Lacheneur has surrendered Sairmeuse. That is all very well; but how can
you authenticate your claim to the property? What would you do if, in
case you imprudently irritated him, he should change his mind? What
would become of your right to the estate?"
M. Sairmeuse actually turned green.
"Zounds!" he exclaimed. "I had not thought of that. Here, you fellows,
take all these things back again, and that quickly!"
And as they were obeying his order:
"Now," he remarked, "let us hasten to Courtornieu. They have already
sent for us twice. It must be business of the utmost importance which
demands our attention."
CHAPTER XIII
The Chateau de Courtornieu is, next to Sairmeuse, the most magnificent
habitation in the _arrondissement_ of Montaignac.
The approach to the castle was by a long and narrow road, badly paved.
When the carriage containing Martial and his father turned from the
public highway into this rough road, the jolting aroused the duke from
the profound revery into which he had fallen on leaving Sairmeuse.
The marquis thought that he had caused this unusual fit of abstraction.
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