The first of these was he whose gentle voice La Boulaye had recognised--old M.des Cadoux, the friend of the Marquis de Bellecour.

His companion, to the Deputy's vast surprise, was none other than the bearded courier who had that morning delivered him at Boisvert the letter from Robespierre.

What did these two together, and upon such manifest terms of equality?
That, it should be his business to discover.
"Come in, Messieurs," he bade them, assuming the role of host.

"We are unused to strangers, and Mathilde there is timid of robbers.

Draw near the fire and dry yourselves.