This was my opportunity. "Monsieur," I said, "I should like an
understanding. Remember how little all this can mean to me,--a
trader,--and do not think me churlish if I try to keep myself free from
this intrigue. I will go to the prisoner now, if you wish; but, that
done, I beg you to hold me excused of any further service in this
matter."

Cadillac looked me over, and now his glance went, not to my doublet,
but to the man within. "A trader!" he said curtly. "A trader carrying
contraband brandy. A good commandant would send you back where you
belong. No, no, monsieur, wait! I am not threatening you. Though you
know as well as I that the thumb-screws are rather convenient to my
hand should I care to use them. But there should be no necessity for
that. Montlivet, I hardly understand your reluctance in the matter of
this Englishman. We should be one in this affair, whatever our private
concerns. Even Black Gown and I--and the world says we are not
lovers--are working together. Why do you draw back?"

I could not meet him with less than the truth. "You have stated the
reason, monsieur. My private concerns,--they seem large to me, and I
fear to jeopard them by becoming entangled here. I regret this. You
have shown me great clemency in the matter of the brandy,--though if
you had confiscated it I should still have pushed on,--and for that,
and for your own sake, monsieur, I should be glad to serve you."

He looked at my outstretched palm, and laid his own upon it. "'T is
fairly spoken," he said slowly, "and I think you mean it." Then he
grew peevish. "A pest on this country!" he cried. "We are all kings
in disguise, and have a monarchy hidden in our hats. And what does it