of expectancy on his face. Carefully the 
 officer felt in all of the prisoner's pockets, removed 
 his coat and examined its lining with a deft touch, 
 then the waistcoat, but without result. He re- 
 moved a shoe; nothing there. He took off the 
 other: a paper fell to the floor. The eyes of all 
 were upon the officer as he stooped, picked it up, 
 and handed it to the Governor. Stupidly the old 
 man gazed at it a moment; then, recovering him-
 
 166 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 self, opened it before Raoul's wondering gaze, and 
 cried in a heart-broken voice: 
 
 " Mon Dieu! Raoul, a copy of the missing 
 plans!" 
 
 At these words, and before Raoul could frame a 
 reply, a muffled scream was heard and the figure of 
 Aimee de Marsay, who had been concealed behind 
 one of the heavy curtains at the further side of the 
 room, staggered forth and sank, half unconscious, 
 to the floor. Through some womanly intuition, as 
 well as from the looks and actions of the Governor 
 at dinner, she had surmised that Raoul was in 
 trouble, and had taken an early opportunity of 
 slipping behind the protecting * hangings. The 
 proceedings had at first filled her with dismay, then 
 anger. Finally, when she realized from the Gov- 
 ernor's cry that the plans had been found concealed 
 on Raoul's person, everything grew black before 
 her eyes, and she emerged from her hiding-place. 
 
 She was up in an instant, all giddiness gone, and 
 approaching the group she stepped in front of 
 Raoul and earnestly looking into his eyes, cried : 
 
 " Raoul de Chatignac, you have never lied to me. 
 Tell me on your honor, by the memory of your 
 mother's soul in Paradise, and your father's spot- 
 less name, are you guilty of this deed? " 
 
 Raoul's surprise at her appearance vanished be- 
 fore a feeling of joy at her presence. Here was 
 one who would not believe him guilty, despite all
 
 UNLUCKY FOR THE HERO 167 
 
 the devilish evidence that could be produced. All 
 his soul rose to meet her glance, and in its innate 
 nobility and honor, freed for the moment from the 
 blighting power of Madame Duvivier, it flashed 
 back an answering look as he said firmly and im- 
 pressively : 
 
 " I am innocent; I swear it! " 
 
 " I believe you," exclaimed Aimee in exultant 
 tones, " and know that whatever appearance of 
 guilt there may be is but the result of some vile 
 plot to ruin you," and with a firm step and a fare- 
 well glance that said: "Have courage!" she 
 quietly left the room. 
 
 The Governor had had time to recover his self- 
 control. The whole situation was changed. The 
 evidence seemed to his mind complete. 
 
 " To prison ! " he said coldly to the officer, and 
 rising he tottered unsteadily across the floor to his 
 own chamber and disappeared.
 
 Chapter Fourteen 
 
 SHOWS HOW TIGHTLY A NET CAN BE DRAWN 
 
 THE next morning saw Armand hurrying 
 to the Chateau to seek an interview with 
 Aimee. He was surprised, when she 
 entered the room, to see how little the calamity 
 seemed to have affected her. A little paler she 
 was, perhaps, than usual, but she greeted him with 
 her accustomed kindly frankness. 
 
 " I knew that you would come quickly," said 
 she calmly, " as soon as you heard the news of 
 Raoul's misfortune." 
 
 " I heard nothing of it until a few moments 
 ago," was the reply. " I rushed off at once to 
 learn from you the particulars of this unfortunate 
 affair." 
 
 Aimee thereupon related in detail all she knew. 
 When she began, her friend's face expressed 
 genuine astonishment, but as she proceeded this 
 gave way to a look of alarm, and when she reached 
 the point in her narrative where the accusing plans 
 were found within the prisoner's shoe, he buried 
 his face in his hands, with the cry: " Mon Dieu! 
 this is terrible ! " 
 
 168
 
 TIGHTLY A NET CAN BE DRAWN 169 
 
 " You surely do not believe him guilty of such 
 dishonor? " she cried in a tone of bitter reproach. 
 
 He shook his head. 
 
 " It is all a dreadful mistake," she continued, 
 " one that can surely be explained." 
 
 " That is true, but alas ! we have only a short 
 time in which to help him. The Council meets 
 this afternoon to try him. Unless he can clear 
 himself he will die." 
 
 It was Aimee's turn to become agitated. " But 
 he will swear upon his honor that he knows nothing 
 about it," she cried. 
 
 " Alas ! ma chere amie, his word will not stand 
 against the damning evidence that has been re- 
 vealed. The discovery of the plans has sealed 
 his fate." 
 
 " It is all some vile plot against his life," the 
 girl exclaimed, wringing her hands. She then 
 related the confused words of warning of Farouche 
 against Gaspard Roguin. Armand again shook his 
 head sadly. " The testimony of that half-witted 
 fellow will avail us nothing." 
 
 Aimee stamped her foot angrily. " You refuse 
 to consider my suggestions. Have you none of 
 your own to make? Or are you, too, turned 
 against him, and unwilling to lift a finger in his 
 behalf." Then passionately: " Oh, that I were a 
 man ! I should surely find some means of helping 
 a friend, an innocent, injured, slandered friend,
 
 170 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 charged with a foul crime, instead of sitting here 
 doing nothing but shake my head. Have you no 
 brain cannot guards be bribed? have you no 
 hands cannot prison bars be sawn asunder? " 
 
 Magnificent she stood with head erect, flashing 
 eyes, and heightened color, an embodiment of 
 scorn, distress, and anger. Never had she ap- 
 peared so beautiful to Armand, never had he felt 
 so passionate a desire to do her service. Then 
 the wind of the tempest veered, and she was a help- 
 less, grief-stricken woman again. She seized his 
 arm. " Forgive me, mon cher Armand, I know 
 not what I am saying. I know only this, that he, 
 my friend, your friend as well, is innocent, yet in 
 great danger; is the victim of some intriguing 
 enemy and we are powerless to aid him," and 
 she fell into a chair, convulsed with sobs. 
 
 Armand was deeply moved as he witnessed her 
 grief. A sudden purpose thrilled him. He 
 approached the young girl and leaning over her, 
 said softly: "I shall do my best. Remember, 
 I shall do my best for his sake and for yours." 
 An overwhelming desire seized him to press his 
 lips to the glorious mass of hair so near his face, 
 but he restrained himself with an effort, and, 
 touching her head lightly with his hand as though 
 in benediction or farewell, he hastily quitted the 
 room. 
 
 Directing his steps toward that portion of the
 
 TIGHTLY A NET CAN BE DRAWN 171 
 
 Fort where Raoul was confined, he was admitted 
 to his cell. The prisoner sat in gloomy medita- 
 tion, scarcely looking up when Armand entered. 
 
 "My poor Raoul!" was his greeting, "what 
 a terrible misfortune has befallen you! But be 
 of good cheer; your friends will do all in their 
 power for you." 
 
 " Friends! " said Raoul bitterly. " I have no 
 friends. Such as I thought I had, I find have 
 higher duties than those of friendship. Liotot 
 was my friend, but he imagined he saw me drop 
 that cursed letter, and straightway considered it 
 necessary to inform the Governor. Tisseraud was 
 my friend, but he felt obliged to sneak behind me 
 up the river and place me under arrest. The 
 Governor was my father's friend as well as mine, 
 but he conceived it to be his duty to cast me into 
 a dungeon for committing a crime I never dreamed 
 of. Bah ! give me a few enemies ; they could not 
 treat me any worse." 
 
 " Come, mon ami" said Armand quietly, as 
 he seated himself beside Raoul and placed his arm 
 affectionately about him, " do not let your anger 
 warp your judgment. Lieutenant Liotot and 
 Tisseraud may be your friends, but they are also 
 soldiers, sworn to a high ideal of duty. The 
 Governor i your devoted friend. We can neither 
 of us guess what an agony of soul he underwent 
 last night. Had you been his own son the task
 
 172 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 could not have been harder. But he is also the 
 Governor, the trusted servant of the King, the 
 guide and bulwark of all New France. There are 
 others, too, who are your friends." 
 
 " Yes," was the reply, " I received a note from 
 one of them this morning, Madame Duvivier, 
 thanking me for the flowers I managed to have 
 conveyed to her, and hoping that I would soon 
 be at liberty." 
 
 " And still another," was Armand's calm re- 
 joinder; " Aimee de Marsay, our old playmate, 
 Raoul, whose affectionate heart is torn with 
 anxiety and distress over your trouble." The 
 speaker winced a little at his own words. 
 
 " True," murmured Raoul thoughtfully. " I 
 know she is loyal, and believes me, innocent. Her 
 action last night showed that. But she is only a 
 woman, and powerless to aid me." 
 
 " And I, too, have come to claim the right to 
 help bear a friend's calamity," went on Armand 
 steadily. " Cannot you think of anything that 
 would assist in raveling out this skein of tangled 
 circumstances? " 
 
 Raoul shook his head ruefully: " Nothing! " 
 
 " Then," continued his companion firmly, 
 " there is but one thing to be done. The Council 
 is convened to meet at five. Unless something 
 can be brought forward to explain this mystery 
 you are lost. You will be shot at sunrise."
 
 TIGHTLY A NET CAN BE DRAWN 173 
 
 Raoul was unmoved. 
 
 " Listen carefully to my plan," continued 
 Armand earnestly, in lowered tones. " I shall 
 obtain permission to visit you at dusk, wearing 
 a light cloak. Once here I shall exchange clothes 
 with you, and you will walk out a free man. I 
 can arrange to have a canoe, filled with ammuni- 
 tion and supplies, ready for you in charge of one 
 of your servants, and you can escape to the forest 
 and there live the life of a coureur-de-bois until 
 the enigma is solved and your name cleared." 
 
 " But what will be done to you when my flight 
 is discovered? " 
 
 " Pardieu! that is my affair. I am willing to 
 run the risk." 
 
 Raoul turned upon his friend a look of affec- 
 tion and gratitude. " And do you think, my dear 
 old comrade, that for one moment I would be 
 willing that you should take my place and endanger 
 your own life? Forgive me if in my bitterness 
 I seemed blinded to the worth of a devoted friend 
 whom in my better moments I thoroughly appre- 
 ciate. Nay, my good Armand, I am guiltless, and 
 await my trial, strong in the knowledge of my 
 innocence. If I am freed, it is well. If I am 
 to die, that is the affair of le bon Dleu, and I shall 
 strive to meet the end like a brave man," and he 
 grasped his friend's hand warmly, while his face 
 glowed with feeling.
 
 174 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " But think of all who would rejoice to have 
 you spared the Governor, Aimee and all," per- 
 sisted Armand. 
 
 " And could I ever meet the contempt of that 
 brave old soldier, or behold the scorn in her 
 womanly eyes, caused by my acceptance of your 
 proffered sacrifice? No, Armand, my friend, my 
 brother in all but birth, tempt me no more. My 
 cause is just. I leave it all with God." 
 
 Scarce a half-hour had passed and the prisoner 
 was once more plunged in melancholy thought, 
 when the lock was turned, the door grated on its 
 rusty hinges, and the Governor entered. Raoul 
 sprang to his feet and advanced to meet him. The 
 old man, laying a hand on each shoulder, looked 
 earnestly into his face, and murmured sadly, 
 "My dear boy!" Then, leading him to the 
 bed, he seated himself beside him and began 
 gravely : 
 
 " Raoul, you are doubly dear to me; a son 
 could not be more so. You have inherited the 
 noble qualities of your father, my friend; in you 
 he lives again for me. You are young. Youth 
 has its moments of impulse when acts are com- 
 mitted thoughtlessly whose importance and far- 
 reaching effects are not realized. Through some 
 mistaken sense of honor, through some generous 
 thought, youth is often lead by designing minds 
 into depths where only shallows were expected.
 
 TIGHTLY A NET CAN BE DRAWN 175 
 
 I stand in your father's place to you, Raoul. In 
 his name, I beg you to tell me all ! " 
 
 The young man drew slightly back. 
 
 " You heard what I said last night, your 
 Excellency, that I was entirely ignorant and 
 innocent in this affair? Do you not believe my 
 word? Do you suppose me guilty? " 
 
 " Not by so much as a thought or a single 
 intent," was the quick rejoinder. " I can only 
 see how you may have been led into playing a 
 dangerous game for others; how you have been 
 used as their tool. Come, Raoul, I say it again, 
 tell me all. If you can assist me in bringing the 
 really guilty ones to justice, I can then honorably 
 plead for your release, besides, you will be doing 
 a patriotic act. Do not let any false ideas of 
 honor stand in your way. Those who have used 
 you are not your friends, but your enemies. They 
 doubly deserve punishment. I am one of your 
 judges, as well as a friend. Unfortunately under 
 present circumstances I can only be your judge. 
 Confess to me the names of the culprits, and I 
 can then be a friend at the same time. I will 
 plead for you, oh ! so earnestly, my boy, if you 
 will but let me," and the old man's voice vibrated 
 with intense emotion. 
 
 Raoul arose and, walking up and down a few 
 paces, turned and faced the Governor. 
 
 " Your Excellency, I cannot doubt your inten-
 
 176 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 tions; they are kind, but I fear if my word is 
 not sufficient to satisfy you of my complete inno- 
 cence, I cannot see how any testimony of mine, 
 implicating others, if there were any such, would 
 have any greater weight. I readily foresee how 
 the evidence to be presented will persuade the 
 other members of the Council of my guilt, when 
 it has already convinced you, my warmest friend. 
 Nor do I blame anyone. The evidence, although 
 circumstantial, is absolutely convincing to a judi- 
 cial mind. The chain is perfect; not one link is 
 missing. I recognize that you are led solely by 
 your high sense of honor and your faithfulness to 
 duty, and I respect you for it. You would gladly do 
 what you could to save me. You can do nothing. 
 In my father's name I thank you, and bid you fare- 
 well, forever," and he extended his hand. The 
 Governor seized it, pressed it to his bosom, and 
 turned feebly toward the door, which, a moment 
 later, was locked behind him. 
 
 At five o'clock the members of the Council, 
 convened In extraordinary session, assembled in 
 the council chamber of the Chateau. They all 
 wore a solemn look, for the matter before them 
 was most serious. There were difficulties and 
 dangers in plenty from outside foes. If a hidden 
 enemy were in their midst it behooved them to 
 exercise the greatest diligence in apprehending 
 and punishing him. At last the Governor entered,
 
 TIGHTLY A NET CAN BE DRAWN 177 
 
 looking very pale and worn. When he had taken 
 his seat the trial began. Calm and dignified, the 
 prisoner was led in. His lofty bearing created 
 a favorable impression. The witnesses of the 
 preceding evening gave their testimony afresh. 
 The letter from the English commandant at New 
 York was read and passed from hand to hand for 
 examination. Under oath Raoul denied all knowl- 
 edge of the affair, but could offer nothing in expla- 
 nation or refutation of the evidence presented. 
 The members of the Council, several of whom 
 had known Raoul's father long and well, looked 
 into one another's faces in blank dismay. Here 
 was one of the richest and most promising young 
 men of the Colony, charged with blackest treason. 
 Knowing him as they did, they could not believe 
 him guilty, and yet the evidence! the possession 
 of the incriminating plans! The Governor read 
 two communications he had received. The first 
 ran as follows: 
 
 " As a citizen of France, and a newcomer to 
 the Colony, and its well-wisher, I beg leave to pray 
 the honorable Council to weigh carefully the evi- 
 dence presented to them before pronouncing judg- 
 ment upon the prisoner. Should there be the 
 slightest doubt in their mind of his guilt, I pray 
 that his life be spared. To prove my practical 
 interest in this affair, I hereby offer to the honor-
 
 178 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 able Council, in case the prisoner is found innocent 
 and released, the sum of five thousand louis d'or 
 to be used by them in discovering the real traitor, 
 or for any other lawful use." 
 
 The Governor hesitated an instant before read- 
 ing the name signed to the communication, 
 " Antoine du Tiller." 
 
 The second consisted of only a few lines: 
 
 " Believing thoroughly in the innocence of the 
 accused, and that he is in reality the victim of 
 unscrupulous enemies and traitors, I hereby volun- 
 teer my services toward their discovery, and, if he 
 is at once released, I offer my own person as secur- 
 ity for his appearance should he ultimately be 
 found guilty. 
 
 " ARMAND BOUCARD." 
 
 The reading of the two notes was received in 
 silence. The first was indignantly regarded as 
 a veiled attempt to purchase a favorable verdict. 
 The second was considered as the unselfish sacrifice 
 of a devoted friend. The prisoner was removed, 
 and discussion of the case was begun. Much 
 scratching of heads ensued in the efforts of the 
 Council to find a way for leniency toward the 
 young man. But the evidence was inexorable in 
 its sway over their minds. An hour later the
 
 TIGHTLY A NET CAN BE DRAWN 179 
 
 prisoner was brought in. The Governor arose 
 and faced him. His features were hard set as he 
 struggled bravely to carry out to the end the 
 terrible task imposed upon him. 
 
 " Raoul de Chatignac," he said, and his voice 
 sounded smothered and far away, " the Council 
 has adjudged you guilty of the crime of treason 
 against the King and New France; I therefore 
 sentence you to be led to the Place d'Armes at 
 sunrise to-morrow, and shot. Thus perish all 
 traitors 1 "
 
 Chapter Fifteen 
 
 DESCRIBES HOW AIMEE TOOK THE MIDNIGHT 
 AIR IN A GOOD CAUSE 
 
 AvIEE awaited the decision of the Council, 
 on her knees. The moments dragged 
 wearily along. She strove to believe that 
 the delay augured well for Raoul's deliverance, 
 but in spite of her efforts a chill fear to the con- 
 trary crept over her, benumbing her faculties. 
 Her tears were dried. She ceased praying, and 
 knelt, a picture of dumb misery, with her eyes 
 turned toward the door. At length it opened 
 and Armand stood before her with pale and sad- 
 dened countenance. She sprang to her feet in 
 alarm. " Mon Dleu! " she cried, " you need say 
 nothing. Your face tells me all! " 
 
 Armand approached and laying his hand gently 
 upon her shoulder, said earnestly, " It is all over, 
 mon amie. I have done the best I could, for his 
 sake, and your own. Man could do nothing 
 more." 
 
 Aimee returned his earnest gaze. " I believe 
 you, Armand, and in his name I thank you." 
 Then, with a look of high resolve, she continued: 
 
 180
 
 AIMEE TOOK THE MIDNIGHT AIR 181 
 
 " As you say, man has done his utmost. It only 
 remains for woman, frail and weak though she 
 be, to exert her power. I shall appeal to the 
 Governor to pardon our friend." 
 
 Armand shook his head mournfully. " The 
 Governor will do nothing. He would not were 
 Raoul his own son." 
 
 Aimee smiled sadly, but with a resolute air. 
 ' You do not know. Le bon Dieu will not allow 
 the innocent to suffer. He will aid me. I shall 
 succeed." Then, after a moment's silence: "And 
 now leave me, mon cher Armand, for I must see 
 the Governor alone. I shall await him here." 
 
 After his departure, Aimee sat in the gathering 
 twilight patiently looking for her foster father's 
 return. Dinner time came. He did not appear. 
 She could not eat, but busied herself in making 
 little preparations for his comfort when he did 
 come. The moments passed; eight o'clock struck. 
 She called a servant and dispatched him to make 
 inquiries about the Governor. He returned shortly 
 with no news. A sudden thought smote her: per- 
 haps, foreseeing her appeal, he was absenting 
 himself until it would be too late, purposely 
 avoiding an interview with her that was bound 
 to be painful to them both ! Nine o'clock sounded 
 from the great clock of the Chateau. 
 
 Hurriedly wrapping herself in a cloak, she 
 slipped out. She had no destination in mind; her
 
 182 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 one desire was to do something; anything was 
 better than quiet and inaction. The full moon 
 had risen and made the city bright with its silvery 
 light. She vaguely hoped she might meet with 
 Armand, or someone she knew who could assist 
 her. But the faces she saw were all strange, and, 
 she shrank from their admiring gaze. At length, 
 after much purposeless wandering, weary with her 
 rapid progress, and sick at heart, she stopped in 
 the shadow of a tall building and leaned her aching 
 head against the cold stone of its wall. Groups 
 of people passed her, gayly talking and laughing, 
 all bent upon their own affairs; not one had a 
 thought for the innocent man doomed to meet an 
 ignominious death within a few short hours. The 
 heartlessness of mankind depressed her. The 
 notes of a rollicking chorus from a tavern a few 
 doors away struck discordantly upon her ears. 
 She was alone in her helpless anxiety and grief. 
 A wave of despair overwhelmed her. 
 
 A figure that had dogged her footsteps un- 
 noticed ever since she had quitted the Chateau, 
 approached closer and said in a respectful tone: 
 " Mademoiselle is in trouble? Perhaps she needs 
 help?" 
 
 Aimee looked quickly up as she recognized the 
 voice. " Ah ! my poor Farouche ! " she exclaimed, 
 " what are you doing here? " 
 
 " I heard that the young man we talked about
 
 AIMEE TOOK THE MIDNIGHT AIR 183 
 
 on the road to Beauport was in trouble. I knew 
 you would be sorry." 
 
 "Alas! I do need assistance sorely. The plot 
 you tried to tell me about has indeed succeeded. 
 Raoul de Chatignac will die at sunrise." 
 
 The face of the fool showed that he realized the 
 depth of her grief. The details of Raoul's mis- 
 fortune he could not comprehend. He only 
 realized that the beautiful young woman, his fairy 
 queen, his goddess, his good angel, whose very 
 garments he touched as sacred things, was in dis- 
 tress, and that he wished to serve her. 
 
 " Can I help you? " was all that he could say. 
 
 " No, my poor fellow," was the despairing 
 answer, " I fear not. I am looking for the 
 Governor. If I could find him he could aid me." 
 
 The man's face brightened. " You want the 
 Governor? I will fetch him." 
 
 Aimee caught at this hope. " Do you think you 
 can? Oh! my dear Farouche, if you only could 
 I would be so grateful." Some new thought was 
 evidently working in the half-crazed brain, for the 
 man smiled and laughed excitedly as he replied: 
 " Go home. I will come when I have found him," 
 and quickly disappeared around the nearest corner. 
 
 Despite her natural despondency, Aimee yielded 
 herself to the hope revived by his confident words 
 and hastily returned to the Chateau to await his 
 arrival.
 
 184 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 Whatever the train of thought was that had 
 started in the mind of Farouche, it had grown dim 
 and finally was lost before he had gone a hundred 
 yards, and his face wore a confused, puzzled look 
 as he strove vainly to recollect the plan that had 
 first appealed to him. For half an hour he wan- 
 dered aimlessly through the streets, finally ending 
 his journey near the Chateau. Just then he caught 
 a glimpse of a soldier, standing full in the light of 
 a shop window. Soldiers were always associated 
 in his mind with the Governor, so running up to 
 him he asked: 
 
 " The Governor, where is he? " 
 
 The man, recognizing his questioner, laughed. 
 " Will your business not wait until morning, Mon- 
 sieur Fool? He does not like to be disturbed at 
 night." 
 
 But Farouche persisted. " I want the Governor. 
 Important message." 
 
 The soldier shook his head. " I would get small 
 thanks if I told you, and he were annoyed by some 
 crazy errand of yours." 
 
 Farouche, confident in his belief that the man 
 possessed the desired information, hesitated, then, 
 pulling at a cord around his neck, he drew forth a 
 little bag and slipped out the gold piece Aimee 
 had given him. ' This is yours if you tell me," 
 he urged, holding it out in his hand. 
 
 The soldier's eyes sparkled as they saw the coin.
 
 AIMEE TOOK THE MIDNIGHT AIR 185 
 
 Perhaps, after all, the fool had been entrusted 
 with a message of sorrxe consequence. This seemed 
 probable, as he had evidently been furnished with 
 money to be used in reaching the Governor. He 
 took the gold, slipped it into his pocket, and lean- 
 ing toward Farouche said in a low tone : " I 
 cannot tell you surely where he is. I was on guard 
 at the meeting of the Council this afternoon, and 
 overheard the Governor say to one of the mem- 
 bers that he would spend the night at the house of 
 Monsieur Guion, just this side of Sillery. That 
 is all I heard. Mind you, I do not know where 
 he is, so you must not tell anyone that I said he 
 was at Monsieur Guion's. You had better wait 
 until he returns to-morrow." 
 
 Farouche nodded gayly, and darted off. A few 
 moments later he was admitted to the room where 
 Aimee anxiously awaited him. He related to her 
 what the man had told him. She clapped her 
 hands with delight: 
 
 " I have found the trail of the fox at last. I 
 shall now run him down," and she ordered Rex 
 to be saddled for her at once. She then turned to 
 Farouche, " And now, my friend, how can I thank 
 or reward you for your service? " 
 
 For reply the fool seized her hand and laid it 
 on his head a moment with a look of intense joy, 
 then bowing, he left the room. Aimee's heart 
 throbbed with renewed pity for the poor man, for
 
 186 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 she understood that he found ample compensation 
 in the simple realization that he had been able to 
 serve her. 
 
 The moment she learned the Governor's where- 
 abouts from Farouche, her resolve was made. 
 She would go herself to him and plead Raoul's 
 cause. There was no time to be lost in seeking 
 Armand to accompany her; besides, she was 
 unwilling that anyone else should know the pur- 
 pose of her adventure. Word was presently 
 brought that her horse was ready, and in a 
 short time she set off just as the hour of ten was 
 striking. 
 
 Out into the night she went upon her lonesome 
 journey. The clear light of the moon made the 
 road plain before her, save where it cast the dark 
 shadow of a clump of trees or bordering hedge 
 athwart her path. The pure, cool night air exhil- 
 arated her as she dashed along, and increased her 
 hope of a successful termination to her errand. 
 She imparted some of her enthusiasm to the gallant 
 Rex as she patted his neck and talked affectionately 
 to him. " Poor Pere Philippe," she murmured 
 gayly, " how secure he feels now, and how sur- 
 prised he will be to see me." Then, as the quiet 
 beauty of the night forced itself upon her, " How 
 beautiful the country is by moonlight! How the 
 river shines and sparkles ! " No thought of per- 
 sonal fear entered her mind. The purpose of her
 
 AIMEE TOOK THE MIDNIGHT AIR 187 
 
 errand kept her from dwelling upon such a theme. 
 There was ample time for her to cover the five 
 leagues before her, and return ere the fatal hour. 
 She was confident of her influence over the Gover- 
 nor, and the ultimate success of her enterprise. 
 A tiny hamlet was passed. That meant her jour- 
 ney was half done. No sound or sign of human 
 life was apparent save the distant twinkling of a 
 light in the humble dwelling of some censitaire, or 
 the discordant barking of a dog bidding defiance 
 to his ancient enemy, the moon. As the night 
 wore on the air grew chill, and she drew her mantle 
 closer about her throat. Once only did her heart 
 pulsate timidly as she plunged into the gloomy 
 shade of a stretch of woodland. That was soon 
 passed, and she was in the welcome light once 
 more. The near approach of a range of hills upon 
 her right told her of the rapid progress she was 
 making, while the steady descent of the moon 
 warned her of the flight of time. At length the 
 glimmer of lights among the trees was seen and 
 she came to a side road which she recognized as 
 the one leading to the home of Monsieur Guion. 
 Turning into this, she found herself in a few mo- 
 ments before the door. 
 
 The Governor, upon his arrival at his friend's 
 house, had told him frankly of the reason of his 
 visit, and had requested that he be allowed to hold 
 his vigil through the long night alone. He sat,
 
 188 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 sunk in profound meditation, in an old armchair 
 beside the table where a solitary candle strove 
 vainly with its dismal rays to illuminate the sur- 
 rounding obscurity. He reviewed carefully the 
 events of the past few days to reassure himself that 
 he had indeed acted justly. His heart bled as he 
 thought of his young friend, and of that older 
 friend, his father. " Raoul! Raoul! " he groaned, 
 " if there had only been a reasonable doubt, one 
 bit of evidence wanting, I believe that the result 
 might have been different." But with Spartan 
 firmness he told himself that no loophole of 
 escape had offered itself; that he had done his duty, 
 hard though it had been. The clock in the room 
 tolled twelve. He shuddered at the sound. " Four 
 hours more before the end ! " he murmured. 
 ' Would that you were here, Raoul, and I were 
 in your place. My life is nearly ended, while 
 yours, so filled with promise, has but begun." His 
 thoughts then turned toward Aimee. " Perhaps 
 it was cowardly for me to run away from her 
 appeals, but it was necessary. I question if my 
 own strength would have been sufficient to resist 
 her. Would that I were with her now to help bear 
 her sorrow." He was dimly conscious of the sound 
 of a closing door. He raised his eyes mechanically. 
 The person of his thoughts stood before him. 
 " Aimee! " he cried in astonishment, as he started 
 up from his seat, "you here?" and his out-
 
 AIMEE TOOK THE MIDNIGHT AIR 189 
 
 stretched arms enfolded the loved form in a 
 fatherly embrace. 
 
 " Certainement! " was the reply when she had 
 disengaged herself. " Oh, you naughty, naughty 
 Pere Philippe, to run away from me and force me 
 to take this long ride to reach you," and she play- 
 fully shook her riding-whip at him. 
 
 " You have come alone? " the old man gasped 
 in consternation. 
 
 " Yes, at least dear old Rex was my escort." 
 
 " And why " faltered the Governor. 
 
 " Why have I come? To remind you of an im- 
 portant matter that you left unattended to." 
 
 " Important ? " 
 
 " Yes, you left so hurriedly you forgot to write 
 out and sign a pardon for Raoul," was the demure 
 reply. 
 
 " But, ma cherle, the Council found him guilty." 
 
