The officers and civilians respected the governor’s command, and no outsider gathered a word of information from them.  The officers, talking among themselves, secretly admired the poet’s pluck.  Like all men of evil repute, De Leviston was a first-class swordsman and the poet’s stroke had lessened his fame.  As for what had caused the fight between the vicomte and D’Herouville, they were somewhat at a loss to say or account for.  The governor himself was exceedingly wrathful.  At ten o’clock he summoned Victor to appear before him, to render a full account of the affair.  The savages made life hazardous enough, without the additional terror of duels.

Victor found the governor alone, and for this he was thankful.

“Monsieur de Saumaise,” De Lauson began, sternly, “I gave you credit for being a young man of sense.”

“And a man of heart, too, your Excellency, I hope,” replied the poet, valiantly.

“Heart?  Is it heart to break the edict, to upset the peace of my household, to set tongues wagging?  Persons will want to know the cause of this foolish duel.  I am positive that it was fought contrary to the Chevalier’s wishes.  He conducted himself admirably last night.  You have done more harm than good with your impetuosity.  My command would have been respected, and your friend’s misfortune would have gone no farther than my dining-room.”

“And Monsieur de Leviston?” with a shade of irony which escaped the governor.

“Would have remained silent on the pain of being sent back to France, where the Bastille awaits him.  He was exiled to this country, and he may not leave it till the year sixty.  De Maisonneuve would have stood by me in the matter.  So you see that you have blundered in the worst possible manner.”

“And the Vicomte d’Halluys?”

“If D’Herouville dies, the vicomte shall return to France in irons.”

“Monsieur,” with a sign of heat, “there are some insults which can not be treated with contempt.  I should have proved myself a false friend and a coward had I done otherwise than I did.”

“What does the Chevalier say about your fighting his battles for him?” asked the governor, quietly.

Victor’s gaze rested on his boots.

“He doesn’t approve, then?” The governor drummed with his fingers.  “I thought as much.  At your age I was young myself.  Youth sees affronts where it ought to see caution and circumspection.”

“When I have arrived at your Excellency’s age . . .”

“No sarcasm, if you please.  You are still under arrest.”

Victor bowed, and twirled his hat, which was sadly in need of a new plume.

“I warn you, if De Leviston dies I shall hang you high from one of the Chevalier’s gibbets on Orleans.  If he lives, I shall keep in touch with your future conduct, Monsieur; so take good care of yourself.”

“De Leviston will not die.  Such men as he do not die honestly in bed.  But he was only a puppet in this instance.”