It was simple; I loaded my pistol and hid it about me, and I buckled on my sword, seeing that it moved easily in the sheath.

By fortune's will, I had to redeem the pledge which I had given to my lord; his daughter's honour now knew no safety but in my arm and wits.

Alas, how slender the chance was, and how great the odds! Then a sudden fear came upon me.

I had lived of late in a Court where honour seemed dead, and women, no less than men, gave everything for wealth or place.

I had seen nothing of her, no word had come from her to me.