 " The Council ! " and Aimee stamped her foot 
 in disdain. " What do I care for the Council, a 
 lot of stupid, silly old dunces who cannot tell an 
 innocent man when they see him. You are higher 
 than the Council. You know in your heart that, 
 no matter what the appearances may be, Raoul 
 never could be guilty of such an offense. You hold 
 the power of pardon. It is your superior knowl- 
 edge and judgment that should overrule the mis- 
 takes of the wretched Council." 
 
 The Governor shook his head sadly. " On the
 
 190 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 overwhelming evidence offered, I could not do 
 otherwise than concur in their verdict. You know, 
 my daughter," went on the old man in a piteous 
 appeal to justify himself to Aimee, " you know that 
 I would have cut off my right arm, even have given 
 what is left of my miserable old life if by so doing 
 I could have saved him." 
 
 " You need do nothing so heroic, Pere Philippe ; 
 a few words from your pen will suffice." 
 
 " Oh, child, do you not realize what that would 
 mean? Dishonor! It would give my enemies 
 good reason for accusing me of favoritism, and 
 neglect of duty. For forty years I have served my 
 King, and yet without stain of unworthy deed. 
 Would you have me now at the close of my life be 
 false to the standards that have hitherto guided 
 me ? What would the thoughts be that would fill 
 my declining years? " 
 
 " Nay, rather," responded Aimee with spirit, 
 " what will your thoughts be if after Raoul's exe- 
 cution you find that he is innocent, as you surely 
 will. Can all your feelings of duty well done 
 smother the remorseful agony that will be yours, 
 or wash your hands clean of the blood of one who 
 is almost your own son? Men prate of evidence, 
 forsooth ! What would evidence be worth to me 
 if a thousand lying tongues swore that you were 
 guilty of some base crime, so long as you looked me 
 in the eyes and said : ' I am innocent 1 ' Has
 
 191 
 
 not evidence condemned guiltless men before to- 
 day? If you need evidence in Raoul's favor, I 
 have discovered some." Here she related the 
 conversation she had had with Farouche weeks 
 before. The Governor at first listened eagerly, 
 but when she had finished, the hope died out of his 
 eyes as he shook his head, saying: " 'Tis but the 
 confused vaporings of a vacant mind." 
 
 Aimee abandoned all argument and, falling to 
 her knees, stretched out her arms in entreaty. " Ah, 
 my father, I implore you to remember that you 
 are a man as well as Governor. Do not let the 
 mind of the Governor lead you into doing that 
 which your human heart tells you is a mistake, a 
 possible wrong. Were it indeed not better that 
 he should live, with a doubt in your mind against 
 his innocence, than that he should die with a doubt 
 in your heart of his guilt? Think what the awful 
 mistake that you may now be making signifies to 
 us all! It means death and disgrace for Raoul; it 
 means years of regret for yourself; and as for 
 me " here her voice became a wail of agony 
 " for me it will break my heart, Pere Philippe, 
 for for I love him ! " and with a convulsive sob 
 she buried her face in the old man's coat. 
 
 " Mon Dleu! Why must we suffer thus! " he 
 cried in great distress, yet without any signs of re- 
 lenting. 
 
 Aimee sprang to her feet. " You refuse? " she
 
 192 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 cried passionately. " Then I entreat you no longer. 
 I demand his life at your hands. Are your ideas 
 of honor such that your own oath counts for 
 naught ? When a little child, you told me the story 
 of my father's sacrifice for you. You swore 
 eternal gratitude, and took your oath to do for me 
 what he had done for you. Again, a few months 
 ago, you ratified it when I was delivered from the 
 sea. ' A life for a life ' were your own words. 
 The time has come when you must make good your 
 promise or you are dishonored forever. A life 
 for a life I It is Raoul's life I now demand from 
 you, for your own oath's sake." 
 
 Superb she stood before him, her head proudly 
 raised, her eyes flashing, her bosom heaving with 
 restrained emotion, as she pleaded with him both 
 for her loved one's life and for the preservation 
 of his pledged word. 
 
 Like one dazed, the Governor stared at her dur- 
 ing her eloquent appeal. When she finished he 
 dropped into his chair and, confusedly picking up 
 some writing materials on the table, wrote a short 
 note to the officer in charge of the execution. 
 
 " A reprieve," he muttered hoarsely as he 
 handed it to her. 
 
 " No, a pardon! " came in ringing tones from 
 the young girl, as she tore it in two and flung the 
 pieces back upon the table. 
 
 Once more he wrote, this time a full pardon,
 
 AIMEE TOOK THE MIDNIGHT AIR 195 
 
 signed, sealed, and addressed it carefully. Aimee, 
 who had glanced at the clock, seized the paper hur- 
 riedly, gave him, a kiss, and after an affectionate 
 " From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, Pere 
 Philippe," was gone. The Governor sat as one 
 in a trance. He did not hear her as she left the 
 room, nor did he catch the sound of hoofs as she 
 sped away. All through the night he sat, nor 
 stirred until the rising sun flooded the chamber 
 with its morning greeting. 
 
 During Aimee's interview with the Governor, 
 Rex had had an opportunity to rest, so that as 
 they hastened homeward both horse and mistress 
 seemed imbued with the same desire. There was 
 still ample time, but, in Aimee's excited frame of 
 mind, the distance seemed interminable. 
 
 " Hasten, dear, good Rex," she cried, " I have 
 done my part; see that you now do yours." 
 
 Rex snorted proudly in assurance to her. that he 
 would do his share faithfully, and made a shower 
 of sparks flash from his flying feet as he gallantly 
 breasted the ascent of an approaching hill. On 
 and on they sped as fast as beating heart and 
 quivering limb could carry them. More than half 
 of the return journey was covered. The moon 
 sank rapidly behind them. The early mists that 
 rise above the river before dawn began to form 
 themselves. A night-bird whirred close to them 
 as he turned his flight homeward. An owl stared
 
 194 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 in open-eyed surprise from the dark shadows of 
 a leafy tree as they rushed past. A league only 
 remained to be traversed. They slackened not 
 their speed for hill or steep descent, for smooth or 
 rough roadway. An intoxication of impulsive de- 
 sire to hasten seemed to possess them both. Up 
 the last hill they dashed. Once beyond this and 
 the road was level. The summit is gained, and 
 they gallop furiously down the other side. The 
 bottom is almost reached when the noble Rex steps 
 into a hidden hole the snap of a broken bone is 
 heard, and he falls helplessly. His rider, thrown 
 by the sudden shock, lights apparently unhurt upon 
 the grass. She is up in an instant and endeavors 
 to help the stricken animal. Her efforts are of no 
 avail. He lies with bleeding nostrils looking at 
 her with piteous eyes as though craving her for- 
 giveness for thus failing her in her extremity. The 
 precious moments are passing rapidly. At length, 
 with a farewell embrace, Aimee starts, with the 
 pardon in her hand, to finish the journey on foot. 
 There is yet time if she can only hasten. She has 
 not taken a dozen steps before she is conscious that 
 in her fall she has injured her ankle. She strug- 
 gles bravely against the pain, limping along, 
 anguish of body mingling with agony of mind lest 
 she be too late. The pain increases with every 
 step. A feeling of faintness assails her. A glance 
 at the signs of approaching day spurs her to super-
 
 AIMEE TOOK THE MIDNIGHT AIR 195 
 
 human efforts. A mis-step wounds her more 
 cruelly. She sinks to the ground, but with des- 
 perate purpose still animating her she rises, strug- 
 gling, to proceed. A few yards further, and her 
 strength fails utterly. The mists from the river 
 seem to come up and surround her and becloud her 
 mind, until at last all is mist, and she lies an un- 
 conscious heap beside the road, her lover's pardon 
 still clutched between her fingers, and all the while 
 the pitiless day approaches.
 
 Chapter Sixteen 
 
 ILLUSTRATES THE PROVERB : " THERE'S MANY A 
 SLIP," ETC. 
 
 UPON hearing Aimee order her horse, 
 Farouche knew that she had determined 
 to make the journey to Monsieur Guion's. 
 A strong desire to protect her in some way from 
 the dangers of such a ride stirred within his awak- 
 ened soul. Consequently, so soon as he left the 
 Chateau he quitted the city, taking the road toward 
 Sillery at a jog-trot, turning back every now and 
 then to listen for the sound of overtaking hoof- 
 beats. At length he distinguished them approach- 
 ing, and withdrew into the shadow until horse and 
 rider had passed, making sure that it was she whom 
 he adored. As he went along he laughed glee- 
 fully, recalling the fact that a little beyond him a 
 foot-path led off to the right, passed over an inter- 
 vening hill, and finally joined the highway again 
 almost at the entrance of the estate of Monsieur 
 Guion, cutting in two the distance to be traversed. 
 The road itself curved around near the river and 
 followed a winding course the remainder of the 
 way. Into this by-path Farouche plunged, bent 
 
 J96
 
 "THERE'S MANY A SLIP," ETC. 197 
 
 upon reaching his destination at the same time as 
 the young girl on horseback. Well it was that his 
 master had inured him to long journeys by frequent 
 trips between La Maison Sombre and Quebec. 
 Well it was that Marie Girol had often threatened 
 him with an additional beating if he did not return 
 within a certain time, thus forcing him to run the 
 entire distance, building up a strength of limb and 
 depth of wind that stood him in excellent stead as 
 he bounded along on his moonlit errand. At 
 length the woods were passed and the road re- 
 gained just in time for him to see Aimee dash into 
 the grounds about Monsieur Guion's house. Care- 
 fully following, he approached a lighted window, 
 and glancing in he recognized the Governor seated 
 in his chair. He then took up a convenient posi- 
 tion where he could see all that passed, and waited. 
 He had, of course, no idea of the purport of 
 Aimee's visit, but as he watched her enter and wit- 
 nessed the interview of evident entreaty on her part, 
 the Governor's refusal, followed by the writing and 
 sealing of a letter, his simple brain comprehended 
 dimly what was passing, and as the girl quickly 
 seized the letter and fled he realized the necessity 
 of its safe and quick delivery. 
 
 By this time he too was ready for the return jour- 
 ney. Either he was unable to maintain the same 
 speed, or the horse and rider covered the homeward 
 way with greater fleetness, for, when he had
 
 198 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 reached the main road again, he listened in vain 
 for any sound of their approach. Going on slowly 
 for a short distance he found the injured animal 
 groaning with pain, but with no traces of his mis- 
 tress, so he hastened to overtake her. A moment 
 or two later he spied the form of the young girl, 
 prone beside the road, her white, unconscious face 
 bathed in the mournful rays of the departing moon. 
 At first his alarm was extreme, but finding her hand 
 still warm, he realized that she was not dead. 
 Dead people he knew had icy cold fingers, and did 
 not sigh and moan as she did. Perplexed as to 
 what to do, he first lifted her up in order to carry 
 her home, but a warning groan of evident pain 
 frightened him. He therefore laid her gently at 
 one side of the road and taking off his coat, rolled 
 it carefully up and placed it under her head. Then 
 he caught sight of the letter still tightly held in her 
 clenched hand. An intuitive thought of its im- 
 portance flashed over him. In the inspiration of 
 the moment he seized it and started off. 
 
 At the first distant streak of gray, signs of 
 activity appeared about the Chateau and its vicinity. 
 Sounds of preparation for the impending event 
 were heard; soldiers were drawn up in readiness, 
 and a straggling group of spectators had already 
 collected about the Place d'Armes. Armand had 
 passed a most miserable night, counting the swiftly 
 passing hours. He had received permission to
 
 "THERE'S MANY A SLIP," ETC. 199 
 
 take farewell of Raoul in his cell after the priest 
 had visited him, just prior to his being led forth 
 to his doom. With faltering step and sorrowful 
 heart this faithful friend approached the Chateau. 
 He shuddered as he saw the signs of preparation 
 for the coming tragedy. He had crossed the Place 
 halfway when he was overtaken and nearly run 
 down by a strange, excited figure. Turning 
 angrily upon this careless intruder of his sad 
 thoughts he recognized the face of Farouche. The 
 poor man, panting and well-nigh spent, stopped as 
 he recognized in Armand a friend of Aimee's. 
 Smiling, and gasping for breath, he thrust the pre- 
 cious letter into his hands, gesticulating wildly. 
 Armand examined it closely by the dim light; 
 his heart gave a quick start as he recognized the 
 handwriting of the Governor. The fact that the 
 missive was addressed to the officer in command 
 gave him additional hope, so he hurried away to 
 find him. When this was accomplished and he was 
 informed of the contents he rushed to the cell of 
 the condemned man. The confessor had just left, 
 and de Chatignac, remembering the promise of the 
 day before, was expecting the arrival of his friend. 
 With a sad smile he greeted his visitor, but 
 Armand, unable to control his joy, cried: " Good 
 news, mon cher Raoul, you are a free man, you are 
 a free man! The Governor's pardon has ar- 
 rived 1"
 
 200 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 The prisoner's face flushed. 
 " I did not believe that an innocent man would 
 be allowed to suffer," he said calmly. 
 
 A long time did the slight figure beside the lonely 
 road lie motionless. In vain did the last rays of 
 the moon touch her lips in soft adieu. In vain 
 did the gentle twitterings of drowsy birds, leaving 
 their warm nests for another day of song and sun- 
 shine, fall upon her heedless ears. In vain did the 
 mists, rising in long, curled columns, trail grace- 
 fully upward into the higher regions and melt away. 
 In vain did the varying phases of the daily miracle 
 of dawn spread themselves about the heavens to 
 delight her closed eyes. She lay as one inhabiting 
 another world. At last the warmth of the sun 
 shining full upon her face recalled her absent 
 spirit. She opened her eyes and gazed wonder- 
 ingly about. A flash of recollection thrilled her 
 with an agonizing fear. She started up, but sank 
 down again with a cry of pain as she attempted to 
 stand upon her injured foot. A realization of the 
 fruitlessness of her brave endeavor filled her mind 
 and overwhelmed her. Just then her glance caught 
 sight of the Governor riding hurriedly toward her. 
 
 The old man, recalled to his surroundings by 
 the bright sunshine, left the house of his friend 
 precipitately. When the scenes of the night re- 
 curred to him he was filled with anxiety for the
 
 "THERE'S MANY A SLIP," ETC. 201 
 
 safety of the young girl, and he bitterly upbraided 
 himself for not accompanying her back to the city. 
 Hence, without waiting to partake of any food, 
 he hurried his horse toward Quebec, in great dis- 
 tress of mind. This was immeasurably increased 
 when he came upon the wounded Rex, and he re- 
 alized that some mishap had occurred to Aimee in 
 her wild night ride. Pressing hastily on he 
 searched carefully both sides of the road for any 
 evidences of the missing rider. When he per- 
 ceived her sitting upright upon the grass, he 
 uttered a cry of joy, and quickly dismounting, ap- 
 proached her. 
 
 " What has happened, ma cherie, are you in- 
 jured? " he exclaimed anxiously. 
 
 Aimee threw her arms about his neck as he knelt, 
 and laid her head wearily upon his breast in mute 
 despair. 
 
 " Rex is sorely hurt," she murmured, " my ankle 
 is sprained, and I have lost the letter you gave me. 
 I have failed in my effort to save the life of one 
 who was dearer to me than all else. Too late, too 
 late ! " she wailed. " Ah, Raoul, you know all 
 now," and finding relief in tears at last, she sobbed 
 out her grief within the sympathetic embrace of 
 her protector and friend. 
 
 The Governor was dumb, not knowing what con- 
 solation to offer. At length he spied Farouche's 
 coat.
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " What is this ? " he cried. " Someone has 
 evidently been here. Perhaps the person who 
 placed this beneath your head also took the letter 
 and delivered it in time." 
 
 Aimee looked up at these words, and through her 
 tears recognized the garment. 
 
 " Farouche's coat! " she exclaimed. Then, as a 
 sudden ray of hope illumined her face : " Quick I 
 Quick ! Pere Philippe, let us hasten ! Let us ride 
 together to the city. I can manage somehow to 
 
 hold on behind you. Perhaps perhaps " and 
 
 with these wistful words she allowed herself to be 
 placed upon the horse, although in great pain, 
 while the Governor mounted in front of her, and 
 they rode homeward as fast as possible. Their 
 speed was all too slow for Aimee's eager desire, and 
 she constantly begged that the spur be applied. 
 When they reached Quebec it was still early, and 
 few people were astir to see the unusual sight of the 
 old Governor and his ward riding the same horse. 
 
 As they passed the Place d'Armes Aimee closed 
 her eyes with a shiver, not daring to look, lest she 
 see some evidence that would tell her the execution 
 had taken place, and that she was indeed too late. 
 At the Chateau she was helped down, and stood 
 a moment at the door, filled with instinctive dread 
 of what she was soon to learn. Suddenly it was 
 thrown open and Raoul appeared upon the thresh- 
 old, followed by the faithful Armand. With
 
 "THERE'S MANY A SLIP," ETC. 203 
 
 a cry of joy she advanced a step forward, forgetful 
 of her injury. A sudden stab of intense pain 
 pierced her frame, and she fell swooning into the 
 outstretched arms of Raoul. When she regained 
 her senses, in the room to which she had been car- 
 ried, she imperiously ordered both Raoul and Ar- 
 mand away. Summoning the Governor to her side, 
 she pulled his head down near her happy face and 
 whispered tremulously : " Pere Philippe, will you 
 do me one more favor? " 
 
 The old man nodded. " What is it now, my 
 little pigeon? " he said fondly. 
 
 " You must forget that that what I said last 
 night about Raoul," and Aimee attempted to hide 
 her hot cheeks in a vigorous and lengthy embrace. 
 
 A gay party had assembled the night before at 
 La Maison Sombre. Du Tillet had invited his 
 three fellow-conspirators, members of that gallant 
 company, " The Royal Four," to dine with him 
 and spend the night in hilarious anticipation of the 
 downfall at dawn of their common enemy. Lieu- 
 tenant Liotot was obliged to be absent, as his 
 duties compelled him to remain in the city until 
 after the last act of the bloody drama on the Place 
 d'Armes had been completed. He promised that 
 as soon as it was all over he would ride post-haste to 
 bring them the welcome news and join them at their 
 breakfast.
 
 204 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 The dinner was of the savoriest; the wine was 
 good and plentiful. Hence it was not strange that 
 a feeling of good humor and contentment prevailed. 
 Gaudais and Berthier were especially satisfied, as 
 du Tillet had declared another dividend from their 
 supposed trading venture, which chinked merrily 
 in their pockets at every movement they made. 
 Du Tillet, on his part, experienced that feeling of 
 joy that comes to one upon the happy realization 
 of his cherished plans. Toasts were drunk in 
 profusion. " To the success of the Royal Four," 
 cried Berthier, his face aflame and his eyes spark- 
 ling with delight. 
 
 " Confusion to all plotting knaves, and honor 
 and reward to honest men like ourselves, who seek 
 to purge our beloved Colony of traitors," pro- 
 claimed Gaudais with drunken gravity. 
 
 " May de Chatignac eat a merry breakfast with 
 the Devil in Hell ! " was du Tillet's vindictive wish. 
 
 " Hush ! " cried Gaudais in alarm, as he glanced 
 over his shoulder apprehensively. " Talk not of 
 the Devil or you will hear his bones rattle ! " 
 
 " Pardleu! " exclaimed Berthier with an uneasy 
 laugh, " du Tillet can speak as familiarly of him 
 as he chooses, since they are partners." 
 
 Du Tillet smiled. " You would indeed say so, 
 if you knew my latest play." 
 
 '' Tell us ! " cried his companions eagerly. 
 
 Du Tillet twisted his glass in his hand, watching
 
 "THERE'S MANY A SLIP," ETC. 205 
 
 It intently as a crafty look played over his fea- 
 tures. 
 
 " What would you say, if after having success- 
 fully imitated the English commandant's signa- 
 ture, if after having placed the stolen plans in 
 de Chatignac's shoe, if after arranging matters so 
 that he should go to the spot where he was cap- 
 tured I should tell you that I wrote to the Council 
 begging them to release the prisoner, posing as his 
 friend, and offering them five thousand louis d'or if 
 they would do it? " 
 
 His two companions burst into a roar of laugh- 
 ter. "What did I tell you, Gaudais?" cried 
 Berthier. " It would need the assistance of Mon- 
 sieur Diable surely to devise such a clever finishing 
 touch to a plot." 
 
 Du Tillet looked pleased, and, slapping Gaudais 
 upon the back, called for a song. This done, 
 another tipsy chorus followed, and yet another. 
 Thus the night wore on. When their eyes became 
 heavy, play was suggested, and soon they were wide 
 awake again, thrilled with the gambler's thirst for 
 gain. When this finally failed to amuse, fresh 
 wine was ordered, and the drunken orgy was re- 
 newed. At length du Tillet, who had forgotten to 
 watch the clock, started in surprise as he glanced at 
 its hands, and staggering to the window he threw 
 back the heavy curtains, admitting a flood of sun- 
 light.
 
 206 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " Pardieu! }) he cried, " the sun is up an hour." 
 Then going to the table he filled his comrades' 
 goblets and his own. Handing them around he 
 said solemnly, as he blinked his drunken eyes: 
 
 " Come, my gallant mates, stand here on either 
 side and help support me while I sing a song, a 
 requiem to the soul of our departed friend, whose 
 body by this time lies pierced by a dozen bullets." 
 
 Gaudais and Berthier did as requested, putting 
 their arms about du Tillet, all three standing un- 
 steadily, swaying in the middle of the floor, glasses 
 in hand. 
 
 Du Tillet began to sing in a maudlin voice to a 
 gay air the time of which he dragged in mock 
 solemnity, pausing at the end of each line: 
 
 "La Vie est vaine; 
 Un pcu d' amour," 
 
 " Pen d' amour " responded the other two. 
 
 " Un peu de haine. . . . 
 Et puis bonjour!" 
 
 " Et puis bonjour! Raoul ! Bonjour, Raoul ! 
 Bonjour" cried Gaudais and Berthier, convulsed 
 with mocking mirth. 
 
 "La Vie est breve: 
 Un peu d'espoir," 
 
 " Un peu d'espoir," echoed the chorus. 
 
 " Un peu de reve, 
 Et puis bonsoir ! *
 
 "THERE'S MANY A SLIP," ETC. 207 
 
 " Et puts, bonsoir! Bonsoirf Hola! Raoul, 
 bonsoir, bonsoir! " came the jeering shout from 
 the other revellers. 
 
 Du Tillet ceased, and raised his glass. The 
 others followed his example. Before another 
 word was spoken, the door opened and Lieutenant 
 Libtot burst into the room, his face pale with excite- 
 ment and alarm. The roisterers gazed at him in 
 drunken wonder. 
 
 " Fire and fiends ! The game is lost," he cried, 
 " he is pardoned." Three faces looked at one 
 another in stupid amazement; three uplifted hands 
 relaxed their hold; three goblets lay in broken 
 pieces on the floor.
 
 Chapter Seventeen 
 
 A CONVIVIAL CHAPTER DEVOTED TO SONG 
 AND STORY 
 
 AvlEE had so far recovered next day that 
 she was able to sit up in her chair, with the 
 injured ankle carefully resting on a stool. 
 Armand called to inquire how she was, and found 
 her a very bright and cheerful sort of invalid. 
 
 " Raoul would have come with me, but he re- 
 ceived word of a number of things requiring atten- 
 tion at home, so he left at daybreak. I fear his 
 property has suffered somewhat from neglect dur- 
 ing the summer, and I can well believe he was 
 needed there." 
 
 " I hope that his recent experience will open his 
 eyes to the dangers and enemies that surround 
 him," was the earnest reply. 
 
 " His enemies? You mean " 
 
 " Madame Duvivier and Monsieur du Tillet." 
 
 " You think, then " 
 
 " I am convinced that our friend went to gather 
 flowers at a certain spot up the river for Madame 
 Duvivier, as he says. I further believe it was at 
 her request, and that being so, I am sure she did it 
 for a purpose." 
 
 208
 
 A CONVIVIAL CHAPTER 209 
 
 "But Monsieur duTillet?" 
 
 " I can present no proof of hostile action. I 
 have always had, however, the greatest dread and 
 distrust of him." 
 
 " He certainly was much exercised at Raoul's 
 plight, and made a very liberal offer to the Council 
 for his release. Would an enemy do that? 
 Could an unworthy man show such disinterested 
 sympathy? " 
 
 Aimee shook her head, still unconvinced. Then 
 looking at Armand with a smile, she said: 
 
 " I heard of another letter read before the Coun- 
 cil. It was like your warm, generous nature to 
 make such an offer." 
 
 Armand's ears tingled with pleasure at her 
 praise. " I only did what I could, as I promised 
 you," he murmured. "But tell me," he continued, 
 seeking to rid himself of embarrassment by leading 
 the conversation into another channel, " how was 
 it that you were able to reach the Governor and 
 win him over to your side ? When I left you here 
 you were awaiting his arrival. The next time I 
 saw you was in the morning, and you and he were 
 riding as though you had been on a journey to- 
 gether. 
 
 " Promise me that you will not breathe a word 
 to anyone, especially Raoul, and I will tell you, for 
 I think you are entitled to know the details of my 
 plan after your own brave endeavor. You see I
 
 210 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 also know of your unselfish offer to permit the 
 prisoner to escape, and remain in his stead. Raoul 
 told the Governor all about it." 
 
 Armand turned redder than ever. " I will 
 promise," he said, " to tell no one; as for Raoul, 
 I shall not tell him, either, unless perhaps by doing 
 so I might aid him to tear himself away from the 
 wiles of Madame Duvivier." 
 
 Aimee paused a moment thoughtfully. 
 " Agreed," she finally said. " I have bound dear 
 old Pere Philippe to secrecy. I intend that you 
 two shall be the only ones to know anything 
 about it." 
 
 She then related simply the history of her night's 
 adventure, and of Farouche's part in it. Armand 
 stared open-eyed in amazement and admiration. 
 
 "Alone, and all that distance and at night? 
 It was heroic ! " 
 
 " It was nothing of the kind," was the deprecat- 
 ing reply. " I had a beautiful moonlight ride. 
 No credit belongs to me, for I, too, failed in 
 my efforts. Had it not been for Farouche, whose 
 foolish head was clear enough to hasten on with 
 the message instead of staying with me, poor Raoul 
 would not have been saved. It is to him the praise 
 belongs; and to poor Rex, who did his best, and 
 who lost his life in doing it; for Pere Philippe 
 found he was so badly injured that it was neces- 
 sary to shoot him," and a thought of sad regret
 
 A CONVIVIAL CHAPTER 
 
 for the affectionate animal she loved dimmed the 
 speaker's eyes. 
 
 " Do not grieve," was Armand's sympathetic 
 rejoinder; "the Governor will give you another 
 horse as fine as he." 
 
 " Ah ! but another will never be quite the same. 
 But, come, mon ami, the past is gone. We have 
 the present and the future in which to act. I do not 
 believe Raoul's enemies will cease their attacks. It 
 is our part to find out, if we can, just who they are. 
 If we can gain any proof on this point, then we can 
 hope to enlighten our friend ; unless we can do that 
 I fear he will never learn for himself until it is 
 too late." 
 
 " True ! but what is the best path to take to 
 reach that goal? " 
 
 " Madame Duvivier," replied Aimee musingly, 
 " will not, I believe, make another move for some 
 time, after her recent failure. Hence, it will prob- 
 ably be Monsieur du Tillet who will act, if he is 
 the man I take him to be. It will be necessary for 
 you to go with Raoul, if you can do so without 
 appearing to force yourself, whenever he is thrown 
 with du Tillet and his friends." 
 
 "I have been invited to attend a gathering to- 
 night at du Tillet's to assist in celebrating Raoul's 
 escape. At first I thought of declining, as it is 
 sure to be an uncongenial company. However, I 
 believe you are right, and I shall go."
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " Do, by all means. Stay near Raoul and 
 watch closely those who treat him with especial 
 favor. He who swears eternal friendship with 
 him, note well; be suspicious of those who flatter 
 and cajole him." 
 
 After the four conspirators were sober enough 
 to realize the failure of their plot, du Tillet an- 
 nounced that he would provide entertainment the 
 next night for a score of good fellows, in honor of 
 Raoul's release. Before he could decide upon a 
 new plan of attack, it would be necessary for them 
 all to show the warmest friendship for their in- 
 tended victim, in order that he might not suspect 
 their complicity in the recent events. 
 
 Hence it was that at the appointed time some 
 twenty odd of the gay jeunes gens of Quebec were 
 assembled at La Maison Sombre to do justice 
 to the goodly cheer provided by their host, and to 
 express in varying degree their joy at beholding 
 the guest of the evening once more a free man. 
 Raoul was in high spirits, for he had found time 
 to stop at Madame Duvivier's and hear with de- 
 light her sweet regrets that she should in any way, 
 however slight or remote, have been the means 
 of placing him in the unfortunate position he so 
 recently occupied. He thanked her again and again 
 for the kind note she had sent him while in prison, 
 and swore that he was ready to run into any dan-
 
 A CONVIVIAL CHAPTER 213 
 
 ger, however great, if by so doing he could fulfill 
 her slightest wish. Armand came with him, quiet 
 and watchful, mingling freely with the other 
 guests, with a smile and hearty word for all, but 
 with one eye always upon his friend, and <an ear 
 ever open to catch whatever words might be 
 addressed to him. Du Tillet was at his best; 
 affable and gracious to everyone, he infused a glow 
 of good feeling throughout the gathering, while 
 the ready flow of wine soon rendered each man 
 the best friend of all the rest. 
 
