f and what I had undertaken, I flung out of the door.

CHAPTER VI

DAME OPPORTUNITY

The first thing to do was to see the Englishman. For the third time in
twenty-four hours I went to the commandant's quarters.

The prisoner was at the window when I entered, and again I caught his
look of keen intelligence; a look which he apparently tried to veil as
his eyes met mine. That bred suspicion in me. Yet I could not mistake
the welcome with which he greeted me.

"I am gratified to see you again, monsieur." Now it was a civil
phrase, and well spoken, but it annoyed me. I could not understand his
change of look, and I dislike complexities. What was the man
concealing that he should drop his eyes before me. In spite of the
seriousness of our joint state, I felt much inclination to take time,
then and there, to box his ears, and tell him to be more forthright.
My annoyance made it easier for me to come without phrases to the meat
of the matter. I pressed him to a chair, and stood over him.

"You looked out of the window, Monsieur Starling. What did you learn?"

He glanced upward. "The Indians are excited. Am I the cause?"

"Yes, monsieur."

His glance fell. "They want me--for torture," he said, with steadiness
I could not but commend. Then he turned suddenly. "Can your
commandant protect me?"

Now this was unexpected. I had intended to lead up to this situation
gradually, and the question caught me unguarded. The prisoner was
looking me full in the face, and he read there what I had hoped to hide.

"I understand," he said.

I have been with many men when they heard their death sentence, and
those who take it as this man did, with spirit and knowledge, rob me of
my hold on myself, so that I show emotion of which I am ashamed. I
turned away. "Wait, wait, monsieur, I have not said all!" I cried.
"There is still one chance for you."

He shook his head. "Small chance for me with that swarm outside.
Well, what must come, will come." He was white, and his eyes grew even
more sombre; but, though his blood might play him traitor, his will was
unshaken. I saw that. I saw, too, that his manner had lost all
bravado. He suddenly came to me, and laid his hand on my arm. "I am
glad, monsieur, that it was you who came to tell me. It is much easier
to hear it from you. All day you have been thoughtful for me; for me,
a stranger and an enemy. I wish that my blessing might bring you
happiness, monsi