And that of M.de Lyonne ?" "I see it plain enough on the order; but for the same reason that the king's signature may have been forged, so also, and with even greater probability, may M.de Lyonne's." "Your logic has the stride of a giant, M.de Baisemeaux," said Aramis; "and your reasoning is irresistible.

But on what special grounds do you base your idea that these signatures are false ?" "On this: the absence of counter-signatures.

Nothing checks his majesty's signature; and M.de Lyonne is not there to tell me he has signed." "Well, Monsieur de Baisemeaux," said Aramis, bending an eagle glance on the governor, "I adopt so frankly your doubts, and your mode of clearing them up, that I will take a pen, if you will give me one." Baisemeaux gave him a pen.
"And a sheet of white paper," added Aramis.
Baisemeaux handed him some paper.
"Now, I--I, also--I, here present--incontestably, I--am going to write an order to which I am certain you will give credence, incredulous as you are!" Baisemeaux turned pale at this icy assurance of manner.

It seemed to him that the voice of the bishop's, but just now so playful and gay, had become funereal and sad; that the wax lights changed into the tapers of a mortuary chapel, the very glasses of wine into chalices of blood.
Aramis took a pen and wrote.

Baisemeaux, in terror, read over his shoulder.
"A.