 It was when the spirits of the company had 
 reached this height after dinner and they had set- 
 tled themselves comfortably in a huge semicircle 
 in the great hall that du Tillet arose and, filling his 
 glass, said: 
 
 " To one of our number, who has recently come 
 off victorious despite the vile machinations of some 
 hidden foe; the king of good comrades, who has 
 won my stranger-heart completely, proving to me 
 that even in these wilds of the New World there 
 gleams untarnished the same true metal of which 
 the many noble heroes and brave men of our be- 
 loved France through all her glorious history were 
 made." Raoul cast a grateful glance toward the 
 speaker, and raised his hand deprecatingly as he 
 finished. The toast was drunk with a ringing 
 shout. 
 
 A dozen complimentary speeches followed.
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 Among them were those of the three conspirators, 
 who vied with one another in their efforts to impart 
 a genuine, hearty tone to their words. Lieutenant 
 Liotot, as being the one whose testimony had been 
 the first to direct suspicion upon Raoul, publicly 
 apologized to him, with tears in his eyes and a vol- 
 ley of explosive oaths, acknowledging that he 
 should have conferred first with him upon the mat- 
 ter and swearing on his soldierly honor that were 
 he called upon to do the thing over again he would 
 resign his commission rather than cast a shadow of 
 mistrust upon so upright and true a friend as Raoul. 
 The latter accepted his proffered hand, begged him 
 to cease all regret, and toasted him in turn as a gal- 
 lant officer who followed boldly where duty led, 
 despite his personal feelings. 
 
 A song was proposed and sung. Another fol- 
 lowed. Then came stories of love or adventure, 
 each person in turn contributing his share to the 
 entertainment of the group. At length Armand 
 was reached. A song was clamored for, as all 
 knew the excellence of his voice. He assented 
 good-humoredly, and began : 
 
 " In olden days for lady's praise, 
 
 A knight went forth to war, 
 With arras complete, his charger fleet, 
 
 And pennon fluttering far; 
 While on the field of blazoned shield 
 
 Hung fair and clear to view, 
 A simple band from woman's hand
 
 A CONVIVIAL CHAPTER 
 
 A tiny knot of blue : 
 
 A true knot, 
 
 A blue knot, 
 A lover's knot of blue." 
 
 The air was captivating. The fingers of many 
 drummed the time of the measure upon their chairs, 
 and all joined lustily in echoing the refrain: 
 
 "A true knot, 
 A blue knot, 
 A lover's knot of blue." 
 
 During this chorus du Tillet, who sat next to 
 Raoul, leaned over and spoke softly in his ear 
 with a knowing look. " I understand, mon ami, 
 that it was a woman's wit and woman's reasoning 
 with the Governor that persuaded him to sign your 
 pardon. Ah, me ! you have much to thank the 
 beautiful widow for! " 
 
 Raoul reddened, and gazed at his host in aston- 
 ishment, but the beginning of the next verse pre- 
 vented him from questioning further. 
 
 " Did foeman bold, or robber's gold 
 
 Or Paynim blade appear, 
 ' For God, St. Clair, and lady fair ' 
 
 Rang forth the rousing cheer. 
 'Mid weapons' flash and deafening clash, 
 
 As man and beast he slew, 
 An omen clear danced ever near 
 
 A tiny knot of blue: 
 
 A true knot, 
 
 A blue knot, 
 A lover's knot of blue."
 
 216 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 The lilt of the music was in the very atmosphere. 
 Eyes sparkled and hands waved in unison as the 
 resounding chorus was repeated: 
 
 "A true knot, 
 A blue knot, 
 A lover's knot of blue." 
 
 Raoul tried again to gain more information from 
 du Tillet, but he only smiled slyly, and shook his 
 head. " Ask her," was all that he would say. 
 
 Now came the closing lines: 
 
 " To-day your knight goes forth to fight, 
 
 Oh! love, my love, so true; 
 God give him grace his foes to face 
 With your sweet knot of blue: 
 A true knot, 
 A blue knot, 
 A lover's knot of blue." 
 
 They all rose to their feet to repeat it, which 
 they did twice over with a vim, and when they 
 had finished they sat down again, flushed and 
 excited. 
 
 " Pardieu! Monsieur Armand," exclaimed du 
 Tillet heartily, " a gallant song and one whose 
 tune, methinks, has quite bewitched us all." Then 
 turning to Raoul he continued, "Mon cher de 
 Chatignac, while our friend has been singing of 
 knights and war I have noticed the sword you 
 wear to-night. I do not recollect having seen you
 
 A CONVIVIAL CHAPTER 217 
 
 with it before. It has a look of ancient workman- 
 ship as though it could tell of murderous onslaught 
 against the Paynim hosts. Can you not fashion 
 for us out of the past some tale of knightly valor 
 for our diversion?" 
 
 Raoul drew his sword and holding it lightly in 
 his hand spoke musingly: " It has indeed a his- 
 tory, strange and curious, not unlike in its interest 
 to that Excalibur, King Arthur's blade, famous in 
 the songs of our French troubadors. You see 
 its fashion is that of an early day, with its fantas- 
 tic hilt, its long, thin blade, with needle-point for 
 thrusting, fit to be compared with our modern 
 rapiers, yet with double edge so sharp that no 
 sword of battle could cut more keenly." 
 
 So saying he arose and tossed his perfumed 
 handkerchief, a filmy bit of lace, into the air; a 
 bright flash was seen as the steel gleamed in the 
 candle-light, and two fragments of the fabric 
 floated to the floor instead of one. The company, 
 vastly interested, left their chairs and gathered 
 around the speaker. 
 
 " 'Tis a family heir-loom that has descended 
 from father to son since the days of the first de 
 Chatignac, who received it from the hands of Saint 
 Louis himself, who dubbed him knight in recogni- 
 tion of his deeds of prowess performed in the sixth 
 Crusade. He also gave him this jewel in the hilt, 
 which was said to have adorned the eye of some
 
 218 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 heathen idol. The blade is of the famed Damas- 
 cus make." Here he placed the point upon the 
 floor and bent it until the handle almost touched 
 the tip. 
 
 " Tradition has it that he who parts with it save 
 to his rightful heir, shall die an ignoble death. 
 Used lawfully the owner is sure to be victorious. 
 These mysterious Arabic characters traced upon 
 the blade carry a warning that in times past has 
 proven strangely true. The first line, translated, 
 declares : 
 
 " ' Fight not for maid unless your heart be pure.' 
 
 " One of its former owners, in the days of 
 Charles the Wise, suffered extreme penalty for dis- 
 regarding it, for, being enamored of the daughter 
 of a neighboring knight with whom he lived in con- 
 stant enmity, he seized her secretly and made off 
 with her by night. Overtaken next day by her 
 angry father, he stood up to meet him, trusting in 
 this blade, that had never failed him, and thinking 
 that his enemy's advanced age and indifferent skill 
 at fence would give him an easy victory. He fell 
 after the fourth thrust. The second line affirms: 
 
 " ' Fight not for country, save for love, not gold.' 
 
 " A brave de Chatignac with a roving disposition 
 sold the strength of his right arm to Robert of
 
 A CONVIVIAL CHAPTER 219 
 
 Scotland, and perished in the first battle occurring 
 in their inroad against the English. The last line 
 runs: 
 
 " ' Fight not 'gainst man unless your cause be just.' 
 
 ' The most famous of our blood, a favorite of 
 Charles the Ninth, covetous of an adjoining estate 
 belonging to a Huguenot general, took forcible pos- 
 session of the same during his absence, and upon 
 his return attacked him fearlessly, knowing full 
 well that in the troublous condition of the times 
 he would not be punished for the murder. The 
 Huguenot, though taken by surprise, put up so 
 gallant a defense that in a few moments my grasp- 
 ing ancestor lay outstretched, his life blood soak- 
 ing into the ground he had tried so basely to seize. 
 Hence you can well understand, mes amis, how it 
 is that I value this relic of past usefulness, known 
 throughout preceding generations as ' Heart's 
 Desire,' above all my possessions. In the light of 
 my late experiences at the hands of unknown ene- 
 mies, you can also appreciate why I have girded 
 myself with this infallible weapon." Here the 
 speaker's eyes flashed as he concluded: " My 
 cause is just. Woe to him against whom this point 
 is directed." 
 
 The earnestness of his voice smote ominously 
 upon the ears of Gaudais, who shot an uneasy 
 glance at du Tillet. The host, seeing it, smiled
 
 220 
 
 carelessly and turning to Raoul, said heartily: 
 " Ventre bleu! an interesting tale, my good friend. 
 We all join in your wish for a speedy meeting with 
 your foe." 
 
 The assembly then broke up and they were all 
 soon galloping along toward the city, their merry 
 voices making the road-side ring with echoing 
 strains of 
 
 " A blue knot, 
 A true knot, 
 A lover's knot of blue ! "
 
 Chapter Eighteen 
 
 DISPLAYS THE FURY OF A WOMAN SCORNED, AND 
 THE SETTING OF A NEW TRAP 
 
 THE next evening the stealthy figure of du 
 Tillet glided up the dim back passage 
 and stairs of Madame Duvivier's house. 
 He came partly in response to a request from the 
 dark beauty, and partly because he needed to out- 
 line her future actions in the furthering of his 
 latest plan. When he entered she received him 
 coldly and motioning him to a chair, gazed at him 
 with a contemptuous smile. " I hope you are sat- 
 isfied with your own bungling that has caused the 
 failure of our enterprise," she began scornfully. 
 
 Du Tillet looked at her in surprise. " My 
 bungling! " he exclaimed. 
 
 " Yes, yours," was the spirited reply. " I cer- 
 tainly did my work well. I landed your precious 
 victim in a cell, and you, because the fish was in the 
 net thought all was done and walked off without 
 taking any precautions to prevent him from slip- 
 ping through the meshes, or the net from being 
 disentangled by some outside hand." 
 4 You mean " 
 
 221
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " Yes, I mean that the Governor should have 
 been watched up to the last moment so that no one 
 could approach him ; that those persons most likely 
 to interfere should have been guarded well and 
 hindered in any move they might try to make. 
 You are a pretty plotter, indeed; a child could 
 check a conspiracy of yours." 
 
 Du Tillet, nettled at this retort, flushed and in- 
 quired sharply: 
 
 " You know, then, who was the means of in- 
 fluencing the Governor? " 
 
 " Certainement! Why not? Why do I have 
 a dozen ears and eyes at work gathering and re- 
 porting information daily if not to know what 
 passes? Despite our careful plans, my efforts and 
 assured success, all was thwarted by that innocent- 
 faced, golden-haired, purring pussy at the Cha- 
 teau." 
 
 " Aimee de Marsay? " cried du Tillet. 
 
 ' Yes, she was seen to leave the city on horse- 
 back. She evidently learned where the Governor 
 was, reached him, and persuaded him, for he sent 
 the pardon by another messenger to Quebec just in 
 time, and the two came back together, for they 
 were seen on the street riding the same horse. I 
 have had my eye on the girl for some time, suspect- 
 ing that she loved our intended victim. This act 
 of hers confirms me in my belief." 
 
 Du Tillet sat gnawing at his fingers. " Curse
 
 SETTING OF A NEW TRAP 
 
 her! " he muttered, " to have thus spoiled all. I 
 will settle with her later on," he concluded vindic- 
 tively. 
 
 u But all this has nothing to do with our little 
 affair, Monsieur. You seem to have forgotten 
 our bargain; I was to aid you, and you were to 
 help me. I have done my part, but have not seen 
 you doing anything to further my ends in return. 
 You can now continue without my assistance 
 until you accomplish something for me besides 
 promises." 
 
 Du Tillet masked his real feeling with a kindly 
 smile. " My dear Madame Duvivier, how unjust 
 you are in your speech. Unknown to you I have 
 been exerting my best endeavor to bring about the 
 fulfillment of your desires. Matters have now 
 reached such a point that I have .but to dispatch a 
 message to Gaspard Roguin and he will appear at 
 Quebec as fast as he can travel. In fact, I have 
 done everything except place him in your hands; 
 and that I shall not do until by your aid I have 
 succeeded in my own affair." 
 
 " Shall not? " cried Madame Duvivier angrily, 
 as she tapped her slippered foot violently upon the 
 floor. " You use those words to me, when all I 
 have to do is to refuse you further aid, and, by en- 
 lightening de Chatignac, put him on his guard 
 against you ! " 
 
 " And I," replied du Tillet, with a bland smile,
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " have only to step to the Chateau and speak a 
 word in the Governor's ear entailing such conse- 
 quences to your charming person as will absolutely 
 preclude any further action on your part toward 
 the gratification of your hatred." 
 
 Madame Duvivier's eyes flashed, but she real- 
 ized the weight of his words, so, biting her lip a 
 moment, she replied in a voice she strove to render 
 calm: 
 
 " Well, what if I choose to believe that what 
 you have told me regarding the efforts already 
 exerted for me, is true? What further assistance 
 can I render you? I am getting tired of having 
 this love-sick youth about. His attentions weary 
 me. I am obliged to exert my full influence over 
 his will to prevent him from making love to me 
 and offering his hand in marriage. As it is, the 
 sighs and admiring words and glances of the silly 
 fool are trying." 
 
 Du Tillet then told her of his new project. 
 ' You must in some way awaken the lust of play 
 in his veins, and, having done so, keep it continually 
 fed. You surely have some powerful drug that, 
 without injuring the body, will inflame the mind 
 and cause it to cast reason and caution to the winds. 
 I have heard of such." 
 
 His companion smiled. " If that is all that is 
 required, it can be easily accomplished." Going 
 to her escritoire, she searched carefully for a few
 
 SETTING OF A NEW TRAP 225 
 
 moments, then returned. " Here is a gray pow- 
 der. Drop into his wine as much as you can hold 
 upon the extreme point of a small dagger and he 
 will become filled with the determination to follow 
 out whatever end he may at the moment have in 
 view, at any cost. Double the dose, and he will 
 become frenzied, and forgetful of all restraint; for 
 your purposes, a madman, who can be urged or 
 influenced into doing the wildest deeds." 
 
 At this moment the bell rang. Madame Duvi- 
 vier arose hastily. " Depart quickly, as you came. 
 It is de Chatignac. He insisted upon coming again 
 to-night. I shall do my best. See that you are 
 successful this time, for if this plan fails I shall not 
 help you again until you have placed in my own 
 power the man I hate." 
 
 Du Tillet shivered uneasily at the malignant 
 tone of his companion, and silently withdrew. 
 
 Raoul entered eagerly and approaching Madame 
 Duvivier kissed her hand with all the deference due 
 a queen. She smiled upon him in her most fasci- 
 nating manner, and devoted all her energies once 
 again to entangling her victim still deeper in the 
 snare of her enchantment. Poor Raoul, his mind 
 dominated by her hypnotic power, made no resist- 
 ance, but was content to bask in the sunlight of her 
 presence, drinking in with insatiable glance her in- 
 comparable beauty. Their conversation touched 
 upon his recent adventure, and his honest eyes
 
 226 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 glowed with gratitude as he told her he had 
 learned that it was her influence over the Governor 
 that had won the pardon. 
 
 " How can I ever thank you, my beautiful 
 queen," he murmured, " for your kindly interest 
 in my behalf? " 
 
 Madame Duvivier seized upon this advantage, 
 and replied in her tenderest tones : 
 
 " I would have been but a poor friend if I had 
 not gone to every possible length in my endeavors 
 for your safety." Then reading in his eyes an 
 impending love-scene, she gradually forced him 
 into sleep. When he was fully under her spell, 
 she impressed forcibly upon him the fact that du 
 Tillet was his devoted friend, and urged him to 
 seek and enjoy his society whenever possible. By 
 the force of subtle suggestion she instilled into 
 his brain the purpose of winning great sums at play 
 for her; commanded him to view without discom- 
 fiture any possible losses, and when she had done 
 with him, had succeeded in rousing the latent fire 
 that could easily become the dominant feeling in 
 his nature. " Yes, yes," he murmured, " I will 
 stake all in order to win." When he left her she 
 was content, satisfied that his condition of mind was 
 such that it needed but the craftiness of du Tillet 
 to lead him on to his doom. 
 
 While Raoul lay unconscious beneath the charm 
 of the siren, the Governor sat, almost equally insen-
 
 SETTING OF A NEW TRAP 
 
 sible to his surroundings, meditating deeply upon 
 the mystery surrounding his young friend's case. 
 He had informed the surprised Council that he 
 had learned certain facts which in his mind threw 
 considerable doubt upon the young man's guilt; 
 facts that justified him in the course he took, and 
 which he would reveal to them at a later date. 
 The Council were one and all prepossessed in 
 Raoul's favor, and acquiesced readily in the wis- 
 dom of the Governor's course. The immediate 
 difficulty, that of rescuing his friend, was over; it 
 now remained for him to discover, if possible, the 
 real culprits. The possibility of there being some 
 truth in Farouche's words to Aimee was more 
 deeply impressed upon his mind than at first. He 
 accordingly sent for the poor fellow, but could 
 gather no information from him, owing to the 
 excitement incident to the interview. Aimee 
 also endeavored to learn more, but her effort was 
 fruitless. 
 
 The thought occurred to the Governor that it 
 might have been part of an effort of some of his 
 numerous political enemies to bring discredit on 
 his administration, and to injure him by striking 
 down one who they knew was very dear to him. 
 The heart of the old man, although accustomed to 
 witnessing every possible depth of base intrigue, 
 was itself so generous and noble that he was loath 
 to believe that a state of affairs such as this sup-
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 position would involve, really existed in Quebec. 
 He therefore fell back upon the idea first sug- 
 gested to him by Aimee; that it was an attempt 
 on the part of some enemy of Raoul to involve 
 him in disgrace. The more he thought of the 
 matter, the more he felt certain that her womanly 
 intuition was correct in ascribing some amount of 
 complicity in the affair to Madame Duvivier. Her 
 mysterious appearance, her secluded life (exem- 
 plary, however, in every way, so far as he knew), 
 and her evident influence over the youth all con- 
 firmed this impression. He awaited, therefore, 
 with impatience, the answer to the letter of inquiry 
 he had dispatched to Paris, asking for a detailed 
 history of her life as far as it could be ascertained. 
 The next ship, expected some two weeks hence, 
 would probably bring the desired information, and 
 he could do nothing of importance in the matter 
 until its arrival. 
 
 He sighed as he realized that notwithstanding 
 his pardon, Raoul evidently cherished some un- 
 kind feeling toward him, probably resenting the 
 fact that he had not been released in the beginning 
 on his bare word, in spite of the circumstantial evi- 
 dence against him. 
 
 The next morning, as Raoul was dressing, he 
 heard the cheery voice of Armand calling. He 
 looked out of his window and beheld his friend 
 riding up toward the house, his eyes bright and his
 
 SETTING OF A NEW TRAP 229 
 
 cheeks flushed from his early jaunt. Begging him 
 to join him at the breakfast table, Raoul hurriedly 
 finished his toilet, and soon the two friends were 
 seated talking over their cups of steaming coffee. 
 
 "This seems more like the old days!" ex- 
 claimed Raoul, looking at his friend affectionately. 
 
 "Yes," was the earnest reply; "but somehow 
 many things have changed of late." 
 
 " True," returned Raoul absently. " Things 
 have changed with me exceedingly. Do you 
 know, mon cher Armand, I am not the man I was 
 a few short months ago? A new light has come 
 into my life that dazzles my sight, yet holds me 
 spellbound. You, my sober, cautious friend, do 
 not know what it is to throw one's self without 3 
 thought or struggle upon the boundless ocean of 
 love. It thrills the body, captivates the soul, en- 
 thralls the mind. It means hours of agony when 
 separated from its fond object, and moments of 
 a strange delight that drowsily permeates one's 
 whole frame in its delicious sweetness when at last 
 you both breathe the same atmosphere again." 
 
 ' Who may she be? " queried Armand, striving 
 to appear in ignorance. 
 
 ;< Who?" was the enthusiastic answer; "can 
 you ask who? Whose beauty is it that transcends 
 that of all mortal flesh, that exceeds that of fabled 
 goddesses, the sight of which sends each drop of 
 blood, a bit of living fire, pulsating through one's
 
 230 
 
 frame? Whose voice is it that greets the ear in 
 tones of liquid music? Whose touch is it that sets 
 every fiber of one's being trembling, and sears one's 
 brain with ecstatic desire? There can be but one 
 such woman in all creation Madame Duvivier." 
 
 " She is indeed beautiful," assented Armand. 
 Then continuing as he saw his companion was 
 silent, " but how about her qualities of mind, of 
 heart, and disposition ? " 
 
 Raoul hesitated. " Could the qualities you 
 mention be other than the best? Could aught 
 else be likely to be found in company with such 
 beauty? Talk not to me of mind and heart, mon 
 ami, you who do not know her save as a mere 
 acquaintance. I love her madly, and she I hope 
 to win her ere long. I am unworthy her slightest 
 thought, and yet, when I have achieved an end 
 which I have determined upon, I shall throw my- 
 self at her feet, her willing slave forever." 
 
 Armand, while listening to his friend's words, 
 was overwhelmed with pity for his blindness. He 
 strove to control himself, but in vain. At length 
 he burst forth : 
 
 " Mon cher Raoul, are you sure you are not 
 influenced in your judgment by that which is 
 merely sensual? that this strange fascination of 
 yours may be only fascination after all? Who is 
 she ? Where did she come from ? What was her 
 previous life? These are all questions that, if you
 
 SETTING OF A NEW TRAP 
 
 were possessed of your cool, sober reason, you 
 would feel ought in some way to be answered. 
 How do you know " 
 
 " Enough," interrupted Raoul, pale with anger. 
 " Do not let us quarrel, Armand. We will never 
 touch upon this subject again, else our friendship 
 ceases. However, to break down the force of all 
 that you have said, I will tell you one thing: she 
 it was who saved my life; who prevailed upon the 
 Governor to sign the pardon. That is enough for 
 me. My gratitude should make me love devotedly 
 the woman who did that." 
 
 Armand stared at his friend as though he 
 thought him mad. Madame Duvivier influenced 
 the Governor? He was silent, seeing that further 
 argument would be useless. As he rose to leave 
 he replied, meaningly, in a low voice : 
 
 " Your gratitude should indeed make you love 
 devotedly the woman who did that."
 
 Chapter Nineteen 
 
 A COMET AND AN EVIL FACE APPEAR TOGETHER 
 
 WHILE these scenes of plotting and in- 
 trigue were being enacted, the whole 
 Colony was convulsed with a feeling of 
 horror and dread. A comet suddenly blazed forth 
 one night and glowed in the clear, starlit sky, an 
 angry portent of future disaster. Many were the 
 surmises as to its meaning. Some saw in it the 
 warning of an impending conflict with England. 
 Some claimed to be able to read in its fiery outlines 
 the approach of a devastating pestilence, while 
 others interpreted it as being a sign of divine wrath 
 because of the wickedness and frivolity of the peo- 
 ple. All were affected more or less with a super- 
 stitious anxiety at the sight, and devoutly wished 
 for its disappearance. Special services were held 
 at the Cathedral nightly, and many prayers were 
 said in the hope of warding off the unknown peril. 
 Raoul de Chatignac first beheld this sign of 
 warning while riding toward the city one evening. 
 He had intended spending an hour with Madame 
 Duvivier, but the sight of this unusual phenomenon 
 filled his mind with troubled thoughts, that for the 
 
 232
 
 r A COMET AND AN EVIL FACE 233 
 
 moment caused him to forget her fascinating per- 
 sonality. Ever since his pardon he had been 
 weighed down in his moments of thoughtfulness 
 by a feeling of disgrace. Although cleared of all 
 legal guilt, he yet had a sense of tainted honor, of 
 innocence unproved. That he had been the victim 
 of a deliberate plot to involve him in ruin he was 
 certain; as to the identity of his hidden foe he had 
 no clue. Save Gaspard Roguin he knew of no 
 enemy in the world, and even he was a hundred 
 leagues away, an exile. A feverish desire seized 
 him to seek until he found his secret adversary and, 
 having made him clear his own proud name, place 
 a sword in his hand, and thus honorably kill him. 
 But who was the guilty person, and where was he 
 to be found? In his perplexity he determined to 
 go to the Chateau, and consult with the Governor, 
 who might be able to suggest a way out of the 
 maze he was in. 
 
 In spite of this determination, the sight of the 
 comet in the sky above him as he journeyed along 
 filled him with a vague uneasiness. To his per- 
 plexed mind it became a suggestion of personal 
 danger rather than of national. It seemed to hint 
 of further intrigue, that might well succeed the sec- 
 ond time. 
 
 It was thus with a troubled face that he entered 
 Quebec. Leaving his horse in the Lower Town, 
 he walked rapidly up toward the Chateau. He
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 passed several groups of townsfolk staring at the 
 strange appearance in the sky, exchanging their 
 opinions in lowered voices and with furtive glances. 
 When near the Jesuit College he noticed the soli- 
 tary figure of a man apparently absorbed in star- 
 gazing like the others. As Raoul's glance fell 
 upon him he moved rapidly away. Passing 
 through the light cast from a nearby window his 
 features were revealed for an instant. Raoul 
 stopped suddenly in astonishment. He recog- 
 nized in the man the face and form of Gaspard 
 Roguin. 
 
 Instantly all doubt vanished from his mind. 
 He knew now who had been at the bottom of the 
 plot that had all but succeeded. The presence of 
 his enemy in Quebec cleared up the situation com- 
 pletely. At the same time all hesitation as to the 
 line of action to be followed disappeared. With 
 an angry cry Raoul started in hot pursuit. Gas- 
 pard Roguin turned at the sound and, recognizing 
 his pursuer, quickened his pace and with a disdain- 
 ful laugh disappeared around a corner. Raoul 
 plunged on, sword in hand, not ten yards behind 
 him. When he turned the corner a second later 
 he could see no one. The street was deserted. 
 The sound of a softly closed door was heard. His 
 enemy had vanished. 
 
 Infuriated, Raoul rushed up the street a short 
 distance, then returned on the other side, carefully
 
 A COMET AND AN EVIL FACE 235 
 
 searching for any doorway where his foe might be 
 in hiding. He found one, but it was empty. Look- 
 ing up he recognized it as the rear entrance of the 
 house occupied by Madame Duvivier. Going 
 around to the front he saw that her windows were 
 all darkened. Dismissing the impulse to stop, 
 because of the lateness of the hour, he returned 
 home. He knew that du Tillet would be apt to 
 see Roguin on business, so he resolved to consult 
 with his friend and try to gain his aid in bringing 
 about a meeting with his foe. 
 
 At the same time that this strange and unex- 
 pected encounter between the two men occurred, the 
 three conspirators, Berthier, Gaudais, and Lieuten- 
 ant Liotot, were seated in the quarters of the 
 former. The host had early in the evening grudg- 
 ingly produced a bottle of brandy one-third full. 
 Even this quantity bore unmistakable evidences 
 of having been largely diluted. The bottle was 
 quickly emptied, and, as there were no signs of any 
 more being forthcoming, a gloom settled down 
 upon the countenances of the two guests. Berthier 
 strove to entertain them by relating the details of 
 an execution he had once witnessed in Paris at the 
 Place de Greve, in which three hapless prisoners 
 were torn apart by horses. This did not seem to 
 enliven them, so he began an account he had read of 
 the terrible misfortunes of famine and plague that 
 had followed the appearance of a comet in France
 
 236 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 during the previous century. He was finally inter- 
 rupted by Lieutenant Liotot. 
 
 "Blood and marrow! Stop itl You will be 
 talking about graves and ghosts in another minute. 
 If you cannot say something cheerful, keep quiet. 
 This cursed burning-star seems to have made 
 everyone daft, with their forebodings of danger 
 and death. Curse you for a stingy fool, can't you 
 furnish more than one candle to light up this black 
 hole? " and he glanced furtively over his shoulder 
 at the darkened corners of the room. 
 
 Berthier arose and lighted a second, placing it 
 upon the mantel beside the other. The increased 
 illumination did not seem to raise their spirits, so 
 they all sat in moody silence looking gloomily into 
 their empty glasses. Suddenly a large picture 
 hanging above the mantel fell with a crash, extin- 
 guishing the candles. When Berthier with trem- 
 bling fingers had relighted them he found Gaudais 
 crouched in a far corner while a growl coming 
 from beneath the table betrayed the presence of his 
 other brave comrade. 
 
 "Imps and hobgoblins! What a night it is! 
 Now I know this is an unlucky spot. One of us 
 will surely die within a week." 
 
 When they were all seated about the table again, 
 Berthier produced a pack of cards. This mute 
 suggestion was received with pleasure, and they 
 were soon engrossed in their game.
 
 A COMET AND AN EVIL FACE 237 
 
 Lieutenant Liotot paid but scant attention to his 
 hand, and lost nearly every time. At last he threw 
 down his cards. 
 
 "Pirates and picaroons! The spirit of this 
 cursed night has entered my bones. I would not 
 be surprised if the Foul Fiend himself were to tap 
 on the window." 
 
 Gaudais was about to reply when a smothered 
 ejaculation from Lieutenant Liotot caused them 
 all to look in the direction of his pointed finger. 
 A human face was pressed close against the glass, 
 and a pair of human eyes were glaring at them 
 from the street. The face quickly disappeared, but 
 not before they had all recognized it as that of their 
 former companion, Gaspard Roguin, whom they 
 knew to be at that moment hundreds of miles 
 away. 
 
 Berthier was the first to recover. Rushing to 
 the window he threw it open and looked outside. 
 There was nothing to be seen but the empty street, 
 save overhead where the baleful light of the comet 
 glowed like an angry eye. When he closed the 
 window and turned to the room again he found 
 himself alone. His comrades had fled. 
 
 The next morning, on arriving at Quebec, Raoul 
 met du Tillet on the street. Taking him one side 
 he related his adventure of the previous night, and 
 voiced his assured belief that Gaspard Roguin was 
 the prime mover in the recent wretched plot against
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 him. He begged his aid in discovering his enemy's 
 whereabouts, and vowed eternal gratitude if he 
 could but bring about a meeting with him. Du 
 Tillet looked greatly surprised at the news, and 
 thought for a moment before replying. 
 
