I could find no excuse to put off the man, and I was about to salute him and fall to work when a thought crossed my mind.
'One moment!' I said.

'Supposing I kill you, M.le Capitaine, what becomes of your errand here ?' 'Don't trouble yourself;' he answered with a sneer he had misread my slowness and hesitation.

'It will not happen, Monsieur.

And in any case the thought need not harass you.

I have a Lieutenant.' 'Yes, but what of my mission ?' I replied bluntly.