"What is it, then?"
"A personal matter."
"Of your own!"
"Yes, and I could not confide it to more devoted friends, or any who know me better. If ever I were molested—if ever I had the alternative of remaining or of flying to escape a danger, I should remain; do you know why?"
"No, speak."
"I am afraid."
"You, Pontcalec?—afraid! What do you mean by these words, after those you have just uttered?"
"Mon Dieu! yes, my friend; the ocean is our safeguard; we could find safety on board one of those vessels which cruise on the Loire from Paimbœuf to Saint Nazaire; but what is safety to you is certain death to me."
"I do not understand you," said Talhouet.
"You alarm me," said Montlouis.