Page:A courier of fortune (1904).djvu/122

106 mademoiselle," said Denys slowly, when he had found breath. "So I came to you."

"I could not come then, and did but delay, good Denys. But what is this matter that could not wait?"

"That man is the matter—Gerard de Cobalt. I know the truth of his coming hither and his treachery, and not another hour was to be lost before I told you."

"Denys! How dare you speak thus? You presume upon my good will. It was M. de Cobalt who saved your life yesterday."

"Would God I had lost it rather than that it should be saved by him. As Heaven is my witness, I speak but the truth when I say he is a villain; and I can and will prove my words by his own testimony."

A moment's tense silence followed this fierce accusation; and in it the Duke whispered under his breath—

"It grows interesting. I hope he will make good his words. He is an honest sturdy fellow, and looks as earnest as he is sincere. A good witness, and welcome."