'A lady ?' he exclaimed.

'Umph! I could understand a young spark going in for such--but that's your affair.

Who is it ?' 'That is my affair, too,' I answered coolly, disgusted by the man's venality and meanness, and fully persuaded that I must trust him no farther than the length of my sword.

'All I want you to do, M.Fresnoy,' I continued stiffly, 'is to place yourself at my disposal and under my orders for ten days.

I will find you a horse and pay you--the enterprise is a hazardous one, and I take that into account--two gold crowns a day, and ten more if we succeed in reaching a place of safety.' 'Such a place as--' 'Never mind that,' I replied.