CHAPTER XII.
SENTENCE OF DEATH.
After parting with their companion, de Lescure and Henri were not long in reaching Durbelliere; and on the road thither they also learnt that Santerre, and upwards of a hundred blue horsemen, were prisoners in the chateau, or in the barns, out-houses, or stables belonging to it; and that the whole place was crowded with peasants, guarding their captives.
As they entered the chateau gates, they met Chapeau, who was at the bottom of the steps, waiting for them; and Henri immediately asked after his father.
"Monseigneur is much fatigued," said Chapeau, "but apparently well; he is, however, still in bed." "And my sister ?" said Henri.
"Mademoiselle has of course been much fatigued, but she is well; she is with your father, M.Henri." "And tell me, Chapeau, is it true, is it really true that M.Denot brought the blues here, and that since he has been here he has treated my sister in the manner they describe ?" "It is true as gospel, M.Henri.I knew that this would be the worst of the whole affair to you.

I knew you would sooner the chateau should have been burnt than have heard this.

We are only waiting for you and M.de Lescure, to hang him as a traitor from the big chestnut out on the road-side.

You might have seen as you came in, that they have the ropes and everything ready." Henri shuddered as he followed his cousin into the house.

The steps were crowded with his own followers, who warmly welcomed him, and congratulated him on the safety of his father, his sister, and his property; but he said very little to them; he was thinking of the friend whom he had loved so well, who had so vilely disgraced himself, and whose life he now feared he should be unable to save.
"Where is he ?" said he to Chapeau.
"Who--Monseigneur ?" "No--M.