I have cross-questioned him, and found his answers bore out the truth of what he said." "And what brings him to France ?" asked Tressan.

The captain smiled again, and there came again that expressive shrug of his.

"A little over-ready with the steel," said he.
They told Fortunio that they proposed to place him sentry over mademoiselle instead of Gilles, as the Italian's absolute lack of French would ensure against corruption.

The captain readily agreed with them.
It would be a wise step.

The Italian fingered his tattered hat, his eyes on the ground.
Suddenly madame spoke to him.