A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 99: what you’re looking at

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

THE DEATH-KNELL. 95 slowly open. Darting in, Raoul unceremoniously pushed aside the pale and trembling porter, and slammed the doors to. To make all fast was the work of a moment, but it was accomplished none too soon, for scarcely was the last bolt rushed into its socket, than the oak resounded with the first onslaught of the would- be assassins. The chevalier dashed the blood from out of his eyes, and seizing the porter by the arm, he commanded him to lead the way to the admiral. The shaking wretch obeyed, nes his hands and groaning: “Oh! my poor master, he has béen wounded for the cause of France and now he is to:be slain by his own | countrymen!” Hurrying his guide with fierce words and even with pricks of his sword, the chevalier, mad with impatience, traversed corridor after corridor, finally to find himself in a medium-sized apartment, in which were gathered together some dozen persons. From the little group advanced a stately, dignified old man, with a long white beard flowing over his breast. “Monsieur, may I ask the reason of this intrusion?” he inquired calmly. “The admiral?” gasped Raoul, still breathless from his recent exertions. “Yes, I am Coligny.” “ Away, monsieur, away, or it will be too late. Even now the hell-hounds are on your track, seeking your life.” As De Puycadére spoke, there was a distant, resound- ing crash, which told that the entrance had been beaten down. And then came the sound of hurrying footsteps _ and angry voices. Comicboo S (E@) ffl)