Ganymede was of a tenacious mettle, and of this he now afforded proof.

Upon learning that naught was known of the Marquis de Bardelys at Lavedan, my faithful henchman announced his intention to remain there and await me, since that was, he assured the Vicomte, my destination.
"My first impulse," said Lavedan, when later he came to tell me of it, "was incontinently to order his departure.

But upon considering the matter and remembering how high in power and in the King's favour stands that monstrous libertine Bardelys, I deemed it wiser to afford shelter to this outrageous retinue.

His steward--a flabby, insolent creature--says that Bardelys left them last night near Mirepoix, to ride hither, bidding them follow to-day.

Curious that we should have no news of him! That he should have fallen into the Garonne and drowned himself were too great a good fortune to be hoped for." The bitterness with which he spoke of me afforded me ample cause for congratulation that I had resolved to accept the role of Lesperon.