Octave was in excellent spirits, and by one o'clock we were in a thick cover not far from Bevron.

I and Ludovic were a few yards in front of the others, when angry voices behind attracted our attention.

Octave and Montlouis were arguing violently, and all at once the Count struck his future steward a violent blow.

In another moment Montlouis came up to me.

'What is the matter ?' cried I.Instead of replying to my question, the unhappy young man turned back to his master, uttering a series of threats.