"In that case I will have him broken on the wheel," muttered the unknown; "that's the service his blank signature will do him!"
"Have you decided to give me the signature in blank?" asked Cauvignac.
"I must," was the reply.
"I don't force you to do it; let us understand each other. What I propose is an exchange; keep your paper if you choose, and I will keep mine."
"The letter?"
"The signature?"
And he held out the letter with one hand, while he cocked a pistol with the other.
"Don't disturb the repose of your pistol," said the stranger, throwing open his cloak; "for I have pistols, too, and they are all loaded. Fair play on both sides; here's your signature."
The exchange of documents was effected without further parley, and each of the parties examined that which was handed to him, carefully and in silence.