"You are not afraid," he said, "to speak the truth to me, Gautran?"
"I am not."
"But I am a stranger to you."
"That's true."
"Why, then, do you confide in me?"
It was Gautran's turn now to pause, but he soon replied, with a sinister look which John Vanbrugh, in the darkness, could not see:
"Because, after what passes between us this night, I am sure you will not betray me."
"Good," said Vanbrugh; "then it is plain you sought me deliberately, because you think I can in some way serve you."
"Yes, because you can in some way serve me--that is why I am here."
"Then you intend to hide nothing from me?"