Philibert cast upon his guide a look of scorn, biting his lip
angrily. "Go," said he, "knock at the door--it needs God's thunder
to break in upon that infamous orgie. Say that Colonel Philibert
brings orders from His Excellency the Governor to the Chevalier
Intendant."
"And be served with a writ of ejectment! Pardon me! Be not angry,
sir," pleaded Pothier supplicatingly, "I dare not knock at the door
when they are at the devil's mass inside. The valets! I know them
all! They would duck me in the brook, or drag me into the hall to
make sport for the Philistines. And I am not much of a Samson, your
Honor. I could not pull the Chateau down upon their heads--I wish I
could!"
Master Pothier's fears did not appear ill-grounded to Philibert as a
fresh burst of drunken uproar assailed his ears. "Wait my return,"
said he, "I will knock on the door myself." He left his guide, ran
up the broad stone steps, and knocked loudly upon the door again and
again! He tried it at last, and to his surprise found it unlatched;
he pushed it open, no servitor appearing to admit him.
Pages:
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122