I left it in the smithy near the forge, not deeming the attack so near; but the chill of the night air hath hastened it, and already am I suffering the torments of the rack.

Tell me, lad, wilt thou fetch me the phial from the smithy, that I may test the virtue of its contents ?" "Not so, good Simon," answered Rene, whose thoughts had been busy while the old soldier told of his troubles.

"I will gladly aid thee, but am convinced that it can better be done in another way.

Go thou for the physic, for thou canst more readily place hands upon it than I, and at the same time apparel thyself in garments thicker and more suited to the chill of the night than those thou wearest.

I will stand watch until thy return, and pledge thee my word that none shall pass, or be the wiser for thy absence." All his soldier's training forbade Simon to accept this offer.