the document I have given you against me, have I? But what guarantee
have I that you will keep your word?"

"My course of action till to-day, and the fact that I have pledged you my
word of my own free will."

"I see, you hope not to have long to wait for the end."

"I hope not; but meantime a premature disclosure would do me as much harm
as you. I have not the slightest rancour against you, commander; you
have robbed me of no treasure; I have therefore no compensation to
demand. What you place such value on would be only a burden to me, as it
will be to you later on. All I want is, to know as soon as it is no
longer in your possession, whether it has been removed by the will of God
or by your own, I am right in thinking that to-day there is some hope of
the chevalier's recovery, am I not?"

"Yes, Sir,"

"Do you give me your promise that if ever he leave this house safe and
sound you will let me know?"

"I give you my promise,"

"And if the result should be different, you will also send me word?"

"Certainly. But to whom shall I address my message?"

"I should have thought that since our first meeting you would have found
out all about me, and that to tell you my name would be superfluous. But