 " Strange ! " he finally said. " If Monsieur Ro- 
 guin has ventured back, it can be but for one 
 thing, having failed in his scheme to ruin you, and 
 that is, to obtain money. He will undoubtedly 
 communicate with me. Leave everything to me, 
 mon ami, I shall do what I can for you. If he has 
 come to negotiate concerning his property, it would 
 be dishonorable for me to betray him. However, 
 you are my friend, and I shall do everything in my 
 power toward the vindication of your name that 
 an honorable m,an can do. Come to La Maison 
 Sombre to-morrow morning and perhaps I shall 
 have something to report. Till then, adieu 1 " 
 
 Early morning found Raoul at La Maison 
 Sombre. Du Tillet was just sitting down to 
 breakfast. He motioned Raoul to a seat beside 
 him. 
 
 ' Thanks, Monsieur, but I crave something be- 
 sides food news." 
 
 " And why may you not have both ? " queried 
 du Tillet, with a twinkle in his eye. 
 
 ' You have seen him, then? " exclaimed Raoul 
 eagerly.
 
 A COMET AND AN EVIL FACE 239 
 
 " Yes, mon ami, as I expected. He came last 
 night at dusk, and implored me to pay him the 
 remainder of the year's rent, offering a handsome 
 discount for the present possession of the money. 
 It seems that he lost all I sent him at play with one 
 of the English officers at New York, and he is 
 anxious for his revenge." 
 
 "Well?" 
 
 " Well, I told him his request was very irregular, 
 and that he had no right to expect me to comply 
 with it." Du Tillet stopped to drain his cup. 
 Raoul waited impatiently. 
 
 " I spoke to him about you. In fact, I boldly 
 accused him of having conspired against you. He 
 denied it at first, but, seeing me firm in my belief, 
 he finally admitted I was right, although he claimed 
 sufficient provocation." 
 
 Raoul's eyes flashed, and he with difficulty re- 
 pressed an exclamation of anger. 
 
 " I told him that you were my best friend, and 
 that he could expect no favors from me unless he 
 did his utmost to clear you of all stigma resulting 
 from the miserable affair. The final result was 
 well, you can read for yourself," and drawing a 
 paper from his pocket he threw it upon the table. 
 " Now, do not interrupt me further until I have 
 finished this excellent omelet that my jewel of a 
 housekeeper has prepared for me." 
 
 Raoul seized the paper impatiently, and read:
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " To all men: 
 
 " Be it known that I, Gaspard Roguin, because 
 of personal enmity against Raoul de Chatignac, 
 was the author and instigator of the plot to in- 
 volve him in the charge of treason in the affair of 
 the stolen plans. He was entirely innocent of any 
 complicity in the matter. I alone was guilty. My 
 project failed. Let him beware of me in the 
 future. 
 
 " (Signed) GASPARD ROGUIN. 
 "Witness: Antoine du Tillet." 
 
 Raoul looked at his companion with a glance of 
 surprise. 
 
 " How did you get him to write this? " 
 
 " Parbleu! That was easy. I offered to pay 
 him what he asked, and refused to give him a sou 
 if he did not." 
 
 Raoul sprang to his feet and extended his hand. 
 
 " You are a true friend indeed," he cried 
 warmly, " how can I ever thank you? " 
 
 "Mow Dieu! What a silly question! By 
 doing the same for me if the occasion arose." 
 
 A moment later Raoul was riding post-haste to 
 deliver his vindication to the Governor, and re- 
 quest him to read it at the next meeting of the 
 Council. 
 
 To du Tillet the whole affair seemed vastly 
 amusing, or perhaps the consciousness of having
 
 A COMET AND AN EVIL FACE 
 
 done a kindly act put him into an exceptionally 
 good humor, for he sat for an hour after his com- 
 panion's departure gazing at the empty dishes 
 before him with a smile of intense satisfaction on 
 his lips.
 
 Chapter Twenty 
 
 IN WHICH THE HERO TAKES GREAT CHANCES 
 AND LOSES 
 
 THE next evening was spent by Raoul at 
 La Maison Sombre in company with 
 The Royal Four. Cards were pro- 
 duced, and he soon found an interest in something 
 besides thought of self-congratulation or meditation 
 upon his lady-love. He and Gaudais, at first the 
 winners, left the house heavy losers to the other 
 three. The next night, in the upper room of The 
 Silver Fox, he made good in part his losses by win- 
 ning from Berthier. The succeeding evening he 
 and Lieutenant Liotot met at the house of du Til- 
 let, and he lost heavily to his host, who, apparently 
 indifferent to the game, wagered wildly, in order 
 that his friend might revenge himself, as he ex- 
 plained it, but whose cunning manipulation of the 
 cards won him every trick. Raoul rode feverishly 
 home, leaving a large unsettled balance in du Til- 
 let's hands in the shape of his written promise to 
 pay, due in one month. A few nights later he 
 entertained his friends at his own table, and at his 
 suggestion the play was renewed. Du Tillet pro- 
 
 242
 
 THE HERO TAKES GREAT CHANCES 243 
 
 tested, saying that he had won far more than he 
 cared to from his friend, deplored his ill-fortune, 
 and suggested that he stop playing for a time in 
 order that his luck might change. Raoul, how- 
 ever, declared that he would not wait, but would 
 consider refusal an unfriendly act. The result was 
 that du Tillet left as day was breaking with another 
 bit of paper signed by Raoul, calling for the pay- 
 ment of a still larger sum. 
 
 The demon of play had taken possession of 
 Raoul's soul; the lust of gain had permeated every 
 part of his being. Where was his Guardian Angel, 
 to exorcise this evil spirit? Where were the 
 friendly voices to plead with him, the kindly hands 
 to stop him ere his ruin was complete? Under 
 the sway of this feverish desire he absented him- 
 self from all his former friends. The Chateau 
 saw him no longer. Armand, since their recent 
 interview, was powerless to aid him, inasmuch as 
 Raoul expressed by his manner, when they chanced 
 to meet, aversion to his company. 
 
 At last an evening came when Raoul realized 
 that to take care of the debts of honor he owed 
 du Tillet, all of his resources except his estate 
 would be exhausted. By a judicious use of the 
 powerful drug at his disposal du Tillet had fanned 
 his passion to a feverish heat, although protesting 
 the while that he would not allow him to play 
 again.
 
 244 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " Parbleu! mon ami," he exclaimed, " this is 
 our last game. You have lost more than should 
 have been wagered between friends. Allow me 
 to return to you one-half of my winnings by burn- 
 ing this," and as he spoke he took the largest of 
 Raoul's notes from his pocket and made as though 
 to light it in the candle flame. 
 
 Raoul caught his arm hastily. " Mon Dleu! " 
 he cried, " would you disgrace me, or think that I 
 should be unwilling to bear my losses to their full- 
 est extent ? I demand as a friend one more oppor- 
 tunity to retrieve myself. Come, say to-morrow 
 night." 
 
 Du Tillet shook his head firmly. " No, mon 
 cher Raoul, I shall play no more with you." 
 
 Raoul's eyes flashed. " Our friendship is at 
 stake in spite of your past service, Monsieur," he 
 replied proudly. " A gentleman never refuses his 
 opponent a chance for revenge." 
 
 Du Tillet shrugged his shoulders. " You 
 hear," he said, turning with an appealing look to 
 his three fellow conspirators. "What can I do? 
 I have warned him, and he still insists." 
 
 " Give him the one night more of play he asks," 
 suggested Gaudais. 
 
 ' Thanks," cried Raoul to the speaker, " for 
 your assistance." Then turning to du Tillet, 
 ' Your answer, Monsieur." 
 
 " Pardieu! " was the reply. " Since you put it
 
 THE HERO TAKES GREAT CHANCES 245 
 
 in the way you do, and our friend here joins with 
 you, I am willing. I can refuse you nothing when 
 there is the danger of an alteration in our feelings 
 of mutual regard and friendship." 
 
 The approach of the hour appointed was 
 awaited eagerly by all the actors in this wretched 
 tragedy. Du Tillet stayed at home and mused, 
 enjoying in anticipation his coming triumph; his 
 companions in the plot looked forward with anx- 
 iety to the final scene which would result in Raoul's 
 humiliation, not without some feeling of uneas- 
 iness, however, as they thought of the daring of 
 the scheme. Raoul arose late, after many hours 
 of restless tossing to and fro. The coming night 
 meant the fulfillment of his hopes. So engrossed 
 was he with the one thirst for gain that all consid- 
 erations of delicacy at winning unusual sums from 
 a comparative stranger, though his friend, had van- 
 ished. His success, and the consequent material 
 augmentation of his fortune, would place him, so 
 he felt, at last in a position where he could lay at 
 the feet of the woman whom he believed he loved 
 madly, wealth worthy even of her high regard, 
 and would make her winning certain. Madame 
 Duvivier herself, having received instructions 
 that morning from du Tillet, was all aglow with 
 excitement as she realized the near approach of 
 the consummation of her cherished plans, and 
 exerted all her powers in one last effort upon the
 
 246 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 .mind and will of her victim to render him an 
 easy prey to her confederate. 
 
 Aimee sat alone at the Chateau, the Governor 
 having gone out immediately after dinner on busi- 
 ness that promised to keep him all the evening. 
 She was sad at heart, and discouraged. Raoul had 
 not been near her for weeks, and Armand's reports 
 of his appearance the few times he had met him, 
 told her only too plainly that he was being hur- 
 ried on in the grasp of some malign influence, 
 against whose might both of his friends seemed 
 powerless. 
 
 A dozen plans that had occurred to her proved 
 to be impracticable, and she was forced now to 
 the extremity of doing nothing other than to watch 
 with Armand the current of events, hoping that 
 some opportunity for action would present itself 
 before it was too late. While thinking these sad 
 and half-despairing thoughts, a caller was an- 
 nounced, and a moment later Farouche the Fool 
 stood before her. He closed the door carefully, 
 and, looking around to see that they were alone, 
 ran and knelt at Aimee's feet, kissing her hand in 
 mingled joy and agitation. 
 
 His companion, dismayed at his looks of alarm, 
 cried: "My good Farouche! What evil news 
 brings you here at this time? " 
 
 The poor fellow at first was unable to talk at 
 all sensibly, owing to his excitement, but the sooth-
 
 THE HERO TAKES GREAT CHANCES 247 
 
 ing influence of Aimee's presence finally quieted 
 him sufficiently, and he was able, although in dis- 
 jointed sentences, to convey his meaning. It 
 seemed that, being busy about the house all day, 
 he had noticed his master's perturbation of mind 
 as he walked or sat moodily in his great chair, 
 and he had heard a number of expressions that 
 impressed him with the idea that some event of 
 great moment was to take place that night. 
 Raoul's name came to du Tillet's lips a number 
 of times, accompanied with such a fierce gleam of 
 hatred that his poor, weak mind became greatly 
 alarmed. He had hastened off, when Marie Girol 
 supposed he had retired to his kennel for the 
 night, to warn Aimee of an impending danger to 
 the man whose welfare his mind had somehow 
 come to associate with her happiness. 
 
 The girl, all alert now that the moment for 
 action had come, thanked him and hastened him 
 forth in quest of Armand, telling him not to cease 
 his search until he found him, and having done so 
 to send him to the Chateau. 
 
 An hour passed, and she still sat a prey to a 
 hundred visions of danger to Raoul that flashed 
 rapidly through her mind. Nine o'clock struck, 
 and still no Armand. Watching, with her face 
 against the glass of the window, in order to catch 
 the first glimpse of anyone entering the court- 
 yard, another hour passed. At length, after endur-
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 ing an agony of despair lest the poor crazed mind 
 had failed Farouche at this crucial moment and he 
 had wandered off, forgetful of the purpose of his 
 errand, she saw Armand's familiar figure hur- 
 riedly approaching the Chateau. When he en- 
 tered she told him quickly what she knew, and 
 implored him to set out at once for La Maison 
 Sombre, and rescue Raoul from the clutches of 
 du Tillet and his crew, by informing him that he 
 was wanted at the Chateau on important matters, 
 or whatever excuse the conditions might demand. 
 Arma,nd promised to leave immediately, and, as 
 soon as he could get his horse, went clattering off 
 down the Beauport road. 
 
 Meanwhile, some hours earlier, the intended 
 victim of the villainous du Tillet rode over the 
 same road, and in the same direction. He urged 
 his horse on impetuously, striving to make him 
 equal in energetic action the restless workings of 
 his own mind. When he reached his destination 
 he found his four friends already awaiting his 
 arrival. Five glasses of wine rested on one end 
 of the table. Du Tillet seized one, in which he 
 had carefully placed a double dose of his mis- 
 chievous powder, handed it to Raoul, and sup- 
 plied the other men with theirs. 
 
 ' To your success this night, mon ami! I heart- 
 ily wish it; upon my soul, I do," was his cordial 
 greeting.
 
 THE HERO TAKES GREAT CHANCES 249 
 
 Raoul smiled his appreciation of the sentiment 
 expressed, tossed down the wine, and, drawing up 
 a chair to the table, cried impatiently: " Come, I 
 am ready." Then added, turning to the others: 
 " Pardon me, mes amis, if I request that you 
 remain spectators to-night. I wish to play with 
 Monsieur du Tillet alone." 
 
 " So it is to be a battle royal, is it? " laughed du 
 Tillet as he took his place. 
 
 " A battle royal," was Raoul's grim reply, " a 
 fair conflict, with no quarter. That is the rule 
 when great hazards are at stake." 
 
 " Agreed," was his companion's reply. " A 
 fair conflict with no quarter," and with the last 
 words he shot a meaning glance at his accomplices. 
 
 Silence ensued as the play began, broken only 
 by the suppressed breathing of the interested on- 
 lookers, the sound of the cards as they fell, or the 
 rapping of the players' knuckles upon the table in 
 an exciting moment. The two men engaged in 
 the struggle presented a differing appearance. 
 Raoul was eager, engrossed, his mind oblivious 
 to the looks now and then exchanged between his 
 adversary and his friends; the force of his entire 
 nature was directed upon the game. When a 
 stake was won, he smiled grimly; when lost, the 
 glow in his cheek deepened, and his heart with a 
 sudden throb sent more blood surging to his over- 
 stimulated brain. Du Tillet, on the contrary, was
 
 250 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 calm, playing his cards in turn with steady hand; 
 when he lost, he smiled; when he won, the pupils 
 of his eyes dilated; his face was immobile. Skill- 
 fully was the net cast; now tightened here, now 
 loosened slightly there, but all the time its edges 
 approached nearer and nearer. 
 
 At first, Raoul won. Little by little the pile of 
 papers to which his name was signed, lying near 
 du Tillet's hand, diminished, and appeared on his 
 side of the table. A fierce joy filled him. The 
 tide had turned. 
 
 " Pardieu! " exclaimed du Tiller, " what did I 
 tell you, mon ami? Your luck has changed." 
 
 Raoul made no reply, but dealt the cards ner- 
 vously. The exciting drug was beginning to exer- 
 cise its dire effects. He saw nothing except the 
 board before him; he knew nothing except that 
 he was winning. If he could hold out a half-hour 
 longer, with larger stakes he would gain his end. 
 He gulped down a glass of wine. 
 
 " Come," he cried, with a mirthless laugh, " we 
 must increase the stakes." 
 
 " As you please," was the reply of his oppo- 
 nent, who flashed a look upon his attentive allies, 
 as one who says : " Watch ! The moment to strike 
 has come ! " 
 
 The stake was doubled; Raoul lost; was quad- 
 rupled, and he lost again. All of his gains had 
 vanished, and he was still further in debt. Once
 
 THE HERO TAKES GREAT CHANCES 251 
 
 more he cried desperately, as he brushed the hair 
 away from his eyes, " Make it what you will." 
 
 " To give you one more chance to recoup," 
 came in mild, purring tones from du Tillet, " I 
 will make an offer worthy of high play. I will 
 wager all of your indebtedness here," pointing to 
 the pile of papers before him, " and, in addition, 
 I will add, and I call upon our three friends to 
 witness the transaction, the house we are now in 
 and the entire estate belonging to it, on which a 
 price has been set by its owner, and which I hereby 
 agree to purchase, while on your part you can 
 place against it your own broad arpents, your 
 house and land." 
 
 The supreme moment had come. He watched 
 his victim with the narrow look of a cat who waits 
 to see if the mouse will come forth to nibble at the 
 bait placed before its hole. 
 
 Raoul was bewildered. His hand shook; there 
 was a roaring in his ears. He hesitated. But the 
 fiend within him whispered " Victory 1 " 
 
 " Agreed," he cried hoarsely, with a wave of his 
 hand toward the three silent spectators. " These 
 are our witnesses." 
 
 The cards were dealt. Raoul picked them up 
 one by one with trembling fingers. . . . The 
 play commenced. . . . The last card fell from 
 his grasp upon the table, while a moan issued from 
 his lips. . . . Du Tillet had won. Raoul
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 started up from his chair with mingled rage and 
 despair. Du Tillet stopped him. 
 
 " Be seated," he said in a cool but not un- 
 friendly tone. " I do not wish to take any advan- 
 tage of a friend. We will play once more." 
 
 44 1 have nothing left," murmured Raoul, and 
 his voice sounded far and distant to his own 
 ears. 
 
 " Your sword, your * Heart's Desire,' " was the 
 quiet reply. " I have taken quite a fancy to its 
 workmanship, besides the gem in it has some value. 
 I will wager all I have won from you, your estate 
 and these bills, together with La Maison Sombre 
 and its lands, against your sword. If you lose, 'tis 
 but one weapon the less ; if you win, you are doubly 
 rich." 
 
 Stop, Raoul! where is your judgment; where 
 your sober thought? Can that accursed powder 
 in your wine have robbed you of all caution? You 
 are poor now, but not dishonored. With your 
 sword, and a brave heart, you may yet hew your 
 way back to fame and riches. Without it, your 
 future is a blank, your name disgraced! 
 
 His brain reeled with the conflict, as all his 
 powers of mind and heart rose in one last fierce 
 struggle with the subtle force that threatened to 
 overwhelm them. The conflict was brief, a new 
 wave of reckless impulse, of insane desire, over- 
 whelmed him, and he was lost.
 
 THE HERO TAKES GREAT CHANCES 253 
 
 " A bargain ! " he cried, and as he spoke the 
 tones issued from his mouth dry and harsh as 
 though from the throat of a man dying of thirst, 
 and he threw a glance of defiance and of hatred at 
 his opponent. It was victory or ignominious de- 
 feat this time. 
 
 Slowly were the seconds ticked with unearthly 
 clamor by the clock above them. Slowly were the 
 cards dealt. The minutes became eternities. A 
 ray of delight shot from the eyes of the victim as 
 he beheld his hand. He played hopefully at first, 
 then with an air of triumphant expectancy. The 
 last card would make or destroy his victory. He 
 played it, and watched breathlessly while his oppo- 
 nent slowly laid his down. 
 
 With a cry of agony, Raoul arose. Du Tillet 
 did so likewise, and their glances met. The mask 
 was dropped at last. In place of the good humor 
 and friendly smile Raoul had always seen, a sneer 
 of conquest greeted him. An instant he stood 
 unsteadily, while external objects whirled round 
 and round, and a great blackness settled down 
 about him. Through the darkness, however, he 
 beheld du Tillet's eyes glowing like live coals with 
 malignant enmity. Gradually his sight cleared, 
 and the two men stood, rigid and silent, eye blaz- 
 ing back to eye its message of hostility. 
 
 By a superhuman effort Raoul obtained com- 
 mand over himself. Throwing back his head
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 proudly, he exclaimed in a clear, ringing voice that 
 bade defiance to all enemies: 
 
 " If Messieurs, our witnesses, will have the 
 kindness to meet us here to-morrow night, I shall 
 deliver to you, Monsieur, the deeds of what is 
 now your property, together with my sword." 
 
 " Oh, as for that," returned du Tillet in mock- 
 ing tones, " you can keep the weapon a while 
 longer; when I wish it, I will come for it myself." 
 
 Raoul bowed stiffly, and walked with brave step 
 to the door. When it had clashed behind him, his 
 strength failed, and, putting his hand to his brow 
 with an agonizing gesture, he cried: " Mon Dieu! 
 ruin and disgrace ! " and staggered out into the 
 night, only to fall into the sympathetic arms of 
 Armand, who had just dismounted before the 
 house. 
 
 Thus they rode homeward, Raoul supported in 
 his hour of shame and wrath by the strong right 
 arm of his friend, while the echoes of La Maison 
 Sombre were awakened as never before by shouts 
 of satanic joy and roars of roistering mirth.
 
 Chapter Twenty-One 
 
 WHEREIN THE MASK IS DROPPED, AND THE SPELL 
 IS BROKEN 
 
 AMAND deemed it wiser for Raoul to retire 
 to his own home than to go to his lodg- 
 ings in Quebec. Accordingly, he gently 
 guided him to their journey's end, and with the 
 assistance of Fidette got him to bed, then sat beside 
 him to watch in case of need. Raoul soon fell into 
 a light, restless slumber, in which he talked inces- 
 santly. This lasted several hours. Each scene of 
 the miserable evening was enacted over again in 
 his dreams, so that Armand, sitting with the 
 shaded candle near him, learned the whole story 
 of the night's adventure. His heart throbbed 
 with pity for the young man as he heard spoken 
 his alternate hopes and despair; now exultant, as 
 he seemed to win; now agonized, as he realized 
 the extent of his losses. As he heard the terms of 
 the two final wagers rehearsed, his blood boiled 
 with anger, and his hands clenched, recognizing, 
 step by step, the end for which du Tillet aimed. 
 Finally, as the last pitiful cry of desperation burst 
 from the fevered lips and he experienced in his 
 own soul a great measure of the pain and anguish 
 
 255
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 Raoul must have suffered, he broke into a sob, and, 
 kneeling beside the bed, seized a restless hand, cry- 
 ing, " My poor friend, how you have been plun- 
 dered ! What have you not undergone ! " At 
 length a reaction set in; the wandering mind and 
 tossing limbs were quieted, and Raoul sank into a 
 heavy sleep. 
 
 Day had long ago come, and the bright sunshine 
 was pouring in at the window when he awoke. 
 He gazed wonderingly for a moment at the sight 
 of his friend sitting there, but quickly closed his 
 eyes as the recollection of the night came over 
 him. Armand, who was watching him, remained 
 silent, knowing full well the shock of awakening 
 would bring bitter thoughts, and delicately sur- 
 mising that a little time would be needed for the 
 gaining of self-control before venturing upon con- 
 versation. In a few moments the knit brows re- 
 laxed, and Armand knew the struggle was over. 
 The young man's eyes opened, and he smiled 
 faintly at his companion, who, rising, approached 
 the bed and raised a warning finger. 
 
 " Not one word of explanation, mon ami," he 
 cried. " I know all, for you have talked of nothing 
 else in your sleep." 
 
 Raoul grasped his hand affectionately. " Old 
 friends are best. Had I but heeded Aimee's warn- 
 ings, and spent more time in your company, I 
 should not have suffered my present misfortune."
 
 THE MASK IS DROPPED 257 
 
 " Take heart, Raoul, all is not lost. From what 
 I have gathered from your wandering speech, I 
 have no doubt that you can successfully resist by 
 law any attempt to deprive you of your property 
 or to collect any notes you may have given. It 
 was evidently a well-planned plot to rob you." 
 
 Raoul shook his head sadly. " No, mon cher 
 Armand, it has never been the custom of the de 
 Chatignacs to evade payment of their gaming 
 debts, and I shall not be the first to start the prac- 
 tice. That du Tillet took advantage of my weak- 
 ness, of my excitement, that he supplied me with 
 too much wine, I will readily admit, and for all 
 of which I cordially hate him, but that he acted 
 otherwise in any manner inconsistent with an hon- 
 orable gamester, I have not the slightest evidence. 
 I am resolved to fulfill my every engagement, 
 without protest. Should our paths ever cross 
 again with a future clash, I shall be glad to meet 
 him armed, but I could not honorably quarrel 
 with him at present." 
 
 Armand's heart groaned within him at these 
 words. Raoul, although partly disillusioned, was 
 still under the sway of a nice distinction of honor 
 in dealing with a thief, that would impoverish 
 him, and was maddening to his friends. 
 
 " But Madame Duvivier " he began. 
 
 "Ah! that is the hardest part of it all," cried 
 Raoul bitterly. " I have nothing to tender her
 
 258 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 now, save poverty and disgrace. Still, if she loves 
 me, as I believe she does, she will accept me, penni- 
 less and alone. It will not be long to wait. A 
 year of successful fur-trading will put me on the 
 way to prosperity once more, and she can share it 
 with me." 
 
 " You will not offer yourself at present, then? " 
 ventured Armand. 
 
 " No," was the reply. " I do not want to take 
 any advantage of her generous nature; pity and 
 loving impulse might lead her to do that which 
 perhaps would be against her own interest. I 
 shall not see her until I have completed my deal- 
 ings to-night with du Tillet. The sight of her 
 might cause me to waver in my resolution." 
 
 Armand saw he could do nothing against the 
 fixed determination of his friend. 
 
 'You will allow me to accompany you?" he 
 urged. 
 
 Raoul smiled. " No, mon ami, I prefer to go 
 alone. There is no need of any protection." 
 
 * You will at least go armed? " he pleaded. 
 
 " No, that would look as though I feared per- 
 sonal violence. Besides, in case I become pro- 
 voked at the sight of du Tillet I should choose 
 to have no weapon at hand, lest I be tempted to 
 use it." 
 
 Armand gave up in despair, and, finding that 
 he could render no further service, rode slowly
 
 THE MASK IS DROPPED 259 
 
 back to the city in a highly perplexed state of 
 mind. He learned that the Governor was away, 
 making an official visit to a tribe of Indians liv- 
 ing down the river. He had not the heart to tell 
 Aimee of her friend's predicament, without having 
 some plan of action to suggest, so he contented 
 himself with sending her the laconic message: 
 " Raoul safe at home," and returned to his own 
 room, where he flung himself upon the bed to 
 obtain much-needed sleep, hoping that when he 
 awakened his mind would be clearer. 
 
 Raoul spent the day in having the proper legal 
 papers made out by a notary, signing and sealing 
 them when done, and getting all things in read- 
 iness for their delivery in a business-like way at 
 the appointed time. Again he rode over the road 
 traversed at the same hour the night before, but 
 with what different emotions! Then he was 
 spurred on by the wild desire of a still wilder 
 dream. To-night he was sustained by his pride, by 
 a strong determination to show the world, and espe- 
 cially the man who had so wickedly plundered him, 
 that he could make good his vaunted gentility and 
 high honor. The prompt surrender of the deeds 
 would serve, too, not to lessen the pain of the blow, 
 but to restore his self-respect, possessing which, he 
 hoped to be able to retrieve his fallen fortune. 
 
 On arriving at his destination he found his for- 
 mer companions awaiting him in the great hall.
 
 260 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 He bowed slightly to them as he entered, and, 
 striding across the floor, stopped in front of the 
 table where du Tillet was seated, and tossed sonK 
 papers before him. 
 
 " If Monsieur will kindly look over these to 
 see that they are correct, and give me a receipt 
 acknowledging the cancellation of my debt, signed, 
 as well, by these gentlemen, our witnesses, I shall 
 trouble him no further. As he requested me to 
 hold the sword for the present, subject to his call, 
 I have not brought it with me to-night." 
 
 "Why this unseemly haste? Will not Mon- 
 sieur de Chatignac occupy a chair, and take a little 
 wine after his fatiguing ride? " inquired du Tillet 
 with mock anxiety. 
 
 Raoul shook his head, and remained standing. 
 
 " Pardieu!" exclaimed the other with an inso- 
 lent grin, as he took up the documents to examine 
 them, " Monsieur Raoul, the beggar to-day, is as 
 haughty as Monsieur Raoul, the rich young sei- 
 gnior of yesterday." 
 
 Raoul's face flushed, and he buried his nails in 
 the palms of his hands at this insult; he had come 
 to fulfill his agreement and obtain possession of a 
 receipt, not to quarrel. The three satellites burst 
 into a peal of laughter they did not attempt to 
 suppress. 
 
 Du Tillet finally completed the examination of 
 the deeds, and, finding everything satisfactory
 
 THE MASK IS DROPPED 261 
 
 drew up the form of receipt, signed it, and 
 motioned to his three friends to affix their signa- 
 tures. This being done, he presented the paper to 
 Raoul with a flourish. The young man placed it 
 carefully in an inside pocket, and turned to leave 
 after a stiff bow to his companions. 
 
 " Stop a moment, Monsieur, if you will," cried 
 du Tillet. Raoul looked at him interrogatively. 
 " You have had a marvellous experience, although 
 somewhat costly," he continued in a jeering tone; 
 " one whose excitement it has fallen to the lot of 
 but few men to enjoy. What a glorious struggle 
 it was! How steadily you won until, just as you 
 were about to seize final victory, it was snatched 
 away from your grasp ! " Here he glanced slyly 
 at his three confederates, who immediately became 
 convulsed. 
 
 Raoul's eyes snapped with anger. " It has oc- 
 curred to me, Monsieur," he said with marked em- 
 phasis, " that my winning always up to a certain 
 point and then invariably losing, was more than a 
 mere coincidence." 
 
 Du Tillet sat leaning back in his chair, with a 
 gleam of approaching triumph on his face, sur- 
 veying Raoul between half-shut eyelids. 
 
 " In other words, you suspect that you have 
 been a dupe, perhaps? " he insinuated. 
 
