Page:A courier of fortune (1904).djvu/176

160 treaty, alarmed for Gerard's safety, and a prey to many mingled emotions.

"I have committed no offence, mademoiselle, save in having misled you to believe I was a worse man than I am. For that I have to crave your pardon, pleading only in excuse the reasons I have shown. For the rest, I have done no wrong," he said, meeting confidently the Governor's threatening looks.

"You are a spy, monsieur, and as a spy shall be treated."

"It is no uncommon thing for strangers to travel without disclosing their names. Is that a crime in Morvaix which is a common practice all over France and Europe?"

"Do you say now you are naught but a traveller?"

"Far from it. I have a purpose in coming to your city."

"Then you are a spy, I say."

"I am no spy, monsieur. I am a soldier. A true son of France with none but pure French blood in my veins; and a loyal subject of His Majesty the King, of whom we are all subjects in common. I have fought under the great Bourbon, the Suzerain of this city and the territory of Morvaix. To hold me for a spy will argue ill of Morvaix and the rule that prevails here."

"You dare to threaten me, then?"

"Monsieur has doubtless his papers to support his statements and a safe conduct from his powerful friends," suggested de Proballe, with a sneer.

"Aye, of course, produce them," declared the Governor. "They may explain the suspicious manner of your coming."

"I can make good my words at any time," said Gerard, not relishing this thrust. "The manner of my coming was my own choosing. But since I have been here your lordship must have seen for yourself my acts have been far from those of a spy."