A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 75: what you’re looking at

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

A DANGEROUS GAME, 71 “Monsieur de Montgiron, a kinsman of mine had the honor of fighting at your side in the battle of Mons.” * Really!” | “A battle of giants! for, although victory was for an instant in doubt, genius and courage held till the last instant the sheaf of flags, one of which, they tell me, was all crimson with your blood.” However open to doubt this statement may have been, the bright flush of pleasure which dyed the doughty warrior’s cheek was undeniable. “Your excellency,”’ he stammered. “Two!” thought the chevalier. But there was still one more to be placated. “Ah, Monsieur de Brantome, permit the Chevalier de Puycadére to express to you the pleasure he feels at this meeting. Your works are well known in Gascony, and I congratulate you on the stir they have made there.” “You overwhelm me, Monsieur le Chevalier,” mur- mured the author, as he reflected, “ Really, these Gas- cons are charming.” “Three!” But, successful as he had been thus far, Raoul had only passed the outposts. The real danger was yet to be faced, and that too without delay. Already bearing down upon him was an old man, glittering with jewelled orders, as stiff as a pikestaff and thin almost to emaci- ation. Presaging his peril, the young Gascon whispered to De Brantéme, who happened to be standing next him: ‘Who is this person?” “Count d’Avreux, grand master of ceremonies.” With difficulty, the chevalier repressed a startled “Mordiou!” The count was already bending his long Comichoo <S) (©)