 " Precisely," was the laconic reply. 
 
 " Oh, wise young man ! oh, penetrating mind ! "
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 du Tillet cried, raising his hands in mock 
 admiration. 
 
 " You admit, then " exclaimed Raoul hotly, 
 
 taking a step forward, his right hand involun- 
 tarily seeking the place where his sword-hilt 
 should be. 
 
 " I do," was the cool rejoinder. " But calm 
 yourself, Monsieur; act not hastily. You are 
 unarmed, you see." 
 
 Raoul's bitten lip and clenched hands were his 
 silent answer, sure tokens of a rising storm. 
 
 Du Tillet leaned the elbow of his right arm 
 upon the table, and pointing his forefinger at his 
 victim, went on: 
 
 " You have indeed been duped, Monsieur, you 
 have been deceived, cheated, deluded, circum- 
 vented, over-reached, beguiled, cozened, imposed 
 upon, tricked do you catch my meaning?" 
 
 Raoul trembled with emotion as he muttered: 
 " I shall have a friend call upon you to-morrow to 
 arrange a meeting. Nothing but your miserable 
 life will make amends for your villainy, your 
 insults." 
 
 " Bah! " was the quick reply. " You will chal- 
 lenge me, and I shall refuse to meet you. I shall 
 show to the world that you merely wish to avenge 
 your losses! " 
 
 " And I shall show to the world that I have 
 been tricked by a rogue."
 
 THE MASK IS DROPPED 263 
 
 " You will hardly care to do so when you learn 
 that you have been tricked by Wait a moment! " 
 Here du Tillet rose and entered the adjoining 
 room. Quickly divesting himself of his outer 
 clothing he put on another suit hanging on the 
 wall, which changed his appearance marvelously. 
 Standing before a mirror, a few deft strokes of a 
 razor removed all hairy growth from his lips. 
 Having soaked a handkerchief with the contents 
 of a bottle taken from the closet he proceeded 
 carefully to rub his face and hands. The result 
 was that the scar on his cheek disappeared, together 
 with the tan, leaving the skin fair and white. 
 Seizing his dark locks he whisked off a wig which 
 he tossed across the room, revealing a closely cut 
 head of light hair. This he covered with a hat 
 from a nearby peg, and returned to his com- 
 panion. 
 
 " I repeat it, Monsieur," he went on in quick, 
 nervous tones in striking contrast to his customary 
 drawl, " you will hardly care to do so when you 
 
 learn that you have been tricked by " and with 
 
 a quick motion he seized a candle, and, holding it 
 to his face, leaned over the table until his head 
 was close to Raoul's " Guess! " 
 
 Raoul gazed at him in amazement for a few 
 seconds, then a light of recognition shot from his 
 eyes and he recoiled a step, with a cry of conster- 
 nation :
 
 264 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " Gaspard Roguin ! " 
 
 " Aye, Gaspard Roguin," was the reply, "he 
 whom you thought to banish from Quebec by 
 intermeddling with his affairs that night at The 
 Silver Fox, but who has returned, before your 
 very eyes, and has gained his revenge by plucking 
 you of everything you possess. Ah! it was rare 
 sport to see you day by day drawing closer and 
 closer to the trap, little dreaming whose hand it 
 was that stood ready to spring it at the proper 
 timel" 
 
 Raoul at first stood petrified by his discovery. 
 In a flash the many scenes of the past few months 
 in which du Tillet had had a part passed before 
 him, and he could now trace his enemy's craft and 
 cunning through them all. A blinding fury that 
 rendered him speechless seized him at his compan- 
 ion's words. 
 
 " But my cleverest stroke of all," continued du 
 Tillet with a laugh, " and really, Monsieur, you 
 must admit that it was clever, was to induce 
 you to become desperately smitten with a woman 
 who has wound you round and round her little 
 finger; who has used you, under my direction, as 
 her tool, Madame Duvivier." 
 
 " Stop," cried Raoul hoarsely, his speech re- 
 turning at the sound of his charmer's name. " I 
 command you not to sully her fair name by allow- 
 ing it to pass your dastard lips, or pardieu! I will
 
 THE MASK IS DROPPED 265 
 
 tear your lying tongue from your mouth, unarmed 
 though I may be." 
 
 " I repeat," continued du Tillet with a diaboli- 
 cal leer as he brought his face still nearer, " you 
 have been made a fool of, under my direction, by 
 Madame Duvivier, my ally and discarded mis- 
 tress" 
 
 As these last envenomed words, hissed rather 
 than spoken, reached his ears, Raoul struck out 
 savagely at the face illuminated by the candle, 
 aglow with hate and exulting revenge, but it was 
 quickly withdrawn, and his fist met only the vacant 
 air. The force of the blow precipitated him partly 
 across the table. Quickly recovering his footing, 
 he turned, with a cry of impotent rage, and rushed 
 from the room. 
 
 Gaspard Roguin turned, with a smile of triumph, 
 to his three friends. "Well, mes amis, the last 
 act has been played. What think you of the 
 comedy? " 
 
 Berthier and Gaudais sat motionless, staring at 
 him in stupefied surprise. Lieutenant Liotot's lips 
 moved inaudibly. For once in his life he could 
 find no epithets that would adequately express his 
 astonishment. 
 
 Gaspard burst into a roar of laughter. " Be- 
 hold a miracle: three men struck dumb at sight 
 of a ghost. Pardieu! this reminds me of the night 
 when, in a spirit of deviltry I threw off my dis-
 
 266 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 guise, and, wandering about the city in my own 
 proper form, I looked in at the window and sur- 
 prised you all at play. Ma foil I would not 
 have missed this sight for a kingdom," and he 
 gave himself anew to unrestrained merriment. 
 
 Gradually the contagion of his mirth relaxed 
 the features of his companions and they too joined 
 in his laughter. Finally they all stopped from 
 exhaustion. 
 
 " You are a wonder! " gasped Berthier when he 
 could speak. 
 
 " A devil! " cried Gaudais. 
 
 " Mille tonnerres! A master of the Black 
 Art," growled Lieutenant Liotot. 
 
 " Peste! It was so easy ! With a dark wig 
 and dyed mustache, carefully padded clothes, 
 stained skin, and altered voice I have deceived even 
 you, my old companions. You see my year in Paris 
 was not spent in vain. And then my scar that 
 was a work of art! My limp was the hardest 
 thing to cultivate. A dozen times I have caught 
 myself walking briskly across the floor, forgetful 
 of my infirmity. It is a wonder you did not sus- 
 pect something wrong long ago." 
 
 " But how " began Gaudais. 
 
 ' Wait and I will explain everything. By the 
 aid of some natural skill in imitation, which I devel- 
 oped while away, I forged a number of letters and 
 documents for the mystification of the Governor.
 
 THE MASK IS DROPPED _ 267 
 
 With them and my disguise I was not afraid to 
 venture back undetected in order to wreak ven- 
 geance upon my enemy, Raoul de Chatignac. 
 No one save my housekeeper knows of my identity. 
 Thanks also to a powerful ally I have been able 
 with your aid to bring about de Chatignac's igno- 
 minious downfall, which gratifies my revenge, and, 
 incidentally, lines your pockets with gold." 
 
 "But the Dutch trader! " 
 
 " And the English commandant! " 
 
 " That part of my story was strictly true. Have 
 you not already received handsome dividends from 
 the venture? But we waste time. Do you, Gau- 
 dais, follow our friend and report to me where he 
 goes." 
 
 Gaudais, obedient to Gaspard's bidding, fol- 
 lowed Raoul at a distance as he flew over the road 
 on his way back to Quebec. His horse, plied vig- 
 orously with spur and whip, rushed fearlessly 
 along in response to the reckless mood of his rider. 
 The revelations of the evening seemed to have 
 seared his brain as with a red-hot iron, but deeper 
 than all, and more painful than any other, had been 
 the villainous accusation against Madame Duvi- 
 vier. It was a lie, he knew, but she had always 
 admitted her friendship for du Tillet, and now it 
 was but right that she should know at once the 
 terrible wrong that he had inflicted upon one to 
 whom she had all but revealed her love. Perhaps
 
 68 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 when she learned the news she could offer some 
 helpful suggestion toward the avenging of his 
 injury. At any rate his fevered mind needed the 
 calming sympathy she was sure to give. On ap- 
 proaching her house he was relieved to see a light 
 shining from her sitting-room, window, indicating 
 that even at that late hour she had not retired. 
 
 Upon entering the room, he found her sitting 
 at a table, reading. She greeted him with her usual 
 gracious manner, then exclaimed: 
 
 " Mon dieu! What has happened, mon cher 
 ami? You look as though you had seen a 
 ghost." 
 
 Raoul stood before her. " I have indeed seen 
 a ghost, or, rather, have beheld some equally weird 
 sights this night, and have experienced some ter- 
 rible things. Madame, I am ruined; ruined, and 
 by one, your friend, whom you bade me trust. 
 Monsieur du Tillet is not worthy of your friend- 
 ship. He is a rogue and cheat, who, by his ras- 
 cally methods at cards, has robbed me of my all. I 
 had planned a far different meeting with you 
 to-night. I dreamed I could win, and with more 
 gold I had hoped to tell you that I loved you, to 
 offer you everything. But now I am a beggar, 
 one who will spend this night under his family 
 roof, knowing that it is no longer his. And worse 
 than all else, I find that he whom I thought my 
 friend is not Monsieur du Tillet, but my former
 
 THE MASK IS DROPPED 269 
 
 enemy, Gaspard Roguin, in disguise, who has thus 
 triumphed over me. And, last of all, I have heard 
 your dear name insulted, have heard him, the foul- 
 mouthed fiend, proclaim, in the presence of others, 
 the fact that he had used you to aid him in my 
 downfall; you, as he boastfully asserted, his dis- 
 carded mistress. Oh ! tell me, Madame, you who 
 have been as a star of hope in my midnight sky, 
 tell me that you have had no hand in this, no 
 league with him, and bid me go and avenge the 
 double lie upon his unworthy frame. I have lost 
 my lands and gold, but I warrant that for such 
 a cause my hand has not forgotten its cunning, and 
 can yet pierce with unerring blade his treacherous 
 heart." 
 
 During the first part of his outburst, Madame 
 Duvivier sat calmly eyeing him, her heart beating 
 exultingly as she learned of the final success of the 
 plot against him. At the first mention of Gas- 
 pard Roguin's name she started, and as Raoul pro- 
 ceeded, and she began to grasp the meaning of his 
 words, a chill terror fell upon her. This changed 
 to a flood of supreme fury as the full import of 
 the news was realized. When he finished speak- 
 ing, he started back in astonishment at the change 
 that came over her countenance. Her face was 
 contorted by the frenzy of her passion, her eyes 
 glittered like some wild animal's, while her fingers, 
 arched like claws in her rage, twitched nervously
 
 270 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 as though in readiness to spring at some hated 
 object. 
 
 " Mon Dieuf" she shrieked, "I am tricked 
 again, and by him. By him for whose proffered 
 love I cruelly slew my own husband. By him who 
 threw me to one side when he had tired of my 
 companionship. By him I sought even beyond the 
 sea, that, having found, I might kill, kill, KILL, and 
 then trample upon his dead body, wreaking to the 
 full my long-sought vengeance. Curses on his 
 false heart for his treachery! Curses on these 
 eyes of mine, that should have penetrated any dis- 
 guise; should have recognized those deceitful lips, 
 so often pressed to mine in a passionate embrace ! 
 Curses on my guilty ears, that should have de- 
 tected his lying voice that has murmured so oft 
 of love to me. Fool that I was not to have felt 
 his very presence. And to think that he should 
 have made a tool of me in snaring for his own ends 
 this dunce, this devoted booby, offering in return 
 to serve me by trapping the man I sought him- 
 self, forsooth! But his fiendish cleverness shall 
 not save him now, for I shall " 
 
 Raoul, open-mouthed, staring dumfounded, 
 stayed to hear no more, but fled, his dream broken, 
 anxious only to get out of sight and sound of the 
 malignant demon who paced up and down before 
 him. 
 
 Du Tillet, or Gaspard Roguin, as he can now
 
 THE MASK IS DROPPED 271 
 
 be called, entertained his two visitors until the 
 return of Gaudais. 
 
 "Where did our friend go?" he inquired. 
 "To the Chateau to awaken the Governor?" 
 
 " No, to Madame Duvivier." 
 
 After the three had left for the night, he sat 
 quietly thinking. As he recalled the destination 
 of Raoul's fierce ride, he blew at his forefinger a 
 moment in unconcealed dismay. He surmised that 
 his enemy would inform her of his discoveries that 
 evening. This was inconvenient. She would learn 
 his identity prematurely, and a woman is likely to 
 do anything. At length he came to a decision, and 
 shortly afterward was riding slowly toward 
 Quebec. 
 
 The clock in the Chateau had struck two when 
 a dark figure glided in at the rear of Madame 
 Duvivier's house, ascended the stairs and taking 
 out a key softly opened the door and entered. By 
 the light in her bedroom he could see her lying, 
 partly dressed, upon the bed. She had at last suc- 
 cumbed to the violence of her emotions, and had 
 sunk exhausted into a heavy slumber. The figure 
 crossed the room silently, and stood over her. On 
 the table where the candle rested was a glass of 
 wine conveniently placed in case the sleeper awak- 
 ened. The figure smiled. Everything was as he 
 could wish. He slipped a tiny phial out of his 
 pocket and silently poured a few drops of its con-
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 tents into the glass. This done, he stealthily with- 
 drew within the shadow at the head of the bed. 
 He had not long to wait. Presently the sleeping 
 form stirred uneasily, and the woman's eyes 
 opened. They fell upon the wine glass and with a 
 sigh of satisfaction she put forth her hand, brought 
 it to her lips, and drained it feverishly. The figure 
 in the shadow drew out his watch and waited. A 
 minute passed. Then another. At this juncture 
 the figure stepped into the light, watch in hand. 
 His first glance at the woman's face told him that 
 the poison had commenced its work. At the sound 
 of his footstep the eyes opened and beheld him. 
 Madame Duvivier rose on her elbow, with a cry 
 of alarmed recognition. 
 
 " Do not excite yourself, my dear Antoinette," 
 said the figure, with a mocking smile. " I have 
 merely come to warn you. Some unscrupulous per- 
 son, who, perhaps, found your presence in Quebec 
 disagreeable, placed some of that poison which 
 you know so well, in your wine. From past knowl- 
 edge of its effects you will remember that it is 
 fatal within three minutes. As it is now more than 
 two since you drank it, you have less than sixty 
 seconds to live. This is my last visit to you. Per- 
 mit me to thank you for your services in entrap- 
 ping my enemy. I accept them as a partial return 
 for my patient submission to your many whims and 
 caprices in the days of our companionship. You
 
 THE MASK IS DROPPED 273 
 
 kept your word. I shall do no less. You wished 
 me to deliver to you the person of Gaspard Roguin, 
 that you might gloat over him when he was once 
 more in your power. Behold him! Waste no 
 time, however, in enjoying your revenge, as you 
 have but ten seconds remaining." 
 
 He closed his watch, and stood smiling derisively 
 at his companion. During his cruel speech she had 
 listened with terror-stricken gaze, which was in- 
 tensified as the preliminary symptoms produced 
 by the deadly drug bore witness to the truth of 
 his assertion. When he stopped speaking she sum- 
 moned all her strength and arose to a sitting pos- 
 ture, reaching forth a trembling hand to seize him. 
 This exertion only hastened the effects of the 
 poison, for with a thrilling shriek of impotent rage 
 and hate she fell back dead. 
 
 The figure remained motionless beside the bed 
 for a few moments, then departed the way he had 
 come, carefully locking the door behind him. In 
 a short time he was riding homeward, and, as he 
 gazed upon the objects about him, made half- 
 visible by the early light of the coming day, his 
 eyes wore a look of triumph, as though some 
 dangerous obstacle in his path had been removed.
 
 Chapter Twenty-Two 
 
 TREATS OF THE HEROES SAD AWAKENING 
 
 WHEN Raoul fled from the presence of 
 Madame Duvivier, he cared not 
 whither his steps led him. His one 
 idea, an idea that was preeminent within the seeth- 
 ing cauldron of his brain, was flight: to place 
 leagues between himself and the surroundings 
 among which the rapidly enacted events of the past 
 forty-eight hours had occurred. By the nearest 
 road he hurried from the city, unconsciously seek- 
 ing to counterbalance the intense mental agony un- 
 der which he labored by exhausting physical effort. 
 Leaving the highway, he soon entered the woods, 
 where the moonbeams, glancing between the limbs 
 of the trees, afforded a faint light to guide his 
 feverish footsteps. Now stumbling over a fallen 
 log; now raising his hands involuntarily to push 
 to one side a drooping bough; now slipping upon 
 the mossy surface of a rock as he resolutely climbed 
 the hillside; now plunging down into a gulley, 
 sliding, falling, clambering, crawling; now erect 
 once more, and diving into a dense thicket, heed- 
 less of the branches and briars as they scratched 
 
 274
 
 THE HERO'S SAD AWAKENING 275 
 
 his cheek or tore his garments, on, ever on, he 
 went. Ignorant of the direction he took, he 
 turned to right or left as the impulse moved him. 
 Once, pausing by a little stream, he bathed his 
 fevered temples and took a long, refreshing 
 draught of the cool water. This did not allay his 
 restless desire, so on he hastened, despite the wear- 
 iness that began to manifest itself. 
 
 His thoughts, which had been in one chaotic, 
 turbulent whirl, gradually arranged themselves 
 into something like rational order, and, as they 
 became distinct, they brought with them the bit- 
 terness of despair as he realized his condition. Al- 
 though stripped of all his possessions, he had felt 
 that with his self-respect intact, with his young 
 blood and strong arm, with the power of a great 
 passion thrilling him, he could bravely meet the 
 future and yet triumph over all. But the reve- 
 lations of the night had shattered his hope and 
 strength. Instead of a pure, sweet, womanly 
 nature in keeping with her physical beauty, he 
 found that he had been worshiping at the shrine 
 of a she-devil from the pit had learned from her 
 own words that she whom he had trusted implicitly 
 was but the accomplice of his hidden foe, exert- 
 ing all her powers to aid in bringing him to the 
 dust had discovered at last that she was all that 
 du Tillet had tauntingly claimed her to be and 
 more. He reviewed his own conduct, and saw
 
 276 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 clearly the lengths to which his blind infatuation 
 had led him: how he had disdained and rebuffed 
 the friendly aid of Armand ; how he had cherished 
 unworthy thoughts and feelings against his faith- 
 ful well-wisher, the Governor ; how he had slighted 
 and neglected the gentle, ennobling influence of his 
 old playmate, Aimee de Marsay. 
 
 He stopped in his wanderings, and stood upon 
 the edge of a high rock rising sheer a hundred feet 
 above the valley. It was the hour when all the 
 world was still, that instant between night and day 
 when the awakening bird hesitates to break the 
 solemn stillness with its morning trills; when the 
 night-wind, joining in the worshiping awe of cre- 
 ation, remains hushed a moment before rousing 
 the sleeping woods with soft whisperings of the 
 coming dawn. It was the precise moment when 
 Madame Duvivier drew her final, short, mortal 
 breath, thus breaking irrevocably the last chain of 
 her weird power over her victim. As he stood 
 panting with his impetuous flight, his bloodshot 
 eyes gazing at the scene before him, his mind be- 
 came clear once more, as though the mists that had 
 beclouded him these many weeks, distorting his 
 mental vision and leading him astray, had suddenly 
 parted and vanished, leaving him his normal self. 
 
 At the thought of Aimee, his eye caught sight 
 of a bright star burning steadily in the heavens, 
 while all its lesser comrades had faded before the
 
 THE HERO'S SAD AWAKENING 277 
 
 early streaks of the approaching day. And in 
 the heart of the young man there welled up with 
 increased force all the old-time tender feeling for 
 his friend. How like the star she was, shining 
 stanch and true despite the clouds and mists, ever 
 gleaming with loyal, steadfast purpose, whatever 
 his folly and imprudence. And a great wave of 
 shame at his own unworthiness swept over him as 
 he fell to his knees in an agony of self-reproach. 
 He had failed miserably in remaining true to the 
 manly ideals within him. Could he face the va- 
 cant future again ? could he go back to meet those 
 kindly eyes, filled not with reproach he could 
 bear that bravely but with compassion? He 
 could not stand erect in the presence of his own 
 self-respect; how could he ever raise his head 
 before these noble-hearted friends? His eyes 
 glanced over the precipice into the shades below. 
 'Twas but a step, and the difficulty would be solved 
 forever ; a fall from the rock, and he would escape 
 all! But he raised his head again, and there 
 glowed the star, seeming to vibrate with the inten- 
 sity of its message, a message of hope, flashing 
 with every ray a word of joy, of consolation, a 
 promise of better things to come. Who knows but 
 that the heartfelt prayer that fell from the lips of 
 the young girl who knelt at daybreak in her lonely 
 room at the Chateau, in an agony of apprehension 
 for the man she loved, reached the court of high
 
 278 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 Heaven, and was thence reflected back to the deso- 
 late man upon the mountain side, bearing to his 
 heart a word of cheer and inspiration ! 
 
 Silently he watched the star until at last it, too, 
 vanished, and day had come. As he descended 
 from his lofty station and wended his way back 
 through the forest, resounding with the matin- 
 songs of many birds who fluttered from branch to 
 brandi, conjubilant, free, beautiful in form and 
 feather, his own spirit, agitated with a new pur- 
 pose, joined in the music of the woods about him. 
 His eyes gleamed with a noble resolve, his step, 
 despite his weariness, was firm with all the abun- 
 dant energy of youth. For him the darkness had 
 indeed fled, and it was dawn. 
 
 It was almost noon when he reached his home 
 and found Armand waiting for him. He ran up 
 to his faithful friend and embraced him affection- 
 ately. 
 
 " Mon Dieu! " cried the latter, as he looked 
 in astonishment at the tattered clothes and 
 scratched face, " where have you been? " 
 
 Raoul smiled as he observed his glance. " I do 
 not wonder at your surprise. I have been up there 
 all night," pointing to the blue line of hills in the 
 distance, " hunting for a lost man, mon ami, and 
 have at last found him myself. " 
 
 Armand looked puzzled. " You were lost in 
 the woods?" he queried.
 
 THE HERO'S SAD AWAKENING 279 
 
 ' Yes, mon cher Armand," returned Raoul, lay- 
 ing his hand on his friend's shoulder, " I lost my- 
 self, my better self, months ago, in the woods of 
 folly. You knew it, for you tried to save me, but 
 I would not let you. Aimee, with her sweet 
 woman-heart, knew it and put out her feeble hand 
 to stop me, but I brushed her aside. But 
 now, Grace a Dieu, I am found; I have awak- 
 ened." 
 
 Armand's face glowed with honest joy. " Ma- 
 dame Duvivier " he murmured. 
 
 " Speak not of her. Your idea of what she is 
 would make her out an angel compared to what I 
 now know her to be. We are strangers from 
 henceforward. Instead of a friend, I have found 
 her to be an enemy, worthy only of my revenge 
 were she a man ; luckily for her she is a woman, and 
 is safe." 
 
 "She is beyond your reach now," was Armand's 
 calm rejoinder; " she was found dead in bed this 
 morning. All Quebec is astir at the news. It 
 was to tell you this that I came." 
 
 In spite of himself, Raoul was shocked. Not 
 that there was any lingering remnant of his old 
 infatuation left, but because of the thought of their 
 recent interview. He shuddered, remained silent 
 a moment, then related all his experiences of the 
 previous night, both in regard to the false du Tillet, 
 and Madame Duvivier. When he had finished,
 
 280 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 Armand was breathless with amazement. At 
 length he asked: 
 
 " What are you going to do? Of course, you 
 will see the Governor and lay the matter before 
 him, so that he can cause the villain's immediate 
 arrest." 
 
 " I shall do nothing of the kind," was the cool 
 reply. " Do you suppose the sight of him in 
 chains will satisfy the feeling here? " He struck 
 his chest fiercely. " Would the knowledge that 
 he was ending his days in the Bastile efface the 
 memory of his taunts, his insults? Only one 
 thing can do that to feel my sword-point pene- 
 trating his vile breast on the way to the heart. No, 
 no, mon ami, do not interfere with any such advice 
 as that. Before I do anything or say a word, I 
 shall seek him out alone and, armed only with my 
 sword, shall force him, under his own roof, to 
 fight, and if he refuses spit him like a dog." 
 
 Armand saw that it was useless to attempt to 
 swerve his friend from his purpose, so he remained 
 silent. At length he said: 
 
 ' The Governor, and Aimee will you not see 
 them first? Remember they know nothing of all 
 that has happened during the past few days. They 
 are anxious, I know, at not seeing you for so long, 
 and will be doubly so since the death of Madame 
 Duvivier." 
 
 Raoul mused a moment before he replied :
 
 THE HERO'S SAD AWAKENING 281 
 
 " No," he said thoughtfully, " I do not want to 
 meet the Governor until I can say, ' A rat has 
 bitten me, and I have killed it.' As for Aimee 
 ah ! Armand, what a wonderful woman our friend 
 is, so noble, so true. Before this wretched night- 
 mare that has just passed, assailed me, we were the 
 best of friends, the very best of friends. I fondly 
 imagined that we could go on as we did when chil- 
 dren, hand in hand in innocent, joyful companion- 
 ship. But a day came would that it had come 
 earlier when I awoke to the fact that we were 
 children no longer, and I knew that there existed 
 something stronger, deeper than mere childish 
 affection in my heart for her. But at that moment 
 came the darkening shadow, and I fell under the 
 unearthly influence of that that woman. As I 
 look back now I can see how I was first attracted to 
 her. It was by her beauty; by a certain sensual 
 charm ; by that subtle something that appeals to our 
 animal nature, that thrills, intoxicates, and makes 
 one dizzy and that was all; nothing deeper, 
 nothing nobler, nothing more lasting. But my for- 
 mer feeling for Aimee how different! There 
 was no thrill, but rather a peaceful calm, a restful 
 security; no intoxication, but a purifying influence, 
 a clearing of the vision for better, higher things, an 
 easy interchange of lofty thought and aim and 
 purpose, and all that beautifies, that exalts, that 
 makes a man develop his true manhood. My love
 
 282 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 for her was something strong and sweet and holy. 
 It was a mighty undercurrent, destined to control 
 the course of my whole existence." 
 
 Raoul paused, and a troubled look came into his 
 eyes. 
 
 " But I did not tell her. Whatever her feel- 
 ings may have been, they can scarcely be as I would 
 wish them now, after all my acts of folly and in- 
 gratitude. Her tender nature undoubtedly recoiled 
 with pain under my repeated slights and neglect. 
 I do not blame her. As for me, I told you, mon 
 ami, that I had found myself, and in doing so I 
 discovered that the old love, covered up so long, 
 had smoldered and spread until now it permeates 
 my whole being. Let me but get this affair with 
 my enemy settled, and I will go, sword in hand 
 and hew down every difficulty until I can come back 
 to her covered with honor and glory, having 
 proved my manhood once more. If then she 
 can forget the past and face the future with me, 
 all will be well. If not " 
 
 Here Raoul paused without finishing his sen- 
 tence. Armand, patiently listening to his friend, 
 whose every word was a stab to his own heart, was 
 dumb. Then seeing the look of blank despair and 
 the light of hope quenched in Raoul's eye at the 
 mere thought of losing his prize in the end, he was 
 deeply stirred. Summoning all his strength to aid 
 him, he replied:
 
 " Be of good cheer, mon cher ami! I doubt 
 not your success when you have carried out your 
 plans to their completion. In proof of my encour- 
 agement, let me remind you of the affair of the 
 Governor's pardon. You thought it was Madame 
 Duvivier who had influenced him. It was not." 
 
 He then related the details of Aimee's ride, and 
 the result, ending with : " You see, at that time, 
 at any rate, you had reason to hope. A woman 
 does not do a thing of that sort for a mere friend." 
 
 Raoul laughed, and there was a joyous ring in 
 its tone. 
 
 ' Thus is another lie revealed; thus do I find 
 one more debt of gratitude I owe the woman that 
 I love." 
 
 But a moment's thought sobered him. " That 
 happened at the beginning of my folly. What 
 can I hope for when she learns its full extent? " 
 
 After Armand had taken his departure, Raoul 
 ate a hearty meal, and sought refreshing sleep. 
 When he awoke it was already dark. He made 
 preparations for his visit of vengeance upon the 
 false du Tillet. He laid aside his father's sword 
 in shame, and chose another and a lighter blade, 
 and in due season was on his way to La Maison 
 Sombre. 
 
 Meanwhile the members of " The Royal Four " 
 had gathered, as was their nightly custom now, in 
 the great hall of their leader. They were espec-
 
 284 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 ially anxious that night, because it was necessary 
 to map out some concerted plan of action to meet 
 any move of retaliation that Raoul might make. 
 The audacity of their past misdeeds had made them 
 reckless, a mood greatly augmented by the huge 
 goblets of wine that their host pressed upon them. 
 
 Gaspard himself was in an ugly frame of mind, 
 which he evidenced by throwing an empty goblet 
 at the head of Marie Girol when she entered with 
 a refilled flagon. She dodged the missile with a 
 frightened look. Some time later she reappeared 
 in response to a summons from her master, with a 
 tray bearing more wine. In passing to the table 
 on which she was about to place the tray, she 
 tripped over the outstretched foot of Roguin, who 
 sat half-lying in the seat of his great chair, and 
 fell, the flagon of wine spilling its contents over the 
 floor. With an infuriated cry he sprang up and, 
 seizing the unfortunate woman by the throat, shook 
 her vigorously. 
 
