I am not of your race." He laughed easily, passing one slender, white hand carelessly through his long hair.
"Pah! you scarcely need tell me that, for the taste of the French tongue seems ill-suited to your lips.

Yet I would have you speak out more plainly! I play not easily into the hands of strangers." "Why not?
You could hardly be worse off than you are now." "_Pardieu_! you are not so far wrong in your philosophy, friend.

Still I stick to my text, and if you care to hold further speech with me it will be well to declare yourself.

I have ever been a bit careful as to my associates." "It makes small odds, Chevalier, who I am; nor will it greatly aid you to learn my name, which is plain Geoffrey Benteen, without even a handle of any kind to it, nor repute, save that of an honest hunter along the upper river.

I say who I am makes small odds, for I come not with application for membership into your social circle, nor with card of introduction from some mutual friend." His expressive eyebrows uplifted in surprise.
"Then, Monsieur, pray relieve my natural curiosity, and tell me why I am thus honored by your presence ?" "To aid your escape from this hole, God willing.