.

THE CAPTIVES.
Amid the sordid surroundings of Charlot's private quarters the Captain and the Deputy supped that evening.

The supper sorted well with the house--a greasy, ill-cooked meal that proved little inviting to the somewhat fastidious La Boulaye.

But the wine, plundered, no doubt, in common with the goblets out of which they drank it--was more than good, and whilst La Boulaye showed his appreciation of it, Charlot abused it like a soldier.

They sat facing each other across the little deal table, whose stains were now hidden by a cloth, and to light them they had four tapers set in silver candlesticks of magnificent workmanship, and most wondrous weight, which Tardivet informed his guest had been the property of a ci-devant prince of the blood.
As the night wore on Captain Charlot grew boisterous and more confidential.