some good blood in this arm,
however it may have come into the world." The Chevalier extended it
across the table and the veins swelled upon the wrist and hand. "Seek
the major, lad."

When the major entered the Chevalier stood up. "Monsieur," he said,
"pardon me for interrupting you, but is it true that to-morrow you sail
for Quebec?"

"The weather permitting," answered Du Puys, vaguely wondering why the
Chevalier wished to see him. His shrewd glance traveled from the
Chevalier to Victor, and he saw that they had been drinking.

"Thanks," said the Chevalier. "You are recruiting?"

"Yes, Monsieur. I have succeeded indifferently well."

"Is there room in your company for another recruit?"

"You have a friend who wishes to seek his fortune?" smiling grimly.

"I am speaking for myself. I wish to visit that country. Will you
accept my sword and services?"

"You, Monsieur?" dumfounded. "You, a common trooper in Quebec? You
are jesting!"

"Not at all. I shall never return to Paris."

"Monsieur le Comte . . ." began Du Puys.

The Chevalier raised his hand. "Not Monsieur le Comte; simply Monsieur
le Chevalier du Cevennes; Cevennes for the sake of brevity."

"Monsieur, then, pardon a frank soldier. The life at Quebec is not at
all suited to one who has been accustomed to the ease and luxury of
court. There is all the difference in the world between De Guitaut's
company in Paris and Du Puy's ragged band in Quebec. Certainly, a man
as rich as yourself . . ."

"I have not a denier in my pockets," said the Chevalier, with a short
laugh.

"Not at present, perhaps," replied Du Puys. "But one does not lose
forty thousand livres in a night, and that, I understand, is your
revenue."

"I lost them to-night," quietly.

"Forty thousand livres?" gasped the soldier. "You have lost a fortune,
then?" annoyed.

"Yes; and more than that, I have lost the source from which they came,
these forty thousand livres. I see that you are mystified. Perhaps
you will learn in the morning how I came to lose this fortune. Will
you accept my sword?"

"Monsieur," answered Du Puys, "you are in wine. Come to me in the
morning; you will have changed your mind."

"And if not?"

"Then I shall give you a place in the company. But, word of honor, I
do not understand . . ."

"It is not necessary that you should. The question is, is my past
record as a soldier sufficient?"

"Your courage is well known, Monsieur."