And while all bowed before the lightning of his eye, no man at the table knew what had roused the sudden tempest.

But Bigot knew, who stood by the door, and whose ear, keen as his master's, had caught the distant report of a musket shot.

"If he be not ill," Tavannes continued, rising and looking round the table in search of signs of guilt, "and there be foul play here, and he the player, the Bishop's own hand shall not save him! By Heaven it shall not! Nor yours!" he continued, looking fiercely at Montsoreau.

"Nor your master's!" The Lieutenant-Governor sprang to his feet.

"M.