"Yes, I do now; you are he who came to the assistance of my enemy."
"Yes, but I am he who prevented your enemy from killing you."
"That must be true, since I live; unless, indeed, he thought me dead."
"He went away knowing you to be alive."
"Then he thought my wound mortal."
"I do not know; but had I not opposed him, he would have given you one which certainly would have been so."
"But then, monsieur, why did you aid him in killing my men?"
"Nothing more simple, monsieur; and I am astonished that a gentleman, as you seem to be, does not understand my conduct. Chance brought me on your road, and I saw several men attacking one; I defended the one, but when this brave man—for whoever he may be, he is brave—when he remained alone with you, and would have decided the victory by your death, then I interfered to save you."
"You know me, then?" said Mayenne, with a scrutinizing glance.
"I had no need to know you, monsieur; you were a wounded man, that was enough."