pleading. "The Indians called me by a name that meant bitter waters,"
he said hesitatingly. "But my baptismal records say Starling. I am
telling you the truth, monsieur."

I wrote the name so that he could see. "You give me your word as a
gentleman," I said, "that your name is Benjamin Starling."

He stopped a moment. "Can a yeoman swear himself a gentleman?" he
asked. "I think not. I will be more explicit. I give you my oath as
a truth-loving person that my name is Starling."

I put up the paper. "Thank you," I said. "And now. Monsieur
Starling, we will say good-by. I am only a chance wayfarer here, and
leave in an hour. I cannot wish you success, since you are my foe, but
I can wish you a safe return to your own kind. I hope that we shall
meet again. When I am dealing with a foe that I respect, I prefer him
with his hands unbound. Good-day, monsieur."

But he was before me at the door. I saw that my news troubled him.

"You mean," he asked, "that you are leaving here for several days?"

I laid my hand on the latch. "No," I answered. "I leave for several
months, monsieur."

"For months! Oh no!" he cried, and he drew back and looked at me.
"Then I am like never to see you again," he said thoughtfully. "You
have been kind to me." He suddenly thrust out his hand. "Monsieur, I
will be more generous than you. I wish you success."