“If you were so well informed why did you ask me?”

“I only knew it by your asserting the contrary.”

“What do you mean?” cried de Jars, who was growing restive under this cold, satirical politeness.

“Do me justice, commander.  The bit chafes, but yet you must acknowledge that I have a light hand.  For a full week you have been in my power.  Have I disturbed your quiet?  Have I betrayed your secret?  You know I have not.  And I shall continue to act in the same manner.  I hope with all my heart, however great would be your grief; that the chevalier may die of his wound.  I have not the same reasons for loving him that you have, so much you can readily understand, even if I do not explain the cause of my interest in his fate.  But in such a matter hopes count for nothing; they cannot make his temperature either rise or fall.  I have told you I have no wish to force the chevalier to resume his real name.  I may make use of the document and I may not, but if I am obliged to use it I shall give you warning.  Will you, in return, swear to me upon your honour that you will keep me informed as to the fate of the chevalier, whether you remain in Paris or whether you leave?  But let this agreement be a secret between us, and do not mention it to the so-called Moranges.”

“I have your oath, monsieur, that you will give me notice before you use 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 I have no reason to hide it:  Maitre Quennebert, notary, Saint-Denis.  I will not detain you any longer now, commander; excuse a simple citizen for dictating conditions to a noble such as you.  For once chance has been on my side although a score of times it has gone against me.”