 " A murrain seize you for your clumsiness I " he 
 cried, and pushed her from him, then in an access 
 of fury he kicked her as she fell to the ground, 
 once, twice, thrice, accompanying each movement 
 with a torrent of abusive epithets. 
 
 The poor creature received the shaking without 
 a protest, but when she had suffered the last indig- 
 nity she half raised herself and, glaring at her tor- 
 mentor with blazing eyes and raising a warning
 
 THE HERO'S SAD AWAKENING 285 
 
 finger which she pointed at him, she cried in a 
 voice at first feeble, but gathering strength until 
 it became a shriek: 
 
 " Cruel son of a cruel father that you are ! 
 Faithfully did I serve him," here she pointed to 
 the slab in the floor, beneath which the elder Roguin 
 lay buried, " and to my hurt. Faithfully have I 
 served you, despite your wickedness. But the cup 
 of your wrong doing is filled up. The day you 
 raise your hand against me, whom, if you but knew 
 my power, you would honor and overwhelm with 
 kindness, that day sees us enemies. I am only a 
 woman, old and without strength, but I have a 
 tongue and can talk he ! he ! " Launching this 
 tirade she slowly and painfully arose, and with 
 sounds of eldritch laughter, disappeared through 
 the door. 
 
 Gaspard, who had watched her in silent aston- 
 ishment, now that she was gone, burst into a loud 
 guffaw. " Pardieu! " he cried, " the old hag has 
 found her tongue at last. I never knew her to 
 speak more than two sentences at any one time 
 before." Then, as he saw his comrades seemed 
 frightened at her menacing words: " Come, 
 drink up what is left to the success of my new plan 
 for putting our beloved Raoul where he can never 
 trouble us again." After the goblets were emptied 
 he continued: 
 
 ' The only difficulty in our path is to get him
 
 286 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 here. If he once enters this room before he tells 
 all he knows, we are safe, and he is lost." 
 
 A loud knock thundered at the door. The four 
 men looked at one another in consternation. They 
 heard the sound of the servant admitting someone, 
 followed by the click of a boot heel upon the floor, 
 and Raoul de Chatignac stood before them.
 
 Chapter Twenty-Three 
 
 CONTAINS AN UNEQUAL FIGHT, A CAPTURE, A 
 DELIVERANCE, AND A BOMB-SHELL 
 
 THE four conspirators started to their feet 
 and stood motionless, staring in astonish- 
 ment at the unexpected appearance of the 
 person concerning whom they had been talking. 
 Raoul walked deliberately across the room and 
 halted in front of his enemy. 
 
 " Monsieur," he said in clear, vibrating tones, 
 " I have the satisfaction of telling you that you are 
 a cheat, a rogue, and a scoundrel. I have come to 
 kill you. Will you fight? If provocation is yet 
 lacking, perhaps this will aid you in your decision," 
 and as he spoke he raised his hand, which grasped 
 a glove, and smote his enemy a vigorous blow 
 across the eyes. 
 
 Gaspard smiled vindictively, and bowed. " I 
 accept, Monsieur." 
 
 The two men then removed their coats and 
 waistcoats. Raoul was ready first and stood, sword 
 in hand, awaiting his antagonist. Roguin was 
 assisted by Gaudais, to whom he gave a few direc- 
 tions in a low voice. He then placed all the can- 
 
 287
 
 288 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 dies on the mantel so that neither would have the 
 light directly in his eyes. When all was done, and 
 the three spectators ranged themselves along the 
 side of the room, he stepped briskly to his place. 
 
 u A votre service! " he said, and drew his sword. 
 The blades touched, crossed, and the duel began. 
 Raoul attacked with ardor, pressing his enemy 
 vigorously, who in return remained on the defen- 
 sive only, as though it were his idea to tire his ad- 
 versary out. This evident purpose angered Raoul 
 still further, and he renewed his assault with in- 
 creased energy. Backward and forward they 
 moved, now advancing a step, now retreating, now 
 gradually working to right or left. Raoul had 
 taken up a new position, with his back to the three 
 bystanders, when Gaspard, suddenly abandoning 
 his conservative plan, made a quick rush upon 
 him with a vicious lunge. Raoul parried the blow, 
 but at that instant he was assailed from the rear, 
 and was borne to the floor by the combined weight 
 of the three accomplices, while his sword was 
 snatched from his hand. 
 
 He struggled vainly in the grasp of his captors. 
 " Coward! " he cried, as he saw Gaspard stand- 
 ing above him, resting his sword point on the floor, 
 with a derisive smile playing about his features, 
 " I might have suspected some treachery at your 
 hands." 
 
 " A clever plan, well executed," was the reply.
 
 AN UNEQUAL FIGHT 289 
 
 " I really could not do otherwise, Monsieur, for 
 you surely do not expect me to fight with every 
 penniless youth I meet." 
 
 Raoul glared at him, but did not deign to speak. 
 
 " Come, my good comrades," he continued, 
 addressing the three who held Raoul, " bring our 
 excitable friend with you, and we will place him in 
 retirement. Perhaps by morning he will be less 
 agitated." 
 
 So saying, he seized a candle, and led the way 
 to the door of a room on the first floor, which he 
 unlocked and entered. Raoul was forced along 
 in the grip of the men behind him. 
 
 " I will leave you this light," went on Gaspard 
 with a mocking air, " so that you can accustom 
 yourself to your surroundings before seeking re- 
 pose. The chamber, as you see, is cheerful, while 
 the bed is excellent." 
 
 The three confederates, giving their prisoner a 
 vigorous push which sent him staggering against 
 the wall, hastily withdrew, and the door was 
 closed and locked after them. 
 
 Raoul, trembling with rage, sprang to the only 
 window in the room, but he could see through the 
 glass that escape in that direction was barred by 
 heavy wooden shutters fastened from the outside. 
 Looking about the chamber, he found that it was 
 large and scantily furnished by a huge chest of 
 drawers, on which the candle had been placed, a
 
 290 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 large bed, and a fur rug upon the floor. There was 
 not even a chair which he could break and use for 
 a weapon. The door was one massive piece, with 
 huge iron hinges that could easily defy any attack 
 by even sword or ax. There was evidently no 
 means of escape. Not daring to go to sleep for 
 fear that he might be surprised and murdered with- 
 out a chance to strike a blow in his own defense, he 
 paced up and down the floor. 
 
 Here was a new and unfortunate state of affairs, 
 brought about by his cursed stupidity, and desire 
 for vengeance. He could blame no one but him- 
 self for his predicament. Had he taken Armand's 
 advice and appealed to the Governor, his enemy 
 and his precious crew of confederates would ere 
 now be lodged behind the bars. He comforted 
 himself, however, with the thought that Armand 
 "knew of his expected visit, and would probably be 
 at his house early in the morning to learn the result. 
 Not finding him there he would immediately sur- 
 mise some villainy on the part of Roguin, and would 
 undoubtedly hasten to his rescue, with assistance, by 
 noon. There was nothing for him to do then but 
 wait until morning. Wearied at last by his walk- 
 ing he carefully snuffed the candle and lay down 
 upon the bed, his head resting at the foot and his 
 feet toward the head in order to keep an eye on the 
 door and detect any attempt at opening it silently. 
 
 The house was still. No noise was audible out-
 
 AN UNEQUAL FIGHT 291 
 
 side save that of the night-wind as it made its 
 rounds shaking the shutters to see that all was 
 secure. A feeling of weariness came over him and 
 he would fain have slept. Resisting this desire he 
 kept his eyes open, counting the moments as they 
 passed, impatiently watching for the day. At 
 length he dozed, but was suddenly awakened by the 
 sound of the stealthy turning of the key in the lock. 
 He started up in alarm as the door slowly opened 
 and he beheld by the light of the guttering candle 
 the form of the old housekeeper. She placed her 
 fingers to her lips in sign of caution, and then 
 beckoned him to follow her. He obeyed and she 
 glided into the hall. After carefully locking the 
 door behind them she led the way and guided him 
 through the darkness to a door which opened into 
 the outside world. A moment later he was 
 speeding down the avenue of trees on his way home 
 just as the first gray streaks of dawn appeared. 
 
 Gaudais remained all night at La Maison 
 Sombre for the simple reason that he could not get 
 away. The huge quantity of wine that he drank 
 after Raoul was safely under lock and key seemed 
 to pass immediately to his legs, for they soon re- 
 fused to be of any service to him whatever. 
 Accordingly Berthier dragged him to a couch and 
 left him snoring there when he and Lieutenant 
 Liotot took their departure. 
 
 When he awakened late in the morning he arose
 
 292 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 and with difficulty made his way to Gaspard's 
 room, where he found him dressing. After this 
 operation was finished and they had partaken of 
 the two cups of strong coffee Marie Girol brought 
 them, Gaspard took from beneath his pillow 
 (where it had been returned by the old house- 
 keeper after releasing the prisoner) the key to 
 the room in which Raoul had been confined, and 
 summoned Gaudais to attend him. 
 
 " Come, we will see if our guest is more sub- 
 missive than he was last night. Perhaps hunger 
 has changed his warlike spirit." 
 
 They listened outside the door but heard noth- 
 ing. Throwing it open, Gaspard said in a taunt- 
 ing voice : " Good-morning, mon cher Raoul ; did 
 you rest well?" No answer from the darkened 
 room. Advancing to the bed they found it empty. 
 They made a hasty examination of the room but 
 found no prisoner. Gaudais ran for a candle. 
 When it was lighted they peered under the bed, 
 opened the chest of drawers, but discovered no 
 trace of Raoul. Gaspard examined the window 
 carefully; its fastenings were intact. 
 
 "Ten thousand devils!" muttered Gaudais. 
 " He has escaped." 
 
 Roguin's face became livid with rage. He sank 
 upon the bed and writhed in the intensity of his 
 passion. At length he found voice, and gave 
 vent to a volley of imprecations. Finally spring-
 
 AN UNEQUAL FIGHT 293 
 
 ing up he hastily led the way downstairs into 
 the great hall, whose air was heavy with the odor 
 of the past night's orgy. Going to a window 
 he threw it open, then sank into the great chair. 
 " Curse him ! " he growled, " he bears a charmed 
 life. The bird has flown, and will soon be back 
 with a company of troops with the Governor at 
 their head, and we shall all be in chains before we 
 know it." 
 
 His companion paled. Gaspard noticed it. 
 " Yes," he said fiercely, " in chains, with a good 
 chance of being stood up as a mark for their infer- 
 nal bullets." 
 
 " Can nothing be done? I will help in any way 
 I can," Gaudais ventured to reply. 
 
 Gaspard looked at him with a sneer. " A pre- 
 cious lot of assistance you can render," then re- 
 lapsed into silence, moodily knitting his brow and 
 nervously drumming with his fingers on the arm of 
 the chair. 
 
 " Our only hope," he murmured to himself, " is 
 to decoy him here again before he has seen the 
 Governor. We have but little time. What pre- 
 text will be strong enough? If he comes he will 
 bring his friend with him. But my fool accom- 
 plices can take care of him; they will be three to 
 one, thus leaving my enemy to me." 
 
 Again he relapsed into silence, his brain busily 
 engaged in seeking a solution to the difficult ques-
 
 294 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 tion. Plan after plan suggested itself, and was 
 rejected with a scowl as being inadequate. At last 
 a thought, black with the murk of hell from whence 
 it came, entered his mind. This seemed to please 
 him, and he laughed, an uncanny, crackling sound, 
 and rubbed his hands with satisfaction. Rising 
 impetuously he went to the table and taking from 
 a drawer several notes which Raoul had written 
 him during the period of their intimacy, he studied 
 them carefully. This scrutiny finished, he began 
 a letter which he soon tore up. Another met the 
 same fate. The third time he seemed to be satis- 
 fied with the result, for he finished, and after care- 
 fully folding and addressing it, he laid it to 'one 
 side, muttering: "That will fetch her." He 
 then dashed off with careless hand a second brief 
 message, which he likewise addressed and placed 
 beside the other. " That will bring him in a 
 hurry." 
 
 He then explained his plan in detail to his com- 
 panion, instructing him in the part that he was to 
 play. Gaudais at first rebelled vigorously, but, 
 cowed by the menacing look of his friend and a 
 few threatening sentences, at length surrendered 
 whatever scruples of opposition he may have had. 
 
 Raoul reached home utterly exhausted. Fidette 
 brewed a strong, hot drink which he brought with 
 hands trembling with age and anxiety. Before he
 
 AN UNEQUAL FIGHT 295 
 
 could prepare breakfast Raoul had sunk into a deep 
 slumber and was left undisturbed. 
 
 The young man slept heavily on through the 
 afternoon and night and it was not until the sun- 
 dial before the house marked the advent of a day 
 that he awoke. When he opened his eyes, he 
 found Armand sitting beside him. 
 
 " I know, mon ami" smiled Raoul, " that you 
 are eager to hear from me an account of the ad- 
 ventures I met with when on my vengeful errand." 
 He then began at the beginning and related in de- 
 tail all that had transpired since they had parted; 
 the mock duel; the interference of Gaspard's 
 friends; his confinement and unexpected escape 
 through the aid of the old housekeeper. Armand 
 greeted the early stages of the narrative with ex- 
 clamations of amazement and growls of anger and 
 dismay. As the tale proceeded his excitement 
 increased until at the close he was pacing up and 
 down in extreme agitation. 
 
 " The contemptible viper ! " he exclaimed at the 
 close. " He is capable of any hellish villainy. I 
 promise you, mon cher Raoul, that I shall not let 
 you out of my sight until that reptile and his odious 
 crew are safely placed behind iron bars." 
 
 Raoul looked at him with an affectionate glow 
 as he seized his hand. " Good comrade mine," 
 he replied while tears glistened in his eyes, tears 
 that he did not deem unmanly, " the artful vil-
 
 296 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 lainies of these men have only served to bring out 
 more clearly your own fidelity and kindly care, 
 from which a hundred other Madame Duviviers 
 or false du Tillets that might arise shall never 
 entice me." 
 
 Armand's heart leaped at these words. Raoul 
 was once more the generous-hearted comrade ; with 
 the benefit of his past experience he would remain 
 the affectionate friend of yore. The influence of 
 the moment banished all thought of action, of past 
 events and future dangers. Two friends estranged 
 were now as one again. They left the house and 
 visited the many familiar nooks and childhood 
 haunts without a thought for the great world 
 outside their own two hearts. Again they roamed 
 the meadows or sought for berries on the hillside ; 
 again they lay outstretched on the soft turf beneath 
 the spreading branches of the huge forest trees. 
 An afternoon of light-hearted joy it was, ending 
 with a stiff climb to the crest of a neighboring hill 
 where they stood together with flushed faces and 
 panting breath, gazing at the beauties of the dying 
 sun, whose glowing rays but reflected the light of 
 brotherly love that was shed abroad in each manly 
 breast. An hour later and the two were seated 
 about the supper table to discuss together some 
 plan of immediate action. 
 
 " My advice, mon cher ami," said Armand, " is 
 to give up all thought of revenge. Mon Dieu!
 
 AN UNEQUAL FIGHT 297 
 
 can an honorable man condescend to fight on equal 
 terms with a scoundrel, an assassin? To do so 
 but gives dignity to his offenses. To adopt his 
 methods but degrades one to his level. No, a 
 thousand times, no ! Go to the Governor and 
 state the details of every event and let his wiser 
 brain suggest to you the proper, lawful, and digni- 
 fied course to pursue. He returns to Quebec to- 
 night after a couple of days' absence. Let us go 
 to the Chateau the first thing in the morning." 
 
 " I suppose you are right," was RaouPs reply, 
 " but it is impossible to forget the studied insults, 
 the plundering, the cruel blow from behind, the 
 indignities suffered. My blood boils, too, at the 
 thought that in some manner, through the law's de- 
 lays or the bungling execution of military orders, 
 the wretch and his miserable tools may escape." 
 
 " True," was the reply, " but New France, or at 
 least its civilized portion, is small and affords 
 small chance for hiding." 
 
 " He might turn Indian, or find the life of the 
 roving coureur-de-bols preferable to the risk of 
 being caught and shot." 
 
 " It would only mean that he would fall a prey 
 to hunger or some wild beast in the wilderness, or 
 be relieved of his scalp by a redskin more crafty 
 even than he." 
 
 4 Yes, but in that case I should never have the 
 satisfaction of knowing of the even," and Raoul
 
 298 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 smiled grimly. Then continuing, " But I shall do 
 as you say, mon ami; I have been following my 
 own leading and disregarding the advice of my 
 friends, and behold to what a pass it has brought 
 me. I place myself entirely in your hands." 
 
 At that instant there was a sound of breaking 
 glass, and a small, heavy object fell to the floor; at 
 the same time they heard the thud of hoofbeats 
 retreating rapidly from the house. Raoul ran to 
 the window through which the missile had been 
 thrown, and strove to make out the identity of the 
 messenger, but the approaching dusk prevented 
 him from seeing anything distinctly. Armand 
 picked up the object and handed it to Raoul. It 
 was a small dagger, around which was securely tied 
 a bit of paper. Removing this Raoul found it to 
 be a note addressed to himself. He read it 
 aloud : 
 
 " My deluded friend: Why did you leave my 
 hospitable roof so unceremoniously? Since you 
 have been freed from the enchantment of the lovely 
 Madame Duvivier, I learn that you have returned 
 to your first love, whose charms, I hope, will prove 
 less disastrous to you. Realizing your present un- 
 fortunate predicament and wishing to spare you the 
 humiliation of delivering to me in person your 
 ' Heart's Desire,' according to our agreement, I 
 have called for it myself and have carried it to La
 
 AN UNEQUAL FIGHT 299 
 
 Maison Sombre, where I am at this moment rejoic- 
 ing in its possession. G. R." 
 
 Raoul looked blankly from the writing before 
 him to his friend's face and back again in amaze- 
 ment. " Returned to your first love," he repeated 
 with flushed cheeks. " He must refer to Aimee 
 de Marsay. But what connection has that sen- 
 tence with the remainder of the note? " He laid 
 the paper down and hurried from the room, re- 
 turning with a still more puzzled look. " Here 
 is my sword, my ' Heart's Desire,' " he said, hold- 
 ing it up. " And yet he claims to have carried it 
 off." Armand, who during his absence had been 
 thinking vigorously, gave a start ; a look of horror 
 overspread his features, and he was about to speak, 
 but at that instant they both heard the sound of an 
 approaching horse hard ridden. They remained 
 silent and motionless, waiting. A knock was 
 heard, and a moment later a servant entered. " A 
 messenger from the Governor," he said, as he 
 handed a missive to his master. Raoul tore it open 
 hurriedly, and again read aloud to his friend : 
 
 " I have just arrived, to find that Aimee left 
 the Chateau yesterday afternoon. She has not yet 
 returned. Have you any news of her where- 
 abouts ? I have already started a search for her 
 in two directions."
 
 Chapter Twenty-Four 
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER, IN WHICH A BIRD IS 
 CAGED 
 
 A LTHOUGH time had passed rapidly enough 
 / % for the chief actors in the stirring events 
 of the past few days, yet for Aimee 
 de Marsay, shut up to inactivity and anxiety, the 
 hours dragged themselves along in wearisome suc- 
 cession. Left in suspense as to the whereabouts 
 of the man she loved, she was compelled to be 
 satisfied with the short note she received from 
 Armand, informing her of Raoul's safety. She 
 strove to comfort herself with the thought that the 
 continued absence of her two friends was due to 
 some adequate reason, and that her anxiety would 
 be relieved by one or the other of them at the 
 earliest possible moment. Still, comforted though 
 she was in part, her mind dwelt continually upon the 
 possible dangers to which they might be exposed, 
 while not an hour passed without a silent prayer for 
 their safety. She endeavored to occupy herself 
 about the Chateau, fearing if she went out she 
 should miss the coming of her friends; but this was 
 after all a sorry pretense, for she dropped whatever 
 
 300
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER 301 
 
 she was doing at least every five minutes to run to 
 the window to catch some glimpse of a familiar 
 form or spy the approach of a messenger bearing 
 long-wished-for news. At night her sleep was 
 broken by horrible dreams; dreams in which she 
 saw Raoul in company with his friend exposed to 
 a thousand dangers, while through them all the 
 face of an old hag, withered, worn, and witchlike, 
 the evil spirit of each scene, leered at her with 
 wicked eyes as though enjoying her distress. To 
 make matters still worse for her, the Governor was 
 obliged to absent himself from Quebec for two 
 days. His absence made it all the more distressing, 
 for with him within call Aimee felt a sense of secur- 
 ity as having one to whom she could appeal for 
 succor for Raoul if the need were urgent. As the 
 day wore on all the nervous tension of the past week 
 culminated in an overwhelming desire for fresh air 
 and exercise to replace the inactivity that had bound 
 her. At length she gave way to it, and early in the 
 afternoon set forth for a long, fast ride, hoping 
 that the change of scene might distract her thoughts 
 for a time. She paid no attention to the direction 
 taken by her horse, and it was only after several 
 miles had been covered that she realized that they 
 were on the Beauport road, and that she was 
 already more than halfway to La Maison Sombre. 
 Upon discovering where she was she stopped the 
 horse and began to chide him playfully for taking
 
 302 'A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 her so near the habitation of one she felt was 
 Raoul's enemy. As she was about to turn his head 
 homeward, she caught sight of the familiar figure 
 of Farouche coming at a jog-trot and waving at 
 her to wait. She greeted him with a smile and an 
 outstretched hand. The man's face wore an anx- 
 ious look as he produced a letter directed to her. 
 She seized it eagerly, as she thought she recognized 
 the writing. Hurriedly tearing it open she read 
 the few lines it contained. 
 
 " I am ill and in great distress. Should you wish 
 to see me again alive, accompany the bearer, who 
 will conduct you to me. RAOUL." 
 
 Her cheek paled as she realized the import of 
 the message, and flushed again as she read the 
 name, dearer to her than all else. She had longed 
 for action; here was the opportunity. Raoul, her 
 Raoul, was ill, perhaps dying, and had roused his 
 failing strength to write this appeal for her to come 
 to him ! She turned to her companion : 
 
 ' Tell me, my good Farouche, do you know any- 
 thing about this letter? " 
 
 " No, Mademoiselle, I was sent for, and Mon- 
 sieur du Tillet handed it to me, saying, ' make all 
 haste. Monsieur de Chatignac has urgent need 
 of the help that this young lady alone can bring.' ' 
 
 " And whither will you lead me? "
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER 303 
 
 " To La Maison Sombre." 
 
 Aimee shuddered at the name. Raoul, then, was 
 in his enemy's hands. She must hasten to him. 
 
 " Monsieur de Chatignac is he ill or in- 
 jured? Have you seen him? " 
 
 " I have not. I only know that he came last 
 evening. But Monsieur du Tillet seemed dis- 
 tressed when he bade me go for you." 
 
 Aimee's mind was made up. Without a thought 
 of danger for herself, she was eager to respond to 
 her loved one's call for aid. Farouche's words 
 confirmed her worst fears. Raoul had gone there 
 the night before; some quarrel had sprung up, 
 swords had been drawn, and even now his life- 
 blood, perchance, was oozing away while she 
 delayed upon the road. She might be too late! 
 Motioning her companion to proceed, she followed, 
 accommodating her speed to his. Not a word was 
 spoken the remainder of the way. Her mind was 
 filled with sad, apprehensive thoughts for her 
 friend's safety. Finally they stood before the 
 gloomy entrance of the house, and she alighted, 
 gave the rein to Farouche, and hastened toward the 
 door. Before she could knock, it was opened by 
 Gaudais, who bowed respectfully as she entered. 
 She noticed that his face was grave, and fresh 
 alarm seized her. "Am I too late?" she asked 
 anxiously. 
 
 He shook his head silently, and, beckoning her to
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 follow, led the way up the gloomy stairs, opened 
 the door of a room near the top, and motioned her 
 to enter. On doing so she found herself in a dimly 
 lighted chamber, large and forbidding. When her 
 eyes became accustomed to the obscurity she saw 
 a large bed in the further corner, on which she 
 descried the figure of a man covered with a cloak. 
 She hastened across the room with a wildly beating 
 heart, and approached the bedside. 
 
 " Raoul ! " she cried anxiously, and kneeling 
 beside the bed she leaned forward to catch his 
 reply, faint though it might be. Receiving no 
 response, she essayed to pluck the cloak from about 
 his face in order to see for herself, if haply he were 
 unconscious. As she did so she started back with 
 a shriek, as she found herself looking into the 
 features, not of her lover, but the supposed Mon- 
 sieur du Tillet. Realizing that he was recognized, 
 he sprang up, cast aside his cloak, and stood bow- 
 ing with a mocking air before tlie young girl, who 
 was too stupefied with alarm to speak, but stared 
 with terror at the figure before her. 
 
 The false du Tillet, observing her silence, gave 
 her what he intended to be a reassuring smile, but 
 which to Aimee's startled eyes was a hideous leer, 
 and said: 
 
 ' You doubtless expected to meet our mutual 
 friend, Raoul de Chatignac. He has not yet 
 arrived. Until then you will please accept of such
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER 305 
 
 hospitality as this place affords. Anticipating 
 your desire for privacy, I have had this room set 
 apart for your use. My housekeeper will attend 
 to your wants," and with another leer he glided 
 from the room, closing the door behind him and 
 turning the key in the rusty lock. 
 
 Aimee had remained as one in a trance during 
 his words, but the harsh, grating sound as the bolt 
 slipped into its place awakened her to a grim 
 realization of her surroundings : that she was in the 
 power of the man whom she feared, and a pris- 
 oner. With a cry of agonized terror, she flung 
 herself against the door, vainly endeavoring to 
 match her puny force against its massive oaken 
 strength, smiting in an energy of despair with her 
 tender fists against its hard, stained surface. She 
 cried loudly for help, imploring her captor to lib- 
 erate her, threatening him with the Governor's 
 anger, and Raoul's vengeance. Alike fruitless of 
 results were her entreaties and threats. Finally, 
 wearied with her exertions, she ceased, and totter- 
 ing to the bed sank down in utter despair, a prey to 
 the most horrible fears. The strain of excitement 
 under which she had labored at last told upon her, 
 and notwithstanding her effort to remain vigilant, 
 she fell into a heavy sleep. Hours passed, and she 
 awakened with a start at the sound of a turning 
 key, to find the room darkened with the shadows of 
 approaching night, and the figure of Marie Girol
 
 306 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 standing in the doorway. She bore a lighted can- 
 dle in one hand, and in the other a small tray 
 filled with several dishes, a glass, and a bottle of 
 wine. 
 
 Aimee shrank back in fresh terror, for before 
 her she saw the hideous features of the hag who 
 had so terrified her in her dreams of the previous 
 night. The old woman, after carefully closing 
 the door, placed tray and candle, upon a small table 
 in one corner of the room, and, turning to Aimee, 
 said with a chuckle : 
 
 " Come, my pretty bird, here is meat to 
 strengthen and wine to hearten you." Then, seeing 
 that her companion drew back and shook her head, 
 continued : ' That is what they all do at first, but 
 they soon make the best of things, and are glad to 
 eat and drink whatever I bring them. You are 
 not the first captive butterfly I have waited on in 
 this house, and from what I know of father and 
 son you will not be the last." 
 
 Aimee, further terrified by these words, ran to 
 her, and, kneeling, caught her dress. " My good 
 woman," she cried in wild entreaty, " save me, save 
 me ! Help me to escape from this horrible place, 
 and the Governor will reward you well for the 
 good deed. I am Aimee de Marsay, his ward, 
 and he will deal generously with you if you but 
 return me to the Chateau." 
 
 The woman's look changed, and seizing the
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER 307 
 
 candle she held it close to Aimee's fear-stricken 
 face. 
 
 " Strange! Strange! " she muttered, " Aimee de 
 Marsay is dead, yet the features of the de Marsays 
 are in your face." The old woman continued to 
 gaze in reminiscent wonder. Aimee, seeing that 
 she had made an impression, followed up her ad- 
 vantage. " I am indeed Aimee de Marsay, the 
 only child of Felix de Marsay. Did you know my 
 father?" 
 
 The hag nodded. " Many a time have I 
 seen him, and once did I hold on my knee the 
 little Aimee, as sweet and dainty a babe as I 
 ever saw." 
 
 " If you have seen him then you may recognize 
 this," and Aimee drew from her bosom a locket 
 containing a miniature, which she opened and thrust 
 hopefully before her companion's eyes, who gazed 
 at it long and fixedly. At last she murmured, 
 " It is he, the gallant, noble gentleman. You must 
 be she whom Pierre Roguin told me had died. 
 Small wonder I knew no better, for it is over fifteen 
 years since I have been off this gloomy place." 
 
 Aimee gave a cry of joy. " You will then help 
 me? For the sake of my father, whom you knew 
 and must have admired, for the sake of the little 
 helpless child you once held in your arms, for the 
 sake of doing a noble action, for the sake of our 
 common womanhood "
 
 308 
 
 Marie Girol interrupted her. " I dare not. 
 Gaspard Roguin would kill me if I interfered." 
 
 " Gaspard Roguin?" gasped Aimee in aston- 
 ishment. 
 
 " Yes, my master, who sent me here to help you. 
 He who was in the room when you came." 
 
 " But that was Monsieur du Tillet," cried Aimee 
 in wonderment. 
 
 " Du Tillet, or whatever name he calls himself 
 by, he is still Gaspard Roguin, my master, whom I 
 fear and hate." 
 
