The count now pulled the chain, and the boots
and spurs of the man on duty sounded on the stone steps of a spiral
staircase, placed in the tall tower which flanked the western corner
of the chateau on the ocean side.
When the count heard the steps of his retainer he pulled back the
rusty bolts which protected the door leading from the gallery to the
tower, admitting into the sanctuary of learning a man of arms whose
stalwart appearance was in keeping with that of his master. This man,
scarcely awakened, seemed to have walked there by instinct; the horn
lantern which he held in his hand threw so feeble a gleam down the
long library that his master and he appeared in that visible darkness
like two phantoms.
"Saddle my war-horse instantly, and come with me yourself."
This order was given in a deep tone which roused the man's
intelligence. He raised his eyes to those of his master and
encountered so piercing a look that the effect was that of an electric
shock.
"Bertrand," added the count laying his right hand on the servant's
arm, "take off your cuirass, and wear the uniform of a captain of
guerrillas.
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