He had nearly finished his meal now, and, acting on a sudden impulse, I
crossed the room and sat down opposite him. He looked up at me in a
casual way, and the next instant understood he was discovered. But the
man had nerves of iron; not a muscle of his face moved; only by the
sudden light in his eyes did I know that he recognized me.

"The game is to me, monsieur," I said simply.

"Yes," he agreed, "the game is yours, but do not claim the stakes until
I have spoken with you."

"The game is altogether finished, monsieur, and you have lost; you
cannot throw again."

"A fig for the game!" he said; "you have but to raise your voice, and
these bloodhounds will bury their fangs in my heart. I know that, and do
not complain. I ask only a few hours' freedom."

"Surely, monsieur, in the circumstance, that is a strange request!"

"A riddle is always strange when one does not possess the key. For
instance, you believe I have entered Rochelle as a spy."

"Exactly."

"And yet you are mistaken. I suppose you will laugh at my story, but I
must tell it you. You know me only as an opponent."

"A clever and a daring one."