A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 195: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BY ROYAL COMMAND, 1gI The watch was now close upon them, a captain and four men. “What are you doing abroad at this time of night?” demanded the captain. “We are on special service,” replied Ismael, coolly. “On special service,” repeated the captain, scornfully eyeing the two ragged figures before him. “Andon whose, pray?” For answer, the gypsy drew a paper from the breast of his blouse and handed it to his interlocutor. Taking it to the light of a lantern which was hung across the corner of the street, the captain of the watch unfolded the paper and read what was written thereon. “ Pass the bearer and his companion without delay or question, but not outside of Paris. CAROLUS REx.” It was with a very different manner that the captain now addressed the two men, whom he had been on the point of arresting. He returned the paper to Ismael with the utmost deference. . “Pass, gentlemen,” he said, “and pardon me for de- taining you, but in these times it behooves a king’s officer to use every precaution.”’ “You have only done your duty. We have no com- plaint to make,” returned Ismael, calmly. “Good- night, officer.” “Good-night, gentlemen. May thesaintsspeed you!” And the officer drew aside to allow the gypsy and his companion to pass. Ismael raised his hat with courtesy and strode for- ward, followed by Raoul, greatly puzzled at the easy manner in which his guide had solved the difficulty. For five minutes they moved ahead in silence, and Comichoo S) (©) im =)