The Envoi of a Gallant Poet

Brother Jacques had done a wise thing. On the morning after the
vicomte's singular confession, he had spoken a few words to the Black
Kettle. From that hour the vicomte made no move that was not under the
vigilant eye of the Onondaga. Wherever he went the Black Kettle
followed with the soundless cunning of his race. Thus he had warned
the settlement of what was going on at the hunting hut. Victor, having
met him on his way up the trail, was first to arrive upon the scene.

"The poet!" said the vicomte airily. He was, with all his lawlessness,
a gallant man. "Did I not prophesy that some day we should be at each
other's throats?"

"Gabrielle," Victor said, "help is close at hand. I can keep this man
at bay. If I should die, Gabrielle . . . you will not forget me?"

"How affecting! I am almost moved to tears!" mocked the vicomte.

"Well, Monsieur, let us go about our work without banter. There is no
edict here, no meddling priests, only you and I. Engage!" Bare-headed
he stood, scarce but a youth, no match ordinarily for the seasoned
swordsman before him. But madame saw the courage of Bayard in his
frank blue eyes. She turned her face toward the wall and wept. "Have
patience, Paul," Victor called; "they will liberate you soon."

"So." The vicomte stretched out his arm. "Well, my writer of
rondeaux, I have but little time to spare. As the fair Juliet says, 'I
must be gone and live, or stay and die.' I can not fight the
settlement which will soon be about my ears. You first, then your
friend. I should scorn to separate, either on earth or in hades, such
loving Orestes and Pylades. Madame, that kiss has cost me the joy of
having your presence for the time being. Here shall the poet die, at
his beloved's feet! Which is very fine." His blade darted out toward
Victor's throat, and the last battle was begun. The vicomte was
fighting for his liberty, and the poet was fighting to kill. They were
almost evenly matched, for the vicomte was weary from his contest with
D'Hérouville and the Chevalier. For many years madame saw this day in
her dreams.