He was therefore within my reach, in one sense--I could not have come at a better time--but in another he was as much beyond it as if I were still in Paris.

For so far was I from being able to seize him that I dared not ask a question, or let fall a rash word, or even look about me freely.
I saw I dared not.

The slightest hint of my mission, the faintest breath of distrust, would lead to throat-cutting--and the throat would be mine; while the longer I lay in the village, the greater suspicion I should incur, and the closer would be the watch kept upon me.
In such a position some men might have given up the attempt in despair, and saved themselves across the border.

But I have always valued myself on my fidelity, and I did not shrink.

If not to-day, to-morrow; if not this time, next time.