"'T is I--Luynes." "So!" he exclaimed, coming close up to me.

"You have reached Canaples at last!" "At last ?" I echoed.
"Whom have you there ?" he inquired abruptly.
"Only Michelot." "Bid him fall behind a little." When Michelot had complied with this request, "You see, M.de Luynes," quoth the officer, "that you have arrived too late." There was a certain coldness in his tone that made me seek by my reply to sound him.
"Indeed, I trust not, my friend.

With your assistance I hope to get M.
de Canaples from the clutches of St.Auban." He shook his head.
"It is impossible that I should help you," he replied with increasing coldness.

"Already once for your sake have I broken faith to those who pay me, by setting you in a position to forestall St.Auban and get M.
de Canaples away before his arrival.

Unfortunately, you have dallied on the road, M.de Luynes, and Canaples is already a prisoner--a doomed one, I fear." "Is that your last word, Montresor ?" I inquired sadly.
"I am sorry," he answered in softened tones, "but you must see that I cannot do otherwise.