It is hard, I know, for men of spirit to yield to threats, but recollect that you are in my power and that there is no disgrace in paying a ransom for a life that one cannot defend.
What do you say ?" In spite of his natural courage, Jeannin, who found himself involved in an affair from which he had nothing to gain, and who was not at all desirous of being suspected of having helped in an abduction, whispered to the commander-- "Faith! I think our wisest course is to consent." De Jars, however, before replying, wished to try if he could by any chance throw his enemy off his guard for an instant, so as to take him unawares.

His hand still rested on the hilt of his sword, motionless, but ready to draw.
"There is someone coming over yonder," he cried,--"do you hear ?" "You can't catch me in that way," said Quennebert.

"Even were there anyone coming, I should not look round, and if you move your hand all is over with you." "Well," said Jeannin, "I surrender at discretion--not on my own account, but out of regard for my friend and this woman.

However, we are entitle to some pledge of your silence.

This statement that you demand, once written,--you can ruin us tomorrow by its means." "I don't yet know what use I shall make of it, gentlemen.