 Aimee was unable to reply. The overwhelming 
 revelation that du Tillet and Gaspard Roguin, 
 Raoul's bitterest enemy, were the same, deprived 
 her of speech, almost of reason. Several moments 
 passed; the young girl, lost to her surroundings in 
 the grip of the terrible news, knelt motionless; the 
 hag, with scowling face, in which lurked an intense 
 hatred and a growing passion for revenge, gave 
 herself up to her own dark thoughts. At length 
 she looked down at the fair form before her and 
 her features softened somewhat as though in pity, 
 then glowed with exultation. " So Aimee de 
 Marsay is alive. Strange chance it gives me of 
 revenge on the ingrate who raised his cruel foot 
 against me, me, who hold his future destiny in 
 my hand." Then addressing Aimee she continued : 
 " As for you, my child, you are in evil hands, and 
 I can do little to help you. Believe me, although
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER 309 
 
 I do not know that villain's designs, yet I do not 
 believe he dares do you any harm. However, take 
 this whistle, which I use for calling Farouche. 
 Should you be in danger, blow on it, and I will do 
 my utmost to save you. I owe you some return 
 for the means of revenge you have given me; all 
 the sweeter because it is unexpected," and loosening 
 Aimee's hold upon her, she glided to the door and 
 was gone. 
 
 The unfortunate girl was somewhat reassured 
 by the woman's words. She felt that she had an 
 ally, albeit a half-hearted one, in the enemy's camp. 
 Her thoughts left her own unhappy condition, and 
 turned to Raoul. Where was he? Was he con- 
 cealed, ill, or wounded somewhere about the house, 
 a prisoner like herself? Or was his note a 
 forgery, merely a blind to entice her to the trap? 
 Her heart leaped at this thought, for if he were 
 free and well, it would be only a question of time 
 before her absence would be discovered, and a 
 search would be made for her. On the morrow 
 the Governor would return, and he would quickly 
 communicate with Raoul and Armand and they 
 would undoubtedly not leave La Maison Som- 
 bre out of their quest. Realizing that she would 
 need all her strength to meet future events, what- 
 ever they might be, she partook sparingly of the 
 food the housekeeper had brought in. Having 
 finished, she took the candle and examined the door
 
 310 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 carefully. She was surprised to find on each side 
 of the frame a grooved piece of iron, solidly riv- 
 eted, that had evidently been made to hold a 
 bar of iron or wood in case a barricade was needed. 
 But the bar was missing. She then proceeded to 
 make a careful search of the room, at first finding 
 nothing that could be used for the purpose. 
 Finally she opened one of a chest of drawers and 
 gave a low cry of joy as she discovered a long piece 
 of hard wood that fitted easily into the iron frames. 
 This was of considerable protection in case anyone 
 tried to force the door. Last of all she snuffed the 
 candle, and, lying down upon the bed, watched its 
 flickering light. Her immediate fears at rest, she 
 was asleep long before the candle had burned itself 
 out, and awoke to find the gray light of dawn steal- 
 ing in through the window. When the sun had 
 fairly risen she saw the figure of the false du Tillet 
 riding down the avenue, bent on some early errand. 
 Soon a knock at the door warned her of the 
 approach of Marie Girol. Hastily removing the 
 bar, she greeted the old woman with a smile as she 
 entered with her breakfast. 
 
 " And how has my pretty one passed the 
 night?" inquired the housekeeper as she set the 
 tray down. " You will have naught to fear to-day, 
 for your captor has ridden away and will not re- 
 turn until evening." Aimee looked up eagerly. 
 " The way then is clear- " she cried, but was
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER 311 
 
 interrupted by her companion, who continued, 
 " but he has left Monsieur Gaudais on guard in a 
 chair not ten feet from your door." 
 
 " And would no appeal to his manliness, to his 
 generosity, move him? " 
 
 Marie Girol shook her head. " He stands in 
 deadly fear of Gaspard Roguin, and would risk his 
 life rather than that you should escape." 
 
 When Farouche, who had been sent on a distant 
 errand at daybreak, returned a little after noon, he 
 was much disturbed at finding Aimee's horse still 
 standing in the stable where he had placed it the 
 day before. He retreated to his kennel to think 
 the matter over. The subject was a puzzling one 
 to his weak brain, and he sought in vain for a 
 satisfactory solution. The only conclusion he 
 could reach was a dim, uncertain consciousness that 
 all was not well with his fairy princess, which 
 finally deepened into the thought that she was in 
 some danger. His first impulse was to hasten to 
 the city and find Raoul and tell him of his fears, 
 but that would necessitate an absence of several 
 hours, and his desire to protect the object of his 
 worship forbade his leaving the place again. He 
 thereupon arose, and, slipping unnoticed into the 
 house, disappeared and could not be found later, 
 although the old housekeeper searched for him 
 vainly everywhere. 
 
 The long day passed wearily for Aimee, who
 
 312 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 viewed the approaching twilight with renewed fear 
 and apprehension. Shortly after dusk she heard 
 the sound of voices below stairs, and knew that 
 Gaspard had returned. The sound of horses' 
 hoofs soon announced the arrival of other guests. 
 Ere long loud laughter and snatches of song told 
 that the evening meal was finished and the wine 
 was going round. 
 
 About the table in the great hall were gathered 
 Gaspard Roguin and two of his boon companions. 
 Gaudais, who had emptied several bottles while on 
 watch near the door during the afternoon, was 
 highly loquacious. " So this is the night we are to 
 see our enemy completely crushed. Look out, 
 mon cher Gaspard, that he does not give you the 
 slip again." 
 
 "No fear," was the exultant rejoinder; "with 
 one bird already in our cage, it will be but a short 
 time before the other one flutters in." 
 
 At this moment Berthier appeared. Gaspard 
 looked up anxiously. "Well?" he interrogated. 
 
 " He and his friend were seated, eating. The 
 window being closed, I threw your message through 
 the glass. I saw someone stoop to pick it up. 
 They will be here within the hour." 
 
 " Well done ! " cried Gaspard, slapping him upon 
 the back, " here is a flagon of rich, red wine to 
 recompense you for your long ride. Fill up, all of 
 you, and pledge the success of this night's work."
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER 313 
 
 All joined him heartily, and soon their tongues were 
 loosened and the spirits of the party rose under the 
 wine's potent influence. 
 
 Gaspard fully realized the desperate position his 
 abduction of the Governor's ward would place him 
 in. He had made all his arrangements for flight 
 after the expected successful encounter with Raoul, 
 leaving his three accomplices to face the conse- 
 quences of his deeds. A canoe was waiting for 
 him at the river's edge, and he counted on being 
 able to slip away unnoticed in the confusion. With 
 a couple of hours' start he could laugh at all 
 attempts at pursuit. Hence he awaited coming 
 events with a cool audacity not shared in by the 
 other three, who needed many goblets of wine to 
 bolster up their courage and make them forget the 
 danger in which they were placed. 
 
 " Where is the lady your decoy? " asked Gau- 
 dais, with drunken gravity. " Is it fitting that she 
 should keep herself so secluded when there is a 
 gallant party ready to drink to her sweet face and 
 lovely eyes? " 
 
 The others gave signs of approval of these sen- 
 timents. 
 
 " You're drunk, Gaudais," was Gaspard's reply 
 to his guest's suggestion. 
 
 " Drunk or sober," was the answer in an in- 
 jured tone, " I know that some respect is due a 
 comrade's wishes. This, mes amis," he continued,
 
 314 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 turning his tipsy head, " is our reward for aiding 
 our friend in his infernal plots. I for one refuse 
 to take part in any further proceedings to-night un- 
 less the girl is produced, bless her pretty lips, that 
 I have admired and hungered for at a distance 
 these many months ! But I know why you do not 
 produce her, mon cher Gaspard. Listen; it is be- 
 cause you can't." 
 
 Roguin frowned angrily. " Can't," he ex- 
 claimed sharply, " what do you mean? " 
 
 " I mean that if you went to her door and whis- 
 pered, * Please, Mademoiselle, will you not ap- 
 pear and meet a few choice spirits, my friends, in 
 the room below? ' she would say ' No,' and you 
 would have to return crestfallen, and with an excuse 
 for her non-appearance." 
 
 A loud laugh greeted this sally. Gaspard 
 flushed, and replied in a nettled tone : 
 
 " Peste! you drunken fool, do you not know that 
 all in my house obey my wishes? Did she refuse, 
 I would drag her here, even though I had to break 
 the door down to reach her." 
 
 " Ma foil " hiccoughed the other, " the world 
 has it that it was her father that did the ordering, 
 and yours the obeying." 
 
 Stung into a rage at this reference to his father's 
 former subordinate position, Gaspard jumped to 
 his feet, exclaiming with an oath : " Since my 
 power and authority are questioned, I will soon
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER 315 
 
 prove who is in command here," and he rushed 
 from the room and hastened up the stairs. 
 
 Reaching the door of the room in which Aimee 
 was confined, he knocked gently, but received no 
 response. Turning the key, he endeavored to 
 open the door, but found it fastened on the inside. 
 Then in a respectful tone he said: " Mademoi- 
 selle, I should esteem it a great favor if you would 
 accompany me downstairs and meet several gen- 
 tlemen whom you already know by sight. You 
 need stay only a moment, and then return, and I 
 pledge my honor that you shall be treated with all 
 deference and respect." He waited a moment, and 
 not hearing any reply he continued, striving not to 
 show his impatience in his voice : " I consider it 
 a matter of considerable importance, and beg of 
 you to grant my request." No response. There 
 was nothing to do but return alone to his com- 
 panions, as Gaudais had predicted. Throwing 
 aside his courteous tone, he spoke once more 
 sharply: "Do not provoke me, I beg of you, 
 Mademoiselle, by barricading the door and per- 
 sisting in your refusal to comply with my reason- 
 able request, or I shall be compelled to take meas- 
 ures to force your obedience." Still no answer. 
 Although he had striven, in view of the probable 
 imminent conflict with Raoul, to indulge but mod- 
 erately in wine, yet enough had been taken to 
 loosen his control over his naturally high temper.
 
 316 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 The contemptuous silence of Aimee exasperated 
 him. The unsteady tones of Gaudais' voice 
 reached his ears in the taunt: " I told him he 
 would fail," and roused him to fury. With a cry 
 of rage he dashed down the stairs, and soon reap- 
 peared in the great hall before his companions, 
 bearing a large ax. 
 
 " Come, you drunken fools," he shouted, " fol- 
 low me with all the candles and I will show you 
 how I compel obedience." His companions fol- 
 lowed, Berthier and Liotot bearing in each hand 
 a candle which they deposited on a table in the 
 upper hall so that the place was brilliantly illu- 
 minated, while Gaudais brought up the rear, cling- 
 ing unsteadily to the balusters as he pulled him- 
 self up the steps. 
 
 Gaspard approached the door. " This is your 
 last chance, Mademoiselle," he cried, and a fiend- 
 ish look flashed from his eyes. "If you refuse to 
 come now, I shall force my way in, and shall not 
 be responsible for the consequences." 
 
 No reply was vouchsafed. With an oath, he 
 raised the ax, and half buried its head in the oaken 
 panel. Again its bright surface flashed in the candle 
 light as it descended, this time bringing away 
 with it a huge splinter. Blow after blow followed 
 from the hands of the infuriated man, until one 
 entire panel had been battered in. His friends 
 stood in the background, wondering spectators of
 
 A DESPICABLE CHAPTER 317 
 
 his impetuous attack. Gaudais, unable to stand 
 in the excitement, had slipped to the floor and sat 
 with his back against the wall, blinking his stupid 
 eyes at the candles and looking at his comrade's 
 vigorous onslaught in maudlin dismay. Another 
 blow had made a small opening in the second panel, 
 when a cry of alarm from Berthier caused Gaspard 
 to look up. He glanced in the direction in which 
 his friend's finger pointed, and involuntarily drew 
 back in astonishment. The figure of a man clad in 
 armor had just reached the topmost step and 
 speedily took up its station before the beleaguered 
 door, waving awkwardly its huge battle sword, 
 crying in a hoarse voice: "Give way I Give 
 way ! Farouche to the rescue ! " 
 
 Gaspard grasped the situation in an instant. 
 The Fool had secreted himself in the old armor in 
 the great hall, as he had done before, and, hearing 
 Gaspard's plan of attack upon Aimee, had followed 
 him as well as he could up the stairs. Strongly 
 imbued with the thought that his beloved Princess 
 was in danger, he was determined to defend her, 
 even though he gave his life in the struggle. 
 
 The appearance of Farouche but infuriated his 
 master the more. Approaching him with uplifted 
 ax, his face pale with passion, he ordered him to 
 begone. For reply Farouche brandished his sword 
 yet more valiantly, and cried : " The Fairy 
 Princess in danger ! Farouche to the rescue 1 "
 
 318 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 With a cry Gaspard fell upon him and, easily 
 evading the wild lunges of his sword, brought 
 the keen edge of the ax down with full force on the 
 old helmet. With a moan Farouche staggered to 
 one side and fell. At the same instant the shrill 
 call of a whistle sounded from the interior of the 
 beleagured room, and, as if in instant reply, the 
 gaunt figure of Marie Girol glided into view and 
 took its stand before the partly wrecked door. As 
 soon as she saw the prostrate form of Farouche 
 upon the floor, a strange light blazed from her eyes. 
 Pointing an accusing finger at Gaspard Roguin, she 
 cried: " Woe unto you, you bloody murderer, for 
 you have spilled your own blood. He who lies 
 there, butchered at your hands, was your father's 
 son, your elder brother, son of your father, and 
 of me, who, in my youth, before his marriage, was 
 his favorite. The sin of the father is to-day fol- 
 lowed by the greater crime of the son. The doom 
 of your house is sealed; to-night you also meet a 
 violent death." 
 
 Gaspard staggered back, turning his gaze from 
 the threatening glance of the old woman to the ter- 
 ror-stricken faces of his companions. At the same 
 instant a feminine cry of joy issued from the room, 
 and a moment later the sound of hurrying feet was 
 heard in the hall below, causing him to turn toward 
 this new source of alarm.
 
 Chapter Twenty-Five 
 
 SHOWS HOW THE HERO PAID OFF OLD SCORES 
 
 WHEN the true meaning of the two notes 
 had flashed across the minds of Raoul 
 and his friend, they stared at one an- 
 other in silence for a moment, overcome by the 
 audacity and villainy of the deed. Raoul was the 
 first to move. Seizing a near-by cord, he soon had 
 the bell in the servants' hall jangling like a thing 
 possessed. Orders to prepare their horses were 
 given in a low, calm voice, nothing either in word 
 or action betraying the storm of emotion that filled 
 his breast. He coolly buckled on his father's 
 sword, patting the hilt fondly as though to encour- 
 age a friend, and then walked slowly up and down 
 the floor in deep meditation. After some delay, 
 owing to the breaking of a girth, the horses were 
 announced. Then for the first time did Raoul 
 speak to Armand. " Are you ready? " was all he 
 said as they clasped hands in a grip that indicated 
 a common purpose, silently pledging each to each 
 the faithful performance of a sacred duty. With- 
 out a word they swung into their saddles, and were 
 soon pounding along the feebly-lighted moon-lit 
 
 319
 
 320 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 road. When they reached the city a halt was 
 made at the Chateau, a few hurried words were 
 whispered in the Governor's ear, who nodded ap- 
 proval, and promised to follow at once with all 
 speed, and they were off once more, hastening 
 along the Beauport road, no sound escaping from 
 them save the steady foot-fall of the horses as they 
 forged rapidly ahead. Ere long they were dash- 
 ing, along the leafy avenue and stopped before the 
 gloomy pile of La Maison Sombre. It was 
 this approach that Aimee had beheld from her 
 window, and which had caused her cry of joy and 
 relief. 
 
 Much to their surprise they found the front door 
 unlocked and unbolted, thanks to the precaution 
 of Marie Girol. Sword in hand, they rushed im- 
 petuously in, the sound of voices leading them up 
 the stairs. On the topmost step they paused an 
 instant. A glance at the broken door, with the 
 maddened Gaspard, ax in hand, before it, and they 
 understood the situation. Liotot, with a cry of fear 
 as he saw these two avenging figures, was soon 
 clattering down the back-stairs and out into the 
 night in his frantic efforts to escape. A shout of 
 exultation broke from Raoul's lips, the first sound 
 he had uttered, as he sprang toward his enemy; 
 with a snarl of defiance Gaspard dropped his ax 
 and drew his sword. Armand stepped over the 
 body of Gaudais, who by this time lay sprawling
 
 on the floor, sunk deep in drunken slumber, and 
 engaged with Berthier, while Marie Girol, who 
 had meanwhile dragged the form of the unfortu- 
 nate Farouche out of the way, sat with his head in 
 her lap, crooning in a low tone a weird song as 
 she strove to loosen the rusty fastenings of the 
 ancient helmet. Aimee's pale face appeared in 
 the broken panel of the door, as she stood a petri- 
 fied witness of the fray. No sound was heard 
 save the clink of steel and the deep breathing of 
 the combatants as they warmed to their deadly 
 work. Backward and forward they lurched, with 
 lunge and parry, thrust and counterthrust, the 
 lightning flashes of the bright blades matched by 
 the gleams of passionate hatred from their eyes. 
 Raoul faced his antagonist coolly, and used his 
 weapon with deliberation, choosing to wait for just 
 the proper opening before delivering the blow that 
 would rid him forever of the crafty enemy who 
 had almost wrecked his life. Gaspard Roguin, 
 although nearly blinded with fury and lust for the 
 life of his foe, still exercised his natural cunning, 
 endeavoring to get his opponent in an unfavorable 
 position. Failing in his effort to force him to stand 
 with the candle-light shining directly in his eyes, 
 he next maneuvered to bring him with his back 
 toward the head of the stairs, hoping that when this 
 was accomplished he would be able by a series of 
 desperate rushes to send him falling backward over
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 the edge. Raoul, however, understood his designs 
 and thwarted them, while he increased the fierce- 
 ness of his own attack. He had forced his enemy 
 back against the shattered door and by his brilliant 
 play of sword kept him there, deciding in his mind 
 that the time for the fatal stroke had come. 
 
 At that instant a cry of warning escaped from 
 Armand, whose sword had been wrenched from his 
 hand by a clever thrust of Berthier. Realizing 
 that some new danger threatened him, Raoul 
 whirled quickly about, only to behold Berthier 
 rushing at him from the rear. Like a flash he turned 
 the threatening sword-point to one side, his own 
 slipping along his new opponent's guard and en- 
 tering his breast. Berthier fell with a scream of 
 pain, and Raoul again faced Roguin, who, at sight 
 of his enemy's back, delivered a vicious thrust that 
 would have been highly successful had Raoul de- 
 layed a fraction of a second longer before turning. 
 " Wretch ! " he exclaimed as he again forced Gas- 
 pard against the door. " Your days of assassinat- 
 ing are past." Then, as he resumed the conflict 
 with increased vehemence, he continued in a low, 
 steady voice, repeating the talismanic inscription 
 engraved upon his weapon: "Fight not for 
 maid, unless your heart be pure." At the sound 
 of these words, Gaspard started, and paled with 
 a premonitory fear. " Fight not for country, save 
 for love, not gold."
 
 HERO PAYS OFF OLD SCORES 323 
 
 The fear changed into despair, although he 
 struggled vainly against it. 
 
 " Fight not 'gainst man, except your cause be 
 just." These words rang in his ears with the 
 sound of doom. 
 
 " I have promised to deliver to you this, my 
 sword, Monsieur," continued Raoul calmly, as his 
 weapon described a flashing circle about his enemy's 
 head. " Receive it now, with my compliments, 1 ' 
 and at the word he made a terrifice lunge that 
 carried his sword-point through the breast of his 
 antagonist, and on, halfway through the wood- 
 work of the door. Gaspard's own weapon fell 
 from his grasp, and his head dropped forward as 
 he hung an instant transfixed by Raoul's blade. 
 His eyes turned upon the victor with a last dying 
 look of concentrated hatred; a convulsive shudder 
 passed through his frame, and his lifeless body fell 
 to the floor, carrying with it the avenging sword. 
 
 Raoul sprang to the door. " Aimee ! Aimee I " 
 he cried anxiously. A sound was heard as the pro- 
 tecting bar was removed, the door swung open, 
 and with a cry of joy he bounded over his fallen 
 foe into the room and seized the form of his be- 
 loved, and for one mad moment poured into her 
 ears a flood of endearing words. Only for a 
 moment, however, for loud shouts and the sound 
 of running feet were heard in the lower hall, and 
 Raoul looked out to behold the Governor, sword
 
 324 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 drawn, with flushed face and flashing eyes, coming 
 up the stairs, with a dozen soldiers at his heels. 
 Aimee, more beautiful than ever for the blushes 
 that suffused her features, slipped past Raoul and 
 flung herself into the Governor's outstretched 
 arms. 
 
 Finally disengaging himself, he advanced to 
 Raoul, who stood with blazing eyes, and chest still 
 heaving from the recent struggle, and, seizing his 
 hand, laid one of his own upon the young man's 
 shoulder. " Raoul, my son, I see we have come 
 too late. You have done good work this night," 
 he said. 
 
 They then joined Armand, who was examining 
 the extent of Berthier's wound as he lay groaning 
 in the place where he had fallen. They soon 
 found that the point of Raoul's sword, striking a 
 rib, had glanced off, inflicting an ugly flesh wound, 
 but one not necessarily serious. This was soon 
 stanched, and the sufferer made more comfortable. 
 Aimee's quick eye caught a glimpse of the old 
 housekeeper seated in her corner, still holding the 
 lifeless head of her much abused offspring in her 
 lap. She had removed the helmet, and now was 
 stroking his brow gently with her withered hand, 
 whispering fondly unaccustomed words of endear- 
 ment into his deaf ears. Aimee approached, knelt 
 down beside her, and leaning over kissed the pale 
 forehead of her defender, while a tear of pity and
 
 HERO PAYS OFF OLD SCORES 325 
 
 gratitude fell, bedewing his mass of tangled hair. 
 A smile of surprise and delight still lingered about 
 the dead man's mouth. Farouche the Fool had 
 found the fairies at last ! 
 
 Aimee looked about her wearily, and for the 
 first time a full realization of the horror of the 
 scene the flaring candles, the murdered Fa- 
 rouche, the dead Gaspard, the wounded Berthier, 
 the astonished glances of the soldiers fell upon 
 her, and with a slight shudder, as though a sudden 
 breath of icy air had struck her, she advanced 
 toward the Governor, and, like a tired child, laid 
 her hand in his, murmuring, " Take me home, Pere 
 Philippe." 
 
 Horses were obtained from the stable, and soon 
 the entire party, the wounded Berthier and the 
 drunken Gaudais supported in their saddles, were 
 wending their way slowly back to the city. 
 
 Within the desolate walls of La Maison Som- 
 bre quiet reigned, the servants retiring, leaving 
 Marie Girol alone with her dead. Absorbed in 
 her grief, she sat until the hour of midnight re- 
 sounded through the gloomy halls. Aroused by 
 the noise, she arose and lifting carefully the shat- 
 tered frame of her long-neglected child, she partly 
 carried, partly dragged him down the stairs into 
 the great hall below. Returning, she repugnantly 
 seized the body of Gaspard and conveyed it to the 
 same place. She then slipped from the house and
 
 326 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 going to the stable soon returned with an armful 
 of hay. She repeated her errand a score of times, 
 until she had accumulated a large quantity of 
 the dry material, out of which she made two small 
 piles, one on each side of the slab beneath which 
 old Pierre Roguin lay. With some difficulty she 
 placed the two bodies, one on each pile. Having 
 done this she surveyed the results of her labor with 
 satisfaction. " At last," she murmured, " they 
 are in their right places ; the two sons, one on each 
 side of his father, the proud, cruel man who re- 
 fused to recognize them both in life, but who is 
 powerless now to prevent the outcast one, the eldest 
 born, from taking his lawful position upon his 
 right hand. How proud, how calm he looks, com- 
 pared with that silly woman's brat who supplanted 
 him ! My son has at last come into his own, and 
 I am satisfied." 
 
 She then began a careful distribution of the 
 remaining huge heap of hay about the room, 
 upstairs in all the dismal chambers and through- 
 out the lower floor. When all was arranged to her 
 satisfaction, she seized a candle and, passing 
 rapidly from pile to pile of the inflammable 
 material, applied the light, and chuckled as she 
 heard the ready crackling. A few moments more 
 and all the curtain hangings were also lighted. As 
 she heard the roar of the advancing flames she 
 burst into a mocking laugh, crying in a shrill
 
 HERO PAYS OFF OLD SCORES 327 
 
 voice : " They shall have no other burial, but shall 
 burn all together, with the rest of this accursed 
 house." Running to the upper floor, she roused 
 the servants so that they could escape, and returned 
 once more to the scene of destruction. 
 
 The old woodwork, dry and blackened, caught 
 fire and soon involved the whole interior. Flames 
 broke their way through the windows, letting in 
 more air to fan their fury. High above the roar 
 of destruction came the voice of the exulting Marie 
 Girol as she ran from room to room, like a fire- 
 spirit, singing a weird song of defiance and tri- 
 umph, oblivious of the heat, careless of the sparks 
 falling all about her. At length she was obliged 
 to withdraw, but hovered near, chanting like a 
 witch above a seething caldron until finally as day 
 broke, a blackened heap of smoldering ruins was 
 all that remained of La Maison Sombre.
 
 Chapter Twenty-Six 
 
 WHEREIN A CONFESSION IS MADE, AND A RESTI- 
 TUTION OFFERED, CLOSING WITH MILITARY 
 STRAINS 
 
 THE next day, when a party of soldiers 
 arrived on the desolate scene, sent by the 
 Governor at Aimee's request to bring the 
 remains of her gallant defender to Quebec and give 
 them Christian burial, they found a worn figure 
 stretched motionless upon the hay in the stables. 
 Whether it was that the superhuman exertions of 
 the previous night were the last desperate flicker 
 of a light already doomed to extinguishment, or 
 whether the injury inflicted by the brutal foot of 
 Gaspard Roguin had developed into a fatal illness, 
 could not be determined. At any rate the rough 
 men, as they stood about the ugly, worn form of 
 the old housekeeper, recognized upon her the mark 
 of death. She begged them in a weak, but insist- 
 ent tone, that they return to the city with all speed 
 and summon the Governor and Aimee de Marsay 
 to her side, saying that she had strange yet 
 highly important information to deliver to them 
 before she died. Her request was heeded, and 
 
 328
 
 A CONFESSION IS MADE 329 
 
 before many hours both the Governor and his ward 
 were hastening to her. 
 
 By the aid of restoratives she was strengthened 
 sufficiently to deliver the message that was on her 
 mind. 
 
 " Strange though it may seem now," she began, 
 looking at Aimee with a softened glance, " when I 
 was young I was possessed of beauty not far infe- 
 rior to your own. But, alas, I had not your good- 
 ness, and fell a victim to the importunities of 
 Pierre Roguin, my master. I was a great favorite 
 of his, and lived in a fool's heaven, dreaming of the 
 time when I should become the lawful mistress of 
 the grand house in which he lived. When Fa- 
 rouche was born to me, all was changed. My mas- 
 ter soon found he was a witling, and from that time 
 his regard for me began to wane, and a dislike, 
 almost a hatred, finally took its place. He rushed 
 off to Montreal one day and soon reappeared with 
 a wife, a weak, silly thing, and I was doomed to 
 serve in the home where I had hoped to rule. 
 Years passed, and I still lived on. Whenever I 
 looked at the weak babe in my arms, the cause of 
 all my troubles the wrecker of my future plans 
 and hopes I hated him. A score of times did 
 my itching fingers seek his throat as he lay in his 
 cradle, to strangle the little life that had come 
 between me and my happiness. But I drew back 
 in time. Wicked though I was, I could not kill
 
 330 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 my own flesh and blood, so I contented myself 
 with the thought that, feeble in brain and body, 
 he could not live long. With this in mind, I took 
 little care of him, hoping to hasten the end. But 
 the greater my neglect, the stronger he grew, until 
 I realized that he was destined to live on, a con- 
 stant reproach and irritation to me. So it was 
 that I lost all natural feeling, and vented on him 
 by blows and harsh words the full bitterness of 
 my miserable life. It was only when I saw in his 
 brave defense of this young lady a glimpse of the 
 old reckless spirit of his father, and in his brutal 
 murder by his wicked brother the working out of 
 a cruel destiny whereby I and mine were continually 
 sacrificed to the advantage of the other woman's 
 child, that there was awakened in my breast all the 
 old mother's love that I thought had died with his 
 birth. And when I saw by your sympathetic kiss 
 upon his dead brow, Mademoiselle, that others 
 recognized in him traits worthy of admiration and 
 kindly gratitude, I was shamed, and loved you for 
 so shaming me. 
 
 " But my strength is going fast, and I must tell 
 you the more important part of my story. As you 
 know, your Excellency, Pierre Roguin was origi- 
 nally the steward of Felix de Marsay, and looked 
 after his estates while he was away bravely fight- 
 ing for the Colony, or wasting his time in Paris 
 vainly endeavoring to interest the King and his
 
 A CONFESSION IS MADE 331 
 
 minister more fully in New France. His long ab- 
 sences gave ample opportunity to an unscrupulous 
 man to gain many advantages for himself. Such a 
 man was Pierre Roguin, yet I loved him fondly, 
 despite his many faults. Often he told me, with a 
 chuckle of delight, of the various ways in which he 
 tricked his absent employer; how, pretending neces- 
 sity for the sale of a piece of land to make up for a 
 bad crop, he had been able to purchase it himself 
 for a song with money he had stolen from the good 
 Monsieur de Marsay. You also know how, be- 
 cause of his master's careless habits of business, 
 Pierre Roguin was found in practical possession of 
 his entire estate at his death. 
 
