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172 at the question. He was not going to be thrown over-*board at once; and he answered with gathering assurance.

"Nay, rather, what does it matter who he is? He came here as Gerard de Cobalt; he owned it to me; I can swear to that. Treat him as no other. I called him by his name that your people might hear; what I said to you before the arrest stands as good now as then—deal with him for that murder at Cambrai. You have him tight enough by that rope and can answer his repudiation by simply disbelieving it and regarding it as made when he found himself in a mess. Gerard de Cobalt he was, and Gerard de Cobalt I should let him remain."

"But who is he? And what does he here?"

"Have you no persuasive methods in this Castle of yours? I have heard that many a prisoner has before now been led to confess his crime and so save an infinite amount of trouble in collecting proofs."

"My mind misgives me," murmured the Governor uneasily.

"Ah, that's Gabrielle's influence;" and de Proballe smiled, not pleasantly. "This is no woman's work, Duke." He felt that his words were beginning to have influence again.

"But if he be, as I suspect, a spy, in what interest is he here?"

"Even spies can be induced to speak in old Pierre's chamber. Have him placed there, and you and I can visit him later."

"Do I seek your advice where to place my prisoners?" asked the Governor, angrily. "But I will have him sent there," he added, after a pause.

"Ah!" and de Proballe smiled again cunningly. "All will soon be well again, then, and this little mistake made good. Few men can long resist the creaking arguments of the rack."

The Governor was silent long enough for de Proballe to think of another scheme.