CHAPTER XXIV
THE CHILDREN OF THE BLACK WOLF'S BREED
According to the Governor's recollection, I had been gone only a shortspace when a peremptory knock came upon his door. He opened it, andthere stood the Chevalier de la Mora, dishevelled and with evidences ofhaste, but courteous as was his wont.
"I desire to speak with Captain de Mouret, at once, at once."
"That you can not do; he has gone. Chevalier, I am astonished. Had Inot a gentleman's parole that you should remain in your house thisnight?"
"You had, sire, but the conditions were urgent, and see, I have soughtCaptain de Mouret without arms, so no breach could occur between us."
"Fortunately, M. le Chevalier, Captain de Mouret has consented to leavethis colony to-night, and before the day dawns he will doubtless bemany miles away."
The Chevalier heard like one dumb and undecided, a great doubt tuggingat his heart. He departed unsteadily in the direction of the barracks.
"Here, my good fellow, hast seen Captain de Mouret?" he inquired of astraggler.
The man saluted.
"Yes, sire, he but lately went the path towards the Bay."
"How long since?"
"A bare quarter of an hour. He was dressed for the forest and wentalone."
During this while I, Placide de Mouret, stranger and outcast, sat upona grassy hillock awaiting Pachaco with his boat. The echoes of my hornhad died away in the night, and soon after I caught the sound ofrunning feet, and heard a man's voice calling my name as he ran. To myutter astonishment it was the Chevalier, breathless from his speed.
"Is it you--Captain de Mouret?"
"It is--Chevalier," I replied, uncertain at the first who the man couldbe.
Seeing him in such a state of mind I knew the struggle had come. Therebe times in every man's life when he recks lightly of consequences, andthis was not my night for caring. I had, in a measure, run away thusfar from him, and he, not content with this, had pursued me past thelimit of forbearance. So anticipating his own action, I begancarefully to take off my own coat, and remembered with pleasure that itwas not a slight rapier which now hung confidently by my side.
"No, Captain, not that. I have sought you this time in peace. See, Ihave no weapons."
Suiting the gesture to the speech, he flung wide his arms, and showedhimself unprepared for battle.
"Captain, you and I have fought side by side. You are a man ofcourage, and if you have injured me you will render me due account uponmy demand. I do demand this of you now, that you return with me toBiloxi at once, upon my assurance as a soldier that no harm will therebefall you. This, sir, upon a soldier's honor."
It was a most unexpected outcome to such an interview. I hesitatedwarily at his request, and then thinking it could make matters noworse, inquired:
"How long will you require me, and for what purpose?"
"The time will be most brief, a moment should suffice. The purpose Ican not give, but it will bring you into no danger. I repeat, upon theword of a man of honor, that you will be permitted to return safely asyou came, and no one will follow."
I must say, in spite of these protests, I did not want to go. But hepressed his wish so earnestly that I followed the Chevalier down thewinding path back to Biloxi, not without great trepidation, however.He walked rapidly in front, and not a word was exchanged between us.We passed the barracks and the Governor's house, where I thought tostop, but he led me on. Leaving the thicker portions of the littletown, he soon paused before his own gate and swung it open. The wildthought now entered my brain that perhaps he had planned some terriblerevenge upon his wife, and desired to torture me by forcing me towitness it. I hung back at the gate. My own good sword re-assured me,and he mounted the step to throw open the door.
"Come in, Captain. I regret that I can not give you a more sincerewelcome."
Truly, there was nothing in the aspect of the room to cause alarm. Twoladies were inside, one at either end of a simple working table--Agnesand another lady, about her own figure, whom I did not know. The elderwoman looked straight in my face with an anxious air.
The Chevalier did not formally present me. Agnes drooped her headsomewhat, and never raised her eyes at my entrance. It was a mostawkward situation. As to what de la Mora contemplated I could notventure the wildest guess; certainly no violence in the presence ofthis other lady who looked so cool while yet so pale.