 " Gaspard was the joy and delight of his father's 
 life, after his foolish wife sickened and died. On 
 him was centered every hope. But the son seemed 
 to have inherited only the evil traits of his father. 
 Among these was a terrible temper, that, when once 
 aroused, brooked no interference from anyone. I 
 well remember the day when Gaspard was fifteen. 
 He made some outrageous demand upon his father, 
 which was indignantly refused. This aroused the 
 tiger in the boy's soul. His fury knew no bounds. 
 He stormed at his father, threatened him with 
 physical harm, and cursed him to his face. That 
 night when I brought in the candles I found the old 
 man seated alone before the fire, in deep meditation, 
 with an angry scowl upon his face. He refused
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 all food, and soon busied himself at the table with 
 his writing materials. Young Gaspard stalked in 
 later, and, without a glance at his father, went off 
 to bed. The light burned late that night. As I 
 passed his door my master called me in and bade 
 me be seated. Then it was for the first time in 
 many years that he talked to me in the kindly con- 
 fidence I had once been used to. He opened his 
 heart as he talked, and told me how he had come to 
 realize that Gaspard would grow up into an un- 
 worthy man. ' He has too much of me in him, 
 and not enough of his angel-mother.' I clenched 
 my hands at those last words, but said nothing, 
 hoping that at last he was going to acknowledge 
 as his legal child the offspring of his early infatua- 
 tion. But no, his mood was strange that night, 
 one I had never seen before, a mood of an awak- 
 ened conscience. ' I robbed old Felix de Marsay 
 when he lived, leaving his baby-girl penniless that 
 I might enrich the son who this day has shown 
 his unworthiness. I have made a will to-night, 
 restoring all that I possess to the heir of the right- 
 ful owner, leaving only a small sum to my worth- 
 less child, that will afford him either support 
 while he works out an honorable career, or 
 an opportunity of hastening his profligate end. 
 To-morrow I shall have the legal witnesses sign 
 this paper, and shall deposit it here.' He walked 
 to an old secretaire and, pressing a spring, showed
 
 A CONFESSION IS MADE 333 
 
 me a secret drawer. ' You alone know where 
 it is hidden. When I die you must deliver it to 
 the Governor.' That was all, save that he turned 
 and kissed me in a dreamy sort of a way as though 
 he saw me standing before him as of old in all the 
 freshness of my youth." 
 
 A terrible weakness here seized the old woman, 
 and it was with difficulty that she was again 
 aroused. " Where was I? Oh, yes, I remember. 
 Well, that mood did not return, and the matter was 
 apparently forgotten, as he never referred to it 
 again. Once only did he ever seem to have it in 
 mind. One day he exclaimed to me with a bitter 
 laugh, ' One's good intentions do not seem to 
 become fulfilled. I hear a child died last night at 
 the Chateau.' Knowing that the Governor had 
 taken you, Mademoiselle, under his care, I could 
 think only that you were dead. 
 
 ' There being no wrong left to be righted, I 
 allowed the paper to remain in its hidden place, 
 and quite forgot its existence. It was only when 
 I learned from this young lady's lips that she was, 
 indeed, Aimee de Marsay, the heir to the good 
 Felix de Marsay, that I remembered. The desire 
 to revenge myself upon the base son was fresh in 
 my mind, and I planned to produce the will and 
 thus with one blow deprive him of nearly all that 
 he thought he possessed. But le bon Dieu directed 
 otherwise. Last night, before setting fire to the
 
 334 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 house that has been worse than a prison to me for 
 so many years, I went to the old secretaire and 
 found the will in the same hidden drawer Pierre 
 
 Roguin had shown me. I placed it " Here 
 
 the voice of the speaker, which had grown weaker 
 and weaker, suddenly stopped. She cast a look 
 of despair upon her hearers, as though she realized 
 that she had been foiled at the last moment in her 
 desire to deliver the precious document. Her lips 
 moved inaudibly; her hand stretched upward and 
 plucked helplessly at her bosom, then fell to her 
 side, and all was still. The message was delivered ; 
 the messenger had gone. 
 
 With a woman's quick intuition, Aimee inter- 
 preted the last movement of the dying hand, and 
 slipped her own into the dress where that hand 
 had sought to find something, and quickly with- 
 drew it, bringing forth a folded paper, which she 
 handed to the Governor. He took it to the door 
 and examined it carefully. " She was right," he 
 muttered joyfully to Aimee, who had followed 
 him, " and it is properly drawn and witnessed." 
 
 That evening Raoul called at the Chateau, and 
 requested a private interview with the Governor, 
 who greeted him warmly when he entered the 
 room, albeit with some surprise. He motioned 
 him to a chair, but the young man remained stand- 
 ing, hat in hand, in an embarrassed way, as though
 
 A CONFESSION IS MADE 335 
 
 not knowing how to begin. He caught the kindly 
 glance of the Governor directed on him, and it gave 
 him courage. 
 
 " My honored friend," he began, " and the 
 stanch ally of my noble father, I have a confes- 
 sion and a request to make." 
 
 The Governor smiled encouragingly, although 
 wondering what the young man could have to tell 
 him. 
 
 Raoul with an effort began, and soon was fully 
 launched in a recital of all the events that had 
 transpired since the arrival of Madame Duvivier 
 and the false du Tillet. He even went back to 
 the time of his first meeting with Gaspard, on the 
 doomed vessel. He did not spare himself in any 
 particular, but laid bare his weakness unflinch- 
 ingly. 
 
 " And now," he continued, " regarding Aimee," 
 and at the name a troubled look came into his 
 eyes. u She has suffered, poor girl, through the 
 wiles of those who sought to destroy me. I love 
 her, your Excellency, and have from the beginning. 
 I would have told her my love one night, but I 
 was interrupted, and then that accursed woman 
 spread her net and I became entangled in her snare. 
 At one time I believed her former friendship had 
 passed into a deeper feeling, but now, after what 
 has happened, my apparent neglect, my foolish 
 recklessness and all, I dare not think what her atti-
 
 336 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 tude toward me may be. To-day I am penniless, 
 and guilty of unmanly weakness in allowing myself 
 to be duped by an intriguing woman and a cunning 
 villain. Until these matters are righted or atoned 
 for, I can speak no word of love to her. First of 
 all, I must vindicate my manhood. I, therefore, 
 beg that you permit me to join the force I hear 
 you are about to dispatch against the English Col- 
 onies. May le bon Dieu afford me opportunity 
 in the campaign to retrieve myself. If I fail, I 
 shall fall upon the field of battle, with my sword 
 drawn, facing an open enemy, and Aimee may then 
 forget all except that I died fighting in the front 
 rank for King and Colony. If I return, I can meet 
 her as one who has redeemed his weakness. I will 
 then be free to whisper to the woman that I love 
 the glad message of my heart's deep adoration and 
 desire. Tell me, sir, for the sake of one who was 
 your gallant comrade, my honored father, that you 
 will not deny me the assistance that I ask? " 
 
 While the young man thus earnestly pleaded, 
 the Governor thrilled, recognizing in him the same 
 spirit that had so distinguished his friend of other 
 days, and as he gazed his heart warmed toward the 
 youthful nature that from the midst of ruin stood 
 upright and faced the unknown future fearlessly. 
 So moved was he that he remained silent for a 
 moment after his companion had ceased speaking. 
 Then in a voice broken with emotion he said:
 
 A CONFESSION IS MADE 337 
 
 " Not for your father's sake, my son, will I do 
 all that you ask at my hands, but for your own, his 
 worthy successor." 
 
 After Raoul had gone, the Governor sent for 
 Aimee, and, drawing her down into her favorite 
 position, laid his hand affectionately upon her head 
 and told her all that her lover had told him. 
 ;t We must do nothing, ma cherie, to thwart his 
 plans of gaining once more his self-respect," he 
 said in conclusion. " Above all must we be silent 
 as to your recent good fortune. Let him believe 
 himself penniless, with nothing but his sword and 
 undaunted spirit with which to win and provide for 
 you. Le bon Dieu will surely send him back to 
 us. Such noble natures are too rare in this sor- 
 did world; they must needs be spared." And 
 Aimee, woman that she was, assented readily with 
 a dutiful smile upon her face, but with a sigh in 
 her heart. 
 
 Arrangements for the expedition were soon com- 
 pleted, and once more Raoul stood before the Gov- 
 ernor, flushed with hope and enthusiasm, clasping 
 his hand in farewell. " Sir, a thousand thanks 
 for my lieutenancy! It was more than I had 
 hoped for! I shall prove myself not unworthy 
 of your confidence." 
 
 A moment later he and Aimee were taking 
 leave of one another. Few were the words ex- 
 changed. " I shall return," he whispered, " and
 
 338 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 we shall once more be children, and tell each other 
 tales as of yore. Will you listen then as you have 
 before? " For answer the girl extended her hand, 
 which he seized eagerly. 
 
 " But one thing I lack," he continued. " In 
 all our stories of brave knights and fair ladies, the 
 warrior has always borne with him on his quest, 
 his lady's colors, a talisman against misfortune, a 
 banner beneath which to fight, a constant reminder 
 of her thoughts of him." 
 
 Aimee quickly unfastened a bow of blue ribbon 
 from her hair, touched it lightly to her lips, pressed 
 it into Raoul's outstretched hands, and fled. 
 
 When the fleet of canoes containing the war 
 party swept over the surface of the river, the 
 rhythm of the flashing paddles kept time to the 
 song of the men. But in the heart of one of the 
 members of the expedition another refrain sounded 
 that was destined for many days to thrill him with 
 its cadences. Over and over again it sang itself: 
 
 " A blue knot, 
 A true knot, 
 A lover's knot of blue, " 
 
 filling him with courage, hope, and joy.
 
 Chapter Twenty-Seven 
 
 DEALS WITH THE CAMP AND BATTLE-FIELD, AND 
 INCLUDES A SAFE RETURN 
 
 THE expedition had been gone scarce a week 
 when Quebec and all the fair Colony of 
 the King of France was assailed from 
 another direction and quickly conquered. The 
 Spirit of the North sallied forth in all his strength 
 from his frozen retreat, and breathed upon the 
 surface of the mighty river, imprisoning for a time 
 its sparkling waters in fetters of ice. He waved 
 an unseen wand, and lo ! the rugged surface of the 
 earth was clothed in dazzling white. The birds, 
 all save a hardy few, fled southward with affrighted 
 cry before his frosty breath, while man, proud man, 
 whose puny hands essayed to subdue a continent, 
 bowed stubbornly to his yoke. 
 
 To Aimee, the approach of the winter season 
 was always a time of dread, for ij: meant the ces- 
 sation in a great measure of her active outdoor 
 existence, and in its stead days of irksome duress in 
 the house before the drifted streets could be made 
 passable for even her youthful vigor. This year 
 it brought increased bitterness to her anxious heart. 
 
 339
 
 340 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 When, seated before the great fireplace, she heard 
 the whirling of the snow against the panes and 
 the growling of the wind as it strove vainly to 
 descend the chimney, her thoughts wandered afar 
 off and she saw in the blazing logs, not graceful 
 air-castles aglow with maiden fancies, but, rather, 
 a company of brave men, stumbling resolutely on 
 through the deepening snow, facing undauntedly 
 the stinging blast and the darkness of night. And 
 later when she bowed her head upon her tiny prie- 
 dieu she besought the protection of the God of 
 battles, who was also the God of storms, for her 
 lover, who perhaps at that moment was braving 
 unknown dangers and suffering untold hardships. 
 
 The Governor, too, went about his daily duties 
 weighed down with his burden of cares, not the 
 least of which was his solicitude for Raoul. The 
 same ardor that had imbued the life-purpose of 
 the father, he could now behold thrilling and 
 vibrating in the heart of the son. Many times 
 did he bitterly reproach himself for sending Raoul 
 on this winter expedition against the New Eng- 
 land colonies, fearing lest the youth might suc- 
 cumb to cold and privation, rather than that he 
 should fall in battle. 
 
 Meager reports were received of the fortunes 
 of the war-party. After varying success they 
 finally went into winter quarters in a strongly for- 
 tified position, awaiting the first oncoming of
 
 CAMP AND BATTLE-FIELD 
 
 spring, that would enable them to make a succes- 
 sion of onslaughts upon the enemy. Twice dur- 
 ing the winter did the Governor hear of Raoul; 
 both times a mere mention of his gallantry in the 
 dispatches of the commanding officer. Armand, 
 who had joined the expedition so as to be near his 
 friend, managed to send one brief letter to Aimee, 
 in which he reported Raoul well. Aimee was at 
 first a little piqued at her lover's silence, but the 
 Governor readily understood it to be but a part 
 of Raoul's plan to keep himself entirely separated 
 from his friends until he could return a new man, 
 and point to the record of his achievements as 
 proof of his regeneration. 
 
 Many an evening was spent before the fire by 
 the old man and his ward talking of Raoul, and 
 surmising as to his welfare and return. And 
 often when conversation flagged and the resound- 
 ing bell of the great clock warned them repeatedly 
 of the passing of the hours, they still sat in con- 
 templative silence watching the life of the dying 
 embers fade into blackness, the Governor dream- 
 ing of past glories, while Aimee, with open eyes, 
 dreamed only of the future. 
 
 One evening, after the Governor had slipped 
 into his warm seat before the fire, he turned to 
 his companion with a smile: 
 
 " I am late, little pigeon," he said in a joyful 
 tone, " but I bring you good news. I was called
 
 342 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 to the bedside of a dying man, one of Raoul's 
 former associates, Monsieur Gaudais. Poor fel- 
 low, his love of liquor has brought him to an 
 untimely end. As soon as he learned that he 
 would surely die, he told his confessor that he 
 must see me at once. I found him weighed down 
 with a secret he felt it necessary to divulge before 
 partaking of the holy sacrament. In the presence 
 of witnesses, he dictated and signed a confession 
 that explains in detail the mysterious intrigues 
 of Gaspard Roguin and Madame Duvivier, whose 
 history, as I learned from Paris, was none too sav- 
 ory, in their efforts to ruin Raoul. You see, ma 
 cherie, you were right when you believed in your 
 lover's innocence in the face of a remarkable chain 
 of circumstantial evidence, and compelled me to 
 pardon him in spite of the judgment of the 
 Council." 
 
 Aimee gave a low cry of delight at these words 
 as she flung her arms about the old man's neck, 
 while her eyes glistened with tears of joy. 
 
 " But that is not all, ma petite," continued the 
 Governor. " His confession further disclosed 
 the fact that fraudulent methods were used by 
 Gaspard Roguin in play, whereby Raoul lost his 
 money and estate. This furnishes me with legal 
 means of restoring to him all his property, so that 
 he will be no longer the penniless soldier he be- 
 lieves himself to be."
 
 CAMP AND BATTLE-FIELD 343 
 
 For reply there was a convulsive sob, and he 
 felt the warm tear-drops on his cheek. 
 
 "Tut, tut! For shame!" he exclaimed ten- 
 derly, " this is no time for grief, but rather thank- 
 fulness to le bon Dieu for the goodness He has 
 vouchsafed to us all," and his fatherly hand 
 stroked soothingly the bowed head. A moment 
 later a grief-stricken voice whispered in his ear, 
 " It is not that, Pere Philippe ; I am truly thank- 
 ful, believe me. But now, now my own riches 
 have lost their value. I cannot help Raoul as I 
 had hoped to do; he will no longer need me." 
 
 The winter dragged its dreary length until it 
 seemed interminable. At last one morning Aimee 
 was awakened early by bird-notes outside her win- 
 dow, and she took courage. But the most youth- 
 ful of all the seasons quickly retreated with true 
 feminine capriciousness, as though fearful of being 
 too forward, and snow and ice once more reigned 
 supreme. A few weeks of alternate freezing and 
 thawing followed, until at last the great river, 
 after much struggle and many groans, broke its icy 
 bonds, and the lately imprisoned waters gleamed 
 joyfully in the bright sunshine. The snow, too, 
 disappeared before its ardent touch, and soon both 
 men and nature rejoiced again in the warm em- 
 brace of spring. 
 
 Word arrived of the partial success of the ex- 
 pedition, and the probability of its early return,
 
 344 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 due to the loss of a great number of men from 
 wounds or sickness and the rumored approach of 
 an overwhelming force of English. This was, 
 indeed, good news to the apprehensive heart of 
 Aimee de Marsay, and it beat with a strange de- 
 light as she realized that the time of her dis- 
 quietude and foreboding was nigh past. Each 
 day as she walked on the ramparts her gaze wan- 
 dered down the river in fond hope of catching 
 a glimpse of the returning fleet of canoes, and 
 as she turned away in disappointment a voice 
 within her whispered softly, counseling patience. 
 Late one afternoon, as her eyes scanned again the 
 long stretch of water with a look of mingled 
 weariness and longing, she gave a little gasp of 
 delight as she beheld a tiny, black dot just round- 
 ing a distant point. With breathless interest she 
 watched; another speck appeared, and then an- 
 other, until she could count a dozen, and knew 
 that the long-wished-for day had come. Running 
 to the Chateau, her tremulous voice resounded 
 through the empty rooms : " Pere Philippe, Pere 
 Philippe, they are coming! " The Governor, 
 just rousing from a nap, started up in surprise. 
 " Impossible ! " he exclaimed, " I do not look for 
 them for two days yet." At this moment a sol- 
 dier appeared and with a stiff military salute an- 
 nounced that the returning expedition had been 
 sighted.
 
 CAMP AND BATTLE-FIELD 3i5 
 
 Together they repaired to the rampart and 
 stood, the old man's arm affectionately encircling 
 his fair ward, watching with absorbing interest 
 the swift approach of the flotilla of tiny craft. 
 Nearer and nearer they drew, until finally the 
 eager eyes of the watchers caught the glint of the 
 sun on the swiftly moving paddles, and the first 
 soft breeze of evening wafted to them the sound 
 of men's voices singing as bravely and light- 
 heartedly as when they had set out so many weary 
 months before. The Governor viewed them with 
 swelling breast and proudly flashing eye, which 
 gave way to a troubled look and a deep sigh as 
 he counted their number, and discovered that, 
 whereas a hundred canoes had left Quebec, but 
 fifty were returning. On through the gathering 
 dusk they came and finally, when the darkness hid 
 them from view, the two still stood listening to 
 the cheers of the soldiers and the welcoming cries 
 of the excited populace, gathered at the landing 
 place in the Lower Town. At last the Governor 
 led his companion into the Chateau. " Another 
 hour, and we shall have Raoul with us again. In 
 the meantime, ma petite, you must eat." 
 
 Joy as well as sorrow can destroy the most 
 robust appetite. The old man made but a sorry 
 pretense of eating, while Aimee made no effort 
 at all, but chattered away in her excess of happi- 
 ness, keeping a listening ear meanwhile for the
 
 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 first sound of the expected visitor. Suddenly 
 she stopped talking as she heard a heavy tread 
 in the adjoining room. Her heart stood still an 
 instant in expectancy, when the door opened, and 
 Armand, with his handsome countenance dark- 
 ened somewhat by exposure, stood before them. 
 Aimee uttered a cry of glad recognition and run- 
 ning to him seized his arm, while the Governor, 
 rising more tardily from his chair, grasped the 
 other, and both uttered in one voice their welcome 
 at seeing him return. The good fellow reddened 
 with pleasure as the Governor led him to the table 
 and forced him to sit down, while Aimee, without 
 waiting to call a servant, prepared a plate full of 
 tempting food and placed it before him beside a 
 glass filled from the Governor's own decanter. 
 The young man gave a sigh of intense satisfac- 
 tion as he surveyed the good things, and mur- 
 mured: " Begging your Excellency's pardon, but 
 this is the first civilized food I have seen since I 
 left Quebec." 
 
 " Fall to, then, like the gallant soldier that you 
 are," was the kindly reply; "or we shall over- 
 whelm you with a score of questions, the answers 
 to which will prevent you from enjoying your 
 feast." 
 
 " I have had occasion more than once since 
 leaving you to fight and eat at the same time. 
 Why should I not eat and talk as well? What
 
 CAMP AND BATTLE-FIELD 347 
 
 is your first question? But stop," he continued, 
 as he turned a mischievous glance on Aimee, " you 
 need not ask it. He is alive and well, and has 
 covered himself with glory, and will be here as 
 soon as his duties permit him." The girl blushed 
 deeply at his friendly thrust, and her confusion 
 increased as he went on with a sly laugh : " You 
 wonder, perhaps, why he is not here instead of 
 me, and are just a little disappointed at his delay. 
 Perhaps he felt a delicacy in coming to the Gov- 
 ernor before the commander of the expedition 
 had appeared at the Chateau to make his official 
 visit to His Excellency. I had no such scruples, 
 but allowed my personal feelings full sway, so 
 came at once without regard to military etiquette. 
 But then, unlike Raoul, I am no soldier-hero." 
 
 " And how did our young friend acquit him- 
 self? He was worthy of his illustrious father and 
 his European training, I hope? " queried the Gov- 
 ernor, trying vainly to conceal his eagerness to 
 learn all of Raoul's experiences. 
 
 "Magnificently!" was the reply. "What a 
 splendid soldier he is! He set an example to the 
 men that aroused them to fight like tigers, better 
 far than a dose of brandy and gunpowder would 
 have done. He first won their admiration by his 
 brave and gallant actions, then their enthusiastic 
 devotion by his thoughtfulness for their safety. 
 He never ordered those under him to go where
 
 348 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 he was unwilling to lead them. When they were 
 sick or wounded, he visited them, and shared his 
 own wine and food with the sufferers. Were he 
 to command them to follow him into the jaws of 
 Death they would rush to obey him with a cheer. 
 He will yet be another Conde, a Turenne, a 
 Saxe." 
 
 The Governor smiled and rubbed his hands 
 with pleasure as he muttered, " I knew it, I 
 knew it." 
 
 The three then adjourned to the Governor's 
 room, where Armand, now fairly launched upon 
 a full account of his friend's exploits, held his 
 audience of two spellbound with delight at his 
 hearty praise. While they were conversing a 
 servant appeared and announced that the com- 
 mander of the expedition was come to see the 
 Governor. Word was given for him to enter, 
 when the door opened and Raoul de Chatignac 
 stood alone upon the threshold. 
 
 Aimee's surprise was so great at this unexpected 
 apparition that she was speechless, and could only 
 gaze at the stalwart figure of her lover in open- 
 eyed amazement. Armand watched her with a 
 smile of supressed delight. The Governor was 
 the first to rally from his astonishment, and after 
 returning his salute, addressed the young man 
 with mock gravity: 
 
 " Welcome back, Lieutenant Raoul de Chati-
 
 CAMP AND BATTLE-FIELD 349 
 
 gnac. Pray overlook our surprise, for we had 
 expected the entrance of your commander." 
 
 "He is before you," he replied with some em- 
 barrassment. Throwing aside his dignity he 
 rushed upon the bewildered Governor and em- 
 braced him heartily, then approached Aimee and 
 seized her hand, which he kissed repeatedly. No 
 words were spoken on either side, for in the lan- 
 guage of love the eye is a more facile organ of 
 speech than the tongue, and far more eloquent. 
 
 Armand meanwhile was chuckling with delight. 
 At last, unable to contain himself longer, he burst 
 into a merry shout: 
 
 ' Was I not correct, mon amle, when I said he 
 was unwilling to approach the Governor before 
 the commanding officer had done so? You see 
 it was a physical impossibility, for they are one 
 and the same. In the last skirmish before we 
 turned our faces northward, our old leader fell, 
 mortally stricken, and Raoul, our Raoul, was 
 unanimously chosen by his fellow officers to lead 
 them on the homeward march; not an easy task, 
 I assure you, for any commander. The wisdom 
 of their choice was proven by the orderliness of 
 our return, instead of an ignominious retreat as 
 it would have been had other than our friend been 
 chosen. Did I not warn you we would see him a 
 General yet, perhaps ordered across the sea to 
 be made a Marechal of France? "
 
 350 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 " A truce upon thy praises, mon cher Armand; 
 I am satisfied to return, thanks to my father's 
 invincible sword, not a hero, but a man once 
 more." 
 
 " A man indeed ! " was the Governor's glad 
 reply. " Gaudais made a full confession on his 
 death-bed of the plot to involve you in ruin. He 
 also confessed to Roguin's cunning trickery at play 
 whereby he won your possessions. I am, therefore, 
 able to return to you your patrimony intact. 
 Lieutenant Liotot has never been heard from since 
 that dreadful night at La Maison Sombre. 
 Rumor has it that he has gone to take up the life 
 of the outlawed coureurs-de-bois. Berthier, be- 
 cause of heavy losses at play, blew out his brains. 
 Thus have your enemies been brought low by the 
 hand of God." 
 
 "Grace a Dieu! " was Raoul's fervent excla- 
 mation. Then, taking advantage of the animated 
 conversation arising between the Governor and 
 Armand regarding the recent campaign, he drew 
 near to the corner where Aimee sat, strangely silent 
 and abashed. 
 
 " Come, mon amie" he said tenderly, " have 
 you no words of welcome for me? " 
 
 " So great a hero-warrior, flushed with his vic- 
 tories, I fear would not miss my feeble voice in 
 the loud chorus of praise arising on all sides to 
 greet his home-coming," and Aimee dropped her
 
 CAMP AND BATTLE-FIELD 351 
 
 eyes demurely as she carefully studied the rug 
 at her feet. 
 
 ' Your voice, however feeble, would be heard 
 above the loudest cheers of the multitude. I 
 would rather hear its friendly welcome than the 
 highest commendations of the King in the pres- 
 ence of the entire Court of France. But if my 
 words are powerless to melt you, let this dumb 
 thing, this silken knot of blue plead for me. See 
 how faded it is ; that speaks of cold and dampness, 
 rivers forded, snowdrifts used for a resting place. 
 See how discolored ; that tells of bleeding wounds, 
 gained in the thickest of the fight for King and 
 Colony. I have worn it constantly here above 
 my heart that it might inspire its every beat and 
 strengthen my arm and brain for deeds worthy 
 of my love for you. In the hour of conflict it 
 has spurred me on to greater efforts to atone for 
 the folly of the past. Through the cold, lonely 
 watches of the night, it has whispered of a glor- 
 ious day with you for sun to banish darkness; of 
 a calm, peaceful twilight with you, my evening 
 star, to guide, refresh, sustain. Ah! Aimee, my 
 joy and my desire, let me tell you " 
 
 The reserve of the young girl disappeared 
 before the sight of the love token. Gradually 
 her eyes lifted until they rested, with a look that 
 only one man in all the world could fathom, upon 
 that man's earnest countenance. For one glad in-
 
 352 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 stant she felt the flood-tide of his loving eloquence 
 surge round about her until it threatened to engulf 
 her unresisting spirit in its depths. Suddenly rally- 
 ing her strength she put out her hand interrupt- 
 ingly, and murmured faintly : " Not now ; not 
 here." 
 
 " If you were at the old mossy stone, my love, 
 early on the morrow, beside the brook where you 
 last made me your knight, I should have a story 
 to tell, one you have never heard, one that I fain 
 would have you hear " Just then the Gov- 
 ernor called to him, with a twinkle in his eye: 
 " Come, Monsieur le Capitaine, let me share in 
 the secrets you two are whispering."
 
 Chapter Twenty-Eight 
 
 THE LAST, WHICH IS STRICTLY PERSONAL 
 
 BRIGHT with all the splendor of its new 
 birth dawned the spring morning. 
 Crowned with the glory of love's own 
 radiance did Aimee de Marsay fare forth to meet 
 her lover. A calm, peaceful joy was in her heart, 
 a joy without fear or hesitation, that suffused itself 
 throughout her entire being until every fiber 
 tingled with its gentle stimulus. The horse she 
 rode neighed and whinnied as though in glad 
 secret sympathy with her happy errand, while 
 mating birds from every bush or budding twig 
 caroled forth in free, liquid notes their joyful 
 greeting. Never before had life seemed half so 
 sweet; never before had dawned so blissful a day; 
 never before had the great mother-heart of Nature 
 throbbed so tumultuously with its message of 
 springtime joy. 
 
 When Aimee reached her destination she dis- 
 mounted, and after tying her horse, approached 
 the mossy stone. To her surprise she found that 
 Raoul had been there before her, for on the rock 
 
 353
 
 354 A KNOT OF BLUE 
 
 lay a huge bunch of dark red blossoms still spark- 
 ling with dew, and about them was tied the faded 
 blue ribbon that had been his companion during 
 the perils of the last few months. Nestling among 
 the flowers she discovered a note, which she hast- 
 ily opened, her fingers shaking with a strange 
 tremulousness, and beheld in Raoul's familiar 
 writing these lines: 
 
 Take a message to ray loved one hidden deep amid your petals, 
 Where none but she can find it, none but she can read aright; 
 A message precious, golden, from my heart's most cherished 
 
 treasure, 
 Whose answer, long awaited, thrills my soul with strange delight. 
 
 Go tell her that I love her, that my heart is longing ever 
 For the tender telltale pressure of her dainty finger-tips. 
 Yes, tell her all my story in a whisper perfume-laden, 
 As you blush a deeper crimson when your petals touch her 
 lips. 
 
 Tears of happiness fell from her eyes and 
 mingled with the dew of the freshly-picked blos- 
 soms as she buried her face among them. A 
 flood of supreme delight overwhelmed her for 
 a moment. The Past was gone, gone with its 
 weary hours of anxious fears, of loneliness, of 
 hidden danger and alarm. The glorious Present 
 was hers, and the Future, redolent with hope and 
 joy, symbolized by these flowers her first be- 
 trothal gift. At length a muffled sound recalled
 
 STRICTLY PERSONAL 855 
 
 her, and, raising her head, she looked through the 
 golden haze that seemed to fill the air about her, 
 enveloping all nature in its resplendent light, and 
 beheld her lover riding down the leafy glade to 
 meet her. 
 
 THE END
 
 By the Author of "A Knot of Blue" 
 
 A ROSE 
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 A 000118024