uville, they were somewhat at a loss to
say or account for. The governor himself was exceedingly wrathful. At
ten o'clock he summoned Victor to appear before him, to render a full
account of the affair. The savages made life hazardous enough, without
the additional terror of duels.

Victor found the governor alone, and for this he was thankful.

"Monsieur de Saumaise," De Lauson began, sternly, "I gave you credit
for being a young man of sense."

"And a man of heart, too, your Excellency, I hope," replied the poet,
valiantly.

"Heart? Is it heart to break the edict, to upset the peace of my
household, to set tongues wagging? Persons will want to know the cause
of this foolish duel. I am positive that it was fought contrary to the
Chevalier's wishes. He conducted himself admirably last night. You
have done more harm than good with your impetuosity. My command would
have been respected, and your friend's misfortune would have gone no
farther than my dining-room."

"And Monsieur de Leviston?" with a shade of irony which escaped the
governor.

"Would have remained silent on the pain of being sent back to France,
where the Bastille awaits him. He was exiled to this country, and he
may not leave it till the year sixty. De Maisonneuve would have stood
by me in the matter. So you see that you have blundered in the worst
possible manner."

"And the Vicomte d'Halluys?"

"If D'Herouville dies, the vicomte shall return to France in irons."

"Monsieur," with a sign of heat, "there are some insults which can not
be treated with contempt. I should have proved myself a false friend
and a coward had I done otherwise than I did."

"What does the Chevalier say about your fighting his battles for him?"
asked the governor, quietly.

Victor's gaze rested on his boots.

"He doesn't approve, then?" The governor drummed with his fingers. "I
thought as much. At your age I was young myself. Youth sees affronts
where it ought to see caution and circumspection."

"When I have arrived at your Excellency's age . . ."

"No sarcasm, if you please. You are still under arrest."

Victor bowed, and twirled his hat, which was sadly in need of a new
plume.

"I warn you, if De Leviston dies I shall hang you high from one of the
Chevalier's gibbets on Orleans. If he lives, I shall keep in touch
with your future conduct, Monsieur; so take good care of yourself."

"De Leviston will not die. Such men as he do not die hone