y prefers it I will return in, say, seven
years' time when I may perhaps be old enough to talk about grave
matters."

He didn't stir hand or foot and not even the quiver of an eyelid proved
that he had heard my shockingly unbecoming retort.

"You have been recommended to us by a noble and loyal lady, in whom His
Majesty--whom God preserve--reposes an entire confidence. God will
reward her as she deserves and you, too, Senor, according to the
disposition you bring to this great work which has the blessing (here he
crossed himself) of our Holy Mother the Church."

"I suppose your Excellency understands that in all this I am not looking
for reward of any kind."

At this he made a faint, almost ethereal grimace.

"I was speaking of the spiritual blessing which rewards the service of
religion and will be of benefit to your soul," he explained with a slight
touch of acidity. "The other is perfectly understood and your fidelity
is taken for granted. His Majesty--whom God preserve--has been already
pleased to signify his satisfaction with your services to the most noble
and loyal Dona Rita by a letter in his own hand."

Perhaps he expected me to acknowledge this announcement in some way,
speech, or bow, or something, because before my immobility he made a
slight movement in his chair which smacked of impatience. "I am afraid,
Senor, that you are affected by the spirit of scoffing and irreverence
which pervades this unhappy country of France in which both you and I are
strangers, I believe. Are you a young man of that sort?"

"I am a very good gun-runner, your Excellency," I answered quietly.

He bowed his head gravely. "We are aware. But I was looking for the
motives which ought to have their pure source in religion."

"I must confess frankly that I have not reflected on my motives," I said.
"It is enough for me to know that they are not dishonourable and that
anybody can see they are not the motives of an adventurer seeking some
sordid advantage."

He had listened patiently and when he saw that there was nothing more to
come he ended the discussion.

"Senor, we should reflect upon our motives. It is salutary for our
conscience and is recommended (he crossed himself) by our Holy Mother the
Church. I have here certain letters from Paris on which I would consult
your young sagacity which is accredited to us by the most loyal Dona
Rita."

The sound of that name on his lips was simply odious. I was convinced