Had I sought to exercise my wits on this occasion, my companion permitted small opportunity for words.
"Ah! so it is you, you black-faced Arab ?" he exclaimed sneeringly, as the Commandant of the guard peered curiously in.

"Not content to wait the striking of the ship's bell, you must even interrupt my prayers.
Nice treatment of a gentleman his last night on earth, to push yourself in between him and the consolations of the holy father.

_Sacre_! had I only a small sword at my side I would write a message across your black Spanish heart which would teach your master how to guard a French cavalier safely, and still be decent about it." It is doubtful whether the officer comprehended this tirade.

It was voiced in French, yet tone and manner must have conveyed much of its import, for I distinguished a muttered word or so regarding the unpleasant duty of a soldier, and the length of time the priest had retained the key, ere the intruder finally backed out closing the door behind him.

I clung to my knees, however, until his retreating footsteps had died entirely away in the distance; even until De Noyan addressed me again in his exasperating drawl.
"So, Father, you must now realize, if never before, how highly I value your ministrations.