"'Then,' I exclaimed, 'let us hasten to set her mind at rest.'
"'Come along, my rival,' whispered Périères to me.
"But as he spoke, his unwounded hand sought mine, as if the brave fellow were asking for pardon for the momentary impulse of jealousy to which he had given way.
"'Ah,' said I, as we all made our way towards the lower ledge, 'your safety is indeed, a source of joy to me; but I should be happier still if it were not for one thing—I have a revenge to take, and I do not see my way to it.'
"'You have plenty of time before you,' replied Périères; 'our rôle will, perhaps, speedily be reversed, and you will be the foremost.'
"'That is what I long for.'
"'De Morin,' said Delange, suddenly, 'suppose we have our little game?'
"'Surely, Doctor, you are not serious?' said I.
"'No, my dear fellow, I am too damp.'
"'And a good thing, too,' I replied; 'for if you had been in earnest I would have throttled you, and so have got rid, once and for all, of you and your cards. I have no right to break my word, or to fail to carry out my engagement, but nothing prevents my putting an end to you.'