his hand, and his elbow on a table that stood between them, and
eyed the new-comer very fixedly and strangely.

"'We did not expect to see you on this side of the Pyrenees.'

"'Nor I myself, Governor.'

"'What do you come to me for?'

"'A welcome, a suit of regimentals, and money to take me to
Paris.'

"'And suppose, instead of that, I turn out a corporal's guard, and
bid them shoot you in the court-yard?'

"'It would be the drollest thing you ever did, all things
considered,' said the other, coolly; but he looked a little
surprised.

"The Governor went for the book he had lately consulted, found the
page, handed it to the rusty officer, and watched him keenly: the
blood rushed all over his face, and his lip trembled; but his eye
dwelt stern, yet sorrowful, on the Governor.

"'I have read your book: now read mine.'

"He drew off his coat, and showed his wrists and arms, blue and
waled.

"'Can you read that, Monsieur?'