La Tribe on his side remained silent, although the men ate apart.

He was in doubt, indeed, as to his own feelings.

His instinct and his reason were at odds.

Through all, however, a single purpose, the rescue of Angers, held good, and gradually other things fell into their places.

When the meal was at an end, and Tignonville challenged him, he was ready.
"Your enthusiasm seems to have waned," the younger man said with a sneer, "since we met, monsieur! May I ask now if you find any fault with the plan ?" "With the plan, none." "If it was Providence brought us together, was it not Providence furnished me with Perrot who knows La Fleche?
If it was Providence brought the danger of the faithful in Angers to your knowledge, was it not Providence set us on the road--without whom you had been powerless ?" "I believe it!" "Then, in His name, what is the matter ?" Tignonville rejoined with a passion of which the other's manner seemed an inadequate cause.