point a moral, but walked to the mantel, above which hung two swords of
finest steel, with richly-chased handles. He had noted them as soon as
he had entered the room. "By the governor's leave," he said, and took
them down. "Since we are to ruffle him let him furnish the spurs--eh?
Shall we use these, and so be even as to weapons? But see," he added,
with a burst of frankness, "I am in a--a trouble." It was not easy on
the instant to find the English word. He explained the duties of his
mission. It was singular to ask his enemy that he should see his papers
handed to Count Frontenac if he were killed, but it was characteristic of
him.

"I will see the papers delivered," said Gering, with equal frankness.

"That is, if by some miraculous chance I should be killed," added
Iberville. "But I have other ends in view."

"I have only one end in view," retorted Gering. "But wait," he said, as
they neared the door leading into the main hall; "we may be seen. There
is another way into the grounds through a little hall here." He turned
and opened a door almost as small as a panel. "I was shown this secret
door the other day, and since ours is a secret mission let us use it."

"Very well. But a minute more," said Iberville. He went and unhooked a
fine brass lantern, of old Dutch workmanship, swung from the ceiling by a
chain. "We shall need a light," he remarked.

They passed into the musty little hallway, and Gering with some
difficulty drew back the bolts. The door creaked open and they stepped
out into the garden,