Over it looked the face of Colbert, amazed that I had stolen his King, and the face of Thomas Lie, indignant that I had made free with his boat; by them were two or three of the crew agape with wonder.

King Louis paid no respect to their feelings and stayed their exclamations with a gesture of his hand.

He turned to me, saying in low tones and with a smile, "You must make your own terms with my brother, sir.

It has been hard fighting between us, and I am in no mood for generosity." I did not know what to answer him, but I stammered: "I ask nothing but that your Majesty should remember me as an honest man." "And a brave gentleman," he added gravely, with a slight inclination of his head.

Then he turned to Barbara and took her hand again, bowing low and saying, "Madame, I had meant you much good in my heart, and my state forced me to mean you some evil.