Releasing the soft hands I had been clasping so tightly in momentary forgetfulness, I led the lady to a seat, even finding another myself before venturing upon reply.
"I thank you heartily for your prayers, Sir Priest.

Often have I heard my father say the prayer of the righteous availeth much, and although I be not of Holy Church--for those to whom I looked in earlier years for guidance were of the dissenting breed--yet I yield respect to all true religion; and even in the woods, where men grow rough, giving small thought to the voice of their souls, I have discovered much to tell me of God, and to make me thankful for His mercies.

But you ask a difficult question.

The day has not been ill spent nor wasted.

This much, at least, I may say--I have discovered one weak spot in the Spanish guard-line, and intend to make the best possible use of it.
Yet the venture is bound to prove a desperate one, and nothing except the overruling care of Him who guides us all can secure the desired outcome." He piously crossed himself, his thin lips moving silently above the silver crucifix resting in his white fingers, but Eloise only leaned more eagerly forward, her dark eyes anxiously scanning my face.
"Have you seen my--the Chevalier de Noyan ?" she questioned tremblingly.
"No, Madame, yet I have been aboard the 'Santa Maria,'-- though in truth 'twas not altogether an enjoyable experience,--and now know precisely where the prisoners are confined, even to the room of the Chevalier.
If you will listen patiently I will briefly relate the story; then we can outline together our further plans for the night.