“But what would you have me do then?”
“That depends upon circumstances. We will, if you please, hold a council of war.”
As the chevalier made this last observation, a stout, good-humoured-looking gentleman entered the room.
“Ah,” cried De Monpres, “I am glad you have come back, Monsieur. This is my friend, Earl Ethalwood, of whom you have heard me speak. My lord,” said he in continuation, addressing himself to the earl, “Monsieur Jantie, my friend and host.”
“I am proud to make your acquaintance,” said Jantie, “and have to express my regret that it is not under more favourable circumstances, as I shall not have the pleasure of your society for long.”
“No, no, not for long,” said the chevalier with a laugh, “you may rest assured of that. The wolves are prowling about, seeking whom they may devour, and my friend, Ethalwood, is a marked man.”
“Ah, surely you are taking an unfavourable view of the case,” remarked the earl.
“Bah! don’t be so dubious,” cried De Monpres. “I had it upon the best authority that a group of mountaineers—unscrupulous desperadoes—swore over the dead body of their comrade, Gerome Chanet, to have your life. What more do you need in confirmation of my statement?”
“Is it possible?”
“Possible—it is a fact beyond all controversy.”