Refuse and I pistol you without
compunction. So now put on that wig and mask."
When he obeyed me in this--"Now listen, St. Auban," I said. "You and I are
going together to that willow copse whither three months ago you lured
Yvonne de Canaples for the purpose of abducting her. On that spot you and
I shall presently face each other sword in hand, with none other to witness
our meeting save God, in whose hands the issue lies. That is your chance;
at the first sign that you meditate playing me any tricks, that chance is
lost to you." And I tapped my pistol significantly. "Now climb out
through that window."
When he had done so, I bade him stand six paces away whilst I followed, and
to discourage any foolish indiscretion on his part I again showed him my
pistol.
He answered me with an impatient gesture, and by the light that fell on his
face I saw him sneer.
"Come on, you fool," he snarled, "and have done threatening. I'll talk to
you in the copse. And tread softly lest you arouse the sentry on the other
side."
Rejoiced to see the man so wide awake in him, I followed him closely across
the terrace, and through the rose garden to the bank of the river.
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