He saw that his pistols were duly primed, he learned that Tardif had passed but two hours before, boasting again that Europe would have gossip for a year, once he reached Quebec.
Tardif too had paid liberally for his refreshment and his horses, for here he had taken a carriage, and had swaggered like a trooper in a conquered country.
Havel had every hope of overtaking Tardif, and so he told Madelinette, adding that he would secure the paper for her at any cost.

She did not quite know what Havel meant, but she read purpose in his eye, and when Havel said: "I won't say 'Stop thief' many times," she turned away without speaking--she was choked with anxiety.

Yet in her own pocket was a little silver-handled pistol.
It was true that Tardif was a thief, but she knew that his theft would be counted a virtue before the world.

This she could not tell Havel, but when the critical moment came--if it did come--she would then act upon the moment's inspiration.

If Tardif was a thief, what was she!--But this she could not tell Havel or the world.