“My dear Athos, we are enveloped in a network of spies. And do you believe he knew you again, Kitty?”

“I pulled down my hood as soon as I saw him, but perhaps it was too late.”

“Go down, Athos — he mistrusts you less than me — and see if he be still at his door.”

Athos went down and returned immediately.

“He has gone,” said he, “and the house door is shut.”

“He has gone to make his report, and to say that all the pigeons are at this moment in the dovecot.”

“Well, then, let us all fly,” said Athos, “and leave nobody here but Planchet to bring us news.”