Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/219

Rh it will have soaked the sands where we are now walking in such a manner that we shall not be able to keep our footing."

"1 await your orders, my lord; but "

"But, you mean, we are still upon soil which is part of the king's territory."

"Exactly."

"Well, do you see yonder a kind of little island surrounded by a circular pool of water? the pool is increasing every minute, and the isle is gradually disappearing. This island, indeed, belongs to Heaven, for it is situated between two seas, and is not shown on the king's maps. Do you observe it?"

"Yes; but we can hardly reach it now without getting our feet wet."

"Yes; but observe that it forms an eminence tolerably high, and that the tide rises on every side, leaving the top free. We shall be admirably placed upon that little theater. What do you think of it?"

"I shall be perfectly happy wherever I may have the honor of crossing my sword with your lordship's."

"Very well, then; I am distressed to be the cause of your wetting your feet. Monsieur de Wardes, but it is most essential you should be able to say to the king, 'Sire, I did not fight upon your majesty's territory.' Perhaps the distinction is somewhat subtle, but since Port Royal you abound in subleties of expression. Do not let us complain of this, however, for it makes your wit very brilliant, and of a style peculiarly your own. If you do not object we will hurry ourselves, for the sea, I perceive, is rising fast, and night is setting in."

"My reason for not walking faster was, that I did not wish to precede your grace. Are you still on dry land, my lord?"

"Yes, at present I am. Look yonder; my servants are afraid we should be drowned, and have converted the boat into a cruiser. Do you remark how curiously it dances upon the crests of the waves? But as it makes me feel seasick, would you permit me to turn my back toward them?"

"You will observe, my lord, that in turning your back to them you will have the sun full in your face."

"Oh, its rays are very feeble at this hour, and it will soon disappear; do not be uneasy at that."

"As you please, my lord; it was out of consideration for your lordship that I made the remark."