I made an effort. "Both excellent," rejoined I, "and
English too."
He laughed again. "Come, that is better. That's in your old
vein. I love to see you so. But how knew you our baker was
English?--which he is, a prisoner like yourself."
"As easily as I could tell the water was not made by Frenchmen."
"Now I have hope of you," he broke out gaily; "you will yet
redeem your nation."
At that moment Gabord came with a message from the Governor to
Doltaire, and he prepared to go.
"You are set on sacrifice?" he asked. "Think--dangling from Cape
Diamond!"
"I will meditate on your fate instead," I replied.
"Think!" he said again, waving off my answer with his hand.
"The letters I shall no more ask for; and you will not escape
death?"
"Never by that way," rejoined I.
"So. Very good. Au plaisir, my captain. I go to dine at
the Seigneur Duvarney's."
With that last thrust he was gone, and left me wondering if the
Seigneur had ever made an effort to see me, if he had forgiven the
duel with his son.
That was the incident.
* * * * *
When Gabord and Voban were gone, leaving the light behind, I
went over to where the torch stuck in the wall, and drew Alixe's
letter from my pocket with eager fingers.
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