"Captain de Mouret, as you hope for your soul's salvation, I conjureyou to tell me the whole truth. I do solemnly promise you, upon asoldier's honor, at the very worst which may come, I will only leavethis colony, and will not injure any one."
I had seen de la Mora on many a field, but never did he look strongeror nobler than on that night. His voice sounded full and clear despitethe intensity of his suffering.
"Captain de Mouret, you are a soldier, a brave one, as my own eyes havewitnessed, reputed a man of untarnished honor. Will you truly answerme one question upon the sacred Blood of Christ?"
His earnestness appealed to every better instinct of my nature, so Ireplied to him:
"I will."
"Have I your oath?"
"You have."
"Then, sir, to which of these ladies, if either, did you intend thisnote should be delivered; and which, if either, did you meet at theruined chapel at Sceaux? Speak, in God's name, and do not spare me!Suspicion is more terrible than truth."
The very worst had come, and I felt my resolution waver. I knew notwhat story Agnes had told her husband, nor did I know who that otherlady was. She looked enough like Agnes to have afforded shallowpretext for an evasion. Verily here was a strong temptation for a lie,and I was almost minded to tell it and relieve Agnes. Agnes, though,would give me no cue; never once did she lift her eyes to mine. Imight even then have told the lie, but for the reflection it wouldcompromise an innocent woman.
"Captain, in God's name, speak! do you not see that I am quiet andself-controlled?"
"Chevalier de la Mora, I shall tell you the exact truth, and hold youto your promise that there shall be no violence--now. What I did wasthrough my fault alone, nor did your lady give me the slightestencouragement--she is blameless. It is a sore strait you have placedme in, but _this_ is the lady who has all a soldier's love, and asoldier's respect, which she has done nothing to forfeit."
As I spoke, I indicated the shrinking figure of Agnes, and turned tomeet the storm. Verily the storm did come, but from a different source.
The elder lady rose with a fervent "Thank God!" which I could find noreason for her saying. Agnes nervously twisted at the table cover, hercheeks crimson with the shame. I could not resist a long look downupon her, and do what I might, my love showed full and strong in myface and mien.
De la Mora keenly watched us all. That other lady, for whom I had nothought, to my utter surprise, moved toward him with handsoutstretched, and cried:
"Charles."
For a moment he hesitated, then:
"Oh, Agnes, Agnes, a lifetime's love and service can not compensate youfor what I've made you suffer--the doubt I bore my loyal wife."
He fell upon his knee before her and carried her hand to his lips asthough she were a goddess, and then sprang toward me with the gladdestof glad smiles, thrust his hand at me, and came near to cracking mineby the vigor of his grasp. His throat choked up, and he said nothing.
And all this while I looked from one to the other with a most dull andstupid stare.
Agnes looked up at me once, radiant and confused, then lowered her eyesagain.
The Chevalier broke a silence which was becoming intolerable, to me atleast, who did not understand it all.
"Captain de Mouret, you have been in error, and have done me no wrong.This lady here is my worshiped wife, Madame Agnes de la Mora." Ilooked upon her incredulously, while that gracious woman took one handfrom her husband long enough to extend to me her greeting.
Thoroughly perplexed by this most unlooked for denoueme
nt, I asked:
"Who, then, is _this_?"
"This chit," he replied, walking round the table, happy as a boy, andalmost lifting her bodily, "this is Madame's little sister, Charlotte.She confessed this evening to having spoken with you once in the Chapelat Sceaux--and I, may God forgive me, doubted but she had done it toshield her sister. I knew the little minx had warned you in the Park,but thought nothing of it. Charlotte, come here!"
And Charlotte de Verges laid her warm little hand in mine. For thirtyyears it has rested there in peace.
* * * * * *
Thus, through many strange perils and purifying sorrows came theabiding happiness which blessed these last two children of the "BlackWolf's Breed."
FINIS