It took some moments for this to get through Adriaen’s brain, but finally he nodded, “Yes.”
“I am a prisoner. I wish to be exchanged. I wish to remain here in Orange. I shall not die yet. I am not worth one able-bodied man, but there is enough of me, seeing my headpiece is still good, there is enough to work an exchange. You will stay with me here?”
“That will I do.”
“Very well, then. I shall go back. One might suppose I enjoyed travelling about the country in a canoe.” He laughed mirthlessly. “I ought to die by the way, but I shall not, I say I shall not. Let me remain here and see the big-wigs. Get that managed for me, and let us remain. It is that much nearer your sweetheart, you see.”
Adriaen smiled broadly and regarded François with a puzzled look. This sudden change of plans was bewildering, and he felt that he could not adjust himself to it as rapidly as this keen young Frenchman.
“Will you ask Madam van der Deen and mademoiselle if they will permit me to make my adieux to them? I would not force myself upon them again to-day, but I may not live to see them again.” He spoke quietly of what long since had become an accepted fact with him.
Adriaen withdrew and took the message to Madam van der Deen. “What means this sudden change of plans?” she asked.
“That I know not.” Adriaen had not recovered from his surprise of it himself.
“How can he wish to attempt it when he has been so eager to reach New Rochelle? It passes my comprehension. I must consult my husband. The man will die by the way,” Madam declared.
“Perhaps that is what he wishes,” thought Alaine.