I grasped the table to steady myself.

I had not admitted even in my own mind how darkly the shadow of Montfaucon and the gallows had fallen across me.
I had leisure to recover myself, for it was some time before he spoke.
When he did, it was in a voice harsh, changed, imperative.

'You have the reputation of a man faithful, at least, to his employer,' he said.

'Do not answer me.

I say it is so.