It was love calling to me in silent language far more effective than speech; at last, I paused and faced her.
"Madame de Noyan," I said deliberately, my voice seeming to falter with the intensity of my feelings, "I beg you do not expect too much from me.

Your appeal has been made to a simple frontiersman, unskilled in war except with savages, and it is hardly probable I shall be able to outwit the trained guardsmen of Spain.

Yet this I will say: I have determined to venture all at your desire.

As I possess small skill or knowledge to aid me, I shall put audacity to the front, permitting sheer daring either to succeed or fail.

But it would be wrong, Madame, for me to encourage you with false expectation.